Photographing Disney as has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the magic, and has taught me a few lessons along the way that extend far beyond taking great photos. How we view the parks and the world around us depends on more than the lens we use or the subject matter at hand.
Read MoreIs there anything better than that moment when you walk into the parks in the morning? The early light gives everything an optimistic glow, and the anticipation of what's ahead makes your feet light and your heart lighter.
Read MoreDisney bounding is reimagining everyday clothes with a touch of magic to turn even the most ho-hum outfit into a statement about a character (or movie, attraction, or idea) that you love. And anyone can do it, anywhere, anytime because it is not a costume, but rather a carefully arranged fashion statement.
Read MoreWhat if I told you the most memorable part of a Disney trip is not the E-ticket rides or magical shows? Or even (gasp!) our beloved characters?
The truth is, the magic is in the pauses.
Read MoreThis week while walking with my brother in Hollywood Studios, he pointed out a fairly abrupt transition that has been on my mind ever since. There is a place where the Muppets Courtyard (or Grand Avenue, as it's now called) blends into the entrance of Galaxy's Edge, and while most Disney transitions are seamless, this one is not.
Read MoreLet's face it... planning for a Disney World trip has always been a project. And with our brains all a little foggier from this pandemic season (and too many Mandalorian binges), navigating HOW to get to Disney can feel like scaling a mountain as tall as Expedition Everest.
Read MoreHow does it taste SO much better when you're inside the Disney bubble? And how does a pretzel in the shape of Mickey's head boost our enjoyment of the parks, while a regular-shaped pretzel should, theoretically, be no different?
Read MoreIf you're a seasoned Disney veteran, you know what I'm talking about. You know what to book, in what order, at what time. It becomes as easy as breathing after a while, with comfort in the routine that brings as much happiness as walking through the main gates themselves.
Read MoreA Cast Member once told me that a Disney trip is like a marathon, and truer words have never been spoken. While I love pounding the pavement, without preparation and a few emergency tools on hand, my Disney day can quickly go from a joyful adventure to a desperate slog at the drop of a hat.
Read MoreChristmas dinner was an interesting adventure this year. The conversation inevitably turned to the pandemic and speculation about when all of this may be over.
Read MoreAll the constant changes, the battlefield that is social media, and the challenge of re-learning how to live everyday life has taken a mental toll. So much so that when I pulled out my Christmas decorations this year, I didn't feel like putting up half of them.
Read MoreDisney friends, do you find yourself feeling somewhat less than thankful this year?
With Disneyland still not even close to open, COVID-19 messing with our lives, and restrictions on how many people we can see for the holidays, it's hard to see the silver lining here.
Read MoreAs I shuffled around the MDE (My Disney Experience) app to make my next mobile food order, I found myself having walked to a completely new land without ever remembering how I got there.
I stopped abruptly and turned around, aghast at what I had missed.
The layout of the Disney parks may not be something you think about except for at the end of the day when your feet are aching and sitting feels like the best ride ever. Or when you're hiking around the Epcot World Showcase in the blazing sun and afternoon heat.
Read MoreToday, we visit the WHYs that everyone is asking us, my fellow Disney friends.
These are all legitimate questions, ones that I even questioned myself a time or two recently, especially in light of so many talented Cast Members being let go.
It's Halloween week. We've arrived! It's a bittersweet holiday for all of us Disneyphiles... with no Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties this year (and no giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street USA for all you Disneylanders), the Halloween Time magic is simply not the same.
Read MoreIn an era of social distancing, suddenly I’m left with a solo trip that is truly... solo. Sure, there is the occasional banter with a Cast Member, but far less frequent are the in-line exchanges with other hot and tired Disney enthusiasts.
Read MoreMaybe you’re like me and you want to go adventuring too. It’s tough to do right now given any number of things that might kill you right outside your door (and maybe inside depending on if you live with a temperamental cat... we call ours Mowgli).
Read More
