*****Official February 2015 Thread! Come check in and chat!*****

[KalamityJane]

Haven't started packing yet, but I do like the popup hamper idea! We are in the 1 bedroom villa so will have laundry, I may just finish it all up before we come home

I did get 4 free drink coupons from Southwest in the mail today, unexpectedly! That will be fun on the flights down/back!

My kids still don't know yet... and I haven't decided how I want to tell them! Any ideas? They need the lead up time to get used to the idea (6.5yo, almost 4yo, just turned 2yo) so I was thinking of using my advent calendar mittens for it... Mine are different colors but this is what they look like. I got lazy and only knitted 19 though

http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Smitten_(a_Holiday_Garland)__D55474220.html

 

[AZMermaid]

We have a basic paper chain going. We started it around 30 days out. Maybe a movie night and then... How would you like to meet xxx in Disneyland? Let's go next week or whenever! That's on my mind since I just rented Brother Bear to watch before out character meal.

I'm not great about doing laundry in the villa. I am planning on it for Aulani though!

 

[Aladora]

I have a feeling I may be the only person that has not seen Frozen. I have no desire to either. I'm not sure I could sit through the entire song. At least when it comes on the radio I can change the channel. I guess I'm thankful I had a boy because I never got into the whole Disney Princess thing. I love the classics, Dumbo, Bambi, etc.

I have a 9 year old boy and he loves loves loves Frozen.

 

[AZMermaid]

I've never done either of those tours, but I've done the Holiday one a few times and really enjoyed it.

 

[stacylu]

We also have a paper chain out of mickey paper - my kids (almost 4 and 6.5 even) opened it on Christmas with Tshirts and autograph books.

I almost did this but got lazy:

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2012/11/disney-countdown.html

 

[MommyWithDreams]

We have a basic paper chain going. We started it around 30 days out. Maybe a movie night and then... How would you like to meet xxx in Disneyland? Let's go next week or whenever! That's on my mind since I just rented Brother Bear to watch before out character meal.

I'm not great about doing laundry in the villa. I am planning on it for Aulani though!

We surprised my son with the trip on Christmas morning. We made a chain for his countdown for his first DL trip when he was 5. I wrapped up a countdown train and it took him a few minutes to figure out. The video and pictures are priceless.

 

[Aladora]

We also have a paper chain out of mickey paper - my kids (almost 4 and 6.5 even) opened it on Christmas with Tshirts and autograph books. I almost did this but got lazy: http://www.alittletipsy.com/2012/11/disney-countdown.html

Wow, that is super cute!

We surprised our son at Christmas this year. Somewhere in a much earlier page of this thread I posted the "ticket" that someone on the Dis made for me and I printed it out on card stock at the office. On Christmas Eve when we were putting the gifts out, I rolled it up and tied it with a ribbon and put it inside his disneyland piggy bank. It is a clear plastic bank so you can see what is inside. I was hoping he would notice it but being the way he is, it did not catch his eye so later on after we opened all the presents I pointed it out to him.

 

[Sherry E]

Hello, February peeps!

Recently I was poking around online to round up some links to Easter treat-related blogs, and -- while I was at it -- I collected some Disneyland-Valentine's Day and Disneyland Bayou Bash/Mardi Gras links as well. I thought I would share some of them with you -- I won't bombard you with all of them -- so you can get a sense of what kinds of goodies and decorations to look forward to for Valentine's Day and, possibly, for Bayou Bash/Mardi Gras (if Disneyland does Bayou Bash this year).

Although the designs of some things may change from year to year (like in the case of apples, cake pops, cupcakes, etc.), chances are you will see many of these items -- or very similar items -- in the parks in February!

The Valentine's Day decorations -- sparse though they may be -- seem to have stayed more or less the same for the last few years, by most accounts I have read.

I've never been to DLR for Valentine's Day or for Bayou Bash (I mainly stick to the Holiday Season and Halloween Time, and just recently expanded my horizons to Easter), but I hope to change that.


Valentine's Day


(Food/Treats)

"News! Valentine’s Day Menus and Treats at Disneyland" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 5th, 2014 by AJ.

"Dining in Disneyland: Valentine’s Day Treats at Marceline’s" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 9th, 2012 by Heather.

"Yummy Valentine’s Day Treats at Disney Parks" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on February 6th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

"News! Valentine’s Day Menus at Disneyland Resort" – Disney Food Blog; posted on January 21st, 2012 by Kim.

"Snack Series: Disneyland’s Cherry Granola Muffin" -- Disney Food Blog; posted on February 3rd, 2011, by Heather.

"Dining in Disneyland: Valentine’s Day Treats" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 1st, 2011 by Heather.



(Decorations)

"Valentine Flowers at Disneyland Resort" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on February 8th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

"Valentine’s Day Horticulture" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on February 11th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company

​

Even IF Disney does not have the Bayou Bash this year (last year they skipped it, but prior to 2014 they did some sort of Bayou Bash/Mardi Gras event for a few years in a row), I strongly suspect that some of the menu items and goodies will return. Check the New Orleans Square-specific eateries, of course, but also the assorted candy and bake shops around the parks, as well as Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney.

Many of the decorations should include what was put up for the holiday season -- including the masquerade masks, extra beads, etc.



Mardi Gras/Bayou Bash

"‘Limited Time Magic’ Continues at the Disneyland Resort with New Orleans Bayou Bash!" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on January 11th, 2013 by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort

"Get a Taste of the Big Easy During New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on January 16th, 2013 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

"Dining in Disneyland: Bayou Bash Southern Corn Chowder" – Disney Food Blog; posted on March 8th, 2012, by Heather.

"Dining in Disneyland: More New Orleans Bayou Bash Eats!" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 23rd, 2012 by Heather.

"Snack Series: Red Velvet Mardi Gras Cupcake in Disneyland" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 17th, 2012 by AJ.

"Sno-Balls at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express (Disneyland’s Kaki-Gori!)" – Disney Food Blog; posted on February 17th, 2012 by AJ.

"It’s All About the Food at New Orleans Bayou Bash! at Disneyland Park" – Disney Parks Blog; posted on February 13th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

"Dining in Disneyland: Celebrating Mardi Gras and Family Fun Weekends at The French Market" -- February 25th, 2011 – Disney Food Blog; posted on by Heather.

​

 

[MommyWithDreams]

:::: waving ::::: Hi Sherry! Thank you for the links. Always loved your info.

 

[Aladora]

:::: waving ::::: Hi Sherry! Thank you for the links. Always loved your info.

I second this, thanks for the info!

 

[AZMermaid]

Ooooh thanks! I hadn't even considered Valentine's Day food and merchandise!

 

[Satye1]

Ok, 'fess up!

Who has started packing already?

We might be leaving end of Feb, but I had planned on lugging the suit cases up stairs last weekend, but got side tracked with new years cleaning sprey-LOL. Been ordering and starting to group items already. Very eager to go though. In all seriousness planning & day dreaming is helping me get through our cold/snow winter.

 

[Aladora]

Went to Target today and bought more travel sized things.

I may need an intervention.

 

[tygersclaw]

I am buying my DD a new Frozen themed carry on case at the end of the month. Once she has that in her room, I am sure the excitement & anticipation level will increase exponentially for her.

Then being told it is only 25 days to Disneyland...yeah...girl will NOT be able to concentrate in Kindergarten for days after.

Awwwwww yes....that is what it is all about, the look on the ffce of an excited child.

 

[momsmail]

LOL! I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I dug out the suitcases already (we are going Feb 19th)... just couldn't wait. I have been buying and ordering like a crazy person. I am SO excited to pack, I can't stand it!

 

[momsmail]

This will be my husband's first ever trip to Disney. And he is a grinch! He is only going for our 6 year old son. My DH hates people/crowds, germs, rides, Disney (will not watch 1/2 the movies), change in routine, is a picky eater, etc. He is not that excited to go. Bah humbug!!

We have an agreement he can go back to the room whenever, he can choose whatever he wants to go on, he can eat wherever whenever, etc.

I just hope he finds magic in something there. Ya know?

Anyone else going or have gone with a grinch?

 

[StyledSugar]

I haven't officially, but it is on my mind a lot! I went to the Dollar store yesterday and got a pop up hamper. I'm gonna see how I like using it for our dirty clothes.

That is a great idea! I HATE dirty clothes either laying around everywhere or being shoved back into a suitcase to mix with the clean ones. Every time we go, I also have a laundry bag (just plastic) but no one seems to use it! Your idea might be worth a try!

 

[PixiDustDears]

Packing?? Hahaha!! I haven't even booked our hotel yet! I know I know. But we always stay somewhere like a Days Inn or Super 8. It's the only way we can afford to go as often as we do....staying somewhere less than $60 a night. Anyway, must remember to book the hotel this weekend.....lol

 

[StyledSugar]

This will be my husband's first ever trip to Disney. And he is a grinch! He is only going for our 6 year old son. My DH hates people/crowds, germs, rides, Disney (will not watch 1/2 the movies), change in routine, is a picky eater, etc. He is not that excited to go. Bah humbug!!

We have an agreement he can go back to the room whenever, he can choose whatever he wants to go on, he can eat wherever whenever, etc.

I just hope he finds magic in something there. Ya know?

Anyone else going or have gone with a grinch?

No, thankfully I don't have to deal with that but I had an uncle (he passed away last year) that went to DL with his family with that mindset. "It's going to be way too crowded, way to commercial, just a big rip off....." yada yada yada. Unfortunately, he never changed his mind while there. I think going into it with that type of attitude will prevent that person from truly enjoying it. My suggestion is to talk to him about actually giving it a chance before making up his mind. Good luck!

 

[StyledSugar]

Does GCH have fridges in the room? Trying to figure out if we are going to bring cereal with us or not. We'll just buy milk at WW if they have fridges in the room but if they don't then we will lean towards oatmeal and just use hot water.