https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/destinations/epcot/?CMP=OKC-80007838_GM_WDW_destination_epcot_NA Archives

Top billing with the Anaheim Ducks

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This’ll quack you up, drakes and mallards love me and I’m even getting top billing with the Anaheim Ducks.

Donald Duck, no less, famously took time out from his busy schedule waddling around Disney World and Epcot Park in Florida to thank me personally.

After I had made him the cover of one unforgettable trip out to Orlando which corresponded with Donald Trump’s election as President.

And we have been firm friends since, shaking the tail feather out in Disneyland too in Anaheim.

Whisper it around Donald though because there is another Disney duck vying for top billing (there will be a lot of this) in Anaheim.

And I had an ice old time with the Anaheim Ducks’ mascot Wild Wing at the Honda Center.

With Double Dubya as his friends (well, me anyway) call him gave me a miniature of himself.

And it now takes pride of place on my desk.

On the wing

Wild Wing got back in touch this week to ask where I’d been these past few years.

And remind me that it is the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Mighty Ducks joining the National Hockey League.

Wild Wing reached out, saying: “Our records indicate that you have been absent virtually and at Honda Center for some time now.

“We want to make sure that you receive all the pertinent information coming up for our 30th anniversary season.”

Now, I’m maybe not surprised that I got the call.

A former ice hockey writer in my days down in Reading in the south of England I showed that I’d picked up a thing or two from watching the Bracknell Bees.

When I swiped, swung and scored in the net.

When the floor was opened up for us on our visit to the Honda.

My LA story

As a day out from the American Travel Fair, IPW, which was held in Anaheim.

And they opened up Disneyland especially for us to see the new Star Wars land.

Now, each to their own, but I haven’t got an Obi-Wan Kinobi about the land far, far, away but twas a good oul’ time none the less.

And I hope to get back out there next year, flying with Aer Lingus of course.

For the latest renewal of the American Travel Fair in Los Angeles.

When hopefully they’ll be celebrating a Stanley Cup at the Honda Center to go with their 2007 triumph.

And I’ll be able to join Wild Wing for top billing with the Anaheim Ducks.

America, Countries, Culture, Deals

Remember, remember 8th of November

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Remember, remember the 8th of November when there will be fireworks in America when the US allows us all back in again.

As soon as I’d taken the decision to park Vegas, which hosted a very successful American Travel Fair ) without me (imagine!) thoughts turned to Orlando.

Then again they always do in the winter, with Orlando the most visited destination in the US.

And with theme park holiday events and outdoor shopping with flights/hotel packages starting at just £729.

Now the theme park capital of the world has been spinning throughout the year for American visitors.

And now that we can return, it promises to be even better than it’s ever been.

So let’s have a scoot around Disney, Epcot and Universal Orlando.

Walt Disney Resort

Ears looking at you Mickey: Disney time in Orlando

Beginning 8 Nov., Disney Very Merriest After Hours will debut at Magic Kingdom Park.

Running for 24 select nights through 21 Dec. from 9pm. to 1 am.

It is the separately ticketed, after-hours holiday event which will bring festive food and drink offerings, dance parties, nighttime spectaculars.

And “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” And my pal Donald will be front and centre, no doubt.

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (26 Nov. to 30 Dec.) takes guests on a global holiday celebration.

With costumed performances, seasonal food throughout 11 World Showcase nations.

Along with wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season celebrated by cultures near and far

Universal Orlando Resort

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure (13 Nov. – 2 Jan.) will bring holiday charm to Seuss Landing with The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.

It’s a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (13 Nov. – 2 Jan.) will bring festive decor to both Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

Guests can cap off their evening in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade to enjoy “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”.

It’s a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection.

Macy’s Balloons

Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons (13 Nov. – 2 Jan.) is a festive walk-through experience bringing Universal Studios’ guests closer than ever to larger-than-life Macy’s balloons and colourful Christmas floats.

With all our favourite characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Despicable Me, along with Santa.

SeaWorld Orlando

During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration(12 Nov. – 2 Jan.), over 3 million sparkling lights will shine throughout the theme park.

Festivities include live performances, seasonal food and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.

And entertainment like the Winter Wonderland on Ice.

So remember, remember the 8th of November… and the fireworks to come this winter in Orlando.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe

Bonjour Mickey enfin

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For those who have missed out on a summer holiday the mid-term break takes on extra significance… so it’s Bonjour Mickey enfin.

Mickey et amis have been waiting patiently for nous retour at Disneyland Paris.

And our old friends at Click&Go are bringing us back together again.

Click, you’re on camera

Click&Go have three nights at Disney Santa Fe for a family of four departing October 23 with flights from Dublin.

And that’s a saving of €287.92. And tickets for the park are included.

All of which allows us to reflect on an American in Paris, Monsieur Mouse.

An uneasy alliance

Mickey isn’t typical in being an American embraced in France.

With a frosty relationship having built up in Gaul land towards the Americans over the years.

It wasn’t always the case.

The French stood four square behind the rebels during the American Wars of Independence.

And George Washington’s great friend, the Marquis de Lafayette is honoured in his city Washington DC.

With his statue in Lafayette Square within sight of the White House.

Sons of Liberty

The French and the Americans revelled in their self-proclaimed status of trailblazers of liberty.

And the French gifted the Americans the Statue of Liberty to mark the 100th year of American independence.

The Americans repaid the generosity in twice coming to France’s aid over two world wars.

Over to Donald

I am not worthy: With Donald at Epcot, Florida

So where did La Bromance go wrong?

Well, it may very well have been the fault of an interfering Scot (no, non moi).

But Groundskeeper Willie out of The Simpsons who called the French ‘cheese-eating surrender monkeys.’

On account of them not supporting the US in their invasion of Iraq.

Not that things got petty or anything for the then Republican Chairman of the Committee on House Administration.

Bob Ney renamed the menu in three Congressional cafeterias Zut Alors.

A common language

Thankfully our favourite animated figures act like grown-ups.

And Mickey, Donald and their pals chose Paris to set up their European home.

Perhaps it’s the common language they share.

Bonjour Mickey enfin.