Ample Hills Creamery Is Now Open at Disney’s Boardwalk

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May 17, 2016

Ample Hills Creamery opened to Disney guests over the weekend at Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment, dining and shopping area. The bright and flavorful shop is located next to ESPN Club overlooking Crescent Lake. The creamery is a whimsical take on a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor so it keeps with the timeless charm of the 1930’s Atlantic coastal atmosphere.

Inside the Creamery, ice cream aficionados can sample as many flavors as they’d like, including a variety of 16 signature ice cream flavors. Ample Hills will also delight guests with its homespun milkshakes, luxurious sundaes and six different ice cream cone options, from the classic waffle cone to the adventurous pretzel cone.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, where you can treat yourself to ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

New “Finding Dory” Treats to Debut May 22nd at Disney World and Disneyland!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 17, 2016

Check out the adorable new candy apples that will debut on May 22, 2016 at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. The Nemo and Dory gourmet apples are inspired by the highly anticipated Disney animated film, “Finding Dory“. The talented team of candy makers provided an inside scoop on how they created these cute little treats.

You’ll find that the Nemo apple has been dipped in caramel, enrobed in white chocolate and then delicately rolled in orange and white sanding sugar, with uniquely cut and dipped marshmallows applied for his fins. Add a few dark chocolate accents for the striping and he’s ready to swim off in your direction.

What about Dory? I couldn’t forget about this delicious treat. The apple has been dipped in caramel and white chocolate and rolled in blue sanding sugar. The fins are once again crafted from marshmallows that are dipped in chocolate and rolled in yellow sanding sugar. Add on a few dark chocolate accents in all the right places, and I guarantee you’ll need a boat to take all of the apples back home with you.

I’m still reeling at how adorable these treats are!

You’ll find them at the following locations:

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park – Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., and Hunny Spot in Critter Country
Disney California Adventure Park – Trolley Treats
Downtown Disney District – Marceline’s Confectionery

Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom Park – Big Top Souvenirs
Disney Springs West Side – Disney’s Candy Cauldron

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation where you can catch one of these cute candy apple treats. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Leaked Photos from Frozen Ever After Ride

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Chip

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May 17, 2016

Today we have a first look at the Frozen Ever After Ride in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion thanks to the gang over at WDW News Today! Tom was able to get a photo of what seems like one of the Snowgies just before you make the plunge down the big drop. You can see a ladder in the picture so that gives you an idea that there is still work to be done to make Disney’s June opening deadline.

Also WDWNT was able to grab this photo of one of the Trolls inside the ride. Disney looks to be using the same face projection technology as in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train which I loved!

Please note these are construction photos and may not reflect what the finished product will look like.

For more details check out these articles:

Don’t forget Elsa & Anna are moving to Epcot soon! Learn more about it here.

So are you excited to ride Frozen Ever After or do you wish Disney would have left the Maelstrom?

Photo Credit WDW News Today!

Current Special Offers for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani & Adventures By Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 17, 2016

If you’ve been considering a Disney vacation this summer or fall then be sure to act quick in order to take advantage of the following great offers before they’re gone:

Walt Disney World

Free Delicious Offer: Receive a FREE Dining Plan when your purchase a 3 night minimum non-discounted package that includes a room at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel and ticket with the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More Option for arrivals most nights Aug. 23-Oct. 1, 2016, Nov. 15-21, Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 10-Dec. 21, 2016 when booked by July 8, 2016.

Free Delicious Offer For Disney Visa Cardholders: Same rules apply for the Free Dining offer above, however eligible travel dates include Aug. 14-Oct. 1, 2016, Nov. 15-21, Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 10-Dec. 21, 2016 when booked by July 8, 2016.

Back-to-School Savings: Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Aug. 26-Nov. 5, 2016 when booked by Aug. 31, 2016.

Awaken Summer Vacation Offer: Save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 12-Aug. 25, 2016 when booked by June 10, 2016. Plus, receive an exclusive “Awaken Summer” graphic MagicBand when you upgrade to a room and Theme Park package with a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way® Ticket. The MagicBand will activate a surprise sound and lighting feature at select touch points throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Late Summer Family Time Package: Enjoy a 4-day/4-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort with one park per day Magic Your Way® base tickets for just $1,850. Book through August 31, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from August 1 through November 5, 2016.

Early Fall Kid-Size Package: Enjoy a 2-day/3-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort with one park per day Magic Your Way® base tickets for just $998 for a family of 3. Book by August 31, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from August 1 through November 5, 2016.

Summer Kid-Size Package: Enjoy a 2-day/3-night stay in a standard room at one of Disney’s All-Star Resort hotels with one park per dayMagic Your Way® base tickets for just $1,021 for a family of 3. Book through June 10, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from May 30 through August 25, 2016.

Florida Residents Summer Offer: Save up to 35% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels for stays most nights June 15 – July 31, 2016 when booked by July 30, 2016.

Florida Residents Spring Offer: Enjoy great rates this spring at Walt Disney World® Resort – from $96* per night, plus tax, at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort from March 20 – June 14, 2016 when booked by June 13, 2016.

Disneyland

Save on a Dazzling Stay: Save up to 20% on Premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa or the Disneyland® Hotel on select Sunday – Thursday nights April 3-June 16, 2016 when booked by May 24, 2016.

Aulani

Room Savings Offer: Enjoy fall savings at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa located in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Save 30% on stays of 5 nights or more and 25% on stays of 4 nights. This offer is valid for stays most nights August 21 through December 19, 2016, excluding November 21 – 24 and must be booked by September 26, 2016. Book before June 27th and receive a $150 Resort credit redeemable for dining, activities, shopping and more.

Transportation Savings: For a limited time, guests can receive free round-trip transportation from the airport to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, plus a free 1-day mid-size Alamo car rental, on a stay of 4 consecutive nights or longer at Aulani. This special offer is available for select stays June 14 – August 15, 2016 and must be booked by June 2, 2016.

Adventures By Disney

Save up to $500 per person on select Adventures by Disney® 2017 departures when you book between April 20 – June 18, 2016 for departures Jan. 1 – Dec. 10, 2017 (excluding July 1-31, 2017).

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next vacation to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, Aulani or Adventures By Disney. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Keep Cool and Summer Styling with Ariel Sunglasses

By

Danielle

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May 16, 2016

When I think summer Disney style, my mind always goes to Ariel first. If any Disney Princess knows how to have fun in the sun, it’s got to be Ariel! That’s why these Ariel Sunglasses are perfect for a Disney lover’s summer wardrobe.

These The Little Mermaid Sunglasses have a retro feel, and come with a sturdy case featuring a beautiful rendition of Ariel in a sketch style. These are a half wire rim style of sunglasses, which are quite comfy in hot and humid weather. The corners of the frames are dappled with Ariel silhouettes, and more Ariel designs are on the inside of the frames. The matching case is not only a cute way to protect your sunglasses, but it is super stylish too! With sunglasses are awesome as these, you’re sure to be the coolest mermaid at the beach or pool! Get your self a fin-tastic pair here!

Would you wear these fun Ariel Sunglasses?

3 New Food Booths coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 16, 2016

With all the exciting food news we’ve seen for Disney Parks lately, here comes another food-related announcement that we’re particularly excited for! Hollywood Studios is getting 3 new food booths, which is a great addition to a park that many have found to be lacking in many ways recently.

Beginning May 20th, and only for a limited time, the following 3 new options can be found around Echo Lake:

Hollywood Waffles of Fame – serving delightful sandwiches – with one on a waffle.
Bocodas del Lago Nachos y Empanadas – serving mouth watering nachos and empanadas.
Sliders to the Stars – serving delicious BBQ and brisket sliders.

We think this is a great way for Disney to keep guests happy during the construction of both Stars Wars Land and Toy Story Land, since once those parks open, there will be many more food options for sure.

If you’d like to plan a Disney Parks vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Update on bus crash outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Disney News

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May 16, 2016

2016 05 14 20 31 09 Bus on fire by Disney Animal Kingdom YouTube

We have new details on the bus crash that occurred just outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday leaving 11 people hospitalized.

After an investigation, Florida Highway Patrol discovered the driver of the SUV fell asleep behind wheel on Saturday after a long day at the Disney Theme Parks.

The driver, Megan Hester-Villalobos, was driving south on Sherbeth Road when she drifted into the northbound lane crashing her SUV head on with a Disney Shuttle Bus. Megan, her husband Jess Villalobos, and their 7 year old son (all from Groveland, FL) were hospitalized after the accident as well as 8 passengers from the shuttle. Reports state the bus in the accident was the J-Bus for the Disney College Program cast members.

There are now charges pending against Megan Hester-Villalobos and the troopers do not believe any impairments caused the accident.

Hester-Villalobos has been ticketed at least five times in Lake County since 2009 according to court record. She is also the daughter of Groveland’s former City Manager Ralph Hester who passes away in 2009.

In August she was arrested on retail theft charges and received a sentence of 90 days in jail. A judge ordered her driver’s license to be suspended for six months and that she was to pay more than $150 in restitution for the theft charges.

In 2009 Hester-Villalobos was ticketed for driving above the speed limit and running a red light, she fought the tickets in court and a judge dismissed the tickets.

Photo Credit chapstickgypsy

4 new stores coming to Disney Springs this summer!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 16, 2016

The Town Center area of Disney Springs opened yesterday along with 23 new retail stores and 7 new restaurants. We are now learning about 4 more brands that are expected to open this summer.

JUST ANNOUNCED

The following new brands were announced today as coming to Disney Springs and are expected to open locations in Town Center this summer:

Sugarboo & Co.: With products featuring creative and whimsical designs, this family-run business offers artful prints, home goods, paper products, accessories and more.
Origins: A high-performance skincare retailer featuring products formulated with certified organic ingredients and 100 percent natural essential oils. The socially-conscious brand employs earth-friendly practices, including a Plant-A-Tree program.
Superdry: Focusing on clothing with designs that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style, Superdry offers a variety of products ranging from outerwear and knitwear to leather goods and leisurewear.
TUMI: A leading global brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories.

Eager with anticipation, guests flocked to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort yesterday with the hopes of being among the first to experience its newest retail neighborhood – Town Center.

Opening in phases throughout the summer, Town Center will be home to some of the most recognizable names in retail such as Anthropologie, ZARA, LACOSTE and Lucky Brand, as well as some brands that are new to the Central Florida market, such as UNIQLO, Melissa Shoes and UNOde50. Within Town Center, Guests will find exceptional shopping and dining experiences along with breathtaking vistas overlooking The Spring, the heart and soul of the property.

Town Center features Spanish-revival style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago, and a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect with each other. Town Center, like the rest of Disney Springs, is brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into Disney’s theme parks, resorts and cruise ships – resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.

A total of 23 exciting new retail tenants opened their doors in Town Center over the weekend, including kate spade new york, Tommy Bahama, Under Armour Brand House and Sephora. The following venues are now open:

ALEX AND ANI
American Threads
Edward Beiner
Everything But Water
francesca’s
Johnston & Murphy
kate spade new york
Kipling
L’Occitane en Provence
Lucky Brand
MAC Cosmetics
Melissa Shoes
Na Hoku
PANDORA
Sephora
Sperry
Tommy Bahama
UGG
Under Armour Brand House
UNOde50
Vera Bradley
Volcom
ZARA

In addition to these venues, seven new specialty-dining locations are now open at Disney Springs:

Amorette’s Patisserie
B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.
D-Luxe Burger
Morimoto Asia Street Food
Sprinkles
The Daily Poutine
YeSake

As guests enter Town Center around The Spring area, they will be warmly greeted at the Welcome Center, a new home for Guest Relations at Disney Springs that will offer a wealth of services including theme park and Cirque du Soleil ticket sales, Disney dining and resort reservations, information for guests with disabilities, foreign currency exchanges, and other general assistance items. Themed to early Florida settlements, the architecture around The Spring is based on timber frame structures that were once used in the citrus and ranching industries.

Access to Disney Springs is about to become even easier. Roadway improvements on Buena Vista Drive are nearly complete, with additional car lanes and dedicated bus lanes now operational. Also, now open, the Lime Garage offers Guests convenient parking access to Disney Springs Town Center and the Marketplace. This new garage, similar to the Orange Garage on the West Side, uses smart technology to identify open parking spaces.

MORE OPENINGS COMING SOON

More shops and restaurants will open soon at Disney Springs. By the end of this month, the following venues will open:

Aristocrepes
Lilly Pulitzer
TROPHY ROOM
STK Orlando

Other locations expected to open in Town Center at Disney Springs this summer include:

Anthropologie
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
Coca-Cola Store and Rooftop Beverage Bar
Columbia Sportswear
Free People
Frontera Cocina
Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar
Johnny Was
LACOSTE
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
Oakley
Origins
Shore
Sugarboo & Co.
Superdry
TUMI
UNIQLO
Vince Camuto

Nearing completion on the largest expansion in its history, Disney Springs is emerging as an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment. Inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs has four distinct outdoor neighborhoods including The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and the new Town Center.

When completed, Disney Springs will have doubled the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments.

For more details on the new venues coming to Disney Springs, visit wdwnews.com. Stay tuned for more updates on Disney Springs by following @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE!

Phelan Ebenhack, photographer

Changes coming to the Flying Fish Restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 16, 2016

Big changes are coming to a guest favorite restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk formerly known as Flying Fish Cafe. The restaurant is being renamed Flying Fish for it’s re-opening later this summer, and will be featuring a new chef, new menu items, and a new look where diners will be welcomed to a sophisticated, interior that still pays homage to the golden era of seaside boardwalks.

Chef Tim Majoras, who was has been on the Flying Fish team since 2011, takes the helm in the kitchen, and while his new menu is still in the works, Disney gave us a sneak peek into his starter of seared yellow fin tuna served with compressed watermelon (with a hint of Tahitian lime oil and fresh limes), paper-thin avocado slices, crisp radishes, pickled daikon and a small edible viola flower on top. A drizzle of blood orange oil is all it needs.

Sustainable fish will be the star of the new menu, and Majoras’ new Fruits of the Sea appetizer features rock shrimp and clams from Florida, grouper cheek, mussels, a splash of Brandy and a rich lobster stock. The seafood is served over a generous dollop of velvety celery root puree with adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

Stig Jacobsen, general manager and sommelier at Flying Fish, says he is happy with expanded space for wine storage and is “finding gems” for a more in-depth wine list.

The interior features an all-new kitchen and dining room (with expanded space for private dining events), sparkling architectural accents, like golden-winged room panels and an impressive chandelier that mimics a school of flying fish swimming overhead. Next door, the new AbracadaBar lounge opens, taking the spot formerly occupied by the candy and ice-cream shop.

The new “curious cocktail lounge” combines the Golden Age of Magic with the magic of Disney storytelling, so look for whimsy in the design from the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) team, who create stories in true Disney fashion. According to WDI, the lounge was once a secret stomping ground for famous touring magicians, local boardwalk illusionists and the loveliest magician’s assistants of the day. After every magic show, these prestidigitators would gather at the bar, where they’d conjure up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and often stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions.

According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, never seen again… And after sitting vacant for nearly 70 years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight.

AbracadaBar guests will get a special peek into the sophisticated social club, and while it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and even savored in the bar’s signature cocktails. From its enchanted magic show posters and mystifying mirrors to vintage props and tricks left behind years ago, AbracadaBar promises to be just as surprising and magical as its name suggests.

Menus have not yet been released for AbracadaBar, but we’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the offerings.

What do you think of these new changes at Disney’s Boardwalk? We think they sound fantastic, and can’t wait to check out the old magician’s bar that’s full of mysteries! We’ll keep you posted when we find out more about opening dates and menus.

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: Disney

Town Center Now Open at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 15, 2016

We’ve all been waiting for the Town Square area of Disney Springs to open, and today is the big day! Starting this morning at 10am, guests were invited to check out this new, expanded area of Disney Springs, loaded with lots of shopping and dining experiences.

With Spanish revival architecture, gorgeous landscaping and several new fountains and water features, this addition just may be the most beautiful at Disney Springs. This new opening brings with it a wide array of shopping and dining, listed here in alphabetical order:

ALEX AND ANI
American Threads
Amorette’s Patisserie
Daily Poutine
D-Luxe Burger
Edward Beiner
Everything But Water
francesca’s
Johnston & Murphy
kate spade new york
Kipling
L’Occitane En Provence
Lucky Brand
MAC Cosmetics
Melissa Shoes
Na Hoku
Pandora
Sephora
Sperry
Sprinkles
Tommy Bahama
UGG
Under Armour Brand House
UNOde50
Vera Bradley
Volcom
ZARA
Yesake

Along with these locations, the Lime Garage, adjacent to World of Disney and Town Center, also opened earlier today. The addition of nearly 2,000 parking spaces will give guests even more options, making the arrival experience easier and more efficient. (And just like the Orange Garage, this second structure will use the same smart technology to let guests know where available spots are and will, of course, continue to be complimentary!)

Look for the new Disney Springs marquees to signify that you’re arrived. They anchor the property on both ends, and are a clear sign that you’ve made it to Disney Springs.

If you’d like to plan a Disney vacation, but don’t know where to start, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney vacation planning services. I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

photo credits: Disney Parks Blog

Put your Best Foot Forward with Adorable Minnie Mouse Flip Flops

By

Danielle

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May 15, 2016

For many flip flops are a summer time accessory, for myself being in Florida they’re daily footwear. Regardless of if they are seasonal or daily, it doesn’t hurt to have a few nice pairs. So of course a cute Disney pair like these Minnie Mouse Flip Flops are a must have.

These genuine Disney Minnie Mouse Flip Flops are an essential for the stylish Disney lover this summer. Wear them at the beach, by the pool, for sightseeing, visiting the Disney Parks or simply wear them at home on summer days. These stunning slip on toe shoes have a stylish Minnie Mouse and floral design on the insole and come in 3 different colors. You can get them with a red, white or black plastic upper. They’re lightweight and comfortable, so you won’t ever want to take them off. I love how the design features a classic Minnie Mouse in her iconic polka-dot dress, but has a sprinkling of summery flowers. The background also resembles denim for an extra dash of summer style. I could seriously wear these daily, but I bet they would be perfect with a pair of denim shorts, and a red and white polka-dot tank top! I think Minnie may just be my fashion inspiration this summer season.

How would you style these adorable Minnie Mouse flip flops?

Disney Summer Style With Mickey Balloon Nail Decals

By

Danielle

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May 15, 2016

It’s time to get those summer manis ready with a little touch of Disney magic! Nail Decals, like these Mickey Balloon Nail Decals from LovelyZoy are a fun and easy way to style your nails, in a variety of ways.

Nail decals are great for putting on every nail, or using for an accent nail with your favorite polishes. As many of us know, I am obsessed with Mickey Balloons, so you know I was in love with these. Each set of Mickey Balloon Nail Decals contains decals for nails of different sizes to fit finger and toe nails, with a total of 30 decals. Instructions are included, which is great for those new at nail decals, or if you’re giving them as a gift. They white areas are transparent, so what ever polish you wear will show through. Even better is right now, this etsy shop is having a buy one, get one free sale, so you can get double the magic and fun! There’s lots of other Disney styles to choose from too, although I’m quite partial to the colorful balloons. You can check out some of the other designs available in the sale below, it’s a perfect time to try out different designs!

I think I would wear the balloons as an accent nail with a fun Mickey glitter polish, what about you? Would you wear these on a single nail, or all of them?