Amphicar at Walt Disney World: A Closer Look

It's a car. It's a boat. It's an amphibious automobile.

They call it an Amphicar!

Ahoy there! Did you know there are currently nine of these part land, part sea beauties operating right outside The Boathouse in Walt Disney World Resort? They are all a part of the newly re-imagined Downtown Disney Area which is getting a magical makeover into what eventually will be called 'Disney Springs.' (To be complete in 2016.) Walt Disney World guests can now experience these Captain-guided Amphicar tours in vintage vehicles, which are open and ready for cruisers! You and 2 of your closest friends can hop aboard on the Amphicar launch, as your car drives right into the water. Make a splash in Orlando & embark on this 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Downtown Disney! Included in your journey is a little whimsical history lesson about the Amphicar from your Captain and how they came to be. (We hear they may have a joke or two up their sleeve.) It's the perfect thing to include in your #CoolestSummer Bucket List at Walt Disney World!

About the Vintage Amphicar Tour:

The cost is $125 per car.

Vintage Amphicar Tour is a 20 minute trip.

Tours are offered hourly (weather permitting) each day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Every Amphicar trip includes a skipper who is the perfect informative tour guide.

Each vehicle seats up to three guests (three adults or two adults and two small children).

You don't have to be dining at The Boathouse in order to take a tour.

They currently accept walk up reservations.

About the Amphicars:

Amphicars are rare vehicles that drive on land and float in the water!

There are currently nine of these restored Amphicars at Walt Disney World Resort.

These Amphicars were purchased from private collections worldwide. 

Only 3,878 of these unique vehicles were produced during the 1960’s (1961 to 1968). 

The Boathouse is the only place in the world where you get the opportunity to ride in these vintage vehicles.

For more information please go to TheBoathouseOrlando.com.

For more information on how to have the Coolest Summer Ever visit Walt Disney World Resort.

 Disclosure: We were graciously hosted by the Walt Disney World Resort at the #CoolestSummer Ever Press Event. (Including airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, and park tickets.) No other compensation was received. The opinions on this blog are 100% magical and 100% those of the Disney Sisters only. All photos belong to us unless otherwise stated. Thanks for reading our blog!

Important: Changes to the Disney Disability Pass at Disney Parks

A new program is coming to Disney Parks for guests and families with disabilities on October 9, 2013. More details about the new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card program are coming soon but until then, here is some information via Disney Parks:

We would like to share an upcoming change in the Guest Assistance Card.  Disney has an unwavering commitment to making our experiences accessible to all Guests.  After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities. Until Oct. 9, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. We look forward to sharing more information about the Disability Access Service Card as we get closer to implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 How will the new Disney program work?

The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.

Did Disney receive assistance in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
Yes, Disney is engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.

Why is Disney making these changes?
Given the increasing volume of requests Disney receives for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). 

Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.

What should Guests do if they have concerns? 
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

52 Weeks of Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

There are a lot of BIG things coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2013.
52 BIG things to be exact! 

While at a Disneyland event recently we heard all about the new Disney Campaign for 2013. We actually met the "Time Keeper" of Limited Time Magic, (who knew there was a time keeper) and he told us all about it. Boy was he a character!

52 Weeks of Limited Time Magic! For each week of year in 2013 Disney has come up with a new experience to share with park-goers! Unique and memorable events are headed our way next year. It's like having a different party each week at Disneyland!

Every year we think, how are they going to come up with another theme to top the last years . . .
But every year we are pleasantly surprised!

Some examples of the weeks of Limited Time Magic, that we can't wait for include:

TRUE LOVE: 
Valentine's week at Disney Parks will be filled with lots of romantic moments especially for lovebirds. We're going to LOVE special menus and more Princesses with their Princes available for meet and greets.

PIRATE WEEK: 
You know how we are totally into Pirates. Well yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum, you can celebrate a week long with Pirate-Paloozas, Pirate bands and Pirate meet and greets. Argh!

DAPPER DANS SING BOY BANDS: 
The boys from Disneyland will be singing popular hits from boy bands this week. Not only will they sing their usual tunes, but they will be adding pop music acapella style that is sure to have all of the teenage girls swooning!

UNLEASH THE VILLIANS: 
On Friday the 13th in September, both Parks are staying open til 1am with a special evil dance party hosted by your favorite Disney Villians like Maleficient and Captain Hook. We can't wait to see what other mischief is in store.

Make sure to keeping checking back with us and the Disney Parks Blog for more information. Also follow @DisneyParks on Twitter and join the conversation with the hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.


Disclosure: We were invited to a Holiday Blogger Event at the Disneyland Resort which got us into the spirit of the season. This post was inspired by things we saw and heard throughout our magical day. The thoughts shared here are Disney Sisters' only.

Musical Dwarfs: Disney Wordless Wednesday

Can you guess where this photo was taken?

Do you know the names of all Seven Dwarfs?

Happy (Disney) Wordless Wednesday!

Elephants taking a bath on Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom

We can think of nothing better than to frolic and play with our family on a hot summer's day, just like these elephants in Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort! We snapped this photo while on an awesome Kilimanjaro Safari. Just look at how inviting that water is... Splish Splash Elephants taking a bath!

Happy (Disney) Wordless Wednesday! 

What activities have been keeping you cool this summer?

Alice in Wonderland Meet and Greet

Happy Wordless Wednesday from Wonderland!

While visiting Epcot at Walt Disney World, you can take your picture with Alice in Wonderland. (In the UK area of the World Showcase) We also suggest getting her autograph and giving her a hug. Be prepared to answer a bunch of fun questions, she is after all quite curious!

Have you met Alice yet? Who is your favorite character to see at the Parks?

Disney's Art Of Animation Tour - Dining

 Watch our Disney's Art Of Animation Video Tour of  the "Landscape Of Flavors" food court and dining rooms as Michelle Clegg, Food & beverage operations manager talks about what's on the menu. 

Eat in the "The Lion King" seating area for a "Hukuna Matata" kind of feeling or start your day off

at "the drop off" with "Finding Nemo." You can also eat "Under The Sea" with "The Little Mermaid" and  go cruising down Route 66 into "Radiator Springs" with Lightning McQueen in the "Cars" dining room.

You can eat at a different seating areas for every meal or stay with your favorite Disney/Pixar movie, it's all  part of the "Create Your Own Dining Experience." Guests will also be able to create their own plate or palate. With salad bars, yogurt bars, omelets stations and pasta bars the creative options to explore your meal choices are endless. There are many "healthier options" on the menu and not just for adults, teens, tweens and younger kids have lots of new choices too! Next time we go to Walt Disney World you can find us at the Art Of Animation Resort.
Whole wheat pasta and turkey meatballs anyone??? 

Have you watched our Disney's Art Of Animation Video Tour - Lobby yet?

Don't miss our Inside Disney's Art Of Animation Lobby Photos Tour!

 Disney's Art Of Animation Resort: First Look

P.S. Watch the top video as we reveal a totally awesome Hidden Mickey in Ariel's Grotto,
Under The Sea in "The Little Mermaid" dining room.

"Enjoy a stay and a starring role in your favorite Disney / Pixar film."
 -Rick Allen, General Manager

If you're ready to stay at Disney's Art of Animation Resort,

check out these great summer offers! 

Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.

English Tea Garden and Tour in Epcot at Walt Disney World

Fancy of Cup of Tea?

You can get your fill at the English Tea Garden during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Take the English Tea Garden Tour:

Discover the art and history of tea blending during a 20-minute tour of this elegant English Tea Garden, featuring classic tea blends and new herbal teas for 2012. Hosted by Twinings of London Premium Tea. Tours are held Monday through Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Register for your guided tour at The Tea Caddy. Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion.

Learn about these 12 delightful teas as you tour the English Tea Garden:

• Earl Grey—Original Earl Grey, developed by Twinings with a black tea base scented with bergamot, a citrus fruit found in the Mediterranean.

• English Breakfast—Black tea blended with Kenyan & Assam teas to deliver a traditional tea with a rich taste and satisfying aroma.

• Pure White—Made from Camellia Sinensis plant, Twinings uses rare single tip buds to produce a smooth, velvety tasting tea.

• China Oolong—A hybrid between black and green tea; slightly sweet and delicate tea with a reddish color. This tea is best served with milk and sweetened to taste.

• Pomegranate Delight—Black tea blended with the fresh flavor of ripe pomegranates to deliver a delicious tea with a light, fruity aroma and slightly sweet taste.

• Mixed Berry—Fine black tea expertly blended with the luscious flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and recurrant to deliver a delicious tea with a fresh, fruity aroma and slightly sweet taste.

• Spiced Apple Chai*—Fine black tea perfectly balanced with the flavours of apple and savoury spices of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger.

• Camomile, Honey & Vanilla*—A soothing herbal tea made with chamomile and the slightly sweet flavours of honey & vanilla. Naturally caffeine free.

• Orange, Cinnamon & Spice*—A warm and inviting herbal tea made with rooibos and the refreshing flavor of orange and savoury cinnamon. Naturally caffeine free.

• Organic Green Tea with Citrus*—Pure green tea perfectly balanced with the alluring flavor of lemon and orange.

• Pure Peppermint—Made from 100% pure peppermint, this delightful herbal tea has a fresh taste and invigorating aroma. Naturally caffeine free.

• Pomegranate & Raspberry*—A full-flavoured herbal tea made with the naturally sweet and juicy flavours of pomegranate and raspberry. Naturally caffeine free.

* New to the garden this year.

Do you prefer coffee or tea? Which flavor is your favorite?

Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.

Disney is in Full Bloom at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Disney is in Full Bloom at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

One of the most stunning things to see at Walt Disney World Resort is a actually a festival that takes places every spring at Epcot. We were so thrilled to learn that it was going on while we were in town for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The mix of flowers, plants and gardens are a sight to behold. We highly recommend seeing this very special blend of nature and Disney. One of our favorite features during the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot are topiaries shaped like Disney Characters. In each part of the World Showcase there is a different destination, they have placed the characters perfectly to fit within the theme.
  

Belle, The Beast, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and others from Beauty and the Beast are in France. 

In America Cowboy Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Lotso Bear. 

You might even find a Princess or two dancing with a handsome Prince.

Italy is where Lady and the Tramp call home. 

Cars Lightning McQueen and Mater are parked in Japan.

Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood are in the UK.

We have many more photos of colorful splendor to share on our Flickr set. You can find over 100 topiaries throughout Epcot theme park, including more than 75 Disney characters. It's really quite stunning! 

Have you ever been to the Flower and Garden Festival? 
Which Disney topiary is your favorite?

Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.