#Snow White – 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.

Dining with Disney’s Finest

Posted on September 18, 2014April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

I just love this photograph taken in the employee cafeteria at Disneyland in 1961. I am not sure if this was staged or if it was a candid photograph, but regardless I would have loved to be present at the time this was taken.

Their smiles all seem so genuine and are just the kind of smiles we have come to know and expect from a Disney Cast Member. Do you ever wonder how they are able to maintain such authentically bright smiles? Take a look at a portion of this Disneyland Employee Handbook printed in 1962, it may help to explain the authenticity of their cheerful expressions. Maybe this world would become a little more magical if we all learned this artistry 🙂

AN HONEST SMILE...

     At Disneyland a pleasant smile is a personality
trademark which we use all the time in greeting and directing
people.

     Unfortunately, a smile cannot be painted on, like
lipstick. You can't turn it on and off like a water faucet.
And, in fact, a "forced smile"...the "grin and bear it" type
may be worse than none at all.

     You've got to have an honest smile. It's got to come
from within. And...to accomplish this...you've got to develop
a sense of humor and a genuine interest in people.

     There are a few tricks which will help you develop an
honest smile, and here they are - -

     Don't take Yourself too seriously

        One reason people can't smile
        with others is because they
        can't smile at themselves. The
        first lesson in smiling...have
        a good laugh at yourself.
        You're a bit funny (or dumb)
        yourself sometimes.

     A frown won't help

        Maybe if you are a judge or the
        villain in a play, a frown or
        grimace will help you in your
        work. But generally it won't do
        anything but harm, and
        particularly at Disneyland.....
        the Happiest Kingdom in the
        World.

     You get paid for smiling

        If nothing else helps...
        remember that you get paid for
        smiling. You don't have to
        laugh -- just smile.

     Another way you can develop your smile is to use smiling
phrases.......

~Maureen

America on Parade ~ Looking back at the Bicentennial Year

Posted on July 4, 2014April 29, 2016 by twomomsadmin

On this happy July 4^th of two thousand and fourteen, I would like to look back about 39 years or so to 1975/1976 when Disney introduced America on Parade in honor of the United States Bicentennial, celebrating the 200^th year anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of independence. It temporarily replaced the Main Street Electrical Parade making its debut in Magic Kingdom on June 6^th, 1975 and Disneyland on June 12, with both parks grand finale held on September 6, 1976.

As I was going through my vintage Disney vacation photographs I found some pictures of this very parade. I was around the age of five at the time these were taken and though I was there I sadly do not recall this parade, but I am more than pleased to have a piece of this significant historical event.

Notice the lamp posts dressed in their Bicentennial decor down Main Street USA and it’s side streets~

This prideful patriotic parade, that I feel Walt would have been so proud of (being a man of great American pride), kicked off with our favorite pal Mickey and his pals Goofy and Donald dressed in their bicentennial best.

The story of our American History was told beginning with early pioneer days to current history (what was current at that time). This parade “spoke” of our achievements and our customs and featured influential figures throughout American history.

Rounding out the ½ hour procession was more of our favorite Disney friends and for the grand finale on September 6^th, 1976 the parade finished with a 1000 piece marching band, an amazing sight to see! Here is a short 7 minute narrated video of this amazing parade, a must see! America on Parade Walt Disney World 1976

This bicentennial parade was created for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort and was the first time both parks worked together on a “production that would appear simultaneously in both parks.” (disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog)

Disney’s celebrations are second to none from their inauguration into the world to this very era; it is just another layer of Disney that draws me in and grasps my heart and holds me tight and why I love my Disney so very much ♥

~Maureen

To read more about Walt and his American pride see Liberty Square a Nod to Walt’s American Pride