Join The Movin’ With Mickey Movement

Movin With Mickey

Do you have a Disney World trip coming up soon? Maybe you’re like me and want to get healthy so you’re feeling great on your next vacation. Well, you don’t have to do it alone. My friend Katie over at The Most Delightful Place has just kicked off her new feature Movin’ with Mickey! She’s going to be sharing lots of great health tips and success stories twice a month as she works towards her personal goal of walking the amount of steps equal to the distance from her home in Iowa to Walt Disney World. Of course, she’ll be updating us on her progress along the way. I absolutely love her idea and I think working towards better health with others is a wonderful way to stay motivated. So please join me as I work to improve my health before my fall Disney World vacation and as I follow along with Katie on her journey!

The Plan

Most Delightful PlaceI have many things to work on to improve my health like drinking enough water, eliminating soda, eating nutritious food, eating three meals a day, getting enough sleep, exercising, the list goes on and on. As Katie walks her way to Disney World, I’m going to choose one healthy change to phase in each week. I’ll keep you posted on what I’ve chosen and how I’m doing.

Every two weeks, Katie will be doing a post over on The Most Delightful Place giving us an update and sharing helpful information. I’ll post a link here at Disney World Enthusiast each time she publishes a Movin’ with Mickey article so we can keep up with her progress.

In between posts, you can catch up with Katie and I over on Facebook at Disney World Enthusiast or The Most Delightful Place, where you can let us know how you’re doing on journey as well.

My Kick-Off

Where to begin? With so many changes to make, it is hard to know which one to pick. First, let me share with you a little about my current health situation so you’ll know where I’m coming from and maybe you’ll be able to relate. Like so many of you out there, I’m a busy person. I have a lot going on with my family and work, so finding time for my health is usually pushed to the back burner. I am now in a pattern where I stay up late writing away on my computer (it is now close to midnight) and then sleep for maybe four or five hours before my boys and I are up for the day. For whatever reason, I haven’t been hungry in the morning lately so I’ve been skipping breakfast (I know, I know!) and that begins the downward spiral for the day. By the time lunch rolls around I’m starved, and of course I head straight for the junk food and soda. I don’t eat a lot, but what I do eat is all wrong. What about exercise, you ask? Well, funny story. In January of 2014, I made the New Year’s resolution to run the Bolder Boulder 10K here in my area. After training for about three weeks, I got a stress fracture in my tibia that put me out of commission for several months. The bright side is that as I recovered from my injury, I changed my New Year’s resolution to start a blog and now over a year later it is still going strong! Unfortunately, I just never really got back into the swing of exercising once I fully healed. As you can see, I’ve got some work to do!

For my first change, I’m going to begin by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day. This is going to be a hard one for me, because many days I don’t actually drink anything until I eat lunch around 1pm and that is often a soda. Honestly, I sometimes go days without drinking any water at all. For me this is really problematic, because I have something called Sponge Medullary Kidney Disease. It is actually more of a birth defect than disease. My kidneys are not shaped correctly and because of this form kidney stones easily. I often have several stones a month and anyone that has ever had even one kidney stone knows how unpleasant that is. The good news is that even though I will always develop stones, the more water that I drink the fewer stones I will have. Wish me luck, folks! Although, I know drinking water is what I’m supposed to be doing, I get busy and forget. Before I know it hours have passed! I’m hoping that getting this drinking water habit in place before my next Disney World vacation will pay off by helping me to stay hydrated and to have fewer kidney stones during my trip. Now where’s that water bottle…. 🙂

Katie’s Kick-Off

Click here to read Katie’s official kick off article for her Movin’ with Mickey feature!

Love The Graphic?

On A Roll DesignsDo you love Katie’s graphic for Movin’ with Mickey as much as I do? It was designed by our friend Chris from On A Roll Designs. She is a fabulous artist that also just happens to be the person that creates all of the artwork for my website as well. If you have any graphic art needs, please check out her Facebook page and Etsy shop. And be sure to tell her I sent you!

Do you hope to improve your health before your next Disney World vacation? Are you ready to join the Movin’ with Mickey Movement? Please leave a comment and let us know what you’ll be working on.
We would love to share this journey with you!

Magic YOUR Band Monorail MagicBand Skins Giveaway

Magic YOUR Band

A must-have Disney vacation accessory!

A couple of months ago, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

The Review

Tracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

We opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

I continued to wear my MagicBand with the Magic YOUR Band Skin throughout the day. It held up beautifully to a day filled with errands, cleaning, cooking, laundry, rain, and the movies. My son and I can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our upcoming trip!

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a MagicBand Skin:

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Christmas Magic YOUR BandThey have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a MagicBand Skin of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, July 17, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four “Monorail” MagicBand Skins. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Magic YOUR Band

Click to enter giveaway!

Can’t wait and need a MagicBand Skin right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up July 5, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for July 5, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney Store Deal Of The Week

For a limited time, the Disney Store has adorable Inside Out merchandise available including plush characters, t-shirts, books, toys, and more! Click here for details! (affiliate link)

Tip Of The Week

Extra Magic HoursDisney offers a perk called Extra Magic Hours which allows resort hotel guests early or late access to a theme park on select days. While this sounds like an outstanding idea, the morning Extra Magic Hours only work to your advantage if you can be there early enough to enjoy that extra hour before the park opens. If you can’t be there early, then you’ll want to avoid that theme park for the day, because the morning Extra Magic Hours make that park much more crowded. If you do use the morning Extra Magic Hours, consider “park hopping” to another theme park around 11:00am.

Behind The Magic LogoBehind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim and I talk Disney news, rumors, and more. For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Disney World Epcot Living With The LandDisney Did You Know

More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at The Land pavilion at Epcot are served in Walt Disney World restaurants.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.”   

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

Disney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Magic Your Band 1Look for a new giveaway, this time a set of four MagicBand Skins from my friends at Magic YOUR Band, beginning Monday, July 6. Good luck, everyone!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If your counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have posts for you about new foods and restaurants in Disney World plus all of the latest news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Behind The Magic Podcast June 29 – July 3, 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast

Have you had a chance to listen to Behind The Magic Podcast yet? This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney discussions, guests, games, and more. Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment and I dish on all of the latest Disney gossip with my weekly “Mouse Whispers” segment. And of course, Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous Disney insider knowledge!

Behind The Magic LogoThis Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Magical Mythical Cupcakes
  • Nick Takes Over
  • Behind Peas And Carrots
  • Behind The DHS Shows
  • 45 Days Before Your Trip

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

Mouse WhisperThis Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Friday, July 3 “Mouse Whispers”, I shared the latest Disney gossip and rumors about Extra Magic Hours. Check out Friday’s full episode here!

Are you a fan of Disney podcasts? Do you love Disney gossip?
Please leave a comment!

New Show Added To Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

I’ve got some spooktacular news for you! This year Disney is adding an all new villain themed show to their Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party line up. The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” will be presented exclusively during the party on the Castle Forecourt Stage. Here are the details courtesy of Disney Parks Blog:


In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!

With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.


HalloweenIf you aren’t familiar with this holiday celebration, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a lively and light-hearted experience and it is truly a family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! My kids and I have such a great time every time we go. Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:

  • HalloweenSeptember 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1 – Advance: $68 (plus tax) for adults; $63 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • Halloween – $87 (plus tax) for adults; $82 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

Traveling to Disney World this fall?

Here’s a little video from last year’s party to get you in the spirit!

Have you got your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Are you excited for the new show? Please leave a comment!