How Has Disney Inspired You?

What is it about Disney that captures the hearts and minds of children and adults alike?

Is it really Magic (or Pixie Dust)? or is it something else?

To be honest with all of you, I can't tell you exactly why I love Disney so much. I can tell you that Disneyland has always been a special vacation destination for my family. I can also say that Disney movies are highlights of my childhood but why have I held on to that love for 20+ years?

I believe that Disney and their Imagineers have a secret portal into the minds of children. The way they relate to kids through their films, cartoons, attractions and products is simply amazing. From Snow White to Frozen, Disney has been inspiring children to use their imaginations for decades. But for adult Disney fans like myself, we sometimes need a little more that a catchy song and an awesome princess to be truly inspired.

Recently, after some serious thinking my Husband and I decided I should go back to school. I jumped at the opportunity to finally finish my education but I had almost no idea which direction that I wanted to go. I felt a little lost, a little discouraged; I'm was almost 28 and practically clueless on the career path I wanted to take, kind of pathetic. Then something slightly magical happened, I randomly stumbled upon a link to the Disney Professional Internship website. I started to explore the site, I read success stories, watched videos and even looked up current internship positions that are open. It was like a light bulb had actually lit up over my head, I was seeing how to use my degree to potentially work at company that I adore.

Photo courtesy of Disney Professional Internship website

 I have always dreamed of working for Disney. I was taught that it's important to love what you do and the only thing that I have continuously loved (aside from my family) was Disney. But prior to discovering this program I could only see myself working at an entry level position, I had never had the motivation or inspiration to tell myself that I could shoot higher. I can honestly say that after I stumbled upon that website I no longer felt lost or discouraged, instead I felt strong and impowered. That moment and feeling further solidified my life long love for Disney. They have once again inspired me, this time instead of inspiring a game of "Peter Pan vs. Pirates", they have inspired a career path.

I can honestly say that Disney helped shape my life, they showed me a path for myself that I never knew existed. That is an amazing statement. After saying that I'd like to revoke a statement I wrote previously, I said that I can't tell all of you exactly why I love Disney. But through writing this I have been about to pin point why I love them. I love Disney because they love us. There are other internships and programs with other companies, but there is only one Disney Company. They create magic daily for people all over the world, and they still take the time to fuel education, inspire and motivate people who could be feeling a little lost, like I did. And I'm very thankful that they do.

So to answer my title question broadly, Disney inspires me by simply being inspirational. Whether it's inspiring the belief in magic or a future job, they try to inspire everyone. I still have a long while before it will be time for me to apply to the Disney Internship Program, but when I do I hope to pursue a marketing career with Disney. A marketing career that I can hopefully use to inspire another person who needs help finding a path.

That how Disney has inspired me, so I ask you all again, how has Disney inspired you?

Halloween at Disneyland or Disney World?

The Halloween Season is almost here... and I cannot wait!

When the crypt goes creak,

And the tombstones quake.

Spooks come out for a swinging wake.

Happy haunts materialize,

And begin to vocalize.

Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.

Now don't close your eyes,

And don't try to hide.

Or a silly spook may sit by your side.

Shrouded in a daft disguise,

They pretend to terrorize.

Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.

As the moon climbs high o'er the dead oak tree,

Spooks arrive for the midnight spree.

Creepy creeps with eerie eyes,

Start to shriek and harmonize.

Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.

When you hear the knell of a requiem bell,

Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell.

Restless bones etherialize,

Rise as spooks of every size.

If you would like to join our jamboree,

There's a simple rule that's compulsory.

Mortals pay a token fee.

Rest in peace, the haunting's free.

So hurry back, we would like your company.

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog 

Halloween is a special time of year around the Disney Parks. Starting in late Sept. thru Oct. 31st they not only decorate both Walt Disney World and Disneyland but they celebrate Halloween with Mickey and his Pals with a spooky party after dark! Having partied with Mickey on both coasts (it's my absolute favorite holiday) I can say it's definitely worth spending a little extra on tickets for Mickey's (Not So Scary) Halloween Party. 

Why go to Walt Disney World (W.D.W.) and attend the same event as you would in Disneyland? Well other than the obvious fact of visiting Disney World, there are a few distinct differences between the two.

1. The largest difference is the reason why I prefer Disneyland's event to W.D.W.'s *gasp*.  The beautiful transformation of New Orleans Square from the balmy bayou to the wonderful world of The Nightmare Before Christmas is spectacular. They 'Deck the Halls' of our beloved Haunted Mansion in holly and tell Jack's Christmas tale. The ride alone is simply amazing.

2. In my opinion, the best part of the "Not So Scary Halloween Party" in W.D.W. is the 'Boo to You' Parade. The parade itself is a spooky sight to see but when you see The Headless Horseman riding down Main St. with his pumpkin head in hand it takes it to another level. That one detail alone was worth the price of the ticket! It's just so cool to see in person. Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade in Disneyland is just as fantastic I just enjoyed the details of 'Boo to You' a little bit more. 

3. We all know that Disney knows how to put on a fireworks show but I have to say 'Halloween Screams' in Disneyland is jaw dropper. From Zero's flight and Jack's giant head the whole show is great! And just like the parades, 'Happy Hallow-Wishes' in W.D.W. nothing short of amazing, I just prefer the (awesome) details of the Disneyland show more. 

4. Disneyland offers a Monster U Dance Party in Tomorrowland Terrace. Both Mike and Sully attend and dance their Scary butts off! 

5. Walt Disney World has a unique Halloween inspired show called the Villains Castle Show. Spooky Disney movie inspired images are projected onto the front of Cinderella's Castle, along with an amazing soundtrack the show is quite a sight.

Aside from their differences BOTH events are magical (and spooky of course) and I certainly recommend each of them, especially if you enjoy Halloween as much as my family does. Trick or Treating inside the park and pictures with characters in their costumes are great and unique memories for our family and hopefully they can be for yours as well. 

My favorite picture of Cinderella's Castle during 'Happy Hallow-Wishes'.
This was from our first family trip to W.D.W., Oct. 2013.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Disneyland Vacation Giveaways.

They Must Be Feeling Generous Over at Disneyland...

Disneyland just celebrated it's 59th Anniversary and they must be feeling themselves because they are on a "Giveaway" roll! They announced not one but TWO vacation contests in two weeks. Disney loves to see their Parks from the Patrons point of view, but if you follow Disneyland on any Social Media this isn't a surprise to you. 

Here are two ways you can win awesome vacations using Social Media:

Disneyland is calling for family pictures through the generations and they are calling it The Disneyland 60 Contest. First: follow Disneyland on all social media outlets. Second: find every Disneyland picture of your Family you can bare to post online. Third: post those pictures on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest and don't forget to let them know which decade they are from! The Disney Blog will share some pictures on their site and one lucky family will win a Disneyland vacation!

The new 60th Anniversary Logo - LOVE

Next...

What makes you happy about Disneyland? A ride? The Characters? The food? Disneyland wants to see what makes you the happiest at The Happiest Place on Earth and they want to see it on their Instagram! Post as many pictures as you'd like just make sure to use the hashtag #GetHappierContest. Each week one person will win a Get Happier Gift Basket and one Grand Prize winner will win a Disneyland Vacation, including airfare!

Well there you have it, go and get Disney Social! Post those pictures and hopefully you will win, and if not you will have at least relived some awesome Disneyland memories. 

How to Save on {Disneyland} Souvenirs

'Saving Money at Disney? That's a Thing?' You Ask...

Why Yes, it is!

I have been going to Disneyland with my Family since I can remember and just like any other vacation the souvenirs are one of the best parts. Coming home and showing all your friends your neat things from the 'Happiest Place on Earth' is still one of my favorite things to do. But now that I'm a parent and I have now taken my Daughter to Disney I could throw up if I think about all the money parents spent on my siblings and I on souvenirs. But with age comes wisdom and I have been racking my Disney brain (& the internet) to compile a list of ways to save on souvenirs!

1. Disney Celebration Buttons. This is the first thing that I tell people to get if they are celebrating at Disney. From Graduation to Weddings and Anniversaries. They are free and located inside City Hall at Disneyland and Guest Relations at DCA. 

2. This next Souvenir is one that I recently discovered, even after countless Disney trips. A map of The World Famous Jungle Cruise is a freebie you can ask your Skipper for after you visit 'the backside of water'. They may request a little something in return though... the Jungle is all about the barter system!

My Jungle Cruise map, just in case we get lost!

3. My next suggestion is not free but they are the least expensive Souvenir that all Disney Parks offer. Are you ready? The Penny Press! Ok no, they aren't toys or a sweet map but they are very cool. Most major rides, attractions and stores will have at least one Penny (or Quarter) Press machine and each machine offers 3 choices of fun themed pictures to get embossed on your coin. Total cost per Penny is $.51 and a $1.25 for a Quarter. They also offer a Collectors book for around $9.00 for people like me who insist on getting every Penny or Quarter in every series they offer! Before my last trip to Disneyland I went to the bank and withdrew 2 rolls of Quarters and 2 rolls Pennies. Once I got home I inspected my coinage and decided I need sparkling Pennies for my collection so I hopped on Pinterest and found a recipe to clean those bad boys! Penny Presses are one fun Disney Collection that won't completely break the bank and you cannot get them anywhere other than the Disney Parks. You can find a complete Penny Press list here. Check 'em out!

4. This Souvenir is along the same lines as the Jungle Cruise map but it's slightly more exclusive. If you ask a Cast Member at Mark Twain's Riverboat reeeally nicely you might be able to pilot the S.S. Mark Twain and you will get a certificate (for free) to commemorate it! I have never done this personally but they still offer it and it's just one more special experience that you and your kids can enjoy.

5. My last Souvenir is more of a suggestion. Buy fun "Disney" themed things for your kids before you get to the parks, once you get there pull them out strategically to give to the kiddos. We also go to the local Dollar Store and pick up all manner of fun glowing things for all the night time activities while at Disneyland. It's a lot easier to say no to a spinning lite-up Buzz Lightyear when you have purse full of glowing goodies to hand out instead. 

Of course if your kids are old enough I highly encourage them saving for their own Souvenirs. Once you've announced your trip each kid can craft a Disney themed Jar (check out Pinterest for awesome ideas) to save their money in, ask them to give themselves a goal. Maybe they want to start a new collection while in Disneyland or your little Jedi really wants to splurge at The Star Trader in Tomorrowland. Either way you can help them set an achievable monetary goal that they can work towards in the months before your vacation. Create a chart of the least liked chores around the house and how much money you're willing to shell out for each chore completed. Yes, you are still technically spending money BUT you're teaching a much more valuable lesson. Plus, it's much more gratifying for your child to know that he or she worked for that money.

Disney Savings Jar - Love the saying! Mine would say 'Turkey Leg Fund' haha!
Found on Pinterest but originally posted on eighteen25 blog

It's no secret that it's expensive to visit the 'Happiest Place on Earth' but if you're like me and my family, it's so worth it. I just hope that at least one of these Souvenir Ideas helps you on your quest to save some money at Disney.

Our State Fair

Our Favorite Year Thus Far...

My Husband and I have gone to the California State Fair every year we've been together (long effin time) but this trip was by far the best year yet. I'll tell you why, our Daugher. That little crazy woman is at the perfect age for discovery and wonder and the Fair provided lot of both for her. 

Here are some of our HIGHLIGHTS:

The Animals- At any Fair there are a ton of Animals to look at and learn about. My Daughter is almost 2 and she is obsessed with her Farm Friends. So seeing Cows, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goats in person was an incredible treat for her. She was able to touch and interact with all her favorite animals, she even got a Piggie kiss from a passing show Hog. 

Checking out the Race times

The Races- With the huge popularity of California Chrome, the 2014 Derby and Preakness Winner, we had to catch at least one race. We waited and watched the Horse and their Jockeys get loaded into the starting gates, the Bugler came out in his Top Hat to announce the start of the race and then... THEY'RE OFF! The race was less that a minute and it was thrilling! Our Daughter jumped and cheered for the beautiful ponies, she of course just loved watching them run.

The Exhibits- The Exhibits are always my favorites and I refuse to leave until I've walked through all of them. It's also the perfect thing to do when your kid is napping in her stroller! It's so refreshing seeing how talented my State is and here's 2 of my favorite pieces:

The Divine Ruler by Rob Owen - Made completely of sugar. AMAZING. 

Bunny by William Mang - It was almost as tall as me. Incredibly impressive.

The Learning- It's not a secret that California is in a very serious drought so it wasn't a surprise that there was a lot of Water Conservation information, but they expanded on that idea as well. How can we multi task with our remaining water? It's call Aquaponics - The idea is simple; Grow veggies in water populated with fish. The fish waste is great for the plants (no fertilizers needed!)  and the plants filter out the water for the fish. Sounds kind of absurd right? But I swear it makes sense, especially if the fish that populate your garden are fish that you will eventually eat. Us (Northern) Californians are big on Home Grown, Farm to Fork movements this system just makes that way of thinking that much easier. As everyone knows, our Children are our future, so teaching them these new and inventive techniques is imperative to the survival of our planet. 

Here's an example of Aquaponics on a small scale.
 Gold Fish are one of a few fish that are best for this technique. 

The Fun- The Fair is a place to have fun and enjoy all that your State has to offer. This year we really made sure to take it all in and explore, look around, check it all out. The exhibits and expos and all the fried food. We loved the Fair this year and can't wait until next time.

Ca State Fair 2014

Living Locally

When is the last time you got out and explored your town?

Being a Stay at Home Mom I am always looking for fun things to do on a budget. We are extremely lucky living where we do. We are surrounded by beautiful rivers and mountains, plenty of places to explore and wander. As much as we go out and enjoy the wilderness, it can be a lot for me to trek a toddler and her stuff into the woods for a few hours. So, to save my back and my patience, I am always on the look out for awesome, cheap things to do around town. Here's where I've learned to look....

Local Sport Teams- We have local Baseball team (GO RIVERCATS!) and they are always having different events at their Ballpark. We have been to several 'Mommy and Me' days there and  it's always fun. 

Your City's Website- Most cities and towns have a website that provides information about local activities and events. Anything from festivals to concerts in the park, sometimes there are even Community groups that you can join. 

The Mall- As corny as that sounds, one of our local malls has AWESOME play areas, indoor and outdoor options! The mall also has events all the time, they are even having a summer night movie series, every Friday night they show a movie outdoors. They even had a 'Frozen' night... 

These are just other options for us Stay at Home Parents to explore. It can be difficult to keep our kids entertained but we have to remember to keep ourselves sane too. Our kids depend on us to be our best selves and if that means you spend the day just doing something you love every now and then, your kids will most likely enjoy it too. So get out there and explore your cities and find something you can enjoy with your kids!

Sporting her Athletics Green and Gold at the Last Mommy and Me event at Raley Field

Potty Training Peril

It's time to learn to use the Potty... Everybody ready?

Google Image

My daughter is about to turn 2 and I believe she's ready to introduce the idea of using the potty. Why? you ask, well I'll tell you:

1. She's been tugging at her diaper after she's gone to the bathroom, usually while saying "poop, poop, poop..." over and over. "Poop" is an umbrella term for everything at the moment, she hasn't quite figured out the difference just yet.

2. She's interested in what goes on in the bathroom. What happens when Mommy sits on that thing called a "toiwet"?

3. She's on a pretty regular schedule. I can almost predict when her declaration of "poop!" is a correct statement and when it's more of an exaggeration. I read that makes getting into the habit of using the potty easier.

Now, lets say we give this project the "Green Light"! Where do we begin? This being the internet age, I Googled it, and looked it up on Pinterest and the list goes on. Everywhere I look the strategies are different, most contradict one another and that just makes this whole process that much more frustrating. Bribes? No bribes? Naked time? PullUps? or straight to Big Girl underwear? AHHH! Unfortunately for my daughter, she is our first kid and this will be a guessing game for everyone. Hopefully, with a mishmash of information that I've gathered and the advice from friends and family, this process will goes smoothly. Fingers crossed.

Even though I believe my daughter is ready for this, the reality is she may not be. If that is that the (sad) situation then we will just have to wait. I believe pushing a child into doing something they aren't ready for is wrong and can do more harm than good, depending on the child. She will ultimately decide when this huge life change will happen, I can only hope it's soon.