Magical Moments - The Magic, The Memories, and You

If you are heading to the Magic Kingdom before April 15th be sure be sure not to miss The Magic, The Memories and You: Romance Edition. Since this show debuted on January 18, 2011 it has become a true Disney classic, entertaining children and adults alike.

The Magic The Memories and You is a projection show that takes place on Cinderella Castle.

Photos of guests taken by Disney Photopass castmembers are combined with projections of Disney Characters and attractions along with classic Disney music. If you've had your photo taken that day using Photopass chances are your image will appear on Cinderella Castle.

Begining with the Christmas 2011 Disney has begun to update the show seasonly. In honor of Valentines Day a Romance edition was created and will run through April 15. Photos of couples will be projected along side some of the most romantic scenes from classic Disney films. Disney couples include Lady and the Tramp, Snow White and her Prince, and Rupunzel and Flynn Rider. One of the most spectacular sequences involves the flying lanterns from Tangled appearing all over Cinderella Castle.

The show takes place nightly before the Wishes fireworks show. The show can be viewed from anywhere on Main Street, though the closer to the castle you are, the better. If you decide to see The Magic The Memories and You we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Magical Moments - EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Begining March 7 and running through May 20th is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV. The gardens around Epcot are alive with the color of more than 30 million fragrant blossoms, the event features: more than 75 Disney character topiary displays, gardening workshops, guest speakers and the Flower Power Concert Series.

Begin your visit at the Festival Center (located between Universe of Energy and Mission:Space in Future World) so you can plan your day. Inside the center you'll find: the Intermissions Cafe hosted by Moet Hennessy USA where you can enjoy wines, tea, sandwiches and light snacks, the HGTV Designers Stage where some of your favorite personalities from the channel will give entertaining and informative presentations, and Ask an Expert where all your gardening questions will be answered.

Small children will love the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden where they can play among topiarys in the shape of Disney fairy characters. The area features a specially designed playground area and the Cozy Dome, which features a hide away on the inside and climbing area on the outside.

One of the most popular aspects of the Flower and Garden Festival is the Flower Power Concert Series which take place in the American Gardens Theatre at World Showcase. These concerts feature some of your favorite singers and bands from the 1960's and 1970's. This years line up includes: Jose Feliciano, The Guess Who, Chubby Checker, Davy Jones and many others. Check the Epcot website or you event guide book for dates.

March, April and May is a great time to visit the WDW resort. The temperature is warm during the day and cool at night (March high 79 low 56, April 83/60, May 88/66) with low chances of rain. If you decide to visit WDW at this time be sure and check out the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival it's a great time for the whole family. The event is include in the price of admission to the park.

Magical Moments - Romantic Disney II

After our last posting entitled "Romantic Disney", we received a few emails and calls from friends requesting another installment. So, in the interest of celebrating Valentine's Day, we will once again attempt to lay out a three day weekend in agenda form. However, this time, allow us to set a slightly different scene.

You have been married for 10 years. You have married way out of your league - as most of us do - and she, along with everyone else, knows it. She is more than a princess to you, she is a queen. You understand what it means to find a good thing in finding a good wife, and you want to show her your appreciation as well as your adoration. So, you set off to create a magical memory that will capture the first decade of marriage and will set the tone for the decade to come.

Surprise her with the trip. Cards are easy, and everyone gives them too, so don't give a card. Instead, find a nice envelope and place a little glitter inside. When she opens it, tell her it is pixie dust that will give her the ability to fly off for a weekend for two. If you have plane tickets, place them in he envelope too.

Once again, if you arrive by plane, remember the Disney Magical Express to travel the 33 miles from the Orlando airport to your resort. When you arrive at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, your wife will find The Disney Dozen bouquet of roses you ordered in advance from the Dream Makers (407-WDW-GIFT)The first day can be spent at the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the park and take as many pictures as you can. Once ready, leave the park for the Polynesian resort, where you will set sail on a Fireworks Cruise that will allow you to experience the Wishes Fireworks Spectacular in a totally unique and secluded way. This ride upon a 25 foot pontoon boat, with a driver, will run you around $300; but I guarantee this will never be forgotten. Besides, that is only $30 a year for the decade you are celebrating! For an extra special experience, add a dinner from the resort from which your cruise launched. (Cruises actually launch from the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Polynesian.)Day two will begin with a light breakfast from room service. Spend quiet time together. Then, set off on a Water Taxi or simply walk to EPCOT, where you will spend most of the day enjoying the park. Return to your resort mid-afternoon for a few moments in Stormalong Bay (the pool) prior to your 75 minute Swedish Relaxation Massage. A quick shower will reinvigorate you as you leave for your dinner reservations at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian.Victoria and Albert's will be another memorable experience, though a bit pricey. Be sure to dress appropriately in a dinner jacket and slacks for this 2-hour anniversary dining experience. Don't forget the camera!

Once you return to your resort, you can enjoy the Yacht Club's own beach, which serves as a great location for wonderful memories. The Boardwalk is just across the water and the lights are beautiful on the water at night. Take time to enjoy Movies Under the Stars, where you will enjoy a Disney movie on the beach. Again, take as many photos as you can of each other and of the surroundings.Then, it's off for a stroll around the Boardwalk located directly across Crescent Lake. If you feel ready to take on the night, you could dance the night away at the Atlantic City Dance Hall, or you could simply stroll hand-in-hand around the beautiful resort area.Your final day can be spent at Hollywood Studios or back at the Magic Kingdom. If you opt for the Magic Kingdom, split a cinnamon roll at the Main Street Bakery. And, once again, take a lot of photos. Also, have others take photos of you. Have fun, and let it show.

Keeping in mind that photos are a great way to capture the moment, organizing them in a memory book is an even better way to relive the moment. Sure, your wife could do this, but remember, this is about YOU taking the initiative. Upload your photos on http://www.shutterfly.com/ once you return home and create a special keepsake that is unique to your anniversary trip. These photo books are generally inexpensive ($11 - $40) but will be priceless in her eyes. Be sure to add captions that tell her again how much you love her.

Don't tell her about the book. Simply order it and wrap it as a special last minute gift a month later. This will also help the mood of the magical moments last a little longer.

Well, that's it; a romantic, three day anniversary getaway to Walt Disney World. Sure, there are many other scenarios, maybe we will cover them eventually. In the meantime, let us know what your thoughts are. Post comments in the section below, or send your own posting that details how you would plan a romantic Disney vacation for two. Just send it to DLuminations@gmail.com.