So, the theme this week is Summer.  Deb talks about Summer.  Know what I think of when i think Summer at WDW?  I think rain.  Hot, steamy, shower with a windbreaker rain :).

So, while poking around my social media land, I learned that apparently a lot of people have gotten into a fandom regarding the face character of Peter Pan, or, as the portmanteau goes, pandom.  As with most things the cool kids do these ages that remind me that I’m getting older, I came across it on Tumblr.  This story melted my heart (SI trigger warnings) There’s a BuzzFeed about the cute Peter Pan’s.

Pandom rubs me the wrong way, which is funny, because you might think that adults talking about face characters would be up my alley.  I think that we, as adult Disney fans, have a duty to Disney.  I think that we need to play a supporting role in helping Disney keep the magic through face characters (and all characters) by keeping in mind that CM’s are friends with characters, they are not characters.  If you’re rolling your eyes right now, that’s fine.  But if you love Disney enough to care about it, you will care about this fact.  Now, I’m admitted to be a fan of Hott Dracula over at Universal, but to me the difference is that Dracula is a role, whereas Peter Pan is a character.  Here’s a nice post on the issue, which quotes the following from Traditions:

“So, how many Mickey’s are there?”

“There’s just one sir, and he’s been around since 1928!”

“No, how many Mickey’s are there really?”

“There’s really just one, sir!”

“That’s not possible. We opened Animal Kingdom today and saw him, we saw him in the parade, we saw him in the Dream Along With Mickey Show, he caught us outside Splash Mountain, and now he’s here! That’s at least 5 Mickeys and I wanted to ask you how many there are!”

“Well sir, I’m glad you found us, because I was talking to Mickey and he said he saw you this morning at Animal Kingdom, he waved at you during the parade, could see you from the stage show and remembered seeing you outside of Splash, so he wanted me to ask you how many of YOU there are!”

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For this week’s Shopping Saturday we are going to discuss ways to give money.  With our family’s trip in April, as well as other non-Disney trip, I’ve given my nephews Mordie (17) and Ferdie (almost 14) money for the past few gift giving holidays.  I am the least crafty person ever, but I can do this stuff ;)

I got the idea for this chocolate box of money via Pinterest.  I just folded up the cash, popped it in the chocolate wrappers, and it was a hit (I included a note, as well as a little card holder from Etsy of the city where he’d be.

Similarly, I did the rolled up dollar bills (using a pencil) as seen here.  I put it in bags from Dollar tree, and added a cute note about mountains (aka the magic Kingdom)

Although you can get a Disney gift card anywhere, I had one of the personalized ones made.  It was under $10 in fees, and really cute ( I put a picture of Ferdie, his father, and Uncle looking @ SSE).

Finally, we have the good old Disney Dollars, which I bough at Guest Services at the MK.

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I believe my love of Vera Bradley bags is well known on this blog.  This fall Disney will be selling their exclusive bags made in partnership with Vera Bradley in parks and online.  According to WDW’s own blog:

The new Disney-inspired patterns have names, which is something Vera Bradley does for all of their patterns. Cathy said the black pattern is called “Midnight with Mickey,” while the pink pattern is named “Just Mousing Around.” These patterns will be seen on duffel bags, totes, cosmetic bags and more.

 

They had some under glass at the Flower & Garden festival. I checked them out. I personally prefer Midnight with Mickey to Just Mousing Around. Here are some shoots and my thoughts.

In the one above left, we have what looks like a mini-hipster, a smartphone wristlet, and a Clip Zip ID (my favorite travel wallet, and would clip nicely on your lanyard).  A more detailed photo  is in the bottom photo.  The next one has a duffle bag, a backpack, and a Vera tote.  I’m leaning towards either the Vera or the smartphone wristlet, depending on costs.

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I’d buy tickets today:  as you know, I prefer ticket brokers-I use Undercover Tourist exclusively, but DWTickets is another good option.

Don’t forget that both sites are on Sunshine Rewards, netting you some cash back.

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Conde Nast Traveler .  

Obviously, this article is skewed towards the non-Disney fan, but I found it a little excessively pooh-poohing those who go to WDW frequently.  I go other places too, and I’m not the only one :).  Also, her constant need to play the fake vs. real game got a little annoying.  I felt like her taking the tours gave the impression that they were included.  Her question/nagging about people engaging in carnal desires in the buses seemed like she had been spending too much time around  her  (although, let the record show I’m sure it’s been done, remember Lynette Scavo on Desperate Housewives?)

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So, it’s been a while since I did a Universal Orlando post, so i thought I’d talk about some of the news out of there these days.

The news I find most shocking is that Universal (not Sea World or WDW) officially broke the $90 for one day ticket mark earlier this week.  I had been thinking that with the Cabana Bay Resort opening in 2014, UO would be pushing for more affordability, but I guess not.  Furthermore, given that not that long ago (like four years?  I know I got mine pre-blog, but I used it on my WWohP trip) they were offering $99 for a week tickets (or free, in 2009).  I kind of thought that the mouse would jump that shark first; however, I still think it’s not that bad–although I try to avoid it as much as possible, it’s easy to spend that as much on a Broadway show.

Speaking of WWoHP, Universal Studios Florida will be opening the “Diagon Alley” area of it in 2014.  I’m kind of excited, but I kind of feel like nothing could beat Hogsmeade.

Additionally, the Springfield area of Universal Studios will be opening this Summer, with Krusty-themed rides and the like.  I’m not a huge Simpsons fan, but giving that the ride is awesome, it might be worth a look if you’re in the area.

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?Father’s Day is coming up on June 16, 2013.  Last year’s items are here.  Tiny Prints is having a 20% off everything sale-I really like the idea of a photobook or planner with Disney photos.  (Of course, Mixbook is also a great option).

This Disney World WDW Parks Exclusive Authentic D-tech Mickey Mouse 1928 Black Gray Retro Tablet 8″ X 10″ Padded Case Sleeve Ipad Heads Mickey Through the Years would be great for a tech dad, especially if someone else is giving him a new iPad or the like.  The SODIAL- Mickey Mouse Face Shape Cookie Cutter is great for the cooking dad.

I love this Avengers Tee from the Disney Store!

It’s not out yet, but Ears of Steel: The Real Man’s Guide to Walt Disney World could be a great IOU :).

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