Quantcast
Channel: Disney Christmas – WDW Radio
Viewing all 31 articles
Browse latest View live

Storyboarding Your Life: Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting-Disney Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Page

0
0

by Fran Cassano

Hi Everyone! WDW Radio’s “Christmas in July” is bringing us a lot of goodies. And speaking of treats, who doesn’t love a good gingerbread cookie? A few years ago, Disney posted one of the best recipes for gingerbread I have ever tasted. When I bake these, people always ask for the recipe. For this project, I am sharing the recipe with you, by way of a scrapbook-type page. I often do these kinds of “practical” crafts~crafts that can also be used for a specific purpose. Hopefully this will start a nice tradition of scrapping favorite recipes into your own family cookbook album or as an item to give friends. So, let’s get started, together!

I used the following (but definitely feel free to do a variation that fits your own theme):

  • Glue Lines, tape runner (or similar permanent adhesive)
  • 1 piece 8 1/2 x 11 Disney or other patterned scrapbook paper (or a piece of 12×12 scrapbook paper cut into 8 1/2 x 11)
  • 1 plain Recipe Card (or you can use a stamp like I did, or a template like this)
  • 1 Cookie Recipe. I’m using a Gingerbread Cookie Recipe from Disney’s Grand Floridian, link here (courtesy of Disney Parks).
  • 1 Cookie Sheet embellishment template (I used one courtesy of Scrapbooks Etc., but you can also make your own)
  • 1 piece 8 1/2 x 11 white cardstock
  • 1 small gift card envelope to enclose full, detailed recipe (if desired)
  • Scrap pieces of card stock in your choices of colors for Cookie Sheet and layering. I selected variations of Mickey Reds, artichoke green, browns and silvers.
  • Disney Dimensional Mickey Alphabet Stickers by EK Success (#53-50001) or alphabet stickers of your choice
  • Holiday photos of your choice (I have photos of a wreath, an ornament and cookies)
  • Paper scissors and craft tweezers
  • Decorative edging scissors. I’m using my Mickey edgers.

Instructions:

Let’s start by cutting out your cookie sheet template with the heart cookies and the rolling pin. This time, I am just cutting my papers around the template without outlining because they are so small. Next, I cut out little free-form icings out of white paper for the heart cookies. Affix the pieces all together and put aside.

Next, write a part of the recipe on your cards (here, I actually squeezed the whole thing in). If you have some excess space, use decorative edging scissor for a little bit of texture. I used my Mickey edgers to make a “spiral bound notebook” look. Layer this on top of some card stock. I cut mine with a 1/4 inch edge for the recipe card.

Take the full recipe if desired, and fold it into the gift card envelope and affix to the back side of the page with adhesive.

Then, affix the recipe cards, the cookie sheet and rolling pin to the 8 1/2 x 11 page anywhere you like, leaving room for other embellishments.

Select which holiday photo you would like to use. I ended up using a photo of the finished gingerbread cookies from a previous holiday I made them for. But you can use a wreath or an ornament photo, whatever you like to make it your own.

I wanted to play around with my images, so I cut the individual cookies out of the photo to make a large layering piece embellishment. Deconstructing and then reconstructing a photo is a great way to reframe how you see and display your images. There is no wrong way to do it. Let your imagination guide you. For me, the different sized circles of the cookies are perfect for this. I then rearranged my cookies and affixed them over an artichoke green colored card stock. I cut the paper around the cookies free form just to give them a hint of pop from the page. Add this under the recipe cards on whichever side. (Can you find the Hidden Mickey and/or Hidden Minnie I made from my cookies?)

Finally, take the alphabet stickers and create a title. I went with “let’s make gingerbread COOKIES”. What will you choose?

Now, preheat your oven and make some delicious Disney Gingerbread Cookies for your own “Christmas in July” !

Happy Crafting and Happy Baking!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craft Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes for prep and assembly of Recipe Card page

Fran’s Notes:

~When working with small pieces of card stock and bits of adhesive, I like to use tweezers for more precision. EK Success “Bee” line and Martha Stewart Crafts make excellent tweezers.

~I like writing recipes in my own hand if I’m passing them along. It’s also fun if you let the kids write the recipes, too.

~ If you would like, you can use non-permanent adhesive, so your recipient can remove the recipe card (s) while baking or to put them in their own recipe box.

~This might be a nice idea to incorporate into a holiday cookie swap. Break out all your supplies along with the sugar, flour and eggs. Family (and friend) collaborations like this can become a cherished item to pass down or share with others.

 

Like so many of us, Fran Cassano’s life is sprinkled with Mickeys. From collecting Park brochures as a child, to creating ideas for her own Disney Fairy Tale Wedding, paper crafts have kept the magic of Disney a part of her everyday life. Fran invites us capture our own memories through Storyboarding your Life: Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting Break out the tools that have been gathering dust. And let’s figure out how, together!

The post Storyboarding Your Life: Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting-Disney Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Page appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.


E.P.C.O.T. – Top 5 Out-of-the-Way Disney Holiday Spots

0
0

Efficient Parenting Counsel on Teens

by Blake Taylor

While it’s a little sad to see kids grow out of their “Toy Story” and princesses obsessions as they mature their way to adulthood, one of the many benefits of traveling to Walt Disney World with older kids is being able to experience so much more that you hadn’t been able to see before.  Taking in more thrill rides, sending the kids off by themselves for a couple of hours without worry, staying out later at night…the list goes on.

Another prime example of this is taking in some of the “less-exciting” attractions throughout Disney property that might be deemed dull or boring to preschoolers.  However, with older kids and teens who can tolerate and even find interest in slowing down and learning new things, these experiences can be very rewarding.  Here are my top 5 favorite out-of-the-way places to visit in Walt Disney World during the holiday season of November and December.  They might be a bit of a journey to travel to if you’re not staying at these specific resorts, but they are very much worth seeking out, and are perfect if you’re looking for something to do away from the parks.

5. Yacht Club Train Village

I admit this is the only item on this list I haven’t seen in person, but I wish I had.  From what I’ve seen, this miniature Christmas village complete with a working model train is amazing.  Think the mini German village in Epcot, but all dressed to the nines in its winter finest.  The Yacht Club is within walking distance from Epcot’s “back door,” its International Gateway entrance.

4. Peppermint Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

While this item is technically inside the Magic Kingdom, it still qualifies for this list as being certifiably out of the way from the crowds.  Sleepy Hollow is a counter-service dining window located in a quiet corner of Liberty Square.  The place is notorious for its delicious chocolate-chip cookie ice cream sandwiches, which have scoops of ice cream between two warm, giant cookies.  It’s a little messy, but it’s awesome.  During the Christmas season, the regular vanilla ice cream can be replaced by request with peppermint-flavored ice cream.  Yumorama.

3. Wilderness Lodge Ambiance

The atmosphere of the Wilderness Lodge is serene itself any time of the year, but at Christmas, there’s an extra layer of magic to the air.  The colossal tree and surrounding garland that adorns the lobby makes the perfect backdrop for a calm rest in a rocking chair or couch, away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.  While you’re here, be sure to make a trip to the Villas building to check out the Carolwood Pacific Railroad room—a small, cozy tribute to Walt Disney’s love of trains.  It’s filled with fun pieces of Disney history, and again makes and ideal spot for a quick (or long) rest.  The Wilderness Lodge is a peaceful ferry ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

2. Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House

This is a life-size house made entirely of real gingerbread.  It’s quite something!  It stands in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort, right on the Magic Kingdom monorail line.  While Guests aren’t allowed inside the house, they can take pictures outside of it and admire its exterior detail all they like.  Cast Members sell all sorts of gingerbread items via one of the house’s windows.

1. Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness is one of my favorite Walt Disney World resorts because of its sheer versatility, and at no time is this more apparent than during the Christmas season.  Guests who are using Fort Wilderness as a campsite for their campers and RVs are allowed to set up their own decorations and lights—and they really pull out all the stops.  Wow!  Boy, are they worth making a special trip to see.  Lights, toys, inflatables, a Cinderella Castle made of gingerbread…you name it, someone probably has it.  It’s really quite something.  Being one of my favorite Disney experiences, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue makes a wonderful compliment to a trip to see the campers’ lights.  The show even has some special Christmas elements throughout the program just for the holidays.  It makes for a great ending to a magical night.

What is YOUR favorite, out-of-the way holiday detail to check out when you are in Walt Disney World during the holidays?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Blake recently graduated from high school and has been surrounded by Disney literally since birth, having had a Mickey mobile in his crib.  Blake enjoys helping peers plan WDW vacations and writing for his Disney blog, BlakeOnline.com.

The post E.P.C.O.T. – Top 5 Out-of-the-Way Disney Holiday Spots appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Disney Holiday Items You WISH You Could Bring Home!

0
0

by Makena W.

We all love the Disney Store. It is the connection we need to purchase Disney merchandise… Whether you use the Disney Store’s website or you go to your local mall and stop by the Disney Store (R.I.P my local Disney Store), they have a huge variety of products that show the holiday spirit. When you see this merchandise, you have to decide between buying the ornament or the sweatshirt, the tree topper or the stockings. Most people don’t think about what else they want to see. Here are a few ideas of products I believe Disney should sell around the holidays.

Christmas Fragrance
I am a big fan of the Disney Fragrance collections. The 5 scents released are Imagination, Magic, Pixie Dust, Wonder, and A Princess Wish. Imagination and Wonder were aimed to be candles and room spray rather than perfume.  Magic, Pixie Dust and Princess Wish are better as perfumes. Now, everybody remembers that scent that fills the air when the gingerbread house passes by during the Christmas Parade. Disney should turn this memorable scent into a fragrance! Maybe call it “Clarabelle’s Kitchen” or simply “Holiday.” Pixie Dust right now is my favorite but it would be the gingerbread scent if Disney did sell it.

Mickey’s Bubble Wrap
Who doesn’t love bubble wrap? Everybody has popped bubble wrap before, whether by jumping on it, pinching it, or sitting on it! The enjoyment of popping bubble wrap is indescribable.  But what could make it better? Filling the bubbles with CONFETTI!!! Mickey confetti, to be exact. Just imagine it, you are opening up a gift from one of your relatives and you see bubble wrap surrounding the fragile present. No, not just any bubble wrap, but Disney’s special Christmas bubble wrap called “Mickey’s Bubble Wrap”.  You go to pop a bubble, and notice that instead of being able to see right through the plastic, you see a mix of different colors. You proceed to pop the bubble, and the colors spill out in the form of Mickey confetti! I wouldn’t mind getting just bubble wrap instead of a gift (well, some gifts).

Christmas Disney Dollars
For a limited time, Disney should sell Christmas Disney Dollars. Disney Dollars are now unavailable for purchase at the Disney Store (having been replaced by plastic cards), but I think from November – January they should bring our favorite form of currency back with a holiday theme. They could have a code on them that you can enter online like a gift card so you can use it online too. (Let’s face it. If you have Disney Dollars you are probably not going to want to use them because you have to turn them in.) The characters could be dressed in their outfits celebrating the season and on the back of each bill could be a picture of Cinderella Castle with the twinkling icicle lights and fireworks. I would love that!

Over-sized Christmas wreath
If you have ever seen the Contemporary during the holiday season, you can’t miss the big wreath hanging on the side of the resort. Instead of this decoration being shaped like a simple circle, it is three, which of course make the silhouette of the mouse himself. The Disney Store already sells a regular sized Mickey wreath which I would like to think is inspired by this one, but what if they sold a bigger one? Not as big as the Contemporary’s of course, but a decent size for a tall window. Maybe the “head” of the Mickey Wreath would have a six feet diameter. That might seem big, but some houses have REALLY big windows. It would be great if you could also request a size that they can custom make for you so it fits perfectly in your window.

The next time you go hunting for some Disney Christmas decorations, let your imagination run wild with ideas about different decor.

So, tell me, readers: What Disney Holiday decorations do you wish Disney would develop and sell? Leave a comment below!

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena W.

Quote of The Week: “Haunt me no longer!” Ebenezer Scrooge, Disney’s A Christmas Carol.

The post Disney Holiday Items You WISH You Could Bring Home! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Shop Til You Drop for the Holidays–Disney Style!

0
0

by Emma Godbold

Walt Disney World can be a fabulous place for shopping throughout the year but a visit at Christmas time can find your suitcase bulging at the seams…and if you fly home like us international visitors then you’ll be praying that you haven’t exceeded the weight limit for your luggage!

Guests looking for Christmas decorations outside of the holiday season can head to Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom, It’s a Wonderful Shop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (love that reference!), Die Weihnachts Ecke in Epcot and Disney’s Days of Christmas at Downtown Disney. There’s enough holiday cheer in those shops to have you feeling festive on even the hottest days in July!!

But if you are lucky enough to head to Walt Disney World during the Christmas festivities you will find seasonal goods filling the shelves in almost every merchandise location.

So what can you buy while you’re there for the holidays? Almost anything you can imagine; decorations, candy, clothing, kitchenware, and not forgetting the ever popular Santa hats with Mickey ears! My favourite items to buy are ones that have the year of your visit. Then each Christmas when you hang the item on your tree, wear the t-shirt or count the days down to Christmas you’ll remember the visit you had when the item was purchased.

My favourite WDW places to shop at Christmas? I love the resort gift shops; you can often find little Christmassy things in here that can’t be found in the parks. I love the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile in Wilderness Lodge at Christmas; I think the log cabin effect makes it feel even more seasonal when it is full of festive goodies!

Another place not to miss is the Gingerbread House bake shop at Grand Floridian. You’ve heard of the huge gingerbread house that appears in the lobby of the Grand Floridian each holiday season? Well inside you’ll find a shop selling all kinds of edible Christmas treats.

My favourite shops within the parks which seem to be full of gifts at Christmas time are The Emporium in Magic Kingdom and Mouse Gear at Epcot. I’ve found larger items in Mouse Gear on previous visits that I haven’t seen anywhere else on property. But as I said before, Christmas merchandise is everywhere!

In my previous post I talked about attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Well, Disney sells event-specific merchandise at the parties which you will not be able to get at any other time. Word of warning…some items sell out so if you see something you like BUY IT!! Oh, and be careful of the crowds heading into The Emporium on a party night to buy those exclusive t-shirts and pins!!!

There is a collection of Christmas gifts which cannot be purchased in the actual parks or resorts but can be delivered to you during your WDW stay. The Disney Floral and Gifts department have some amazing festive gifts in their Christmas and Holiday Magic range. Unfortunately I can’t fit the Christmas tree into my suitcase but I’m dreaming that one day my resort room will have a very special visit from Mickey and Minnie. Here’s how this year’s ‘in room celebration’ is described on the Disney Floral website:

“Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse heard you were coming, so they placed a special Christmas sash, (featuring a fabric wreath on one side and a holiday tree on the other) over the door to your Walt Disney World® Resort room. Then, they slipped inside to create a Disney Christmas to remember!

Once inside, you’ll see the glow from luminaries placed around the room. On a table nearby you’ll find the “Toon Town Times,” a holiday Disney newspaper personalized with your family name, filled with stories and ideas for fun activities. But, on the bed, a plush Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in holiday hats, wait for you, each holding a special Christmas package filled with memories and dreams. Mickey’s present is a “Memory Making Box” full of surprises and activities to create special memories in the room and the parks. Minnie’s “Disney Kiss Goodnight” has everything needed to wind down your day with a magical moment to cherish.

All these gifts from Mickey and Minnie are yours to enjoy, both in the parks and in your room – and after you’ve filled your hearts with memories and dreams, these gifts are yours to take home!

Inside Mickey’s “Memory Making Box”:

  • An autograph book and pen for your Christmas “meet and greets”.
  • A Christmas red blanket to sit on when you watch the parade.
  • Two holiday light-up lanyards to wear when the park starts to twinkle.
  • Two Mickey Vision Glasses that turn every burst of firework into a Mickey head.
  • For inside the room, Mickey left you felt ornaments to hang on your door sash tree, to create another memory!
  • Two exclusive Mickey Mouse sleepy time pillowcases.
  • A Disney storybook for a cozy snuggle at bed time.
  • A “wish upon a star” activity, which includes a “pixie-dusted” Swarovski crystal star to create special memories.
  • Plus, one more little box filled with cookie decorating goodies for everyone to enjoy!”

Inside Minnie’s “Disney Kiss Goodnight”:

  • Two exclusive Mickey Mouse sleepy time pillowcases.
  • A Disney storybook for a cozy snuggle at bed time.
  • A “wish upon a star” activity, which includes a “pixie-dusted” Swarovski crystal star to create special memories.
  • Plus, one more little box filled with cookie decorating goodies for everyone to enjoy!”

Doesn’t it sound magical?! We all have to have a Christmas wish, right?

I’ll end this post with a confession to you all. The first year I got to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season I went at the beginning of December. I had planned on completing my Christmas shopping during my two week vacation; treating my family and friends to unique gifts from the World. Know what happened? I spent so much time buying things that caught my eye that I had to go out on Christmas Eve when I arrived back in the UK to finish buying gifts for others! I didn’t make that mistake again; all gift shopping is completed in November before I fly out so that the WDW shopping is all mine!!

Happy shopping everyone xxx

Emma Godbold lives in the East of England and has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a teenager. In between trips, Emma can be found reading about Disney history or researching and planning her next Disney vacation. She also writes her own blog at www.daydreamingdisney.com.

The post Shop Til You Drop for the Holidays–Disney Style! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting: Advent-style Disney Cruise Countdown Calendar

0
0

by Fran Cassano

Hi Everyone! As tradition goes, an Advent calendar is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. So, to “wrap up” the Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting posts for “Christmas in July”, I thought it would be fun to share an Advent-style countdown calendar in anticipation of the WDW Radio Cruise this November.

I used the following (but definitely feel free to do a variation that fits your own theme):

  • 10 White Envelopes
  • Glue Lines or similar adhesive
  • Dimensional foam dots
  • 1 page Disney Cruise Line themed scrapbook paper with titles. Or you can create your own titles.
  • Large scraps of scrapbooking paper and card stock in coordinating colors
  • A print out of the numbers 1 – 10 and “Days Until” on different card stocks. I made mine in Waltograph font (we will cover how to obtain different Disney fonts in a later post). You can also use number stickers.
  • Different sized craft punches for layering (I have a 1 1/4″ square and a slightly larger scalloped square). You can also cut what I use these for, free hand.
  • Large Mickey Silhouette Head Template (Download the one on this page, and in your printing feature, uncheck “fit picture” and use the 3×5 print setting to make a template).
  • Simplicity’s Disney Mickey Mouse Silhouette Ribbon, 1″ wide, 3 yd. long
  • 1 Disney branded treat (think Disney PEZ; licensed cookies or candy from Walmart, Target or local supermarket…) OR
  • Small Disney branded toy, notebook, lip balm, or Silly Bandz

Instructions:

Create a sign using your Disney Cruise Line themed paper. I cut around the wording and borders, reconstructed it into my sign and made it stand out using dimensional foam dots. I also added “Days Until”, so it reads “Days Until Our Disney Cruise”.

Punch or cut out all the numbers and a slightly larger sized layering piece for each. You can also use number stickers for this. Using dimensional foam dots, layer the numbers and pieces together atop the envelopes however you like. I made mine vertical, so I can affix them to the ribbon at a slight angle (much the way you would display holiday cards). This will be your calendar. Now, snip enough ribbon to string the envelopes together in 2 groups of 5.

Next, use your Mickey Silhouette Head template and cut out 10 Mickey Silhouettes out of coordinating card stock scraps. Write a countdown idea for the day on the Mickey. Stuff one each of these into your envelopes. You can even enclose a Disney themed treat or small gift. (I chose some Princess Bandz I got at last year’s D23 Expo).

Here are some ideas to write on your Mickeys:

  • Dedicate a special, Disney themed tote for all your embarkation “Bare Necessities”. Don’t forget a travel bottle or mug (for the drinks area).
  • Make your cruise activities and packing lists…”check them twice”.
  • Create a decorative magnet for your stateroom door.
  • Listen to your favorite Disney songs.
  • Take a picture of your family getting ready for the trip.
  • Make a gift for your Fish Extender group friends.
  • Visit WDWRadio.com for ideas on what you can do aboard the ship.
  • Need to make a pre-cruise order? Use this promo code at DisneyStore.com for Free Shipping on $75 or more: SHIPTODAY
  • Bake some Pillsbury Disney Shape sugar cookies.
  • Watch your favorite nautical themed Disney movie.
  • Enjoy this Mickey-themed treat. (Enclose a packaged Disney item in the envelope).
  • Instead of making Mickey Pancakes this time, make everyone a Disney Parks themed dinner (we love the whole grain, Cars themed Perdue Nuggets).

Next, take the sign and the strung envelopes and hang wherever you like. I like to put my countdown calendars near my table, where we congregate at different times of the day. It’s a great way to get everyone talking about the upcoming Cruise. Where will you hang your Countdown Calendar?

With Warmest Regards and a Merry “Christmas in July” to all! Happy Crafting!

Craft Time: 2 hours start to finish

 

Fran’s Notes:

~You can create a countdown like this for an upcoming Disney Parks trip or any vacation. You can also do this for other holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or even the first day of school. Just change the ideas you write on your Mickeys to celebrate your event.

~You can make however many numbered days you like. I chose 10, because it is the traditional “countdown” number.

 Tell us how YOU countdown to a Disney trip in the comments below!

Like so many of us, Fran Cassano’s life is sprinkled with Mickeys. From collecting Park brochures as a child, to creating ideas for her own Disney Fairy Tale Wedding, paper crafts have kept the magic of Disney a part of her everyday life. Fran invites us capture our own memories through Storyboarding your Life: Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting… Break out the tools that have been gathering dust. And let’s figure out how, together!

The post Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting: Advent-style Disney Cruise Countdown Calendar appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Wanna-be Imagineers: Let’s Create an EPCOT Holiday Parade!

0
0

Everyone loves a parade, right?  And at the holidays, there is nothing more quintessentially magical than sitting on a sidewalk in Disney, with your family on either side, watching a parade go by as you sip some hot chocolate.  You can do it in the Magic Kingdom.  You can do it in Animal Kingdom. You can do it in the Studios (though admittedly, their parade needs some holiday spirit.)  You cannot, however, have that experience in EPCOT.  Not since the demise of Tapestry (sigh… I loved that parade) have we had that experience.

So, let’s be wanna-be Imagineers.  If YOU could help create an EPCOT holiday parade, what would it look like?  Where would it process?  Who would be in it?  Would you have Santa’s on stilts (shout out to the Sage of Time)?  Would there be massive puppets of the Christmas elves?  Would it feature holidays from around the world?  Share YOUR ideas in the comments below!

Merry Christmas in July!

The post Wanna-be Imagineers: Let’s Create an EPCOT Holiday Parade! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

WDW Radio Week in Review for 7/22 & POLL on Storybook Circus SNACKS!

0
0

Here is a quick recap of some of this week’s popular posts, podcasts, videos, events and more:

PODCAST:

VIDEO:

  • WDW Radio Live – July 25, 2012 – Disney Visa, Lion King, Storybook Circus, and More!

ON THE BLOG:

Christmas in July Posts:

  • Check out these FUN and out-of-the-way holiday spots that are definitely worth checking out!

Other Fun Posts:

  • What is it like to be Beci Mahnken?  Kids & Teens writer Annika checks it out!
  • What is it like to run 12 marathons in 12 months?  Check out Joseph Kolinsky’s story!
  • What is the Disney Family Museum like?  Read Anthony’s post for a virtual tour!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SNEAK PEEKS INTO NEXT WEEK:

  • Final week of celebrating Christmas in July on the blog, with posts on how to spread Disney holiday magic back home!
  • Take a peek at Disney and the Olympic Spirit with a Collector’s Corner and Wanna Be Imagineer post

WHERE IN THE WORLD FOR THE WEEK:

Were you watching carefully?  How did Lou caption this picture he posted this week?  Post your answer in the COMMENTS below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLL OF THE WEEK: Inspired by discussions in this week’s newscast:

As Lou discussed in this week’s newscast (see video link above), construction continues at Storybook Circus.  He, Glenn, and Scott brainstormed what kinds of snack foods they would love to see sold at Storybook Circus.   Share your thoughts about the kind of snacks you would like to see sold in the poll below!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The post WDW Radio Week in Review for 7/22 & POLL on Storybook Circus SNACKS! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Disney Holiday Magic OUTSIDE Walt Disney World

0
0

I’ve mentioned in previous posts how you can have Disney magic in your day to day life even when you’re not in Walt Disney World.  This is definitely true when you’re miles away from WDW in December and need some ‘Disney’ in your holiday celebrations.

Luckily, we have WDW Radio podcasts and blog posts to keep us informed of the up-to-date holiday happenings, and of course we have our Disney Christmas decorations from our WDW visits to decorate our homes. But what if you need a little bit more Disney magic at the most wonderful time of the year?

In the UK, we are lucky enough to still have Disney Stores in most major towns and cities. Now these stores might not stock the abundance of merchandise sold in say, Mouse Gear or The Emporium, but it’s still an opportunity to get a Disney fix whilst away from the World.

Last year I had heard from Disney friends that The Disney Store on London’s Oxford Street had been filled with holiday cheer so seeing as I was missing my usual Christmas visit to Walt Disney World, I decided to take a day trip to London to see the magic for myself.

When I arrived I was so glad that I had made the two hour trip to our capital. The staff had really made an effort, and it felt like I was walking into a completely different store. The window displays featured characters, presents and lots of snow! The main feature of the store is the castle and for Christmas this had been covered in twinkling lights and baubles. All the characters around the store had been dressed up in their festive outfits and even the princess area downstairs in the store had been given a very ‘princessy’ pink and silver Christmas tree, nice touch!!

We all know that cast members can really make the magic for us whilst visiting Walt Disney World, and it can be a real pleasure to experience the same enthusiasm from Disney Store cast members. Well, there were certainly plenty of Christmas smiles from cast members that day! Plus the festive music playing in the store made me feel like I was back in the parks.

It was great fun to act like tourists for the day and take lots photos of the decorations in store, soaking up the atmosphere and pretending we were Christmas shopping in WDW. We even picked up some new decorations for our tree.

So the next time you’re missing Walt Disney World during the holiday season take a look around; a little bit of Disney magic may be closer than you think!

 

Emma Godbold lives in the East of England and has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a teenager. In between trips, Emma can be found reading about Disney history or researching and planning her next Disney vacation. She also writes her own blog at www.daydreamingdisney.com.

The post Disney Holiday Magic OUTSIDE Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.


No Castle on This Year’s Christmas Card!

0
0

by Makena W.

When non-locals go to a Disney park, they like to take a lot of pictures. Most parents go down to this magical place with a mission in their head: Create and obtain the perfect Christmas card picture. Now everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY) who has been to Walt Disney World has taken the classic “Whole family in front of Cinderella Castle” picture, which usually ends up being SOMEWHERE on the Christmas card. People who receive Christmas cards with this common– yet spectacular –photograph from friends and family may get bored with the same picture, especially if you visit Walt Disney World every year. Here are some unique Christmas card photo ideas that will give friends and family who always receive a card from a frequent Disney-goer a break from that castle.

Snow People at Downtown Disney
On the walkway between the resort bus stops and the entrance to the Ye Olde Christmas Shop, you will stumble upon a unique group of sculptures. They are statues of snow people, I believe. Yes, I said snow people. It looks like it snowed recently in Florida (the odds!) and some kids came along and made snowmen and women. We have posed with them every visit to Downtown Disney. Obviously, this captures the feeling of the Christmas season any time of the year, which makes it a great place for a Christmas card picture.

Cinderella Fountain
A lot of people miss this fountain. I didn’t even know it was there until my last trip in August! It’s behind the castle and, if you are facing Cinderella’s home, it is to the right. I love the little secret to it-it looks like a normal fountain honoring Cinderella before her fairy godmother came along. The backdrop of the fountain includes swirls of yellow on a shade of coral. Now, if you bow and look at the fountain, you can see that the swirls suddenly make sense and a crown appears on her head. But when a child looks up to the fountain, the crown is already on her head. Why? Because a child never has to bow down to a princess! This cute story is one of my favorite secrets in Magic Kingdom, but it is not only the tale that draws me to it, but also the pure beauty of the sculpture in Cinderella’s likeness. Not a lot of people are around this fountain, which makes it a great place for a picture, along with the loveliness and legend.

Ride Photos
If you have been on a thrill ride at WDW, you know about the camera that is placed at the peak of the attraction-the highest drop on the Tower of Terror, the launch on the Rock N Roller Coaster, when you see the Yeti on Expedition Everest, and more. These pictures are worth a peek when you exit the attraction. Everybody either laughs at the picture or is embarrassed by it. Either way, it shows your true colors, which makes it PERFECT for a Christmas card! Your family and friends would get a kick out of it. You can even strike a special pose to make the picture better (more on that another time).

Brick in MK or Leave a Legacy

On your way to the opening gates at Magic Kingdom, you walk over bricks. If you look down at these bricks, each one has a name date and picture on it. At one time, these bricks were available for purchase and people bought them, whether just as a memory, to propose or just to say you are a part of Disney. Epcot had a similar system called Leave-a-Legacy to commemorate the Millennium celebration. If you were lucky enough to snatch up one of these two offers and took a picture of your family pointing to your brick or picture, it would be the perfect Christmas card! My brother and I had a Leave-a-Legacy in Epcot, and have taken Christmas card pictures before. Sadly, they are slowly getting rid of the Leave a Legacy panels and, on our last trip, ours was surrounded by construction walls. Besides last year, we have always taken a picture with ours and it has been our Christmas card picture once.

Secret trails in Animal Kingdom
Okay, so this is a “go with me here” moment. I am aware that the picture I will be describing in a second is the Tree of Life, but this idea is a different view of it. Throughout Discovery Island, there are trails to wander that lead to nowhere or just in a circle. One of these trails happens to go very close to the Tree of Life-VERY close. Instead of the picture being your family in front of the tree, it would be your family leaning on the base of the tree. You can see the detail in some of the 325 animals that make their home on the tree, and it is probably the closest you can get to the tree without go to see “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.”

 

Speeder Bike
If you have ever seen the 6th Star Wars movie (which I hope most of you have), you would recognize the Speeder Bike across from Tatooine Traders. In the famous scene, Stormtroopers are chasing the rebel alliance in a forest.  This chase is not the conventional foot chase, but instead, they are pursuing them on floating futuristic motorcycle-type things that blend into their surroundings. It’s now your turn to try one. Some people are hesitant to sit on it, but you can. You look like you are in the middle of the fight, so put on your best “bring–it-on” face and wait for the camera to flash!

Epcot Topiaries
If you have ever been lucky enough to visit WDW during Epcot’s Flower Festival, you know what I mean when I say these topiaries are detailed, delicate and delightful to the eye. There are a variety of characters and icons that are scattered about the park, and they definitely live up to what people say about them. The beauty captivates your attention and holds it for a long time: which makes it the perfect subject for a Christmas card photo.  Explore the gardens, find a beautiful topiary surrounded by magnificent flowers and say “cheese”.

Even though some of you may think it is a little early to be thinking about Christmas, this is good information for pictures in general. Some of these pictures my family and I have taken before, not to use as a Christmas card but just because they are fun. Next time you go to the “World”, keep these ideas in mind and remember to bring out the camera when the time comes, whether you use the picture to send to your friends and family or not.

This week’s “Where in the World” picture is in an attraction. Can you guess which one?

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena

How do YOU incorporate Disney into your holiday cards?  Tell us about it in the comments below.

The post No Castle on This Year’s Christmas Card! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

The World that Never Was: Christmas in Africa

0
0

by Josh Taylor

As I discussed last post on The World That Never Was, Epcot was to host several countries that never were built.  In continuing our celebration of Christmas in July, we are looking back at another pavilion we have covered and what you may have seen there during the Holidays at Walt Disney World.

A few months back, I covered one of the biggest pavilions the World Showcase at Epcot would have ever had, and Christmas there would have probably been a giant festivity as well.

Due to British colonialism as well as the spread of Christian beliefs throughout Africa, Christmas is a holiday celebrated throughout the continent and in many different ways.  Because of the different customs, there may have been lots to do within the pavilion, but more than likely, Disney may have selected its favorite of the customs to celebrate.

Christmas has always been a time to give and gifts have been a tradition all over the world since the earliest of celebrations. Africa is no different, but due to the vast economic differences, for some, gift-giving focuses on the necessities of life; church clothes for Christmas morning, soaps, school books, or other practical items may be gifts in some African homes.

Food is a major part of the holiday, which makes me jump for joy.  In Africa, depending on the area, traditional Christmas dinners differ. In most of Eastern Africa, goats are the main course which could be a unique and quality meal for anyone around the world, maybe even the World Showcase. South Africa takes the hot summer approach, bringing out the grill and barbecuing along with a mix of plum puddings and mince pie. Along with the dinner in South Africa, party-goers wear paper hats, a tradition passed on from the British colonial days. Within Liberia, rice, beef, and biscuits are on tap and bring another unique meal to the African Christmas celebration we could have had at Epcot. In Zimbabwe, along with the goat meat, you would have had bread, jam, and tea would in a traditional meal, an example of the British rule of the past mixing with the cultures of the African peoples.

Because of the warm temperatures throughout most of Africa, Christmas dinner would typically be set up outside and invitations to neighbors and family members would be common practice, much like a block party. Games are also played in the afternoon amongst friends and a typical fireworks show would end the night.  One can definitely imagine a Biergarten-inspired seating arrangement at such a meal, with travel parties joining one another to share in the celebration.  No doubt Disney cast members would be on hand to lead the guests in games in between courses.

Unlike most of the Americas and Europe, Africa goes without snow during this time of year, however decorative fake snow is hung around local shops and lights are hung from local palm and mango trees as well as homes and shop fronts. Bells hanging from trees, especially in Liberia, are a common site as well as candles hanging down too.  No doubt, if an Africa pavilion had been built, there would be a very distinct decorative style, to reflect some of these very diverse celebratory styles.  Perhaps souvenir bells would be sold in one of the gift shops, for guests to hang on their trees upon returning home.

What do you think about the possible celebrations in the African pavilion? Would this be a destination for your holiday celebrations? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

 

The post The World that Never Was: Christmas in Africa appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Finding Disney: Christmas Disney Character Albums

0
0

Extraordinary Magic in Everyday Life

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and radio stations are beginning to change their tunes to holiday favorites. If you’re looking for some different variations of classic Christmas music, Disney has produced a number of fun albums over the years. The best are those that highlight a specific franchise or character world, and go to town with the theme. Choosing which characters will sing which songs, altering the occasional lyric to fit each personality, and compiling each soundtrack to be a blend of Christmassy goodness with Disney lore, here are some worth seeking out.

 

Disney's Family Christmas CollectionDisney’s Family Christmas Collection: This was the soundtrack to my childhood Christmas memories. The album features Walt Disney Records veteran Larry Groce, whose voice is heard on many children’s albums Disney produced several decades ago, along with Mickey Mouse and friends for a rousing holiday time. Unlike the other items on this list, this title focuses on simply having a good time rather than comedy, and succeeds in this goal well. A real gem of Disney’s Family Christmas Collection is its voice cast. It includes a fascinating lineup of two major eras in Disney history: Clarence Nash in what has to be one of his final performances as Donald Duck and Wayne Allwine in one of his earliest performances as Mickey Mouse.

 

Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites: Released at the peak of Phineas and Ferb‘s popularity, this album is a bit of a combo. It splits its contents between songs from the Christmas Vacation episode of this hit Disney Channel animated program and new versions of traditional holiday songs. The latter are the most worth purchasing, as they are downright hilarious. They hit the nail right on the head, especially if you’re a fan of this series and its fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek style of humor. The highlight? Dr. Doofenschmirtz deciding what he wants to ask for in the cast rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

 

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together: Not strictly a Disney album if you want to get technical, but we might as well count it part of the family following Disney’s 2004 acquisition of the Muppets. This 1979 title followed a television special of the same name and songs. It’s a nice mixture of the tones of both other albums we’ve mentioned: some songs have that nostalgic feel that Mickey gives off, while others prompt guffaws like the Danville crew. If there’s any ensemble cast that knows how to put on a show, it’s the Muppets. The personalities Jim Henson and the Muppet performers developed these characters to have are so strong that audio without visuals is not a barrier to the enjoyment of their antics, but rather a wonderful new medium from which to do so. I’m particularly fond of Miss Piggy getting outraged when she mistakes Gonzo singing about figgy pudding for, well… piggy pudding.

 

Do you have a favorite Disney Christmas music collection? Make sure to come back next week when we discuss some of the parks’ best holiday albums.

 

 (Image © Disney.)

Blake studies Electronic Media and Film at Appalachian State University. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade in Frontierland and then sprint to Main Street in time to see it again. You can find him on Twitter @olddirtyblake or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post Finding Disney: Christmas Disney Character Albums appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Finding Disney: Christmas Albums from the Disney Parks

0
0

Extraordinary Magic in Everyday Life

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and radio stations are beginning to change their tunes to holiday favorites. If you’re looking for some different variations of classic Christmas music, Disney has produced a number of fun albums over the years. Some of these are exclusive to the theme parks and highlight some of the merriment happening at Disney’s special events. They make perfect gift ideas for Disney fans:

Disney Holiday Wishes AlbumHoliday Wishes: Before Idina Menzel came up with a title for her Christmas collection, Jiminy Cricket lit the night sky with this melodious presentation which is a highlight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The show is an assemblage of majestic holiday favorites. The orchestration is on-par with any Magic Kingdom Park spectacle: grand, regal, and wonderful ear candy. As a bonus, this album comes with the full soundtrack to the now-extinct Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including audio fun from Rafiki, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Mickey. Unfortunately, it excludes other soundbites from MVMCP, such as the parade and stage shows. Those soundtracks are not currently sold.

Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir as Presented at Epcot: Here is the full soundtrack to Epcot‘s annual Christmas pageant. With narration by Phylicia Rashad, the album includes the telling of the Christmas story along with all the songs included in the program. As a plus, this is the only item on this list that isn’t hard to find: In addition to being sold in the parks, it’s also on iTunes and Spotify. Close your eyes, listen away, and you’re right in the middle of it.

A Musical History of Disneyland: All right, so you might have trouble tracking this one down. It was a six-disc boxed set released in 2005 for the fiftieth anniversary of Disneyland. It pretty much has full (and I do mean full) audio for every Disneyland attraction you could ever imagine, and disc six is devoted solely to special events. Included are it’s a small world holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and The Country Bear Christmas Special (so great). You might need to peruse online scrounging to find it, but once you do, A Musical History of Disneyland is a great package, and not just because of the holiday tunes.

(Image © Disney.)

What tunes remind you of Christmastime in the parks the most?

 

 

Blake studies Electronic Media and Film at Appalachian State University. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade in Frontierland and then sprint to Main Street in time to see it again. You can find him on Twitter @olddirtyblake or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post Finding Disney: Christmas Albums from the Disney Parks appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

My Top Ten Disney: Disney Holiday Wish List and Poll!

0
0

image

 

 

 

Wow…  Christmas is only days away!  I really didn’t know what I wanted for Christmas, but then I visited the Disney Store and website… that all changed!  Now I will show you my Disney wish list, and then I’ll give you a poll to answer.

 

___________________________________________________

1. Baymax Plush 

Yes, I still like dolls…  but who wouldn’t want this adorable Baymax plush?  It’s cuddly, soft and just so cute.  It’s been sold out since the week after Big Hero 6 came out, so I’m really hoping I get it!

2. Jim Shore Statues 

Everything he does is so beautiful!  My favorites are the Sleeping Beauty and Lilo & Stitch ones.  There is also a beautiful Tangled and Peter Pan one.

3.  Haunted Mansion Shirts

I’ve never had a t-shirt from my favorite attraction, which needs to change fast!  I love all the Haunted Mansion clothes, even the ones for boys, but my favorite is this one!

4.  Frozen Deluxe Doll Sets 

Oh my goodness!  I really want these two sets: Anna Coronation Deluxe Singing Doll Set  and Anna and Elsa Ice Skating Dolls.  They are just so much like the movie I’m fangirling!  Hehehe! :)

5.  Elsa T-Shirt

This shirt is so beautiful, and I’ve been asking for it for a while now… I would love to wear it in the parks!

6. Artwork

On the Disney Store website I saw these amazing pieces of artwork by Disney artists like Lisa Keene and Noah!  But my favorites are “Memories of Magic” Giclée by Jim Salvati, “Let It Go” by Tim Rogerson and  “Enchanted Rose” by Paige O’Hara.

7. Holiday Plates, Trays and Pillows 

These adorable retro plate sets are amazing, and my mom and I love them!  They also have, in the same style, a pillow, tray and much more!

8. Hiro’s Journal

I only saw this online, and but it looks right up my ally.  It’s supposed to be Hiro’s journal with sketches and ideas for Big Hero 6!  Amazing, right?

9. Disney Parks Attraction Poster Mugs

These cool mugs look like the Disney Parks Attraction Posters!  I’m in love!

10. Disney Alex and Ani

I have a few Alex and Ani bracelets and for my birthday this year, I got a gold one with Mickey ears on it.  Sadly, I lost that one in a football field.  I would really like to get that one again.  I also love the Frozen, Mickey & Minnie and Belle ones.

___________________________________________________

Honorable Mentions

As Lou Mongello and Tim Foster would say – it’s never just ten; there are always honorable mentions!  Let’s see who or what else deserves some recognition.

1. Baymax iPhone Case and Messenger Bag

This case is so cute and the bag matches with it!

2. Pins 

Any pins… I’d like any pins.

3. Into the Woods Soundtrack

I’m so excited for this movie, I’m going on Christmas night!  Having the music will get me even more psyched.

___________________________________________________

Poll Time!

Now here’s a poll for you to vote on!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

___________________________________________________

Well that my last post of 2014 folks!  Thank you to everyone who’s read my stuff this year and I hope you have a great 2015!

What Disney stuff are you asking for this holiday?  Do you celebrate Christmas Disney Style?  Tell me  in the comments below I’d live to hear from you!

Thanks for reading and have a magical holiday season!!! – Ruby 8:)

Ruby is a twelve year old Disney fan, and she credits her mom with starting her early love of Disney. In addition to her enthusiasm for Disney, Ruby enjoys singing and writing. She will be reviewing Disney-related topics that are of interest to younger Disney fans—and their parents and grandparents!

The post My Top Ten Disney: Disney Holiday Wish List and Poll! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Finding Disney on Christmas Morning

0
0

Extraordinary Magic in Everyday Life

Christmas Gingerbread Men-DisneyToday let’s delve into a memory that’s been shared by thousands of people every year—both on Walt Disney World property and in families’ living rooms: the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.

The Walt Disney Company’s involvement in Christmas morning telecasts dates back to the early 1950s, when Walt Disney himself hosted several programs to promote “new” theatrical releases like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. These were the precursor to the long-running Disneyland television series that debuted in 1954 and eventually segued into Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.

Those early-50s specials mainly consisted of clips from classic Disney films and cartoon shorts. (For a fun treat, you’ll find the first, One Hour in Wonderland, as a bonus feature on the Alice in Wonderland DVD and Blu-ray. It’s delightful.) It was not until 1983 that Disney began to air a program similar to what we now see annually on Christmas morning: a spectacular parade broadcast from none other than Walt Disney World. Over the years the parade has gone by several names, including the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade, A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas, and the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. The parade used to air live on Christmas morning, but now is taped several weeks in advance and is split between portions from both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.

Frozen Holiday Wish
This year, hopping on the hot ticket of 2014, the telecast is titled Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration. It will be fun to see how this change of theme adds some freshness to the special. You know many families will be thrilled to see Anna and Elsa on TV Christmas morning.

While the special can feel promotional at times—there are quite a few looks at new park attractions and current Disney movies—it’s become such a tradition for many families and, for some of them, it’s the only sneak peek they get into this magical place that they’ve heard so much about. It offers a glimpse into what Disney brings to its Guests, and you can’t help but sit back and enjoy it, perhaps while reminiscing with your family about your previous Disney trips or your favorite Disney memories.

Watching the parade with family is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Usually we watch it in several sittings due to the business of Christmas morning. It’s still so fun, though, to watch things and remark, “Whoa, that looks cool!” and fantasize about experiencing it, or “Hey, remember that?” and then proceed to recall a treasured memory. For me, Disney’s Christmas morning telecast is a celebration of some of the most special memories of my life.

What’s your favorite part of this 30-year Disney tradition?

 

(Images © Disney.)

Blake studies Electronic Media and Film at Appalachian State University. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade in Frontierland and then sprint to Main Street in time to see it again. You can find him on Twitter @olddirtyblake or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post Finding Disney on Christmas Morning appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

WDW Radio “Blog in Brief”– Christmas at Walt Disney World

0
0

In this WDW Radio Blog Team series, each of our writers will give his/her faced-paced, social-media length impression of the latest Disney topics such as movie premiers, attraction openings, park events and more.


castle lights fireworks - disney

For the December edition of the “Blog in Brief”, the Team is discussing what is or would be their favorite thing about visiting the Walt Disney World Resort at Christmastime.

 

“I’m from Wisconsin and Christmas without snow is a very sad thing.  When I spend Christmas at Walt Disney World, it is sometimes hard to get the complete feeling of Christmas without the snow and cold and that is why I love walking down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom when it magically snows!  The falling “snow” with Cinderella Castle in the background is a very magical moment to enjoy.”

-Alex Larson (It All Started with the Carolwood Pacific)

 

“I always love to see Cinderella Castle decorated for the holiday season! It’s beautiful and is reminiscent of the glistening snow that WDW never gets to experience.”

-Alyssa Schulman (Animatedly Yours)

 

“My husband and I have not been to Walt Disney World over the actual Christmas holiday yet. At some point, we will probably not have Christmas with our family members and travel there instead. I think what we would enjoy is seeing lots of people on Christmas Day all cheerful and happy. Also, it would be fun to see if the parks had anything special on Christmas Day that we haven’t experienced before.”

Alyssa Wiseman (shopDisney)

 

epcot christmas - disney“The Christmas tag at the conclusion of IllumiNations is my favorite part of Disney’s holiday festivities. It is an emotional, powerful moment… if not for the moving “Peace on Earth” song, then for the gargantuan amount of explosives erupting in the sky. It’s incredible.”

-Blake Taylor (Finding Disney)

 

“Being from New York, nothing says Christmas like snow, so my favorite part of Christmas at WDW is watching it snow on Main Street during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.”

-Caitlin Corsello (Disney From The Twenty-Something & Self -Shot Tuesdays)

 

“When I day dream about a Christmas trip to Disney, I imagine that there is so much to do and see that it would be a completely different trip than I’ve ever done before, which is exciting to me.”

-Chris Fox (Armchair Imagineer)

 

Gingerbread - disney“My favorite part about Christmas at Walt Disney World is the Castle Dreamlights. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Cinderella Castle all lit up as long as I live. The Grand Floridian Ginger Bread House is a very close second and must be mentioned!”

-Don Myers (WDW Radio Newswire)

 

“For Sean and I, Christmas in WDW always reminds us of getting engaged. Four years ago this December!”

-Felicia & Sean (A Couple Things Disney)

 

“I can’t wait until I am able to visit Walt Disney World in November or December. There are so many wonderful special events for the holidays. The one I look forward to the most is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, mostly for the snow, hot cocoa, and cookies on Main Street, U.S.A.

-Joshua Shusterman (Military Mouse)

 

“I always love the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.  Nothing else expresses the reason for the season and puts me in the holiday spirit!”

-Kathy & Sean (Looking for Magic)

 

“Whether it is a life-size gingerbread house, a multi-story Christmas tree, millions of dancing lights, a chocolate carousel or numerous other decorations, I love that each one was artistically crafted to perfectly compliment the theme of the park, resort, land or pavilion in which it is displayed.  Each one is so beautiful and makes Christmastime at WDW truly magical.”

-Kendall Foreman (I Have a Craving & Know Disney?)christmas parade - disney

 

“Being a sweet tooth, my favorite thing about Christmas at Walt Disney World is the free hot chocolate and cookies at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!”

-Peyton Spear (Adventure Into the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow & Fantasy)

 

“I’ve never been to Walt Disney World for Christmas, but when I do eventually make it, I would like to hear my favorite musical act, the ‘Dapper Dans’, sing Christmas songs.”

-Richie McNanna (Displaced Disney Dad)

 

“I’ve always wanted to go to Walt Disney World during the holidays! What I think I’d most enjoy is the decorations and treats around the parks and resorts! Also, the awesome merchandise for the holiday season.  Hopefully, next year I’ll be going Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!”

-Ruby (Disney Girl Next Generation Mouseketeer)

 

(Photos ©Disney)

What do you enjoy or think you would enjoy most about visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season?  Please let the Blog Team know in the comments section!

 

 

The post WDW Radio “Blog in Brief” – Christmas at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.


The Longtime Disney Fan’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

0
0

Castle Lights - BlakeOne of the best parts of revisiting Walt Disney World is that there is always something new to discover. Even for the longtime fan who has grown up taking more Disney vacations than they can count, the place is so huge and in a constant state of evolution that there are always unexplored experiences to enjoy. This is especially true if visiting during a time of year you’ve never been before. Disney’s seasonal offerings are top-notch, and for the longest time my family’s Disney trips did not coincide with any special events. This means that as I’ve gotten older and get the opportunity to visit at more festive times of the year, I’m exposed to things completely new to me. It is euphoric to traverse a space you know so well and love so much, but experience it in a completely new way. This is the case for all of Disney property during the holidays, but especially true of Magic Kingdom Park during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I had the privilege of attending my first-ever MVMCP last year. After years of anticipation, here’s what I gleaned from my evening and what every longtime Disney fan (whether you’re a party first-timer or veteran) should keep on their radar.

Let’s get the basic things out of the way… you know, the stuff that you’ll probably find in every MVMCP guide ever written.

  • Separate admission to MVMCP is required to attend. A ticket for a day in Magic Kingdom Park is not the same as a party ticket. However, you do not need a regular park day ticket to attend MVMCP.
  • The party begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until midnight, but your ticket is valid for park entry as early as 4 p.m.
  • The day after the final party of each season (typically the Friday before Christmas), all of the special entertainment for MVMCP is performed during regular park operating hours for all guests. So, if you’re visiting the week before Christmas and thinking about attending that last party, you might just want to save your money.

Now let’s get to the juicy stuff.

MVMCP Big Al - BlakeWhat I imagined my first MVMCP would be and what it actually ended up being were two very different things. Over the years as I made imaginary itineraries for pretend vacations (come on, you’ve done it too… ), my MVMCP plans always favored special entertainment over attractions. In my mind, why waste time with rides that you can experience any time of day when the party’s hours are so limited and there’s so much else to pack in? That was my mindset initially. When I found out I would finally actually be attending MVMCP, it turned out that my visit to the party would be 1.) the main part of this particular Disney visit. It would not be a long stay, and the party would be our only time inside a theme park. 2.) I would be attending with someone who would be visiting Walt Disney World for the first time. This definitely changed what the expectations for the night were. I mean, how could they not, right? This is the only time I’ll have in a park, so of course I’ll want to see some of my favorite attractions. On top of that, if it’s someone’s first time in a Disney park, you can’t simply neglect all of those iconic staples of the park. In planning the night, I quickly became aware of what a challenge it would be to tour in such a way that satisfied both of my goals: create an incredible first Disney visit for my friend and simultaneously experience all of the wonderful Christmas festivities I had dreamed of seeing for years.

This brings me to the most important word of advice I can offer: Decide your priorities. There’s a lot going on during the party. Two major shows, a famous parade, and arguably the resort’s best fireworks spectacular are among the activities that you won’t find anywhere but here. There’s a ton of stuff jam-packed into the night, and it’s truly impossible to see and do everything party-related, much less try to work in regular park attractions into your plans.

I would group the night’s offerings into four categories: the two biggies (the night’s two biggest productions that everyone does and should want to see: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Holiday Wishes fireworks), the shows (namely Celebrate the Season starring Mickey and friends at Cinderella Castle and the more intimate Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, both well produced but slightly less in-demand than the two biggies), the attractions (the park’s rides that also operate all day long), and the characters (many of whom are dressed in special outfits exclusive to the party). (It’s hard to know where A Frozen Holiday Wish, the Castle lighting ceremony, fits within those parameters. Essentially, it’s a short show, but it attracts crowd levels of a major event. I’ll assume that if you’re really into the party stuff, you’ll probably be into this too, but definitely see the earlier showing vs. the later one. My group made it a priority to see it because of the grandeur of seeing the castle transform into ice. Honestly, maybe just place it in a category by itself.)

MVMCP Mickey - BlakePut each of these categories (two biggies, shows, attractions, characters, Frozen) in order and decide which is most important to you. If you’re familiar with the park and with your group’s touring style, you’ll be able to discern a healthy balance of what your priorities are. It might be a little of both. It will also likely mean compromising. Did I get to see everything I wanted? Nope. But, that was ok because I knew what I was giving up was being allocated into a different category that satisfied my friends’ higher priorities (especially with one of them being a Disney first-timer). Our priorities for the evening were, from most important to least important: the two biggies, the attractions, Frozen, the characters, the shows. Here’s how we spliced those up throughout the night. Strategically, we chose about seven attractions we felt were “must-see” for the first-timer and tried to knock these out as soon as we arrived at the park, before we dove into any particular party-specific activities. We caught the first showing of A Frozen Holiday Wish in the midst of our attraction blitz. After those, we knew we could relax and spend the rest of the night enjoying party festivities and lower-priority attractions, making any further character or attraction decisions based on short lines. However, because of our #1 priority, we also knew that no matter what we were doing, we’d stop to accommodate seeing the parade and fireworks.

We attended the second-to-last party of the season. To my understanding, it was sold out, but it never felt terribly crowded.

Our character greetings are good examples of compromise. I love character greetings, but my friends don’t care much for them. However, I did want to take advantage of at least a few of the special character photos for the party because of 1.) the outfits and 2.) like I said, this was our only time in the park and I definitely wanted to meet some characters. Santa Goofy was a great compromise because he’s a fun, playful character but didn’t attract a huge line. We waited 10 minutes, maximum. Mickey was the same way. (And after all, you can’t go to Walt Disney World and not meet Mickey Mouse!)

MVMCP Toy Soldiers - BlakeIf I had been by myself or with a different group, yes, I would have toured very differently. I definitely wouldn’t have missed Celebrate the Season, I would have met a few more characters (especially Uncle Scrooge) even if waiting in their long lines took up a chunk of time, and I might have even seen the parade twice. But… the experience would have been a different one and I would not have made the same memories I did that night. I also wouldn’t have realized just how many attractions were literally walk-ons all night long. Every visit has its own feel, and maximizing the value of each visit comes in determining what can make magic for everyone, not just yourself.  Additionally, I admit our circumstances were a little unusual in that this was our only park time. This was our only chance to do anything, unlike a typical vacation where you might be content with not getting to everything because you can return two days later to see it. Of course, each item you don’t get to is one more excuse to come back!

Being a hard-ticket event requiring a separate party ticket, Disney really pulls out all the stops to make MVMCP feel like an exclusive party different from a typical night in the park (if there is even such a thing). Themed park-wide background music and exquisite lighting projections help give an especially cheery mood to strolling through the park between destinations. Take time to make yourself feel like you’re part of the party. Notice the lighting fixtures (they’re quite impressive!). Stop at the free snack stations for cookies and hot chocolate. Snap a selfie at a photo-op. There are a lot of fun, smaller aspects of the event that can be overlooked in the hustle of soaking in everything else. Enjoy them! Maximize your dollar.

There is a special kind of magic in the air throughout the holiday season at Walt Disney World, and that magic is encapsulated in one blissful, fleeting snapshot in the form of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I hesitate to even use “the M word” because it is admittedly overused to the point of watering down its true impact. However, I am firm in using it here to describe this event. Seeing two dozen toy soldiers that you’ve watched for years on television finally march around the corner of a snow-laden Town Square… there’s just no other word to describe that moment. Magic.

(Images belong to author’s personal collection.)

Have you attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? What’s your biggest tip? Which priority is top for you?

 

Mickey - BlakeBlake studies Electronic Media and Film at Appalachian State University. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade in Frontierland and then sprint to Main Street in time to see it again. You can find him on Twitter @olddirtyblake or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post The Longtime Disney Fan’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

A 12-Day WDW Radio Christmas Extravaganza

0
0

1220ZZ_0273MS-640x420Christmastime is here: the stockings are hung, the tree is aglow, the joy of the season has filled the house.  The big day is only thirteen sleeps away, which means there are only twelve days until Christmas.  While the “The 12 Days of Christmas” traditionally takes place between Christmas and the celebration of Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes, the WDW Radio Blog has decided to bring you a 12-Day Christmas Extravaganza to help you number the days until Christmas.  In the spirit of the well-known song, our writers will be counting up from 1 to 12 as we bring you a numbered, Disney-themed subject on each of the 12 days until Christmas.

 

Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland”

Day 2 – Two New Ways to Experience Walt Disney World

Day 3 – Top Three Places to Buy Disney Décor in Your Hometown

Day 4 – Four Fantastic Walt Disney World Parades

Day 5 – The Five Best Golden (Onion) Rings in Walt Disney World

Day 6 – Six Favorite Local Stores to Purchase Disney Gifts

Day 7 – Seven Star Wars Items to Put on Your Christmas List

Day 8 – Eight Reasons to do the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Day 9 – Nine Disney Christmas Trees

Day 10 – Top Ten Walt Disney World Family Photos

Day 11 – The Eleven Best and Worst Disney Christmas Shows and Specials

Day 12 – The WDW Radio 12 Days of Christmas

 

(Photo ©Disney)

The post A 12-Day WDW Radio Christmas Extravaganza appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland”

0
0

Editor’s Note: In the spirit of the well-known song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, our writers will be counting up from 1 to 12 as we bring you a numbered, Disney-themed subject on each day leading up to Christmas.


 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re kicking off a special blog series by going back to the very beginning.

Over the course of the next 12 days here on WDW Radio, you’ll hear from our blogging team as we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. Each day we’ll be sharing a Disney treat with you dealing with that day’s number. I’m delighted to kick things off today. In honor of the first day of Christmas, today we look back to the first television program ever aired by Disney.

One Hour in WonderlandOne Hour in Wonderland aired December 25, 1950, as a special Christmas Day telecast presented by Coca-Cola. Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Alice in Alice in Wonderland, is hosting a tea party at the Disney Studios to celebrate her film’s upcoming release. She’s invited some friends, including ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, actor Bobby Driscoll (who, in a bit of foreshadowing, would later co-star with Beaumont as the pair voiced Peter Pan and Wendy), and, of course, Walt Disney himself. As partygoers mingle, they discover Walt’s Magic Mirror (which he says a fairy princess gave him during a European expedition… lol), and quicker than you can say “product placement,” the Mirror sends us on a journey through favorite Disney animated moments, occasionally pausing to remind us of the refreshing taste of ice-cold Coca-Cola. (In additional foreshadowing toward Peter Pan, the Mirror is portrayed by Hans Conried, who would later voice Captain Hook.)

Each celebrity requests a favorite movie scene to watch, in what essentially amounts to today’s equivalent of rotating who selects the next YouTube video to watch as a group. We see clips from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Song of the South, as well as a Mickey cartoon and a Pluto cartoon in their entirety. Rounding out the hour is a performance of “Jingle Bells” by the animator band, the Firehouse Five Plus Two, and a preview of the entire “Mad Tea Party” sequence from Alice in Wonderland, which surely must have been a treat for viewers. The whole thing really has little to do with Christmas, but the real marvel here was the chance to see the Disney stars in a place you had never seen them before: television.

The special is truly a snapshot from a different era. Obviously 65 years is a huge gap from the fast pace, quick camera cuts, and high energy we are accustomed to seeing on television today. By today’s standards, the production facet is a bit juvenile (Donald makes a cameo, but is literally made of air, as if there simply wasn’t enough money in the budget to fully animate him). In this brief hour, though, we get a glimpse into that time, not only in terms of the relaxed tone being indicative of the culture at the time, but also in terms of what was going on within Disney. The selection of movie clips tells us what was relevant and popular to families of 1950, while the sheer existence of the program is telling of something else. Television was still an exciting new medium at this point. While many film studios shied away from broadcasting, viewing it as a potential threat to the industry, Walt Disney was a pioneer of embracing the medium to not take away any value from his theatrical efforts, but add value to them.

One Hour in WonderlandIn a world without instant communication or backstage featurettes as Blu-ray bonus features (or even the option to own a movie on any home video platform), television was the audience’s primary way to see anything close to something like this, something that allowed Walt to play host to the inside workings of his studio in this capacity. As a family watching at home, it must have been revolutionary and extremely exciting. One Hour in Wonderland is the very first time we see the “Uncle Walt” persona, and the special set the stage for what would come after it. The program’s format is extremely similar to what would become the weekly television series Disneyland, which would debut in 1954 and act as a major advertising vehicle for the theme park of the same name. This television tradition evolved over the years to become The Wonderful World of Disney, which coincidentally returned to ABC just last night as Dick Van Dyke hosted a screening of Mary Poppins.

In a way, the tradition began by One Hour in Wonderland still continues to this day. ABC airs the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade each year, which essentially serves the same purpose that that initial telecast did: bring holiday cheer to families through favorite Disney moments and sneak peeks into future ones.

While One Hour in Wonderland is certainly one of the lesser-known projects from the Disney vault, you might be surprised to learn you already own it. If any recent edition of Alice in Wonderland is on your shelf (this includes the 2004 “Masterpiece Edition” DVD, the 2010 “Un-Anniversary Edition” DVD, and the 2010 “60th Anniversary” Blu-ray), you will find One Hour in Wonderland included in the bonus material. If you haven’t already done so, take some time this holiday season to enjoy this rare, archival treat.

Stay tuned all this week and next as WDW Radio continues our 12-Day Christmas Extravaganza!

 

Images © Disney.

Mickey - Blake


Blake studies Electronic Media and Film at Appalachian State University. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade in Frontierland and then sprint to Main Street in time to see it again. You can find him on Twitter @olddirtyblake or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland” appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Day 10 – Top Ten Walt Disney World Family Photos

0
0

In the spirit of the well-known song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, our writers will be counting up from 1 to 12 as we bring you a numbered, Disney-themed subject on each day leading up to Christmas.


 

Christmas and Walt Disney World have two important themes in common: family and memory making.  One of the best ways to tie the two together is with photographs.  Whether you own a high-powered DSLR camera or you prefer to shoot selfies on a smartphone, there is no denying Walt Disney World is home to hundreds of amazing and unique backdrops for photo ops.  For WDW fans, what could be better than capturing a perfect family memory for your holiday cards?  Though it is likely too late to take advantage of the following suggestions this year; there is plenty of time between now and next year to plan for and obtain the ideal WDW photograph for your custom greetings.  In addition to being the focal point of your cards, perhaps, one of the holiday shots you snap will turn out to be perfect family photo for your living room wall, computer desktop, smartphone wallpaper, or wherever you choose to display your favorite family pictures.

 

A Frosty Castle in Florida

Though it is an obvious choice, no visit to the Magic Kingdom Park during Christmas would be complete without a family photo backed by the beautiful Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.  While you can have a Photopass photographer capture a shot in a number of locations, you will not find one stationed at this vantage point.  The patio seating areas of Tomorrowland Terrace and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe offer fantastic unobstructed views of the castle, and the restaurants provide enough light to keep your picture from looking blurred in lowlight.  Surrounding tables conveniently serve as a prop/stand for cameras during a timed shot.

IMGP1149

 

Vibrant Victoria Gardens

The Victoria Gardens found in the Canada pavilion at Epcot provide a beautiful and vivid backdrop for a family photo, and there is plenty of space for a group photo.

victoria gardens - kf

 

Enjoying a Favorite Treat

Whether it is a row of little ones lickin’ up melty Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars or the foodie preparing to partake of a delicious pastry, every WDW Fan has a favorite treat and capturing the pure bliss that accompanies the long-awaited enjoyment makes for a great photo.

IMGP1239

 

A Christmas Set-up Just Waiting for You

Throughout the various WDW property at Christmastime, there are fun preset photo areas decked out with holiday topiaries and/or life-size figures that provide whimsical backdrops for a truly Disney-themed picture.

IMGP1035

 

An Exotic Bridge

For those who are known for being happy wanderers or world travelers, the many bridges at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provide exotic backdrops.  Depending upon the angle taken, one can capture beautiful scenes of the river, foliage or authentic architecture. (Note: During construction of the Rivers of Light nighttime show, views may be obstructed.)

IMGP0466

 

The Lonely Snowman

He is quite possibly the most-photographed snowman in the world. This kindly gentleman once had an adoring family, but now he stands alone waiting for yours to stop by for a snapshot with him.  If sunlight sensitive eyes have you squinting in most of the photos you take in the bright Florida sunshine, this location is perfect as it is shaded from all directions by the surrounding buildings.  A heads up about this photo op, you may want to capture yours as soon as possible because Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in a state of change, and this beloved old Christmas friend may have to hurry on his way.

IMGP0264IMGP0794

IMGP3691

IMGP4265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being a Kid

Walt Disney World is known for its attractions, and nothing says kid-at-heart like a silly on-ride photo.  While you can plan ahead and time your pose for the photo taken by Disney, it is also fun to capture a candid shot while waiting in the load/unload area.

IMGP0838

 

 A Towering Fireplace

Whether you prefer a silly family photo donned with ugly Christmas sweaters or a more formal portrait, the immense fireplace in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge provides a truly homey feeling complete with rocking chairs.

IMGP0248

 

A Victorian Christmas

The grandeur of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmastime is unmatched!  A fantastic family photo can be taken in the Lobby near the life-size gingerbread house or ascend the staircase to the second floor where the entire enchanted scene is visible.

gingerbread - kf

 IMGP1112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The International Gateway

Keep your family and friends guessing as to whether you traveled domestically or internationally with a family photo taken at the International Gateway Bridge in Epcot‘s World Showcase.  Spanning the channel between the United Kingdom and France pavilions, this location is perfect for a large family and provides a picturesque backdrop both day and night.

international gateway - kf

 

 

(All photos are from the author’s personal collection.)

 

Where are your favorite places to take family photos in Walt Disney World? Have you ever made a Walt Disney World themed photo card?  Let us know in the comments section below, and be sure to join us tomorrow for Day 11 of the WDW Radio Christmas Extravaganza!

 

Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland”

Day 2 – Two New Ways to Experience Walt Disney World

Day 3 – Top Three Places to Buy Disney Décor in Your Hometown

Day 4 – Four Fantastic Walt Disney World Parades

Day 5 – The Five Best Golden (Onion) Rings in Walt Disney World

Day 6 – Six Favorite Local Stores to Purchase Disney Gifts

Day 7 – Seven Star Wars Items to Put on Your Christmas List

Day 8 – Eight Reasons to do the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Day 9 – Nine Disney Christmas Trees

 

 

KendallKendall is an editor and contributing writer for WDW Radio. She began visiting Walt Disney World in 1991 with her family and has continued to visit the resort with her husband. Her home-away-from-home is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and she believes a perfect day at WDW includes a dip in the Lava Pool, a ride on Splash Mountain and a Pineapple Dole Whip. Follow her on Twitter @kl_foreman.

The post Day 10 – Top Ten Walt Disney World Family Photos appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

‘Twas The Month Before Christmas…

0
0

It’s the month before Christmas, and through the resort, decorations are up of the holiday sort

Garlands and ribbons, baubles and bells – elaborate displays share the spirit so well!

The Castle gets Frozen by Elsa at night; lit up in ice blue, it’s a breathtaking sight.

frozen-castle

Elegant trees towering high o’er the parks light up the place when the skies become dark.

Characters dressed in their winter attire set a standard for dapper to which all can aspire!

christmas-minnie

World Showcase pavilions are decked out in splendor; while taking it in, buy some treats at street vendors.

The Studios light up the Great Movie Ride. Projections appear on the attraction’s outside.

In Animal Kingdom, the African flair gives focus to all of the animals there.

ak-ornaments

Within Magic Kingdom, you see lots of Mickey.  Eat too many cupcakes and your fingers get sticky!

On Main Street you’ll see some toy soldiers in red, with garlands and wreaths hanging right overhead.

main-street

At all the hotels, lobbies have a bright gleam with decorations that fit into their themes.

Houses of gingerbread are selling their wares, which brothers and sisters do not want to share!

All the places you look, there are ornaments shining. It’s lovely to see while you’re sitting and dining.

Inside Disney Springs are a number of trees that showcase the films that we all love to see.

When it comes to décor, Disney World is a treat – you should go take a look since it cannot be beat!

 

(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)

 

Aly Miller is a lifelong Disney fanatic. She recently discovered the WDW Radio Podcast  and became a member of the WDW Radio Nation. When she isn’t obsessing over all things Disney, she and her husband run Chad Miller Auto Care, an independent full service automotive repair shop in San Antonio, TX.

 

The post ‘Twas The Month Before Christmas… appeared first on WDW Radio.

Viewing all 31 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images