Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday Photo

Hey, gang! (At least I hope there are enough of you to call a "gang.") I'm sorry that my posts have been a bit sparse this week. Big things are afoot in our world--we are moving! Well, we're not actually moving this week, but we did accept an offer on our house and made an offer that was accepted on another one, all in one day! So things have been a bit crazy around here. If this tells you anything, we leave for WDW in 2 weeks and I have yet to pack a thing...that is just SO unlike me! I hope to be more disciplined next week and get back on track. For now, since I have houses on the brain, here's a throw-back photo of Mickey's former home in Toontown:

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Fairytale Shoes: I Want These!

I have a birthday tradition of buying myself a new pair of shoes. Now these can't be just any shoes--they must be seemingly impractical, and I must pledge to actually wear them despite this fact. Some of my past shoes include hounds-tooth plaid pumps with peep toes and laces, platforms with beige animal print, and--my favorites!--pink and black leopard print heels with straps that go up your ankles like ballerina shoes. (I am not making this up.)

All that to say, I think I may have found my next pair of birthday shoes! Check out these fabulous designs in The Glass Slipper Collection:



Two of my favorites, Disney and DSW, have teamed up for these fabulous shoes that range from $59.95 to $89.95 (not too bad, considering how lovely they are!). With all the embellishments of crystals, jewels, and lace, these will especially appeal to brides, but they're great for evening wear too. (Already fits my "seemingly impractical" rule!)

Check out the full press release on the shoe line here.

 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Fall Room Discount Releases to Public

There is a new room-only discount available to the general public for travel dates September 30-December 22,  with November 17-23 blacked out for Thanksgiving weekend. Discounts range from 5-30% off rack rates, depending on the Resort (generally, the more expensive the Resort, the better the percentage off) and the dates you choose.

Call the Disney Reservation Center (407-939-0429) or click here to book online.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Hidden Mickey Monday

I'm not sure where we found this Hidden Mickey. (I saw it on my husband's iPad...I'm sure I asked him to take a picture of it at some point and he forgot to email it to me.) It was in some sort of  home goods store...maybe Kirkland's?

Friday, August 24, 2012

Free Wi-Fi Makes It to Epcot

It's happening in stages, but expect Walt Disney World to roll out the free wi-fi in all Resort and Parks areas in the near future. It's already up and running in the Resorts and in the Magic Kingdom. And now, Epcot is on board. Since I might be the last person on earth who doesn't own a SmartPhone, this makes me very happy. My iPod Touch and I appreciate this!

Friday Photo



Is it going away? If you believe the rumors, it is. But there are some other pretty hefty rumors to go along with it--like tales of Cars Land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and maybe even a Star Wars-themed land...not to mention that long-in-development Monsters Inc. suspension coaster. Only time will truly tell, but I'm betting that this icon's days are numbered.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Peter and the Starcatchers Has a Director



I just read that the movie version of Peter and the Starcatchers, the prequel to Peter Pan, written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (author of the Kingdom Keepers series), now has a director on board. Gary Ross, who most recently directed The Hunger Games will be at the helm. I'm very anxious to see how this turns out. (Gotta admit, I was a bit disappointed at The Hunger Games...not a great representation of the book, in my opinion. I'm approaching Peter... with excitement tinged with skepticism.)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Animated Favorites Now Available on Blu-Ray

There are several animated favorites releasing today for the first time on Blu-Ray: The Aristocats, Pocahontas, The Tigger Movie, The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under, and Lady and the Tramp. Click on the links below to purchase from Amazon, where you can also get $10 off if you purchase any 2 qualifying Disney DVDs or Blu-Ray! Plus, if you're a Disney Movie Rewards member, you'll earn double points on these movies!









Friday, August 17, 2012

Fun Mail!



Am I the only one who gets really excited when she sees one of these familiar envelopes? It can only mean that our Walt Disney World vacation is not so far away! This particular envelope contained a Disney PhotoPass. By registering before our trip, any photos taken while we're there will automatically appear in our PhotoPass account. The information also says that we will receive "special offers" by registering. (I'm pretty sure this refers to the discounted price of purchasing the PhotoPass CD up front...but I'm hopeful that there might be some additional Magic in store!)

Gotta go--I'm logging on to register now!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Friday Photo



On our next visit to WDW, we'll be staying at the new Art of Animation Resort, in the Ariel section. In fact, we'll be arriving on the day that it officially opens! I have seen a few pics on fan sites, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the larger-than-life Ariel and some of her underwater friends. This picture comes from the piano pool at the All-Star Music Resort. My girls simply adored the Ariel statue and wanted to hang out with her for a while.

Thursday's Tip

The countdown is on! In less than a month, we'll be hanging out with Mickey and the gang at the Most Magical Place on Earth! Even though we're seasoned Disney veterans, we still enjoy activities that build anticipation before our trip. Some of them are a matter of necessity (I get the big "Disney tub" out of the attic and begin packing; I start squirreling away snacks and breakfast items to take), while others are just for fun. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for building excitement before a Walt Disney World vacation:

  • Watch the Disney Vacation planning DVD. It's free, and tons of fun!

  • Make some sort of countdown calendar. I've seen everything from a simple paper chain to an elaborate wall calendar using the Mickey-shaped paint chips you can get at Home Depot. Very creative!

  • Serve a Disney-inspired meal. You can use a recipe for a Disney Parks favorite (many are readily found online), or simple purchase some of the pre-packaged Disney-themed food items that can be found in your local grocery store.

  • Watch previous vacation home videos. We LOVE doing this as a family! It's almost like being there.

  • Shop for scrapbook items. There are tons of Disney-themed stickers, stamps, papers, and other items in most craft stores. Getting some of the prep work before your trip will both build anticipation and also motivate you to actually finish your scrapbook after your trip!

  • Watch your collection of Disney animated features--yep, all of them (or as many as you can fit in). Since you might be running into some of the stars of these films, it's a great idea to brush up on your knowledge of their stories before you see them.


How about you? Do you have any fun traditions or ways that you build anticipation before a Disney vacation? Let me hear them!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Innoventions at Home

Did you know that Innoventions, the interactive tech-driven section of Epcot, has a website? You can get a glimpse of some of the attractions--check it out here. And speaking of Innoventions, I came across a related topic while perusing my favorite homeschool sites recently. There is a website called MathMovesU that has tons of fun math games and information for students and parents. While checking out the site, I found this page that lets you design your own coaster, just like you can at the "Sum of All Thrills" experience in Epcot's Innoventions! Indeed, the site is affiliated with SOAT, or at least sponsored by the same company. Obviously, you can't hop in a simulator at home and get the whole experience, but you can replay the coaster you design--and that's not a bad way to experience just a bit of Disney magic at home!

Monday, August 13, 2012

France Bakery Expands

My favorite bakery in Epcot, Boulangerie Patisserie, is getting a makeover. In fact, the entire France pavilion will be seeing many changes. The bakery is expanding into a new space with seating, and they're putting an ice cream parlor in its current space--win/win! Bistro de Paris is getting a new look, new menu, and a new name (basically, it will be an entirely new restaurant), but Les Chefs de France will remain pretty much as it is. You can read all about the coming changes on the Official Disney Parks Blog.

Hidden Mickey Monday

It has finally cooled off enough here in Tennessee to enjoy being outside. Here's a little outdoor find of the Mickey variety:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Disney Parks Top the List of Most-Visited Theme Parks

It will come as no surprise to Disney fans that the Disney Parks are among the most attended theme parks in the world. What was a bit surprising to me is just how many of the top spots Disney Parks hold. Check out this list by Travel +Leisure to see for yourself.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Video: Inside New Fantasyland Projects

Disney has released this video that gives guests a glimpse of some of the now-0pen and coming-soon attractions in Fantasyland. This gets me very excited! Really, really hoping to sneak in a quick trip in early December to see the new attractions. How cool does Enchanted Tales with Belle look? Wow! Check it out here.

Armed Forces Room and Ticket Discounts

Disney has just announced its newest Armed Forces Salute discounts for active and retired military, including National Guard/Reservists and Coast Guard. (Regarding retired military, this applies to career military--those who served with short-term service, such as my father's one tour in Viet Nam, do not qualify for these discounts.) Qualifying military can purchase up to 6 tickets--one for themselves and up to 5 friends or family, available beginning August 17. Rates/options are:

  • 4-day Magic Your Way plus Park Hopper, $156

  • 4-day Magic Your Way plus Water Parks and More, $156

  • 4-day Magic Your Way plus both Park Hopper and Water Parks and More, $184


Tickets must be purchased and have at least one day used by September 28, 2013. (They expire 14 days from activation.) Blackout dates include December 24-31, 2012 and March 24-April 4, 2013 at Parks, and July 4, 2013 at the Magic Kingdom only. You can find more information at disneymilitarysales.com or at Shades of Green Resort.

And, speaking of Resorts, Disney is also offering a room-only discount to military personnel for dates from October 1, 2012 through September 28, 2013 (blackout dates November 22-24, 2012, December 23-31, 2012, and March 25-April 4, 2013). Qualifying military will save 40% off rack rates at Deluxe Resorts, 35% off at Moderate Resorts and Ft. Wilderness Cabins, and 30% at Value Resorts--including the new Art of Animation Resort!

These are GREAT deals, so be sure to let all your military friends know about them! So glad that Disney appre

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Does Anyone Else Think These Are a Little Creepy?

D-Tech Me to Offer Disney Princess Figurines at World of Disney in Walt Disney World Resort for a Limited Time©Disney

You may recall that during Star Wars Weekends, guests could have their image cast in carbonite, much like Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back, for around $100. Pretty cool if you're a Star Wars fan (and who isn't, right?). But Disney's newest take on the personalized souvenir has gone a step into creepy territory, if you ask me. For a limited time, guests can have the likeness of their little princesses placed on the body of an existing Disney Princess. The process, from D-Tech Me, is available at Downtown Disney in the World of Disney Store, for $99.95 beginning August 26. More details can be found in the Disney Parks Blog.

Maybe it's just me, but I find these figurines quite creepy. What's your take?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Disney App Teaches Science?

iPhone Screenshot 1©Disney

As a homeschooling mom, I'm always looking for creative ways to teach concepts. We use a pretty traditional approach with text books and even--gasp!--workbooks, but I like to find fun games, books, field trips, or even iPad apps to drive home what we've learned. So I was pretty excited this morning when I saw my six-year-old learning about states of matter and the water cycle by playing "Where's My Perry?" on the iPad.

"Where's My Perry?" is a re-invented version of "Where's My Water?", and both are free downloads from iTunes. While I don't quite understand all the bells and whistles (or, rather, lasers and "enators"), I do understand that in playing you get a mini-course in physics (how levers and such move; how friction works) and the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Specifically, there are times when you must freeze the water to block an area, and other times when you need to heat the water to turn it to steam so that it will rise into the air. In the meantime, you're moving various objects to clear a path for the water--or block the path when necessary. Very basic, very simple--but a fun, effective way to teach scientific principles.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Hidden Mickey Monday

In honor of the Olympics, I just couldn't resist this Hidden Mickey.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Sharkey and Bones Perform at Downtown Disney

© Disney

Aargh, Matey! Sharkey and Bones, the singing pirates of "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" fame, will be performing for guests at WDW's Downtown Disney, today through August 12. Performances at the Waterside stage commence at 2:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m. each day. (Don't worry--there will be real human performers, NOT the cartoon guys in the picture.) If you're in the Orlando area and have a JatNP fan in your family, you'll want to catch a show!

"My Disney Experience" App Now Available

I mentioned this week that Disney has been installing free wi-fi throughout the Parks in preparation for the new "My Disney Experience" app. Well, it's now available as a free download for iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad on iTunes (Android format is not yet available). You can either click on the App Store icon on your device or go here for more information.

Some of the features of the app include park hours, guide maps, wait times, Fastpass return times, and dining options. And although there is already a ton of information on the app, Disney has plans to expand this "Next-Gen" experience in the future. Can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Grim Grinning Ghosts

I am such a fan of the Disney Dream Portraits from photographer Annie Leibovitz. My girls have especially enjoyed the previous series of princess images, but I just love the "Grim Grinning Ghosts" featuring Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Jason Segal. Check out the "behind the scenes" photo from the Official Disney Parks Blog, and you can see the two Leibovitz images here.

Thursday's Tip

Here's a tip that has saved us quite a bit of money on more than one occasion: even after you've booked your Walt Disney World vacation, keep checking sources for discounts and don't be afraid to call and change your reservation if something new and better becomes available. This, of course, will not work if you've booked any sort of non-refundable deal. But in most cases, your WDW resort reservations are fully refundable up to 5 days before your arrival date, and you can make changes to your reservation--providing they have the room you need available--up to the day before you arrive.

So, if you've booked a package at full price, but then free dining gets extended to include your dates, you can call back and ask the Cast Member on the phone to apply that discount to your package. Now, keep in mind that Disney does not permit you to "double up" on discounts, so you won't get a room discount AND free dining...but you can switch from one to the other, providing you meet all the stated requirements.

And speaking of Free Fall Dining (that I mention in this post), the dates have indeed been extended to include the week of December 14-20.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Free Wi-Fi Throughout Magic Kingdom

Yes! Finally, those of us who do not own smart phones--but DO own iPads or iPods--can surf freely at the Magic Kingdom! It sounds like the other Parks and even Downtown Disney will be getting the same treatment soon. (The funny coincidence is that this week I finally got a phone that is app capable, although not entirely "smart." But it is cheap, and you know I love that.)

It has been reported that Disney will be unveiling a Next-Gen mobile experience later this month; thus, the need for wi-fi to allow more guests to fully utilize it. We'll be heading that way in September, so I look forward to trying it!

Disney Products for Pampered Pooches

Let me first clarify by saying our pooch is not so pampered. Although I consider myself a dog person, I'm also a mom who loves order in her house (especially since we're trying to sell the house). Our Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie) mix creates her share of chaos in our home, although she is rather cute. So, you can see why I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with her. So yesterday when I was grooming her--because I am cheap, of course--it occurred to me that perhaps this wasn't the best way to cut corners and save a few bucks.  In fact, she looks so bad that I might even need to take her to the groomer to "fix" what I did...but probably not, 'cause that would be about $50...and I'm cheap.

But if you're the type of person who pampers your pet, there are some super cute Disney-themed items you'll want to check out! (In reality, we bought some adorable things for Elphie when she was a puppy...before we realized she could chew through nearly anything and we were mostly wasting our money. But we plan to buy her a metal replacement tag in the shape of Mickey ears on our next visit to WDW!) And if we had a dog who would willingly wear any of this, we'd be all over it too!