Disney Store's 25th Anniversary

March 28th was not just the Disney Store's 25th Anniversary - it was also my 4th wedding anniversary!
Lord Hill and I celebrated like any normal Disney loving couple would have - by doing the Disney Store Hop!

We got to our local store at about 9:30AM expecting a crowd, especially since it's one of the largest malls in America. We were shocked when there were only 10 or of us there until around 9:55 when the crowd reached it's max of maybe 30 people. This was good news for us since only the first 250 people were going to get the limited edition Mickey ears. Hubby and I both got a set!

It was my first time getting to see the opening ceremony and it was so cute! We had been chatting with the little girl who was chosen since we got there and her guardian was nice enough to let me record the ceremony so I could show all of you! (I'm sorry the video is sideways, I did not record it that way so I'm not sure how or why that happened!)



Afterwards hubby and I did some shopping and picked up the 25th Anniversary Vinylmation. I'll take a good photo of the one we picked later on, but for now you can enjoy these stock photos from the Disney website.

We also played some fun trivia games and won some cute prizes!

This was not the end of our Disney themed anniversary. When we got home Lord Hill gave me my gift and boy did he do good! Yup! That is a Disney Dooney and Bourke bag along with a Dooney and Bourke credit card holder (which I have decided is my new business card holder)
He also gave me an amazing Precious Moment that is so perfectly "us" that it literally made me all teary when I opened it.

We actually wound up going to another local Disney Store later in the day after going out for an amazing breakfast/lunch but before heading to the movies to see The Hunger Games.

Did any of you attend the Anniversary festivities today? Was it worth the time and energy? Did any of you try to get there for the ears but then wound up being too late to get them? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

Calling All Figment Fans!

I am always on the lookout for new Figment merchandise because I am a bit obsessed with the little purple guy.

Imagine my excitement when I was browsing the Art of Disney Parks website and noticed this little note on the events page:

"Apr 21 Figment: Heights of Imagination - Sculpture Premiere and Artist Signing with Bruce Lau"

I followed the event link and literally squealed in delight when I laid my eyes on the newest Figment WDCC sculpture. 

Not only is the sculpture adorable and amazing, but it's a nod to the original Journey Into Imagination ride which just tickles me pink.

I pre-ordered the sculpture because I'd be devesated if it sold out before I got down there and was pleasantly surprised to find out they are actually allowing the Disney Visa card holder discount on this item. This is rare and I double checked with 2 cast members to confirm it. With shipping it came to $159.

Spending $160 on a sculpture that is just going to collect dust, not up your alley? Don't worry, you can also get a matted deluxe print for only $35. I will try to grab one when I am down there in May for the travel Agent Education Program. Isn't it awesome?

If you are lucky enough to be in Disney World on April 21st you can head over to Epcot where the artist will be signing the pieces in person the day they are released. For more information you can visit the Events page HERE.




*images are copyright Disney and used for the sole purpose of showing my fellow Figment fans the awesomeness of this product. I do not claim to own the rights to the photos or intend to make any profit from their use*

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I wish I was celebrating at Raglan Road or Cookes of Dublin today but since I'm stuck in bed in New York with a bronchial infection this is as close as I'm going to get.

Check out all the cool 2012 St. Patrick's Day merchandise! Isn't Irish Duffy just the cutest little bear?! I'm loving the Saint Patrick's Day Disney Pins/lanyard and I would totally rock those ears!

If you're still craving a taste of Irish cooking, check out this post from the Disney Parks blog. They'll teach you how to make an official Raglan Road appetizer!

Free WiFi at most Disney Resorts!

Well, some would say "It's about time!"

Disney has confirmed that free wireless internet access will now be available at almost ALL Disney World resorts. Campsites at Fort Wilderness are the exception. (Guests staying at Fort Wilderness will have access to free wired internet)

Free WiFi will be available in all guest rooms and many common areas such as lobbies, pool areas, arcades, and more.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I don't really use the internet when I'm on vacation other than from my phone to post on twitter and facebook, but if I did need to use the internet I'd rather be connected to a secure wired connections rather than a public WiFi network. At the same time, it'll be nice to take the iPad down to the pool to read or to the lobby to update a blog post while waiting for dinner reservations or the Magical Express.

What are your thoughts?

Agent P's World Showcase Adventure Coming to Epcot!

Do you have a Phineas and Ferb fan in your house?
Check out this new adventure game at Epcot!

Epcot guests will transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents will use a “high-tech secret agent device” to receive clues for each case. Solving the clues will take agents to different places throughout seven World Showcase countries at Epcot – Agents will scour each country for clues, evil “Inators,” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

This marks the end of Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. I for one welcome the change. The Kim Possible adventure hit the park late, almost after the show was even still relevant.


What are your thoughts? Are you excited about the introduction of Agent P to the World Showcase or are you sad to see Kim go?

Vinylmation Madness Sale! Two 9" figure for $50!

There is an awesome online sale going on over at DisneyStore.com!

Select 9" figures are now 2 for $50! I've included a quick preview so you can decide if it's worth your time to check out HERE on the Disney Store website.

The Nightmare Before Christmas set is on sale as well. Buy One Get One FREE. View them HERE.
The 3" Chinese Zodiac pieces are also on sale - 2 for $10! View them all HERE.


If you're like me and Lord Hill, you're going to find this sale irresistible so while you're over there don't forget to add the code MYSTERY to your shopping cart.  This code gives you one mystery blind box Vinylmation for $1.99! Who can pass up a sweet deal like that?!?!

There's also the code SHIPTODAY which gives you FREE shipping on orders over $75. (Seriously, I don't think I have ever had an order from the Disney Store cost LESS than $75 so I LOVE this code)

Okay, so stop reading this, head over to DisneyStore.com, do your shopping, and then come back here and tell me what you got! If you do the MYSTERY code deal then PLEASE come back and tell me what your mystery vinyl was. I'm dying to know if everyone gets from the same set or not.

Happy Shopping!

News Alert! - Re: Monorail Service at Magic Kingdom

Due to scheduled construction at the Grand Floridan Resort Monorail Service on the Magic Kingdom line will be suspended daily between 11:30 am - 6:00 pm until March 17, 2012.

Disney will be providing additional bus and boat transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom during these times.

 

2012 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

One of my favorite times of year to visit Walt Disney World is during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.



This year's event started yesterday and will run through May 20. I'm so excited to be going during it's final week since last year we were there at the beginning of the festival.

One of my favorite things about the festival are the Disney character topiaries. My favorite last year was Stitch because of his placement and the use of texture. It was incredible. I also loved that the Lotso topiary actually smelled like strawberries!! It was magical. For photos from last year's event please visit my Facebook page.


This year's event will have over 100 topiaries with more than 75 of them featuring Disney characters. There is also the Flower Power Concert Series. Click here for a full schedule of performances. There will also be special presentations by HGTV Personalities to help you plan everything from planting your first garden to increasing your home's curb appeal. Click here for a full schedule of appearances and presentations.

It's not too late to experience this annual festival. Contact me today for information or to book your visit! Simply fill out this form and select my name (Kerri) from the agent drop down menu.

Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre Open at Disney California Adventure Park

This afternoon the Disney Parks blog  reported that, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the five-year expansion of Disney California Adventure park will be complete on June 15 with the opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre!

In order to prepare for the media preview and make final preparations for the opening, Disney California Adventure park will be closed on June 14. 
This closing will be limited to Disney California Adventure park and Disneyland park, Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open for our guests on that day.

For more information about this exciting news, visit the Disney Parks Blog!

Are you excited about this new land? I know I am!!

Contact for information about booking a trip to Disneyland! Simply fill out this form and select my name (Kerri) from the agent drop down menu.

Free Dining is Back at Disney World!

Disney Visa card holders can take advantage of this today and everyone else gets it Monday, March 5, 2012. The travel dates are: August 25th - September 29th and must be booked by May 18, 2012.
Offer is not valid for Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort, Art of Animation, or All-Star Music Family Suites. Minimum 2 day base ticket amd a minimum 3 night stay is required.
Offer includes free Plus Dining Plan for Moderate and Deluxe Resorts or free Quick Service Dining Plan for Value Resorts.
You can upgrade to a different dining plan for an additional cost.

For more information and to receive a FREE no obligation quote please email me at Kerri(at) MickeysDreamVacations(.com). I will get back to you within 24 hours.

Product Review: Custom Disney Tie Dye from One Great Thing

I'm sure many of you have seen shirts around the Disney parks and thought to yourself, "Where did they get that??"

I'm talking about the amazing Mickey head tie dye shirts that all the cool kids are sporting these days.

Sure, there are tons of great tutorials online, but for those of us who don't have time to make them, Cassi at One Great Thing is like a Disney craft savior. From t-shirts to tank tops and matching bags, Cassi has something for everyone! If tie dye isn't your thing, don't worry, she's still got you covered!

I was lucky enough to receive a tie dye Mickey head tank top for the purpose of reviewing it. I cannot explain to you how much I love this shirt. It fits perfectly and the shirt is great high quality. The colors are amazing and vibrant and the Mickey just pops!
I tried to take a photo of me wearing it, but in all honesty it doesn't do the shirt justice because I am, how do I put this politely, a "busty" lady, and the Mickey head stretches a little bit making the circles appear oval. That is my fault though, I didn't take that into consideration when giving my size.
Here is a picture of the tank top so that you can see the Mickey head in all of it's glory.

Cassi doesn't only make Disney inspired products. She has some great religious and holiday shirts as well. However, Cassi also has some products that are near and dear to my heart. There are customizable cancer awareness shirts available at One Great Thing where all of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

I started a Relay for Life team in memory of my mother this year. Please consider making a donation by using the link or by heading over to One Great Thing on Etsy and purchasing a Cancer Awareness shirt or scarf.

Maybe you can support both of us by purchasing a custom cancer awareness shirt from One Great Thing with a black ribbon in honor of my mother.

Relay for Life

I'm going to take a minute and pause the Disney talk for a minute. I'm sure most of you aware that my mother passed away from cancer in June of 2011. For those of you who didn't know, well, now you do.

I have been struggling to find peace with this loss and recently discovered something that I believe will help me heal. The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

There is a local event on June 29th, the 1 year anniversary of my mother's death. I will be there to walk for her, in honor and memory of her. I will also walk in honor of my aunt who is fighting cancer now, and for my dad who beat cancer a few years ago. I will walk for all of them, and for all of us who have lost someone near and dear to them to that awful C word.

You can help in several ways. You can visit my team page and either join the team and walk with us, or if you aren't local you can donate. Please visit the link and share it with your friends and family. http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ladyhillformymom

You can also visit Magical Expressions on Etsy and purchase one of the Relay for Life prints. All proceeds from these items will be donated to the Relay for Life - American Cancer Society fund.
Chad is a great guy who does amazing work. I am actually hosting a giveaway for a gift certificate for his shop over on this post right now. Head over there and enter to win, but also visit his shop and purchase an item to help a good cause. 

Who would you walk for?