"The Happiest Place on Earth" just got a little bit happier. Starbucks has pulled a trifecta at the Disneyland Resort this week with the opening of its new location in Downtown Disney. This new store, located next to World of Disney and now the largest Starbucks in the United States at 5,600 square feet will definitely need the space since the Starbucks in Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe in Disney California ranks third and the Market House store in Disneyland ranks second in sales for the coffee company. The downtown New York locations is the highest ranked store.
On March 10 at 8:30am, Starbucks opened its doors in a small ceremony
Bill Sleeth, Vice President of Starbucks Store Designs said, "We were inspired by the magic of Disney and wanted to show up in a way that was unique, plus show off our brand."
This location also features The Clover® Brewing System. This system is a reverse French Press coffee brewing system for the extreme pure coffee lover. They use the finest whole beans from around the world. To learn more about the innovative Clover® Brewing System, visit http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/learn/clover.
Another unique feature to this location is this interactive flat screen tv chalk board which will take your picture and allow you to decorate your image and surroundings on the screen with its touch screen feature.
Also in attendance was the Chief Creative Officer and President of Global Innovation for Starbucks, Arthur Rubinfeld pictured in the middle.
Here is a 360 degree video from inside the store.
And unlike the other Starbucks locations inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, this one offers free wi-fi! You can be sure that this new location will soon become one of the most popular hangouts in Downtown Disney. Store hours have not been posted online yet, so check with http://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/search for an update.
Follow me on Twitter @big_bubba_b for Disneyland news, updates, trip reports, and food news. You can also catch me every now and then on Sorcerer Radio's (SRSounds.com) Disneyland Magic with your host William "Yetichaser" Hershey, airing Wednesdays at 5am pst/ 8am est for even more Disneyland news.
Since Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment in late August of 2009, they have been trying to figure out how to introduce Marvel into their theme parks. Because Walt Disney World cannot have any Marvel themes in their resort due to Universal Studio's Island of Adventures contract with Marvel prior to Disney's acquisitionSorry East Coastersthe Disneyland Resort won out.
I was present when Marvel made their big Disney debut at the D23 convention in 2011 when Joe Quesada, CCO of Marvel Entertainment, laid out plans and assured Disney fans that they would not be disappointed. And in my opinion, we have not. With new movies every couple of years, and the Avenger's television spin-off Marvel's Agents of Shield, it would seem that with a little Disney magic, Marvel is bringing fans young and old together and is stronger than ever.
Hall Of Armor at Disneyland
As a result of Marvel's box office releasesand to rake in some of that monetary success as only Disney canthey have been adding Marvel themed attractions and meet-and-greets to entice current and future Marvel fans and pump them up for the next movie. On April 13, 2013, the first Marvel attraction opened inside Disneyland's Innoventions and coincided with the release of Iron Man 3.
"Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries" gave guests a chance to not only view Tony Stark's Hall of Armor, but also virtually suit up and test the experimental Mark 42 suit.
Thor Meet-and-Greet
Last November, the first Marvel Meet-and-Greet opened next to the Stark Tech.
"Thor: Treasures Of Asgard," coincided with the release of Thor: The Dark World and gave guests a chance to travel through the Bi-Frost into the Throne Room and see rare Asgardian treasuresactual props used by the actors in the movie. Once inside the Throne Room, Thor greets guests and gives a lucky "kid" a chance to pick up Mjölnir, Thor's Hammer.
Here is a promotional video from the Disney Parks Blogs starring yours truly.
(I didn't even know this existed, nor that I was in it until I started writing this blog.)
On April 4th, Marvel will release Captain America: Winter Solider in theaters. So therefore sticking with the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Disney is adding "Captain America: The Living Legend and Symbol Of Courage" to it's list of Marvel Meet-and-Greets.
Although not open to the public until next week (March 7), I had the chance to get an early preview. This meet-and-greet is not nearly as big as Stark Tech or as detailed as Treasures of Asgard, which is a bit disappointing. However, it gives guests enough of a taste that they'll be running to the movie theater, and that's really the whole point isn't it?
The entrance sign as guests enter the attraction
Guests line up against this wall as they enter the queue
Here are some of the sights guests will experience.
While in line, guests can view a brief timeline history of Captain America.
Also, guests will see a hologram picture of Steve Roger's body transformation into Captain America
The only prop from the movie is Captain America's World War II uniform. The plaque stated:
Steve Rodgers, better know as "Captain America," wore this original uniform while on active duty during World War II. Following Captain Rodger's revival in the present day, the uniform was redesigned into the high-tech suit Cap wears today.
As guests exit the meet-and-greet area, they can view the history of all the different shields used by Captain America.
My wife Taylor, Me, and Captain America
My Experience:
The moment arrived when the cast-member escorted me into the room with the Cap himself. As he looked at me and stuck his hand out to shake my hand he said, "WOW! Thank you for the support. What's your name soldier?" I said "Bubba, Cap." Then he said, "For a man your size and strength Bubba, I'm gonna see what I can do to get you into the Avengers." I told him, "I'm more of a comedic sidekick, but you're the captain, Captain." He got a kick out of it. We took our pics and has he shook my hand for a final time, he reminded me that he would make a call to Nick Fury to see what he can do.
Dang, I'm good looking
"Captain America: The Living Legend and Symbol Of Courage" opens to all Marvel fans March 7th at Disneyland. My big question is will Disney do something for Guardians of the Galaxy which opens in theaters on August 1st of this year? Hopefully we'll find out in June...
If you want to hear me chat about this and other Disneyland news, listen to Sorcerer Radio this Wednesday during Disneyland Magic with your host Will "Yetichaser" Hershey at 8am est/ 5am pst or catch the replay at 7pm est/ 4pm pst. Go to SRSounds.com or download the free app on your Apple and Android devices to hear the #1 fan based Disney radio station on the internet.
This is Big Bubba, FUTURE AVENGER, saluting you and saying goodbye for now.BUBBA SMASH!
Follow me on Twitter @big_bubba_b for Disneyland news, updates, trip reports, and food news. You can also catch me every now and then on Sorcerer Radio's (SRSounds.com) Disneyland Magic with your host William "Yetichaser" Hershey, airing Wednesdays at 5am pst/ 8am est for even more Disneyland news.
My name is Bubba, and its been two and a half weeks since my last visit to the Disneyland Resort
Awwwwwwww
But how can I pass up a day like this.
Opening Day at Disneyland for Fantasyland's newest addition, Fantasy Faire. I was there representing Sorcerer Radio and Cooking With Mickey.
Where once was the home of the iconicCarnation Plaza Garden Stage now is the new home for this storybook village square right next to Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
This enchanted village brings to life the stories of Disney's fairy tale princess's and hero's from the timeless tales of The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Tangled and Beauty and the Beast.
To quote Disney. Once upon a time begins the moment you arrive, and happily ever after happens every day.
As you enter Fantasy Faire from the main hub, you have your choice of two new attractions.
The main attraction inside Fantasy Faire is the Royal Hall. Before you enter the hall, a sign outside the main entrance shows you which three Disney Princess's are inside for you and your family to meet.
When I went line their was only two names on the board, but I asked a cast member if there was a third princess, and he said while in character, "But of course my dear sir. Princess Ariel has joined the others in the Royal Hall."
Inside the Royal Hall, you can see wood finished walls, banners hung from the ceiling. And what castle wouldn't be complete without a with huge a chandelier.
While in line a lots of guests were asking cast members if any other Princess's like Rapunzel or Belle will be inside throughout the day and if so when. But cast members kept saying come back later to see who's on the board. Kind of confusing and this could possibly make you and most importantly, your kids mad. In my opinion, they need to implement a full day schedule for guests so see they know when to come back to see the princess's they want to see.
As you exit the Royal Hall you see a stone statue of Rapunzel's tower in the middle of Fantasy Faire.
Great detail was put into this statue as you can see Rapunzel looking out from her window with her hair wrapped around the tower. Its definitely a nice picture spot for the kids.
From the Royal Hall I made my way to the second attraction inside Fantasy Faire, the Royal Theatre. Home of two new unique live shows.
I caught the 11:05 Tangled show. It filled up quickly. Children are allowed to sit on the circular carpets in front of the stage while everyone else gets to sit on benches.
Madrigals interact with the audience before the show to see which side of the audience is the loudest by saying Hazaa. A live pianist that plays during the show is introduced then the show gets underway.
Here are a few clips of the show.
This was my definite highlight for the day. A great show for the whole family. Unfortunately I did not catch the Beauty and the Beast live show but hopefully next visit Ill be able to.
As you walk around Fantasy Faire, you will notice two unique elements.
With Clopin's Music Box from Disney's The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, guests can witness a real Fantasy Faire party when you turn the crank in front of the music box.
As you look inside you will notice a couple more characters from other Disney movies that have joined in.
The second addition is Figaro the cat from Pinocchio. Perch on a second story window, Figaro sleeps through the day as a blue bird in a cage sings on, startling and waking the cat up every now and then.
Last but not least, THE FOOD!
Maurice's Treats offers 3 new twist and a beverage fit for a Prince or Princess.
You can go on the sweet side and choose from a Chocolate or a Strawberry twist pastry topped with powdered sugar. I had the strawberry twist and can definitely taste the jam used in the dough. Perfectly crisp yet soft on the inside.
What I was really looking forward to was the Cheddar Garlic Begal Twist. It was very tasty and not to over powering with the garlic but about 5 minutes later I could have used to hammer a nail. They should offer a marinara sauce with this if any Disney food executive happens to be reading this. And if you love the Apple Freeze at the Cozy Cone Motel at Carsland, you will love the Boysen-Apple Freeze. A couple of squirts of boysenberry at the bottom and frozen apple juice poured in after, then topped with passion fruit foam. I could of had ten of these. OMG! I have a new favorite drink (non-alcoholic). Sweet on one tasted bud, and sour on another. DELISH! For $5 more you can get a souvenir goblet fit for a princess or a stein with Beast on one side, and Gaston on the other.
But since this is an outdoor vendor booth, Annual Passholder discounts are not available here.
While taking in the sights and sounds of Fantasy Faire I noticed a Disney celebrity walking around.
Tony Baxter, who recently stepped down as Senior Vice President of Creative Development in Walt Disney Imagineering, was also inside Fantasy Faire. Luckily I had a chance to ask him what he thinks about Fantasy Faire. "Well in looks amazing. I'm glad Disney took a dying area and turned it around and make it look like this." Before he left I asked him if he would be coming back to D23 this year and continue his Vintage Disneyland presentation. "Well we have some great old videos from both Disneyland and Disney World and I hope to be there to share it with you guys again."
So you heard it hear first. Tony Baxter MAY be at D23 this year.
What a great way to end the day.
From Fantasy Faire inside the Disneyland, this is Big Bubba saying HAZAA, HAZAA, HAZZA
Follow me on Twitter @big_bubba_b for Disneyland news, updates, trip
reports, and food news. You can also catch me every now and then on
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Disneyland Magic with your host William "Yetichaser" Hershey, airing
Wednesdays at 5am pst/ 8am est for even more Disneyland news.
Me and Tay worked in the morning then headed to Disneyland to meet our great friends, Karla and Fernando, who we love to hang out with. Once again, BRRRRRR, another cold night. We met them in the Esplanade around 7 pm then decided which park to go to. We headed north........DISNEYLAND.
Got into the park and noticed it was busy. We headed to New Orleans Square and hopped on Pirates Of The Caribbean. Always a great attraction to start off with.
From there me and Tay had dinner at The French Market and basically had the same exact thing we had on Mardi Gras. She had the Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage and I had the French Quarter Chicken. While we ate, Fernando sat with us while Karla waited in line for beingnets. and being the awesome people they are, they bought us a bag of 6 mickey shaped beignets. So nice of them.
We relax for a while and watched Fantasmic from a distance while chatting the night away.
When the show ended, we walked through Adventure Land and got on The Jungle Cruise. While in line we met a family who noticed my pins and got to talking about Sorcerer Radio. I got to talk to them about the station and took a picture of my SRSOUNDS.com landyard and button so they could download the app.
We had a great Captain on our cruise with a couple new lines we haven't heard. Our favorite one, "Look at those lions protecting that sleeping zebra, they cant decided what to eat.....white meat, dark meat, white meat, dark meat."
After the ride we walked to Sleeping Beauty's Castle and waited for the rope to drop for the re-opening of Fantasy Land since its closed during the fireworks show. Got a chance to post this pic on Instagram.
@Big_Bubba_B It's always a magical night at the Happiest Place on Earth!
When the rope dropped we ran straight to Peter Pan and there was already a long line but we still waited since its always worth it. They ladies said it would be cute if me and Fernando rode it together. So we did.
"Second bar, I mean star to the right, and straight on till morning"
Then we went to Casey Jr. Circus Train and rode the caboose. BAD IDEA. I'm to tall and big for that small train. Rode the ride with my head hitting the roof. But they all got a big kick out of it.
That was the end of our night. Said goodbye to our friends and headed to World of Disney real quick to buy my wife her favorite make at home Mickey Mac and Cheese.
Follow me on Twitter for Disneyland news, updates, trip
reports, and food news and Instagram for pics from the Disneyland Resort. You can also catch me every now and then on
Sorcerer Radio's (SRSounds.com)
Disneyland Magic with your host William "Yetichaser" Hershey, airing
Wednesdays at 5am pst/ 8am est for even more Disneyland news
All we kept hearing about is rain, rain rain for today, and it wouldn't come till later in the day. So we decided to go later in the day to DCA. But today was also special not just for me, but my wife also. She recently found out that she got a job so it turned into a celebration in a way.
We got into DCA at around 4pm and food was on our mind. But it was soooooooo cold, so we decided on bread bowls from Pacific Wharf Cafe, and I was going to get my Corn Chowder. But as I looked at the menu, it wasn't on there. NOOOOOOO! So I got the Clam Chowder instead. I asked a cast member why they didn't serve the Corn Chowder anymore? She said it wasn't a favorite so they took it off the menu.
@Big_Bubba_B What a perfect meal for a chilly day! Yum!
The soup was very warm and bread was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. But my wife was disappointed with the quality of the Broccoli Cheese . It did taste different to me too. But still satisfying none the less
After we ate, I thought I'd have fun by feeding the ducks.
We were still waiting for the rain. It was so cloudy and windy, we were sure it was going to come soon.
We walk through Cars Land and noticed there was no wait for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Hopped on that really quick. Fan as always.
Then walked over to Hollywood Land. While we walked there we watched the Pixar Play Parade.
Finally we made it through the heavy crowd to Hollywood Land (I hate the new name) and watched Aladdin at Hyperion Theater. My wife hasnt see it since they stopped doing the Magic Carpet fly over.
Great Genie once again. Favorite line. " Your like Russel Crow from Les Mis. Except you can sing."
To conclude the night we watched "Oz The Great and Powerful" special 8 minute preview that has taken over Muppet Vision for the the time being.
Awesome preview. You could fell the wind and water droplets from the tornado. The 3D was amazing too.
Then headed home for the night.
Follow me on Twitter for Disneyland news, updates, trip
reports, and food news and Instagram for pics from the Disneyland Resort. You can also catch me every now and then on
Sorcerer Radio's (SRSounds.com)
Disneyland Magic with your host William "Yetichaser" Hershey, airing
Wednesdays at 5am pst/ 8am est for even more Disneyland news.
Vincent-Big Bubba B
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