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Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

When people come up with their absolute “must do” activities at Disney World, most travelers think of things like riding Space Mountain, watching the fireworks, and enjoying a delicious Dole Whip.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Dole Whip from Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs

But in addition to these fan-favorite attractions and activities, there’s an entire world of unique and perhaps a bit bizarre things you can do at Disney World! Follow along for 10 of the best!

Mail a coconut!

Why mail any old postcard to your friends and family back home when you can mail them a COCONUT!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Coconut Postcard

You can purchase a painted coconut (postage comes included!) from Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar by Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom, BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Calypso Trading Post at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. They’ll ship anywhere in the US!

Face coffee and beer

Personalized merchandise is one of the more popular souvenirs you can scoop up at Disney World. Getting your name embroidered on a pair of Mickey ears is one thing, but you can get personalized latte art designs at several Joffrey’s Coffee locations throughout Disney World!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Latte Art Sign

Most Latte Art locations offer classic designs like Mickey, but a select few locations offer WAY more variety!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Joffrey’s Reopened

Ripples is an app that lets you pick your favorite logos and designs for your foamy beverage! This also includes the ability to add an image of your very own FACE! Yes, you can get a Latte Selfie on your coffee!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Our Adorable Cast Member and Her Latte Selfie!

Aside from your morning cup of joe, we also recently discovered you can get a special design (as well as your very own FACE!) on beer, too!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Face Beer!

Next time you’re at Disney Springs, stop by Raglan Road Irish Pub to print your face on your next round of beer!

Get a silhouette of your pet on Main Street

Folks might know that you can get silhouette portraits of yourself and your family at the silhouette portrait cart in Magic Kingdom. But did you know you can also get one done of your PET!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Mary Poppins Character Silhouettes

Just bring a photo of your furry friend and the artist can add them to your family’s collection of portraits! There are multiple carts around Disney World (that can sometimes be less busy than the Main Street location). Head to Liberty Square, the France Pavilion in Epcot, or to Disney Springs to find additional silhouette carts!

Purchase Shaq’s shoe!

There are tons of unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise items you can find throughout Disney World. For sports fanatics, you may want to stop into the NBA Experience in Disney Springs next time you visit for the opportunity to ‘score’ some special sports memorabilia!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

NBA Experience Store

You can purchase Shaquille O’Neal’s size 22 “Shaq Attaq” sneaker, SIGNED, for $900! Or, you can get a basketball signed by Michael Jordan for the low entry price of $3,000!

Go fishing along the waterways of Disney World!

Disney World is home to tons of recreational activities for you and your family to enjoy outside of the theme parks! Non-park days are a great way to recharge and explore everything else that Disney World has to offer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Port Orleans

One activity you can take part in is fishing! Guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are offered on several waterways around the resort, including Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake, and even World Showcase Lagoon!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

If you don’t have time to head out on a boat, you can rent a casting rod and fish dockside at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside.

Go scuba diving

If fishing doesn’t fit your style and you’re looking for a little bit more adventure, why not swim WITH the fish? You can go scuba diving at The Seas in EPCOT!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Hidden Mickey in Epcot

This three-hour class includes 40 minutes in the water, as well as a backstage tour of the aquarium where you’ll learn all about how the team at EPCOT cares for their animals!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

You must be scuba certified before enrolling in this experience.

Get a haircut

Next time you need to get a trim, wait until you’re on vacation and you can get your hair cut at Disney World! Harmony Barber Shop is located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom and offers appointments for kids AND adults!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Harmony Barbershop ©Disney

Lots of folks may know about kiddos getting their “first haircut” at Disney World, but adults can get their hair cut there, too! Kid haircuts start at $18, and adult haircuts start at $19. Be sure to get some added pixie dust!

Indulge in a manicure & pedicure

If you’re seeking the ultimate relaxation in Disney World, why not get a manicure and pedicure? Several Disney World Resort hotels have full-service spas that are open to anyone, not just guests at that particular resort.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

©Disney

In addition to nail salons, you can get massages, facials, and a wide variety of hair services, too! Indulge in ultimate bliss and escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks by booking a spa package! Call (407)WDW-SPAS to book any services.

(But note, if you’re looking for true luxury, we’d highly recommend using the spa services at the Four Seasons Resort on property in Walt Disney World. Disney World’s spas are OK, but pretty standard fare.)

Take surfing lessons

Ever wanted to learn how to surf? You can do so at Disney World! Surf lessons are available at Typhoon Lagoon on select mornings. Learn how to hang ten from a professional surfer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool ©Disney

Surf lessons cost $199 per person and include a light breakfast and a photo!

Decorate a Christmas tree all year round!

Our next bizarre thing you can do at Disney World can be found at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. Every morning, the first child in the shop gets to decorate one of the Christmas trees in the store with the ornaments available in the store.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The decorator’s name is then added to the tree so everyone who goes into the shop that day can see who decorated the tree! If you’re craving the holiday spirit all year round, you can get your fill in Magic Kingdom!

We hope this list gave you some ideas on how to make your next trip to Disney World truly unique! Everyone knows about the four theme parks, but there are TONS of off-the-beaten-path activities that could add that extra bit of magic to your vacation that you should totally take advantage of! If you want to look for even more ideas, check out our video here:

How many of these activities have you taken part in at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Boutiki, Calypso Trading Post, caribbean beach, disney springs, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Epcot, face beer, harmony barber shop, Joffrey’s, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, latte selfie, Liberty Square, magic kingdom, main street u.s.a., NBA Experience, Pirates of the Caribbean, Polynesian, Raglan Road, scuba diving, senses spa, silhouette portrait, surf lessons, the seas, typhoon lagoon, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

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NBA looking at Orlando/Disney World as ‘clear frontrunner’ to resume season

NBA resume season

The 2019-2020 NBA season came to an abrupt halt in mid-March this year. It seemed the season would not be finished given the pandemic. However, there’s renewed hope that a solution is at hand. Sources in the league have told The Athletic that the NBA is looking at Orlando to finish the 2020 basketball games at Walt Disney World.

The Athletic’s duo of Sam Amick and Shams Charania say that NBA sources tell them how Walt Disney World is the current frontrunner for the rest of the season. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, this would be an interesting development for the basketball league.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously mentioned his idea of seeking a “campus environment” to utilize for the remaining games. Their bubble-isolation plan would enable teams to gather in one place and help players follow safety protocols.

Of course, the league would have to decide whether they would continue with the same list of remaining games or if they would shorten it to get to playoff games. Several players have confirmed their interest in going forward, but it’s up to the league officials to reach a set date to return. Health and safety are the primary concerns, but it would be quite thrilling to see basketball resume at Disney World!

Source: Yahoo Sports

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Resorts, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, disney sports, ESPN, ESPN Sports Complex, nba, NBA Experience, Walt Disney World

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Disney World is the Reported Frontrunner to Host the Rest of the NBA Season

In the past couple of weeks, we have seen several industries gradually resume business operations with a focus on health and safety.

NBA Experience at Disney World

When it comes to professional sports, Disney World may play a key role in hosting the rest of the 2019-2020 NBA season.

Sports Illustrated reported that — out of the several sites the NBA is considering — Disney World is the current frontrunner. We had previously reported on why Disney World could be a good fit for the NBA, and Disney Executive Chairman, Bob Iger, even weighed in on the NBA’s Board of Governors discussion in April.  But now that the NBA is more seriously considering resuming the season — Disney World is still on the table as a viable option.

Cast Members at NBA Store Ready to Shoot Some Hoops

Disney World has the “campus-like” environment the League Commissioner, Adam Silver, states they are looking for. Players and staff could be housed in the resort hotels and players would have a reduced chance of contracting any illness on a more private property like Disney. And, of course, with the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s 12 courts and the capacity to broadcast the games, it could be a perfect fit.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Las Vegas is another city being strongly considered, but no decisions have been made at this time. Regardless of whichever site the NBA chooses, fans will not be allowed to attend games.With some teams resuming training as early as next week, we may start to see more developments soon, so we will keep you updated with the latest!

What do you think about professional sports resuming their seasons without any fans in attendance? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Basketball, Disney World, espn, ESPN Wide World of Sports, NBA, nba 2020 season, NBA Experience, Sports

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7 Super Weird Ways the NBA and Disney Are (Strangely) Linked Right Now

When you think of Disney, the first thing that pops into your head probably isn’t “basketball.”

NBA Experience

Still, Disney actually has a pretty close relationship with the NBA in more ways than one. You might have heard about the NBA Experience in Disney Springs or maybe you’ve watched basketball on Disney-owned ESPN, but those aren’t the ONLY ways these two companies are linked.

Come with us down the strange, winding rabbit hole of seven weird ways that Disney and the NBA are connected right NOW!

1. The NBA might use Disney World as a potential playing site if the 2019-2020 season resumes.

The big NBA/Disney news right now is that IF the NBA 2019-2020 season is able to resume, they’re considering using Disney World as a potential venue for (fan-less) games. They’ve even already gotten the “OK” from Disney!

Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The NBA has been looking at the logistics of sequestering the entire league. If play could resume at one centralized location, the league could create a “bubble” to keep the players safe.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

If such a situation came to pass, it would be pretty unique to see Disney help get the NBA back up and running.

2. An NBA Player ended up in possession of some stolen vintage Disney World items.

There was a theft case over some missing vintage Disney items a few months ago. Interestingly enough, the stolen items ended up in the possession of mega-Disney fan and Milwaukee Bucks center Robin Lopez.

©ESPN

According to the Orlando Sentinel, authorities found some vintage Disney clothing that used to belong to the Buzzy animatronic from the old Cranium Command attraction in Epcot in Lopez’s possession. The player claimed he did not know that the items were stolen, but he had purchased them from a former Disney employee who had stolen them from Disney property.

©D23

The case has since been settled with the perpetrators taking a plea deal. The situation was pretty high profile, partially because of Lopez’s involvement and because the entire Buzzy animatronic that was stolen still remains missing! The perpetrators claim to have no knowledge of the missing animatronic.

3. Disney is taking a major financial loss due to the suspension of the NBA season.

Remember how we said that Disney owns ESPN? Well, they are taking a significant loss due to the fact that the NBA season has been suspended. According to The Motley Fool, the NBA’s media rights deal with ESPN is worth $2.6 billion per year. Right now, that worth is taking a hit with downgrades to stock and losses in ad revenue.

NBA Experience Store

Some analysts are suggesting that the loss could culminate in a multi-million dollar drop in income due to the NBA alone. It’s interesting to think about how the two businesses have such a dramatic effect on one another!

4. The NBA is looking to Bob Iger for guidance on reopening.

Even though the NBA is completely separate from Disney, the league is reportedly looking to Disney’s executive chairman Bob Iger for some business guidance.

Bob Iger ©Disney

Iger was invited to advise the Board of Governors of the NBA and he addressed how the Disney parks have been making decisions saying, “It’s about the data, and not the date.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appears to agree with this sentiment noting, “We’re just not ready to set a date yet in terms of how long we could wait before we no longer would be able to continue this season.”

Basketball Minnie Ears ©Disney

The two companies are both MASSIVE entertainment-based organizations that notably require people to come together for their business models to work.

5. The NBA Experience opened in Disney Springs in 2019.

Though temporarily closed right now, the NBA Experience opened up in Disney Springs last year. For several years, Disney Springs had a major indoor interactive attraction in the same space called DisneyQuest, but as technology advanced, the experience grew stagnant. So, ultimately, the plug was pulled on DisneyQuest and replaced by a new immersive experience — one that’s b-ball-centric.

NBA Experience

NBA Experience has been open for almost a year now and offers a unique sports experience. The two-story attraction features a bunch of immersive activities designed to make the guest (that’s you) feel like an NBA star. This attraction is a cool option for sports fans!

6. The NBA and Disney theme parks announced closures within one day of each other.

Like we mentioned, the Disney parks and the NBA are both in a state of temporary closure right now. What’s interesting is that they actually started their closures within one day of each other! The NBA suspended their season on March 11th and Disney announced the closure of many of their theme parks on March 12th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Both companies noted a growing concern in the global health crisis and were some of the first large organizations to close or suspend operations to protect their employees and patrons.

7. The new Michael Jordan documentary is the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER.

And our last interesting link to note is related to the Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance. This ESPN docuseries has been on the channel for a few weeks and, according to the Disney earnings call the other day, it’s the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER. Woah.

©ESPN

What’s crazy is that this is making ESPN (and therefore Disney) some serious money despite the fact that there aren’t a lot of sports going on. In fact, April brought a rise in primetime viewership per CEO Christine McCarthy.

So there you have it! It certainly shocked us how intertwined Disney and the NBA are with each other! We love finding interesting things like this to share with you guys and we’re interested to see what ends up happening with a few of these situations.

Were you surprised about the different ways that Disney and the NBA are linked? Tell us in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. “It’s About The Data, And Not The Date” Says Disney Chairman Bob Iger to NBA Owners
  2. Get Ready for the NBA Experience Coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2019!
  3. Disney Springs Construction Update: NBA Experience and City Works Eatery and Pour House

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, bob iger, disney springs, Disney World, espn, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Documentary, NBA, NBA Experience, NBA Season, NBA season Suspension, The Last Dance