Throwback Thursday - Mulch, Sweat and Shears

Another casualty of the DHS expansion was Mulch Sweat and Shears. Known outside of Disney as Los Lawn Boys, this rock and roll cover band performed several times daily on the Streets of America in Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

The show began on October 8, 2004. The "story" is that this family of landscapers worked in the Disney parks. The family, who referred to themselves as brothers, mainly consisted of five core members:

(Hedge Shears) – Bass, Vocals
(Axe Mulch) – Guitar, Vocals
(Buzz Sweat) – Keyboard, Vocals
(Sticks Mulch) – Drums, Vocals
(Morris Mulch) – Vocals and Band Manager

However, "family members" could change from time to time and there was even a "sister" at some point.

As the group's truck traveled down Streets of America, it would suffer an apparent breakdown. As one of the crew lifted the hood in an attempt to find the trouble, the rest of the crew would begin to set up stage. You would soon find out that the worker under the hood was actually working a sound board and this group of landscapers also worked as musicians. What followed was a comedy/rock n roll show which featured some of the great rock songs of the 80s and 90s. The show lasted about 15 minutes and included plenty of corny jokes and even some audience participation. Audience members would be invited to dance, play the triangle or air guitar, and sometimes give them more cowbell! 

Mulch Sweat and Shears played their final performance in DHS on October 10, 2015, just 2 days after their 11th anniversary at the park.

You can find many videos on Youtube of that and other performances by this great band.

Since the Streets of America was removed to make way for the Toy Story land and Star Wars expansions, this show lost it's home. But because they were so popular with guests, we hope to find them again someday. I hear there is a great cantina at the Galaxy's Edge! Maybe they are in need of some entertainment.

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First Look! Pirates of the Caribbean reopens with new auction scene

Today, March 19, Pirates of the Caribbean is set to reopen at Magic Kingdom Park. 

The ride now features a new version of the auction scene. The photo above shows what you will now see.

The pirate auctioneer now oversees a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. In this scene, the familiar redhead figure has switched sides to become a pirate named Redd, who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply and has something to say about it.

The ride in Disneyland will receive a similar revision with work scheduled to begin April 23.

Several websites have already uploaded video of the new scene, like this one by Attractions Magazine!  Youtube video

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Source: Disney Parks Blog

Tickets now on sale for MNSSHP and MVMCP 2018!

Dates have been announced for this year's holiday parties and tickets are now on sale! Ticket prices will vary based on party dates.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party has also announced the return of the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular! Along with the Boo to You Parade and Happy Hallowishes fireworks show.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates

• August 17, 24, 28, 31
• September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31

Advance Ticket Pricing (add $10 if buying at the gate):

$75 – adults; $70 – children (3-9) Aug. 28, Sept. 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23

$79 – adults; $74 – children (3-9) Aug. 17, 24, 31, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 25

$89 – adults; $84 – children (3-9) Sept. 28, 30, Oct. 2, 4

$99 – adults; $94 – children (3-9) Oct. 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25

$119 – adults; $114 – children (3-9) Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, 28, 30

$125 – adults; $120 – children (3-9) Oct. 31 – Halloween

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $75 in advance or $85 at the gate, if available.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will see the return of A Frozen Holiday Wish featuring Queen Elsa lighting Cinderella Castle along with Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Holiday Wishes fireworks show.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
• December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Advance Ticket Pricing (add $10 if buying at the gate):

$95 – adults; $90 – children (3-9) Nov. 12, 13, 15

$99 – adults; $94 – children (3-9) Nov. 8, 9, 16, 25, 27, 29, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16

$109 – adults; $104 – children (3-9) Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14

$115 – adults; $110 – children (3-9) Dec. 18, 20

$125 – adults; $120 – children (3-9) Dec. 21

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $95 in advance or $105 at the gate, if available.

Guests can purchase special event tickets by calling 407-939-1872.

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Throwback Thursday - The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was a grand Christmas lights display which enjoyed a 20-year run in Disney's Hollywood Studios. It debuted in 1995 and closed at the end of the 2015 Christmas season on January 6, 2016.

Jennings Osborne was a businessman from Little Rock, Arkansas. He began decorating his home in 1986 at the request of his daughter, Breezy. Each year, the display grew until, in 1993, the display had over three million lights. Disputes with neighbors led the state Supreme Court to shut down the display. The case brought national attention and offers by several cities to host the display. Eventually, Osborne accepted the offer made by Disney to bring the display to the Orlando resort. It was set up on Residential Street in Disney's Hollywood Studios (at the time, Disney-MGM Studios) and was an immediate success.

Throughout it's 20-year run, the display underwent several changes. Originally, they used only the original lights from the Osborne estate. However, subsequent transformations saw the display grow to a size of over five million lights. The display was made up of over 10 miles of rope lighting connected by another 30 miles of extension cords. The extension cords and lights were held together using two million ties. It took 20,000 man-hours to install the display each holiday season, starting in September. The lights were turned on at dusk each night, starting in mid-November and running into the first week of January, and required 800,000 watts of electricity.

Throughout the years, Imagineers would
include "hidden objects for people to find. This included Hidden Mickeys, a cat and various Disney characters. By 2007, over 40 Hidden Mickeys could be found in the display. Constructions needs required the display to be moved in 2004. It was moved to New York Street (now known as Streets of America) and an artificial snow effect was added. 
A 2006 upgrade saw the installation of 1500 dimmer relay circuits which were choreographed to music. It was then that display also got it's current name.

2011 saw the display's biggest overhaul when all the lights were swapped out for LED lights including ropelights. All choreographed sequences were redone. Whenever a choreographed song was played the lights "dance" to the music. After each performance, the lights remained steady for about seven minutes before "dancing" again to another selection; other holiday selections play during the intermissions, along with recorded "live" segments from a fictional radio station (with Arnie and Anne) and visits from Disney characters. The dancing segments cycled roughly every 40–60 minutes.

On September 11, 2015, Disney announced it would be the final year of the display. Construction needs for the Toy Story and Star Wars land would require the closure of Streets of America. The final songs the lights danced to were "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater".

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When a Disney fanatic walks in Walt's footsteps

The Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps Tour is a guided tour offered at Disneyland park. There are usually two tours a day, each with about 15 guests. So many people ask "is it worth it?" Well, for this lifelong Disney fanatic, it took 48 long years for me to get to the motherland and there was no question this was on my "must-do" list. For anyone who is a fan of the history and nostalgia of Walt Disney and Disneyland, this tour does not disappoint. So, let me guide you through the experience and you can decide for yourself.

First, the basics. The cost of the tour is currently $109. However, Annual Passholders and Disney Visa cardholders get a 15% discount. This brings the cost to $92.65. The cost of the tour also includes lunch. Separate admission to Disneyland is also required. 
The tour is advertised as 3 hours long. However, when all was said and done, my tour lasted 4 hours, so plan the rest of your day accordingly. Also keep this in mind if you are considering bringing a young child. Most young children don't want to walk and listen to a grown-up for 4 hours, so it may be a better idea to let them skip this one.
Space is limited to 15 guests in each tour group and reservations are required. You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance by calling 714-781-8687. You can get all the details on the Disneyland website HERE.

Now, the BIG news! In past years, the finale of this tour was the chance to visit Walt's apartment located above the Main Street fire station. However, due to maintenance and construction needs, guests were being taken to the Dream Suite (more on this later) instead for some time. Luckily, the stars aligned for my long-awaited first trip and I can happily report that the tour once again concludes with a visit to Walt's apartment.

Our day begins:                                 

Tour guests are asked to check in up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Here, we receive this special tour button with our name on it. For scrapbookers or packrats like me, this is a big deal! At this time, you will also 
choose your lunch from the Jolly Holiday Bakery menu. Then you are given your handy-dandy headset. The headset allows you to hear what the tour guide is saying and also allows your guide to pipe in various audio clips throughout the tour.

Once everyone is checked in, you will meet your tour guide (mine was the lovely Cassie) and your tour begins. A few things to note at the outset: First, as you can see I require the use of an ECV. Be assured that using and ECV or a wheelchair does not inhibit your ability to take the tour. However, you will be required to board 2 rides and the only entry to Walt's apartment is by walking up a flight of stairs. I am able to do both of these things on my own. If you have a condition that does not allow you to do this, I am unsure if you would be able to participate in those activities on the tour. The other thing you should note is that the tour will take you to some of the places in the park that held significance for Walt, however you will not get any "backstage" access on this tour, other than visiting the apartment. When you visit these other locations, you will be out in the public access area.

Your tour group heads down Main Street, U.S.A., with it's first stop at the dedication plaque in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. At this time, your headset plays audio of Walt's actual opening day speech. Try not to cry, I dare you! The tour then proceeds through several lands with stops along the way at various points of significance. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and provide many stories and anecdotes along the way. However, the various audio clips of Walt speaking make it extra-special.

I believe there was a point in time when people would actually take this tour just to get a glimpse inside the very exclusive Club 33. I'm sad to say, that glimpse is no longer offered. While we did visit the club and learn of it's history, we were kept outside the door. Not even a peek! Here we also learned about the Dream Suite (originally named the Royal Suite). Walt already had his apartment above the firehouse. However, it was a very small space. It served as a cozy spot for Walt, Lillian and the grandchildren, but Walt wanted a larger private space to entertain VIPs. So construction was begun in this space above New Orleans Square. But, as with many Disneyland projects, construction was abandoned after Walt's death in 1966. So although, he began this project, he was never able to see it to completion and never actually used it. In 2007, as part of the Year of a Million Dreams, this space was reimagined and completed as the Dream Suite and used as a special prize for selected guests during this promotion. It is used now occasionally for very select VIP events. You all remember that viral video of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow showing up on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride last year? Well, our guide, Cassie told us they had to rearrange one of their tours that day because Johnny was still in there sleeping!! (What I wouldn't pay for a look at THAT!)

Throughout our park journey, we were given a quick restroom break at the Red Rose Tavern where we could pick up a quick snack if we chose to. And we were also given front-of the-line access to 2 rides. Our rides were Alice in Wonderland and It's a Small World. I believe the rides are subject to change. Since the Haunted Mansion is a very significant ride in Disneyland history, I think that may be one of the usual rides. 

However, taking my tour in October, the Mansion was currently experiencing the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, so I think that may have been a factor in why we didn't ride it on the tour. We finished up back on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Opera House. This is a great place filled with Disney memorabilia. If you haven't taken the time to duck in there and look around, I highly suggest you do! At this point, our group was split into two. Since space in Walt's apartment is very confined, the entire group can not enter at once. So half went off to the apartment while the other half enjoyed their pre-ordered lunch from Jolly Holiday Bakery. We were given our choice of sandwich, drink and dessert. Very good food! Highly recommend it for lunch. 

And then it was time for the highlight of the tour. Our group was ushered behind the gate and up the steps to Walt Disney's actual apartment! Yes he slept here, he ate here, he showered here. It was amazing. Seriously, I had to fight not to cry. It felt like walking into your beloved grandparent's home. Lovely antique furnishings and a comfortable, homey feel. It's very compact. Just a living room with small kitchenette built into the wall and a small bathroom. There is also a small garden patio we were not allowed to go on. We were joined by 3 guides at this time that answered every and any question we had. We were allowed to sit on the furniture, but there were certain things we were not allowed to touch. You can take a peek out the window where the famous lamp stays lit to signify that Walt is always "in", but you can't linger there. They don't want park guests seeing anyone in the window. We saw the little kitchenette where Walt would fix himself a quick snack. It still has the original appliances with the cloth-covered electrical cords! You are not allowed to take any pictures or video inside the apartment. However, the guides will take one photo of you on your own camera or device. The couch behind me slides down into a bed and that's where Walt would sleep! Lillian had a matching one on the other side of the room. And the grandkids would just bunk on the floor between them when they stayed. This moment made the entire cost of the tour "worth it" for me!

 After the tour, each guest is given a souvenir postcard and this special tour pin. (Another packrat's dream).

So, in conclusion, I give this tour a 5-star rating. I think it's reasonably priced for what's included and can't be beat for the information, nostalgia and history you get. I would highly recommend it for everyone. Hope you enjoyed my review!

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Disney's Magical Express now picking up 4 hours before flight time.

Due to recent changes in the TSA screening process and in anticipation of a busy holiday travel season, Disney's Magical Express will now be picking up guests 4 hours in advance of their scheduled flight time. This change goes into effect November 17, 2017.

Those who already have last day activities scheduled may find they need to change some reservations to make their departure time.

Disney will reevaluate this policy after the holiday season is over in January. If changes are made at that time, we will inform you.

We're celebrating our anniversary with FREE Disney LuLaRoe!

This month marks 5 years of Daily Pixie Dust on Facebook! To celebrate and thank you for supporting us, we are giving one lucky member a pair of Disney LuLaRoe leggings FREE!

Daily Pixie Dust started as a fan page for all Disney lovers. We have shared resort photo tours, restaurant reviews, attraction features, news and updates. Next we added Disney Online Yard Sale which has become the largest specialized Disney selling group on Facebook. Next came Disney Pin Trading Pals where Disney pin collectors of all ages can trade pins with other fans. After that, we started Disney Guests Free Recycle and Share, which has also become the largest freecycle group on Facebook specifically dedicated to guests of Disney resorts. And finally, we were proud to launch our fan group, BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB! In this group, we have files where guests can share and swap cancelled park reservations, links to all the latest Disney sweepstakes, games, discussions, advice and more! We want to celebrate our 5-year anniversary by continuing to build our family of Facebook groups to take care of ALL your Disney wishes!

Here are the details:

1. This contest is open to members of our fan 
group only: BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB! Follow this link to join the group and find this post to get a link to the entry form. Contest is open to people 18 yrs or older and residents of the U.S. 

2. Lisa Mumme will be our designated LLR consultant for this contest. Winner can claim their prize by joining Lularoe Glitter and Gold w/ Lisa Ann to make their selection. All members are welcome to join as well to see her full line of available styles.

3. Contest winner will be able to select one pair of leggings from the Disney collection and they will be sent to you free of charge. Because stock and styles are always changing, winner will have up to 60 days to select their prize. Lisa will inform me when the selection is made and the prize has been fulfilled.

4. Contest winner will be selected on August 12, 2017. Winner will receive an email informing them they have won. Winner MUST respond to the email within 48 hours to claim your prize. If prize is not claimed within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected.

5. In the event the selected winner does not meet eligibility requirements, a new winner will be selected.

Good luck to all entrants and thank you for helping us share Daily Pixie Dust!