I love the idea of hand painted Custom Disney Shoes, because you can get something beautiful and uniquely yours. I’ve seen many before but these beauties from Brinkadoodle on Etsy really caught my eye!
I love these because they really focus on a character, and have an artistic splash of color done in a water color like effect. The designs on these have a simplicity that pops on the shoe, versus getting lost in a busy background. If you like you can even get the designs without the colorful background, and just the very well done and detailed character drawing. The artist also offers the option of a generic shoe for a lower price, or a branded shoe for a premium price to help fit everyone’s budget. All of the shoes are hand painted by the artist and sealed with a water protective sealant to keep them safe. I must say these are some of my favorite custom painted Disney shoes I’ve seen in a while, the color splashes with the artist’s talented drawings really pull the designs together. I especially love the Mike & Sully ones, they’re too cute! Be sure to check out many of the artist’s other great Custom Disney Shoes below.
A photo posted by Christine And John (@livefromdisney) on
According to Instagrammers Live from Disney, it looks like Disney’s Grand Floridian is getting a bit of TLC in the form of new carpeting in the Main Lobby. It looks like quite the undertaking, but renovations are what keep Disney’s resorts looking as amazing as they do!
Orlando Theme Park News reports that starting today, April 11, and lasting until April 14, there will be carpet replacement going on in the main lobby of Building 4 of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. During the duration of this project, some areas of the main lobby will be unavailable and Guests may see and hear work being performed during the day (work is not expected to take place during the evening). Due to this short refurbishment, the Princess Promenade is not scheduled to take place on April 11 and 13, 2016.
Who else can’t wait to see the finished product?
If you’re interested in planning a luxurious stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort and Spa at Walt Disney World Resort, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE 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.
Disney’s newest live-action film “The Jungle Book”, based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling and the 1967 Disney Animation Studio’s film opens this Friday. Even though the film has yet to hit theaters, critics have already been raving about this film! Not only has it been getting amazing reviews, but has already grossed $28.9 million in the Asian and Latin American countries it has already been released in, as well as the second highest opening of an American movie in India.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, due to the overwhelming amount of positive response Walt Disney Studios is now in talks with director Jon Favreau and screenwriter Justin Marks to return to develop “The Jungle Book 2”. Having had the chance to see the movie, I am definitely on board for a sequel! You can learn some more about the film’s director and the actor’s experiences from the global press conference we attended for the film. Stay tuned for our review of the film!
The Force is strong with these ice pops! You can wield the power of the light side or the dark side in an epic battle to defeat the heat with this incredible lightsaber ice pop maker.
I think I could have made the Kessel Run in 11 parsecs if this lightsaber ice pop maker was my reward. I’m sure real Jedi had to create their own ice pop makers from scratch, but luckily we won’t have to resort to that option. Just add juice or any other delicious liquid of your choosing into the plastic wells, and freeze for some saber-licking good ice pops. Each Star Wars glowing lightsaber ice pop maker features four LED light up hilts, 2 for Luke and 2 for Vader. This is an officially licensed Lucasfilm Collectable that was created and designed by ThinkGeek. The Force-icle will always be with you for Jedi refreshment when you have some Star Wars Lightsaber Ice Pops.
Will your ice pops be on the light side, or the dark side? I know I’m looking forward to some yummy red ice pops this summer!
Summer is the perfect time to experience an epic family vacation—one that is great for family bonding, but also where kids can be kids and adults can enjoy some precious alone time. The lakeside 26-acre Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, heralded as a “kids’ paradise,” offers amenities and activities for all ages to enjoy. From S’mores making by the fire pit, to scavenger hunts, timed water slide races and Lazy River relays and more, nothing says “summer fun” more than a vacation at the only AAA Five Diamond award rated property at Walt Disney World Resort. The newly introduced Stay Longer- Fourth Night Free package provides added value and gives an extra reason to do just that—stay longer and experience all the award-winning resort has to offer.
The Stay Longer- Fourth Night Free package offers a complimentary fourth night with every three paid nights, May 1 through Sept, 30, 2016. Rates start at USD 434.00 per night after the fourth night free is applied. Numerous added values are included within the rate, such as the complimentary kids camp daily; kids five and younger dine free at resort restaurants; complimentary transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort parks; and complimentary access to the on-site 5-acre waterpark, 24-hour fitness center, and Spa relaxation areas. With all of the added values, plus the fourth night free and no resort fee, there’s never been a better time to celebrate summer and enjoy Four Seasons Resort Orlando’s unparalleled amenities.
For a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in perfect balance, guests can enjoy the Disney parks along with Four Seasons’ many on-site recreational activities. Parents can enjoy a break while children ages 4-12 opt to spend just a few hours, or the whole day, at Kids For All Seasons, a complimentary kids camp open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
“With the dynamic diversions offered right here on property, and easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, the guests will be assured the perfect summer vacation,” says Thomas Steinhauer, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
On Property Recreational Pursuits A highlight of Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the five-acre (two hectare) “Explorer Island” water park, including a winding lazy river complete with a rapids section, two water slides, an interactive splash zone with water cannons, and much more. Family fun abounds, with activities including table tennis, bocce ball, beach volleyball, a rock climbing wall, and more all found at Explorer Island. “The Hideout” at Explorer Island is a separate freestanding building offering the latest gaming systems, billiards and more. Additionally, “The Mansion” at Explorer Island is home to the Kids For All Seasons program, providing a complimentary kids camp for children ages 4 to 12 on a daily basis during the hours of 10 am to 6pm—a one- of- a-kind offering in centralFlorida.
While children are having a blast at Kids For All Seasons, moms and dads can enjoy relaxation at the 18-treatment room Spa, or unwind in the paradise of The Oasis adult pool, for ages 21 and up, featuring cabanas and poolside cocktail service. Tennis aficionados will enjoy the three Har-Tru tennis courts and a variety of clinics, matches and more offered in partnership with Peter Burwash International. A spacious lakeside fitness center is available 24-hours a day, with fitness classes ranging from yoga to cardio offered on a weekly basis.
In addition, golfers will love the 18-hole Tranquilo Golf Club— an incredible Tom Fazio designed course with personalized Four Seasons service, perfect for mom and dad to enjoy a tee time for two while kids are enjoying Kids For All Seasons. Or, for added family time, aspiring little golfers age 12 and under golf for free with a paid adult greens fee. Tranquilo also offers special family golf carts that seat four.
Experience the Ultimate Summer Vacation at Four Seasons Resort Orlando. (PRNewsFoto/Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
Summer Activities During the summer months, guests will enjoy added resort activities on a complimentary basis, offering fun for all ages. Kids For All Seasons will offer Lazy River boat races, hula hooping contests, family feud games, Nintendo Wii dance parties, “teen nights” at The Hideout, balloon artistry, S’mores making, pizza making with the Chef, and more. On Fridays, the kids enjoy golf lessons with a professional in the morning and tennis lessons with a professional in the afternoon. Plus, for those who swim, Kids For All Seasons offers twice-daily supervised swim times. Beginning with Memorial Day weekend, summer “dive-in” movies by theExplorer Pool will be featured every Thursday and Saturday nights on the large “Starstruck Screen,” complete with complimentary popcorn and treats.
In addition, other fee-based activities will be offered, such as Kids For All Seasons’ special Hide Out Nights Out, where parents can drop off kids for a few hours to enjoy a romantic dinner. Tranquilo Golf Club will offer regular clinics with Director of Golf Instruction Rod Cook.
Disney Connectivity Guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort enjoy great access to Walt Disney World, including complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The resort also offers a lobby level Disney Planning Center and a character breakfast, The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, offered on Thursdays, Saturdays and select Tuesdays at Ravello restaurant.
Haunted Mansion fans get ready to make room for one more, as the newest Tsum Tsum collection welcomes our favorite ghosts to the fold. Beginning April 15, 2016. That’s the day a new collection of stackable 3-inch plush inspired by the classic Disney attraction will be released at Disney Parks.
The hauntingly cute Tsum Tsums will include Madame Leota, The Bride, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts, as well as a mansion hostess plush
The next Tsum Tsum Tuesday will be on April 19 and for classic Disney fans this will be a good one. Disney will be releasing the Jungle Book Collection ($5.95 each) at Disney Stores and online at Disneystore.com. The new collection will consist of Mowgli, Baloo, Bagehraa, King Louie, Shere Khan, Kaa, Junior and Raksha.
Another upcoming Tsum Tsum collection will be showcasing Fantasyland attractions. Disney Parks Blogs shared a sneak peek of three new Tsum Tsum coming to Disney Parks in summer 2016.
Look for the Haunted Mansion-themed Tsum Tsum at the following merchandise locations starting April 15:
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i – Kalepa’s Store.
Disneyland Resort
Downtown Disney District – World of Disney
Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure Park – Tee, Hats & Tattoos
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park – Gag Factory
Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd, which also happens to be the 18 year anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The park plans to celebrate this momentous occasion by holding its annual Party for the Planet that encourages guests to connect with nature and promote animal conservation. Fun and engaging activities as well as special food and merchandise will be available to guests throughout the park. How cute is this new limited edition Earth Day 2016 trading pin?
Below is a listing of special Earth Day events.
Be sure to check Animal Kingdom’s Daily Times Guide on April 22nd for specific offerings:
Oasis:
The Jungle Book Matching Game
Uncover little known facts about select animals featured in Disney’s upcoming film, “The Jungle Book” (premieres April 15th).
The Jungle Book sand sculpture
Guests can take photos of “The Jungle Book” sand sculpture through April 24.
Discovery Island:
Book signing by Imagineer Joe Rohde
Joe Rohde will be at Discovery Trading Company (previously Disney Outfitters) from 1-2 p.m. signing original artwork and the new Disney Conservation Fund book. Wristbands are required and a limited number will be distributed at the time of art or book purchase at Discovery Trading Company on April 22nd. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Disney Conservation Fund.
Measure Your Footprint
Discover the size of your environmental footprint and learn some new ways you can make it smaller in order to protect our planet.
Special Treats
Enjoy Earth Day inspired treats including a cupcake that features chocolate mousse topped with buttercream and dipped in Oreo crumbs, a chocolate flowerpot and gummy worms. Available at Isle of Java, Creature Comforts, and Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery. Zuri’s Sweets Shop will also be offering Earth Day inspired pineapple treats.
Island Mercantile
Boiled Books (April 20-24) will be selling books made from pressed flowers/plants and the Fairy House Ladies (April 21-24) will sell fairy houses made from materials found in nature.
Africa:
Jorta Boutique
Handmade jewelry collections using items from nature such as orange peels, cantaloupe seeds, coffee beans, bamboo, flower petals and more (April 20-24).
Simba Says
Use your flippers, wings or paws and take a walk on the wild side, but only if Simba says!
RAFIKI’S PLANET WATCH:
Character Greeting
Jiminy Cricket will be making appearances at Rafiki’s Planet Watch from April 17-23.
Become a Bird
Soar over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and see how you would measure up to a bird your size.
Asia:
Leap for Wildlife
Show your enthusiasm for conservation and discover the lengths you can go to protect wildlife.
DINOLAND U.S.A.:
Dino Plant Exploration
Use your imagination and help survey the prehistoric on a top-secret mission.
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.
How would you like to win four tickets to Disneyland, airfare to California, $1,000 in spending money for the whole family, as well as a three-night hotel stay at an Extended Stay America property close to Disneyland? Well here is your chance!
Extended Stay America, which is the largest owner operated hotel chains in the US, has announced that to thank it’s over 1 million members it will be running this contest. You must be a an extended perks program member, you can enter the contest April 4th until May 2nd, the official rules are here.
“Our rewards program is different from other hotels programs. Instead of dangling an unreachable carrot in front of our guests with points, we provide discounts and rewards instantly from the moment you sign up. The response from guests has been incredible. It’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers for their continued support.”
Said Tracy Itzen, senior manager of marketing communications for Extended Stay America.
Extended Perks was launched in the spring of 2015, keeping guests in mind, offering members instant hotel savings at Extended Stay America properties nationwide as well as exclusive offers via more than 150,000 top national and local merchants. You can join extended perks here.
Once enrolled, participants gain exclusive access to incredible hotel discounts up to 20 percent off every week, including a sign up instant perk of 15 percent off their next hotel stay. Members can save up to $2,500 annually on purchases they make every day from hundreds of top dining, car rental, salon, retail brands and more.
Don’t miss your chance to win this amazing Disneyland vacation by entering here! Good luck to all that enter!
Celebrate the holiday season on the high seas this year! Disney Cruise Line will be offering Very Merrytime Cruises available most sailings from early November to late December. Specific sail dates for 2016 have not been announced yet, however cruises are currently available to book for this time period and are filling up quickly.
Onboard Festivities
Delight in seasonal magic at sea and discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor.Share in the magic with festive onboard decorations that include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, and experience numerous merriments sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including:
Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party
Candy-cane limbo, dancing and games—share in the yuletide magic of the season during this jovial celebration.
Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
Kick off the season during this festive gala where kids can help light the ship’s Christmas Tree.
Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet
Share hugs and snap photos with the one-and-only Kris Kringle before he takes to the sky to deliver gifts to the children of the world.
Disney Character Greetings
Meet some beloved Disney Characters in jolly holiday attire and take one-of-a-kind pictures to cherish throughout the year.
Youth Parties
Teens and tweens can party it up with new friends during music and dance extravaganzas that fill the air with joy.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Gather the children in the atrium to hear Mrs. Claus read well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree.
Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids
Decorate stockings, create festive cards, embark on a holiday scavenger hunt and more—it’s Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart.
Gingerbread House
Made completely from edible ingredients, the ship’s gingerbread house is a life-sized treat that you can photograph, but can’t eat!
Holiday Merchandise
‘Tis the season to pick up exclusive, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line gifts for family and friends—and make Christmas wishes come true.
Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy these additional treats:
Cookies on Christmas Eve
Special holiday towel animals
Caroling with the kids and crew
Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as on Castaway Cay! Disney’s private island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.
If you are interested in being notified once Disney Cruise Line announces the 2016 Very Merrytime Cruise dates then contact Laura at [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Cruise Line vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE.
I sure do love Mouse Ears, I’ve got quite the collection of unique ones, and I’m always on the look out for new and exciting styles. However, my jaw dropped when I saw the impressive video of these The Nightmare Before Christmas inspired Mouse Ears by Etsy designer DsnyByKarina. Not only are these very detailed, but the wheel on them actually spins!
The designer of these fantastic Mouse Ears, is Karina, a super sweet Disney Addict from New York who puts lots of love and attention into each pair of handcrafted ears. She has many more styles of absolutely unique ears, from darling Snow White to magical Sorcerer Mickey there really is a pair for anyone’s tastes. The Oogie Boogie spinning ears are currently the only ears that move, but trust me they are an impressive sight! Be sure to check out the video of the spinning ears on Facebook, and many of her other Disney designs below!
Jiminy Cricket will be making a special appearance at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom again this year in celebration of Earth Week.
Hop onboard the Wildlife Express Train in Africa between April 17th until April 23rd for a chance to meet this elusive Disney character from the classic movie Pinocchio. Be sure to check the Daily Times Guide at the park for available meet and greet opportunities.
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.
It is April 10th, and it seems Disney has indeed gone forward with the release of their new FastPass+ upgrades/changes. In an email from Disney this morning, they stated:
Starting April 10, 2016 you will notice the following enhancements to how you make FastPass+ selections:
You will now be able to choose individual FastPass+ experiences and times, and will no longer need to make all selections for the same day at the same time.
While you will continue to be able to select up to three experiences in advance, you now will be able to book fewer than three selections, if desired.
In addition, when you have used your first three FastPass+ selections, you will now be able to make an additional FastPass+selection via the My Disney Experience mobile app,in addition to in-park kiosks. Once you’ve used the fourth, you will be able to select another, and so on.
One of the biggest changes for selections in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom is that now when you select your guests and park you are brought to a screen where you can first select the time frame (morning, afternoon, evening), then a specific time for your choice.
Once you finalize your selection for the one ride, you can either stop there, or create your other 2 choices.
Hollywood Studios and Epcot are still using a tiered system where you can only pick one selection from Tier 1, but this is still a huge improvement over the old way.
Hollywood Studios Tier One consists of:
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Fantasmic
Rockin Rollercoaster
The Great Movie Ride
Toy Story Midway Mania
Epcot Tier One consists of:
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Living with The Land
Mission Space
Soarin
Test Track
Also, don’t forget that once you’ve used your 3 fastpasses, you can now use the My Disney Experience App to make additional Fastpasses!
We’re excited for these new changes, and can’t wait to get to the parks to test the new system out!
If you’re interested in joining in on the new FastPass+ experience at Walt Disney World, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE 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.
was my reward. I’m sure real Jedi had to create their own ice pop makers from scratch, but luckily we won’t have to resort to that option. Just add juice or any other delicious liquid of your choosing into the plastic wells, and freeze for some saber-licking good ice pops. Each Star Wars glowing lightsaber ice pop maker features four LED light up hilts, 2 for Luke and 2 for Vader. This is an officially licensed Lucasfilm Collectable that was created and designed by ThinkGeek. The Force-icle will always be with you for Jedi refreshment when you have some 
.
