Disney Magic at Home

By Renee Cuessy, Travel Agent

Rope Drop Travel

Are you missing the Disney Parks but unable to make your way down Main Street U.S.A. right now? Then let’s get the Disney magic going at home! Here are some tips and tricks to spread the Pixie dust around without leaving your hometown.

• Watch your favorite Disney movies – It’s impossible to feel blue when you are singing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And who doesn’t hold their pet in the air when watching the intro of The Lion King. You know you’re humming Kiss the Girl right now! So, go get in your Mickey pj’s, grab some popcorn and plan a movie night with the family.
• Disney coloring books – You know they have them at every dollar store, Target and grocery store near you. $3 for a book and $2 for some crayons and you can be at home debating “make it pink! No make it blue!” Plus, it’s stress relieving. Bonus!
• Everyone loves a good app – Now a days there is an app on your phone or tablet for anything. Take advantage of apps to get your Disney fix. Follow Disney accounts on Instagram and Facebook. Shop for décor or specialty shirts on Etsy. Browse Pinterest for some travel inspiration. Check on line wait times on the Disneyland app. My favorite is a game called Disney’s Magic Kingdoms. You get to play with several Disney characters and build your own Magic Kingdom with attractions and concession stands. In addition, music from Disney attractions play which gives that extra little bit of magic.

• Read a Disney book – Let your imagination soar while reading a book. Purchase a Disney Parks book and sing along to “it’s a small world” while reading. Check out a book all about Walt Disney. Prepare yourself for your next vacation by reading Disney parks guidebooks.
• Disney treats – If you are lucky enough to find Mickey Mouse ice cream bars at a store near you, snag them and enjoy! Pinterest has recipes for the famous Dole Whip and churros. Make your own Mint Juleps and relax on your patio.

• Go to a Disney store near you – Every month Disney stores offer events, story times and activities for kids and families. Right now, you can go to a store near you and participate in an Easter egg hunt for $5 and your kiddo gets a collectible egg. Mid-May you can enjoy a photo opportunity in the Cave of Wonders from Aladdin.
• Disney DIY – Make your own Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears at home! Head over to Hobby Lobby or Michaels and get a basic headband, wire and fabric or flowers. With a hot glue gun and some creativity, you can make your own unique ears to wear for your next trip to the Parks. Not a fan of ears? Try a Disney inspired wreath for your door or sew some fun character patches on an old pair of jeans. Purchase an old denim jacket from a thrift store and decorate it with patches, pins and fabric marker.
• Call your travel agent – The best cure when missing Disney parks is to book and start planning your next trip. Picking out Fastpasses and dining reservations always makes me feel better. Having a countdown to your next visit can cure those Disney blues.