Disney Articles – Page 2 – Rooting to Rise

A Little Spring in the Midst of Winter ~ and a Big Surprise at Check-In

Posted on February 16, 2015May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

There is always something special going on at Walt Disney World; each season bringing that extra magical touch. My favorite time to visit Walt Disney Resort has always been September. I love the carved Jack -O- Lanterns that line the top of Main Street’s buildings and the fall garlands and wreaths that adorn the lamp posts, with the added bonus of the park attendance being at a low capacity.

One year I decided to take an impromptu trip in May. I was really excited to see Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, the online pictures were just breathtaking! Going in May was not the only change that was happening during that particular Walt Disney World vacation. This time Rebekah and I were traveling with my sister-in-law Jackie who had not been to the resort since she was sixteen, she was beyond eager for our travels to commence!

Before I share some of the gorgeous topiaries I reveled in, let me share with you a couple highlights of my Walt Disney World vacation with my sister in law.

We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort; this happens to be one of my top three favorite resorts on WDW property.

Upon checking in we were informed that we had been upgraded from a standard view room to a Junior Suit with Concierge service. I guess at the time I was a bit uninformed because I had no idea what this entailed, but I quickly became informed and just couldn’t believe the extra Magic we were receiving! I asked the Cast Member why we were receiving these upgrades and he replied, “Just because we wanted to make your time extra special.”

After settling ourselves in the room, we made our way up, up, up to Old Faithful Club on the concierge level which was located on the 7th floor. Our Key to the World card gave us special access to this club level. When we loaded onto the elevator, in order to enter onto this floor we had to insert our card into the slot provided.

We enjoyed free continental breakfast in the morning and in the evening it was so wonderful to have a complimentary cocktail! During the day they also offer an afternoon tea that includes yummy treats and in the evening they have a small buffet of dinner foods. This was an amazing experience and one that I was completely grateful to have!

That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert at T-Rex in Downtown Disney. I LOVE this restaurant for it’s prehistoric atmosphere. Even if you are not able to stop in for a bite, I suggest you pop in just to take a peek.

The following morning we bee-lined it to the Magic Kingdom. Our first stop was to get Jackie her first pair of Ears where we happened upon another wonderful surprise. She received her name embroidered on her Ears free of charge; they said because we were the first guests of the day! Next onto meet my favorite Mouse…. he needs no introduction!

The next day we visited Epcot and I was so excited to see the International Flower and Garden Festival! During our time there we enjoyed another delicious meal at the Coral Reef in the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion. This is another restaurant I just LOVE because of it’s unique setting. It is as if you are dining under the sea with all the beautiful creatures of the ocean. The lower wall is an open view into the Living Sea tanks and it promises to be great view from any table!

NOW …. onto Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival!

Entering the walkway that leads to World Showcase we were greeted by Peter Pan, Captain Hook and tick tock – tick tock, hooks greatest fear!

Coming upon International Gateway we found my favorite fellow and his best girl along with Donald and Daisy.

Starting first with Canada and their beautiful Victoria Gardens~

I adored the tea cups in the United Kingdom where we also met Alice. Along the route we Pooh and friends and here we also found the infamous Captain Hook and both his nemesis’ Peter Pan and tick tock the Alligator!

Moving on toward France we saw gorgeous topiaries of Aurora and Cinderella dancing with their Princes~

Onto Italy we found the most adorable couple, Lady and Tramp. They look beautiful surrounded by all the colorful flowers and plants!

Germany was in great company with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

Along our travels we came across the cutest Mickey Heads, I would so love to place these in my front yard so I could share my #Disneyside with all my neighbors!

A not to miss experience is the Butterfly Tent, this particular year it was themed with Bambi and his friends~

This event has become one of my favorite times to visit Epcot. If you are planning a vacation anytime from March to May please make sure to enhance your experience by taking time to meander around World Showcase.

Mickey and Minnie ~ My Favorite Valentine Couple

Posted on February 14, 2015May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today I got to thinking about who my favorite Valentine couple is. Having Disney on the brain, I immediately focused on Mickey and Minnie. After some consideration it is decided that they indeed are my favorite Valentine couple!

This year will mark their 87th Valentine’s Day together. The debut of Steamboat Willie was their first public appearance and marked the beginning of their endearing courtship.

Our Valentine couple in 1934 (left) and 1937 (right)

In a 1933 issue of Film Pictorial magazine, Walt Disney addressed the subject of Mickey and Minnie’s relationship, “In private life, Mickey is married to Minnie. A lot of people have written to him asking this question, because sometimes he appears to be married to her in his films and other times still courting her. What it really amounts to is that Minnie is, for screen purposes, his leading lady. If the story calls for a romantic courtship, then Minnie is the girl; but when the story requires a married couple, then they appear as man and wife. In the studio we have decided that they are married already.” -The Walt Disney Family Museum

In 1955 (left) and 1959 (right)

Over the years Mickey has made Minnie the pinnacle of his affection; her happiness is his ultimate prize. Minnie is as much devoted to her leading man so I will coin the term, behind every good mouse is a great Minnie!

(left to right) 1960 to 1970

They bring out the best in each other. Being the finest of friends they are always seen having fun with lots of laughs, spontaneous little kisses and big hugs. They have a keen sense of communication, they know how to gently encourage one another and balance it with just a bit of constructive criticism. They are my ultimate Valentine couple.

(from 1970 to today)

Quick Tip Tuesday ~ DIY Countdown Vacation Calendar

Posted on February 10, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Counting down the days till the next planned Disney vacation is part of the great excitement that surrounds the whole Magical experience.

My sister inlaw sent me the cutest Pin this morning and I just have to share it with all of you! A Countdown to Disney Calendar for all you Crafty DIY Folks .

How do you countdown your Disney Vacation? Share with us and we will post your unique DIY Disney Vacation Countdown here on Two Moms and A Mouse!

My Wintry Day Valentine Challenge

Posted on February 2, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Welcome to the next stop on Blogorail Yellow. Today we are discussing creating a #Disneyside Valentine’s party from odds and ends found around the house!

It is a blustery, wintry day here in the Empire State and I am trapped indoors. I have lots I could do to keep busy, but doing dishes and cleaning out closets doesn’t sound like much fun. I was thinking how my family and I could celebrate Valentine’s Day, when I received a phone call from my parents inviting us to their house for a small gathering. Now…. how can I sneak a little Disney flair into the party without completely taking it over, not everyone is as enthused with the Mouse as I am. Going out to the store to purchase party items is out of the question with this weather, so I started gathering craft items, scraps from previous projects and party supplies I had lying around the house. Here is my challenge, to create a #Disneyside Valentine’s party fit for adults and children with only the items I have available in my house……. and without completely annoying my family. One day they will all come around and enjoy the Magical Mouse as much as I do!

Onto the finished product~

Before we get to the decor first let me share a couple games I put together to enhance my family’s evening of fun. I Disneyfied the Left/Right game using Cinderella’s story and a small plastic shoe (glass slipper) as the item to be passed around. Here is my Cinderella Left/Right tale:

Cinderella LEFT for the ball…… the coachman knew the RIGHT directions and turned LEFT onto the RIGHT road. Prince Charming was RIGHT in the middle of the room and asked for Cinderella’s LEFT hand and led her RIGHT to the dance floor. She knew he was the RIGHT guy for her as he danced with her RIGHT around the room. The hands of the clock moved to the RIGHT and struck mid-night, so she LEFT the castle running down the stairs and LEFT her shoe behind. The carriage LEFT the castle in a hurry and went RIGHT down the path and into the woods. Prince Charming’s soldiers LEFT the castle and stormed RIGHT into the woods after the carriage. Midnight struck and the carriage turned RIGHT into a pumpkin and LEFT Cinderella behind. The Prince sent the Duke RIGHT out to find Cinderella. Cinderella had run RIGHT up to her room and her stepmother locked her door and LEFT the key in her pocket. The Duke knocked RIGHT on Lady Tremaine’s door. The stepsister’s sat RIGHT down and put their LEFT foot out for their shoe fitting. Their feet were too big and the shoe flew RIGHT across the room. The mice got the key RIGHT out of Lady Tremaine’s pocket and raced RIGHT up to Cinderella’s room. Cinderella LEFT down the stairs and called to the Duke. He slipped the shoe RIGHT on her foot then they raced her RIGHT back to the prince. They were married RIGHT in the castle and LEFT , RIGHT away to for their honeymoon.

Our next Valentine’s amusement will be Famous Disney Couples. I wrote questions regarding Disney Duos on slips of paper and placed them in a glass jar adorned with Mickey and Minnie. Here are some of the questions:

What couple enjoys eating spaghetti together?

What couple enjoys building snowmen?

What couple has a pair of ducks as their best friends?

Onto the Disneyfied Valentine Décor, I went for a Mickey Head theme. I sought out a pattern online and printed it out to trace on construction paper. I also found these adorable little Cuties, the template is found here: Mickey and Minnie Cutie Printouts

I had red Chinese take-out party boxes left over from another gathering; at first glance they reminded me of Mickey’s pants so I drew two black ovals on them for buttons. I will fill them with pink heart shaped marshmallows and Valentine’s chocolates I have in the pantry.

Next I took a bundle of tulle saved from Rebekah’s past Princess parties to use as a swag over the doorway. I placed Mickey heads at each tied knot. Then taking strips of red streamers I taped Mickey heads vertically along the length, they can be hung on the wall in varied heights. I had a pink Chinese lantern from a past Under-the-Sea party, I attached two black construction paper ovals, making it into a Minnie head. The Valentine’s banner is alternating red and pink Mickey heads with black punch out letters spelling Happy Valentine’s Day.

I was pretty surprised how easy and quickly it all came together. At first looking at the pile of mish-mosh I felt overwhelmed but I swiftly overcame that after my first Mickey head was printed, traced and cut. I encourage you to challenge yourself next time a celebration takes place, instead of purchasing all your decorations take a look around your house and get creative!

Thank you for joining Blogorail Yellow this month. We will be back in next month with all new loops and themes. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with newest posts, photos and stories. If you are looking for Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

1st Stop – Disney with Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers – Valentine’s Day Crafts for Toddlers

2nd Stop – For the Love of Disney – Our Favorite Classroom Valentines for Preschool and Early Elementary

3rd Stop – Capturing Magical Memories – Valentine Gift Bag Toppers

4th Stop – Two Moms and a Mouse – My Wintry Day Valentine Challenge ~ How do you think I did?

Super Bowl Sunday Snacks ~ Disneyfied

Posted on February 1, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

It’s Super Bowl Sunday – football, food, half time and commercials.

My husband asked me several times yesterday, “what are we going to eat tomorrow?” It was obvious this was very important for him to have the proper eats while he ” joined” the Seahawks on the field with determination for a Super Bowl victory!

We walked around our local supermarket gathering an assortment of foods ideal for gluttony gratification. First we found ourselves at the deli counter for a selection of meats and cheeses, for on this day my husband will become a brilliant Sandwich Artist. Next we hit up the chip aisle and fully stocked the cart with bags of the perfect dipping chips, then set out to gather the ingredients for his favorite cheesy dip. We must not forget the bag of frozen chicken wings, (I guess he did not have confidence in my ability to cook fresh wings); then last- but in my opinion- not least, the essentials for brownie making!

I began to wonder….. if we were to watch the Super Bowl in Walt Disney World, what would be on the snack menu? To somewhat appease my contemplation, I turned my attention to The Disney Chef, where recipes to all our favorite Disney Dining Delights can be found.

Starting with:

Chicken Wings

If we Disneyfied our wings they would become ‘Ohana’s Honey Coriander Chicken Wings! Nicole has made this delightfully delicious masterpiece and she raves about it!

Cheesy Dip

The recipe we are using has been passed down from my Auntie P. – 1 8oz. block of cream cheese, 1 can of Hormel Chili, 1 can of Rotel Tomatoes (any style), and 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix all ingredients together in microwave safe bowl and microwave until just melted. You can also add chopped olives (any style of your choice), cilantro, Adobo seasoning, garlic and onion powder . I don’t have exact measurements, this is my first time making it.

BUT if we were in WDW I think my husband would LOVE to try Queso Fundido from San Angel Inn; he is a huge Queso lover and this recipe looks like a touchdown!

Brownies

I read that Magic Cookie Bars, found at Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans, are pretty popular. I have never seen one but that will change upon my next visit. After seeing this cookie bar, the thought of brownies is fleeting. I may have to take another trip back to the supermarket for some additional ingredients.

(photo credit to The Disney Chef)

I am sure that I could spend endless hours finding Disneyfied food to incorporate into this Super Bowl celebration. Disney Dining is like a sport in itself! What will you be noshing on during the big game today?

Into the Woods We Went!

Posted on January 27, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

This past weekend Rebekah and I took an impromptu trip to the movie theater, what did we see….. Into the Woods!

We hurried into the theater and found our seats just as the movie trailers were ending. I had no idea what to expect from this movie. I hadn’t read or heard the reviews, with one exception. Right before entering the theater Nicole informed me that her friends had walked out during the movie; oh boy what was I in for?

The movie began, I quickly realized it was a musical, I had no idea! As we began to travel into the woods with the characters, it took me a while to truly realize why “we” were going into the woods. At first I was solely focused on these strange intertwined fairytales. Each fairytale character was traveling into the woods for a particular purpose – to break a spell, to go to the Festival, to sell the cow, to Grandmother’s house, to see the King. As the movie rolled on I realized there was a deeper meaning and an actual plot. ‘Into the Woods’ is a metaphor for taking a journey outside of the boundaries one has set for themselves, taking chances to experience more of what life may have to offer. While the initial reason these characters took the journey into the woods was to find something that was so enticing and important to them, they learned unexpected lessons along the path of the wood and what their true desires may have been after all. The path that appeared so straight and definitive became twisted and questionable.

The wood appears in many fairytales; it’s a place of the unknown and it’s full of mystery. The Woods are not thought to be “safe”, they have unexpected twists and turns. Stepping into the Woods could change one’s life; it’s a journey that could bring about a new ending to one’s story. And so we see this in many of Disney’s fairytale stories, just this time these happy endings were more similar to what you and I might experience in our own lives. In hindsight I wished I had read the movie commentary so I would have been more focused on the song lyrics. These stories told through song were in direct reflection to personal struggles many of us go through in life.

What did Rebekah think of the movie? I was really worried that she was not enjoying the movie, but I didn’t breathe a word until we were walking out of the theater and back to the car. She thought it was a bit strange; she was not use to seeing Disney fairytales in any other light than the animated version. But then she began to tell me how she loved that everyone was singing and she thought it was all rather funny. Her favorite characters were Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Baker and his wife. She added that she would not recommend anyone under the age of eight to see the movie, well maybe a seven year old if they were mature for their age.

I would absolutely like to see the movie again. I am sure that I missed many details that I would enjoy witnessing the second time around. The cast I thought were magnificent and made each roll very believable. There was some adult content but it definitely went over Rebekah’s head. I do think it is important to understand the rhythm of the movie before viewing it; it will enhance the experience and allow you to connect and identify with the characters on a deeper level.

Quick Tip Tuesday ~ Cast Member Autographs

Posted on January 20, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

How many times has a Disney Cast Member created a special moment and memory for you during your Magical Disney vacation. It may not have been a direct interaction with them, maybe something you had seen from afar. Disney Magic is created in so many ways ~ attractions, characters, music, smells, the list goes on, but also that magic is created by the Cast Members.

In the book faith and the Magic Kingdom , the author Randy Crane tells us something special he and his wife do when visiting a Disney park.

“My wife and I always thank Cast Members for doing their jobs, whether it’s directing us to a line, giving us our food, or helping us onto or off a ride. It’s why I created the Stories of the Magic podcast in 2012. One step we have taken to really show our appreciation, though, is by cementing our experience through autograph books. …… We carry it with us to the Disney parks as often as we can, and if a Cast Member does something that creates a magical moment for us or exemplifies what Walt wanted his people to be, we ask then to sign our autograph book.”

I love this idea! Not only is this showing gratitude to a Disney Cast Member but also making their day very special. Asking for their autograph will allow those moments to be locked into your memory for a life time.

What are your thoughts about Cast Member autographs?

A New Take on a Dream Come True ~

Posted on January 12, 2015April 29, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Welcome to the next stop on Magical Blogorail Red. Today we are discussing runDisney.

To begin a journey, first you must be inspired. My rundisney journey began just that way.

As most little girls, I dreamt of becoming a Disney princess, Cinderella encouraged that inspiration at age 2. But life settled in and the realization of becoming a princess was washed away with another more realistic career choice. But that dream stayed tucked away in my heart along with Cinderella’s word’s, “If you keep on believing the dream that you wish will come true”

(My 1988 Junior Prom, I was channeling Cinderella)

Fast forward to the present where that dream has evolved into a new outlook ~ A runDisney Princess!

Last year my bestest Disney pal Nicole ran her first runDisney event, The Royal Family 5K 2014. As I watched for her race updates on that cold dreary New York winter day, seeds of inspiration were instilled in my innermost thoughts ~ Disney ~ Princess ~ runDisney ~ runDisney Princess!

When Nicole crossed that finish line she knew right then and there this would not be a one-time event for her; runDisney inspired her to become very focused on her training. She later went on to run 5 other races, 3 of which were runDisney events.

(Royal Family 5K 2014) (Everest Challenge 2014 )

(Tower of Terror 10 Miler)

Inspirited by her accomplishments, achieved goals, my insane love of Disney, Mickey and of course, the chance to become a PRINCESS, I too decided to become a runDisney princess! I set out to train for the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, (minus the half marathon). My focus would be the Disney Princess 5K and the Disney Enchanted 10K.

Having an opportunity to run through a Disney park dressed as a princess alongside my best pal was the initial fuel to motivate me to suit up and run in the mornings. But as I set personal goals and pushed myself to achieve them I began to run for other reasons as well. Pushing myself through limitations I unknowingly set became intoxicating. Along the way I entered a few local races for some experience, adorning my Mickey ears at each one, proudly representing my Disneyside.

But it was not until my first local race that I had the chance to feel the exhilaration of crossing a Finish Line. Pushing myself “to Infinity and Beyond!” helped me to realize how strong a person I really was, physically and mentally, it renewed my sense of confidence and zeal in life.

We can pass that inspiration ~

That first race I ran, Rebekah watched me cross the finish line; I believe she gained much more than the inspiration to run. She has watched me challenge and push myself and succeed in my runDisney goals. It has shown her that when you put your mind to something, you can achieve it.

She asked to sign up for a program called Girls on the Run, which taught them much more than how to train for a 5K; they learned the importance of being joyful, healthy and confident. The program concluded with a 5K and I got to cross another finish line, this time with my Rebekah. She was so proud of herself and of course – so was I!

Nicole passed along a little inspiration as well. She and Jordan entered a local Turkey trot race.

All these accomplishments were inspired by runDisney~

I believe runDisney has given people hope. Hope that they can weather a storm, persevere through life’s challenges, and make a positive change for a happier ending to their story. After all that is what Disney represents, hope. Hope for triumphs in life no matter what the circumstances. Turning an “I can’t” into “I can”, and challenges into victories.

My coronation day is coming soon, February 20^th-21^st are my race dates for the 2015 Princess Half Marathon Weekend. My love for Disney, Mickey and a deep desire to become a Princess has carried me through to this point. Inspiration is the key to a successful journey and runDisney has fulfilled every bit of that and I haven’t even reached the end!

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Red this month. We will be back in next month with all new loops and themes. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with newest posts, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

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Quick Tip Tuesday ~ Zip It!

Posted on January 6, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

As we can all attest, Ziploc bags are useful for so much more than food. I wanted to share with you another use that has helped me to stay organized with my Disney memories.

When I return home from a Disney vacation I have a folder full of resort mementos from Cast Members, restaurants, shows- the list goes on. My intention was to scrapbook these memories but I haven’t taken the time to learn this craft yet.

Until I do, I keep my mementos zipped up in a Ziploc, organized by year and safe from everyday clutter.

I also keep my collector Celebration Magazine’s Zipped up – they fit perfectly and are kept free from rips and stains.

What are some unique ways you use Ziploc bags?

Finding a Little Disney in My Christmas……

Posted on January 5, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

My dream is to stay in Walt Disney World during the Christmas Season; I have only seen the Magical Holiday Splendor in pictures. If I close my eyes…… I can see myself standing on Main Street USA at nightfall as the “snow” swirls around me, gorgeous greenery suspended above the streets and endless wreaths hung upon the lamp posts from the Train Station to Cinderella Castle. One day this will be my reality, but for now I search for a little Disney in each Christmas Season.

Here are a handful of places I found Disney right in my own “backyard”, here in New York state ~

Main Street USA is about 1,095 miles from Maybrook, NY