10 Best Treats You Can Make with a Mickey Cookie Cutter

We received free products in our celebration kit, from Disney Parks and Mom Select in order to host the #DisneySide @Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are our own.

Photo credit: Walt Disney World

Everything is better when it's Mickey shaped, right?

As a part of my #DisneySide @ Home Celebration party kit, I received a package of Mickey shaped cookie cutters. 

Available for purchase at Amazon.com

I immediately started thinking about all of the treats I could make using these cutters. Here is a round-up of some of the best ones.

10. Mickey Sandwiches- This is something we did for our son's Mickey Farm Party. The cutter can be used to cut shapes out of the bread. You could also use it to cut your cold cuts into Mickey heads as well. Another spin on this idea would be to make Mickey grilled cheese.

9. Mickey Brownies- Simply make a pan of brownies, wait for them to cool and then cut your shapes!


8. Mickey Fruit- Your kids will be more likely to eat their fruit when it's shaped like Mickey! I love this fruit display from Yummy Tecture. Perfect for any celebration!

7. Mini Mickey Pizzas- This idea would make a great appetizer or kid-friendly dinner. Roll out your dough and cut out your shapes. Top with sauce and cheese and bake. 


6. Mickey Shaped Breakfast- Use your cutter as a template to make pancakes, french toast or even eggs!

http://merryweatherscottage.blogspot.jp/2013/08/diy-first-day-of-school-mickey.html

5. Mickey Sugar Cookies- This one is a no-brainer. 

http://thediva-dish.com/uncategorized/minnie-mouse-2nd-birthday/

But there are so many things you can do with your cookies once you bake them like...


4. Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches- Soften some ice cream and sandwich it between two sugar cookies. If you really want to get fancy, you can dip the sides in sprinkles. Yummy!

3. DIY Mickey cookie decorating kit- One of my daughter's favorite desserts to order at Disney is the Decorate Your Own Cookie dessert. It comes with a sugar cookie, sprinkles, M&Ms and frosting. You could easily do this at home using Mickey shaped sugar cookies.

Bella decorates her own cookie at Sanaa.

2.  Mickey Rice Krispie Treats- One of our favorite Disney snacks is the Mickey Rice Krispie treats from Goofy's Candy Company. 

Use your cutter to make shapes in a pan of rice krispy treats.  Dip them in chocolate, sprinkle on candy and you can have this delicious treat at home.

1.  Mickey Ice Cream Bars- Yes! You can make Mickey Ice Cream Bars at home! I know because we did! 

Using your cutter as a template, you can shape softened ice cream into Mickey shapes. 

Did I leave anything out? What can you do with a Mickey cookie cutter?



We received free products in our celebration kit, from Disney Parks and Mom Select in order to host the #DisneySide @Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are our own.

13 Disney Nights of Halloween #8 - 10 Best Scary Attractions at Walt Disney World

It's the scariest time of year!  So what's the scariest attraction at Walt Disney World?  Our 10 Best list may hold a few surprises for you.



To be scared is to feel fear.  That's not necessarily a bad thing.  Fear is critical to our survival.  It's how we respond to threats and prepare our bodies to deal with those threats.

Why is being scared fun?  Because an after effect of fear is pleasure.  This is the rush that thrill seekers are after.  The theory being that the more intense the thrill, or scare, the more intense the rush will be after.

Now the downside of having these amazing brains of ours is that they can become conditioned to fear anything by associating painful memories with objects, people or events.  On top of that, we have the ability to anticipate things and start getting scared before they even happen!

In addition to our instinctual fears, you may have a particular fear that determines what scares you, when it doesn't seem to scare others around you.  However, for this list, we're going to focus on those universal fears that are common to everyone, and which attractions do the best job of eliciting those fears from us. 

*This list does not include the water parks

10 Scariest Walt Disney World Attractions

1. Tower of Terror - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Fears:  Heights, Falling, Darkness, Supernatural, Unpredictability

The infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel scores high for Heights, Falling, and Darkness.  It plays on the supernatural somewhat, but the special effects are a welcome distraction from the darkness.  Bonus points for the unpredictability factor.  You never know how many drops there will be.

2. Expedition Everest - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Fears: Heights, Speed/Falling, Darkness, Monsters/Predators

High scores for heights with it's terrifying ascent with nothing on either side of you.  Great drops and bonus points for going backwards in the darkness.  The Disco Yeti is more amusing than scary.

3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Fears:  Darkness, Loud Noises, Speed/Upside Down

They took one of my all-time favorite Disney thrills (Space Mountain) and made it faster, made it go upside down, and added a loud, rock 'n roll soundtrack!  The only part that fails is the scenery.  I'd almost it rather be completely in the dark.

4. Dinosaur - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Fears: Darkness, Loud Noises, Speed, Monsters/Predators

The animatronics are impressive, but it's more the loud noises, darkness, and jerky motion of your vehicle that make you wonder if you'll survive the ride.

5. Space Mountain - Magic Kingdom

Fears: Darkness, Speed, Falling

This classic Disney coaster is all about rocketing through the darkness.  You don't see the turns and drops coming.  It's almost better to not be able to see how close you are to those steel beams.

6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Magic Kingdom

Fears: Speed, Falling

The tamest of the Disney adult coasters.  Fast enough with enough turns and drops to make you think you might come out of your seat.

7. It's Tough to Be a Bug - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Fears: Darkness, Bugs, Loud Noises

The only attraction on our list to stimulate our instinctive fear of bugs.  Moments of nearly complete darkness, and loud special effects.  The scares are intermittent, but since there are multiple scares, it puts this attraction above the next two on our list.

8. Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom

Fears: Heights, Falling 

Since most of the ascent occurs inside, your unaware of the height until it happens. When it does, it's a decent thrill!  

9.  Astro Orbiters - Magic Kingdom

Fears: Heights, Speed

Of all the elevated carousel rides, this one is the highest, and leaves you feeling the most exposed.   It's not super fast, but both the height factor and movement factors are sustained for the duration of the ride. 

10. Haunted Mansion - Magic Kingdom

Fears: Darkness, Supernatural

More spooky than scary, this is almost a completely honorary addition to the list.  This classic dark attraction is filled with supernatural illusions.  Adults will understand they are just Imagineering tricks, but kids may be more susceptible.  Watch out for Cast Members sneaking up on you!  

So that's our 10 best Scary Attractions at Walt Disney World.  We tried to make the list as objective as possible.  What do you think?  Did we leave anything out?  Let us know in the comments below!

Be sure to check out the other posts in our 13 Nights of Halloween series.

#13 - Disney Lantern Craft

#12 - Disney Pumpkins

#11 - Decorate like Disney
#10 - DIY Disney Villain Tombstone
#9 - Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Night

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?  

10 Best LifeHacks for your Disney Vacation

I love a good LifeHack, so I went searching for some hacks that could prove useful on our Disney Vacations.  Here's our 10 Best list...

What is a LifeHack?

life·hack

ˈlīfˌhak/

noun

informal

1. a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way.

   
   

Another definition I read was "an uncommon solution to a common problem."  For this list, I've tried to stick with actual hacks, and not things that could be simply tips.  It was harder than I thought to find good ones, but I'm going to keep looking.  So here are the 10 Best I've found... for now.

The Less-Mess Mickey Bar

Enjoying a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar is a must-do, especially while you're sitting in the heat waiting for the afternoon parade to start.  In addition to being delicious, it's also almost guaranteed to be incredibly messy, especially in the case of the little ones.  So while keeping the napkins and wipes handy is always advised, here's a hack that is useful:

1. Grab a beverage lid from a nearby counter service restaurant.  Turn the lid upside down, and insert the popsicle stick of your Mickey Bar through the lid.  Instant Drip-Catcher!

The Disney Shopping Bag

Ask and you shall receive, even without making a purchase.  Handy for carrying items in the park, and for helping to keep your things dry on the water rides, sprinkler areas, or in the sudden downpours.  Sounds obvious, right?  Well, here's two more things you may not have thought of.

2. Stick that sweatshirt you've been holding onto for the evening inside a bag and then use it as a seat cushion for sitting on the hot pavement while waiting for the afternoon parade.  Your butt will thank you!

3. In a pinch, a large shopping bag just needs a hole ripped in the bottom, and two holes (one on each side) to become a kiddie poncho.  It sounds ridiculous, but I've actually done this with my child to keep them dry until we could get a real poncho.

Zip-loc bags (or other brand)

Handy for packing snacks or lunch to bring to the park (Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food!) Zip-loc bags come in a few different sizes and are so versatile  that you should bring them even if you have no idea what you'll use them for!  Have a character breakfast buffet planned?  Stash some items into your zip-loc bags for snacking later. Wet clothes? stick 'em in a bag to keep them separate from everything else! Here are two more of my favorites:

4. Water-proof your tech!  Protect your phone and camera from getting wet.  Now, if you're daring, rip a small hole in a zip-loc bag, and stick your video camera inside.  Align the hole with your camera's lens, and poke the lens through, stretching the hole for a tight fit.  Now you can take your camera on those water rides or into the midst of that splash area without fear! 

*note: this is great for the main theme parks, but for the resort pools and water parks, I'd invest in a waterproof case or a waterproof camera.

Photo Courtesy of QueenBeeCoupons.com

5. Organize your clothes.  Lisa has done this for the past two trips and it's great!  She packed outfits for both kids into individual zip-loc bags and even labeled them with a sharpie to note which day she thought they should wear each.  Then each morning of the trip, it was a snap to grab that day's bag and get the kids dressed!

Organize your Hotel Room

For most of us, space is at a premium on our vacations when it comes to our hotel rooms.  To save money we often cram our families into smaller spaces than we normally enjoy at home.  Factor in the lack of drawer and cabinet space in your room, and that's a recipe for one big, disorganized mess!

6. Use an over-the door shoe organizer as handy pockets for all your toiletries, accessories, and things you need to grab 'n go when heading out!  It keeps them off the sink and counters and floors.  

The Potty Post-It!

Is your child afraid of the potty automatically flushing?  Well, then those automatic, industrial strength flushers at the theme parks are a nightmare!  Have no fear, the Post-It! is here to save the day.

7. Simply stick a Post-It! over the sensor before sitting down on the toilet and the flush will not occur until you remove it!

If you don't have a Post-it, almost any material will work.  The Post-it is handy because it sticks easily and removes easily as well.  But when pressed, your inner-MacGuyver might make this work from chewing gum and a park map, or water and some toilet paper...

Lost and Found

Photo Courtesy of the Relocated Tourist

I lose something every trip.  Usually it's just my sunglasses, but sometimes it can be something more important and not as easily replaceable.  Use your camera and/or phone to record things to help jog your memory.

8.  Take pictures of everything to help you remember.

• your family - you'll have a pic of what you're all wearing if anyone becomes lost.
• where you parked your car - sometimes committing it to memory is just not good enough!
• your various park media: Tickets, Room Keys, PhotoPass cards, Gift Cards.
• Your name, address, and phone number.  Write this down and then snap a pic.  Now it's on your phone and in your camera should those items become lost.

Pressed Pennies

I love to collect pressed pennies.  Every trip, I scrounge up my loose pennies and quarters and stick them in bag or small container so I can bring them to the park.  There's a better way.

9. Use a M&M mini container to carry your coins.  Stack them, 2 quarters, 1 penny, 2 quarters, 1 penny, etc.  No more fumbling in bags or pockets for the right change.

*bonus hack.  Got a penny that isn't as shiny as you'd like.  Ketchup will shine that penny right up.  Ketchup can be gotten for free at any counter service restaurant.  That a few napkins will help get your penny shiny again!

Ice Cold Water

Drinking lots of water while at Disney is very important.  It will keep you cool, and keep you hydrated, and bringing your own can save you a few bucks too!  And while it's a well-circulated tip that you can get free ice-water at any counter service restaurant in Disney just by asking, I came across this little hack for those of us who like to bring some cold water with us to the park.

10. Freeze your water overnight... ON ITS SIDE!  

I was always aware of the frozen water bottle trick.  But until that ice melts, you don't have anything to drink.  Thanks to this hack I found, that's not a problem anymore.  When freezing it at night, make sure it isn't full, and lay the bottle on it's side.  In the morning, you'll be able to pour more water into the free space in the bottle, which will reach from the bottom to the top.  Instant cold water.  That ice will last you a good while, even on a hot day!



Maybe you knew about some of these tips, but I'll be very impressed if you knew all 10!  What are your favorite Disney Vacation LifeHacks?  Please let us know by leaving a comment, especially if we don't have it on our list!!

10 Best things about New Fantasyland

We go to Walt Disney World a lot.  Maybe not as much as some people, but more than most.  One of the reasons we keep going back is that there is always something new or something we haven't gotten around to doing.  This past trip, we got to experience most of "New Fantasyland" for the very first time.  With so many new additions to the park, we thought it warranted a "10 Best" list of its very own!

1. The Details

Hoof prints in the sidewalk are just one of the many subtle touches
to creating the overall feel of New Fantasyland

Nobody does details like Disney.  The immersive experience Disney Imagineers create is amazing, and is such a big part of the magic!  New Fantasyland is no exception.  Statues, signs, waterfalls, rocks, and plants...  Disney pulled out all the stops.

2. Streetmosphere

No, I did not make up the word, "Streetmosphere".  It means the entertainment that roams the streets and interacts with guests, making them part of the story and the experience.  While it's always been found on Main Street USA, the opening of New Fantasyland has brought Streetmosphere back to the areas behind the castle.  Royal Majesty Makers roaming Fantasyland, and Circus acts on the streets of the Storybook Circus area add extra magic to your day! 

3. Enchanted Tales with Belle

We were very excited to meet Belle in her new attraction!  Enchanted Tales with Belle is part show, part character greet.  

The Wardrobe and Lumiere are amazing works of animatronic technology that greet you upon entering.

Now, when we posted about our favorite Character Meet and Greets a while back, we weren't sure how much interaction there would be between Belle and the participants in the show.  We knew that you had to have a part in the play in order to get your picture with Belle, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that Belle took a little time to talk to each one of the guests playing those parts, including our little pepper shaker, Bella.

4. Be Our Guest Restaurant

We celebrated our Anniversary with dinner at the Magic Kingdom's newest restaurant, Be Our Guest.  It opened to a great deal of fanfare, and we were fortunate to snag a great reservation time.

The restaurant is very large, with 3 separate dining rooms.  We got to sit in the ballroom, and we felt like we were sitting inside the movie!

The intricate details inspired by the film could be found throughout the restaurant.

And the food and service did not fail to impress!  We even got to try "The Grey Stuff"... and as you might imagine, it's delicious!

5. Gaston's Tavern

Also inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Gaston's Tavern is a not-so-humble establishment in the small provincial town located in the shadow of the Beast's castle. It's famous for the Roasted Pork Shank and LeFou's Brew!

In case you missed it, you can get a more in depth review of Gaston's Tavern in our post here.

6. Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

One of the two completely new rides of New Fantasyland (the other is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train slated to open next year), this dark ride takes you through the storyline of the Little Mermaid.  

It's a fun ride with colorful scenes and the great music from the movie.  The whole family will enjoy it!

7. Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station

In the heart of the Storybook Circus area is a train full of animals who are just dying to get you wet.  As our kids can tell you, if you get in their range, these circus animals will get you more than wet... you'll be soaked!

8. Pete's Silly Sideshow

In Pete's Silly Sideshow, you can meet Daisy, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, all playing their roles as circus performers!  We love meeting Disney characters at the parks, and we especially love meeting classic characters in unique attire!  We'll be adding this to our list of favorite character meet and greets!

9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

The classic Disney "flying" attraction, Dumbo has gotten a makeover and has moved to the Storybook Circus area.  Now featuring two carousels of pachyderms, the ride has double the capacity.  While I'll miss the views of the castle from the old Dumbo, I won't miss the tortuously long waits.  We walked right on both times we rode Dumbo, and didn't even get to take advantage of the indoor play/waiting area.

10.  Tangled area 

Located at the border of Fantasyland and Liberty Square, Rapunzel's Tower overlooks a nice area for taking a break.

With restrooms and seating, the Tangled area of Fantasyland is a great respite from the park.  It's a great place to recharge... literally!

Concealed in the tree stumps all throughout the seating area are AC and USB charging stations for your electronic devices!  A great modern addition to the Magic Kingdom!

And if you think this area looks great during the day, be sure to come back once it gets dark and the lanterns are lit up!  

So that's our 10 Best things about New Fantasyland... for now.  When Fairytale Hall and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train finally open, this list may change.  And eventually, the "New" part of Fantasyland will no longer be new, and will just be considered Fantasyland.  

This list was roughly in order of the way we toured the area, and not by any ranking system.  Our list, as always, is based solely on our experiences and opinions.  

Have you experienced any parts of New Fantasyland yet?  Agree or Disagree? Let us know in the comments section below.  We love hearing from you!