After his epic play in Super Bowl XLVI leading his team to a come-from-behind 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots, what is New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning going to do next? In the celebratory moments after his team captured the National Football League championship Sunday night in Indianapolis, Manning stood in front of a TV camera and shouted five words that have become ingrained in Super Bowl victory celebrations:

“I’m going to Disney World!”

Manning’s pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and iconic Super Bowl commercials, was captured seconds after the final whistle. Manning – named the game’s MVP — completed 30 of 40 passes and amassed 296 yards, including his trademark fourth-quarter heroics, leading the Giants to the winning score.

Manning’s stellar performance was crucial in Sunday’s game and earned him a second “I’m going to Disney World!” accolade. In 2008, Manning was treated to a hero’s welcome at Disney after leading the Giants to an upset win over the Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII.

He becomes the first Giants quarterback to win two Super Bowls.

On Monday (Feb. 6), Manning is scheduled to go to the place where millions of vacationers make memories celebrating their own personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Manning will be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth football players, who will participate with the Giants star in the Super Bowl celebration near Main Street, U.S.A.

This latest commercial is the 45th in a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Manning again joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m Going to Disney World” commercials.

Tables in Wonderland

The Wave . . . of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, February 16, 2012

6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium

Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire

$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Thomas Gaines has been in the wine industry almost 20 years. He currently overseas sales and marketing for Southern Starz Imports in 13 markets across America and the Caribbean and is a key component to their success in bringing amazing wines from Southern Hemisphere to the US markets. Many items are from producers ranging in size of 3,000 cases up to 50,000 cases in production and were not formerly promoted in America.

Cahaba Clubs Herbal Outpost sits nestled on a 10 acre parcel in Odessa, Florida, just northwest of downtown Tampa.  Marvin Wilhite began his hydroponic growing operation in this serene setting in 2000.  Marvin is all about Micros! Cahaba sells the freshest hydroponic micro-greens, micro-herbs, micro-vegetables, exotic tiny greens, tiny lettuces and a variety of pea shoots. Chefs use Cahaba products as not only a garnish, but as a unique and flavorful condiment to their signature dishes.

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Cahaba Farms Chimi Churi Marinated Gulf Shrimp with Winter Park Cheddar Grit Cakes and Tamarind BBQ Sauce

Grilled Lamb Tenderloin with Cahaba Micro Mint and Caramelized Onion Essence

Mozzarella and Local Egg Plant Caponata on House-made Focaccia

Edgebaston Pepper Pot

Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Port Canaveral Coconut Crusted White Shrimp with a Micro Mustard Marmalade

Nugan Estate Vision Chardonnay

Salad

Hydroponically Grown “Living Lettuce” Salad featuring Micro Celery, Onion, Sakura Radish, and Arugula

Sherwood Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Entrée

Bone-in Rib Eye Cowboy Steak with Florida Lobster Mac n Cheese, King Family Farm Roasted Vegetable of the Moment

Oliverhill Red Silk Shiraz

Cheese

Assortment of Cheeses and Seasonal Dried Fruit featuring Winter Park Artisan Raw Milk Cheddar, Drunken Goat Cheese, and Point Reyes Bleu

Eventide Viognier

Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cinnamon Cake with Beet and Micro Herb Reduction

Citrus Fennel Salad

Lemon Basil Ice Cream

RL Buller Fine Muscat

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 46 Guests. The event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

The magical sights and sounds of Disneyland Resort can now be discovered with “Disneyland Explorer,” the official Disney Parks app for iPad, available as a free download from the App Store. When you can’t get to the theme parks, the hotels or the Downtown Disney District, you can tap the photo-realistic carousel of this app to reveal photos, video and special activities inspired by the classic attractions and entertainment at the resort.

More than 100 exciting experiences are shared with beautiful images, animation and interactive touch points. With a simple swipe of your fingers, you can explore Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, the themed suites at the Disneyland Hotel and much more. Watch for animation and fun surprises as you scroll through the adventures.

Disneyland Explorer App

Here are some of the fun activities you can experience with “Disneyland Explorer:”

• Create your own musical water show in “World of Color”
• Steer a Soarin’ hang glider over California while collecting and sharing personalized postcards
• Bring the iconic dolls of “it’s a small world” to life and hear the classic song in five different languages
• Snap photos of the elusive Yeti as he roams across the Matterhorn
• Take part in a raging sea battle in Pirates of the Caribbean
• Learn to draw your favorite Disney Characters at the Animation Academy

“Disneyland Explorer” is a free app, available for download exclusively from the App Store on iPad.

From The Disney Parks Blog…

If you’ve been to the Downtown Disney District lately, you’ve likely noticed the exciting changes underway. On January 3, La Brea Bakery Café began a significant refurbishment of its current location including expanding the restaurant’s footprint, creating a new exhibition bakery, adding a new kitchen in the express area, and placing an awning over the outdoor seating in the full-service dining section.

The remodel, as seen in this early concept artwork, also will allow La Brea Bakery Café to produce fresh baked items at the restaurant, which will include a selection of breads, pastries, sweets, flatbreads and foccacias.

The café will feature menu items inspired by La Brea Bakery’s founder, Nancy Silverton. From double-dipped French toast and fontina strata at breakfast to burgers, salads, panini and authentic Italian focaccias made fresh throughout the day, the focus will be on fresh, healthy and flavorful foods.

La Brea Bakery’s full-service restaurant remains open during the refurbishment through mid-March. The restaurant will reopen its doors with a fresh new look in April.

From our friends at Disney Traveller…

An array of wet and wonderful new surprises help guests cool off as they enjoy soaking up the sun aboard the Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship scheduled to set sail in March 2012.

AquaLab Debuts on the Disney Fantasy
On the Disney Fantasy, guests can splash and play in the AquaLab – a brand-new water play area on deck 12, near the entrance to the AquaDuck water coaster. Families can frolic among pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this fun and fanciful 1,800-square-foot space. As the story goes, AquaLab was created by Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, and features a variety of water “experiments” designed to drench the whole family.

Children entering the AquaLab will see that the nephews are away for the time being, leaving the young cruise guests in charge of the AquaLab. Through hand-painted notes left by the nephews, kids are put in charge of the AquaDuck water coaster. By turning wheels and moving levers at three wacky aqua stations kids “control” the speed and temperature of AquaDuck.

At a leaky wall, the water fun is all hands on deck as kids try to keep the water circulating by covering holes in squirting and spurting pipes with their hands. In another area, kids scramble to stop leaky pipes from filling Uncle Donald’s row boat with water. Water leaks and sprays from the Ducky Dinghy, suspended overhead, and as the boat fills a fish pops his head out of a bucket while everyone gets delightfully drenched.

In addition to AquaLab, the Disney Fantasy features another new area for guests of all ages to cool off. On deck 12 forward, a wading pool with a fountain water feature, ample seating and lounge chairs under canopy offer a respite in the shade.

Exclusively for Adults
In addition to Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar on the Disney Fantasy, a new adult-exclusive area offers a retreat on the upper decks for guests 18 and older.

At Satellite Sun Deck on deck 13 forward a brand-new water feature called Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort. Around this upper deck, adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.

More Fun on Deck
Like her sister ship the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy offers many options for sun and fun on deck with a shipboard water coaster, fresh water swimming pools, a whimsical water play area for little ones, a relaxing poolside oasis for adults and an interactive sports deck:

• The world’s only shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – sweeps guests away on an exhilarating flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
• Donald’s Pool is a place where families gather to enjoy all of the activities up on deck.  Overlooking Donald’s Pool, the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – shows Disney films, television shows and live broadcast events.
• Mickey’s Pool for children continues a Disney Cruise Line favorite feature.  An oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.
• Children discover oceans of fun at Nemo’s Reef, a water-play area featuring colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water, including Nemo, Dory, Marlin and a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray.
• Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar is a retreat exclusively for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.
• The fun tees off with Goofy’s Golf – a nine-hole miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead guests through nine themed holes of wacky fun.
• Goofy’s Sports Deck features full-court basketball, table tennis and foosball tables.
• Two digital sports simulators offer virtual game experiences where guests participate in high-action sports such as golf, hockey, soccer, basketball, rugby, baseball and football.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visithttp://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contactDisney Traveller.

From our friends at TouringPlans.com

In exactly one month Disney will celebrate Leap Day by keeping one park on each coast open for 24 hours as part of the One More Disney Day promotion. This means both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park will be open from 6am February 29, 2012 until 6am March 1, 2012. Below is some general information regarding the Magic Kingdom for the 24 hours.

Those looking to dine at the Magic Kingdom will have several options to fulfill their hungers. In addition to the normal restaurant operating hours, all table service restaurants will extend their hours until midnight. During these extended hours, only walk-ups will be accepted. In addition to table service, at least one of the counter service restaurants will remain open for the entire 24 hours. Breakfast items will be found at several dining locations throughout the park beginning in the early hours of March 1, 2012.

Attractions that run with limited hours, such as Jungle Cruise and Tom Sawyer Island, will remain closed after their daily operating hours. Many other attractions will continue to run throughout the entire 24 hours. It’s important to note that Big Thunder Mountain is currently down for a scheduled refurbishment until May 28, 2012, and will not be operating. Additional entertainment offerings that will run throughout the 24 hours can be found on the special February 29, 2012 Times Guide.

Transportation between the Disney resorts and the Magic Kingdom will be available for the entire 24 hours. In addition, other park services such as Guest Relations, Baby Care, and First Aid will be available.

Special edition t-shirts have been created and will be sold online for 48 hours following the event.

When the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game debuts at Magic Kingdom Park in February, it will be up to guests to defeat Disney villains who are wreaking havoc through the theme park.

In this role-playing game, guests become Merlin’s apprentice sorcerers and embark on a quest to stop more than 20 Disney villains – including Hades and Cruella De Vil – from stealing one of the four shattered pieces of Merlin’s crystal ball. Armed with spells in the form of special cards, guests search for the magic symbols that lead them to villains’ hiding places in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Once there, apprentices use magic keys to reveal a villain’s hideout and use spell cards to stop them in their tracks.

According to the game’s developers, the cards really are the secret weapons of the game. There will be 70 different spell cards available and guests will receive five complimentary cards when they play. Each card features a different Disney character that offers a spell unique to him or her. Guests can use more than one card simultaneously, casting multiple spells at a villain at one time.

Some of the cards you may encounter include:

• Lumière’s Candle Blast – This card shows Belle’s favorite candlestick spurred on by his loyal ally, Cogsworth.
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – This card shows Mr. Toad’s car careening through the underbrush.
• Prince Naveen’s Army of Frogs – This card shows Tiana’s prince enchanting his amphibian army to action.
• Rafiki’s Wisdom Stick – This card shows Simba’s counselor ready to imbue some knowledge on the enemy’s forehead.
• The Woozles’ Woozle Nightmare – This card shows a Woozle dreaming of his most delightful vision: A gang of other Woozles ready to bang some noggins.

I do have some additional details for guests who want to collect or trade these cards. The 70 cards are divided into nine different spell classes, such as Princess cards, Hero cards or Warrior cards. In addition, all cards are marked with one of three designations – a star symbol, which indicates a rare card; a moon symbol, which signifies an uncommon card; and a planet symbol, which indicates a common card.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will debut in late February and is included in the cost of theme park admission.

Tables in Wonderland Special Event

Design & Display Warehouse

Saturday February 25, 2012

6:30pm – 9:00pm

Price:  $95 per person, plus tax.  Gratuity is included.

The Park Event Operations Design and Display team dreams, designs, and creates themed atmosphere settings for Conventions, Special Events, and many other activities throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.  From concepts to renderings, through finished construction, the Design and Display team can bring any “theme” to life.   They use their talent, experience, and design skills to design and build custom pieces for events.  With hundreds of props, sets, and backgrounds in the warehouse, they create the perfect atmosphere and surroundings for events.  This is your opportunity to peek “backstage”, and see historical Disney pieces like the Nautilus and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride!  Come meet the Design and Display team, learn about what they do, see all the props up close, and enjoy a Buffet Reception with fellow Tables in Wonderland members!

Alice in Wonderland

White Rabbit Rainbow Carrot Vichy with Fresh Dill served in “Drink Me” Vessel

Queen of Hearts Heirloom Tomatoes with Roasted Red Beets and Red Zinfandel Vinaigrette Reduction

Carved Caterpillar Hookah Smoked Turkey Breast with Mini Pita, Cranberry Pecan Conserve and Roasted Corn Aioli

Pixar

Monsters Inspired “Fungus” Melted Raclette of Cheese with Cornichons, Potatoes, Onions and Baguettes

Toy Story Inspired “Mr. Pricklepants” Quick Pickled Tuna Soft Tacos with Jicama Green Chile Slaw and Tequila Sour cream

Nemo Inspired Harvest of the Sea Martini with Wakame

Walt’s Legacy

Mickey Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pork Belly and Heirloom Tomato

Minnie’s Chicken and Phylo Pot Pie Bites

Petit Mixed Grill Meatloaf with Truffle Demi

Good vs. Evil

Chilled Poblano Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Red Apple Chutney and Charred Flatbread

Creamy Sweet Organic Polenta with Shrimp Fradiavlo

Freeze Fried Rotovap Bloody Mary Drops with Micro Celery

Steampunk Dessert

Guava Cheese Whip with Mango

Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Gelee

Crushed Oreo Cheesecake

Florida Key Lime Crunch

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Almond

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 100 Guests.  This event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

The wait is over! Today Disney Cruise Line revealed the 2013 itineraries for the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Captain Mickey Mouse sends his regards from one of the new destinations…

That’s right, the Disney Magic is headed back to Europe, and Athens, Greece, is just one of the new destinations!

All European cruises depart from Barcelona, Spain, and guests have the option of four-, seven- and 12-night sailings. In addition to a wide variety of cruise lengths, we also have some Disney Cruise Line “firsts” on tap for the 2013 European season taking place onboard our 12-night sailings. Pick your pleasure… one 12-night itinerary includes an overnight stop in Venice, Italy, and a visit to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the other calls on Ephesus, Turkey, the Greek Isles and Athens.

From the Disney Parks Blog…

If your New Year’s resolution was to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ve got to check out the TRYit! Photo Contestfrom Disney Magic of Healthy Living, a program aimed at creating healthier generations by inspiring kids and families to discover a healthy new world full of flavor and fun! Show how you and your family strive to be your best by TRYing new foods, fun moves or incorporating simple changes in your everyday life and you could win a trip toAulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

Do you and your family get together once a week to try new, healthy recipes? Or maybe you’re waking up early on the weekends to learn a sport you haven’t played? Whatever you and your family are doing to stay healthy, Disney Magic of Healthy Living wants to hear about it!

Send photos and explain in the caption the ways you and your family are TRYing to stay healthy and active. And as if getting in shape, spending time with your family and being healthy isn’t enough of a motivator to TRY something new, how about a grand-prize that will send you and your family packing to a tropical paradise?

Disney Magic of Healthy Living will choose five families from all the photo submissions to serve as “Magic of Healthy Living Ambassadors” at the first-ever TRYathalon at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Families will compete in a two-day competition filled with fun obstacles, thrilling challenges and special surprise guests.

And each Grand Prize-winning family will also have the opportunity to give others greater access to healthy living by helping to select a community who will receive a grant from KaBOOM! for Imagination Playground in a Box, a breakthrough mobile play space designed to encourage child-directed, unstructured free play in communities.

Five runners-up will also receive a Disney Consumer Products Healthy Gift Basket, and $100 Disney Store gift certificates will be awarded to five families selected as “Voter’s Choice” on the Family.com website.

Time is of the essence – the TRYit! Photo Contest from Disney Magic of Healthy Living is only open until March 12! For details on criteria and eligibility, and to enter, visit Family.com/TRYit.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of Entry, the age of majority, and who are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. and who are the parent/legal guardians of at least one child between the ages of 6 and 14. Entries must be received between 12:01 a.m. (PT) on 1/17/12 and 11:59:59 p.m. (PT) on 3/12/12. Click here for Official Rules.

According to our friends at TouringPlans.com….

Beginning Sunday, January 15, 2012, and running through Friday, January 20, 2012, Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World resort will be testing out a new opening procedure. Disney internally refers to this process as “rope drop without a rope.” Here’s the finer points of the changes:

• Turnstiles open at 8:30 a.m.  Operational attractions at that time:  Toy Story Mania!, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• All other attractions will open at 8:45 a.m..
• Signups for Jedi Training Academy will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the ABC Sound Studio
• FASTPASS distribution will be available at Star Tours: The Adventures Continue beginning at 8:30 a.m. Anyone who choose to wait for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will be welcome to wait in the exterior queue at the attraction. FASTPASS distribution will commence at 8:30 a.m. for all other attractions as well (notably: Toy Story Mania!)

The most basic take-away  is that the park is ostensibly now open at 8:30 a.m. on days listing a 9:00 a.m. opening. Arrive early and leave your home or hotel earlier if you’re following an early morning park touring plan

Inspired by the world of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, the all-new nighttime family celebration will feature a live band, unique entertainment, fun-filled games, and plenty of dancing.

Beginning summer 2012, Disney California Adventure park guests will fall into the rabbit hole and land in a wild and whimsical world at Mad T Party. Inspired by the world of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, the all-new nighttime family celebration will feature a live band, unique entertainment, fun-filled games, and plenty of dancing. Familiar faces from the story will be re-imagined in new ways to immerse guests in a captivating world that’s filled with exclusive signature foods, beverages, and merchandise offerings.

This psychedelic soiree will be filled with surprises and new takes on some familiar characters from the world of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

From our friends at WDWMagic…

Disney announced an extensive refurbishment of the popular Test Track attraction. The new Test Track will be an “immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.” The new Test Track attraction will allow park guests to become car designers. Guests will create and design concept vehicles. The cars that guests design will then be put to the test as guests board a “SimCar” to test them out on a rigorous Track Circuit.

The new Test Track will also feature a new post-show experience where guests will be able to evaluate the car concept they designed. Guests will be able to view all of the new and exciting concepts that Chevrolet is working on.

Because of the upcoming change, Test Track will be closed from April 2012 until Fall 2012, when Chevrolet will be celebrating their 100th anniversary. When the new Test Track re-opens it will “….enable General Motors to tell its story in new and exciting ways to millions of Guests from around the world and continue as the official vehicle sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort.”

It is likely that the physical ride system and track layout will most likely remain the same. Since Test Track’s ride system is very complex and would probably require a much longer amount of time to rebuild. There are rumors that indicate the new ride may incorporate RFID technology that will allow the ride to provide different shows to each rider based on how they design their vehicle.

On Monday, Jan. 9, the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland park will close so Disneyland can ready the iconic mountain for a new fleet of bobsleds. Featuring a new, sleek design, the vehicles will have three seats in each bobsled with two bobsleds linked together for a total of six guests.

So get your last-minute bobsledding done this weekend and the attraction will re-open this summer.

Starting next Monday, January 9, guests strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., will be humming along to some new – and familiar – tunes. For the first time in 20 years, Disney is once again adding new music to the iconic entrance music of Disneyland park.

Though there have been many updates over the years, the last refresh of Disneyland’s Main Street’s musical score was back in 1992, when selections recorded for Disneyland Paris were brought back to Disneyland park in California.

This time around, over a dozen new tunes, arranged and recorded specifically for Main Street, U.S.A., will join many of the existing songs. Included in the new mix are such iconic period pieces as “Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis,” “In the Good Old Summer Time,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Oh You Beautiful Doll,” Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” and a recent tune given a turn-of-the-last-century arrangement, Michael Giacchino’s “Married Life” from Disney•Pixar’s “UP.”

So the next time you’re ambling down Main Street, U.S.A., keep an ear out for some new – and old – classics!

What Would You Do With One More Disney Day?

Take a full 24 hours to create as many memories as you can — because on Leap Day, 2012, Disney Parks are celebrating like never before!

For the first time ever, both Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park will be open for 24 hours of wonder, imagination and magic starting February 29 at 6:00 a.m.

Plus, beginning January 1, 2012, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29, 2012 and has an exciting special offer!

Starting January 1, 2012, enter every day through February 29, 2012 for a chance to win one of 60 vacation packages for 4 to either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

Enter now >
Official Rules >

NO PURCHASE/TEXT MESSAGE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 1/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 2/29/12. To enter via text using your cell phone, type the key word “DISNEYDAY” as an SMS text message to the SMS shortcode “347639″ (“DISNEY”). Msg. & data rates may apply. Or to enter online for free, follow the instructions on this website. LIMIT: ONE ENTRY ALLOWED PER PERSON/CELL/ADDRESS FOR EACH DAY. Click here for Official Rules.

Tables in Wonderland

The Wave . . . of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, January 19, 2012

6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium

Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

The Wave…of American Flavors Discovery Dinners continue in January by celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry season.  Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida.  Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983.  They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date.  Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Thompson Farm Pulled Pork Slider with Plant City Barbeque Sauce and Cypress Grove Sheep’s Milk Cheese

Strawberry Tea Poached Beef Short Rib with Sweet Shiraz Puree and Truffle Oil

Strawberry Champagne with Wild Caught Shrimp and Mint Syrup

MOMO Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Myakka Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Aged Balsamic Strawberries and Odessa, Florida Tiny Opal Basil

La Craie Vouvray, Chenin Blanc, France

Entrée

Lightly Smoked Duck Breast, Strawberry Gastrique, Risotto with Braised Rhubarb and Celery, Roasted Winter Vegetables

Torbreck “Woodcutter” Shiraz, Australia

Salad

Felsmere, Florida Bordeaux Spinach, Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Marcona Almonds and Aged Feta

Bethel Heights, Pinot Gris, Oregon

Dessert

A Trio of Fresh from Florida Strawberry Flavors featuring:

Strawberry-Champagne Sorbet

No Sugar Added Strawberry Panna Cotta

Brown Sugar Glazed Pound Cake with Strawberry Tuile

Trinitas Moscoto, California

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 40 Guests. The event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

Disneyland’s nightly holiday fireworks show “Believe in Holiday Magic” has been temporarily put on hold.

Disneyland canceled the display, Tuesday for the fifth time in the last week, according to the Orange County Register.

The show was first canceled on December 22 because of weather conditions and a technical issue. The same night a Disney employee was taken to a local hospital for a noise-related injury from the operation of the fireworks. The employee was treated and released.

The fireworks that were scheduled for December 23, 24, 26 and 27 also were canceled due to technical issues.

A Disney spokeswoman tells the Register they are “working diligently to resolve the situation” and will resume the fireworks as soon as possible. The seasonal display runs through Jan. 8.

The Animal Care team at Conservation Station has some new animals to brag about with the arrival of three kunekune pigs, a rare breed that has just made its debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Found in New Zealand but believed to have originated in China, kunekune pigs also are known as Maori pigs after the first people of New Zealand. “Kunekune” means “plump” in the Maori language. Kunekunes nearly became extinct in the 1980s before breeding efforts increased their numbers.

To help with the pigs’ care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and to acclimate them to the up-close experience with Guests at Affection Section, animal keepers have been working with the kunekune pigs on a variety of behaviors. This training, which is similar to techniques used with pets, helps keeps the pigs fit, intellectually stimulated and comfortable around Guests.

“Most people have heard about endangered species in reference to wild animals, but many domestic animals are at risk of extinction as well,” said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks. “By showcasing rare domestic breeds, like babydoll sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats and kunekune pigs at Affection Section, we are helping our Guests learn more about them and how they can help.”

Fun facts about kunekune pigs:

• Kunekunes are a small breed that usually weighs from 90-120 pounds when fully grown. They have a round body, a short up-turned snout and a curly tail. Some have a wattle (a fleshy growth hanging from the neck).
• The pigs can be black, white, ginger (red), brown or gold tipped, and their coats can be spotted, striped, marbled, solid, curly, smooth, rough, long or short.
• They are grazers and foragers. They eat shrubs, weeds, bird eggs, snakes and mice, and usually don’t root.

Image Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company

From our friends at Touring Plans…

The headline says it all really; the Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom is on a break from January 20 through February 10, 2012.  The parade will resume on February 11.  This outage also occurs during the period when Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will not be showing (January 9-February 12).

The Touring Plans Crowd Calendar will be updated shortly and there may be some minor changes as a result of this development.  Sign up for our Crowd Tracker if you want to know about all the changes.

From our friends at WDWMagic…

From our friends at DVC News -

By now word has spread far and wide that Disney Vacation Club villa units are being added to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but a few other noteworthy developments came out of the 2011 Condominium Association Meeting.

Among the most newsworthy announcements at the annual meeting are:

• On-line reservations will be available starting January 19, 2012.
• Point charts will be reallocated (changed) again for 2013, similar to the changes in 2010 and 2011.  No details were provided on the nature of the changes.  Point charts will be available on-line in mid-January 2012 and mailed to members in February 2012.
• New cable channels will be added including The History Channel, The Food Network and Fox News.
• Free wireless Internet is now available in guest rooms.  Plans call for it being expanded to public areas as well.
• Beginning in September 2012, members will be able to book hotel rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel using points.  This will increase points availability given the limited supply of villa rooms.
• The Tables in Wonderland dining discount card will be available to members without requiring an Annual Pass purchase.

And, of course, the announcement that 147 Disney Vacation Club villas are being added to the Grand Floridian Resort.  TheOrlando Sentinel has a good overview of known details regarding the Grand Floridian project, along with concept artwork shown during the annual meeting.

A new resort development announced today will expand Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, distinguished as the flagship hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort, and continue the growth of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program.

Disney Vacation Club plans to build an estimated 147 villas as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, one of the premier resort hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Estimated to open in late 2013, this new resort experience is slated to be the 12 ^th Disney Vacation Club property and will be located near the spa and wedding pavilion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. In addition to villa accommodations, plans for the expansion include a children’s water-play area and other amenities.

“We continually look for ways to expand Disney Vacation Club by creating resort experiences that our members will love,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “With the continued popularity of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we are thrilled to offer our members and guests a new resort option along the monorail system with easy access to the Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a variety of shopping, dining and recreation experiences.”

Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company. To learn more, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.

Today Disney announced the exciting addition of “Wishes,” Disney Cruise Line’s newest original show, presented exclusively on the Disney Fantasy. I want to give you a first look at some of the concept art for this spectacular production. “Wishes” takes guests on a musical journey with three best friends visiting Disneyland Resort to celebrate their high school graduation.

Each is unsure of what the future holds for them, so they make a wish to go on the “Ride of Our Lives” – the show’s opening musical number. Next they’re taken to an enchanted world where Disney characters materialize to guide them on their journey.

Some of the familiar tunes you’ll hear and faces you’ll see include…

…“I’ve Got No Strings” from “Pinocchio” featuring Pinocchio and marionettes…

…“Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King” featuring Timon and Pumbaa…

…and “Reflection” from “Mulan” featuring Mulan…

Chocoholics will soon be able to get their fix at Disney’s California Adventure theme park.

The soda fountain and shop will feature Ghirardelli hot fudge sundaes and chocolate products. Each guest will be given a free sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares chocolate.

“The addition of a world-renowned brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place, in this case to San Francisco,” according to Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park.

“With the culmination of our expansion only a few months away, it is an exciting time at Disney California Adventure and we look forward to partnering with Ghirardelli in bringing this delicious chocolate experience to our guests,” Niven said.

Ghirardelli also has a shop in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World has dropped plans to convert a floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort into “health and wellness” suites that would have included amenities such as in-room exercise equipment and massage tables, a project company officials once hoped to use to tap into a growing market for healthy-lifestyle travel.

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

The suites, which Disney announced in April, were initially supposed to open last month.

A Disney spokesman said the resort still plans to renovate the 14th floor of the 40-year-old Contemporary, one of Disney World’s original hotels. But the improvements will be “in line” with conventional “high-end suite standards” at Disney’s other deluxe-priced hotels.

Whether you prefer a soothing facial, a stylish haircut or a blissful massage, no trip to Walt Disney World is complete without some relaxation time! All eight Niki Bryan Spa locations at the Walt Disney World Resort now offer 10% off services to members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

You can choose from a variety of services at any of the following locations:

Full-Service Spas

• The Spa at Saratoga Springs: (407) 827-4455

Resort Massage and Fitness Centers

• La Vida Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: (407) 939-3030
• Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: (407) 938-4715
• Muscles and Bustles Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort: (407) 939-2370
• Ship Shape Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort: (407) 934-3256
• Olympiad Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Contemporary Resort: (407) 824-3410
• Sturdy Branches Massage and Fitness Center, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: (407) 938-4222

Resort Salons

• Casa De Belleza, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: (407) 939-3965
• Perriwig Salon, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort: (407) 934-3260
• American Beauty Salon, Disney’s Contemporary Resort: (407) 824-3411
• Ivy Trellis Salon, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: (407) 824-3000, ext. 2581

To receive your 10% D23 discount, simply present a current, valid membership card at the time of purchase.

NOTE: The discount cannot be combined with other discounts and has no cash value. To make a reservation, call the salon, massage and fitness center or spa of your choice directly and then make sure you’re ready to relax and to look and feel your best!

Forget sit-down dining when you’re in a hurry to play – the new “A Taste of Hollywood To Go – A Fantasmic! Dining Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios lets you enjoy an affordable picnic plus reserved seating for the fab Fantasmic!, the park’s nightly extravaganza that takes guests inside the dreams of Mickey Mouse – into a world where his magic creates dancing waters, shooting comets, animated fountains, swirling stars, balls of fire and other amazing wonders.

Reserved viewing is first come, first served, so get there early!

It’s just for a short while – Dec. 18–Dec. 31, with reservations starting Dec. 1 at 407-WDW-DINE (a credit card guarantee is required). Pick up is at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner from 11 a.m. through 1 ½ hours prior to your selected show time. You choose which performance you’d like to attend when you order your meal. Pick up your meal at your convenience and then you’re on your own for an easy picnic lunch or dinner. You might want to try more than one of the picnic goodies, but your Fantasmic! seats are based on the number of guests in your party (entrées ordered must be equal to or greater than your party size).

And, yes, it’s part of the Disney Dining Plan – a quick-service entitlement.

Here’s what you can order:

Fried chicken with maple-glazed sweet potato and baby spinach salad, broccoli and cranberry salad and cheesecake ($14.99)

Veggie wrap with avocado spread, tabbouleh, avocado and tomato salad with citrus vinaigrette and chocolate cake ($14.99)

Olive oil poached salmon with couscous salad with dried cranberries and peas, roasted beet and apple salad and Key lime pie ($14.99)

Teriyaki and orange marinated beef with udon noodle salad and caramelized vegetables and sesame mandarin vinaigrette, seaweed salad with gingered carrots and mandarin orange cheesecake ($14.99)

Fresh fruits, Brie, dipped strawberries and focaccia bread ($11.99)

Chocolate-dipped pretzels, strawberries and marshmallows with chocolate dipping sauce ($9.99)

Kid’s meal with turkey and American cheese wrap and strawberry yogurt, apples and carrots with ranch dip and seven-layer cookie bar ($5.49)

Kid’s meal Power Pack with Goldfish crackers, strawberry yogurt, string cheese, apples and carrots with ranch dip and a seven-layer cookie bar ($5.49)