The Next Adventure!

from http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/explore-map/

Today I wanted to share with you my next adventure! I'm pretty excited and can't wait to tell you all about it.

From January - early April 2016, I'll be living in Fort Myers, Florida! I'll be staying with my sister (my aunt and uncle also live there) and am very excited. This has been in the works for the last few months but now I've got all the details worked out so I wanted to keep you all in the loop.

I'm so incredibly excited, I could burst.

I'll be able to do a lot of cool things this winter; I'm so excited to share those experiences with all of you. I'll be closer to the theme parks (not just Disney but also Universal, Sea World, etc) and so can bring you even more up-to-date news, pictures and videos. I also want to explore other Florida vacation spots and attractions, too, and share that information with you. I've got all sorts of ideas in mind, but I'm really open to any of your ideas and hope you'll share with me the types of things you'd like to see.

I'm also collaborating with my friend Krista and the Living the Dream Podcast team and will have many more opportunities to bring you along on some awesome media experiences including meet and greets with Disney royalty, movie premiers, openings of new attractions, etc.

I'm very excited to bring you along on this new adventure! Stay tuned for more info!

Have a magical day!

My Summer Challenge - 2015

Hello, folks! I'm back from Disneyland and spoiler alert, had an AMAZING time. I can't wait to share it all with you in the coming weeks and months so never fear! Those posts are coming.  Coming VERY soon.

But first things first. Today I was thinking about my upcoming summer, and all the fun (and some not-so-fun but necessary) things I would like to do and accomplish this summer. If you'll remember, around Christmas time I published a list here of ways I was going to stay present in the season as time marched towards December 25th. I feel that similar to the holiday season, summer has a tendency to get away from me and BAM before I know it, it's Labor Day again.

So in that spirit, here's my Summer Challenge 2016 list. I must have a list, because I am Type A and having something I can refer to and cross-off is my jam.

* Read at least two books a month.

I love to read but I don't always seem to make time. Or, when I have a free night I pop in a movie or watch Hulu. But I have a list a MILE long of books I want to read and this is the time to make a serious dent in that list. I read just about everything - mystery, non-fiction, long books, short books, serious books and silly books...I'm an equal opportunity reader.

A good friend and I are going to Vero Beach in July and we've already decided we're going to select a book to read separately before our vacation, so we can discuss it together while we're there.

* Have firepit nights in the backyard.

My backyard is the current bane of my existence (SO MANY PLANTS) but I do have an awesome firepit and patio, constructed by the former owners. I'd like to make a standing "smores and wine night" with my friends once a month, where we talk and laugh and eat chocolate late into the evening hours. And the best part? It'll be dark, so you can totally rock your PJs if you want. Winning!

* Visit at least three of the museums in my state.

The only thing that rivals my love for Disney and travel is my love for history and museums. I've been to lots in other states but very few here in Iowa, and since most are within a few hours drive, I want to see at least 3 such museums by summer's end.

On the list so far are the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque (their feature this summer is a Titanic exhibit), and the Hebert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

* Create a (cheap) summer oasis in my backyard.

I've got some nice patio furniture but I really want to create a retreat / summer oasis in my backyard for little money. I'm thinking of a hammock, some tiki torches, those large-bulb string lights everywhere and perhaps a kiddy pool that I can dangle my feet in and pretend I'm in the pool at Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge.

* Get control of the clutter and clean out / get rid of things I don't use.

It couldn't ALL be fun! My house has become a cesspool of crap I never use, so I'm committing to going through a box or a closet once a week and either give items to Goodwill, sell or throw them away. I want an uncluttered house by this fall! (I'll keep you posted on how this goes.)

I've started a new rule in my house - when one thing comes in, another thing goes out (except for consumables like food, toiletries, etc). If I buy a tote or purse - another one goes on eBay or gets donated. I buy a pair of shoes, another pair gets donated or thrown out.

* Create a chore schedule and (try to) stick to it.

Ooh wow, a chore chart! So much fun. (That was sarcasm, by the way.) This sounds like a dopey summer goal but hear me out. I tend to clean ALL AT ONCE until it cannot possibly be put off any longer. I do dishes and wipe down the bathroom sink every day, stuff like that - but vacuuming and dusting and more intense cleaning is left until the very last minute. And then cleaning ends up taking hours when if I just did a little each day, I'd be so much better off.

So I'm going to create a chart and assign certain tasks each day that won't take more than 1/2 hour, at most. Rather than be overwhelmed with a 3-4 hour Saturday cleaning schedule, I'd rather do a little bit each day. If it goes well, hopefully I'll continue with it.

And if I get really crazy and feel adventurous, I might add a more intense task each week like cleaning baseboards or washing the outside of the windows. Adulthood, kids - it's always SUPER fun and exciting.

How will you be spending your summer? What are your goals / tasks / etc?

Have a magical day!

Let's Have Some Fun! (And help a good cause, too!)

Today, I wanted to bring you a little something different; an opportunity to learn about a neat product AND a chance to help others. 

My friend Leslie introduced me to Jamberry nails about 6 months ago, and I think they're pretty cool! If you're not familiar with Jamberry, they are nail wraps (in tons of fun colors and patterns) that you attach to your nails for a fun at-home manicure (called a Jamicure)! Wraps last up to a few weeks on your fingernails, and can last up to 5 weeks on your toes! I really like the Jams (as they're called) and as someone who's inept at doing her own nails, I really like this option. I also like combining the nail wraps with painted nails, to create a fun and unique look.

Leslie and I wanted to bring you a fun game involving Disney and the Jamberry nails, AND also have a component where you could help others, too!

Is anyone familiar with the term Disneybounding? For those who aren't, Disneybounding is when you evoke the look or feel of a Disney character by your clothes, makeup, hair, nails, etc. For instance, instead of wearing a Cinderella costume you could create the look of Cinderella with your hair in an undo, wearing a pair of blue pants and a sparkly tee-shirt, and clear Jelly shoes or slippers. It's all about creating the essence of a character without necessarily wearing a costume.

So with that in mind, below there are 11 pictures of clothes, accessories, and Jamberry nail wraps that evoke the look and feel of some popular Disney characters. Want to pay a game, and have a chance to win a $25 Jamberry gift card? To be entered to win, you must:

 - Guess the character that each picture represents, AND name at least 2 of the Jamberry wraps posted with each character picture. To look up the names of the wraps, visit Leslie's site at http://violetberry.jamberrynails.net/

 - When you have all your guesses, email them to me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com - I'll be taking guesses until Noon central on Wednesday, February 25th.

 - For those who answers all 11 pictures correctly (name of character and at least 2 of the Jams pictured), I'll place your names in a drawing. The one I draw out wins the $25 Jamberry gift card!

Now, remember I told you about a charitable component?  Along with the game, on Wednesday February 25th, Leslie and I will be hosting an online Jamberry party on Facebook where you can learn more about the nails, play some fun games and order them for yourself, if you'd like! To join the event, please click on the link below!

https://www.facebook.com/events/730640917033224/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Here comes the fun part - instead of having a traditional hostess, who would earn free wraps based on the sales of the party, we are going to donate the hostess benefits to an AWESOME organization called The Princes Project. Their mission is to "promote self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them." SO cool, right?! So not only will you be able to purchase some fun Jamberry nails for yourself, you'll also be able to help out a great organization and help these young ladies have a really special and fun prom.

I will remind you on the Facebook group, on Twitter and Instagram, but be sure and RSVP for the party and join us on Wednesday night, February 25th, at 8PM Central!

In the meantime, have fun with the game below and I can't wait to hear your answers!

Have a magical day!

You can also find Leslie at her Facebook group, Violetberry Jams, at https://www.facebook.com/groups/violetberryjams/ and on Instagram at violet.berry.

If you have a product you'd like us all to know about, and would like The Most Delightful Place to host an online party to benefit a charitable organization, please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com and let's talk! 

Sunday with Friends - Penny Pettigrew

Happy Sunday, everyone! Hope you're all having a great weekend so far. Since it's Sunday, you know what that means: Sunday with Friends!

So without further ado, here is our next Friend - Penny Pettigrew.

* Hi, Penny! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Rocket Scientist for NASA currently supporting the International Space Station as a Payloads Communications Manager (PAYCOM) which really means I get to talk to the astronauts living and working on the Space Station to help them complete their science experiments. It's a lot like Space Camp but the real thing! I am also mom to a wonderfully talented daughter, Aspen age 8.

* What is your favorite time of year to visit the Disney parks or sail Disney Cruise Line?

CHRISTMAS! I love the Disney Parks at Christmas time! Nothing gets me in the mood for the holidays like strolling down Main Street, sipping hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music while it snows soap bubbles! :) I think Disney can turn any Scrooge into a Christmas Angel!

* If you had to pick your favorite attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, what would it be?

This is really difficult because I grew up on Disneyland but now frequent Disney World since I live closer to it now. Growing up, it was all about the Matterhorn! I stood in line for hours to ride through that snow-covered mountain. I also loved Splash Mountain both at WDW and DL. I always felt that Song of the South got a bad rap so I enjoy Zip-a-dee-doo-daing through the ride!

* Tell us a story about one of your favorite memories from your Disney vacation(s).

I never thought my daughter would take her first cruise before the age of 3 (especially when I was an adult before I took my first cruise), but we took our first Disney Cruise just prior to her 3rd birthday and there has been no looking back since! We just took our 10th cruise - Southern Caribbean on the Magic (can you say PLATINUM?!) - and recommend them to everyone who will listen. We have experienced our fair share of magic in the parks, but nothing beats the magic on a Disney cruise! From that first cruise, our daughter gravitated toward Chip-n-Dale. Just the 3 of them twirling around (and no one lost their head!). This then became a tradition and she has continued to try to get Chip-n-Dale to cartwheel with her. Not only has she succeeded, but last cruise she was also successful at getting Donald to do a cartwheel...in his tux on formal night! She really views the characters as old friends she hasn't seen in awhile so she still takes every opportunity to play with these friends when she can and THAT is MAGICAL to me!

* If you had a friend visiting a Disney park or sailing on Disney Cruise Line for the first time, what tip(s) would you give them?

A little planning goes a long way, but don't think you are going to see and do everything in one trip. If you try, you will be exhausted and possibly disappointed. Take time to soak in the magic and appreciate the details around you that make a Disney destination unlike any other. From the smells, the sounds, the colors, the people - they all play a part in creating the Disney Magic. Also, take time to talk to the cast members as they are the true heart behind the Disney Magic.

(And remember -  if you'd like to participate as well - send me an email to katie@mouseworldtravel.com!)

Thank you for sharing, Penny!

Have a magical day!

Let's Chat: With Mar from Mar Has That Bow!

When I see cool products and fun ways to bring Disney into your everyday life, I want to share them with you. Sharing is caring, right?

So, out of that desire to speak with other fun members of the Disney fan community and talk about how they show their love for Disney through creativity, a new feature on the blog was born - Let's Chat!

For our first installment I am super excited to bring you my chat with Mar from Mar Has That Bow! I have followed her on Instagram the last year or so and was immediately attracted to the ADORABLE bows she makes. She's super talented AND a really nice lady, and I can't wait for you all to check out the bows.

But first, Mar was nice enough to answer a few questions and share about her bows....so without further ado, Let's Chat!

* Your bows are super cute and creative! Where do you get your inspiration, and how do you choose what characters to feature?

Thank you so much! It's funny because I actually got the idea from the Minnie/Mickey mouse ears they sell at Disney World. I wanted another accessory that wasn't necessarily ears because they can't be worn in different ways, bows are more versatile.

In the beginning I used to choose my favorite characters, but with time I've learned which characters are the most popular ones or which ones my Bowtifuls like the most. Sometimes I also choose depending on what movie I watched that week, or I also get requests for custom ones that remind me of certain characters that aren't so popular.

[Mar calls her followers Bowtifuls -- how cute is that?!]

* How long have you been making bows?

It's been exactly one year and four months since I started Mar Has That Bow and I feel so blessed to have started, not only have I made bows, I've met some of the most amazing and wonderful people throughout.

* As an adult woman, I am ALL over the bows, I would totally rock them at the parks and on the cruise line! Do you have a lot of adults who buy the bows for themselves, vs their kids?

OMG yes! Honestly, believe it or not, I have more adults buying the bows for themselves than for their kids! And I love it, I mean who says adults can't wear bows, right? I also get a lot of mothers that want matching bows for them and their little princessess and I find that absolutely adorable.

* Which Disney destination is your favorite? And what Disney places are still on your travel bucket list?

This is a difficult one because I have been to Disney World, Disneyland Paris and on Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay is amazing!) and although I love them all, Disney World is home and it will hold my heart forever.

I would still love to visit Disneyland in California and in Tokyo as well as the Aulani Disney resort [in Hawaii] and more Disney cruises!

* OK, now for a silly question. What Disney character for you identify with, who best describes you?

Belle definitely ever since I was a little girl; I absolutely loved everything about her and the entire movie. However, my favourite characters in the movies are usually the grumpy ones, I don't know why but I absolutely love them (Grumpy from Snow White and Archimedes from The Sword in the Stone are my favourites).

Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog and thank you to all the Bowtifuls out there who have supported me on this journey!

Thank YOU, Mar! It was great to chat with you. Now, off to order my bows! :)

Because she's such a super sweetie, Mar is offering readers of The Most Delightful Place a discount on her items, now through March 15th, 2015! Just use code READER for 10% off of your order! Thanks, Mar! You can find her site at www.marhasthatbow.bigcartel.com.

And please follow her on social media! You'll be glad you did! Her Instagram account can be found at marhasthatbow.

Have a magical day!

A Mid-January Giveaway!

While I was at Walt Disney World in late December, I picked up a few items to share with all of you. The first item? This SUPER cool New Year 2014/2015 pin!

Want a chance to win it? Just enter via the Rafflecopter below! :) There are three ways you can get points towards the drawing:

* Follow The Most Delightful Place on Pinterest

* Follow The Most Delightful Place on Twitter

* Leave a blog comment on ANY blog post, past or present!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The raffle starts today, and will end at Midnight on Friday the 16th. I'll use Rafflecopter to draw a random winner, and I'll share the winner on Monday!

Be sure and share with your friends ~ the more the merrier!  :)

All Good Things, All Good Things!

(Who can tell me where my title is from?!) 

Hi everyone!  I hope you're doing well.  There are some BIG happenings coming up on this little 'ole blog in August and September, and I cannot wait to share them with you.

Coming attractions include:

* Sarah from Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW (check out her website HERE) will be doing a guest post, Special Diets 101. Sarah is an awesome resource for those with dietary needs who are vacationing at Disney, and I am very excited for her to share that knowledge with us!  Thank you again, Sarah!

* Giveaways!  Prizes!  Free stuff!  WOO HOO! Coming up in August, I'll have some awesome products and fun Disney items that you can win.  Stay tuned!

* Yours Truly will be on the Disney Parks Podcast!  I am super pumped to chat with Krista and Tony about all things Disney. I tape on August 25th, and I will let you know when you can listen to it on their website, or download it on iTunes. In the meantime, check out the podcast site HERE and listen to their past episodes.  They're very fun and enjoyable; podcasts are a great "fix" for Disney lovers to feel a part of the magic year-round.

* LIVE reports from Walt Disney World & the Disney Cruise Line.  I hope to do some live video feeds from WDW, and to check in with all of you quite a few times during the week.  Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter so you can get all the updates! (Links for my social media accounts are above.)

The next few months are shaping up to be very exciting and I am looking forward to sharing it all with you!

As always - have a magical day!

Very funny, Florida, very funny!

The picture below as making the rounds of social media this last week.  As the rest of the country was suffering from freezing temperatures, snow storms and ice, Florida was just hanging out in its sunglasses, sunbathing & mocking us.  :)

We're headed down to the land of 70 and 80 degree temperatures in just a few weeks - I hope the nice weather holds while we're there!

And if you're looking to escape the frozen tundra this winter, get in touch with me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com - I'd love to help you plan a trip to Sunny Florida!