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It’s a Walt Disney World treasure, and one that’s often overlooked – the magnificent miniature carousel located in the lobby of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

Years ago, salesmen carried mini versions of large items as samples so that prospective buyers would not need to purchase sight-unseen.  These tiny, perfect replicas or “salesman samples” were used to demonstrate the features and selling points of an amazing array of merchandise including furniture pieces, farm equipment, the household “technologies” of the day such as stoves and washing machines, coffins and canoes, shoes and eyeglasses, weathervanes, and various patented machinery.

Small, intricate reproductions of fabulous carousels were brought to fairgrounds around the country; used as a sales tool for the full-sized amusement rides.

There seems to be some conflicting information about the beautiful example on display in the resort.  Some sources claim it was made in the 1920’s by famous artist Marcus Illions, and there is wording on the piece itself to that effect.  Others insist it’s of a newer vintage – circa 1980 – reproducing one of his full-scale works.  Since Illions was a carver of full-sized pieces, it’s possible that this is a copy of one such ride.  It is very much in the style of the artist featuring the sense of natural motion, the lively poses, and the intricate detail that he was known for.  In either case, it has certainly been touched with pixie dust to suit its Disney home.

Most guests barely give it a second glance and, indeed, it’s somewhat difficult to see.  With a current value of more than $80,000.00, it’s perched up behind a circular seating area and protected by plexiglass. Sitting in opulent silence, it will suddenly burst into life, playing Disney themes and slowly moving as hundreds of tiny twinkling blue lights turn it into a scene from a fairytale.

The detail is extraordinary – jaunty and jewel-studded with a gaily-striped canopy, lavish gold embellishments, and gilded poles.  A dappled mare hides Hidden Mickeys on her coat and there is a splendidly subtle Hidden Mickey on another horse that’s a challenge to find.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2011 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from September 30 to November 13, 2011, can now begin planning their culinary adventures!

Some of the changes this year include the addition of booths in the World Showcase that represent the Caribbean and Portugal.  A complete listing of the participants and menus, along with a schedule of the popular Eat to the Beat concerts, is included in the Festival Guidemap.  Fans of Party for the Senses will be happy to learn that cast members from Cirque du Soleil will once again add their special brand of fun and excitement to this popular event.

Also new for 2011 is the addition of Sweet Seats to the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, The Discovery of Chocolate series, the Cranberry Bog Display, Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV, Mixology Seminars, Scent Demonstrations, Italy Food & Beer Pairings, Italy Dessert & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle Lunch, Mexico Tequila Lunch, The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner, and the Kitchen Memories seminars.

For your convenience, we’ve  put together a series of printable guides which highlight the program offerings for this year.  Those wishing to attend any of the special events and seminars can begin making reservations on August 16, 2011.

Premium Events and Experiences

Premium International Events

Special Festival Seminars and Experiences

Special Sweet Events

You can also get further details about past Festivals by reviewing earlier posts.  It’s a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World ~ the weather is beautiful, the Magic Kingdom is festively dressed for Halloween, and there is so much to see and do and taste!

In response to the demand for more Family Suites, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is now accepting reservations for 2012.  Guests can immerse themselves in classic animated films with a stay at this new Value Resort.  The resort is made up of four wings, three of which have family suites and one which features standard rooms.  It’s being opened in stages with the suites being offered first.  The property will ultimately include 1,120 family suites, and 864 standard rooms.

For arrivals beginning June 1, 2012, guests can stay in a Finding Nemo Family Suite.  Cars Family suites are available for dates from September 1, 2012, and on October 1, 2012, The Lion King Family Suites will be added to the roster.

An interesting element of these new suites is the addition of an Inova TableBed, a dining and work table that can quickly be converted into a double bed.  Suites will continue to offer a queen bed in the separate master bedroom and a double sleep sofa in the living room, as well as two bathrooms and a kitchenette with small refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also include standard category rooms in The Little Mermaid wing which will be opened for occupancy later in the year.

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

 

Cunard, a cruise line famed for its “queens,” published a book in the 1930’s celebrating the wonders of the Queen Mary.  Known as the Book of Comparisons, it illustrated different statistics and features of the ship by comparing them to well-known landmarks and concepts, affording the public a true appreciation of the size and complexity of this enormous ocean liner.

Disney Cruise Line has taken a page from this book with their own version featured on the walls of Disney Magic.  While guests might find it hard to imagine, for instance, just how long 964 feet truly is, a glance at these illustrated “Seaworthy Facts” helps put it all in perspective!

While the term “Hidden Mickey” has come to include almost all incorporations of a Mickey head, the best examples remain those which feature a subtle integration of the iconic shape rather than used as a purely decorative add-on.

 

We look for the clever arrangement of functional parts, the artful inclusion of two small ears in a mural, the meticulous placement of circular elements.  A great Hidden Mickey is not an addition but, rather, a cohesive part of the whole and should require a bit of searching before it’s discovered.

 

One of the loveliest representatives of this charming genre is tucked into the exuberant colors and shapes of Dale Chihuly’s beautiful chandelier, Festa Venezia, which graces the lobby of Disney Magic.

For the men who shop, or the women who shop for the men who would prefer a root canal treatment, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa features one of the few shops devoted to the Disney male – Commander Porter’s.

The shelves are filled with golf apparel and accessories, crisp, button-down shirts, and Grand Floridian logowear.  Elegant Hawaiian shirts, swimwear, and tastefully subdued Disney ties tempt shoppers.  There is casual clothing with labels bearing the names of Ralph and Tommy, well-known fragrance lines, cigars, lighters, and other manly merchandise.  Commander Porter’s, open from 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, is found on the second floor overlooking the main lobby.

Water is one of the key elements in Native American culture and it is charmingly represented at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in the form of Silver Creek.  From its source inside the lobby, the bubbling stream travels under the wooden bridge and outside, flowing over pebbled beds as it makes its way towards the rocky outcropping.

There it becomes a waterfall that cascades over the rocks before seeming to flow into Silver Creek Springs pool.  Finally, it gurgles past the wildflowers and butterflies, seeking the freedom of beautiful Bay Lake.

In keeping with the theme of the majestic National Parks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a unique feature for the entertainment of visitors.  On the hour, from early morning until about 10:00 p.m., Fire Rock Geyser erupts, forcing a column of water more than 120 feet in the air to catch the light and delight guests.

With a nod to its inspiration, the iconic Old Faithful, Fire Rock appears peaceful, gently steaming, until the clock strikes the hour and hissing and bubbling, a column of water bursts up towards the sky.

There is much talk about the depth of theming at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but the attention to this single element, the water path, is astonishing.  It serves no purpose other than to add interest and beauty to the property, yet it represents an extraordinary effort in terms of planning and execution.  The frothing hot spring in the lobby with its arched bridge; the stream beds, plantings, and the elaborate rock work underpinning the falls; the infrastructure that results in a regularly-scheduled display; this enormous undertaking simply to please a few of the more observant guests.  It is precisely this type of endeavor, so creative and imaginative, that draws us back to Disney again and again!

 

It’s difficult to decide if the most amazing “Reflections of China” are found in the movie of that name shown inside this pavilion, or  are best seen in the glowing colors of nature and the exuberant exteriors of the buildings.

Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature.  Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.

One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.

Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background.  Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts.  Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .

Located at the beautiful Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Roaring Fork is definitely one of the better quick-service stops.  Diners will find the usual selection of burgers and pizza as well as the familiar children’s menu items.

But Roaring Fork also offers some delicious choices which are unique to this venue.  For a welcome change from the typical fast-food fare, try the Territory or Wilderness Salad or the Ham and Tillamook Cheddar Sandwich.  There’s a nice bakery section featuring the popular magic cookie bars, and little individual chocolate bundt cakes.  Breakfast items range from a hearty Bounty Platter to Create-Your-Own Yogurt Parfaits and assorted pastries.

There is a seating area inside, or guests can choose to dine under an umbrella at one of the tables outside with pleasant views of the courtyard. Roaring Fork is also convenient to the main pool area and has seasonal hours that generally run from about 7:00 a.m. to midnight.