Silent Sunday in the Park

$600 in Disney Gift Cards Giveaway!

This Giveaway is now closed.  We have notified the winners and waiting for them to claim their prizes!  thank you all for participating and keep an eye on our blog for more great giveaways coming soon!

Is this what $600 worth of Disney Gift Cards looks like?

Who couldn't use $400 off their Disney Vacation package. Or maybe $200 to spend on Disney Souvenirs?  Think of all the Dole Whips you could buy!  What would YOU put that money towards??



TWO LUCKY DISNEY FANS will have the chance to decide thanks to this OUTRAGEOUS GIVEAWAY by a group of FANTASTIC Disney Bloggers!

We've teamed up with 32 TERRIFIC and VERY GENEROUS Disney Blogs to give away not one, but TWO DISNEY GIFT CARDS! One card is loaded with $400 of spending money, while the other has $200.  

That's a grand total of SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS!

This is all made possible by the WONDERFUL DISNEY BLOGGING COMMUNITY.  The participating sites are all tremendous Disney fans who share their experience, passion, and knowledge every day!  We're honored to be part of this giveaway with all of them

• Disney’s Cheapskate Princess
• Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
• The  Temporary Tourist
• Mousekejournals
• Mouzekateerz
• Picturing Disney
• Mousechat.net Podcast
• Home is Where the Mouse Is
• Dixie Midwest
• Love Our Disney
• Mouse”cation”
• WDW Magazine
• Mickey by Mel
• Ideally Disney
• Great Walt Disney World Tips
• Pixie Vacations
• Magical Vacations by Me
• The Disney World Files
• PixieBudget.com
• Diclajia’s Disney Dreams
• Magical Vacations by Amanda
• Magical World of Walt
• WDW Hints
• Daddy Digz Deals
• Magical Vacations by April
• WDW Shutterbug
• The Disney Kids
• Griswold Family Vacations
• Margaritas, Miles, & the Mouse
• Taking the Florida Plunge
• Magical Moments Vacations by Carra Saigh
• Homeketeers
• My Dreams of Disney

Entering is EASY!  All you have to do is submit your entries via the Rafflecopter widget that you see below or by visiting any of our fellow blogger's sites!  By completing all the entry options, you could potentially earn UP TO 350 ENTRIES into this MAGICAL GIVEAWAY!

The sweepstakes will run from Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Midnight until 11:59PM on Monday, October 14, 2013.  The winners will be selected on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 and notified by email.  He or she may also be notified via social media outlets, but the official acceptance of the prize must be in the form of a reply email to the one that we send out, so make sure that you provide good email addresses that you check regularly.

The sweepstakes is only open to people in the United States age 18 years or older.  We are sorry that we can’t open it up outside of the US.  The contest is open, go ahead and get your entries put in, and good luck everyone!

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10 Best Things to Have in Your Disney Park Bag

What are the items that must be in your bag when heading out to a Disney Theme Park for the day?  Check out our 10 Best List!



We loved reading all our reader's comments on what they have in their Disney Park bag.  Using those comments, we compiled a 10 Best List of the things that need to be in everyone's bag.

Our Park Bags

What's in OUR park bag (or bags)?  With two young children, we tend to pack a bit more than the average person. Usually, we each take our own bag to the park, along with a diaper bag.

Lisa sports a LeSportSac bag on Main Street, USA

Lisa opts for a minimalist approach.  Her bag is slim and holds the essentials, her ID, money, Key to the World Card, Ticket, phone, small point and shoot camera, park maps, and lipstick.  She may even squeeze the kids' autograph books and pens in there.  It also becomes home to all the Disney confetti Bella picks up. Her bag of choice is either her Mini Hipster or her LeSportSac.

James' permanent attachment is the backpack

James is the family mule, he carries everything else.  Bottles of water, First Aid kit, Sunscreen, extra clothes, snacks, Ponchos, DSLR camera and video cameras, plus camera accessories. All of this goes into his backpack.  The key is utilizing the different pockets to organize everything so it's easy to find.

Our Diaper bag (bottom) usually hangs on
the back of the stroller, but can be carried as well

The Diaper Bag - This hangs on the stroller most of the time.  But we remove it when we leave the stroller unattended.  As you might guess, it holds everything we need for keeping our kids clean and happy:  Diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, extra clothes, toys, snacks, etc.

Different Approaches

In reading through the great comments on our giveaway post, it's evident that there are a few different approaches to touring the parks when it comes to what to bring.

The Minimalist - "Efficiency" and "Speed" are your buzzwords.  No security check for you if at all possible. It's the bare minimum, wearing shorts with extra pockets, or carrying the smallest bag possible.

The Average Joe - You've conceded that there just isn't enough room in your pockets for the things you want or need to bring into the park.  Your bag of choice is a backpack or messenger bag.  Easy to carry, and doesn't get in the way too much.

The Uber-Packer - "Be Prepared..." For Everything!  You've got anything and everything in your bag(s) and you're prepared for any situation that arises.  Your bag of choice is whatever it takes to hold all of it!  The bigger the better! The more pockets, the better!  And everyone in your group who's capable is carrying something!

The Essentials

The absolute musts, these were on just about all of our readers' lists.  If they left it off, they must have assumed it was understood these were already in their bags!  You might get away with just sticking these in your pockets or using a strap.  But all it takes is a few accessories and you'll need at least a small bag.

1. Wallet: 
At Minimum, you've got to have your park ticket, ID, room key, and some cash or a credit card. Add your insurance cards, other credit cards, gift cards, etc. and you'll need the whole wallet.

2. Cell Phone
Free WiFi in the parks and the great apps now available make your cell phone even more of a necessity in the parks!  You'll want to bring a spare battery and probably your charger as well!

The recharging stations at the Tangled Area were one of our 10 Best things about New Fantasyland!

3. Camera
Your phone may be your camera, and that's fine.  But some like to have a dedicated camera for photos and video, and sometimes separate devices for both.  You'll need to decided whether to carry extra batteries, extra memory cards, charger, and maybe even extra lenses or even a tripod!

Staying Comfortable

A day at a Disney theme park often starts very early and ends very late.  It includes a lot of walking and standing around, often in the sun, heat, and sometimes rain.  Here's what our readers had in their bags to cope with that.

4. Water 
You need to stay hydrated, and bottled water in the parks is pricey.  While Disney provides water for no extra charge (drinking fountains, or ask for ice water at restaurants), many people choose to bring their own water.  Personally, I'd opt for a refillable bottle that can be stored inside the bag for when you're on a ride or inside an attraction.  

5. Sanitizer
Disney keeps its parks extremely clean, but any place with that many people is bound to have some germs. And all those snacks mean there will be messes.  At minimum, you'll want to have a travel-size hand sanitizer. For families with kids, wipes and tissues are a necessity.  Some of our readers said they pack small towels or washcloths.  I could see those getting soaked in ice water and being used to cool yourself off on a hot day!

This category would also include everything to keep your little ones in diapers clean.  Extra diapers, wipes, lotions, etc.  Each Theme Park has a baby Care Center, which is a nice, cool, comfortable place to change, feed, or just let your little one get some relief from the sun and heat.

6. Protection
If there's one thing out of our control, it's the weather.  Sunscreen is a must for most of us in the sun, and rain storms can pop up out of nowhere.  If being wet may bother you, our readers suggest some ponchos for the family, or a travel umbrella.  Other popular items to consider: hats, extra clothes, jacket or sweater, sunglasses, moleskin, and a portable fan/mister.

Staying Happy

As much fun as a day at a Disney park can be, it can also be a stress time-bomb waiting to go off in your face. Thankfully, it's a bomb that can be defused with proper planning.

7. First Aid/Medication
A travel size first aid kit can be a life saver (figuratively) to deal with those manageable issues like cuts, scrapes, bruises, blisters, etc.  You can also pack some pain relievers, and make sure to bring any prescription medications you need to take during the day or as needed.

Each theme park has a First Aid station.  For more serious issues, check out our post on How to Handle Medical Emergencies at Walt Disney World.

8. Snacks
Disney has some amazing snacks.  But constantly buying snacks will get expensive. Pack handy snacks like mints or gum, goldfish, pretzels, or fruits to help stave off the cravings.  It will save you money too, allowing you to splurge on that "I gotta have it" snack!

Want to know what to splurge on?  Check out our 10 Best Snacks at Walt Disney World

9. Interactives
Disney Parks have great rides and shows, but it's not all about those traditional attractions anymore.  Disney is getting interactive, and guests are getting interactive on their own as well.  In addition to park maps and time guides, our readers are packing their Pin Trading gear, Autograph Books, Pressed Penny books, and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards.  On top of that, we've got guests bringing books to read while on line, bubbles, Disney guides, Nintendo 3DS games, and even glow sticks, which is a great idea at night!

Want to read more about how Disney is getting Interactive?

Your Personal Touch

Our personal choice is usually a festive hat or a Disney friend

10. Random Items
The last spot on our list goes to the thing that might be individual to you but not needed by everyone.  It could be something that fits one of these other categories, or it might be completely off the wall.  One reader had a blanket in their bag.  I'm not quite sure if that was for napping, having a picnic lunch, for sitting on while watching the parade, or perhaps for hiding under out of a fear that someone will steal their Mickey Bar.

Sentimental, quirky, necessity, or just because...  this last item is whatever you want for whatever reason you want it, provided it fits in the bag, of course.

Special Mention

A shout-out here to Zip-loc baggies.  I'm a big fan of having these in your bag, in all different sizes. Basically, you can use them for storing all the items we listed above and keeping it all separated and dry.  And throw some extra in there for the off-chance you'll need one.  They have many uses!

For an interesting use of Zip-loc bags, check out our 10 Best LifeHacks for your Disney Vacation.



Thank you so much to all our readers who took the time to comment and let us know what you carry in the parks.  We really enjoyed your participation!  We'd love to hear more from you, and perhaps that will help inspire future posts and maybe even future giveaways.

So, We want to know:  What is the weirdest thing you take to the parks?  And what kind of bag do you prefer?  

DIY Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples

Got apples?  Put a Disney twist on a traditional fall treat!  Make your own Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples!



As Pumba says, "you've got to put your behind in your past."  Now that Fall has officially arrived, we can stop lamenting the end of Summer and start appreciating the great things that Autumn brings to us.

Like apples.

Now, in Disney lore it's not necessarily a good thing to be offered a tasty apple to bite into. Especially if it's being offered by this woman:

But fear not!  Disney's pixie dust not only prevented that one bad apple from spoiling the rest in their barrel, but has worked its magic and transformed a naturally sweet treat into something magical. 

From your basic caramel coated apple, to chocolate and toppings, to character creations, Disney is doing apples, and doing them with magic!  At several locations in Walt Disney World, you can watch as they make a treat especially for you, exactly how you want it made!

Here's a Disney chef at the Main Street Confectionery in the Magic Kingdom demonstrating how to make the classic Mickey Candy Apple.

Now, as much as we'd like to be in Walt Disney World everyday, it's just not possible for us.  So we're going to make our very own Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples at home.

Ingredients:

• Apples
• Lollipop Sticks
• Caramel
• Chocolate
• White Chocolate
• Red Decorating Sugar
• White M&Ms
• Yellow M&Ms
• Wax Paper

Steps:

1. Pick your Apple

This is the most important part.  The Internet is full of advice as to which apples make the best candy apples.  I'm thinking this is a lot like using wine in cooking:  Choose your favorite.  If you'd enjoy the apple on its own, then you'll enjoy it even more once we've pixie-dusted it!

We just happened to have gone on our annual apple-picking outing over the weekend.

We came back with McIntosh and Fuji apples, which were decent size.  We also got a handful of Macoun apples which are very tasty, but also very small.

Nobody says you have to go out and pick yours fresh like we did.  If you can, that's great!  If not, store-bought apples will do.  Again, as long as you're not getting them from an old hag, we think you're okay.

2. Put a Stick in it

In the video, the they use a mallet to hammer in her sticks.  I wasn't about to bring my dirty tool from the garage into the kitchen, so I grabbed an unopened canned good from the pantry. Make sure to hold the stick so it doesn't bend or break.

3. Cover in Caramel

This step obviously requires the caramel to be melted.  I used 2 bags of caramels I bought at the store.  They were individually wrapped, which was annoying.  But I got them all unwrapped and into my bowl.  I follow some instructions I found online for melting the caramels.  Basically, I microwaved on 50% power, stopping every minute to stir.  I had added 3 tablespoons of water initially to the bowl, but found I needed to add 3 more at the end to help thin out the caramel.

Once I had the desired consistency, I dipped each apple and then placed them on the wax paper.  I decided to do half my apples in caramel, and leave the other half to just be coated in chocolate.

4.  Add the Ears

This part gave me the most trouble, mostly because I didn't pay enough attention to the video. In the video, you can see that the CM cuts the marshmallows before sticking them on.   So there I am, trying to stick my marshmallows to the caramel coating on the apples, only to watch them slide slowly down the sides. 

I waited for the caramel to set and tried again, and still, they slid down, just more slowly.  I started to accumulate a pile of wasted marshmallows. Lisa pointed out my mistake and once I tried cutting the marshmallows, everything was great!

5. Cover in Chocolate

Covering in chocolate is just like the caramel step.  Melt your chocolate the same way and once you get a good consistency, you can dip and set aside to harden.
  

I bought Ghirardelli melting chocolate, but you can chocolate bars, chocolate chips, or any other solid chocolate to melt.  With practice, I was able to get a good coating.  A few apples ended up with more "texture" than others.

6. Dress your Apple

To make Mickey's shorts, and Minnie's skirt, I melted the white chocolate in a bowl and then dipped the apples half way in.   Let the excess chocolate drip off.  I used an extra lollipop stick to scrape the bottom.  

As the chocolate begins to set, but is still sticky, add the M&Ms.  I put two yellows on the front and back for Mickey, and I put the white "polka dots" all around the Minnie apples.

Then, sprinkle the red sugar over the white chocolate and shake the excess off.  Set aside to harden completely.

and voila...

Don't they look great?!  I have to say that these two made me feel very proud of myself.  There were some others in the group that didn't come out as good.  

Takeaways:

I'm not the cook or baker or chef in the family.  Not by a long shot.  Lisa often makes fun of how flustered I get in the kitchen.  That's partly because I can't visualize how it's supposed to go.  In this case, being able to watch the video of the apples being made really helped.  I went into it having an idea of how it was all supposed to look.

That said, I have a lot of caramel and white chocolate left over.  My decision to only cover half the apples in caramel is partly to blame.  I also used larger bowls then I needed to, so I needed to fill them up more in order to be able to dip my apples.  Next time, I'll opt for a more appropriate size bowl to make it more efficient.

Another thing I did differently without realizing it was I kept the apples "right side up" when i made them.  It appears the pros do it up side down.  oops.

With the extra chocolate and left over marshmallows, I was able to make these as well:

I still have a big mess to clean up... so let me get to it.

In the meantime, your thoughts...  Let's hear 'em!  Can you see yourself making Mickey and Minnie candy apples at home this fall?

Wordless Wednesday - Disney Letter "O"

This week's theme: The Disney Letter "O"

This week I took more of an "outside the box" approach.  Can you guess what the Disney Letter "O" stands for based on this collection of pics?  

Hint:  I'm missing one.

The Answer is below in White Font (highlight it to see!)

Oscar Winners!  Up!, Brave, Toy Story 3, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles all won an Oscar for "Best Animated Feature".  Missing from our collage is Wall-E.  We've never seen him in the parks.

Special Thanks to Deb at "Focused on the Magic" for hosting the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.  If you've hopped here, please feel free to look around, Like us, Follow us, Email us, or Subscribe to us.  Then be sure to use the link above to return to the blog hop and check out the other great blogs participating.  Thanks!

Silent Sunday in the Park

"What's in Your Park Bag?" Giveaway!

This Giveaway has Ended!  Congratulations to Amanda for Winning!  Enjoy your prize!

What's in Your Park Bag?  Let us know and enter to win our Fabulous Disney Park Bag Gift Pack!

Get the details...




Win a Disney Parks Bag Gift Pack from Us!  Simply tell us what you must have in your park bag in the comments below!

What's inside?

• A LeSportSac Crossbody "Kasey" bag with charm from the "It's a Small World" collection.
• A $25 Disney Gift Card
• An Autograph Book with Pen! (also holds photos)
• A Disney Pin Trading Starter Set with Lanyard

The Bag:

LeSportSac Kasey Crossbody Bag with Charm in Polynesian

Measures 7.75 in x 9.5 in. (19.685cm x 24.13cm).  It has zipped Main closures, Two exterior front pockets with zipped closures. Adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. includes detachable charm.

The Gift Card:

A $25 Dollar Disney Gift Card, which can be used for purchases at participating locations such as:

Walt Disney World Resort® Disneyland Resort® Disney Store locations within the US DisneyStore.com Disney Cruise Line® Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi

Disney’s Beach Resorts Club Penguin® DisneyMusicStore.com Adventures by Disney® Disney PhotoPass®

The Autograph Book:  

Storybook Walt Disney World Autograph Book and Photo Album

This deluxe book is perfect for any Princess or Cowboy looking to take the magic home. Woody, Cinderella, and Mickey can write messages to your little one, sending them home with that special Disney magic forever. Comes with a pen!

24 pages, 13 photo windows that hold up to 4x6" photos (horizontal)

More info and details here

The Pins 

Mickey Mouse and Friends Pin Trading Starter Set

Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Set of 4 Disney Pins includes:

• 2 Mickey and Donald
• 2 Mickey and Goofy
• Lanyard and lanyard card

* DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH OUR ORDER FROM DISNEY, WE MAY NOT HAVE THIS EXACT PIN SET TO SUPPLY THE WINNER.  IN THAT CASE, WE WILL SUBSTITUTE THE FOLLOWING PIN SET:

2013 Walt Disney World Resort Pin Starter Set

Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort

Set Includes:

• Mickey at Disney's Hollywood Studios pin
• Donald at Magic Kingdom Park pin
• Pluto at Epcot pin
• Goofy at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park pin
• Lanyard with Mickey and friends art, Walt Disney World logo, and 2013 design
• Mickey Mouse and Friends 2013 tag

Additional Items inside:

Well, it seems that we've got room in the bag for more.  So we'll be filling it with more stuff...

• Water Misting Fan
• Wipes (unscented, and in a cute Winnie the Pooh package)
• Chapstick
• 2 sunscreens (1 30spf, 1 55spf)
• Tide to go stain remover
• Mini hand sanitizer

These items will definitely be included.  The giveaway ends on Friday, September 27, 2013, at midnight!  No purchase is necessary! It is open residents of the United States and Canada, 18 years of age or older.  (We apologize to our family members, but to be fair anyone related to us is not eligible)

Use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter.  Earn more entries for Liking us on Facebook, and Following us on Twitter and Pinterest.  Earn even more entries for sharing the giveaway with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Winner will be notified within 24 hours.  If for some reason the winner is deemed ineligible or is unable to claim their prize, a new winner will be chosen!

Good Luck Everyone!

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