Category Archives: Thoughts & Opinions

This category will include diary-type posts that describe Disney thoughts or dreams…and review posts for Disney experiences or products.

Disney Blog Hop – Pirates Edition

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We’re talking about pirates this week on the Babes in Disneyland Disney Blog Hop. If you’re a fan of these mischievous marauders, be sure to click over and check out all the pirate posts there.

I’m definitely a fan of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I enjoy stepping back into that era through fantasy, adventure and scandal. I adore the costumes and the dialect. And who doesn’t love the eye candy? Hubba hubba!

But even more than the movies…I seriously love the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. When I first rode back in 1975, I thought I’d seen the most amazing thing ever. And though my kids are much more difficult to wow than I was as a child…they’re pretty impressed with the attraction themselves.

This is definitely one of our must-do’s…and more often than not, it’s our first stop when we visit the Magic Kingdom.

I’m still working on getting some good photos from this attraction. It’s a dark ride so flash photography and lighted videography are forbidden. Please…adhere to this policy because if you don’t…your fellow crew members will hate you and they just may throw you overboard.

But no worries…you can still get good photos even without your flash. I know this because I’ve seen good photos of PotC. I just haven’t taken any myself yet…but I am improving.

If you click over to Focused on the Magic, Debra Ann shares her dark ride photo tips there. You’re sure to get a good shot if you follow her advice. I can’t wait to try it myself!

Disney Blog Hop – Favorite Disney Parks Dinner

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This week on the “Disney Blog Hop” we’re discussing “Favorite Disney Parks Dinner.” Head over to Babes in Disneyland to see what bloggers are saying about their favorites.

I love Disney Parks dinners, but I’m not good with favorites. I’d have a very hard time choosing one Disney restaurant or meal that I like more than all others. I love nearly all kinds of food and there are so many wonderful restaurants and food options to choose from.

I can easily say however, that as a stay-at-home mom, my favorite part about a meal at a Disney park or resort is that I don’t have to cook it and I don’t have to clean it up. And aside from a few dinner reservations here and there, I don’t have to plan it either. But there’s more to it than that…

My youngest son has sensory issues and many restaurants are not at all ideal for him. He is a finicky eater and has trouble sitting still for a meal, even at home. Add all the distractions of dining out in a strange place and it can be a for-sure overload for him. This usually results an early exit for me…without getting to eat all my dinner. I hate when that happens.

This is not a problem for me at Disney. They offer kid-friendly foods and kid-sized buffets. The character dinners are a big help too, as they keep my fast/light eaters entertained so I can actually finish my own meal before we have to go.

One more aspect that I adore about dining at Disney…their attention to the special dietary needs of their guests. My problem with wheat generally keeps me from dining out at all…ever.

While more and more restaurants have started to adjust to special food issues, no one does it like Disney. I let my server know about my restriction and I can trust that the chef will safely guide me to my available options.

It’s a very special treat that I can actually relax and enjoy my Disney meals with my family, as I can no where else. It’s just one of the many reasons that I’m always looking forward to my next trip back to the World.

The McKinneys Meet the Mickey Moms

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One of Walt Disney’s most admiral qualities was his persistence. He faced adversity time after time, yet he pushed through to his dreams continually. Lucky for us that he did!

You can also find this characteristic in many (if not all), members of the Mickey Moms Club. This group was created by the Walt Disney World Moms Panel staff to give unsuccessful applicants a place of our own…”an exciting hub and practical resource” for Walt Disney World enthusiasts. We are a group unable make it as far as we wished (yet)…but we keep our hearts in our dreams and we try, try, try.

There is compassion and camaraderie in this group as well. When MMC member, David Mullican asked for support in helping his neighbors win a family trip to Walt Disney World, many members came to his aid and submitted nominations to WBIR.com. The McKinney’s did not win the contest, but they are far from being losers.

David’s request was for no ordinary family. Eric and Stephanie McKinney are in fact, quite extraordinary. They are adoptive parents to six beautiful children with special needs. Born into a world of alcohol, drugs and/or violence, these children did not receive the loving, caring parents that they deserved. The McKinney’s stepped in and turned their worlds around.

The initial plea for nominations has now become a group effort to send this well-deserving family on a trip of a lifetime to the happiest place on Earth. Heidi LaDuca started the ball rolling by offering her Florida vacation home for the trip. Other members followed with offers of park passes, gift cards and souvenirs. You see…Disney souls are persistent. And we’re not taking “no” for an answer. The McKinney’s ARE going to Walt Disney World.

A facebook page now exists for the family’s upcoming adventure. Biographies of the children and updates can be found there. Word of warning…some of the biographies are extremely difficult to read. Come equipped with a handkerchief or tissue.

Whether just out of curiosity, or to find a way you can help too, please visit and “like” the McKinney’s facebook page…and be sure to share with your friends and followers.

CLICK —>The McKinney Family’s Dream Trip to Walt Disney World

Disney Blog Hop – Disney Bucket List

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Welcome to the “Disney Blog Hop”…brought to you weekly by Babes in Disneyland. Sincerest thanks to Lisa for providing blog readers and blog writers a place to gather and share Disney passion and information.

This week’s topic is “Disney Bucket List.”

Everyone knows what a bucket list is and many have actually written one. I’ve seen Disney bucket list memes before, but I’ve not ever in my life thought about what mine would include. I think it’s finally time to make one.

1. Behind the Seeds – Living with the Land is easily one of my most favorite attractions at Walt Disney World. I love plants and I’m an avid gardener. One of my oldest daughter’s childhood friends is a manager there and I’m just fascinated and curious about the work she does. I’d love to know more about what’s going on beyond the boat ride. I hope to cross this off my list on my next visit to Walt Disney World…and I hope to do this SOON!


Wave “hello” to Laura!

2. Revamp DizzneeMomma.com – I have a long mental list of changes for this blog. I want to become a self- hosted site to give myself more freedom to control my design. I’m currently reading Blog Critique (thanks Donna!) and sitting in on free programming methodology lectures from Stanford.

I want to include more Disney crafts, recipes and party ideas…my head is full of them. I also want to write a formal proposal for a family grand gathering and submit basic park information as blog posts directed towards my sisters. There’s just so much I want to do, that I often overwhelm myself. I need to write up a blog plan and attack it in manageable segments.

3. Family Grand Gathering - For years I’ve hoped to travel to WDW with my four sisters, our families, our father and stepmother. This is no easy feat with all the different schedules and travel budgets. Still, I plan to give it one last shot with my “Sister Series” posts as I attempt to advise and coerce my beloved siblings into a Magical Disney Family Reunion. This ain’t going to be easy. Send pixie dust, folks!

4. Walt Disney World Cast Member – This wish has been with me deeply since late 1998. I’ve actually applied to the Walt Disney Company numerous times and hold each rejection letter dearly as memories of my journey to obtain this goal. I quit applying during the pregnancy and birth of my two youngest children, but they’re school age now…and the fire is burning inside me again…hotter than ever. I want to be a Walt Disney World cast member!

So…what’s on your Disney Bucket List? You don’t have to have a blog to share. Just leave a comment about what Disney wishes you have yet to fulfill.

The Disney Blog Hop – Special Smiles with the Characters

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The Disney Blog Hop is back in full force over at Babes in Disneyland. If you’re a Disney blog reader or writer, click over and check out the posts from all the great bloggers that have joined in. If you have a Disney post to share, please join us!

This week, the topic is “Special Smiles with the Characters.”

Now, up until May of 2006, character interactions with my group were a really small part of our overall Walt Disney World vacation. The difference in 2006, was the addition of a new Disney travel buddy…my then 21 month-old daughter, Miss Ivanka. It was actually her 2nd visit to Walt Disney World, but she was able to participate so much more this time.

This was our first year for table service dining as well. It was quite a leap, but I really wanted to get out of the quick service and food court rut of our previous stays.

My baby girl was quite petite at the time and although I was a little worried that she might be terrified of the giangantic characters, I booked several character meals and hoped for the best.

I should have never worried and I wish I had taken the leap much sooner. Those interactions with the characters were some of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had in the World. Luckily…it was also the first year that my photos started getting good. I hope you can feel the Magic in these shots…and I hope I’ve helped you to have a very Disney day.

Smile everybody!!! :o)

DizzneeMomma – 2011 in Review – My Favorite Posts from the Past

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It’s the end of another year…and time again for reflection. I look back at what I’ve posted over the past twelve months with hopeful thoughts of where DizzneeMomma.com is going in the year to come.

This post is an aggregate of my most favorite posts of 2011. PLEASE click on the orange/red text to view the original posts…and feel free to share your thoughts as comments.

1. Me…Doing Something Disney. My first Disney blog hop…ever! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and was inspired by the other Disney bloggers. Lisa’s Babes in Disneyland, Disney Blog Hop gave me some much-needed direction.

2. Best-Ever Mickey Mouse Butter Cookies. My most popular post to date…getting numerous hits daily.

3. Music Moves Me Monday – With Character. One of my first attempts at setting my photos to music in a slideshow. I rather like how it turned out. Still one of my favorite posts. Watch full screen…and make room for some lap-slapping and toe-tapping!

4. Where am I going? Still some things to consider. Brought this post back to aid in my reflection and blog planning.

5. Disney Summer Fun…My first guest post. It was fun to write…and it’s nice to go back and read again…to reminisce about summer fun. I’m not a winter person. Much.

6. Blogging with Integrity. Very proud to have joined The Three Disneyland Moms’ Challenge. You can join too!

7. Why I LOVE Disney! For anyone that may not understand my obsession with the Mouse…I think I explain it pretty well with this post.

8. My Walt Disney Connection. Perhaps my most favorite of all posts…the one that explains how I’m actually related to legendary Disney animator, Oliver Johnston. He’s my third cousin twice removed!! How’s that for an amazing Disney connection?

Sincerest thanks to my followers and to all who happen in to DizzneeMomma.com. It’s been a lot of fun blogging here and I’m really looking forward to another year at “Without a Care in the World.” I hope you’ll keep coming back to see where this thing goes. Cheers All!!

Disney Almost Wordless Wednesday – Muppets

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In recognition of the recent release of The Muppets, this week’s Almost Wordless Wednesday blog hop theme is Muppets. Today, I’m sharing photos I took at “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” when it was on display in Chicago, November 2010.

While my visit took place more than a year ago, this is my first time publishing the photos. You see…I took the pics without permission. I’m not a big rule-breaker but I was just too busy snapping away at the amazing displays to notice the “No Photography” signs posted throughout.

More details and an explanation on how I attained the pics can be found on a blog post at Anonynoose, my personal blog.

Anywho…I’m not trying to make money from these photos so I’ve convinced myself that it might be okay to share them here today.

If you’re a big Muppet fan like I am, go see “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” if you’re able. It’s an interesting and nostalgic look at our lovable Muppets. It’s currently on display at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York.

If you’re not able to visit in person…PLEASE, check out this great video from Inside the Magic on youtube.

Jim’s first puppets, used in Wilkins Coffee commercials back in the 1950s. These are reproductions of the originals.

Kermie!

King Goshposh first appeared in Tales of Tinkerdee, 1962.

Rowlf was a recurring character on The Jimmy Dean Show back in 1963.

Mahna Mahna and the Snowths first appeard on The Ed Sullivan Show, November 30, 1969.

For more fun Disney photos, check out the Wordless Wednesday blog hops at Focused on the Magic and The Info Mouse.

Disney Almost Wordless Wednesday – Thanks for the Memories

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Each Disney trip I’ve taken with family has been special to me in some way. One that really stands out among all my Disney memories, took place in December of 2007.

My post this week is from a collection of photos from that holiday vacation with my sister and our families! I’m extremely thankful for the magic we were able to share together.

Princesses at Breakfast

Heading to Hollywood

Sibling Bonding

Happy as Clams

For more fun Disney photos, check out the blogs at Focused on the Magic and The Info Mouse

Pet Options During Your Walt Disney World Vacation

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It’s been on your mind for some time now and you’re finally ready to start making plans. A Walt Disney World vacation is in your future, but there’s this little matter of your beloved pet.

If you’re hoping to stay in a WDW hotel, your dog, cat or bird won’t be able to stay there with you. With the exception of service animals, pets aren’t permitted in your Disney accommodations. Not even your dear sweet hermit crab is allowed.

My Buddy

My pup stays at home and keeps an eye on the homestead while I’m on vacation. In the past, I’ve taken him to my vet’s office for boarding, but for the same amount of money, I can hire family or friends to tend to my fur baby in familiar territory.

This way, I get an extra pair of eyes on the house while I’m away…and my Pepper won’t suffer the stress of being housed in a crate in a strange place with lots of other dogs.

If you must take your pet with you, there are several resorts in the Disney area that are willing to accommodate well-behaved animals. I discovered nice pet-friendly hotels by searching on tripadvisor.com and hotels.com.

The reviews can be helpful as long as you’re able to differentiate between legitimate complaints and whiny rants. Read a lot of reviews…and read them on more than one site. Also be sure to verify that your resort of choice is indeed pet-friendly. Occasionally, there are errors on travel websites.

Staying off-property is usually a last resort for me. Not because of sacrifices in quality, because there are equally great hotels offsite. But it just isn’t the same elsewhere. No magic. If you wish to stay on Disney property, you still have a couple options for your pet.

Photo borrowed from Best Friends Pet Care. Click photo to safely enter their website.

Best Friends Pet Care is the onsite kennel at Walt Disney World Resort.I’ve never used their services personally, but I have noticed their eye-catching facility and engaging website. Policies, information and photos can be found on wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com. Live webcams are available as well.

The final option for this post involves staying in an RV or tent. The campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort are yet another pet-friendly alternative. A limited number of preferred hook-up and premium campsites allow well behaved pets and offer the magic found nowhere but Disney.

For more information on Disney’s policies regarding pets and service animals, be sure to see what the Walt Disney World Moms Panel has to say. Visit their website HERE.

Removing a Stubborn Ink Stain – I Saved My Disney Dooney & Bourke!!

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I’ve been hoping the day would come when I’d be able to write this post. It’s time to write now. I do believe that I just saved my Disney Dooney & Bourke!

It was more than a month ago when I first noticed the ugly blue ink stain on my perfect Dooney & Bourke costmetic bag. Right across the front about 4 inches long…a bright blue ballpoint ink line over the top of an orange balloon and into a green one.

I hated that I’d been so careless to allow it to happen but I was very glad it was only the cosmetic bag and not on my Colette. It was already too late to wash it off with soap…I tried with no luck.

I used a dab of Soft Scrub. But nothing. The stain didn’t fade an iota. I decided to leave the cleanser on and let it stand for a few days. Still nothing.

I wasn’t ready to give up. I repeated the process for a few weeks noticing very little change in the stain at all. I wanted the ugly blue stain off my beautiful bag!

Still determined…I tried again, but this time I left the bag sitting in the window sill in the sun.

A few days later when I wiped off the soft scrub, I noticed a small change. The ink stain had begun to fade. I tried again…soft scrub and a couple days of sunshine. Then I tried again. After three doses of sunshine with Soft Scrub, I’m am pleased to proclaim…that the ink stain is nearly gone.

I wish I had photos to show the entire process, but I guess I didn’t really expect it to actually work. You can see now…a very faint ink stain…with no fading to the design of my purse. I am going to try once more WITH photos to show you just what I did…and hopefully when I wipe off the stuff in a few days…the stain will be history!

By the way…I photographed the ink stain as it is now (photo below)…but it didn’t show up very well at all. You can see it faintly if you enlarge the pic.

I considered intentionally marking my bag with another ink pen and repeating the process in order to test my results. I don’t think I want to push my luck though. I’m just extremely happy I was able to save my bag.