1. Watch Disney Movies

I know this one seems obvious, but it helps. Now with Disney+ we aren’t limited to only the movies we have personally purchased over the years either. We can watch new movies like Onward and Frozen II and classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Now is the time to get extra creative, create a family March Madness Disney Movie Brackets, or have a family Disney movie awards ceremony and vote for your favorites.

2. Make Disney Foods

One of my favorite things about visiting a Disney park is the food! Why not try to recreate some of your favorites at home? I regularly make myself a Nutella, Strawberry, Banana Waffle like I get from Sleepy Hollow. I just wish I knew how to make LeFou’s Brew at home!

• Make Mickey Pretzels
• Whispering Canyon Cafe Cornbread
• Tonga Toast
• The Grey Stuff
• Blue Milk
• ‘Ohana Bread Pudding
• Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake

3. Add Some Disney Decor

A few years ago for Christmas my husband got me not 1, not 2, but 3 of the Cinderella Castle 5 piece prints. I have the castle, the castle with fireworks, and Main St USA and the castle at Christmas. The fireworks and the Christmas one rotate seasonally out of my office and into the living room. The castle one lives on a second wall in my office.

For Christmas this past year, Jordan and Savannah got me the We Do Disney vinyl cutouts can mounted to a board that Jordan painted in the same color as our living room accent wall and framed in black to match our entertainment center. It was a work of love and I read it every day.

4. Add Disney to Your Workout

Need some inspiration while on your treadmill? Check out the Run The Impossible theme park runs on YouTube. You can run through all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, a few resorts, Castaway Cay, Disneyland and more!

Maybe Zumba is more you style. Again we head to YouTube.

• How Far I’ll Go-Moana
• Try Everything-Zootopia
• Into the Unknown-Frozen II
• Friend Like Me-Aladdin
• You’re Welcome-Moana

5. Create Your Own Disney Magic

I have a friend who has reimagined all of EPCOT in great detail and his ideas might even be better than some of what is coming to Epcot in the near future.

That same friend has recently been playing, which ride should be turned into a movie next. Once we, his friends, agree on a ride, we work together to flesh out our storyline. It’s been a lot of fun.

Recreate Disney rides or movie scenes out of LEGO or draw them if that’s more your thing.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep the Disney spirit alive in your life even when you can’s visit the parks. I hope these 5 Disney Tips For When You Can’t Go To the Parks helped you. Do you have your own tips? Please share them in the comments. When you are ready to book your next trip to a Disney destination please remember to Email me so I can help you plan a most magical trip.

The post 5 Disney Tips to Keep the Magic Alive When You Can’t Go To the Parks appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Basically, this service which launched last December, is basically like an old fashioned Christmas account. You use their tools to estimate you vacation cost, set up an auto-draft from your credit/debit card and when you have reached your savings goal, you book you vacation and the bulk of it is paid for. IF I had a regular job with regular pay, I would set up an account in a heartbeat. This would be the best way for me to finally go on a Disney Cruise, even if it takes me 4 years to save the money!

I did some dreaming on the Disney Cruise Line website and planned a trip for my birthday next year. I chose a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, inside stateroom, with 3 port excursions and my total price was $3962 so we will round that to $4000 to make it easy. Assuming I want to book this cruise 3 months before sailing I would need to save $111 a week for the next 9 months. I have never made a paycheck in my life that was large enough to save that much per week, even when I was working full-time in the medical field. Anyway, a dream deferred is still a dream.

Is the Disney Vacation Account for You?

• Are you planning a Disney vacation?
• Are you dreaming of a Disney vacation?
• Would having an auto debit from your account make that vacation dream a reality?

If you answered “YES!” to any of those questions then I think you should check the Disney Vacation Account website out. There are no fees and you can change the amount you are putting in at any time.

The money in your account is valid towards any of the following vacation types:

• Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
• Disneyland Resort in California
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i
• Adventures by Disney vacations

You can start you account with as little as $10. Payments must be made by Disney gift card, credit/debit card. These types of credit/debit cards are accepted:

• Disney Visa® Card
• Visa®
• MasterCard®
• Discover® Card
• American Express®

Will you sign up for a Disney Vacation Account? Why or Why not? Leave me a comment and let me know.

The post The Disney Vacation Account appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Cannibalism?

Yes…I was a Dole Whip!!

This post is featured on MomSpark.net-Where to Find Dole Whip at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Parks.

The post Wordless Wednesday-Dole Whip appeared first on The Mom Maven.

I was determined to be a part of the 2011 event. I knew getting in this year would be harder because there was just 1 general registration. Last Thursday I along with thousands of other Social Media Moms sat at our laptops ready for the 2pm opening of registration. Unfortunately due to high traffic volumes, we had a lot of difficulty getting registered, but finally after over an hour of trying my registration was submitted. Then the nerves really set in because we had to wait as they verified us. I’m not exactly sure what the criteria are but I am sure, based on the information Disney requested of us a) They wanted to make sure we were legitimate, active bloggers with well rounded social media presence and b) Just as with the Disney Mom Panel selection not all of us who feel we are more than qualified will be selected. Thursday evening on Twitter we were told that we would receive email notices on Friday letting us know if we would be attending.

Later Thursday evening I was approached on Facebook by Mary from MagicalVactionPlanner.com. She had visited my blog and saw that I was looking for a sponsor for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and she wanted to sponsor me!! If you need help planning your next Disney vacation please contact Mary at mary.davis@magicalvacationplanner.com and tell her Mom Maven sent you!

Friday I happened to be in the Magic Kingdom with my family enjoying our annual Christmas visit to Walt Disney World. While wandering through Tomorrowland I checked my email on my phone and saw that I had an email from Disney…I opened it and read with glee…I was in! My kids have always wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian and now we will be staying there in March! As our travel date gets closer I’ll be sharing more details with you but I had to share my excitement with you.

I know there has been some negativity on Twitter (#disneysmmoms) and in the blogosphere about people who should have gotten in that didn’t. I know how it stinks to be left out of the fun and learning that will take place during a magical weekend in March, that was me last year, on the outside looking in. We need to be happy for those that did get in and know that if we aren’t going it wasn’t a personal slight, it just wasn’t meant to be.

The post I’m Going to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Recently Lou published guides #4 and 5, Liberty Square and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Lou’s Audio Guides are filled with stories and details that you don’t find in any guide book. Listening to Lou’s guides you learn about the architecture and the story behind the story to the buildings, rides and attractions. The Audio Guides are perfect for the Disney fanatic who thinks they know everything there is to know-because they too will learn some thing. It is also perfect for someone who has yet to make it to the park but has always dreamed of going. Lou’s vivid descriptions enable the listener to picture the park in their mind’s eye and enjoy a mini-vacation-no matter where they are when they listen.

Liberty Square

The Liberty Square Audio Guide takes time to explain why there is this corner of the Magic Kingdom dedicated to American history. You will also learn how the story flows from Fantasyland into Liberty Square and why the buildings are built where they are and in the different colonial era styles. Unfortunately many of us don’t slow down and really take in the beauty and the history of Liberty Square…and we should-the details are amazing.

After listening to the Liberty Square Audio Guide I was inspired to spend some time there last week and snap a few pictures of the Liberty Tree and some buildings.

Mickey’s Toon Town Fair Audio Guide was not scheduled to be the next guide released but when Walt Disney World announced that Toon Town would be demolished to make way for the expansion of Fantasyland, Lou knew his production schedule would have to be changed. He worked diligently so that he could release the guide while Toon Town is still open and I’m glad he did. I listened to this guide on my drive to the Magic Kingdom last week and it inspired me to take some time and enjoy Toon Town before it is gone for good. On the Audio Guide Lou explains the history of the area now know as Mickey’s Toon Town Fair. It has very temporary beginnings as Mickey’s Birthdayland and then became Mickey’s Starland before becoming Mickey’s Toon Town Faire. I hope to go back one more time, with my iPod in tow so that I can wander this special land, where Mickey Mouse and his friends vacation, while listening to Lou weave the story behind the one place you can be guaranteed to meet Mickey Mouse.

In case I don’t get the opportunity to go back again, I took a lot of pictures last week, I hope you enjoy them.

You can purchase any of Lou Mongello’s Audio Guides to Walt Disney World from Lou’s website. They are available on CD for $8.99 or as a Digital Download for $6.99. They would make unique Christmas gifts for the Disney lover in your family.

Disclosure: I received a free digital download of each of these Audio Guides for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Lou Mongello’s Audio Guide to Walt Disney World 4 and 5 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Tomorrow is also the day Disney ticket prices increase

• Walt Disney World base tickets will increase $3-$21 on adult tickets, $5-$31 on kids tickets, depending on length of stay.
• Park Hopper Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
• Water Park Fun & More Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
• No Expiration Option has a huge increase on some tickets jumping anywhere from $4-$30 depending on the ticket purchased.

For exact ticket pricing you can check out the Disney Parks Blog post on the subject.

It was announced last week that High School Musical 3 show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will end its run on October 2 to make way for a new  show, incorporating a variety of Disney Channel hits, including The High School Musical franchise, Camp Rock and Star Struck. If you are looking for the latest news, start by checking this post about Jimmy John Shark.

The show, described as a “live, rock-concert style show,”  hasn’t yet been  named but will follow a format that is similar to the current  High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!

The new show is scheduled to debut Oct. 22 at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s California Adventure.

That’s your Walt Disney World news for this week. For up-to-date Disney World news listen to DW:60 on Sorcerer Radio every Thursday morning at 8am ET.

The post Walt Disney World News 8-4-10 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Now, the cherished entertainment spectacular is being extended by popular demand, Walt Disney World announced today.

“The return of Disney’s ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ to the Magic Kingdom has been an overwhelming success,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Phil Holmes.  “Guests begin cheering as soon as they hear the opening fanfare and see those fantastic floats covered in lights.  The parade is a magical part of a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, so we’re thrilled to be announcing we’re leaving the lights on.”

Fronted by a new lead float starring Tinker Bell, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” officially bowed at Magic Kingdom June 6, 2010.

Beloved by generations, the parade anchors Disney’s multi-park “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment extravaganza of attractions and events.  Once “Summer Nightastic!” draws to a close on Aug. 14 as previously announced, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue an open-ended run.

The iconic pageant of illuminated floats dates to 1972 when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and became an instant hit.

Prior to its current run in Florida, the parade last performed at Walt Disney World Resort from 1999 into 2001.  This summer, Magic Kingdom guests have been treated to all-new elements that continue in the encore phase of the run:

• Tinker Bell leads the eye-filling procession, waving from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering in fairy light.
• Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.
• There are new lighting effects, and the parade’s highly recognizable musical theme is brightened by new technology.

Beloved floats like the Honor America finale display – featuring the American flag and giant American eagle – are among parade favorites, along with popular characters such as Alice, Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

Especially Good News for Florida Residents

The extension will enable Florida Resident Seasonal and Weekday Select Passholders to experience the parade on their passes. And with the ability to sign on for a new monthly payment program, Florida Resident Passholders can enjoy the parade and so much more Disney theme park magic for as little as $16 a month, after an initial down payment. The payment program is available only online and complete information is available at www.disneyworld.com/payments.

The post Walt Disney World Extends Main Street Electrical Parade Indefinately appeared first on The Mom Maven.

• Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m.  After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight.  Park hours are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m., providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.).  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale.  The performance begins at 10 p.m.  Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage.  In addition, Betsy Ross will be engaging guests inside The American Adventure with storytelling, while Ben Franklin will be making appearances on the promenade near the attraction.  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The post 4th of July Sparkles at the Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on The Mom Maven.

To read Part 1 of the Summer Nightastic Series click here.

When the “Main Street Electrical Parade” returns to Magic Kingdom for a limited engagement this summer, the cherished Disney nighttime spectacle will have a new glow. Tinker Bell will sprinkle her pixie dust to illuminate the classic parade. The parade’s highly recognizable musical theme will be brightened by new technology.

Tinker Bell leads the procession on an all-new float, and her trail of pixie dust enchants all the parade floats with new beauty along the way. The popular pixie waves from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering with fairy light.

In addition, enhanced versions of two classic favorites will return to the lineup after a 13-year hiatus – the shimmering diamond mine of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Pleasure Island haunts of Pinocchio.

The parade twinkles with approximately half a million lights. Of those, nearly 10,000 are new “pixie dust” lights spread over the 23 parade floats. The new LED lights use one-quarter of the power of incandescent lights. The Tinker Bell float alone has more than 25,000 points of light and 75 percent are powered by an LED source. A new control system makes it possible, for the first time, for each light to be programmed individually. One example is the new Tinker Bell float, which has 160 dimmers, by far the most of any parade float, to control the lighting. Programming for this parade took approximately two months.

The unforgettable musical theme of the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which has inspired several generations of Disneyland Resort guests to clap along, was adapted from a synthesizer piece known as “Baroque Hoedown,” written in 1967 by Gershon Kingsley and Jean-Jaques Perrey. Disney themes are superimposed over the original piece. For “Summer Nightastic!,” the distinctive “electro-sytho-magnetic” “Baroque Hoedown” has new audio technology that gives it a richer, fuller sound.

I hope you enjoy this behind the scenes video I shot at the May 26, 2010 Sneak Peek.

The parade will step off nightly beginning Sunday, June 6, and continuing through Saturday, Aug. 14, in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

The post Summer Nightastic Sneak Peek Part 2 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Summer nights at Walt Disney World Resort will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the entertainment experience at the Vacation Kingdom with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.

Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

“There’s a special energy in the parks at night,” says Chris Oyen, show director for the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.” “It’s all about the magic and the sense of adventure and mystery that nighttime possesses in the Magic Kingdom.”

Summer nights at Walt Disney World Resort will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the entertainment experience at the Vacation Kingdom with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.“There’s a special energy in the parks at night,” says Chris Oyen, show director for the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.” “It’s all about the magic and the sense of adventure and mystery that nighttime possesses in the Magic Kingdom.”

I have so much to share I’m going to break it up into several posts over the next few days…leading up to June 6th-when my family and I will be at the premiere of Summer Nightastic at the Magic Kingdom!

At yesterday’s event we spent the morning in a backstage warehouse that was set up with several of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats. After some opening announcements we were able to visit the floats, touch the floats and even get in some of them! The Disneyphile in me was totally geeked to get to ride on the vehicle that is inside the spinning turtles, bugs and butterflies that are a part of the parade.

The “Main Street Electrical Parade”, a classic pageant of illuminated floats goes all the way back to 1972, when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. With 23 floats, more than half a million tiny colorful lights, 80 performers, synthesizer music based on “Baroque Hoedown,” and Disney theme songs woven in, the parade returns to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time since 2001. A nostalgia trip for many, this “crown jewel of summer” kicks off the season with lighting effects, floats and characters new to Walt Disney World Resort. The “Main Street Electrical Parade” Is my absolute favorite of all of the Disney parades I have seen over the years and I am so excited that it is back in Florida for the summer of 2010!

The post Summer Nightastic Sneak Peak Part 1 appeared first on The Mom Maven.