It's a Small World Archives - On the Go in MCO

It’s A Small World Characters at Disneyland

As I may have mentioned, I’m getting ready to head back to Disneyland in a few weeks. One of the things I really enjoy about going to the California parks is the fact there are slight differences between some of the attractions. One such attraction is It’s A Small World. Not only is their loading zone outside with a really cool clock show on the quarter hour, but this year they are even getting a new projection show for the holidays that I hope to catch in addition to the holiday overlay.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like the It’s A Small World we have here in Florida, but I have to admit I was more than a bit excited when I learned that the California version of the ride features some of my favorite characters. It’s A Small World takes vignettes from different countries and regions around the world to show children and their similiarities. This boat ride showcases some classic animated characters from Disney films as well as some newer beloved Pixar pals too.

It’s A Small World is a classic attraction from the 1960s that many did not want to see changed at Disneyland to include the characters. I have seen the version without characters here at Walt Disney World literally hundreds of times in my lifetime, and I like the addition of the characters to the Disneyland ride. I know it isn’t for everyone, but I think it adds a bit more fun and that the characters, for the most part, fit in seamlessly with the other It’s A Small World dolls in that Mary Blair style.

What do you think of the characters? Are they a fun addition in your opinion, or would you prefer the original version?

Disneyland: California Dreaming

With so many of us and our friends traveling out to Disneyland this week, it’s got me thinking about my upcoming trip. I had my first trip to Disneyland last summer, and wow was it amazing! You can read my detailed trip reports from last year here, here and here. This fall I’m heading back to California the week after Thanksgiving. I’m so stoked that I will get to see the Disneyland Resort in a whole new light at the holidays!

Last trip was solo with several groups of friends traveling on overlapping dates, which turned into only one day where I was truly on my own. This year, my mom is coming with me for her first trip to Disneyland. We are also celebrating both of our birthdays since it is the week after mine and the week before hers. I’m excited to see it through her eyes for the first time as she has been coming to Walt Disney World since the early 1970s and has been a passholder on and off over the past 15 years. We are staying on property at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and splurged for a theme park view room since I was able to book at a discount through work.

I am looking forward to going back to experience some of my favorites from last time like Pirates of the Caribbean, Radiator Springs Racers, Alice in Wonderland and many more attractions. Even just the thought of exploring New Orleans Square, which is one of my favorite places on the entire planet, gets me excited for this trip! I cannot wait to see and do the special things just for Christmas time. They haven’t released any info yet, but I’m hoping I’ll be there while Disneyland is doing the Candlelight Processional. I love this show at Epcot and would like to see the differences and often they have great celebrity narrators since they’re so close to L.A.

Haunted Mansion is going to be transformed for the Nightmare Before Christmas layover called Haunted Mansion Holiday. I’ve seen the ride through on my NBC special edition dvd, but experiencing it in person has been on my list for a while. I also cannot wait to see Sleeping Beauty Castle draped in icicle lights and the special Believe fireworks show in Disneyland.

Over in Disney California Adventure I am probably most looking forward to seeing my favorite section of the park, Buena Vista Street, decked out in decorations reminiscent of the heyday of Hollywood. I saw pictures from friends last year and videos of bell ringers and I see myself with a peppermint mocha from Fiddler, Fife and Practical Cafe’s Starbucks spending a good amount of time just soaking in the atmosphere. Also, I’m interested to see the all new World of Color show for the holidays. I have to admit I’m going to miss the regular show, but I’m sure they’ll produce something just as awesome for Christmas.

And then there is the food. I will definitely be returning to Jolly Holiday Bakery for my beloved Matterhorn macaroon, Mickey beignets and a mint julep will be happening, and skewers from Bengal Barbecue again will make another great snack. I am debating making a reservation for either a character meal, which I didn’t do last time, or maybe Steakhouse 55 since I’m still unable to find a way into Club 33. I really loved Napa Rose and may do just appetizers and drinks there again and same thing at Carthay Circle since I enjoyed them both so much. Oh yes, and churros must happen too. Team churro forever!

I think I hit all of the attractions last summer, but there have been some additions since then like Mickey and the Magical Map in Disneyland and the new location for the princess meet and greet. I am also hoping that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be open then after its lengthy refurbishment. It’s A Small World Holiday is another thing I’m really looking forward to seeing for the first time.

Most of all, I just cannot wait to be back in Disneyland. For someone who has been coming to Walt Disney World for thirty plus years, it is like traveling home, but to a different home than what you know, and you are instantly welcomed and at ease. I’m also toying with doing either a special holiday tour or the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour. The ambiance and feel and coziness of Disneyland is something that I think we are missing here in Florida. I love the parks here at Christmas and can’t wait to experience the magic of Disneyland when I head back in a few months. The thought of returning to Trader Sam’s doesn’t hurt either. 😉

Have you been to Disneyland at the holidays? What are some of your favorite things to do? Leave me a comment if there’s anything I’ve missed that special for that time of year or if you have any restaurant or tour recommendations for me.

Best of luck to everyone traveling to Disneyland this weekend for the runDisney Dumbo Double Dare races!!!

Fall 2013 LeSportsac It’s A Small World Collection

With five successful seasons of our Mary Blair-inspired journey around the globe complete, it’s time to jet off to our final Disney It’s a Small World destination. The chilly weather of fall will soon begin, but our upcoming collection will hold on to the heat with an escape to Tropical Paradise! Though the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide, it truly is a small small world after all…

Polynesian Paradise print was inspired by the Polynesia scenes of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks’ “it’s a small world” attraction. The Polynesia room’s volcano and ocean landscapes are visible on the product, and the adorable hula girls and surfer boys charm their way onto the print as well. Placed on a black ground, the Polynesian children are accompanied by the theme park attraction’s mermaids, tropical flowers, and toucans. All styles in Polynesian Paradise print (except the Ryan Baby Bag) include the adorable hula girl Ipo Charm. New to our Disney It’s a Small World style offerings this final season is the Small Veronica Hobo – a small, sleek hobo with two detachable strap options for ultimate functionality! (Arriving in August)

Polynesian Paradise print will be available in 19 styles: Rectangular Cosmetic, Travel Cosmetic, Kasey, Small Cleo Crossbody, Classic Hobo, Deluxe Everyday Bag, EveryGirl Tote, Medium Weekender, Large Weekender, Mini Basic Backpack, Voyager Backpack, Caryall Tote, Melanie, Basic Backpack, Small EveryGirl Tote, Deluxe Shoulder Satchel, Small Veronica Hobo, Ryan Baby Bag with Pouch, and Lily Wallet.

Zebras, elephants, cheetahs, lions, monkeys, and exotic birds are surrounded by vibrant flowers and whimsical shapes on a beige ground in Tropical Zoo print. It reflects the elements of the Polynesian room of the “it’s a small world” ride coupled with the Rainforest scenery and animals of the attraction. All styles in Tropical Zoo print come with the colorful Elephani Charm, including the new Melanie – a chic and roomy handbag with the added convenience of a long, detachable crossbody strap for when you need to go hands-free. (Arriving in September)

Tropical Zoo print will be available in 9 styles: Rectangular Cosmetic, Travel Cosmetic, Kasey, Small Cleo Crossbody, Classic Hobo, Deluxe Everyday Bag, Large Weekender, Melanie, and Basic Backpack.

The final season’s special Picture Tote is Singing Stars, which depicts an frond-filled forest under a star-filled night sky. The “it’s a small world” message of peace and unity is embodied by the interaction of the children from Polynesian Paradise print with the animals from Tropical Zoo print into one amazing tote! The top front corner shows a bright moon (hiding behind the Elephani Charm in the photo below), reflecting a characteristic of the song – though the world feels big, there is just one moon over everyone. (Arriving in September). Also, this season will be your last chance to get the Picture Tote in Time To Share – so if you’ve had your eye on it, now is the time to get it before it’s gone.

The final Disney It’s a Small World Collection by LeSportsac will be available at LeSportsac Boutiques and LeSportsac.com beginning in early August 2013.

LeSportsac Giveaway Reminder!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Don’t forget that you can enter to win this Disney It’s A Small World LeSportsac purse every day!!!

The LeSportsac purse we will be giving away is a Molly purse which is a great size at 9 x 14 x 7.5 in, 22.86 x 35.56 x 19.05 cm, and is a very special purse to the collection as it wasn’t a part of the initial release! The Molly purse has a ton of usable space featuring a zipped closure main compartment, exterior front and back snap closure compartments, a cell phone pocket in front compartment, and zipper pocket in back compartment. Since this is a sample bag it does not come with a matching zip closure pouch, but does come with the pattern’s Mary Doll Charm.

There are just a few days left, so don’t let the chance to win pass you by!

LeSportsac It’s A Small World Purse Giveaway!!!

Hi, my name is Shelley and I am a purse addict.

Seven Months ago, Dave got me a LeSportsac It’s A Small World Purse and cosmetic case in the London Pattern for the holidays and I was hooked!

What really drew me to the LeSportsac purses is that they are super light-weight, durable, and come in sizes and shapes that are extremely practical while still being stylish.

Above all else, is that these LeSportsac It’s A Small World purses are inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork for the attraction. The colors, whimsical patterns, and playful doll charms all are such special touches that make these purses special to me.

As a tribute to the original It’s a Small World Attraction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these LeSportsac It’s A Small World bags are donated to UNICEF. And each product in this line comes with information about both UNICEF and the original It’s A Small World exhibit.

Every season they are releasing a new pattern featuring a fun new design from the It’s A Small World attraction, and I was sent a few LeSportsac bags to review.

I was sent the Spring 2013 Holland Blooming Joy Kasey and Medium Weekender Bag which I can’t wait to take to Disneyland for my first visit for the D23 Expo! The bags feature great zip closures and compartments that will make my travels more organized and fun! I love how it’s just enough ‘Disney’ without looking cartoon like.

The Deluxe Shoulder Satchel in the Around the World pattern is also a great bag for park visits and beyond, because while it is on the smaller side of purses in the line at 7.5 x 11.75 x 5 it is full of usable space and pockets with zip closures. The white background and colorful designs really scream summer to me!

And now for the fun part!!!

We are super excited to giveaway a LeSportsac It’s A Small World purse in the Summer 2013 Around the World Pattern.

The purse we will be giving away is a Molly purse which is a great size at 9 x 14 x 7.5 in, 22.86 x 35.56 x 19.05 cm, and is a very special purse to the collection as it wasn’t a part of the initial release! The Molly purse has a ton of usable space featuring a zipped closure main compartment, exterior front and back snap closure compartments, a cell phone pocket in front compartment, and zipper pocket in back compartment. Since this is a sample bag it does not come with a matching zip closure pouch, but does come with the pattern’s Mary Doll Charm.

Entering our giveaway is super easy, but make sure that you read all the details as there are ways to earn extra entries every day!

Good luck and we are looking forward to bringing you more LeSportsac giveaways in the future!

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LeSportsac It’s A Small World Announces It’s Summer 2013 Print

Arriving this may, the newest It’s a Small World LeSportsac print called Around the World will debut!

This summer’s newest print was inspired by Mary, who can be found in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World hidden in one of the many beautiful scenes of It’s a Small World.

This print on a beige background really captures the true spirit of the attraction which Mary envisioned for Disney, and all of these LeSportsac bags come with a Mary Charm.

The Around the World print features many countries you will recognize from It’s a Small World! You will find children from India, Egypt, Holland, Great Britain, Morocco, and Japan featured on the bags!

The LeSportsac Around the World print will be available in 16 styles: Rectangular Cosmetic, Travel Cosmetic, Lily Wallet, Kasey, Small Cleo Crossbody, Classic Hobo, Deluxe Shoulder Satchel, Deluxe Everyday Bag, Small EveryGirl Tote, EveryGirl Tote, Carryall Tote, Medium Weekender, Large Weekender, Mini Basic Backpack, Basic Backpack, and Voyager Backpack.

In June, two more styles of LeSportsac embroidered bags will be available!

The World of Laughter Basic Backpack and Share Your Hope Classic Hobo, the carefully placed embroidery of each little lady adorn both of these solid black bags with a simple message, provoking one simple gesture from the one who wears it.

Mary’s Tote and the Floating Dreams Rectangular Cosmetic similarly feature Mary’s character with a fistful of balloons, a characterization of Mary’s eternal message of hope and unity.

The LeSportsac Around the World Summer Collection will also have a very special piece that will be available in June! I have to say that I am OBSESSED with this piece, and I am going to HAVE to have it!!!

The Hopes and Dreams Globe Pouch and Charm Set is embroidered on a soft beige pouch with gold and silver embroidery and piping, and is inspired by the It’s a Small World clock tower face.

On the chain of this pouch, has a charm set that has some of the ride’s iconic pieces and characters. It’s beyond adorable

This piece is the perfect anchor to this summer’s It’s a Small World message!

Wordless Wednesday – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Wordless Wednesday – March 13, 2013

Wordless Wednesday – It’s A Small World

Wordless Wednesday – How Many More Hours???

2 29 12 — This seems right for spending 24 hours in the park!!!

FEED Our Small World Products Now Available At TrenD

This year marks the 45th anniversary of “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland, and to celebrate and carry on the message of It’s a Small World a line of products has been created to help children around the world.

It’s a Small World represents a powerful, unifying idea: regardless of individual nationality or ethnicity, we are all more similar than we are different. This idea champions what we all know in our hearts—though a world apart, we are all connected to each other.

The FEED Our Small World tote is made of natural burlap, and has cream-colored organic cotton interior lining. Each bag measures approximately 16” wide, and 14” high. Each Tote bag purchased* will help UNICEF supply 500 children with a year’s worth of essential Vitamin A supplements.

Tote handles and the messenger strap have approximate drop lengths of 11” and 17” respectively. Both handles are made of sturdy cream-colored organic cotton. The center of each bag, along with the messenger strap, both feature the adorable Small World characters, representing children from many different cultures around the world.

The FEED Our Small World shirt is cream-colored and made of cotton and polyester. Each shirt purchased* will help UNICEF supply 150 children with a year’s worth of essential Vitamin A supplements.

These high quality items not only look amazing, but offer you the chance to make a difference in the life of a child!

*For each FEED Our Small World Tote purchased, FEED Projects will donate $10.00 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs. No part of the purchase price is tax-deductible. UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. For more information visit unicefusa.org or feedprojects.com.

It IS a Small World After All…

On my first visit to the Walt Disney World, my father rushed us hurriedly down Main Street to his favorite ride….It’s a Small World.

Over the years this ride has held a super special place in my heart, because of the love that he has for this attraction. I remember being a little gal singing, pointing, and laughing with my Dad as we floated through the many countries.

Right now my favorite thing is not MY memories with my father, but watching him create those special memories with my daughter. Watching him with her always brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!

So make sure you keep your arms and legs in the boat as we take a look at some of my favorite parts of “It’s a Small World”