Commemorating Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary

Happy Saturday, Disney Friends!  Sometimes when I’m pouring over articles at the Disney Musings Blog, looking for one to share with you, happy memories are triggered – today is one of those times.  This item from Nick’s Disneyana collection (and doesn’t he have the most amazing collection?) reminded me of the first time Raymond and I took our children to Walt Disney World.  It was in 1996!  Megan was five and Joseph just 13 months – it was July.  And we had such a magical time!  In a magical place!  I’m betting you’ll also have some happy memories when you read about this particular treasure, too.  Have a great weekend!

Commemorating Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary

By: Nick

I bought this great ceramic commemorative figure of Genie, Simba, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy back in 1996 during Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary.

A Magical Time in a Magical Place. This figure measures 7 inches tall.

An interesting collection of characters. It works for me though.

It’s time to remember the magic!  Made in Thailand.
Original price: $45.

This is reminiscent of the “group hug” scene in Aladdin, after Al has made his third and final wish, freeing Genie. I love that scene, and actually have a sericel of the “Group Hug” that I’ll share in a future post.

For more Disney awesomeness, be sure to follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.  You can listen to Nick, our friend Dave and me on The Disney Exchange Podcast where we talk about…well, you can probably guess.

Headed to Walt Disney World in 2016?  The Disney Exchange Podcast will be having a meet-up in February during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend!  Details will be available on The Disney Exchange’s Facebook Page and also on Twitter.  We’d love to see you there!!!

Things You Don’t Have to do on a Disney Vacation

RM-Main-Street-USA-Magic-KingdomDo you go on vacation for a little rest and relaxation?  Do you vacation to experience new and special things you can’t find at home? Do your travel plans include NOT cooking or cleaning?  Are you hoping to find fun, adventure and quality time with your family?  Us too!  We are all about getting away from it all and taking a little break from work, stress, and yes, the previously mentioned household chores.

There’s been a lot of negativity going around on the interwebs lately via message boards and the like.  Disney vacations are gaining a bit of a reputation as not being the magical family fun they were once upon a time.  There are a lot of “too’s” attached to those criticisms – it’s too crowded, there’s too much planning and research involved, there’s too much to know, too much technology – the fun is gone.  RM-Fantasyland-CrowdNot true, I say!!!  Disney vacations are our family’s favorite – and have been for many years.  Sure, getting used to the newest developments in customer care may take a minute or two, but new does not necessarily mean bad.  There’s still a lot to recommend about Disney parks & resorts and Disney Cruise Line.  Mainly I’m talking about…

Things you do not have to do on a Disney VacationWalt Disney World Summer Crowd

  1. Plan Every Minute – It’s simply not true that you have to plan too much too far in advance.  Prioritize and decide what’s important to your family.  Sure, if you want to eat at a super-popular table service restaurant or dinner show, you will need to make a reservation 180 days in advance for the best chance to dine there.  Citricos-WindowIf you don’t want to spend (possibly) an hour or more waiting in line for headline attractions, you’ll want to book FastPasses as far in advance as you can.  Planning some things in advance is very helpful, but planning every minute would eliminate spontaneity and be detrimental to the whole “rest and relaxation” part of vacationing.  Which brings me to the next point.RM-Tower-of-Terror
  2. Hurry All The Time – NO!  Sure, if this makes you happy, you’re welcome to hit the ground running and rush all day from attraction to attraction as fast as you can.  Just thinking about that makes me tired!  Better to take the most offered advice around – get up early (see #4) and beat the heaviest crowds of the day.  Then slow it down so you don’t miss the amazing Disney magic all around you.Epcot-Statue
  3. Sweat The Small Stuff – Yes, Disney details (sometimes the tiniest ones) are often the most fantastic parts of a Disney vacation.  BUT, there’s no reason to obsess over what you might be missing if you decide to detour from time to time as the mood strikes.  It’s about being together as a family for us – and maybe, if it’s that way for you too, it’ll be okay to not worry about being a super-parent.  You may think you know what will thrill your little one and it turns out to be 180-degrees the opposite – don’t worry about it!  Go with the flow, eat dessert first, change your plans suddenly – it’ll be okay.Bay-Lake-Tower-Sunrise
  4. Stay Up Late – Early to bed and early to rise does not negatively impact a Disney vacation!  I know this from personal experience – I’ve never taken advantage of any late night Extra Magic Hours and I’m perfectly happy about it.  We go to sleep early and appreciate that early morning is sometimes the most special (and productive) time of the day!Entrance for Toy Story Midway Mania
  5. Do It All – There’s just no way to do it all in one trip.  Here’s where research helps a lot.  Knowing what’s important to you and your travel party can help you prioritize.  Don’t think about what you might be missing at the expense of what you’re enjoying at any given moment.  Weather, heat, distance between activities or attractions can take a toll.  Go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to be flexible – nobody wants you to be a bossy, crabby vacation dictator.  Do what you can & come back again if you want.  Don’t mar your vacation memories by putting unnecessary pressure on your family.  Don’t do it!

What are your favorite “don’t have to do’s” on a Disney vacation?

 

 

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

RM-Mickey-Antenna-TopperMickey Mouse turns 87 today.  Like you, I grew up with Mickey – he was of my parents’ generation and they were fans of Walt Disney’s movies, TV shows, and toys.  My parents helped me on my way to being the Mickey Mouse fan I am today.  Raymond and I did our part to pass the love along to our children as well.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

It’s a great day to take a look at where, when and how Mickey is part of my life everyday – and he is, maybe more for me than most people.RM-Mickey-Plate-Holder

Mickey greets me every morning in the kitchen and often joins me for a cup of coffee.  He rides to work with me on my car antenna and can usually be found as part of my attire.RM-Mickey-Mug

Mickey collectibles are treasured at our house and we’re always on the lookout in antique stores and at flea markets for the next big (or little) find we can’t pass up.IMG_2220RM-Mickey-Pocket-Watch-Open RM-Mickey-Pocket-Watch-Closed

Mickey makes up a large portion of our Disney pin collection and is the main star of our holiday decorating.  No matter the season, if you look closely, you’ll find his iconic shape somewhere at our house!  (For tutorials on making your own Mickey ornaments, see the posts here, here, and here.  For a Christmas door wreath, check here.)RM-Mickey-PinsRM-Mardi-Gras-DoorRM-Halloween-Decorations-WreathGeneral Dis Pics 11.13 061General Dis Pics 11.13 055

Speaking of finding that oh-so-familiar shape, let’s not forget how it’s become automatic for us to try to spot Hidden Mickeys – both in our everyday lives as well as when we’re on a Disney vacation.  Don’t you look for them all the time?  It’s totally normal, right?RM-NecklaceMed Cruise 2013 iphone 002 IMG_2918

Mickey and I almost share a birthday – his being just two days after mine.  Maybe that’s why he has a special place in my heart.  No matter the reason, Mickey’s always around and that makes me happy!

Do you share my love for Mickey Mouse?  Where can he be found in your day?

Disney Treasures! Snow White 65th Anniversary Set

It’s finally Saturday and you know what that means!  It’s time for another installment of Saturday’s With Nick!  Today’s find reminds me that even though we might get a little tired and worn around the edges; even though we may have lost the luster of youth and begin to show our age, we’re still treasures in our own way!  That’s my take and I’m going with it…who’s with me?

Disney Treasures! Snow White 65th Anniversary Set

By Nick

I bought this Snow White set complete at our local flea market this Sunday.

I’d never seen it before, and when I asked what the person selling it wanted, and he said $10, I was somewhat shocked.  I didn’t even look at who made the figures, and didn’t examine each one for any possible flaws.  The gentleman selling them wrapped each figure individually, and handed me the bag.

When I got home, I set out the display it came with.

I placed each figure out on it’s designated spot.

It was then I noticed a couple figures were indeed not perfect, such as Happy, who I assume is supposed to be holding a conductor’s baton, which is clearly broken…

…and Dopey’s drumstick has seen better days.

It seems everyone else is in pretty good condition.

The Dwarfs average 3.25″ in height, while Snow White is 5.5.”

When it came to investigating where these figures came from, I looked on the bottom, and then went to what I consider the best place on the internet to find out information on Snow White, Filmic Light.

This set was sold at CVS in 2002 to celebrate Snow White’s 65th anniversary. The display came with Snow White.

I think $10 was a very fair price, despite the small flaws, and I consider this another excellent Flea Market Find!’

Don’t miss out!  For more Disney awesomeness, be sure to follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.