Don’t Let it Rain on Your 3 O’Clock Parade!

While I may sound a little crazy…I LOVE going to the parks in the rain! We’re always a bit sillier and open to going and doing different things that we would normally do in the parks.

Now while saying that, I always try to go in prepared so I can mitigate any crabbiness from others who don’t enjoy the rain as much as I do. So here are my top 7 must do rain do’s! (Sorry, I can’t resist a good Stacey reference…event though I try…):

1. Go With It!

How many of us have nervously and often checked the weather SEVERAL times to see what the chance of rain during our vacation would be? I am absolutely guilty of seeing the chance of rain increasing and getting the feeling of impending doom in the pit of my stomach! I have found the best thing to do is to let everyone know that there is a good chance that it is going rain during the visit, and then to listen to their concerns so you can be prepared for how to make them a non-issue when they arise. AND if it doesn’t rain, your rain dance will be praised as effective and not crazy! J

2. Game Plan

I like to take a look at the park maps for a few things to consider in the rain. I take into consideration the proximity of attractions, the number of attractions that are our favorites, the amount of covered spaces,  our ADRs /Counter Service plan for the day, and size of the park. With all that being said, I usually opt for Hollywood Studios since there are tons of shows and options for indoor activities that you might easily skip (like the Animation Academy – http://t.co/haEsDHu ) that take up a good amount of time.

3. Rain jackets and Umbrellas

While ponchos are great, I opt for something that provides us with a little more protection! Last year we invested in folding rain jackets, and they have come in handy both in and out of the parks. After our trip in what we thought was a monsoon last May, I invested in a super compact umbrella that easily fit into our bag and opened up quickly. If you do opt for ponchos, make sure that your child is tall enough to wear the poncho without  it dragging through the puddles. I have seen too many kids step on their poncho and fall in the rain.

4. Shoes

Now this one may sound weird, but just go with me on this one! You want to make sure that you bring a shoe that dries easily and has a lot of grip for traction in the rain. Sounds like common since, right? But this is more for the little princesses out there. My darling little lady, Zoe, LOVES wearing her princess shoes in the park, but we learned the hard way that they are not very safe to wear in the rain. Our compromise is a pair of sparkly tennis shoes. I have bought the majority of ours from Target, since they are rather inexpensive and easy to replace.

5. Protection

I always over plan for an abundance of craziness during our vacation, and I always pack a variety of plastic zip top bags. When I see that it may rain, I always try to put my phone and camera in a baggie. While I am the main sherpa of the trip, I give my husband one as well for his wallet and phone since he is usually the fast pass and ticket holder.  He thought that I was crazy, until he had to lay the contents of his wallet out to dry and could not use his Midway Mania fast passes!

6. Kiddies

All kids are different, but I try to be especially prepared to dealing with and waiting in the rain with Zoe. I always have a jacket for her, an extra little something for her to play with in case we have to wait a little longer, and additional “special” snacks. Also be realistic about how they react to the rain. If they don’t like getting wet or there are things they MUST have to cope with the rain, be prepared! For awhile she wouldn’t go out in a sprinkle without her favorite umbrella, so that sucker went with us everywhere!

7. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Have fun! Our rule is that the only place that we can jump in a puddle is at Walt Disney World. Also duing our monsoon trip, we got “cast” for a hurrincane scene shooting later in the day by a “director” in Hollywood Studios.

Don’t let a little rain ruin your parade or vacation!!! Be prepared and have fun!!!

TSMM Ricky Bobby moment... If you ain't first, you're last!

What is your favorite tip or trick for dealing with the rain at Walt Disney World?

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Hidden Gem of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I decided that I would do something a little different today on my trip to Hollywood Studios, so I ducked into The Magic of Disney’s Animation to visit my friend Mushu and the creative process.

While the film is definitely dated and offerings greatly reduced from what they once were, I always seem to laugh and enjoy the sneak peek at the upcoming release by Disney Animation.

Right now they are featuring “Tangled”, and the teaser gives a great glimpse of the film and the artwork that is on display outside is amazing.

The "Tangled" mural that is located just outside of The Magic of Disney's Animation

But just around the corner is my favorite hidden gem of Hollywood Studios, and the real reason for my diversion, the Animation Academy.

The column outside of the waiting area for the Animation Academy

This 22 minute lesson in drawing a character, usually chosen by the artist, is a great chance to try your hand at being an animator. The classes are usually pretty packed, so it is best to wait and enjoy a nice break when you get the chance!

Once you enter the room everyone sits at a station, and gets led through the creation of a character through easy to follow directions and encouraging words. Today Ryan let us vote on who we’d draw…and Minnie Mouse won!

Ryan during our lesson drawing Minnie Mouse

While you may not leave with a perfect drawing, you definitely get a unique and free souvenir from your short time at the Animation Academy.

My Minnie Mouse

I don’t think I have a future in drawing, but it sure was a lot of fun!

What is your favorite Hidden Gem at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

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My thoughts on Memories and Projectors…

The goal of this blog is to help consolidate information and to record what I see on my almost daily visits to the parks and venues in and around Orlando with a mix of humor and information.

That being said, I wanted to take a moment to react to the newest Disney Ad campaign that was announced by the Walt Disney Company in New York City earlier today.

Now while it wasn’t what the on-line community of Disney fans expected and hoped for, I believe it was an interesting decision.

What I am interested in is what emotions they are tapping into with the “Let the Memories Begin” promotion.

First off they are relying on something that other vacation spots can’t offer, which is the emotional ties that most Americans have to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We all have memories of our first walk down Main Street, and who doesn’t want to give that same experience to their child. What about the countless television programs that show a couple sharing a smooch during a fireworks spectacular, and who wouldn’t want to have that same romantic exchange?

Secondly they are tapping into a more recent desire of most people, the want/need for 5 minutes of fame. Who amongst us, even the most die hard, who wouldn’t just love to see our family, projected for the entire park to see? And with so many photos being chosen daily, the odds of “your” picture being show on either Cinderella’s Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort or It’s a Small World in Disneyland.

Is this the announcement that I personally wanted? No.

Does this tap into and add an intangible amount of value to a vacation choice when we are all facing very difficult times and Decisions? Yes.

Seems (unfortunately) pretty smart from my point of view…

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Get Ready…Cause here I come!

That is pretty much how I have approached our move from Virginia to Orlando!
While I am a huge Disney nut, I am learning that Orlando is a lot more than just the Walt Disney World Resort!
I am really looking forward to sharing all of my adventures, discoveries, and thoughts with you.
Until then, you can check out a little more about me and see some of  what I’ll be writing about at www.zannaland.com!
I can’t wait to see you again, so we can start talking about this fabulous city and all it has to offer!
Shelley
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