Category: Friday Favorites

Five Friday Favorites – shopDisney Holiday Merchandise and SALE

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If you haven’t checked out the Holiday merchandise on shopDisney, you are missing out! The best part is that this weekend they are having a sale where you will save 25% Off Disney Park Items when you use code “PARKS25”. The sale ends Sunday, November 22, so I wanted to share my five favorite things today!

I am a shopDisney affiliate, so if you make a purchase through my links, I will make a small commission.

Mickey Mouse Santa Hat

Okay, this Santa hat is the cutest thing around! I am ordering one to not only wear but to use as decoration! I looked for a tree topper for my daughter’s Disney Christmas tree, and I think this hat would perfect as a tree topper. I also really love the plaid detail; it adds a little something. It’s an excellent option for those who want to feel festive but don’t want to wear Mickey Ears.

Santa Mickey Mouse and Friends Holiday Spirit Jersey

I know, I know. Spirit Jerseys. You either love them or hate them; I happen to love them! I think they are the best thing to cuddle up in or throw on with leggings when it’s cold outside. I also happen to love this Mickey Mouse and Friends Holiday Spirit Jersey, and I think it would be perfect to wear on Christmas Day.

Santa Mickey Mouse Holiday Socks

Speaking of cuddling up, these socks are PERFECT for getting cozy! I also think they would make a great stocking stuffer (I mean, who doesn’t need more socks). They also have these socks with Minnie Mouse, but I personally love the Mickey Mouse version.

Personalizable Santa Mickey and Minnie Mouse ”Merry & Bright” Leather Luggage Tag

These are new and SO CUTE! I know that so many of us didn’t travel the way we wanted to in 2020, but hopefully, we will 2021. I think this such a great gift idea (and there are so many different options to choose from on the shopDisney website!).

Mickey & Mouse Gingerbread Scented Plush

Run, don’t walk, to grab these! These Gingerbread Plush Mickey and Minnie dolls have been impossible to find (and selling on eBay for $$$$). They are so cute and smell like Gingerbread! I’ve already ordered mine, and I cannot wait to decorate my house with them.

I hope you love all of this Disney Parks Merchandise as much as I do! Make sure to use code PARKS25 to save 25% off your Disney Parks Merchandise, and as always, when shopping on shopDisney you can use code SHIPMAGIC for free shipping when you spend over $75. 

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Disney World Halloween Treats

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A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I made a quick trip to Disney World to experience all of the Fall Festivities that they currently have to offer. We were thrilled that, although Disney still has stringent safety measures in place, there is so much Halloween fun and magic to be found!

While on this trip to Disney World, we decided to try as many fun Halloween snacks that we could find. Today I am sharing our Five Favorite Disney World Halloween Treats.

Constance’s For Better or Worse Wedding Cake

Disney describes this treat as a “citrus-scented cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, glacage, and buttercream pearls with flowers topped with a chocolate axe.” Last year, you could find this treat at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and this year you can find it at Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom. The cake and raspberry Bavarian cream are very light and delicious, and I didn’t find it overly sweet. My husband and I enjoyed sharing this cake and found that it is super cute for fun pictures!

Frozen Apple Cider

I’ll be honest, I got this drink thinking that it wouldn’t be that great, but oh man, I couldn’t stop drinking it! We grabbed this Frozen Apple Cider during our lunch at Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios, but I’ve read that you can find it at other places across the park (and you can add alcohol to it!). It tastes like an apple cider slush, and it is topped with green boba pearls and the cutest poison apple glow cube. I was so surprised at how delicious it was and decided that it is the perfect drink to grab if you need to cool down while at Hollywood Studios.

Box of Bones Eclair

My husband has always been a big fan of eclairs, so when we saw this on the menu at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios, we felt like we needed to try it. First of all, it is so cute; I love the little white chocolate bones sticking out of it. It is also SO good! It is different from a traditional eclair in that it is all chocolate, but very enjoyable. If you are a chocolate fan like me, I think that this treat is a must-try!

Pumpkin Mousse

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, Le Petite Cafe at Disney’s Riviera Resort is the best coffee shop on Disney property! After a morning at Hollywood Studios, my husband and I took the Skyliner over to our favorite coffee shop to grab some coffee (and a treat, of course!). We decided to try the Pumpkin Mousse, and WOW, I am so happy that we did. This Pumpkin Mousse is incredible and almost tastes like pumpkin cheesecake or an airy pumpkin pie. This mousse is also one of the prettiest snacks I have ever seen at Disney (nearly too pretty to eat, but trust me, you’ll want to eat it).

Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae

I have wanted to try this sundae for so long, and I’m glad that my husband agreed to wait in a 20-minute line to get one. It was amazing! You can find this Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom (along with so many other amazing treats). The Pumpkin Spiced Mickey Waffles were warm and crispy, and they are topped with a vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles. My husband and I have not stopped talking about this treat, and we are already scheming on how we can make it at home.

I’ve always been a lover of Disney snacks, and it was no surprise that these fall treats were all so fun and delicious! I’m not sure how long these will stick around, so if you are visiting Disney World soon, make sure to grab some of these before they are gone!

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Halloween Merchandise on shopDisney.com

Published on by Leslie1 Comment

I don’t mean to “frighten you prematurely,” but Halloween will be here before you know it! Yes, it’s only August, I wanted to share my five favorite Halloween items that you can find on shopDisney.com.

This post is not affiliated with Disney or shopDisney.com; I just wanted to share what I like! I may have placed a couple of orders already (shhh don’t tell my husband).

Mickey Mouse Halloween Candy Bowl

This Mickey Mouse Candy Bowl would be perfect for passing out candy or just as a decoration around your house. I love that this bowl is relatively large, and it says “trick or treat” on the back of it—the perfect piece of Halloween decor.

Mickey Mouse Halloween PJ PALS for Girls

I know I linked the girl’s pajamas, but shopDisney.com actually sells these precious Halloween pajamas for the entire family! (Spoiler alert, I ordered them). Disney’s pajamas are always excellent quality, and I think these are the perfect pj’s to throw on after a night of trick-or-treating.

Minnie Mouse Halloween Mug with Lid

I am an avid Disney coffee mug collector, and of course, I had to add this one to my collection! In all honesty, this might be one of my favorite mugs that Disney has ever made. This Minnie Mouse Mug is the only mug that you should use to drink pumpkin spiced lattes this fall.

Minnie Mouse Halloween Witch Sequined Ear Headband

Who doesn’t need a pair of Halloween Minnie Ears? These are just the cutest with the witch’s hat and purple bow. Even if you aren’t visiting the parks this fall, these ears would be perfect for any Halloween outing (or just wearing them around the house).

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Halloween Countdown Calendar

When Disney first launched its Halloween Merchandise online, I couldn’t find this calendar. Thinking that you would only be able to get this countdown from the parks had me a little upset, but, alas the countdown calendar is on shopDisney.com now! There is no cuter way to countdown the days until Halloween.

Even if you plan to stay home and social distance this Halloween, these five items can help make your Halloween a little more magical. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite item is. Boo to you!

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Disney’s Riviera Resort

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When I first sat down to write this post, my idea was to write about my five favorite Disney hotels. But honestly, I couldn’t narrow it down, so instead, I thought I would start sharing my five favorite things about each resort.

I am starting with Disney’s Riviera Resort because it is Disney’s newest resort, and I have stayed there most recently. This fantastic hotel is everything you ever wanted in a Disney Resort and so much more. These are my five favorite things about Disney’s Riviera Resort:

5. The Location

I think we can all agree that none of the Disney Resorts genuinely have the “perfect location.” If you’re close to one park, you’re far away from others. You’ll find Disney’s Riviera Resort very close to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs, making its location one of the best.

Something else great about Riviera’s location is its proximity to other hotels. Disney built the Riviera Resort in an area that was once part of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and now you can walk from Rivera to Caribbean Beach in a matter of minutes. On one of the afternoons of our trip, as we were returning to our hotel, my daughter fell asleep in her stroller. Not wanting to wake her, we decided to go on a walk to Caribbean Beach. It was nice to be able to have a little change of scenery (and some other dining and shopping options) so close to our hotel.

4. Beauty

The theme of Disney’s Riviera Resort is the French and Italian Riviera. From the moment you step through the doors, the smells, sounds, and beauty of the resort take you to another place. Honestly, I feel like it is one of the most beautiful resort properties (Disney or not) that I have ever visited. There are so many unique little details throughout the hotel, and the pools, landscaping, and murals are one of a kind.

We noticed is that Disney seemed to spend a lot of time making everything feel very expensive. The first time we stepped foot into our room, we were amazed. The rooms feel elegant yet comfortable, and we love the rooms’ style so much that we have talked about bringing that style into our own home.

3. Food

One thing that I love about Riviera is the food options. Most Disney World resorts have basic quick service and table service options, but Disney’s Riviera Resort is unique and delicious.

Primo Piatto, Riviera’s Quick Service Restaurant, has some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had at Disney World (Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes with Mascarpone Cream and Lemon Zest, anyone?). Topolino’s Terrace might be one of the best character dining options on property and, although I haven’t tried dinner there yet, the menu looks incredible. We were blown away by the food at this resort and can’t wait to eat here again.

2. Skyliner

When Disney first announced that they were building their Skyliner, I wasn’t all that excited. The thought of dangling up in the air scared me, and I figured it couldn’t be that much faster than a bus. Boy, was I wrong. The Skyliner is the best form of transportation that Disney World has (and definitely the most magical).

Disney’s Riviera Resort has it’s own Skyliner Station, which means that you can go nonstop straight to Epcot in about six minutes. After a quick stop at Caribbean Beach, you can get from Riviera to Hollywood Studios in about eight minutes. You can also take the Skyliner to Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Disney’s Boardwalk area from Riviera, which gives you great options if you want to try restaurants at other resorts. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, Disney’s Skyliner is a game-changer!

1. La Petit Cafe

I know what you’re thinking, “Leslie, your favorite thing about a hotel can’t possibly be a coffee shop!” but it is. My husband and I love coffee; we drink coffee morning, noon, and night (no really), and the one complaint we’ve always had about Disney hotels is that there is never a great place to get a cup coffee. Sure, you can grab Starbucks or Joffrey’s while you’re in the parks, but each hotel offers the same (plain) coffee (except for Contemporary Grounds at Disney’s Contemporary Resort).

La Petit Cafe is a precious cafe, named after the cafe in the movie The Aristocats, in the lobby of Disney’s Riviera Resort. In the mornings, it is a full coffee bar with so many options coffee options, including my husband’s favorite, the Cafe Glace (which we recreated at home, check out my recipe here). In the afternoon, it becomes a bar with a full selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. It looks quaint and unassuming, but it is one of the best places to get coffee at Disney World, or really anywhere.

Overall, Disney’s Riviera is a beautiful resort, in a great location, and isn’t lacking in magic. The Skyliner will allow you to quickly get from your resort to the parks or other hotels, but the food options will make you want to stay. It is the perfect resort, whether it is your first visit or 100th visit to Walt Disney World.

Comment below and let me know your thoughts on Disney’s Riviera Resort. If you’re planning a Disney Vacation and need some help, I am a travel agent, and my services are always free! Email me at leslie@minnievanmom.com, and I will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Magic Kingdom Snacks

Published on by Leslie1 Comment

Have you ever met anyone obsessed with Disney World snacks? Well, now you have! My husband and I love Disney snacks so much that when we plan trips, we spend a lot of time talking about where and what we want to eat. Today I want to share my top five favorite snacks that you can find in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

5. Peter Pan Float

I have wanted to try the Peter Pan Float for the longest time, and on my last trip to Disney World, I finally did; this float did not disappoint! This delicious snack is made of Key Lime Ice Cream (which tastes like lime sherbet) and Sprite and has a white chocolate feather on top.

This float is creamy and refreshing, and the BEST treat on a hot day in the Magic Kingdom. If you want to try this ice cream for yourself, you will find it at Storybook Treats inside Fantasyland.

4. Mickey Donut

I’ll start by saying that I haven’t seen this donut in the Magic Kingdom on our last couple of trips, but hopefully, it will make a comeback! Yes, it is your typical chocolate frosted donut (they also had vanilla and strawberry frosted), but it’s SO GOOD! I love that it’s Mickey-shaped and huge, which is excellent for sharing.

We loved this donut so much that I recreated it at home (I will have to share that recipe on my blog). If you want to try this donut for yourself, the last place that I bought one was at the Lunching Pad inside of Tomorrowland.

3. Mickey’s Premium Bar

This ice cream bar is one of the most iconic treats that you can find in the Magic Kingdom, and it is delicious. The center of this bar is a creamy vanilla ice cream, and it has a thick coating of dark chocolate. These ice cream bars do melt rather quickly if you eat them in the sun, just something to keep in mind if you get one.

If you want to try this ice cream for yourself, then I have good news! Disney now sells Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars at grocery stores across the country (I might have a couple of boxes in our freezer). If you are in the Magic Kingdom, you can find these yummy bars throughout the park.

2. Popcorn

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. How can popcorn be my second favorite snack in all of Magic Kingdom? Honestly, there is just something about the smell of popcorn when you walk down Main Street U.S.A. with the sounds of Magic Kingdom all around you. I was never a fan of Disney popcorn, but on a trip last year, I changed my mind!

Disney’s popcorn is Pop Secret (so you could make that at home), but if you want the full “Disney experience,” you can grab popcorn throughout Magic Kingdom park.

1. Dole Whip Swirl Float

If I’m honest, this might be my favorite snack in all of Disney World. I LOVE Dole Whips! I believe the best place to get a Dole Whip is in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. There is a quiet little nook located at the exit of The Enchanted Tiki Room, and you can sit there (in the shade) and enjoy your Dole Whip. There are so many ways to have a Dole Whip, but my favorite is a float with pineapple and vanilla swirl ice cream!

You can find Dole Whips at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. My tip is to mobile order as the line can get very long.

Something to keep in mind right now is that with the current mask policy, you cannot walk through the park and eat or drink. To take off your mask to eat, you must be sitting down, socially distanced from others. However, that means that you can find some shade and take a break while you snack.

I hope that this post didn’t make you too hungry!

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Packing for Disney

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Disney World is officially open, and so many people are starting to plan trips to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Today I wanted to share my five favorite things that I always make sure I bring to the parks.

Please note that I make a small commission if you purchase through my Amazon affiliate links, or you can find these products on your own.

Backpack

Over the years, I have used a variety of different types of bags while at Disney World. What I have found is that although crossbody bags are adorable (and can make for fun pictures), they aren’t practical. I always bring a backpack so that I can stuff it to the brim if needed. I also like to bring a bag that is a gender-neutral color so that my husband can’t give me excuses for not carrying it.

Plastic Bags

Inside my backpack, you will find that everything is organized in it’s own plastic bag. Separating things into bags makes it easier when going through security, or if I need to find something quickly. I also bring a few extra plastic bags so that if it starts raining or we get wet on a ride, I have something to hold our wet clothes. There are so many uses for plastic bags; I feel like it’s always a good idea to bring some along!

Bandaids

Getting blisters on your feet seems to be pretty standard when you’re at Disney World; it’s so hot, and you’re walking so much that it’s inevitable. You can always stop at a first aid station for a free bandaid, or buy some at a gift shop, but I always to bring a big pack of bandaids with us in my bag.

Rain Jacket

We all know how much it rains in Florida and how common it is to find yourself in the middle of an afternoon downpour. For this reason, I always bring a couple of rain jackets. These packable rain jackets have been my favorites; the fold up so small to fit in a bag, but keep you dry when it’s raining. Even if the rain passes quickly, I feel it’s still better to be safe than sorry.

Phone Charger

Believe it or not, there was a time when you didn’t need to be on your phone while at Disney. But now, you have to use your phone for everything: mobile ordering, the My Disney Experience App, taking pictures, etc. I always make sure to have a fully charged portable charging block in my backpack. This charger is my favorite because you plug it directly into the wall to charge, and it has attached cables, so you don’t need to bring a phone cord.

Bonus: Extra Masks

If you are thinking of traveling in the next couple of months, I would also recommend bringing along a couple of extra face masks to put in your bag. As you know, Disney has stringent policies about wearing masks, so I think it’s a great idea to bring some extras!

I am so excited that Disney has opened its doors back up, and I am thankful for the regulations they have in place to help keep everyone healthy. I hope this list of items will help you pack for your next Disney World trip. If you have any additional ideas on what you should bring, please leave a comment below, I would love to hear them!

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Disneyland

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Today is Disneyland’s 65th Anniversary, and although the park is still closed, I wanted to share my five favorite things about Disneyland Park. If you have never been to Disneyland before, you should put it on your bucket list because Disneyland truly is the Happiest Place on Earth.

5. Toontown

Call me crazy, but I have always been a big fan of Toontown. I was so upset when Disney World closed their version of Toontown in 2011, but love visiting Disneyland’s Toontown. Inspired by the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Toontown is where you can find the Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. There are so many fun photo opportunities in Toontown, and you can meet even meet Mickey Mouse in his house! In 2022, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be opening in Disneyland’s Toontown.

4. New Orleans Square

If I had one wish for the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, it would be that Disney would build a New Orleans Square. New Orleans Square at Disneyland is, hands down, my favorite area of the park. I love the sounds of New Orleans, the rides (Pirates and Haunted Mansion), and the FOOD. Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans are some of the best restaurants on Disneyland property, and we eat at both of them every time we go. I’m hoping that when the Magic Kingdom changes Splash Mountain, they can add a New Orleans Square area as well.

3. Walkability

I grew up a “Disney World Kid” and worked at Disney World, so taking a bus/boat/monorail to get to a park or hotel is reasonable to me. It is incredible how easily you can walk from hotels or Disney California Adventure to Disneyland Park! Disneyland is also pretty small, so it’s not exhausting to walk through the whole park without a break. I always tell clients that if they are intimidated by Disney World and “seeing it all,” Disneyland is a great option for a first time Disney experience

2. Food

Disneyland Park has some of the best food of any Disney Park in the United States. There, I said it. When we go, we have a hard time deciding where we want to eat, because there are so many good options. My favorite place to eat in Disneyland, as I mentioned before, is Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square. Their Pommes Frites and Monte Cristo Sandwich are to die for, and I make my husband take me to Cafe Orleans on every trip.

1. History

My very favorite thing about Disneyland is it’s history. I always joke with my husband that one that makes Disneyland incredible is that Walt Disney himself walked through that park. I love how tiny the queues are in Fantasyland, I love knowing that Walt Disney had an apartment there, and I love watching Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. There is so much history in Disneyland Park, and I love that.

There are so many things that I love about Disneyland Park that it was hard to narrow it down just to five. I will add that when you walk into Disneyland, you honestly feel the magic. This magic has been flowing from that park for 65 years, and I have hope that when Disneyland reopens, we will still feel that.

Sending love and magic.

(I am a travel agent, so if you are planning a Disney trip, feel free to reach out for me for a free Disney quote. It is completely free to book your vacation through me, so email me at leslie@minnievanmom.com.)

Five Friday Favorites: Traveling with a Baby

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As a mom and travel agent, I get a lot of questions about if or when people should bring their kids to Disney. My daughter will be two in September and has been to Walt Disney World four times. Each time we go brings it’s own challenges (like when she was still drinking formula from bottles and I had to sanitize bottles each night), but we also create wonderful memories. I am a big believer that you should bring your kids to Disney no matter what their age, they might not remember it, but you will.

I think the most important thing when traveling with kids is to be prepared! Below you will find my five favorite things to bring when traveling to Disney with a baby or toddler. Please note that I make a small commission if you purchase through my Amazon affiliate links, or you can find these products on your own.

Fan

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This fan is the number one thing that you need when traveling to Disney with a baby or toddler. Not only is this fan easy to clip onto a stroller, it will also stand up on a table if you need it to. I’ve learned that a hot toddler = cranky toddler, so having this fan handy can help calm the situation down. My husband and I have also taken turns using this fan when it gets too hot in the Florida sun.

Travel Bottle Rack

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The first two times we went to Disney World, my daughter was still drinking from a bottle. This traveling bottle rack was a lifesaver! It’s very compact for packing in a suitcase, but so handy when you are in your hotel room. Once she transitioned from a bottle to a sippy cup, I still brought this bottle rack along to dry sippy sups at night.

White Noise Machine

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From the time my daughter was little, she has always slept with a white noise machine (and so have I), so bringing a white noise machine to Disney has always been important to us. But, over the past couple trips, I have learned how helpful that white noise can be! White noise machines help to drown out other noises, which can be very helpful when staying in a hotel room. During the day (ie nap time), there is often construction going on around the Disney resorts and this machine can help your child to sleep through it. At bedtime, this white noise machine can help to drown out the sound of fireworks that you might hear from your room. We have also clipped this to her stroller to help with nap time in the parks while walking around.

Stroller Tag

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I have learned that when you are at Disney, it’s hot, you’re tired, and your kids are tired, all strollers look the same! Bringing a stroller tag, whether for your personal stroller or a rented stroller, will help make finding your stroller a whole lot easier. We have this stroller tag that I purchased from Etsy and I love it because not only is it cute, but it’s great quality.

Travel Mattress

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If you are staying at a Disney owned resort, they have complimentary cribs that you can use for your children. One thing I have recognized with my daughter is that she needs a little extra comfort when sleeping in a crib that’s not hers. I purchased this foldable travel mattress for traveling and it has been a lifesaver! It easily packs into a suitcase and then unfolds to fit perfectly in a Pack n Play or crib. I also wash a crib sheet at home and bring that with us to put on her mattress which makes a difference.

Bonus: Bring your patience.

Even if you have visited Disney 1,000 times, traveling with a child will make it much harder. Pack your patience and lower your expectations when traveling with a baby or toddler. Remember that they will need breaks and naps (and honestly you probably will too), so take it slow. If you have any questions about traveling with a child, leave a comment below.

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: Fourth of July

Published on by Leslie1 Comment

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and, although I would love to be at Disney World, it isn’t quite open yet. That being said, I’m feeling very patriotic and wanted to share some of my favorite patriotic things that you can do and see at Disney World (even when it’s not the Fourth of July).

Main Street, U.S.A.

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Is there anything more special than walking down Main Street, U.S.A.? I love it. I love everything about it. I love the view of the castle, the smells and the sounds, but more than anything I love what Main Street, U.S.A. represents. If you happen to walk down Main Street in the middle of summer, you will notice that it’s decorated for the Fourth of July. You’ll find red, white and blue bunting hanging on the buildings and the dancers for the Trolley Show dress in red, white and blue as well. But even when it’s not summer, Main Street, U.S.A. feels patriotic. Walt Disney once said “Main Street is everyone’s home town…the heartline of America.” and that’s what I feel when I walk down this street.

The American Adventure

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When my husband and I got married at Disney World in 2014, we decided to host an evening dessert party in Epcot. Our original location was in France, but due to weather we were moved last minute to the American Adventure building. Over the years I had watched the American Adventure show and had teared up listening to the Voices of Liberty sing, but I had never been a huge fan of the American Pavilion itself. After our dessert party, I fell in love with this area. The American Adventure is worth a visit on your next trip to Epcot.

The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History

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From October 2016 – February 2020, there was a live show that ran in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom called “The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History”. This show would happen a couple times throughout the day and I LOVED it! My husband and I loved finding shade under the Liberty Tree, watching this show, and learning about American History. I am so sad that this show has closed, but I’m hoping that Disney will bring it back.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

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On our last trip to Disney, we tried the newly opened Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the American Pavilion at Epcot. Being from Texas, I’m pretty picky about my barbecue, but this place is awesome! The whole theme is that of a barbecue cook-off between the different types of barbecue you can find throughout the United States. I thought the food here was some of the best in Epcot and I’m looking forward to eating here again.

Flag Retreat

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One of the most patriotic things that you will see at Magic Kingdom is the flag retreat. Every day at 5:00pm members of the Color Guard remove the flag and fold it while the Dapper Dans sing “God Bless America”. The flag is then given to a special guest veteran, followed by a procession down Main Street. Every time I watch a flag retreat, I cry, there is just something so special about it.

Although the Disney Parks won’t be open on the Fourth of July, you can still do and see most of these things on your next Disney trip. I hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Sending love and magic.

Five Friday Favorites: shopDisney.com

Published on by LeslieLeave a comment

Should I be online shopping right now? Probably not. But honestly, ever since the Disney Parks closed, I’ve been slightly obsessed with shopDisney.com. I love looking at all the fun Disney Parks merchandise that I can order to help make my regular day to day just a little more magical. Here are five of my favorite things currently on shopDisney.

Red Minnie Mouse Sequin Ears – These ears are so cute and classic! I’ve been eyeing them for quite awhile and I feel like they would compliment almost any Disney outfit. I love the solid colored, sequin ears and you simply can’t go wrong with red.

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Mickey Mouse Faces Wallet by Loungefly – Am I the only person who has just recently become obsessed with Loungefly? I feel like I’m a little late to the game. For my last giveaway on Instagram, I gave away the cutest Loungefly Mickey Mouse backpack. I’m thinking I might need to do a giveaway with this wallet next! I’m such a fan of Classic Mickey and Minnie and this wallet is the cutest.

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Mickey Mouse Silhouette Cheese Board – I LOVE this Mickey Mouse Cheese Board! All I think of when I see it is a Disney Charcuterie Board. I mean, who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? I also think this board would look cute resting against the backsplash in a kitchen, an easy way to add a “hidden Mickey” to your house.

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Sea Marine & Sea Salt Vacation Essentials by H2O+ – Disney Cruise Line – If you’ve ever been on a Disney Cruise then you KNOW how good these products smell! All of the H2O Products that Disney has are amazing, but the Disney Sea Marine and Sea Salt are my favorite. This is such a fun way to make you feel like you’re on vacation at home.

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Mickey Mouse Denim Jacket for Adults – THIS JACKET. I have been looking at this jacket for months and I think I’m going to have to add it to my next shopDisney order. Everything about this jacket is perfect and would be so fun for pictures on your next Disney trip!

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ShopDisney has such fun Disney merchandise, but these five things are at the top of my list. Just don’t tell my husband that I plan on buying them all. Happy Shopping!

Sending love and magic.