Disney
Things to Do in Disney Springs during Orlando Vacation
This post about things to do in Disney Springs has been sponsored by Disney. All opinions are my own. Things to Do in Disney Springs for Families We have always included at least an afternoon at Downtown Disney. Now with the recent renovations, the newly renamed Disney Springs in Walt Disney World has become the […]
Waldorf Astoria Orlando for Family Travel
Heading to Disney and want to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando? Check latest hotel prices & reviews for the Waldorf Orlando on TripAdvisor. Our Visit to Waldorf Astoria Orlando Staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a Smart Mama choice for families visiting the Disney theme parks or wanting to just escape to a beautiful resort in Central […]
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista a Disney Springs Resort for Famillies
We were invited to spend two nights at the recently renovated Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in the Disney Springs area of Walt Disney World. We truly enjoyed our experience and highly recommend the resort for families wishing to stay close to Disney Springs. During our visit, we stayed in a Disney-view Tower room with two queen beds. […]
Flash Sale for Waldorf Orlando & Hilton Bonnet Creek
Rates drop to as low as $99 for the Hilton Bonnet Creek and $159 for the Waldorf Orlando! Huge savings! For a super limited time you need to book at the Waldorf Orlando or the Hilton Bonnet Creek to take part of their FLASH sale! See details below! Do you remember how last month we spent an incredible weekend […]
Book the Concierge Upgrade at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando
We wanted to weekend getaway. We wanted to have fun and enjoy time together as a family. An opportunity became available to book a concierge upgraded suite at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. We packed our bags and headed North. The Rosen Shingle Creek is located just over 10 miles from Walt Disney World, but […]
Disney Getaway to Blizzard Beach with Kids & a Scared Mom
A quick Disney getaway included visiting Blizzard Beach with kids. We had never visited a Disney Water Park as a family and were eager for the experience. Our daughters are 3 & 7. The older one is super adventurous – she rode Space Mountain and Rockin’ Roller Coaster in Walt Disney World during our trip […]
Hilton Bonnet Creek Video Review
Throughout our 2-night weekend at the Hilton Bonnet Creek I snapped loads of photos and video. It was a trip I surely wanted to always remember and it was a perfect summer weekend getaway! I compiled many of the images into a video showcasing some of very favorite aspects of the Hilton Bonnet Creek, especially […]
Summer Weekend Getaway at the Hilton Bonnet Creek
UPDATE: Check out our video montage of our very favorite aspects of the Hilton Bonnet Creek! A summer weekend getaway at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando provided our family a perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, enjoy outstanding food and receive top notch service. We head to Orlando quite a bit being South Florida residents. […]
Spanish Disney Website for Bilingual Exposure
My kids – like your kids, I’m sure – appreciate computer/iPad time. As a former educator and educational technology specialist, I really encourage applications and programs that provide learning opportunities. The new Spanish Disney website, Disney Ajá, makes a debut during Hispanic Heritage Month to provide kids with additional exposure to a second language, in a […]
How I Pay It Forward in Disney
To Pay It Forward is to do something unexpectedly nice to another person. This goes beyond holding the door open or picking up a paper that fell. When I Pay It Forward I surprise someone with true kindness in a way that isn’t always what’s expected. Remember when I payed it forward at Starbucks and […]
Disney World is for Florida Moms
Florida moms love Disney. I especially do. From start to finish, getting to the entrance at Magic Kingdom is 250 miles – as the car drives. That usually comes out to just an under 4 hour drive. There are no airport security lines, delayed or cancelled flights or limitations on what you can pack. Yes, […]
Last Minute Holiday Gifts That Don’t Need a Box
Last minute gifts often aren’t very personal. The generic doll, blocks or pajamas will be enjoyed by the recipient, but not for long. Below are great last minute gift ideas for kids or families. They make great last minute gifts from Santa, Grandma, Aunt, and even mom & dad! Forget finding a spot in the […]
3 Reasons to Hit Up Downtown Disney
As South Floridians we’ve been to Walt Disney World about 12 times in the last 5 years. Yes, we go a lot. Nearly every trip includes at least a morning in Downtown Disney. Why? Besides the fact that even my older one still thinks it’s one of the Disney Parks (cheap date!), I have 3 […]
The Complete Walt Disney World 2011 Book Review
This Smart Mama family has been to Disney 14 times in the last 5 years. Yes, we know Disney. But, Julie & Mike Neal, authors of The Complete Walt Disney World 2011 know better, having tallied over 1500 visits! Most guidebooks focus on the magic of Disney but their guide goes beyond that with great tips […]
An Organized Suitcase is Necessary on a Weekend Getaway
[ad#Google in Content] We are the weekend getaway family, as you may remember from Smarty Pants Daddy’s post this summer. We getaway when we can, especially when we find a good deal and have a free weekend! On most trips, I am able to pack our clothes in 2 suitcases, often a backpack comes too […]
How to Make Mickey Mouse Waffles at Home
Many of us know have experienced the love of Mickey Mouse waffles at any Walt Disney World breakfast feast. It’s a kid and adult favorite. The little Mickey ears sitting on your plate puts an instant smile on your face! But, as much as we would love to, we will not make to a Character […]
Smart Home: Timmy Time, Disney’s New Friend!
[ad#Google in Content]A great new stop-motion series, Timmy Time, is joining Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney on Monday, September 13! Timmy Time, is already a favorite in my household after we got a chance to enjoy two preview episodes! Are you a Shaun the Sheep fan? Most of us are! Timmy Time is made by Aardman […]
Smart Deal: Free Shipping at DisneyStore.com, limited time!
How many princesses and pirates will be knocking on doors next month? The selection for these adorable costumes is unbelievable at The Disney Store at the mall and even better online. Today through Monday, September 6, 2010, you can get FREE SHIPPING on your entire order when you use the promo code FREESHIP at DisneyStore.com! […]
Smart Travel: The Weekend Getaway
[ad#Google in Content] Guest Poster: Smarty Pants Dada I guess about a year and a half ago, our family started doing weekend getaways. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. As a dad who works all week it is nice to get away from home for the weekend. It doesn’t have […]
Smart Product: VTech MobiGo w/giveaway
Updated 9/5/10 due to product availability updates. It arrived around 3 PM. I had shown her pictures and read her information all about the new MobiGoTouch Learning System that was to be delivered that day. She was ecstatic! She tore into the box like it was the first gift on Christmas! Her expectations were met! […]
Disney Parade Tip, Reuse Parade Toys
Who says you can’t reuse parade toys? You certainly don’t buy new beach towels each time you go to the beach? Do you? I’m thinking you buy them ahead of time and then reuse them with each beach trip. Well, you shouldn’t go to a parade, particularly a Disney nighttime parade, without your pre-purchased parade […]
Fishies, fishies, I want fishies!
Heading back to the hotel from Magic Kingdom, I sat with Isa passed out on my lap, next to a mommy and her 2 year old little girl who seemed delirious and exhausted. With the clock quickly approaching midnight, the reason was obvious. My nosy ears heard the little one ask her mom, “Fishies?” Obviously, asking for […]
Disney in a Weekend! Planning a Weekend Disney Getaway!
What a weekend! Spent three great nights with family in Disney World. Yes, we travel to Disney A LOT! We actually went 6 times just in 2009! It sounds a bit excessive, don’t you think? There are lots of reasons for our repetitive WDW getaways. First and foremost, we were given season passes last year – […]