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Don’t Leave Home Without It… The Star Tours Galactic Passport

Don't Leave Home Without It... The Star Tours Galactic Passport

Check out this cool site and create your own Galactic Passport. Have it ready when you board Star Tours 3D: The Adventures Continue and get it stamped with the location(s) you visited!

LINK: startourspassport.com

I made certain modifications to mine!

Don't Leave Home Without It... The Star Tours Galactic Passport

NEW Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Inspired Product

NEW Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Inspired Product

Set sail and take a piece of the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides treasure home with you. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) unveils a robust array of fashion, beauty and toy merchandise that captures the fantasy, action and adventure of pirate life. Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, starring Golden Globe® award winning actor Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Ian McShane, will take audiences on a thrilling action-packed adventure when it hits theaters May 20, 2011 in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

Highlights from the Pirates of the Caribbean product line include:

Hayden-Harnett
Hayden-Harnett’s Pirates of the Caribbean collection for Walt Disney Signature, Disney’s first upscale adult lifestyle brand, is inspired by swashbuckling pirates, galleons, and a life well lived on the soaring high seas. The collection features richly printed silk and chiffon scarves, detailed leather cuffs, and fine leather handbags that retail from $78 to $498. Now available at HaydenHarnett.com

Swarovski
With a gothic influence and a vintage touch the Swarovski Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection of rings, earrings, charm bracelets and necklaces features black pearls, skulls and swords. Appealing to both men and women, the collection also includes carefully crafted replicas of pieces worn by the main characters interpreted by Penélope Cruz and Johnny Depp in the movie. Now available at Swarovski stores nationwide and on Swarovski.com.

New Era
New Era’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides hats feature artwork from the film itself including your favorite captains, Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, and Blackbeard and of course — the iconic pirates skulls and cross-bones logo. The New Era Pirates of the Caribbean hats are available this Fall in 59FIFTY, 9FORTY, and 39THIRTY styles and retail from $19.99 to $35.99.

OPI
Inspired by a world filled with mythical mermaids, gleaming treasure, and high-seas adventure, OPI captures the bright colors and breathtaking escapades seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with six limited-edition Nail Lacquers and a new Silver Shatter. With shades ranging from sage and lavender to khaki gray and pastel pink, these colors are evocative of a warm, tropical setting, with a classic nautical influence.

JAKKS Pacific
Bringing the action from the high seas to the home and proving that ‘not everything is what it seems’ is a captivating line of new toys including figures and playsets with a special black light reveal from JAKKS Pacific. A black light accessory that comes with all 4-inch figures (SRP $7.99), 4-inch Legend Pack figures and accessories (SRP $14.99) and the Queen Anne’s Revenge playset (SRP $69.99) unveils a secret reveal that turns the figures into ghastly zombies. The Queen Anne’s Revenge playset also features authentic cloth sails, a retractable crow’s nest, and canon with working projectile and launching deck for fun and adventure-packed action on the high seas. JAKKS will also be introducing new strategy-based board games based on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides later this Fall.

LEGO
The LEGO Group introduces nine exciting and versatile playsets celebrating key scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, including an buildable version of Queen Anne’s Revenge (SRP $119.99) and the Whitecap Bay playset ($79.99) where Jack Sparrow and the other pirates encounter mermaids. The line also includes favorite scenes from earlier films in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Fans will have to snap up all the sets to complete their collection of favorite characters in LEGO form. Disney Interactive Studios, TT Games and the LEGO Group will release LEGO Pirates of Caribbean: The Video Game on multiple video game platforms in May 2011.

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide’s Pirates of the Caribbean publishing program lets readers continue to enjoy the storytelling through books and magazines for children, from retellings of the films to graphic novels and original fiction that extends the story of Young Jack Sparrow.

-Worldwide, over 16 million Pirates books have been sold to date.
-Almost 24 million Pirates sticker packs sold worldwide to date.
-Over 2.5 million Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow chapter books sold to date.
-The junior novels for Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End were New York Times bestsellers.

About Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (in U.S. theaters May 20, 2011)
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™, with screen story and screenplay by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio, suggested by the novel by Tim Powers, based on characters created by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert.

  • ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek’ Coming Soon to Disneyland Park (chipandco.com)
NEW Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Inspired Product

Take 5: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' Exclusive 3D Sneak Peek

With the “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides” world premiere happening at Disneyland park last night, we wanted to share a recap of everything they have done here leading up to the event. From video sneak peeks to a look at new pirate-inspired merchandise, they have given readers an inside look as the Disney crew prepares to hoist the sails. Are any of you scallywags out there excited to join Jack’s crew as we approach the world premiere?

Take 5: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

  1. Setting the Stage for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides’ World Premiere at Disneyland Park – Here’s a behind-the-scenes look as we prepare for the World Premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides” at Disneyland park later today.
  2. Disneyland Park to Host World Premiere of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ May 7 – In this swashbuckling video exclusive, Barbossa takes you on a journey from Pirates’ beginnings at Disneyland park, to behind-the-scenes “on stranger tides.”
  3. Tides Turn on New Pirate Merchandise at Disney Parks – In late April, with only a few weeks left before the movie premier, we decided it was time to add a few ‘treasures’ to our pirate wardrobe. Check it out!
  4. Thar Be a New Pirate Approaching at Walt Disney World – Last month we were happy to break the news that a new scalawag will land at Magic Kingdom Park in time for the May 20 opening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Read this to find out who it is!
  5. Join Jack’s Crew Tonight for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek’ – In late March, we showed “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek” at Disneyland Park. In this exciting pirate experience, guests joined Captain Jack Sparrow and his rowdy crew for an extended film sequence from “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Source Disney Parks Blog

Take 5: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

Take 5: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

Disney Store Announces ‘Kidada for Disney Store’ as First Exclusive Designer Collection

Disney Store Announces 'Kidada for Disney Store' as First Exclusive Designer Collection

Today, Disney Store celebrated the launch of Kidada for Disney Store, an exclusive collection with celebrity designer and Disney enthusiast, Kidada Jones. The Charming Collection is a mix of apparel, jewelry, a limited edition Vinylmation figure and Wish-a-Littles, Kidada’s design twist on Disney Princess. The Kidada for Disney Store collection is designed to inspire the dreamer in all of us.

“With this classic collection, Kidada brings a unique and whimsical vision to the beloved Disney characters,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “Disney Store’s reinvention over the last two years has taken us to magical new heights and our collaboration with Kidada Jones is the first of many that will position us as a retail destination where guests will find designer collections and unexpected surprises.”

“As a kid growing up in Southern California, I was a frequent visitor to the Disneyland and developed a deep love of the magic and wonder of Disney,” said Kidada Jones. “This collection was inspired by childhood memories of Disney and the Disney Princess characters combined with my many influences from music and travels around the world.”

DisneyStore.com launched the Kidada for Disney Store online boutique DisneyStore.com/Kidada showcasing all of the tantalizing new merchandise.

Kidada for Disney Store Collection includes:

  • Wish-A-Little Collection— inside each Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and Tiana figurine, you’ll find a charm necklace on a silk strand, as a reminder to love a little, dream a little, laugh a little and wish a little. $39.50
  • Kidada for Disney Store pendant necklaces are inspired by Disney Princess and infused with Kidada’s unique style and whimsy. $49.50
  • Mini Moments charms are based on beloved Disney characters and interpreted by Kidada with her signature style. $14.50
  • Adult and children tees featuring the Wish-A-Little version of beloved Disney Princess characters or Kidada’s signature wish phrases. $14.50-$34.50
  • Wish-a-Little reusable Totes are the perfect accessory to hold your Wish-a-Little swag. $9.50
  • Kidada for Disney Store Wish-a-Little watch keeps the time for all your wishing moments. $49.50
  • Kidada for Disney Store-branded Limited Edition 9″ Vinylmation figure has a fun and colorful design and features a bracelet with a Kidada butterfly charm. $49.50

Kidada for Disney Store Collection is available exclusively on DisneyStore.com, and at Disney Store locations in New York’s Times Square, North Michigan Ave. in Chicago; Stockton Street in San Francisco, CA; and Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, CA.

To find a Disney Store, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates, become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

Disney Store Announces 'Kidada for Disney Store' as First Exclusive Designer Collection

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Stars and Stripes Celebration

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Stars and Stripes Celebration

Great news for families that will be at Walt Disney World this Fourth of July!

The Swan and Dolphin is hosting a Family-style BBQ Bash at Fantasia Gardens Pavilion.
Saturday, July 2, 2011. 3:00pm – 8:00PM

Join the fine folks at the Swan and Dolphin for a family-style BBQ Bash at Fantasia Gardens Pavilion. Relax to the music of their live band and enjoy classic carnival games while their chefs cook up some traditional (and not-so-traditional) BBQ fare!

Tickets available the day of event, July 2, 2011, 3:00PM – 8:00PM

Event-inclusive overnight packages also available.

Call 888-828-8850 for details and reservations!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Stars and Stripes Celebration

First Look: Pixar Short La Luna

First Look: Pixar Short La Luna

Here’s a first look at Pixar’s latest short film, La Luna.

La Luna is the timeless fable of a young boy who is coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait.

A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family’s most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa?

Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?

La Luna is soon to premiere at the Annecy International Animation Festival, which runs June 6-11 in France

First Look: Pixar Short La Luna

Save $700 On A Star Wars Weekends Getaway!

Save $700 On A Star Wars Weekends Getaway!

Prepare to blast into hyperspace with specially priced packages exclusively from Pixie Vacations!
Package includes:
2-Night Stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
2-Day Base Ticket (can be upgraded to a park hopper)
Disney Plus Dining Plan
*FREE* 1-Day Ticket to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach or Disney Quest

Sample price based on 2 adults and 2 children (8 and 12)
Disney price=$2,137.89
Pixie Vacations Price:=$1,432.21
Save $700 when you book with Pixie!

Package discounts include 45% off room only rates, discounted tickets and a FREE pass to your choice of Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach or Disney Quest!

Customize your package by adding days to your stay, upgrading your tickets to park hoppers and choosing your dining plan.

Your package could qualify to enter you in a drawing to win a $250 Disney gift card! (minimum package price $2,000)

For more information on celebrity appearances and events click here

Availability is limited get your free quote today!
*Package requires all elements listed above including 2-night stay, Disney dining plan and 2-day base ticket.
*Rates are subject to availability
*Payment due in full at time of booking

For your free quote email [email protected] or go to Pixie Vacations

Save $700 On A Star Wars Weekends Getaway!

Soft Opening for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Soft Opening for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Disneyland – Registration required on Disneyland Annual Passholder website.
Monday, May 23, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 28, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 29, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

More information on Disneyland soft openings HERE.

Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
No Star Tours 2 soft opening dates have been announced yet. Check back for more information.

Military Rates for Disney Cruise Line!

Military Rates for Disney Cruise Line!

Disney Cruise Line is offering special rates for U.S. Military personnel:

10 and 11 night Mediterranean cruises!
Rates are $110 per person, per night (based on double occupancy)
Sail Dates: June 29, 2011, July 9, 2011 and July 20, 2011

You must book by May 8th to take advantage of this offer; subject to availability and qualifications.

Requirements are:
U.S. Military Personnel can experience a magical Disney cruise vacation for less. Embark on an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas and Caribbean on select dates and take advantage of special savings – available for a limited time only.

Military Rates
Special military rates are offered for Active and Retired members of the US Armed Forces Personnel in the following branches.

Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders. Active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify.

* Air Force
* Marines
* Army (including Army National Guard)
* Navy
* Coast Guard
* Reservists (for all branches listed above)
* 100% Permanently Disabled Veterans
* Department of Defense, which includes:
o FBI
o CIA
o National Security Agency (this does not include Homeland Security)
o Secret Service
* Family members classified as ‘active deceased’
* NASA Kennedy Space Center
* NASA Johnson Space Center
* Department of Health and Human Services

The active or retired military personnel must travel in order to receive this offer.

Military Rates for Disney Cruise Line!

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-Ray

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-Ray

Bring home the adventure and share Star Wars with your whole family — when STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment! To be released beginning on September 12 internationally and on September 16 in North America, the nine-disc collection brings the wonder of the entire Saga direct to your living room, where you can revisit all of your favorite Star Wars moments — in gorgeous high definition and with pristine, 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Dive deeper into the universe with an unprecedented 40+ hours of special features, highlighted by never-before-seen content sourced from the Lucasfilm archives.

The comprehensive collection also features numerous deleted, extended and alternate scenes, new documentaries and a cross-section of the countless Star Wars spoofs that have appeared in pop culture over the past three decades. Marking the first time ever that the full Saga is available in one complete collection, STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY also features a coveted peek into the making of the Saga with vintage documentaries, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, prop and costume turnarounds, retrospectives and more.

Episodes I-III and IV-VI will also be available as distinct Blu-ray Trilogy collections.

Fans will get an exclusive first look at some of the collection’s extensive special features at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International — which marks Lucasfilm’s 35th anniversary as a Comic-Con presence. In 1976, the fledgling film company was looking for innovative, grass-roots ways to promote its underdog release, a film no one expected to succeed — a space opera known (at the time) only as Star Wars. One of the first film companies to reach out directly to core audiences by way of fan conventions, Lucasfilm will return to the venue to showcase the full evolution of the epic story with a special first look at STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY.

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY is presented in widescreen with 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Special features include:

 

  • Disc One- Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Two – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Three – Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Four – Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Five – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Six – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
    • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
    • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

     

  • Disc Seven – New! Star Wars Archives: Episodes I-III
    • Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; a flythrough of the Lucasfilm Archives and more

     

  • Disc Eight – New! Star Wars Archives: Episode IV-VI
    • Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more

     

  • Disc Nine – The Star Wars Documentaries
    • NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures… these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world. 
    • NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time. 
    • NEW! Star Wars Spoofs (2011, Color, Apx. 91 Minutes) – The farce is strong with this one! Enjoy a hilarious collection of Star Wars spoofs and parodies that have been created over the years, including outrageous clips from Family Guy, The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother and more – and don’t miss “Weird Al” Yankovic’s one-of-a-kind music video tribute to The Phantom Menace
    • The Making of Star Wars (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. 
    • The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality! 
    • Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams. 
    • Anatomy of a Dewback (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update. 
    • Star Wars Tech (2007, Color, Apx. 46 Minutes) – Exploring the technical aspects of Star Wars vehicles, weapons and gadgetry, Star Wars Tech consults leading scientists in the fields of physics, prosthetics, lasers, engineering and astronomy to examine the plausibility of Star Wars technology based on science as we know it today.
Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-Ray

Things to do while waiting in line at Walt Disney World with your Toddler

waititme
waititme

Things to do while waiting in line at Walt Disney World with your Toddler

As parents we have all been here… You are at Walt Disney World waiting in line in the Florida heat with your family and little ones are restless. They are hanging on the ropes, walking away from the queue to play with something they shouldn’t, or even cutting people in line just so they don’t have to stand there for them must seem like forever.

While we are avid Fast Pass and Touring Plans “Lines” users, and we try to goto the parks on non busy times of the year..If that even exists anymore. We found it hard to keep our little one entertained when we did have to wait in line. From standing in line looking at the other parents I can see we weren’t the only ones.

I was successful with coming up with several ways to keep our toddler busy to help pass the time. I  would like to share with you a list of a few ways to keep your little one preoccupied and happy while you are waiting on having fun on a Disney ride or attraction.

  1. Cheerios on Dental Floss – This idea was given to me by a good friend Michelle. We met her family at the Magic Kingdom about half way through our vacation last spring and she had a ziplock baggie full of these healthy necklaces for the little ones. All she did was take a long piece of dental floss (plain or mint doesn’t matter) and string fruity cheerios through it. You can use Fruit Loops, Chocolate Cheerios, or any other kind of cereal with a hole in the middle. This idea was a life saver! The kids were behaving and cleaning their teeth at the same time. Thanks Shelly!
  2. Coloring Apps on Droid or iPhone – I am an avid Droid user, I tweet, I Stream live video, I listen to Music from Pandora, you name it. It is my lifeline. While we were down at DisneyWorld a few months ago I ran across a few Droid Apps that were perfect for a toddler. One was called Zebrapaint. It is just a basic digital coloring book. Most of our bus rides to and from the park our lass was busy coloring on mommy or daddy’s phone. Toddler Lock was another good one. They both were very effective while standing in line. So check your smart phone and see what kinda apps are available to help keep your kids occupied while standing in line.Quick Tip – Be sure to bring your cell phone charger with you to the park. With a toddler drawing on your phone while waiting in line it will in no time drain your battery, or you can get Energizer Battery Pack to quick charge your batteries.
  3. Doodle Pad or Etch a Sketch – I am sure most of us have several of these in your house. All kids love to draw. Now if you goto a toy store or Toys R Us there are countless flavors of doodle pads available. From Etch a Sketch, to Crayola Glow Station, and even Aqua Doodle these are hours of good fun and small enough to keep in a purse or book bag. It’s a great way to keep your toddler from climbing the walls anywhere, and better than the old pen and paper.
  4. Mini Character Sets – Disney has just about every movie covered as far as a Mini Character Set goes. They are great for around 12$ (or alot of times we catch them on sale for 9$) we get a whole set of Disney Characters to play with. Some of my Disney photos I have posted on the site if you look at the food pictures you will see Disney Princesses or Mini My Little Pony dolls on the table. In the car, at restaurants, waiting in line these are great for both boys and girls. It does wonders for their imagainations too!
  5. Leap Frog Learning Systems – Our little one has grown up on Leap Frog. They do an excellent job teaching kids while having fun at the same time. One of my sweet peas favorite toys is the Leap Frog Scribble & Write. She is learning her upper case and lower case letters, drawing different objects, and playing guessing games. It is very portable and the puppy on there is very cute..Ruff Ruff.. Another great teaching toy is the Leap Frog Leapster Learning Systems. The Leapster handhelds offers a robust learning experience through built-in tutorials and learning levels that adapt automatically to your child’s pace. Its touch screen and stylus help develop motor skills used in writing, while its compact design makes traveling easy. There are tons of teaching games from all kinds of Disney Characters for these systems as long as you don’t mind spending a little money. This was one of the best investments we have ever made for our child!

I hope this small list will help you keep your toddler busy the next time you are waiting in line at one of the Disney Parks. I find that if she is happy it can make for a great day, but if she is fussy it makes for a horrible experience even if it’s at the greatest place on Earth.

If you have any other tips let me know in the comment section below.

>>Chip

Things to do while waiting in line at Walt Disney World with your Toddler

Leaving the Kids at Home

epcotnight
epcotnight

Leaving the Kids at Home

What I’m about to say is such sacrilege that it tears at the very fabric that holds this country together.  In fact, I suggest that you don’t proceed any further without locking the doors and drawing the shades.    It’s this:  I love going to  Disney World without my kids.  There, I’ve said it.  It’s true.  Okay, truth is, I love going with my kids as well.  I love watching their reactions, how excited they are over the smallest thing.  I enjoy the opportunity to slow down with them and not worry about everyday concerns.  But on occasion, I’ve been known to enjoy a grown-up only trip to Disney World and other than a few guilt-inducing moments, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  And I think you should as well.

The first time I told a group of mothers about this, I was a little nervous.  I wondered if they’d judge me.  Perhaps they’d wonder amongst themselves, after I left the room, what other kind of activities I got up to when my children weren’t around.  Maybe I had a bunch of tattoos, drove a motorcycle, and considered Happy Meals a food group!   Perhaps I even–gasp–let my kids play with plastic toys that weren’t age appropriate!  I was understandably concerned, so I let my secret out slowly.

Confessing your love for Disney World in a neighborhood like mine isn’t that big of a deal.  It’s the kind place where people tend to go often. But how, I wondered, would they react if I told them I was going without the kids?  I brought it up one morning at the bus stop, kicking the ground with one of my Mickey Crocs.  “So,”  I said.  “I’m going to Disney World next month with some of my girlfriends.”  “You’re not taking the kids?” a little brunette Midwesterner asked.  “No,”  I answered, a little worried.  “I’ve always wanted to do that,” she replied.  And then she proceeded to tell me about all the things she would do if she went on a trip to Disney without her kids.  And do you know what the surprising thing is?  Almost every parent I’ve mentioned this to has said the same thing:  I’ve always wanted to do that.

Now let me just say up front that I don’t necessarily advocate going to Disney World without your kids if you don’t go that often.   Disney is set up so well for families, it’s a great place to relax and connect.  And it really is a place where you make memories for a lifetime.  But if you’re like me and you have little kids, you can’t help but look at bit longingly at the restaurants and rides you can’t experience with small children, not to mention the thought of relaxing back at the resort.

I think a lot of people who aren’t familiar with Disney World would assume there isn’t a lot for adults to do.  This couldn’t be more wrong.   Besides all the usual activities in the parks, and believe me, this is a big part of why we go, Disney has great restaurants that are more adult-oriented, live music, golfing, spas, and shopping.  I love walking around Epcot at night and while my days of drinking around the world are long gone (okay, I never made it past England; I have the tolerance of a gnat.), I love the atmosphere; it’s a lively, fun place to people watch, entirely different from during the day.  We always make sure we have a couple of great meals and stay a little late after the park closes to enjoy the peace and quiet of a mostly empty park.   Going to Disney with friends or with your spouse/partner is a great way to experience all the things you usually do, but at a slower pace.   It’s also a great way to do something that would bore the kids, like really looking at all the exhibits in Epcot or taking a behind the scenes tour.  Or if you want, you can just lay by the pool and not have to worry that your boys are dunking their sister or who needs more sunscreen.

When I go to Disney without the kids, it’s usually a spur of the moment budget trip.   We’re close enough that we can fly down on a Friday night, stay at a value, and come back that Sunday night.  We can cram a lot of fun into 48 hours.   And sure, I’ve felt a little guilty.  But then I call my husband and the kids are running around laughing  and my husband is confused about the casserole I left for them and I know that we’re all going in a few months and I think, “They’re going to be fine.”   Then I go ride Splash Mountain again for the third time.  I’m not going to say it’s better than going with the kids.  It’s different.   And if you can do it, I say go for it.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a travel agent and a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast. Email her at [email protected] for information on how you can get a free $100, $50, or  $25 Disney gift card when you book a new vacation.  Don’t forget, free dining for August –  September 2011 is now available.

Leaving the Kids at Home