Disney Vacations by Distinctive Journeys will be in Springfield, MO

October 19, 2012 By 1 Comment

Monday October 22, 2012, Disney Vacations by Distinctive Journeys will be at an Early Bird Holiday Shopping Event with multiple other vendors in Springfield, MO. If you are near by please stop by and plan your next magical vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Cruise line or Adventures by Disney. If you RSVP to frances@distinctive-journeys.com by Monday morning October 22nd, you will receive a special gift.

Event Location:

Panera Bread Company

500 South National Avenue

Springfield, Missouri

6pm-8:45pm CDT

Several vendors with lots of giveaways, including Thirty-One gifts, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Usborne Books, Celebrating Home, Party Lite and your Disney Travel Specialist. Bring a guest and get an extra entry into giveaways!

Disney Vacations by Distinctive Journeys will be giving away a model of the Disney Dream.

There are some appointments available prior to the event and the morning of Tuesday October 23rd. Please contact Frances @404-414-6198 to make your appointment.

 

 

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Mouzing around Disney’s Beach Club

September 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Enjoy a stroll around Disney’s Beach Club

Every photo has a story.

Walt Disney World is a busy place during the holidays. That’s probably an understatement; it’s an amazingly busy place.

Picture this…there are 12,213 parking spots in the Magic Kingdom parking lot.  If you don’t arrive to claim your parking spot by about 10 a.m. on Christmas morning, you’ll be out of luck, because that’s about the time the parking lot fills up.  If you’re a Disney night-owl like me, and you can’t catch that 7 a.m. wake up call, where to go now?

Head on over to Disney’s Beach Club Resort.  The Beach Club models the architecture of 20th century mid-Atlantic resorts, showcasing pastel colors, intricate woodwork, and a relaxing beachy charm.  If you decide you just need to ride some roller coasters, you are within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The Beach Club Resort is the creation of architect Robert A. M. Stern, the master also responsible for designing the Disney’s Boardwalk  Resort, Disney’s Newport Bay Resort, and the Cheyenne Resort in Disneyland Paris.

A must-see Disney holiday decoration is front and center in the lobby of the Beach Club.  Here you will find an amazing gingerbread carousel, featuring ponies made of yummy chocolate and fondant, giant candy canes, and hand-painted portraits of Disney Characters.  It’s a culinary-artwork sight to behold.

Now make your way down the resort stairs to the Disney BoardWalk entertainment district and out to Crescent Lake.  You can walk the entire circumference of the lake at a leisurely pace in about 20 minutes.  One memorable stopping point is a small lighthouse at the end of a narrow causeway overlooking the Beach Club itself.  But be warned, because if you stop at some of the merchandise stores or restaurants, this sight-seeing walk could take a bit more time.  There’s also classic midway games, occasional street performers,  dancing at the Atlantic Dance Hall, or you can enjoy a “dueling pianos” show at Jellyroll’s.

The Magic Kingdom is still pretty busy. You have plenty of time for another lap around the lake.

Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride!

Thank you for stopping by Mouze Kateerz. We value feedback from our readers and welcome your comments.
Disney Vacations by Distinctive Journeys is ready to help you plan your next magical vacation. Please visit them at Disney Vacations by Distinctive Journeys or 404-414-6198 or frances@distinctive-journeys.com

 

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The Photographic Allure of Walt Disney World

January 20, 2012 By 10 Comments

Not exactly the real Mount Everest, but close enough for me.

Every photo has a story.

It’s a fairly common theme with people who have recently vacationed in Walt Disney World; when am I going back?  There are lots of genial debates between friends planning vacations; if you’ve already gone somewhere a bunch of times, why do you need to go back?  Why not go somewhere else new, try something different?

I go back because my children love it there, and I’m just tickled pink we have a love of all things Disney to bind us together as they start to hit their sullen and alienating teen years.  I go back because I will never visit a moon base, stay in a Polynesian village, walk the dusty streets of the Wild West, visit the castles of Europe, or probably any of the other grand places represented at the lands of Disney.  I’m none too thrilled with air travel, and I’m pretty content with my occasional nine-hour drive to Orlando.  I go back because I can have adventures and visit exotic places, and the photographic possibilities are seemingly limitless.  I see the facades and  floral landscaping and thematic decorations of Walt Disney World Disney as art.

Snapping photos on a walk through Epcot.

Picture this…I am not a professional photographer, and I do not use a particularly expensive camera.  But I always have my camera slung over my shoulder, because there is inevitably another image I see that I want to take home, so I can savor the moment for a bit longer.

I am a wanderer on a Disney vacation.  I walked 114 miles in eleven days on our last Orlando jaunt, which is like running four marathons in a little over a week.  I walk for miles and miles at night on our summer Disney trips, when most people are asleep and everything is quiet.  Mid-afternoon when lines are long, I wander the resorts on the monorail track.  I take a seat in the lobby and enjoy the architecture.  I take a boat to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, both night and day, just to sit by the waterfall or take in the intricate carvings in the lobby.  There are things to see, pictures to take, and every location is different.  I walk until my legs ache, but my artistic soul is refreshed.

There are Disney places to go, Disney pictures to see, so I dream and scheme of going back.  Many of you are doing some scheming of your own right about now.

Thanks for coming along for a photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz.  Take a virtual Disney vacation each day in photographs, and you can see even more pictures by visiting Mouze Kateerz on Pinterest.  Shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location or architectural wonder at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

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Bein’ a Disney Diva: The Search for Fine Chocolate

January 17, 2012 By 4 Comments

Not Your Average Reese's Cup

Every photo has a story.

Are you a Disney Diva?  Are you looking for the finest Walt Disney World has to offer, not only in luxury accommodations, exquisite merchandise and jewelry, but also food and entertainment?  So is Mouze Kateerz, and today, as Diva Mouze, I’m going to start with a snack, because Divas everywhere have a true love of chocolate.

I spend a lot of time in the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionary, and not just because my sons like to watch the Cast Members whipping up bags of cotton candy goodness.  There’s the warm smell of sugar and baked goods hanging in the air.  The colors of treats, candy packages, hot chocolate mugs…it’s a visual delight just to look around.  And this Diva a sure sucker for a snack.

What’s one of my favorite ways to indulge my Disney Diva sweet tooth?  Chocolate. Disney chocolate seems to have a melt-in-your-mouth quality, and it doesn’t seem to matter what sort of chocolate treat you are enjoying.  Walk on up to the Confectionary counter and have a peak.

Picture this… a pretzel coated with caramel, chocolate, and rolled in mini M&Ms.  A diva-worthy treat, but certainly not priced to break the bank.

So many M&Ms, so little time.

You didn’t think Diva’s ate M&Ms?  Of course they do, on their walk down Main Street to see the latest Dooney & Bourke Mickey handbags.  Melts in your mouth…not in your manicured hands.

Need a few more tips on how Divas vacation at Walt Disney World?

Drop by Tips from the Disney Diva  for information on Disney vacation preparation like organizing, reservations, and all-around tips on how to make the most of your vacation time.  Divas know that time is money.  I’m the official “Photo Diva”, on a quest to bring you the very best in Diva Delights.  With a love of Disney architecture, design, and merchandise, I’m on a search to find and photograph the very best that Disney has to offer their vacationing Divas; spa treatments, well-appointed accommodations, exquisite jewelry, fine dining, shopping and more.

And only the finest will do, for true Divas know that even if they can’t live it, they can always Disney Dream it!  Stop by and see the Divas.

Thanks for coming along for a photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share with our readers?  Post your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation each day in photographs, and you can see even more pictures by visiting Mouze Kateerz on Pinterest.  Shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location or architectural wonder at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

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Gateway to the Disney Worlds of Make-Believe

January 16, 2012 By 1 Comment

Blue is in the Eye of the Beholder

Every photo has a story.

Fantasyland is a gateway to the worlds of make-believe. Faraway kingdoms and adventures in imaginary realms lie in every corner. You can live in your daydreams and look into the windows of your childhood. Neverland isn’t the only place where nobody ever grows up.

The Imagineers, from The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom.

Castle Dreamlights

Picture this…It’s been estimated that about 30,000 pictures are taken of Cinderella Castle every day.  There are 18 castle towers; each tower and castle spire has been topped with gold paint for an extra sparkle. Because it’s always viewed in pristine condition, have you ever wondered how many days the Castle has ever been vandolized?  Exactly one. That was the day they opened Stitch’s Great Escape. I’m sort of glad I wasn’t there to see the toilet paper and grafitti, because it might have spoiled the image for me, like drawing a Sharpee marker moustache on the Mona Lisa.

People stop dead on the sidewalk to take photos of the castle, and they don’t care how fast you’re walking close behind when the urge hits to take that picture.  There’s something that draws you into it; maybe it’s because castles aren’t something we encounter in our every day reality. This Disney structure, above all else, mesmorizes me.

I should probably appologise now if you ran into me on that sidewalk.

 Thanks for coming along for a photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation each day in photographs, and you can see even more pictures by visiting Mouze Kateerz on Pinterest.  Shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location or architectural wonder at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

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A Disney Apple A Day

January 15, 2012 By 1 Comment

A real Disney bargain at $9.95

Every photo has a story…

Did you know there are 6,000 different food items for you to choose from at Walt DisneyWorld?

Picture this… 500 different locations on Walt Disney World property sell food. Here’s my pick for today: The Sugar-Sprinkled Chocolate-Covered Caramel Apple. These were found in the Magic Kingdom Confectionary on Main Street, U.S.A. . Take it from the Mouze…it’s the snack that eats like a meal. While this “Mouse” themed apple looks the prettiest, I think the M&M covered caramel apple tastes the best.

Disney Snacks: The Breakfast of Champions

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Remember, I write Disney photography articles for Chip & Company, and they are looking for great Disney vacation photos without family members, preferably of Disney characters, landscapes, architecture, or funny photos for our “Caption This Contest.”  Please send in pictures  (one at a time please) with a brief description of your photo. Be sure to tell us what is in the picture and any important details.  Just use the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, Why and When, because that way we have enough information to share the Disney Magic.  Every photo has a story, so be sure to include yours.

Thanks for coming along for a photographical ride!

Drop by and see more great Disney vacation photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz: take a virtual Disney vacation each day in photographs. Visit my photo blog at mouzekateerz.com, check out my photos on Pinterest at Pin Mouze Kateerz,  or shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

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Mouzin’ Around the Contemporary Resort

January 13, 2012 By 22 Comments

Every photo has a story.

There’s something fun about wandering around The Contemporary Resort.  It’s a classic piece of Disney architecture, one that most Disney fans have walked around at some point, and it’s just an all-around cool looking building.  Take a monorail ride over and grab a snack from the Contempo Cafe. There’s great little shops on the Grand Canyon Concourse level, and I love the huge floor-to-ceiling tile artwork by Disney Imagineer Mary Blair. Now walk straight out the back doors and down the stairs. The waterfront area right on Bay Lake is a relaxing place to park yourself on a bench, watch the birds fly about, and gaze at the happy vacationers making their way around the resort.

This fabulous Mickey Mouse topiary, located just behind the Contemporary Resort, is a great work of Disney art you just might normally overlook.  Topiary gardening, where living plants are fashioned into decorative forms, has been practiced for centuries. Throughout Walt Disney World, topiary can be found in shapes ranging from trees pruned in geometric designs to the classic Disney characters.

Picture this…in Walt Disney World, there are 1,700 species of plants, representing flora from the United States and 50 countries around the world.

If you are a fan of Disney landscaping and the ancient art of topiary gardening, this spring you should head over to The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This is a special event filled with Disney character topiaries, a colorful array of flowers, gardens, live music and special presentations. The next festival will be held from March 7 to May 20, 2012. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera.

Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. Or shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com

This article was originally published HERE at Chip & Co. in November of 2011. Stop by to see more of my articles.

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Magic as Wide as a Smile

January 12, 2012 By 19 Comments

Ah, the Magic.

Every photo has a story…

The magic is as wide as a smile and as narrow as a wink, loud as laughter and quiet as a tear, tall as a tale and deep as emotion. So strong, it can lift the spirit. So gentle, it can touch the heart. It is the magic that begins the happily ever after.

- Unknown

Thanks for stopping by for a Disney photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share?  Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz, where you’ll take a virtual Disney vacation every day in photographs. E -mail your favorite artistic Disney photo to mouzekateerz@gmail.com.

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Mouzin’ Around With the Imagineers in Adventureland

January 11, 2012 By 25 Comments

Life is an Adventure.

Every Photo has a story.

I love Adventureland.  The sounds, the smells, the colors, the rich tropical landscaping and the tribal-esque decorations all make me feel as if I’ve stepped into a land half a world away.  I’ll never go to the dark jungles of Africa, I know that with almost certainty, so I have a fine appreciation for being in the jungles of the Magic Kingdom. I love this clean Disney jungle, with water fountains and bathrooms close by, and there’s popcorn and churro stands so I won’t starve.  The natives are playing marimba songs to welcome me, and I’m here to start my jungle adventure.

How do you really define “adventure?”  What would adventure actually look like?  Is it a time, a place, or a feeling?  And whose job was it to determine what adventure would really be at Walt Disney World?  The Disney Imagineers, the design and development team for the Walt Disney Company, were tasked by Walt Disney himself early on to define what exactly adventure would be in the Adventureland section of his California theme park.

When you leave Main Street, U.S.A.  and turn to the left past the Crystal Palace restaurant, you have reached Adventureland.  In The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom, the Imagineers related how they played on several of the images called to mind when you hear the word adventure. “There are the deep, dark jungles of Africa, the islands of the Caribbean Sea, the South Seas tropics, and an Arabian bazaar.  It is a combination of all these locales that creates an overall sense of adventure to serve as a backdrop for the stories we want to tell.”

Picture this…the only three attractions that were operational in Adventureland on Opening Day in 1971 were the Swiss Family Treehouse, The Jungle Cruise, and the Tropical Serenade. I’m glad there’s Pirates now, because what would the deep tropics and the Carribean Sea be without some rogues to keep you company?

Welcome to Adventureland…get ready for your Disney adventure to begin.

Thanks for stopping by for a Disney photographical ride! 

 

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share?  Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz, where you’ll take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. E-mail your favorite artistic Disney photo to mouzekateerz@gmail.com.

This article was originally published at Meet the Magic on January 5, 2012.

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Late Night Mouzing Around Main Street

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hangin' out until they throw ya out!

Every photo has a story.

Walt Disney designed Main Street U.S.A. to be representative of Hometown America, an idealized main street based on memories from his childhood home in Marceline, Missouri.  You feel like you have been here before; the shops are familiar, warm, and inviting.  Yet there’s excitement and adventure in the air.  Standing on Main Street, you are still at the beginning of a grand adventure.

Picture this…All the shops on Main Street stay open an hour after the Magic Kingdom’s closing hours.  So hang back as everyone else rushes out of the gates.  Take a seat on the sidewalk and watch the castle colors change.  There is music piped in through hidden speakers, and though tired, most everyone you see is still in a wonderful, vacation-happy mood.  It’s the end of the day, and people are glad to be here.

There’s holiday shopping galore at stores such as the Main Street Cinema, Disney Clothiers, Main Street Athletic Club, Uptown Jewelers, Crystal Arts, the Chapeau, Confectionary, and the Main Street Gallery.  These names are reminiscent of just the sort of downtown shops you would have enjoyed visiting in your own small town.

If you need a quick bite to eat before you make your way to the monorail or the ferryboat, stop in Casey’s Corner for a hot dog with fries, or the Main Street Confectionary for some baked goods like pastries, cookies, and cupcakes.  There’s also the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor for something cold and delicious.  On your way out of the door here, just take a look before you at the visual splendor of Cinderella’s Castle.  There’s no rush to get home- enjoy the view.

Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. You can send me an email of your favorite Disney location at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

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