Disney Sisters: May 2012

Disney's Art Of Animation Tour - Dining

 Watch our Disney's Art Of Animation Video Tour of  the "Landscape Of Flavors" food court and dining rooms as Michelle Clegg, Food & beverage operations manager talks about what's on the menu. 
Eat in the "The Lion King" seating area for a "Hukuna Matata" kind of feeling or start your day off
at "the drop off" with "Finding Nemo." You can also eat "Under The Sea" with "The Little Mermaid" and  go cruising down Route 66 into "Radiator Springs" with Lightning McQueen in the "Cars" dining room.


You can eat at a different seating areas for every meal or stay with your favorite Disney/Pixar movie, it's all  part of the "Create Your Own Dining Experience." Guests will also be able to create their own plate or palate. With salad bars, yogurt bars, omelets stations and pasta bars the creative options to explore your meal choices are endless. There are many "healthier options" on the menu and not just for adults, teens, tweens and younger kids have lots of new choices too! Next time we go to Walt Disney World you can find us at the Art Of Animation Resort.
Whole wheat pasta and turkey meatballs anyone??? 



Don't miss our Inside Disney's Art Of Animation Lobby Photos Tour!

 Disney's Art Of Animation Resort: First Look

P.S. Watch the top video as we reveal a totally awesome Hidden Mickey in Ariel's Grotto,
Under The Sea in "The Little Mermaid" dining room.

"Enjoy a stay and a starring role in your favorite Disney / Pixar film."
 -Rick Allen, General Manager

If you're ready to stay at Disney's Art of Animation Resort,
check out these great summer offers! 

Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.


"A.N.T. Farm" Season 2 - Cast Interviews


Disney Sisters are going back to High School!
Not just any High School, but the school for Advanced Natural Talents.
Well, sort of....
We took a trip to Hollywood to visit the "A.N.T. Farm" set and interview the cast including
China Anne McClainSierra McCormickCarlon Jeffery and Jake Short.

 "A.N.T. Farm" Season 2 premieres with back-to-back episodes 
on Friday June 1, 2012 at 8:00p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Photo Credit: DISNEY CHANNEL/BOB D'AMICO

What a great group of young Disney Channel Stars, with so much energy!
We had met China Anne before but it was our first time meeting the rest of the cast.
They each gave us an exclusive tour of their lockers - awesome!

Watch our YouTube Videos as we talk with them about this season on "A.N.T. Farm," siblings, twitter, music, sports, instagram, their own special talents and we even rap with Carlon! (Oh yes we did!)
You don't want to miss all the fun!

China Anne McClain as music prodigy "Chyna Parks"

Jake Short as artistic genius "Fletcher Quimby"

Carlon Jeffery as Chyna's older brother "Cameron Parks"

Sierra McCormick as brilliantly smart "Olive Doyle"


"Shake It Up" Star Zendaya Guest Stars in Season Opener 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 "A.N.T. Farm" Season 2 premieres this Friday June 1, 2012 
with back-to-back episodes beginning at
8:00p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel.

We have to give a special shout out to China Anne's mom Shontell, who is a wonderful woman, we were thrilled to chat with her! Now we know why the McClain Sisters are so amazing!


10 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise

Disney Sisters' 10 Reasons to Book a Cruise 
with Disney Cruise Line


While we were at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we attended a breakout session to learn more about the Disney Cruise Line. We heard about all of the different ships, the itineraries for 2012-2013 and a ton of unique facts that we never knew about these majestical ways to travel. Before you plan your next family vacation, check out our top 10 reasons you should take a cruise with the most magical company on earth.

1.) FIREWORKS - We all know that Disney puts on the best Firework Shows. But you may not know Disney is the only Cruise Line that puts on a Fireworks Spectacular at Sea.


2.) TEEN CLUBS - Teens are a special breed of traveler. They are too old for kiddie activities. They definitely don't want to hang out with their parents the whole time, but they are too young to get into adult only (21 + over) spots. No Parents Aloud! No Kids Aloud! Sounds like a teenage dream to us!

3.) KID'S CLUBS - You won't have to worry one bit if your kids will be bored. No chance of that! There are special places where your children can go on each ship that is made just for them. From workshops to video games, computers to tea parties your kids will find lots of adventure on board a Disney Cruise!

4.) ALL INCLUSIVE - This is a very common question that we get asked from people who want to take a Disney Cruise. You only pay for alcoholic beverages. Excursions off the ship are not included.

5.) DESTINATIONS -  New Mediterranean Cruises for 2013, Savor the splendor of the Mediterranean Sea, with stops in Venice, Italy; the Greek Isles; Turkey; Croatia and other dazzling destinations.  Galveston to the Western Caribbean Cruises, Saddle up and sail away from Galveston, Texas for tropical delights in the sparkling blue waters of the Western Caribbean.  Vancouver to Alaska, Starting in scenic Vancouver, cruise to the natural wonders of Alaska for 7 unforgettable nights of rugged grandeur and unspoiled natural beauty.  Panama Canal Cruises, Enjoy a 14-night Panama Canal cruise that begins in Los Angeles, California and ends in Miami, Florida—with stops at ports along the way.  Transatlantic Cruise, From Galveston, Texas, embark on a 14-night transatlantic cruise adventure that takes you to the historic city of Barcelona, Spain.  Miami, a New Home Port! For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is sailing from Miami, Florida to tropical locales like Grand Cayman, the Bahamas and beyond!

*Current 2012 itineraries include Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, California Coast, Bahamas, Panama Canal, and Transatlantic cruises.

6.) ENTERTAINMENT - Nightly shows, themed dinner parties, first run movies, and your favorite Disney music they've really thought of everything. There's so much to do, you'll run out of vacation time before you run out of things to do!

7.) DINING - You have the same wait staff the entire time you are on your trip. These people become like your family. Right away they learn your names, they know all of your favorite drinks and whether or not anyone in your party has food allergies.


8.) PIN TRADING - For anyone who has become quite addicted fond of trading and collecting Disney Pins, it's celebrated out at sea. So bring your lanyards and get ready to collect some unique finds. If you haven't started pin collecting yet, you can purchase a starter set (including 8 pins and a lanyard) on board the ship.

9.) ADULT ONLY ACTIVITIES - When you think of a Disney Vacation, you may think it's only good for families. Well, you might not have heard of the adults areas on each Disney ship. There is an "Adult Only" pool, spa, restaurant, nightclub, and multiple bars.

10.) CASTAWAY CAY - Disney has their own private island (Yes, Really!) When booking a cruise, be sure to check that Castaway Cay is on the itinerary because it's not a port on every ship's itinerary. There is always so much to do that you don't even need to leave the ship, but if you do Castaway Cay is a great place to do so. Water sports, activities, shopping, a delicious lunch and an island party await you.


There are types of people in this world.  Those who cruise and those who do not. 

Sailing the seven seas while seeing the world on a large floating resort is some people's idea of heaven. Then there are others who are turned off by the very thought of it. In our family we are split down the middle. One is a cruiser and two have yet to cruise. Becky has done a few cruises, including one on the Disney Wonder, after which she said she'll never go on any other ship besides Disney. The jury is still out on whether Tracey is a fan or not, she's never taken a cruise and she's not sure if she ever will. Jessica does not want to do a Cruise unless it is on a Disney ship.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or would you like to? 
Leave us a comment, we want to hear about it!


Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.



The Celebration, Magic, and Memories of Disney Social Media Moms #DisneySMMoms


Celebration
A few weeks ago we attended our first Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, and it was just that, a celebration. There were inspiring speakers, once in a lifetime moments like Meg Crofton taking the time to speak to us, (if only we'd taken a picture with her), and countless family memories were made because Disney invited our whole family to join the Celebration.

Disney calls this event a Celebration rather than a conference. What a fitting title because we feel like we're still celebrating. Celebrating the Magic, the Memories and the Media Moms (and Dads) that we met while at Walt Disney World.

Magic
It was extremely exciting and magical meeting so many awesome bloggers that we have only had online relationships with until now. It's such a cool experience walking up to a perfect stranger and asking them if they are "@EnterTwitterNameHere" & hoping they say yes. Then once they say yes, telling them your blog and hoping that they know who the heck you are. Next big hugs, smiles and a sigh of relief when you make a connection and with any luck you have just started a lifelong relationship.

Being a parent, blogger and Disney fan are things that most of the attendees have in common. Add that to the fact that we are a select few experiencing this unique event together, and the bond just got stronger. It's kind of like summer camp where some of the friendships made will be for life. Except now we all keep in touch not by writing letters, and not even with email but with Social Media. We get to hear and see day-to-day happenings with each other on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, through our You Tube Channel, Flickr Phtotstreams and of course, the old fashioned way, by reading each other's blogs.

We wrote this today not only to share with you all the wonderful people we met, but also because we don't want to forget a single Magical Moment.


From the minute we headed over to registration the magic began with the first two people we saw,
Jackie Gailey of Jackie's Magical Moments and Mitch of Gay NYC Dad we exchanged hugs and felt as though we'd known each other forever.

En Route from registering we met Beth Levine, The Angel Forever and her husband Jason Levine, Techy Dad, then Alyssa Enders of Clever Compass and Christy Matte of More Than Mommy (and yes, there was more hugging).

In the Yacht Club Hotel lobby we met the lovely ladies Jyl Johnson Patee of Mom It Forward, of Amy Bellgardt of Mom SparkJenny Ingram of Jenny On The Spot, & Haley Shivers of Love Life Family and then Some.

At the front desk we met Amanda Tinney of Disney Everyday, checking in with our friend Suzannah of Zannaland.
After breakfast we became fast friends with Shannon Hurst Lane of Traveling MamasJennifer James of Mom Bloggers Club and Catherine Connors of Her Bad Mother. It was hugs all around and we all really missed not having Tracey, our other sister there with us.

In the Conference Hallway we chatted with Lori Nash is Miss Lori, Nadia Carriere of Childmode and her adorable baby, Lindsay Maines of Rock & Roll Mama, and Carol Cain of NYCity Mama.

After hearing Amy Jo Martin speak Becky was so moved and overcome with emotion she stepped out and was greeted with open arms and a big hug from Leanne Jakubowski. You are so kind, Leanne.


Waiting to board the bus we had a great visit with Karen aka A Magical Mommy
and Stacie aka The Divine Miss Mommy


Lisa Druxman of Stroller Strides was our Dinner Date at Animal Kingdom.


On our walk through Animal Kingdom we stopped to take a photo with Maria Bailey of Mom Talk Radio and Molly Gold of Go Mom Inc.

While running from buffet table to buffet table, at the Animal Kingdom Party we met WDW Moms Panelist Ashley of Mama Of All Trades, Tammi of My Organized Chaos, Candy of Mommypalooza,  Jayme with Build-A-Bear Workshop, Amy from Mommy Mentor and Nirasha of Mommy Niri.


We shared a bus ride with Shelley Caran of On The Go in MCO and JL Knopp of the Disney Driven Life after dinner, headed back to the hotel from Animal Kingdom.

Back at the Yacht Club, we got to ride the elevator with Cooper Monroe of The Motherhood.

We bumped into Mike O'Brien from A Father Knows Less at the hotel gift shop. We had a late night  rendezvous shopping for snacks with Susan Pazera from Macaroni Kid.


Before getting on our bus headed to the Art of Animation Resort dinner, we caught up with
  Jeanette Kaplun of Todobebe and Jenn aka Super Jenn.

Poolside at the Art of Animation Resort we celebrated with Danielle Smith of Extraordinary Mommy, Piera Jolly of Jolly Mom, Sami Cone from Sami ConeNicole of SAHM Reviews and
Melanie Sheridan from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy.


We had a ball dancing the night away with Jenn and Shelley, our mom at The Art of Animation Resort.

On the docks of Disney's Yacht Club Resort we ran into Colleen Padilla of Classy Mommy &

Walking to the hotel from the bus we introduced ourselves to Jennifer Hutchinson of Mami To Mommy.

Before the breakout sessions we said hello to Charmed Valerie at the Coffee Bar.


We planned our next Disney Cruise together with Alex Busy Working Mommy, Jackie Gailey of Jackie's Magical MomentsAshley of A Cup Of Disney and her husband Robin Reeve of The WDW Dads.

In the Cruise Breakout Session we met Maria T Ramos from A Savings WOW and Maricris Guadagna of Zensible Mama.

In the Disney Parks Blog session with Thomas Smith and Gary Buchanan we got to know
Lou Mongello of WDW Radio, Pilar Clark with One Mom Media and also Disney Social Media Magic and we finally got to meet Laura Spencer face to face!

 Back in the Yacht Club lobby, the last night of the conference we met Teach Mama, Carolina Mama with her sweet boys and Tech Saavy Mama.

At the Yacht Club Bar we met Debbie aka TV Producer Deb, and Renee Stylus of Good Enough Mother.

Spending time at DisneySMMoms with friends we see frequently proved to be magic as well.

Although we connected with so many people, there are many more we missed...
The heart remembers what the mind forgets!
We look forward to meeting you IRL in the near future. 

Memories...
Thank you to everyone for being a special part of our first DisneySMMoms Celebration!
We will never forget you!!!

Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.



Sofia Grace & Rosie.... Check Out Cars Land!


The Ellen Show 
sent Sofia Grace & Rosie to check out Cars Land!



We had to share this video with you today, Ellen has discovered these little darlings from England. She invites them on adventures and shares them with us. Ellen is like their Fairy Godmother. If you have not seen these two girls yet, they are adorable. Watch the You Tube video as cameras follow the girls inside Cars Land where they met Mator, washed him with bubbles, had a flavored popcorn snack at Cozy Cone Motel, and even rode the new Cars Land attraction Luigis Flying Tires.

*We are huge fans of Ellen and hope to dance with her one day!*


*Mad T Party* Preview Photos - Disney California Adventure

Ready to see a preview of what the Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure Park is going to look like?


Do you like Tea?
Summer will be here before you know it and there are so many things to look forward to at the Disney Parks this year with Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle opening up on June 15th. There's also going to be new nightly entertainment that you don't want to be late for!  Get ready for the Mad T Party, which is taking over where ElecTRONica left off and is located in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The theme is obviously Alice In Wonderland, but with a Tim Burton twist. 
It's all going to be very mad if you ask us!




Along with the new party comes new food and drink offerings.
The Drink Me Bar invites Guests literally under the table to relax in oversized as they enjoy the party. Roving hawker Hatters will offer fanciful souvenir drink cups, glow merchandise and
 "Sweet Eat Me" treats.







The House of Cards Bar will serve curious concoctions for all ages. "Croque-tinis," "Mad Hat-itos" and more will come in novelty glassware. The Chiller Truck has frozen non-alcholic creations including "Jabberwocky Juice" and the create-your-own "Cheshire Twist." 


We were at DCA on Mother's Day and we saw a lot of Curious Things in the works for Mad T Party. Are you as excited as we are? What do you think about the new summer night show? Does it sound like one big very merry unbirthday party to anyone but us? 

For more curious captures visit our Mad T Party Flickr Set.


Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Increase


Today is the last day to buy your Disneyland Resort Tickets and Annual Passes before the Price Increase starts tomorrow, Sunday May 20, 2012.

Headlining as one of the most exciting summers in Disneyland Resort history with all of the expansions at Disney California Adventure Park including Cars Land and Buena Street and opening of the newly remodeled Matterhorn at Disneyland.

Disneyland Resort Tickets
The one day, one park ticket will increase from $80 to $87.
The one day , park hopper ticket will increase from $114 to $125.


Disneyland Annual Passports
The Deluxe Annual Passport will increase from $499 to $649.
The Premium Pass will increase from $379 to $469
The Southern California Pass will increase from $269 to $329
The Southern California Select Pass will increase from $199 to $269
(If you add Parking to your pass, it's an additional $129 per year)

Southern California Residents can still get the great deal of 2 Tickets for $99 for a limited time! (available for purchase thru June 1st) 


Another way to make your Annual Passes more affordable is to do the monthly payment plan. (For California Residents only) 

Will any of you be renewing your passes today? 
It's a great way to save a bundle before the big price increase. 

English Tea Garden and Tour in Epcot at Walt Disney World

Fancy of Cup of Tea?

You can get your fill at the English Tea Garden during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.








Take the English Tea Garden Tour:

Discover the art and history of tea blending during a 20-minute tour of this elegant English Tea Garden, featuring classic tea blends and new herbal teas for 2012. Hosted by Twinings of London Premium Tea. Tours are held Monday through Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Register for your guided tour at The Tea Caddy. Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion.


Learn about these 12 delightful teas as you tour the English Tea Garden:
  • Earl Grey—Original Earl Grey, developed by Twinings with a black tea base scented with bergamot, a citrus fruit found in the Mediterranean.
  • English Breakfast—Black tea blended with Kenyan & Assam teas to deliver a traditional tea with a rich taste and satisfying aroma.
  • Pure White—Made from Camellia Sinensis plant, Twinings uses rare single tip buds to produce a smooth, velvety tasting tea.
  • China Oolong—A hybrid between black and green tea; slightly sweet and delicate tea with a reddish color. This tea is best served with milk and sweetened to taste.
  • Pomegranate Delight—Black tea blended with the fresh flavor of ripe pomegranates to deliver a delicious tea with a light, fruity aroma and slightly sweet taste.
  • Mixed Berry—Fine black tea expertly blended with the luscious flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and recurrant to deliver a delicious tea with a fresh, fruity aroma and slightly sweet taste.
  • Spiced Apple Chai*—Fine black tea perfectly balanced with the flavours of apple and savoury spices of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger.

  • Camomile, Honey & Vanilla*—A soothing herbal tea made with chamomile and the slightly sweet flavours of honey & vanilla. Naturally caffeine free.
  • Orange, Cinnamon & Spice*—A warm and inviting herbal tea made with rooibos and the refreshing flavor of orange and savoury cinnamon. Naturally caffeine free.
  • Organic Green Tea with Citrus*—Pure green tea perfectly balanced with the alluring flavor of lemon and orange.
  • Pure Peppermint—Made from 100% pure peppermint, this delightful herbal tea has a fresh taste and invigorating aroma. Naturally caffeine free.
  • Pomegranate & Raspberry*—A full-flavoured herbal tea made with the naturally sweet and juicy flavours of pomegranate and raspberry. Naturally caffeine free.
* New to the garden this year.

Do you prefer coffee or tea? Which flavor is your favorite?



Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.

Disney is in Full Bloom at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Disney is in Full Bloom at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.


One of the most stunning things to see at Walt Disney World Resort is a actually a festival that takes places every spring at Epcot. We were so thrilled to learn that it was going on while we were in town for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The mix of flowers, plants and gardens are a sight to behold. We highly recommend seeing this very special blend of nature and Disney. One of our favorite features during the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot are topiaries shaped like Disney Characters. In each part of the World Showcase there is a different destination, they have placed the characters perfectly to fit within the theme.
  

Belle, The Beast, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and others from Beauty and the Beast are in France. 






In America Cowboy Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Lotso Bear. 



You might even find a Princess or two dancing with a handsome Prince.



Italy is where Lady and the Tramp call home. 


Cars Lightning McQueen and Mater are parked in Japan.



Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood are in the UK.




We have many more photos of colorful splendor to share on our Flickr set. You can find over 100 topiaries throughout Epcot theme park, including more than 75 Disney characters. It's really quite stunning! 

Have you ever been to the Flower and Garden Festival? 
Which Disney topiary is your favorite?


Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.
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