My Favorite Things to Do at Epcot

Hello!

Wednesday I talked about

Spaceship Earth- Probably the most iconic ride, Spaceship Earth is located at the front of the park which makes it the easiest to ride as soon as you enter. It’s slow, air conditioned and methodical, showcasing the ever evolving world of technology through animatronics and dim lighting. This is always the first ride I go on upon entering the park!
Living with the Land- This ride is peaceful and very educational; it takes you through The Land’s home grown fruits, vegetables and fisheries as the rider learns the importance of taking care of and properly using the Earth. This ride is a always a must when you want to take a break from the heat (though wait times may be super long).
Teppan Edo- This restaurant is a MUST GO TO for anyone looking for food at Epcot. Despite all of the choices at the World Showcase, this Hibachi house has many different options for food and has decent pricing despite the fact that there is a show along with your meal. There is never a dull moment here, as my family was sat with another the few times we’ve gone and we left with new friends!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth- These are the evening fireworks and fountain work that lasts about 15-16 minutes. The music and lighting effects are gorgeous, bu you need to show up at least a half an hour early to find a good seat. The good news is, while I was on the Boardwalk with my family, we still saw most of the fireworks!
Frozen Ever After- Once known as Maelstrom, the Frozen Ever After ride is located in the Norway Pavilion. After its refurbishment Elsa and Anna took the place of the old theme and while it’s still the same layout, it’s new and popular characters cause this ride to have mega long wait times almost all day.
Mexico Folk Art Gallery- It’s always worthwhile to walk through the Mexico Folk Art Gallery upon entering the Mexico Pavilion. There they display art and cultural information regarding Dia de los Muertos (now inspired by the movie Coco). Walking around this small gallery is a pleasure, as there are so many small and unique details- I just wish there was more to view!
Eating at the Land- The Land is a great, specifically the Sunshine Seasons Food Court. There’s tons to select from, and with the atmosphere and plenty of seating. To top it all of off, the food has a decent price compared to other restaurants in Epcot without requiring a reservation.

My Favorite Things to Do at Magic Kingdom

Hello everyone!

After a brief medical hiatus, I have returned and hope to regularly post on a scheduled basis that will consist Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting in February.

As a medically needy person, I tend to avoid the usual things at parks like roller coasters and food (for the most part). Despite that, the only true parks I ever go to are Disney related, even when the purpose of going to parks is to ride things and eat food you only dream of eating.

So what do I enjoy doing at Magic Kingdom?

Meeting Characters- One of my favorite things to do at Magic Kingdom is explore and locate my favorite characters to add a photo and signature to the autograph book. Meeting the characters has always been a unique experience each time I go, which always makes it worth it.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh- Despite this ride constantly having downtime when I visit, doesn’t make this ride any less enjoyable. The gentle rocks of the honey pot aren’t too big of a deal and every time I ride there’s always a new detail I spot!
The People Mover- I REALLY love the people mover. It’s an easy going ride that allows you to take a tour of Tomorrowland; no spirals or loops needed! It will even take you by Space Mountain, where you can hear the screams of ridegoers as you drive by.
Pin Trading- As you may have noticed in a previous blog, I collect pins and trade whenever I go to the parks. Magic Kingdom is one of the best parks to trade pins with, as there are multiple known locations (as well as some not so well known ones) that have some amazing selections.
Pirates of the Caribbean- This ride is quite popular so I’m sure it’s on many favorites lists. I’ve liked it despite the upgrades they’ve made, and despite some people being unhappy with it, the ride continues to have frequently long lines and wait times. Since it’s one of my favorites, I continue to make sure I have a FastPass so I can make sure this is an absolute stop when I’m in MK!
Shopping- The best thing one can do at Magic Kingdom is shop! I prefer shopping here over any of the other parks because there is so much to choose from, and isn’t based off of one park but the collective.
Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid- This ride is a slow mover, and follows Ariel on her journey to finding her happily ever after. Despite its incredibly long wait time, I enjoy sitting in the clam shell and marveling at the impressive animatronics that make up the ride.
Happily Ever After Fireworks Show- A grand fireworks display that seamlessly blends in visuals and music while showing that while life has its ups and downs, you can have a happily ever after. This show lasts about 20-25 minutes and is a fantastic sight to see, and a great way to end the night at Magic Kingdom.
Liberty Tree Tavern- Since I was a picky eater (before my medical diagnosis), the chicken tenders and fries here were to die for and there are plenty of other options to! Service is pretty fast and the atmosphere matches Liberty Square and a (maybe?) harbor pub theme nicely. By the way, did I mention the chicken tenders are awesome?
Jungle Cruise- The final thing I enjoy is the Jungle Cruise and the tour guides vary in their jokes (which are incredibly cheesy) and tours. While I enjoy the ride as it’s really calming compared to a busy day at the park, it does need a serious update as most of the animals are stagnant, but it’s still a great ride I look forward to going on!

Those are my top favorite things to do at the Magic Kingdom, next time I’ll be diving into my favorite things to do at Epcot!

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Disney Pin Trading

Pin Trading is one of the big highlights you get to enjoy when at any of the Disney locations. When visiting the parks, you can trade with any cast member who is sporting a lanyard (they can never say no!) or a cork board filled with them. The trick is to trade what you like if they have it- you don’t need to trade by value (meaning $9.99 pin for $9.99 pin) and you don’t have to trade pins you like.

Some of my pins!

Pin trading is a family friendly activity that anyone can do at any age! It’s a great way to meet people and socialize, as not only can you trade with cast members but other guests as well. While it can get a little expensive, there are thousands of different varieties and options, so you can collect them all or be as specific as you want!

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Pins come color coded which mark the prices. Currently they run for $9.99 (green and silver), $12.99 (blue and yellow), $14.99 (pink). Specialty pins, booster packs, mystery pins and limited edition pins may have different pricing which is something to remember!
If you are just starting, it is easier to buy the starter packs which includes a lanyard and four pins. These typically run for $29.99 and have different styles to choose from, so if you like anything from Star Wars to Disney princesses then it’s a great place to begin.
There are great places to trade: Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, Pin Central at Epcot, Fantasy Faire at Magic Kingdom and Big Top Souvenirs are some of the best. They always have pretty good selections and sometimes have limited release ones from parties from time to time so it’s great to keep checking back!
If you don’t feel like showing off your pins on a lanyard, you can use wall space (when not trading), vests, backpacks or even the official Pin Trading book!

Pin Types:

Basic- These are the ones seen throughout each pin store. They are the most common and available for purchase, until they retire.
Limited Edition- Pins that are released for a certain amount of time, usually made for a series.

Limited Release- Pins made in a certain quantity that are available for purchase; get them before they are gone!

Mystery- Usually bagged or in a small box, you never know which one you’ll get!

Event/Commemoration- Rare pins handed out during events like Mickey’s Merry Christmas Celebration, Disney Movie Club VIPs get Commemorative pins or for Annual Passholders who get the the Annual Passholder pins!

Hidden Mickey- Cast member released pins with a small hidden Mickey somewhere on it- these are extremely popular.

Pin trading is tons of fun and can be a great hobby, but there are some things to remember when you begin.

Do:

Be polite. If a cast member or guest is busy or a fellow guest isn’t keep on trading a specific pin, don’t be pushy!
Buy cheaper pins to trade. There is no price system or color system to trade pins with cast members so buying a starter pack or a green color priced pin to trade is a great and more affordable way to start.
Explore! Don’t be afraid to ask around and check for pins in all sorts of places; some places people don’t think to go to for trading and may contain nicer pins.
Figure out where the Trading Posts Stores are. Wherever the stores are that are exclusively for pins, there are bound to be tons of guests and cast members looking to happily trade!
Try to go to events! Events sometimes have rare and exciting pins that are only available for attendees.
If you can buy it and you like it, get it! Some pins are limited edition or limited release and are a little more pricey. These aren’t going to be around too long and can go up in value, so if you like it, get it!

Dont:

Buy from Ebay or Auction sites. This is the biggest no-no in pin trading. Counterfits are most likely and often sold in most online stores, and if some cast members don’t recognize it, they leak into the Disney parks traded around. Other cast members who do recognize them, end up rejecting your trades.
Argue. If someone, be it cast member or guest refuses a trade then don’t argue, be courteous and move on!
Overspend to trade. This goes hand and hand with the “buy cheaper pins to trade”. You don’t need to buy the $12.99 or $14.99 in order to get a hand in the trading world.
Trade a basic pin for special editions. Certain pins are worth a lot now, and if someone is trading one, ask them what they’d like. Offering them a common pin is a little lackluster, and a little etiquette goes a long way!

All in all, pin trading is a great and fun hobby to participate in and is a great way to show off your love for certain characters and movies. I hope you have a lot of fun, and feel free to comment your favorite pins!

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Let’s Talk About Epcot!

Ah Epcot, the “edutainment” park of Disney. Out of all of the parks we visit this is the park my parents love the most (and it’s my second favorite as well). Since it’s grand opening in 1982, Epcot has had many changes but still to this day shows the innovation and integrity that Walt had planned before his death in 1966.

Ranking number twelve for the most visited theme park in the world as of last year, Epcot is revered for its cultural diversity within the World Showcase, fantastic food and it’s scientific aspects shown through Future World. There’s some pretty fun rides located at Epcot as well as more food selections than you could ever imagine, so there is something for everyone!

Park Areas

In Future World’s section, you can explore the scientific and the technological side of our world while keeping it entertaining for all ages. In this section of Epcot you get to seek out thrills on exciting rides like Soarin’ and the Test Track, or learn about how Epcot grows their own food at The Land.

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The World Showcase hosts 11 pavilions where you can shop, eat and explore the many cultures that reside there. You can try different foods and browse shops from countries like USA, Italy, Japan, Morocco, UK, France, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China and Germany. In several countries there are also rides and shows to attend, so you can’t plan spending only a few days at the park and think everything will be done!

What’s great is that Epcot celebrates several annual events throughout the year, which I’ll go over as well.

Annual Events

International Flower and Garden Festival- Disney plants special floral displays and topiary sculptures of Disney characters. They even host beekeepers there as well with honey samples to enjoy, and fellow gardners who can give helpful tips and tricks to boost your plant productivity.

Food & Wine Festival- Celebrate culture by sampling several wines and food from countries all over the world, even ones not a part of the Showcase. Being one of Epcot’s more popular, it also hosts seminars and live music for you to enjoy.

International Festival of the Arts- Brand new to the scene as of 2017, this festival celebrates the three arts: cooking, art and music. If Broadway and Showcase choirs aren’t your things, there’s also professional workshops, visual art galleries and food tastings.

Holidays Around the World- Christmas has never been more magical than at Epcot. With Candlelit Professionals, extended firework shows and storytellers who depict each cultures holiday traditions, this bustling time of year is one to visit at least once in your life.

No matter when you pick to go to Epcot, I always say to plan for at least a week; there is so much to do, tons of different foods to eat and great places to shop! Every time I go, I do have favorites but enjoy spreading my wings and trying new things- Epcot is the perfect place to do so!

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Let’s Craft: Hundred Acre Wood Sign

Hey Disney Fans!

Decorating a house is very important don’t you agree? I’ve recently moved into a new condo and it sports a Disney theme. My living room is doubling as a playroom for my nephew and is themed Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood so it’s bright and comforting. Since I am also a crafter, I thought I’d make a cute DIY Hundred Acre Wood sign like the ones seen in the beloved show. It’s cheap, easy to make and adds some imagination to any room!

What you’ll need:

Acrylic paint- Light Brown

Acrylic Paint- Dark Brown

Acrylic Paint- Black

Pickett wood sign

Paint Brushes (1 large, 1 fine point)

Jar or cup of water

Old towel

Sanding paper

Sealant

Saw (optional)

I purchased a pre-built sign from Hobby Lobby. I picked this one because its small yet impactful for a room while being a cheaper option. I have provided the link here: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Painting-Surfaces/Wood/Wood-Picket-Sign/p/80772673

Step 1: Lightly sand down your sign. This makes it easier for the paint to hold onto the sign.

*If you don’t wish to keep the pick end of the sign, saw it off with a hand saw and sand it to remove the rough edges from the cut. (Ignore the fact I decided to saw mine off afterwards!)

Step 2: Paint the first coat of light brown acrylic paint using a large paint brush. The brand of paint I use is FolkArt Acrylic and the color I chose was Light Brown. Allow paint to dry for a half an hour and then paint the opposite side, and allow the whole sign to dry for an hour.

Step 3: Apply second coat to the front and allow 30 minutes to dry before painting the back (optional if the back is being nailed up). Allow a full dry for 1 hour.

Color is a tad lighter due to flash, my fault!

Step 4: Time to paint the words on! Using black acrylic paint on the first post, paint “Hundred”. On the second post, paint “Acre Wood”. The last three posts are yours to choose! I painted “Pooh’s House”, “Tigger’s House” and “Eeyore’s House” on mine because they are my favorite characters. If you are worried about legible handwriting with paint- don’t worry! In the show they have misspells, upside down letters and aren’t too legible. Do your best and have fun with it!

Step 5: If you desire to add some demention and realistic texture, use some darker brown (I used FolkArt True Brown) to create some ridges and splitting of wood to give a more natural or aged look! Allow to dry 1 hour, though I prefer drying overnight.

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Step 6: Once everything is dry, it is time to seal the paiont for future protection. While Mod Podge sealant is frequently used , I prefer Acrylic Sealant that is carried by Hobby Lobby. It does have a fairly strong smell, so make sure to open a window when painting with it- but otherwise it dries fast and clear!

Here is the finished product!

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Time taken: 4 hours

2018 Disney Stocking Stuffers

So I know that Christmas is still 2 months away, however I find that beginning to shop earlier is easier than rushing before the Holidays- I mean seriously I start shopping in July! If you have a Disney fan in your life and are looking for stocking stuffer ideas, look no further. I have 10 stocking stuffer suggestions (along with links) to help get you started out right for the holidays. Please understand these are merely suggestions and I am not being paid to advertise, I just love Disney and their products.

1.Tiny Big Feet Plush Pal

The Big feet plushes are a recent addition to the stuffed animal line where your favorite characters are given larger feet. While they are pretty cute, if you want smaller and more portable friends for your child (or plush collector), look no further than the Tiny Big Feet Pals! Each one is about 3 inches tall, squeezable and really well made. To make it even better, each plush is only $5.95 each and comes in an assortment of characters.

Price: $5.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/disney-tiny-big-feet-plush-collection-1489597

2. Adult Disney and Pixar Holiday Socks

Many people -including myself- usually make a certain face when receiving socks for Christmas (I own over 50 pairs of socks and don’t need more). That gets turned on its head when the socks you’re giving are Disney or Pixar themed socks! There are tons of choices to choose from, and each comes packaged in an ornament. They come in either XS/S or M/L and have a snug fit to them.

Price: $9.95

Link (for Disney themed): https://www.shopdisney.com/disney-holiday-socks-in-ornaments-collection-for-adults-1489295

Link (for Pixar themed): https://www.shopdisney.com/pixar-holiday-socks-in-ornaments-collection-for-adults-1489294

3. Lumiere Light Up Figurine Ornament

While Disney offers many wonderful ornaments for your holiday tree, the Lumiere ornament stands above the rest! 5 inches in height, this well made ornament looks like he just danced out of the movie. He even has his flames light up with a nice flicker effect to add a bit of flair.

Price: $24.99

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/lumiere-light-up-figural-ornament-beauty-and-the-beast-1399770?request_type=mlt&gre_rt=ChM3NDM1MjQ0NDIzMTAxMjIxMjE0EAIaAklWIg1kZWZhdWx0X21vZGVsKAA

4. Disney Eeyore Womens Fleece Pants

If you have a special girl in your life who needs warm winter sleeping pants, these pants are the best ones! Originally sold at Wal-Mart, these are officially licensed, comfortable to wear and perfect for a comfortable movie night.

Price: $19-$30 depending on size

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Eeyore-Womens-License-Pajama/dp/B0771TZJGL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538765615&sr=8-1&keywords=eeyore+fleece+pants

5. Mickey and Minnie Glass Sketchbook Ornament

This ornament is the perfect gift for a special person in your life. Whether it is for a family member, spouse or significant other, this glass ornament is well crafted and since it isn’t Christmas themed it can be hung out all year round.

Price: $16.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/mickey-and-minnie-mouse-glass-globe-sketchbook-ornament-1479186

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi Pin Trading Starter Set

If someone you know is going to Disney this year or is looking to begin pin trading and is a Star Wars fan, this is the perfect thing for them! With flashy colors of red and black and four starter pins, your friend or family member is going to have a blast running around trading pins with this lanyard!

Price: $29.99

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/star-wars-the-last-jedi-pin-trading-starter-set-1448103

7. K-2SO Action Figure

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy owning an action figure, and this one is no exception. Being a fan favorite character from Star Wars: Rogue One, this action figure looks amazing and holds together well during play or being displayed.

Price: $22.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/k-2so-action-figure-star-wars-20-1440072

8. Tsum Tsum Leia Lip Smacker

While all of the Lip Smacker brand has been great, the smell and flavor of Leia- Cinnamon Buns are a great gift for anyone looking to keep their lips smooth during the winter months. While the amount of product isn’t too big, you can always keep the figure afterwards!

Price: $4.95

Link: http://www.lipsmacker.com/shop-by-form/tsum-tsum/tsum-tsum-princess-leia-cinnamon-buns.html

9. Pixar’s Coco Dvd

A fantastic movie recently released theatrically in 2017, Coco is a film that anyone who loves Disney would be excited to own. It comes in normal format, 4K Ultra or Combo; it’s rated PG.

Price: $22.95

Link (can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target or Disney): https://www.shopdisney.com/coco-dvd-1468004

10. Marvel Studios Legacy Ornament- Limited Release

For your Marvel fan, my last favorite pick is this Legacy Ornament. Not only is it limited release which makes it a fantastic collectors item but it is also a nice ornament which can be hung any time of the year in an office or den, showing off your favorite superheroes. Get it while it’s still there!

Price: $19.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/marvel-studios-legacy-sketchbook-ornament-limited-release-1481295

Going to Disney: Medical Needs Edition

Hello fellow Disney lovers!

I spent my weekend of moving, sick. I suffer from a chronic illness that likes to rear its ugly head whenever it feels like it, despite treatment.

While I was in bed resting both days, I kept thinking about my travels to Disney after my diagnosis and how having an illness affected my trips in recent years. It really had affected my enjoyment of the park as there were new situations I had to prepare for, and I didn’t really think of them until -after- I got to the park at how things had changed. So I thought it’d be helpful to post tips on dealing with travelling to Disney while having medical needs.

Check the Guest Services Department for Guests with Disabilities

I know most people don’t need to be told, but the direct website to Disney World has many links and services available for those who have any questions. Not only that, but they have ECVs for rent that is typically $50 to use daily and requires a deposit that is refundable at the end of the day; if that isn’t your style then they also have regular wheelchairs for rent as well for $12 a day. Be sure to check their website for more details, as I’ve heard these things go very fast!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Know your Limits

The most important thing you need to remember is to know what you are able to do and what you’re unable to do. It would definitely stink to land in the hospital during your visit because you over stepped your boundaries! If you need to take a break, rest up. If you have a specific time you have to eat, plan a visit to a snack line or restaurant a little ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary ill feelings.

Take into Account your Location

I know this one ties in with the “Know your Limits” section, but it is equally important to take into account is the location and its weather. Florida for example ranges in temperature throughout the four seasons; in winter to spring it can be as high as the 70’s with summer going into the 90’s and higher. Not only that, but Florida tends to get rain showers that can either come and go in hours or last days- and don’t get me started on hurricane season! The varying weather can affect you and your mobility and hydration, so be sure to keep an eye out for weather and bring an umbrella!

Locate all Nearby Restrooms

Anyone with children know that knowing where restrooms are is pretty important- the same can be said for those with medical problems. My medical illness causes frequent and urgent visits to the bathroom, so I know how important they are. It is highly important to try to keep track of them for the sake of an emergency!

Prepare for the Trip

Make a checklist of all things you need for the trip and pack them ASAP-anything that can’t be packed until last minute should be placed near your bag so you see it and can pack it right before you leave (it also doesn’t hurt to double and triple check your list). If you have a doctor or specialist who you meet up with, go over any concerns with them. Pack snacks, plenty of fluids and don’t forget your medication!

It also doesn’t hurt to locate all nearby hospitals with their phone numbers, best routes and what insurance is accepted. Trust me, emergencies don’t care where you are so it’s best to be prepared.

Try to Pick Off Seasons

So Disney is pretty busy year round, but there are times you definitely are going to be more comfortable. A definite no-no (from sad experience) is the Holidays like Christmas, 4th of July and Thanksgiving.

The best times to go are February, the first 1-2 weeks of May, mid August till the end of September. November and December can be iffy and are an “at your own risk” due to the main staple holidays taking place. If you go at any of the other times listed above (from my experience) you are usually in less of a crowd and lines are more manageable.

Make Plans, Be Flexible

Last but not least, try to plan out your trip and what you want to do but be flexible about it. Your medical is most likely (like mine) random and sporadic and can throw curve balls at you. Try to enjoy yourself but if you can’t get on all the rides you wanted to or try the foods you wanted, that’s fine- don’t stress about it. Disney is meant to be a wonderful and happy experience; make the most of what you can and make some memories!

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