Disney Writers Unite To Change Lives #GiveKidsTheWorld #TagYoureIt

We Are Teaming Up To Change Lives

Disney Writers United Ice Bucket Challenge

Give Kids The World

Among the various blogging communities there are many groups of dedicated and talented writers that willingly and generously share their time and knowledge to help bring their passions to life.  From crafting to travel to movies to families, these talented writers have opened up their hearts to share with others something that is a part of themselves.  But there is one group that takes this passion to a place where wishes are born and dreams can and do come true with not only the way they so generously give of themselves in their writings and knowledge, but the way they unselfishly give of themselves going above and beyond to help others in times of need. These are The Disney Writers United. To the world, they are the passionate and learned connoisseurs of Disney. It’s that unique belief in the magic, the ability to, as Walt Disney put it, “….believe in a thing all the way, implicitly and unquestionably.”  

This year the members of The Disney Gals and The Adult Side of Disney have joined together with the hope of uniting fellow Disney writers to give something unique back to the community. As Disney enthusiasts we want to spread our own special brand of pixie dust to those who need it most − critically ill children who wish to visit Central Florida’s theme parks.  We are putting forth a challenge to all of our fellow Disney Writers to unite in supporting a cause that is near and dear to each one of us- Give Kids The World.

Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization near Orlando that opened in 1989. Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre, nonprofit “storybook” Village located near Central Florida’s most beloved attractions. Here, children and their families are treated to a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation, complete with accommodations in the Village’s whimsical villas, specialized transportation to the theme parks, attraction tickets, and much more. The resort is designed specifically for families with critically and terminally ill children with special healthcare needs that can't be fulfilled in the normal resort park environment.  The Disney Writers United along with the faculty and staff of Madrone Elementary School in Santa Rosa, CA want the world to know that we are Connected, Committed and Care about the magical families at Give Kids the World. The most magical sound in the world is that of a child’s laughter and that is what fills the air at Give Kids The World Village. 

At the Village, these precious children learn that dreams really do come true, as they and their families are immersed in joy, hope, and non-stop fun for a few unforgettably happy days. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed more than 120,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. This extraordinary, life-changing experience is Give Kids The World’s gift, made possible only through the generosity of dedicated corporations and countless individuals.

If every writer were to give just $5, think of all the dreams that could and will come true.  Please help us support Give Kids The World.  Special thanks to the teachers, staff and parents of Madrone Elementary School for helping to kick off this The Disney Writers United Ice Bucket Challenge today.  Now it’s up to you-whether you stage your own Ice Bucket Challenge, find one of the many other creative ways to come together, or take a moment to visit our fundraising page at Give Kids The World Disney Writers United, think of the difference we could make in the lives of each of these families.  When you’re done, be sure to tag your friends in your video or post and ask them to help you take up this call to action.  Lastly be sure to leave in the comments below a link to your video or post, or let us know that you have joined in with The Disney Gals and The Adult Side of Disney to help make dreams come true. All comments will be entered to win a Disney Gift Basket Assortment full of prizes for young and old alike as well as a $25 Disney Gift Card. Winners will be picked by random number generator on September 1, 2014 at 5:00 pm EST.  Help make dreams come true and show the world what the power of faith, trust and pixie dust is all about. Believe in the Possibilities.....Live Your Dreams!

The Following Disney Writers United Have Accepted the Challenge to Support Give Kids The World and are working with us to Change Lives-One Bucket of Ice Water at a Time!

Gayle Turner                  Disney Gals

Janice Brady                  Adult Side Of Disney

Dawn Gosdin                  Dawns Dorky Diary

Lottie Ferguson              Crunchy Disney Ma
Jill Whitley                    About Jill Happily Ever Awesome
Cheryl Giardi                  Disney Gals

Suzanne Rudge                MapleMouseMama
Kuleen Lashley                The Disney Kids
Courtney Faith Vera        FaveMom
Jindy Lou-Who                Flowers Croon
Amy Kovacs Leto             Pixie Dust Delivery Service
Didi Marie                       DisTherapy
Deb Silhan                      Focused On The Magic

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New Disney California Story Guided Tour at Disney California Adventure Park

Several weeks ago, I shared with our friends over at the Adult Side of Disney about a brand new tour here at the Happiest Place On Earth. Beginning July 17, visitors to Disney’s California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort will have the opportunity to explore the history of California in the early 1900’s  on the "Disney California Story Guided Tour". This newly created 3 hour tour will allow guests to get up close and personal as they explore California’s vibrant history, learn first hand how it influenced and shaped the dreams of a young Walt Disney, as well as be able to learn more about the tales behind the iconic attractions and landmarks that bring Buena Vista Street and California Adventure Park to life.   For the first time, guests will truly be able to travel back in time and get a glimpse into of a California back in the 1920’s and 1930’s just as Walt Disney once did.

The highlight of this tour includes an exclusive look into the members-only 1901 Lounge, two popular Disney California Adventure park attractions*, a special experience at Animation Academy, plus private lunch and a collectible pin.

Other information that will help you when planning for your Disney California Story Guided Tour:

·       Tour is offered daily at 10 a.m. and is approximately three hours long.

·       Theme park admission for Disney California Adventure Park is required to attend the tour.

·       Check-in is located at the Chamber of Commerce, just inside the entrance to Disney California Adventure Park.

·       Attractions and entertainment are subject to availability and may change without notice.

·        Tour Pricing:  $109 per Guest for ages 3+

To find out about a special discount for Disney Rewards Visa and AAA card holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders) call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com/Tours.

Isn’t it time you went to Disneyland, or back to Disneyland?

A View From the Front-The Disneyland Monorail

As part of our series of articles for the Adult Side of Disney, here is this month's installment of free and fun things you can do at  Disneyland® simply for the asking. This month we are riding up front as we hop on board the Monorail.

My first trip aboard the Monorail was in 1959 when it opened as both an attraction that took you on a guided tour through Disneyland.  Originally scheduled to open as part of the original Tomorrowland, Walt Disney himself originally envisioned this sleek transport as the practical form of public transportation of the future.  While at D23 last summer, world renown Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr told the story that The Monorail was one of the original park attractions that he and Walt Disney and worked on. Gurr went on to tell the tale that he was only able to test it one lap around before former President Nixon visited. Nixon and his family went two laps around, accidentally without his secret service. Luckily for all, the Monorail was off and running and continues to thrill visitors to this very day.  I can vividly remember back in 1961 when the tracks were extended and it became a true transportation system as I stepped on board at the station directly in front of the main lobby of the Disneyland Hotel for our ride directly into the Park.  Today there is still no better way for your first glimpse of the Disneyland Resort but did you know that you can do it from the front of the Monorail?   Unlike it’s counterpart in Walt Disney World, although you can no longer ride in the back of the train, the thrill of riding in the front of the Monorail is still available to Disneyland guests merely for the asking. Here are some easy tips to help you along your amazing journey:

Like many other of Disneyland’s Hidden Secrets, it all starts by asking the Cast Member stationed at either the Tomorrowland Station or the Downtown Disney Station. There may be other people who have asked ahead of you. If so, let the cast member know that you are willing to wait for multiple trains in order to be able to ride in the front. Trust me, the wait will be worth it. Before asking, make sure that your party size is within the limit. There is a strict limit of four people, no matter their age or size. If your group is larger than four, not everyone will be able to ride up front.

When given the green light from the Cast Member, make sure that wait in the spot where you are directed to. Wait until the train arrives, and the cast member will check to see if space is available. If so, you will be directed into the front cab of the monorail.

Want to boost your chances of riding in the front quickly? Ride during non peak times, For example, the monorails generally are full to capacity at park opening and closing times, but not many people go to the parks in the middle of the day. Off-peak times offer the best opportunity for a prompt ride in the monorail's front. Then sit back and enjoy the ride and one of the best views in all of Disneyland.  

 There are many insider secrets of free and fun things to do merely for the asking at the Disneyland Resort-from piloting the Mark Twain to sitting in the tinder car of the Disneyland Railroad to sitting in the front of the Monorail, the choices are endless. The only decision you have to make is which one to start with first!