The Magic of Disney Animation

This little gem is located in Disney Hollywood Studios. In the Art of Animation building you will find many Disney characters in a big meet and greet spot, but to the right side is the Animation Academy. You are seated in a little waiting area and this class repeats about every 30 minutes.

While we waited, we were entertained by guessing which character was being drawn on the screens located overhead in the waiting area. When it was time to go into our class, we were led into a room with drawings all over the place and many lighted "drafting looking" tables with light up boxes on them. On the top was your fresh clean sheet of paper. You just put it on the hooks, grab your pencil and you're ready to go.

Light up boxes so you can see what you're drawing.

There is a real animation artist at the front with the camera on their page, which is directed to a big huge screen for you to see what he or she is doing. The class is only about 15 minutes long, but it is super fun. I have been wanting to do it for a long time.

Big screen at the front. You can go up and ask questions at the end.

One of the pics around the room.

So, our character of the day was Rapunzel from Tangled. (There are different characters taught at different times.) It was really fun to learn how to draw a character and I hope to go again next time I am there.

Hubby all ready to go.

My finished product!

Remember to get to the spot early, the class only holds so many people. This makes for a really nice free souvenir!

On the way out you can meet and greet with a lot of the characters and even see some really neat new art concepts. Also, the store on the way out has some really cool art, drawing kits, pens, pencils, etc... to fit all of your imagination!

One of the art pics in the store on the way out. This one was $695.00

 We had a ton of fun doing this, and you will too!

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A Disney souvenir that lasts forever........

There are many ways to keep Disney alive when not in a park. I for one have a Disney kitchen, bathroom, quilt and pillows on my bed, purses, backpacks, shirts, phone covers and lots of other little tidbits here and there. But I must say my absolute favorite Disney reminders are something I can never get rid of, my Disney tattoos. I got my first tattoo at the age of 16 on my calf, it's a sun that has no meaning to me but I wanted a tattoo and my parents said yes and so I got it. Then I got another one on my lower back.  I have another tattoo under my neck and then three stars n my foot that are colored in with my kiddos birthstones, and my hubby's initials on my hand.  I love all my tattoos, except my sun, and feel like each of them show a bit of me and my personality.  About a year ago I wanted a new one but I wanted it to be very special, I knew I wanted something Disney, because Disney to me means hope, love, dreams and all that is good in the world.  People who have Disney in their soul instantly understand this!  I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted. I started looking at "Sleeping Beauty" tattoos because that is my favorite movie and princess but nothing stood out to me. I knew I wanted a saying, but wasn't sure which one.  I did some research on placement and decided the inside of my arm.  I found the quote "If you can dream it, you can do it!"  Oh Walt... I mean really has anyone had a better way of explaining life?! It was perfect and I knew that's what I wanted!  I printed it out in the Disney font and took it to the artist and it is perfect!!  It inspires me daily. I have been at the gym and wanted to stop lifting and looked at my arm and had such inspiration that I did two more reps!  

After that tattoo I was ready for more. It made me so happy to have it, and couldn't wait for another, but once again I didn't want something "just because", I want it to mean something to me.  I looked on Pinterest and found a Mickey and Minnie outline on the wrist and fell in love again!  I love the idea of having a Mickey and Minnie because they are Disney!  I look at my wrist and smile!  

So here is my question for you: If you have a Disney tattoo, what made you get what you have?  What about that character or saying touched you personally that you wanted to have it with you?  How long did you wait before you got it?  Do you want more?  For me it is having that magic with me all the time. Disney is joy and magic and dreams!  I have seen an "Alice in Wonderland" arm sleeve I adore but am not sure I can pull of a sleeve. One time in the park my husband and I saw a man with the princesses all over his leg. I have seen millions of "Nightmare before Christmas" tattoos and love them all, but there are certain stories or phrases that mean more to me and I tend to lean towards those. 

So now I am on to my third Disney tattoo. I know exactly what and where I am getting it.  My appointment is set and I have just a few weeks till I get it.  I am going to keep it a secret for now, but promise to share as soon as it is done!  

Disney kisses and magic to all!!

Love, April 

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Saving Money in Disney: Souvenir Edition

My family is one of those families that like to stay on a budget each time we go. We find so many ways to stay on the budget,since we go to Disney so much. Here are some things that my family has learned along the way.

 Saving money is something we like to do,not because we don't have the money,but because we can get more bang for our buck.

 Let's start with before you leave home. Before we leave home we always go shopping. I know it sounds silly,but we love Walmart,Target,Kmart ,Walgreens and the Dollar tree the best. They always have the best Disney related items! Target dollar spot usually always has the neatest little things like socks,pencils,pencil holders,lunch items,ect...ect!!!! We also love Dollar Tree, they have coloring books,crayons,sand toys,swim stuff,puzzles,pez,stickers ..all in Disney!! Places like Walmart and Target and even Kmart have Disney related clothing,which is perfect to wear while you are at the park.

 Now what do I do with all this stuff? What we try to do is not show the kids what we bought and leave the items as a surprise. We give them different items each day. The stuff from the Dollar Tree is great if you have a rainy day and you are stuck in your hotel room or waiting for a passing shower. The stickers are great,every kid loves stickers.

 One of my favorite money saving ideas come from the Dollar Tree..they are glow items!!!! Each night as it starts getting dark all the glow items make there appearance in the Disney parks. Trying to stick to our budget, glow items are too expensive for us,so we bring them from home and even share them with other kids who's parents don't buy them. Nothing is better than sharing some Disney magic. The tubes of glow sticks make bracelets or necklaces and now they also have wands.

 Another great souvenir is the pressed penny. I know ,its just a penny right? These are be great to take home and cherish for years to come. What we do is go to the bank and get fresh shiny new pennies and our regular quarters and fill coin rolls. This makes them easy to carry in your bag. Also,be sure to bring a small plastic baggy or buy a pressed penny collection book so as your are collecting them,they won't get lost.

 Did you know you can get a free souvenir? Just stop at City Hall,or the entrance to one of the parks,and ask for a free button. They have My First Visit, I'm Celebrating,Happy Anniversary,Happy Birthday,Just Engaged and Just Married. These are great pins to take home and collect.

 Some great free items you can take home are perfect for scrapbooking!!! Napkins,tickets,brochures,park maps,receipts,fast passes,ect!!! Best of all the items are free.

 Some other great take home souvenirs are: The plastic Mickey plates,they hold up on the top dishwasher rack, plastic refillable cups, popcorn buckets and post cards.

 Something my kids loved to do was get a Mr. Potato head in DTD. This is so much fun! You pick all the parts, whatever you can fit in the box,for around 20.00. Each year you go back and you can add to it.

 Another great souvenir is Disney Dollars. These dollars look just like real money,but instead of presidents, they have Disney characters on them. These are really neat to have.

 My last money saving tip is shop around. If you have a vehicle, head to International Dr. They have Orlando Prime Outlet mall with a Disney Outlet Store. Here you can get Disney merchandise for rock bottom prices. They have 3 diff locations!!! There is also a Walmart not far from the parks that carries autograph books, shirts, post cards and other Disney related items.

 So,if you are looking to save money on souvenirs, these are my best ideas I have found,along the way.....

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