An intimate look into the public and private life of the man who left behind a legacy. Narrated by Dick Van Dyke and released September 6th, 2001. This video uses many interviews with both family and friends to tell of the life of such a great man. It is a great view into the life of Walter Elias Disney.
Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t read for the fun of it. I don’t have the attention span to sit still long enough. I couldn’t even tell you the last time a read a book cover to cover and especially not just for fun. It may have taken me longer than I wanted but I did it!
This book depicts Walt’s life from birth to his passing December 15th, 1966. It is a detailed bigraphy written by Bob Thomas about the the world-famous producer of cartoons, animated features, and nature films, chronicling his early failures in the industry and his successes. It was published in 1976.
Ruth and Walt 1905
As I sit here and realize it’s over…what now? What’s next? I need to read more, I need more disney knowledge. I feel almost selfish as I sit here and cling to this book because I don’t want to admit that it’s done. Maybe I should just read it again?!?! No, I need to share this amazing story with others. Others who will read this and fall in love with the Disney words, the philosophy, the passion they have in everything they do.
I hope that passing this book on to someone who hopefully will see deep down and learn that, “laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever”. – Walt Disney
This 5 hour walking tour of Magic Kingdom is a must do for any Disney fanatic. The tour is well worth the $79 fee which also includes lunch. If you are in annual passholder you get a discount off the fee as we’ll making it even more worth the money.
Best tour guide ever!!!!
I won’t disclose much about this tour because I don’t want to ruin the magic for others but for me it was absolutely life changing. I was nervous at first that I would look at the park differently after going on this tour but I actually am more obsessed with it now and it’s history than I was before!
There are usually 3 options for this tour daily of 8:30 am, 9 am, and 9:30 am. We did the 9:30 tour and it worked out nicely of not having to get up too early to be there and check in by 9:15 am. Once you check in they will provide you with a device that you will wear throughout the tour that will allow you to hear your guide when he or she is talking because it can get very loud at times walking through the crowds. They provide bottles of water at check in and this is when you will select you choice for lunch from the menu provided. I went with the ole faithful chicken tender nuggets and fries and my dad and sister got the fried shrimp.
When you arrive for lunch at noon, this is when you will be presented with your “key to the kingdom”. It is a cute keepsake to remember your trip. You get 30 mins to enjoy your lunch before returning to the tour and the finishing up with the most anticipated part of the trip…the chance to go into the world famous utilidor.
One myth I will disclose is that the utilidor system which runs under the streets of the Magic Kingdom is not truly “underground”. The streets of Disney that you walk on is built on the second level and the utilidor system is built on ground level because of our swamp lands. During the tour you are kept to one main area of the utilidor which is the part that runs directly under Main Street USA. It is very busy under there with employees going back and forth from place to place, golf carts, emergency vehicles, and characters.
Magic Kingdom’s Utilidor System
So on your next vacation to Disney if you are looking for some great history and knowledge about the Disney empire and how and where it all started, be sure to sign up for Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour. It is well with your time and money. Here is the link for more information on the tour and how to make a reservation: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/keys-to-the-kingdom-tour/
One of the last known photos of Walt Disney before his passing and after the secretive purchase of over 27,000 acres in the swamp lands of Florida which later became what we all know and love today as Walt Disney World.
Photo: Walt Disney, Roy Disney (to Walt’s left), Card Walker and Joe Fowler (with camera) Photo: Walt Disney Productions
This frozen concoction can be found in Disney’s Fantasyland at Gaston’s Tavern near the Be Our Guest restaurant. The name comes from Gaston’s sidekick from the movie Beauty and the Beast, LeFou. The same formulation of this beverage can be found on the west coast at Disneyland’s Cozy Cone Motel.
LeFou’s Brea is a no-sugar added frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with an all-natural passion fruit-mango foam. It is a great choice on a hot summer day. The next time you are at the magic kingdom on the east coast or Disneyland on the west, be sure to try one…and thank me later.
Nothing can be more stressful than traveling away from home and not having the essentials you need when traveling with children. I personally have a toddler and when we don’t have what we need when we need it, it can be costly and stressful at the same time. Like forgetting sunblock and then having to buy it in the park…unfortunately I have had to do this multiple times and trust me, nothing is cheap in the park and it is always better to bring from home.
First things first…you will need a large tote type bag to haul all your cargo. Something that isn’t going to break your arm at the end of the day if you have to carry it, but something with a lot of pockets and that can close on top works best. Always make sure to throw in the autograph book. That one time you forget it will be the time that the hard to find character has no wait time and then you don’t have your book for them to sign. That is a sad day. It’s not the same when they just sign a paper and it’s not part of your book like all the others.
My favorite Thirty One bag
If your toddler still isn’t completely potty trained than diapers, wipes and a change of clothes will be the first thing you need to make sure to pack for your trip. They do sell diapers and wipes in park but remember you will be paying the price for it in the end.
Sunblock is a required item to help protect your little one from the harsh Florida rays especially in the summer. We usually also bring a fan that clips onto the stroller to help with the heat during the 90+ degree days. Sunglasses also fall into this category and it never hurts to bring a back up pair in case they happen to drop the first ones.
Many people don’t realize that you can actually bring food and drink items into the park. Now that does not mean anything you want, but you can pack a lunch and bring in a soda or juice box and save yourself some serious money. We usually bring some snack items, juice boxes, a cup to fill with water, and make a few sandwiches to snack on throughout the day. This will save you a lot of money in the end if you plan correctly. Don’t pack too much because then you have a lot to haul around all day.
I hope this helps when packing for your next trip to Disney. Always remember to check, check, and check again! Happy travels.
In love with my new nails
If you happen to take a Disney cruise and you also like to run, then you need to sign up for the runDisney Castaway Cay 5k. Not only is this race FREE (well, you do have to pay to go on the cruise but the race is not additional) but how many people can say that they voluntarily ran a race, while on vacation, and it was on a tropical island? I CAN !
Taking part in this race actually gives you early access to leave the ship before most of the other passengers. So if you are traveling with other guests, they have prime pick of the beach chairs and hammocks before everyone else even gets off the ship. Score!
The 3.1 mile course travels along the islands bike trail. It has some shade but for the most part it is in direct sun, which makes for a very HOT run. The hardest and hottest part of the race for sure has to be when you are running on the islands only airstrip. No shade and just a boring straight away. There were no mile markers posted on the course but plenty of water stations. The humidity in November was harsh so the water was a must.
After you cross the finish line you are handed your finishers medal and then comes the fun part of trying to find your family members. Luckily, when we got off the ship we planned exactly where they would be parked on the beach and it made fun a much easier reunion and great start to a beautiful day. They sell Castaway Cay 5k race t-shirts at the gift shop directly to your left after you pass trough the finish line if you should choose to buy one. This race does not give away free shirts like the normal runDisney races that you pay for.
This was defiantly something I can say I marked off my Disney bucket list but even though I have done it once, I still want to do it again when we go back in November of this year. Hey, it’s a free race, you can’t come by those very often.
Any of you that have competed in a runDisney race know that you are required to attend the expo prior to race day to collect your bib and race packet. The expo is held at the ESPN wide world of sports complex usually opening the day before the first race of the weekend. Here are a few steps that I have come up with to make it out of one of these events alive. Enjoy!
Step 1: When you first enter the complex, immediately head straight for the nearest beer selling station. Yes you heard me correctly. This adventure that you’re about to embark on, traveling in and out of buildings, waiting in long lines, will definitely require some liquid motivation. Drink up buttercup!
Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend 2015 with my dad in tow
Step 2: Prior to race day, you will have received email notification to print your race waivers. Don’t worry if you forget to do so before hand or lost them because there are printing stations at the expo. Another important thing you must bring with you to the expo is your photo identification/ drivers license. They will not let you pick up your race bib without a photo ID.
My little Olaf at her first runDisney race 2015
Step 3: Once you have picked up your bib and turned in your race waiver, you then need to travel to pick up your race packet which includes your T-shirt and some sample products. This part unfortunately is located in the heart of the expo where all the vendors are located selling their products and it is usually super busy. You will make your way all the way to the far back left hand corner and that’s where you will find the helpful volunteers who will get you your packet and shirt. If you should need to change the size of your shirt for some reason, directly behind you is the shirt exchange counter where they will help you try to get the size shirt for you that you are needing. This is not a guarantee though so when you register, make sure you note what “type” of shirt it is your race is giving (ex. Tshirt, dry fit etc. etc.) and make your decision accordingly.
Step 4: Once you have picked up your bib and packet you are officially done with your requirements and can now actually go and enjoy the rest of your time at the expo before its time for your race. Check out the latest products available to the running world of course my favorite booth to visit is the official runDianey products. Don’t forget if your an annual passholder to bring that with you because you will get your discount on official runDisney race wear at their booth. You can thank me later!
I can’t wait to add 13.1 to this in November
My favorite magic band
Disney princess weekend 2015
*Disclaimer: Never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver.*
The Rhoden's: Disney Addicts for Life 