Walt Disney World Freebie Friday: Medicine

Did you know if you get sick at a Walt Disney World park you can ask a cast member for medicine?  According to the WDW web site: "Nurses are available during normal park operating hours to offer over-the-counter medications, bandages and other quick remedies so that you can begin enjoying your vacation again."

I have also heard that you can ask a cast member at a gift shop for over the counter medication.  Some may have small packets under the register for guests.

Patriotic Mickey Mouse Shirts

I don't know if any of my readers remember this post about making Mickey Mouse Tie Dye shirts for July 4th.  If you do, I said I would share our finished results... and I just now remembered!  Oops!  At least it's just in time for Labor Day when we get out our Patriotic gear again. :)

Here we all are in our matching Mickey Mouse T-shirts on July 4th at the lake!  I made one for daddy too, but it shrunk in the wash and he couldn't wear it on the 4th.  We made him a new one to wear on our trip this fall! 

If you want directions for making your own Mickey Mouse Tie Dye shirts, I did a tutorial several years ago!  Good luck, and please share photos of your family wearing Mickey Tie Dye shirts! 

Disney Wordless Wednesday: Disney in the Details

#Snapfish {Review & Giveaway} #spon

I've always wanted to be a scrapbooker.  I tried the "old fashioned" way of cutting boarders and adding embellishments years ago and quickly learned I didn't have time for that.  More recently I downloaded software to create digital scrapbook pages.  I've used it some for photos and collages to use on my blog, but I haven't ever printed any.  Then I realized Snapfish had themed books with backgrounds, embellishments and various layouts!  This was my kind of "scrapbooking!"

Creating a Snapfish photo book to show off my Disney vacation photos was easy and fun! Snapfish photo books start at $29.99 for an 8x11 premium photo hardcover book with up to 20 pages at no cost- plus they offer free shipping!  My first task was to upload all my photos to Snapfish and choose which ones I wanted to use for my album.

Star Wars Tie Fighter Cookies at Home

We finally took the time to make some Star Wars Tie Fighter cookies!  I saw this idea on Pinterest when we were planning our Star Wars party last January.  At the time, I couldn't find the 100 Calorie Oreo cookies, so we didn't make them.  A few weeks ago, I was able to find these cookies so I got the other supplies as well and we got to work!

First, I have no idea what a Tie Fighter is.  I don't know if they are good or bad.  I don't know which movie they were in and I don't know what they do.  I do know they make fun "cookies" my son could make!

You need 100 Calorie Oreo cookies, mini marshmallows and icing.  I used the icing in the tube to make it easier for my son.  If you have a jar/ tub of icing, that will work too.

Squirt or spread a small dab of icing on center of both of the Oreo cookies.  

Place your marshmallow on one side of the Oreo using the icing dab as "glue."

Put the other Oreo on top of the marshmallow and press.

You're done!  Easy as pie or Tie (Fighter cookies)! ;)

Dumbo Birthday Invitation

My youngest son, Big E, will turn 2 in a few weeks.  Two?  Really?  So to celebrate, we will be having a Dumbo themed party at our house.   I have found lots of ideas on Pinterest for decorations, invitations, cakes, clothes, and food, but can't find a lot of ideas for games and activities for 2 year olds!

So far, we are planning on lots of large bouncy balls from the bins at Wal Mart, our swing set in the back yard, a toddler size bouncy house, tunnels to crawl through, sidewalk chalk and lots of bubbles.  In case of rain, we'll stay inside with Dumbo playing on the TV and let them act like fools! :)

What suggestions do you have for 2 year olds to do at a Dumbo themed birthday party?

New Disney LeSportsac Bags #MonstersInc

image from Disney Consumer Products

LeSportsac has some awesome bags that are perfect for day to day activities, travel, school and visiting Disney parks!  I have spent quite some time on their web site and have fallen in love with so many designs!  I love the Minnie Mouse pattern and the it's a small world design.  Maybe if I play my cards right, someone in my house will get me one before our next trip!  With our trip coinciding with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, the new Disney∙Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. line would be perfect!

image from Disney Consumer Products

You can choose from a fashionable line of totes, satchels, cosmetic bags and backpacks inspired by the movie.  You can find them at Le Sportsac stores and LeSportsac.com.  The artwork on this 14 piece collection is from Harley Jessup, the production designer for Pixar films including Monsters, Inc., Ratatoulle, Presto and Cars 2.

Disney Pixar Vinylmation Villains Available Now {Press Release}

Last month Disney revealed a wickedly awesome set of new Vinylmation developed exclusively by Disney Store – Pixar Villains – and now they are finally available!

Each blind-boxed package contains one of eight different designs in this series. You won't know which one you've got until you open the box!

Figures in this series include: Syndrome - The Incredibles (Artist: Enrique Pita), Mordu - Brave (Enrique Pita), Thumper - A Bug's Life (Marvin Lao), Charles Muntz - Up (Gerald Mendez), Darla - Finding Nemo (Gerald Mendez), Waternoose - Monsters, Inc. (Marvin Lao), Dean Hardscrabble -Monsters University - with neck extension (Enrique Pita), plus a Mystery Figure.
Retailing for $12.95 each, the Pixar Villains Vinylmation will be available in store* and online at DisneyStore.com.

With a mysterious 8th character to complete the series, the Vinylmation Villains 5 is a must-have for Disney·Pixar fans and Vinylmation collectors everywhere!

*Check your local store for availability.

Lots To Do In Line: Walt Disney World {Review}

Recently, I was sent the book Lots to do in Line Walt Disney World by Meredith Lyn Pierce for review.  Being a mom to three boys and planning for our fall trip, this book is going to be a MUST!  This book provides families, with or without kids, entertainment while waiting in line for favorite attractions.  There are chapters for all four Walt Disney World parks that include games, quizzes and questions for most of the rides and attractions in each park.  

Best Friends Day~ Disney Style

C-man and his best friend!

Today is "Best Friends Day!"  Did you know, the pineapple is the symbol of Friendship?  To honor this special day in a Disney way, enjoy a Dole Whip!

If you aren't in the Magic Kingdom today, here is a recipe from Magical Recipes you can try at home.

Ingredients
2 20 ounce cans Dole crushed pineapple with juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Instructions

1. Drain pineapple; reserve 2 tablespoons juice. Set aside.
2. Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender or food processor container; cover and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags and store bags flat in freezer.
4. Freeze 1-1/2 hours or until slushy.
5. Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended, in large bowl.
6. Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour.

Or try a pineapple freezer pop:
Pulse 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks and 3 tablespoons vanilla yogurt in the blender for about 1 minute.  Place in ice cube molds and freeze!

Disney's Planes Fire & Rescue: Fire Blastin' Dusty {Review}

This summer, we had the privilege of sharing the press release for the new Planes: Fire & Rescue products from Disney.  Then we were sent our own "Fire Blastin' Dusty" to review.  When we received the plane, we enjoyed it, but didn't love it right away.  The reason was because we had not seen the movie yet.  

Both of my boys enjoyed playing with Dusty in the backyard.  C-man, my 5 year old, would shoot the water balls and Big E, my almost 2 year old, would gather up the balls to help reload.  This "game" went on for at least 20 minutes!  We tried playing inside with Dusty, but the water balls were shooting too many things that didn't need to be shot!  It was also harder to collect the water balls when they rolled under beds, couches, and other furniture.  We definitely enjoyed playing with this toy better outside.

Joffrey's Coffee at Disney Parks {Review}

Did you know Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company was the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Vacation Club?  Since 1984, Joffrey’s roastmasters have been traveling the world to find the finest specialty beans for every Joffrey’s coffee and creation, whether it’s a hot cup to get you going in the morning or an icy cool treat to enjoy during your Disney Parks adventures.

This summer Joffrey's sent our family a sample of the Flying Fish Cafe dark coffee from Disney's BoardWalk.  This dark roast coffee was a great way to start our day!  It was a delicious blend of coffee with a hint of caramel.  After my husband drank his cup, he asked if we could modify our Advanced Dining Reservations for our next trip to include Flying Fish Cafe!  Nice job, Joffrey's! :)

Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets {Review}

In the 6th Edition of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets, Steven Barrett gives WDW guests an easy, fun way to search for Hidden Mickeys!

What is a Hidden Mickey?  According to his book, it's "a partial or complete image of Mickey Mouse that has been hidden by Disney's Imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas."  Hidden Mickeys can be three intersecting circles outlining Mickey's head (classic hidden Mickey), a side profile of Mickey's face and head, a side profile of his body, a full length silhouette of his body, or a three dimensional Mickey.  Other characters can also be "hidden" and still considered a "Hidden Mickey" such as Donald Duck, Goofy and Minnie Mouse.  Still other "Hidden Mickeys" are just "wishful thinking" where guests are trying too hard to find a Hidden Mickey!

Where In Disney? iPhone App

I'm always looking for new Disney Apps for my iPhone.  Recently, I was contacted about the new "Where in Disney?" app by Charlyn Keating Media, LLC.  This app allows park guests to search for things at Walt Disney World: foods, souvenirs, attractions, restrooms and more!  Below is a description of the app as well as information about the designer.  A review will be coming soon!

Where in Disney?

The app that gives users the power to search for anything, in dozens of categories, giving visitors to Disney World even more time to enjoy the magic. With over 8,000 items, you can zero on the Elsa plush doll that would make a little girls day or a gluten free snack for the family member with dietary restrictions.

National S'mores Day at Walt Disney World

image from wdwnews.com

Did you know today was National S'mores Day?  August 10 marks this special day for a fabulous dessert!  You can easily make your own s'mores at home over the fire, or follow this Disneyland recipe to make your own S'mores Bake!  However, if you are at Walt Disney World on August 10, make sure you indulge on these tasty twists to the common s'more.

• Head to your favorite resort at Walt Disney World for s'mores around the campfire!  
• Enjoy a S'mores Cupcake or S'mores Cheesecake at Wilderness Lodge.  You can find the recipe for the cupcake over at Mouzekateerz! 
• At Le Cellier in Epcot, you can enjoy a kids s'mores dessert!  A scoop of vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two gourmet chocolate covered graham cracker cookies.  A rainbow sprinkled marshmallow is stuck into the top of the sandwich!  
• You can also get S'mores at 50's Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios.  Or try to make 'em at home! :)
• At The Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom, you can try a S'mores Sandwich!
• I've heard that in Epcot at Kringla Bakeri, you can try S'mores in a glass, simply called "S'more."
• S'mores Fudge is also found throughout the parks, where fudge is sold.

What am I missing?  Do you know of any other "S'mores" desserts at Walt Disney World?  I'd love to hear in the comments, and add it to my ever growing list of WDW Desserts I want to try! :)

The Bouqs Company Floral Review {Sponsored}

Recently, I was contacted by The Bouqs Flower Company about doing a review on my blog. At first my thoughts were, "No, I don't have time for that and it doesn't fit with my blog."  But after looking at the web site and talking with my husband, we thought I should give it a try!

Our first thought was, how cool it would be to have fresh flowers delivered to our Walt Disney World resort!  How awesome would it be to have fresh flowers in your resort room to help make it feel a bit more like home and a little less like a hotel room!  Our second thought was, how cool would it be to have fresh flowers AT HOME!?  We never have flowers around here.  I can't seem to keep live, potted plants alive and I don't like to spend money on fresh flowers that will die.  So, free flowers, yes! :)

Disney, PIxar, Marvel and Star Wars BranBack To School {Press Release}

We are in full swing of school now!  All three of our boys are back at it.  JAG is in 8th grade, C-man is in Kindergarten and Big E started the 2 year old class at preschool.  At our house, at least for me and the little boys, Disney is in all our back to school plans.  We were able to find cute Disney clothes at Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Target and the Disney Store.  Our school supplies are Star Wars themed as well as a lunchbox!  When buying snacks and lunch items, we always lean towards Disney themed foods.  When I read the following press release, I wasn't surprised at all that Disney offered so many products to help families go back to school!

What is your favorite Disney themed back to school product?

image from DisneyStore.com

Disney's Beach Club Review

I am so excited to introduce my friends James and Lisa. We have been "friends" online through the Disney Blogging Community for a while, but it's been recent that we've connected more through the Magical Blogorail and other networking groups.  I love reading their blog Home Is Where The Mouse Is and finding AMAZING party ideas for my boys! Another favorite is the "10 Best Tips" segment. I always love good WDW tips!  Thank you to Lisa and James for sharing a great review of Disney's Beach Club Resort!  I can't wait to stay here one day. :)

If you love the charm of New England, but still want to be immersed in the Disney magic, then Disney's Beach Club Resort and Villas are for you. Nestled on the bank of Crescent Lake, this Epcot area resort offers guests a prime location to dining, parks and entertainment and boasts one of the best pools on Disney property, Stormalong Bay.

Walt Disney World Freebie Friday: Pin Trading

While the pins themselves are not free, you can trade the pins you don't like or want with cast members for FREE!  All Walt Disney World cast members wear a lanyard or have a pouch filled with various Disney pins.  When guests ask to trade pins with them, they have to do so (as long as your pin is an official Disney pin and in good condition. See rules here).   Also, if you are at the right place at the right time, you may find a guest who is a "Disney Pin Enthusiast" willing to trade as well!

Read more tips and tricks about Disney Pin Trading here.   

Princess Goldfish Crackers: Perfect for Disney {sponsored}

Our family loves Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers.  My boys eat Goldfish with meals, as snacks and as breakfast from time to time.  When we travel, we always have bags of Goldfish Crackers and Walt Disney World vacations are no exception!  We carry Goldfish in snack containers in our backpack for the kids.  They are a lifesaver.

Creative Disney Date with Magical Blogorail Red

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Red.  Enjoy the ride as we share date ideas based on some of our favorite Disney movies.

While preparing for this post, I went through all the Disney movies in my head.  I tried my hardest to think of a scene or part of the movie that could be easily recreated in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama.  I was at a loss.  I couldn't come up with a thing.

Then it hit me.  The Princess and the Frog.  While we are not in New Orleans or even Louisiana, I thought there were plenty of elements in this movie that could be easily recreated in another southern town!  Here are my ideas and suggestions for having a nice "Princess and the Frog" date with your significant other!

Walt Disney World's Mountains

Recently, our family was talking about our favorite attractions at Walt Disney World.  My five year old listed them all!  When I asked my 13 year old, he thought about it for a while and said, “Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom!” My response was, “OK, why is it your favorite?” He replied with, “No, I liked Space Mountain. No, Splash Mountain.” Then I asked, “What about Big Thunder Mountain?” ”YEAH! I liked that!” he said.

Great. My son is just as indecisive as I am when it comes to the “What is your favorite ride at Walt Disney World?” question. So, in thinking of his responses, I decided it was safe to say “The Mountains” are my son’s favorite attractions at Walt Disney World!

Back to School at Walt Disney World

Many school systems across the country are gearing up for a new school year. For many families, this means waiting 8 months or more until they can visit Walt Disney World again when school is not in session. While some families do visit during a long weekend, holiday break or spring break, many don’t try to visit this magical spot for fear of missing too much school.

Our family seems to be the opposite! We try to go when school is in session! Why? Crowds are lower, temperatures are cooler and prices are cheaper. We have taken our oldest son out of school to visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland 3 times now. All three times we met with the principal as soon as we could to share our plans, dates and “curriculum!” We assured him that our son would complete any classwork the teacher sent and we would complete the assignments we created for him.

Disney Licensed Games {Press Release}

We love games at our house. With C-man being 5 and Big E almost 2, we play a lot of games. When I found out there were new Disney games by Blue Orange Games this summer, I was so excited! I loved all the choices they offered. With my boys being the ages they are, all of them are appropriate as we prepare for school.

Hopefully we'll be able to review one of these games soon!