Category Archives: Walt Disney World

5 Types of Disney World Dads

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RM-Main-Street-USA-Magic-KingdomPeople watching is fun to me!  While I’m at Walt Disney World, I find it especially entertaining.  Watching families having fun, seeing kids bravely try their first major thrill-ride, looking at the cute just-married couples posing in front of Cinderella Castle.  I’ve met some great fellow Disney fans waiting in long lines for rides like Soarin’ and Splash Mountain.  In all this people watching, dads prove to be among the most interesting subjects.  I’ve come to the conclusion that most dads fall into one of five categories. (Thanks to Raymond for being the model for all the dads!)

5 Types of Disney World DadsDad checks his watch at the Grand Floridian

1. Dad of Misery – This dad would rather be anywhere else.  He had no idea what would be required of him on a Disney World vacation and he is not amused.  Unused to and unprepared for standing in line, walking great distances or enduring the heat of a Florida summer, this dad’s cranky and irritable.  Some Dads of Misery suffer silently, but others make their displeasure known – loudly and frequently. #shouldhavestayedhomeRM-Dad-and-Meg

2. Confused Dad – It’s his first visit and mom did all the planning and dealt with all the details.  Confused Dad loves seeing his kids having so much fun, but he doesn’t know the names of all the characters and most of the attractions.  On his own, he’d be completely lost, but he’s married to an exceptionally well-organized woman.  He’s pleasantly surprised and having way more fun than he imagined he would since he had no idea Disney World would be so entertaining for adults.  Before vacation ends, Confused Dad’s eyes have been opened, a Disney park fan has been born, and another trip is in the works.RM-Dad-at-Studios

3. Adventurer Dad – Thrill-ride junkie, this dad loves new experiences and is up for anything exciting.  This is the dad who rides Rock’n’ Roller Coaster multiple times and will try every food booth at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival.  Adventurer Dad is at his best when his kids reach the minimum height requirement for every ride.  He also loves Disney water parks and resort pools – especially ones with big slides.RM-Dad-at-AKL

4.  Boy Scout Dad – This is one über-prepared father!  He’s wearing an enormous, over-stuffed backpack and has carefully arranged every aspect of a gigantic double-stroller to ensure the comfort of his offspring.  “Be Prepared” is his motto and he’s thought of, and is ready for, all possible contingencies.  Sadly, Boy Scout Dad is a worrier and spends most of his time imagining what tragedy or illness may befall the family next, instead of relaxing and having fun.  His stroller navigation skills are unparalleled!RM-Dad-and-Perry

5. All-In Dad – This dad embraces Disney magic in all its forms.  He’ll wear his Disney t-shirt and earhat with pride!  The ultimate Disney fan, All-In Dad needs no park maps or times guides.  Disney World is his happy place.  He’s soaking up the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes while patiently nurturing his children to follow in his Disney-loving footsteps.  All-In Dad is the easiest to spot by his attire and pin-trading lanyard.  He’ll usually be holding a churro or a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, wearing a happy smile.RM-Dad-and-Joseph

Are you (or do you know) a Disney dad?  Which type?

Road to runDisney and Bulu Box

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***This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.  I received a free Bulu Box in exchange for writing a review.***  That being said, the following is a completely honest review.

Bulu Box EndYou might have already noticed I’ve developed a passion for both runDisney events and subscription boxes.  Usually, where I’m concerned, the two are pretty much mutually exclusive.  I’m working toward my second Glass Slipper Challenge during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World in 2016 (February 20th & 21st).  Gaining optimum fitness and weight management are important goals for me.  I might have mentioned a time or two about how, once you reach a certain age, weight just seems to jump onto you – no matter how hard you try to eat right.  Not gonna lie – it sucks!

Enter the Bulu Box.  As a Fit Approach #SweatPink Ambassador, I get the chance to apply for a variety of sponsored post opportunities.  Due to my crazy busy life, I apply for very few, but recently the opportunity to review a Bulu Box arrived by email and I got excited!  I’ve not subscribed to any subscription boxes other than fashion/clothing boxes and the one for Junior’s dog treat obsession…but, the chance to receive a complimentary subscription box that promotes healthy living?  Perfect!!!  I didn’t even know such a thing existed.Bulu Box Contents

The beauty of the Bulu Box is that it’s a sample box that gives you the opportunity to try different healthy-lifestyle based products .  Why this is perfect for me (and my family) is that I don’t want to drop major money for a full-sized product without finding out if we like it first.  Have you seen how expensive a container of protein powder is?  What if it tastes horrible or is grainy-textured?  Money down the drain (literally).  What if that bargain box of protein bars at my local discount store are too sweet or taste like cardboard?  Again, waste of money!

So what was in my complimentary Bulu Box?  A wide variety of awesomeness!Quest Protein

  • TWO packets of protein powder to try (Quest Protein Powder Packets $54.99/30 servings, four flavors available).  I find certain protein shakes work very well at controlling my hunger.  This one sounds delicious.
  • A sample jar of anti-itch cream (Earth’s Care, $11.99 for 2.4 oz. full-sized product) is perfect for our household – the wasps, mosquitos, and red (a.k.a fire) ants are in full attack mode this time of year.Movit Energy Gummies
  • Long a fan of gummies for energy, especially while running, the sample package included in the Bulu Box of Movit Energy Gummies caused Raymond and I to have a mini-debate over who needed them most (full-size retail, $15.99, 60 calories per serving).mediterra bar
  • I was also stoked to find a nutrition bar that is savory instead of sweet!  Initially this sounded strange, but since I’m always outspoken about my lack of a sweet tooth, a savory bar seems custom-made for me!  They also come in sweet versions. (Mediterra Nutritional Bars, full-sized retail, $23.95/12 bars)Yerba Prima Drink Mix
  • Finally, a sample of fiber-filled, orange-flavored drink mix reminded me that I often don’t get enough fiber (I know, TMI) and might find such a  product helpful. (Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula, $14.64 for full-sized bottle).

Bulu Box’s online shop is the perfect place to pick up nutrition, fitness, and weight loss/management products.  The subscription box is a great way to try out different products at an economical, free of any commitment-to-full-sized-product-expense way to try an impressive array of products.  Have I purchased a subscription?  You bet I have.  One subscription box that allows our active family to try-before-we-buy a wide variety of healthy products?  Perfect!!!

Bottom Line:  Bulu Box subscriptions are for health-and-fitness-minded people who want to try before they buy!

If you’re interested in a Bulu Box subscription for your family, use the code SWEATPINK to receive 50% off a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription.  As a Bulu Box subscriber, “you’ll receive 4-5 vitamin, supplement and healthy snack samples to try.  Every sample in Bulu box is also available in full-size in the Bulu Box shop”.  (There’s also a rewards program for subscribers.)

I’m out of control with subscription boxes!  Which are your favorites?

 

 

Walt Disney World Water Park Memorabilia

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Typhoon-Lagoon-BoatHere we are in the dog days of summer (what kind of expression is that, anyway?).  I don’t know about where you are, but in these parts it is HOT!  Like seven-inches-from-the sun-hot.  We don’t have a pool at our house and I have to confess, I’ve never been to a Disney World water park before.  This post from Disney Musings got my attention though!  Imagine how much fun those Disney World vacationers are having at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon!!!  What a great way to beat the August heat?  Enjoy a cool, refreshing episode of Saturdays With Nick, everyone and have a great weekend!

Walt Disney World Water Park Memorabilia

by Nick

I haven’t been to the Disney water parks in years, since the mid 90′s, in fact, which is when these buttons and brochures are from.

The first button is from my favorite of the 2 parks, Typhoon Lagoon.

Opened in 1989, it is the home of the World’s largest outdoor wave pool, which is just awesome. The lazy river is also wonderful.

Another thing I love about Typhoon Lagoon is the back story. I feel that the stories that Imagineering came up with for it’s attractions in the late 80′s and early 90′s were very strong. This, of course, may just be nostalgia, as it coincides with my earliest visits.

As the story goes, the park was created by a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise. Ships, fishing gear and surfboards are strewn about where the storm flung them. The centerpiece of the park is “Miss Tilly,” a shrimp boat impaled upon a mountain named “Mount Mayday” that erupts a 50 foot geyser of water every half hour.

I’ve actually been lucky enough to be directly under this when it went off, a thrilling experience.

There are also many slides, which aren’t really my thing.

I only went to Blizzard Beach once. It wasn’t a bad park, but it was more of a water slide park. So given the choice between the 2, Typhoon wins hands down.

Opened in 1995, Blizzard Beach also has a fun, although, in my opinion, a bit forced, back story.

It seems a freak snowstorm hit the area, leading to the construction of Florida’s first ski resort. Naturally, the snow didn’t last long, leaving behind a collection of waterlogged but snow-less ski jumps and chair lifts. The failed resort was in the process of closing for good when an alligator was seen sliding down a flume and splashing into a pool of water, screaming “Yahoo!” Thus the “ski resort” was reborn as a water park, with the alligator, named Ice Gator (maybe they could have come up with something a little more original than that?) as the mascot.

Doing this post has really made me want to get back to Typhoon Lagoon, and I will hopefully get there on one of my future trips!

To see more of Nick’s adventures, follow him on social media here:   Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.

 

My Disney Life in a Countdown Calendar

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Days to Go AppStep closer and listen to my story.  I don’t usually share bundles of personal information here at Living a Disney Life, but for this Friday Five, I’m going to have to.  Share, I mean.  See, I’ve been skipping a day or two of posting in recent weeks and that trend might continue (or worsen) for a little bit longer.  It’s not that I’ve run out of Disney stuff to write about – I’m pretty sure that might be impossible.  And it’s not you, I promise.  You guys have been great!  Your comments, tweets, Instagram and Facebook likes – that’s all been wonderful!  It’s me, honest!  I’ve been a tiny bit preoccupied.  Let me explain…

My Disney Life in a Countdown Calendar

In 29 days, I’ll be something I’ve never been before.  Kind of a short-term but life-changing gig, really.  I’ll be a Mother of the Bride.  A responsibility I’m taking very seriously.  It’s going to be a great wedding full of special, magical details I cannot wait to share with you.  After that, I’ll have yet another new role as a mother-in-law.  Since we’re crazy about our future son-in-law, that seems like a pretty good deal.  Megan’s going to be a beautiful bride and I’m sure I’m going to cry my eyes out!  You can probably guess where the happy couple will be going on their honeymoon.Mr.-and-Mrs.-Disney-Wedding-Pins

In 93 days, I’ll be running my 7th half-marathon.  I’m looking forward to it because our son, Joseph, will be running with me and this will be his first half marathon.  To be perfectly honest, I’m not very motivated to do the actual training for this race.  I’m hoping my attitude will change once the weather cools off a bit.  Someday, I’m hoping Joseph and Megan will both enter a runDisney race with me.  I’ll cross the finish line just in time to celebrate!  In 94 days, I’ll turn…well, let’s not discuss my birthday.  I’m having another one.  ‘Nuff said.

In 134 days, I’ll be at Walt Disney World!  Christmas will be over by then, but the spirit of the season will be everywhere at Disney World and Raymond and I will be soaking it up.  All those gorgeous decorations!  Wrapping up 2015 – for our family, an eventful year of both happy and sad occasions – Disney style.Christmastime at Walt Disney World

In 188 days, we’ll be headed to Walt Disney World again, but this time to meet up with my Disney Exchange Podcast co-hosts for runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend.  I’ve registered for the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k on Saturday, half-marathon Sunday) and Nick and Dave will be running (okay, Nick will be walking) the 10k with me.  I’m pretty stoked about this!!!  If you’re planning to be there, be sure to watch the podcast’s website or Facebook page for meet-up details!RM-Lisa-and-Glass-Slipper-Sign

191 days to go before we board the Disney Dream for a bit of rest and relaxation on a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas.  In Nassau, we aren’t planning to leave the ship – I’m planning to just rest and recover from the very action-packed Princess Half-Marathon Weekend and enjoy some guilt-free Disney cruise dining!

I’ve got no complaints.  I’m excited!  I’ve just got a lot in the works right now.  Bridal showers, rehearsal dinner, wedding, running, holidays, Disney, more running and finally, the grand finale, floating around with nothing to do.  I appreciate each of you for visiting me here, for your kind words, good-natured teasing, excellent debates, and steadfast support.  In 73 days, Living a Disney Life will be two years old…I could never have come this far without you.

How many days until your next Disney vacation?  Where are you going?