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!

The Disney Starbucks Digital Chalkboard

Had to share a bit of fun we experienced on our stop at the Downtown Disney Starbucks in Disneyland.  We stopped in and saw a huge (70 inch) digital display board on the wall.  The display board uses built-in cameras to create chalk sketches of the guests and their surroundings.  They automatically render whatever is in front so if you are standing there with coffee in hand, checking your "line app", then a chalkboard outline of you will be on the wall.  You can also draw on the screen with your fingers, which my little ones found fascinating.  What I loved was the ability to view the Orlando Downtown Disney location in live chalk sketches.  So next time you are in Starbucks in Downtown Disney, say hello to your fellow coffee lovers on the other coast!

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and a coffee lover on both coasts!  Follow her Facebook Page or email her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next trip to either!

Freebie Friday-Ghiradelli Chocolate

Let me preface this by saying that this Freebie Friday is only free if you can manage to get out of the shoppes without buying any additional chocolate or ice cream treats!  

The Ghiradelli shops in Downtown Disney Orlando and California Adventure, Disneyland will offer you a sample of their world famous chocolate if you stop by their retail shop.  They are usually sampling one particular flavor, but if that doesn't do it for you ask for something different.  Looking for the shops?  Follow the yummy smells!

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and blogger with Disney Devoted.  Follow her Facebook Page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com for travel planning assistance!

New Years Eve Events at Walt Disney World

New Years Eve Countdown at Magic Kingdom

The New Year kicks off with fireworks at Magic Kingdom.  Holiday Wishes is joined by a "Fantasy in the Sky" Fireworks and musical show.  Check out these special fireworks displays on December 30th and 31st at 11:50pm

New Year’s Around the Globe at Epcot

Soak in the countries' traditions in the World Showcase at Epcot.  Enjoy the sounds of favorite bands and DJ's at the different pavilions.  New Years Eve will feature 2 showings of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 6pm and 11:40.

Celebrate at Hollywood Studios

Always full of family fun at Hollywood Studios, New Year's Eve will feature the cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears for some iconic Disney songs.  Right before midnight, there will be an amazing shower of fireworks light up the magical night.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney will have special food and beverage tents on New Years Eve.  It's also the place to be for dining, movies, entertainment, and shopping.  Please note:  Unlike previous years there are NO fireworks displays at Downtown Disney due to ongoing construction.  Also, keep in mind parking will be at a premium so use Disney transportation if you are a resort guest.

Maria is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways and a mom 2 two boys (who are unlikely to be awake at midnight).  Contact her at maria@snapshotgetways.com or follow her on Facebook.

Christmas in the Rest of "The World"

Everyone knows that the Magic Kingdom is the place to be during the holidays.  At least everyone that read my last article, Christmas in the Magic Kingdom.  Now, I'm going to continue my Christmas series and discuss what happens during the Holiday season at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is like Santa's Workshop.  Everything you need to fill your stockings surrounds you at every turn.  If I had an unlimited shopping experience at Downtown Disney my first stop would be the LEGO imagination center.  Actually it's where my husband and kids would blow the most money.  They would stock up on unique Lego pieces and then get a set to put together when they got home.  Me, well I would take my half and spend it all at Once Upon a Toy and Disney's Day of Christmas.  Once Upon a Toy is where I would splurge on some Mr. Potato Head pieces (for my sons of course) and get a few board games for the upcoming winter months.  Disney's Days of Christmas store not only has ornaments, but holiday goodies such as cocoa, chocolate and cookies.  Great gifts to bring home for those unlucky enough not to be at Disney with you.  Everywhere you turn there is a variety of one of a kind shops to make everyones holiday merrier.

After  you've completed your holiday shopping, Downtown Disney boasts some holiday events.  Here is where you will find the big man himself, Santa Claus.  Starting November 14th through New Years Day (times vary), you can meet Santa and give him your wish list in his chalet.  Note:  In past years, December 25th through January 1st, Santa was replaced by Santa Goofy.  My guess is that Santa has a few things to do?  Santa's Village is located next to the World of Disney Store.  Purchase a cocoa at Ghirardelli and stroll through to take in the lights, stilted Toy Soldiers and Holiday musical
performances.  Treat your children to a ride on the small holiday train or the elegant carousel.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  Have someone stay with your children and make a night of it.  Either use Disney's childcare options or beg Grandma to put them to bed.  Then head out to do your shopping in peace and privacy.  Enjoy a couples dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants in Downtown Disney.



Hollywood Studios

Like the other parks, Hollywood Studios has a specially decorated tree at its entrance.  Covered in movie feel and old reels, reminding you where Disney began.  However, the reason to visit Hollywood Studios at Christmas is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  Jennings Osborne from Arkansas once has an extravagant display of Christmas lights and decorations.  So much so that he purchased the property next to his so that he could make his display larger.   In 1995 Jennings decided to give all his lights and decorations to Disney so they would be on permanent display during the holiday season.  I think there might have been some push from the local residents in his hometown to make this happen.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is not to be missed.  The show begins at dusk and ends at midnight, beginning November 7th and is included with your admission to Hollywood Studios.  Every building in the Streets of America section is covered in millions of lights and lighted sculpture.  There are lights between the buildings and over your head. Every 10 minutes or so these lights are set to music and the magic begins.  Grab a hot cocoa and take it all in.  I can't seem to find the words to express how breathtaking this experience is. If you are lucky, your evening will be capped off by a little Disney "snow.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  This is not to be missed if you are in Disney for the holidays.  Make the evening special by treating yourself to a cocoa and a holiday dessert.  Then find a park bench in the Streets of America.  There are tons of hidden gems in the show, so don't forget to look at the windows on the buildings.

Animal Kingdom

Of all the parks, there is definitely less of the "typical" Christmas characteristic here; more organic but magical none the less. When visiting you will notice less of the holiday decor for the protection of the inhabitants and considering the theme of the Animal Kingdom. That is not excuse not to make a visit during your holiday trip. Their Tree is filled with African and Asian art pieces, animal themed of course. 

Mickey Mom's Tip: The characters at Adventurers Outpost will be in their holiday costumes. Swing by for a unique photo opportunity that will be sure to remind you of your special trip to Disney.



Epcot

Epcot during Christmas is one of my favorite places. This is actually where we spent Christmas Day during our trip. It was less crowded and we had our Christmas Dinner at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. Epcot has many special events during the holiday season. The most popular is the Candlelight Processional. The story of Christmas is read by celebrity narrators and accompanied by an orchestra and choir. In 2014 it will be held nightly from November 29th to December 30th at the American Gardens Theater. Times are 5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm, but get there early to get a seat. This performance is free with your paid Epcot admission, but Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages are also available for an additional cost. Your reservation will guarantee seating and premium fireworks viewing. They include a meal of your choice at many Epcot restaurants. Reservations can be made with your Disney Travel Planner or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE and selecting "special dining events". Tickets are on sale now. At of this time here are the announced celebrity narrators:

2014 Candlelight Processional

Another reason to make time at Epcot during the holidays is to tour the World Showcase. Each pavilion boats a Storyteller who shares to traditions of Christmas in their country. Each Storyteller takes a different approach to entertaining the visitors. In Mexico the Three Kings put on a show and in China they share how the New Years celebration is most important to them. Several pavilions boast a Santa Claus, La Befana (Italy) or Father Christmas in detail detailed costume. In 2014 from November 29th through December 30th, Storytellers are available daily. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen in the American Pavilion from November 29th to December 24th.  Check your times guides for a schedule when you arrive at the park. Each pavilion also sells in their shops treats, ornaments and holiday treasure that you will not find anywhere else without a passport.





Mickey Mom's Tip: If you children still believe in Santa be sure to have some answers to their questions about all the different Santa's. We told our son that these were just actors pretending to be Santa and that the real Santa changes his clothes depending on which country he visits. Just be ready for THAT question!

Are you looking to book a Holiday vacation to Walt Disney World?  Contact me at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for a quote.