Jul
2013

Christmas in July! Free Printable Nemo Template

categories: Disney-Inspired Crafts, Disney-Inspired Party Planning, Free Printables

Nemo Garland templateYay A Present!

In my last post, I featured my daughter’s Finding Nemo inspired birthday party.  One of the fun décor items that I created for the party was a Nemo garland that was used on the front of the cake table.  If you’re planning a little summer pool party and would like to create your own Nemo garland, click on the pink link- Nemo Inspired Template found at the end of this post.  You’ll find two pages, each showing one fish.  Print at least one of the two pages on white card stock… it’s always nice to have an extra though.  Now get out your scissors, pencil, card stock colors of your choice, hole puncher and ribbon.  You’re ready to go!

Simply cut out “Nemo” to create your template and use him to trace the image on your colored card stock.  Then cut out each colored card stock “Nemo” and hole punch around the middle of his tail, then line up a hole punch for the front of the fish.  Going forward make sure all the fish are hole punched in the same spot so the garland is uniform.  I used nine fish to complete the garland for a six-foot long table.  Once you are done with your fish, simply use your ribbon to string them.  Talk about easy!

For your treat table by the pool, an orange and white “Nemo” garland would offset an aqua table-cloth beautifully.  With the aqua color of your pool in the background, and the use of some orange paper plates, napkins, cups and straws. The look should be fabulous!  A rainbow-colored “Nemo” garland would be so much fun too!  I’d love to see how you use the template.  Please share your photos featuring your “Nemo” inspired garland and I’ll post them to Mouse Ears Mom Facebook page for everyone to enjoy!

Nemo Inspired Template

Merry Christmas in July and “Just Keep Swimming.”


Jul
2013

Finding Nemo Party

categories: Disney-Inspired Party Planning

Nemo Cake Table“MAMO!”

This is the word that comes out of my now 2-year-old little girl’s mouth every time she is near a TV.  Mamo is her name for Pixar’s tiny clown fish, Nemo, the star of “Finding Nemo”.  She absolutely adores Nemo and so, “Finding Nemo” was the theme for her second birthday party.

Finding ourselves in the peak of summer, I think a Nemo themed party would be a fun theme for not only a birthday party, but also a neighborhood pool party.  Today, I’d like to share some of the birthday party’s styling highlights with you, so you and your family could splash up some Nemo fun too.

Table centerpiece signageMy daughter loves the outdoors, so we decided to rent out a pavilion at a local state park.  The pavilion had picnic tables for us to use, so the table top space was limited.  I chose to use a few of these small signs for centerpieces on about half of the tables. The sign holders are from Ikea and the signs are scaled down movie posters.

Nemo and spoonsThe other tables had orange, blue, white and pink (had to have pink for my little girl) balloons and various Circuit cutouts of Nemo, and his friends.  The Nemo cut out is pictured to the right with the plastic ware.  To spruce up your party plastic ware, purchase the spoons, forks and knives in the party’s themed colors.  Place each type of utensil in a separate glass container with coordinating ribbon bows.  The polka-dotted orange and white ribbon shown in the photo to the right was used throughout the party.

Nemo BannerThe Nemo inspired garland pictured on the left was used to decorate the front of the cake table although it’s not pictured in the photo.  Later I repurposed the garland to decorate this spot. I made the garland by drawing a stylized version of Nemo on heavy cardstock.  Then I used the template to make more fish on orange and white card stock and connected them with the polka-dotted orange and white ribbon.

Nemo in a bagSince my daughter is only two, I kept the activities really simple.  I believe the kids had the most fun by running around chasing bubbles.  At the end of the day each big kid (2 years old and up) took home their own fish.  The bag was actually clear glycerin soap with a plastic fish in the center. If you would like to make one with your children, you can find a “How To” video on Martha Stewart’s website.  The infants at the party took home a plush fish character from “Finding Nemo” instead.

Adult party giftAll the moms, dads and big people in general took home a container of fish food (Swedish Fish).  I’m not too sure how many actually made it home, since I was asked for refills!  I even heard a little seagull talk…

“Mine.  Mine.  Mine.”

Happy Splashing Everyone!


Jul
2013

Three Ways to View Walt Disney World Fireworks Without Crowds

categories: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

fireworks

Have You Ever Wished…

Have you ever wished that after the grand firework finale ended you and your family had been magically transported to a land where crowds were no more?  Well, if you’ve been to The Walt Disney World Resort before, that thought just may have gone through your mind once…or twice.  Vacationing at “Disney” is a lot of fun and playing hard is work.  By the end of the day most families are exhausted.  Depending on when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort, it may be very crowded too.  There are a few ways for you and your family to see the exceptional fireworks without having to stand amongst a large crowd and then leisurely head to your resort.  Below I have listed three ways that I have been able to experience fireworks on Disney property crowd free.

  1. Chef Mickey's
    Chef Mickey’s

    Plan an evening at The Contemporary Resort. It’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom makes it a perfect viewing location for Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show, Wishes.  The soundtrack from Wishes is broadcasted through speakers outside on the deck of the fourth floor, called the concourse.  The Contemporary Resort has several shops located on the concourse level,  as well as, a great view of the monorail.  There are three table service restaurants to choose from located on different floors of the main building.  I highly recommend Chef Mickey’s for any family with children. This restaurant offers a buffet style dining of extremely yummy food for you to eat while Mickey and his friends take their turns visiting with you and your family at your table .  Be prepared with your cameras and autograph books!  For a romantic evening Mom and Dad, try the California Grill.  The fireworks can be viewed from the balcony outside the restaurant.  Make sure you make Advanced Dining Reservations for either of these restaurants months before you leave for vacation, as the time slots fill fast.  Please note, if you do not have reservations at The Contemporary Resort you will not be allowed to park there.

  2. Plan an evening at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.  The “Boardwalk” is a perfect place to dine at ESPN Club, pick up a slice of pizza to go at the Pizza window or maybe snack on some sweets at the Boardwalk Bakery.  My husband and I love the food at Big River Grille and Brewing Works and also the music at Jellyrolls.  After eating, enjoy the evening entertainment and take a stroll to the bridge that leads you from the Boardwalk to The Yacht and Beach Club.  This bridge is a spectacular viewing location for Epcot’s Illuminations.  Once again, to park at this location you must be planning on spending your evening at The Boardwalk.
  3. Wishes Firework Cruises take place in the Seven Seas Lagoon, as seen here.
    Wishes Firework Cruises take place in the Seven Seas Lagoon, as seen here.

    Plan a very special evening on a Firework Cruise.  Disney offers several Firework cruises, from the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage to Celebration Cruises, all varying in cost.  These cruises are custom designed to let you and your family enjoy the magic of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks or Epcot’s fireworks in the comfort of your own cruise boat.  There is even the option to have the music piped into your cruise boat.  Please see the link below to take you straight to Disney’s site to learn more about this magical Disney offering.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/specialty-cruises/

I hope you and your family enjoyed this 4th of July holiday!


Jul
2013

Teaching at Disney: Top 10 American History Hot Spots at Walt Disney World

categories: Walt Disney World Travel Tips
Photographer: Nat Warren
Photographer: Nat Warren

 

Regardless of when you decide to vacation at The Walt Disney World Resort, there are always great history lessons you can teach your kids while the entire family is having fun.  Below you can find a list of what I believe are the Top 10 American History Hot Spots at Walt Disney World, grouped by theme park.

The Magic Kingdom

  1. The Hall of Presidents– The ultimate American History attraction teaches it’s audience the story of the birth of this nation.  At the end of the film the curtains will reveal all 43 American Presidents together on one stage.
  2. Replicas of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree– Found in Liberty Square, the Liberty Bell is an authentic replica of the actual Liberty Bell found in Philadelphia.  The Liberty Tree is over 100 years old and also pays homage to the original 13 colonies.
  3. Liberty Square Riverboat- When riding this authentic three tiered paddlewheel steam boat, guests listen to a narration from Mark Twain as he describes some of America’s historic events.
  4. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress– Walt’s Disney’s original New York World’s Fair attraction explores the history of 20th Century technology as it applies to one American household.
  5. Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour (10 years old+)- This is a behind the scenes tour (not included in the cost of your daily ticket admission.)  This tour will teach some historical moments in regards to the role trains played in America’s history, but more specifically the tour will teach you about the role that steam trains have played in the history of Walt Disney’s life and the life of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Epcot

6. The American Adventure– This 30 minute show is found in the World Showcase section of Epcot.   Telling the story of America’s history with the use of 35 Audio-Animatronics, it is an experience you won’t forget!

7. American Heritage Gallery– This exhibit, also found in World Showcase, tells the history of  African American achievements over the past 400 years.

Disney Hollywood Studios

8. The Great Movie Ride– This ride on attraction tells the great story of American film.

9. Walt Disney- One Man’s Dream – This “walk at your own pace” attraction showcases the life story of someone who lived the American Dream, Walt Disney.

The Wilderness Lodge Resort (located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area)

10. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Tour–  Although this tour is technically for guests of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge .  I have heard that if you are within the resort during the start of this free tour, you will not be turned away.  The tour will give you a detailed look at the resort and explain the story that the building tells about Native American History.

The next time you visit The Walt Disney World Resort I hope that you take the time to experience these American history hot spots.  Your children will return to school ready to write a history report and you never know, you might learn something about America’s amazing history too!


Jul
2013

Patriotic Mickey Pops

categories: Disney-Inspired Crafts, Disney-Inspired Party Planning, Disney-Inspired Treats

Patriotic Mickey Pops

Showing American Pride Couldn’t Be Sweeter!

My sister-in-law’s birthday is on July 4th.  She’s a big Mickey fan and her FAVORITE cookie is Double Stuffed Oreos. I think that these patriotic Mickey pops will be a perfect birthday treat for her…so shhh, don’t tell her that I made these for her!

If you’d like to make these yummy treats, below is a short tutorial for you to use:

  1. Gather susome suppliespplies: red, white and blue candy melts, cookie lollipop sticks, regular size Oreos as well as mini Oreos, melting cups to use for dipping (I use a 4 cup Pyrex glass measuring cup), squeeze bottles for drizzling, wax paper,  cookie sheets and candy wrapper bags.  I used the large size candy bags that are pictured to the right.  When Mickey’s ears are attached, it’s very hard to fit the pop in a smaller bag.
  2. Separate the top from the bottom of the regular size Oreos. Place the cookie, with the filling still attached, on a waxed covered cookie sheet with the filling side facing up.
  3. Melt the white chocolate in a squeeze bottle.  Once melted, pipe a circle of white chocolate on top of the white Oreo filling.  In that circle of chocolate, place your lollipop stick and then place the top of the cookie back on the cookie, pushing very gently (as to not snap the top of the cookie in two…guess who did that like ten times!).  Continue to do this for all of the cookies you’ve placed on your cookie sheet.
  4. Place the cookies with the lollipop sticks in the refrigerator for five minutes.  This will harden the chocolate, acting like glue and secure the sticks for dipping.
  5. While you Mini Oreoswait for the chocolate to harden, lets move on to Mickey’s Ears. Line another cookie sheet with wax paper.  Then melt the red and blue chocolate in microwave safe cups that are suitable for dipping your cookies. Depending on your preference, dip the mini Oreo in either the red or blue chocolate.  I chose to do both and dipped half of my container of cookies in red and the other in blue.  To dip, I tossed the entire mini cookie in the melted chocolate and used a spoon to take it out, letting the extra chocolate slowly drip off of the cookie’s side, then placed on the cookie sheet.  When finished with them all, place them in the refrigerator and take out your regular size Oreos with the sticks.
  6. A bit less chocolate for the little Mouseketeers.
    A bit less chocolate for the little Mouseketeers.

    Dip the full size Oreos in the remaining red and blue chocolate, and place back on the cookie sheet. Once you’ve completed them all, take the mini Oreos out of the refrigerator, dip the edge of them one more time in their coordinating color and attach them to the full size cookie.  To help everything set, place them back in the refrigerator for another five minutes.  SPECIAL NOTE: To the left I have a picture of what it looks like if you chose to only dip half way.  I did this for my little Mouseketeers, that of course want to try them too!  It’s a touch less chocolate than the full dip and therefore not as heavy on little tummy’s.

  7. Once the ears are set, the drizzling starts!  A quick back and forth motion works well.  You could use a spoon to drizzle your remaining red and blue chocolate or as I did, drizzle white first with my squeeze bottle; let them set for a few minutes, then reused my bottle for the remaining color.
  8. Last but not least, wrap each pop in a candy bag and tie it shut.  Place all of your Patriotic Mickey pops in an air tight container and keep the container in a cool location.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!