Category Archives: Disney

Disney Darlings

by Joe

A trip to the world of Disney, in this case Walt Disney World, brings you into a one of a kind adventure and experience like no other. There are many places where you can travel that will certainly change your daily routine and your feeling of place. The mountains can do that. The beach can do that. A cruise can do that. But nothing changes your sense of place, your daily routine grind, and your happy spot like one of the Disney Parks. I’m a grandparent who enjoys these parks a lot and I can only imagine how wonderful it must be for children of age (those old enough to recall the experience later). Continue reading →

3 Tips for Booking a Walt Disney World Vacation

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

  1.  Research on the website – And be sure to look at ALL of your package options.  We had received a coupon code in the mail for up to 30% off select rooms during the time we were hoping to visit.  Other deals on the website included Magical Holiday room deals, and Room Only deals. However, the deal we settled on was the basic Room and Ticket Package.  It got us the room we wanted for the price we wanted.  You see, the specialty deals, like the one we got in the mail, greatly limits the amount of rooms available for the discount.  So unless you act quickly (as in the day you receive the mailing) your choices will be extremely limited at best. If you have a specific resort in mind, like we did for our upcoming trip, it’s best to scroll through the “View Offers” feature directly above the Available Rooms descriptions on the website.  Had I not used this tool I would have either grossly overpaid or not gotten into Animal Kingdom Lodge at all.  So first lesson learned: be open to all of the offers, not just that enticing advertisement with your name  on it.

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The Evolution of a Disney Fan

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

Earlier this year when packing for a trip to Disneyland, MJ announced that she would no longer like to dress like a princess at the park.  “I still want to wear Disney clothes,” she added, “I just don’t want to be a princess.”  I knew that the princess dresses wouldn’t last forever, and while I loved seeing her dress up and enjoy being a princess in the park those ball gowns have their drawbacks in the suitcase and on the rides.  We still attended a princess breakfast.  She posed for pictures with them and asked for their autographs. She still loves them; still watches all their movies.  They are Disney characters after all, and we are a family that loves Disney.  But just like MJ changed her mind about being a princess, so does Disney also evolve and change to adapt to a new generation of fans while still making their seasoned veterans nostalgic. Continue reading →

Disneyland 60th Anniversay Celebration

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

So as a big surprise to no one, we visited a Disney Park during Spring Break.  We chose Disneyland this year for several reasons: the weather, the smaller crowds, the ability to walk between parks, and the fact that Disneyland is still celebrating its 60th Anniversary.   While we usually visit Walt Disney World in Florida, this wasn’t our first time to Disneyland.  But it was the first trip that Jimmy’s mom had ever been to a Disney Park.  Ever!  We spent our three days in Disneyland well, mixing the classics with the brand new attractions.

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The Fun of Repeat Visits: Disney Edition

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

Spring Break is upon us, and it seems every conversation begins with, “So, do you have big plans for Spring Break?”  And yes, we are going to Disneyland!  No surprise to those who know us well, but in talking with other families, you hear about other points of view about visiting Disney.  I recently heard a tale about a 9-day beginning of summer trip to Disney World.  While that trip was no doubt expensive, it also allowed plenty of time to experience nearly everything while still having some down time at the pool.  If you are only taking the kids to Disney once or twice, I say go for a trip like this!  We visit every year, so our trips are much shorter (3-4 days).  We would rather be able to get our annual dose of Disney in shorter amounts, than only go once or twice during MJ’s childhood.  But the question remains: Is there really any difference between going at the age of 3 AND 4?  Will a 2-year-old really enjoy it?  Here are some of my favorite things about visiting Disney year after year. Continue reading →

DIY: Olaf in Autumn

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

I think it’s safe to say that while Frozen mania has died down considerably, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf will be fixtures of Halloween costume racks for years to come.  And if your little ones are just now jumping on the Frozen bandwagon, take a look at these Halloween projects that just might have Olaf singing about Autumn instead of Summer!

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The Art of Anticipation

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

Packed and ready to go!

Packed and ready to go!

You know that as serial nonrevs our motto is that “getting there is half the fun.”  I would say that we also live for the anticipation of an upcoming trip.  As adults, anticipating a trip is like a kid waiting for Christmas – it sometimes seems like it takes forever and will never get here, but when it does, oh boy, was the waiting ever worth it! Here are some ways to get you – and your kids – hyped up for upcoming travel.

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