Multiple Magic continued…

One of the scariest things that a MOM can face is letting their multiples loose in a crowded place.  Personally, the more I can contain my toddler twins, the better.  However, I proved myself wrong on our last trip to WDW.  LET THEM WALK, AND WALK AND WALK SOME MORE!  Why?  They got exhausted and when we returned to our resort for naptime or bedtime, it was much easier staying consistent with our sleeping routine.  (We all know how important staying in a routine is when you have multiples.)  Now don’t get me wrong, a stroller is still a necessity especially when you have to move through the parks quickly to grab a FASTPASS or to get a seat for the parades.  Plus, it is inevitable that your children will need a break from walking and should be put in the stroller, but this is the time to let go of your fears of giving your multiples freedom; where else would you feel comfortable enough to do this?  The most magical place on Earth of course!

Multiple Magic: When the fighting starts between multiples, which it always does, put one child in the stroller and let the other one walk.  This is a great solution to not having a “time out” spot!

Mom’s Panel Pandemonium

At precisely 7:53  PM this evening, my phone rang and “blocked” appeared on my caller ID.  Could it be Disney?  No, round two emails were not sent out yet.  But…maybe the Mom’s Panel judges are doing things differently this year…hmmm.  “Hello?” 

“May I speak to Nicole please?”

“This is she.”

“Hi Nicole, this is Rick from the Walt Disney World Resort.”

Oh my God!  It is the Mom’s Panel!  They are calling me to interview me!  They decided to conduct the application process a little bit differently this year!  Okay, breathe…Why is Rick laughing?  Wait, why do I hear my husband’s laughter upstairs?  Hold on a second…

“The funniest thing is that you believed it!” said my husband.

Well, I think that my Mom’s Panel pandemonium has reached a new level today.  My husband is starting to crack.  Every day I have been talking, dreaming and obsessing over getting a spot on the Mom’s Panel.  When I am not envisioning what I am going to wear on the plane ride down to the training in December or the Christmas ornament I will buy to commemorate my achievement (a pink personalized one from Disney’s Days of Christmas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace) or the moment I put on my pink jacket and take a picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle, I am obsessing over what I wrote in my application and crossing out days on my countdown calendar until round two emails may arrive.  I am constantly also constantly reading DIS Boards outloud as my husband and I sit on the couch at night and before we go to bed I tell him again how amazing it would be to help hundreds of people plan their dream vacation. 

So, dear husband, you will just have to endure another month and a half of me obsessing.  It will all be worth it in the end. 🙂

Mickey Mouse for Multiples

Here are my top picks for rides/attractions to take little ones on.  From my experience with my twins, I am happy to report that these were “Tiggeriffic” all the way around. (Head over to the WDW Resort web site for a full description of each attraction.)

Magic Kingdom

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh*
• Peter Pan’s Flight*
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic* (At two years old, my kids loved this one!)
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin*
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• It’s a Small World
• Cinderella’s Golden Carousel
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Country Bear Jamboree
• The Enchanted Tiki Room
• Cinderella’s Castle (Sometimes you may see Captain Hook and Peter Pan running around!)

Hollywood Studios

• Toy Story Mania*
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid*
• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (a personal favorite)

EPCOT

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Spaceship Earth
• Circle of Life
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Image Works

A lot of the pavilions have kid-friendly activities even if your kids are too little to experience the rides/attractions.

Animal Kingdom

• Kilimanjaro Safaris*
• The Boneyard
• Affection Section
• Cretaceous Trail
• Discovery Island Trail
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Trail

* denotes FASTPASS available for these attractions

Next Post: Shows for little ones….

Mickey Mouse for Multiples…continued

Many parents may ask, “How can I go on rides when I have little ones who do not meet the requirements to ride?”  Of course, Disney has an answer for that!  My next helpful hint for MOMs (Mothers of Multiples) traveling to WDW is Rider Swap.  This is a great option for anyone with little ones visiting the WDW Theme Parks, but is especially great for parents of multiples because it gives you flexibility.  Rider Swap allows one adult to experience the ride/attraction while the other adult stays with the kids.  When the first adult is done, he or she “swaps” places with the other adult, who now gets to experience the ride/attraction without waiting on line again!  GENIUS!  Everyone is happy!  All you need to do is speak to a cast member at the ride/attraction entrance and tell them that you would like to use Rider Swap.

Multiple Magic:  Grab a FASTPASS for a “hot” attraction like Space Mountain.  Go on a ride or attraction that the whole family can enjoy then head back to Space Mountain, turn in your FASTPASS and use Rider Swap.  Both adults can quickly enjoy a jolt of adrenaline on Space Mountain, there is a minimal wait time  for the kids (reducing the chances for multiple meltdowns) and everyone is happy!  Hot dog! 🙂

 

 

Mickey Mouse for Multiples

Being a mom to three-year old twins is a wilder ride than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!  With the increasing number of families with multiples, there are more and more multiples going to meet Mickey Mouse!  Some people might say, “What is the big deal?  In our family we have two or three kids.  We travel all the time.”  It is a unique experience that only parents of multiples can truly understand. I know that I wouldn’t have had the courage to fly and drive to WDW and sail on the Disney Dream without the encouragement and advice of seasoned MOMs (Mothers Of Multiples).   So MOMs, I hope this my experiences shared in this post is helpful as you prepare for your next WDW vacation!

Simultaneously trying to meet the needs of two or more children who are the same age can be difficult at home.  However, being away from home, with only two parents can be overwhelming, especially during mealtimes, nap times and :0 the inevitable meltdowns.  Unfortunately with multiples, there isn’t an older sibling who can somewhat take care of him or herself or lend a hand.  

Fear not MOMs.  Here are some of my top hints to making any WDW vacation with multiples a magical, memorable one.

1. BABY CARE CENTERS.  In each theme park there is a baby care center that is AMAZING!!  These centers are places for parents and their kids to take a break, change a diaper, have a snack, or purchase any necessary baby essentials that you may have forgotten or have run out of.  These centers are SO CLEAN and the cast members there are incredibly helpful.  They are stocked with baby food, formula, diapering supplies and clothing which can all be purchased.  Each changing table is wiped down by a cast member after each use and clean piece of paper (like the kind a the doctor’s office) put on top.  There are also microwaves and water coolers to prepare baby food and formula.  On top of that, the restrooms there are clean and never crowded! 

When my son had an explosive poopy diaper and we did not have a change of clothes for him, the cast member gave us a voucher to go to Mouse Gear and get him a new outfit FOR FREE!  He was a clean, warm and happy little man after that, which allowed us to enjoy EPCOT for the rest of the afternoon!

Multiple Magic:  Mom, you don’t have to worry about your other baby (or babies) running out of the restroom.  Set them in front of the Disney cartoons and crayons and a cast member will play with them while you change your other baby’s diaper! 

Check out the WDW Resort web page for specific Baby Care Center locations.

2. STROLLER RENTALS:  One word: AWESOME!  It can get pretty tiring pretty fast when one parent has to manuever the double (or triple) stroller on and off of the bus or monorail.  The other parent is left trying to get the babies/toddlers/kids on or off of the bus or monorail by himself.  Try doing this at park closing when everyone is exhausted, little ones are likely sleeping and the buses or monorail is packed.  You need as many hands as you can get!  RENT A STROLLER!  For a very reasonable rental fee (check out the WDW Resort web page for the fees), you can rent a single or double stroller for the day.  The strollers are roomy, clean and easy to maneuver.  Pick them up at the park entrance and drop them off as you exit the park. 

 What I LOVE about the stroller rental is the length of stay rental ticket!  You can purchase a rental for the length of your WDW vacation and simply need to show your receipt  each time you want to pick up the strollers.  So, if you are leaving to go back to your resort at nap time, drop off your strollers and hop on the monorail or bus.  Then when you come back for the evening, show the cast member your receipt and pick up a stroller again.  IT IS SO EASY!  I will never schlep my double stroller with me again!

Multiple Magic:  Rent two single strollers instead of one double stroller.  First, this cuts down on the inevitable bickering, hair pulling, smacking and pinching between siblings.  Next, this allows parents a little bit of freedom; Dad can take one baby to get Fast Passes for Winnie the Pooh while Mom can go pick up Mickey ice cream bars with the other baby!

To Be Continued…

I DID IT!!!!!

Today was the day….September 12th…I applied to be on the Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel!  I truly hope that my love and passion for Disney shines through, as well as my desire to be on the Mom’s Panel.  When I think about wearing the pink jacket and standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle with the other Moms, I get a “rumbly (of excitement) in my tumbly!”  This is one of those dreams that I can see, hear, smell, feel and even taste!!  I know the competition is very tough, but I did my best, working over three hours to write and proofread my answers on the application.  So now I am just continuing to have, “Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust!”

 

EXCITING –WDW Mom’s Panel

I am so pumped!!!  I got a message on my facebook page from a WDW Mom’s Panel member!  I was reading her blog, Memory Maker Mom,  and was immediately struck by her magical Disney spirit.  She is the embodiment of a WDW Mom.  I am touched that she sent me good wishes and Pixie Dust.  Please check out her posts and her beautiful blog.  I hope to meet her one day when(crossing my fingers and toes) I get accepted to the WDW Mom’s Panel.

A Must for any Disney Family Celebration!

Today is August 1st!  43 days until applications open!!!

So, I haven’t been blogging over the past week or updated the Interactive Calendar.  Unfortunately, a nasty summer cold has been going around and we got it:( . Thank goodness, we are finally up and running again! I am so sorry to my faithful readers; thank you for your patience.

Now, a must for any Disney family:  a Mickey and Minnie birthday bash!!  We celebrated my twins’ third birthday with a Mickey and Minnie party and they loved it!!  Complete with giant balloons and the piece de resistance:  a Disney bounce house!!!  Even the adults bounced like Tigger!  Check out your local party inflatable dealer and ask if they have the Disney bounce house and Party City has TONS of Mickey and Minnie party decor items, matching balloons and favors.

I was very proud of my table centerpieces; Mickey and Minnie holding the balloons.  Here’s how to do this project:

1 can of soup (This is the weight to hold down the balloons.)

1 Mickey Mouse treat bag or any plain, colored treat bag

1 small plush Mickey Mousetoy

curling ribbon

bunch of balloons (I got a mylar “Happy Birthday” Mickey balloon and two “3” birthday, latex balloons)

• Put soup can in treat bag and tie closed with a rubberband.
• Use ribbon to tie Mickey to the treat bag (tie around the rubberband).
• Tie the bunch of balloons to the treat bag (again, around the rubberband).  Be sure to leave some of the ribbon hanging off the can.
• Wrap the ribbons that are hanging off the can around Mickey’s hand.

I also did this with Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.  If you lots of plush Disney friends, you can create centerpieces for the whole gang!

Now what celebration is complete without cake?  None!!  Now here are cupcakes that even the Mad Hatter would like to eat at his “unbirthday” party.  The cupcakes were iced with blue and pink icing and crowned with a Mickey and a Minnie toothpick topper.  Super cute!

Planning Hints/Tips: Interactive Calendar

For someone who is still learning about blogging and the technology behind it (which can be very overwhelming and confusing) I am very proud of myself and my little blog here.  I am trying to increase my subscribers and readers, especially since I have created my Interactive WDW Vacation Planning Calendar!!  I am super proud of myself for integrating my knowledge of Google Calendar (adequate) and planning Walt Disney World vacations (outstanding, superior, you get the picture 🙂 )!!!  One of the reasons why I plan successful WDW vacations for my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors is that I believe in organizing and planning way ahead of time. It still blows my mind when I see people walking up to the check-in kiosk at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and similar popular restaurants, at 5:00 PM , to see if they can get a dinner reservation for that night!!!!  Imagine that family’s little girl, who on her first and maybe only trip to WDW, wanted to have a royal dinner with her favorite Disney princesses.  It breaks my heart just thinking about such a possibility.  Now, imagine these “newbie” parents planned and organized their time months ahead of time.  Imagine that these parents** are avid readers of my blog and have used the interactive calendar I designed to create a personalized itinerary for their family; this is what they have come up with:  Tuesday is Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.  So this family decides to get an early start with their little ones and enjoy the Magic Kingdom until naptime, head back to their Disney hotel for lunch and a nap and then head back to the Magic Kingdom for a 5:00 PM dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table (which they added to their personalized calendar).  Using the interactive calendar allowed these parents to choose the park that had Extra Magic Hours that suited their small children’s schedule and allowed them to experience all the magic the park had to offer when it was convenient for them; no crying or meltdowns because of missed naps! This interactive calendar allowed them to focus on one park that day and simplified their agenda to suit their family’s specific needs (sometimes looking at the big picture of all that WDW has to offer can be a bit mind-boggling, and you really can’t do it all in one vacation especially if there are little kids in tow).  So, the little princess is well-rested and thoroughly enjoys being a guest at Cinderella’s castle for the evening and possibly stay for the night parade at 9:00 PM!  Now, imagine the parents’  enjoyment of being able to see the look on their little girl’s face when Snow White or Princess Aurora comes over to meet their little princess and take a picture with her!  That is a magical Disney moment that will never, ever be forgotten!! 

HINT/TIP:  Popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table book up VERY FAST!  You can make dining reservations 180 days (6 months) prior to your visit; MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS!!!!!  You can do this online or call (407)WDW-DINE.  Bon a petit!

**This is similar to a trip I helped a co-worker plan who had a 5 year-old and a toddler.  When I was helping her plan this trip, I used a similar type of calendar to the one on this site. 

Mom’s Panel Journey

55 Days until applications open!

I have to admit that I am obsessed with all things Disney.  From the moment I first set foot on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, all things Disney have become an inherent part of me.  I think I have passed this passion on to my children, who in their three short years have been to Walt Disney World three times and have been on one of the Disney Dream’s inaugural voyages.  I am proud to say that my son’s first word was “Mo-Mo” (Mickey Mouse).  To those people who think I am crazy, my reply is, “I am PROUD of my Disney passion!”  I am also proud that I have, what I refer to as a “Disney Family;” a family whose core values include believing in oneself and one’s dreams and never giving up on those dreams!  I am not ashamed to admit that I sing “A dream is a wish your heart makes” to myself and my children on a daily basis.

Now this obsession is being focused on the becoming a member of the WDW Mom’s Panel!  How I would LOVE to be able to help people plan their Disney vacations and experience that Pixie Dusted Disney magic.  I realized how far-reaching this passion has become in that I have become the go-to person in my school building (I am an English teacher) for any of my colleagues who are planning a trip to Disney. (By the way, my family just has to say “Disney” and they have an itinerary in their hands 🙂 )  I have lost count of the number of times I have heard, “You know a lot about Disney, right?” or “I am going to Disney, can we talk?” and “We’re planning a Disney trip, where should I stay?”  Immediately, my Mickey Ears go up and before they know it, these colleagues have their trip mapped out from the minute the plane touches ground at Orlando International Airport until lift off on the day they leave.   So to be able to do this for thousands of people would be a dream come true!  My husband recently asked me, after one of my daily soliloquies about  the Mom’s Panel, what do I get out of doing this job?  What do I get?!  I get the honor spreading that unique Disney joy and happiness to others!  I get the honor of being associated with DISNEY!! I get the honor of bringing that Disney magic to fruition to people both young and old (my favorite trip that I planned was a 50th anniversary surprise for my grandparents 🙂 )!  Right now I am counting the days until application day and wishing, hoping and dreaming of wearing one of those pink shirts!  So Tinkerbell, if you are reading this, please send me some Pixie Dust!!!  Oh, and Mom’s Panel judges, I PROMISE not to disappoint you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!