Category Archives: Disney at Home

Do You Have a Disney Lucky Charm?

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IMG_2100Do you have a Disney Lucky Charm?  Whether you’re superstitious or not – I cannot be the only person who has woven a love for Disney into everyday life by occasionally (or everyday) carrying around a “lucky” Disney talisman or favorite Disney item of some sort.

Maybe a pressed penny from the Magic Kingdom has found its way into your pocket.  Perhaps a certain Donald Duck sweatshirt seems to help your team win when you wear it.  Maybe you’ve adorned your ride with a Nemo antenna topper or a Tinker Bell window decal.  Are you keeping time with a Mickey Mouse watch?  Could be you even have a candle that smells just like the Karamelle-Kuch!  Cup o’ morning java in a Goofy mug?  Personally, I’ve been known to tuck a particularly favored Disney pin under the lapel of my suit before making an IMG_2512important presentation at work.

Even though, to the non-Disney people around us, they might seem like common souvenirs – silly even.  These objects are powerful symbols to us!  They represent all the happiness and magic – the wonderful moments we’ve experienced on a Disney vacation.  Perfect memories waiting for us to revisit anytime we like.  For me, they also act as motivation…day-to-day life throws an unexpected challenge?  I can make it!  I’ve been ridiculously happy and I will be again!  I’m going to Disney World!  Why do we have countdown clocks and calendars we start using hundreds of days in advance of our next Disney vacation?

IMG_2511In case of emergency, break plastic.  I have a Donald Duck Pez Dispenser.  Even though I got it as a Fish Extender gift 2-and-a-half years ago, it’s still in the wrapper.  I carry it in my lunch bag everyday, but I hope I never have to open it.  I’m saving it for an emergency.   What kind of emergency?  The kind of dire – I’m-a-woman-on-the-edge – sort of moment.  You know – stressed, tired, sad, frustrated, and angry all at the same time – you’re at your wit’s end and feel like the world will never be right again.  That’s the moment I’m waiting for!  So far, so good – but if you ever see me flipping back Donald’s head and taking a bite of candy – turn around and RUN!

What are your most meaningful Disney objects?  I’d love to see pictures and have the stories and memories that go along with them.  Please share and I’ll post your special Disney lucky charm right here at Living a Disney Life. 

Disney Podcasts – Are you a Podperson?

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IMG_2493My family (aka The Fam)?  They get me.  They’re great to have as my support system for the whole Disney obsession sitch.  Unfortunately, they’re not always around, you know?  We have jobs and school (some have both).  So while I’m off making my contribution to the family coffers, bringing bacon and all that jazz, I’m pretty much alone out in the world with my Disneyness.  Or am I?

Turns out there are these way awesome little things called podcasts…particularly, DISNEY podcasts that can keep me company any time I’m jonesing for a hit of Disney!

I found out about Disney podcasts from a former coworker and fellow Disney fan for whom a Disney fix was equally as important.  That’s when I started to listen to The Dis Unplugged.  Shortly after that, I added Mouse Chat, then, yes, I admit it, I started trying new podcasts all the time, here and there, whenever I could score a quick fix.  After a while, I was totally addicted, but there are only 24 hours in a day, so I’ve had to pare them down to a few regulars.  I listen while I run, on my commute to/from work, during my lunch hour – any time I need a little dose o’ Dis.

You may enjoy some Disney podcast action already, but just in case you haven’t yet discovered the joys they have to offer….Here’s a list of my current Disney podcast subscriptions from iTunes and why I’m listening.  (I tried to list them in the order of length-of-time I’ve been subscribed.)

The DIS Unplugged (Orlando Edition) –  From the people who brought you the DisBoards!  FairIMG_2495 and balanced reviews, lively discussions, Disney news, and – my favorite part- a big budget and large team of experts – this means more than just Disney World info.  They go on Disney cruises, Adventures By Disney, visit Aulani, and more!  Listeners benefit from all that first-hand travel knowledge.  Bonus – there’s also a version for Disneyland fans.

Mouse Chat –  I’m a very loyal listener and don’t miss an episode.  I just like this group of Disney-lovin’ folks (Lauren, Chris, Lisa, Steve, and Bob) and how they interact with each other.  They talk general Disney, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line most of the time.  Also fair and balanced with reviews – if they don’t like something – they say so!  I especially enjoy their Disney World dining reviews.  Good place for helpful tips for traveling with and without children.

WDW Radio – Lou Mongello is easy on the ears!  In general, my favorite episodes are the ones where he discusses a particular aspect of Disney World with Jim Korkis.  Unfailingly cheerful and positive in his love of Disney, Lou shares hidden gems, little-known facts and overlooked details – I always learn something new about Disney World in nearly every episode.  My all-time favorite episode is #338 where Ryan Wilson (Main Street Gazette) joins Lou for a talk about the past, present, and future of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – my dog isn’t named Henry Jones, Junior for nothing y’know.

Podcasts from Across the Pond!

IMG_2500Disney Dream Girls* (takes over where The Mini Minxes left off) – These ladies (Michelle and Jayne) are adorably fun, delightfully passionate, and creative in their contribution to Disney Podcast-dom.  If you missed the 12 days of Minxmas go back at catch every episode.  The Dream Girls got their own favorite Disney podcasts to record special episodes just for the holiday season.  Good times.

Dis After Dark*- These guys know how to have fun while discussing all things Disney.  Join them for a pint as they meet at the Mouse’s Head Pub for an evening of fun and frivolity – oh, and some pretty lively Disney debates.

*Let’s face it – The hosts and hostesses of these two podcasts could discuss routine maintenance on lawn tractors or the joys of cleaning gutters and I’d still listen – it’s the accents!  Sooooo lovely.  Take them for a listen – you’ll see what I mean.

Be Our Guest – Hailing from my home state of Missouri, fellow Tiger fan Mike Rahlmann and his co-hosts Rikki Niblett, Pam Forrester, and Debbie Robertson do an especially great job with their “Listener Questions” episodes.  Their listeners ask some pretty difficult stuff and the BOG experts provide excellent answers.IMG_2497

WDW Today – Short, sweet, and to the point.  The episodes might be brief in duration but they’re packed with fun.  Hosted by Matt Hochburg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, and Len Testa – some of the most legendary Disney experts around!   I like that many of the episodes are short enough that I can hear an entire show in the car on my way to the mall.  GREAT info here on runDisney events.  Is it just me or do these guys talk really fast?

Resort Loop – Tim and Bob!  Who wouldn’t love these two Disney super-fans who appreciate the amount of time and money that goes into planning and taking Disney World vacations – their tips can help you get the most of your investment!  They have a laid back, easy-going approach to talking Disney World with listeners.  I especially love episode 77 – I listen to the beginning over and over (they talk about ME!)  “Please stand clear of the doors.”

Enchanted Tiki Talk – Fun, funny Disney talk by a bunch of guys (Alan, Sean, and Keith) who just love the Mouse.  Jump on into the Tiki Hut now since these guys are just getting started (only 10 episodes to date).  Recently the Tiki Talk guys had Bill Farmer (Goofy!) on as a guest – be sure to catch episode 7!  Tune in and find out what #TikiOoze is all about!

Radio Harambe – Animal Kingdom fans – this is the podcast for you.  These guys (Dave and Safari Mike) are passionate about raising awareness concerning animal conservation.  They’re also chock full of fun and interesting facts and tips to help you get the most from your visits to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (and all the Disney parks).

3 Mom’s and the Mouse – Travel tips, advice, Disney discussions from a mom’s point of view.  I may not catch every episode (my children have flown the coop, after all) but these ladies have plenty of experience (as Disney vacation planners) to help you travel with your kiddos to The Happiest Place on Earth.

IMG_2500Brand New to my Disney Podcast Lineup:

Mighty Men of Mouse – Three guys with totally fictitious-sounding names (Kip Springfield, Russ Shuttlesworth, and Dutch Lombrowski) creatively discuss quite a wide variety of Disney-related topics.  Seriously thought provoking and super entertaining.  I’m hooked!

The Disney Nerds – Only around since September, 2013 – This show, hosted by Farrah, Tom, Jimmy, and Ed focuses mostly on Disney World attractions, activities, resorts and more.  I’ve only had time to listen to a couple of episodes, but I’m nerdy-enough to appreciate what their show has to offer.

You can download these to your phone absolutely FREE or listen online (live feeds and even live and recorded video are available for some).  Check iTunes or Stitcher or the podcasts’ websites for the ones you might like to try – Seriously, these are a great source of news, discussions, tips, reviews, debates, history, and humor – ALL of it DISNEY!  Don’t forget to rate and review on iTunes!IMG_2501

If I haven’t mentioned your favorite Disney podcast(s), I’d love to hear from you to find out what I’m missing!

Note:  Some Disney podcasts carry an “explicit” rating – that’s fine as those shows are directed towards an adult audience.  I absolutely do not enjoy listening to people discuss Disney when the talk is liberally sprinkled with the f-bomb and other obscenities for absolutely no reason.  I’m not a prude – been know to cuss a blue streak now and again myself, but if there’s a time and a place tone down your language, talking about Disney has got to be it – even if your audience is only adults.  Personally, I do not find those shows amusing or enjoyable – to each their own.  Rant over.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions – Disney Style

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Happy New Year Disney Fans!  I’m thankful for all the new friends I’ve made this year and appreciate every one of you for choosing to stop by here and join me in my Disney life.  To ring in the New Year properly, I think it calls for a declaration.  Ladies and Gentlemen of the Earhat-wearing variety….I give to you my Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions – Disney Style:      

General Dis Pics 12.26 0151.  See These Movies:

  • Muppets Most Wanted (3/21/14) – Been a huge fan my whole life – this is a can’t-be-missed movie for me!  The unresolved romance between Kermit and Piggy keeps me coming back for more.
  • Captain America:  The Winter Soldier (4/4/14) – I’m diggin’ all the Marvel movies and I think the Cap’s aces.
  • Million Dollar Arm (5/16/14) – I am just a girl who cannot resist a good baseball movie.
  • Maleficent (5/30/14) – Looks darkly intriguing – I think we will love to hate her!
  • Into the Woods (12/25/14) – Have heard so much about this show – can’t wait to see it!

2.  Book a Cruise – I’ve got a place-holder (aka “dummy”) cruise burning a hole in my pocket.  Since August when we re-booked onboard (while sailing on the Magic in the Mediterranean) – We are anxiously waiting to DSCN0685see what the rest of 2015’s sailings look like before making a final decision.  Wishing for Baltic (tie in to Frozen).

3.  Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – I have wanted to do this forever.  2014 is the year!

4.  Buy a Fancy New Earhat – sounds easy enough, but I have the most difficult time deciding on one – I always walk away with a Disney baseball cap instead.  Not this year.  No, sir.

5.  Eat This Food – I’m up for passing up old favorites and trying out some new places in 2014.  I’m thinking about these:

  • Be Our Guest – I know, right?  Everyone’s clamoring to get in there – I’ll be lucky to score a visit, but I’ve heard so much great stuff about it.  I’m at least resolving to try my best to get in!
  • Flying Fish – I’ve never eaten here.  Chime in if you think I should ditch this plan in favor of something else.
  • 1900 Park Fare – For a character meal it has always been Chef Mickey’s but now that we have “adult” children, I thought Lady Tremaine and the Steps might be a bunch of fun.
  • Hollywood Brown Derby – We have never eaten here and have always heard great things.  IMG_2382Even if we just sit in the new outdoor patio lounge – I’d like to give it a go.

6.  Find and Trade a Pin to Complete This Set!  I love pin trading and in 2014 I’m gonna be in-it-to-win-it!  Yeah, Baby!  Watch out flying Orange Bird – you are mine!

7.  Ride the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train – Ugh.  Feels like the Fantasyland expansion has been going on forever!  I am riding this ride, dadgummit – get out of my way.

8.  Try These Recipes:  (You may have seen my other posts on cooking Disney food here and here and here)  I like to cook – why not make it Disney food?  Thanks to AllEars.Net for the recipes.

9.  Try a Dole Whip:  They say confession is good for the soul – so now you know my darkest Disney Secret (one of them anyway)…I hid it way down here at #9 so maybe no one will notice.  I have never eaten a single bite of Dole Whip in my life.  Don’t judge me.

10.  Take Better Disney Pictures!  To my shame, my Disney pictures are mediocre at best.  The great computer crash of 2009 cost me dearly and I just need to learn to be a better photographer overall.  I buy really small cameras because they’re easy to carry.  I’m not sure if I’ll actually dish out more cash on yet another camera, but I’ll do what I can to make the most of what I’ve got.  Promise.

Well – that wraps up my top 10 resolutions for 2014!  What about you?  Whatcha got?  Did any of these make it to your list?  If starting a rigorous exercise program or going on a diet seem too strenuous for you, join me on my 2014 Disney resolution journey and we’ll conquer the World together. 

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Pixie-Dusted New Year….Lisa

What Disney Gifts did Santa Bring?

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IMG_2453We Disney fans have got to be, without a doubt, the easiest people in the World to buy gifts for – if it’s Disney, we love it!  So, the very best thing about having Christmas behind me?  I now get to enjoy the new Disney “toys” I found under our Christmas tree!

Confession time:  While I was shopping Disney for The Fam, I did (I hope I’m not the only one who does this) buy myself a little something.  Couldn’t help it – I love Mulan and the ornament was too cute to pass up.

My own purchase aside, I’ve got to say, I’m completely thrilled with the variety and thoughtfulness of this year’s Disney gifts.

Here are some of my most favorite:

IMG_2439The Haunted Mansion bottle stopper.  Perfect for me since I love wine almost as much as I love Disney – Thanks, Megan!

Tea and cookies, anyone?  If you happen to already have Mickey Mouse dinnerware and an “awning red” kitchen, then a tea-for-one set and matching cookie jar are perfect gifts, no?

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Raymond continued Megan’s theme with some additional Disney kitchen items (mixing bowls and salad plates).  Plus he booked a trip to Disney World for us all to take this spring – can’t wait!

IMG_2435I have been hinting for quite a while that it would be super cool to start collecting those new Disney shoe ornaments.  Have you heard about them?  The Disney Parks Blog as a great write-up about them with fab pics here.  Anyway, someone (sweet Megan) finally took pity on me and got my collection kicked off with a perfect shoe – Tink’s –   Check out the wings!

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Finally, my very wonderful and thoughtful friend, Phyllis, took the time to make me a Living a Disney Life scrapbook.  She wanted me to have a memento of how I turned my Disney obsession and a little free time into my very own blog.  Posts and pages printed and adorably embellished with colorful Disney bling.  Thanks, Philly!

What Disney gifts did Santa bring you?

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