The DVC Mom

Once Upon a Dream: Calendar Shot, Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The theme for the Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop is your Calendar Shot! I've gone with the romance of Disney Cruise Dream's French dining experience 'Remy'. Taken on my cruise this past May, ladies dining at Remy are all presented with a rose "From Monsieur, of course." I took that image and created a dreamy calendar shot to capture the romance of February.

“MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS” ASSEMBLE ON TWITTER

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Okay guys, so this is pretty much the straight press release. I know I swore that I would never do that, but it's Sunday and I feel like being lazy...

“MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS” ASSEMBLE ON TWITTER

MARVEL STUDIOS SPONSORS GLOBAL TWITTER CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD

PARTICIPANTS GET TEASE OF “MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS”

30-SECOND SUPER BOWL SPOT AND CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES

Marvel Studios announced today that they will be sponsoring a Global Twitter Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. (PST) with cast members and the director of their highly anticipated action-adventure “Marvel’s The Avengers,” opening in theaters on May 4, 2012. The 30-minute live tweeting event features writer/director Joss Whedon and cast members Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg.

Fans around the world will be able to participate in the Q&A on Twitter by using the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag. Participating fans will have the opportunity to see a 10-second tease of the 30-second Super Bowl spot that will air during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 on NBC. They will also have a chance to answer “Avengers” trivia for a chance to win “Avengers” prize packs.

International fans will be able to submit questions for the talent in their native language through a global translation tool provided by Ortsbo.com. The chat will be moderated by Marvel’s @Agent_M.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, NickFury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, JeremyRenner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Follow @Avengers on Twitter for more details.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea...

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

FINDING NEMO is returning to theatres across the country, for the first time in 3D!! You can rejoin your fair finned buddies again September 14th, 2012! Remember Fish are Friends, not Food!

And now you can "Like" FINDING NEMO 3D on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingNemo

Tranquility - Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Training Update

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

I posted a new video over on 'Running the Castle' so if you're been following my training for the Royal Family 5K, here's another chance to laugh at me as I waddle my rear down the path.

http://princess5k.blogspot.com/2012/01/back-to-it.html

Valentines Suprises from Disney Floral & Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000

I just adore our friends at Disney Floral and Gifts. They're always coming up with wonderful and enchanting ways to make even more magic at the Disney Parks. Check out the fun treats they've created to surprise your little one at Valentines Day. Personalized and interactive, this valentine is sure to come with the sweetest of memories as you "warm the heart of your little one and create a surprise for Mickey Mouse" too!

Imagine your son or daughter's excitement upon receiving a personalized Valentine from Mickey or Minnie Mouse! This goodie bag comes with their very own pair of mouse ears, a BFF light up lanyard, a character autograph book and pen, an activity set, which includes markers and stickers, and our famous rice crispy treats. YumMMmmm! Mickey Krispie Treats are my favorite decedent Disney snack! I'd like a dozen of those on their own!

However, the goodies aren't all that the Memory Makers have created to thrill your valentine. The recipient will also receive a special invitation from Mickey (or Minnie) Mouse to surprise Mickey Mouse (or Minnie) at the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom® at the Walt Disney World Resort!!! What a fun way to enhance the holiday magic of your winter vacation by hand delivering a valentine that your child made by their very own hand Straight to the Mouse. I wish that there had been an adventure like this when my kids were small.

Visit Disney Floral and Gifts today
to discover all the wonderful Valentine treats available this year!
Many can even be delivered to addresses across the United States.

Mickey's Valentine Surprise packs are available for delivery beginning Saturday January 28, 2012. Magical visits for your child to deliver their special Valentine for Mickey or Minnie at the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom® will take place beginning February 1st and last through February 15th. Let the Disney Memory Makers help you create a moment to remember!

A Light in the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:57:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Are you a Disney Movie Fan? Check out this list of ten upcoming 2012 releases from Disney Motion Pictures! I'm most looking forward to the release of BRAVE, and hope to see it while I'm in Florida at Downtown Disney's new AMC Fork & Screen. Which movie are you most looking forward to?

January 13: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D, also in Disney Digital 3D
February 17: THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
March 9: JOHN CARTER, also in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D
April 20 (Earth Day): CHIMPANZEE (Disneynature)
May 4: MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, also in 3D and IMAX 3D (Marvel Studios)
June 22: BRAVE, also in Disney Digital 3D (Disney/Pixar)
August 15: THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
September 14: FINDING NEMO 3D (Disney/Pixar)
October 5: FRANKENWEENIE, also in Disney Digital 3D
November 12: WRECK-IT RALPH, also in Disney Digital 3D (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

2011 Honors for Disney Cruise Line

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Disney Cruise Line is highly honored by the cruise industry, winning over 50 awards since it's launch in 1998. From operations to dining and entertainment, youth activities and spa facilities DCL continues to be a notch above with it's high end facilities and entertainment. Read on for the list of 2011 honors given to the Disney Cruise Line. As usual, Disney's vision and standards have created a family travel experience that is both luxurious and family friendly. It's no wonder that I'm just dying to get back on board!

2011 Honors:

Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families and the No. 4 Large Ship Cruise Line overall.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine recognized Disney Cruise Line as the No. 3 Medium-Sized Cruise Line.
Cruise Critic recognized the Disney Dream with awards for “Best New Ship” and “Best Inside Cabins” as well as the entire Disney fleet for “Best Standard Cabins.”
Porthole Cruise Magazine named Disney Cruise Line “Best Entertainment,” “Most Family-Oriented Line” and “Best Children’s Programs.”
The Themed Entertainment Association awarded Disney Cruise Line the “Ingenious Use of Technology” award for the new “Animation Magic” show at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy.
Travel Age West awarded Disney Cruise Line an Editor’s Pick award for “Cruise Line Providing the Highest Client Satisfaction (Big Ship)” as part of the 2011 WAVE (Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence) Awards.
A 2011 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Award was given to the Disney Wonder for “Best for Entertainment” in the mid-sized ship category.
The World Waterpark Association presented an Innovation Award to Disney Cruise Line for the AquaDuck.
Cruise International magazine gave Disney Cruise Line the “Best for Kids” award.

A Very Pink New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A little creative editing to toast in the New Year brings #WineWednesday and #WordlessWednesday together.

This display of bottles can be found on board the Disney Dream in the luxurious Champagne Bar Pink! This fantastic bubbly was created especially for the Disney Dream, and will set you back $91 a bottle, or $20 a glass. It's most similar to the Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Rosé and is an absolutely beautiful glass of wine.

Blended from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, this cherry-pink delight is a succulently fruity, supple and aromatic Champagne with fine bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish of extended length. 12% alcohol.

What Are You Doing New Years?

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

It started when I was a little girl, the desire to spend New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World, and Disney... they're the ones who put it into my head. A scene in Carousel of Progress where the family gather's around the TV on New Year's Eve and they're watching all of the festivities that are being "reported" on the celebration at Walt Disney World started the dream. I would get upset back at home because I could never find that station on my TV, I wanted to watch what was going on so very badly. Surely if they showed news coverage in the Carousel of Progress it must be broadcast on my TV, right? Alas, I never found the channel and went year after year without knowing what was going on in the most magical place I knew.

I still haven't made it there for New Year's Eve, but it's on my Disney Bucket List. Just in case you're wondering, or will be in the area on New Years Eve, Disney has offered up this great list of the fantastic activities that you can participate in at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store on Dec. 31, 2011:

Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.

Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.

At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney, there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda. Price is $45 advance purchase – or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.

At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT

Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:04:00 +0000

When out in our hall there arose such a clatter
the men sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.
What to their wonderous eyes should appear,
but Mom in a heap at the bottom of the stair.
Packages and bows scattered all around,
there she lie in pain on the ground.

Yes, folks, at Midnight last night, in an effort to move Santa presents downstairs in a clandestine manner. I fell down the *** **** stairs. So stupid. I really hope nothing in the packages broke. I’m a little bruised and twisted my knee, but overall ok. Just very annoyed with myself.

I hope that everyone out there is having a lovely holiday weekend.

Our Chrismahaunukwanzaka is going well. Everyone has managed to surprise me so far, and I’ve gotten some very nifty things. The family has been together and getting along. Erik is cooking breakfast too so I can rest, it’s going to be a wonderful day.

Happy Holidays!

Take me away!!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:59:00 +0000

I'm so done with the cold and gray here. Let's all run away to the Bahamas!

An Interview With Santa

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

What a special treat for us all today from @Disneybigsis Heather! I'm so thrill to have her on board here at DVC Mom, she continue to brings special and unique holiday warmth to all. It took a lot of effort but she went the extra miles in order to bring you this extra special holiday interview!
~Kristen
----------


@FortuosityGirl and her PaPa at DCA

Everyday when I go to and from work during the Christmas season I pass one of Santa’s houses. I get to see children with an excited glow about them as they wait in line for their visit. Some of them wait with quiet anticipation and others are dancing like elves. I see some of them are dressed up in clothes they would never wear for a dare and others have hair that makes you wonder how much product is in it to keep it looking like that. Passing by Santa’s house is one of my favorite parts of my day. It got me thinking about when I was little and when I would go see Santa. I was always preoccupied with being sure that I would ask for the toy I really wanted. I began to wonder about Santa the man and what he thought of the Christmas season. I stopped in one day and asked if I could ask Santa a few questions. Thankfully, Santa took a few minutes to answer some of my questions:

Me: What is your favorite movie about you?
Santa: Well, as you know I’m pretty busy all year long so I don’t get to see too many movies. Usually the ones about me are shown during my busiest time of the year. But there is one movie that is shown over and over again on my day off after I’m done delivering presents. I really enjoy that one. I’ve delivered plenty of BB guns to boys and girls.

Me: Have you worried about them shooting their eye out?
Santa: Some, but not really.

Me: Since there are so many movies about you, which actor would you like to see portray you in a movie?
Santa: John Wayne. I think he really could keep the reindeer in order. They can be a handful at times.

My dad w/ Santa at the Circle D Ranch in Disneyland

Me: What are the most popular toys this year?
Santa: Mostly electronic games. Like Kinect for Xbox 360. I’ll bet with your hat and your ears you would like to have the Disneyland Adventures game.

Me: What is something you want people to know about you that we may not know?
Santa: Hmmm let me think on that one for a bit. Well, when the parents place their precious child in my arms and they begin to cry I feel so bad for the child. They don’t know me yet. They’re scared. They will get to know me better in the future, but at that moment they are frightened. I give my best smile so the picture can be taken quickly and then they can be happy with their mommies and daddies.

Me: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever been asked to bring someone for Christmas?
Santa: I think I remember the ones better where children want to help other children. Yesterday I had a little boy who wanted me to bring him his own toy factory so he could give children who didn’t have many toys new toys all year long. There was also a little girl who wanted a doctors’ office so she could help all the sick kids feel better and not be sick anymore.

As I was thanking Santa for his time and for all he has done he said to me “You haven’t asked me the most popular question.” I laughed knowing what question he meant. A little nervous for his answer I asked it anyway. He answered with a ho, ho, ho and twinkle in his eye.

Me: Is there always time to get off the naughty list?
Santa: Yes, but mind you it might not take effect until the next year!

Um, I don't want this in my stocking!

As I left Santa’s house I continued to think on past Christmases and even though many things have changed since I was a little girl some things have remained the same. This is still a busy time for all of us, especially Santa. However, whether you get to visit him at a Disney park or on your very own Main Street he is always happy to see you and hear your Christmas wish. I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May you be found on the nice list, your stockings be full, and your dreams be pixie dusted.

All the Holiday Best from @DisneyBigSis and @FortuosityGirl

Dessert Party at Home: Sweet & Drink Pairings

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There's no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

I love to bake at the holidays, but my family really doesn't need the extra calories that it brings. My solution is to entertain! As most of us Disney fans have learned, if you bake it, they will come. So why not through a dessert party at home? Decorate the house with festive trimmings from World Showcase pavilions and show off some of your favorite wines. Set up small dessert stations through your house to keep your guests moving and mingling, each should feature holiday decor and a dessert or wine from it's theme country.

Here are a few of my suggestions for pairing the right wine with your desserts:

Custard and vanilla
Flavors are mild and light, these should be mirrored in both the dessert and the wine. I would pair a sweet Riesling with this, Germany has some wonderful Rieslings, but my favorite is from Washington State and made by Pacific Rim. Sparkling wine is always a hit in my house and what Disney often chooses to pair with desserts at the Food & Wine Festival. Choose an Extra-Dry Sparkler, but in general stay away from anything labeled "Brut" with desserts.

Fruit and spice
Though once only in the realm of German wines, the introduction of Canadian vintages has fueled Ice Wine’s recent, tremendous rise in popularity. A fruity apple and brown butter tart would be the perfect pairing for a silky, ultra sweet Canadian Ice Wine from Inniskillin or Jackson Triggs. "Duncan Heinz Apricot Cream Cake" would also be a spectacular pairing with an Ice Wine.

Chocolates
When pairing sparkling wines with dessert you should remember this rule; as the color of your desserts get darker, so should the wine that you pair with it. If you're serving a deep dark chocolate, nothing quite pairs with it light the Disney cult favorite, Rosa Regale. From the piedmont region of Italy, it's overtones of raspberry and rose petal in this sparkling red brachetto make it a spectacular pair with "Duncan Heinz Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake" with a rich chocolate Glaze.

I hope that this post has helped to give you ideas for your own holiday dessert party! If you try any of my pairings come back and leave me a comment to let me know what you thought. Remember to check out Duncan Hines' website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective

Strolling Through Epcot's Canada

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Dessert at the Contempo Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Like many Disney fans, I have discovered the beauty of the many variety of cupcakes available all around Walt Disney World. Thanks to the Disney Food Blog, I even know about the brilliant Cupcake Crawl they designed designed to put you in a sugar coma by the end of the day. Sadly, I often have to skip out on the sweet goodness because I have issues with sugar. There's one cupcake however I had been wanting to go try for at least three visits and just hadn't gotten there. This was the Black Forest Cupcake at Disney's Contemporary Resort's Contempo Cafe.

Siting beneath the iconic Mary Blair Mosaic, The Contempo Cafe is located on the Grand Canyon Concourse, just to the right of the entrance to Chef Mickey's. This counter service option offers standard counter service fare of pizza and burgers, with a sound addition of the healthier items that Disney has been incorporating into their menus. The thing that struck me however was the with a wide variety of dessert options.

As I browsed the tempting offerings before me I saw it, sitting there amongst the sweet treats was the thing that we had come to the contemporary to try, the Black Forest Cupcake. My husband bought one and we headed to our seat. Contepmo Cafe seats about 114 people in the middle of the concourse, modern tables and chairs are decorated with Mickey icons. However to me, the best part is enjoying a nosh while the monorails slide by a floor above. It's a magic that I remember from my childhood that I will never tire of.

At first I thought that I would have to scrape the giant mountain of frosting off of my half, but as I cut into it Geordon noticed that the center which had been hollowed out to make room for the cherries, was upside down on the main cake which created a base for the mound of vanilla buttercream frosting. Inside of the cake was a delicious tart cherry filling. You can never have enough cherry filling in my book, but it seemed to be enough to balance out the devil's food cake (which I thought was just a tad dry). I had never eaten a cupcake with a fork before, but this decadent, colossal treat was way to big to bite into and more than enough to share.

Though the Black Forest Cupcake is the only one that I tried, the Contemp Cafe' had a sweet to fit just about anyone's palette. It's well worth it to hop off of the monorail at the Contemporary in order to discover the delicious treats available at this Cafe. My husband said that he wants to try the Dos Leches next time we're there. Luckily, I booked our room at the Contemporary! Which sweet treat do you think would be your favorite? Leave me a comment below!

DVC at Grand Floridian Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Oh my gosh! DVCNews.com is tweeting from the Members Annual Meeting and just said this! I am *so* excited that this has been confirmed! Now, I just need to find an extra $3500...

Update from the Orlando Sentinel Here

End of 2013 or 2014 Current Estimate for Opening! I'm getting conflicting reports on the date, but I have a call in to my DVC Guide.

Win with War Horse!!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Check out what I had in my email this morning!

Let WAR HORSE send you on a journey home for the holidays! Now through Sunday, December 11th, tweet a holiday message to your loved ones with #WarHorseMovieAD for a chance to win and you could ring in the New Year with family and friends!

Not on Twitter? You can still enter! Send a holiday greeting to WarHorseSweeps@thainteractive.comalong with your first and last name and a daytime telephone number.

For the official Journey Home Sweepstakes rules visit here

WAR HORSE rides into theatres this Christmas!

The Pickle Tree, Semi-Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I don't have one of these ornaments... but I really want one!

Deck the Halls with Lots of Mickey

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

With many different spiritual beliefs honored by the members of my family, we tend to celebrate the winter festivals all December long.
I'm always happy to celebrate Trees, Santa, Reindeer and Mickey Mouse!
So come take a peek inside my house...

Tale As Old As Time...

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

I'm honestly not a huge fan of the new trend to make everything in 3D. I hated 3D on Pirates, and when given the option, I usually opt to see the regular version of a movie. However, that being said, I loved the look of Disney's Lion King animation in 3D, and I'm expecting the same joy from this one.

Beauty and the Beast used award winning technology at the time to give many scenes the illusion of flying through the depth of a space (think ballroom chandelier). With the detailed shadowing and long view scenes it's obvious that they they wanted to give you as close to that experience and the CAP animators could get. I think that the original work will only be enhanced with the 3D. I know, it's not the popular train of thought, but it's mine. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. It also has the honor of being one of only two animated films included in AFI's "100 Years... 100 Passions" list, that contains the 100 greatest love stories of all time.

I can't wait to see this film again in the theater. I can't wait for more children to get to have the experience. So many children have only seen the Disney classics on video, but you just can't replace the experience of seeing it at the theater. So... Let's Go To The Movies!

In theaters January 13, 2012.
"Like" Beauty and the Beast on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast

So Tinsel!

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:31:00 +0000

It's that time of year again where we deck the halls and gather around the TV. What you say? Why the TV? Because now is the time for some GREAT family programing that passes stories and traditions of Christmas time to our youth. A newer addition to my family's must watch list for holiday bliss includes Disney's “Prep and Landing."

This year we get a whole new adventure from the team of elves that makes Santa's work seem like a breeze “Prep and Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice” will be premiering on ABC MONDAY DEC 5 8:30|7:30c. Hoorah! I can't wait! This new adventure follows our friends the Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne. As the Big 2-5 fast approaches, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Kid! Sounds like he'll be on the naughty list to me!

Head on over to ABC's "Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice" website where you can watch clips, special webisodes, take the quiz to see which list you're on, and look up all you need to know in the Winterpedia! It's SO tinsel.

So, tell me... Are you Naughty or Nice?

Blown Glass Mickey's from Germany

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Toys for Tots Walt Disney Style

noreply@blogger.com (~Kristen~ The DVC Mom) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:15:00 +0000

@Disneybigsis Heather is back today for another great holiday post! I hope that your Thanksgiving was wonderful, and that you're decking the halls for the upcoming winter festivities! ~Kristen

This past weekend was Thanksgiving and with its passing it ushers in the holiday season and all of its magic. For the first time in years my whole family was able to decorate our tree and home together. As we were decorating we were reflecting on this year and how even with the challenges we’ve faced, we are very fortunate. We started talking about how we could help make this season a bit more magical for others not as fortunate. Over the years we have collected many wonderful and magical holiday items, but as time has passed some of their magic has faded for us. We remembered donating some Christmas things last year to a local charity and how the person at the drop off area got so choked up he could hardly help us unload the car. We all knew we needed to go through our decorations and donate them as soon as possible so that others might find the magic in them we once saw. This started me thinking of how we could share not just holiday magic with others, but Disney holiday magic.

Over the years my office has had a toy drive to donate toys to Toys for Tots. My daughter and I would go out each year and buy some toys. We would always go to the Disney Store and pick them out. We figured she loved the toys there, so other kids would too. It was always so much fun buying those toys. Until recent years I had no idea of Walt Disney’s connection to the foundation. I should have guessed it though. Toys for Tots has been around since 1947 and has served tens of thousands of children in need over the last 64 years. In 1948, Walt Disney and his animators designed a logo for Toys for Tots that is still used to this day. They were also the creators of the first poster used and distributed to promote awareness of the foundation. In the years since Disney has continued to support the foundation in various ways including financial donations, cast member toy drives, public service announcements and this year’s “Cuddliest Christmas Tree”. The tree is twenty feet high and made of 1,200 Duffy Bears decked out with a Santa hat and matching holiday sweater. These Duffy Bears will be donated to the central Florida chapter of Toys for Tots.

If you would like to help spread a little magic with a toy donation to Toys for Tots yourself you can visit their website https://toysfortots.org to find a local collection area. If you would like to donate to Toys for Tots, but are unable to donate toys this year you can also use your Disney Movie Rewards points. For 100 points Disney Movie rewards will donate a toy or DVD for those point and match it. This can be found in the reward section and is available until December 18 and you can make this donation up to five times.

Another way we as a family like to share a little holiday Disney magic is by taking treats to others. We used to bake goodies, but since becoming gluten free the opportunity to bake all day has lost its appeal. Now we like to make rice krispie treats shaped like Mickey heads. I bought a cookie cutter from Mickey’s Pantry a few years ago at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World. We even dip the ears in chocolate for extra yumminess. It’s always so much fun to see the delight on peoples faces both young and old when they are given a plate of these treats.

At times I have felt that all of the hustle and bustle of the season has unapologetically steamrolled the magic out of the holidays. I really hope that during this holiday season we can all slow down and let our inner child out in a way we usually save for a Disney park. The holidays can be such a magical time and I know many of you have your own way of sharing Disney magic at the holidays and would love to hear about them. Feel free to post them in the comments section below this post. I’m excited to read about what you and your family do. Wishing you all a pixie dusted Chanukah and Christmas!