tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19635536097853710632024-02-07T10:40:33.143-08:00Never Never Land MomDisney tips, memories, and updates --- from the mom of a second grader.
"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!"Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-46271869606809418032018-01-29T19:41:00.002-08:002018-01-30T07:41:08.091-08:00Disney StyleMore often than not, booking a flight is the cheapest part of a vacation for me. Every time I go somewhere, I feel the need to update my wardrobe with destination-specific pieces. Disney is no exception to this rule.<br />
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Sophie really gets the greatest benefit from this habit of mine. I absolutely love finding adorable boutiques and Etsy shops with unique pieces that really stand out, and there are so many that cater to Disney addicts such as myself. This post is all about sharing some of this year's finds and the fabulous shops that sell them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LuLaRoe - Lindsay Morrison </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpAVojpqs3Y5a7HejYph2xP25ONhwyqviNWTt1H3oS98gVWSUe3nzuZdm7KhMJQSu6E_8ybiPde091mo4Hs8lkMc5-oNyAABsG4A4mhj6D_kSEdCM73iiWXYQdPvgvzyq4iTnw7SdVyn/s1600/lularoe+lindsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpAVojpqs3Y5a7HejYph2xP25ONhwyqviNWTt1H3oS98gVWSUe3nzuZdm7KhMJQSu6E_8ybiPde091mo4Hs8lkMc5-oNyAABsG4A4mhj6D_kSEdCM73iiWXYQdPvgvzyq4iTnw7SdVyn/s400/lularoe+lindsay.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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I met Lindsay this summer in Maryland when we both volunteered at HDYO's North American Youth Camp. This girl is FAB-U-LOUS. We connected over the big stuff -- eyelash extensions, excessive packing for a summer camp, and of course -- Disney. Lindsay is a very successful consultant for LuLaRoe (so successful that she was able to retire from her career as a nurse before she turned 30!) LuLaRoe hasn't exploded in Canada (yet) like it has in the states, so I wasn't familiar with the label. Lindsay sent an amazing care package for Sophie and I, and this stuff is AMAZING. The leggings are so soft they feel like butter. BUTTER! I love their Disney line, and Sophie can't wait to rock her Pluto leggings in the park. Lindsay also sent an adorable purple Flounder dress for Sophie, and the geo-Mickey dress for me. I've already packed it with my denim jacket... it is SO comfy. If you see me wearing it in every picture for our entire vacation, you'll know why.<br />
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<i>Be sure to check out Lindsay's online boutique on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeLindsayMorrison/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeLindsayMorrison/</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lover Dovers Clothing</b></span></div>
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I have been in love with Etsy ever since Sophie was born. This place is a mecca for all things handmade and vintage. Sophie's birthday party outfits and decor are usually purchased from a shop on Etsy and it is the first place I look for unique Disney items. Last year I came across Lover Dovers Clothing and fell in love with a dress. I knew it was perfect for Sophie, but for some reason I hmm-ed and hawed over it for months. When our Walt Disney World trip started to feel like a reality, I knew I had to order it for Sophie. I can picture her wearing this in both Epcot and Be Our Guest restaurant, and I know it will make her feel like a true princess.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wm7lePXTPNzMuZIzuRr0DVWhhhz0SkcNYXeeRSgUob2ihIlQLkvq7qG8z1IbxXHkg4z0GGJ9FEv06gRTQX99UCMKMCYa1ta6gswvNllh_0LxjshRGVh-njdMYeifGBgX0GC3Yj_qtMnK/s1600/belle+provincial+dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wm7lePXTPNzMuZIzuRr0DVWhhhz0SkcNYXeeRSgUob2ihIlQLkvq7qG8z1IbxXHkg4z0GGJ9FEv06gRTQX99UCMKMCYa1ta6gswvNllh_0LxjshRGVh-njdMYeifGBgX0GC3Yj_qtMnK/s400/belle+provincial+dress.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was borrowed from the Lover Dovers' Etsy Shop. </td></tr>
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You guys... how perfect is this dress? Sophie looks like a mini Belle as it is, and this provincial dress is right up her alley.</div>
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When Sophie was three, we paid a ridiculous amount on a package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for her. I thought she would love the experience of picking out a princess dress, having her hair and makeup done, and getting her pictures taken. Wrong. I was so wrong. As a joke, we use BBB to threaten her when she's misbehaving. I mean, look at this face... we paid a zillion dollars for 30 pictures with this expression. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbVnONqhyphenhyphenZp3iAQHWmMwhD3sv4dTwRHxLjzdqnXrYlqiZh6Te3Lgmw0XDT3J9zMU3dd5iZITKlPxRhdv0OdfZmp79IaP94UYTTGQ_fJGPOMSyMT6senisuyu82-DzjYkjz2rzNRY1s5As/s1600/bbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbVnONqhyphenhyphenZp3iAQHWmMwhD3sv4dTwRHxLjzdqnXrYlqiZh6Te3Lgmw0XDT3J9zMU3dd5iZITKlPxRhdv0OdfZmp79IaP94UYTTGQ_fJGPOMSyMT6senisuyu82-DzjYkjz2rzNRY1s5As/s400/bbb.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is AMAZING, and if I were 5 I would love it so much. It's just not for Sophie. </div>
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What I'm getting at is, this day dress by Lover Dovers Clothing IS her. It's beautiful AND comfy. It doesn't have lace and frills and tulle. It's perfect for my girl. In fact, when it came and we realized it was a size too small, she cried real tears. Thankfully, Erin from Lover Dovers was so accommodating. I e-mailed asking if I could ship it back for a bigger size, and she replied almost immediately saying that it would be no problem at all. Customer service like that makes this shop even more magical!</div>
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<i>Check out the shop on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/loverdoversclothing%C2%A0">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/loverdoversclothing </a></i></div>
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<i>or find them on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/loverdovers/">https://www.facebook.com/loverdovers/</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Isabella's Hair Bowtique</span></b></div>
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Sophie is in love with all things JoJo Siwa right now, she even said she wants to be JoJo when she grows up (or turns 14, I guess). If you want to be like JoJo, you have to have the bows.<br />
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Good news -- I have a friend who makes bows that are beautiful and high quality -- much better than the ones you buy at a retail store!<br />
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When I ordered Sophie the Provincial Belle dress, I wanted her to have the perfect bow to match. I messaged Kristen from Isabella's Hair Bowtique and explained what I was looking for. It took her less than 24 hours to come up with the perfect design! It is even better than what I had pictured in my mind. Kristen is so creative and talented, and her shop prices are extremely reasonable. She's an absolute sweetheart, so it feels good to support her business. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLswxXJWmxtx4UFtPRTo5nXF5gzuRUhjFU_qm8KQX-N2_L08WqJVwScA_iCbhEH50G41tjQS8xfIpPJz49ojn-zatSIun9hqNiCeJIHzuozMW31McUhvma0hkIzGD1oGYrqVJyme0PUeR/s1600/belle+bow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="992" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLswxXJWmxtx4UFtPRTo5nXF5gzuRUhjFU_qm8KQX-N2_L08WqJVwScA_iCbhEH50G41tjQS8xfIpPJz49ojn-zatSIun9hqNiCeJIHzuozMW31McUhvma0hkIzGD1oGYrqVJyme0PUeR/s400/belle+bow.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
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<i>How amazing is this bow? Be sure to check out all of her fabulous creations on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Isabellashairbowtique/">https://www.facebook.com/Isabellashairbowtique/</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Brave Little Tailor</span></b></div>
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If you've read any of my previous posts, you will know that Sophie absolutely adores Pluto. She and Pluto have had some pretty special times together at Disney. She has been named Pluto's Official Dog Walker, they've gone running from across the park into each others' arms (legit), and he has come out of the parade to see her on more than one occasion. Sophie faithfully carries her Pluto stuffie with her at all times on Disney vacations, and it might just help with some of the extra attention she has received. (She also sleeps with it every single night, so it's looking a little worn) Anyway, while many little girls admire Rapunzel or Cinderella, for Sophie it's always been Pluto. </div>
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Do you know how hard it is to find apparel with Pluto on it for little girls? Pretty near to impossible. Even on my Etsy searches it's hard to come by. Imagine my excitement when I saw this dress while I was obsessively searching Disney related blogs last night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZh3TpKYut_my7pR4DfBbUC_bieIhOIHNn7MBOOyF0J0GgNU9k_ey38-1yTsthC62M9JW6ysde8XDgXlxw_0lyNhmB6BCpavHxBPIm0Sk_2LfizFXvLrEC_0NnQgdCN2POwRJmYV60O1S/s1600/pluto+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZh3TpKYut_my7pR4DfBbUC_bieIhOIHNn7MBOOyF0J0GgNU9k_ey38-1yTsthC62M9JW6ysde8XDgXlxw_0lyNhmB6BCpavHxBPIm0Sk_2LfizFXvLrEC_0NnQgdCN2POwRJmYV60O1S/s400/pluto+dress.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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It's the most adorable, stretchy sleeveless dress I've ever seen and Sophie is going to FLIP when it arrives. I knew that she had to have it. This Etsy shop has the most amazing patterned dresses and skirts for girls and ladies. I wish I spent as much money on myself as I do on Sophie, because I had my eyes on a few for myself. </div>
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<i>Do yourself a favour and check out The Brave Little Tailor on Etsy at</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheBraveLittleTailor">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheBraveLittleTailor</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tiny Tim's</span></b></div>
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Tiny Tim's is a local shop and I have to tell you... the Boss Babe behind the scenes, Tiarra, is amazing. I feel like she must have to work 27 hours a day to keep up with the demand for her products. (Yes... I said 27.) She is so incredibly talented at what she does, and she's just such a gem that people want to support her business. I found her on Facebook through an online fundraiser and have followed her shop ever since. I love knowing that when Sophie wears her pieces at the parks, she will be the only one with it on. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkK1OxDT0GcFR8KV5LL_lTe2jUjo8oris1Rq8Cqg6dbc2FejEIRnOXNYr4HwC2kj5SMrOJSXxz6GESfWcwhgYmklZV5G81WzChCsTMpjrVDXw3rCcudIccRj8rigBi55nI2woC5UaYZ45/s1600/tt+cardi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkK1OxDT0GcFR8KV5LL_lTe2jUjo8oris1Rq8Cqg6dbc2FejEIRnOXNYr4HwC2kj5SMrOJSXxz6GESfWcwhgYmklZV5G81WzChCsTMpjrVDXw3rCcudIccRj8rigBi55nI2woC5UaYZ45/s400/tt+cardi.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mermaid cardigan I ordered a while back for Sophie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFeJ26TqRfDCeTlxE3Jzo9w5dLDXWIGviZSeeBLQ7yKb7k7ogdNAl2ayH24qTV77G8Aw9c2vb1ZLj1kjr-WrAw2YKiP6xz7XQcnvDaSRAMi1YFy7J02gghii4oTiSW5qH_kpDTT7mf0bc/s1600/tiny+tims+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="729" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFeJ26TqRfDCeTlxE3Jzo9w5dLDXWIGviZSeeBLQ7yKb7k7ogdNAl2ayH24qTV77G8Aw9c2vb1ZLj1kjr-WrAw2YKiP6xz7XQcnvDaSRAMi1YFy7J02gghii4oTiSW5qH_kpDTT7mf0bc/s200/tiny+tims+print.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine this print....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfxpYS8uNW8Y7BkQV3ZvdprlEKY80LK8BIvWY_SSX6toNZ2nkTg0Qt6VZJT6m5i8BcIQ6JRzHhJbBnVvQPvWSHDNKrUfDrvfs5Ok5ItA92T55SFzpA09R1hT5VFj82iAEfvcQowkNEROR/s1600/scuba+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfxpYS8uNW8Y7BkQV3ZvdprlEKY80LK8BIvWY_SSX6toNZ2nkTg0Qt6VZJT6m5i8BcIQ6JRzHhJbBnVvQPvWSHDNKrUfDrvfs5Ok5ItA92T55SFzpA09R1hT5VFj82iAEfvcQowkNEROR/s320/scuba+neck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On this Scuba Neck hoodie... because that's what's coming!</td></tr>
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<i>Be sure to give her some love on her Facebook page at </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tiny-Tims-132855360248873/">https://www.facebook.com/Tiny-Tims-132855360248873/</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happily Ever Tees</span></b></div>
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So as you can see, I work so that I can support my online shopping addiction for my daughter. But every now and then I see something that speaks to me so loudly that I just have to have it... for myself. This tee was it. I follow Happily Ever Tees on Instagram, and when I saw that they were releasing this tee into their shop, I set alarms on my phone and subscribed to e-mail reminders to let me know when shopping opened. I was at Sophie's swimming lessons when I got the notification, and within minutes, I had my shopping cart ready to check out with this beauty in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDwV6ZcCHFieymVfbUewfontoF_Yw-9m08Wx0QtIKr469CvhkxNs62ysjiWAWGwT2ALoSWxO9euOiGFEgFRfDJsqPDNtuXC4OojmgkAdMshZtHRdeE6sHAhBEqlN_EsheovD81cuhTqQc/s1600/fab+5+tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDwV6ZcCHFieymVfbUewfontoF_Yw-9m08Wx0QtIKr469CvhkxNs62ysjiWAWGwT2ALoSWxO9euOiGFEgFRfDJsqPDNtuXC4OojmgkAdMshZtHRdeE6sHAhBEqlN_EsheovD81cuhTqQc/s400/fab+5+tee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fab five plus coffee? Yeah I think I'll have that. </div>
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Me and white generally don't get along. I have ruined nearly every piece of white clothing I own. Ironically, the last victim was a pair of white denim that I spilled my Starbucks PSL on. I don't even care. This shirt may come home torn or stained or ruined, but I am still wearing it.<br />
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<i>You can't get this shirt right now, but check out all of the other fabulous goodies at </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://happilyevertees.com/">https://happilyevertees.com/</a></i></div>
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I'd love to know your favourite Disney shops (I mean, there's still 60 days for me to shop!) Let me know your faves in the comments!</div>
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xo </div>
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Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-6952602077978558902018-01-21T08:30:00.001-08:002018-01-21T08:37:19.480-08:00Disney Snack Bucket ListSo we are 67 days out for our WDW vacation, and it's starting to get real! Just over a week until we book our FastPass+ reservations, and I am starting to feel like I need to get my summer clothes out and ready to pack! Rather than pack clothes and have them wrinkle, I compiled a list for our snack credit bucket list. I could have added WAY more, but in the interest of saving time and my waistline, I have narrowed it down to 5 per park. Did I mention that ALL of these items are considered a snack credit from the Disney Dining Plan? Amazing.<br />
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<u><h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Hollywood Studios</u></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj1G7O1VSN9ai9plLUyiqQaZ3sKQ8QRI5ylo0-PWhXosDK3HOAjg8wWj93D2V7JVzZ74Pw3Q69DZJ2NeWWQhKKFRjjBHXYWwjkNxsLIsPZZDg_F4-w9SkGJE5UQJOILwrmjFtXM1E-Mh0/s1600/Carrot-Cake-Cookie-Writers-Stop-600x394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj1G7O1VSN9ai9plLUyiqQaZ3sKQ8QRI5ylo0-PWhXosDK3HOAjg8wWj93D2V7JVzZ74Pw3Q69DZJ2NeWWQhKKFRjjBHXYWwjkNxsLIsPZZDg_F4-w9SkGJE5UQJOILwrmjFtXM1E-Mh0/s320/Carrot-Cake-Cookie-Writers-Stop-600x394.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writer's Stop Carrot Cake Cookie -- this is pretty much famous!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnFQtZTjGzcYrBaEl8D6dDtMsg5rqYRZXUjxMTcgacBtdZkp8m30XqlzyxEU5lL2Jbno05J6jc74TnGRpTvsCyXxkPYZ1c_XCi-NuhGb7BkwB-vRLEU8XztRxr0mBokNACIPWufQ6dX8/s1600/funnel+cake.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="652" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnFQtZTjGzcYrBaEl8D6dDtMsg5rqYRZXUjxMTcgacBtdZkp8m30XqlzyxEU5lL2Jbno05J6jc74TnGRpTvsCyXxkPYZ1c_XCi-NuhGb7BkwB-vRLEU8XztRxr0mBokNACIPWufQ6dX8/s320/funnel+cake.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The funnel cake with icing sugar at Oasis Canteen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PPtpgbL4Itfn7vKChceQ-14FkAjQhp_zdd0EkQ0AhLfYuAtiUUBwaSDVmb9W7vl1puaH85Iq62uLBwwIf-762NxtYxmVaOMIXsfXLIXNA5hUj2Hd2wxw4YdaOmyeCD6e4hO5lNIU3T06/s1600/PB+CUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PPtpgbL4Itfn7vKChceQ-14FkAjQhp_zdd0EkQ0AhLfYuAtiUUBwaSDVmb9W7vl1puaH85Iq62uLBwwIf-762NxtYxmVaOMIXsfXLIXNA5hUj2Hd2wxw4YdaOmyeCD6e4hO5lNIU3T06/s320/PB+CUP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mickey PB Cup from Beverley Sunsets Sweet Spells. Decadence!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7evF-apvVyA2iqSiq7drmLRGmlhQ2YUdGNJ076xVXxYk745Fzb7tklLLC0W1qjZmKQ6UZ2EYXIYqO-WneW74xRGPn4eiF5x1YytdgIASbPnwMOsa3kaJsoBgsWz5pCZe7pQ2RuyxZBmEN/s1600/Hot-and-Fresh-Popcorn-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7evF-apvVyA2iqSiq7drmLRGmlhQ2YUdGNJ076xVXxYk745Fzb7tklLLC0W1qjZmKQ6UZ2EYXIYqO-WneW74xRGPn4eiF5x1YytdgIASbPnwMOsa3kaJsoBgsWz5pCZe7pQ2RuyxZBmEN/s320/Hot-and-Fresh-Popcorn-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you just need popcorn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Kk_o33mPokOh_Z8s736QyKLyaZBr53VXHYYM2gHDYPHhFifYPOinFD2IGHDXTSy6Sd1dsMF0rGr2U-QvUIO6pfzSg3C1etYRAxn8WwfStDS_kLXM1OSVBA-ptNU4ADgbJ0vsRPvJ0cZ/s1600/mickey+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Kk_o33mPokOh_Z8s736QyKLyaZBr53VXHYYM2gHDYPHhFifYPOinFD2IGHDXTSy6Sd1dsMF0rGr2U-QvUIO6pfzSg3C1etYRAxn8WwfStDS_kLXM1OSVBA-ptNU4ADgbJ0vsRPvJ0cZ/s320/mickey+bar.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Premium Mickey Bar, of course!<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Animal Kingdom</b></u></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIruauPW0AFdehBSRf8xaNbnNaDu8QNwbv0XuGNyNABefSZGwEyDLdGHHpwqFuORKHqRzkfwdakjQnY0d0FvjgNpVUThcqv8Vwn-O3U0NwjfZuE0NvdDBUAggXpgKgnb3NXRy_cL-5bQsN/s1600/chicken+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIruauPW0AFdehBSRf8xaNbnNaDu8QNwbv0XuGNyNABefSZGwEyDLdGHHpwqFuORKHqRzkfwdakjQnY0d0FvjgNpVUThcqv8Vwn-O3U0NwjfZuE0NvdDBUAggXpgKgnb3NXRy_cL-5bQsN/s320/chicken+rice.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch? Snack? It's both. Chicken Fried Rice from Yak & Yeti</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPPyuu3TH_lv0bJEUFCr78gZmup1ulES4s9JueNFlLFSaNugxGlNSYeD3OHtxBjF34BrsHAW9rChaEa25ylPpd4BtYnKQ2Yx-Ixrs8839X2aJHWCC0GGkht_A0Q8lq-42X6PSKCQmeYlH/s1600/baked+apple+blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="500" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPPyuu3TH_lv0bJEUFCr78gZmup1ulES4s9JueNFlLFSaNugxGlNSYeD3OHtxBjF34BrsHAW9rChaEa25ylPpd4BtYnKQ2Yx-Ixrs8839X2aJHWCC0GGkht_A0Q8lq-42X6PSKCQmeYlH/s320/baked+apple+blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Apple Blossom with Ice Cream from Trilo-Bites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81FvZl-mqMSOx-v84nTM4mqba1ZusRVPoGiqaPb7VHwArmnA3EHgt5GxJMH7859qjxLNQBfMHBoGrtz0VBLNBUO_a04RAlzW53Lrqv4Rpjz1TWdv534MbUGig9WQRtDqqJRr6fVLXwmrI/s1600/bugs+sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="900" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81FvZl-mqMSOx-v84nTM4mqba1ZusRVPoGiqaPb7VHwArmnA3EHgt5GxJMH7859qjxLNQBfMHBoGrtz0VBLNBUO_a04RAlzW53Lrqv4Rpjz1TWdv534MbUGig9WQRtDqqJRr6fVLXwmrI/s320/bugs+sundae.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How delicious does this Bugs Sundae from Discovery Island Ice Cream look?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASuNw4KNn-cZWLO0S55ZgmKRi8LqGbhWsXBEUAluQVPqu9CQuD17t78Z6DCzVHACVjdgDBuNnJrq3D7JzY6xWWiOz8OI867kUZJeYomu0hI7MZ915VTza24xzLMwsX5fOHfc6Fj7RX1ex/s1600/Cheesecake-1-Restaurantosaurus-Tamu-Tamu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASuNw4KNn-cZWLO0S55ZgmKRi8LqGbhWsXBEUAluQVPqu9CQuD17t78Z6DCzVHACVjdgDBuNnJrq3D7JzY6xWWiOz8OI867kUZJeYomu0hI7MZ915VTza24xzLMwsX5fOHfc6Fj7RX1ex/s320/Cheesecake-1-Restaurantosaurus-Tamu-Tamu.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake in a glass from Restaurantosaurus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxwQccjQkV1upKfNCxoK7n57X5Vk_KOEY3qnypCop540xOzloQSqEBnb2lYFQHAQdoblHYYoIcsVI1L-uHcjK7eabzs6-OUufmxDIEToO8dh5h5JzypQvzP3bpBdow9Rt7qxYHx1JsvWP/s1600/cotton+top+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxwQccjQkV1upKfNCxoK7n57X5Vk_KOEY3qnypCop540xOzloQSqEBnb2lYFQHAQdoblHYYoIcsVI1L-uHcjK7eabzs6-OUufmxDIEToO8dh5h5JzypQvzP3bpBdow9Rt7qxYHx1JsvWP/s400/cotton+top+cupcake.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake from Kusafiri is a work of art! </td></tr>
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<b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Epcot</u></b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28r3ihLOj-dUaS8TUCw5kNYMhLnRag_4TCvuIMQWx1DdDQjcGYTS0udq847Ji4LxDF0WJfNDhB0kBllvmdWqBthKnlNU_qRpXgntA8VKielWzjkHucJS9yOzY5o1oAHk1mYrVDURc-exa/s1600/churros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28r3ihLOj-dUaS8TUCw5kNYMhLnRag_4TCvuIMQWx1DdDQjcGYTS0udq847Ji4LxDF0WJfNDhB0kBllvmdWqBthKnlNU_qRpXgntA8VKielWzjkHucJS9yOzY5o1oAHk1mYrVDURc-exa/s320/churros.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane does not go to Disney without sampling the churros! Churritos w/ Caramel Sauce <br />
from La Cantina de San Angel had to make the list!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyAXCk-ZTjNT4mDXVjoU-ZOrJQMrvnA9TcukvbjBZRUYkZTKaJ7YCDS1QnmhHLc9pvj5sWiZ1EctSCbDc_jwYbTAV6PSuanb0NVkEa4OrqdT8no_GqVHpublMGDHtLgBmqeNRGePsDzX/s1600/cloudberry+horn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyAXCk-ZTjNT4mDXVjoU-ZOrJQMrvnA9TcukvbjBZRUYkZTKaJ7YCDS1QnmhHLc9pvj5sWiZ1EctSCbDc_jwYbTAV6PSuanb0NVkEa4OrqdT8no_GqVHpublMGDHtLgBmqeNRGePsDzX/s320/cloudberry+horn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epcot is a food lover's heaven. Can't wait to try the Cloudberry Horn from Kringla Bakeri</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt45JGHjwSmrBKrtKSfX6G6vGvV16MdWZG9AlNllnsi9R5vBsIJleduyqJHHkQqpoTHFdMhhfqciu4J3EfzPikcHi7K4k2ZIDrxKrPU6HoNAXS_P_4xhxxHV_9SlU_LTYjNifHjp9i06dU/s1600/hand+twisted+pretzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1100" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt45JGHjwSmrBKrtKSfX6G6vGvV16MdWZG9AlNllnsi9R5vBsIJleduyqJHHkQqpoTHFdMhhfqciu4J3EfzPikcHi7K4k2ZIDrxKrPU6HoNAXS_P_4xhxxHV_9SlU_LTYjNifHjp9i06dU/s320/hand+twisted+pretzel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in Germany, you eat a hand-twisted pretzel! Hovels Stand has plenty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUYEQrUyEXTcN3ZwyGpkLjweRhuWta9sRE1tGsf9n4lnJXi4dc5uejoOVTX4Qos37OcIknaQx2uX0voLXcspuJGCoze-8_Og2xAo8XLz_h0gKYVyTnAvUIKFNvvEw7mBikzZrGVZ5FI3j/s1600/Kabuki-Cafe-Sushi-Roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUYEQrUyEXTcN3ZwyGpkLjweRhuWta9sRE1tGsf9n4lnJXi4dc5uejoOVTX4Qos37OcIknaQx2uX0voLXcspuJGCoze-8_Og2xAo8XLz_h0gKYVyTnAvUIKFNvvEw7mBikzZrGVZ5FI3j/s320/Kabuki-Cafe-Sushi-Roll.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi for a snack credit? Yes please! Kabuki Cafe has you covered. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjSOQHZl47fTpso3JRGcXOh_4kYqIUWIdc1ZVAj1HX3GzNYLIUwKc95bePWMv42fXiteAdat_aeGi7STMfKgcoZn8i7pj8MTnRx0-IfXtqddk3iUWyQ7I_Bp_ud-ifVJJAsSlwAn1Ai0d/s1600/citrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="988" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjSOQHZl47fTpso3JRGcXOh_4kYqIUWIdc1ZVAj1HX3GzNYLIUwKc95bePWMv42fXiteAdat_aeGi7STMfKgcoZn8i7pj8MTnRx0-IfXtqddk3iUWyQ7I_Bp_ud-ifVJJAsSlwAn1Ai0d/s320/citrone.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarte aux Citrone at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie</td></tr>
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<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Magic Kingdom</u></b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-wgkyf7VBYaX-xawAe8wAjU9-D1kgvLfG3qn3O44Oar1MUpsySnFcmEtUGgRqgFmtSTQ3kJ5yZaDBIeYeLSfsi5TIzVGMGSU35cu3kplI4ynj4RMbjDWx6Zo8kvSfdzDxVBYHZ4NcJ9B/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-wgkyf7VBYaX-xawAe8wAjU9-D1kgvLfG3qn3O44Oar1MUpsySnFcmEtUGgRqgFmtSTQ3kJ5yZaDBIeYeLSfsi5TIzVGMGSU35cu3kplI4ynj4RMbjDWx6Zo8kvSfdzDxVBYHZ4NcJ9B/s320/starbucks.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, yes, yes. Give me all the lattes, please. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxn-zOMfpazKKDcFTlWMZJqsS9p6CbJxCyBp3Y2cVqed0d-JoiqwMxzuirI6HVjvZlK0WEZvfMs8jFQYLh-0tENBcO4WnXEEi2WLz0tyBVu9hj34jlFR9fhm6-mWQsGZs6d2xK1dVn3vV/s1600/plaza-sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="450" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxn-zOMfpazKKDcFTlWMZJqsS9p6CbJxCyBp3Y2cVqed0d-JoiqwMxzuirI6HVjvZlK0WEZvfMs8jFQYLh-0tENBcO4WnXEEi2WLz0tyBVu9hj34jlFR9fhm6-mWQsGZs6d2xK1dVn3vV/s320/plaza-sundae.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Plaza Sundae from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUK5s4DHm2kZ9pTHEDS2THs1CQ0YdTcK2bU5nyLYVMIlwEcPzPRFNg7jSU1WD6xauNB7NT0Oj6bMd33lkyg6ZOIe-Zs8JNUmXpqLa2KxSgtGNQG8Xn-JS7xEqOhaR9f-ZrI1pB7eeGMfv/s1600/pineapple+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUK5s4DHm2kZ9pTHEDS2THs1CQ0YdTcK2bU5nyLYVMIlwEcPzPRFNg7jSU1WD6xauNB7NT0Oj6bMd33lkyg6ZOIe-Zs8JNUmXpqLa2KxSgtGNQG8Xn-JS7xEqOhaR9f-ZrI1pB7eeGMfv/s320/pineapple+stick.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fave indulgence? A chocolate dipped pineapple from <br />
Main Street Confectiorary while waiting for the parade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSMXXgU9q1Zl4cD1YY0twcyhObbYCXHh7IFVqqZyQ7VjBLs5CWtMoxROhOpTjj6ZRXWe8XvM6mw1cu6nnv8yd3PdcHdWa8XwqFc5nJf3wH_nGDusGO0LvxdT3q-CCs6E3nCPIUHl0PGyO/s1600/Walt-Disney-World-Snack-Spotlight-on-the-Iced-Coffee-Float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSMXXgU9q1Zl4cD1YY0twcyhObbYCXHh7IFVqqZyQ7VjBLs5CWtMoxROhOpTjj6ZRXWe8XvM6mw1cu6nnv8yd3PdcHdWa8XwqFc5nJf3wH_nGDusGO0LvxdT3q-CCs6E3nCPIUHl0PGyO/s320/Walt-Disney-World-Snack-Spotlight-on-the-Iced-Coffee-Float.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream and coffee? Yeah I like that. This Iced Coffee Float from the Sunshine Tree Terrace makes the cut. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-h92umw1GQAg9AZs0FfehwdIQbpLpzCA2t51eyys6q-jCKsh9JDRR_6UrB3XSFdPj6ij_N8B2ZHl01N5vLFldpG26R5SJzQ6c1FUFaYEmrzLIOkevijcju5FfSTRtgornbP7rxY4NYEZ/s1600/dole+whip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-h92umw1GQAg9AZs0FfehwdIQbpLpzCA2t51eyys6q-jCKsh9JDRR_6UrB3XSFdPj6ij_N8B2ZHl01N5vLFldpG26R5SJzQ6c1FUFaYEmrzLIOkevijcju5FfSTRtgornbP7rxY4NYEZ/s320/dole+whip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally... no trip to Disney is complete without a Pineapple Dole Whip from Aloha Isle.<br />
Copycat recipes are great, but nothing compares to the original!</td></tr>
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Did I miss any of your favourites? What should I add to my bucket list? Let me know in the comments!</div>
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I borrowed a lot of these pictures from some of my favourite Disney sites and blogs. Be sure to check them out!<br />
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http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/<br />
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http://www.themouseforless.com</div>
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https://eatingwdw.wordpress.com/</div>
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http://www.foodspotting.com</div>
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http://waltexpress.com/</div>
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http://disney.urbantastebud.com/</div>
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http://www.disneytouristblog.com</div>
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and of course the official Disney World website https://disneyworld.disney.go.com\</div>
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Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-44199890553302854172018-01-05T16:06:00.001-08:002018-01-05T16:29:05.101-08:00Disney Dining Plans <br />
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So if you know Shane and I, it doesn't take long to figure out that we are total foodies. Our holidays and getaways kind of revolve around where we are going to eat. This is especially true when we go to Disney! You really can't top the food at Disney, and there is always something for everyone. Our daughter is typically a pretty adventurous eater, but she is completely content to live on Disney mac & cheese during our Disney vacations. To be honest, I can't blame her! Mac & Cheese in a sourdough breadbowl? Carb heaven. Take me there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxdHgts6CmeNeoxopdURf1M6ZkRQZvh3xfPzQKzT4kODdYlKmYESzN_sptUkq4Uhd7SEFzveiDXqjZ4IaTQtNx9rCWqjDWWLFNebYhQpnPeyp9et6GLaPxc-0FLcfsuZr1kZR8A30LkWw/s1600/Pacific-Wharf-Cafe-Mac-and-Cheese-in-Sourdough-Bread-Bowl-17_-485x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxdHgts6CmeNeoxopdURf1M6ZkRQZvh3xfPzQKzT4kODdYlKmYESzN_sptUkq4Uhd7SEFzveiDXqjZ4IaTQtNx9rCWqjDWWLFNebYhQpnPeyp9et6GLaPxc-0FLcfsuZr1kZR8A30LkWw/s320/Pacific-Wharf-Cafe-Mac-and-Cheese-in-Sourdough-Bread-Bowl-17_-485x600.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pacific Wharf @ California Adventure</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo borrowed from DisneyFoodBlog.com (check them out, I always do!)</i></span></div>
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If you're planning a WDW vacation, I highly recommend adding on a dining plan. It is so convenient to have your meals pre-paid for and not worry about the additional cost on your credit card statement post-holiday. If you do your research on restaurants, you can plan your dining so that you actually save money using the plan. For our family, it is more about the convenience. There are several tiers of plans, but we opted for the middle-of-the-road classic Disney Dining Plan. This package credits each guest with 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 2 snacks per day. The Table Service meals typically include an entree and dessert... but wait for it.... starting in 2018, the dining plan now includes specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks! This means WINE people! This was probably the most important news to come out of 2017, just saying. Anyway, I digress...The first time we went to WDW, we came home with unused credits because I didn't familiarize myself with the plan as well as I should have. Not going to happen this time. Now that I know the snack credits can be used for Starbucks, there will be no credit left untouched!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQHehcYYdMNrht-7GIGGhTXquvJDtNSTq3uten8NqvxD0pSlyE2dkvF0ZkLk4YQl3RqLv5rlJeN2_zDQ7ojjzZ3MKOAF29l9IZElCngCU182qt-9_E0oz4_YmDJ9iebpmjjrIuLYl0_R6/s1600/starbucks+addict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="500" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQHehcYYdMNrht-7GIGGhTXquvJDtNSTq3uten8NqvxD0pSlyE2dkvF0ZkLk4YQl3RqLv5rlJeN2_zDQ7ojjzZ3MKOAF29l9IZElCngCU182qt-9_E0oz4_YmDJ9iebpmjjrIuLYl0_R6/s320/starbucks+addict.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We typically book 1 sit-down meal a day, and plan our park, attractions, and entertainment around it. I haven't ironed out all of our FastPass+ selections, but I'll get to those in a later post! So far, this is what we have for our table-service dining reservations: </div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Friday, March 30th</b></div>
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This is the day we arrive in Orlando, so we booked a late dinner at our resort, Port Orleans. Our resort sounds like it has a lot of quick service food options, but a sit-down dinner will be what we need after a day of travelling. I am so excited to try the New Orleans inspired menu at Boatwright's Dining Hall! It is designed in the style of a rustic shipyard warehouse, and the comfort food on the menu has my tummy grumbling already. (I'm on a cleanse, so food in general is just really enticing. Probably why I chose now to update the blog.) Southern charm and hospitality -- can't be beat! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t8R61U12Ls-ArXRgDUaOlzgl14286HGZtUB-sHJ68Ke-H6hRxRxUhyphenhyphenO1qT24pZbuJmu9I2Vmh4Ui95nzIhejA0L2Pz8iQA3hQTX3iX0uhJOsHMbbVfaz44VGrvQnMFtQz6X0EeCCg-2D/s1600/boatwright-dining-hall-gallery05.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="652" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t8R61U12Ls-ArXRgDUaOlzgl14286HGZtUB-sHJ68Ke-H6hRxRxUhyphenhyphenO1qT24pZbuJmu9I2Vmh4Ui95nzIhejA0L2Pz8iQA3hQTX3iX0uhJOsHMbbVfaz44VGrvQnMFtQz6X0EeCCg-2D/s400/boatwright-dining-hall-gallery05.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Boatwright's main dining hall -- from www.disneyworld.disney.go.com</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><b>The menu item I'm eyeing up:</b></u></span></div>
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Lake Charles Risotto: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Seared Sustainable Seafood over an Autumn Pumpkin Risotto with a Fennel and Pear Slaw</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - <span style="background-color: white;">St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Bourbon Sauce and Toffee Brittle</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Saturday, March 31st </b></div>
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We plan to spend this day at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Of all the parks, this is number 4 on my list. It's fabulous, don't get me wrong, but it has less to offer our family than the other 3. The reason we are hitting it up on Day 1 is because I won't feel guilty if we sleep in a little. (Who am I kidding, I love sleep more than any other living being on this planet, but I am ALWAYS the first one up and ready on our Disney vacays!) The one thing we have to do at Hollywood Studios is the Fantasmic show. Disney World has a much superior setup for this as compared to Disneyland, and we have found that the Fantasmic! Dining Package gets us great seats without forcing us to use up one of our FastPass+ for the day. The dining package includes:<br />
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<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: bottom;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One appetizer, entrée, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage at select full-service restaurants or one full buffet (where applicable)</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: bottom;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area</span></li>
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The 3 restaurants to choose from are The Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood & Vine, and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. In 2014, we chose Mama Melrose's and loved it, but we thought we would try something different this time. Sophie's favourite part of Disney is interacting with the characters, so we settled on Minnie's Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine. She will have the opportunity to meet and connect with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang and nothing else will matter for the rest of the day! Hollywood & Vine is a buffet, not my first choice, but if I was planning a vacation for <b>me</b>, I would be sipping mojitos on a beach somewhere. We do Disney for our girl, and the joy we get from watching her makes it all worth it! I should add, Disney buffets are not your typical buffet, and chances are, it will be amazing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Minnie and Mickey, dressed to thrill, stand arm in arm outside the Hollywood & Vine marquee" src="https://secure.parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/resize/mwImage/1/640/360/75/wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/gallery/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-and-vine/hollywood-and-vine-gallery14.jpg?18032016105711" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borrowed from www.disneyworld.disney.go.com </td></tr>
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>The menu item I'm eyeing up:</b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Corndog nuggets from the kids' buffet. I'm the perfect blend of high maintenance and low-budge. Just sayin'. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Sunday, April 1st </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTc_gJAnZqw18WCnhAAPTjmZ_BYBSWtZWisU2dGZwZ3Lss6Ug3Eu5v7exOw40dvBIHqlcRRR9mMY7vjl3gyiYEDPEl_K7smN_K2U1_0Edy0qjk9VzfrGeUUpsL3kKNaMuUvOY7mn5WPSA/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTc_gJAnZqw18WCnhAAPTjmZ_BYBSWtZWisU2dGZwZ3Lss6Ug3Eu5v7exOw40dvBIHqlcRRR9mMY7vjl3gyiYEDPEl_K7smN_K2U1_0Edy0qjk9VzfrGeUUpsL3kKNaMuUvOY7mn5WPSA/s200/IMG_0989.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild-Z9bRMlHIvXIkIndGnzIu4lII1Yv0TzbWgN2kuKmKzeamDfMzFuyuOnUHOuPBTTVwJfFs4olTHbZoDT2fB0o3RbmtkV1o2lzwVJ7XaVUTu1CaF6Nf5JoJpiJ4yu-SejPmFg77JPKSkh/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild-Z9bRMlHIvXIkIndGnzIu4lII1Yv0TzbWgN2kuKmKzeamDfMzFuyuOnUHOuPBTTVwJfFs4olTHbZoDT2fB0o3RbmtkV1o2lzwVJ7XaVUTu1CaF6Nf5JoJpiJ4yu-SejPmFg77JPKSkh/s200/IMG_0988.JPG" width="150" /></a>Day 2 will be spent at Epcot and will quite literally revolve around food. Epcot has the best food and drinks in all of Disney World. It features cuisines from all around the world, and that is totally my thing. Strangely enough, we booked our one sit-down meal at the same restaurant we visited in 2014, Teppan Edo. Teppan Edo is in "Japan" in the World Showcase, and of course features Teppanyaki style cooking. The experience is just as wonderful as the food, and these chefs are seriously top notch. They put on an entertaining show while cooking mouth-watering meals. Sophie loved the kid-friendly chopsticks last time (using a fork just wouldn't be the same). Being 4 years older and much more willing to experiment with new foods, I think she will get even more from the experience this time around! </div>
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit;">Hotate</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit;">:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>cold water ocean scallops served with garden salad, udon noodles, vegetables, and sukiyaki beef rice</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - <span style="background-color: white;">Mango Mousse Cake: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>mango-flavored sponge cake with a smooth flavorful mango mousse decorated with a tropical glaze</i></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> Monday, April 2nd </b><br />
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Finally! We will be visiting the most magical place on earth, and my very favourite of all the Disney Parks... Magic Kingdom! Entering these gates is like walking into a new world, and you better believe I will be standing in line for park opening! There is so much to see, taste, and do that it really never gets old. I don't feel like we've "overdone" the whole Disney vacation thing, because it is honestly different every time we go. I could go every year for the rest of my life, and I'm sure the magic wouldn't wear off! In my opinion, Magic Kingdom is all about the attractions, entertainment, and experiences. It doesn't compare to Epcot in terms of dining, but the experiences are top of the line. For our first day in MK, we will be having lunch with the princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table in her castle. Like I said, experiences.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YZGyJaHcrzX2Ix35KlCTHmXSZhIai0ez09Y9lLMeC2ZAIjJNb4n7UZbQBsWZKMThwCarkBmzxfwTLI4wif0OmwDkp3sSx2DoVi3uRSsBle9kJRK7ku9lS-gTiqgl32uR_08YrLCLkol8/s1600/3+royal+table+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YZGyJaHcrzX2Ix35KlCTHmXSZhIai0ez09Y9lLMeC2ZAIjJNb4n7UZbQBsWZKMThwCarkBmzxfwTLI4wif0OmwDkp3sSx2DoVi3uRSsBle9kJRK7ku9lS-gTiqgl32uR_08YrLCLkol8/s400/3+royal+table+4.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Sophie is more into the fluffy, cuddly characters like Pluto and Stitch than face characters like princesses, so I didn't originally book this dining reservation. After talking to her, she decided she wanted to go back and give it another try. We had dinner here in 2014, and the food was good (not exceptional, but good). The selling point of this establishment is really the location and the opportunity to meet several Disney princesses. It is 2 table-service credits, so this is a bit of a pricier character dining option. Ascending the spiral staircase in Cinderella's Castle to have lunch with princesses? Worth it.<br />
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Pan-seared All-Natural Chicken: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Seared Chicken Breast over Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Seasonal Vegetables in Madeira-Mushroom Sauce</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Jaq & Gus: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake with a Warm Apple Compote, Salted Caramel, and a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta</i></span></div>
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<i>** The Chef's Tasting Plate is also included as an appetizer for this meal. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM72QNATlt_LlDJTOAvyGHZWea4M1J30u1HTo8-Bc_SjaPeTXsmONnYvo8TqqzQA1fe_0lVEDyEXzKQ6yxgQbouxYAfF17e-Tw1N02ZS8bW3wTEM6RTGibWrLRzovFfXNYnm0pvf949_6/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM72QNATlt_LlDJTOAvyGHZWea4M1J30u1HTo8-Bc_SjaPeTXsmONnYvo8TqqzQA1fe_0lVEDyEXzKQ6yxgQbouxYAfF17e-Tw1N02ZS8bW3wTEM6RTGibWrLRzovFfXNYnm0pvf949_6/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clock Strikes 12 dessert at Cinderella's Royal Table</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> Tuesday, April 3rd </b><br />
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Today will be our re-charge day. We are taking a day off from the parks to explore our resort, check out the swimming pools, and take the boat to Disney Springs. We have two dining reservations for this day, but other than that we are keeping our day wide open for whatever we feel like doing! It's so important to recharge and refresh yourself on a Disney vacation. The heat, lines, and long days pounding the pavement can take a lot out of a person -- especially kiddos! Pool days are a must!<br />
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For our chill day, we have a late breakfast booked at 'Ohana. We don't often get to check out the restaurants in the other resorts, so this is the perfect opportunity to explore! 'Ohana is in the Polynesian Resort and offers character dining for the Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch. It is a family style breakfast (all-you-can-eat) and will be an additional opportunity for Sophie to interact with fur characters -- her favourite! Characters that are typically included are Lilo & Stitch (obviously), Mickey, & Pluto. Sophie absolutely adores Pluto, and she got a serious kick out of Stitch in Disneyland. I feel like this meal is going to be a highlight for her! </div>
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<img alt="Dining room in a South Seas decor surrounded by tiki statues" src="https://secure.parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/resize/mwImage/1/640/360/90/wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/gallery/dining/resort-dining/polynesian-resort/ohana/ohana-gallery17.jpg?21052014111444" /></div>
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The menu is set and served family style. It will include Hua Paka (scrambled eggs), Pua'a (pork -- ham & sausage), Uala Kahiki (fried potatoes), Mickey waffles, fresh fruit.... and my favourite... pineapple coconut welcome bread. YUM! </div>
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Our afternoon is wide open to explore, but we do have dinner reservations at Disney Springs. There were SO MANY incredible restaurants to choose from, but our seafood loving family settled on Paddlefish. This is a brand new restaurant that is on the Empress Lily, the former home of Fulton's Crab House. I know very little about this place other than it looks amazing. I mean, check this place out! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRWdSMjytg_y7RxZ0YQWRGuvp4Iytm2YMO9sCfkG6t2FVhy30dOX1jwDcSI7z3EoK56o1ptJjsLDdu79hO7b-t7Vy3ysAIp1-sS1eJH1qmk6aVtiwR4OE7Ra_v-nHQrid4WsnxGKUPXTy/s1600/Paddlefish_17-01-700x465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="700" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRWdSMjytg_y7RxZ0YQWRGuvp4Iytm2YMO9sCfkG6t2FVhy30dOX1jwDcSI7z3EoK56o1ptJjsLDdu79hO7b-t7Vy3ysAIp1-sS1eJH1qmk6aVtiwR4OE7Ra_v-nHQrid4WsnxGKUPXTy/s400/Paddlefish_17-01-700x465.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFeK14KhyphenhyphenLScb1llvh58TPbe6B7WWz9j0Qtgi6Fe5Q6WvNQJj-Wq4AHvsuUHwwpAWpq7f6wD3RkiBKcq164xfaeM3TtHpS92Cm4wvJLIXy8eZVYEf_5VrMWYcuGfKlS8MexczzH8YLHeq/s1600/Paddlefish_17-05-700x465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="700" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFeK14KhyphenhyphenLScb1llvh58TPbe6B7WWz9j0Qtgi6Fe5Q6WvNQJj-Wq4AHvsuUHwwpAWpq7f6wD3RkiBKcq164xfaeM3TtHpS92Cm4wvJLIXy8eZVYEf_5VrMWYcuGfKlS8MexczzH8YLHeq/s400/Paddlefish_17-05-700x465.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures borrowed from DisneyFoodBlog.com<br />
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Scallops: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy brussels sprouts, bacon </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have a thing for scallops -- have you noticed?</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-style: inherit;">Doughnuts & Coffee: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><i>Cinnamon sugar doughnut holes, coffee gelato, vanilla-honey tuille</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Wednesday, April 4th</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I am so beyond excited for this day! We will be checking out Animal Kingdom and all its amazing-ness! The last time we were at AK, Pandora wasn't open and all of the amazing Avatar rides and experiences weren't apart of it. We only spent a half day at the park, and didn't really feel like we missed out on too much. This time, I'm not sure one day will cover all of the rides and experiences we want to take in! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Animal Kingdom's nighttime show, Rivers of Light, opened in February 2017 so we are so excited to be able to see it! This is a light and water show, and though it only lasts 15 minutes, the lines to get good seating are said to be pretty crazy.There are so many amazing FP+ options for AK, so we didn't want to use one up on a night show. We decided to go with the Rivers of Light dining package to guarantee good seating and free up our FastPass reservations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Dining Package gives you the choice of two amazing restaurants, Tusker House and Tiffins. I kind of felt like we had enough character dining options booked, and I really didn't want to do another buffet. That leaves us with Tiffins... believe me, I'm not complaining. Tiffins is a fine dining experience worth two table-service meals, but their international menu does not disappoint. I am hoping that Shane and Sophie will be brave enough to step out of their comfort zones and experiment with some of the amazing food they have to offer. The dining package comes with your choice of appy, entree, and dessert, and as long as I don't go into a food coma, we will be able to make our way to the reserved seating for Rivers of Light after a fantastic meal! So looking forward to trying this restaurant...</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Appetizer - </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-style: inherit;">Apple-Walnut Salad: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Artisan Lettuces, Heirloom Apples, Candied Walnuts, Apple Cider Vinaigrette</i></span></div>
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Snake River Farms Wagyu Strip Loin:</span><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Rainbow Carrots, Peruvian Purple Potatoes, Sherry-Shallot Butter, Guava Demi-glace</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">South American Chocolate Ganache: </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Caramelized Banana, Cocoa Nib Tuile</i></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Thursday, April 5th</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This will be our last full day of our vacation, and I always plan our last day to be at the castle. In California, that means Disneyland park and in Florida, it will be Magic Kingdom. We will absolutely take in the fireworks show, Happily Ever After, and ride all of our favourite rides this day. We also saved our most coveted dining reservation for this night -- Be Our Guest. I literally set my alarm for the minute our 90-day window opened for booking to get this. We were unable to get in back in 2014, and I was worried that with all of the Beauty and The Beast Hype that we would miss our chance again. Luck was on our side, and we were able to reserve a table for the character dinner at The Beast's enchanted castle. I am looking forward to this reservation for a number of reasons: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />1) If Sophie were a Disney Princess, she would be Belle. (So would I, FYI)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2) Beauty and The Beast is my favourite Disney princess movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">3) We will have the rare opportunity to meet The Beast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, I'm sure the food will be great too, but that's secondary to this...</span></div>
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<u style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>The menu item I'm eyeing up:</b></u></div>
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<b>Entree</b> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Roasted Pork Tenderloin: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Served with Cauliflower Silk, Sautéed Greens and Turnips, and finished with a Cherry-Mustard Sauce</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dessert</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">The "Grey Stuff": </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Chocolate Shell, Cookie Crème topped with Lumiere’s special “Grey Stuff”</i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I mean... how can you not try the grey stuff? It's delicious!</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I think that about sums it up for our table-service reservations! Stay tuned for a list of my snack credit bucket list items! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">What are your favourite Disney table service restaurants? Let me know in the comments!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">xo Lisa </span></span><br />
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<br />Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-90248838177871700252017-10-10T19:32:00.003-07:002017-10-10T20:07:59.849-07:00171 Days Out!<br />
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It's been awhile since I updated the blog! I assure you, I have not lost my love for all things Disney, but sometimes life just gets busy and some of my side projects slip out of focus. Since our first trip to Walt Disney World in 2014, we have traveled to Disneyland 3 times. For our family, the smaller scale of Disneyland and the affordability and convenience of staying offsite just worked better. This February we spent a week in Palm Springs, California and made a day trip to Disneyland. It wasn't the full scale Disney vacation we were used to, but it gave us a Disney fix to hold us off until our next adventure. I am so excited to share that we will be heading back east to Walt Disney World in March 2018. The countdown is officially on, and it's only 171 days until we're back at the place Where Dreams Come True!<br />
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As I mentioned, our last 3 Disney visits have been to Disneyland in California. With a young daughter who is more interested in characters than thrill rides, Disneyland had everything we needed on a smaller scale. We saved thousands of dollars by staying offsite in hotels across the street and could walk to and from our hotel throughout the day. Disneyland is so much easier to maneuver, and definitely much simpler to plan. Without MagicBands and FastPass+, all I needed to do was organize a flexible itinerary for our days and book dining reservations to accommodate those plans. Now that we're headed back to Walt Disney World, I'm finding that I'm a bit out of my element. I have spent hours researching hotels, restaurants, and tips and we're still 6 months out. I am a firm believer that you have to plan, research, and organize ahead of time in order to enjoy a trip to Disney. If you have been to Disney and didn't love it, come talk to me and I'll help you organize your next vacation. Disney is not a place where you can just "wing it". You also have to expect that you will likely come home more tired than you were when you left. BUT, if you do it right, you will also leave with so many magical memories and experiences that make it all worth it. Nothing compares to the joy I get watching my daughter burst with excitement when she sees Pluto, or seeing her eyes light up while she watches a Main Street Parade. Personally, we would forego an adult all-inclusive vacation any day to share that experience with her. It might just be the best feeling in the world. 💗 <br />(Don't get me wrong -- I would looooooove an all-inclusive vacation. Maybe when Sophie's a bit older....)<br />
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Why Disney World this time? Well, unfortunately we haven't won the lottery or had a huge increase in our annual salaries. However, I did experience a bit of a lucky streak last winter. First, I won a contest through Sasktel and won a substantial mobile credit and a Samsung Galaxy. Not long after, I bought a raffle ticket to support the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation. I was laying in bed one night (probably watching Narcos) when I received a message from my friend who sold me the tickets. Apparently, I won the grand prize --- a $4000 travel voucher from Weyburn CAA! My absolute favourite thing to do is travel, so this was the ultimate prize for me. My husband, Shane and I began discussing where we wanted to go and narrowed it down to a few options:<br />
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- Disney's Au'lani in Hawaii<br />
- All inclusive somewhere HOT (Jamaica, Mexico, Cuba)<br />
- Walt Disney World<br />
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We soon realized that even with a $4000 credit, we could never afford Au'lani. We left the final choice up to our six year old daughter, Sophie, and that's how we ended up booking Walt Disney World! What can I say, she's one lucky girl. From there, all we needed to do was pay a visit to our favourite travel agent, Donna, and decide on a resort. Ahh.... so begins the research.<br />
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The last time we traveled to Disney World, we stayed at a value resort, The Art of Animation. The theming of this resort is incredible, inside and out. We stayed in a family suite and the dual bathrooms and separate sleeping areas fit our needs perfectly. We loved the main pool and were very impressed with the Landscape of Flavors Food Court. We LOVED it. This time, with the added bonus of our travel voucher, we wanted to step it up a notch and try a Moderate Resort. After a lot of research on quality, dining, theming, and refurbishment schedules, we settled on Port Orleans - Riverside. I have to tell you, the more I read about this place, the more excited I am. The resort is themed around the antebellum south of the Mississippi River and it is the perfect combination of elegance and rustic charm. I can't wait to take the riverboat to Disney Springs and explore the gardens and grounds of this incredible property! I have a feeling we may become repeat visitors to this resort... I mean, c'mon! Check this place out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6dm96WJauu5mEQgJt1T_v9iaKGiYaIcfEFt8Ng8Ey4Z-Y2d68iWuO5oPuOTRorTDHh4nhN0oT10xzWiD00Z9zv39OBUIjBzuRMtmEdXn3xlGkZ3iQAfPbrart95oDDXfCcYtS-L3JHqT/s1600/port+orleans+riverside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6dm96WJauu5mEQgJt1T_v9iaKGiYaIcfEFt8Ng8Ey4Z-Y2d68iWuO5oPuOTRorTDHh4nhN0oT10xzWiD00Z9zv39OBUIjBzuRMtmEdXn3xlGkZ3iQAfPbrart95oDDXfCcYtS-L3JHqT/s400/port+orleans+riverside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously, this place is stunning. </div>
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I have so much more to share about how the planning process is going, but let's save that for another time. At 180 days out, we were eligible to book our dining reservations so stay tuned to read about what restaurants and dining experiences we settled on...<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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xo Lisa<br />
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<img alt="Related image" height="251" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/87/85/81/87858136d6e544a8e6d1b58f7ed44c61.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<br />Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-87030062554899915892016-01-30T19:09:00.000-08:002016-01-31T16:07:37.685-08:00What's in Her Bag?As I have mentioned time and time again, I am a planner. A researcher, a reviewer, an organizer, and then a planner. I pore over restaurant reviews, hotel ratings, blogs, and videos before each and every Disney trip. I have to admit, I love it. Plus, it gives me an excuse not to do laundry. <br />
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Of all of the blogs, reviews, and tips that I have read, some of the most useful have been packing checklists. I hope that this can be similarly useful to you! I am sure I will forget something and have to amend it later, but here's a start. <br />
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**** note - this is how I pack for my daughter. I'm 15 days out so packing for me will wait for another week or so. <br />
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<em>The absolute best part of packing for Disney is planning the outfits (of course)! Luckily, my daughter looks adorable in EVERYTHING so she is much easier to outfit plan for than I am. I am significantly less cute than she is. Let's start with her outfits.</em><strong><u>Clothing:</u></strong><br />
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<em> Here are a couple of her outfits that are ready to go.</em> <br />
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<li>Firstly, I pack outfits, socks, underthings, and accessories in Ziplock bags. It keeps things together and saves time on busy morning. Check the forecast, pick a bag that suits the weather, and get going! I pack about twice as many bags as we have days in the park. I live by the philosophy that it's better to have too much than not enough! </li>
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<em>This gives me piece of mind. Even her Dad can get her ready with this system!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember to throw an extra outfit in your backpack to have at the park.</span> A spare change of clothes is always handy, and the ziplock bag can be used for any wet/soiled/messy belongings that you may acquire throughout the day. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pack layers</span>. Mornings and evenings can be cool so it's nice to have leggings/pants, socks, and a light jacket or sweater. I also have plenty of shorts, dresses, and tank tops as 24 degrees Celsius feels pretty warm in February when you're coming from Saskatchewan.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pyjamas</span>. 2-3 pairs is more than enough.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swim Gear</span>. Sometimes your kids (or you) just need a break from the park. My daughter's favourite way to chill out is by the pool. I pack 2 swimsuits and a pair of flip flops for trips to the pool. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sun Protection</span>. A hat and sunglasses are a must for little ones' sensitive skin and eyes. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Comfy shoes are a must.</span> We spend over 12 hours in the park each day, so it is definitely comfort first. We packed 2 pairs of runners and 2 pairs of sandals for her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1hQ1jCKIMXDTQP1sBoVo2HYc_yxmnSoP1k1O0Nz5A02xojTC96l7Q3VvCHMvf_K4DiTuP_W0UxzkAcIqPxUJicVpP3i__uI2t5Ts_JE4V0GhnuT8PwLcoNPJUbEIEvJd5P63hNJzZrz7/s1600/etnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1hQ1jCKIMXDTQP1sBoVo2HYc_yxmnSoP1k1O0Nz5A02xojTC96l7Q3VvCHMvf_K4DiTuP_W0UxzkAcIqPxUJicVpP3i__uI2t5Ts_JE4V0GhnuT8PwLcoNPJUbEIEvJd5P63hNJzZrz7/s320/etnies.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<em>These girls' Etnies Scout shoes are the softest, lightest shoes EVER</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buy Disney themed clothing ahead of time.</span> It is way cheaper to buy at Target, Wal-Mart, Old Navy etc than it is to buy at the Disney Store. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A rain poncho.</span> It's much cheaper to get at Dollarama ahead of time than it is to buy one in the park. These might come in handy for Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Etsy is a gold-mine for unique pieces.</span> Sophie has 6 handmade Disney bows, 3 bubblegum necklaces, and that to-die-for mermaid outfit -- all purchased from Etsy shops. </div>
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Okay, the fun stuff is over. Now it's time for the nitty-gritty.<br />
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<strong><u>Medication:</u></strong><br />
The first time we went to Disney World, I forgot to pack Sophie's puffers. We were already in Regina and were due to take off in hours. Her asthma was a lot worse then than it is now, and a flare-up could put her out for days. Luckily, a family friend of ours is a doctor and was able to call a pharmacy with her prescription for us to pick up before we headed to the airport.<br />
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I also forgot to throw some band-aids in the backpack. They were in the hotel which did me very little good. Seriously, WTF? <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQleYCNqdcqavy943jysr_V9LkYP2pVKX3BjbHndd8cZBTyBQT2PKcH6uUX3ApDQ1JtIBG6BIgxIeDrLk9EgU6QaRIEam4mk3LGheS7MWTklNGsjZizonkFp7dfPN1NqZJM002t0pLzSe/s1600/disney+bandaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQleYCNqdcqavy943jysr_V9LkYP2pVKX3BjbHndd8cZBTyBQT2PKcH6uUX3ApDQ1JtIBG6BIgxIeDrLk9EgU6QaRIEam4mk3LGheS7MWTklNGsjZizonkFp7dfPN1NqZJM002t0pLzSe/s200/disney+bandaids.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I learned my lesson the second Disney trip. These are must-haves:<br />
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Children's Gravol (for the airplane - or if you decide to take your 4 year old on Space Mountain. Again. What the actual eff was I thinking?)</div>
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Benadryl </div>
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Advil/Tylenol</div>
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Polysporin</div>
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<strong>INHALERS IF YOUR CHILD IS ASTHMATIC</strong> (obviously)</div>
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Benadryl itch-stick for bug bites</div>
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Band-aids (Disney themed ones are a bonus)</div>
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Cepacol children's cough candies</div>
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Bug spray - I like the natural coconut-lime spray from Pharmasave</div>
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Sun-tan lotion - check your expiry dates!</div>
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And, of course, a Medi Buddy kit to throw in your backpack or purse. Don't leave it in the hotel room. </div>
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<strong><u>Entertainment:</u></strong></div>
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This is mostly for the travel portion of the trip, but there are definitely times in the room, and even in the park, when some of these come in handy.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Portable DVD Player, plenty of Disney movies, and headphones</span>. We throw this in the backpack that hubby uses for his carry-on. It has always made flying really easy with her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLKqPY68fCPyf2DkBoL-ebzd_kI6t7PR1HQFW8nxY5Ldz5sU3DTsWsnkVKgQvAcPCh9Wiy_LYJChH8ef29OTKNJNunNCu0lk75Yri-QuR2NOphmV64zdiHPop6Cjhmcyu1OhktJR8WkNY/s1600/snow+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLKqPY68fCPyf2DkBoL-ebzd_kI6t7PR1HQFW8nxY5Ldz5sU3DTsWsnkVKgQvAcPCh9Wiy_LYJChH8ef29OTKNJNunNCu0lk75Yri-QuR2NOphmV64zdiHPop6Cjhmcyu1OhktJR8WkNY/s320/snow+white.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<em>This is being released February 2nd, 2016 - perfect timing!</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A Leap-Pad or iPad.</span> Maybe your kids aren't technology junkies, but mine <strike>sort of</strike> totally is.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Disney themed coloring books, stickers, and activity booklets.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfMEMsESzT2H5BX-Eiv5zU0_0E6vK_Vu13UVfcOQiq7V5XUwjC4uYZG-yQS7G-exjzOSS8P_eI05_DH-pUbyYRkMj1FTStpIfMqvmnkBlcbvzG7HwUYJ19tdXv01_7RIGP5mdY3iEt5e2/s1600/play+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfMEMsESzT2H5BX-Eiv5zU0_0E6vK_Vu13UVfcOQiq7V5XUwjC4uYZG-yQS7G-exjzOSS8P_eI05_DH-pUbyYRkMj1FTStpIfMqvmnkBlcbvzG7HwUYJ19tdXv01_7RIGP5mdY3iEt5e2/s200/play+pack.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0aszNIbCQzo1W8tWqFTBxyAqI3JrtcKVXQeonS1lCoyMgIlCT2vV3MQ99x_maEBF3SqilSyTANIHgOo_JxdVDWtcgWJBu6Rwl9c4nPo2-EEU0vBvzulyWWwTVPX5EzRoTqCtaqvpMbz7/s1600/magic+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0aszNIbCQzo1W8tWqFTBxyAqI3JrtcKVXQeonS1lCoyMgIlCT2vV3MQ99x_maEBF3SqilSyTANIHgOo_JxdVDWtcgWJBu6Rwl9c4nPo2-EEU0vBvzulyWWwTVPX5EzRoTqCtaqvpMbz7/s200/magic+pen.jpg" width="136" /></a><br />
<em>We picked up a few of these from Dollarama ahead of time.</em> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of stories to read at bedtime</span>. We don't break from our bedtime routine ever. It's important to read together every day - even on holidays!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A journal or notebook.</span> Take 10 minutes to write about your day. What a perfect keepsake!</div>
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<strong><u>Extras:</u></strong></div>
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These are just a few extras to make your child's experience especially magical!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ltF6HN3M17z9t48gr0nLg2bADhi_rv3Kgu1jHtsNlPXQdHnZNiiZRwI9bPXAU6z_p4xjoU2qR1JpAaIBZiGC6cIWbJ4I7mF9f3XMWorM591iYkspmuh5yd0frCqmaiwVxGtHdvf-YQtf/s1600/cinderella+day+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ltF6HN3M17z9t48gr0nLg2bADhi_rv3Kgu1jHtsNlPXQdHnZNiiZRwI9bPXAU6z_p4xjoU2qR1JpAaIBZiGC6cIWbJ4I7mF9f3XMWorM591iYkspmuh5yd0frCqmaiwVxGtHdvf-YQtf/s1600/cinderella+day+dress.jpg" /></a></div>
<em> Find this and more at momapprovedcostumes.com</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A princess dress.</span> My daughter has decided on Jasmine, but I really like this light-weight Cinderella Day Dress from Mom Approved Costumes...</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Character stuffies.</span> My daughter got so much extra attention from characters, cast members, and the performers at parades because of her stuffies. She was even named Pluto's Official Dog Walker thanks to a stuffy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a6sAZMCTEHvEamr2lOF2NPK2YTMx8AumGKJ-wnx4CnBJCf3JCAZvac4j5APC3QvNpQA3NhBt5Y8qcAddw-tow3ACTELVOlGjDWbNOsEaNX5FY5S8N9k2Aw8ML2u9Daw_Dg0u3Vav7YrG/s1600/february+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a6sAZMCTEHvEamr2lOF2NPK2YTMx8AumGKJ-wnx4CnBJCf3JCAZvac4j5APC3QvNpQA3NhBt5Y8qcAddw-tow3ACTELVOlGjDWbNOsEaNX5FY5S8N9k2Aw8ML2u9Daw_Dg0u3Vav7YrG/s320/february+5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<em> Here Sophie is walking hand-in-hand with Pluto all the way down Buena Vista Street!</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pins and Lanyards.</span> If your child is collector, make sure to bring along your pins to trade with Cast Members! Sophie is really into collecting, but has yet to make a trade. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Autograph Book and Sharpie.</span> We like to have this ahead of time so we are ready for any impromptu meet and greets with characters. I've made mine in the past, but this year we ordered ahead of time from the Disney Store. Time is money!</div>
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<strong><u>Essentials:</u></strong><br />Of course I would forget to add this! They are obvious...and necessary!<br />
<ul>
<li>Toothbrush and toothpaste</li>
<li>Hairbrush, clips, ponytails</li>
<li>Shampoo and Conditioner from home</li>
<li>Snacks for the airport, plane, and hotel room - think goldfish, nutrigrain, snap pea crisps, and dried fruit</li>
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<div>
Well... I think that about wraps it up! Hope this helps!</div>
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<em>What are your packing list must-haves? Let me know in the comments!</em></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">xo Lisa</span></div>
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Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-85625762152260795532016-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:002016-01-21T19:56:09.167-08:00Dining ReservationsHubby and I are big foodies - our vacation planning ALWAYS includes "where are we going to eat?". The wonderful thing about Disney is that they open their Dining reservations well ahead of time - 90 days prior at Disney World and 60 days prior at Disneyland. We don't mess around when it comes to our reservations. I put an alarm in my phone exactly 60 days out to book our choices at optimal times. <br />
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As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are vacationing on a bit of a budget compared to how we're used to travelling. We do, however, see value in booking one sit-down meal a day. It isn't always easy to find a shady spot to sit on a busy day at the park, and a dining reservation at a sit-down restaurant allows everyone the opportunity to relax and recharge.<br />
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Our upcoming trip to Disney will be 5 days, so we do have 5 reservations in place. <br />
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<strong><u>Day 1 (February 15th)</u></strong><br />This is President's Day so a lot of people have the day off. This means that Disneyland will be busier than a typical Monday. Our daughter LOVED her first visit to the ocean last year, so we have decided to skip the crowds, rent a car, and head to Huntington Beach for the day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPUCWIpHYWeuRvzyqnI4M47wmlZVJUPWEHMk7WxQhN3YUFmwbO6snoNu10up0f4eLVvnRxbpR-ktENOWqOuVIPpc-V6LB2X5dIqXINLhFoJIsdn0KshGQjqAVCnjr18bLD5hmjGKGGPGa/s1600/sophie+newport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPUCWIpHYWeuRvzyqnI4M47wmlZVJUPWEHMk7WxQhN3YUFmwbO6snoNu10up0f4eLVvnRxbpR-ktENOWqOuVIPpc-V6LB2X5dIqXINLhFoJIsdn0KshGQjqAVCnjr18bLD5hmjGKGGPGa/s320/sophie+newport.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><em>Sophie at Newport Beach in 2015</em></div>
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<a data-ved="0ahUKEwjEi867t7zKAhXDkYMKHa2GAyMQjRwIBw" href="http://www.charactercentral.net/L207_DisneyCharacters_DisneylandResort_Hotels_SurfsUpBreakfastwithMickeyandFriendsatPCHGrill.aspx" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a data-ved="0ahUKEwjEi867t7zKAhXDkYMKHa2GAyMQjRwIBw" href="http://www.charactercentral.net/L207_DisneyCharacters_DisneylandResort_Hotels_SurfsUpBreakfastwithMickeyandFriendsatPCHGrill.aspx" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
This will also give us the chance to have a day to recover from 14 hrs of airports and airplanes. Before heading to Huntington Beach, we have reservations at Disney's PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel. PCH has character dining for breakfast, and it is a MUST for our family as Sophie is dying to meet Daisy Duck. Somehow, she evaded us in both Disney World and Disneyland, and Sophie would really like to add her autograph to her collection. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDpi919hb5cjqc8QyCJeHr0ujzkLRqWZDtU39PtQGgoclsg7_6umcmBVRl35iiIOUwptj-9LakEMIq9sscq5qZjbuwWG0O-FHlsbxI5uin73_Zsi_D4zCyfTMraH6tFmj5PEARz2Mq3q6/s1600/daisy+pch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDpi919hb5cjqc8QyCJeHr0ujzkLRqWZDtU39PtQGgoclsg7_6umcmBVRl35iiIOUwptj-9LakEMIq9sscq5qZjbuwWG0O-FHlsbxI5uin73_Zsi_D4zCyfTMraH6tFmj5PEARz2Mq3q6/s1600/daisy+pch.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>Day 2 (February 16th)</u></strong><br />
<br />Of the 2 west coast parks, Disneyland is definitely our favourite! I couldn't possible wait until Day 3 to hit it up, so we have planned to spend our Tuesday here. We will try to take advantage or Disneyland Magic Morning and check out a few rides before the rest of the masses arrive. <br />
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We didn't add on the Park Hopper option to our tickets, as honestly, we have never used it. That being said, our dining reservation for this day will be in Disneyland Park. This was an easy one for us. Shane's favourite restaurant from last year's trip was Blue Bayou, so we're splurging and giving it another go. If you haven't tried this restaurant, you must! It is set inside of the Pirate of the Caribbean ride and the food is PHENOMENAL. Blue Bayou serves Cajun-Creole food and is located at New Orleans Square. We are really looking forward to dining here again. We booked an early dinner so we can try to catch the earlier showing of the Paint the Night Parade. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BlZOdC2urDKnwwzfpKx_tdCrEYkpq37778vGBGLAVCsASkS0FzM8ELQ7V0Yh5MV5vPMxA-f4KgydcfUfE_BimZzZYyC0S4oA234V5KeZPaK2sgjbZ6yytIezF_rnu-dHJVgWYb9S1vfX/s1600/blue+bayou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BlZOdC2urDKnwwzfpKx_tdCrEYkpq37778vGBGLAVCsASkS0FzM8ELQ7V0Yh5MV5vPMxA-f4KgydcfUfE_BimZzZYyC0S4oA234V5KeZPaK2sgjbZ6yytIezF_rnu-dHJVgWYb9S1vfX/s320/blue+bayou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<em>photo courtesy of Flickr</em><br />
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Disney has recently added a Paint The Night dining package, but we just didn't have enough information about it to book at this time. It is quite expensive, and if the preferred seating is anything like Fantasmic, then it's not worth it to us. <br />
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If you are wanting to try Blue Bayou, do so as close to the 60 days in advance as possible - this popular destination books up quick! <br />
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<strong><u>Day 3 (February 17th)</u></strong><br />
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We will be spending our third day at California Adventure. We decided to break up the day with lunch at Ariel's Grotto. We chose this because Ariel's Grotto offers character dining at breakfast and lunch. Sophie loves the princesses, and this is a great opportunity to meet 4 or 5 of them without standing in line. Ariel greets all of her guests in the foyer, and typically, the other princesses makes their rounds to all of the tables to take pictures, visit, and sign autographs. Our shy little girl doesn't need much more time than that! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNjUeiK8945D74RnmLZEkxKOhruJo7aq-CbNloKBiuTsqZCGK9O97LoSiCIjElwHr88dcIFQoKc6iXgOgX4WNhc_NVRDJyqvu6MOMp2H7brmYnwI0lgPPY7JxI1EVzo386MdlXVnwSPhD/s1600/sophie+ariel+dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNjUeiK8945D74RnmLZEkxKOhruJo7aq-CbNloKBiuTsqZCGK9O97LoSiCIjElwHr88dcIFQoKc6iXgOgX4WNhc_NVRDJyqvu6MOMp2H7brmYnwI0lgPPY7JxI1EVzo386MdlXVnwSPhD/s320/sophie+ariel+dining.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<em>Sophie and Ariel at Cinderella's Royal Table <br /> in Disney World 2 years ago.</em><br />
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Ariel's Grotto is located at Paradise Pier in California Adventure. It was closed last year when we visited, so we are really looking forward to checking it out! <br />
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<strong><u>Day 4 (February 18th)</u></strong><br />
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Back to back days at California Adventure! Last year we found that CA didn't have as much to offer us as Disneyland, so we will be splitting this day between the park and Downtown Disney. Mind you, a lot was closed last year in preparation for Disneyland's Diamond Celebration, so perhaps we will be pleasantly surprised! We will likely spend most of the morning and early afternoon in the park, and the step out to explore the resorts and shops of Downtown Disney. We have early dinner reservations at Tortilla Jo's (they had me at tableside guacamole) and then we'll return to CA to take in the World of Color show. Again, this was down last year so we are really excited to see it this time around. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BDdFtmiF5Qjonrq3-FZDSG8xn6OYrFEE0Rd0dRRDaUvqYLbIpZbqfAO-NHfo7vGCGoyPbWdaRvGYunzK52hiFPO1sFf8KZCXh2lOdim-dB-sq9rc4oT38Jwy9aIf1Yx25xES5uahbSxo/s1600/disney+world+of+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BDdFtmiF5Qjonrq3-FZDSG8xn6OYrFEE0Rd0dRRDaUvqYLbIpZbqfAO-NHfo7vGCGoyPbWdaRvGYunzK52hiFPO1sFf8KZCXh2lOdim-dB-sq9rc4oT38Jwy9aIf1Yx25xES5uahbSxo/s320/disney+world+of+color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<em> World of Color photo courtesy of disneytouristblog.com</em><br />
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<strong><u>Day 5 (February 19th)</u></strong><br />
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When planning our trip, I knew we had to spend our last day at Disneyland Park. It really is one of the most magical places on earth. We will pound the pavement from park opening until the end of the firework show, and I wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
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For our final day, we will be having the Character Breakfast with Minnie & Friends at The Plaza Inn. We did this last year, and it was a shoe-in again this time. For breakfast, The Plaza Inn offers a buffet. The food is good, not spectacular, but good. (Really, it's a buffet - I don't expect spectacular.) The experience is what makes this place truly memorable. <br />
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Firstly, I recommend getting the first seating of the day. We were able to book in for 8:10am. This is good for a couple of reasons:<br />
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1) There is a special entry gate to the park for dining reservations. Last year we were among the first 10 people allowed entry into the park. It was amazing. Walking down Main Street without a crowd is breath taking. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves!<br />
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2) There are SO MANY CHARACTERS at the first reservation of the day! Sophie's absolute favourite part about Disney is meeting the characters, and she got SO much extra attention at our breakfast here last year. We were greeted by Eeyore, Rafiki, and Chip (or was it Dale?). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYF2RlmBPIbVsg-YuknaqG_LuqK7-iSZDwU7HoWoqID-h8QIxIXvJB8f4m5_kM-NBw475aOSiJO7nPHMg6JR013kxkTGn7ALTFtaYP1YVWYaJo0fAPRPL69F6LldVKvBUPiY3njTNKSjG/s1600/plaza+inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYF2RlmBPIbVsg-YuknaqG_LuqK7-iSZDwU7HoWoqID-h8QIxIXvJB8f4m5_kM-NBw475aOSiJO7nPHMg6JR013kxkTGn7ALTFtaYP1YVWYaJo0fAPRPL69F6LldVKvBUPiY3njTNKSjG/s320/plaza+inn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Once inside, we had many visitors make the round to our table, sometimes twice! We were visited by Tigger, Rafiki, Chip, Dale, Eeyore, Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Max, Rabbit, and of course, Minnie Mouse herself! <br />
<br />Captain Hook admired Sophie's "jewels" (a bubblegum style necklace) and even gave her kisses and some of his treasure (plastic jewels). <br />
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<br />Dale (or was it Chip?) had a duel with Captain Hook and Peter Pan hid behind the window and stuck his tongue at him. Tigger bounced around the restaurant with Sophie by his side. This place was an absolute GOLD MINE for Sophie. We couldn't NOT go back! <br />
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<strong><u>Extras</u></strong><br />
Obviously, I only listed one meal a day. To fill in the rest of our meals, we will be stopping by the quick service and snack counters. Top on our list is the Corndog Castle and The Enchanted Tiki Room for a Dole Whip. We walk tens of thousands of steps a day, so we don't mind indulging! We will also be picking up groceries on our first day. In the past, we typically have a light breakfast in our room (yogurt, cereal, fruit) and pack lots of healthy snacks and water to have on hand throughout the day. I highly recommend picking up some food to have on hand, especially when travelling with young children! <br /><br /><em>Now I want to know, what are your favourite Disney restaurants, foods, or dining tips? Can't wait to hear from you!</em><br />
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<br />Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-52980725961817293132016-01-06T07:12:00.005-08:002016-01-06T07:12:47.841-08:00Lower Expectations<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Good morning!<br /><br />Just a quick note this morning to let you know how "the big reveal" went. On Christmas Eve, we allowed Sophie to open her Disney gift in front of her grandparents. We wanted it to be exciting and special, so we didn't want her to open it while she was in the middle of opening the dozens of other presents that evening. She was tired and a bit overwhelmed by all the excitement of the holiday, but I assumed that her gift would help her snap out of her crummy mood. I had my phone out, ready to take the video. She (rather unenthusiastically) pulled the gifts out one by one. When she got to the letter at the bottom, she opened it, and I read it to her.</span> <br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Walter; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Arf!</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">”</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Walter; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> I am so excited
to tell you that you are going to disneyland! I hope that you will come and
visit me in ToonTown and around the parks. I have really missed you! <br />
<br />
Merry Christmas and see you real soon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Walter; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your friend,</span><br />
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Walter; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Walter; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> pluto</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No reaction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not a smile, no tears, not a squeal. Nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daddy said to her, "Do you know what this means, Sophie? You're going to Disneyland again!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her response? She snarled, "YES DAD! I KNOW!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Needless to say, I will not be sharing her reaction via video or photographs. Five year olds can be so unpredictable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Note to self: Don't over-plan the big reveal. I wanted it to happen at that moment, even knowing that Sophie was tired and overstimulated. Next time, I will let her mood guide me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now that she has had time to digest the information, she is BEYOND excited. Every morning she excitedly tells me how many days are left until we go. 39 and counting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> xoxo Lisa</span>Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-6699705107570477042015-12-22T17:42:00.006-08:002015-12-22T17:42:53.195-08:00The Big Reveal!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So as I mentioned in my last post, we will be surprising our daughter on Christmas with our Disney vacation. Sophie just turned 5 on Saturday, so in order for it to mean something, it has to be tangible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Last year, we gave her a photo frame with a countdown to Disneyland picture in it. We used dry erase markers to change the day every morning.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQVtNLVXN1WwPw-KSKY6CbzOAMuSa1xxeadHI3fkDO9G2CANgaGMnJT95eh8tIdoWToWcno5ANj-QZXOTJyeuaiVe45SLO6BevtFWxioRAKHXC6BPIYLl8zvlfpAOTEXPV3ZsXxQ3IQmJ/s1600/countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQVtNLVXN1WwPw-KSKY6CbzOAMuSa1xxeadHI3fkDO9G2CANgaGMnJT95eh8tIdoWToWcno5ANj-QZXOTJyeuaiVe45SLO6BevtFWxioRAKHXC6BPIYLl8zvlfpAOTEXPV3ZsXxQ3IQmJ/s320/countdown.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
find the printable at <a href="http://allforthememories.com/">http://allforthememories.com</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A month before takeoff, we hung up Minnie themed chain countdown (thanks Pinterest!) Every morning she would tear off the bottom loop and be able to visualize how many days were remaining. I imagine we will do something similar again this year! (maybe princess or Pluto themed?)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKpmqn1fBndhnWBB72sPeEDwFDJ9CanKNGnk7k_9Il1fHLywyEXfx6UbajMso45OBzFTx7s4c-T1JC8O7gwI2B7tcDoRHp2BpkR2DGkxMcYHY2R9dtxgKpKXhEGn2K6PDdzOJDFd5gG7U/s1600/minnie+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKpmqn1fBndhnWBB72sPeEDwFDJ9CanKNGnk7k_9Il1fHLywyEXfx6UbajMso45OBzFTx7s4c-T1JC8O7gwI2B7tcDoRHp2BpkR2DGkxMcYHY2R9dtxgKpKXhEGn2K6PDdzOJDFd5gG7U/s320/minnie+countdown.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
check this out at <a href="http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/01/disneyland-vacation-countdown-chain.html">http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/01/disneyland-vacation-countdown-chain.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year, we have made up a gift-bag full of Disney gifts - clothes, coloring travel sets (hello Dollarama!), and puzzles. Included in the gift bag is a ticket that I found on Etsy and customized with our information and a letter from Pluto that I put together with a little help from Google images. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out we are going! She talked about going to Disneyland literally every day. (She is also a little impatient to return as she has heard that ToonTown will be replaced with Star Wars Land and this makes her more than a little angry.)</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDrCH7C3tSc1dP6DsOPf_69Msrct4m-s8XSKGq3BXabAEx60sjp4pt_MbM3w5m7_iedwnA1faauihY8lbyZBd6aCpLFjkUUhVhUYECw0u7tlkNHrlhrk9OGnKUda563ZeGP_zoeQN55MG/s1600/disney+ticket+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDrCH7C3tSc1dP6DsOPf_69Msrct4m-s8XSKGq3BXabAEx60sjp4pt_MbM3w5m7_iedwnA1faauihY8lbyZBd6aCpLFjkUUhVhUYECw0u7tlkNHrlhrk9OGnKUda563ZeGP_zoeQN55MG/s320/disney+ticket+gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the customizable ticket we added in her gift bag. Find it at:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KirstensKreation?ref=l2-shopheader-name">https://www.etsy.com/shop/KirstensKreation?ref=l2-shopheader-name</a><br />
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What ideas have you tried to break the news to your kids or grandkids? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> xo Lisa</span> <br />
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Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-61042640620680244472015-12-20T18:19:00.005-08:002015-12-20T18:20:28.499-08:00The Countdown Is On!<br />
<span style="background: rgb(180, 167, 214); color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I've been gone awhile... and I can explain!</span><br />
<br />
</span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">My husband works in the Oil & Gas industry, and the industry is
experiencing a significant downturn. I am an incurable optimist and told hubby
that oil would come around in a few months time, and we would be fine. This was
over a year ago. The industry is not fine. We are lucky, and my husband is
still employed, but the future of his company is unknown. This means our
financial situation is a little unstable. Because of this, last April my
husband told me we would be unable to go to Disney the following year. The
expense was too much of a risk. I was crushed. To add insult to injury, he kept
looking up vacations and would sporadically blurt out the awesome Disney deals
he was finding.</span></span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="background: rgb(217, 210, 233); color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To
say I was miserable is an understatement. I kept trying to convince him that we
could go. I would pay for half of it! (Hilarious. I'm a teacher. And I work
part time. I can barely save enough money to get myself through the summer.)
The answer was always the same - a resounding "no". </span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="background: white; color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">As it turns out, my hubby had booked us flights to Anaheim
for February when one of the incredibly cheap deals came up. He was planning to
wait until our anniversary, October 3rd, to surprise me. My incessant pouting
and whining over not being able to go to Disney was getting out of control, and
he showed me the travel itinerary in the summer. I was actually driving him
crazy! Needless to say, I was overjoyed!</span></span><span style="background: rgb(217, 210, 233); color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately,
things with the Oil industry continued to worsen, so hubs held off on buying
Park Tickets in case "things went sideways" (ie: he becomes
unemployed). He reminded me that if things continued to worsen, the financially
responsible thing to do would be to cancel the trip. We decided to keep things
quiet from our daughter until Christmas, to spare her from any possible
disappointment. I have tried to keep my excitement at bay, and not get too
carried away with planning to spare MYSELF from possible disappointment. </span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Well,
my friends, we are 5 days away from Christmas and so I am letting loose! The
countdown is on, and I am letting myself feel the excitement of our upcoming
vacation.</span></span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Keep
following me for updates on planning and how we plan to surprise Sophie with
her Disney Vacation. </span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "walter"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">xo</span></span><span style="font-family: "walter";"><o:p></o:p></span>Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-61458235980667808982015-03-15T19:35:00.003-07:002015-03-15T19:37:01.544-07:00City Stroller Rentals - St. Patrick's Day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my previous post about what to pack, I included a shout-out to City Stroller Rentals in Southern California. The stroller rental service helped ease the stress of packing and planning, and we were so pleased with the Valentine's Day Mickey love bag that Sophie received upon arrival.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After featuring them on the blog, I was in contact with Jewel, a mompreneur for City Stroller Rentals. She sent me a picture with the adorable gift bag that they are including for arrivals on St. Patrick's Day. I absolutely love how this amazing company is going above and beyond to make their customer's vacations a little more magical!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you had any "magical" moments from a Cast Member or Disney-related business? Share in the comments!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">xo Lisa</span></strong></div>
Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-58236177436719096522015-03-05T18:49:00.002-08:002015-03-05T18:50:16.099-08:00Art of Animation - My Recommendation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>So I have to preface this with an apology. Jenna, I am so sorry! </em></div>
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<em>Last night, a friend messaged me and commented that she loved my blog because it wasn't all about "go here, do this". This is your disclaimer - this post is totally "go here, do this".</em> <br />
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When we went to Walt Disney World in March of 2014, we were really grasping at straws in terms of what to do and where to stay. We booked our vacation using my hubby's MasterCard points, and because we have yet to figure out how to grow money on trees, we were planning on a bit of a budget. After a lot of online research, we decided to choose the Art of Animation resort in Walt Disney World as our home base. Having now stayed there once, I can't imagine wanting anything more from a hotel.<br />
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So, I know there will be people who are diehard Grand Floridian vacationers or exclusive to the Polynesian villas & bungalows, but as mentioned earlier, we vacation on a bit of a budget. I can't imagine that I will ever be able to afford to stay in a deluxe villa. (Don't get me wrong, if I could, I would absolutely stay in one tomorrow). That being said, we were more than satisfied with Art of Animation. Please, even if you are blessed enough to enjoy the deluxe resorts, stick with me. <br />
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Art of Animation is considered a Value Disney Resort. At first, this turned me off. I thought maybe we were getting ourselves into a dive. Let me assure you, DISNEY DOES NOT OFFER DIVES! This "value resort" was still the most incredible hotel I have ever stayed in! I will sing its praises forever! <br />
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If you have young children, this hotel is definitely for you. It is completely character-oriented. The lobby, outdoor spaces, pools, and rooms are all designed with a specific character or Disney movie in mind. I am positive that other hotels are more spacious and elegant, but you cannot beat the kid-friendly appeal at Art of Animation. <br />
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<strong><u>Art of Animation info:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>towers are themed around either Cars, Finding Nemo, Lion King, or Little Mermaid</li>
<li>Little Mermaid tower offers standard rooms</li>
<li>Cars, Finding Nemo, and Lion King towers offer family suites</li>
<li>focus on animation process (as suggested from the name). There are pencil sketches and scenes from the films used as design elements</li>
<li>does not offer a full-service restaurant, but the hotel does home the Landscape of Flavors "food court". I promise, this food court has plenty of amazing choices.</li>
<ul>
<li>soup-salad-sandwich shop</li>
<li>world flavors shop</li>
<li>pizza shop</li>
<li>burger shop</li>
<li>market (smoothies, specialty coffees, desserts)arcade, poolside activities, and outdoor movie nights for kids and families</li>
</ul>
<li>3 pools (including the <em>Big Blue</em> pool - the largest Disney resort pool), a splash area for smaller children, and a small play structure</li>
<li>Disney Bus transportation/Magical Express shuttle</li>
<li>jogging trail -- or if you're me, walking trail</li>
<li>Disney gift store</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie with some of the animation in the lobby<br />
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Some shots of our Finding Nemo Family Suite</div>
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Loved that the table could fold down into another bed!</div>
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Mongolian Beef stir-fry, spinach, naan, acorn squash and multigrain rice from Landscape of Flavors. Yum!<br />
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The<em> Big Blue</em> Pool and play area</div>
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Exploring T<em>he Little Mermaid</em> area of the resort</div>
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Checking out <em>The Lion King</em> zone</div>
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A couple quick shots from the <em>Cars</em> area</div>
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<strong><u>Final thoughts:</u></strong><br />
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If you are looking for luxury and fine dining, the Art of Animation resort probably isn't for you. If you want the best bang for your buck, a comfortable room, awesome pools, and exciting theming - you have to stay here! The standard rooms are small but doable. Personally, I would recommend the family suite for a family with 1 -3 young children. The hubby and I enjoyed having our own space at the end of a long day, and I felt comfortable getting ready in the early mornings with our own separate bathroom. The food was simple but delicious, and the service was exquisite (which we have come to expect with Disney). <br />
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<em>What is your favorite place to stay on Disney property? I'd love to learn more!</em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">xo Lisa</span></strong></div>
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Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-75836554217627689962015-03-04T18:20:00.007-08:002016-01-30T19:22:02.078-08:00Must Have Items for Pre-Schoolers<em> One of the most surprising things about Disney was how many people looked miserable. I'm not talking tired or burned out, but down-right angry. I can't even begin to count how many couples I saw arguing or how many parents were yelling and screaming at their kids. Listen, I get it, kids get tired and temperamental. It's frustrating when they have a fit or misbehave on vacation. But they're kids... And you are at the most magical place on earth! Try, for their sake and yours, to enjoy the magical moments, both big and small.</em><br />
<em> It was nearly impossible for me to wipe the perma-grin off my face. I really feel like the key to an enjoyable trip with young children is planning and preparation. I had a loose itinerary, reservations for 1 sit-down meal a day, and a back-pack full of pre-school lifesavers. My husband repeatedly praised me for my planning and how it really increased the quality of our vacation. What works for me might not work for you, but here are my must have items for a day (or more) in Disney.</em><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>1. A good quality stroller.</strong></span><br />
My daughter is 4 and never rides in a stroller at home, but we put in 15 hour days at the theme parks and the stroller was an absolute necessity. Because we travelled to Disney through a combination of driving and flying, we rented a stroller in both Disney World and Disneyland. I highly recommend the companies we used.<br />
In Orlando, we rented the City Mini single through Kingdom Stollers. The really great thing about this company is that you can also use them to order groceries that can be delivered to your hotel for your arrival! Check them out at <a href="https://kingdomstrollers.com/">https://kingdomstrollers.com/</a><br />
In Anaheim, we again rented the City Mini single through City Strollers. Once again, it was delivered to our hotel upon arrival, and we were so delighted to find the cutest little Mickey Mouse gift bag for our daughter. The extra touch was so very sweet! Check them out at <a href="http://www.citystrollerrentals.com/">http://www.citystrollerrentals.com/</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>2. A change of clothes.</strong></span><br />
My daughter is completely potty trained, and (knock on wood) has yet to have an accident on our Disney vacations, but I can see how it can very easily happen. If your little prince or princess is excited to meet a character or ride Dumbo, the lines can be excruciatingly long. A change in clothes would come in especially handy if your little one waits just a touch too long to inform you that they have to pee! It's also nice to have a light jacket and a pair of comfy pants for cool morning and evenings, particularly if you want to stay for Fantasmic, World of Color, or the fireworks! Chilly children = grumpy children. There are also a few places in the parks where kids can splash around to cool down on a hot day (Bugs Land at California Adventure for example). And, if your child is 38 inches or taller, Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is sure to warrant a dry change of clothes!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>3. Snacks</strong></span><br />
Don't get me wrong, we are total foodies and love the snacks offered at the parks (Hello chocolate dipped pineapple spears!), but a backpack full of snacks can be a lifesaver in aforementioned long lines. We usually throw in a few bottles of water, a juice pack, goldfish, fruit snacks, a banana, apple slices, snap pea crisps, and carrot sticks. Healthy snacks put my mind at ease when my child is consuming Mickey Bars and corndogs throughout the day. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>4. Money</strong></span><br />
Obviously, right? I'm talking about my child's personal money that she saved up from gifts and chores. Your kid is totally going to want every souvenir they set their eyes on in the park, but having to spend their own money teaches them to budget and prioritize. I'm not just saying this because I'm a teacher and like to incorporate life lessons into every-freaking-activity, it's true! My 4 year old got a little pouty when she realized she would have to spend her own money on toys and souvenirs. She ended up saving it up for a few special pins, a Pluto stuffy, and a balloon. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>5. Portable Phone Charger</strong></span><br />
If you're like me and use your Smart Phone for everything, (including your camera), chances are your battery is going to be dying 5 hours in. Every night we charge the portable phone charger and toss it in the backpack. It takes up very little space and is super effective. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>6. Itinerary/Reservations</strong></span><br />
I put together a small binder with our itinerary, tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, etc. It was super helpful when checking in at the resort or for a dining reservation, and it helped remind us about the big rides and attractions that we wanted to check out (Disney Parks can be overwhelming at times). We kept it in a separate compartment of the backpack and used it multiple times each day. <br />
I purchased an itinerary template off of Etsy that was great for keeping organized. Check it out at:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130835653/instant-download-travel-printables?ref=shop_home_active_10">https://www.etsy.com/listing/130835653/instant-download-travel-printables?ref=shop_home_active_10</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>7. Mini First Aid Kit</strong></span><br />
During our first trip to Disney World, our daughter fell out of her stroller while goofing around and scraped up her knee pretty badly. And we didn't have a First Aid kit. Nope, not even a Band-Aid. We had to go to 3 stores before finding one that sold band-aids! Needless to say, I learned my lesson and packed a MediBuddy kit with bandages, antibacterial wipes and ointment, stickers and other essentials. We also packed Children's Tylenol, Children's Benadryl, advil for my headaches, and Gravol for everyone - just in case!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiCviumVuai_sqnM9r8HDCAgFd2EpPIizd0F1ikPGd0lkQVetqi9In-kyV6enLkXdjTVXFFyVqp11IJb5QBL8iL62EnvdvbbaS3GS0-Y4VTi7CiyRrg7_VBSI0uOqtmddci2prhTTMzGY/s1600/medi+buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiCviumVuai_sqnM9r8HDCAgFd2EpPIizd0F1ikPGd0lkQVetqi9In-kyV6enLkXdjTVXFFyVqp11IJb5QBL8iL62EnvdvbbaS3GS0-Y4VTi7CiyRrg7_VBSI0uOqtmddci2prhTTMzGY/s1600/medi+buddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>8. Sun Protection</strong></span><br />
Couple of need-to-know facts:<br />
- I'm a teacher and can only travel during school breaks (typically Christmas break, February break, or Easter)<br />
- We live in Saskatchewan and during those aforementioned school breaks, it is FREAKING COLD at home. Like I'm talking -30 degrees Celsius <br />
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That being said, when we travelled to California this past February, it was 20 - 27 degress Celsius. The locals were talking about how cold it was and were literally wearing puffer jackets. Meanwhile, I had a heat rash from the sun. Yes, my skin is porcelain and very, very delicate. I am super good at making sure Sophie is drinking lots of water, wearing a sunhat and sunglasses, and of course slather her with SPF 60 sunscreen, but I often neglect my own sun protection. Next time, I promise to douse myself with some of that sunscreen! <br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">9. Autograph Book/Sharpie</span></strong><br />
Okay, so I had to edit this post and add this in. I can't even believe I forgot this as it was absolutely crucial for my daughter. No lie, we filled up 3 autograph books in 4 days at Disneyland. <br />
My daughter's favourite part about the parks was meeting the characters. We met Pluto nine times at Disneyland Resort. Nine. Times. <br />
If I can recommend one thing, it is that you pack your own Sharpie. I like the "clickable" ones, as they are easier for the characters with big, fluffy hands! I have seen all too many Disney pens explode at the parks too. Just trust me and bring a Sharpie. I also prefer the autograph books that have space for a photo beside, it just makes for a cuter keepsake. Especially one year later when you haven't printed the photos for it yet. Oops! <br />
You could save yourself a ton of money by NOT buying 3 autograph books and making one yourself. I found this cute printable off of Pinterest last year and made one for our trip to Disney World. I must warn you, it does require a significant time investment. It also helps to have access to a laminator, paper cutter, and binding. <em>(Hence the 3 autograph books in Disneyland.)</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftBJ3hNp-KtzNeTGlmjc56g5TQyYoVPQHE3TabJ-_rXmJDvyMe1qPq8XMMi5yFLzCanWCzYnIeuQweX6zgk7HWYWvsNoaeXoHy40_nm49kN57yC8JhTEjQwk7xJ6oE-ukgGsMkuGhdzEr/s1600/autograph+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftBJ3hNp-KtzNeTGlmjc56g5TQyYoVPQHE3TabJ-_rXmJDvyMe1qPq8XMMi5yFLzCanWCzYnIeuQweX6zgk7HWYWvsNoaeXoHy40_nm49kN57yC8JhTEjQwk7xJ6oE-ukgGsMkuGhdzEr/s1600/autograph+book.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
Check it out at <a href="http://thecardswedrew.com/disney-autograph-book-using-silhouette-chipboard-free-print/?_szp=442136">http://thecardswedrew.com/disney-autograph-book-using-silhouette-chipboard-free-print/?_szp=442136</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>10. Crayons and Paper</strong></span><br />
Though we rarely had to worry about Sophie getting bored or restless, there were times when <br />
crayons and paper for her to colour with came in very handy. There's a good chance she would have drove us absolutely mad if we had not had them while waiting for meals at restaurants or waiting for the parade to start on Main Street. If all else fails, grab the notepad and pen from your hotel<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">11. Camera</span></strong><br />
Though I HIGHLY recommend the PhotoPass + at Disneyland or Memory Maker package at Walt Disney World, there are tons of memories in between Photo Pass cast members that you are going to want to catch on film. My daughter's face during the parades was absolutely priceless. I hope I will remember the sparkle in her eyes and joy in her smile when she watched the parade, but if not, I will always have the photograph to remind me. <br />
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In order to save my shoulder from an immensely heavy purse, we threw all of the items mentioned into a backpack that my husband dutifully lugged around for us all week. They helped keep us sane and happy during days that sometimes included more than 14 hours in the parks. <br />
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<em>What are your must-pack items for a day in Disney?</em><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong>xo Lisa</strong></span></div>
Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963553609785371063.post-87649113355486414532015-02-22T18:50:00.001-08:002015-02-22T18:58:35.238-08:00About Me<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I am so absolutely, head over heels, in love with Disney! In order to fill the void of not physically being there, I decided (on a long trip home from Disneyland) to blog about our family's adventures.<br /><br />I am by no means a Disney expert... in fact I first travelled to Walt Disney World with my husband and then 3 year old daughter in March of 2014. We just tested out Disneyland (I mean just) last week! I have done extensive research and planning, and planned two remarkably amazing vacations for my little family. I know we will continue to visit Disney parks in the future, and I want to share our memories and advice with you!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Name:</strong> Lisa </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Age:</strong> 28</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Occupation:</strong> Full time Mom, part time teacher</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Where I live:</strong> Saskatchewan, Canada -- many miles from any Disney park. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Interests:</strong> Travel, reading, shopping, wine, camping, exploring, planning (parties, vacations, units for my students :) ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Favourite Disney Character:</strong> How do I choose? I really do love them all. If I had to pick one, I'd say Rafiki. The first CD I ever owned was the Lion King soundtrack. The Lion King is also my favourite Disney Movie... and the most amazing Broadway production I've ever seen. I cried. </span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Disneyland or Disney World?:</strong> It's truly like comparing apples and oranges. They were both amazing, but I promise to do a future post comparing the merits of each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Want to know more? Just ask!</em><br /></span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>xo Lisa</strong></span></div>
Disney Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13771200855699107790noreply@blogger.com0