Hi everyone!  Do you have an upcoming trip to the Disney Parks? Or just any day trip for that matter? What are your must pack items?  For me it is sunscreen , snacks, small first aid kit and extra clothes for the little dude.  

Ashley over at Crafted From The Kingdom has put together a blog post about her must pack items for touring the parks with her crew.  She also did a live video (you can watch here) featuring my new On-The-Go Bag (in Green) from Peak Supply Co. !  I'm super excited that she likes the bag and about the shout out! Can you tell!!!??? I hope you will try our bag for your next trip too! Head over to her blog,  check it out and show some love! Sharing is caring y'all!

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(Also at thepeaksupplyco.com/ )

Hi Friends! It has been a while but I have exciting news!!!

On our last trip to Walt Disney World , I found myself standing in the dreaded line. Not a line for an actual attraction. The other dreaded line....Security check! I know this is an absolute necessity and I am glad they are so dedicated to our safety, I just wish it was a faster, more efficient process, that's all. So there I was, waiting with the masses, watching everyone wait until the last possible second to get their bags unzipped and searchable , when I started thinking. There I stood with my bag, holding it at the ready, all compartments properly open for fastest possible access and I thought, "People need less compartments!"

That frustrating line experience birthed a new chapter in my life, The Peak Supply Co., and I am so excited to share it with you all today!

Over the past several months, I searched for a bag that could :
1) Keep water and snacks cool while we are in the parks - eliminates the cooler.
2) Minimum amount of zippers and pockets to check at security.
3)Have decent storage space for random stuff we sometimes carry- extra clothes, wipes, sunscreen, ponchos, etc...
4) Be cute! - or at least something I would not mind hauling around

Now months, actually close to a year) later, the On-The-Go Bag is here!!!!

The bags are in 4 color combos right now 1) Blue on Blue (inspired by Cinderella Castle) 2)Green on Green (inspired by Animal Kingdom) 3) Blue with White trim and 4) Black with Red trim (inspired by Mickey). They are made with one large insulated main compartment for keeping cool things cool and warm things warm, LOTS of space to throw everything from frozen water bottles to an extra set of clothes. A second smaller compartment includes a mesh pouch for additional storage and one last vertical zippered pocket includes a key fob and easy access to small item storage such as cards, receipts or park maps.

That's 3 zippers total, that unzip to expose 3 compartments. Security can easily view your contents and you can breeze through the line with minimum hassle. The water resistant outside material is a plus as well!

And the best thing is , I find myself using this bag for more than the parks! I have used it at ball tournaments with my daughter, hauling my frozen foods from the grocery store and throwing a few things together for a day trip to the zoo! Check them out at the links below and I would LOVE if you would help a gal out by the usual "Like, Follow and Share" at @PeakSupplyCo. on Face Book and peak_supply on Instagram!

Click on a bag to see more info or to purchase!
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  To all my fellow Disney Parks Moms Panel hopefuls,

Hi there! You don't know me. Well, you may have seen my name attached to some comments or posts on Facebook, but we don't know each other. I can only guess at your personality, beliefs, style, family status, career...and same goes for you. However, with the upcoming DPMP application process about to open, I think we can all safely say that Disney is on our minds...a lot! 

At this moment, we are all prepping; some are stressing, some are emotional, some are chill, a few may back out, a few will procrastinate, a few may already have their finger hovering over the mouse just waiting to click the "Get Started" button.  There are lots of new first timers and many veterans of the process. I read somewhere ( I seriously can't remember where) that there are an estimated 10-30 THOUSAND applicants each year and only a very few, possibly only 1 opening for any given specialty. DON'T FREAK OUT!  I know it sounds cliche, but there are no losers here! If you apply and make it, YAY!!! If you apply and don't make it, YAY!!!

Want to know why?
It's Disney, baby!
Pixie dust abounds!
Magic awaits!

Did I drink the LeFeu's Brew?
        You bet I did! 
Did I apply?
        You bet your Mickey Ears I did! 
Did I make it?
       I rocked Round One like an Aerosmith RollerCoaster and my dream fizzled after Round Two like it was the stroke of midnight for Cinderella!
Did I survive?
        Y'all! I survived and thrived like Groot!  Let me tell you why...

Last year, I happened to be on my 2 blog attempt, trying to learn how to monetize, get followers, heck, just get some comments! I love my day job, but had a "work from home mom" dream that I just couldn't get traction on. I never found my rythm with the blog, or gaining an audience. I was trying this new Amazon FBA thing as well. Blah, blah, blah...lot's of irons in the fire!

Last year, I also just happened to stumble over this fun Disney Parks Mom Panel gig that was taking applications. I had actually used the panel for some questions while Disney trip planning but never gave the actual panel a thought. I just assumed it was a Walt Disney World online job, part of their digital presence. I thought, that sounds like a BLAST! I filled out the application, hit send, crossed my fingers and started searching Face Book for other Mom Panel hopefuls! 

What in Fantasyland?!?! There are other Disney fanatics like me? How have I never known about them?  Oh my fairy godmother! There are actual groups for DPMP applicants!?!?! I have found my Disney loving tribe!!!!

So I joined the group of Darlings and waited for our trip to Neverland. 

Whilst waiting to hear if I would move on to Round 2, I 'virtually" met some magical people, read some tips, and then came "Blog Share Fridays"! Other hopefuls that had blogs were posting their Disney Magic. I have a blog. I love Disney! Why don't I try to blog about my Disney experiences and such?

*******
Here is where I stop with the internal monologue play-by-play, sum it up and get to the point!

We get stuck in a rut. We have jobs. We have responsibilities. We have life. When you want to make a change, it's hard to do while you are in a rut. You need a catalyst for change. You need to step outside your comfort zone ( I'm an overthinking introvert) and try something new every once in a while. When you try something completely new, it's like your brain starts firing a whole new spark that burns a whole new brainwave, that leads to an entirely new way of looking at something. 

In my case, applying for the Panel focused my vision for my career path and was the catalyst to some real changes!  I did not make it past round 2 but I did start blogging about Disney. The blogging about Disney led me to have a better thought out blog structure. The better blog structure got me thinking that I really love writing (always have) and maybe I can blog for others. The blogging for others led me to other forums and 12 months later...I am closer to the "work from home mom" dream than ever before!

As I type this, I know I have neglected the blog for too long, but I am in my fifth month of building a Virtual Assistant career! I have steady clients and am in negotiations with a company to handle a few blog posts per week. 

This is not a post to brag! Honestly there are probably many of you that have been way more successful in blogging and such. This post is to let you all know, mainly the newbies, that as corny as it sounds, getting that coveted spot on the panel is not the only WIN here.  This may be just the spark, catalyst, pixie dust you need in your life to get the ball rolling in a new and exciting direction. This process will introduce new people and ideas and you will make new friends! You will have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips from some of the happiest people on Facebook, and you can even meet them if you happen to be at Disney World at the same time without seeming like a stalker!

So, good luck to all! First timers, it will be OK, because even if you lose, you win. Veterans, let's do this!  Take a deep breath, get ready to change your world, and May the Force be With You!

Last week I told you all about my Momma Meltdown. You can read the post here if you want to catch up. It wasn't my best moment but ,well, everyone's a work in progress. The whole ordeal was also what brought about one of my funniest (in retrospect) memeories at Walt Disney World. Today I'm going to give you the rest of the story. The ending to the meltdown day; the story my family still laughs about. You are about to find out what happened...

The meltdown moment is over, I've had a relaxing time on the beach, captured some beautiful pictures of my kids but I can't sit around for long. I look around and notice the open expanse to the right of the boat docks. This area is just an open stretch of grass, bordered on one side by the lake and separated from the Ft. Wilderness campground by a line of trees. I told my family to hop in the golf cart and we would go explore. Before we got in the cart though, we noticed there was not a space big enough to fit the cart through. My husband decided that meant it was a "no carts allowed" area so he and the kids went back to the beach. I told them I would be right back and set off on my own.

Off I went on a sandy/grassy/unmarked walk. I just wanted to see what was down that way, around the bend. Maybe it was a walking path. Maybe it would lead to another recreation area. Should I consult the Ft. Wilderness map given to us upon check in? Absolutely not. It's just a short walk for Pete's sake. I was at Disney World and I was exploring!

Two things you should know about me before we go further:

1. I am a horrible judge of distance and the time it will take to cover said distance.
2. I have a pretty active imagination.

(Also, the telling of the story is how it sounded in my head.)

So here I am walking to the end of this grassy no-mans-land, enjoying the sights, the peaceful tranquility, the absence of civilization. Wait what? How long is this thing? My people look like dots back there! Oh well, can't be much further.
Walking, walking, talking to myself, more walking. Maybe I should just turn back; there is nothing back here. I'm sweating and more out of shape than I am comfortable with, based on my breathing.(I'm blaming the humidity and Mickey Bars) More walking. Oh what a lovely pier, maybe I can drag the family back here for some photos.
Oh , oops, there's a couple having a romantic moment, let's not interrupt. ( Just so you know it was G rated not R) At least I know people are allowed back here.

Well maybe they are trespassing since no one else is around. I hope I'm not trespassing! I haven't seen any signs posted. That's my excuse if I get caught by a cast member: "Sorry, I didn't see a sign." Please show me a short cut back to people!

Just across from the pier I see an opening in the trees. Yeah, that direction looks good. Onward ho!

I end up at what looks to be a pretty wide path lined with trees and dense brush (woods) on both sides. Yes! Paths lead to places. I head back in the direction of the beach, taking this new scenic route. I'm pretty sure I hear camp sounds in the distance to my left and this definitely looks like a used pathway so I'm not feeling so bad about the whole trespassing where I don't belong thing. I put a little spring in my step knowing that in a few short minutes I will see my family and coax them into exploring with me.

I'm thinking about our day, things we had done and seen. In my head I am trying to visualize where I am in relation to the camp store. (I'm getting kind of thirsty) Just going along my merry way when I hear a noise. Not a people noise, a something noise! I slow down.

Ok, that was a bird.

Right?

I walk on.

A rustling sound to my right. Seriously? I just came from the other side of these woods not 5 minutes ago! I would have seen any animal...right?

​Don't freak yourself out! You live in the country! You are used to these sounds! Chill out and keep walking.

Fine, let's walk.

More rustling! LOUDER rustling actually! Wait, did that skinny tree shake?
I am mentally talking myself out of running in the other direction, going down the list of possible noise makers and wondering where are the other people, all at the same time. (The mind is a complex thing) Also about this time, I have a flash back to a conversation earlier in the day when my daughter and I were taking a tour of Animal Kingdom. Our guide pointed out the fencing around the perimeter of the park. His words came back to me now...

We thought that was a cute joke. I even pondered why I never realized Florida had bears. Back to my trek at Ft. Wilderness, I am now remembering bears and cougars! Birds can't shake a whole tree! Rabbit would be lower to the ground. These quaking leaves are waist tall on me! The limbs and saplings are swaying and moving as if a PERSON was parting them! Crap! Definitely a bear then! My mind did not want to grab on to the fleeting thought of "serial killer" that my imagination had thrown around a few times!

All this time I am keeping a close eye on the suspicious area while trying to creep backwards as calmly and slowly as possible. Do not call attention to yourself! Just get far enough away that you can start running if you have to! I have one hand on my back pack strap, ready to defend myself at a moments notice! Then...new scary noise!

The rustling is now accompanied by a guttural animal vocalization! BACK AWAY FASTER!!!

A split second after I heard the growl, a swirling vortex of terror came exploding out of the brush! I could not comprehend what I was seeing! Like a cartoon version of a fight where the adversaries are rolling like a ball of dust and body parts, two monsters landed not 20 feet in front of me! They landed. I jumped and maybe squealed a little! Bad move on my part, because when I squealed, they noticed!

The ball of fury broke apart to reveal 2 huge...armadillos. I had no idea they could get so big!

In the split second it took me to process the fact that I was not about to be

• chased by a bear
• tracked by a cougar
• stalked by a deranged serial killer

I let out an embarrassed sigh of relief and dropped the arm holding my bag strap and the staring contest with the armadillos was over. I moved first so they rushed into action. They were perfectly choreographed when, I kid you not, they jumped straight up about 2 feet then ran at me!
I freaked out! Hightailed it back a few more feet and stopped when they stopped. How do I proceed? I know they are not life threatening but they seem really aggressive. I figure I will just keep backing away till they lose interest.
FOR REAL! WHERE ARE PEOPLE?
Trying to back up again (heart pounding from fear, relief , and back to semi-fear) I set them in motion again. This time when they charged, I could not take the pressure/suspense any more! This day had way too many extreme emotions and I was done. As the two little terrors chased me, I lost it! I turned and ran full out, arms wind-milling, knees-to-chest, very undignified, squealing/screaming all the way back to where I entered this very wrong turn.

If you were ever a fan of the TV show, FRIENDS, and you remember the Phoebe run. That is what I looked like. At this time I was very thankful for no people around. I only stopped running when I glanced behind me and did not see anything chasing me.  

I slowed to a more publically acceptable pace and straightened my appearance as the beach came into view. By the time I made it to my family I looked like John Candy in The Great Outdoors after his horse ran off! My husband asked where I had been for the last 45 min. to which I replied, "I'm ready to go. Let's go now!"

My kids still pick on me about my "terrifying" encounter with "Bear-madillos" and I let them. I can laugh about it now but at the time it was scary. You can laugh, it's ok. I learned my lesson.
Exploring is best done with map and company...at least for me. 

Confession time...I had a meltdown at Disney World.  I know. I KNOW! I am embarrassed even typing that sentence. We were at the "happiest place on earth", for crying out loud! Kids have meltdowns; mature, responsible adults do not. Right? Well call me an immature momma because I went full out "Grumpy" on my family. 

Looking back over the years, I'm ashamed to notice a pattern. It pretty much boils down to expectations. I expect that if we are paying for a vacation we are going to get every penny's worth. I want to pack in as much fun and experience and memories in to those 4-7 days that I can say confidently, " YES! That was worth it."

Having two kids, and having traveled with them since they were very young, I know all about down time and taking breaks. I'm good with that. We all need breaks. What I get impatient with is just not wanting to do anything. I hate to just sit on vacation; it seems so unproductive. So on about day 4 of our trip, when my family (husband included) did not want to go back to the parks but instead just sit on the beach at Ft. Wilderness campground...well, I got a bit put out.

My husband is a huge fan of all the National Lampoon's Vacation movies, so we watch them a lot. I'm sure you all have seen them a time or too as well. I like to think that I am Ellen, patient loving wife to an over eager husband Clark. No. I have recently become aware that I am Clark! I am the one that builds up expectations to the point of impossibility. I also have become aware that, like Clark, I can have over-the-top, ranting meltdowns when the perfect scenario turns out less than perfect.

So, in your mind right now, picture any of the "Vacation" movie "Clark Griswold" flip outs. If you need to Google a video of this, go ahead, I'll wait.

You got it? Well that's what it seemed like at the time...in my head...but I am not the type to make a spectacle of myself in public. I'm pretty sure no one noticed the daggers shooting from my eyes at my sweet husband. Surely no one heard the passive aggressive remarks to my kids. Not one of those happy campers scattered around the beach paid the least bit of attention to my fowl scowl, tapping foot and crossed arms. If they did, they certainly thought I was impersonating "Grumpy" dwarf.

You know who else was unconcerned? My dear family. There they were: the kids trying to build a sandcastle and my husband reclining on a beach chair, eyes closed and hands behind his head. "Fine", I told them. "Well I will just plop myself down in this chair and not do anything either!" "If you all want to sit HERE when you could be having fun over THERE (flinging an arm dramatically towards the Magic Kingdom), that's fine with me!'

To which they all happily replied, "OK".

I was defeated. My family essentially put me in time out with their attitudes. They were great! There they were all relaxed and having fun doing non-park stuff. Me, I just brooded and mentally ticked off the seconds till I could try my next pitch for heading back to the parks.

Then staring out at the water, I started thinking.(There is something so peaceful about the Ft. Wilderness beach area) I stared at the water and listened to the hum of the boats as they taxied guests and I just chilled. I sat and did nothing. I calmed and with a calm body comes a calm mind. I looked around at my loves: husband almost asleep, daughter playing with son in the sand and it was a truly beautiful moment. A calm, non-planned, outside-the-parks fun time.
We must have stayed on the beach for an hour or two. I got some of my favorite pictures of all times and all was well.

Here are some photos from that time...I would have missed these photo ops !

• Manage expectations! There is no perfect plan/trip/experience, but there is almost perfect.
• Even mommas need a minute! Down time is not just for kids. With the crowds and humidity, everyone can use a moment to recharge.
• There is magic to be found outside the parks! Don't be so focused on the forest that you don't see that truly awesome tree. In Disney language, Don't become so focused on the parks that you miss the boats, monorail, resorts, playgrounds or beaches.

So that's my story. Learn from my mistakes so you don't have your own parent meltdown and please, try not to judge me too harshly. I'm already channeling my inner "Happy" dwarf for next time.

My little family would rather go to Disney World for vacation than anywhere else. Every year, my husband and I talk about taking the kids to see mountains or Yellowstone or the desert or something educational, but for now Disney World is it. We love that there is plenty to do, see, and experience all in one place and that the majority of the vacation is paid for before you ever make it to your room. If we can swing it, we are going to try to make it happen.

The cost is the thing that holds most people back from a Disney trip. Disney Vacation shoppers get their first estimate and immediately experience sticker shock. I get that! Really, I do, but there are ways to save. When we decide on possible vacation dates, I start looking for deals! Disney runs specials from time to time and I always check out MouseSavers and Undercover Tourist to see what they have to offer. ( both of these are highly reputable sites by the way ) Once I get things lined up to a price we are comfortable with, we start paying it down! Let me share how we are doing it this year.

We booked early enough through Disney that we only paid the $200 deposit up front and the rest is due 30 days before we arrive. In the mean time, here are 4 ways we are paying for our trip this year and how you can too!

1. Rewards - Check your credit card rewards if you have them, and get that money converted to cash or prepaid Visa/Master Card. You may even have rewards programs at work that you never thought to use to pay for Disney because it didn't specifically offer Disney gift cards. For example, my husbands job had a sales program going on that let him convert points to dollars and redeem those dollars with a prepaid VISA card. We then used those VISA card dollars for #3. Don't skip to #3 yet! Also, if you use Ibotta , (and you should, you get money pack on things you are already buying), then get your money back by PayPal or several store gift cards. (if you want to try it you can get $10 by signing up through my link here) Just explore your rewards options.
2. Loose Change - The washer, the dryer, the car seats, cup holders, nooks, crannies and pockets are all up for grabs at our house. We are that family! The one with the empty water jug in the corner that collects coins. The day we get back from vacation, we start saving change for the next one. When it comes time to pay, we convert the coins to cash and cash to #3. DON'T LOOK AT #3 !!! This might sound basic, but I just made a $300 payment on our vacation that didn't come out of our bank or budget. ***UPDATE- The loose change contribution is up to $518. I got lazy and sent in a bag instead of rolling it***. Ok now you can go to #3.
3. Gift Cards - Ba-ba-da-daa! You aren't excited are you! I can feel you rolling your eyes. You have read all the posts about buying discount target cards on Raise.com and then buying Disney gift cards at target for 5% off using your Target card? You tried and decided it was complicated and not worth the hassle. I'm always up for a deal and I'm ok with putting in a little effort but I understand. I read those posts too and I have even bought a few cards here and there for 5% off using my Target card but I never successfully managed more than 5% off. . For this trip though, we took those rewards dollars and coins converted to cash ( #1 and #2 above) and bought the $150 packs of Disney gift cards for $142.98 from Samsclub.com since we are Sam's Club members. You can purchase 5 packs at a time for this price and have them shipped to you...which I did....a few times. It's a lot of cards but don't lose heart! You want to save as much as possible right?!?! So now we take those Disney Gift cards and do #4, something I had never heard about till last year!
4. Disney Vacation Account - Did you know about this? I had no idea until recently and I'm so glad I found it. It's absolutely free! The Disney Vacation Account is a real savings account, in the Disney family, that lets you estimate your budget, plan your contributions and watch your progress. You can pay for your Disney vacation directly from this account and if you get in a bind and need the cash you can withdraw at any time. Remember all those Disney Gift cards we've been talking about? Guess what? You can deposit them right into your account. With each gift card you enter you can watch your balance rise, knowing you actually spent less than what's showing! It made me real happy! You know what else is great about this savings account? For every $1000 you pay toward your Disney Vacation from your Disney Vacation Account, you get a free $20 Disney gift card! Yep, you read that correctly. FREE $20 Disney gift card for every $1000 you pay from the account! You do need to request the cards in time for them to ship them to you before you leave and that means you may need to pay off your trip a bit earlier than the 30 days, but it's free money! You can read all the details of the DVA account by clicking on the link here.

So, are you excited?!?!? I'm pumped! Just in case you, like me, need to work it out visually, there is an example below. Now, get you some dates, check out the rates, then start searching for ways to make it work! Do you have any money saving tips for Disney? Share in the Comments!

The Disney experts are brilliant when it comes to detail! I mean, there are some next level tricks they have employed to make you immersed in the Disney atmosphere. Last week I talked about my family's TOP 5 FAVORITE SMELLS at WDW, and I could ( and likely will) write a post about the visual tricks used throughout the Magic Kingdom. (I am such a GEEK) Today though, my advice to all WDW visitors is; Watch where you walk.

No, I'm not talking about crowds, strollers or the groups that feel it necessary to stop in the middle of the walkways to contemplate their next move, blocking the flow of visitors trying to get from point A to point B, causing a traffic jam and anxiety! (Sorry, I have feelings about those who block traffic) No, I'm talking about looking down every once in a while. The park pavements are beautifully and purposefully created with texture fitting the area around it and riddled with details that are most often overlooked. Here are a few of my favorites and where to find them. No photos because 1) I didn't take them and 2) Why show everyone exactly where they are and ruin the fun of the hunt?

First up is a huge compass rose. You will find this beauty in the vicinity of the Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. You have or will walk all over this spot a few times on your visit. Heck, I didn't even realize the pavement color had changed! There is at least one other compass rose in the park that I know of, but my lips are sealed so you can explore.

Next up is a hidden gem or I guess gems in Adventureland.  The pavement in this "land' is imbedded with broken tiles, "jewelry" and "gems". It's as if a pirate was off to burry his treasure and dropped a few items. The particular spot to look for is an area that is imbedded with a few gold coins, jewelry and gems in one place, grouped together. You will know it when you see it by it's high concentration of loot. This would actually be a cute scavenger hunt idea  for your little pirates. 

Now over to Hollywood Studios.  Two giant foot prints are often overlooked; one of a dinosaur, and one of a "Walker". I'm really embarrassed that I didn't pay attention to these areas before because they are pretty obvious when you do notice. I know when I said dinosaur, you probably thought I meant Animal Kingdom, but no, there is a dino print at the HS park. Trust me! If you never find it, message me and I'll tell you where.

The Animal Kingdom I have to just talk about on the whole! I really don't have a favorite thing to walk on in this park but that doesn't mean I don't suggest looking down. It just means there is SO MUCH to see.  Where ever you walk in this park, you are stepping on animal, leaf and even human prints. There are remnants of old buildings, straw, places that are "worn out" or "muddy".  The walkways are really a work of art that adds to the feel of you surroundings, whether we notice or not. Check it out when you go, its very interesting.

Epcot is home to my absolute favorite thing to walk on in all of Walt Disney World! The Fiber Optic Pavement! If this awesomeness has an official name, I have no idea what it is. It was a distraction for my tired babies when they were young and is so much fun to watch people discover. Now, obviously you WILL see this without having to pay attention...at night... but if you leave the park early you will walk over it without ever knowing since it looks just like regular walkways during the daylight. After dark, these paved squares look like you are stepping on tiny stars, then they change color and create many different patterns. You really have to see it if you never have, it is some very futuristic Disney magic.

Last but not least is not something you should step on but is a delight when you look down and notice. It is what you could call a "seasonal" or "moving" attraction. (insert giggles) We were lucky enough to witness this bit of Disney cuteness on our last trip. If we had been in a hurry, rushing to the next ride and not looking around us we would not have witnessed the mamma duck walking her adorable babies from a grassy area to a water area. This fluffy entourage had it's own Disney Cast Member as a protective escort. The DCM kept a polite distance between the duck family and the onlookers till they were out of traffic. Cuteness overload, so be on watch for friendly natives next time.

That's it. That's my reasons to Look Down and Watch Your Step at Walt Disney World. Remember to look for the little things that make big magic! Do you have a favorite not mentioned? Tell us about it in the comments!

If you are here, reading this post, then you have at least basic knowledge of the magic that is Disney. From the moment you arrive, Disney grabs hold of your senses and you are completely immersed in a whole other world. The colors and textures attract you visually, the music and atmospheric sounds ( birds, crickets etc.) are picked up by your ears and the tastes are too many to go into right now; all of these things help you build strong, vivid memories of your experience. They even cater to your sense of smell by using manufactured and naturally occurring smells in different areas of the park and that's what I found myself and the kiddo's discussing recently. Without further adieu, here are our top 5 smells of Disney World!

1. The Main Street Confectionary - I know, I know! I have hardly made it in the entrance and already have a favorite. In my defense, I didn't mention the pop-corn cart you have to pass. It's the combination of the sight and smell that just gets me...ahem... I mean, the kids. Who can resist the combination of caramel apples, cotton candy and Mickey krispie treats. The aromas swirl together in an invisible sugar cloud and leak out of the store and halfway down the street. If the smell was portrayed in a cartoon, it would look like a light fluffy cloud with a little wisp of a hand snaking out to tap you on the shoulder and beckon you in with a crook of the finger. Too much? Sorry, it's that yummy of a smell. I have to remind myself...I mean, the kids... that we have a whole day ahead and can get a treat on the way out.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean - Seriously! I'm not crazy, there is a smell about the place. As soon as you enter the ride there is a cool, wet smell. I don't understand the psychology of it, but it SMELLS a few degrees cooler. The "Pirate smell" seems to be a magical combination of damp, singed material, burnt wood, maybe something tobacco-ish and the chlorinated water your boat floats in. None of the smells alone are worth comment, but the subtly blended smells definitely put you in mind of swashbuckling adventures. If you don't believe me, try to close your eyes and breathe in deeply next time you visit.
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic - The whole show is a treat for the senses but my favorite is the "Be Our Guest" scene when you get "gassed" with a delicious smell of baked treats and sugary delights. The smells I recognize are of what is represented on the screen; apple pie, champagne and grapes. You can almost smell the bubbles and taste the pie crust.
4. Tomorrowland Speedway - OK, right now your nose is turned up and your lip is curled. I agree, this might not be for everyone. The smell of this attraction is exhaust, hot tire, and metal. Not really attractive but it is not overpowering. For me this smell takes me right back to riding the cars with my dad, not just at Disney but also the antique cars at the old AstroWorld and many go cart tracks. I guess this is a comforting, nostalgic smell for me and I understand if this doesn't make your list. It goes to show though just how smells affect the memory.
5. Candied Pecans at the Animal Kingdom - Our family loves The Animal Kingdom! The earthy, animal, jungle smells are exactly what you expect from such a place. You are going along exploring when a sweet, spicy roared nut smell hits you! You are ready for a snack anyway so go ahead and grab some candied nuts to munch. The smell of cinnamon blends perfectly with the natural smells and just belongs there.

I know now there are many other smells around "The World " but if I close my eyes at home and think of Disney, these are the scents that pop up with memories attached. Are you ready to go back? Are you pumped about your visit now? You're welcome 😊. I'd love to hear your favorite smells from Disney; comment below.

A day packed with the expectation and excitement of Disney World is sure to catch up with even experienced visitors. If you are a first timer and find your family on the verge of a monumental, vacation destroying melt-down, have no fear, head to one of our family’s favorite spots to take a break.

• Carousel of Progress – Located in the Tomorrowland area of the Magic Kingdom, the COP was a recent discovery for our family.I’m not sure why we never ventured in there before but I’m so glad we did.We enjoyed approximately 21 minutes of comfy seats and air-conditioning in a moving theater.My youngest almost fell asleep (he was 3 and needed the nap) but my teen enjoyed it. My husband liked it because we got to sit for 20 min. I liked it because it was not crowded and the nostalgia of the presentation. My teen daughter liked it because it was interesting to see how, “the old days were”. (insert eye roll from me, some of that old stuff was from when I was a kid ).
  
  
• Tom Sawyer Island – Located between Frontier Land and Liberty Square, you can spend as much time as you like.Take a short raft ride to the island and let the kids explore while you have a seat in the shade. It is a place to recharge before hitting the attractions again.
   
  
  
• The People Mover – Located in Tomorrowland. A 10-minute trip around the top of the area attractions allows you to get off your feet and rest a bit. Not a fast or scary ride, it gives you a breather during the day and excellent view of the lights at night.

 

• Walt Disney World Railroad- We have been known to hop on the train, not to get to the other side of the park, but just to ride and not have to move for a while. The round-trip lasts about 20-minutes and you can get on or off at Main Street, Frontier Land or Storybook Circus area. This is also a great way to get a view of the whole park.
   
  
  
• Ft. Wilderness Campground – Ok! I know, this is actually not in the Magic Kingdom but it is close enough that we have used it as a resting spot. The boat ride itself is relaxing and cool on a hot day, but the area right past the beach at Ft. Wilderness is also a great place.The kids can play on the playground; you can grab some refreshments then you can all go see “Cinderella’s horses”.The stables that house the horses used in the Magic Kingdom are nearby and you may even glimpse some wildlife.After you get your second wind, hop on the boat and go back to the park for more!

 
Do you have a favorite resting spot in the Magic Kingdom?  Tell us about your “rest-a-spell” spot in the comments section