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:

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.

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

Does Anyone Else Think These Are a Little Creepy?

©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?

Disney App Teaches Science?

©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.