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