Disney Craft Ideas for the Kids

This is a great website to use with your Pirates and your Princesses!  You can find most any Disney character and a craft/food idea to go with the character. Have fun making a wonderful treat with your kids!

Disney Craft/Food Ideas

Mickey's Toontown is Closing

 Mickey's Toontown Fair will close in February as Walt Disney World expands Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.

Officials say Feb. 11 is the last day to visit Toontown.

Plans call for Mickey Mouse and some other animated characters to move into a new home in the spring. They'll be located at Town Square Exposition Hall on Main Street.

Happy Birthday Walt!

Happy Birthday Walt Disney!!

New Disney Ornaments

I had these ornaments personalized.  My husband thinks I am nuts but what else is new.  I think they turned out great.  Heath and Cale wouldn't admit it but I think they like them too!

Hidden Mickey's Crane Style

I love decorating our Christmas tree with the Disney ornaments I have acquired over the years.  See if you can find the "Hidden Mickey's".

Vinylmation

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Toy Soldier

I didn't think there was much to the Vinylmation craze.  We bought one on our last trip to Disney and I have to say that I think I might turn into a collector of these little Disney creatures.
Take a look at our new edition:-)

    Here is a link to the site.  Take a look.  Vinylmation

Day 3 and Day 4 - Magic Kingdom

Day 3
We started out early again!  Breakfast at the Crystal Palace.  You can get some great pictures early in the morning before the park opens.  Breakfast was wonderful and fun as usual.  We started out getting a fast pass for what else Space Mountain.  After that we toured Fantasy Land and then headed over to Frontierland.  A trip to Magic Kingdom wouldn't be complete without a turkey leg or two.  We rode all the rides in the park without waits.  The day passed really quickly and the park closed at 7:00 for another Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  We decided on the spur of the moment to buy tickets and attend the party again!  We had a blast!! Front row seats for the parade and low crowds made for a fun filled night.

Day 4
This was our last day.  We actually slept in until around 9 and made our way to the park by 10:00.  It was very crowded our last day.  The cast members we talked to were surprised by the crowds.  Maybe it was the Veteran's Day weekend.  When it is crowded make sure you have a fast pass plan in place.  Heath is great about always making sure we have fastpasses at all times.  Even though there were a ton of people with the fastpasses we never had a wait.  We ate lunch at Tony's Town Square which has pretty good Italian food for a theme park.  We rode Space Mountain two more times and got soaked on Splash Mountain.  We usually don't get wet b/c we sit in rows three and four but this time we did!  We left headed for home around 6:00.  What a great trip!!  I can't wait to return!

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom - MVMCP

Day two started out at the Tusker House for breakfast at 8:00.  We love eating at a restaurant in the park before it opens.  The food here is great and the characters are entertaining.  Make sure you try the Jamba juice if you go.  We love going to the Animal Kingdom for the day.  We went on the safari first which is really good in the morning.  Once we left there we rode Expedition Everest.  Even Heath rode it which was surprising since roller coasters aren't his thing.  Cale on the other hand rode that ride four times that day.  He loves it!! Cale was able to ride Primeval Whirl for the first time.  Heath had never rode it either.  Last year I rode it by myself and really enjoyed it.  We rode this ride back to back and I laughed and laughed at Heath who is not a fan of heights.  After this it was on to the Dinosaur ride.  Get ready for your teeth to vibrate out of your mouth!  It is a rough ride but a lot of fun.  We had to hit the gift shop on the way out of this ride and Cale spent some of his alloted money on a large dinosaur.  We had it sent back to our resort so we didn't have to carry it the rest of the day.  Lunch was calling us so we had a pizza at Pizzafari and then it was back to the rides.  We went over to Asia to ride Kali River Rapids.  You could easily spot us because we were the family in the ponchos.  You can get SOAKED on this ride and we have so ponchos are a must for us.  We finished the day by going to It's Tough to be a Bug.  We love that show.  It was about 3:00 and Cale was getting tired. We went back to the resort to take a nap and get ready for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that began at 7:00.  We needed our rest if we were going to last until midnight.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
We love this party!!  We spent most of the party in TomorrowLand.  Cale was so addicted to riding Space Mountain over and over that we could hardly get him to go anywhere else.  One thing that was really neat was that Cale and I were on the Astro Orbiter while the Christmas fireworks were going off.  What a cool and memorable experience!  While we were in TomorrowLand Cale and I danced with Chip and Dale and Goofy and Pluto at one of the Christmas dances.  We had a blast!  Did I mention everything we rode was walk on??  Oh what a night!!!

Day 1 - Part 2

Once we left Epcot we hopped on the monorail to our favorite park....Magic Kingdom.  I love walking on Main Street.  I could stay there for most of the day but with a 7 year old and a husband who is a fast pass task master that isn't really an option!  First stop Space Mountain!  This was the first year Cale was able to ride it.  Heath had also never ridden it so I was very excited for both of them.  We had a great time riding it.  You can see how we looked as we rode the ride if you look a couple entries down.  We hit the gift shop and I had to get Cale a souvenir t-shirt.  Heath got fast passes to ride Space Mountain again and then we were off to of all things the Stitch ride!  Cale loves this "ride" .  Heath and I tolerate it.  Then back to ride Space Mountain .Heath sat this one out.  After that I MADE them ride It's a Small World with me.  My seven year old called the ride lame.....this ride is nostalgic for me so if I have to endure Stitch then he is going on Small World!!  On to Frontierland with a pitstop first at the Haunted Mansion.  The lines for the rides were not bad at all.  We spent a little bit of time in Frontierland riding Thunder Mountain and then we hit Pirates.  At this point it was time for the Main Street Electrical Parade.  We watched this at the entrance to Frontierland.  Right as the parade was beginning I received the "call" that I wasn't chosen for the Moms Panel.  I was disappointed but once I saw Cale watch the parade I just felt extremely fortunate that I was with my two favorite boys.  We finished the night with dinner in the park at the Liberty Tavern.  We really enjoyed the family style traditional Thanksgiving  meal.  Once we were finished we walked along Main Street with only a few other people b/c the park had closed about 45 minutes earlier.  We were all wiped out and when we got back to the room Mousekeeping had left a cute mouse design towel display on the bunk beds.  We went to sleep b/c we would be at Animal Kingdom early the next morning...

Fun at Disney

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Arrival Day and Day One -Part 1

Arrival Day
We arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 4:30 in the afternoon.  We had never stayed at this resort before so I didn't really have any preconceived notions about the resort.  When we arrived the cast members were very helpful and friendly.  It is true what everyone says.... when you walk in the lobby you immediately are amazed at how enormous the lobby really is.  We made it to our rooms and Cale immediately kicked back on his bunk bed.  The room had a queen bed and a bunk bed.  Once we rested a bit we went where else to the gift shop!!!  Although Cale was on a budget this time he still tried to maneuver extra stuff.  More on that later....
We then went out and explored the grounds.  The resorts grounds are wonderful!  We waited to see the geyser go off.  It goes off every hour.  Once we looked around a while it was time to eat at Whispering Canyon.  This is one of the restaurants inside the resort.  They serve bbq and steaks.  The atmosphere is loud and fun.  The servers play a part and can be loud and somewhat obnoxious.  Cale didn't know if they were serious our not.  If you don't want to draw attention to yourself then don't ask for ketchup!  Also if you are thirsty you will be in for a big surprise when they bring out the largest mason jar that I have ever seen.  All in all the food was good and the atmosphere was a lot of fun.  Bring on the first day!

Day One
We got up and hopped on the bus to Epcot.  Once we arrived we ate breakfast in the park at the food court next to the Soaring attraction.  Better yet we picked up a Soaring fast pass right away.  I love Soaring! What a great ride!  It was then over to grab a FP for Test Tracks.  Test Track is probably Heath's favorite ride.  We then hit Figment (Imagination) and then headed over to Test Track to use our FP.  Of course on the way out Heath got more FP's for Test Track.  I love that he is so FP minded when we are there.  It really helps us bypass long lines and we get to enjoy our time more.  We then headed over to the World Showcase.  We rode the viking ride in Norway.  We were all very disappointed. We thought it would be better than it was.  It was now time to go eat lunch at Coral Reef.  This trip I decided we would eat at restaurants that we hadn't eaten at before.  The Coral Reef is next to the Nemo ride.  We hit the the Nemo ride first and then we went to eat.  Lunch was good not great but good. The Coral Reef serves seafood(of course) and steaks, chicken, etc.  The restaurant has an aquarium with tons of fish, sharks, stingrays and if you are lucky you may even see a scuba diver or two.   It was about 2:15 and Cale still wanted to ride in the "giant golf ball" so we did that and then we were off to the Magic Kingdom.....

Crane Disney Vacation Update

Well.... First things first while at Disney I received the call that I wouldn't be a part of the 2011 Moms Panel.  The call came just as I was watching the Electric Parade with the fam!  I was bummed for a little bit but then I thought why am I bummed?  I am at the "Happiest Place on Earth" and most importantly with my two favorite boys!  Who could ask for anything more?  I am going to publish my trip reports to recap the Crane adventures.  Bottom line is that my "little boy" is now a rollercoaster monster and my husband is a FastPass robot... more to come later!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

This is a great event to attend if you are visiting WDW from Nov 8 -December 19 on select nights.  Visit the link for more information.  I love this time of year at WDW!

Information about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

One Week From Today!

One week from today our family will be at the Happiest Place on Earth!  I look forward to this trip each and every year.  I hope that the weather will cooperate but if it doesn't we will just wear our ponchos and go about our business of having a wonderful time. I will be sure to post all of our adventures and pics at WDW once we return.

SB & Me Monograms

I have created a post about this site before but I received a very special gift from the "B" in SB & Me.  The "B" stands for Brittney by the way!  She created a mouseketeer mom shirt for me which made me so excited.  I know it is the little things isn't it???  I can't wait to wear it proudly at WDW in a couple of weeks.  Here is a pic of her wonderful work!!

SB & Me Monograms

Character Change at Hollywood and Vine

Agent OSO from the Playhouse Disney show, Special Agent OSO, has replaced Jo Jo and Goliath from Jo Jo's Circus at Hollywood and Vine.  If you have children who love this show as well as Handy Manny and June and Leo from Little Einsteins don't miss out on this character meal opportunity.  An added plus is that if you choose a time for a reservation earlier then when Hollywood Studios opens you will have the park all to yourself with great photo oportunities!!

Preparing for the November Trip

Everything is handled reservation wise for the trip but now I begin planning and creating t-shirts for the trip.  My husband will be game for one but as you know it can't be too cutesy:-)  Cale is getting older and so he isn't as into as he used to be but I have a couple more years that I can insist he go along with my crazy idea of family shirts.  I will post photos of the shirts as I get them ready.

Disney announces Let the Memories Begin

What a great way to capture the memories at the Disney Parks you visit.  Click on the link to find out more.
Let the Memories Begin

Fall comes to Walt Disney World!

Our trip to Disney is still about two months away but we have some really good friends who will be going in a few weeks.  If you are traveling to WDW from now through the end of October here is what you will see!

New Fall/Winter Discounts

Disney has just released new discounts!

Fall/Winter Discounts

I love it when a plan comes together!

I have finally finalized plans for our annual November Disney trip.  We are going to stay at the Wilderness Lodge.  We have stayed at the Contemporary in the past and loved it but we were ready for a change.  Well acutally Heath insisted that since this has become an annual event that we needed to try and save some money  .  I orignially was a litttle bummed about this but am looking forward to experiencing something new this time.  I also have confirmed all of my dining reservations.  Debating whether or not to attend the MVMCP  but still have time to decide.  I am usually not one to want time to fly by but when it comes to Disney it can't come soon enough for me! 

Crane Disney Vacation Countdown

Main Street Electrical Parade Extended at Walt Disney World

I am super excited that the Electrical Parade at WDW has been extended!  I hope that it is still running when we go in November.  I loved this parade as a child.  The music alone brings back so many great memories.  If you went to WDW over the summer and saw it let me know what you thought of it.

Main Street Electrical Parade Info

What kind of hat will Cale end up with this year?

As I begin to think about our Disney trip in November I can't help but hope that Cale wants another hat at Disney this year.  Each year we always get Cale a different hat.  Many of the hats have been autographed by a Disney character.  The first hat we bought on our first trip was a set of mouse ears.  I tried and tried to talk Cale into getting the traditional Mickey ears but he wasn't going down that road with me.  We agreed on a set of mouse ears that had characters on it.  I insisted that the hat have his name  embroidered on the back.  At four he really didn't seem to care about this (nor did his dad at 35) but I certainly did.  I went to Le Chapeau on main street.  We also have a regular disney ball cap, a pluto hat, a goofy hat, a Sorcerer Mickey hat and a pirates hat.  I sure hope Cale is game to continue the tradition of buying a new hat each time we visit Disney.  I will keep you posted!  
If you are interested in where you can get your mouse ears  embroidered check out this link.
Where can I get my Mouse Ears embroidered?

Give A Day Get a Day

If you volunteered for the Give A Day promotion and haven't printed your ticket vouchers yet, you have until July 21st - as Disney is closing the website. We had a great time when we volunteered at Sapelo back in March.  I can't wait to use our tickets in November!

Crane Review of Toy Story 3

Cale and I went to see Toy Story 3 on opening day.  We didn't go to the 3-D showing b/c Cale hates wearing the glasses for an extended period of time.  Both of us really enjoyed the movie.  Cale wasn't a fan of Lotso and wanted Mr. PricklePants to be featured more in the movie.  I was surprised at how I was so emotional at the end of the movie.  It really was a very good movie.  The best part.... Cale wanted Toy Story toys for his birthday!  We had many of them a few years ago but this year he asked for a new and improved Woody and Buzz and the Toy Story Wii game. I of course loved that he wanted something that wasn't so "Big Boy" like Star Wars or Kung ZHU hamsters.  Having him love Toy Story again made me hope that he stays small for just a little while longer.

Catching WDW Fever!

I have loved hearing the stories and viewing the pictures of families who have made their way to WDW this summer!  It makes me wish that November would hurry up and get here!  I have booked all of my ADR'S (Advanced Dinner Reservations) and have looked at the crowd calendars.  I think we are going to be in pretty good shape with the crowds.  We have also decided that we are going to attend a MVMCP while we are there.  Last year we went and had a great time with the exception of the rain:-)  115 days and counting!!!

Tips for visiting WDW during the summer months

I have compiled some really good articles to look at if you are planning a trip to WDW this summer!

Disney World Vacation: Best Tips for Staying Cool

Beat the Heat at Walt Disney World


Walt Disney World’s Best Summertime Activities


Best Advice for Visiting Walt Disney World This Summer

Toy Story Mania!

With the upcoming release of Toy Story 3 Hollywood Studios has added Toy Story 3 additions to Pixar Place and the Block Party Parade.

LOTSO FUN: Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, the pink, plush and ultra-soft teddy bear from "Toy Story 3," is the newest character to join the Disney's Hollywood Studios family of stars. Seen here visiting the Pixar Place area inside the showbiz-themed park, Lots-o'-Huggin Bear (or "Lotso" for short) makes meet-and-greet appearances inside The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Lotso also joins his "Toy Story" pals in the "Block Party Bash" at the Walt Disney World theme park. 


TOY STORY MANIA! TURNS EVEN MORE TOY-FULL: Characters from the Disney-Pixar film “Toy Story 3” have been added to the ride-game attraction Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s California Adventure. At “Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts,” the new characters will invite riders to shoot their virtual darts at all-new balloon targets in a primeval world promising volcanic levels of excitement.


Our family can't wait to go see Toy Story 3!

Attention all Disney Lovers! Customize your desktop with the magic of Disney

Disney Vacation Connection is a FREE customizable desktop message center that keeps you in the know about about everything that is happening at Disney Vacation Club, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.

With Disney Vacation Connection on your desktop you will be able to:

• Stay up to date on special offers and the latest news
• Plan your next magical Disney vacation
• Answer polls and quizzes to earn points for Disney downloads
• Find out Insider information
• Download a vacation countdown clock
• Access a calendar of Special events
• Get great wallpapers and animation-all packed with pixie dust
• even check out the weather

Some of these options are still in development and it shows coming soon.  I have included a picture of what my desktop message center looks like!

Disney Vacation Connection

WDW Summer Nightastic!

Here is a look at the neat changes that will happen at WDW this summer!

WDW Summer Nightastic

My Magical Disney Vacation

This is a great interactive Disney website!  If you are anticipating your upcoming Disney trip here is a fun or should I say funny way to put yourself right into the Disney Magic!
Here is the link if you want to take a look and if you want a good laugh check out the Crane Disney Vacation to see how ours turned out.
My Magical Disney Vacation
Crane Magical Disney Vacation

Sweet Treats at the Magic Kingdom

If you are looking for a sweet treat while you are at the Magic Kingdom look no further....

Main Street Confectionery - The Main Street Confectionery Store is a paradise for chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. Inside the store a glass-walled kitchen can be seen preparing the shop's confectionery, including peanut brittle and various chocolate creations.


The Plaza/Plaza Ice Cream Parlor - The waffle bowls are great! Shakes, floats and the biggest ice cream sundae in the Magic Kingdom.  (Located on the corner of Main Street)


Mrs. Potts Cupboard - A counter service restaurant.  They are best known for their strawberry shortcake.  The restaurant is located in Fantasyland.


Mickey Mouse Ice Cream - Located around the park.  This is a classic Disney sweet treat!

Aloha Isle -   Ever try a Dole Whip? If you love pineapple this place is for you! Aloha Isle is located right inside Adventureland.  Here is a picture if you are new to Dole Whips:-)

Star Wars Weekends

• May 21 – 23
• May 28 – 30
• June 4 – 6
• June 11 – 13

If you’ve never been, Star Wars Weekends is an annual event that celebrates the space-fantasy Star Wars Saga and The Clone Wars. There are special shows, presentations and memorabilia. Star Wars Weekends are held at Hollywood Studios.

Bring on the Characters!

Follow this link to find out about characters that are hard to find.  It is great when you come across characters at WDW that you loved when you were a child and now can share with your children!

Disney World Character Finder

When do you want to go Disney?

Highest Attendance:

Presidents' week in February
Mid-March through Late April (Spring Break)
Memorial Day weekend
Mid-June through Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and weekend
Christmas week through New Year's Day

Moderate Attendance:

After Presidents' week in February through early March
Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend)
The first part of Thanksgiving week

Lowest Attendance:

January (except New Year's Day) until just prior to Presidents' week in February
The week following Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
The week following Thanksgiving until the week prior to Christmas

Top 10 Attractions at Magic Kingdom

•Space Mountain - FP

•Dumbo the Flying Elephant

•Peter Pan's Flight - FP

•The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - FP

•Splash Mountain - FP

•Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - FP

•Jungle Cruise - FP

•Buzz Lightyear's Space Rangers - FP

•Goofy's Barnstormer

•Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

•Pirates of the Caribbean

FP = Disney FASTPASS system in operation

Listed above are the top ten rides at Magic Kingdom. The not to be missed thrills, magic and fun. Each ride is ordered based on how fast they "tend" to fill up from park opening. During peak season the top five can have long queues from 10am in the morning.

2010 Holiday Party Dates

Today Disney announced the 2010 holiday party dates for Mickey's Not -So-Scary Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
We have been to both parties and they are so much fun!  
Check out my special events page to learn more about the parties. Guests must purchase separate admission to attend. Walt Disney World limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many dates sell out in advance. 
Purchase tickets by calling (407) W-DISNEY or purchase online from the Disney World site.

2010 Advance Purchase Price Tickets: Adults $57.46 (tax incl) and Children $51.07 (tax incl) for every night EXCEPT for Oct 8, 22, 28, 29, & 31(MNSSHP) and Dec 7, 10, 12, 17 & 19 (MVMCP)These nights are the full 'day of the party' price no matter when you purchase them. Guess which nights in 2010 will have the largest crowds? 

IF there are any remaining tickets on the day of the party they’ll be $63.85 per adult and $57.46 per child, and only available at the Magic Kingdom. 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
7-Midnight
September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31
November 1

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:
7-Midnight
November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30
December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17,19

Hidden Mickeys

What are Hidden Mickeys?

Here’s the definition of an official Hidden Mickey: a partial or complete impression of Mickey Mouse placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.  Sometimes other characters appear as well.
Cale is now at the age where he likes to try and find Hidden Mickeys when we are at the parks. When we go back for our next trip I am sure he will be ready to find more.  Please share if you or your family look for Hidden Mickeys when you are at WDW and where you find them!

Here are some pictures of Hidden Mickeys at WDW parks and resorts.

Polynesian Hotel

 Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios - Full Mickey in the Hieroglyphics - look top right

New FantasyLand Plans (Dumbo)

Koi Pond at Japan Pavillion - Epcot

Buzz Lightyear Ride

Customized Disney World Maps

Customizing WDW maps is a great way to plan your theme park days.  The Disney World website allows you to customize each park with rides, entertainment and restaurants.  If you haven't been to WDW in a long time or just want to organize your families day before you get to the parks then this is the way to go.  You can either print them out or have them mailed to your home. The maps are colorful and fun!
 Here is the link. 
WDW Customized Maps

Disney Vacation Planner

I love receiving this planning dvd!.  Each year there are a few things different added to the dvd. This year you can customize your dvd by your areas of interest and either have a link emailed to you with the video or have the video mailed to you.  I personally still like to receive "snail mail".  Best of all it is FREE!  Follow this link and you to can receive a free Disney Vacation Planner DVD.
Disney Vacation Planner