Feb 13, 2025
Haunted
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Haunted
It’s been a year to the date since I signed with @vailgallery and I am so grateful to Marc and Patrick for their knowledge, support, and faith in my work. We have done amazing things including selling multiple originals, over 30 limited editions and landed the Topher Straus Art Walk at @thehythevail 🏆 Here is to a even more stunning year 2- get ready #vail for my July solo show #theparks will be off the hook🔥🔥🔥 (at Vail International Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtLvmgOxdy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
A Nice Day At The Park! #thepark #park #theparks #waterfrontpark @waterfrontparksfoundation @downtownclermont @visitclermont @floridatraveling @_____florida_ @florida @visitflorida #iloveflorida #florida #floridalife #floridaliving Follow Me On Instagram At Fearsman26 (at Clermont Waterfront Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkM19ula_R/?utm_medium=tumblr
Floating Lanterns Photo Op at Magic Kingdom
One of the most overlooked experiences at Disney's Magic Kingdom is Rapunzel's Floating Lanterns photo op. Set against a backdrop of hovering lights across the night sky, this remarkable opportunity transports guests inside Tangled's iconic ceremony. Guests receive a decorative, glowing lantern for the photoshoot to enhance the effect of being a part of the fairytale magic, unlike other PhotoPass locations that digitally alter the photo afterward. Walt Disney World is one of those unique places that allows guests to travel inside one of their films. This photo op is no different and is one of the best ways to bring your favorite movie to life.
So when and where to find this PhotoPass location? The Floating Lanterns photo op is held every night at sundown by Rapunzel's tower across from the queue for Peter Pan's Flight. Of course, this is subject to weather conditions and special events. The photo opportunity also doesn't typically appear during special ticketed events like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, since the park closes earlier than usual,
Queue for the Rapunzel Lantern Photo Op The line usually isn't too unbearable, though you should still be ready to wait anywhere from 15-30 minutes. The good thing is, you're close enough to Pascal's scavenger hunt, located on the back wall of Momentum Mori, to search for Rapunzel's best friend among the scenery while you wait for the sun to go down.
Cody Simmons and Sarah Newman When it comes to that special person you want to pose with for the lantern opportunity, the possibilities are endless. Take a photo with family, friends, your significant other, or just take one on your own (like me!). Either way, the PhotoPass photographers are right there to ensure you have the best angles and lighting for your picture imaginable. They'll even gladly take one with your camera for you.
Source: Haley Jeandron The Floating Lantern photo op is a unique way to experience the wonder and awe of one of Disney's most cherished scenes. If you love the movie, you'll treasure this keepsake just as much. Do you have another favorite scene you wish they’d make into a PhotoPass experience? Let us know! Read the full article
Walt Disney World Tours
Walt Disney World Tours are a great way to experience some backstage magic, advance your Disney knowledge and to enhance your next trip to Walt Disney World. From pre-planned to customizing your own tours, there is something for everyone. Disney VIP Tour Services can literally show you the "World". Now, I used to think that taking one of these tours might take away from the magic of visiting Walt Disney World, but I have realized that they don't have to, so if you're up for seeing the World a little differently, you may want to consider adding one or more of them to your itinerary. There are a host of Walt Disney World Tours available at different price points and with different experiences. The amount of time for each tour can vary and some don't even require a theme park ticket! If you have a group of up to 10 guests, you might chose a Private VIP Tour. These are customizable, do not include your theme park ticket and prices range between $425-750 per hour. Private tours can be arranged with Disney VIP Tour Services and may include transportation, private viewing areas for fireworks and parades, and may be the best way for your group to enjoy your favorite attractions more efficiently.
I hadn't heard of this one before, but now I'm dying to do the Family Magic Tour. This one takes place inside the Magic Kingdom and while it's a guided tour, its also a scavenger hunt! How fun! You do need to have a separate theme park ticket to do this one and the tour is an additional $39, takes approximately 2 hours and although advance reservations are suggested, there is an option for same day booking based on availability. Today, while researching for this post, I also came across the Taste of Magic Kingdom Tour and I gotta say, although I don't consider myself a foodie, I really think this one could be amazing! During this 3 hour tour, you are guided through the kitchens of the Magic Kingdom, where you'll learn about feeding the crowds, creating new dishes and you'll get to taste some of the classic as well as the new dishes around the parks. For $99 per person, this one may have to wait, but I'm really interested in seeing how they make the famous Dole Whip for the crowds! Also now on my list of tours to do is the Backstage Magic Tour. This is a 7 hour tour and takes you to where the magic happens. Get a behind the scenes look at costuming, craftsmanship and all the things that go into making dreams come true at Walt Disney World. While this tour is a little more pricey ($275 per person), lunch is included as is bottled water, transportation as well as a commemorative gift and it does not require theme park admission. Over at Epcot, you can get up close with Dolphins in Depth, a 3 hour tour for up to 8 guests per day. Your tour takes through how the dolphins are trained, cared for and a discussion on the impacts of our environmental changes on these amazing creatures. At the end of this one, you get to spend 30 minutes with the dolphins. You do not need to be scuba certified to participate. The cost of this tour is $199 per person. If you are Scuba-certified however; you may prefer Dive Quest, a 3 hour tour ending in a 40 minute dive in the aquarium at the cost of $179 per person. There are more tours than I can discuss here, including limited time tours like Holiday D-Lights which gives you an inside look at decorating Disney for the holiday season. Visit the Disney VIP Tour Services page or the Special Events and Tours page for more information and don't forget to check out any discounts available to you through Annual Passholder, DVC or Chase Disney Visa if they apply to you (average discount is 15%). Read the full article
Put your Disney Dollars to Work
It's no secret that being a lover of the "Mouse House" can be costly. Whether you are going for that once in a lifetime trip or for your weekly visit, with a bit of planning, some faith, trust and pixie dust, you can find some money saving options for making the most of your Disney dollars.
photo courtesy of cheapskateprincess.com The recent increase in food and beverage at the parks, the ticket increases and all have a lot of Mouse lovers stating that they are feeling like they are being priced out. It's understandable with the average salary increases not keeping up with the average increases in theme park tickets, room rates, etc. I hope to help you save some money on your next trip to Walt Disney World with a few tips and tricks I've learned over the years. If you're local and like to go often- consider a pass option. Passholders save money on rooms, food & beverage and merchandise and there are a variety of pass options available. Passholders also get free parking at the theme parks, so with the admission and parking already paid for plus the discounts available to you, most passes pay for themselves in just a few visits. Also, consider Tables in Wonderland, which is available to Florida Residents, Annual Passholders and DVC Members and offers 20% off on food and beverage including alcohol. This is an extra cost, but also pays for itself in no time, especially if you go often or go with a group.
Fish and Chips from the UK in World Showcase at Epcot is one of my favorite quick serve options Coming from out of town? If you prefer to plan your trip yourself, do your research and plan ahead to get the most out of your time and money. Book your stay, plan your meals and Fastpasses ahead of time whenever possible. Consider peak times vs. "slow" times at the parks, as room rates will vary greatly. Christmas time is truly a magical (and I say once in a lifetime) trip, but airfare and room rates are high during the holidays and the parks are often crowded, leaving you spending a lot of your trip time standing in line for rides, food and drink and that Mickey magnet you just gotta have. Consider a Disney Vacation Club hotel. These are intended to be vacations homes. They have full kitchens, complete with dishes, silverware, etc and washer/dryers (think apartment). Just bring groceries and you can save money on dining out all the time. Additionally, since you can wash clothes in your room, you can travel lighter and not pay extra baggage fees on the plane. Yep, laundry soap is included in the room. Travel agents can be helpful in searching down package deals, planning your itinerary and such, but make sure you let them know what your budget allows and stick to it. Don't let them spend more than you can afford. The fact of the matter is that you are spending little time in your hotel room (usually) with all there is to do, so if you can't afford the Deluxe Resort, it really doesn't matter. Truth be told, there isn't much difference between the rooms outside of proximity to the parks. Consider staying off property for additional savings. Many offer complimentary shuttle service to the parks (and some to/from the airport as well) so getting there isn't a problem, skip the rental car if you can. Always ask. Sometimes, you can get an upgrade at little or even no cost. It doesn't hurt to ask if it's available. If you're celebrating something special like a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary, let them know. Sometimes, they can offer you special little touches that can easily be turned into keepsakes from your trip! From the monorails, boats, buses and the Skyliner, there are lots of transportation options available from your hotel to the parks, shopping and dining. Once you get to your starting point, Disney transportation can get you around from there. Taking advantage of these transportation options can also save you from paying for parking at the theme parks. Looking to have a little fun outside of the parks? Need a "rainy day" back up plan? Try the Disney Transportation Challenge! So once you get here, how do you keep staying on budget? You can DIY a lot of those must have's (ears and autograph books, etc) and I have a board on Pinterest you can look at for some great, creative ideas. If you're not particularly crafty, you can purchase some great reasonably priced items on Amazon, Etsy or at Hot Topic. Never, ever pay for water at the parks. I cannot stress this enough. Bring your own water bottle and refill it at one of the fountains or stop at a quick service restaurant and ask for a cup or two of ice water - it's free. Friends of mine bring their own liquid flavorings (Mio, Dasani, etc.) and skip paying for lemonade or iced tea. Another great way to save your Disney dollars! Pack snacks! Walt Disney World does allow you to bring food into the park. No alcohol, no glass containers or plastic straws are allowed though, so be sure to know before you go! For more info on how to save money on your next visit or to learn more about Disney Vacation Club rentals, click here.
These rooms are great for longer stays! Plan your trip carefully and a visit to Walt Disney World doesn't have to break the bank! Read the full article
Epcot's Edible Art: Sugar Paintings
Candy artist Wenbo Zhang has dazzled us in the past with his masterful cotton candy creations. Now he has taken his expertise to new heights with the Sugar Paintings offered at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts event. This form of edible art uses sugar syrup to create elaborate animal designs and transform them into stunning – and delicious– masterpieces.
Just as the idea for Zhang’s cotton candy sensation originated from street vendors selling elaborate displays of the fluffy delicacy in China, these sugar paintings also have strong ties to Chinese culture. Typically found in southwestern China, this yummy work of art dates back to the Ming Dynasty, several centuries before they made their appearance at Epcot’s World Showcase. Initially used in religious rituals, they gained popularity over the years and have since developed into contemporary works of edible art.
The way these sugar paintings work is you select an animal from the wheel located at the front of the stand. Some choices include a rooster, a unicorn, a panda, or a butterfly. These animals cost $15, while the more intricate and larger dragon costs $22. Zhang’s confectionary artwork debuted during Epcot’s 2019 Flower and Garden Festival with dazzling cotton candy blossoms that stretched about two feet in diameter.
These colorful creations moved from the Lotus House (Now the Painted Panda) to the back of the China Pavilion and inside the House of Good Fortune shopping area. During the Festival of Holidays celebration, bright red Santa hats also joined the ranks of the cotton candy confections.
These edible works of art have since moved to the Painted Panda for the Festival of the Arts and are only available at certain times of the day on specific days of the week. Consult your times guide for the exact times. Enjoy these sugar paintings while you still can. Epcot’s 2020 Festival of the Arts continues now through February 24. Read the full article
New Entertainment at Epcot Festival of the Arts
Wandering through the markets of Marrakesh and enjoying the tastes of Oktoberfest are just some of the many reasons Epcot’s World Showcase holds a special place in every Disney lover’s heart. The immersion in culture from architecture to food to the shops filled with trinkets from both near and far transport us to another place entirely, even if we never leave the theme park. The same goes for the entertainment offered throughout the year, providing a full-service buffet for the senses. One way Disney provides us with authentic cultural experiences is by hosting bands from across the globe to play music from various countries and backgrounds. These groups not only give us a glimpse into another world but deliver a masterful ambiance for guests as they explore each new pavilion. For Epcot’s Festival of the Arts event, Disney introduced two new bands and an old favorite to three of its pavilions.
Atlas Fusion: Morocco’s Newest Entertainment
Not going to deny it: Morocco is my favorite pavilion in Epcot. That doesn’t mean I don’t love the other countries with as much fervor and heart as the next guest, but there’s something about Morocco that has always captivated me. Beyond the mouthwatering dishes served at Restaurant Marrakesh, the jaw-dropping scenery and a market fit for a queen, the upbeat music that filters through the streets never disappoints. The new band, Atlas Fusion, is no different.
Who They Are Atlas Fusion is a band of five members, including the lovely, dancer, Arya. The band plays a blend of traditional Moroccan beats and Gnawa music that enliven the streets with cheerful, toe-tapping tunes. Gnawa music consists of spiritual songs that combine poetry with folkloric rhythms and dances. The lively music and visual elegance of the dancing are a sensory treat for all who experience this performance.
When to See Them Atlas Fusion is only around for the Festival of Arts celebration, so you definitely want to check out this entertainment before it's too late. They play five days a week, expect for on Mondays and Tuesdays. Below is a schedule of the times they play throughout the day. Show Times for Atlas Fusion 1:20 pm 2:20 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:45 pm 6:30 pm 7:45 pm Each set typically lasts around 30 minutes. Below is a clip of their performance. https://disneyelite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-Project-1.mov
Lebendig: Germany’s Next Big Sensation
While many come to Germany for the oversize pretzels, beer, and the rest of the Oktoberfest fixings, the music is another great drive for those wanting to experience a little more of the culture. It doesn’t hurt that the stage for Germany’s newest performers is right next to the Cuisine Classique food booth, making it the perfect venue to listen to new music while you order and eat your tasty treats.
Who They Are This German-based pop rock group is known as Lebendig and consists of four members. The name Lebendig loosely translates into the word “lively” or “living” and accurately describes the spirited sound of the group’s music. You can learn more about the band at their website.
When to See Them Just like Atlas Fusion, Lebendig is only around as exclusive entertainment during the Festival of Arts. So you only have until February 24th to catch their last performance. The band does not play on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Below is a schedule for times to come see them play. Show Times for Lebendig 12:10 pm 1:10 pm 2:10 pm 3:10 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Each set generally takes about 20-25 minutes. Below is just a short clip of what to expect. https://disneyelite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_7885.mov
Suroit: An Oldie But Goodie
The French Canadian band Suroit is not a new band at Epcot’s World Showcase, though it is back for a limited time for the Festival of the Arts. This band incorporates a mixture of Celtic and Cajun influences to create a truly unique sound. Suroit started in 1977 and has been playing ever since.
When to See Them Suroit is also off on Mondays and Tuesdays and will only be around for the remainder of the Festival of the Arts. While this band has played for other special events at Epcot in the past, you never know for sure when this band will pop up again. A schedule for their performances is listed below: Show Times for Suroit 2:15 pm 3:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:15 pm 7:30 pm Each set lasts about 30 minutes. Enjoy a quick peek at the band in the video below. https://disneyelite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_7912-2.mov The amazing thing about the two new bands is that they are eager to meet and interact with their audience. Not only are they willing to take pictures with guests after each performance, but you can tell they genuinely love what they do. Stop on by and check out these fantastic specimens of entertainment before time is up. Epcot’s Festival of the Arts continues until February 24th, so save yourself plenty of time to view these gems before they’re gone. Read the full article