Devoted DIY-Recycling T-Shirts

Photo Courtesy of DisneyStore.Com

We love Disney t-shirts, it's one of the most popular items purchased in the parks.  However, what to do when it’s unwearable?  Maybe worn out from too many trips, stained from the Turkey Leg or no longer fits (nothing to do with the Turkey Leg).  You can always recycle (or the new word is upcycle) your favorites. Here are a few ideas of my own and some fun tips I found while searching the internet.

Make a Quilt
Or if you are like me, have someone make a quilt for you.  There are many services out there that will take your old t-shirts,  cut out the image and sew into a quilt of memories.  What better way to have your trip memories available as a cozy blanket to wrap around you as you watch your favorite Disney classic on TV. If you are handy of course you can do this on your own and make it a family project!

Make a Story

Many of the photo printing sites out there offer soft and hard cover books of your photos.  Some even use Disney backgrounds and graphics.  Often there are great deal for free books or half price book.  Take a close up photo of the image on your t-shirt.  Either on you, or stretched out on the back of a chair.  Make a collage book of your favorite t-shirts and maybe include text with fun anctedotes of that particular trip.  For example: "This is the 2010 trip shirt we bought Andrew after he got soaked on Splash Mountain”.  You can even put in a few pics of your family wearing the shirt on a trip.  Then if the shirt is in good shape, give to a charity of your choice.  There are many kids that will never make it to Disney and the shirt alone will be priceless.

Make a Journal

Now this is a simple craft to do with your older children. Purchase a plain journal, preferably with a hard cover. Lay out the book and arrange the t-shirt image around the front and back. Leaving an at least an inch extra, cut out the graphic from the shirt and any extra material for the back. Simply glue the flaps down inside the cover, folding corners as needed. Use binder clips to keep in place while the glue dries.  Cut away any extra fabric.  Now you have a new journal. Maybe for recording memories of the next trip to Disney?

Repurpose the Shirt

• Tote Bag:  The internet is full of ideas for repurposing t-shirts. One of the easiest is to turn it into a tote bag. It’s washable and durable and the world certainly has enough plastic bags! Click here for step-by-step instructions.
• Throw Pillows:  What better way to decorate your child’s room (or your child at heart) than with throw pillows from Disney t-shirts.  Click here to get instructions for this fun project.
• Wall Art:  No need to buy expensive art from Disney, use your t-shirts instead.  A quick trip to the art supply or craft store and you’re ready to redecorate.  Click here for the instructions to Disney decorate.
• Laptop or Ipad Case: Keep those electronics protected and maybe disguised a bit. Click here for the instructions. 

I had fun finding some new ideas for recycling t-shirts.  Any ideas you would like to share?  Please leave them in the comment section!

Maria is a Travel Planner for Snapshot Getaways and has quite a few t-shirts to upcycle!  Contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com or visit her Facebook page for help planning your trip!

Candlelight Processional 2019: Updated with Narrator List

The Candlelight Processional is personally one of my favorite holiday events that takes place at Disney World's Epcot. There's nothing like seeing a favorite celebrity read off the story of a savior being born, accompanied by an orchestra and a choir to fill you with the holiday spirit. This is a must for anyone who is not in the holiday spirit and might need a little help. My family has enjoyed each time,  as each narrator and restaurant makes each experience unique. It is a must do at least once. So to help you and your family enjoy this event we have compiled some information.

What is the Candlelight Processional?

The Candlelight Processional is the biblical telling of a savior born in Bethlehem. The story is narrated by a celebrity.  It also includes a fifty piece orchestra and a full choir who enhance the story by filling the amphitheater with amazing music and beautiful harmonies. 

Where is the Candlelight Processional located?

First you need to head to Epcot. Then head back to the World Showcase. Next make your way  to the American Pavilion. It is located at the American Garden's Theater.

What is the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

The Candlelight Processional Dinner package is where you or your travel agent will call and make an advanced dining reservation (ADR) to one of the participating restaurants. You can book these packages up to 180 days in advance of your arrival. You will dine at your selected reservation time at the restaurant you choose from the participating restaurants. The package includes a 3 course meal or a full buffet for lunch or dinner depending on the restaurant you choose. At that time you will also select your show time.  You will then pay for the package at the restaurant  or use your dining plan.  Prices for the packages start at around $52 plus for lunch and $57 plus for dinner and may be higher depending on restaurant. If you choose to use your dining plan it will be two table credits. You will receive a sticker that you wear that has your showtime on it when you pay. This package will get you a guaranteed seat inside the pavilion to see the show. Just remember some narrators are more popular than others and those packages tend to sell out quicker.

Participating Restaurants:

Ale & Compass*
Biergarten 

Chef de France

Coral Reef Restaurant

The Garden Grill* 

La Hacienda de San Angel

Nine Dragons
Restaurant Marrakesh

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

San Angel Inn Restaurante
Spice Road Table

Teppan Edo

Tokyo Dining
Trattoria al Forno* 

Tutto Italia Ristorante

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
*Breakfast Package Available

What if I don't do the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

I just want to say from experience that skipping the package may hurt your chances of being able to see the show. At the American Garden's Theater there will be two lines. One line is for those that have bought the dinner package and will be guaranteed a seat. They will be let in first. The second line in the stand-by line. If the theater does not fill up they will let the standby line in to stand in the back. However, I have seen them turn standby lines away before.

Narrators for 2019:

• Ming-Na Wan
• November 29 through December 1
• Neil Patrick Harris
• December 2 through December 5
• Whoopi Goldberg
•  December 6 and 7 
• Isabella Rossellini
• December 8 through 10
• TBD 
• December 11 through 12 
• Gary Sinise
• December 13 through 15
• Pat Sajak
• December 16 through 18
• TBD
• December 19 through 21
• Steven Curtis Chapman
• December 22 through 24
• Edward James Olmos
• December 25 and 26
• Marlee Matlin
• December 27 and 28
• Lisa Ling
• December 29 and 30

Other Tips:

• This event does not require a separate ticket. However you will need admission to Epcot and that admission price is not included in your dining package.
• Seating at the Candlelight Processional is first come first serve unless you have reserved a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.
• The show times are at 5 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM 
• Narrators are subject to change
• For best pictures of your narrator do not sit in the first three rows and sit more towards the middle.

I have personally seen Neil Patrick Harris,Trace Adkins and Edward James Olmos. All of the gentleman were amazing in their telling of the story. I do not think you can choose a bad narrator because they are telling a beautiful story. Our first year we chose to dine at Rose & Crown. The food was delicious but my children were not crazy about it. The next two times we ate at Via Napoli and that was a hit with my children. We are going this year as well. Our narrator again is Edward James Olmos and we will be choosing Via Napoli. Have you been to the Candlelight Processional? I would love to know who your narrator was and where you chose to eat for your package? Will you be attending this year?

Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd who has 2 boys. She is also a travel agent with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter. She would love to hear from you or chat about Disney with you.