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Author Archives: Allie
Beating the Post Disney Vacation Blues
Coming home from a wonderful trip to Disney World can be really hard, especially if it’s something you’ve been looking forward to for a long time. After the planning, traveling, eating, watching, and riding is all said and done, the post-Disney vacation blues might start to set in. I’ve experienced it many times, and each time I’ve found new and different ways to make the transition back to real life a little easier.
Here are a few quick tips to ease the transition:
Create a trip report
There are so many websites out there where Disney fans around the world gather to share their thoughts, tips, and tricks about their Disney vacations. One of the most popular sections of these sites are the trip report areas, where members post photos and write about their travels. It is such a great way to document your experience! Share your special moments in the parks, a tasty meal at a signature restaurant, and introduce your family to the boards. I did this for the first time this year, and it was so much fun re-living the trip and sharing my memories with other people who appreciate Disney just as much as I do.
Share your photos with family and friends
One of my favorite things to do right when I get back from a trip is share my photographs with my family and friends. I love narrating the trip through the photos, and my family loves to see them. Is your family far away? Post your pics on Facebook or Flickr, and invite others to view them! Also don’t forget about your Photopass.
Read Disney blogs and listen to podcasts
This has to be the number one thing that gets me by in between trips to Disney. I love reading blogs to get updates on what’s going on in the parks, and what I’ll have to look forward to. When I’m in the car or at the gym, I listen to podcasts (they’re free on iTunes!) about people talking about Disney news, views, and updates. There are so many resources out there to keep you in the know! Don’t forget to turn into Chip and Company for the best in Disney News & Views Daily!
Plan another vacation!
Is there anything better than knowing when you’ll go back? I know someone who refuses to leave a Disney trip until they have their next one booked! After you’ve relived the magic through your trip over and over again, consider planning another one. For me, the planning process is almost as fun as the vacation itself. Create a countdown, and before you know it, you’ll be back on Disney Property once again! Don’t forget to use a Disney Travel Agent!
Have you ever experienced the post-Disney vacation blues? How to make the transition back to real life easier for you? Let me know in the comments!
Related articles
- Win a Disney Vacation from Radio Delilah – Share Your Memories Contest (chipandco.com)
- Capturing Disney in Pictures: A Fan’s View of Epcot (chipandco.com)
- Favorite Disney Websites – Tips from the Disney Diva (chipandco.com)
To Downtown Disney or Not?
That is the question!
When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the parks, rides, and attractions. When you’re on Disney property, you might feel like you’re “missing out” on what’s going on inside one of the parks if you’re not in them. You can’t help but think “I could be on Space Mountain right now!” or “I wonder if there’s a lot of people watching Illuminations tonight?” Maybe you feel guilty for leisurely strolling the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at Downtown Disney, but the days of feeling guilty are over!
I love Downtown Disney. I find it’s a great place to go to escape the chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes be present in the parks. It’s also free! I like to visit Downtown Disney on my travel days, so I don’t have to worry about wasting half of a ticket day. It’s also a great way bookend to a vacation — a great place to start to prep for the parks, and a great place to end your trip and purchase last-minute souvenirs.
Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to make the trip downtown and explore? Here are some of my favorite places you’ll find at Downtown Disney that just might convince you:
The World of Disney
This is by far the largest souvenir store you’ll find on Disney property! It’s pretty much a Disney department store. The World of Disney is broken up into twelve different themed rooms, each featuring select merchandise. Any kind of souvenir that you could possibly get in Disney, you can find here! From home goods and plush toys to jewelry and apparel — it’s here. A few years ago, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was built right in the World of Disney store. If you’re having trouble booking an appointment for your princess in the Magic Kingdom, try this location!
Disney’s Days of Christmas
One of my favorite things to bring home from any vacation is a Christmas ornament. This store is filled with tinsel, holly, lights, trees, and ornaments. From the second you walk into the door, you’re transported to a winter wonderland, any time of the year. You can even get ornaments personalized with your name or the year of your trip.
Eateries
Forget the shopping. If I’m going to be completely honest, I come to Downtown Disney for the food! A couple of my favorite places to eat and snack are found here. If you’re on the dining plan, don’t miss Wolfgang Puck Express — it is probably one of the best values on property for a counter service meal. The portions are huge and the food is gourmet! My favorite place to grab a sandwich can also be found here: Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are warm, savory, and bursting with flavor.
The final place I recommend is a place I dream about when I’m not in Disney: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. The sundaes are to die for!
If you have a few hours to spare on your next trip, stop by Downtown Disney. There is so much to do and see that it’s worth your time. And don’t forget — stop for some ice cream!
Related articles
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Snacking Around the World
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you hear a lot about the restaurants you can’t miss and the how important Advanced Dining Reservations are, but you don’t hear a lot about what to snack on in between those meals. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits are available in all of the packages. So, what are some of the best snacks around Walt Disney World? What can you use your snack credits on?
Here are some of my favorites:
Cupcakes
Disney has some of the most decadent cupcakes. Stop by Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park for some of the best. Piled high with frosting and toppings, the cake is moist and there is no shortage of flavor in these baked goods!
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
This has got to be my favorite way to use of snack credit! You can find these in the Magic Kingdom (Main Street Bakery or Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square), and they are massive. They take two large cookies and place three large scoops of fresh vanilla ice cream in between them. Wow! This is a great snack to share with others. You’ll need to eat it quickly though — the ice cream melts fast!
Dole Whip
Ah, the infamous dole whip. I’ve been traveling to Disney for years, but managed to skip over Aloha Isle in Adventure Land until just last year. I wish I had known about it much sooner! This is a great snack on a hot Florida day. Aloha Isle serves pineapple ice cream (known as dole whip), citrus flavored ice cream, and your standard vanilla. I suggest the dole whip float – pineapple ice cream over pineapple juice. Yum!
Mickey Premium Bar
Sometimes there isn’t anything better than a good ‘ole Mickey ice cream bar. The chocolate on the outside is rich and flavorful and the vanilla ice cream inside just oozes out. It’s sweet and simple!
Pastries from Main Street Bakery
While strolling down Main Street USA, the smell of fresh cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies will hit you right in the face – hard! Meander on in and you’ll find an array of tasty treats. They’re often so large that they almost require sharing, so this is a really great use of a snack credit, especially for breakfast!
World Showcase Treats
During the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, you can use snack credits around the World Showcase, sampling food from the festival booths. But you don’t have to wait for the Food & Wine Festival — many of the countries have treats available year-round. My favorite spot is in France. They have really, really delicious crepes!
Goofy’s Candy Co.
It can be hard to plan out how you’re going to use all your snack credits, so if you have a few left at the end of your vacation, stop by Goofy’s Candy Co. at Downtown Disney. Here, you can customize your own snack and take it home with you! Do you want a pretzel dipped in white chocolate with some sprinkles and M&Ms on top? Or maybe an oreo dipped in chocolate and then covered in marshmallows? Done! The possibilities are endless!
These are just a few of my favorite snacks around the World. How do you use snack credits? What do you think is the best use of a snack credit? Let me know on Twitter at @A_Leo!
Related articles
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Around the “Disney” World – Adventureland
When you look at Walt Disney World’s parks, hotels, and restaurants, there is one thing that really sets them apart from other parks, hotels, and restaurants that you might find in your hometown (or even at other theme parks). That one thing is theming. Disney is so good at transporting you to a different time, place, and environment, and if there’s one place in Disney World that I really think they excel with a theme, it’s Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom.
As soon as you walk over the bridge from the hub into Adventureland, you hear the music. The tropical beating drums and soothing sounds are both calming and exciting! You’re ready for an adventure!
The attractions in Adventureland are perfect for guests of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to the classics like The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean or up for a spin on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. The Swiss Family Tree House offers beautiful views of Adventureland (and Cinderella’s Castle!) Another classic, the Enchanted Tiki Room, is currently being refurbished, but it’s a great place to rest your feet and and enjoy a show.
Adventureland is also the home of one of Walt Disney World’s most coveted treats — the Dole Whip. It is the perfect snack on a hot Florida afternoon. If you’ve never stopped by Aloha Isle for your Dole Whip, make it a must-do on your next trip!
Shops in Adventureland have great gifts, souveniers, and clothing. Unlike a lot of other stores around Disney World, these shops have unique offerings and are open to the outdoors, which makes them convenient for browsing. Stroll through the stores and you’ll see that the merchandise definitely fits the “land.”
Next time you’re in Adventureland, take a moment to immerse yourself in the theme. If you let yourself get into it, you might just forget you’re in Central Florida!
DVD Review: The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Volume Six
The Secret Life of the American Teenager is one of my guilty pleasures. When I happen to catch a marathon of it on ABC Family, it’s safe to say that any tasks I has planned on accomplishing that day are going to have to wait till the next day. When Chip asked the team if anyone would be willing to review Volume Six on DVD, I jumped at the chance!
After devouring the 3-disc set, I have to say, it is a must-own for any Secret Life fans! Volume Six is a continuation of third season of the series, and picks up right where Volume Five left off. Wedding bells are chiming as Ben and Adrian are about to walk down the aisle, and Amy and Ricky pursue a serious relationship. The episodes are packed with drama and excitement as characters you know and love continue their way through high school, forging friendships, learning life lessons, and have fun.
The DVD set, which will be released tomorrow, June 7th, included exclusive, collectible iPod/iTouch decorative skins, perfect for fans of all ages. Secret Life fans, you don’t want to miss out on this awesome DVD set! I love owning these on DVD because now I can have a marathon whenever I want — I can always run my errands tomorrow!
So tell me, are you going to purchase this? What’s your favorite episode from Volume Six? Let me know on Twitter at @A_Leo!
Related articles
- The Secret Life of the American Teenager Comes to DVD June 7th (chipandco.com)
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