Zip a dee doo dah Diva

Disney has announced the 2012 Star Wars Weekend dates.  May 18-20 May 25-27 June 1-3 June 8-10 Call today for special pricing on selected dates at a Walt Disney World Resort. Click on the link below for more details.  Star Wars Weekends Questions and Answers

T oday, I  have a magical update for those of you who are excited to see the expansion of Fantasyland come to life. Walt Disney Imagineers are currently piecing together the Beast’s castle, which will sit high atop what will become the Be Our Guest Restaurant. The “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired restaurant, which is set to open in late 2012, will offer a lavish dining experience in the castle’s elegant ballroom, gallery and mysterious “west-wing.” The restaurant and castle will eventually be flanked by Gaston’s Tavern, Bonjour! Village Gifts, and the cottage of Maurice (Belle’s father).

For the first time ever,  Disney Cruise Line  will set sail from three new ports in 2012 –  New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas  – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to guests around the country. Additionally, the cruise line will offer more choices than ever before with several new itineraries planned. “In 2012, we’re making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports,” said  Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz.  “Guests can now enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Disney cruise experience with the convenience of departures from their own backyard.” 2012 New York Schedule Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada plus two-night cruises that will give a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experie...

Ahoy, Mateys! Jake and the Never Land Pirates Landing at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Part of Show Debuting March 4  Jake and the Never Land Pirates are landing at Disney's Hollywood Studios March 4, 2011, less than a month after they cast off on their first adventure on Disney Channel as part of the launch of Disney Junior programming designed for 2-to-7-year-old children. At the Walt Disney World theme park, they are playing a role in "Disney Junior--Live on Stage!", a theme park show created for young guests. Co-starring roles in the show are played by the cast of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins -- other shows that are part of the Disney Junior schedule. "Ever since 'Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!' premiered in 2001, it has been a chance for our younger guests to experience their Disney Channel friends at Disney's Hollywood Studios," said Dan Fields of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative director for "Disn...

When traveling to Disney with small children, you really need some very important items. These are items I will not leave home without!! Toss and Go sippy cups, are one of the most important things not to forget. Most of the rooms on property do not have a dish washer. Yes, I am a germ freak. It is ok and I own it. These cups are great because you can toss (recycle) at the end of the day. Disposable spoons are another item I will not forget. When you are dining at any Disney restaurant, and you ask for a spoon, the smallest you will get is a teaspoon. When my daughter was 13 months a teaspoon is a little large for a tiny mouth.  The yellow cap, next to the toss and go sippy's, is an instant sippy cup from a bottle. I thought this was great. My daughter is all the time wanting to be a big girl. However, she is not coordinated enough to drink out of a water bottle without getting soaked. This is the best inventions for independent toddle...

As I have traveled through the years to Disney , I have always taken snacks into the parks. However, when I became a mom this took on a whole new meaning. My daughter was 13 months the first time we took her to Disney. She was 13 months with no teeth. This was an interesting time in our lives, because I had to puree a lot of what she ate. Snacks then consisted of Cheerios, Gerber Puffs and bananas. Our snacks have evolved into what you see in the picture above. Disney understands the need for your child to have the things that they need. Park officials have to problem with you bringing in your fav's. Make sure none of these items are glass. Glass of any kind is not allowed in Disney Parks. Snacks are great things to take out while you are waiting in line. Most children grow very tired of waiting in the lines at Disney. FASTPASS  is a great option Disney has, however you are limited to how many you can have at one time. So, snacks are a great way of distracting the little...

Each week I want to help all the mommy's know what is a MUST to pack for your small child while you are in Disney World. This week I have a few items I will not leave home without!!! Stroller hooks are a must!! I use them for so many different things. Each park has a play area for children. Most of these areas have large water fountains. The weather is mostly warm in Orlando, so swim ware is always appropriate. I always bring a swim suite in the parks. It is a great way to take a brake from the parks and kids love water!! Once we are finished with water play, I hang the suite on these hooks. The swim suite drys quick. Bonus: You do not have to worry about hanging it once you get back to your resort at midnight. I never, never, never go to Disney without band aids!!! I take all different sizes. I also pack them in a backpack and take to the parks with me. You never know when a boo boo will happen or a nasty blister will pop up.

Each week I plan to post about my favorite Disney things. This week my favorite is soap. Not just any soap, but Disney Resorts soap. Each day as housekeeping cleans your room, they will leave new soap on your super white towels. Now let me take a moment to discuss these really white towels. I do not understand how Disney gets these things so clean?? It baffles me!! Not a spot on them anywhere!! I know they have been used before, but you would never know. This may have to be a post for another day. Back to the soap. This soap is no ordinary soap. It is Mickey soap. Just another magical touch Disney is known for. I know you are thinking, "this lady is crazy", but it is the small things in life. I love to be able to give Disney goodies to friends, family and even clients when we return from our travels.  We are always on a budget. Yes, the Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Diva is ALWAYS on a budget!! This is a really fun & practical goodie to give.

I know many people have made countdown calendars. I have made several in years past. Time is always a huge factor in this house, as I feel like I do not have enough hours in the day. This calendar is super simple and free!! Those are the magic words "free" and "simple"!! I went to Disney .com and clicked on the preschool page. From the preschool page, click on calenders. On this page you are able to choose which character and calender that works best for you. For obvious reasons we chose Minnie Mouse . Then you can add icons to your dates. We chose the Mickey head for the day we are leaving for " THE WORLD ". Every night before dinner we let our daughter mark off the day. She is so excited about the trip. Also, a great bonus, she is learning math skills in the process.

Mickey and Minnie  I just love to throw a great party! I love fellowship, and most of all I love celebrating my daughter!!! Her 3 little years are worth celebrating. And celebrating in a big way. After all, she only turns 3 once. Let's talk about cake. I love cake. I love cupcakes. I love all things sweet. My sweet pea also loves cake! SO we had both. Minnie Mouse Cupcakes The cupcake picks and wraps came from a shop on Estsy.com. I am not sure of the shop, but they were super cute. I loved the sprinkles.I picked them up at our local super store. I have had many people ask how I make my icing. So, here is my secret. 1 box powdered sugar 1 large scoop Crisco 2-4 tablespoons of milk vanilla extract Super, super easy and so very yummy! We loved this cake!! Every party must have a party favor. I found these on Birthday Express . I wanted to give a favor that kiddo's could use, not one that would go in the trash after the party. They came in very handy at the party. Who ...

Hello, blogging world your Disney Specialist has arrived. I have to say, I never thought I would have a blog, only because I am so technologically challenged. And that is an understatement!!!!  With a little bit of pixie dust and great friends, who helped out in the tech department, the Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Diva emerged. I can't wait to share with you all things Disney .As I blog I will be sharing great tips from Disney Parks to planning a great Disney Party. I even plan on great giveaways to go with fun trivia. I am so excited!! Can you tell?! I want to tell you a little about me.  I am a former Disney Cast Member and now Disney Specialist . I can help you and your family plan your best Disney vacation . Did I mention my services are free. I always get the best deals on Disney vacations. From Walt Disney World to Hawaii . Yes, Disney has a resort in Hawaii. I enjoy my job and I can't wait to help you. Stay tuned for great tips a...