Pixie Dust pick up
Posted by: chellemc on: February 5, 2010
Is it just me or does this winter feel like it is dragging on forever! We’ve had snow, ice & rain and a whole bunch of gray blechy skies. It was really starting to get me down, but I decided a little touch of Disney would perk me up; so I planned a meal perfect for the weather and for my mood. So on a cold winters day, my husband and I spent the afternoon making one of our favorite meals: Le Cellier’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and pretzel bread! The soup recipe we got from Disney, the pretzel bread was from a recipe we found while doing some research. Disney actually buys the breadsticks from a Canadian bakery, so they don’t have the recipe for them. Don’t worry, this one is really good!
Le Cellier’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
serves 10
1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium red onion cut into 1/4 inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4 TBSP butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 pound grated white cheddar cheese
1 TBSP Tabasco sauce
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt, freshly gound pepper to taste
1/2 cup warm beer
chopped scallions or chives for garnish
1. In a 4 or 5 quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. Add the red onion, celery, and butter and saute until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whhisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after you add the milk.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, slat & pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer. If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.
Pretzel Breadsticks
2 1/4 Tsp dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
3 1/4 cups bread flour
2 tsps salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 TBSP baking soda
2 quarts water
1 large egg yolk mixed with a TBSP or 2 of water
coarse salt
In a small bowl, whick the yeast and 1/4 cup of the water until smooth. In the bowl of a heavy duty mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the remaining 1 cup water, bread flour, yeast mixture, salt & butter. Mix at slow speed for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides o te bowl and the hook as necessary and the mixture blends evenly. when the ingredients are well combined, increase the speed to high and continue mixing and occasionally scrapping until the dough is firm and elastic (about 8 minutes). If the mixture is too firm for the mixer to handle, finish kneading it by hand. Turn the ball of dough out onto a lightly flowered work surfasce and let rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with a kitchen towel. Line a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer with parchment paper and set aside. Cut dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a long cylinder about 1 inch in diameter. With the palms of your hands, roll each cylinder into a rope about 12 inches long of even thickness. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
When dough is all shaped into sticks, let it sit in a very warm, moist place to rise until almost doubled in size (about 30-50 minutes). Freeze the rised pretzel dough uncovered on the baking sheet for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. The dough should be frozen solid.
Before removing the pretzels from the freezer, combine the baking soda and water in a large sauce pan and bring it to a simmer. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Remove pan from the freezer and using a large flat skimmer, dip each frozen pretzel stick in simmering water for about 3 seconds, letting the excess water drain before returning it to the baking sheet. Brush the pretzels with the egg & water mixture, then sprinkle with coarse salt. Immediately place the baking sheet in the hot oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake for 8-12 minutes more.
A few tips on the recipes: for the soup, chop the bacon and veggies smaller and use a hand blender right before adding the cheese to make the soup extra smooth. For the breadsticks, we’ve found making more of them, but shorter works better. They fit in the pot better and on the cookie sheet easier.
If you need a little winter pick me up, make this meal; open up a Molson’s or Labatt’s and imagine that you’re at Epcot.
Still miserable about the weather? Call me and we’ll plan your Disney trip!
Disney releases new details about the Dream
Posted by: chellemc on: January 27, 2010
Sometimes I love getting little bits of information at a time, the rest of the time I want it all….NOW. The more patient side of me is getting it’s way right now with the latest news release from Disney Cruise Line about the new Disney Dream.
An elaborately themed interactive sports deck, whimsical water play area and relaxing poolside oasis for adults join the first-ever shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – to provide fun in the sun for Clients sailing on the newest Disney Cruise Line® ship, the Disney Dream™. These additions offer new experiences for Clients of all ages.
Goofy’s Sports Deck
The magic tees off on Goofy’s Sports Deck, located on Deck 13, with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead your Clients through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist.
Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with your Clients and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.
Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball and more. With the simulators, your Clients can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.
Max’s Courts are two, mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus, table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.
Nemo’s Reef
Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney-Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”
Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).
Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Quiet Cove and Pool Bar
Reserved exclusively for your Clients 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar form a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.
One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. Featuring a series of connected circular pools, this area includes a four-foot-deep plunge pool, and a six-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.
Nearby, on the sides of Deck 11, your Clients can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.
AquaDuck and More!
The Disney Dream will feature the world’s first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep Guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
The Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking the Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.
Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of the Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.
As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, the Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo’s Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on Deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.
I have no doubt that my son will be thrilled with the news about the sport courts. Personally I’m really excited about the Quiet Cove Pool area with the swim up bar and the infinity hot tubs! Of course we’re all excited about the new AquaDuck watercoaster!!!!
Now the patient side of me will have to wait for the next release of information. Until then, I’ll just keep dreaming about the Dream.
New Pizzeria coming to Epcot
Posted by: chellemc on: January 25, 2010
Disney and pizza. If you’re like me, those two things have never gone well together. The crust has never been right and the sauce, blech. I’ve never liked the park or resort pizzas.
A new 300 seat restaurant is under construction in the Italy pavilion. Wood fired pizzas and dough made with water similar to the water back in Naples. I hope it tastes as good as it sounds! There is no name for the restaurant yet, but it is expected to open in Fall 2010. The new restaurant will be owned and operated by the Patina Restaurant Group. They also own Naples 45 on Park Ave in NY and Naples Ristorante e Napolini in Downtown Disney at Disneyland.
Disney Continues to help Haiti
Posted by: chellemc on: January 22, 2010
Walt Disney World Cast Members will be fielding calls and processing donations during the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” telethon which airs worldwide on major networks and cable outlets tonight at 8 p.m. ET. “Hope for Haiti Now” will be accepting donations online at hopeforhaitinow.org and by phone 877-99-HAITI.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
Posted by: chellemc on: January 19, 2010
Our WDWTravels family has been shaken a little with the recent diagnosis of leukemia for the daughter of one of our agents. We’re thrilled to see that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the beneficiary of this years Princess Half Marathon. Prayers & Pixie Dust to all who are affected by these diseases and to those who help out.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7, 2010
The road to happily ever after begins with YOU!
Due to the tremendous response we have received to Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, we are expanding the race capacity for 2010 and will accept 2,500 additional entries. Register now to secure your spot in the royal affair! Even with the additional spots, we are at the capacity percentage listed below and will fill up soon!
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength. Every woman is a princess, which princess are you?
Weekend events include:
- Disney’s Princess Half Marathon - 87% Full
- Disney’s Royal Family 5K - 55% Full
*Please note the stroller division is completely full. - Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races - 70% Full
- Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo
All event information is subject to change.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®(LLS), headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $550 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 5.1 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. To learn more, visit www.lls.org.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®(LLS), an organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancers. With the support of thousands of volunteers and participants in LLS’s Team In Training program, the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend will help blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.
LLS uses Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend as a platform to create awareness of this life saving cause, as well as to raise much needed funds for research. Participants and volunteers have the opportunity to make donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society directly at the point of registration or by visiting our website at www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com.
How Can I Get Involved? Your gift can help find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Make a donation now!
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
Team In Training Participants Take On Half Marathon to Help Find Cures
Participants in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) program are excited to take part in the inaugural Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend on March 7, 2010.
One of those participants is Rebecca Hite, of Tarpon Springs, Fla., who will run the half marathon to honor her mother, who died in January 2008, after a three-year battle with lymphoma of the central nervous system.
“It was a life changing event,” says Hite. “After watching her slow progression of dying, I just had this strong desire to do something – anything to fight back.”
Hite learned about TNT and after learning about the work LLS does to fund research to find cures she know it was the right cause for her to support.
“I wanted to be involved, for the memory of my mother and to honor all those who are battling cancer,” says Hite. “Being a non-runner, I saw that TNT would help me to reach my goals of helping to fight back by providing fundraising support, coaches, mentors and group runs.”
On Jan. 10, 2009, Hite complete her first half marathon at the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon weekend and this spring will take on another half. She will be joined her sister, Tamara, from California. Together they are calling themselves “Team4Hope.”
As Team In Training participants, Rebecca and Tamara get four to five months of preparation with certified coaches and enjoy the camaraderie of a supportive group of teammates. They get to chose from more than 60 accredited events and can chose among marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, century (100-mile) cycling events or hike adventures. In return, participants raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services. TNT participants receive tools and support for their fundraising, including a personalized fundraising web page.
To learn more about Team In Training, please visit www.teamintraining.org
Tampa Women Honor Loved Ones’ Battle With Cancer by Taking on Half Marathon
Holly Garlick, 40, of Tampa, has enjoyed running on and off over the years, and even trained on her own for a half marathon a few years ago. But when her father was diagnosed several months ago with Waldenstrom’s macroglomulinemia, a lymphoma that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal level of a type of protein, she decided this time she would take on a half marathon with a purpose.
She was familiar with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) (www.teamintraining.org) program through a friend who had participated a few years ago. She signed on to train with TNT for the 2010 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, and in return, she will raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services.
This half marathon will bring women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events, with a focus on the attributes each princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance and strength. The route will take participants from the Epcot® Center parking lot through the Magic Kingdom® Park, Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle.
With a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, Holly figured this would be a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a weekend at the theme parks while she also tackles this physical challenge in honor of her father.
“It will be a nice celebration for the whole family, and I’m going to do this run!” she says.
Holly says she has enjoyed the weekly group runs as a member of TNT. “It’s very helpful to be part of a group on those runs. And I really enjoy hearing the people’s stories of why they joined.”
Another Tampa resident, Jamie Dietrich, 38, a physical therapist, is also taking on the half marathon to honor a loved one. Her roommate from college developed Hodgkin lymphoma and died after battling the disease for more than three years.
Her friend received information and support from LLS. And now, despite never having run more than three miles prior to this, Jamie wants to give back to LLS as a way to say thanks and try to help others avoid her friend’s fate. Jamie has high praise for the TNT program. “Everyone in the organization has been wonderful, and very supportive. After some tough training our coach sent us some very motivating emails,” she said.
TNT participants receive a four- to five-month comprehensive training program with certified coaches and a supportive group of teammates. Participants can chose to walk or run a full or half marathon, or participate in a triathlon, 100-mile century bike ride or hike adventure.
To learn more about Team In Training, please visit www.teamintraining.org.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
Celebrate your Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend achievement like true royalty! Special commemorative items will preserve your race memories for years to come.
COMMEMORATIVE PIN
As a participant, you have the opportunity to purchase a Limited Edition Commemorative Pin*! Pins can be purchased during registration or you may purchase now! Online sales will close March 1.
*Pins will ONLY be distributed at Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo during Packet Pick-up. Pins not picked up at Packet Pick-up will not be mailed and will not be refunded. Quantities are limited.
COMMEMORATIVE KIDS’ RACES MICKEY EARS
As a participant, you have the opportunity to purchase a Limited Edition Commemorative Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races Mickey Ears *! Mickey Ears can be purchased during registration or you may purchase now!
*Commemorative Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races Mickey Ears will only be available for pick up at Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo or the Kids’ Races Packet Pick-Up. Mickey Ears not picked up at the Expo or Packet Pick-Up will not be mailed or refunded.
OFFICIAL RACE PHOTOS
ASI photographers will be on the course and at the finish line taking your picture during the race. Remember to smile and keep your race number uncovered and in clear view. Race photos will be posted approximately one week following the event. ASI will email you your photograph proofs or you can visit asiorders.com after the race to view your race photos.
COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS
Fond Memories Graphics preserves the memory of your achievement forever with a personalized shadow box or certificate plaque engraved with your name and chip time. Engrave your medal at the finish-line booth, race times will be available!
DoubleTake Images is doing another in its series of collectible posters that could feature your running picture. View this year’s poster. Any runner who orders the poster is guaranteed to appear in it. But there is limited space, so order as soon as possible.
Crossing the Line will be offering limited edition fine art prints and a family of personalized commemorative items based on original WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon artwork. View their full line of products and shop on-line now.
All event information is subject to change.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker
2009 Results
Thank you to all the participants of Disney’s Inaugural Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Online results are posted from 2009.
Now Announcing Her Royal Highness
Visit your personalized post-race 1/2 marathon website, mydisneymarathon.com/Princess where you can view your race results and photo and download a custom finisher certificate. We will not be mailing out certificates. By printing yours at home you can celebrate your achievement as soon as possible. You can use the Search for Runners function to find your finish times! Share your magical journey with others through the photos and video of the race.
Awards
View 2009 Half Marathon Award Results
All event information is subject to change.
Marble Floor at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Posted by: chellemc on: January 17, 2010
One of my favorite things about going Disney World isn’t the rides or even the food; it’s all of the “little things” the attention to detail.
For example, I’m really looking forward to stopping by the Grand Floridian Resort to see the new floor. I know you think I’ve finally lost my marbles but the new Italian marble floor is something to be seen. It’s filled with Disney characters and there is even special meaning to the placement of the charcaters. If you check out the DisneyParksBlog you’ll see pictures, but from what I’ve heard it’s something you really need to see in person to appreciate fully.
It really is the little things that make you forget that you’re in the middle of Florida and transport you to a Magical land. That’s what I love about Disney World.
Walt Disney Company donating to victims in Haiti
Posted by: chellemc on: January 15, 2010
The Walt Disney Company Commits $100,000 in Humanitarian Aid to the Victims of the Earthquake in Haiti
BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney CompanyThe Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today it will contribute $100,000 in humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The donation will be provided to the Red Cross International Fund to support Haiti’s relief efforts.“We at the Walt Disney Company are deeply saddened by this tragedy and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti and their loved ones, which include our Cast Members and employees,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
“We hope this donation will help the Red Cross to provide immediate aid and relief to the thousands of people affected by this terrible tragedy,” Mr. Iger added.
