A Disney fan blog about the good things in life.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Crafty Wednesday - Go Get Your Vintage Drink On

What up kids? It's crafty craft pants time. Need to take a break from the grind? Check out the latest creative items with Disney-inspired flair.

For a discreet cocktail why not bust out a Space Mountain Flask @ $15.99? This flask is pretty rockin and would go nicely with the limited edition Space Mountain T. One question, can you fill a flask with wine?

drinking on Space Mountain not recommended.


For the Monorail Lover - IPhone4 Hard Case Cover @$19.99. Please stand clear of the closing door (insert Spanish here). Next stop, awesome gadget accessories.

Bing Bong



For some Iphone bling - Minnie Mouse Phone Charm - Oh wait a sec, this one says "sold". You know why? Because we bought it. That's right, you have to be quick on crafty Wednesday as we might just snake the item out from under you.We are (pause) crafty like that.

SOLD
Don't forget to check out last weeks Crafty Wednesday finds.

Happy glue gunning

~Davina



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Yes I Like Pina Colavas...

Anybody else need one of these right now? Yes I do know it's only 10:30 a.m. I'm thinking about 6 will do the trick. Teleport me to the pool and let the volcano flow. Stupid Wednesdays...



Can I get that to go and can you fly it to me?

~ Two tired of the work week and thirsty BF's
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Space Mountain 35th Anniversary Shirt- You Gotta Ride It To Wear It



Limited Availability 35th Anniversary Disneyland Space Mountain Tee for Adults
Does this come with the caption "No Thanks" ?

I saw this super cute and limited edition Space Mountain t-shirt and instantly thought of Davina. It's a favorite ride of hers and we shared a moment on it during one of our girls trips.

Davina- " That was fantastic"!
Karen- " That was awful. I'm never doing that again" !!

It was worse than I remembered..I'm not one for rides that jerk your neck back and forth quite so rapidly. However, I do know that almost everyone but me does love it , so head over to the Disney Store and buy your tee before June 3rd. Whether you're a Disney World or Land fan, the tee is a must! When I told Davina about it her response was " you gotta ride it to wear it". No shirt for me


http://www.disneystore.com/space-mountain-35th-anniversary-commemorative-t-shirt-limited-availability-35th-anniversary-disneyland-space-mountain-tee-for-adults/mp/1310893/1009701/



~ Karen
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Beers and Ears - My Husband Just Wept With Joy

My husband doesn't know it yet, but if he looks at his IPhone in the next few minutes he's going to see a new app appear that is going to transform his next Disney trip.

I like beer. It's yummy (sometimes) and tastes great on a hot day being forced by my 4-year old to watch the trains outside Epcot Germany. But my husband LOVES beer. He's tried to brew it. He loves to find obscure craft brews. He tracks his beverage finds on a beer app with other beer nerds.

I'll skip the Amstel Light, thanks.
And now our loves have collided with the new Beers and Ears Disney app. It's a beer tracking app that will take you to all corners of WDW to locate the perfect brew. Looking for a Hawaiian brewed beer? Check out the Kona Cafe where you can find Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale as well as Kona Longboard Lager.

Something a little more local? Check out some Florida Avenue beers from the Cold Storage Craft Brewery based out of Tampa (you can find it at the Swan and Dolphin hotel).

The app includes a mapping tool and a way to check off the beers you have tried during your vacation. They also include their blog postings and beer reviews from their website http://beersandears.net/

Now let me just say that I know how much I <insert sarcasm here> love it </what is the sarcasm end tag?> when my clients make enhancement suggestions like they are no big thing. So I will add that I think this app is good as is. However, since mobile app development pays my bills in my non-Disney day-to-day life, I would like to throw some ideas out there to the developers for the next release:

  • A check-in function that includes the ability to take a photo of you and your beer. 
  • A comments/ratings option for each beer with an option to share publicly - especially useful is a beer is no longer available.
  • A wine-lovers version for me. 
Looking forward to trying this out on our next WDW visit.

Happy tasting!

~Davina
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Deep Thoughts...With Stitch

Lots of people have asked us..."BF's, you both seem so tight with Stitch. What's his favorite ride at Disney World"? Personally I can say that this is a tough question for me to answer. I know I have my favorites--Splash Mountain being one-- but he seems to avoid the water rides. Last time he took a shower cap out with Davina and they both covered their heads fearfully.

Rather than have me answer for him I went straight to the source, and of course once he reminded me, I knew exactly what his answer would be and why...


Waiting for the ferry after drinks, Stitch seemed at ease and a bit tipsy.


The Magic Kingdom was crowded and the Halloween decorations were a favorite of Stitch's



He did get upset when we realized we had left his costume behind

After a full night of rides-- he sat out Splash that night-- and trick-or-treating we decided we needed a break and went on what would be Stitch's favorite of the night


The People Mover... I was over served

Surprised by his answer? Well, like you, I figured for such a hyper and fast guy, he'd prefer something more like the teacups or Big Thunder Mountain. I can assure you he rode both of those, but he did get sick after the teacups. According to him it was an "off night". We know it was the multiple Mai Tais.

The People Mover... a respite from the chaos and great for hangovers.

~ Karen
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Monday, May 28, 2012

Eat Drink And Be Fatty! It's A Long Weekend!!



Must Eat Wings
 In keeping with the must stuff my face and drink much because it's a 3 day weekend theme, here's a favorite recipe of ours  from the Polynesian that will pair nicely with our Lapu Lapu recipe in Fridays post. Enjoy them together and it's almost like you're at The Poly...kinda...sort of...I tried.
 
.

Seriously , these are delicious

Wing Seasoning
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 pounds chicken wings and drumettes
2 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the coriander wing sauce:


1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Cover a cookie sheet in foil and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

Make wing seasoning by placing all ingredients (through cayenne pepper) in a small bowl and using a whisk to incorporate.

Put the chicken and 2 tablespoons of wing seasoning in a large bowl. Add enough oil to coat the chicken evenly and mix well.

Spread the seasoned chicken in a single layer on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
Place all wing sauce ingredients in a large saute pan and bring them to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until thickened.

Transfer the cooked wings into the sauce, eat and eat and eat!!
Happy Memorial Day!

~Karen

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Libations - One Disney Lapu Lapu Please

It's Friday. And it's a long weekend. What better way to wait for 5PM to hit than plan the drink menu for this weekend? Since there is an extra day off, why not try something a little more challenging than cracking a beer?
Stitch enjoying a Lapu Lapu

I'm thinking of taking on a Poly-style Lapu Lapu and you can too.

Here is the recipe.

Prep Time: 5 min if you don't carve out a pineapple. Waaay longer if you do

Ingredients:
1 hollowed out pineapple (optional for lazy folks, but I'm thinking about keeping it real this time)
One part of your favorite brand dark rum (doesn't everyone have a fav?)
Two parts orange juice
Two parts sweet and sour mix
One part Bacardi 151

Instructions:
1. Carve out that blasted pineapple or purchase a tiki themed Disney mug
2. Shake together the dark rum, orange juice, and sweet and sour mix.
3. Pour the mixture over ice in the drinking vessel of your choice.
4. Float the 151.
5. Garnish with a cocktail umbrella (come on now, it really does need one)
6. Grab a straw and enjoy!

Cheers!

~Davina


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Happy Anniversary Goofy You Sly Dog You. Is He A Dog? What The Hell Goofy?

On This day back in 1932 A cartoon called Mickey's Revue was screened. The people all knew Mickey , but who the heck was the long eared, bucked tooth guy creepin around? Bingo!! It was Goofy. This is new to me, courtesy of the Disney Insider, but did you know his original name was Dippy Dawg? I have to say I appreciate Dippy Dawg as it's quite catchy and answers the question some people ask, "what the hell is Goofy?".

He's a dawg ya'll. He's Dippy Dawg!

Goofy has been voiced since 1986 by Bill Farmer, who was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2009. The man deserves it. Everybody knows that Goofy scream.

On my sons first visit to WDW when he was  barely 5 years old, the most IMPORTANT thing he had to do was meet Goofy. We bought the Goofy ears hat , autograph book and the two of us stood in line for a loooong time waiting to meet him - this was my pre-Disney Visa card days. My son never complained about the wait, he just quietly stood waiting, peeking around the corner every now and then to see how much closer we were. When we finally reached him it was like Christmas morning and love at first sight.

Thumbs up because this is the coolest thing ever...now get out of the picture mom.

For this reason I have a big soft spot for Goofy. My son, who's 11 now still brings his Goofy hat to WDW with us when we go and we never pass by him without a photo op. He even autographed my sons hat for him which , although a little faded, is still there. Imagine if he had to sign it Dippy Dawg?

I heart you Goofy.

~ Karen
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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Must-Do Character Meet-and-Greets (for 2 Grown Women)

A few years ago Karen and I took a girls trip to Disney. While we walked around the Magic Kingdom, we saw line after line of girls and boys waiting to meet their favorite character. We let the kids have their moments, I mean, it would be weird if two grown adults were waiting to meet Pooh, right?

Rounding the corner of the castle (in the very back) stood what might be the best meet and greet opportunity ever. The stepsisters from Cinderella (and their mother) stood, somewhat lonely, with little girls fresh out of bibbidi bobbidi boutique eyeing them warily. I took a picture. We discussed getting in line. The moment ended when the stepsisters went for their coffee break.


We have been kicking ourselves ever since.

So in preparation for our next long-overdue girls trip (date TBD soon!), I have created a round-up of fantastic must-do photo-ops for grown women (and men) alike.

Gaston. Seriously. Imagine the banter and the swagger. This video (from Jeff Lange - this man has everything documented) is worth a watch. He's got some great one-liners and apparently he is new to the character line-up.




Flynn Rider. So word on the street is that Flynn is not on the rotation for meet and greets anymore. BUT, there have been whispers that he will show up for special events. I think the smolder deserves better, but I'll take what I can get. (video also Jeff Lange)



And to round it out, obvi the man himself, Captain Jack... While we have already met him solo, we have never met him together. There may be a reason for this. I am sure we will be competing for his attention, the photo pass guy will have to drag us away, we will argue over Lapu Lapus who the Captain liked better, and so on. And before you say anything, yes we know he's not REALLY Captain Jack. It don't matter.

Hand on hip pose

prom pose
Who else should be on our must-meet list?

~Davina
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Tiki Fans Unite! Then Go Get Your Drink On

The Disney Parks Blog posted this week that these fantastic tiki glasses from Trader Sam's are now available for purchase. We've never been to Disneyland-yet-but I can tell you that they are right up our alley. Tropical themed and filled with a fabulous beverage, you couldn't really ask for more

Trader Sam's looks like a Polynesian paradise and whenever we travel to Disney, we always stop at The Polynesian. Davina was married there and we all stayed in an adjoining block of rooms . Needless to say when we hit up the Disneyland Hotel Trader Sam's is a must do!


Aloha!!



I'll take 5 please
 


We'll split 7 please
Above is the “bowl” for the Uh Oa! This popular drink is made with light and dark rums, orange, passion fruit, guava, and grapefruit juices, falernum, cinnamon and freshly squeezed lime juice. Sounds delicious and perfect for two best friends to share. Now we just need to get to Trader Sam's before they are gone



~ Karen
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It's Wednesday Ya'll - Lets Craft This Place Up Disney Style

It's Wednesday which means I am typing this from my craft room. And by craft room I mean desk with some pens and tape on it. I am not crafty, but thankfully other people are. Here is a round-up of this weeks best of Crafty Wednesday, Disney Style:

For Your Closet: How ridiculously cute is this dress? Bust this out at a children's party, a rehearsal dinner outfit for your wedding at Disney, or just work it on a hot summer day around the park. $150 because it's one-of-a-kind.

hipster glasses not included

For Your Office: I work on a Mac and I think my Mac needs to be tricked out with this Snow White decal. I have not yet found any Dell decals.... sorry PC users. $8.99

Girl, haven't we talked about this? Lay off the apple.

For Your Walls: Is it weird that I kind of want to buy these hitchhiking ghosts and hang it in my bedroom? Or maybe it's more of a bathroom thing? In any event, this Etsy artist has some cute silhouettes for $15 that Disney nuts and moderate nuts will appreciate.


Now if I could only find a chair in the shape of a buggy

Want more craftiness? Check out last weeks finds. See anything recently you think should be featured here? Let us know.

Happy crafting.

~Davina



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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I Keep all My Rhymes in my (Disney) LeSportsac

**update ya'll - Just got a tweet from the LeSportsac folks that the collection goes on sale later today (5/22). I'll be checking out LeSportsac.com for my makeup bag. What's on your list?**


New Disney partnership here! LeSportsac - a name that brings to mind my high school hair and Members Only jackets. Only, they kind of became cool again when I wasn't paying attention (see Beastie Boys reference in blog title). And here they are with a new Disney partnership tying in Small World design elements. 


From the press release:
Disney It’s a Small World by LeSportsac collection includes five seasonal deliveries, each inspired by a specific country. In addition to celebrating a country, each delivery will be anchored with a Signature Tote and a colorful print that pays tribute to the unique facades and architectural works of Disney’s “it’s a small world” Theme park attraction. The collection kicks off with a celebration of Tahiti that includes two graphic totes and a range of 12 styles in two vibrant prints. 


According to the LeSportsac Facebook Page, this new collection will be available online @ www.lesportsac.com and in-stores (not Disney stores mind you-- check out Nordstrom or Macys) the sometime at the end of May or the beginning of June. 


My next makeup bag purchase is below....

"It's a world of lip gloss a world of shadow brushes"


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What Fare Hike? A Disneyland $7 Diet

Disneyland announced today that they are raising their ticket prices from $80 to $87. The interweb grumbled with displeasure.

But then I started thinking, why not just cut back $7.00 from your park expenses? A Disneyland $7.00 diet, if you will. Here are a list of five common park items that you may consider removing from your purchases to offset the price hike:

1. Turkey Leg - Just typing this makes me a little queasy. But you can save around $9 if you just lay off the leg

gristle and tiny bones. gross.

2. Autograph Book - I love them and all, but at $6.95 Donald can sign the back of the Disney Map just as easily
"Excuse me Donald, but where are your legs?"

3. Disney Ears - wait, no forget it. Everyone needs ears. Add $13.95 to your budget

"I know I am the second child, but you can't deny me ears!"

4. A new pin for your lanyard - It depends on the pin, but you could save around $9.00 here.
pins. they add up yo.


5. Photo Pass - One 5x7 print $14.95. If you bring your own camera or get a Disney Visa you can get one free!
This photo cost me more than my meal
Disneyland tip: FREE photo for Disney Visa Cardholders! Go to the the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of Disney California Adventure, by Monsters, Inc, for the first hour and a half that the park is open. Show your Disney Visa and your family will be escorted to a private area where you will meet some Disney characters. Then stop by the Kodak store on your way out and get your free 5 x 7 photo!




Happy saving!


~Davina
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I WON!!!! Wait...What's My Prize?

If you know me then you know I am obsessed with entering contests. Mostly Disney contests, but if it's a Bahamas cruise, Hawaiian trip or basically anything with a palm tree, I'm entering it.


Yesterday this letter came from Disney and don't you know I won a major award!



I love to see that castle on the top.Oh my palms are sweaty

The contest was a Cars Land Adventure Sweepstakes. I've never been to Disney Land so my hopes were even higher. Could it be? Am I finally going to Disneyland??? Upon closer inspection please note the fine print.







COLORING BOOK= $3
 Yes that's right, I won a Cars Land coloring book valued at $3.00. Disneyland dream trip shattered...husband thoroughly amused by my girlish like giggling that faded to an " Awwww man."



My sad major award.

I do believe a certain 4 year old boy will be inheriting my prize...and he's sure to love it far more than me.


~ Karen

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Monday, May 21, 2012

Deep Thoughts....With Stitch

While we plan our next girls trip to Disney we thought we'd ask for a few suggestions on some new , fun things to do. Typically we go to our girls trip guru , Stitch, for suggestions

Stitch, what you think we should drink tonight?


He typically takes some time to reflect and gather his thoughts, not wanting to disappoint with a bad idea


Stitch ponders..


After  gathering his thoughts, he advises....and all is well


You alright Stitch...you are alllllright


He is repaid with a relaxing night and we all partake and make merry, under Stitch's watchful eye


Damn girl I know what's up


Obviously Stitch suggested some fabulous Lapu Lapu's at The Polynesian this night and of course we'll be revisiting there for more on our next trip. Anyone else have some other ideas for us? Stitch won't judge you if he disagrees.


~ Karen


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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Seeing Spots on The Red Eye

Sometimes you just have to do it. Buy that last minute item in the airport before getting stuck on a plane for 9,000 hours.

I'm about to board the red eye from Portland to Boston. So I bought a neck pillow and I'm pretty sure I picked it because it reminds me of Minnie Mouse.

You be the judge.

Talk to you in a gazillion hours.

~Davina
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Friday, May 18, 2012

An Overload Of Disney Cuteness

I'm purely posting this because I think these  pictures are of some of the cutest things I have ever seen and I don't know where to find them! Pinterest led me to them, but the road ended there. How cute are they?!



I realize I would never wear them, but my daughter would. Mickey would look like a chunky rat on my gams.




Sparkly Disney Toms!
These are for my girl D. I have never worn Toms , but I know for a fact that she does. Combined with pink sparkles and the castle and I'm pretty sure she'll LOVE them




Pinned Image
I do enjoy a good wedge



Pinned Image
Convincing my husband to wear these will be almost as hard as fitting the tights on my legs.
 
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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Disney Hipsters. Pass Me My Warby Parkers and Hounds Tooth Scarf

This post is in honor of my trip to the west coast hipster capital - Portland, OR.

Hipsters may have been born and bred in Williamsburg (FYI - I totally lived in Brooklyn before it was cool) but they have infiltrated the Disney characters as well. I loves me some good snark and this makes me want to hit up warbyparker.com and try on some glasses with my webcam (on my Mac of course).




Check out the rest of the line-up on Tumblr. What's Tumblr you ask? You've probably never heard of it.

~Davina
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Pimp My Droid - New Disney / Star Wars Weekend Swag

For Star Wars fans and Disney nerds fans alike, the new Build-a-Droid workshop in Hollywood Studios allows kids (including my husband) to assemble their very own personalized Droid, complete with Mickey ears.

The Droid Factory has 71 different pieces to create the 3 ¾-inch figures! To get started, guests chose a dome, a body and legs offered in a variety of colors and styles. There are optional third legs and novelty hats (Mickey ears) that can also be added.

Pimpin'

If you can't make the Disney Weekends this year, don't worry. This is a permanent fixture in the Tatooine Traders shop at the exit of Star Tours. You can’t miss it as it faces the attraction exit. In keeping with the storyline of the shop, it is modeled after young Anakin Skywalker’s workbench.

In fact, depending on how tricked out you want your droid, you may want to wait as four additional hats arrive later this summer (including a Goofy hat, a pirate hat, a fedora and a Yoda cap).

~Davina
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Disney Couture Jewelry Icon Collection. Go from Ball To Brawl.

Always on the lookout for fashionable Disney items, we came across these baubles from Disney Couture. The line is called Icon and the pieces are already hard to find . Ebay seems to be the best bet, though you're sure to be paying more that way.

The Dream bracelet is super cute, and I'm always a sucker for Tinkerbell. The 3D castle ring though looks good if you're planning on a bar fight and need to take a girl down, while looking magical

Disney Couture 'Dream' Woven Bracelet in Pink
"Dream" woven bracelet in pink

Disney Couture 'Believe' Necklace with Tinkerbell Charm
"Believe" necklace with Tink charm

Disney Couture Set of Three Slogan Bangles with Tinkerbell Charms
Set of 3 bangles with Tinkerbell charms

Disney Couture Set of 3D Cinderella Scene Rings
Stackable 3D Cinderella scene rings

Disney Couture Tinkerbell Necklace
Tinkerbell necklace

Disney Couture 3D Magic Castle Ring
3D Castle ring

Disney Couture Cinderella Scene Bangle, £66.95
Cinderella scene bangle


~ Karen
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Oh...There You Are Perry!

                                                     


Kim Possible is getting the boot from Epcot and my favorite Platypus is taking her place, with some help from Phineas and Ferb
                                                            
                                                   
From The Disney Parks Blog:

All the would-be secret agents out there will find a great new interactive experience at Epcot this year.

Coming this summer, Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Although just a simple pet to Phineas and Ferb, Perry turns into Agent P in each episode to help stop the misguided plans of his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Epcot guests will transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents will use a “high-tech secret agent device” to receive clues for each case. Solving the clues will take agents to different places throughout seven World Showcase countries at Epcot – Mexico Pavilion, France Pavilion, Germany Pavilion, Norway Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, China Pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion. Agents will scour each country for clues, evil “Inators,” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz

I say AMEN! I never really was into Kim Possible and as you can see from one of my previous posts that I absolutely love watch P and F with my kids and sometimes, even by myself  (said in a whisper)


~ Karen
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