Wordless Wednesday - December 11, 2013 - Character Encounters

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

CHARACTER ENCOUNTERS!

Disney Gal Kelly:

Saving Mr. Banks



This past week, Judy & I had the honor of pre-screening Saving Mr. Banks, thanks to D23 and the Music Box Theater. I can safely say, we both thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

For those unfamiliar with Chicago's Music Box theater, it was built in 1929 and has restored it's original architecture and decor. Being surrounded in the past was the perfect set up to enjoy the first feature, Mary Poppins. For as many times as I've seen this movie at home, it just seemed funnier and more endearing when watching with hundreds of others. It was wonderful hearing the whole crowd laughing out loud and offering up a huge round of applause at the end. 

Welcome to the Disney Christmas House

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like A Disney Christmas 
Here In Northern California

            Nestled  in Sonoma County, some 50 miles north of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, residents from hundreds of miles around are treated to Scott Weaver’s little slice of Disney Christmas heaven.  Each year for the past 16 years, Weaver has transformed his Rohnert Park home into a castle with over 300 handcrafted characters, 40,000 lights, a waterfall, a tower, a train and a bubble machine. His self-described "Weaver Winter Wonderland" gets bigger every year. The display, a labor of love, takes Scott over a month of 12-hour days to set up . Each year Weaver is allotted five weeks of vacation from his job. He sets aside four of those weeks for preparation. 

Help Disney Gal Tricia cross the finish line with Give Kids The World

Here's my final push to raise money for run GKTW! I will be running as part of the team for Give Kids The World during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. In honor of this fabulous organization, I will be pushing myself to the limit and beyond. Why? Because I can. Because there are so many children with life-threatening illnesses that can't. Because Give Kids The World has made it their mission to give those children something to make them smile, sometimes for the first time in months and I want to be part of that. I have challenged myself not only to run my first full marathon, but my first race challenge. I will be running four races, four days in a row, totaling 48.6 miles, which is known by the runDisney team as the Dopey Challenge. Dopey, right? I know...don't remind me ;)

Thanks to some generous donations, I have a pretty awesome prize pack to give away for any donations of $10 or more. Any donations higher than $10 will receive entries in $10 increments, i.e. a donation of $100 will give you 10 entries in the drawing. The drawing will remain open until December 31, 2013 and the winner will be announced on January 1, 2014.

This prize pack consists of:

A beautiful red/navy zippered Disney Cruise Line beach bag, courtesy of our friend Kim Kahl
A HUGE Disney Cruise Line towel/beach blanket measuring 6'x6', courtesy of Kim Kahl
A Limited Edition Disney Fantasy Inaugural Sailing trading pin, courtesy of Kim Kahl
A Chip and Dale trading pin, courtesy of Kim Kahl
A pack of Walt Disney World playing cards, courtesy of Kim Kahl
Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse ears, courtesy of Destinations in Florida's Top Blogger program
TWO free entries into either Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach, courtesy of Destinations in Florida and our lovely travel agent, Dawn Gosdin!

What a fabulous way to spend the perfect day at a Disney Water Park for FREE with some pretty awesome beach gear in tow!

Many of you know how much this organization has meant to me over the past few years. My daughter, Makena, spends a large portion of her free time in the summer running a lemonade stand in which ALL of the proceeds to go Give Kids The World. We were so touched by the amazing things that they are doing at the village that we couldn't help but feel like we could do more and every little bit truly does help...even $0.50 glasses of lemonade at a time!

To learn more about Give Kids The World, click here.

To donate, please click here for my fundraising page. The winner will be announced by The Disney Gals on January 1, 2014 so please like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, or check right back here on this blog for the winner!

Together we can help make the holidays ever brighter so thank you so very much!

Wordless Wednesday - Dec. 4, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

DECEMBER CALENDAR SHOT!

Disney Gal Judy:



Disney Gal Kelly:

Disney Classics - 4 CD Set Review

Disney Gal Judy (writing from Port Orleans Resort with sketchy internet):

I am reviewing two of the four disks, Disney Timeless Classics and Disney Television Classics.   I think my favorite is Timeless Classics; this disk has all the music from my childhood along with a few from our sons.  Who can pass up A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes?  Along with one of our sons favorite from when they were really small; Ugly Bug Ball (okay I might be showing me age now).  

The second CD brings in the music from all the different Disney TV shows, again it runs the range from the 1950's to Mickey Mouse Club House and Zorro to Wizards of Waverly Place.  I might not know all the shows but this gives everyone in the house a chance to know a song on the CD.  I would recommend purchasing this set if you are a Disney "person" as it will cover all the bases!

Disney Gal Kelly:

My two disks to review were Disney's Modern Classics and Disney's Theme Park Classics.

My first mistake was listening to the Theme Park Classics while driving. Each song takes you back in your mind to your happy place; sailing with pirates, hang gliding across California and finding your inner child with a little purple dragon called Figment. I don't remember much else of the drive down I-294 except for conducting (yes, I admit it) the instrumental tracks.  The nice part about sitting down to listen to these songs, is you hear parts you've never heard before. Instead of paying attention to the characters or worrying about when the drop is coming, you can enjoy every detail the songs have to offer. You will be amazed how much you miss while on the rides and appreciate them even more on your next visit. I have to tell you, there are a couple tunes on here that I did not recognize, but that is the beauty of the CD, you get to enjoy songs from both parks. I figure if I ever get over to Disneyland, I won't look so much like a tourist if I'm singing along.

My second disk was the Modern Classics. My daughter actually asked for this one when I told her Judy and I were sharing the set. These are the songs she grew up on, movies from the 1989 until present. Out of the 23 tracks, there were 3 songs we couldn't sing every word to. Give us a week, we'll have it down. Every big Disney musical movie from the last 25 years is represented on here starting with The Little Mermaid all the way through Tangled and Toy Story 3. If I had to find one thing I would change, it would be to add more tracks, because one song is just not enough from those movies. But then again, I guess that's what movie sound tracks are for. We had a ball with this CD playing "Name That Tune". I would give my kids just a few of the opening notes and they would give me song title and movie, then everyone sings along, sometimes in the worst voices possible. Yep, that's our #DisneySide.

If you are looking for a great gift, or something to add to your music collection, look no further. These CD's will delight your kids, make those all-too-cool teens silly for just a bit, and bring back magical memories for you. Walmart.com is already sold out, but Amazon has them in stock for $32.09. Enjoy! 

*We received a free Disney Classics Box Set for review purpose. We also received compensation from the company. All opinions are our own and not influenced in anyway. Our reviews are our personal and honest opinions. 

Judy is a Disney Gal who loves picking up hitchhiking ghosts, sailing the rivers of the world in search of the ever elusive backside of water and singing with the tiki birds while enjoying her dole whip. She is the mother to two sons in the military and their wives. She has several furry grandchildren and cherishes how her husband reacts when he hears "Welcome Home". To learn more about Disney Gal Judy go here.

Kelly is a Disney Gal who loves finding fun and adventure on the High Seas aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Whether it's pampering, para sailing or the unlimited Diet Coke, she enjoys all the ships have to offer. She is currently wearing down Commodore Tom to allow her to blow any of the ships' musical horns. As of now, he is disinclined to acquiesce. To learn more about Kelly, click here.

Guest Author Sunday

Welcome Leanne Tomala

Our Newest Honorary Gal

Meet our newest Honorary Gal- Leanne Tomala! Leanne shows each and everyday that it's all about being young at heart. Leanne is hooked on runDisney having completed two 5K events and now is in training for the Princess Half.  Her love of Disney showed through as she was one of the chosen few to advance to Round 3 of the Disney Parks Mom's Panel this year.  Leanne currently resides in Saint Peters Missouri and is a proud mom, grandmother and has been married to her own prince charming for the last 38 years.  Welcome Leanne-we're so happy to have you as an honorary Gal!

#DisneySide at Four
This week's inspiration comes from a 4 year-old boy, my grandson. He stays at our house a few nights a week and part of our bedtime regimen is reading stories from the many books left over from my children. Tired of reading the same old Mercer Meyer Little Critter series, I decided to improvise the other night and tell a story about a little boy and his grandparents that fly on an airplane and go to Disney World.
Taking the details from our own recent trip, and highlighting the best parts of the vacation, (leaving out the part when Grandma's back goes out and she's unable to walk) I wove a magical story that captivated his attention and invited him to participate by asking "and then what did they see?" The surprising part for me was that he remembered the little details that made this vacation so special.  I hoped that he fell asleep with visions of Mickey Mouse dancing in his head.
The next night, I went back to the Little Critter books but he stopped me mid-sentence and told me he wanted to hear the story about the "little boy" again. After each re-telling of the magical moments of the trip, he jumped out of bed and ran to Papa to tell him the story, too.
Show us your #DisneySide is for the young, old, young at heart and everything in between.  For this 4-year-old, #DisneySide becomes the stuff that sweet dreams are made of when he sleeps over at Grandma and Papa's house.

Time to Shop with these Disney Discounts

You don't have to face the crowds to gobble up these incredible discounts from The Disney Store.  Simply log on and let the savings begin. You'll find many of your most sought after items on sale from Park favorites to clothing to

   25% off of the Share the Magic Collection

                                          

                        Sketchbook Ornaments to fill out your Disney tree for only $8.

$10 Pajamas

 Did I mention the $35 Dooney & Bourke Cosmetic Case (code Dooney) with any Dooney & Bourke purchase because after all, with all the hard work shopping, you deserve a little

something special too.

So let's review, magical details, shopping from the comfort of your own house, and a little something from Dooney for you-now the only question is-what are you waiting for!

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Kid's Korner Special Edition-Happy Thanksgivukkah

Gobble Tov! It’s Thanksgivukkah time!

This year, Thanksgiving and the first day of Chanukah both fall on November 28, making the special holiday of Thanksgivukkah. The two holidays won’t coincide again for 79,000  years so what better way to usher in this once in a lifetime event than with some special Kid’s Korner projects! 

We all know I love doing handprint art projects so what better way to start than with our 

Thanksgivukkah Menurkey

Wordless Wednesday - November 27, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

FAMILY & FRIENDS!

Disney Gal Gayle:

Disney's Frozen

D23 Presents a Preview of

Disney's Frozen!

In the true traditions of Disney they have done it again! Frozen is like stepping back into the old Disney movies, with a new twist. The twist being 

3-D and the amazing artwork of the Disney artists, including the Ink and Paint Department.  The story is taken from Hans Christain Andersen's story "The Snow Queen" and they have made a great movie from it. We were able to get preview tickets for the D23 Preview of Frozen in Chicago.  I have to tell you to make sure you are at the theater in plenty of time to catch the short - "Get a Horse" with Mickey,Minnie their old friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarablle Cow when they run into Peg-Leg Pete who tries to run them off the road.  This is the first original Mickey Mouse theatrical animated short since 1995's Runaway Brain. Also as usual with Disney features; please stay to the end and catch the very end of the credits; you will get a good laugh.

My two favorite characters are Olaf the Snowman and Sven the Reindeer; they just add something special to this movie!  Don't miss out on this one and check out the trailer at Disney - Frozen.

Judy is a Disney Gal who loves picking up hitchhiking ghosts, sailing the rivers of the world in search of the ever elusive backside of water and singing with the tiki birds while enjoying her dole whip. She is the mother to two sons in the military and their wives. She has several furry grandchildren and cherishes how her husband reacts when he hears "Welcome Home". To learn more about Disney Gal Judy go here.

Disney Classic 4 CD Collection

Just In Time for the Holidays....

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a huge fan of music. And not just any music-Disney music. I thought there wasn’t a Disney CD that I didn’t own so when the good folks at Disney offered to send me their new Disney Classic 4 CD set, who was I to say “No”.  I have not stopped playing it since they arrived at my house a few days ago. Looking for that perfect gift for the Disney lover or music lover, or both, in your life? Well look no further because this set is exactly what you need to make the holidays come alive .The Walt Disney Company is celebrating 90 years of magical melodies, and Walt Disney Records, with over eight decades of musical merriment under their belts has created a brand new four CD box set, now available on ITunes, Amazon or any place where music is sold. Throughout the week, Kelly and Judy and I will be taking you on a journey through each of the discs. The collection name, Disney Classics, truly says it all. From back in the day of “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” (admit it-you know you’re already singing it in your mind right now) through the decades right on up to Monster’s Inc. this is the must have holiday gift for every Disneyphile in your life. 

Long-time Disney music producer Randy Thornton divided the set into four themes – Disney Modern Classics, Disney Timeless Classics, Disney Theme Park Classics and Disney Television Classics. Randy selected some of the most iconic Disney music to fit each theme including “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf,” “Mickey Mouse March,” “Be Our Guest,” “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and much more. In total, there are 94 different tracks included in the set. In addition to compact discs, the set will also be offered as a digital download on sites like the Disney Music Store or iTunes. -What are you waiting for-go out and grab your Disney Classic Collection today! 

*I received a free Disney Classics Box Set for review purpose. I also received compensation from the company. All opinions are my own and not influenced in anyway. My reviews are my personal and honest opinions. 

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here