Wordless Wednesday - The Letter "F"

Disney Gal Judy:

 

Wordless Wednesday - Disney Attire

Laura:

Disney Gal Roll Call - Favorite Halloween Costume

Tara - my 11 month old Flounder

Moleigh - 2 1/2 year old Ariel

 Kelly:  My children have gone through the princess costumes, complete with tiaras and slippers (not good when it's cold and rainy), and the warm and furry Tigger costume. But my absolute favorite has to be our homemade Ariel and Flounder. My youngest daughter was not quite a year old and was not walking yet, so this was the perfect costume for her. Thank goodness my mom is handy with a sewing machine, I could have never done this myself.

Wordless Wednesday - Disney Storytelling

Tricia:

Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run

The Road to the 5k

aka What Was I Thinking

It’s hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago that I was on a plane with Bob and Zack for a whirlwind trip of a lifetime. I mean who flies across the country just to be a part of something known as Tower of Terror Weekend? Apparently if you live in my house or in the houses of every other Disney Gal, that’s exactly what you do-you jump on a plane and go.  Bob, in fact was supposed to be at his brother’s wedding that weekend but thanks to Kirsten and the magical team at Tink’s, he too was WDW bound. 

So many incredible, first time experiences happened for us in those magical 4 days. First, foremost and always, it was the first time all of the Disney Gals had ever been together!  MNSSHP, the Mom’s Panel Luncheon, Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and yes, the now infamous “What was I thinking when I signed up for this event” The Happy Haunted 5k Trail Fun Run.  I am not a runner, truth be told I am more of a walk with purpose kind of gal but as we all know, I will do anything for a tee shirt-it is always about the tee shirt so far be it from me to pass up a chance to add to my tee shirt collection.  But in my mind, how hard could  this really be?  I mean small children and people much older than I did these types of things all the time so of course I was sure this would be a piece of cake.  After all, it was called a Fun Run so it had to be easy right?

Welcome Autumn Barnes to Guest Author Sunday!

Please join the Disney Gals in welcoming Autumn Barnes to the Guest Author stage today. Today Autumn takes the opportunity to set the stage for her first Disney Park trip with a special needs traveler. She is on her magical Disney vacation as we speak and will be following up this post upon her return. Please join us in following her journey and learning how to prepare for this unique experience right along with her!

First Let's Learn About Autumn:  I am that girl. You know the one you say "oh you're going to Disney? You NEED to talk to my friend Autumn she's a Disney Guru". Yup, I will admit it I am a Disney junkie. I start sentences with things like "It's what I do, It's what I live for, to help poor unfortunate tourists, like yourself, poor souls with noone else to turn to", or throws "hakuna matata" into discussions that have people stressed out. It was recently said by a very dear old friend  "If Aut isn't wearing PSU or Disney gear something is wrong with the universe, or she is in desperate need of a laundry washing day." My nighttime routine is Phineas and Ferb, yes yes I am a bit to old for cartoons but that's ok because they make me happy.

I have been hooked on all thinks Disney as far back as I can remember, and I sucked my awesome military husband Drew into that addiction when we got married. I got his stack of internet security textbooks, piles of computer equipment and language based on tech, he got my pile of Ariel collectible dolls, a mountain of Disney movies, and a joint purchase into DVC two years into our union. I adore helping people learn about the Disney as a whole, but really my true addiction anymore is the parks. Our bucket list contains very few items, to see every Disney theme park, and hotel/resort that is not at a theme park on earth in person. Prior to September 2012 I was just your average Disney trip planning friend that had all their knowledge from trips to WDW or online, but after I was able to help my dental hygienist save a good chunk of money on free dining this fall I caved, listened to what my friends and family had been telling me for years to do and became a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel because I wanted to properly help others save money while having a magical trip and getting to know all the amazing parts of my "second home".   Thanks to taking that course I know have an even better understanding of WDW, and actually know useful things about the parks I haven't been to. 

Traveling to Walt Disney World with a Special Needs Individual

“Walt Disney World Vacation”, usually to most people in their thirties these words brings to mind family vacations with the kids, except in my house. My husband and I don’t have kids, we are in all technicality the definition of “DINK”s. We have several nieces and nephews, but when we travel, it is just us, as we tend to go to Disney during the school year. For us planning a Disney trip means, check the calendar and find a weekend that works for us, find an airfare sale, book a room through DVC, and have the husband drop a leave chit.  There are no worries about missing school, getting kids through security, naptimes, ride height restrictions etc. UNTIL now that is.

Congratulations to Round 2 Moms Panel Applicants

Yesterday was a very exciting day for the Disney Gals.  We were notified who was selected to move on to Round 2 for the 2013 Mickey Moms Panel.

Just in case you're unfamiliar with the Mickey Moms Panel, here is a little tidbit from their website: " The Walt Disney World® Moms Panel is a forum where online 'Moms' answer your questions and offer advice about family vacations to Walt Disney World® Resort... These 'Moms' have been selected to be panelists because they have demonstrated an excellent knowledge of Walt Disney World® Resort. Being familiar with the Parks, Resort hotels, dining and entertainment, shopping, and recreational activities, they can offer the help and tips you need to make your vacation planning a snap."

Having been a finalist for the 2012 Moms Panel, I can tell you that Disney truly makes the applicants demonstrate not only your knowledge of Disney, but also your passion for the parks or other Disney travel as well as your willingness and expertise in planning travel for others.  The application and subsequent rounds ask questions such as "What are the first names of the Sherman brothers?" and "Where do you find your information in planning Disney vacations?"

Today, we want to congratulate all of those who made it to Round 2.  While there are too many to name (but a much smaller number than the original 14,000 or so applications), we would like to especially note a few of those Gals who have been instrumental in this blog.  Congratulations to Beth, Gayle and Jane!!!  We send pixie dusted thoughts to all Round 2ers and can't wait to see you in those "oh so special" pink shirts!

Foodie Friday - Mickey Mummy Cupcakes

It's that time of the year again. Leaves are changing color, football is in full swing and there's a chill in the air. That can only mean...Halloween is just around the corner!

Costumes to make, hayrides, bonfires and of course, PARTIES! It can get so overwhelming to pull together. To make life a bit easier, let me share this Disney dessert that your little goblins (and big ones too) will be sure to love, Mickey Mummy Cupcakes.

What you will need:

1 box cake mix - your choice of flavor

1 can white frosting

eggs

oil

48 nonpareil candies

48 black or brown M&Ms

Ziplock bag or decorator's bag and tip

cupcake liners

Directions:

Make cake mix in accordance with directions on box. Fill 18 - 24 cupcake liners and bake. Let cupcakes cool (30 minutes or so). You can use this time to tint the frosting if you don't want your mummys bright white.

Once cupcakes are cool, frost with a thin layer of frosting. This is to cover any loose crumbs and not let any cupcake show through where your mummy's wrap doesn't cover. On each cupcake, place the 2 nonpareil candies towards the top of the cupcakes (Mickey's ears) so they are sticking out over the edge. You can use a toothpick or knife to cut a small slit in the cupcake to make sticking the nonpareil in a bit easier. Place 2 M&M's (Mickey's eyes) towards the middle of the cupcake.Be sure the "m" stamp is face down.

and the winner is........................

Rebecca Green Bew

Rebecca knew that this photo was taken at the entrance to the Tiki Birds attraction, step up and take a look straight up!

Congratulations Rebecca your prize will be on its way next week!

Wordless Wednesday - Disney Architecture

Disney Gal Beth:

Trip Talk - Contest

It is contest time again!

Where In Disney Are We?

Do you need a hint??

It's in the Magic Kingdom!

Do you have a guess?  

Do you think you know where this is?  

Take a guess and email us:

thedisneygals@gmail.com

Here is the prize package, which includes a Cars Carry-on Bag, Minnie Mouse Water Bottle,  Disney's A Princess Wish Body Wash and a Minnie Mouse Day Planner with pen and Post-It Notes :





We will put all the winning names in a Mickey Mouse Hat and pull a winner on Wednesday, we will post the winner as soon as we know!!!! Good Luck everyone.



Dealing with Disney Depression

It happens to all of us.  You've returned from your magical vacation to the Disney Parks.  You've rested from your fun-filled days, organized the photos, and returned to work when it hits you.  You no longer have a Disney Vacation Countdown!!  You don't even know when you're returning!  That's when Disney Depression sets in... but no worries, friend.  Here are a few tips to get you through until your next countdown begins.

Subscribe to some online blogs and newsletters.  To me, first and foremost, is the Disney Parks Blog.  It's like a daily dose of Disney.  Even better, you'll be one of the first to know about new and exciting events and attractions.  Some others I subscribe to are AllEars.net, which adorns my Inbox every Tuesday and MouseSavers.com, which informs readers about savings each month on the 15th.  Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that you should also subscribe to DisneyGals.com and the Disney Gals Facebook page if you don't already.

Join a support group.  Seriously?  There are support groups for this?  Well, not exactly, but I do belong to several Facebook groups that get me through between trips.  Plus, I've found that my friends in those groups are great with tips and answering questions as well as commiserating that we're not currently at a Disney park.

Read a guide book.  Now, I know a lot about the Disney parks, but I still read these each and every year they come out.  Why?  Well, I often find that I learn something new, but more importantly, it's a little connection back to the parks.  I find that the words and photos transport me back to Pirates of the Caribbean or World Showcase or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  It's a happy, little respite at home.

Start saving.  What better way to feel like you're being proactive than saving for your next Disney trip?  It doesn't have to be a lot.  Throw your spare change in a jar.  Looking for something bigger?  I have opened a savings account just for Disney and put a little money from each paycheck in it.  In addition, I purchase Disney Gift Cards from a local grocery store, which gives me credit toward discounted gas, and hold on to them until the next trip.  Since they can be used for resort stays, tickets, meals, and souvenirs, and can't be raided like cash, they really help.

So, now you know how I survive between trips, but what about you?  I'm sure our readers have ways they keep Disney alive when there is no countdown.  Please share your tips in the comments!!!

- Disney Gal Kim

Gingerbread for Breakfast!

I have a confession; I love talking Disney to people I have never met. I am a Give Kids The World (GKTW) volunteer Angel and talking Disney at the Village is extremely rewarding. GKTW is where families stay for their wish trip. More than 70% of children with life-threatening illnesses have their wish granted to vacation in Orlando and visit the theme parks.

It is tough waking up at 5:00 AM but knowing I am headed to do something I love is worth it. One of my favorite shifts is in the Gingerbread House (GBH) for breakfast.

Gingerbread for breakfast

Wordless Wednesday

October Calendar Shot

Disney Gal Judy:

Food and Wine 2010

My husband and our dog Caleb doing their best Haunted Mansion impression!

My friend Melissa and I both collect Disney Collectible Dolls, we both won a D23 event to be able to purchase Toy Story's Jesse Doll and meet and have Joan Cusack sign it! This was in October 2010.

Trip Talk

Can you survive a Walt Disney World visit with your husband for a
specific reason in less than 40 hours? Yes you can, but can I tell
you how tired I am? Right now I am at work, wishing I was at home
sleeping and as I am typing this I am not even sure it is going to
make any sense.

My husband picked me up from work this past Friday at 4:00 pm and we
were on our way for a much anticipated trip to Walt Disney World. Now
it was not our normal trip, this trip was just to go and meet the
twelve Gals I have come to know through creating this blog. As we
were waiting at the airport I was getting text messaged asking if we
were on our way, where were we? It is nice to know that I was missed!
We were the last of the group to arrive in Orlando as everyone else
had pretty much been there already since Thursday or Friday
morning/afternoon. By the time we picked-up our rental car and got to
our hotel, the Yacht Club and got checked in it was already Saturday,
we set-up a wake-up call and tried to get some sleep. You know that
Disney commercial “I too excited to sleep!” that is how I was, even my
husband said, GO TO SLEEP!

Hakuna Matata Monday-Tower of Terror Weekend!

The Magical Journey of

The Disney Gals

     What do you get when you take 13 gals who have never met face to face and send them on all on the trip of a lifetime to Walt Disney World ? Laughter, tears, squeals of delights and those special hugs that you never want to let go  from-that's what!  For the last 4 days the Disney Gals and many of their family members, along with the Disney Divas and members of the Mom's Panel all gathered together in Orlando for a weekend that none of us will ever forget.  Disney is our magical universal connection. It's the language we all speak.  It's that common bond that even though we had never met in person before this weekend, from the moment we first laid eyes on each other and hugged one another, we immediately felt as though we were with someone we had known all of your life. We were family in every sense of the word. Disney, in every sense of the word, means family, and what a family we were this weekend.