Listen: Snow White Gets Remixed

I came across this song while listening to one of my indie playlists. I thought it was just another dance remix, but imagine my surprise when I listened to the words...

Disney Detox: Eating Healthy in the World

I was a pig this weekend. A no holds barred, never ever full, kind of pig. Ever have one of those weekends? It was rainy, so we were stuck inside. We had just stocked up on some chips and dip (never a great idea, even if it is for preseason football), and the temptation was just too much. So while I sit here watching the season finale of Falling Skies, and contemplate how I can get back on the nutrition track this week, I got to thinking of the healthiest ways to eat in Disney World.
There are so many food options throughout the Disney resort: After the first couple of days, it's easy to get sick of the chicken fingers and french fries that you grab on the go (unless you have the power to stay healthy the whole time, in which case I envy you). J and I always end up hitting our limit on the fried foods, and opt for the fresher, cleaner options about halfway through our vacation. Now, if we could just avoid the junk in the first place, we'd be off to a much better start. So my goal for this October (minus the Food and Wine Festival goodies, naturally), is to make a valid attempt at a healthier, fresher Disney diet. And here are some of my favorite food and snack spots that are going to make this goal a heck of a lot easier.

Harambe Fruit Market

Source: flickr.com via b on Pinterest

Aside from the soft pretzels, which are always a favorite snack of ours, Animal Kingdom's Harambe Fruit Market offers trail mix, pineapple, and - one of the most delicious autumn snacks - apples and caramel.

Columbia Harbour House

Source: flickr.com via b on Pinterest

Pleasantly tucked away in Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House is my favorite spot for a fresh-tasting lunch. You can have your chicken nuggets and eat them too, but I'd recommend opting for the Lighthouse sandwich (hummus and slaw), and the Anchors Aweigh (tuna). Plus, if you can snag a window seat upstairs, you've got a great view of park visitors venturing in and out of the Haunted Mansion.

Anaheim Produce

Another typical fruit strand a la Disney, but this one resides on one of my favorite fictional streets: Sunset Boulevard. Grab a hot soft pretzel if you must, but the gems here are the frozen lemonade and decent selection of fresh fruit. This is a great spot for a mid-afternoon snack in Hollywood Studios.


What are your favorite spots for a fried-free nosh? Do share!

Modern Family and High Heels in Disneyland

Did you catch last week's episode of Modern Family? The whole gang took a day trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. We learned that even Gloria can't wear heels to the Magic Kingdom (though they do seem to solve an issue for a certain toddler), how Abe Lincoln prolonged Jay's marriage, and even had a laugh about the child  "leash." It was great - I recommend it to anyone who loves Disney, even if you don't watch Modern Family. I guarantee you'll be hooked on the show with one episode, though. It's always a funny and heartwarming treat.





Happy watching!

(Let's Hear it for the Boys)

We've seen multiple instances of our favorite Disney Princesses as cover girls, and now, their heroic better halves are getting a turn. Take a look at these magazine covers, created by Petite Tiara. Each is more swoon-worthy than the last.

Best headline: "How to Deal with Crazy Sister-In-Laws"

How many of you knew that Snow White's Prince Charming was named Ferdinand? 

The always-handsome Prince Eric looks uber-cool on the cover of Men's Journal

I find Prince Philip to look a bit on the femmy side. Thoughts?

Pocahontas' man looks ruggedly handsome of the cover of Details

Could Aladdin be a candidate for Time's Person of the Year?

Perhaps the coolest of all the covers, The Beast shows his split personality on National Geographic

My personal favorite, the handsome Prince Naveen shines on the cover of Best Life. Jazz music!

To see more and to check out Petite Tiara's blog, visit petitetiaras.tumblr.


Happy Swooning!

(Hats Off to You)

What is it about an Orlando vacation that drives us to try on all manner of hats? Even as a typical germaphobe, I lose all sense of how many heads each hat has undoubtedly graced, just to get that one photo that will forever live on my Facebook page. I, with the courage that typically only comes with the help of a liquid libation, run straight to the nearest, most wonderful hat and instantly throw it atop my head. It is from that point that I shout to my husband, "look at me, take my photo!" And, if I come to the conclusion that there are too many "hat photos" of yours truly, poor J must step in, and honor those vows that we spoke on our wedding day: "I promise to love and cherish you, and to take ridiculous, embarrassing pictures in Florida." Come to think of it, I wish that had really happened. Vow or not, he does manage to humor me on every trip. So without further ado, take a look at one fabulous hat photo collection:

2006, from left: then-MGM Studios; Epcot's Olympic chapeau; Mickey's Philharmagic; Epcot, again; Rainforest Cafe, Downtown Disney; Stitch's Great Escape! Magic Kingdom 

2007, from left: Team Mickey Athletic Club, Downtown Disney; Rainforest Cafe, Animal Kingdom; "Mexico," Epcot; Raglan Road, Downtown Disney

2008, both at Mickey's Star Traders

2009, from left: Epcot's Mexico; "Morocco," Epcot; Animal Kingdom

2010, top to bottom: World of Disney, Downtown Disney; Brown Derby Hat Shop, Universal Studios Orlando

2011, Disney Cruise Line, Mediterranean 

Do you have any fantastic and/or embarrassing hat photos? Send them on!

Happy chapeau-ing,

(Eli's Going to Disney World!)

My beloved NY Giants have gone and done it again! Today, Eli Manning will be cruising right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. in grand style.

This celebratory parade has been a tradition since Disney first started airing commercials featuring the popular phrase, "I'm going to Disney World!" Spoken after winning the big game, these players have not only been from the wonderful game of football, but also from other sports and American Idol.

The series was launched in 1987 with none other than NY Giants quarterback Phil Simms, after winning Super Bowl XXI.

While I have yet to find this year's commercial online, I am sure it won't be long before it blows up YouTube (to be posted here later). What's funny to note is that I saw the commercial for this first time while writing this blog entry only a few moments ago. I can't help but tear up just a bit when I hear those wonderful words.

Happy Celebrating!

(What to do with no Picnik?)

I'm a little late to the game here as many bloggers and photography fiends have done their fare share of venting about this, but a few weeks ago, I received the most disturbing news to my inbox:

I can't describe how terrible I felt when I read this. As someone who really loves her camera, this is an awful shame. Picnik really held its own among the best of editing programs, and was a joy to use -- incredibly user friendly and equally inexpensive (a premium membership cost $24.95/year).

So...what now? Google+ users will have some features of Picnik available to them, it appears.I don't mind sharing photos with friends on the social media platform, but I would like the option to edit them and download them to my computer as I could with the previous version of Picnik. It isn't immediately clear to me how this new option is going to work.

I would love to hear your suggestions on a great replacement. We have until April 19, 2012 to take advantage of Picnik - I urge you to do so!

And here's hoping that my dramatic sound-off is all for naught - Google did promise bigger and better things, didn't they? Let's hope that they deliver in time for my October 2012 trip to Disney World!

Happy editing (while you still can!),

(Why Can't We Be Friends?)

I found these great photos on Trendhunter.com - illustrated by Ingrid Aspock, they show long-time enemies putting aside their differences and spreading the love. Which is your favorite? I bet you can guess mine!

This illustration makes me long for this to come back.

Happy Hugging!

(Happy New Year!)

photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

It has certainly been a while since I've made my last update, and time seems to have gotten away from me. What with the holiday season taking up more than enough time, there have been parties and travelling back to North Carolina and New York - and I got the most amazing new job, filled with great people and tremendous opportunity. If the first few weeks have been any indication, it's going to keep me busier than I have been in a long time, and I welcome the work. Of course, this doesn't mean that Disney isn't ever at the forefront of my mind. As a matter of fact, when I have a moment to spare, I find my mind drifting off to a special place in the Magic Kingdom, or a memory of our last Disney Cruise. It's a steadfast part of my life, no matter where we end up moving or what we happen to be doing. My moments of Zen will have to be reserved for weekends, when restaurant reviews, style guides and trip updates will be made from now on. But for now, take a look at some of my favorite news updates that happened while I was gone:

•  Some big changes are coming to Downtown Disney
• The renewal of Disney and GM's alliance will bring us a re-imagined Test Track
• 2012 is a leap year, meaning an extra day in the Disney Parks
• Updates on the Disney Fantasy
• The Little Mermaid celebrates 20 years
• Heather Marks wears Mickey ears on the cover of Elle France

Happy New Year!