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Give a Day Get a Day Ends

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:13:59 -0500

Disney ends ‘Give a Day’ promotion after 1 million volunteers sign up

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/03/d...s-sign-up/

Mickey's House.....

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:20:08 -0500

Mickey and Minnie's houses are going to be demolished. Toon Town is scheduled to go away in September..... I am so sad. I remember when my daughters actually really believed M&M lived in those houses. I hate to see them go....other little kids need the opportunity to believe.

Channing

F & G Preparations Video :)

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:43:56 -0500

It takes 24,000 cast member hours to make the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival happen. But thats just a number until youre able to actually see the work behind it all. Take a look at overnight time-lapse video featuring the creation of an area containing three of the more than 70 Disney character topiaries in the park this year. For more information about events and activities taking place during this year's festival, visit: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park...
Happy Spring!!!

New code for Disney Visa cardholders

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:22:22 -0500

A Walt Disney World® Resort offer for some of our best friends.
Kids 3-9 stay, play and dine FREE at Walt Disney World® Resort when you purchase a 4-night/5-day Magic Your Way Package with Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan!

Disney Rewards® Visa® Credit and Debit Cardmembers, don’t miss out on this exclusive Walt Disney World® Resort deal. When you purchase a 4-night/5-day Magic Your Way Vacation package that includes room, Theme Park tickets and a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan for stays most nights March 14, 2010 - August 14, 2010, a child 3 - 9 can stay, get 5-day Theme Park tickets and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, FREE!

Make your family’s stay more magical with these Resort extras:

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan - Lets you choose Quick-Service meals and snacks at over 50 select Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants.
Disney's Magical Express Service - Enjoy complimentary motor-coach transportation to and from Orlando International Airport.
Extra Magic Hours Benefit - Each day, one of the Parks is open for extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required.)
Guest Transportation - Complimentary transportation takes your family from your Disney Resort Hotel to all four Disney Theme Parks and more - throughout the day!

*The number of packages available at this rate is limited. Child must stay in room with adult. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Maximum of four Guests per room.

For info about this package contact us at http://www.travelwiththemagic.com or KellyR@travelwiththemagic.com

EASTER BLACK OUT LIFTED

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:57:06 -0500

Easter black out dates have been lifted!!

chan

SSR New Pool?

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:38:39 -0500

New Pool for Saratoga Springs Resort? Not sure...but rumor is that the 1,100 square ft. pool in the Paddock section of the Saratoga Springs Resort will be replaced with a new 3,300 square ft. zero-depth-entry feature pool complete with a 146 ft. slide, 1600 square ft. wet play area, 11,000 square ft. deck area and a new quick serve dining location.

Opening in 2011, this will be a welcome addition to a section of the resort which is quite a distance from the resort's current feature pool.

New Manatee!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:30:47 -0500

This week, the team welcomed to The Seas rescued manatee, Jasper, who weighs 632 pounds and is 6-foot-8-inches long.
The team expects Jasper to be released back into the wild in about a year, after he has gained weight and received medical care for cold stress.
Guests can see Jasper (right in above photo) and resident manatee, Lou, when they visit Epcot.

Seas Team Welcomes Rescued Manatee, Returns Another to the Wild

New Swan and Dolphin Promtion

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:24:09 -0500

The Swan and Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Resort is running a new promo!

Stay one night at the regular rate and the next is 50% off. Valid for arrivals any day of the week. 6 night minimum length of stay required.
Now thru December 31, 2010

For more information about this promo contact us at info@travelwiththemagic.com or toll free at 800-670-4312

Disney Parks TV - Week of 3/08/10

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:27:00 -0500

This week's listings have been posted to
http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/tv

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Please Note - All times listed are for the Eastern Time Zone. Adjust
accordingly.
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On Tuesday March 09, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM on DIY - Do it Yourself is

Disney Epcot-Yard Crashers
Licensed Landscape Contractor Ahmed Hassan and 300 Horticulturists "Crash" Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. Howard and Julie Callendar and their two teenage sons, Ian and Drake of Orangevale, Calif., work with Hassan to crash their own corner of Walt Disney World and give viewers a taste of how it is transformed into a 300-acre garden oasis, filled with over 30 million blooms during the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival.

This show will repeat
Wednesday March 10, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

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On Tuesday March 09, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Fine Living Network is

Surprise Vacations with Karen Duffy - Disney Parks
Devoted community volunteers are rewarded for their hard work and dedication with a surprise vacation to Walt Disney World, where they receive recognition and special treatment along with the family and friends who nominated them.

This show will repeat
Thursday March 11, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday March 13, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

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On Thursday March 11, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on WE - Women ' s Entertainment is

Disney's Dream Weddings
Celebrity event planner David Tutera takes a behind-the-scenes look at the groundwork for elaborate weddings that take place at the Walt Disney World Resort, including food preparation, ceremonial décor and the couple's eventual walk down the aisle.

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On Thursday March 11, 2010 from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Extreme Waterparks
Cameras explore some of the wildest and largest waterparks around the country, including those that take the title as the largest outdoor park and the largest indoor park; vacationers enjoy the sun at Disney's Blizzard Beach in Florida.

This show will repeat
Friday March 12, 2010 from 01:00 AM to 02:00 AM
Saturday March 13, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

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On Saturday March 13, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes
Cameras delve into the vacation epicenter that includes theme parks such as the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center and Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida and explore how the massive entertainment complex developed.

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On Saturday March 13, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Disney Cruise Line
The Travel Channel hosts an in-depth look at the innovation behind the Walt Disney Company's cruise line and what it takes to operate its ships and provide an unforgettable experience for travelers who vacation on them.

Coupons for Spa Services

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:12:43 -0500

Here are some printable coupons for spa services at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs Resort.....

Spa Coupons

One is for $50
$50 toward the cost of one of
the following combined services.

50-minute Swedish Massage
50-minute Facial
50-minute Swedish Massage
Manicure/Pedicure Combination
50-minute Facial
Manicure/Pedicure Combination

The other is for $15
$15 toward the cost
of one of the following services.
50-minute Swedish Massage
50-minute Body Treatment
50-minute Facial

Enjoy!
Channing

New on Disney.com when booking the Grand

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:52:27 -0500

As you can see they are now making it easier for people. If you book a garden view you arent in the Main Building.

Outer Bldg - Garden View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Garden View Rooms offer views of the Courtyard, Marina or Pool areas.

Outer Bldg - Lagoon View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Lagoon View Rooms offer views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Outer Bldg - Deluxe Room - Garden View (This was called lodge tower)
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer a private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Lodge Tower Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.

Outer Bldg - Theme Park View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Magic Kingdom View Rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom theme park.

Outer Bldg - Standard Room - Club Level (sugar loaf)
Concierge service at the Outer Building Sugarloaf Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Outer Building, Concierge Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.

Main Bldg - Standard Room - Club Level (Royal Palm Club)
Concierge service at the Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Main Building, Concierge Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool, Magic Kingdom theme park or the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Main Bldg - Deluxe King Room - Club Level
Concierge service at the Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Main Building, Concierge Honeymoon Rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom theme park or the grounds of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa."

Main Bldg - Theme Park View - Club Level (Royal Palm Club)

Food & Wine Fest at California Adventure

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:26:33 -0500

Festival Overview
From April 16 to May 31, 2010, please your "palette" with a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences at the Fifth Annual Disney's California Food & Wine Festival.

For 46 days, Disney's California Adventure® Park and select locations at the Disneyland® Resort will host "The Art of Flavor," one of the most anticipated events of spring! Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State's regional and culinary diversity. It's presented by Vanity Fair® Premium Napkins and Plates.

Many Festival favorites are returning, in addition to new events and activities...including the all-new Festival Showplace!

For more info and schedule of events......
Disneyland's Food and Wine Festival

DTD Expands.......

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:23:32 -0500

Downtown Disney Expands Retail, Dining and Entertainment Offerings with Two New Stores, 3D Theater Technology and Restaurant Set to Open in 2010

Two new stores, 3D (ETX) theater technology and restaurant set to open in 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 1, 2010) – Downtown Disney, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex at Walt Disney World Resort, will welcome several additions as part of its overall revitalization plan. In the coming months, the district will welcome two new stores, a quick-service restaurant and 3D technology to the AMC Pleasure Island 24 theater.

“We’re excited to build upon our existing portfolio of unique offerings and are committed to bringing guests even more interactive experiences,” said Downtown Disney Vice President Keith Bradford. “These new diverse venues are perfectly in sync with Downtown Disney and reflect the feedback we have received from our guests.”

After its success at the Downtown Disney® District in Disneyland in California, RIDEMAKERZ® will open a new retail entertainment experience on the West Side of Downtown Disney for a limited engagement. This store will integrate full-sized cars and a supercharged interactive experience that lets guests build, customize and trick out their very own radio-controlled vehicles. Kids of all ages will be able to satisfy their need for speed with over 649 million ways to create a mean machine. RIDEMAKERZ will open March 25 through fall 2010.

D Street, a new apparel store where urban inspired product “intersects” with a Disney creative edge will also open on the West Side and showcase a mix of products for both men and women. Building on the existing popularity of Trend-D at the Marketplace, D-Street will include edgy apparel, pop culture novelties, Vinylmation™ figures and collectibles, artwork, handbags, accessories, jewelry and more. Opening in April, the store will feature a raw, unfinished industrial look and provide a great venue to showcase Disney art created by local artists.

AMC Entertainment is currently upgrading auditorium #1 to be the first Enhanced Theater Experience (ETX™) in the United States. The ETX auditorium will include a 20 percent larger, floor-to-ceiling screen, 3D technology, 12 channel audio and digital projection that delivers higher resolution than HD. AMC will debut the ETX auditorium in time for the premier of “Alice in Wonderland” in 3D on March 5.

Opening this fall at Downtown Disney Marketplace will be an internationalLatin chicken quick-service restaurant- Pollo Campero. This new restaurant concept will offer Disney guests savory combinations of freshly prepared Campero Latin chicken, flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. For the more nutritious minded, they will offer chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps, as well as sugar-free, gluten-free, low sodium, and organic offerings.

These new efforts come on the heels of the recent openings of Little Miss Matched, Paradiso 37, TrendD, Characters in Flight and Disney’s Design-a-Tee.

Backstage Magic Tour Info

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:18:47 -0500

Backstage Magic Quick Facts

The Backstage Magic tour offered through Disney Institute takes guests behind the scenes to discover onstage and backstage areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Accompanied by an expert guide, guests explore attractions and backstage operations in each of the four theme parks.

When do tours take place?
Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 a.m.

How long is the tour?
7 hours

How many people can participate?
20

Are there age restrictions?
Guests must 16 and older

What’s included in the tour price?
Magic Kingdom “tunnel” system

Entertainment Production Center (show rehearsal hall, parade staging area)

Central Shops (creation and refurbishment of “the show”)

The American Adventure stage system (Epcot)

Creative costuming, the world’s largest working wardrobe

Can I take pictures?
No photography or videotaping is permitted

What does it cost?
$224 per person includes lunch

How do guests register?
Call 407/WDW-TOUR (939-8687)

(Backstage Magic is very popular; guests are encouraged to book in advance)

Toy Story 3

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:03:13 -0500

Looks cute!

2010 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:57:50 -0500

Here is the latest update .....

* June 12 – June 19: Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees)
* June 20 – June 26: Hotel California (Eagles)
* June 27 – July 3: TBD
* July 4 – July 10: Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)
* July 11 – July 17: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
* July 18 – July 24: 2U (U2)
* July 25 – July 31: Beginnings (Chicago)

Show times are scheduled for 5:45 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm except on July 4 on which shows are scheduled to occur at 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:45pm and 9:00 pm.

OK...why isn't Bjorn Again coming back?!?!!? Hoping the TBD will be filled with them.

Channing

FL Resident Contest....Win 4 Day Dream Passes

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:45:00 -0500

The contest begins March 8......

Through an Instant Win online game, Walt Disney World will be giving 54 pairs of 4 Day Dream Passes (good for one theme park per day, valid from 3/8/10 – 3/26/10 and 4/10/2010 – 5/25/2010).

All entrants will also then have the opportunity to compose an original essay nominating a non-profit organization to receive the grand prize of a custom designed garden by Disney’s own professional horticulturists. The garden will even include elements from this year’s Flower and Garden Festival.

For complete rules and information ......
http://wwww.epcotgardencontest.com/

Good luck!!
Channing

AMC DTD Announces ETX Enhanced Theater Experience

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:17:45 -0500

From stitch kingdom.....

AMC Theatres Announces ETX™, an Enhanced Theater Experience Exclusively at AMC Pleasure Island 24 in Walt Disney World

AMC Theatres® (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, today announces that guests will be able to see movies in a new, entirely superior fashion when the AMC Enhanced Theatre Experience (ETXTM) makes its U.S. debut on March 5 at AMC Pleasure Island 24 at Downtown Disney® Area at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

ETX includes a 20-percent larger screen, 3D technology, digital projection and an upgraded sound system. Specifically, the digital projection system produces images comprised of 2 million pixels, which delivers a higher resolution than HD. This eye-popping image is then showcased on a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen that immerses guests in the image.

The ETX auditorium also boasts 12 audio channels fueled by 50,000 watts of power, which is a major upgrade and three times the power of typical auditoriums with six audio channels. As a result of this improved sight and sound experience, guests will not simply watch a movie. They will live it in ETX.

“We are proud to launch our new ETX concept for the first time in the United States at AMC Pleasure Island 24,” said John McDonald, executive vice president, U.S. operations. “We truly believe this premier location at Downtown Disney deserves the absolute best entertainment experience AMC can offer, and ETX is the cornerstone of that experience.”

The high-tech, state-of-the-art ETX auditorium will feature Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” in 3D when the movie opens across the United States on March 5.

“With the upgraded screen and sound system, in addition to the premium viewing experience digital cinema offers, we believe our guests at AMC Pleasure Island 24 will walk away with a new perception of how movies should be delivered,” said McDonald.

Movies shown in the ETX auditorium will cost $2 more, while 3D titles such as “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” will cost $4 more to see it in ETX. For more information about ETX and amenities at AMC Pleasure Island 24, please visit http://www.AMCEntertainment.com.

The Missing Laptop and The Leaking Boardwalk Pipe

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:31:24 -0500

I told Channing I would post this back after it happened in December-sorry it's taken so long. We booked a very last minute 5 day trip to WDW. We are DVC members. Availability was limited at such a late date so some hotel hopping was required. The first day we arrived at the Boardwalk where we were booked to stay one night in a Grand Villa. Arriving early in the day meant the room was not yet ready but they gladly stored our carry on items including 3 laptops that we asked be locked up. Later when our bags were brought to us one laptop was missing. It seems one of the bell man in the porte cochere area remembered putting said laptop into the car of a departing guest. We were shocked (partly that this happened and partly that they so readily admitted it). They assured us they were trying to contact the guest who was a Florida resident. I explained I was concerned because my camcorder and my cell phone charger were in the same bag. Luckily my husband has the same phone charger. But we were meeting up with extended family who we never travel with. We had booked a family pontoon boat Christmas Wishes cruise and the Wanyama Safari,a "date" for me and hubby later in the week. I planned on using the camcorder for these events. I asked if there was any type of loaner camcorder I could use. No. They said they would issue us a check for $150. for our troubles (to be sent to our home) and if the laptop was not found we could file a claim. We did enjoy the Grand Villa and entertained the extended family there that evening. The next morning my daughter woke me at the crack of dawn to tell me the kitchen ceiling was dripping. By the time I pulled myself out of bed the drip was a waterfall! Maintenance came and cut four holes in the ceiling while we ate our breakfast in the adjacent dining room. They extended our check out until noon. We moved onto Animal Kingdom Lodge. Later, a Boardwalk manager called to tell me the woman in possession of the laptop returned their call. She lived somewhere in the vicinity of DCL (Titusville?). They had hoped she could bring the bag to DCL and then they could send a Boardwalk cast member to retrieve it. She was unable to do this but was willing to mail it priority mail. I asked why a castmember (or a messenger service)could not go to her house. I was told they could only drive to a destination where they conducted Disney business. They insisted that since it was being mailed from Florida to Florida I would have it next day. I was doubtful and less than thrilled. Throughout the week we played phone tag-no laptop, no camcorder. On our last day we were on our way to return our rental car to the Dolphin. A mgr. from Boardwalk called. He had our laptop bag. I explained we were on a tight schedule to make our Magical Express bus back at AKL. He said he would have a Boardwalk castmember at the Dolphin valet with our laptop bag. We arrived at Dolphin and waited-no cast member. Afraid to miss our bus to the airport we called a taxi to take us back to AKL. I had called the Boardwalk and had been on hold waiting for someone to find this manager. As we were leaving the Dolphin and I was on hold, the manager beeped in to my call waiting. He said too bad we took a taxi because his guy was going to drive us to AKL. Too late now. I explained that there were 7 of us-myself and hubby, and our kids-24, 16, 12, 11 and 4. We were all STRESSED! At this point I was fearful we had missed the ME bus. He assured me the cast member would drive us to MCO. Good thing because the bus was leaving as we pulled up to AKL. The tension at this point is overwhelming. The kids were tired and getting on each other's nerves. It was just an awful way to end a trip. It was shear chaos. As the bellman from AKL brought out our carry ons we were all arguing and scrambling to get the bags into the Disney van. The castmember who drove us was lovely. We calmed down and had a great ride to the airport. As we unloaded the van at the airport I made sure I had the missing laptop BUT my son's laptop was now missing! The castmember called back to AKL. We had left in on the bellman's trolley in all our haste! They overnighted it us to our home in NJ. Next time the laptops stay home! BTW, We still have not received the check from the Boardwalk. When we called to check on it we were told it takes at least 8 weeks. We have now passed 8 weeks. I will have to call again. In spite of all this we did have a great trip. The Grand Villa at the Boardwalk was beautiful (minus the broken pipe) and the location of the Boardwalk is still a favorite of mine.

Flower & Garden Fest

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:27:54 -0500

It opens today! Looks like it's going to be adorable!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/20...-festival/

Channing