Just for Fun

All posts in the Just for Fun category

VIDEO! Trying the New L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop in France

Published June 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

By now you know all about my friend Sarah, (Sensational Sarah as I like to call her!) her awesome website for folks with food allergies at Walt Disney World – and her spectacular event coming up in October at Disney. There are still a few tickets left for the event by the way – and all of the profits are going to charity.

The famous Chip of the Chip and Company website asked Sarah and I to team up and do a review of  the highly anticipated–  L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop over in the France Pavilion at Epcot!

How could I NOT be completely excited about this? First of all, I love Sarah and I treasure her friendship very much so just getting to hang out with her is fun. Second of all, writing for Chip and Company is like a dream come true for me – and third – well it’s ice cream – which in itself is something I consider to be the 5th food group.

Here is a photo that Chip made – and I think you can see the excitement on my face over this whole ordeal. It reminds me of an opening scene from Laverne and Shirley or some other comedic sitcom, and it just might be one of my favorite pictures of all-time. Thank you Chip!

chip picture

On my way to meet Sarah that day, I thought about asking her to film a quick video of my very first visit to this shop. It was just a last minute decision. I had no script and no idea what I was going to say – as you can clearly tell. Just for laughs though, I posted it on facebook…and I actually got a really great reaction!

I have always had a dream in my heart to make videos like this at Disney. Short, and hopefully helpful and fun to anyone who love Disney as much as I do. Sarah and my facebook friends have really encouraged me to go for my dream – so you can expect to see more stuff like this coming to my YouTube channel. My team and I will film everything live and on-location inside the Disney parks! Ideas and suggestions on the kind of Disney magic you are interested in seeing is highly encouraged and welcomed! You can reach me in a number of ways, and I would really love to hear from you.

Please click this link to see Sarah’s article that came from our visit on this day. She did an awesome job and I felt so very proud to be a small part of this project!

L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop Opens in France Pavilion at Epcot

Here is a link to more information on Sarah’s Fireworks Dessert Party in October. Any profits she makes from this event will go to charity.

How to Type the Classic Mickey Symbol for iPhone, iPad, PC or Mac

Published June 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Classic Mickey Symbol °o°

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Have you ever seen one of these °o° and wondered how to do it? It’s pretty simple and comes in handy when you are a Disney fan!

First you make the ear on the left side. On a PC, press and hold the ALT key – and on the number pad press 1 6 7 and then release all the keys. You should now see the left ear.

Then you can use a lowercase o

a zero

or a capital O for the head.

It’s just a personal preference.

I like the lowercase o.

Then just repeat the ALT 1 6 7 to create the ear on the right. °o°

For Mac users, press and hold the ALT + 0 (zero) release, then the small letter o as in open, and ALT + 0 again. °o°

You can make Mickey on an iPhone and iPad too!

Press and hold the zero in the number keyboard and the ° will appear as a choice next to it.

Keep your finger on the screen and slide it to the left over the degree symbol to type it in.

°o° YAY Mickey!

°o°

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Disney Inspired Accessories that Do Double Duty – with a Discount!

Published June 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Here at Disneyways our mission includes introducing you to only the finest Disney related products and services. Just as a reminder, I do not receive any commission from the sales of these items, so you know my recommendations come truly from the heart.

Today we have some exciting things to show you! These fun items are great for your days at the Disney parks – but – as I was looking at my friend Amanda’s MCDesigns store – I noticed many of these items could really brighten up  your day at work as well. Disney inspired accessories that do double duty. Now how can you wrong with that?

MCDesigns Balloon Pen

Anyone could write a thank you note or sign a co-workers birthday card and smile – if they are using this bright and colorful pen. It also doubles as a great autograph pen for your next trip to the parks, or even marking down your dining reservation numbers!

Ladies! This next one is for you. Getting ready for casual Friday at work might be just a little more fun if you accessorize your hair with one of these!

MM_20Headbands_202_original

They come in different colors AND for those fun evenings you are in the Disney parks after dark…these little Mickeys actually glow!!

MM_20Headbands_203_original

I can not WAIT to order one of these for myself – how about you?

Hey and if you are tired of the same old lunch routine at work – why not pack your lunch in this festive bag?

Cruise_20Tote_20Bag_original

It’s sure to make your work day just a little more magical. This bag does double duty as a tote for sunscreen or other essentials on your next Disney cruise! Amanda can customize these for you in an endless amount of designs – so be sure and let her know if you are looking for something special for yourself or as a gift!

Right now as a bonus – MC Designs is having a special for Disneyways readers! All you do is type in the coupon code DISNEYWAYS at checkout and you will get 10% off your entire purchase!! Check out the store and please let me know what some of your favorite items are – I’d love to hear from you!

Everything featured on Disneyways is very special and  impossible to find in stores. That is just another reason why I am committed to bringing them to  you. Your Disney inspired items will stand out from the crowd because they are completely unique and original! When your friends and family ask where you got them – I hope you will remember that you heard about them on Disneyways.com.

Photos from the D23 Member Mixer at House of Blues Orlando

Published June 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I would like to thank Tony from the Disney Parks Podcast for inviting my husband, Chris, and I as his guests at the D23 Member Mixer. It was a great event and so much fun! Here are the details of the event as posted on the D23 Member Website.

D23′s Member Mixer at House of Blues Orlando
Event Information
Monday, June 3, 2013
LOCATION: House of Blues 
Orlando, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort
TIME 5 – 7 p.m.
TICKETS Sold Out
COST: FREE

It’s Member Mixer time at Walt Disney World! Join the D23 Team for some great food and drink—and a terrific opportunity to socialize with other D23 Members and friends!
Starting at 5 p.m., we will be kicking back in our own reserved area just for D23 Members and their guests. Upon checking in, everyone will receive one 15-percent-off coupon good on all merchandise in the House of Blues store, some goodies from House of Blues, as well as a little gift from your friends at D23.

(Here is what we got as a gift! Look for many of these items to be given away here on the blog and/or the Disney Parks Podcast! Our thanks to Ramon of ThemeParkConcierges.com for the photos!)

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Guests will be able to order food and enjoy drink specials and delicious specialty cocktails. And don’t forget, D23 Members always save 15 percent off their food at House of Blues Orlando, known for their Shrimp & Grits, Pulled Pork Sliders, Jambalaya, and Hand Stretched Flatbreads.
We look forward to seeing you there!
NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. This is a non-ticketed event. Members may bring up to three (3) guests. Space is limited. Limit one coupon/gift per person. For entry, members must present a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.

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Another Monstrous Summer Giveaway!

Published June 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Hooray, another giveaway!! This is totally separate from the Monstrous Mint Candle! Remember we are still taking entries for that one until June 3rd –  and we will announce the winner on June 4th.

For this giveaway, I have joined up with some other amazing Disney bloggers to bring you this:

We have teamed up to bring you some fun prizes to help kick off the Monstrous summer AND to celebrate the opening of the Monsters University movie on June 21, 2013!

The blogs bringing you this awesome giveaway are:
Mousekatools
Heidi’s Head
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
Love Our Disney
Disneyways
 

This giveaway is open to all US Residents. You can enter using the giveaway box below. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner may be chosen. You can enter every single day if you want to! For more Monstrous fun – check out this post about the meet and greets, and this post about the all-nighter.

Good luck and have a Magical Day!

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM WHERE YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN!!

Disney Parks Podcast Episode #47 Weekly News

Published May 30, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our partnership with the Disney Parks Podcast!

Episode 47 brings you a recap of the 24 Hour All-Nighter, Car Masters Weekend and a SPECIAL announcement!!

Short and sweet at just around 15 minutes!

Click here to listen to Show #47!

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Special thanks to these fine companies for providing goodie bags that we gave away on the evening of the all-nighter.

Please show these folks some love:

Ramon from ThemeParkConcierges.com

Sarah from Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW

Sam from WalterandRosie.com

and Julie from  Chuckle JAL on Etsy

***Disney Parks Podcast Meetup at the Cars Master Weekend***

Tony , Parkhoppers John and Sid will meet you at 2Pm Between Wolfgang Pucks and Bongos near the waterfall.

Join them to afterwards to walk around and check out the cars and entertainment. It’s going to be a great time, these 3 are SO much fun!

(I am sad that I have to miss out but I have a family commitment that day.)

Click HERE to see more upcoming events!

Show Notes

Cars Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney’s Westside

June 15 and June 16, 2013   from  9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Cars Meet ‘n’ Greet

  • Downtown Disney Car Show

  • Special appearances by automotive legend Chip Foose, as well as Disney•Pixar’s Cars filmmaker Jay Ward.

  • Exotic Driving Experience

  • Idle over to the Chevrolet Showcase

  • Disney•Pixar’s Cars Movie Marathon at AMC® Downtown Disney 24.

  • Car Masters Merchandise

  • Exclusive Disney Activities — Race over to play Disney Infinity; then get revved up for future Disney film releases with interactive fun.

So come on down for a rev’d up a good time!

Disney Parks Podcast Meetup at the Cars Master Weekend

We will meet at 2Pm Between Wolfgang Pucks and Bongos near the waterfall.

We will then walk around and check out the cars and entertainment

The 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival , September 27 – November 10, 2013

Food and Wine Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup

  • Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas

  • Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s

  • Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply

  • Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel

  • Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray

  • Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain

  • Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer

  • Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips

  • Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters

  • Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger

  • Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men

  • Oct. 24-25 – Survivor

  • Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special

  • Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth

  • Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors

  • Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross

  • Nov. 4-5 – Hanson

  • Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung

  • Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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World Secrets: The Top 7 (Scandalous?) Things You May Not Know About The Lion King

Published May 30, 2013 by Disneyways.com

  A scandalous Simba? Could it really be true? Read these top 7 things you may not know about the Lion King – and judge for yourself.

7. When Simba collapses on the cliff, it appears that the pollen that flies off the cliff forms the word “sex,” but it was actually “SFX,” the abbreviation for the special-effects team that worked on the film.

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6. In early script drafts, Scar was not related to Mufasa. However, the writers thought making the two related would be more interesting.

scar Lion King

5. Initially, the reason an adult Nala wandered so far from Pride Rock was supposed to be because Scar had banished her for ignoring his romantic advances.

Lion King Nala

4. James Earl Jones (Mufasa) and Madge Sinclair (Sarabi) were also the king and queen in Coming to America.

Lion King Jones

3. Reportedly, the “Be Prepared” scene was inspired by footage of Nazis marching by Adolf Hitler on a podium.

Lion King 2

2. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” was originally written as a song for Mufasa titled “To Be King.” It was reworked after they discovered the song didn’t work with James Earl Jones’ singing voice.

1. Pumbaa is the first Disney character to ever fart.

pumbaa

Info and Photo credit – BuzzFeed.com

Click here to read the top 5 things you may not know about Divine!

Why do we think the animators felt that the Blue Fairy was sexy?

Check out – Cinderella . She has some secrets too!

Magical Makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Published May 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

A magical beauty salon where any little girl can make her dream of becoming a princess come true.

A Fairy Tale Come to Life

With her magic wand—plus a few fashion tricks— a Fairy Godmother-in-training can transform girls (aged 3-12) into  princesses!  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and operated by her skilled apprentices. Appointments typically last 30 minutes to an  hour depending on what package you choose.

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Select a hairstyle

Then select your package:

  • The Coach Package (starting at $54.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
  • The Crown Package (starting at $59.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
  • The Courtyard Package (starting at $89.95, plus tax)Exclusive Courtyard hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt
    Trendy tutu
  • The Castle Package (starting at $189.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
    Complete costume of your choice plus accessories
    One 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ photos in a princess-themed holder

Disneyways would like to thank BigFatPanda.com for this awesome video!

      • Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are very popular, so reservations are strongly recommended. Call (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895 to book your appointment with a Fairy Godmother-in-training today!

Our thanks to Leah Taylor for these photos!

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Boys can join in on the fun too, as Fairy Godmothers-in-training can transform them into heroic knights!

The Knight Package ($15.95 plus tax)

  • Hairstyling with colorful gel
  • Mighty sword and shield
  • Confetti

bbbknight

Two Boutiques to Choose from:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has 2 locations: inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park and at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Downtown Disney

Hours are subject to change but are typically 9:00AM-7:29PM

Costume choices may include: Ariel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Belle, Jasmine, and Cinderella as well as Tinker Bell, Minnie Mouse, Rapunzel and Princess Tiana. The knight package for boys is also available.

The World of Disney location offers a wide variety of beautiful accessories, including ponytail hairpieces and tiaras.

Self-parking and admission to Downtown Disney are complimentary.

Magic Kingdom

Hours are subject to change but are typically 8:00AM-7:00PM

Costume choices may include Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tinker Bell and Tiana

The Magic Kingdom location offers a wide variety of beautiful accessories, including ponytail hairpieces and tiaras.

Have you experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Please leave me your thoughts and comments below!

 

A Magical Monstrous Summer All-Nighter 2013

Published May 25, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Leap Day 2012 in WDW Magic Kingdom, a small handful of my family and of course my wonderful husband were able to celebrate with me. I was very grateful for the 5 hours or so I had with them, but the majority of the time I was alone. I remember being on the People Mover at 5am on March 1, 2012…looking down at an empty Tomorrowland and wondering if I was some sort of weirdo for loving Disney World so much. Nobody I knew felt strongly enough about it to be there with me at that time of the morning. Who could blame them though, really? Still, it was strange being in the happiest place on earth, not feeling sad really, but feeling very alone.

Fast forward to this week, and on our latest episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, Parkhopper John asked each of us what we were looking forward to the most about the all-nighter on May 24, 2013. The very first thing that popped into my head was spending time with friends. I wasn’t sure if my husband would make it over to party with us, but he did, and that made it even more wonderful to me.

scary

There were 2 or 3 times yesterday and last night that I looked around and couldn’t believe the wave of emotion that came over me. At times laughing until my face hurt, and at others feeling so amazingly thankful. What a difference a year makes. I have met some of the most wonderful new friends as a direct effect of Disneyways. Some near, some far, and some that I have never met in person (yet!) To say that I feel blessed is a terrible understatement. I am so undeserving of the life that I lead, and I never, ever want to take it for granted. I don’t normally talk about myself this much here on the blog, but I hope you will forgive me and understand that what I am trying to do – is encourage you today.

If you ever feel alone in your passion for Disney, if you ever feel far away from this magical place, I hope you will think of my story. If you are reading these words right now, YOU are one of the Disney friends that I carry in my heart every time I go through those magical archways on property, whether we have met in person or not. Disneyways, and none of the work that I do, means anything without you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for being my Disney friend – one of the best kind of friends in the “World.”

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Enter to Win a Monstrous Mint Candle from Walter&Rosie

Published May 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

candle

Enjoy a Monstrous 24-Hour Event
On May 24, 2013, for one day and one night only, Guests will have the chance to spend 24 whole hours inside select Disney parks!

Click hereto listen to the latest podcast from DPP for more on this fabulous event!

The Disney Parks Podcast team will be streaming live and holding meetups at Walt Disney World throughout the evening to celebrate the event. In an effort to help you continue the celebration at home all summer long, we have a special offer for you! My beautiful friend Sam from WalterAndRosie.com has created this special edition candle inspired by the Monstrous All-Nighter. It has the light scent of peppermint which has a reputation as being wonderful aromatherapy for any time you need a “pick-me-up.” Perfect for an all-night party, don’t you think?

Here are the 2 steps it takes to get entered. Deadline is Monday June 3rd 2013 at 11:59 pm

1. Head over and “Like” the Walter&Rosie Facebook page here.

2. Send an email to Disneyways@Disneyways.com  with the subject line Monstrous Mint Summer Giveaway and let us know you’d like to be entered to win.

That’s it! One lucky winner will be chosen and notified by email on Tuesday, June 4th 2013. Thank you for playing along and have a magically monstrous day!

Pssst….Can’t wait to win? Click here to learn how to get your Disney inspired scent at a discount – today!
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