Walt Disney World Golf

With all the things to do at Walt Disney World, there truly is

something for everyone!  

Today, I was going to play a round of golf with my guys.  Unfortunately the skies were not kind to us and we did not get to finish our game.

Some Disney Annual Pass and DVC Discounts are available if you qualify when looking into pricing to play.  

It's always great to see the Mickey Mouse Golf Cart on display.  Seeing Mickey's gas pedal, glove box & all the fun stuff inside is truly something that I will leave for you to experience yourself!  You can sit in it, take photos and it's such a magical bonus to a Disney Golf Experience!

Oak Trail is a 9-hole walking course and a bit cheaper than Magnolia or Palm.  We were granted a Magical Moment by a Cast Member on a slow Saturday afternoon.  We were going to play Oak Trail, but were upgraded to play Magnolia & even got two golf carts and Junior Clubs for free for our little guy.  Sometimes Disney can make the most magical experiences even better!

Magnolia used to be a part of the Pro AM tour.  It still has Tee Box spots where the Pros would tee off.  And then normal Men's, Women's & Junior tee locations.  

Magnolia also has a very recognizable 6th hole.  The "Mouse Trap" is a
"Hidden Mickey" with a plaque to tribute Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse.   

After we got there, all play was suspended due to lightning in the area.  There are signs that have their inclement weather policy.   When this happens, you can wait out the storm or take a rain-check to come back & play 9 holes on a different day within a year.  Each course varies as to the timeline to claim your rain-check.   That's what my guys did.

We will go back, but I truly enjoyed the experience of Disney Golf!  Have you ever played golf at Walt Disney World?  I'd love to know what you think of the courses.

Disney's Christopher Robin movie review

First of all, THANK YOU to my friend Krista Joy at https://disneyways.com/ for allowing me to attend to this movie preview with you!  This beautiful movie that was so special to me and it felt like I've waited my whole "adult" life to see it!  

A Spoiler-Free Movie Review from a life-long Winnie the Pooh fan.  It was truly a joy to watch my favorite silly ole bear come to life on the big screen interacting with real people in today's world!  The movie begins around the time that the original story is about to end.  You'll see a few of your favorite moments with Christopher Robin as a real child playing with his Hundred Acre Wood pals before he goes off to school.  Sometimes life has a way of making children grow up quickly.  Christopher has a lot of difficult things to deal with during the chapters of his life from the time the story that we all know and love ended until we get to the point where this story begins.  But there comes a time in everyone's life when we can get so engrossed in the urgency and responsibilities of adulthood that we can lose that part of us

that made time to simply do nothing and enjoy the moment.  It's in those precious moments when we allow ourselves to relax in the thing that we love most about life, that refresh us and allows us to be a better person for every aspect of our lives.  This movie had a few difficult real-life moments and if you're prone to crying at movies, you may want to bring a tissue...but every bit was kid-friendly.  In the end, it helps you think about prioritizing the things in life that truly matter and see things the way we always really have from deep down within ourselves.  That person that we were long ago is always inside us.

Ewan McGregor does a nice job of bringing Christopher Robin to life as an adult and Jim Cummings is a spot-on voice of Pooh, and Tigger too!   Also, make sure you stay through the credits for some extra-special appearances.  

The Sherman Brothers,  made up of Richard & Robert Sherman, were the duo that Walt Disney called on to create some of the most memorable songs in the world.  Robert passed away in 2012 but Richard Sherman, who just celebrated his 90th birthday, makes a special appearance and wrote some new music for Christopher Robin with the same type of catchy lyrics and tunes that "The Boys" were known for back when Walt still worked in the studio.

Please note that I was invited to a complimentary viewing of this moving on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 so that I could bring you this review on behalf of Krista Joy of Disneyways.com.  The free admission in no way influenced my love for this movie.  All opinions are my own.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Beatrice Denis moved to Florida in 2010 from North Carolina, due to her love for all things Disney.  She recently had a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding on Land and Sea at both Walt Disney World and on the Disney Wonder on Alaska water with beautiful snow-capped mountains in the background.  In her spare time, she is "A Disney Girl in Orlando" and you can click this link to follow her upcoming adventures:    http://adisneygirlinorlando.blogspot.com/ 

Again, Krista of https://disneyways.com/  - thank you for allowing me to post for you and for my little ole page too.  I encourage my friends to check out your page and hope they enjoy it as much as I do.  Thanks for all you do!

Christopher Robin brings Winnie the Pooh to life in a new way!

From my 7- week old photograph to one taken just a few weeks ago, Winnie the Pooh brings out the comfort of an old friend that I've had throughout my entire life.  We all have that favorite childhood toy that makes us feel like the world is a bit better just by sitting in a quiet place and hugging it...and for me, that's my Poohbear!

With the movie "Christopher Robbin" coming out on August 3, 2018, I've been inspired to look through the decades of memories and moments this silly ole bear has gifted me with throughout my life.  

He coached me through my first steps and thankfully lived to tell about it, along with decades of Hundred Acre Hugs...Never get too old to hug your teddy bear.   

-  He's taught me that the meaning of life is simple.  

- Think.  Think.  Think.  But don't stress. 

-  Sometimes you have to work for what you want.

-  Don't be afraid of the what-ifs (even if they sting)

-  Enjoy food (to an extent) or you'll get a bit rounder

-  Always love yourself!

-  Make time to exercise every day.  

-  Get excited about the things that make you happy...like Hunny

-  Never be too busy for a hug.

-  Choose friends wisely & be true to those friends

-  Even when your personalities differ, friends help each other.  

-  Celebrate the little things and the big things.

-  Even when you grow apart, always remember the valuable lessons those friends taught you.

  After decades of wear and tear on my very favorite Winnie the Pooh, I can't wait to find out how the decades of my own life will be enhanced from what is to come in the movie next week: 

"I always get to where I'm going by walking away from where I've been"  -  Winnie the Pooh

Jim Cummings has truly embraced our childhood characters and I can't wait to see how their legacy is brought to new life as he voices our dear friends Pooh (& Tigger too) from our childhood stories, plush and movies out of Hundred Acre Wood and into our world today.  Let's see where they take us as grown ups in the weeks to come.  I have my dress, my purse & my Poohbear ready for his live-action debut in the world of 2018.  Some of us may never grow up.  And that's ok too.  

There is no better place to heal after a tragic week than the Magic Kingdom

I don't know about you, but the Magic Kingdom has helped me through my own personal tragedies by taking me into a magical land where bad things don't happen.  After this tragic week in Orlando, I believe that we all felt the need to stand united as Disney fans, some as Locals, some who worked with or knew the victims of the shooting in the Pulse nightclub.  We needed to support our City and each other through our own sadness and/or loss.  A post came out that on Saturday night, exactly one week after the shooting, there would be a special "goodnight kiss" in the Magic Kingdom.  This was not a "Disney Event" but it was approved and a very special way for us to gather in support of our friends, our City and heal from this in our own way together.  After the park closes each night, the Magic Kingdom always has a "goodnight kiss" to those who wait around to enjoy...and on this night so many of us did.  Disney Cast Members did the usual "goodnight kiss" effect on the castle 3 times (as of my count).  But so many people came with battery operated candles and glow sticks and flags...and what we did as a community was such a special feeling.  I have never FELT such a reverence, respect for all people, and somber love for everyone as I did last night.  Everyone was quiet.  Some that did speak talked about coworkers and friends who were lost.  We made hearts out of glowsticks and put candles inside the hearts.  

There were candles by the Partners statue...There was love.  Someone made a flag to support the victims & people were taking pictures in front of the flag.  As we were leaving Cast Members were handing out pins.  And sometime after I went in, the entrance had been dressed with the patriotic stars & stripes.  It was a beautiful tribute to the victims and their families.  Some family members were in attendance on Saturday night enjoying the parade, fireworks and a little bit of pixie dust to get them through this difficult time.  I think this beautiful vigil was a perfect way for so many of us to feel like WE are going to grow from this horrible act and stand strong as a City and united as Disney fans...and just be there in our special place in respect to everyone affected by the past week.  I was honored to be there and among so many friends who felt the same way.  Thank you Walt Disney World for allowing us to come together as fans, as Cast Members, as Locals, as families who love to travel here...this is our safe place, this is our happy place.  This is where we come to work on our own healing.  Thank you for allowing us to do that together in a very special way.  Thank you for making our heart smile through the tears.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge in EPCOT

Disney Vacation Club "DVC" has been around for 25 years and I

have been a proud member for 16 of those 25 years.  As Disney helps members celebrate "our" Silver Anniversary, we have been given a beautiful lounge in EPCOT at Walt Disney World in which to rest, charge our phones/devices, close your eyes & relax for just a moment, have a snack or drink:  sodas or coffee are complimentary, with a grand view of Spaceship Earth!
It's a wonderful place to go inside and cool off.  I truly enjoyed my yummy beverage from the Coca Cola Freestyle machine with 100 drink choices, use the WiFi computers, + you can play Disney Infinity, watch Disney shorts, or even plan your NEXT vacation through DVC or with the RCI Advisors available weekdays to find out if something different would work for you next time.  There are so many wonderful options in this air conditioned, drink & snack relaxation place!  This is totally gonna be one of my favorite new hiding places on a hot afternoon in EPCOT!  It's only June 1st and we could feel today what a wonderful cool-down from outside this will be on a hot summer day.  

But let me digress into the remembrance that 1 year ago today, I was on the Disney Wonder on an Alaska Cruise and I would recommend speaking with their excellent representatives on how to work some Disney Magic into your future...no matter how you choose to do it!  One of MY favorite perks is that if you time your visit just right, maybe you'll get a wonderful Cast Member who happens to be coming around with snacks - all at no charge.  Watch Spaceship Earth as you cool off, catch up on Social Media and take a load off your feet.  Members are allowed to come in via the Merchandise Shop in the Imagination Pavilion by showing their valid DVC card & Drivers License.  Members are allowed to bring up to 5 guests per membership card.  The lounge will be open daily from 10am-6pm and hopefully you'll have Cast Members as wonderful as Millie & Karen to make your day brighter.

Animal Kingdom comes alive at night!

I had the privilege of being in the Animal Kingdom last night to see for myself all of the exciting new nighttime entertainment added for this park.  As I walked in, I stopped for a picture of the Tree of Life all lit up in it's beautiful nighttime glory.  I noticed a lot of other people standing around the tree, & was happily surprised to walk up right as the tree was having one of it's beautiful awakenings.  I have to admit that particular show was not spectacular to me.  The story wasn't holding me as much as I am usually entranced by anything Disney does...but they do have different awakenings, so if you also have that experience please give it a second shot - my second time was so much better!

Next, I enjoyed Expedition Everest,  which is spectacular after sunset!  The mountain is lit beautifully and the ride at night has such an added WOW factor!

Finally my journey took me to the new show, The Jungle Book:  Alive with Magic.  I LOVED IT!  

Yes, I know there are so many critical reviews by others.  

Yes, I know that Disney has set a very high standard for the level of entertainment that fans expect through Fantasmic, Wishes & Illuminations to hold this against.  But in my humble opinion, comparing this show to any other is

like comparing people to past relationships.  

Every one is different and every one has it's own "personality" so to speak:  Animal Kingdom is a quieter park and has a very special magic in the simple things of nature.  This show can't bring you the fireworks that others can, with respect to wildlife.  Talk to some of the most amazing

Imagineers of our past, I have, and they will tell you that not every single moment can be a "10."  This show is beautiful.  The Sherman Brothers music will inspire you to sing & dance and smile.  We don't get enough of that in our lives.  Take it and enjoy those moments every chance you get.  Don't compare it, just ENJOY IT!

 Enjoy the beautiful visions on water (think Fantasmic or World of Color type show) along with dancers, drummers, floats and even a fire dancer that is just fun to watch.  I love the Animal Kingdom.  I enjoy the simple things of life along with the big.  I encourage you to watch this show and appreciate it for what it is.  And I hope walking in with those thoughts, will allow you to enjoy it as much as I did.  There truly was a special kinda magic in the air.  

I'd like to thank my friend, Anthony Cortese for providing me with these pictures of the show, as I was posting live video on Facebook through the show.  His pictures are great & if you'd like to see his talented Dreamfinders documentary, click this link and purchase a copy for yourself.  http://dreamfinders.vhx.tv/

Recovering

 Building ME through this journey!  

This may be off my "usual topic" but it comes from my heart.

During my time away from blogging, I went through a series of struggles.  I lost my Mom, Dad & Husband within 8 weeks.  This consisted of my entire family, best friend and the man of my dreams.  When things happen, it is important to allow God to work through our bumps in the road to allow us to still be grateful for our blessings, be positive and continue to look for GOOD in the world around us.  I'm thankful that this year as I'm beginning to hit the 1 year anniversaries of many difficult moments in my life's journey. I had a friend share a podcast that put me in a good place as I got ready for church on Mother's Day:  The "RobCast" is Rob Bell's podcast and a lot of what I am sharing today comes straight from him in this show: http://robbell.podbean.com/  

When we encounter "detours" in the road leading toward our dreams, we truly do need to acknowledge and embrace how awful the situation was.  Don't skim over it - it truly was important.  Understand and embrace that the realization is that the worst moments in life are the reasons that your story is so great.  It's not getting rid of or forgetting what happened, but you can retell your story in a positive way and allows you to help others who are currently in or passing through difficult times.  

Remember:  The worst moments in life are the reasons your story becomes great!  It's because you get up and keep going!  Life is a series of unrelated fragments that come at you.  The way you choose to handle them develops your future.  You can choose to be better or you can let your situation make you bitter.  I hope you choose to grow in spiritual maturity.  You can choose JOY!  Life will always bring you twists and turns, but you're still here!  There is always a way to "Retell" a negative experience.  Be thanful when you are past it.  Make peace with it.  Don't allow yourself to close down.  Decide to open up. There truly IS a light at the end of our tunnel.  Keep your focus on the positive and build your body, mind and spirit until you get to the place where you want to be.  And when you get "there" then it's time to set a new goal that is higher.  This Disney Girl in Orlando had some "truth moments" this week  Always work toward the positive and making yourself stronger every day!  Thank you for taking the time to read this.  If you are not in a storm right now, that means there is one on the horizon, as we all tend to go through the circle of life.  I hope you take a piece of this with you along the way.  I am thankful for the encouragement I receive and I hope you have that as well.