Arts

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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.

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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

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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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Disney Parks Podcast Episode 44! Lots and Lots of Disney News!

Published May 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast and all the different ways to listen in!

This episode was recorded on the heels of all the major announcements for the this summer!

Disney Parks are bursting with a Monstrous lineup of unforgettable thrills and entertainment, so you’ll want to listen in and get to get up to date.

Just click on the photo below to be taken to a direct link to connect from your PC.

DPP

As always, I want to thank the fabulous teams at WDWParkHoppers.com and  DisneyByTheNumbers.com! We are so honored to be a part of the show.

WDW Parkhoppers

DTBN

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #43 – Disney News Reviews and The Top 5 Disney Songs

Published May 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast and all the different ways to listen in!

Episode #43 has been uploaded! During this episode, you will hear me mention the contest Julie’s Contest. That contest has already completed and you can see the contest results here.

Thank you Julie for your amazing generosity in sending every single person who entered their requested piece of jewelry.

Check out the winning stories here.

Even though the contest is over – you can still shop with Julie at a discount by using the keyword Disneyways at checkout.

Tony mentions a podcast where we got updates on Polynesian Resort rumors from the Tikiman. Please check out the WDW News Today podcast featuring the Tikiman here.

Click here for a direct link to check out episode #43 of Disney Parks Podcast from your computer, and thanks in advance for tuning in!

disney parks podcast

As always, I want to thank the fabulous teams at WDWParkHoppers.com and  DisneyByTheNumbers.com! We are so honored to be a part of the show.

DBTN

WDW Parkhoppers

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Monthly Disneyways Subscriber Drawing – May 2013

Published May 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

UPDATE: Congratulations Jody F. From Albuquerque New Mexico! When I emailed her to let her know she won she said,

“Wooohooo! How very exciting! Disney everything makes me happy! I just love your Disneyways! Thanks so much for your notice.” ~Jody
Thanks Jody for subscribing – we appreciate you!
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Yahoo!! It is time once again for the monthly Disneyways subscriber drawing! All you have to do to be entered is subscribe to get your Disneyways updates by email. Everyone who has ever subscribed is automatically entered every single month for our various prizes. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email on May 8, 2013 – and will have 3 days to respond with their mailing address.

Our winner this month will receive:

An Art of Animation Resort Pop-up

A Disney Dogs compactable throwing disk with case

A Disney Parks Blog wristband

A Prada Perfume sample from Epcot

A Disney wild about safety fun book

A Beautifully Disney pamphlet…and a few other surprises not pictured here!

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Here is the AOA Pop-up on the inside

Prize pack

Good luck and thanks for subscribing to Disneyways!!

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4 Quick Tips for Capturing Great Photos with Disney Characters

Published April 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Whether you have kids with you or not, taking photos with the the characters is always a lot of fun. Photopass cast members are always there to help when you are in the parks – which is a great service. But what if you want to take some of your own photos so you can break-in your new camera? Or, maybe you just want to enjoy all the credit and satisfaction of knowing YOU got that perfect shot?

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Here are four quick tips to help you capture some of those character memories like a pro.

4. Take your time 
Disney characters are pretty popular. Even if you’ve been in line for a while, once you get to the front, try to slow down and take your time. Out of all your Disney souvenirs –    your photos will most likely be enjoyed the longest. It’s ok to take a few extra moments to get the shot you want. You will be so glad you did.

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3- Figure out your correct camera settings on the guest in front of you

It can be a little nerve wracking  tying to adjust your camera settings when you are on the spot. You may want to practice with some test shots of the character sharing time with the person who is in line before you. If you are in a long line – that just means you have plenty of  time to ask that guest (or their parents) for their permission first. Then you don’t have to feel weird about it. When you see the finished product it will all be worth it!

2.Try out different camera angles

To give some variety in your pictures get a few from different angles. Get down on the child’s level for instance, hold the camera sideways, that sort of thing.

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1. If all else fails, you can always try to fix the picture in editing

Sometimes you can be so prepared and know exactly what you’re doing but you still end up with a picture you don’t love. When this happens,  give yourself permission to play around with it in the editing process! Try it in black and white or use some other cool effects! After all, Walt himself got some of his best images in black in white!

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What are some of your favorite ways to capture character memories? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Interview questions for AJ!

Published April 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com
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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.

World Secrets ~ Character Signed…Sidewalks?

Published April 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

This is one of the things I love about Walt Disney World.

I have lived here in Orlando all of my life. I remember visiting the parks when I was so small – my Mom wrote our phone number on my hand in case I got lost. I consider myself to be fairly familiar with the Disney magic.

Then it happens…again.

Just when I think I can’t be surprised by anything Walt Disney World does, just when I think I have seen it all – something new (to me!) comes along that makes my eyes tear up. Once again I have to put my hand to my heart – because I still feel that little Disney Princess inside of me – and she is jumping for joy.

Last night – as we were leaving the ticket and transportation center, I looked down at the sidewalk and saw this:

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When nobody was looking – each character must have taken the time to carefully leave a colorful chalk signature behind. Many guests were in a hurry and walked right over these treasures without even seeing them. Maybe I am missing something but I have NEVER seen this before. That’s why I am considering it a World Secret!

I am left wondering who drew the Disney bus with the directional arrow? Do you have a guess? Please leave a comment below!

Click here to read the Disney Diva’s Sidewalk Chalk Countdown to Walt Disney World.

If you are an art fan, and a sidewalk chalk fan, you won’t want to miss Festival of the Masters. Here is information on the 2012 edition.

Contest for FREE Jewelry ends April 28th!

Published April 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

It is our lucky day! Julie has decided to give away one of her beautiful jewelry pieces for FREE! I hope you will read her  note below and consider entering to win!

Julie

 A note from Julie Leedy of Chuckhljal.Etsy.com ~

So, I was thinking wouldn’t it be fun to win something without having to actually spend any money? Do these kinds of freebies even exist any more? Well, I think they do and I know I would love to be the recipient of a prize without having to spend money. So on that note…I have decided to run a little contest for my Etsy customers!!!!!

So here’s the details:

Find something in my Etsy Shop (chuckhljal.etsy.com), just one item, that you would want to make your own. Tell me 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. I need a little Chicken Soup for the Etsy Soul, a story without sympathy; no deaths, diseases or devastations. Good heartfelt story telling. If you can make me laugh, even better. One little catch….if you are the chosen story teller, you are giving me permission to post your fun and heartfelt story to my Etsy and Facebook Accounts.

If you are willing to play, please send me your story via email at chuckhl@aol.com and I will see who’s story tickles me the most. The prize package is the item you loved and wrote about so be sure to send me the link or item number so I know what piece you are referring to. Good luck and feel free to invite your friends and family to play along too. Hurry, contest ends April 28th, 2013, and the winner will be announced on May 1, 2013.

Hugs, Julie

Disney Inspired Jewelry with an (EXTRA!) Limited Time Magic Discount

Published April 14, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Mother’s Day is coming May 12th!! Do you need something different – and totally unique – for Mom this year?

Are you looking for something new to add to YOUR Disney collection – or maybe a wonderful unique gift for someone else?

How about something very special?

A new bookmark, key chain, or cell phone charm perhaps for those teenagers who are so hard to shop for?

Julie Leedy is my friend from California – and my go to girl when I am looking for – not just Disney – but ANY sort of beautiful new jewelry or accessories!

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I am amazed at how many compliments her pieces inspire. In fact – if you are a  Disney travel agent or blogger – you definitely won’t want to go out without wearing some of Julie’s jewelry. These pieces are real conversation starters. Just make sure you have your business cards with you too!

Whatever it is that you love earrings , bracelets and ankletes , necklaces and pendants, even belly button rings…Julie has them all.

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When you see the chuckhljal logo on top you’ll know you are in the right place. Just click the magical Minnie earrings in the photo below!

**LIMITED TIME MAGIC DISCOUNT!! RIGHT NOW YOU CAN SAVE 20% ON YOUR ODER WHEN YOU TYPE IN DISNEYWAYS20 AT CHECKOUT! JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY!! Offer ends April 28th 2013**

THIS OFFER WON’T LAST LONG!

Happy shopping and have a magical day!!

Tropical Minnie Mouse Style Disney Inspired Lampwork Bead DeSIGNeR Earrings Hawaii Lei Sterling

Julie’s Disney inspired pieces are featured on the Disneyways Pinterest board.