Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

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Making Lemonade from Lemons

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There are only seventeen days until our Old Key West Family Reunion. Seventeen days until I can hug my daughter, son-in-love and granddaughter. How exciting!

I am exhausted tonight:

  1. My increased walking has my muscles sore and tired.
  2. I watched my sweet baby granddaughter today, so I am weary.
  3. I tried a new recipe tonight for dinner, which took way longer than I expected, so that by the time we finally ate, I was super hangry (hungry + angry).
  4. And I am grieving for our dear friend and patron who passed away two days ago.

But here’s the thing:

  1. My muscles are sore, but it’s good sore. They are sore from exercising, instead of sore from being sedentary. Result!
  2. Each minute with Linnie, my baby granddaughter, is precious. It’s exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I always feel so blessed after my time with this amazing baby!
  3. I tried a new recipe (my assignment from Noom) from Diabetic Living Magazine called Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole. There was a lot of pre-cooking, chopping, measuring, mixing, and finally baking. We ate over an hour later than usual, and by then I was cranky and famished. But dinner was absolutely delicious, and it turns out, well worth the wait. I will make this recipe again and again. It will be perfect for a cold winter’s night.
  4. I am grieving, This recently departed soul gave us so much, including a wonderful place to raise our kids and encouragement for Mike to be the best furniture designer and maker possible. But I am not without hope. “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”-Romans 5:5

And so I carry on. Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

PS: I highly recommend Diabetic Living Magazine. It has been such a help for healthy eating. And Noom is working out very well, too.

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Life’s Pendulum Swings

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There are only eighteen days now until I head south from Illinois to Florida and Walt Disney World.

Well, Friends, we are in the fire. Mike (my loving man) has a theory that life is a pendulum swinging back and forth, so that the highs in our lives are balanced by the lows in our lives. This Disney trip is a dream coming true, so if Mike’s theory is correct, then there is probably a nightmare to balance it out. There may be something to his theory.

Last night Mike’s boss passed away. He lost his battle with cancer even though he had fought valiantly. We are deeply moved and saddened at his passing. He and his family have been great friends and benefactors to our family. Mike has worked very closely with him, so he will feel this most deeply of all. I pray that God will comfort Mr. B’s family in this time of mourning.

Now just this morning we heard that Mike’s sister was rushed to the hospital with some health issues. She is in our prayers. We believe in a God of miracles. He who created this universe cares about each cell in our bodies. I pray for healing for Mike’s sister. I pray for wisdom and competence in those who care for her. I pray for peace for her and the family.

So, it’s been quite a 24 hours here in Lake Bluff. But we remain ever in God’s hands, believing in His mercy. We know that nothing can happen to us that He does not allow, and all things work to the good for those who love Him.

Peace to you and yours, Dear Readers. Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

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Upping the Ante/Satisfied DVC Member

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In nineteen days, I get on an airplane and fly to Orlando International Airport. Then I get to transfer to Magical Express and head to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Hot-dang! So…

  1. Today I upped my daily walk by five minutes. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but to me it is a lot. (Thank you to Noom for encouraging me to walk further!) The featured photo for today’s blog was taken about ten minutes after my walk. I was pooped, hot, sweaty, a little bit cranky, yet invigorated. It felt good to push myself that extra five minutes.  So that is one of my major accomplishments for today.
  2. Also today, I took care of some vacation business. I called Magical Express directly, because only five of the eight of us traveling for this trip received our luggage tags. (We want them all because it is so nice to drop your luggage at your home airport and have it delivered directly to your hotel room. Man, I LOVE this service! Disney Vacation Club, [DVC], you rock]) I had a three minute wait for a rep, who then reissued our tags, so we will receive a new set of eight tags in seven to ten days. Mischief managed!
  3. Then I called DVC Member Services and waited fifteen minutes for a Cast Member who helped me to tweak my reservation. Cribs are sorted out for the little ones. We don’t need the Pack n’ Plays that Disney provides, because the kids rented cribs to be delivered and picked up instead. And I requested to be in a building with an elevator. Usually our three bedroom grand villa in one story up. After a day in the parks, I am absolutely dragging and climbing those steps can be the last straw. There is no guarantee we’ll get that request, but if it is available, then we’ll get it. (Please, please, please…)

So anyway, it’s been a good day so far. I hope you are having a good day, too.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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That Magic Kingdom Smile

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I am twenty days away from flying to Walt Disney World and that most magical of Kingdoms. I’ve been planning, saving, researching, and preparing for three years, and now I am within three weeks. Wow. Just wow!

There is something that happens when I get near the Magic Kingdom. Something almost magical. There is a sign announcing the Magic Kingdom that spans the highway leading into the park. When I see that sign, my heart speeds up, I have an adrenaline rush, and I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. My family inevitably notices it and chuckles. I can’t really explain it, but it happens in spite of myself.

It really is a magical kingdom. It makes me feel like a kid again, even though I’m sitting on an EVC or a wheelchair. The years melt away, and the pure joy of untainted childhood takes over. It’s a small world after all… In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room… There’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow… In Magic Kingdom the songs are hopeful with positive messages about possibility. Possibility about a world where we are more alike than different. Possibility for the fun and oneness of all creatures on Earth.  Possibility of a brighter tomorrow. How can that be bad? I love the bright, colorful decorations, and the happy music throughout the park. Bliss!

Most of all, I look forward to sharing days in the park with my family. Whatever else happens, we will be together, and therein lies even more magic. Rides aside, decorations aside, delicious meals aside, I will be with the people I love most in this world. Thank you, Lord!

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

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WDW Radio Podcast

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Twenty-one days from now I leave for Walt Disney World and Disney’s Old Key West Resort. It’s just three weeks from today, Baby! (Insert Happy Dance here.) 🙂

Usually when I walk or work out, I listen to my favorite music to help the time to pass and make it more enjoyable. It’s usually Bubble Gum Pop or Contemporary Christian music. Today I wanted something new for my walk, so I joined my first Podcast. Jake, my son, (see photo above) has been talking about Podcasts and how they help him when he works out for quite awhile now. Well, I finally took the plunge.

Since we’re so close to our vacation now, I wanted something Disney-entyishtic. I landed on WDW Radio, Episode #529-Olivia’s at Old Key West LIVE Dining Review. Boy! This is right up my alley! The Podcast is over an hour long. My walk went by so quickly, and I’m ready for more tomorrow. I’m getting some great ideas about new things to try this time at Olivia’s, my favorite, WDW restaurant.

I am a Disney Vacation Club Member, and my home resort is Old Key West. My HOME resort, oh yes, it really does feel like my home away from home. So I’ve eaten at Olivia’s Cafe many times. I usually order the same thing each time, but this time I’m branching out. I hope to share entrees with Mike, my honey, so we can try more dishes. This Podcast has me all jacked up. 🙂 I am so excited to make some alternative choices this time!

Anyway, if you are a Disneyphile, as am I, give WDW Radio a listen. You won’t be sorry.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

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2018 Food and Wine Festival Picks Recapped

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Just 22 days now until my Walt Disney World vacation. Woo hoo! When I last visited WDW in 2015, I spent only one day at EPCOT, and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. I had a lunch reservation at San Angel Inn Restaurante. Well, once I’d had my lunch, I was too full to enjoy any of the festival booths. Lesson learned. This year I have no meal reservations for my EPCOT day. I am going to enjoy the food booths this year!

Thanks to DFB (Disney Food Blog) Guide to the 2018 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, I was able to make some choices in advance. Listed below are the booths and foods that I will choose from.

  • Wine & Dine Studio-Butternut Squash Ravioli
  • Active Eats-Loaded Mac and Cheese
  • Hawaii-Kahlua Pork Slider
  • Refreshment Port-Beef Brisket Poutine
  • Canada-Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
  • France-Crème Brulee
  • Belgium-Belgian Waffle
  • Hops and Barley-New Brunswick Slider
  • Germany-Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
  • Brazil-Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Onions
  • Canada-Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon
  • Italy-Cannoli
  • Ireland-Roasted Irish Sausage

That’s a lot of choices, but the portions are small, and Mike and I will split everything. It’ll be just enough to get a taste of each item. This is so exciting! We will eat around the world. 🙂

I also found in the DFB Guide to the 2018 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival a Vegetarian Crawl. We have three vegetarians in the family so I thought it was worth a look. Here’s what they suggest:

  • Chocolate Studio-Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Whipped Cream
  • Earth Eats-IMPOSSIBLE “Burger” Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Asian Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun
  • Active Eats-Active Eats Energy Bar Bites: a mixture of Chocolate, Nuts, Dried Fruit and Dates
  • Cheese Studio-Maple Boursin Cheesecake with Maple Bourbon Cream, Caramel and Pecan Crunch
  • India-Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips
  • Greece- Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles and Vegan Tzatziki
  • Ireland-Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread
  • Belgium-Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
  • Africa-Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa
  • Brazil-Pao de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread

The featured photo for today is from three years ago. We’ve been through a lot since then, but through God’s grace and blessings, we are more ready than ever to enjoy this vacation/family reunion. Bring it on!

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

PS. Make sure to check out Disney Food Blog (DFB). It is my absolute favorite Disney blog, and I look forward to every post. If you are at all a Disneyphile, then please look for it online. And special thanks to AJ from DFB for never disappointing!

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Noom Report

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Twenty-three days until we travel to Lake Buena Vista and Walt Disney World.

I have been on Noom now for eleven days, and so far I am eight pounds down. That is phenomenal, because I’ve been kind of stuck for months now. I like the program, but I’m still in the Honeymoon Phase.

The nice thing about being only a little over three weeks until our trip to Florida is that I am making sure to walk every day to be in a bit better shape for the extra walking that I’ll do on vacation. I like the way I feel after my daily walk. Yes, I’m pooped and red-faced and sweaty and panting, but I feel invigorated, too. So bring it on!

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

 

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Anticipation

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There are only 24 days now until we leave for WDW.

Today’s featured photo was taken three years ago at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Mike was Indiana Jones. I was some strange mix of Skeleton Mickey with Minnie ears. Jake was a writer. And Eliza was Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. We had so much fun that night! Even though we mostly walked around and chatted.

I absolutely loved the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! And the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade was so fun, especially when the Headless Horseman led it off. But my absolute favorite event of the evening was the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks Show. It is, hands down, the best fireworks show that I have ever seen.

We have tickets to attend again this year. I will once again be in my Mickey Skeleton shirt, but I have better Minnie ears for this year, and I have some Mickey trousers to wear this year. It will be too much, and I will love it! Mike has decided to be Indiana Jones again. I don’t know how the kids and grandkids will dress, but it doesn’t matter. Just being there with them will be so much fun!

Here’s a bit from Disney about the party:

Halloween Fun Awaits at an After-Dark 
Special Event in Magic Kingdom Park!

The Happiest Haunting on Earth 

Halloween… with a Disney Twist!
The witching hour’s almost here, so get your favorite costume ready for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event in Magic Kingdom park!

Back again in 2018, it’s the happiest haunting on Earth! Don’t miss your chance to collect candies, sweets and frightfully delightful treats—all while the park hosts grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night.

Best of all: since the tone of this event is “not-so-scary,” that means children of every age can enjoy the fun!

Disney Villains perform the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween PartyDisney,

It’s Fun to Be Bad

The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus return in 2018 to throw a Halloween party.

With only a few hours to run amuck at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Winifred, Mary and Sarah decide to use their magic to host a decidedly wicked fun fest.

Enlisting the help of the Disney villains, the 3 sisters mix sinister shadows, terrifying nightmares and use the nefarious powers of their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion—and cast a spell on everyone in Magic Kingdom park!

Look for appearances from Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie and Maleficent. Combine them and other great Disney villains with amazing dancers, wild visual projections and otherworldly special effects to make Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat!

Separate Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party admission is required. All entertainment is subject to change without notice.

A headless horseman rides a horse and holds a candlelit jack-o’-lantern near Cinderella Castle

A Truly Spooktacular Procession

Party with the grim grandmaster of this eerily awesome parade—he’s literally lost his head!

Returning in 2018 at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a hair-raising ride by the Headless Horseman himself will begin the festivities, followed by a collection of frightening floats featuring Disney Characters in Halloween costumes.

Prepare for a cauldron of grave-digging delights as the stars of the Haunted Mansion steal the spotlight in this family-friendly parade. Boo-lovers beware—you’re sure to have one scare-tastic time…

And remember: it’s really not so scary; just fiendish fun!

Five kids in different costumes walking into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Happy HalloWishes

Celebrate the hallowed season with a spider web of pyrotechnic effects and haunting melodies.

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2018, the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion invites you to “drop in” as Disney Villains light up the night with fireworks and a wicked version of melodies from Disney’s past that echo through the night—and creepy colors crawl over Cinderella Castle.

The “scare-abration” gets into full swing when some of the Disney Villains we most love to hate—including Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Oogie Boogie—croon their scary tunes and do their best to steal the show.

Happy HalloWishes includes a Disney soundtrack of creepy classics including:

  • “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” from the Haunted Mansion attraction
  • “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” from The Little Mermaid
  • “Never Smile at a Crocodile,“ from Peter Pan
  • “The Skeleton Dance,” from Silly Symphony – The Skeleton Dance
  • “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?” from The Three Little Pigs
  • “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • “Night on Bald Mountain,” from Fantasia

Can you see why I’m so excited about the party? Plus the Magic Kingdom is decorated in a fall/Halloween theme. It is delightful! Last time my October birthday boy Jake, who loves Halloween, relished the whole experience. Here’s hoping we all enjoy it this year, too.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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School Bread (Skolebrød)

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Twenty-five days from today our Walt Disney World family reunion vacation begins. It’s just over three weeks away now. Wow!

We have been to EPCOT many times now, and every time I have wanted to try School  Bread from Kringla Bakeri og Cafe in the Norway pavilion. This is it, folks. This is the trip where I pick up some School Bread and take it back to Disney’s Old Key West for a treat, or maybe for breakfast the next day.

Here’s what Disney has to say about it:

School Bread

Sweet Roll filled with Custard and dipped in Coconut
Short  and sweet, right? Now check out this fantastic review by  The Disney Food Blog, my favorite Disney blog! Thank you, AJ! Check out her blog. Seriously, it is just the best!
School Bread has long been a beloved snack for many Walt Disney World visitors, and more guests are being introduced to its deliciousness every day. This treat, found in Epcot’s Norway pavilion at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe, is actually pretty simple. A sweet bread roll is injected with vanilla pudding or custard, then covered with sweet icing and toasted coconut. The School Bread recipe comes from a classic Norwegian snack (properly titled “Skolebrød”), which kids took to school in their packed lunches or parents sold at bake sales.
The description aside, this is one of those Disney World snacks that actually isn’t too sweet! Which is possibly why so many people love it. This yummy treat won’t knock you on your kiester for the rest of the day — at least in my experience — so it gives folks a good “rest” snack before moving on with the rest of their Epcot touring!
Regarding taste and texture, the bread here is a cross between a cinnamon roll and a dinner roll. It’s not super moist — more springy. But the sweet vanilla custard is extremely smooth and abundant (my big worry before trying this snack was that there wouldn’t be enough custard — not a problem). And the basic icing and coconut on top give it just enough extra sweetness.
While you can eat this snack while walking, I highly recommend getting a table in the little covered area behind Kringla Bakery and taking a seat while snacking. It’s a great opportunity to relax, and trust me — you’ll want to remember this experience!
Now do you understand why I want to try this? Kringla Bakery og Cafe, here I come!
Meet me at the Kingdom.
Donna
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Magic Band Magic!

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I can hardly believe that there are just 26 days until our Walt Disney World vacation begins! And today our Magic Bands arrived. Me and the grandbabies have purple bands, Emi has red, James has blue, and Mike, Jake and Eliza have gray.

This is a very exciting day! These are our passport around the World. With them we can enter the parks, unlock our room door, and pay for meals and souvenirs. They are so cool!

I chose purple because Disney decorates for Halloween with orange, green, black and purple. It’s a very purple time of the year at Walt Disney World. And if purple doesn’t match my outfit for the day? Too bad! I like purple! I will wear my band proudly. 🙂

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna