Create Your Own Ear Hat

There's nothing more iconic to take home from Disney than a Mickey ear hat. They come in so many styles and can suit the purist looking for the classic black to the princess with Frozen fever. But did you know that you can actually create your own custom ear hat at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) between The Art of Disney and the Design-A-Tee shop? 

The first step will be to find a beanie:

                                        

There is a wide variety of color, pattern, and fabric so you'll be sure to find one just right for you. 

Next you'll find ears to snap onto the beanie:

     

Again there's no shortage of choices- you can even mix-and-match to find the perfect combination! 

Finally you can choose to add patches for a bit of flair:

   

At this point you'll take your hat to the register where the patches will be attached, you'll have the opportunity to add embroidery to the back, and that's it, you're finished! 

                                     

This one-of-a-kind souvenir takes about 15-20 minutes to create and costs around $25 (dependent on your choices). Not bad for a unique experience and something to treasure in the parks and at home! 

Hope is a Snapshot Getaways Agent and Disney fanatic. She loves customizing Disney vacations to suit individual dreams even more than customizing souvenirs. Contact her for help planning your one-of-a-kind Disney vacation at Hope@SnapshotGetaways or find her on Facebook. 

 

 
       

What's New for 2016-The Fate of DisneyQuest

So for a while we have heard rumors about DisneyQuest closing in 2016. We also noticed that in the packages for 2016, the DisneyQuest coupons were not available like in years past. Now we know that DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney will close next year to make way for the new NBA Experience.

DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park located in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is housed in a five-story windowless building. Guests enter the first-floor lobby and are transported via a "magic" elevator to the third floor atrium at the start of their visit. Guests can expect to enter a large arcade complete with eight attractions inside.  The indoor virtual theme park first opened in 1998.

DisneyQuest will be replaced with the NBA Experience. The  NBA-themed attraction will include high-tech experiences, a restaurant and a store. The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will feature hands-on activities and immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences.

Ed Chambers said new jobs will be available for people who work at DisneyQuest.

What are your thoughts on DisneyQuest leaving? Are you sad to see it go or excited to see what the NBA Experience has to offer?


Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney nerd who loves everything Disney. She is a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her and her travel deals on Facebook and Twitter. She loves to chat about Disney so feel free to leave her a message.

Disney's Old Key West Resort and Room Tour

Located near the Disney Disney (Soon to be Disney Springs) area, is Disney's Old Key West Resort. Old Key West is not only a cash stay resort, it is also home to Disney Vacation Club Villas as well. This is one of my favorite resorts because of the laid back Key West vibe and also because the rooms are some of the biggest on property. It also has boat transportation to Downtown Disney-my favorite means of Disney transportation! 

Check in area. 

My beautiful daughter in front of the iconic lighthouse.

The very cool Sandcastle Pool & Slide.

Relax in the jacuzzi. 

Rent surrey bikes. 

It was just the two of us for this stay, but even if dad had joined us, there would have been plenty of room. We stayed in a Studio Villa. the room has 2 queen sized beds, a table and 2 chairs in the sitting area, a nice sized kitchenette area with an dorm fridge, toast, coffee maker & microwave, as well as a sink for wash dishes. Because it is a villa, you will also get some basic supplies, like dish soap, dish towel, paper plates and plastic cutlery, coffee in a bag, dry creamer, sugars, etc. Here are some photos of the room.

So pretty lit up at night!

*Note: These photos are before the resort wide soft goods upgrades. Most of the resorts have been switched from the bedspreads to neutral linens, comforters and simple runners.

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Besides being the owner and travel professional of Snapshot Getaways, Lisa is an avid traveler, food nerd, blogger & podcaster. Her answer to pretty much everything is food or travel, and is happiest when the solution includes both. You can contact her at Lisa@ SnapshotGetaways.com, to talk food, travel, Disney-whatever.

Coming to Disney Springs

Photo Courtesy of Disney

In case you didn't know, Downtown Disney in Orlando is under construction.  Once finished it will become Disney Springs.  Disney has announced seven new retail shops opening up in the area called The Landing.  Check out the links!

APEX by Sunglass Hut-Sports and Activewear Sunglasses

Art of Shaving-Shaving and Grooming Goods

Chapel Hats-Headwear

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC-Gluten-Free, Vegan Baked Goods

Havaianas-Flip Flops, (including a place to make your own)

Sanuk-Distinctive Footwear

Sound Lion-Headphones, Earbuds, Speakers

Maria is a travel planner with Snapshot Getaways and loves to shop at what is now Downtown Disney.  So excited to check out the new shops!  Follow her Facebook page or email at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for your next trip!