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

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

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

"Dream" woven bracelet in pink

"Believe" necklace with Tink charm

Set of 3 bangles with Tinkerbell charms

Stackable 3D Cinderella scene rings

Tinkerbell necklace

3D Castle ring

Cinderella scene bangle

~ Karen

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

Disney Swag for the Star Wars Fangirl

The start of Disney's Star Wars weekends is just around the corner (May 18 - June 10). Hopefully you have already made your appointment to be frozen like Han (see details here) and have packed your lightsaber in your carry on (they let those through security, right?).


Next up, time to plan the swag purchases. There is going to be plenty of merchandise to chose from but did you know some of the items were created by an actual Star Wars Jedi? Well, ok, not an ACTUAL Jedi but rather the voice of a Jedi and that's close enough for me.


Actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has her own line of Star Wars fangirl merchandise. The new Spring/Summer line is set to debut this weekend at Star Wars weekend and online at www.heruniverse.com on May 21st.


Sneak Peak Below...


Photo credit: - Kelsey Edwards Photography

When I don't have time to do my hair

Man crusher

Stop staring at my droids

May the force be with you.

~Davina

Disney Etsy Finds - It's Wednesday, Lets Get Crafty Ya'll

I like to blog about Disney merchandise partnerships (See: LeSportsac, Louboutin, and more). Corporate partnerships are great, but who doesn't love something Disney related both fabulous and handmade? Its time for Wednesday's Disney Etsy round-up.

Check it....

For the home: At $38.00 these retro 1971 Disney map drink coasters are sure to be a conversation piece for the coffee table. Personally, I think I would always claim Adventureland for my cocktail.

Too cute to cover with a drink

For the bride to be: I got married at Disney. Video proof is here. I did not, however, think of this for my wedding invites and I am kicking myself. Save the date fast passes are step one for the Dream Disney wedding. Cinderella coach not included. 

Do they enforce the return by time on these?

For the office: Before Twitter and Facebook people actually wrote things down. Sometimes I like to get all old school crazy and bust out a notebook (the gasps I get in meetings when I reveal a pen and paper-- wait until they see my encycolpedia and typewriter). If you must use paper, keep it hipster with a Moleskine notebook, complete with Disney princess artwork.

"Boo hoo, where's my shoe?"

Do you have a Disney craft to share? Let us know so we can showcase it here in our weekly round-up. 

~Davina

Shrink Ray Wanted. Main Street Electrical Parade- In Mini Form!

This is absolutely mind blowing. This man painstakingly recreated the Main Street Electrical Parade in mini form into a coffee table and it is AWESOME. Someone invent a shrink ray so I can miniaturize myself and live there. 





Check out his entire site below to see the making of. The details in this are not to be missed

http://www.bygeorgeithinkyouvegotit.com/miniparade.html



~ Karen

A Review Of The Avengers- As Seen Through The Eyes Of An Almost 11 Year Old Boy

                                            

Let me start by saying that I have not seen The Avengers yet, but plan on it. My son Jack went and so nicely wrote up his review for me. It does contain spoilers as 11 year old boys don't seem to care who they piss off or what information they give away. Be warned, then read on...
  

---

                                                 A Review Of The Avengers - By Jack

The Avengers was a very amazing movie and has lots of funny parts throughout it. But I have to say there was one thing that disappointed me. That Loki hypnotized Hawkeye into thinking that he worked for him and that Hawkeye wasn't unhypnotized until the halfway through mark just about bummed me out. Other than that it was the best movie I have ever seen!

I know some people have said that they didn't see the Hulk do his signature smash , but if you look very closely you could see him do it when Iron Man brought that first flying destructive worm thing to the team . The way the Hulk stopped it kind of looked like a smash without clapping his hands. He did also smash lots of stuff throughout the movie.

I have to say that The Avenger who did the most damage to the enemies and was the funniest was The Hulk of course. Then again, Iron Man did close the portal. I have seen all the Marvel movies with my dad, but this is my favorite. Iron Man was great too. Well, all I have to say is awesome movie and a big recommendation to Marvel fans.


~ Jack

---

* from this we can see that
1. my son is now in love with the Hulk
2. Hawkeye gets the shaft
3. The Hulk smashes some business up

After a record breaking weekend Disney is now planning an Avengers 2 and planning on some of the characters appearing in the parks. New idea for them which should go over well with 11 year old nerds everywhere

Just What I Always Wanted....A Frozen Mini Me. Thanks Jabba!!

With Star Wars weekend right around the corner at Disney they seemed to have realllly stepped it up this year with a new experience called...The Cabin Freeze Me experience. Before you say "what the what", let me explain.
 
Star Wars fans know that Han Solo ended up a wall decoration at Jabbas place after being frozen in carbonite. Jabba was clearly a sicko and liked to gaze upon frozen Han every day, while yanking slave girls around in chains. Anyway...for the fee of $99.95 ( yikes ) you will go to the Carbon-Freezing Chamber (near The American Idol Experience theater) and have your face scanned by several cameras. The images will then be used to create a three-dimensional digital version of your face. In about four weeks, a completed smaller-than-life-size figurine of yourself frozen in carbonite (measuring approximately 7 3/4" x 3" x 1") will be shipped directly to your home.

The experience will be open only on Star Wars Weekends event days, and reservations are required. You can make a reservation  at 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324). You must provide a valid accepted credit card number at the time of booking, and a $25 cancellation fee will be charged to no-shows and those who cancel within 48 hours of their reservation.

This is NOT on my list of things to do anytime soon. Do I really need a small frozen me to put on my wall and look at? I think not, but I'm positive there are lots of fan boys out there who will go-dressed as Han Solo- and maybe even ask their girls to say "I love you"  (ala Leia) so they can oh so cooly respond "I know". Then vanish to get their faces scanned.

Why you gotta be like that Jabba?

     
~ Karen                              

Listen Up Disney World

When I work I like a little background music to keep me motivated. In Karen's post At Last I Have Found You she discusses how she has been searching the inter-web far and wide for Disney resort muzak and found her fix on YouTube.

Her post got me thinking, while 8 minutes of YouTube is better than nothing, someone out there must stream this stuff, right? I mean, you can watch live video streams from resort balconies on eyesonears.net -- so why not an audio stream?

And then I found Magical Mouse Radio. I mean, there are ads and the occasional station identifiction interlude, but it's basically my dream radio station. All Disney Resort inspired tunes-- including some surprises. Did you know they play Jimmy Buffet at Old Key West? Which, now that I think about it, duh.

Trust me, it's worth a listen. I'm pretty sure I never knew the Jungle Cruise has a little jazz medley going on in the wait line, or that Animal Kingdom has an ambient jam worthy of a spa visit. So take a listen and next time your in Disney keep your ears open. What you hear may surprise you.

~Davina



Magical Mouse Radio features the best Walt Disney World music & resort audio around! Come listen to extinct attractions, current parades, resort TV loops and more! We have audio from all corners of Walt Disney World!

More Dreamy Disney Wedding Dresses = Torture For The Married Lady

   In my mind I see my dreamy vow renewal at Disney- perfect for a freak like me and my two Disney freak children. It's an excuse for a trip AND I get to be the center of attention, which I somehow seem to like more than I should. The wrinkle in my vow renewal is my husband . It basically will never happen as he loathes being the center of attention and Mickey is a friend he likes to visit occasionally, not yearly, monthly, weekly ( dream on ) like myself.

  So, I look at all the Disney inspired wedding dresses and I dream of my renewal that will never happen. I've had my one Disney wedding to attend and I fear it will never happen again. So please feel free to invite me after looking at all these beautiful dresses from the new 2013 collection. Each one inspired by a princess, suitable for all different body types and personalities.



Ariel-because even underwater she looked fine. Make her hair red please



Jasmine Kardashian



Rapunzel- If it lands you Zachary Levi more power to you



Aurora AKA Sleeping Beauty- Flora won...it's pink



Cinderella...yes that's right CINDERELLA. This picture doesn't represent that to me at all. Not sure when a woodworker
in a bad vest slipped her shoe on. I like Davinas picture much better from the Louboutin post




Snow White inspired. Girl went and ate the poison apple

The entire collection of new and old Disney dresses can be found here. We'll be sure to RSVP yes to anyone who invites us to their Disney wedding


~ Karen

http://www.alfredangelo.com/disney/#disneytop

Lazy River Dreaming - Win Tickets to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach

I love a good contest. Especially when it's easy to enter. 


Magical Mouse Plans is giving away 2 one day tickets to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. All you have to do is send them a fun photo of you and your family enjoying your time at the beach, pool, bathtub (settle down exabitionists), or sprinkler in your back yard.


My entry was easy. I once went surfing at Typhoon Lagoon and ended up praying to the gods of small man-made waves to pull me back on the board. It's not easy to surf with your bum. Somehow, I manage to do it (see below).

Oh waves, why have you forsaken me?

If you would like to compete with my surfing fail, you best be quick about your entry. The contest ends at 5pm eastern tonight (5/11/12). Send your photo (in gif or jpg format) to christine@magicalmouseplans.com


You can read more about the contest (and Disney) here at the Magical Mouse Plans Website.


~Davina

With Eyes Like That You Don't Need A Costume

  I absolutely LOVE Makeup . I am not nor never will be one of those women who just wakes up and can run out to get a loaf of bread fresh faced .  Even if I was , I feel like I'd still feel compelled to apply some gloss, mascara my lashes and groom the brows. Everything about makeup makes me happy and I pride myself in having some skillz with the brushes. If I could, I'd work at MAC and walk around all day with fuchsia eyes and fake lashes.

  I'm sure you can also guess that I LOVE Disney and don't you know that I found some absolutely amazing Disney inspired makeup! It's pretty amazing to look out and waaaayy outside of my skill level and comfort zone.  Makeup artist Katie Alves transformed scenes from some classic Disney films into unbelievable eye makeup







The Little Mermaid- My Favorite!!




Tangled- Gettin some smoulder







The Lion King








Aladdin






The Nightmare Before Christmas- LOVE!








Alice In Wonderland







Snow White



Go to her website and check out the rest of her amazing makeup. She also has killer eyebrows that I envy.

http://katiealves.deviantart.com/



~ Karen

Modern Family Hits DisneyLand - And Now I Want a Pickle

Alright, so the Modern Family goes to DisneyLand was cute. Not great IMO, but cute. However, they did pay homage to some great Disney traditions both big and small.

• Poncho on Splash Mountain - check
• Giant Turkey Leg - check
• Reference to fat people on scooters - check
• Blisters on your feet - double check
• Popcorn - check (but I don't think she was really eating any of it)
• Giant pickle - Wait... what?

Yes, there was a giant pickle being consumed which made me grab the IPad and google "giant pickles at Disney". How had I never noticed these being sold around the parks before? Turns out that they are pretty well known at DisneyLand, but less prominent at WDW.

My snack idea of heaven

In any event, I then had to change my search term to "giant pickles at Disney World" (it's not rocket-science friends). The results were slightly more ambiguous but I did find a message board that provided some insight.

Specifically:

We've had pickles at the Hall of Preseidents in MK, across from the Beauty/Beast Theatre in DHS, and at the Fruit Stand near the entrance to Rafiki Planet in AK... we have not found pickles in Epcot, but that doesn't mean they're not there! LOL!

To all Walt Disney World travelers and pickle lovers, you are welcome.

~Davina

Road Trip - Lets Head to Orlando and Get Us Some Bangles

Another Disney partnership and this time with a local New England twist! 

Bangle Awesomeness

Cranston, RI based Alex and Ani, Inc announced that Disney Theme Park Merchandise would begin selling four new flat bangles (Mickey, Minnie, Disneyland and Disney World Castles) beginning May 9th. The bangles run for $35.95, are made from recycled materials, and pretty much kick-ass with their positive mojo.


Sadly, since I am not getting on a plane for Orlando anytime soon,  I have accepted that I won't be getting a Disney bangle for Mothers Day.  Trust me, I trolled the Alex and Ani website for the last 20 minutes hoping to find one. 


In the meantime, I will throw out the not-so-subtle hint that bangles with the boys initials would be a GREAT gift for Sunday. Along with sleeping in and waffles in bed.


I'm just sayin'


~Davina

More About Alex and Ani

Alex and Ani, Inc. offers eco-friendly, positive energy-infused products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit, designed by Carolyn Rafaelian and made in America. Carolyn's design aesthetic underscores the idea that what is pure and natural is most beautiful. Alex and Ani's products are entirely designed, sourced, and assembled in America because of Carolyn's strong belief in the quality and value of the "Made in America" product. Reusing and recycling materials in the creation of her products is an integral part of Carolyn's mission as an eco-conscious designer. Please visit www.alexandani.com for more information.

Disney Character Auditions. We've Got This One In The Bag

  Disney is holding auditions this week for various spots, including Disneyland. If you've ever dreamed of being a Princess or a mermaid this is right up your alley. You get to dress up, sign autograph's - after perfecting the signature- wave to the crowd and be adored by millions of little ones.

  We also have big dreams of becoming Disney characters and you might be surprised by our choice. It's not Ariel or Rapunzel....we've got these two in mind



Two bad b*tches


  It's been our goal to get a picture with the evil stepsisters for years now and on our next girls trip it's the first thing on our list. To become them would be ....well , not much different then our everyday lives.


  Feel like auditioning? Check out the site and good luck! Just don't even think about taking our jobs.

http://disneyauditions.com/


 ~ Karen

Spiderman, Spiderman, Does Whatever A Spider Can...Including Manicures

  In an effort to be more " versatile" the BF's are going to broaden our horizons and start discussing...wait for it....UNIVERSAL ORLANDO!  As true Disney girls it's hard to say the word Florida without it all becoming Disney related, but we figure , whatever gets us to Orlando is ok with us AND we both are Marvel and Harry Potter nerds. Someday I'll broaden my travel radar...someday

 One thing I always love talking about is makeup and beauty so here's another great OPI pairing that will please both Universal and makeup fans alike. This month OPI releases it's Spider Man collection in preparation for the next movie installment which comes out in July

From left to right we've got

My Boyfriend Scales Walls - clever name
Call Me Gwen-Ever
Your Web Or Mine - naughty Spidey
Just Spotted The Lizard
Into The Night
Number One Nemesis
Shatter The Scales

  If I had nails, I'd totally paint myself up and show you how pretty or not the colors are. Unfortunately manicures are few and far between for my hands so trust me when I say you're better off just looking at the swatches. Web sling your way over to a salon because like all OPI special editions , these are only available for a limited time.

~ Karen

The ShowNo Towel - One Big Disney Idea I Did Not Think Of

I have ideas. Big ones and little ones. But rarely do I think that my ideas would ever be useful to the masses. If I had a great idea worth sharing, I would probably think, "I am so happy I came up with my great idea. I've made MY life so much easier" and continue on my merry way.


Entrepreneur Shelly Ehler had a great idea and, unlike me, decided to share with the masses. She went on the ABC reality show Shark Tank to pitch her great idea of a towel/poncho/privacy tent and they bought it. And then Disney Parks bought it to sell in their water parks. And then I said, "I could totally cut a hole in a towel and call it an invention!". And then you all reminded me that I didn't cut a hole in a towel so I am out of luck. And so on. 


Kudos to Shelly for taking her great idea to the people. And I will likely buy my boys two of these the next time I am at Disney. Or I might just bring towels from the hotel, cut holes in them and stick a mickey mouse sticker on it out of jealous spite. 


If you would like to buy in advance of your next Disney trip, check out Shelly's web site at ShowNo.com

~Davina

I could have totally thought of this

Disney Really Wants Your Kid to Use a Spoon

Disney has been busy turning gesture based development on its head. Remember when you thought swiping and pinching at your smartphone was revolutionary? Well kids, get ready to control your phone without touching any screen at all. Or have your couch turn off the TV and lights for you when you fall asleep. Or the best, try eating cereal with your hands and be scared to death by a sound similar to the Lost hatch button (watch the video at 2:54 to see that one).

The video below is quite nerdy, but there are some highlights towards the end that even non-nerds will appreciate.  Not sure scaring the crap out of your kids into using the right utensil is the appropriate use for this new technology, but I am guessing the engineers either don't have kids or were hell bent on working out some family dining issues.

My one complaint, I am really not in love with the name Touche. All I can think of is Douche. And yes, I know that's not a word.

Apple should totally get together with Disney... oh, wait a second. Interesting....

~Davina

Disney Cruise Ruined . Blame Mickey Or Mom ?

 While creeping the internet this weekend I came upon this story on Consumerist.com. It tells of a Disney Cruise vacation ruined, but who's really to blame? Lots of comments on this story and I have my own opinion as well, but what do you think ? I will say this, in my family no one gets left behind..ever.

 ~ Karen


http://consumerist.com/2012/05/disney-ruins-family-vacation-by-not-letting-adopted-child-on-cruise.html

My 5 Nano Seconds of Disney Fame on MSNBC

I MADE THE BIG TIME! Quoted in a Disney Cruise related article for MSNBC. Next stop, the Today show being interviewed by Matt Lauer. Dream big kids... dream big.

Set sail on the Disney Fantasy -- without kids

Davina Chojnowski of Boston found the spa to be a romantic place to spend time with her husband on their honeymoon. “I'm pretty sure we had a spa treatment every day,” ...

~Davina

The Return Of The Contest Queen

  It's about time for an updated list of all the Disney related sweepstakes that I obsessively enter. To date I have only won two, but it's two more than most people, so to quote Biz Markie from one of my favorite Beastie Boy songs, "It's like lotto, you gotta be in it to win it".



~ Macy's Mother's Day Choose Your Cruise Sweepstakes

http://www1.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=313&channel_id=1

Win one of 21 Prizes of a Disney Cruise Line vacation for 4 people, winner's choice of: 4-night Bahamian cruise, 8-night Bahamian cruise, 5-night Canada/New England cruise, 2-night New York Weekend Getaway cruise, 7-night Alaskan cruise, 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise, 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, 7-night Western Caribbean cruise or 5-night Western Caribbean cruise. See Rule #9 for prize details.

Enter online or via text message, standard charges may apply; see Rule #4. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Expires 5/14/12.


~GoGo in Bloom Sweepstakes

https://www.facebook.com/i.like.gogosqueez/app_143103275748075

Win a Grand Prize of a 3-night trip for 4 people to Walt Disney World, including deluxe Resort hotel accommodations, four 4-day Magic Your Way passes, a $200 Disney gift card and a 1 year supply of GoGo squeeZ. Win one of 4 Second Prizes of an Epcot International Flower & Garden merchandise package and a case of GoGo squeeZ.

Void in Puerto Rico. Enter via Facebook. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person. Expires 5/9/12.


~Phineas & Ferb Summer to Remember Sweepstakes

http://disney.go.com/partners/summertoremember/

Win one of 26 Grand Prizes of a 4-night trip for 4 people to Walt Disney World on 8/23/12-8/27/12 for the End of Summer Party with Phineas & Ferb, including hotel accommodations, four 5-day Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More option, a $750 Disney gift card and admission to the event. Win one of 104 First Prizes of a $50 Target gift card.

Open to ages 8 and up. Enter online or via text message; see Rule #3A. Standard charges may apply. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day, regardless of method of entry. Expires 5/27/12.


~Fun on Deck Sweepstakes

http://www.funondeckcruise.com/

Win a Prize of a 7-night Disney Cruise Line vacation for 4 people to winner's choice of Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean, including a stateroom, all onboard meals (except Remy and Palo) & gratuities, and all government taxes & fees.

Enter online or via mail; see Rule #4. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per method per day. Expires 6/2/12.


~Be the First to Visit Orlando Sweepstakes

http://www.visitorlando.com/promo/win-a-trip/

Win a Grand Prize of a 4-night trip for 4 people to Orlando, including airfare, hotel accommodations with one dinner, 5-day rental car and eight single day/single park admission tickets to winner’s choice of the following attractions: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando.

Void in Quebec. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day. Expires 6/30/12.
 
~ Disney Getaway Package
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/gpcontest.aspx


Win a Grand Prize of a 2-night trip for 4 people to Walt Disney World, including hotel accommodations, 1-day Park Hopper tickets and a 1 year supply of Brawny paper towels or Quilted Northern bath tissue.

Void in Alaska and Hawaii. Enter online or pick up an entry form at the Georgia Aquarium. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day. Expires 6/23/12.


~ Share Magical Memories Contest

http://disney.go.com/memories/

Win one of FIVE Grand Prizes of a 4-night trip for 4 people to Walt Disney World, including airfare, hotel accommodations, 5-day Park Hopper tickets, a $1,000 gift card and a choice of "enhancements."

Submit "an essay in English of not more than 500 words describing the individual who helped create a favorite memory through impactful and meaningful interaction." See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per address. Expires 5/13/12. Thanks to Bridget and Kristina V for info



Remember to opt out of promotional emails from the contest sponsor if you don't want  your inbox to be bombarded . Let us know if your a lucky winner. I'm hoping for win number three myself!

~ Karen

Disney Fast Pass 2.0 - Because Paper Fast Pass is for Suckers

Disney has started testing out a new Fast Pass system that will put those little paper Fast Pass tickets out of business. Using Radio Frequency Identification (or what nerds call "RFID") combined with IPads in the hands of cast members, visitors can stroll up to their ride and wave a card in front of a scanner that will give the thumbs up (or down) for entry.

Now this is only in beta test, so only a handful of people have experienced this (pick me! pick me!) but the idea is, for those who leave nothing to chance-- rides, attractions, and character meet-and-greets can all be arranged days or even weeks in advance. 

sucker

It sounds kind of awesomely nerdy and I am super excited about it but I can imagine some pitfalls. First, when technology fails, it fails hard. How much of a bummer if you spent weeks lining up your ride times only to show up and have the system down. You know it's going to happen and frankly, a paper ticket never goes off-line. Second, how much would it suck to make your Fast Pass reservation for Big Thunder Mountain the day the Orlando skies open up? Or Splash Mountain during a freakishly cold day?  Sure, you can check the weather ahead of time, but there is something to be said for a bit of flexibility and spontaneity. 

Aside of glitches and weather, I can imagine the Disney-lite user struggling to make the system work for them. I've been to Disney 9,000 times and I already know the park layout and the ride lines you need to worry about. But not everyone is as crazy as me, and may not even know to book a reservation for Soarin' or Test Track. Imagine if you wasted a reservation time on Captain EO or The Carousel of Progress-- the horror. But seriously, part of the fun of Disney is the stuff you learn as you go year after year. Sending someone off to get Fast Pass' at Expedition Everest while someone else holds a spot at the Safari is an Animal Kingdom yearly ritual.   

Putting fear of change aside, Fast Pass 2.0 is bound to be a giant success. It'll even be a great tale to share with my grandchildren someday...

 "Kids, when I was growing up, Fast Pass tickets were made of paper!"  

Of course, by then Disney will have developed some microchip system... but that's a tale for another day.

~Davina

The World does need more Captain Jack Sparrow

  You may have heard rumors throughout the week about a new " interactive" Captain Jack Sparrow attraction reportedly coming to Hollywood Studios. I know my eyebrows lifted and I may even have whispered "yessssssss" when I first read the reports. It's getting harder to have your picture taken with the Captain at Magic Kingdom since every other mom like me fluffs up their hair and applies more lip gloss when they see him coming.

  Yesterday the Disney Parks Blog officically announced that the attraction is a go, but didn't provide too many other details. According to Jason Roberts, show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, “This is going to be an immersive experience. We’ll really delve into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and put our guests in the middle of it all in new and exciting ways. Story is always the most important thing for us at Walt Disney Imagineering, but we’re always looking at new ways to tell the story that our guests have never seen before. In this attraction, we’ll let you walk in the footsteps of Jack Sparrow. It’s not ‘the making of,’ not ‘behind the scenes’ … it is really a first-person experience. We worked with the archives as well as the filmmakers while they were shooting the last movie. And as a fan, I just loved sitting through those films again and again, going through all the details and leveraging them for this new experience. It’s really been a blast.”

  It could be replacing the Narnia space at the Studios and may not be open closer to the upcoming Fall. Either way , whatever gets me a little bit closer to the Captain is alright with me. Fluff hair, apply lip gloss.

I pushed my way through several crowds of ladies to get this picture. "Excuse me...EXCUSE ME!"

 
 
~ Karen

Nerd Alert! Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival Goes Mobile

Who can resist a QR code shaped like the Epcot ball? Not this nerd, that's for sure. Even though I won't be heading down for this years green thumb festivities, I do love myself a good mobile experience and thought I would share. Scan the code (if you don't have a QR reader, I suggest Red Laser-- it's free and never failed me) and you'll be directed to the epcotinbloom.com mobile site (oddly enough, this is only a mobile site and looks weird on the desktop). 


Of course, you could always just type in the URL into your mobile browser, but what would be the fun in that? Go ahead, scan the ball. You know you want to... 


~Davina

Details from the Disney World News site: 
"Scan this QR code or enter epcotinbloom.com on your mobile device for fun and useful Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival details. The festival, presented by HGTV, runs 75 days March 7-May 20, 2012, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission."

OPI and Disney do it again. Minnie Mouse style!

I've talked before about the awesome collaboration between OPI and Disney with their Pirates Of The Carribean collection. Well now they've done it again and I'm sure that once my daughter sees them, we will own all the colors!

This June, the limited edition Vintage Minnie Mouse collection will hit stores and Disney fans everywhere will get the chance to adorn their nails in four limited edition nail lacquers. All the colors appear to be true to Minnie's personal style and super cuteness. Iconic red and classic pink seem to be the theme, with each bottle setting you back about $9. I Love them all.

“OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world’s most popular characters,” explained Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer."

From left to right the colors are:

Nothin’ Mousie ‘Bout It
The Color of Minnie
I'm All Ears
If You Moust You Moust
 
~Karen

Please Stand Clear Of The Doors

   I'll admit that I'd be perfectly happy to just go to Disney World and ride the monorail around for an hour or two. I like to people watch, gaze out the window and clap like a fool every time I see the castle approaching . I like the smell-yes the smell- and like all Disney crack heads recite the only Spanish words I know by heart. If you don't know what I'm talking about you just might want to slink away from your computer in shame right now.

The monorail can be an oasis from  the chaos or chaos in its truest form. Either way, it's familiar and mine and I love it. The next time I ride it however there will be changes. The spiel that you listen to as you ride round and round is new and improved (? ) The original from Jack Wagner-not All I need General Hospital Jack Wagner- was recently replaced. Time will tell if I like it, but change can be hard.



Karen

Disney World Starts Serving Starbucks - Return between 8:30 - 9:30

If you are anything like us, any Disney World trip involves arriving at the park prior to the rope drop and getting into the park before the crowds arrive. The one thing missing from this plan has always been coffee.

Frankly, there is only so much Nescafe this gal can drink.

Disney announced yesterday they will be partnering with Starbucks and opening various Starbucks locations throughout the Disney parks. While I was hoping for a Dunkin' Donuts partnership, this was welcome news for us early birds looking for our caffeine fix.

the people have spoken

While I am sure Disney did their research and expected some receptive responses, I wonder if they fully anticipated the feedback on their official Disney blog. Take for example the post about Bibbibi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy - 1 comment. Starbucks posting - 117 comments.

I browsed the comments last night and the majority of feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The bulk of questions revolved around fear of not getting coffee in time and installing some sort of Fastpass system to control the crowds,  as well as how the dining plan fits in. No answers on either question from Disney but I'm sure they will get right on that.

In the meantime, I'll refill my mug with some Nescafe and meet you at Peter Pans Flight.

~Davina

Another pairing to make my heart flutter- Pirates inspired nailpolishes by OPI

Most know of my Captain Jack obsession and my love of all things girly and makeupy-is that a real word? Well OPI decided to collide my worlds and come up with some Pirates Of The Carribean - On Stranger Tides shades that I'm sure the Captain himself would fancy.

Skull & Glossbones
Best light gray ever, no bones about it.

Mermaid’s Tears
Few have seen this magical green.

Steady as She Rose
This gorgeous pink is your final destination.

Planks a Lot
Dive into style with this lustworthy purple!

Sparrow Me the Drama
This cool, collected pink means business!

Stranger Tides
Explore this uncharted sea of sage.

Silver Shatter
A shimmering sea of silver with a two-texture finish.

Because of the title and the pink I'm going with Sparrow Me the Drama. Savvy?

What say you? Tell us your fave.

~ Karen

Epcot Trains - A 3 Year Old Obsession

My husband, 3 year-old son and I recently took a 3-day cruise on the new Disney Dream (more on that trip later). We stopped over one day before the cruise at Disney and spent a obscene amount of time watching the miniature trains at Epcot/Germany.

My 3 year old is, well, obsessed and I found a video to flame the fires a bit. Take a ride on the train mini-style. I must admit-- this view is much better than the one standing with the other train-crazy kids.

*side note* if you have train-crazy children and find yourself standing at the same spot for hours on end, there is a beer tent a few yards away. It helps. There is also a good view of Illuminations from this area if your child sets up camp for the day as ours did.

Slacker #2 - Old Fart Birthday Planning

Yes, I know it's April. And yes I realize that it's been 2011 for almost 4 months. But here I am. Back. On the blog.

Maybe it's Captain Jack's photo. Maybe it's the warm weather creeping up on us. But I think we need some new posts up in here. So here goes.

Our biggest discussions these days seem to revolve around 40th birthday celebrations. Where to go what to do... all roads keep leading back to something Disney related, but both Karen and I are in heavy planing mode. She's in July. I'm in November. Both in 2012, so we have some time.

That said, it's never to early to plan.

celebrate good times. Come on! (Not sure what letter I was trying to make.)

Ideas include:

• cruise to Bahamas (Disney boat from NYC)
• cruise to Bermuda
• Paris. That's my fantasy trip (no kids)
• cruise from FL on the Disney Dream with two stops on Castaway
• Disney only with some fav stops at Cali Grill
• Atlantis and Bobby Flay

Decisions. Decisions. Again, we have some time. But it will creep up and neither of us are going to pass on an opportunity to celebrate. Followed by a little bit of crying for the big 4-0. Followed by some drinking. Followed by great food and great friends.

What say you? Where's a great 40th celebration spot (besides under a rock)

~Davina

Slackers please come back..the Captain needs you

Yes we are blog slackers..and yes we have'nt written one damn thing in 3 months . So to de- rustify myself I will be brief and just leave you with this picture while I clear my thoughts and crack down on our lazy BF ways

The picture really is all I wanted to share anyways

At Last...I have found you

For years I have been searching for the Disney resort muzak that my mother and I like to drink to- after the kids are asleep of course. A few glasses of wine on your Disney balcony and some muzak...what else could you really want in life?

Whoever the genius is that did this I would personally like to hug, rub, thank , or pay money too. Thank you sir....I can now have my fix at home whenever I want. You have brought me and my mama to tears..sniff sniff

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo

Will someone I know please get married at Disney World

While Davina is away at Disney all I can do is sit here in the frozen tundra and dream of rollercoasters, mouse ears and dole whips. I google Disney news just to see what I am missing. It's awful to say the least.

With the help of Lizzie I did discover some new Disney wedding dresses by Alfred Angelo to chat about as a follow up to my previous post " Fireworks, castles and gowns..oh My! "


Check out the new styles at the website below

http://www.disneybridal.com/


The Ariel style is the one posted above and I' not sure if it's the picture I love, the gown or just the fact that's it's Ariel..a fellow redheaded princess

What's your favorite?



~ Karen