Also, Jenny McCarthy will once again join the celebration by reporting live from Times Square with hosts Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest celebrating 40 years of “Rockin’ Eve” history on Saturday, December 31 on the ABC Television Network!
The bi-coastal celebration will include over 5 ½ hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, as well as the American tradition of Dick Clark counting down to midnight from Times Square in New York City. Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas will return to host the Los Angeles-based portions of the specials.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the cherished New Year’s Eve celebration, the festivities will begin at 8:00 p.m., ET with a special two-hour event hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Fergie entitled “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party.”
Tables in Wonderland – The Wave . . . of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Thursday, January 19, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium
Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire
$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity
The Wave…of American Flavors Discovery Dinners continue in January by celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry season. Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida. Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983. They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date. Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.
Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge
Thompson Farm Pulled Pork Slider with Plant City Barbeque Sauce and Cypress Grove Sheep’s Milk Cheese
Strawberry Tea Poached Beef Short Rib with Sweet Shiraz Puree and Truffle Oil
Strawberry Champagne with Wild Caught Shrimp and Mint Syrup
MOMO Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room
A Trio of Fresh from Florida Strawberry Flavors featuring:
Strawberry-Champagne Sorbet
No Sugar Added Strawberry Panna Cotta
Brown Sugar Glazed Pound Cake with Strawberry Tuile
Trinitas Moscoto, California
For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event is limited to 40 Guests. The event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.
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While Walt Disney World is known for its variety of entertainment and characters, it’s also known for its variety of delicious food! In fact, there are several snacks and dishes that have become almost as popular as the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain or Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest. Check out my Top 10 list of favorite Disney foods!
10. POG Juice-A combo of pineapple, orange, and guava juice, this sweet, delicious juice is fantastic and can become addictive! You can enjoy this refreshing beverage at the Polynesian’s ‘Ohana character breakfast or at Animal Kingdom’s Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House.
9. Mickey Waffles-At many places throughout Walt Disney World, you can feast on this popular breakfast dish of waffles made in the shape of Mickeys!
8. Columbia Harbor House Clam Chowder-At the Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbor House, you can enjoy a generous serving of delicious New England clam chowder that rivals any you may find at a restaurant!
7. School Bread-At Epcot’s Norway pavilion, you can drop by the popular Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe to try a coconut covered, custard filled pastry! It’s a big favorite among guests!
6. Turkey Leg-This gigantic snack is a must-have among many park guests and its smoky, delicious smell is enough to make your stomach rumble! If you have a carnivore in your family, definitely put this on your to-do list or give it a try if you’re looking for a filling snack.
5. Tonga Toast-This dish can only be found at the Polynesian Resort’s Kona Cafe and Captain Cook’s Snack Company; and it is known as one of the best breakfast foods at WDW. Why? It’s a sourdough, cinnamon French Toast stuffed with bananas. Yum! Be sure to drop by the Polynesian and give it a try!
4. The Kitchen Sink-At the Yacht and Beach Club’s Beaches and Cream, you can treat yourself to a massive ice cream sundae that is literally served in a sink! You’re guaranteed not to leave hungry!
3. Cheddar Cheese Soup-At Epcot’s Canada pavilion, you can find one of Walt Disney World’s most popular restaurants, Le Cellier. One of their most famous appetizers is their fabulous Cheddar Cheese Soup that you just have to try!
2. Dole Whip-This frosty, sweet snack is pineapple soft-serve that is a sure cure after a hot, sticky day at the parks. You can also enjoy a Dole Whip float which is the soft serve in pineapple juice! Believe me, this treat is amazing, especially if you enjoy fresh pineapple! You can only enjoy this sweet treat at a few select places at WDW, and our favorites are Aloha Isle at the Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s Snack Company!
1. Le Cellier’s Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto-This dish is probably the best steak you will find at Walt Disney World, especially combined with the special sauce and mushrooms. Once you have had that first bite, Le Cellier will probably become your new favorite Disney restaurant!
Are any of these Disney foods some of your favorites? What is your favorite Disney food? Be sure to share with us!
The classic character Peter Pan makes his first-ever appearance in the hit series for kids age 2-7, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” in a primetime special presentation, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns,” premiering MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. Featuring six original songs, the special finds Peter Pan returning to Pirate Island to enlist Jake, Izzy, Cubby and Skully in finding his lost shadow. Adam Wylie (“Picket Fences”) voices the role of Peter Pan.
Generating excitement and demand among the youngest viewer category (kids age 2-5) and their parents, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” ranks as 2011’s #1 series launch in the demographic (kids age 2-5) and cable TV’s #1 series among Boys 2-5. Overall, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” is pacing as Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series of all time among Total Viewers (2.2 million), Kids 2-5 (1.03 million/6.1 rating), Boys 2-5 (648,000/7.5 rating) and Women 18-49 (424,000/0.6 rating).
Season two will debut MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 with new episodes airing daily at 8:30 a.m., ET/PT throughout the week. Sharon Osbourne, Josh Duhamel, Jane Kaczmarek and Tiffani Thiessen star in recurring roles, joining the series notable voice cast including David Arquette, Tori Spelling, Lisa Loeb, Adam West and Ariel Winter.
Beginning Monday, February 6, DisneyJunior.com/PeterPan will feature “Jake’s Countdown to Peter Pan” and the debut of a new two-part game, “Shadow Shenanigans,” where players can take on the role of Peter Pan’s shadow to try to wake the sleeping Jolly Roger crew and then play a shadow matching game.
A full-length preview of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns” will become available via Disney Channel on Demand on February 6. Mobile providers Sprint TV and MobiTV will simulcast the special in conjunction with the television premiere on February 13 on Disney Channel. The special will be available the following day on mobile VOD for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon customers.
Based on Sir James Barrie’s classic children’s book, Disney’s Peter Pan was first seen on the big screen in the 1953 film “Peter Pan” and later in 2002’s “Return to Never Land.” A fan favorite of multiple generations, Peter Pan, the little boy who never grows up and has the magical ability to fly, has also been featured in a variety of Disney television specials and direct-to-video releases, as well as the popular video game series “Kingdom Hearts.”
“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” The series, which emphasizes teamwork, features original pirate rock music performed by Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band.
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Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.
The Secret World of Arrietty (Feb 17)
Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Ponyo) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”
John Carter (March 9)
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.
Chimpanzee (April 20)
Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with “Chimpanzee,” a new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family—including his mom and the group’s savvy leader — navigates the complex territory of the forest.
Marvel’s The Avengers (May 4)
The Avengers is an upcoming American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures1, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. It is the sixth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which crosses over several Marvel superhero films including Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). The film is written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast, which includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson. In The Avengers, Nick Fury, director of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., recruits Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America to save the world from destruction.
Brave (June 22)
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green (August 15)
Academy Award nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (Dan in Real Life, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape?) brings enchantment to the screen with The Odd Life of Timothy Green, an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who cant wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim and their small town of Stanleyvillelearn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of lifes greatest gifts.
Finding Nemo in 3-D (September 14)
Classic tale we all know and love!
Frankenweenie (October 5)
Frankenweenie is an upcoming 3D black and white stop motion film and remake of the 1984 short film of the same name. Like the 1984 version, it is a parody of and an homage to the 1931 film Frankenstein based on Mary Shelley’s book of the same name In the film, a boy named Victor loses his dog and uses the power of science to bring it back to life. Once the others learn of his secret, they set out to create their own monsters, each based on their respective pets and personalities. It is being directed and produced by Tim Burton, and it is scheduled for release on October 5, 2012.
Wreck-It Ralph (November 2)
Wreck-It Ralph is an upcoming 2012 3D computer-animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Rich Moore, a former animation director of The Simpsons and Futurama. Its working titles were Joe Jump and Reboot Ralph. It will be the 52nd animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. The film will feature the voices of John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman. The film tells the story of Wreck-It Ralph (Reilly), an arcade game bad guy, who is determined to prove he can be a good guy.
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When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the parks, rides, and attractions. When you’re on Disney property, you might feel like you’re “missing out” on what’s going on inside one of the parks if you’re not in them. You can’t help but think “I could be on Space Mountain right now!” or “I wonder if there’s a lot of people watching Illuminations tonight?” Maybe you feel guilty for leisurely strolling the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at Downtown Disney, but the days of feeling guilty are over!
I love Downtown Disney. I find it’s a great place to go to escape the chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes be present in the parks. It’s also free! I like to visit Downtown Disney on my travel days, so I don’t have to worry about wasting half of a ticket day. It’s also a great way bookend to a vacation — a great place to start to prep for the parks, and a great place to end your trip and purchase last-minute souvenirs.
Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to make the trip downtown and explore? Here are some of my favorite places you’ll find at Downtown Disney that just might convince you:
The World of Disney
This is by far the largest souvenir store you’ll find on Disney property! It’s pretty much a Disney department store. The World of Disney is broken up into twelve different themed rooms, each featuring select merchandise. Any kind of souvenir that you could possibly get in Disney, you can find here! From home goods and plush toys to jewelry and apparel — it’s here. A few years ago, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was built right in the World of Disney store. If you’re having trouble booking an appointment for your princess in the Magic Kingdom, try this location!
Disney’s Days of Christmas
One of my favorite things to bring home from any vacation is a Christmas ornament. This store is filled with tinsel, holly, lights, trees, and ornaments. From the second you walk into the door, you’re transported to a winter wonderland, any time of the year. You can even get ornaments personalized with your name or the year of your trip.
Eateries
Forget the shopping. If I’m going to be completely honest, I come to Downtown Disney for the food! A couple of my favorite places to eat and snack are found here. If you’re on the dining plan, don’t miss Wolfgang Puck Express — it is probably one of the best values on property for a counter service meal. The portions are huge and the food is gourmet! My favorite place to grab a sandwich can also be found here: Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are warm, savory, and bursting with flavor.
If you have a few hours to spare on your next trip, stop by Downtown Disney. There is so much to do and see that it’s worth your time. And don’t forget — stop for some ice cream!
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Production has begun in Dublin, Ireland, on “The Happy Hugglemonsters,” an animated series to premiere on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks in more than 150 countries next year. The series is produced by Brown Bag Films (two-time Academy Award nominee for “Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty” and “Give Up Yer Aul Sins”) and follows the adventures of spirited, five-year-old Henry Hugglemonster, the middle child in a family of fun-loving monsters.
“The Happy Hugglemonsters” is the second Disney Junior series produced by Brown Bag Films, which is also in production on the series “Doc McStuffins,” set to premiere on Disney Junior in 2012.
Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said, “We are so excited to be working with our Disney Junior UK team and our friends at Brown Bag Films once again. ‘The Happy Hugglemonsters’ is our third UK original production and is a testament to our commitment to find talent around the world and bring fresh stories and beautiful animation to our global audience of kids and families.”
Based on the book series I’m a Happy Hugglewug by Niamh Sharkey, the animation for “The Happy Hugglemonsters” retains the illustration style of the books. Each 22-minute episode features two stories that transport young viewers into the world of Henry Hugglemonster as he guides the audience through the ups and downs of being part of a loving, bustling monster family.
“The Happy Hugglemonsters” is directed by Emmy Award-winning director Norton Virgien (“Rugrats,” “Doc McStuffins”), the lead writer is Sascha Paladino (“Wonder Pets,” “Ni-Hao Kai-Lan”), and the series is produced by Gillian Higgins (“Doc McStuffins,” “Octonauts”).
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As the March 31 maiden voyage of the Disney Fantasy draws near, one feature sure to please young cruisers is the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League where aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers.
With the debut of this very special boutique at sea comes exclusive costumes and accessories, only available on the Disney ship.
The Under the Sea Package helps little cruisers become little mermaids with a two-piece swimsuit and “mermaid tail” wrap. A floral hair clip, necklace and nail polish that changes color in sunlight creates a splashing transformation.
With the Disney Fantasy Package, guests go gaga over tutus! The frilly tutu in this outfit has subtle Disney Fantasy and Disney Cruise Line logos printed into the gold ribbon around the hem. The fitted graphic T-shirt has a stylish jewelry design and the outfit is topped off with a poufy headband.
On pirate party nights aboard the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms into The Pirate’s League, where swashbuckling boys, girls and grownups can get ready for the pirate life with some pirate gear exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.
Plus, this transformation location on the Disney Fantasy will feature a full range of additional princess and pirate costumes and makeovers, with all experiences available for pre-cruise booking on the Disney Cruise Line website beginning mid February.
Also new and exclusive to the Disney Fantasy is the ultimate Royal Sea Package which includes a Castle, Under the Sea and Pirate makeover, exclusive rolling trunk filled with Princess goodies, a very special and personalized invitation, photo, and glass slipper.
Who in your family will be the first to stop by this special salon while sailing on the Disney Fantasy?
“Octonauts,” the BAFTA-nominated animated show for preschoolers, based on the popular children’s book series of the same name, will make its U.S. debut MONDAY, JANUARY 9 (11:30 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Junior, the daily programming block for kids age 2-7, on Disney Channel. Created by award-winning design team Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy of Meomi Design, the series follows the lively underwater adventures of Captain Barnacles Bear, Lieutenant Kwazii Cat and Medic Peso Penguin, as they explore the ocean and work to protect all of its unique sea creatures. Produced by Silvergate Media with animation by Academy Award-nominated Brown Bag Films, the animated series made its initial debut in the UK in October 2010.
“Octonauts” introduces young viewers to exciting new underwater worlds and fascinating marine life. In each 22-minute episode, Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso receive an “octo alert,” which serves as a call to action for the heroes to embark on the day’s mission. With help from their extended crew –Tweak, a bunny mechanical engineer; Shellington, a marine biologist sea otter; Dashi, a dependable dog who serves as the Octonauts’ official mission photographer; Professor Inkling, the Octonauts’ octopus founder; and Tunip, a special breed of underwater sea creature called a vegimal – the team sets out to explore, rescue and protect their unique underwater habitat.
“Octonauts” will air weekdays at 11:30 a.m., ET/PT and weekends at 7:00 a.m., ET/PT during the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel. The series carries a TV-Y parental guideline.
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I almost feel a bit hypocritical about the title of this article because I take between 1200 and 2000 photos on each and every visit to Walt Disney World (1700+ on our 2009 visit). This advice, however, is aimed at the first or second time visitors who need to spend their time absorbing all of the wonderful things the World has to offer. When you see things through a view finder you see specifically what you are focused on and not how it fits into the whole scheme of things. Take the time during your early visits to learn everything you can about Walt Disney World and how it all fits together and then you can become a psycho photographer like me.
You don’t need to worry about losing those memories if you take advantage of Disney’s Photopass and all that it has to offer. You can familiarize yourself with Photopass on the official Disney Photopass site. You can find very detailed and accurate but unofficial information at the Stitchkingdom Definitive Guide. The key to making Photopass work for you is to learn to spot the photographers and what they have to offer and to make sure they take your picture at every opportunity. The more Photopass pictures you have taken the more economical it gets. The normal price of the Photopass CD is in the neighborhood of $150 but if you pre-purchase it following instructions at the Photopass Pre Purchase Site it comes in at around $100. Read about it, learn about it, and it will give you lots of memories at a fairly small cost.
There is no need to let Photopass be your sole source for pictures. Absolutely bring your own camera and take as many photos as you want but don’t spend so much of your time taking these pics that the World passes you by. That’s the whole point of writing this article, enjoy your vacation rather than personally trying to record every second of it with your own camera. Let Disney do some of the work, you won’t regret it. By the way, if after your vacation you decide that you didn’t get your money’s worth by pre purchasing the CD your money is refundable if you do not order the CD after you get home. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
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We started to take down our Christmas tree yesterday and I carefully packed away our ornaments. I am probably more sentimental about these ornaments than most anything else in our house. The thing I love about our Christmas tree is that I can see my life in ornaments. There is the ornament of the baseball player that I received the year I dated my first “real” boyfriend, the chalkboard ornament that represents my time as a teacher, the delicate angel ornament I received from one of my religious education students, the Disney ornament we purchased on our honeymoon, and different personalized ornaments that show the progression from a family of three, to four, to five.
As I wrapped up our Disney ornaments, most of which are souvenirs from our trips, it got me thinking. Souvenirs are not my thing. They just aren’t. The fact is we rarely return from Walt Disney World with souvenirs tucked safely in our suitcases. Why? Well that’s a good question and I’ve been trying to get to the root of it. First, I’m really not a shopper and I definitely like to stick to a budget. Then there is the clutter issue. I like everything in its place and to me anything that could qualify as a knick-knack or display item is really a dust-collector in disguise.
I realized that all our Disney souvenirs have a purpose and were all planned with the exception of one – my impulse buy. There isn’t anything very interesting about our planned souvenirs – a couple of t-shirts, Disney notepads that I use for my weekly grocery list, and Christmas ornaments.
The impulse buy that inspired this article is the set of twelve small, colored Christmas balls shaped like Mickey heads. I adore these ornaments. They are full of cheer with their bright colors and their small size means finding them nestled on our tree’s branches is a delightful surprise.
These Christmas balls almost never made it to our tree. My husband and I were on a Disney vacation alone when I purchased them. If I remember correctly, he was riding Tower of Terror which I can’t bring myself to go on because it DROPS, as in you feel as if you’re plummeting towards the hard and unyielding ground below (at least in my mind although my husband tells me it’s not like that at all). I had some time so I was browsing the gift shops and happened upon these ornaments. I wanted them but I walked away. After all, we already purchased our Disney Christmas ornament for the trip and I was determined to stick to the budget. They drew me back to the gift shop and I couldn’t resist my impulse buy.
Years later, I cherish these ornaments as we carefully hang them as the finishing touches to our tree. It saddens me that I almost didn’t purchase them because of my strict rules on souvenirs. The lesson I learned is that sometimes an impulse buy isn’t all bad. Sometimes you have to relax the rules and you’ll be richer for it in the end.
Souvenir shopping is part of the fun of visiting Disney World, but it can get expensive. I know Chip is old school Pin Collector but with Vinylmations on the rise there is something for everyone at Disney.
Here are our top 15 souvenirs on the cheap:
1. T-Shirts, Souvenirs – Let me start by saying you won’t find the exact things you’ll find in the parks, but you might be surprised at the volume of t-shirts, kids’ toys, and costumes you’ll find at stores just off-site. Check out places like Winn-Dixie and Walgreens on SR 535 (that’s just a few blocks from Downtown Disney) for a nice selection. Best of all, they’re often very inexpensive.
2. The luggage tags Disney sends you when you book your trip are a cute way to remember your trip.
3. Try out the pressed penny stations throughout the parks. Check out this article – Penny Palooza for more details!
4. Give your kid his or her first haircut in the Magic Kingom’s Barber Shop and you’ll get a free set of mouse ears, all for under $20.
5. Visit the Kidcot stations in Epcot where your child can make a craft.
6. Hoard your Mickey soaps, shower gels, and shampoos! I like using Disney’s H20 products at the gym, where it gives me a little bit of post-workout Disney happiness.
7. Go to the Japan Pavilion and pick a pearl from an oyster for around $15. Settings for your pearl start at around $10. Tip: Pick your pearl from the biggest, ugliest oyster you see.
8. During the Christmas holidays, you can get a cute souvenir ornament for your tree for under $15.
9. Buy a Disney picture frame or scrapbook (many under $20) to organize all those photos.
10. Antenna toppers are only $4.95. Not only do they help you find your car in a crowded parking lot, they let other Disney nerds know they’re in good company.
11. Disney towels, particularly those for the kitchen, are an inexpensive way to remember your trip.
12. Pens and pencils. Pencils are super-cheap and make cute gifts for your kids to bring back to their friends.
13. Recyclable grocery bags are only $4, come in bright happy colors, and remind you of your trip when you’re schlepping around your hometown grocery store.
14. Shot glasses from the countries in Epcot.
15. Disney plates and cups are not just for kids–many of them are suitable for the adult dinner table.
So what are some inexpensive items you like to buy at Disney World? Let us know in the comment box below.
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