Uncategorized

All posts in the Uncategorized category

Today at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort 

Published March 26, 2016 by Disneyways.com

It’s the day before Easter 2016, here at Ft. Wilderness! Let’s mosey over for a visit to Tri Circle D Ranch! I’ve never been here right before the trail riding tour. It’s neat to see everyone all lined up and ready for an adventure! 

 
   
   

Now let’s head over to the Trading Post! Beer and Wine can be bought here…  
 Disney board games to pass the time out here in the wilderness!  
Cute themed air freshener … 
Ft. Wilderness resort wear!   
Such a cute display!   
Tomorrow I’ll have a few photos for you from the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review – so y’all come back now… ya hear?! 

Valentine’s Day Italian Style at Portobello Disney Springs this February

Published January 10, 2016 by ltdjosh

PORTOBELLO RESTAURANT DEBUTS 3-COURSE VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

Whisk a loved one away on a culinary trip to Italy

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL; January 6, 2015) – Italian countryside concept, Portobello Restaurant (1650 Buena Vista Dr.) in Disney Springs offers an extravagant prix-fixe dinner for sweethearts and that special someone this Valentine’s Day on Sunday, February 14.

Guests can start the romantic meal with a complimentary round of Jeio Prosecco as Chef Cristobal Lopez serves a 3-course prix-fixe menu where lovers can pick and choose from two different starters and entrees. Menu highlights include a Flat Iron Steak with spinach, garlic, and rosemary potatoes as well as a Chocolate Mousse with mascarpone whipped cream. The entire menu includes:

Starter

 

Choice of

Tomato bisque

Or

Arugula salad, candied walnuts, raspberry vinaigrette

Entrée

 

Choice of

Flat iron steak spinach, garlic, rosemary potatoes

Or

Swordfish peperonatta

 

Dessert

Chocolate mousse, mascarpone whipped cream

 

The prix-fixe menu at Portobello Restaurant is $95.00 per couple and reservations can be made by calling 407.934.8888. For additional information please visit www.portobellorestaurant.com.

About Portobello Restaurant

Located in the heart of Downtown Disney at 1650 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida,Portobello Country Italian Trattoria presents guests with a classic osteria experience celebrating the simple flavors of Italy. Crusty breads, sun-ripened tomatoes, imported Prosciutto di Parma, freshly caught fish, fruity olive oil, and pungent cheese set the stage for the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Portobello is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner daily from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information visit www.portobellorestaurant.com or call 407.934.8888and follow Portobello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Disney Store – London, England ~ By Guest Author Fairy Taled

Published September 1, 2015 by ltdjosh

londondisneystore

When Walt Disney conceptualized Walt Disney World, he didn’t just mean to create a place where everyone could enjoy the sights and sounds of all their favorite Disney stories and meet their favorite characters; he also meant to create an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”, which would serve as a test bed for innovations in city living. The “Florida Project,” as he called it, has evolved to become one of the most iconic places on the planet, and to this day, and while it didn’t quite reach the state of futurism Walt had intended, it is still the benchmark through which all other Disney theme parks are measured.

Of course, Disney World had the advantage of size – thousands of acres of swampland ready for development. The same amount of space isn’t always readily available, but Disney has found a way to show that you don’t really need that much space to be able to create a magical place. The perfect example of this can be found no further than London’s own Disney Store on Oxford Street. In the same way that nearby Mayfair is known for its exclusivity and high-end shopping and casinos, Oxford Street has garnered a reputation as the busiest shopping street in all of Europe, seeing over half a million visitors a day. Oxford regularly has trade fairs and workshops for children, as well as classes for adults, and it is undeniably one of the places you absolutely must visit should you find yourself in London’s West End.

Right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, a 267 foot high Princess Castle looms above the crowd, as the glittering lights of the store shine from behind its glass front. Princesses make appearances in the windows as Mickey and Donald sentries stand guard outside, and everyone is treated to the occasionalappearance of Tinkerbell as she zips about the room. Step in through the glass doors and you will find yourself transported into a whole new world, as this Disney Store has just undergone a revamp, and it now sports the latest merchandise in every Disney franchise. Be it a movie or a television show, animated or live action, you’ll find all you could ever want in the fun and funky shelves in the store.

Just like Disney World, the store often holds events in time for some special occasions, and although there are none scheduled in the near future, anyone who enters the store is sure to have fun as their favorite Disney characters come to life. Don’t believe us? Just check out all the fun everyone is having in their online gallery!

Address:

Oxford Street

350 – 352 Oxford Street

London Greater London, W1C 1JH

Phone: 0207 491 9136

Hours of Operation:

Monday 9:00 – 22:00

Tuesday 9:00 – 22:00

Wednesday 9:00 – 22:00

Thursday 9:00 – 22:00

Friday 9:00 – 22:00

Saturday 9:00 – 22:00

Sunday 12:00 – 18:00

Article submitted by guest author: Fairy Tailed

Food Allergy & Celiac Disease IllumiNations Dessert Party

Published August 27, 2015 by ltdjosh

illuminations-dessert-party-00-full

Do you like dessert? What about fireworks? If you say yes, then the Food Allergy & Celiac Convention IllumiNations Dessert Party is definitely for you. Celebrate the cultures of the world with a buffet of dessert choices–all free of the top 8 allergens! During the event, you’ll enjoy a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon
watching the Epcot nighttime fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Includes:

  • An all-your-care-to-eat special diets dessert buffet, free of the top 8 common allergens and gluten
  • Access to our private IllumiNations viewing area, which begins at 9pm
  • Loaded gift bags, giveaways, and evening extras from our Title and Supporting Sponsors

Details:

  • Limited to 250 guests, so register early!
  • For more details about the traditional dessert party, visit the official Walt Disney World site here
  • To purchase tickets, click here.
  • For more information about the Food Allergy & Celiac Convention, click here.

Memento Mori- A Store Dedicated to All Things Haunted Mansion in Disney’s Magic Kingdom ~ By Guest Author Karyn Locke

Published November 13, 2014 by Karyn Locke

Memento Mori

 

Those of you that have read my blog posts in the past certainly know my affection for Disney’s Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. I get asked what my favorite ride at Walt Disney World is all the time, and without hesitation, I happily answer, “Haunted Mansion”. My family and I have gotten to the point that we know which wall panel of the stretching room will slide open and head directly to it, and can talk right along with “Your Ghost Host” while he is reciting his monologue. Yeah, I’m that much in love with the ride. With each visit to Magic Kingdom, I would hunt out the latest Haunted Mansion items for sale in the shops and carts, hoping for something other than a HM key chain or t-shirt to purchase.

Fast forward to the opening of Memento Mori- Disney’s Haunted Mansion store in Liberty Square. From the Latin phrase Memento mori (remember death), the Magic Kingdom store was bound to not only have every item that I’ve dreamt of owning, but a sense of humor just like my beloved ride.

I, along with my family,  was one of those folks happy to queue up outside the storefront in Liberty Square waiting my turn to purchase goodies covered with spooky-eyed wallpaper and adorned with candlestick-holding gargoyles. Giddy with delight, my family and I headed into the shop, and just like a kid in a candy shop, could not decide what to purchase first.

What’s “In Store” for You?

Memento Mori

What’s in store for happy shoppers, you ask? So many spooky, kooky, creative, and downright awesome Haunted Mansion items that you’ll be hard-pressed to choose a favorite!

Memento Mori

When you walk through the store entrance, you’ll notice a cool photography room where you can get “ghostified”, as my daughter calls it. Just like the famous paintings in the ride, the photo will look normal from one angle and creepy from another. Well worth the $20 if you ask me.

Memento Mori

There’s tons of fun items to take home, like well-made pens, fedoras, and of course, t-shirts.

Memento Mori

Make sure to mosey around the store, as there’s some really cool details along the walls.

Memento Mori

Haunted Mansion phone cases, necklaces, and other themed jewelry as far as the eye can see!

Memento Mori

Want a Haunted Mansion hair accessory? Look no further. There’s really cute headbands with the bat stanchions from the ride queue available for your wearing pleasure.

Memento Mori

Here’s the part of the store that was the most fun for me- the kitchen/table ware area. There’s Master Gracy china, Madame Leota towels, HM aprons, cups, glasses, and candlesticks for your table.

Memento Mori

Looking for a way to spruce up your living room & bedroom? There’s throws and pillows that would make a fine addition to the room.

I did notice an absence of one important item: the doombuggy! I’ll put that on my list for Santa this year.

Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for Sand and Snow…and everywhere in between!, she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.

Toys for Tots and Krista on the WDWNT Podcast

Published November 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com

WDWNTLivecharity2013WDWNewsToday.com is hosting a live podcast that will feature a drive for Toys for Tots begining at  8 p.m. eastern November 29th. Here you will have a chance to donate what you can to Toys for Tots through the FirstGiving fundraising page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store. I am super excited to be  joining a team of 6 other hosts live on the show on Saturday November 30th from 5-7pm eastern. The entire broadcast will be streamed live on WDWNT.com by going directly to WDWNT.com/listen. WDWNTunes also streams through several mobile applications available at WDWNT.com/apps.WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando that began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

logo21

More on the show, details and how to tune in were published by WDWNT – and here is what they had to say:

LISTEN
Join Us at 8 p.m. EST November 29th for Our Live 25 Hour Toys for Tots Drive
After an 8 month hiatus, the only late night Disney talk show, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless, will return for one special episode on Friday November 29th at 11pm EST.
Game shows to be played during the event include WDWNT: The Match Game, Where in the World is Tom Corless?, and Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics.
The WDW News Today Podcast will kick-off a new segment counting down the most important moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios contend down to the 25th anniversary of the park in May. You can be a part by voting for the 25 Biggest Moments in the History of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this link.
The entire 25 hour broadcast will conclude on our newest program, WDW News Today: The Radio Show, on Saturday November 30th from 7-9PM. WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando the began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

Every year since 2008, WDW News Today has hosted a charity drive to raise money for the Toys for Tots Foundation. To date, we have raised over $11,000 for this amazing organization with donations through our website and those made during our annual WDWNT Live! program on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, we will be doing the same with the help of some new sponsors and partners, and we are asking you to be a part of this holiday tradition where we continue Walt Disney’s dream and try to make a difference in  the lives of those less fortunate.

Over 60 years ago, Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors of the Toys for Tots foundation, which ensures that every underprivileged child receives a toy during the holiday season. Walt and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today and the first poster created for Toys for Tots.

In this spirit, WDW News Today and our many friends and partners are putting on a 25-hour live broadcast this year to raise money for Toys for Tots. We hope you will join us beginning at 8PM ET on November 29, 2013 when the broadcast begins and will help us by making a donation to this great cause at toys.WDWNT.com.

We are proud to announce Theme Park Connection as the official sponsor of this year’s show and charity drive. As part of their sponsorship, they are accepting cash donations in-person at their store and providing prizes for all of the many games that will be played during the course of the live program. A portion of our 25-hour broadcast will also be conducted live from their store on Saturday, November 30th, from 9:00AM until 3:00PM EST. Theme Park Connection can be visited online at ThemeParkConnection.com or at their new store location at 2160 Premier Row in Orlando, Florida, near the Florida Mall.

The choice to do a 25-hour broadcast this year over 24 was not a coincidence. To commemorate the upcoming WDWCelebrations event “Studio 25″, we are matching every year of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with an hour of live broadcasting. Also, during the course of the show, registration will officially open for this fan event at WDWCelebrations.com.

During the course of the show, we will be presenting many of the shows, segments, and games for which we are known:

  • After an 8 month hiatus, the only late night Disney talk show, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless, will return for one special episode on Friday November 29th at 11pm EST.
  • Game shows to be played during the event include WDWNT: The Match Game, Where in the World is Tom Corless?, and Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics, and WDWNT: The Price is Right
  • The WDW News Today Podcast will kick-off a new segment counting down the most important moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios counting down to the 25th anniversary of the park in May. You can be a part by voting for the 25 Biggest Moments in the History of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this link. The segment will take place at 9PM EST on Friday November 29th.
  • WDWNTunes’ Around the Hub (the show of competitive Disney banter) will also be part of the show, taking place from 6PM-7PM EST on Saturday, November 30th.
  • The entire 25 hour broadcast will conclude on our newest program, WDW News Today: The Radio Show, on Saturday November 30th from 7-9PM. WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando the began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

This entire broadcast will be streamed live on WDWNT.com, accessed by going to the WDWNTunes tab and clicking listen. You can also go directly toWDWNT.com/listen. As well, WDWNTunes streams through several mobile applications available at WDWNT.com/apps.

We hope you will join is for this fun show starting on November 29th at 8PM EST and will donate what you can to Toys for Tots through our FirstGiving fundraising page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store.

 

Winning Entries for Julie’s Contest!

Published May 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Here are the winning entries from Julie’s contest! If you missed the post all about the contest and the winners click here.

To read more about Julie and her on-going specials for Disneyways readers click here.

Jewelry Pieces Won!

 

Solid Sterling Silver Four Leaf Clover n Crystals DeSIGNeR Earrings

by: Kristen

Sooo… What would a girl (a really old girl) named Iannotti want with a pair of four leaf clover earrings?! Let me explain…
I am TOTALLY not Italian. I like to believe that my Irish genes have sufficiently diluted my husband’s Italian lineage. Pale skin rules!! My second son (three’s a charm – I LOVE my boys!) was due on April 4, 1995. My husband and I went around and around about a middle name. He wanted something that was “significant” to his life. He tried to convince me that Tiberius (James T. Kirk!!) was an awesome middle name. I was not buying it!! We settled on Dylan (of course, for Bod Dylan). We had already chosen Jacob for the first name. So became Jacob Dylan Iannotti. On the morning of Friday, March 17, 1995, I still had three and a half weeks before Jake was due. His older brother, Tim was one day late so I held no hope for early parole. As I dried my hair that morning, I looked in the mirror and thought – What a cool day to have a baby – then, I went to work. I worked part time for a financial planning company. I had been told by my doctor that things were moving along very well and Jake could arrive at any time. The Office Manager kept telling me that everyone was going to a big meeting on Monday and that I would be completely in charge of the office. I kept telling her she might want to have a back up plan. She insisted we were fine… The whole office had a shower for me that day. Everyone had pitched in for gift certificates to the mall. It was a very nice shower and I ate enough cake for three. Me, Jake, and Jack (who would not arrive for two more years but I knew that he would have wanted cake…!). I left to pick up Tim at his kindergarten day care. We stopped on the way home at the local hobby shop (which sold a little bit of everything) because it was going out of business. They were at 70% off. Tim picked a stuffed dinosaur and I got a shirt for my husband. While we were still looking around, my water broke. I calmly told Tim (just 6 years old) that my water broke. He asked what that meant and I told him his brother was on his way. I proceeded to the check out (are your kidding me?! – how often do you find 70% off???) and told the prehistoric woman at the counter that I was in a hurry because my water just broke and I needed to purchase these items and get to the hospital… It made things worse and she was slower than usual. Jake arrived, during the NCAA playoffs, at the exact moment that ODU and Villanova went into trip overtime – ODU won the game…
Suffice it to say that Jake is my St. Patrick’s day baby – born on a day that was exciting in many ways! This past St. Patrick’s day, he turned 18 and will be leaving for college in 2 months. I would love to have the Four Leaf Clover earrings to wear while he is away. I a not a real jewelry fiend. I wear only a few rings, a belly button ring that I never change (from YOU!! – it is SOOOO perfect!!), and earrings. I have LOTS of earrings and change them every day – they are determined by mood and what I am wearing. I think that the earrings would bring luck to both me and Jake – me because I won something!! – Jake because, while I definitely don’t need earrings to remind me of him every second, it would be another connection to know that WHILE his mom is thinking of him, she’s looking GOOD!!!
This is an awesome contest idea. I love your products and love to look around your site. I have given several of your items as gifts and the recipients have also loved your work. I know something like this will bring about a lot of great stories. I hope that you will considering emailing some of the “runner ups” and seeing if you can post their responses. I think the greatest part of this idea is not the free gift but the opportunity to share some cool stories!

———————————————————————————————————————
Minnie tropical Lei Necklace – my favorite……

I guess my story is going to be, that when I go to Disneyland, or DisneyWorld, the people there, admire all of the items I have obtained from you, and I love to share your shop, and feel the delight, and a twinge of jealousy from anyone that admires your creativity !! And the fact that I have it…and they do NOT !!

Love Ya, Joyce !!
——————————————————————————————————————–
I received an email about a competition and thought why not…but this is soooooooo difficult because 1)everything in your shop is lovely and 2) sob stories always win…always, however, I’m lucky not to have one so I’ll just try to amuse you with my humor (!)

Ok I really like the Mermaid N Lampwork Flowers Floral Glass Belly Button Ring (Listing # 123158548), and would love to win this. it’s actually quite silly as I don’t have my belly button pierced and don’t think it would be very pleasant for onlookers to see my belly but I’m sure I could find somewhere to dangle it from!

I like this because it reminds me of the sea and i grew up near the seaside back in the 80’s. brings back some good memories…now the beach near our house wasn’t lovely and colored like your bead…it was actually rocky and a bit smelly and the weather was crappy most of the time (I’m in Scotland!) but fun times were had there! Anyhoo, if I’m lucky enough to win id treasure this bead and promise to look after it.
(everything crossed..including internal organs…mm) take care.

Nylah X
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
SALE APRIL SHOWERS Black and White Spotted Owl Lampwork DeSIGNeR EaRrings Fall Fun
Hi my name is Cynara
I love these earrings my mom loves owls and these showcase them so well that it would be like a good luck charm when I would wear them. Okay, the story why I should win! Kind of lengthy but I think it’s great!

So I got married 9/9/10 after being with my now husband for 1 year and 8 months to the day. This story involves my mother in-law. Planning the wedding I pretty much did so on my own or with my mom. My MIL would ask questions along the way, first question what day. Well the reaction to the day was flat why because we got married on a THURSDAY, for the formal wedding and reception, in Buffalo NY, with a guest list max of 60 people. Then we had a reception two days later for the 200+ family member in my home state of MA. Style pig roast! Oh the humanity, how dare us not have huge wedding with everyone invited to the actual day and be 20,000$ in debt because of the extravagant nature of it. So in a few days she asked the theme or colors of the wedding theme Beauty and the Beast, colors yellow and red! Now she was really flabbergasted like how do make a wedding beauty and the beast themed. So I explained and she still wasn’t buying it. Then I had to tell my in laws we were not getting married in a church… Oh Boy did that take a bit to calm down from!! Then I had to tell her we were having no alcohol at the wedding in Buffalo (we did at the reception in MA), now you think I had finally told her everything and well the alcohol thing did not go over well… It was all well we will pay for the alcohol or how about just wine (which I am allergic to) so we explained we all have to drive 6 hrs the morning after we want to be safe and no one will have to drive with a hangover or god forbid still drunk. So now I told her all the “bad news” nope!! Last bit of craziness I wasn’t wearing a white dress! I wore yellow just like Belle! Yup marrying to a very religious family, no church, no wine and no white dress! So the wedding day passes and all went perfect not one problem! We get to the reception in MA and my MIL pulled me aside and said “I have never been so happy to be wrong” and continued to say all the fun amazing things about the wedding! It was just the best moment that they really accepted me into the family even though I wasn’t “traditional”. My in laws are great and awesome! After 8 months of them thinking I was crazy, I got a little victory!! Lol and Yes I did do a Happy Dance when no one was looking!

Thank you for doing the contest you are awesome and I hope you get a lot of Great stories!!!

Cynara
—————————————————————————–
Contest:(my favorite item is the Bracelet: All that is Disney Sra
Lampwork Disney Inspired Mickey Minnie Mouse Style DeSIGNeR Bracelet Black N Red Polka Dots Trend)

Why I chose the item above brings back a memory of wearing Mickey Mouse not to mention I love Mickey and Minnie especially when it is
jewelry; Years ago on my of trips to Disneyland, like other people or fans I bought all kinds of keepsakes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse goodies.
On our way home, one of the stops was Napa Valley to visit the wineries. Of course I had to wear my Mickey Mouse Jean Jacket and Mickey
Mouse watch with a cute dress and sandals. Well, from one winery to another I was starting to feel a little tipsy from all the wine tasting, not to mention we had a picnic at one of the wineries and drank a bottle of wine. If you have ever been there you know that it is not quiet, there is
a lot of chatter and noise as people are talking about the wines or amongst each other. In this one winery we stopped at they had a beautiful gift shop that had a large display of crystal wine glasses and other accessories. I came across this real cool framed board that had all different
wine corks from all the wineries displayed in this frame. Being my usual self I never take the first one from the front, so I reached behind to get the one from the back. Well the next thing I know all of a sudden it was like a dominos effect; my Mickey Mouse watch strap somehow caught the corner of one the framed boards and knocked the next one and then so and so on until I hear a large shatter of glass! The last board knocked over at least 1/2 a dozen of the crystal wines glasses and they shattered all over the tile floor. Trying to act cool and collect I looked up and all these eyes were staring at me with astonishment and it was “dead silent” (you could even hear a pin drop at this point)I stood there frozen. My partner of course decides to do a dine and dash and leave me stranded having to defend myself. As the store clerk came over with a broom to sweep it up, I am telling him with a dumb founded look on my face “I do not know how that happened” while some of people are now whispering saying it was that Mickey girl. My next move before I get stuck with a bill or even with more embarrassment was to slowly back up and head out the door.
As I head out the door I am now splitting a gut laughing along with my partner but not so much on what happened, but how it happened
and the expressions on everyone’s face.

Lesson in all this; never reach for something from the back.

Julia

I am submitting my email to you here as I don’t have an AOL account. Anyway, I have the pink set and the Mickey set of charms that you made me awhile back and have gotten a lot of complements on it. Anyway here is my story.
Five years ago I met the love of my life on Facebook. We met on a Facebook chat room and have been together since we met in 2008. In 2009 we were blessed to have a son, Oliver, who has brought us joy everyday in our life, but even with this blessing there was something missing. I was never the girl that wanted to be married, I was happy in my life the way that it was, but that was destined to change. My fiancé is from England and fate seemed to lead us to each other. He came to Canada to begin a new life and we made the trip back to England for Oliver’s first birthday. I was terrified and even cried as I was terrified of flying, but I had to be brave for both my son’s (Stephen is from a previous relationship) and was so happy when we finally landed. We spend a couple of weeks over in England meeting all of David’s family and friends and it was then that I realized that I could not imagine my life without him in it. When we returned to Canada we went shopping and that is when I finally agreed to make the leap that I never thought I would, I agreed to get married! Not only have I agreed to marry this wonderful, loving man, but I also agreed to hold the wedding in England. We are getting very close to the Wedding date now, August 9, 2013. I have been looking over and over at the Mickey and Minnie wedding set that you have in your shop, as I absolutely love them and would be happy to be the recipient of your gift! I have always loved Disney and cherish the charms that I have from your shop and continue to let people know where I got my beautiful charms from, so even if I don’t win I want you to know that your beautiful creations are cherished! Hope you enjoy my story.

Monica
—————————————————————————————————————————————
I work in a pretty stressful job. I try to get to Walt Disney World at least once a year to re-charge my batteries, but that isn’t always possible and it
always feels like a long time between trips. I do whatever I can to add a little magic everyday and your jewelry helps me do that in a classy way. So basically I’m hoping to win these earrings so that I don’t have to be a grown up and you can add a little magic into my life! Mickey always makes me smile and smiles are the best gifts we can share! Thanks for the chance to win them for free.

PsyFi
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
It’s been my experience that when you are a mother, it is easy to get lost in the “hussle and bussle” of things and sometimes we forget a little about ourselves. I have been so busy lately that I’ve completely put “ME” on the back of the ‘to do list’. Sometimes the day becomes too much and all I yearn for is a quick nap, but instead I go into a ‘5 minute snore’ with somebody in my ear saying “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom…..” (for the whole 5 minutes). seriously, EVERY time. 😉 Well, GETTING FIT and making time to “beautify myself” has become an urgent need for me, lately. ~My very own Prince Charming & I are engaged to be married this September. SO as you can imagine, I am struggling to get into that nicely sized dress… ~ This is mainly why I fell in love with the idea of owning your -Rhinestone N Mickey Minnie Mouse Style Disney Inspired DeSIGNeR Belly Chain- because this is a more than perfect way to get motivated and inspired. I would like to see my fiancé’s face when I wear such a “delicious” design on our Wedding night/Honeymoon trip! ;-D

Lori
——————————————————————————————–
Ok First off let me just say you have beautiful jewelry and things! Second if I won I would love to win Beadserroneous Pansy Pansies Sra Lampwork DeSIGNeR BrACeLeT Pink Purple Flower Garden Srajd for my Grandma! If it were for me I’d love to win Tropical Pink Minnie Mouse Style Disney Inspired Lampwork Bead DeSIGNeR Necklace Hawaii Lei Sterling..
Alright on to my story… When I was two years old my Grandparents took me to Disney World. I was their first Grandchild and they spoiled me a bit…I don’t remember a lot from that trip except seeing Mickey and his house (Mickey’s Toontown) and a big ball (Spaceship Earth). Through the years I have heard the stories from that trip many times and every single time my Grandparents recall that trip they smile so it must have been pretty memorable…So on the way to Orlando we got stranded in Chicago because of heavy snow…we were stranded overnight and I hear it was pretty miserable.. Apparently everyone was sleeping on the seats and floor of the terminal lobby because no one could leave the airport. My Grandma tells me it was very crowded and uncomfortable. Grandpa always said even as uncomfortable as it was, everyone was entertained my the dancing, & singing two year old girl who despite poor conditions kept right on talking and smiling…I was and still am quite the chatterbox. My grandma said I was so excited to see Mickey I was awake all night and it took them forever to calm me.. (If I only had a bit of that energy now).. That night my Grandpa wrote a letter about my birth and a few other key life events leading up to that day…When my daughter turned two he gave me that letter and told me about that night…Both of my grandparents also told me that the whole way there I recited my address and phone number to anyone who would listen and that I had everyone laughing the whole flight the next day…I also hear I rode It’s a Small World half a dozen times 🙂 I am so very thankful that they loved me so much to bring me on such a magical trip and only wish I was old enough to remember more of it. I now have two children and my youngest is two years old now..Next year we are going to Disney and I hope to be able to save enough to take my family of four as well as my Grandparents to Disney with us. I want to build more memories with them and my children and want my kids to have the experience of going to Disney with two of the most loving, caring and selfless people I know. My Grandparent have done more for me and my family than anyone, they are both very special people. If I could give them the whole world it still wouldn’t be enough to repay them for all the blessings and kindness they have given me and my children. I’m sorry if my typing is so bad…I haven’t typed a story or a letter in ages.. Thanks for taking the time to read my story and I hope you enjoyed 🙂 Have a Wonderful Day!
-Chelsea

——————————————————————————————–

I read about your contest…:) Just so you know I love everything you make…but I know my most favorite will be my grandma’s necklace. How can it not be..I have 9 wonderful and precious grandchildren. I have always wanted something that not everyone has…so many stereotype jewelry items..So…when I asked about the pancreatic cancer Mickey for my dad I thought to myself…I know Julie can create for me my very own grandma’s necklace…So this necklace will mean the world to me…and every time I look at it I will have very special memories of everyone of my grandchildren…So thank you…for making a treasure I will hold close to my heart forever….

Also….Can’t wait to get my Live Your Best Life Now….More people need to have the opportunity to get one of these…Those words cannot be more true as today’s world is in chaos….So…Julie…Live Your Best Life Now!!!!

Hugs to you
Jo Ann.

FREE Jewelry Contest Winners Announced!

Published May 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Recently, Julie Leedy, our preferred Disneyways Disney inspired jewelry vendor, posted an awesome contest that ended on April 28, 2013.

Here is a link to the full post if you want to read all the details.

Julie’s challenge was basically to find something in her Etsy Shop (chuckhljal.etsy.com), just one item, that you would want to make your own – and tell her why you love that piece and why you should be the recipient of this free gift. Here’s the deal breaker though…no sad stories, only good ones. Good heartfelt story telling.

On May 1st I got an email from Julie stating this:

“I just wanted to let you all know that the contest winners and their stories for my first ever Etsy Chicken Soup Contest have been posted to my Facebook Account.  I hope you all have a chance to stop by and take a look!  Thanks so much to all that entered!  All your stories touched my heart!”

Upon visiting her facebook page, located here, I found this statement: (Julie’s words!)

“So have you ever thought to yourself….Oh man, I should have done that! Well here is another incident where you may be kicking yourself! Recently, I posted a contest in my Etsy shop for anyone who wanted to participate. Contest rules and details below. Well, I received ten fabulous entries with great Chicken Soup stories and could not decide on just one winner. So that being said, I decided that everyone that took the time to enter was worthy of the prize of their choice. Prizes ranged from belly button rings, to earrings, necklaces and even to include an $85 bracelet. Each one of their stories touched my heart in some way or another and my family and friends really enjoyed hearing them all. My darling hubby is not happy with my decision and the postage alone was crazy to ship them all but I decided each and every contest entry would get a little magic sent to them too just as the magic of their stories were shared with me. Prizes for all have been mailed and the recipients will soon open a little bit of magic in their mailboxes. I hope you all take the time to read and enjoy their stories too. Remember a little random act of kindness truly does go a long way, and a smile or fun story can brighten so many people’s day just for sharing. Congrats to all the entries! You truly made my first every Esty Contest worthy of repeating (sorry, next contest will only have 1-3 winners or I will be in the doghouse even longer).
Hugs, Julie”

You read this right! Julie had 10 entries and decided to award EACH and every person who entered with a prize from her shop. 

Here is a photo of all the items she has or will be shipping out, not including a Grandmother’s necklace that she has to have made first.

Jewelry Pieces Won!

Julie made this decision entirely on her own. This was completely unexpected…yet not surprising to me. Why? Because this is the kind of generous, kind and warm person she is.

When you buy a piece of jewelry from Julie, you can rest assured that you will only get the best possible service, products, and value, but also her heart felt thanks and appreciation. You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you have contributed to the life of a wonderful person – and not just some big corporation that will never even know who you are.

Julie, words can not express how thankful I am for you and your kindness. THANK YOU for the discounts and wonderful service you have given to Disneyways readers. Thank you for creating this beautiful jewelry so that we can all carry a little Disney magic with us each and every day.

Congratulations to her winners, Kristen, Joyce, Nylah X, Cynara, Julia, Monica, PsyFi, Lori, Chelsea, and Jo Ann! Check out all of their winning stories here.

Please head on over to Julie’s facebook page and hit the “Like” button! Let’s show her how much we appreciate her. Thank you so much and have a magical day!

Interview questions for AJ!

Published April 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com
DFB

Photo property of DisneyFoodBlog.com

***Update April 28, 2013** We have reached our limit on questions. Thanks so much for sending them in!***

Most Disney fans are aware of the fabulous Disney Food Blog. Head author and creator AJ Wolfe and her team are a WONDERFUL source of information and photos – and we love linking back to them here at Disneyways. You may have noticed, we do it quite often!

AJ has released a fantastic new ebook that the whole world needs to know about, so I have asked her to share more about it here on Disneyways.

She has kindly agreed!

Am I star-struck? Um, YEAH! Just a bit.

I thought about it – and in doing my best Barbara Walters impression I realized – I don’t want to ask her the same questions everyone else does.

I want to ask her YOUR questions.

So what do you want to know about the Disney Food Blog Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks? Over the next 24 hours I would like to collect your questions! So don’t delay – and leave them in the form below!

If your question is chosen, your first name, last initial and hometown will be posted here on Disneyways.

%d bloggers like this: