I received this app free of charge for the purpose of this review.

My family really liked the movie Cars 2, and afterward, my son had to get any app that was related to the movie.  One of those apps is the Cars 2 Storybook Deluxe.  The app started the story at the celebration the night before the Grand Prix began, so part of the story was missed.  It seemed like a more abrupt start to the story.

The pictures in this app weren’t as rich as pictures in some of the other Disney Storybook Deluxe apps, and I don’t remember seeing any movie clips either.  This is a simpler format than many of their other apps.

This app has some unique extras and some of the extras that we have come to expect from the Storybook Deluxe apps.  For instance, we normally see painting/coloring sheets and puzzles in several of the other apps.  There are a couple of great games included as well.

There is a lot of great detail in these painting sheets.  Quadrants of the photo can be enlarged, but there are still a lot of small areas that are kind of hard for a kid to color.  I like the option of the multi-color button for small kids.  After pressing that, I was able to use my finger to color a section, and the proper colors went into the proper spaces.

The puzzles are like those in most of the Storybook Deluxe apps with different setting for difficulty.  The above puzzle is the “easy” mode.

This is the first game I tried, and let me tell you, I could really get addicted to this game!  It’s like pinball, only with tires.  The object is to sling the tire off Mater’s hook and get it over the poles on the left but keep it between the poles.  Then, the goal is to keep the tire hitting the hubcaps to rack up points by tilting the iPad back-and-forth.

The second game is similar to the old “Simon” game.  The different lights flash (and horns sound) in sequence, and the person playing has to repeat the sequence back in the proper order.  This is also a cool game, but I preferred the hubcaps game.

The Cars 2 Storybook Deluxe app is priced at $5.99 and is available for iPad.  I’m torn on the price.  The games are a lot of fun, but I wasn’t as impressed with the story as I have been with many of the other apps.  Also, the music that is played while the story is being read is kind of overpowering in relation to the story.  We looked for a way to turn off the music and were unable to find one.  This app is really a toss up.  Some really fun parts and a few not-so-great parts.

Disclosure:  I received this app free of charge for the purpose of this review.  I received no other compensation from the provider of this app, nor was I required to give a positive review.  All opinions area 100% mine.

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©Erin Daniels

• Starbucks is here!  (Ok…well, it officially opens on Tuesday.)  But Starbucks has been doing some testing in it’s location on Main Street USA and we have some details for those of you who want to hit up this new spot.  You can’t tell originally that it’s a Starbucks, however, the location serves mostly Starbucks food and merchandise (though in the afternoon, we hear they do bring out a few additional Disney pastries).  Most items are actually included in the dining plan, as a snack credit.  Though they do also have an option to use a Quick Service meal entitlement.  Unfortunately, the famous cinnamon rolls didn’t make the cut, but they can be found at Gaston’s Tavern still.  These are Disney employees.  The location does accept Starbucks cards, however, you cannot redeem your rewards at this location.  Finally, there is no longer any indoor seating, as they needed to make the area bigger for the busy mornings.
• Space Mountain will be seeing some quick closures during the month of September.  It will be closed September 3 – 5, September 10 – 12, and September 23 – 26.
• Also closing for a refurbishment will be Spaceship Earth for one week, from August 18 – 25.

©Disney

• Independence Day is quickly approaching and Disney is letting us in on their plans for the holiday.  As part of Limited Time Magic, from July 1 – 7, the Magic Kingdom will be celebrating in style.  In the afternoon, as pre-parade will take place featuring some of Disney’s best loved characters, (like Goofy, Donald, and Pluto), the Citizens of Main Street, the Main Street Philharmonic, as well as Walt Disney’s horse-drawn calliope.  Each night, the Magic Kingdom will light up the sky with a special showing of Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.  This show will last 15 minutes and include 360 degree fireworks. The fireworks extravaganza will take place at 9 pm. on July 3 and 4, and 10 pm. on July 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. At Epcot, on The Fourth of July only, the park will be introducing “The Voices of Liberty Fourth of July Concert.” This show will not only feature the infamous Voices of Liberty, but will also include the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, as well as Disney characters.  Showtimes are Showtimes are 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, and 3 pm. In addition, the Voices of Liberty will also have two shows in the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 pm and 5 pm. Disney characters will also be found dressed in their Patriotic best.  Over, at Hollywood Studios for the day, catch the all new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.” The party kicks off with a dance party with a DJ spinning tunes at the Sorcerer’s Hat starting at 6 pm. Then enjoy performances from Mulch, Sweat, and Shears.  Make sure not to miss the rock ‘n roll fireworks spectacular at 10:15 pm that night.

©Disney

• Another Summer Limited Time Magic event will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Catch a sneak peek at the upcoming movie The Lone Ranger.  From now, until August 3, over at the ABC Sound Studio (formerly Sounds Dangerous), guests will get to see an extended trailer for the movie, along with some special footage.

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Recently, my family and I were lucky enough to spend the day in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Not knowing what to expect from this port, and traveling with some less-than-adventurous travelers, we opted to do a short bus tour to orient ourselves with the city. The bus tour covered Old and New San Juan. Let me save you the trouble. If you’ve ever been in any big city, you will get the idea of New San Juan. The biggest difference is that there is the ocean, and lots of Burger Kings. I’ve never seen so many Burger King restaurants in one city. But I digress.

There are actually two locations for cruise ships in San Juan. Those coming for the day will dock right in the middle of the action. It’s a beautiful location and cruisers can literally get off of the ship and just walk around and explore. There are also some cruises (Southern Carribean for example) that begin from San Juan. This dock is just at the edge of Old and New San Juan. It might be a bit of a farther walk to the most beautiful areas.

We began our tour of Old San Juan at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. El Morro is an amazingly huge fort that once protected the city. It is huge, and guests couple take a great deal of time exploring and seeing the amazing vistas. After a short ride back to the dock, we took off walking and just explored. Rather than spend more time describing how amazing Old San Juan is, let me show you.

Enjoy this beautiful port city, and make sure if you ever find yourself near San Juan, give yourself time to explore.

Bon Voyage!

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Welcome to another series of blog posts from me, this time featuring some of the best snacks that can be found around Walt Disney World.

Everyone loves a good snack when they’re on vacation.  Whether you just ate and want something for “dessert”, are trying to tide over a meal, want something to take home to remember the trip by, or just because…snacks are one of the best things about a Disney vacation.  (Well, minus the actual attractions.)

Each park has some favorites that can only be found inside it’s gates.  (Relatively speaking anyway.  Some things can be found other places, but are more well known in specific parks.)  Today, we’re starting our first stop over where it all began, at the Magic Kingdom.  It seems as though each land has some snack which is unique to it.  Which can make snacking around the Magic Kingdom a fun game, in itself.  Here is the list of what I think are the best goodies, sweet and savory, you can find inside the gates.

• Corn Dog Nuggets:  These delicious gems can be found inside Casey’s Corner on Main Street USA.  The quick service location is themed after the famous poem, Casey at the Bat and has a multitude of baseball memorabilia.  The restaurant is well known for the famous hot dogs and delicious toppings bar.  Of course, my pick here are those amazing mini hot dogs covered and fried in sweet cornmeal breading, creating a wonderful sweet/salty combo.  Of course, dipping these beauties in cheese sauce or mustard or ketchup is a must.

Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/Caseys.shtml

• Ice Cream Sandwich: I’m a sucker for ice cream…as well as chocolate chip cookies…put the two together, like they do here, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.  These beauties which can be found at both the Main Street Ice cream Parlor, as well as Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square, are actually homemade and that makes them all the more better. Take two giant freshly made cookie and slather them with a good size scoop of ice cream in the middle.  The best part…you can choose your flavor of ice cream!  Be sure to eat it quick, especially on a hot day, as it melts rapidly!  It is a perfect treat whether you want to eat it all by yourself or share with someone else.  Just make sure to split it evenly!

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/PlazaIceCream.shtml

• Waffle Sandwich:   Sleepy Hollow gets two nods here, as they also make the list with the relatively recent addition of Waffle Sandwiches.  These things are massive…definitely enough to share or to count as a meal too, if you are so inclined.  There are three different choices to choose from, two savory and one sweet.  First is the Sweet and Spicy Chicken, which is a fancy play on the popular chicken and waffle trend.  There is also a Prosciutto, Tomato, and Swiss option.  Both savory options are served from 11 am – 5 pm, so there is a limited window of opportunity.  The sweet option, which is actually my favorite, is served up all day and that is the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle.  Oh…it’s so so good.  The fruit that can be found on this option is usually strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.  It’s a great option when it’s hot out and you want a sort of healthy snack (it’s got fruit…that means it’s good for you, right?)  Of course, Sleepy Hollow has a ton of great snack options, including funnel cakes and soup.  I could really do an entire post just about this stand’s goodies.  (PS: In my pic above, I asked them to add the whipped cream, which it normally doesn’t come with.)

Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/SleepyHollow.shtml

• Cinnamon Roll:  It’s been a staple for a very very long time at Disney.  It had been previously found at the Main Street Bakery (although with the conversion to Starbucks, we don’t know if it will be returning…we shall know soon though, as the Bakery is supposed to reopen any day now.)  Guests who now want their cinnamon roll fix can find it at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland.  This new quick service, which serves as an homage to Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, you can especially tell in his decorating style, is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with LeFou’s Brew and pork shanks on the menu, but the cinnamon rolls are still a popular choice!  With it’s large size, mixed with a gooey cinnamon center and incredibly rich icing on top, it’s the perfect option for those who are wanting to share.  (Of course, why would you want to…get your own!)  It is just heaven.

Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/GastonsTavern.shtml

• Dole Whip:  You can’t have a best snack list without including the Dole Whip.  It goes together like chocolate and peanut butter!  The Aloha Isle stand can be found in Adventureland just over the bridge from Main Street USA and most certainly always has a line.  It’s main feature is that creamy, sweet pineapply goodness known as the Dole Whip, which can be served as soft serve or in float form.  Of course, what many don’t realize is that there is more than just the pineapple option, though it is the most popular.  The location also offers a vanilla or orange option.  (And if you want the other famous Adventureland fruit inspired treat, head over to Sunshine Tree Terrace where they feature the Citrus Swirl.  Make sure to say hello to the Little Orange Bird too.)

Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/AlohaIsle.shtml

• Cream Cheese Pretzel:  For my last goodie, we’re going over to The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland where guests can pick up the Cream Cheese Pretzel.  It sounds a bit bizare at first, but tastes great.  The pretzel is covered in some sweet dusting of something I can’t quite put my finger on.  Then on the inside is a sweet, but not overly sweet cream cheese filling.  What’s great is that this treat isn’t too overly sweet, so it won’t be overkill.  It is just the perfect little snack.

Menu:  http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/LunchingPad.shtml

The Magic Kingdom, as you can see, has a lot of great options to choose from when that snack craving hits.  No matter what you’re looking for, the park has you covered.  Next week, we’ll take a look at some options found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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I have a secret.  I don’t like it when attractions close.  I know that the parks are always changing and won’t ever really be finished; however, it’s hard to see an attraction close.  It’s almost like a part of the family leaving.  The Submarine Voyage is one of those attractions that held a special place in my heart.  It was something that was truly unique.  I mean, how many places can you go and “ride” in a submarine?

When I heard that the subs were being “reimagined”, I realized how cool it would be to be able to share this attraction with my kids.  They liked the movie, Finding Nemo, so I figured they would really like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.  My kids did enjoy it the first time we rode it.  As we dove down, we learned that we were going to view an underwater volcano.  Soon the “sonar hydrophone” was turned on, and Nemo and his friends could be heard.  The technology of this attraction is similar to that used in The Seas with Nemo and Friends at EPCOT, but I prefer the subs.  On a side-note…  The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a reimagined attraction, too.

The next time we went, my son was scared by the darkness and noise in the sub.  It is good to remember that there is an alternate “viewing” area for those who are unable to ride.  Remember that these subs have a small opening, narrow stairs, and the seats are very close together.  Did I mention how dark it is?

I enjoy watching the submarines “floating” through the lagoon.  It is a nice place to take a break and relax while standing by the lagoon.

It is even more beautiful at night with all the lights in the lagoon.  The subs slip quietly through the dark.

I don’t have any photos of objects in the water, but the attraction page on The Mouse for Less website has some pictures for you to see.  Have you been on both Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and The Seas with Nemo and Friends?  Which do you prefer?

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