I received an advanced behind-the-scenes look at Disney On Ice's newest production, Mickey’s Search Party. It's called a "search party," because Mickey and the gang follow clues to help release Tinker Bell's fairy powers. The cast even calls out to the crowd asking for advice and answers. It's pretty cute seeing the kids jump out of their seat in order to lend a hand.
New Technology
While I've been to four previous Disney on Ice shows, this is by far the MOST stunning. It combines interactive audience elements, new technology, and high flying circus-like acrobatics.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party extends the performance space beyond the ice surface to better engage and interact with the audience on a new, transformative level. Executive Producer Nicole Feld explains that the ice gives them a large white canvas to work on, and this production takes advantage of it. Projection mapping visually immerses and transports guests to each of the magical worlds of the Disney stories, using 12 projectors and approximately 31,000 Lumens equaling about 186 classroom projectors.
High flying action with skates on!
New characters come out to skate too!
There are approximately 45 performers in the production and a total of 40 Disney characters featured. Plus songs from Moana and Disney Pixar's Coco, along with Classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Aladdin and Frozen! Plus, of course, the fab five and Tinker Bell and Captain Hook!
Maui from Disney's Moana joins Disney on Ice - You're Welcome!
This combination of new films mixed with beloved favorites will help to keep both kids and adults riveted. Also, it's a perfect balance of Princess and action ideal for both boys and girls alike.
Arrive Early!
You don't have to wait until showtime to see the Disney magic. There is a preshow of sorts featuring Pirates and Tinker Bell.
Where to Sit
Sit higher up in the cheap seats to see all of the lighting effects, however, if you'd like your children to interact more with the performers, try sitting close on either stage left or right. During the Coco segment, performers dressed like sugar skull skeletons and using a "sway poll" they practically fly over the heads of the audience, causing several gasps. It's really cool.
Disney On Ice rehearsal, performer using the Sway Poll
Also, during the Toy Story portion, the iconic Pixar ball gets thrown out into the stands to be tossed around. I actually had the chance to hit it back to the cast, so cool! Plus, if you're lower you'll also get snowed on during Frozen.
What to Wear
Your Disney gear obviously, but have your children wear something white or neon that will glow under the black light during the Coco section for added enjoyment. You might also want to order a light up wand ahead of time to bring with you too, but they can be purchased from the vendors at the stadium too.
Southwest Florida Tour
Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party will be coming to Southwest Florida at Hertz Arena in Estero March 27-29, 2020. Tickets start at $20 and are available online at DisneyOnIce.com, at the Hertz Arena box office or by calling 800-745-3000. Get your tickets now!
Disclosure: I am a Feld Entertainment Blogger Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and other exclusive opportunities.
Sure, it's fun to find the hidden Mickey's throughout the park, but how about the Disney Walls? I brought different changes of clothes and went on the hunt during my last trip.
What are Disney Walls? Disney fans with an Instagram account know the must-have shot at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom isn’t in front of the castle, but in front of these walls.
Each Disney park has their own photo wall standouts. Go find them all!
During this year's Disney's Social Media Mom's Celebration and Conference, we saw an extended sneak peek of Disney's A Wrinkle in Time. I didn't read the book, so I wasn't familiar with this family-friendly fantasy already.
Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time isan epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic that takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light, good versus evil and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.
I was first struck with how visually stunning the film is as it leapt from Earth to different worlds. I've always been a fan of Reese Witherspoon too, so it was fun seeing her in this mystical role...and of course hottie Chris Pine appears too ;)
A Wrinkle in Time is now playing in theatres everywhere!
A Wrinkle in Time Movie Giveaway
Enter below to win two movie passes to see A Wrinkle in Time, as well as receive a hardcover copy of Disney's A Wrinkle in Time: A Guide to the Universe book. Good luck!
Are you heading on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream ship? Lucky you! Below are some can't miss activities, helpful tips and useful insider secrets to wow your friends and family during your sail. These are tested and true reccomendations for kids and adults on what to do, what to skip, how to avoid lines in the process and have a great sail and an even more magical vacation.
17 VIP Tips for the Disney Dream
Download the App Prior to Boarding - The Disney Cruise Line Navigator is a free app that helps you navigate the ship, see the ship schedule and text with other passengers while onboard. You'll be using this app often to message each other since it makes coordinating so much easier, plus the adorable Disney emojis! All of the functionalities will work only once you are connected to the on-board wifi, but in the meantime, there is also a countdown clock for your trip to get you pumped!
Check in Online for Earliest Boarding Time - Our first Disney cruise we only checked in online several days before our trip. This was a mistake, because by then the earliest available boarding time was 2 p.m. and we wanted to get on as soon as possible. So, to get the most of your time on the ship, check in online as soon as you are able to via the My Disney Cruise Line website. This site also allows you to schedule a character call with one of the characters welcoming everyone, which is really fun for the kids. TIP: Even though you may board around Noon, you will NOT be able to go in your room until after 1:30 p.m., so be sure and bring a tote bag with pool gear or other items that you'll want handy before your luggage arrives.
Watch On-Demand Classic Disney Movies and Marvel blockbusters - Besides the few live channels offered on the flat screen television in your room, there is an on-demand movies feature available on the Disney Dream, where you can access almost all of Walt Disney’s animated films regardless of them being in the Disney Vault or not. This allowed us to show the boys some classics that we didn’t have on DVD and have age-appropriate content for them without consulting the channel guide. Not all the Disney Cruise Ships have this feature (Disney Wonder doesn't) so take advantage of it! To access this feature, just hit the MENU button on your remote. For adults, they have live-action Disney movies and Marvel flicks available too.
On Demand Disney Movies - just hit the Menu button
Beauty and the Beast show is a must-see! Each Disney Cruise Line ship has a different musical production. Disney Wonder has Frozenand the Disney Dream now has Beauty and the Beast. This jaw-dropping show is based on the recent live-action version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. To say it's Broadway-caliber is putting it mildly, in fact, it's better than the original Broadway version, which I saw twice growing up. The high-tech set is stunning, the performances brilliant and the puppetry is somehow realistic. And this is no joke, we heard tales of two men crying (one a Vietnam vet) that evening from the production. My five-year-old boys were glued to their seats. If you have little ones, be sure and grab a booster seat at the entrance when entering the theater. Also, line-up at LEAST a half hour before showtime if not sooner. The lines go all the way down from the theater to the gift shops. Try to sit within the first 15 rows if you'd like to experience the fog special effects and streamers to fall on you during the "Be our Guest" song. However, if you or your child suffers from asthma maybe sit further back.
Keep Calm and Dole Whip on - Yasss! You can get the infamous Dole Whip float while onboard the Disney Dream too. Order up at the Frozone Treats juice bar by the Eye Scream station on Deck 11 for $4.95. You can make it an adult-version with dark rum for $6.75 or have it spiked with Vanilla Rum for $9.00.
You can order Dole Whip at Frozone Treats juice bar
Long days in the sun and humid climate can sometimes lead to skin irritation, so packing an anti-fungal sensitive skin face wash can help maintain a clear and balanced complexion. A gentle yet effective cleanser ensures you remove sweat, sunscreen, and impurities without causing dryness or irritation, keeping your skin fresh throughout the cruise.
Ride the AquaDuck Waterslide on Port Days and at Night - While all of the Disney Cruise Line ships have water slides and splash areas, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have the awesome AquaDuck, which allows riders to glide through a water-gushing acrylic tube that takes you all over the ship and out over the ocean for a few seconds. You can ride single rider or with another passenger on a raft. The ride is 765 foot long and exists on 46-foot tall stilts. The views from this water coaster are beautiful and thrilling. The lines though, not so much.During lunchtime while at Castaway Cay is a great time to go back on the ship and ride the AquaDuck. It was only a 10-minute wait then, but generally, any port day has less of a line. For an added thrill, ride the AquaDuck at night and experience dazzling multicolored lights!
AquaDuck water coaster slide
See the rotating skylines in the Skyline Bar (and spot Mickey and other hidden gems too) - Savor a cocktail as the virtual view at Skyline transports you to cities around the globe. Skyline is small and intimate and resembles a chic martini bar or a metropolitan whiskey lounge. Behind the bar are HD screens that magically transform from one virtual city skyline to the next. Developed by Disney Imagineering, the unique "windows to the world" aerial city views change with a sprinkle of pixie dust every 15 minutes—from London to Barcelona, or Hong Kong to New York! Look closely... and you'll spot taxis speeding along and silhouettes of residents closing their windows—you may just find Mickey Mouse waving from a corner balcony in London! You can also cozy up to Skyline's unique "digital fireplace" to wind down your evening.
Know how Pub 687 got its name - also in The District, the adult area of the ship this pub is named after Disney Dream's original hull number before it was named Dream. A sports-fan’s paradise, this lounge is outfitted with huge flat-screen LCD TVs to view live broadcasts via satellite. Discover its rich details, including overflowing trophy cases, a stamped metal ceiling and leather-upholstered club chairs. Be sure to order the most popular "beercocktail," the Baha Fog, which adds a shot of tequila to a lime-rimmed frosted glass of Corona beer.
Admire the Glass Slipper Chandelier in the Royal Palace dining room. Dine like royalty on French-inspired, continental fare at this enchanting restaurant inspired by classic Disney Princess films. Although the elaborate chandelier is in the dead center of the Royal Place restaurant, it's easy to miss the hidden details depending on where you are seated. We had a partition in our way, so if our server didn't point it out, we would have miss that it was brimming with glass slippers. The crown valances on the windows are easier to notice.
Royal Palce chandelier is brimming with glass slippers
If you want to dine at the adult-only Palo or Remy restaurants don't do it on your Animator's Palate night - DCL has an innovative rotational dining, where each night you are assigned a different sit-down restaurant to dine at. While we loved them all, especially the food at each, Enchanted Garden, however, offered less entertainment and ambiance than the rest. So, I would recommend skipping EG in favor of the adult only restaurant Palo or Remy. Keep in mind that there is an additional fee for dining there. It's so worth it though as the food is even more amazing and it's very romantic for couples! You can make your reservation ahead of time online or as soon as you board and see your dining schedule. Oh, and this is a formal dining experience, so no flip-flops or sneakers and guys must be in dress pants.
Take advantage of the Oceaneer's Kids Club & Lab - I recently spoke with a family who went on DCL, but never had their child go to the kids club. I know vacationing with the family is about spending time with your family, but don't think of the kids club as a bad thing. Believe me, it's one big playground for them! Sure, you can use the service sparingly, but definitely have your kids go at least once while on the ship. We did an adult-only dinner at Palo and checked our kids in. I chose not to have dessert, rushing to go get them and guess what? They didn't want to leave. They were making cookies with Captain Hook and whined the minute they saw me (ouch!). In the end, I had to wait there in my dress and heels for them to finish, lol. Just take a look at how awesome it is:
TIP: Pre-register your children online first, so when you get on the ship you simply have to pick-up their Magic Bands. Also, don't forget to return the bands before you disembark or you will be charged for them. Scuttle's Cove kids area & Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay - The kids club is also available on land while at Castaway Cay, it's called Sculley's Cove and is essentially a big beach sandbox for kids to play. They have activities and water play areas. We checked our boys into the club for an hour after lunch, so they could run around before going back on the ship for nap time.
Scuttle's Cove kids club on Castaway Cay
You can use this alone time to visit the adult only beach, Serenity Bay, which is less crowded and has amazing views and chairs that you can put right into the clear blue water. Also, the BBQ lunch buffet here has less of a line. Free Room Service Milk & Cookies - Room service itself is free and available 24/7. There is a menu in your room with a full list of options. This came in handy for an afternoon snack for our boys like Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches. Also, a fun tradition we started was ordering cookies and milk before bed while watching a Disney on-demand movie.
Milk and Cookies delivered
BYOB – If you imbibe and would like to save some money, bring your own. Each adult is allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine or champagne or 6 bottles of beer. Make sure that liquor is in your carry-on bag as you go through the cruise terminal for inspection. Do not check it in with your bags, as it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your trip. We opened our bottle on the balcony before dinner and ordered a cheese plate to be delivered to our room along with two wine glasses. See above about free room service! If you purchase duty-free liquor at port, they will hold the bottles for you, which can easily be collected once you disembark.
Pack Door Decorations – The cabin doors aboard Disney cruise lines are a work of art! Guests decorate their doors with photos and decorations of all kinds, including magnets with their names and favorite characters on them. It's fun to simply walk around see what others have done. To personalize our door we ordered this cute door magnet with each of our first names listed and I also added a shameless plug to my blog URL, lol. Another great thing about decorating your door is that it makes it easy for kids to spot their room. Stickers are NOT allowed.
Fish Extenders - Also, order this fish extender hack that hangs from your room number if you chose to participate in the gift exchanges (all about that here).
Bring Change- Yes, tips are already included in the daily occupancy rates, but we added an extra $5-$10 in each of the waitstaff envelopes and $20 for our Cabin Steward during our 3-night cruise. However, since all you need is your room key to charge to your account on the ship, we had to scramble to find actual money for tips. So do have some smaller bills handy for this purpose. Also, there is a post office on Castaway Cay that only takes cash and not room keys, so if you want to send a postcard, remember to pack a few bills in your beach tote.
Buy Lanyards - You may also want to pre-order Disney lanyards with a detachable coin purse to hold money and your room key. It's also great for kids, so they don't lose their key. I found it helpful too since I didn't wear or need a purse when on the ship and my bathing suit and sundresses didn't have pockets. Although, if you've sailed before with Disney and are a Silver Castaway Club member or higher, you will receive a free lanyard at check-in.
Video Tour of Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom #10142 with Verandah:
#1 Selling Cruise Essential - Cruise Approved Power Strip
At the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we had the awesome opportunity to see an advanced screening of Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out, well at least the first 3/4 of it. Even without seeing the whole thing though, I already fell in love with it. Yes, all of Pixar's films are magical, but this had the charm and sweet sentiment of Up. It was simply adorable, go see it and you'll know what I mean!
The film delves into the little voices inside people's heads, in particular, an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When Riley's family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, eager to help guide her through the difficult transition. But when Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge of the teenager's emotions.
During the conference, we also had the privilege of hearing from the film's producer Jonas Rivera, who said the story "is a parents love letter to their kids."
Rivera also shared the backstory on the film with inspiration coming from director Pete Docter watching his own daughter go through this turbulent part of growing up. He explained how she was always so happy when visiting their offices, but then when she became a teenager, the happy child all of a sudden was sullen and had her headphones on. Her father then remarked, 'I wonder what is going on in her head' and that's where the idea for the film came to be. However, what they then imagined is just brilliant. I mean, only the folks at Pixar could come up with such a lovely idea.
Inside Out producer Jonas Rivera at #DisneySMMC Photo by Disney - Preston Mack
Plus, the five characters/emotions are so perfectly casted with comedian Lewis Black voicing the role of Anger; Amy Poehler as the infectiously optimistic Joy; Bill Hader is funny as the paranoid Fear; Mindy Kaling is supreme as Disgust; and my favorite, Phyllis Smith as Sadness (not my favorite emotion in myself, but my fave of the characters. She's like a lovable Eeyore).
Meanwhile, the opening animated short Lava was also incredible. It actually made me cry. My husband keeps playing the abbreviated version of the ukulele song featured in the short on YouTube. I can't wait until we can buy the whole song.
Disney•Pixar's Inside Out and Lava opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, June 19, 2015.
My boys love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and dancing to the hot dog theme song, so when I was selected to host a Show Your Disney Side, preschool play date we were all very excited. While I've hosted at-home blogger parties before, this was the first time that I ever hosted one for kids. Having recently moved, It was also a great opportunity to socialize with other parents and their kids in the area.
Dressing Up:
For the big day, my boys wore matching red Mickey Mouse & Pluto tees (this is the third size that I've bought these shirts in since it's a favorite of theirs) from The Children's Place and also found on-sale at Zulily.
I also assembled free Mickey and Minnie Ear Print Outs, which were super easy to do and allowed everyone attending to dress up too and feel special in their Mickey Ear hats. Tip: Use stronger paper stock.
At first, Logan was not liking his ears and I couldn't help but laugh and take photos of his protests. Yet surprisingly, after the initial complaints, he ended up keeping his ears on the whole time, longer than anyone else, even his twin.
The Food:
I filled bowls with Crunchmaster Cheezy and Grammy Crisps. I also had bags of Doc McStuffins themed fruit gummies and Clif Kid Organic Chocolate Chip ZBars with protein (my boys need more protein) available. Plus, I toasted up some Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets from Costco.
For dessert, I baked Mickey Mouse Cinnamon buns, by arranging Pillsbury Cinnamon Grands in the shape of Mickey Ears.
Decorating:
We had matching Mickey Mouse party supplies like napkins, plates, cups and table cloths and hung fun spiral Mickey Mouse Swirls with Cutouts from our arch way.
Playing off of the lines said in every episode and in the theme song of the Disney Junior show, I printed up signs for the ear hat station and a welcome sign for the door using these Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Free Party Sign Printables! There are a bunch of other personalized options available for purchase on Etsy too.
Playtime & Activities:
We already had the fun Mickey Mouse play tent and tunnel seen above, which I also found on Zulily, so we put it out in our den and filled it with foam blocks for the toddlers to play in.
Mickey coloring pages were also a big hit with the younger guests like my two-year-olds. You can easily print your own from home here for free. I also like to print out a bunch and keep them in my car with a box of crayons for when we dine out with the boys.
We also played Disney Side Bingo with the help of the other parents and the two winners received fun play sets from Mega Bloks. Plus, don't forget to play the hot dog song on loop, although be warned it's still in my head, lol.
Disclaimer: I have received free products in order to host the Disney Kids Preschool Playdate. The opinions expressed here are my own. There was no further compensation for this post
We got a sneak peek of Monsters University at the #DisneySMMoms conference where we also had a chance to explore the MU campus. Check out my student ID and new freshman pals ;)
It's not every day a Princess gets crowned. A Disney Princess that is.
I was excited to be present at Merida's royal celebration held at the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella's Castle last week. The Brave heroine officially joined the Disney Princess court in classic Disney fashion with fireworks and other surprises. People were already lined up and down Main Street last Saturday morning and
the park had barely opened yet. We had a VIP view and the excitement in the
air was thrilling. It was also cool to see all 10 previous Disney Princess characters there together. So pretty.
Watched by hundreds of park guests, Merida's procession to the castle was led by a troop of Scottish
dancers and an authentic pipe and drum band. Instead of arriving in a traditional horse-and-carriage, she rode in on her trusty
horse. She was welcomed on stage by the entire Disney Princess
court, and was crowned by her mother Queen Elinor.
Gymnastics Gold
Medalist and All-Around champion, Gabby Douglas, hosted the celebration
accompanied by her own mother.
I admire Merida for being determined and courageous as these are
qualities that have had a big impact on my own life and helped me
achieve my goals as an athlete," said Gabby Douglas, gymnastics gold
medalist. "And like Merida, I have a strong relationship with my mom,
whose support and belief in me has helped me recognize my own inner
princess qualities. It's really special for us to be here and share in
Merida's celebration, especially on Mother's Day weekend."
What a magical Mother's Day I had last week! I got to spend it with my boys, husband, friends, former coworkers, bloggers and with my own mother at the happiest place on earth -- Disney World Resorts. As blogged about previously, I had the great opportunity to attend the 4-day Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Orlando hearing about the latest Disney news, going behind-the-scenes at the different resorts and learning how to better my brand while listening to motivational and informative speakers.
I know some people wouldn't think to take their 6-month-old sons so soon to Disney World, but I couldn't wait. Why not? Yes, I know, they will have no memory of it, but I always will. The photos alone are precious. It was my babies first time to Disney and I’ll never forget it. It was so surreal to be going there as an "adult" with my own children. Wow! Us grown-ups also sneaked off on a few rides too.
When Ben met a life-sized Winnie the Pooh (the same character seen on a lot of his toys and on his bouncer) he extended his hand to touch the soft, silly ole bear. It was precious!
I also have photos of all of us with Mickey Mouse with the boys in matching Mickey onesies too. This time, it was Logan who kept staring at Mickey. He kept craning his neck past me to get a good look at him. I tried blocking his view so he could look toward the camera, but no, he wasn't having it, he darted his head the other way and continued to stare at Mickey. You can see it in the below pic. Too cute!
I also think the boys enjoyed all the activity as they seemed perfectly fine in their strollers people watching and seeing all the colors as they strolled through the parks. They were even fine during Epcot's Illuminations, their nighttime lights and fireworks show. In fact, they were entranced by the bright popping colors in the sky. This was their first-ever fireworks too. Take a look:
Also, if you're ever at a Disney park with kids still in diapers, do ask for the nearest Baby Care Center located within all three parks, here both mommy and daddies can change babies on comfortable cushioned changing beds. They have disposable sheets that go over each changer for each baby. It's also air-conditioned and they sell supplies like diapers and formula in case you are running low. There is also a private pumping area for mothers. We visited this center several times.
I also chronicled how I dressed the boys each day over at TOT Runway: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.
Stay tuned for my next post on some fun upcoming Disney news...
Also, here's a video with highlights from the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World and the babies and I appear with Winnie the Pooh at :58
*FTC Disclosure: I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, but I paid a fee to participate. All opinions are my own.
Raphael, the boys and I are back in Florida, this time for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I'm super excited to be among the select bloggers invited and attending the annual event. I've really needed my Disney fix.
Although I've been to Disney World several times before, this is the first time I'm going as a mother with two boys. It's a bit surreal to be their as the parent now. Yes, I know they are not even 6-months-old yet, but it's still thrilling knowing it's their first trip to Disney World. I can't wait to take photos of them with different characters. I went out and bought them even more Disney Baby outfits to wear too. I think for a change, I'm going to go all matchy matchy on them. If not now, when?
You may already be familiar with Disney's Magical Express,
but being my first time traveling with kids, it was new to me and it
rocked my world! Basically, it's a complimentary airport transportation
service and luggage delivery for guests of select Walt Disney World
Resort hotels. I had signed up for the free Magical Express service two weeks before our trip and they mailed me a packet with tickets and luggage tags to put on our bags:
We then checked in our bags at the departure airline and once we landed, we simply stepped off the plane with babies in our arms, bypassed baggage claim and caught a bus straight to our hotel. It was like having a Fast Pass through the airport. Disney fairies then grabbed our bags for us and delivered them directly to our room within 3 hours. It was indeed magical! Between our diaper bags and flying with infant twins we already had our hands full. Going back should be even easier as we just check our bags in at the hotel when leaving instead of at the airport, they print our boarding passes too.
We are staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Below is the view from our balcony and the Mickey surprise that was waiting for us on the bed.
Stay tuned for more Disney magic and news from the conference, you can also follow my tweets and Instagram profile for the latest and greatest pics and updates as they happen.
*FTC Disclosure: I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. I paid a fee to participate. All opinions are my own.
