Sunday, December 30, 2012

Star Wars Weekends

(Article found on chipandco.com)

2013 Dates Revealed for Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios



2013 Dates Revealed for Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios
Gear up fanboys and fangirls for the triumphant return of Star Wars Weekends! Disney Parks just released the dates for set for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17 – June 9 2013!
The celebrity guests who make appearances in parades, special programs and autograph signings have not been announced at press time however Disney has named two stars who will be there during the event’s duration. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” voice actors James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) and Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) are scheduled to return as celebrity hosts. Taylor will be the official emcee while Eckstein will reprise her role as host of “Behind the Force,” a live show that takes fans behind-the-scenes in the Star Wars universe.
2013′s Star Wars Weekends may be the biggest one yet with Disney’s recent acquisition of Lucasfilm and the announcement of new Star Wars Episode VII. Be sure to check back for more announcements regarding the various stars and special events taking place at this year’s Star Wars Weekends! May the Force be with you!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Disney Buttons


I found this article on Chip & Co (chipandco.com). I love getting the buttons. They make you feel a little extra special. 
The dish on Disney Buttons
One of the most popular pieces of advice given by savvy Disney travelers is to get your “Disney Button” .  You may ask what could possibly make you want to look like you work for a restaurant chain while visiting Disney?  Well, Disney is its own little “World” and wearing Disney Buttons and Mickey Ears on your head are all OK.  So here is the dish on Disney World Buttons.
What are they?
Well, they are a 3 inch round button provided by Disney at no charge to you.  They promote different occasions you might have come to Disney to celebrate.   Currently there are buttons available for the following:
  • First Visit (Can be personalized)
  • Happy Birthday or Feliz Cumpleanos (Can be personalized)
  • Happy Anniversary
  • Just Married
  • Just Engaged
  • Family Reunion
  • Generic “I’m Celebrating”
More info after the jump…
Where do I get one?
  • If you’ve notated your special occasion on your resort reservation its likely they will have ready for you when you check in.  If not, ask at the concierge desk and they will make up a button for you.
  • Guest Services at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
  • City Hall at the Magic Kingdom
What do I get with my button?
A little extra pixie dust is all I tell everyone to expect.  Everything after that is a bonus!  Cast Members will go out of their way to wish you a “Happy Birthday” or other occasion when they notice your button.  Here are some other perks we’ve gotten over the years:
  • The button itself makes a cool souvenir, make sure they redo the writing as you finish your trip.  It can get a little rough-looking after a few days.
  • A special dessert (cupcake, ice cream, etc.) at a table service meal.
  • Signed birthday cards from the characters at a character meal.
  • Stickers handed out randomly by cast members.
  • Fast passes to a particular ride
  • Balloon Bouquets from the resort
  • Extra attention during a live show
What are the rules?
There are no hard and fast rules for getting a button.  While Disney gives them out freely I think it ruins the magic if you take a button just to get free stuff.  That being said, I don’t think it has to be your actual birthday or anniversary to get a button.  If you are in Disney celebrating the occasion then make sure everyone knows it!  My son’s birthdays are 6 weeks apart and when we celebrate at Disney we go in between both their days.  They both get a celebration button of course!
Anyone have a button I didn’t mention above?  They’ve changed over the years and some come and go.  Want to share your button stories?  We would love to hear from you!
Mickey Mom is a mom to two boys, loves going to Disney for their birthdays and has never worn a button at Disney World.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Favorite Christmas Decor

I thought I would share some photos of my favorite decorations from the holidays in Disney. The last time I was there for Christmas decorating season was in January of 2011. Here are some pictures from that trip.


This is the tree at Downtown Disney. I love the board games surrounding the base of the tree.

Stars in Hollywood Studios


Christmas Carol in the windows of the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom


Magic Kingdom Wreathes


Front entrance to the Magic Kingdom



The Magic Kingdom tree

The Animal Kingdom tree


Nemo tree at Camp Minnie Mickey in Animal Kingdom