Guardians of the Galaxy the Next Frozen? YES!

Okay Okay... I am going to go out on a limb and make a bold statement.  I think Guardians of the Galaxy has potential to be the next big hit for Disney, on the same scale of Frozen. I know.. some of you might be scratching your head. They are two totally different movies...  animated versus live-action... singing versus violence. My husband differs with me too.  He thinks it will be the next big comic book movie like Avengers, lacking the mass appeal like Frozen had.
I think Guardians will be the next Frozen because it will be a bigger hit than expected like Frozen. I predict that the merchandise will be hard to find once the word is out. I remember Frozen merchandise on the shelves before the movie hit theaters. Soon after Christmas it was near impossible (and still is) to find an Elsa doll.  We bought David an Olaf on our last Disney trip before the movie was released, because David just thought he was cute. Right now David has the same fixation with Rocket Raccoon. I highly suggest if you have a little one who is the least bit interested in the movie, buy the toys now, and save them for a special occasion later. (a sidenote: my husband and I collect action figures so this is coming from a collectors point of view)  We did.  Bonus: Target has great toy sale going on this week.  All toys (except for Legos) are buy one get one 40 percent this week
Another reason, this might be the first time that Marvel characters can appear at Disney World. Due to the Marvel contract with Universal, characters associated with the Guardians movie are not covered or mentioned.  If the movie becomes as popular as Frozen perhaps in the upcoming months we can hope to some of them in the park.  This would be great for my little boy, who seems very burned out on Frozen sing-a-longs. (However Mommy will never give up Let it Go- and will continue to conduct my own private sing-a-longs.)
Guardians is already getting rave reviews.  According to Rotten Tomatoes, it already has a higher top critic rating then Frozen. It has a great cast attached to it.  My son recognizes Star Lord's voice as Emmet from the Lego Movie. The unique characters like Rocket Raccoon and Groot fascinate him.
We already have a family movie date set in the upcoming weeks.  Grandpa (aka my Dad) is tagging along too.  My husband has fond memories of reading Rocket Raccoon comics when he was young and is excited to share it with David.  This should be a fun family experience!  I should note that this movie has a PG-13 rating, may not be suitable for a younger audience.  Frozen has a PG rating.  I am not opposed to letting my toddler watch this movie. My only concern is he might not have the patience to sit through the movie, but we are going to give a try!
I'll check in a few weeks and let you know if it really is the next Frozen!

Wordless Wednesday! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2013

#WordlessWednesday #Disney #ToyStory #DisneyKids #DisneySide

Family Favorite: Visiting Disney World in the Fall

Our favorite time to visit to Disney is in the fall. Our last 2 trips and our upcoming trip have been between the months of October-December.  We want to take advantage of having a non-school age child and traveling during the non-peaks times.

Pros of Visiting Disney in the Fall

The Weather-In the Fall the temperature is just right. Expect to experience weather from the mid-80s to the mid-70s.  Instead of the usual hot muggy weather Orlando tends to be more mild.  However, it is warn enough for us to feel like we are escaping the Midwest chill.  Bonus: Orlando is not so rainy in the fall.

The Events-There are so many extra events happening at this time of year.  EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival takes place from mid-September-beginning of November.  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (a hard ticket event), which is our family favorite. Christmas themed events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party(a hard ticket event), Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights, Candlelight Processional.  You can't beat a better way to get into the holiday mood then doing it in Disney. 

Plus we got a ton of candy trick or treating at Magic Kingdom during MNSSHP!

The Crowds:  School is in session and not too many families travel during this time period.  Take advantage of it. 

The Characters:  They can be found  in seasonal attire, especially if you catch them during the Christmas or Halloween party.  During this parties it is perfect to meet some of the more obscure characters.  

David and Duffy

Mickey and Minnie at the Grand Floridian

Sales: Fall is prime time to jump on Disney sale promotions.  For our upcoming trip in November we scored free dining.  The year before we jumped on a room discount. It is a great time to take advantage of Disney Discounts. Check the current sales

I should add that I feel like some of the pros of traveling in the Fall can also be the cons.

Just like anywhere the weather can turn sour fast.  I have experienced record heat in October with highs in the upper 90s. And record breaking cold in December where we bought gloves, hats, and sweatshirts in the park because it was frigid!  Just be prepared!

Stay clear of the major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years if you are trying to avoid the crowds.  Must often the park reaches capacity and closes. 

The character meets can be very time consuming.  Jack and Sally were out last year for the Not So Scary Halloween Party and the wait times were over a few hours. 

The promotions sell out fast too.  Often when Disney releases a discount they only release a certain number of rooms at that rate.  You must act fast on a sale! 

In the future I would love to examine our fall family favorites more closely.  I can ramble on about the joys of celebrating Halloween in the park. This is just a quick overview of why we love Fall in the Parks!

Wordless Wednesday

#WordlessWednesday #WDW #Disney #Ariel #LittleMermaid

Happy 20th Anniversary Tower of Terror!

Today is the 20th Anniversary of my favorite Disney World ride!

On July 22, 1994 the ride open at MGM Studios inspired by the "Little Girl Lost" episode of the Twilight Zone.

Here's a unusual piece of Terror history for you.

Mel Brooks was involved in the early development.  The ride started out as a young Frankenstein castle ride in it's conceptual stage.

Personally I love the Twilight Zone theme instead.  Good move, Imagineers!

You can't beat the anticipation of the drop!  

Haunted Mansion special in works for Disney XD

I just heard great news through this Disney Press release!  
Disney XD is in the works of producing an animated Haunted Mansion special.  Horror artist and children's book illustrated Gris Grimly will be the executive producer and art director. 

Also disclosed in this press release, there are three new pilots in the works including one from Jhonen Vasquez, creator of Invader Zim.  The series is called "Very Important House."  The plot from the press release is : 11-year-old Frolie moves into the Very Important House and suddenly finds herself in the role of caretaker of the universe.

I am a huge fan of the Haunted Mansion. I have the only toddler that I know that likes to play Haunted Mansion too.  Our family is so excited for this special.  I think Gris Grimly will give it well deserved treatment.  
Personally been a huge fan of Jhonen Vasquez's work since his Johnny the Homicidal Maniac days.  I am absolutely giddy!

Wordless Wednesday

Pop Century 2008!

Why we don't rent a stroller at Walt Disney World!

Huh?  Did I just say our family doesn't rent a stroller in Disney?  My poor 3 year old, right?  Just kidding we don't make David walk around the World.  I am not cruel but I am cheap!  I believe in bringing your own, even if you're flying!

Why we bring our own?

Cost: In my opinion it is cheaper to buy a nice umbrella stroller.
Typically when we go to Walt Disney World we stay at least 10 days and so far we've been vacationing at the World once a year.  The average price for a stroller rental for our entire stay about $80.  The cost of our Chicco Lightweight stroller $140.  2 trips to Disney and our stroller would be paid for!
Convenience: We can use our stroller at the airport.
Comfort: I have the fussiest child.  Honestly I am not sure David would like a stroller that he is not used too. He even has a name for his stroller, his "cycle" as in motorcycle.

What to look for in a good stroller for travel:

Umbrella Strollers-Especially if you are flying, most airlines will let you check your umbrella stroller at the gate with the wheel chairs. There should not be an additional cost.  Added bonus! Now you would have your stroller with you throughout the airport.  No complaining of the walking.  Those airports have just much walking as Disney!
Lightweight and ease of use:  We shopped for a stroller that was relatively light and easy plus fast to fold.  I don't like to hold up a bus line trying to fold and pack up my stroller.  Plus if you are flying, you will need to fold it up and put it through the x-ray machine.
Cup holder: Our stroller has a cup holder for Mommy and Daddy. David had a strap attached to his stroller in order to keep track of his drink.  The cup holder was easily attached, which also made it easier to fly with. We removed almost all accessories for the plane ride.
Sun Screen:  We were able to easily pack our canopy in our luggage and we're able to pull it out for the parks.
Easy to clean:  I am not going to lie.  David ate most his meals in his stroller and many Mickey Bars.  Many ice cream spills occurred and they were relatively easy to clean up.
Under storage area:  My first time traveling to Disney with a child in stroller was awesome!  Now with the magic bands I am going totally hands free and purse free.  I have a baby bag backpack that hangs over the stroller handles.
Reclining back:  I feel like we scored big with this feature.  Our umbrella reclined all the way back.

Our stroller often doubles as an extra seat

Do you need to spend big bucks on an umbrella stroller?
Nope.  We did because we were in the market for a new stroller.  However, my sister has used a cheap $20 umbrella stroller with most of her kids and it worked out great for her.  If you buy a cheap stroller and don't want to take it back home with you, share the love and pass it on to another family.

I am not totally anti-stroller rental.  Rentals would work great for shorter stays, infrequent trips, and multiple kids in strollers.  Some of the stroller rental company also offer other baby items to rent like cribs, nicer pack n plays. Some will also provide a large case of water with your rental for a cost.

Happy travels!

Family Favorite: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Family Favorite Thursdays!

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is our family favorite restaurant. 

I have eaten there 4 times with my husband on all 4 of our Disney trips, and back in 1999 with my Mom and Dad. 

Why is it a family favorite?

The atmosphere!  You just can't bet beat eating dinner in classic car.  

There is picnic table seating in the back of the place but why do that when you are surrounded by cool retro cars.  When making our reservation we always make sure to note we want a car.  Be warned if you are a smaller party must likely you will share a car with other diners.

The movie clips! I swear since I've been dining here since 1999 the movie clips haven't changed. But who cares?!  I don't get tired of seeing trailers for The Blob, and Plan 9 from Outer Space.  Don't forget the News from the Future, clips from the Amazing Colossal Man, plus the bonus intermission breaks!

The Famous All-American Picnic Burger!  I have never really been impressed with the menu at Sci-Fi, until this bad boy came along.  I thought the Angus beef patty topped with a hot dog was excessive then throw on the sauerkraut, onions. Boy oh boy was I wrong.  I finished that burger with no problem!

I highly recommend checking out this restaurant next time when you are at Hollywood Studios.  In my opinion it is an easy reservation to get (when the free dining promo is NOT going on)  About 6 years ago we were able to score a car for a party of 6 the week of our trip, might be unheard of now a days, but worth a try. During Star Wars Weekends the Sci-Fi Dine-In was home to a Star Wars themed character breakfast.  I wish we could have attended that! 

Wordless Wednesday!

Scrapbooking Disney Character Autographs

I hate to admit it but I am not a crafty person.  I am notorious for starting projects and never finishing them. Just recently I completed my first craft project since my days when I dabbled as a college Art Major in early 2000. This time my 3 year old son was a major motivator.  

We took him on his first Walt Disney World trip in October 2013.  One of his favorite activities besides riding Dumbo multiple times so he can fly like Superman, was character meets!  He also loved all the character dance parties. 

 I created my own Disney autograph book by purchasing a small hardcover sketch book with acid free paper.  The one that I used also lays flat when open, which was super easy for the characters to manipulate.  I let David decorate with the stickers of his choice. We brought an assortment of sharpies with us and stored everything in a Ziploc bag, instantly waterproofed! Also I advise you to put your phone number or any other personal information in the book in case it is lost. 

I have been holding onto this Hallmark pre-made scrapbook for almost 7 years... like I said I never can finish a project.  This work nicely for David's autograph collection.  I combined his autographs with the awesome photographs taken with Photopass + .  I just cut out the sketchbook pages and crafted away.  I did debate over scanning the autographs to preserve the original autograph book but this worked nicely for us.  David helped with adding any embellishments to the page like stickers.  Sometimes he almost enjoys looking at the stickers more than the autographs. 

At the end of the scrapbook I put all our Disney maps in separate sleeves.  My soon loves to look through them and point out his favorite rides. 

The scrapbook worked out great for us.  My 3 year old is very hard on the books he looks through.  At  least the pages are protected behind plastic. He has yet to rip, fold, or drool on any of them. 

Very Merry Disney Christmas in July

One of my favorite July events is Hallmark's Ornament Premiere, which is coming up on Saturday July 12. Our family has a huge ornament collection and we look forward to adding to it every year.  

I love to get up extra early in the morning and try to get my hands on some of Hallmark's limited edition ornaments.  This year I have my heart set on the High Flying Hero: The Rocketeer ornament. 

They are offering this neat Mickey Mouse ornament stand to compliment the Disney in Year ornament series.  However I think I might pick it up to display some of our favorite Disney themed Christmas ornaments. It is on sale during the Premiere weekend.

I just noticed that they added this cool Elsa ornament to be released during Hallmark's Holiday Open House event in November.  I would highly recommend putting your name on a list at your local store now to ensure that you get it when it is released. 

Of course they are offering many more Disney themed ornaments.  These are just a few that I have my eyes on. Perhaps closer to Christmas I will have a countdown to Christmas ornament a day post featuring some of family's favorites. 

Check out Hallmark's Dreambook here.  

And here is my disclaimer: Although I used to work for a Hallmark retailer many many years ago, currently I do not. I have not received any compensation for this post.  I am just a fan of their ornaments, and get wait to get my hands on them! :)