Reviews

Top 7 Ways to Bring the Disney Magic Home

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If you’ve been to Disney, you’ve likely experienced post-Disney depression. If you haven’t yet, just wait until that moment you’re leaving Main Street and take one last glimpse at Cinderella Castle.

The magic doesn’t have to end on the Magical Express ride back to the airport, though! There are so many ways to keep the sights, sounds and smells of Disney World with you even when you’re back to reality.

Here are my top 7 ways to bring the Disney magic home!

Sorcerer Radio

A few years ago I stumbled across Sorcerer Radio, and it was a complete game-changer for me. All Disney music, all day long?! Yes please. They play all of the park and resort music, full ride-throughs of every attraction, AND all of the parades, shows and fireworks soundtracks – from past and present! They also have some great shows with a variety of Disney experts (love the WDW Tiki Room!). It’s the perfect background music during the workday on your computer or app, and now you can play it on Alexa when you get home! Check them out here 🙂

WDW Today Channel App

This was a recent discovery for me but I knew this would quickly become an at-home Disney staple. There’s an app called WDW Today Channel that streams the same in-room channel when you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort! It’s a new part of my morning routine and I love it – I pull it up on my iPad and have it propped up while I get ready for work. It’s so fun seeing the park times and hearing the music every morning 🙂 Download it here!

WDW Magazine

I just got my first print edition of WDW Magazine and couldn’t be happier! I love their online stuff, but getting the beautiful print version in the mail was even more magical. They do a great job of finding unique topics and angles, and the photography is unbelievable. They have different subscription options (I get it monthly), so be sure to check it out here!

Magic Candle Company

If you haven’t checked out my reviews, be sure to read all about my favorite scents at the Magic Candle Company (click here!). These Disney-inspired candles let you bring the scents of the parks, resorts and attractions into your home. My favorite is the Beach Club inspired scent 🙂

World Drive Cards

What goes around, comes around, so why not spread some magic with a Disney-inspired card?! Check out these magical cards designed by Ryan Pimental. His style is so unique and inspiring – it encompasses that pure Disney excitement when you’re heading down World Drive to the Happiest Place on Earth! Take a look at Ryan’s website here!

Disney Mugs

There’s nothing like starting your day with a cup of coffee in your favorite Disney mug. I’ve collected Disney mugs over the years and always look forward to picking out my next one at the parks or resorts. Helpful tip: make sure to pack your mug in a carry on – I had my last mug break in my checked suitcase (even though it was all bundled and packed up!).

PopSocket Decals

For most of us, our phones are never more than an arms distance away at all times. Why not add a little touch of magic to it so you get to see it every time you reach for your phone?! RSVP Custom Creations makes the cutest Disney-inspired PopSocket decals – I love the Spaceship Earth one! Check out Jackie’s designs here!

Planning Tips

Nighttime Must Dos at the Magic Kingdom

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Nighttime at any Disney park is magical, but there’s something extra special about the Magic Kingdom at night. If you haven’t been before, it’s definitely worth a visit!

These are five of my nighttime must dos at the Magic Kingdom park:

Ride Big Thunder Mountain.
This roller coaster is way cooler at night! Make sure to take in the views of Magic Kingdom while you’re riding – they’re pretty incredible. We’ve even ridden this during the fireworks (which has to be timed perfectly) and it’s the most magical experience 🙂

Walk through Fantasyland.
I always think Fantasyland is such a magical part of the park, but it really comes alive at night when everything is lit up. This area behind Cinderella Castle is such a unique view and seems to quiet down as the night goes on, leaving you with no crowds and space to wander and explore!

Visit the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
We like to enjoy the fireworks in Magic Kingdom with a sweet treat in hand! There’s nothing like a yummy ice cream cone from the parlor, located on the corner of Main Street. Now you’re in prime position to watch the show!

Watch Happily Ever After up close.
While the fireworks are beautiful over Cinderella Castle, it’s the projections ON the castle that are my favorite part. Disney movies from past and present light up the castle as the music from all of your favorites fill the air. This show is not your average fireworks show.

Be one of the last people on Main Street.
There’s nothing quite like standing on an empty Main Street at the end of the night. There’s a feeling of complete peace and calmness after the crowds have passed that is worth staying up late for (and I only stay up late in Disney!).

Planning Tips

Colleen’s Top 10 Disney World Must Dos

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In no particular order, these are my Top 10 Disney World Must Dos. These are the places, attractions and things I HAVE to hit when I visit the Happiest Place on Earth.

  • 1. Dine at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
    • Clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along to this dinner and comedy show with a Wild West twist! Audience participation is highly encouraged, and you won’t regret it. Some of the best food at Disney is served here (think: fried chicken, ribs and cornbread).
  • 2. Walk through the lobby of the Beach Club
    • Getting off the Magical Express and walking into the Beach Club lobby is the most magical feeling – the sites, the sounds, and the smells are the BEST! It truly is one of my Disney happy places and worth a quick pass through if you’re in the area. Read my full review HERE.
  • 3. Listen to the music
    • You may not even realize it, but Disney does an incredible job with the music everywhere you go. Whether it’s in the parks, the resorts or restaurants, the music selection always fits the theme perfectly no matter where you are. I love just stopping and listening to the sounds, which is why I love Sorcerer Radio so much!
  • 4. Watch Happily Ever After from up close
    • The castle projections during the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom are so magical! All of your favorite Disney classic movies are projected onto Cinderella Castle and set to your favorite Disney tunes. Get a spot up close so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the show! (The main song is the best, too!)
  • 5. Enjoy the Soarin’ Around the World pre-ride video
    • Disney does any incredible job of “theming” its queues. From the moment you enter the line to the moment you board the attraction, you’re fully immersed in that attraction. The Soarin’ pre-ride video is one of the best out there. Patrick Warburton nails it with his dry sense of humor. (For those of you who have seen it…”these little beauties.”)
  • 6. Grab a tropical drink at Trader Sam’s
    • I LOVE the Polynesian Village Resort for so many reasons, and this new tiki bar is the perfect addition. The moment you walk into this bar, you are transported to the Polynesian islands, complete with an active volcano. Without spoiling too much of the surprise, each drink ordered triggers something different inside the bar. Read my full Review HERE.
  • 7. Get dessert from the Werther’s Shop in Germany
    • If you have a sweet tooth, then this stop is definitely for you. In World Showcase, Germany has a shop with Werther’s caramel treats – everything from caramel popcorn to brownies to sea salt caramels – it always smells delicious in here!
  • 8. Ride the monorail
    • Who doesn’t love to hear the phrase “Please stand clear of the doors. ¡Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!” The monorail is a ride in itself.
  • 9. Rock out to British Revolution
    • This cover band performs in the UK in Epcot and is one of my all time favorite things to watch in Disney. The guys are so talented and fun to see, so grab a drink at Rose ‘n Crown pub and enjoy some head banging to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
  • 10. Ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster front row
    • You have to get all the way across town for the Aerosmith concert, so the band manager got you a really fast car! 0 to 60 in two seconds? Yes please!