A Visit to the newest American Girl Store

American Girl Comes to Northern California

Ask any girl young or old about their American Girl Doll and watch their face light up. Since the first catalogue debuted in 1986, American Girl has provided inspiring products for each stage of a young girl’s development—from her preschool days of baby dolls and fantasy play through her tween years of self-expression and individuality. Through an array of premium-quality books, dolls, clothes, toys, and accessories, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators. Now the magic of American Girl has come to Northern California with it’s newest store debuting in the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto opening its doors to the public on Nov. 17.

My family and I were lucky enough to be given a special sneak peek at their magical new store. This brand new retail experience boasts a sparkling, two level 15,000 square feet retail site and features a fun, casual environment where girls and their family members and friends can shop for their favorite American Girl products, enjoy lunch and dinner, or an unforgettable dessert in the Bistro where table come complete with high chairs for doll companions. Don’t have your favorite doll with you-not to worry! The store has American Girl dolls that you can borrow for your visit to the store.

The store is definitely tops in full service for the doll lover in us all. In the new Palo Alto store, we found our old favorites from the company’s historical and contemporary lines, along with a wide selection of outfits, accessories, Dress Like Your Doll clothing as well as the best selling books. 

Beyond shopping, girls who want to treat their dolls to a new look can visit the Doll Hair Salon, where they can treat their dolls to a variety of salon services from a new hairdo to pampering to pierced ears.  The Creativi-tees boutique offers girls a chance to create their own stylish tee shirts for themselves and their dolls.  Girl-friendly events and activities based on the American Girl characters and award-winning books will also be available throughout the year.  Having a birthday? American Girl will be happy to help you celebrate the magic of the day in their special party room.

This weekend the store will be offering a wide variety of activities to celebrate their Grand Opening

Grand Opening Information: November 16-17

To reduce guests waiting and observe fire-safety regulations, a ticket system will be used for American Girl Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto grand-opening weekend.

It is recommended to park in parking garage #2

Each person (including children) who wishes to enter the store will receive a ticket with an assigned group number.

Ticket distribution for Saturday admittance begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 16.

Saturday tickets are valid for Saturday only.

Ticket distribution for Sunday admittance begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 17.

Sunday tickets are valid for Sunday only.

Lining up prior to 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 16 and 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 17 will not be permitted.

Overnight camping is not allowed on property.

When the store opens each day, groups will be announced in numerical order for admittance through the American Girl entrance adjacent to California Pizza Kitchen.

You can shop or dine in Stanford Shopping Center until your group number is called, or, should you have a Bistro reservation, you can come directly to the Welcome Table as check-in is allowed two hours prior to your Bistro reservation time, whichever comes first.

Ticket Alerts: Text Messaging will be available providing updates on current group numbers being admitted; details on text messaging will be available onsite.

Signage: 22x28 signs will be located throughout Stanford Shopping Center, providing updates on current group numbers being admitted.

Event staff and security officers will also be able to assist with information on what group numbers are being called.

For those not in the Northern California California_Bay Area, fear not, there are 16 American Girl Doll located throughout the country.  What is American Girl? It’s the celebration of every girl’s potential. American Girl invites each and every girl to dream, grow, aspire, create and imagine and through their dolls, books, outfits and accessories help them embrace who they are today, and what they may become tomorrow.  Shouldn’t this be the dream for every girl? 

 Special thanks to Stephanie Spanos of American Girl for giving our family this exclusive preview of what is sure to become one of our newest favorite outings and for making us feel so welcome.

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Food & Wine Festival at Home - Grass-fed Beef Sliders

So tasty, I had to make it at home!

Although the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ended earlier this week, that doesn't mean the party can’t live on in our hearts and our stomachs.  Probably one of the easiest dishes to make at home was the Grass-fed Beef Slider at the Florida Local booth.  It was served up with Monterey Jack cheese and Sweet and Hot Pickles.  You can make these sliders at home with any ground beef you have available, but eating grass-fed, rather than grain-fed beef, is what makes these sliders stand apart from your every day mini burger.

Great Deals for Universal's Newest Resort!

Who wouldn't like to save an extra 25% at Universal Studios Orlando's newest and only moderate/value resort set to open in 2014? Check out these savings at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

 Discounts begin at 4 nights and rates are valid for travel 9/1 - 10/2/14 and 11/30 - 12/11/14.

$131 per night in a family suite and $90 per night in a standard room!

Travel back to the 1950’s and 60’s for endless family fun at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. With its ideal location and fun retro atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy everything the Universal Orlando Resort has to offer...at a price you are sure to love. The value and moderate accommodations feature family suites (sleeping up to 6) with kitchenettes, and standard rooms (sleeping up to 4).

 Contact our lovely Destinations in Florida Travel Agent Dawn Gosdin for more information!  Destinations in Florida is a Florida based travel agency specializing in Disney and Orlando vacations. Using their services is FREE and will save you time and money while planning your magical vacation. Click here to learn more about Destinations in Florida and request a quote!

Wordless Wednesday - November 13, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

DISNEY SIDE!

Disney Gal Lori:



In Honor of Veteran's Day

As I sit here at my desk, wishing the Flag Retreat ceremony in Walt Disney World would stream live today, I came across this great article. While it did run in the L.A. Times, this is the first time I saw it, I really wanted to share. If you have a moment, give it a read, and I dare you not to get a tear in your eye.

Keeping Disneyland Flag Retreat ceremony alive and well attended

Show us Your #DisneySide With Disney Performing Arts Conservatory

    

#DisneySide Disney Performing Arts-Live Your Dream

      How do you show your #DisneySide? Well if you’re aspiring young performers, you head to Disneyland to become a part of the Disney Performing Arts Conservatory. A few months ago, 40 talented singers, dancers, actors and puppeteers came together to work with the best of the best in Disney mentoring as they lived their dreams with the first ever, one week long, intensive performing arts experience.  A program 6 years in the making and part of the long running Disney Youth Programs, the Disney Performing Arts Conservatory allowed each of these 15-19 year old a chance to see their dreams come alive and experience the magic of performing on the Disney stage.

         Each day started bright and early with daily training in each of the disciplines, but along with the dancing, singing and acting rehearsals came surprises as only Disney can do. 

The Garfield Show DVD Review and Giveaway!

      The Garfield Show: A Purr-fect Life Review      

AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pull up a fork and a great big pan of lasagna-America’s favorite cat Garfield is back in all his ooey-gooey purr-fectness.  Just in time for the holidays comes this latest edition of our mischievous feline in this 6-episode adventure from the Garfield TV show. Join Garfield on his quest to prove that cats and not dogs are a man's best friend. Along the way Garfield must learn that maybe catching mice may not be the master plan he thinks it is. As we all know, Garfield not your run of the mill house cat and he sets out to prove just that as he, goes back in time to discover who his true ancestors were. But it wouldn’t be a Garfield adventure without a few obstacles coming up along the way and our poor kitty soon finds himself with a streak of bad luck, loosing his memory and living like a stray. Do cats in the wild eat lasagna? Well here’s your chance to find out. One lucky Disney Gal reader will win their very own copy of the Garfield Show: A Purr-fect Life. But like Garfield himself, you have to be quick on your feet to enter because this is a one-day only giveaway! This is the perfect stocking stuffer for young and old alike. Just click the link below for your chance to bring the latest adventures of the cat we all long to be right into the comfort of your own home.

Click Here to Win Your Own Garfield Purr-fect Life DVD

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD to review.  All opinions are my own.

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

 

Re-Imagine the Magic - Review by Guest Author Amy Hodges

Disney Cruise Line began in 1998 with what else but The Magic! The Magic launched in the summer so this year, they decided to put her in dry dock for seven weeks for some sprucing up. Seven weeks doesn’t seem very long, does it? According to Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, every piece of carpet was replaced on the ship. There were cosmetic touch ups all around, but why would Disney stop with cosmetic work?

All pictures courtesy of Susan Pazera, momonthemap.com

One of the most dramatic changes is the reimagined children’s spaces. In the Oceaneer’s Club, your kids will find the Avenger’s Academy, Pixie Hollow, the Mickey Mouse Club and one of the most talked about, Andy’s Room from the Toy Story movies.

I don’t know about you, but when I hear over and over about how cool or amazing something is, I begin to doubt the hype. Friends, do not doubt.

Andy’s Room is every bit as amazing as it sounds. You can climb up to Andy’s bed and slide down the Slinky Dog Slide!!! The new

Avenger’s Academy appeals to anyone interested in saving the world!.(There were quite a few heroic children on our cruise!) 

My 13 year old daughter and I were wondering how we could pull off hanging out in Pixie Hollow. As you can imagine there were a LOT of children on our cruise, but the Oceaneer Club still didn’t feel full. There was plenty of room, activities, and attendants.

One of my colleagues wondered aloud why adults would choose a Disney Cruise for an adults-only cruise over the many other lines who cater to adults. Disney has incredible spaces for kids of all ages, through teens, but they haven’t forgotten us grown-up kids either! The adult entertainment district was reimagined into “After Hours” including Fathoms nightclub, O’Gills Pub, and Keys piano lounge. Fathoms is a beautiful space offering comedians and singers. O’Gills is an Irish pub and sports bar, just in case you have someone who doesn’t want to miss a big game on the cruise! Keys might be my favorite. It’s a beautiful intimate piano lounge, with cozy places to sit and enjoy a signature cocktail. I was there at sunset and the view was simply lovely!

And I don’t think you can take a cruise without talking about the food. Our first night we ate in Animator’s Palette and enjoyed the new Drawn to Magic show. I know the previous show was much beloved (and will still be offered) but I was blown away by Drawn to Magic. The show begins with basic sketches being drawn of favorite characters. At our table of 8 we had a great time trying to guess the characters. But as your meal progresses, the scenes become more elaborate and after a visit from the Blue Fairy, they begin to come to life. Wonderful scenes from Disney movies are pieced together culminating with a visit from the one and only Sorcerer Mickey! It does become a little hard to focus on your food, but our dinner was great! Our second night we dined in the new restaurant, Carioca’s. The atmosphere was fun with lanterns all around and scenes from The Three Caballeros. The food has a South American flair. I started with a deep fried lobster croqueta that was unbelievable. I’m hoping to find recipes for the food!!!

Of course being on the water, the Disney Magic has plenty of water fun for everyone! There is an adults only pool, Quiet Cove, and Goofy’s Pool for the whole family. A fantastic addition for the younger set is the Aqua Lab, a large splash area with it’s own slide, the Twist and Spout.

Did I mention water slides? The big challenge is the Aqua Dunk. This slide DROPS YOU THROUGH A TRAP DOOR AND DOWN 37 FEET!!! That’s either the most awesome or most terrifying thought! The Aqua Dunk also goes 20 feet over the side of the ship. Yes. Over the Ocean. One young friend had done the Aqua Dunk 25 times before we had been on the ship 24 hours!!!

I cannot talk about Disney without talking about their commitment to customer service. Every cast member we encountered was helpful and excited about the reimagining. One of the most exciting things about the reimagining of the Magic? Both Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, said there is more reimagining to come to the Magic. The ship is so amazing now, I can’t wait to hear what they’re going to do next!

*Disclosure- Disney Cruise Line provided my daughter and I with a 2-night cruise, flights and transfers to attend the relaunch of the Magic. I was not required to share, and any opinions shared are my own.

Amy is a goofily married mom of 2 teenagers who have inherited her gift for sarcasm. She works in retail and in ministry and can always find a good reason to go to Walt Disney World. Amy has a neglected blog, A Million Boxes (www.amillionboxes.com) or you can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AmyMcHodges.  

Wordless Wednesday - November 6, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

NOVEMBER CALENDAR SHOT!

Disney Gal Judy:

Disney Gal Kelly:

Special Thanks goes out to Deb from Focused on the Magic for
hosting the weekly blog hop!

Silent Sunday 11/3/2013

 

Silent Sunday- In the Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can Disney Throw a Party or What?!

Elegance and Exhibits and Archives, Oh My!

Two weeks ago, Disney Gal Judy was invited on the VIP tour of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives before it was open to the public. Lucky for me, she was able to invite 3 guests to return in the evening for the opening celebration. Judy brought her hubby Paul (A real-life Carl & Ellie from the movie Up) and I brought my daughter Tara.

I had no idea what to expect when the evening started. Being in Chicago, you get used to paying a good amount of money for events and then again for parking. What a wonderful surprise to be able to park and enter absolutely free! And that was only the beginning.

Once our foursome had checked in, we proceeded up the escalators to the event level. To make exhibit viewing hassle-free, Disney had staggered entry times. In the meantime, they had provided bar service and appetizer stations, again absolutely free! Never knew bartenders did not expect tips when the drinks are on the house. I digress...

When 6pm arrived, we were itching to enter the exhibit. In true Disney fashion, the first thing we did was have our picture taken and then we were allowed to proceed. Let the fan-girling begin! The exhibit is set up in sections; starting with Walt's early years through 90 years of Disney history.

Instead of rehashing much of what Judy has written, I want to share my highlights with you by category.

Documents:

This one struck me because I first thought he was talking about school classes since it was for a school paper, but after taking a better look at the picture, he had something completely different in mind.