Disney Holiday Decorations at Home

This last weekend I announced to my family that I would not be putting Christmas decorations up this year.  We're currently in the middle of 2 weeks of state testing at work, and then we'll only have one more week before we get out for Christmas Break.  That means I won't be home much to enjoy the decorations before Christmas.  On top of that I felt like it was a lot of work to do just for me. I find that decorating for the holidays is much more meaningful with someone to help me do the chore of getting it all out. My awesome brother-in-law informed me that my announcement made him sad and that I had to decorate and immediately made plans for the family to come over on Sunday evening to help me decorate. (Side note: when I told people about this at work today, they said, "YOU not decorate?! If Joanna doesn't even decorate, what hope do we all have?! Besides... glitter... all that glitter! It's a holiday made for you!" Did not realize my creativity effected people so much!) So without the help of my brother-in-law, this post would have been very different!

I live in a fairly small apartment, but I do decorate a 4 foot tree (made of green, glittery tinsel), hang a sliver, glittery lit tinsel garland around my bar, and put out various candles, ceramic Santas & snowmen, and small Christmas trees. The Disney decorations in my home can almost all be found on my Christmas tree, and each decoration holds a special memory for me.  Remember how in my shopping guides I've stressed buying meaningful items? Well, I try to buy a Christmas ornament every few trips to hang on my tree. Looking at each one is like a walk down memory lane. Want to join me?

I bought this ornament on my 10th grade band trip to WDW in 1999. I'm amazed
it made it back in one piece and has made it through countless moves! Little did
I know back then how much it would mean to me now. 

I believe I got this "Best of Mickey" set of 4 ornaments during my first
adult visit to WDW in January 2009 (almost 10 years after my trip in high
school).  I've always been a fan of this series. I thought I had another
Disney ornament! If you look in the top left corner here & on the photo below,
you can see the Castle peeking out. It's one I got during my December
2011 trip with my friend. How did I miss it?

Found this image of the web of my ornament I forgot to take
a photo of. It was in celebration of Magic Kingdom's
40th Anniversary at Walt Disney World. I was super happy
to make a trip to the parks after the 40th anniversary.

Mickey's Pants!

Mickey's Glove!

Hidden Mickey on my tree :)

Thanksgiving 2010 I finally visited all 4 parks (up until then I'd always
skipped Animal Kingdom). To commemorate the occasion, I bought a
Four Parks, One World ornament. Never bought this merchandise before
because it felt like a lie since I didn't visit the 4th park.

Thankfully during my 2010 trip I realized this ornament would be
too heavy for my tree, and I bought a Mickey shaped ornament
display stand. Many Disney ornaments are large and heavy, and
a display stand can be the perfect tool to showcase your favorite ornaments!

Since fragile ornaments are hard to transport, I took a break from ornament
collecting until my trip last month. We went on a Disney Cruise, so I bought
this ornament to remind me of the trip. Easy to transport and striking on the tree!

I think this is technically the back of the ornament, but I love the DCL logo!

I collect Jim Shore Disney Traditions pieces. Last Christmas my sister and her family gave me a gorgeous Eeyore piece. He does have reindeer antlers, jingle bells around his neck, and a giant red bow, but I couldn't imagine putting him up right after I got him! I kept him out all year, and no one seemed to notice he was a Christmas decoration (or at least they were polite enough not to point it out). He'll continue staying out year-round as part of my collection. (I also have a very small non-Disney figure of two mice baking Christmas cookies that I keep on my stove all year since I am a baker... perhaps keeping Christmas decorations out all year can be my bit, and I won't have to pack up my tree! I kid, I kid!)

Jim Shore Disney Traditions Eeyore - isn't he sweet?

Be sure to tell me in the comments what Disney Christmas decorations you and your family like to enjoy!

The Pre-Trip Report that Should Have Happened

In only 4 days my family and I will be arriving in Orlando to set sail to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream!  Sadly I've been more busy before this trip than I have been before any other Disney vacation, so my pre-trip report just hasn't been happening.  

I thought I'd procrastinate packing for a bit longer to show y'all how we've prepared for our trip this time around.  Want to hear about our trip?  Back in January 2009, I went on my first Disney vacation as an adult.  I went with my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. We stayed at Disney's All-Star Music Resort in connected rooms.  Since that trip I have visited WDW in May 2009 and November 2010 with my family.  I also went June and December 2011 with my friend Kyle.  This year I'm excited to see the sights with my family again!

My Incredible Family & Me

This year we're changing it up and taking a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas! I haven't been on a cruise since high school, and that was definitely not Disney, so I can't wait to see what this cruise has to offer. My sister is letting me have full use of her DSLR camera, so I'm planning on taking a ton of photos to share with all of you when we return. 

Unlike all of my last trips, we're not staying on Disney property. My sister found a great deal at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, and we've heard wonderful things about it.  While we'll have connecting rooms on the Disney Dream, at Bonnet Creek the kids and I will have a separate bedroom and bathroom AND we'll have a kitchen, laundry room, and dining area. I am going to miss the Disney Dining Plan, Disney Transportation, and the Disney charm you get staying on property, but this way we could stay longer without completely breaking the budget.  Besides, new experiences can be fun!  It will definitely be weird to drive ourselves to and from the parks!  Don't worry, I plan to fully document this location when I get back, so you and your family can decide if it's a place you'd like to try.

Because we'll be eating so much amazing food on the cruise, we've decided to opt out of sit down meals at Disney World.  Not having to worry about making dining reservations before this trip has been nice, but I do wonder how I'll feel after eating counter service meals for most of our days.  I like to change things up when I eat, so hopefully we'll try different places.  That's going to be another part of the trip report when we return: food and eating while paying out of pocket.

Finally, like we always do, we've been busy crafting and getting ready for the trip.  Hopefully I can convince my sister to write a guest post about fish extenders for the cruise because she has been fully involved in a fish extender group.  The last couple of trips my family went on, we made a t-shirt for almost every day.  This trip we bought similar 2012 shirts for the family, and we made ONE family shirt.  Here's what we've been up to:

These are the t-shirt transfers for our family shirts. Mine is the Edna
one. I always joke that I'm the Edna to the Incredible Family.

We made Minnie headbands from Pinterest. I can't find the tutorial
now. If anyone knows where it is, please put it in the comments!

I've graded an insane number of math papers (hence
the lack of full pre-trip report)! 

My sis & I splurged and got our nails done Disney-style!
We found what we wanted on Pinterest, and then we printed the photos
and took them to the nail salon with us. My sis' are on top. Mine are
on the bottom.

Here's a closer shot of my nails because I'm obsessed
with how cute they are!

I updated by old high school/college backpack by coating the bottom
leather part and pocket flap with a mixture of teal, purple, and gold glitter
mixed with fabric Mod Podge. It's super sparkly and fun! I've got new fringe
for it and will be removing the old Blink 182 & Jimmy Eat World
buttons before we head to the parks! 

So we've been CRAZY busy trying to fit some magic in before our trip while keeping our lives going!  I can't wait for the trip to begin and especially can't wait to share all of the magic with y'all!  It's about time I had some new photos and writing material here. Hopefully we'll get to see New Fantasyland, and I'll be able to share that with you. Also on the docket is an in depth look at the details of interactive queues. Can't wait!

Be sure to follow along on the journey with me by following me on Twitter (@goddessofmath)!

Choosing a Favorite in the World Showcase

Please let me to start this post with a quick apology. It's been a crazy few months at work and in my personal life, and it simply hasn't allowed me much time or energy for my love of blogging. My next Disney trip is in TWELVE days, and I have a bunch of great ideas for future posts. Hopefully I'll get to do a quick pre-trip report before I leave. 

I was asked to write about my favorite World Showcase Pavilion. At first I was certain this would be an easy, quick post to write... then I started mentally circling the World Showcase, and I realized I was in for a hard decision!

Map courtesy of interactivewdw.com

I love the World Showcase at Epcot.  In fact, my dream is that one day I'll live close enough to Walt Disney World that when I have a rough day at work, I'll be able to drive over to Epcot and stroll through World Showcase in the evening to relax.  Wouldn't that be amazeballs??  There's just so much to enjoy and take in when you walk around the World!

For starters, no trip to the World Showcase (WS from now on) would be complete without a stop at the Boulangerie Patisserie in France.  The Napoleon and other desserts there are simply to die for!  I happily skip meals just to partake in this bakery's treats. To get there, though, you've got to walk through Canada's beautiful landscape and the sights and sounds of the United Kingdom. I always feel like the UK is one of the neatest areas to go through as it feels so quaint and tucked away from the bustle of the park.

Me & my favorite snack

Then it's just a quick walk over to the always fun to explore Morocco where you can often catch a glimpse of my favorite Disney prince and first animated crush: Aladdin.  From there the shopping in Japan is a must do because there are so many items to see all tucked below Teppan Edo, the phenomenal Japanese Steakhouse. Before you know it, you're in The American Adventure where you can hear the amazing song stylings of the Voices of Liberty singing a capella in the rotunda of the main pavilion. Don't miss the show upstairs as it's a welcome rest from the heat and walking. Besides, it always brings a tear to my eyes!

Oh the shopping in Italy is always an adventure as there are such neat little finds there.  A couple of trips ago I found some gorgeous Mickey head stone magnets that are still some of my all-time favorite souvenirs.  Germany used to be a country I skipped because the smell of sauerkraut was so overwhelming, but then they put in the Werther's run bakery, the Karamell Kuche, and I was won over!

Who can resist a good German beer with a
German Chocolate Caramel? Not me!

China's shopping opportunities never disappoint, and they're one of the best spots to find a fan to help you beat the heat during the hotter months.  Norway is one of the only two countries to have a ride in it, and it's a favorite of mine for sure! Aside from the claustrophobic queue, the ride is educational with a side of whimsy.

Now Mexico is for sure towards the top of my list.  The sit down meals are divine, and the atmosphere is festive.  The margaritas are a must as well. However, the part of this pavilion that's won my adoration is the Three Caballeros ride.  Typically tucked behind the mariachi band, the ride always has a very short wait time, and I could ride it over and over again! The song is sure to get stuck in your head, and if you're anything like me, you'll discover you don't mind that a bit. :)

So my favorite World Showcase Pavilion?  It all depends on the day and the purpose.  Am I shopping, eating, or relaxing?  There's something for everyone and for everything you'd like to do!  Rides, stores, food, beverages, Kidcot stations: the Pavilions have it all.  Pick a favorite, you say?  If pressed I'd say Canited Froccan Amaly Gerinwayico. ;-)

Darn, I Wish I Hadn't Missed That at Disney!

I have to laugh that this is the post I'm writing just as I come off of one of my all time favorite series: The Top 5 Must Dos for each park at Walt Disney World. I mean, how can I tell you what you "must do" if I haven't done it all?

If you looked in my notes section of my iPhone, you would see a file named "Still To Do at WDW".  Each visit my list has gotten shorter, but I still have a handful of attractions and shows in each park that I have not visited.  While I love Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, my heart lies in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and it drives me insane that I can't say I've done it ALL in those two parks.

EPCOT's "haven't done" is Ellen's Energy Adventure. I get a kick out of Ellen, and I do love me some energy, but I hear this attraction is about 45 minutes long! Is it weird that I think I'll do it during "rest time" this trip? That's restful, right?

Magic Kingdom only has four elusive attractions: Main Street Vehicles, Stitch's Great Escape, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Tom Sawyer Island. Main Street Vehicles only run before lunch, and my family tends to rush straight to Fantasy Land when the rope drops. I really want to stop to ride one of these vehicles this time. As for Stitch... the fear of the chili dog burp is great! I think I might suck it up and go there over Thanksgiving though. I am not a fan of heights, and while I LOVE Tower of Terror, the Magic Carpets freak me out a little. Besides, I've always been the one taking photos while others ride it. This time, though, I'm snagging a seat with my neice or nephew! We've always felt like the kids are a bit too young to enjoy Tom Sawyer Island, and I'm not sure this is the trip I'll make it over there either, but it sure looks fun!

Other than an attraction that I wish I'd done, I've always wanted to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Having a tour guide that shows you a behind the scenes look at Magic Kingdom and shares interesting facts is something I'd really enjoy. The Behind the Seeds Tour in the Land Pavilion in EPCOT is another tour I'm dying to go on, but it's always hard for me to want to take time away from attractions to go on a tour.

How about y'all? What have you missed that you'd love to do? Anyone take a tour that they loved? I've heard good things about all of the tours, and I hear that Disney fanatics who go often especially love the change of pace.

The Top 5 Must Dos for Disney Transportation (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Believe it or not, I LOVE Disney Transportation! For our family Disney Cruise and Walt Disney World vacation this November, we're staying off property for the first time since I was a wee child, and we'll have a rental car. One of the things I'll miss most is the ease of Disney Transportation.

Yes, I know you're most interested in the promise of a giveaway, but before I go there, here are some of my favorite modes of travel at Disney World:


1. Disney's Monorail: This favorite should come as no surprise since it's made an appearance in my previous countdowns as a way to tour the Deluxe Resorts as well as a great way to get some neat photo opportunities.

2. Disney's Magical Express: The free transportation from the airport to your Disney Resort (and back again) is how Disney fans know they're finally near the magic!  The best part about the DME is that they get your checked bags for you and deliver them to your room.  All you have to do is sit back, watch the fun show on the TVs on the bus, and let the excitement build as you get closer and closer to Disney World.

3. Boats: Another of my favorite ways to travel at Disney is by boat.  In fact, I'll take a boat or the Monorail over a bus any time that it's possible.  Some boats go from Resorts, like the Port Orleans Resorts, to Downtown Disney. There's a boat that enters EPCOT at the International Gateway in the World Showcase. Some boats go from Magic Kingdom to other Resorts, and there's even a boat from the Disney TTC to Magic Kingdom! I'll get to take that one on our next trip. Other boats move you around within the parks like the one in EPCOT that crosses the Lagoon. Boats are a peaceful and cool way to travel the World.

4. Busses: Yes, Disney busses are honestly a GREAT way to travel around Disney World. Some people slam them, but on each trip, I usually only have one bad experience with busses taking forever to come.  In the evenings after nighttime shows, you will have to wait in a long line, but it beats trying to drive yourself in unfamiliar traffic. The busses are air-conditioned and come fairly regularly. One quick note: when a bus has standing room only, ask yourself "do I want to stand here and wait for the next bus knowing I'll be going nowhere for the next 20 minutes or so, or do I want to keep standing but be on a mode of transportation that gets me closer to my destination (typically your warm bed)?" I always choose stand on the bus over stand there going no where.

5. You Decide!: Last night when I was thinking about this post, I asked Twitter to tell me 5 modes of Disney Transportation.  These are the replies I got, and I must say that I think "pixie dust" was my favorite! Check them out:

@P19letUK was first to answer with encouragement from @gailyw.

My brother-in-law, @keeperofbooks34, is always one of my favorite contributors!
This is a Motor Launch just in case you're wondering.

My friend, @theBESTjames21, joined in the fun and later
agreed that pixie dust was a good 5th mode of transportation.

Then my brother-in-law added some more themed fun lists! I especially
loved the top 2 lists!

 Ready for the giveaway yet? Well of course you are! It's small, but I adore these auto magnets that I found at the Disney Store Outlet this summer. It doesn't hurt that they feature my favorite mode of Disney Transportation! They can be yours if you follow the Rafflecopter directions below! 

Wouldn't these look neat on your vehicle?

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck to all my lovely readers! You can tweet daily to win, so keep coming back. Giveaway ends 9/26/2012.

Being Belle

Who hasn't dreamed of "being friends" with a Disney character? I've always thought that being a Disney Princess would be one of the best jobs out there! You would get to make people smile all day long all while embodying your favorite Disney character!

Ignoring my incorrect body-type, I'd love to spend a day in Belle's shoes!

January 2009: Sis, Niece, Belle, & me

While I love Belle's two Park costumes as well as her Christmastime attire, the reason I'd most love to be her is because she stands for what I most believe in.  She is an avid reader and uses her imagination to take her to far off places but can still come back to reality. Belle stands firm on what she believes in, and she won't be bullied into doing something that's not right for her or compromises her morals. Her love and kindness extends to those that others may not notice or look at twice.  Never have I doubted that she is genuinely concerned for and has a deep understanding of all around her. Somehow she accomplishes all of this with perfect hair and beautiful clothing! She wasn't born a princess, but she stepped into the crown with grace. Belle is a role model for little girls and women alike. Even if I wasn't really her, I'd like to share that joy and those ideals at least for a day.

January 2009: Belle with my nervous niece at Akershus

On a side note: Anyone else still get nervous as an adult when you meet a character in the parks? I try to take my niece or nephew along with me for a photo or quick hello because without them, I clam up a bit and get super shy! I know it's not really that character, but something about it makes me feel like a 5 year old again.

The Top 5 Must Dos for Outside the Parks

The final Top 5 (for now) is all about going outside of the four Disney parks. Sometimes leaving the parks for a bit of fun is the best way to go.

Downtown Disney is a great location for shopping and has a lively nightlife. My first 3 must dos are all located there. Before I send you exploring, know that when you look at the map, these places will look FAR apart, but the distance isn't actually very large at all. Take the trek, you'll be happy you did!

1. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop: Not only can you get a free square of chocolate, the soda fountain side has the best sundaes I've ever had! People will tell you to get a sundae in Magic Kingdom or at a deluxe resort, but this is really the best place to go! My sister and I shared a Cable Car Sundae when we were there in 2010, and we can't wait to share another! Part of the fun of this location is watching the other amazing ice creams orders go out to patrons and wondering what those yummy items are.

DStreet from the outside

2. D Street: If you collect Vinylmation, then this is THE PLACE to go. It's a store devoted to Vinylmation and Vinylmation fans. You can find pretty much all the available series here, can trade, and kids can draw their own custom Vinylmation (on paper) at a table made of Vinylmations in the middle of the store. Vinylmation pins, keychains, notepads, pens, pencils, erasers, bags... you name it, they've got it. This location always has (expensive) custom Vinylmations on display as well. Not sure what Vinylmation is? Go here! You'll be hooked!

It feels like everything in this store is made
out of Vinylmation!

3. Shopping in World of Disney: My secret to shopping effectively and quickly (and believe you me, I SHOP when I'm at Disney) is this: I look around in the shops in all of the parks and make a list mentally or in my iPhone as I go. Then I go to World of Disney, the largest Disney Store in the world, and buy all the items off of my list. Almost always I'm able to find the item I'd wanted. The exceptions to this method are things I see in World Showcase shops. Also, one rule of thumb is if you see it and can't live without it, go ahead and buy it then. You might not be able to find it elsewhere. If you can't find the Disney Dooney you want in World of Disney, TrenD just down the way has a larger selection. Keep your cell phone on while you're in here as it's very easy to get separated from your shopping partner(s)!

4. Go Swimming at Your Resort: If you or your kiddos are a bit too old for an afternoon nap, I still recommend you stop to rest in the afternoon. I'm guilty of walking past my crazy awesome resort pool every day and never stopping to swim in it. On the trips where I have taken time for a dip (either afternoon or late evening), it's been quite refreshing. Disney resorts all have multiple pools, and one is always quieter than the others, so you can find the pool that suits you and your family. Since the pools are heated and weather is milder in Florida, we've been able to swim even during Thanksgiving week. The pool is warm, but the walk back to your room won't be, so if it's a cooler season, bring dry clothes to change in the bathrooms by the pool. Don't miss out on this often over-looked treat!

I would have NEVER gotten this amazing shot if I
hadn't been on the Monorail taking a tour. 

5. Monorail Tour: One of the best ways to make sure you enjoy Walt Disney World is to take time to stop and smell the roses. If not, you'll come back from your trip utterly exhausted, and you'll miss out on the little joys around you. I love riding the Monorail partly because it's just a neat way to travel and partly because of the views it gives you. Staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort is a big dream of mine. Hopefully one day it will be a splurge for a special event like a honeymoon, but for now I get my kicks visiting the various deluxe resorts on a Monorail tour. Christmastime is an especially good time to do this since each resort is decorated to the nines, but it can be a relaxing event to add to your trip at any time of the year. Simply board the Resort Monorail and hop off at each resort along the way. Take a walk, explore the gift shops (yes, they have different stuff than the others do), and then hop back on the Monorail. We choose to do this on the way to meals we've scheduled at one of the Deluxe Resorts. Anyone, not just guests, can eat at the Disney Resorts.

This ends the "Top 5 Must Dos" series, for now. As always, what have I missed? Tell me in the comments!