Category Archives: Disney at Home

On The Long Drive to Disney

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View of World ShowcaseIf you’re the kind of family (we are!) who looks for creative, entertaining, and *gasp* educational ways to spend the time you’re riding in the car on your way to a Walt Disney World vacation, I’ve got an idea for you.  Normally, my podcast listening is mostly limited to Disney-related shows, but I’ve recently discovered The History Chicks Podcast and, let me tell you, this show is awesome!

On The Long Drive to Disney

The show’s hosts, Susan and Beckett, are two women on a mission – to make history exciting!  Yes, all the episodes (to-date, 55 full and several mini-casts) are about female historical (and some fictional) figures.  Each episode offers listeners a glimpse into the early lives of each featured person, what’s going on around them in history when their story unfolds, how they made their mark on history, and how you can learn more, if so inclined.  The podcasts show-notes are phenomenal!  As are the fantastic details and explanations revealed in each episode.The American Adventure / Epcot / Walt Disney World

Am I recommending this show because it’s quality entertainment?  Absolutely!  But I’m also suggesting a way to prepare for a more enjoyable Epcot World Showcase experience.  Whether you’re on an adults-only vacation or are traveling with teens or tweens, The History Chicks can make your tour around the World Showcase even more interesting than usual.  Let Beckett and Susan tell you about amazing historical happenings by famous women from countries represented in the World Showcase!World Showcase Lagoon View

Here are a few of my favorite episodes!

France

  • Joan of Arc (Episode 51)
  • Marie Antoinette (Episodes 53 and 54)

Great Britain

  • Jennie Jerome Churchill (Episode 10) (Yes, American born, but Winston’s mom!)
  • Queen Victoria (Episodes 11 & 12)
  • Queen Mary I (Episode 30)
  • Queen Elizabeth I (Episodes 43 & 44)
  • All the Tudor-related episodes are great!RM-Mexico-Pavilion

Mexico

  • Frida Kahlo (Episode 42)

America

  • Clara Barton (Episode 14)
  • Helen Keller (Episode 7)
  • Abigail Adams (Episode 4)
  • Dolley Madison (Episode 5)
  • Rosa Parks (Episode 26)RM-Cinderella-Festival-of-Fantasy

Fictional Characters you’ll love knowing more about

  • Red Riding Hood (mini-cast)
  • Alice in Wonderland (Episode 28)
  • Cinderella (Episode 3)
  • Mrs. Claus (mini-cast)

Susan and Beckett are easy to listen to, full of pop-cultural references, and make disclosures up front if a particular episode may not be suitable for very young ears.  For those of us who are already passionate about history, this podcast delivers exactly the kind of detailed information we love.  For those of us who want to learn more about history in an entertaining way, without feeling the slightest bit like we’re in a classroom hearing a lecture, this show is the bombdiggety!

Check out The History Chicks and let me know what you think.  If you have any podcast recommendations for me, I’m all ears!!!

Junior The Wonder Dog Turns Five

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Junior-looking-sneakyQuite some time ago, I introduced you to my BFF (Best Furry Friend), Henry Jones, Jr. – a.k.a. “Junior”.  I’ve never known anyone like Junior before and words cannot begin to describe the fun we have together.  He’s a great family member, full of zest for life along with a healthy dose of concern for our well-being…especially when the doorbell rings or a delivery vehicle pulls into the driveway.Junior-upside-down

This month, our four-legged, good-natured, sweet-tempered, super-patient, cookie-loving family member is turning five years old.  I can’t believe how fast time has flown – seems like he was just a baby and in a couple more years, he’ll be older than me!  Goodness, the fun we have together every day!!!  From the time we wake up to the time we turn in, we have a great time.  Junior has a wicked sense of humor and is always up for a game of chase or fetch or even hide-and-go-seek.  He knows so many tricks and is always interested in learning something new.Junior-with-messy-hairRecently, I got home from work and Junior talked me into a rousing match of chase-the-toy where we sort of take turns holding the chosen stuffed animal and chasing each other by turns around the living room coffee table.  When it was my turn to hold the toy and be chased, I realized that there was every chance I’d break my neck running around in high heels.  I thought it best to go change into more appropriate rough-housing attire.  To distract Junior, I tossed the toy across the foyer as I ran for the bedroom to change.  I was laughing hysterically, certain he would chase me once he’d retrieved his toy. Junior-the-Aussiedoodle

Surprised and a little disappointed that I got to hang up my work clothes in peace, I changed and headed back out to the living room.  As I turned to go through the door, I noticed the toy we’d been playing with was on the floor – in the very center of the living room entrance.  I, of course, bent down to pick it up and see if the game was still on.  At that exact moment, Junior jumped out from behind the doorway (where he’d been hiding in wait) and snatched that toy right out from under my hand.  As he ran off, I swear I could hear him laughing.  I was shocked!  He totally tricked me!  Then I was laughing so hard I could barely stand up – and as I staggered into the living room, I was so thankful!  I felt so fortunate and blessed to have this crazy, loving, perfect “person” in my life.  Junior-wants-a-cookieHappy Birthday, Junior!  And many happy returns of the day. (Don’t tell him, but I ordered a BarkBox subscription for his birthday gift – I’ll post a YouTube video when he opens it!)Junior-on-my-shoulderDo YOU have a Best Furry Friend?  Who is it?  I’d love to see a picture and hear how you met!

Top Five Disney Animated Movie Soundtracks

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I’m very happy to say that my good Disney friend Andrew Carrieri is back with a great post on one of my favorite ways to add a little Disney to my day – Disney music!  (Andrew can usually be found as a contributing writer at The Mouse For Less and on Twitter @AndrewCfran)

Top Five Disney Animated Movie Soundtracks

Andrew Carrieri

Disney animation is legendary. Through 2014, the company has released fifty-four full length animated movies, which feature classic characters, unforgettable moments, and amazing music. The latter element is the subject of this post. Below, I will list my top five soundtracks among these animated flicks and provide reasons for my choices. You may very well disagree with my selections. If such is the case, don’t just “let it go”! Sound off with your opinions in the comments! After all, there’s plenty of music to go around.

Fifth-best Soundtrack: Oliver and Company (1988). Huey Lewis’s “Once Upon a Time in New York City” and Billy Joel’s “Why Should I Worry?” are two of my favorite Disney songs, in part because of my New York bias. As a Long Islander, I’ll gravitate towards anything that features Joel, one of our top celebrities.

Fourth-best Soundtrack: Hercules (1997). From a depth standpoint, I think Hercules has the most underrated soundtrack in Disney history. With upbeat Gospel music (“The Gospel Truth”), songs of despair (“I Won’t Say I’m in Love”), and one of the most epic numbers in animation history (“Go the Distance”), Hercules’ soundtrack brings it all. Hercules

As a general note, I typically prefer the popular version of Disney songs to the in-film rendition where applicable. Here, I find Michael Bolton’s rendition of “Go the Distance” during the end credits superior to Robert Bart’s performance in the movie proper.

Third-best Soundtrack: Pinocchio (1940). Disney’s second animated feature may not have as many great songs as some of its counterparts, but it gets bonus points for “When You Wish Upon a Star,” which is undoubtedly my favorite song from any Disney movie. I am known to tear up whenever I hear it played, usually at the start of Disney movies with the “Walt Disney Pictures” logo.Pinocchio

Second-best Soundtrack: Aladdin (1992). “A Whole New World” is one of my favorite Disney songs, and the film’s other numbers are anything but shabby. Whereas some movies feature songs that are solid in the moment but otherwise forgettable, Aladdin has a plethora of memorable numbers. “Arabian Nights,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali” are extremely enjoyable tunes in their own right.Aladdin

Best Soundtrack: The Lion King (1994). What is the best song in The Lion King? Now, that is an easy question! It is “Circle of Life.” On second thought, it is “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”! Or, maybe it is “Hakuna Matata”? Umm, maybe this question is not so easy after all.The-Lion-King

Suffice to say, in my opinion, The Lion King features the greatest and most complete soundtrack in Disney history. All the songs are catchy, and they bring different vibes to the table. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “The Circle of Life” are beautiful and sentimental, “Hakuna Matata” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” are whimsical, and “Be Prepared” is foreboding.

As an aside, while I usually prefer the popular versions of Disney movie songs to the in-film versions, I find the in-film rendition of “The Circle of Life” superior to the Elton John version, which is still excellent. The song provides an exhilarating commencement to the film.

Well, that’s my list! Feel free to share your favorite Disney soundtracks in the comments!

Disney at Home: Gardening for Disney

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RM-Lisa's-ThumbTake a close look at this picture of my thumb.  Seriously, zoom in on it and check it out.  You will find not even the slightest hint – not even a tiny smidge – of green.  Luckily for me, Raymond has not one, but TWO green thumbs (and the other 8 digits are green as well).

Of all the ways we try to save money for Disney vacations, my favorite is by growing our own vegetables and herbs.  Even though I’m plant-care impaired, Raymond’s a natural at raising thriving flora and is willing to plan, plant, and maintain a summer vegetable garden.  I take care of the herbs – they’re very low maintenance and most, except basil, are perennials.  He lets me pretend my contribution is meaningful and important.  (Shown are oregano and rosemary – I’ve also got parsley, mint, basil, and sage.)  RM-OreganoRM-Rosemary

Every spring around Easter, Raymond plows the garden plot into neat rows and uses a combination of seeds and small plants to begin the process of supplying our household with fresh tomatoes, zucchini, butternut squash, eggplant, peppers, corn and lettuce for the summer.  Weeds and insects require the most attention, but in what seems like no time at all, I’m planning meals around what’s ready to eat.RM-Zucchini RM-Lettuce

Just last week, zucchini and lettuce were ready to enjoy.  Tomatoes won’t be far behind.RM-Green-TomatoesBefore long we’ll be rolling in produce with plenty to share…except the corn.  It always looks like there will be plenty of corn…until the raccoons realize it’s there.  Then, an entire stalk at a time, the corn will slowly disappear each night.  Yes, it would be easy to put up a hot wire (electric fence) that may help save the corn, but I just don’t have it in me to do that to those poor raccoons.  RM-CornIf they’re crafty enough to find the corn and hungry enough to shuck (they actually do) and eat the ears off an entire corn stalk in one sitting, I’m inclined to let them have our corn.  We do manage to scrounge a few ears for ourselves during this time, but it’s rather disappointing how few we end up with.  Still – for saving money on produce, we (I really mean Raymond) have become experts.RM-Lettuce-for-Salad

What’s your favorite way to save for a Disney vacation?