Hi everyone…some 7,000 miles away, our sister park Tokyo Disneyland celebrated the grand opening of its first Disney Vacation Club Model Showroom at the Ikspiari shopping and dining complex.

In the 15,000-square-foot showroom, visitors can walk through an actual model room of Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. Kids can revel in the fun with a play area and other interactive zones. Here is an image from the opening ceremony.

Pop senation Hannah Montana is going on tor and you’ve got a backstage pass! Go behind the scenes with Hannah as she describes each stop from the first sound check to the final encore. Inside,you/ll find tons of cool concert gear,includig a removable backstage pass, a fabulous poater a stylin fashion wheel and a necklace charm.Find out what it’s like to “live the kife” with this all-access look into Hannah’s rockin world

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Kylie Bee writes from Australia to ask, Is it worth visiting both Disneyland and Disney World in the same trip?

The success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter leads Tyler Bell to ask about its Islands of Adventure neighbor: Is Lost Continent getting a big refurb? He speculates about a new waterpark, too.

Here are a couple more Universal Orlando questions: Kylie Bee (again) asks Where to stay when visiting Universal Orlando? and Jay Finch asks Where to eat at universal orlando?

Adam Nodjomian asks for opinions about staying On-Site vs. Off-Site @ WDW

David L. continues his series of posts about improving the Disney theme parks with Your Dream EPCOT: World Showcase and Your Dream Magic Kingdom.

Daniel Smith hits on a topic close to my heart by raising the idea of a Disney Symphony Orchestra.

Sara M is looking for Busch Gardens Tampa Advice.

Daniel Etcheberry asks Theme Park Insider readers: Has anyone ever been to Hard Rock Park in South Carolina before it closed for good?

He also asks Which overseas theme park would you like to have in the United States?

A very unscientific survey of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel will show that one of the favorite pastimes of the panelists (Disney Dads not withstanding) is shopping while at Walt Disney World! When the panelists are together, there is always a shopping trip or two (or three) to some of the best gift shops on property.

Panelist Cathy S of Ohio feels that nothing says “I had a great trip to Disney” like bringing home lots of magical souvenirs! Here are Cathy’s “Top 5 Favorite Disney Shopping Finds!”

1. Pook-a-Looz plush toys- How cute are these little guys? They are reasonably priced and fit great into your suitcase for the ride home.
2. Re-usable shopping totes – You can pick up Disneyfied versions at almost every gift shop. They are inexpensive and so durable! Buy them for yourself, your kids’ teachers or for your neighbor who faithfully watched your pets while you were enjoying Walt Disney World!
3. Disney Photo Frames – When you get that perfect Main Street USA photo developed, boy will you be happy to have a cute frame for it when you get home!
4. Disney Vinylmation Figurines – This is the hottest collectible craze to hit Disney Parks since pin trading! Hard to explain, but once you see these super cute collectibles, you will want to have them all!
5. Splurge on a Disney Dooney & Bourke purse – Really, does it get any better than these adorable purses? True Disney fashionistas have at least one in their closets! OK, maybe you will need to buy two or three of these, because there are too many cute designs to pick from!

We’ve all done it…left something in our hotel room after we’ve checked out and gone home. See what happens to me in this short, dramatized cautionary tale. Filmed at the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney Anaheim.

A very unscientific survey of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel will show that one of the favorite pastimes of the panelists (Disney Dads not withstanding) is shopping while at Walt Disney World! When the panelists are together, there is always a shopping trip or two (or three) to some of the best gift shops on property.

Panelist Cathy S of Ohio feels that nothing says “I had a great trip to Disney” like bringing home lots of magical souvenirs! Here are Cathy’s “Top 5 Favorite Disney Shopping Finds!”

1. Pook-a-Looz plush toys- How cute are these little guys? They are reasonably priced and fit great into your suitcase for the ride home.
2. Re-usable shopping totes – You can pick up Disneyfied versions at almost every gift shop. They are inexpensive and so durable! Buy them for yourself, your kids’ teachers or for your neighbor who faithfully watched your pets while you were enjoying Walt Disney World!
3. Disney Photo Frames – When you get that perfect Main Street USA photo developed, boy will you be happy to have a cute frame for it when you get home!
4. Disney Vinylmation Figurines – This is the hottest collectible craze to hit Disney Parks since pin trading! Hard to explain, but once you see these super cute collectibles, you will want to have them all!
5. Splurge on a Disney Dooney & Bourke purse – Really, does it get any better than these adorable purses? True Disney fashionistas have at least one in their closets! OK, maybe you will need to buy two or three of these, because there are too many cute designs to pick from!

Go behind the scenes at the world’s most traveled tourist destination in the world: Walt Disney World Resort! See the secrets of what makes this great resort possible-from the birth of Magic Kingdom, to Epcot in ‘82, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM-Studios), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Part 5 of 5 – Visit My Videos for Other Parts

Kylie Bee writes from Australia to ask, Is it worth visiting both Disneyland and Disney World in the same trip?

The success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter leads Tyler Bell to ask about its Islands of Adventure neighbor: Is Lost Continent getting a big refurb? He speculates about a new waterpark, too.

Here are a couple more Universal Orlando questions: Kylie Bee (again) asks Where to stay when visiting Universal Orlando? and Jay Finch asks Where to eat at universal orlando?

Adam Nodjomian asks for opinions about staying On-Site vs. Off-Site @ WDW

David L. continues his series of posts about improving the Disney theme parks with Your Dream EPCOT: World Showcase and Your Dream Magic Kingdom.

Daniel Smith hits on a topic close to my heart by raising the idea of a Disney Symphony Orchestra.

Sara M is looking for Busch Gardens Tampa Advice.

Daniel Etcheberry asks Theme Park Insider readers: Has anyone ever been to Hard Rock Park in South Carolina before it closed for good?

He also asks Which overseas theme park would you like to have in the United States?

I agree with Dave, Club Cool at Epcot is a perfect stop on a hot summer day – like today. And once inside, you’ll likely hear chatter ( maybe even a few stories) about an Italian beverage called Beverly. It’s made by The Coca-Cola Company and it has a distinct taste. I certainly remember the first time I tasted it and here are a few others who probably will too. Check it out:

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Yes, some Guests crave the stuff – I’ve met a few. Of course, you can sample other Coca-Cola products from countries around the world at Club Cool. Here’s the list:

• Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique
• Fanta Kolita from Costa Rica
• Vegeta Beta from Japan
• Kinley Lemon from Israel
• Lift Apple from Mexico
• Smart Watermelon from China
• Mezzo Mix from Germany

Have you tried Beverly? Share your favorite beverage in the comments.

The girls are shocked when the ’special’ lunch their parents promised them is actually on a cruise ship!