DIY Floral Mouse Ears

Lately, I have seen so many pictures on Instagram of floral mouse ears. Being a crafty kind of person, I thought I would try my hand at it. My first stop was to YouTube for some tutorials and they were all pretty similar. I decided to keep it simple and got some great results. This is a very easy craft to do and it takes minimal equipment to make. In fact if you are a crafter you may have a lot of these things around your house. I had to purchase flowers and it happened that fall colors were in season at Joann’s which is perfect for my November vacation.

 

Items needed:
Headband
Small piece of cardboard
1 piece of 9×12 felt
Flowers
6 cotton balls (or polyfill)
Glue gun

Step 1:
Using a glass to make circles on the cardboard. Cut out the circles and use the headband to cut the bottom part of the circle so that it will lay flat on the headband.

 

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Step 2:
Cover the cardboard with felt and glue down. Cut around the felt making an opening at the bottom.

 

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Step 3:
Stuff the front of the felt with some cotton balls to give it some volume. Take an additional piece of felt and glue it down around the edge of the ear.

 

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Step 4:
Glue the ear onto the headband and then start adding flowers. I started on the inside edges and worked my way around. Once the front is dried start on the back and finally cover the edges.
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Viola! You have your own floral mouse ears! You will find these are easy to customize with a bow, small LED lights, or even changing the placement of different colored flowers.

 

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I’d love to see a picture of your ears in the comments or on our Facebook page!

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New Show at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Disney plans for a new show at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party! This new show “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features the ladies from Hocus Pocus, Winifred, Sarah, and Mary with appearances by Oogie, Boogies, Maleficent, Dr. Facilier and other villains. The sisters are using all their magic to throw the vest evil Halloween party ever.

Photo via Disney.

Photo via Disney.

If Disney does it well this could be an amazing new addition to the hard ticketed Halloween Party. Considering Hocus Pocus is 22 years old it is a surprising, but this movie is a classic and Disney does like to take their time when adding new features to their parks. Disney does stipulate that it will only be shown on certain nights in the Magic Kingdom from September 15-November 1st so be sure to arrive early and stake out your spot to see this one of a kind show!

Disney Cruise Line News Round Up May 2015

Photo via Disney Parks Blog

Photo via Disney Parks Blog

*Disney recently announced fall 2016 sailings and the biggest excitement was the return to New York! Along with the Big Apple Disney will be sailing from Miami Fl and Galveston TX.

The sailings from New York to the Bahamas includes a stop at Walt Disney World and includes a park hopper ticket plus round trip transportation. And of course since you are in the Bahamas a trip to Castaway Cay is in order.

Also there will be one five night sailing to Canada with stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.

In Miami, they are now offering seven night sailings to the Western and Eastern Caribbean and all will include a stop at Castaway Cay.

Galveston will also feature seven night sailings for the Bahamas and Western Caribbean and even a four night to Cozumel, Mexico.

These booking open May 20th so get with your trusty travel agent to get yourself booked!

*River Cruising was announced earlier this year by Disney and they have now added two more sailings for 2016. The first is a seven night Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany on the Danube. It includes stops in Slovakia and Austria.

*Halloween on the High Seas for 2015 has been announced!

  • Dream: Sept 7 – Oct 30
  • Fantasy: Sept 5 – Oct 31
  • Magic: Oct 4 – 28
  • Wonder: Oct 1 – 23

Here are some of the activities according to Disney Cruise Line’s website:

  • Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, an atrium party scare-a-bration (in addition to Pirate Night) with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, dancing and some favorite Disney Pals in their Halloween attire
  • Halloween-themed activities for all ages, including mask-making and pumpkin-carving
  • Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where you’re part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally
  • Haunted Stories of the Sea – a campfire-style storytelling experience on the deck
  • Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids – an adults-only party that includes a costume contest

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*The Very Merrytime Cruises for 2015 have also been announced!

  • Dream: Nov 9 – Dec 24
  • Fantasy: Nov 14 – Dec 19
  • Magic: Nov 11 – Dec 23
  • Wonder: Nov 6 – Dec 24

Here are some of the activities to look forward to if you sail during this time:

  • Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night, with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities
  • Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa and his elves
  • Meet-and-Greets with some favorite Disney Characters, dressed in their holiday attire
  • Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—private celebrations where teens and tweens can hang out with new friends
  • Holiday storytelling, with new and old tales about holidays at sea and around the world
  • Themed activities and crafts for kids—decorate stockings, make holiday cards, go on a holiday scavenger hunt and more
  • A life-sized gingerbread house made completely with edible ingredients—and the opportunity to make your own gingerbread house
  • Holiday merchandise available for this event

*October 4-24, 2015 the Disney Dream will go into dry dock and there will be some really exciting changes coming to the ship. There will be a new Star Wars themed area, a candy store insprired by Wreck it Ralph and the addition of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! But Disney didn’t forget the adults, they will also be adding Satellite Falls to the Dream, this is an adults only area sure to please.

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*With the coming addition of a Rapunzel stage show we just don’t know what we are most excited about! 2015 and 2016 are going to be the best time to take a Disney Cruise!

Disney News Round-Up April 2015

Here is the latest Disney news round-up!

Captain Eo is leaving again to make way for an exclusive sneak peek at the new Tomorrowland film starring George Clooney. This will take place in the Imagination Pavilion from April 18- May 24th.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/its-almost-time-for-an-exclusive-sneak-peek-of-disneys-tomorrowland-only-in-disneyparks/

Brand new Dooney and Bourke handbags coming April 25. And boy are they ever adorable. Of the two I am loving the Beach themed bag!
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/new-dooney-bourke-collections-coming-to-marketplace-co-op-at-walt-disney-world-resort-on-april-25/

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

If you are more interested in some Disneyland themed Dooney and Bourke bags there are also some new ones for the Diamond Celebration!http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/disneyland-resort-diamond-celebration-dooney-bourke-collection-coming-soon/

A fatal accident was reported at the Richard Petty Driving Experience outside of the Magic Kingdom on April 12, 2015. A 36 year old male passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was taken to the hospital. Richard Petty Driving Experience is slated to close on August 8th.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-richard-petty-fatality-20150412-story.html

According to a report from WDW News Today, using Selfie Sticks while on attractions at Walt Disney World has been banned. This use of these have gotten very popular so it is unsurprising that Disney has decided to ban the use of them for the safety of everyone on an attraction.

Tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are now on sale. If you are planning to go it is a great idea to purchase in advance. Not only do they sell out but tickets are also more expensive at the gate.

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

Additionally, Night of Joy tickets are also now for sale. This hard ticket even takes place on September 11 and 12, 2015 in the Magic Kingdom. Night of Joy is two nights of Christian music and family fun from 7pm-1am and features these performers

September 11, 2015

  • TobyMac
  • MercyME
  • Jeremy Camp
  • Colton Dixon
  • Big Daddy Weave
  • Francesca Battistelli
  • Rend Collective
  • I Am They
  • Josh Wilson

September 12, 2015

  • Skillet
  • Lecrae
  • For King & Country
  • Mandisa
  • Matt Maher
  • Jamie Grace
  • 7eventh Time Down
  • Veridia

The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs (Downtown Disney) will be opening on April 12, 2015 but reservations are now available! The menu looks pretty delicious, especially if you like seafood!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney/boathouse-restaurant/

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

As always things change quickly so be sure to check back for more news!

Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line?

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If you are thinking of a Disney vacation but aren’t sure where you should go, you aren’t alone! Plenty of people struggle with this issue since they are two very different types of vacations yet they still overlap in some aspects. So, let’s dig in and see which one might be right for you!

If you have been to Walt Disney World frequently and often you might find yourself wanting to avoid the crowds, heat, or construction. This is the perfect time to consider a Disney Cruise. You won’t see cranes or walls in ‘go away green”, a drained moat or attractions under refurbishment.

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A big perk is that a Disney Cruise vacation is pretty all inclusive, your food and some of the drinks, child care (unless they are under 3) all part of it. There are some things you have to pay extra, but you don’t have to budget for food or pay for the dining plan or even for a pop. You don’t have to do an excursion, as the ship offers plenty of activities even while in port! In fact this is a great time to swim as you will have the pool to yourself.

The lack of lines and crowds is also a huge point to Disney Cruise Line! Sure you might stand in line for the AquaDuck or AquaDunk but you don’t have to stand in line for EVERYTHING! You go right on in at dinner time, and food lines move very quickly because of all the choices.

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No construction or closed attractions! Yes we all know that attractions need to be maintained and repaired and changes are being made to Downtown Disney, and every single park to make things better but in the meantime there is no need to look at the construction walls, a half dismantled hat, or a gorgeous statue covered in a box.

New experiences and places! If you have never traveled abroad or want to visit a new country, a cruise is the perfect option! You can show your sweetie or your children new places with the Disney difference. This can also show you where you might want to take your next vacation, a place you never thought to go to before getting a taste while visiting on a cruise.

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You can have adult time! Of course we all love our little precious bundles of joy whether they are still a bundle or a teenager, but it is lovely to have a break as well. If you followed along with my recent Disney Cruise Line trip report you will see a common thread: my daughter LOVED the youth clubs! She spent a lot of time in them having fun with new friends and Disney friends. She played games, did crafts, had lunch, played in the play areas, had a pajama party and even performed on stage. This really makes is possible to have a relaxing vacation while you all have fun.

So now that we have covered Disney Cruise Line let’s look at a Walt Disney World Vacation!
If you have never been you should correct that ASAP. It is never too late or too early for a first visit. The parks are jam-packed with things to do! If you love rollercoasters, boat rides, stage shows, character meets, delicious food and fireworks you will love it! Food it a big deal at Disney! You can do so many character meals and meet princesses, Pooh and friends, Mickey and gang, the Disney Junior crew and even special events to meet Star Wars characters or Disney Villains! Sure you can get burgers and fries, (delicious ones at that) but you can also get 5 star dining, buffets and everything in between. Plus this doesn’t even touch on snacks *coughDOLEWHIPcough*. Just get that dining plan, you won’t regret it!

The whole family can get in on the fun! Walt Disney created his original park, Disneyland, out of a desire to be able to enjoy his Sunday with his daughters, a place where the whole family can have fun. This means the height restrictions are few and low. So that a tall 4 year old can get on the rollercoasters and enjoy themselves. The characters have come right out of your favorite movie or show and everyone loves to meet their favorite mouse!

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Special events, no one does them like Disney. Granted they are usually at an extra cost but if you use that as your park day you won’t regret going to the Halloween or Christmas parties! The parks are completely decked out and so are the characters and guests.   You can seem amazing Christmas lights, parades and firework shows, sure to bring delight to all!

Disney Resorts are all pretty grand too! They have a hotel for all budgets and the perks of staying there are many. No need to rent a car, let Disney do all the driving! And get more hours in the parks with smaller crowds! Of if you don’t want to leave your resort you have amazingly well themed pools and some have waterslides. During the day many will have activities for kids at the pool and resorts. Most have some delicious food offerings too! Or if you want to be active you can rent a bike, water craft, fishing poles, go for a walk, and take a trip to Downtown Disney. And then that evening you can watch a movie outside or roast marshmallows over a fire!

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There are 4 parks and 2 water parks! Which means there is so much to do! You can choose to stay at your resort or Downtown Disney for a day but if the parks are open that is where I want to be! You can see animals on safari, watch a veterinary procedure and ride a rollercoaster all in one park. They are so diverse and entertaining that you will have plenty of things to fill your day at each park.

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So now it is up to you to decide! You can put the question to your travelling party and see what they are interested in doing while on vacation. No matter which you choose you really cannot go wrong!

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2015

The dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party have been released for 2015.  Tickets go on sale in April!

September
   15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27

October
1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

November
 1

Be sure to get your tickets early since some of the parties can and will sell out!

If you are unfamiliar with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you should know it is a hard ticketed event that takes place in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on select dates in the fall.  There is a limited number of tickets sold and after 7pm the park is closed to only those with party tickets.  This is a really amazing event with fireworks, a special parade and rare character meets.

New Event during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for 2014

Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle is a new addition to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom in fall 2014. The event is $99 plus tax on top of the price ticket for the party.

Here is the description for the party and what is included with that price.

 Join Lady Tremaine and her villainous friends at the witching hour for the season’s most decadent dessert party. Taking place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party, it’s the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle!

 

Set within the majestic halls of Cinderella’s Royal Table, don’t miss your chance to meet a menagerie of malevolent special guests—all while you indulge in devilish desserts and wicked entertainment.

 

As the evening continues, follow fellow Guests to the dining room, where the surroundings have transformed into an upscale, villainous atmosphere. Inside, enjoy the eerie entertainment as a piano player provides live music, accompanied by a few haunting solos from Lady Tremaine herself.

 

By purchasing a ticket to both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle, you’ll receive preferred viewing for the 8:15 performance of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, as well preferred viewing for the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular.

 

Plus, you’ll be treated to the Dessert Soiree at Cinderella’s Table—a delightful affair where you can feast your senses on Lady Tremaine’s eerie musical talents, over-the-top desserts and specialty non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll even receive an autograph card and a souvenir Maleficent dragon cup!

Dates for the Halloween party with the Dessert Soiree at Cinderella’s Royal Table, taking place at both 10:15 PM and 11:45 PM on September 1, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 28 and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31, 2014; and at 10:15 PM only on September 14, 19, and 21, 2014.

If you would like more information or to make reservations contact your favorite Dole Whipped agent at dolewhipped@gmail.com or call Disney directly.