Theme Park Concierges arranged a beautiful marriage proposal on Main Street today! Congratulations George and Marisa Morringelli!
To read more about the amazing wishes that Theme Park Concierges can grant for you – click HERE.
Ramon with ThemeParkConcierges.com arranging more than flowers – behind the scenes!
We’ve found yet another way to take the Disney magic with you wherever you are! We are super excited to introduce you to Jamberry nail wraps – with designs inspired by Disney! Jamberry is an awesome alternative to nail polish and gel nails – they last longer without chipping, have less scary chemicals, and require no UV rays!
Tanya is my eldest niece, an extremely successful business woman in her own right, a wife, a new mommy and…WOW… the Jamberry company is super lucky to have her as one of their Independent Consultants. I am very proud to announce that she is also the official Jamberry consultant for Disneyways. Like all Disney related businesses we endorse – hers has met extremely high standards of quality and integrity. Tanya will be doing a series of guest posts for us here – the next one being all about how to apply your Jamberry nails and why they are PERFECT for your Disney vacation – so be sure to stay tuned for that! I can’t wait to see more of Tanya’s Disney inspired Jamberry nail wrap designs, how about you? Without further delay, let the Jamberry nail wrap fun (with designs inspired by Disney) begin!!
Why Jamberry Nail Wraps Are Perfect For Disney Fans ~ Written by Tanya: Your Official Jamberry Consultant for Disneyways
Hi, I’m Tanya, and I am so excited to introduce myself as your OFFICIAL Jamberry Consultant for Disneyways!! Jamberry is an amazing product for your nails that takes the place of nail polish, acrylic nails, and other salon products. It is non-toxic and has a unique application process that includes NO DRYING TIME! Jamberry lasts for up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes – so much better than those expensive manicures that chip after a day or two!
One of the reasons I think Jamberry is such a great product for Disney fans is because of my ability as a Jamberry consultant to create custom nail wrap designs. I’ve been working on designing nail wraps inspired by a few of our favorite Disney characters and would love to find out what you all think!
Stay tuned for more info on why Jamberry is PERFECT for Disney vacations and for more Disney-inspired designs! You can contact me on my Jamberry Facebook page HERE with any questions or to get info on how to order these special Disney-inspired nail wrap. Find out more about Jamberry on my Independent Consultant site HERE.
Top Five Activities for Tweens and Teens at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Halloween parties are a snap when you’ve got wee ones. Dress them up in a costume and hand them a bag for their treats and they’re all set. So, what if you’ve got a tween or teenager that has maybe outgrown the Halloween costume or trick-or-treating fun? Can they still have a blast at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World? You betcha! Here’s a list of the top five activities for tweens and teens at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:
5. Embrace the Lines and People Watch
Let’s face it: There will always be some sort of line when you visit Walt Disney World (unless you visit on a really rainy day and magically manage to get a photo of Aloha Isle with no line. But that’s another story.) So what can your tween or teen do while their younger siblings are queued up in a goodie line or a character meet and greet? People Watch! My tween daughter loves checking out other visitor’s costumes and has even made a few new Disney friends while waiting in line at the party. Visitors from all over the world love going to Disney at Halloween and The Kid adores pointing out their elaborate costumes. She’s even come up with ideas for next year’s costume while people watching. Or you and your tween or teen can have a seat on Main Street and watch the party crowd stroll toward Cinderella Castle. After a full day in the park plus and a long night ahead of us, it’s a blast to just sit and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the most magical place on earth!
4. Let Them Eat Cake! Or Cupcakes! Or Popcorn! Or a Mickey Premium!
I’m sure you all know that tweens and teens are insatiable when it comes to food; I know I hear, “Mom, what’s in the fridge to eat?” at least a dozen times a day. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has so many tasty options from table service to counter service to snack carts no fewer than a 60-second walk away from each other that it’s easy to give them what they want- fun food! The Kid loves the fun Halloween-themed goodies in Magic Kingdom and I find it easy to splurge when it comes to caloric intake at Disney. I mean, Disney sprinkles pixie dust on all of their food and makes them calorie-free, right? Wishful thinking.
3. Hallowishes Fireworks Display
Tweens and teens may try to act more mature, but one glance at yours when they’re watching Hallowishes (or if you’re a stickler for details its official title is Happy HalloWishes: A Grim Grinning Ghosts Spooktacular in the Sky) and you may just see that tiny tot from years ago in their eyes. There’s plenty of viewing spots, our favorite being right in front of Cinderella Castle. Although, we have watched them from Astro Orbiter and they were pretty amazing, too.
2. Mickey’s Boo to You (and You, and You, and You) Parade
One of The Kid’s top requests when we visit the Magic Kingdom at Halloween is to watch Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade. Yes, we all end up singing the VERY catchy tune for hours and even days afterwards and The Kid loves to somehow manage to start singing it at the very moment I’ve forgotten about it, but the parade is a blast! She loves seeing Disney characters in their Halloween costumes dancing and singing, especially the villains. It’s always a joy for me to watch her stick her hand out at the very end of the parade for a lollipop from the cast members with Goofy’s Candy Company. While you’re waiting for the parade to begin, take advantage of Disney cast members that love to take photos and encourage your tween or teen to act silly while having their photo taken. It always works for us.
1. Magic Kingdom Rides and Meet and Greets with No Line
This has always been on the top of The Kid’s list. Most families are taking their kids around to meet and greets or queueing up to add to their candy haul, but we find the best time to ride the popular rides at Magic Kingdom is during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! We head for the Mountains and generally walk right on and then hit Haunted Mansion at least a half-dozen times. The HM cast members go all out for the party as well, and she adores how they look “antiqued”. If you’ve got older teens that like to head off on their own and you are comfortable with it, they’ll have the time of their lives riding the popular MK rides without much of a wait. As for Disney character meet and greets, the bulk of the partygoers will be getting autographs from The Seven Dwarfs and Jack Skellington and Sally, so feel free to head for daily meet and greets that you didn’t want to wait in line for during the day. We were able to walk right up to Merida from Brave, get a few pics, and were headed back to the party in under 10 minutes.
How do you keep a smile on your tween or teens face at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo.com 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 www.sandandorsnow.com, 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.
* Rose and Crown Pub, Epcot’s World Showcase
What’s better than kicking back with a pint, watching the world go by at Epcot? Not much, that’s for sure! Not only does the Rose and Crown Pub (located at the UK pavilion on the World Showcase) have awesome food and great drinks, if you eat there in the evening you can request a table that faces the water and watch Illuminations, Epcot’s nighttime fireworks show. A perfect ending to your Disney day!
* Kona Cafe, The Polynesian
If you’re looking for a great breakfast option, look no further than Kona Cafe, located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. There are some incredible options to choose from, including the famous Tonga Toast, the most decadent french toast. YUM! In addition to delicious entrees they also have the famous Kona coffee; be sure to get it in the french press – there’s no better way to start your day! (and pssst: They have awesome lunch and dinner, too!)
What you see in the photo below is a WONDERFUL problem to have. Disney loves sending multiple MagicBands to their returning guests, passholders, and more. First time guests may even find themselves with multiple MagicBands if the conditions are right. Lucky people like David Ciscon who visit several times (pictured in the photo below) have started quite a collection.
The solution? You may want to try wearing them when you you are back home, long after your Disney vacation is over. Why not keep that Disney magic with you everyday? MagicBands and My Fantasy Bands are waterproof and durable! With My Fantasy Bands – you can mix, match, coordinate with your outfits and wear a different character every day of the week on your MagicBands! Each My Fantasy Band you buy is recommended for single application. One application will stay on for 3+ years! Check out their list of frequently asked questions HERE.
Photo credits below go to MyFantasyBands.com
I could write all day about my love for these, the detail, the quality, and why I believe EVERY Disney fan in the world who owns (or will soon own!) a MagicBand – or a collection of them- may want to consider owning a My Fantasy Band for every mood and occasion. But this post is more about the visuals – so I hope you’ve enjoyed all of these photos! If you are wanting a more detailed post, please check out what I wrote for Chip! This post is located HERE.
Get all of your My Fantasy Band details and SO much more by following them on facebook or by visiting MyFantasyBands.com
Have you heard the buzz about the exciting collaboration between the Basq Skin Care line and Disney? Want to win a free set for yourself?
In addition to many other products, Basq carries a wonderful line they call the “It’s a Small World” collection. The Basq company was very generous to send me some samples to try so that I could give you my honest opinion. Since then, I have already bought another set for myself, one to give away to one of you, and one for my beautiful niece, who happens to be expecting a baby in August. Can you tell I am in love?! These products are fantastic for expectant mothers and babies, but they also have qualities that any woman can enjoy in any season of her life. Here are my top 3 reasons why you may want to give the “It’s a Small World” collection a try!
1. These products are sensitivity and allergy tested!
Some people are allergic to even the purest foods and products, but it is good to know that the Basq line is clinically tested if you tend to be sensitive. Not just the “It’s a Small World” line – but all Basq products – are Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, SLS Free and not tested on animals. Basq really has a passion for bringing you skin care that is safe, nurturing and of the highest quality. Having tried the products for myself – I can tell you this passion really shows! The scent of the “It’s a Small World’ line is extremely light – and gentle enough even for a baby’s delicate senses. It’s perfect for every day use and, in my opinion, would not compete with other scents you may want to wear if you are in the mood for layering fragrances.
2. Everyone can use a little luxury at a price that won’t break the bank.
This line is classified as a luxury skin care collection, but surprisingly, it doesn’t have the exorbitant cost one might expect. Basq is sold online and in fine maternity and baby boutiques across the country, including Saks.com, A Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity, and even outside the US in various international locations. When money is no object and luxury is key – celebrities like Heidi Klum, Christy Turlington, Marcia Cross, Sheryl Crow (and more!) are using this line to keep their head to toe glow. Hey, if it’s good enough for Heidi, it’s good enough for me!
Here’s more exciting news! Right now you can save an additional 35% on your Basq Skin Care “It’s a Small World Collection” just by typing in DISNEYWAYS at check out! Basq just made it even more affordable to add a little pampering and luxury to our day. Not just for the rich and famous, this is a line that all of us can enjoy!
3. The Art of Mary Blair…
The packaging of the “It’s a Small World” Collection displays the original colorful and playful artistry of Mary Blair. Most Disney fans will recognize her name and association with the mid-century artwork created for the classic Small World attraction that we all know and love. Mary Blair was one of Walt Disney’s favorite artists. Walt personally responded to her use of color and the storytelling aspect of her art, but especially to the underlying emotion it encompassed. Iconic Disney animated films from 1943 to 1953 – such as The Three Caballeros, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan all had the Mary Blair touch. You can also see her work in large-scale theme park murals such as the one you can find to this day at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary resort located here in my home town of Orlando! Owning these beautiful products is like keeping a little piece of the Disney magic right in your vanity drawer.
So there you have it, my top 3 reasons why I think you will love Basq Skin Care – no matter what season of life you are in.
I wanted you to be there with me when I opened the products for the first time – so I asked my 17 year-old “baby” to film this video. 🙂 Obviously I am a nervous wreck on camera and this is not my best work, but hopefully you can pick up my honest reaction to everything, and feel a little more confident if you decide to give them a try. Have a magical day!
If you are reading this post before June 15, 2014 you can click HERE find out how you can enter to win your own set of Basq skin care for free!
Follow along with my niece, Tanya, as she writes about her pregnancy at Florida Hospital’s 40 weeks with me!
Disney news, information, hints, tips and secrets from the Disney Parks around the globe! Interviews with some of your favorite Disney celebrities AND correspondents! Prizes, contests and meetups! This podcast has got it all! Disneyways and Disney by the Numbers are adding some new avenues to bring you more Disney magic – and we hope you will come join in on the fun. Welcome to the Disney Parks Podcast!
Podcasts are multimedia digital files made available on the internet for downloading to a portable media player or directly on your computer. It’s like a radio show that you get to listen to whenever you want, such as when you are on a walk, at they gym, or driving to work. There are podcasts on just about any subject imaginable – and Disney is one of the best subjects out there. Thanks to my friend Tony Caselnova of DisneyByTheNumbers.com – I am extremely overjoyed and thankful to be a co-host on the Disney Parks Podcast.
In addition to co-hosting TWO SHOWS A WEEK on the air, I am having a blast helping to organize meetups with our listeners, assisting with social media, writing scripts, working on the Disney Parks Podcast website, and administering contests! There is so much to do – working together has been awesome – and the show has opened doors for Tony and I that we could have never opened on our own. We have enjoyed things like backstage tours of Walt Disney World, new relationships with stars in the Disney community (folks that we never dreamed we’d even get to meet!) and wonderful feedback from our listeners and friends. I am always in a good mood and feeling great during and after each podcast. I hope you will tune in and enjoy the same!
Incredible Disney celebrity interviews on the show have included Pat Carroll, the voice of Ursula…
And MANY more!
Tony and I are local to Orlando and consider our home Park to be Walt Disney World. What makes the Disney Parks Podcast different, is that we strive to give you news from the Disney Parks around the globe! This is why we TREASURE our featured on-scene correspondents. They are a crucial part of the show, and each one of them is a local to the Disney Park they represent – around the globe!
Laura, our Disneyland Paris correspondent made this awesome video when she first came on board, and we got such a thrill from it. Thank you Laura!
Podcasting has been on my list of things to do since I began blogging here at Disneyways, because it fits in to our mission and goal to bring you Disney magic where ever you are! I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for this wonderful opportunity. I truly love being a part of the many different facets in front of the mic, and behind the scenes. The show has been very successful and has a large audience, but if you aren’t yet listening in – we need YOU!
Here are some ways to tune in:
You can catch the latest episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer and clicking “Listen Now!” on the Disney Parks Podcast site. From there, just choose your episode. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.
You can also download the Stitcher Radio App here.
Find us on YouTube here.
Head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released. To learn more about how to subscribe to a podcast in iTunes click here.
If you like what you hear – please rate us with lots of gold stars. This makes it easier for new people to discover Disney Parks Podcast when they are searching to upload a new one to their collection.
Please head over and “like” our facebook page HERE and add us to your interests list! I will be posting there daily to help keep you up to date on the latest!
You can also follow us on Twitter and Pinterest!
Thank you so much for the support you have already shown me in this new endeavor. Disneyways readers and subscribers are AWESOME and I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.
Have a magical day!!
PS Do you want to be a part of The Disney Parks Podcast? We are looking for individuals and businesses who offer only the BEST in Disney related products and services! Please let us know if you (or someone you know!) is interested in sponsoring a future event, giveaways, or even future episodes. We do not accept coupons or any prizes that require action on the winner’s part. Just fill out this form for more information!
3 Steps to Save for Your Trip to Disney! ~ Written By Poet Mase
So, the decision’s been made…you’re going to Disney! Congratulations! A world of fun and excitement awaits! Whether you’ll be staying for a day or a week, you’re in for a great time!
But first, you’re going to need to make sure that your funds will hold out for as long as you’d like them to. It’s no fun when money worries intrude on your time at the Happiest (or Most Magical) Place on Earth, and a little planning before the trip will keep the good times rolling. So, here are three steps to ensure that the magic never ends on your Disney vacation:
Set a Savings Goal!
Saving for a trip to Disney is a little like running a race. If you don’t know where the finish line is, you’ll have a hard time finishing. By defining a concrete goal, you can craft a timeline for your savings, making it easier to monitor how far you’ve come and how far you have left to go.
When setting your savings goal, it’s important to consider all of the expenses that go with a Disney vacation so you don’t end up kicking yourself later. What time of year are you going to visit? How long are planning to stay? Which hotel or resort fits your budget and preference? Which parks do you want to visit? Is a dining plan a good option for your family? Will there be any money left over for snacks and souvenirs? Tally up all of the relevant financial considerations, and you’ll be well on your way to a great vacation!
Stay on Track!
Just as important as defining your savings goal is making a plan for how you’ll get from here to there. There are a hundred daily temptations threatening to drain your growing vacation fund, so your best defense is devise a savings strategy.
If you have room in your regular budget, the best way to save for your family’s Disney adventure is to set aside regular contributions directly from your paycheck each pay period. By making automatic contributions, there’s less temptation to divert your dollars elsewhere. The key here is to make contributing to your vacation fund into a routine, regardless of the amount of money actually put aside every week or month, so even if it’s only five or ten dollars, stick to the schedule!
Once you start contributing, though, stick to your saving strategy by making your chosen account, cookie jar, or spot under the mattress untouchable. Staying true to your saving strategy can be difficult when unforeseeable expenses crop up, so try getting ahead of the game by identifying opportunities to spend less on daily purchases. Can you nurse one cup of coffee throughout the day instead of buying a second in the afternoon? How about cooking up some pasta instead of ordering take-out one night a week? If your resolve ever wavers, just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they’re walking down Main Street U.S.A. after arriving at Disney on your vacation!
Plan for Fun!
Now that you’ve got your goal in sight and you’re chipping away with regular contributions, it’s time to think about ways to maximize your ability to pay for fun at the park.
When I was a kid, my family’s approach was to build a “slush fund” for fun things that would normally be out of the question for a family as frugal as ours – things like snacks, souvenirs, and video games. Whenever someone had some spare change – or even a few extra dollars – he or she would toss it into a large plastic jug. After almost a year of watching our slush fund grow, we counted it all up and were amazed by how much we had saved!
The slush fund is a great way to avoid tantrums and grumbling tummies on your trip, but it’s also a good way to get the entire family involved in saving for your Disney vacation. If the trip is going to be a surprise or if your kids are already responsible savers, you can even choose not to divulge the true purpose of the slush fund until just before the trip. Watch everyone’s excitement when the big secret is revealed!
Whatever your financial means may be, making a plan to pay for your trip to Disney is hugely important. With a little planning and self-discipline, you and your family will be rewarded with a magical vacation full of smiles and memories!
What are your favorite ways to plan for a Disney vacation? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Poet Mase is a writer of fiction whose passion for life translates directly to his work. A firm believer in the power of story to explain and to evolve notions of the human condition, Poet favors allegorical narrative structures that develop meaningful themes while relentlessly driving captivating plot lines. Poet is a founding member of the Order of the Raconteur and is currently working on several independent projects in the adventure and science fiction genres. His stories run the gamut from flash fiction to novel-length tales.
Prior to focusing on his creative work full-time, Poet wrote for IGN.com‘s Comics channel, contributing comic book reviews, interviews, and the occasional editorial as a freelance writer. Poet can be reached on Twitter at @PoetMase, on Facebook, and via his blog at http://poetmase.wordpress.com/
Do you want to be a guest author? Click HERE to learn how!
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This episode of the Disney Parks Podcast brings you the Disney news mixed in with some really interesting Magic Kingdom hidden gems!
Get your answers to these questions and more on this episode! Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.
Leave us a message at 407-476-8898 with some of your favorite Magic Kingdom hidden gems. Your voice mail might be played on the show!
Last night I got some exciting news. During the month of April our number of downloads per show has more than tripled. That means that there are 3 times as many potential listeners than there were just last month. We want to thank everyone who is tuning in. We are working hard to keep bringing you 2 exciting shows every week. We have some amazing interviews that will be published in May. Thank you for telling your friends about us and for leaving all those great reviews in iTunes!
If you haven’t given us a try just yet, you can catch the latest episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer and clicking “Listen Now!” on the Disney Parks Podcast site. From there, just choose your episode.
You can also download the Stitcher Radio App here.
Find us on YouTube here.
Head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released. To learn more about how to subscribe to a podcast in iTunes click here.
Have a magical day!
Disneyways 