Disney dreams, crafty schemes, and everything in between!
I don’t know about you, but pasta is my ultimate comfort food. There’s nothing like sitting on the couch in your favorite “loungewear” with a big old bowl of some kind of noodles in one hand and a fork in the other, about to watch …
For years I said that I would never go to Disney World in the summer. I mean, I actually said it out loud to people. It was one of those smug declarations people sometimes make when they believe they made a decision based on their …
There’s nothing very magical about waiting on line for an hour at Disney World, then not being able to ride because you can’t fit in the seat.
Or to be able to ride the ride, but be in constant pain the entire time because the lap bar is digging into you.
There’s enough to worry about when you’re planning a Disney World vacation, and your body size shouldn’t be one of them.
In this post you’re going to learn about:
You might have heard a rumor that, for safety reasons, Disney was going to implement a policy that only guests that weighed less than 180 pounds could ride certain rides.
This rumor is completely false.
There are no weight limits for rides at Disney World and absolutely no plans for there to be any.
This rumor originated from an article in Mouse Trap News, a satirical website. (Kinda like a Disney-specific version of The Onion.
Some rides have test seats outside the attraction so you can find out whether you and the seat get along before you wait in line for an hour.
If you have trouble finding the test seat, just ask a cast member for help.
I’ve heard some people say that they’re embarrassed to try the test seat because they’re out in the open where everyone can see them.
Please don’t let that stop you. Honestly, most humans (me included) are pretty self-absorbed, and they’re probably too busy paying attention to their phones, their families, and what the ride will be like to be caring about strangers on test seats.
There are test seats for:
By NO means does this mean that plus-size guests won’t be able to ride them.
These are just the rides that might possibly be snug or challenging — as opposed to, say, Jungle Cruise or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which are very plus-size friendly.
Wearing shorts and walking outside in the heat for several hours is a sure recipe for “chub rub,” as some people call it.
This product is small, inexpensive, and works wonders.
I also like to rub it all over my feet every morning before I put my sandals on.
Understanding different types of ride seating and which ones are the most challenging, plus how to best deal with different restraints (like seat belts) is not only helpful, but will hopefully alleviate some concerns you might have.
Thrill rides usually come with lap bars that pull from in front of you and rest across your lap.
Rides with lap bars include:
For these types of rides, it’s not a good idea to share a lap bar with someone much smaller than you, because the bar won’t be able to come down far enough to secure the smaller person.
Instead, you can have your party “pair up” according to size, or as to sit behind the smaller person. If you’re not sure how to arrange yourselves, just ask a cast member.
Here are two tips for when the lap bar comes down:
There are lots of rides at Disney World with seat belts. These are for rides are ones like Dumbo The Flying Elephant where you move around, but you don’t feel like you might go flying out of your seat (see lap bar, above).
Rides with seat belts include:
The key to using seat belts is to gently pull it all the way out of its socket first, so that it doesn’t lock up.
Many, if not all, rides with seat belts have seat belt extenders available. If you think you might need one, just ask a cast member. I’ve heard that they’re very discreet about it.
Theater seats are generally not too much of a problem, but here are a few tips:
Instead of just sitting down directly between the two armrests, sit on the front edge of the seat, the slide back.
For theater seating that’s basically a big long bench, you can ask to sit on the edge of a row. Also, if you feel like the cast member smushed too many people on one bench and you don’t feel comfortable, just let them know that you need more room.
Also, if you need one, you can ask a cast member to put an armless chair in the area for the wheelchairs.
Rides with theater seats include:
The thing that’s funny about some of these theater-style attractions is that sometimes it’s not the seating that’s difficult so much as getting through the turnstile.
In this video, Pammie Plus Parks gives you some tips on the turnstiles and seating for Carousel of Progress:
Bench seats are probably the easiest and most comfortable seating option, because there are no restraints or arm rests.
Rides with bench seats include:
Like the theater seating mentioned above, if you feel like the cast member has tried to cram too many people on your bench, just ask to be moved to a different row.
Bucket seats can be challenging for many people, because you have to lower yourself a lot to climb down into them. (Actually, it might not be the “climbing down” so much as the “getting back up” that’s a problem.)
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid these rides, but it’s good to be aware of the situation.
Ride alone?
Rides with low bucket seats include:
Knowing facts about different types of seating and tips on how to use the seat belt are helpful, but only to a point.
I know that you what you really want is to hear some plus-size people describe their own actual experiences with different rides.
This person on the Disboards was kind enough to share their experience:
… I wanted to share my experience. I am 6’3″ 400lbs. My weight is fairly evenly distributed.
The only rides I have had issues with is are as follows.
Can do it, but takes a little maneuvering:
- Slinky Dog Dash (a little snug, but nothing crazy)
- Test Track (had to angle my body in a bit)
- Frozen Sing-A-Long and Muppet Vision (kind of feels like an airplane seat)
- Gran Fiesta (had to cross my legs, which was fine because I kind of needed to pee anyway)
Can do it, but was so uncomfortable I needed alcohol after:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (I am pretty sure the restraints were a form of torture)
- Space Mountain (at one point, I was convinced the restraint was going to fail and I was going to become an internet story. lol)
- Tea Cups (yeaaaaahhhhh, nooooooo)
Can’t do it, but really wish I could:
- Flight of Passage (sigh)
Can’t do it and couldn’t care less:
- Barnstormer (I’m not sad about this one)
Can do:
- Pretty much everything else.
Quick Tip:
Wearing leggings and sitting up as straight as possible might make it a little easier to fit into the Flight of Passage seat.
Someone else on Disboards shared this list of ride-specific tips:
Winnie the Pooh: The doors is slightly larger in the back row as I recall.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is difficult for many “skinny” people and impossible for many larger sized people.
Tower of Terror: Ask for the transfer seats in the front. Bonus you get more air time.
Star Tours: Ask for the transfer seat to be opened for you. It makes it easier.
Rise of the Resistance: Again ask for the door to be opened.
Expedition Everest: The back row, seat closest to the loading station is slightly larger than the rest.
Flights of Passage has a test seat, but is definitely hard to impossible for larger guests due to them not thinking and deciding not to provide alternative seating for larger guests and guests with disabilities. Given when the attraction was built and the theme, I consider this a major design flaw.
Soarin’: the seats on the ends closest to the edges of the theater are the widest. Unfortunately with around the World this isn’t a great view.
What has your experience been like?
Were there any rides that worried you, but turned out not to be a problem at all? Any tips for having an easier experience?
Let us know below in the comments!
Close your eyes and picture yourself at Disney World in sunny Florida … where you’re pulling your jacket around you tightly, wishing that you’d thought to pack gloves, and are debating whether or not to buy a hot chocolate just so you’ll stop shivering. Wait, …
Gather around, children, and listen to the tale of my family’s very first Disney World vacation … As soon as we entered the Magic Kingdom, we went to a kiosk to get little slips of paper called “Fast Passes.” Once we had these very important …
What’s even better than biting into a delicious cookie?
How about biting into a cookie and discovering something sweet, creamy, gooey, or crunchy inside — that’s different but has a flavor and texture that goes perfectly with the rest of the cookie?
Below are 27 recipes for cookies that are stuffed with delicious things, including:
The list includes both vegan cookie recipes and gluten-free cookie recipes, so there’s no reason for anyone to feel left out.
(By the way, stuffed cookies might sound difficult and intimidating, but they really aren’t. They will be impressive, though!)
These Oreo Stuffed Cookies are made with delicious brown sugar cookie dough loaded with miniature M&M's, then wrapped around a whole Oreo cookie. It's like two cookies in one!
When your friends and family bite into these bad boys, they'll be so impressed to discover a whole Oreo cookie inside.
Have you ever tried the Costco Raspberry Crumble Cookies They're seriously delicious, right?
Well, guess what - now you can make them at home with this amazing copycat recipe.
These cookies are sweet, tart, and crumbly, with a jam-filled, soft and chewy center. They taste exactly like the ones you get at Costco. Plus, they're super easy to make and take less than 30 minutes to whip up.
If you're a Rolo fan, these delicious Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies will be right up your alley.
You probably already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry, except for the candy itself.
The recipe is a basic chocolate cookie with a rich and gooey surprise inside. It's perfect for when you're craving something sweet and indulgent.
Italian fig cookies -- also known as cuccidati, buccelatti (little bracelets), or Sicilian fig cookies -- are fig-stuffed cookies that are traditionally served during Christmas.
Some have a harder or crispier dough, while others are softer. Some use nuts, jam, or honey to sweeten the filling, and even the shape of the cookies varies from region to region.
But no matter the variation, they're all delicious and authentic, as they come from recipes that have been passed down for generations.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a soft caramel center and chunks of dark chocolate throughout. Then they're topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra pop of flavor!
This recipe for Peppermint Patty Stuffed Chocolate Cookies should be at the top of your holiday baking list.
With just a few simple ingredients, they're super easy to make. And the chocolatey mint freshness is the perfect holiday flavor combination.
These Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are filled with a flavorful strawberry center that's gooey and delicious. They're the perfect way to celebrate the warmer weather and all the joys of Spring and Summer!
These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are a chocolate hazelnut dream come true. Not only are they packed full of creamy, chocolatey Nutella, but they also have chocolate chips studded throughout, adding an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery, with fresh strawberries throughout. But the real surprise is the deliciously sweet cream cheese filling stuffed in the center that takes these cookies to the next level of yumminess.
This recipe takes chocolate chip cookies to the next level - Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies!
This easy recipe makes big, thick cookies that are packed with Oreos hidden inside among lots of chocolate chips. They're the perfect combination of crunchy and gooey, with a surprise twist in every bite.
Do you love chocolate and caramel? If so, you've got to try these rich and gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Stuffed Cookies. The combination of sweet and salty in these fudgy chocolate caramel cookies is simply divine.
Here's something different: Cookie Monster Stuffed Cookies!
The cookies are blue in honor of Cookie Monster. its loaded with chocolate chips, white chips, Chips Ahoy, and OREOs - it's like a cookie lover's dream come true!
These cookies are so much fun to make and are perfect for kids, teens, parties, or any fun get-together. They would even be great for a baby shower for a boy.
These keto and gluten-free Strawberry Cream Sandwich Cookies are flavored with vanilla and butter, with just a hint of salt, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy strawberry filling.
And not only are they beautiful and delicate, but they're also perfect to serve at a high tea or give away to your loved ones as a sweet treat.
The best part? They're way healthier than anything store-bought. At less than 1 net carb per cookie, you can indulge in these sweet treats with no regrets.
These Vegan S'mores Cookies are a real treat, and nobody would ever guess they're vegan - they're just that good!
They've got everything you could ask for in a cookie - gooey marshmallows, crisp cookie edges, and deliciously melty chocolate chips. They're like a campfire favorite in cookie form.
You can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. So whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just love a good cookie, these Vegan S'mores Cookies are a must-try.
These Secret Kiss Cookies are soft, cake-like morsels with a rich chocolaty flavor.
Baking them in a mini muffin pan gives them their distinctive round shape, perfect for hiding a candy kiss inside.
Another great thing about these cookies is that they're easy to customize.
You can add sprinkles for holidays or team colors, use kisses with holiday flavors, get fancy with kisses that are layered or swirled, or even color the kisses pink or blue for a gender reveal party surprise.
You can also just skip the sprinkles and pipe zigzags of chocolate on top.
Are you getting tired of making the same old treats all the time? If so, you've got to try this recipe for Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies.
If you're a fan of red velvet cookies and cheesecake, you're going to absolutely love this recipe.
If you're a chocolate lover, you need to try these Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.
They're thick, soft, and chewy, with a yummy surprise in the center - a brownie bite!
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a birthday get-together. They're sure to impress and delight everyone with their burst of chocolate goodness.
These soft and fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies are topped with a creamy cheesecake center and dusted with cinnamon, making them the ultimate fall treat.
They're perfect for the Thanksgiving or Christmas season, or any time you're craving a taste of fall.
These Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies are so much fun, they'll make you feel like a kid again.
The dough for these cookies is made with Fruity Pebbles cereal, which gives them a burst of nostalgic flavor and a rainbow of colors.
But that's not all! Each cookie is wrapped around a gooey marshmallow, and then rolled in even more Fruity Pebbles for an extra crunchy texture.
These heart-shaped Lemon Hearts Cookies are perfect for sharing with your loved ones on Valentine's Day. (or any day, really!)
The dough for these cookies is soft and easy to work with, making the baking process a breeze.
And the filling? A deliciously lemony white chocolate ganache that's sure to make your taste buds sing.
These Ferrero Rocher Cookies has dough made with Nutella and oats, creating a perfectly chewy and gooey texture, and then each cookie has a whole Ferrero Rocher baked right into the center.
To top it off, these cookies get an extra sparkle, with drizzles of white chocolate and a touch of gold lustre. They look as good as they taste!
These Peanut Butter Lover's Peanut Butter Cookies are dedicated to all the peanut butter fans out there. are loaded with more than three cups of the creamy stuff, making them the perfect indulgence.
The stuffing is super simple to make. It's just peanut butter and powdered sugar mixed together until smooth. The mixture is then rolled into balls and chilled in the freezer while you make the dough.
These cookies are definitely a peanut butter lover's dream come true.
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect combination of three fantastic tastes: chocolate dough, pieces of white chocolate, and a delicious cream cheese filling.
The rich chocolate dough, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet white chocolate pieces all work together to create a taste sensation that you won't forget.
These Stuffed Lotus Biscoff Cookies are vegan -- but they're made without any unusual or weird ingredients.
Being completely plant-based, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They have a delicious speculoos / biscotti taste that's simply irresistible. The brown sugar cookie perfectly complements the classic caramelized Biscoff cookie butter flavor.
These Homemade Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights are a copycat version of the seasonal treat you know and love, but they're healthier and gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free.
These soft pumpkin spiced cookies are decorated with a spooky carved face and stuffed with pumpkin butter filling. They taste just like pumpkin pie!
These Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies are not only delicious, but they're also gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free.
These warm, big, and soft cookies are loaded with fresh chopped apples, giving you all the flavors of fall in one decadent but healthy dessert treat. And the best part? They're stuffed with vegan caramel!
I love caramel apples, but always find them a big tricky to eat. These cookies are a great alternative. They're big, ooey, and gooey, and they're the perfect way to indulge in your favorite fruity treat.
Picture biting into a warm, gooey cookie and finding a melted Reese's peanut butter cup inside!
Yup ... Every bite of these Reese's Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies is packed with sweet peanut butter goodness, just the right amount of melted chocolate, and a satisfying crunch from the cookie's exterior.
Like many people, I’ve always partial to fall (or “autumn,” if you want to sound a little classier). In fact, we got married in October, partly for that reason. Leaves, pumpkins, costumes, apples, corn on the cob, a light breeze … these are some of …
Summer is finally here and you know what that means – it’s time to chow down on some sweet and juicy corn on the cob. I always get a kick out of going to the grocery store and seeing a bunch of people crowded around …
Depending on where you live, August may mean back to school for you, or it may mean summer — beaches, vacations, picnics, relaxing at the pool, that kind of thing.
Unfortunately, where I live, August technically means the end of beaches and vacations and time to go back to school. (In fact, I’m a teacher, so I actually back to school/work on July 31 this year).
But it also means summer, because … well, it is summer. And it’s seriously close to 90 degrees some days.
If you’re looking for a Back to School Themed Word Search, click here for my free September word searches.
If you’re looking for something more Summer Vacation Themed, then just keep scrolling!
There are two August word search puzzles below, with two difficulty levels, so there’s something for kids of all ages.
There are either 14 or 18 hidden words, depending on the puzzle.
There’s also both a color and a black and white version for each one, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs (and your printer).
There’s no need to sign up for anything, give me your email address, or make any promises or swear allegiance to me or my blog. Just click on the image of the puzzle(s) you want, and you can immediately download and print it.
This puzzle has 14 August and summer themed words. None of them are diagonal or backwards.
This is black and white version of the puzzle above.
This harder version of the puzzle has 18 words. Some of the words are a little longer, and they can run diagonally, up, down, or backwards.
Again, this is the same puzzle as above, but in black and white.
People always talk about the “terrible two,” but honestly, for me, between 12 months and 24 months was the age that set me on edge. It wasn’t because my children were “misbehaving” or having temper tantrums at that age, but just that … well, they …
Who would have thought — before having kids — how magical the bathroom could be? No, not because you can lock yourself in there to hide from your kids (we all know that doesn’t work anyway), but because when it’s bath time (and trust me, …
I’m sure that you know how smart it is to made a huge batch of something when you cook. After doubling a recipe is much easier and much less work than cooking the same meal twice.
The problem with leftovers is that … sometimes they don’t sound very exciting.
The good news is that there are lots of easy and creative ways to repurpose leftover chili. (This is also true about leftover spaghetti.)
Below you’ll find 18 dinner recipes for what to do with all that leftover chili — from chili polenta skillet pie to sheet pan chili nachos to chili cheese dogs.
At the end of the post you’ll find answers to some common questions about storing and re-using leftover chili.
If you've ever used an air fryer, you know that this nifty gadget is a game-changer, especially for families. It can whip up kid-friendly food in a flash.
This easy recipe for Chili Cheese Dogs can work as a meal or a snack.
if you've ever wondered how to tackle those store-bought tamales, this recipe for Smothered Tamales with Chili is for you.
Once you've mastered the art of serving up smothered tamales with chili and the best toppings, you'll want to keep a stash of pre-made tamales in your freezer at all times.
Forget about those boring old hot dog toppings and get ready to spice things up.
These Chili Cheese Dilly Dogs take your average hot dogs to a whole new level of deliciousness, with homemade hot dog meat sauce, loads of gooey cheddar cheese, and a zesty kick from snappy dill pickles.
Whether you want to make these Chili Cheese Hasselback Potatoes the star of your meal or just serve them as a fancy side dish, they won't disappoint.
They're also perfect for game day. Just load them up with your favorite toppings and you're good to go.
Looking for a kid-friendly dinner that'll make everyone happy? Look no further than the super fun and easy Silly Chili Macaroni.
The best part? It's super easy to customize and totally make it your own -- and it's a total lifesaver when it comes to using up pantry or food storage items.
This Tater Tot Chili Cheese Hot Dish takes a delicious chili base smothered in melted cheddar cheese and crowned with crispy tater tots.
It's super easy to make—all in just one pan—and it's perfect for feeding a hungry bunch.
These easy weeknight Nachos with Homemade Chili, cheese and your favorite toppings may just become a new favorite in your household -- not just in cold weather months, but year round.
Walking Taco Frito Chili Pie is so easy and perfect for parties, meals on the go and more. Enjoy chili pie with corn chips for a quick meal any night of the week.
Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious dinner to make when you have leftover chili. This is a healthy dinner that even your kids will love.
Chili Polenta Skillet Pies are an easy use of leftover chili. Made in individual mini skillets, everyone gets their own serving of chili topped with creamy polenta.
Who says that your leftover chili needs to be used for dinner?
Chili & Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate way to transform those remnants of last night's dinner into a hearty breakfast that'll impress even your fanciest guests.
Making this scrumptious Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is a breeze. Just grab that leftover cornbread and chili and add just a handful of everyday pantry and fridge essentials. Easy-peasy and oh-so-yummy.
These easy Air Fryer Chili Cheese Fries are a great way to use up that leftover chili! It's perfect for a snack, side, and great for game day too!
Chili Pancake Stack is a delicious baked stack of coriander (cilantro) flavored pancakes layered with beef chilli and a layer of melted cheese and jalapenos.
Cornbread Chili Casserole is quick to whip up, but ridiculously tasty.
The zesty kick of your leftover chili mingling with the sweetness of homemade cornbread is a match made in culinary heaven.
The best part is that it requires just 10 minutes of prep time for the cornbread, and then you can kick back and let the oven do all the hard work.
Chili Potato Skins are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover chili! Once you’ve made a batch of your favorite chili, bake up some potatoes and transform your extra chili into twice baked potatoes with chili.
They're super customizable and easy to prep in advance! Plus, you only need 5 ingredients for this meal!
You haven't lived until you have tried this easy grilled cheese sandwich made with leftover chili. It's a messy and delicious grilled cheese sandwich that your taste buds will never forget!
Take your leftover chili up a notch by throwing it on a grill between layers of tortilla chips, cheese, and smoked white queso.
Don’t have a smoker? No worries. The recipe also works great as oven baked nachos.
Yes, you can freeze leftover chili. In fact, chili is a great dish to freeze because it often tastes even better after it has been frozen and reheated.
To freeze leftover chili, let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.(These cool little gadgets lets you pour chili into a freezer bag without making a huge mess.)
Don’t forget to label it with the date and contents so that two months from now you’re not staring at a brown lump that you discovered in the back of the freezer, wondering what it it.
When you’re ready to eat the chili, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours (overnight is ideal) until it’s fully thawed. Once it’s thawed, you can reheat it on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven until it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
It’s important to note that while chili can be frozen for up to three months, the longer it’s frozen, the more its quality and texture may suffer. Ideally, you want to eat the frozen leftover within a month or two.
Leftover chili can last for up to four days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months (see above).
I’m not the only one who’s had this happen, right? You think your husband packed up the leftovers, he thinks you did it … Or maybe you just got so caught up in re-watching Arrested Development (as I’m currently doing) that you forgot all about the big pot of chili that’s still on the stovetop.
But sadly, it’s not safe to eat leftover chili that’s been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature and can cause foodborne illness.
So yeah, if you wake up and discover chili still on the stove or in your crockpot, scrape it into the trash and promise to do better next time.
That would make life easier, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to store leftover chili in the same pot you cooked it in. The pot might not be airtight and can allow air and moisture to get in, which can cause the chili to spoil more quickly.
Freezer burn is caused by moisture loss from food when it’s exposed to air in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn on frozen chili, you can take the following steps:
Years ago, when we were homeschooling, shopping for science experiments sometimes drove me crazy. I didn’t want to have to go buy a head or red cabbage, and Borox and see if we had an eye dropper somewhere, and order the right kind of test …
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s sure to satisfy, smoked sausage is a great ingredient to work with. Not only is it flavorful and versatile, but it’s also easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes. …
Are you a chocolate lover looking for quick and easy dessert recipes that won’t break the bank or require a lot of time in the kitchen?
Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a collection of delicious chocolate desserts made with only 3 simple ingredients. From rich and decadent chocolate truffles to mouth-watering chocolate-dipped fruit, these recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert for a party or just want to indulge in a little chocolatey goodness, these easy recipes are sure to hit the spot. Let’s get started!
&nbap;
If you're looking for a delicious, guilt-free dessert, you've got to try this Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse.
It's velvety smooth, incredibly rich and creamy.
It's also egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Plus, it's made without any cream or butter, making it much lower in fat than regular chocolate mousse recipes.
These Shredded Wheat Nests are a fun and adorable Easter dessert that the kids can help make.
With just three simple ingredients and some melted chocolate, these no-bake treats are a breeze to whip up.
The shredded wheat adds a little extra fiber and whole grains to make them a slightly healthier option.
These Peanut Butter Brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, with a chewy center and a crispy top that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. They're even made without any butter or oil, so you can indulge guilt-free!
These Chocolate Turtles are quick and easy to make, ready in just minutes.
They're the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy, salty and sweet, making them a delicious treat that everyone will love. They also make the perfect edible gift for your loved ones!
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is made with just canned cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter, this dessert is a total game-changer.
You don't even need to mix or measure anything! Just dump everything right into the baking dish and let the oven do the work. The result is a deliciously gooey dessert that's part cake and part cobbler.
These Chilli Chocolate Clusters are the perfect recipe for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
They're the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee, a mid-afternoon energy boost, or a sweet treat any time of day.
These Frozen Chocolate Banana Sandwiches are a delicious and refreshing summer treat
With only 3 ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these frozen banana bites to enjoy on a warm summer day. They're great to have in the freezer when the ice cream craving strikes but you want something light and healthy instead.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious treat that everyone will love, these amazing Oreo Balls are you for.
With only 3 ingredients, these bite-sized, no-bake desserts are incredibly easy to make and taste like Oreo heaven (assuming that's a thing).
Even if you've never made truffles before or dipped candies in chocolate, this recipe is super beginner-friendly.
These Milo Icy Poles are a fun twist on the classic Aussie drink, and they're full of the quintessential Milo flavors of malt and chocolate. and with just three simple ingredients, they're the perfect easy treat for both kids and adults alike.
This 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip is a fun and delicious dessert to serve at your next party.
You only need three simple ingredients to make the base dip, but you can customize it to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
These amazing Holiday Chocolate Truffles make a festive and delicious treat during the holiday season. They're perfect for a Christmas party or to wrap up as a special homemade gift.
They may look like they're difficult to make, but they're actually quite simple - and the homemade touch will be sure to impress your loved ones.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries are one of the easiest and most delicious desserts out there.
Not only are they beautiful and healthy, but they're also perfect for any special occasion. Whether it's Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, or just a special date night, these little bites of heaven are sure to impress.
These Vegan Butterfinger Hello Kitty Candies are even cuter than traditional Butterfinger candy bars.
You can use different shaped molds every time you make them for a unique experience. They make the perfect birthday or Valentine's Day present, or you can make them for Easter or Halloween.
Whether you prefer dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination, there's a Chocolate Covered Pineapple recipe for you.
You can use fresh pineapple, canned pineapple rings, or dried pineapple to make these delicious treats.
With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tasty Chocolate Cashew Clusters in no time.
This recipe is really versatile, since you can customize it by using different nuts or chocolate flavors. They're the perfect addition to your holiday cookie or candy tray, or even as a homemade food gift for your loved ones.
These Coca-Cola Cookies are the perfect treat for any time of year. They're soft, gooey, and chocolaty, and the best part is that they only require a couple of ingredients.
Even better, this is a super easy recipe that kids can make with little to no assistance.
Almost every spring we make the 45 minute trek out to a strawberry field and pick several gallons. (In fact, I still have sliced, frozen strawberries in my freezer from our last trip, just waiting to be made into a delicious dessert.)
If you’ve never gone strawberry picking, I highly recommend it. The berries are distinctly softer and sweeter than the strawberries you find in the grocery store.
But regardless of where and how you got your strawberries, you can combine them with just two other ingredients to make desserts ranging from ice cream to pie to brownies. Check it out below!
data-pin-title=“Strawberry desserts” data-pin-description=“easy strawberry desserts with 3 ingredients. Includes strawberry yogurt pie with Cool Whip and dairy free no-churn strawberry ice cream” data-pin-url=“https://threekidsthreecatsandahusband.com/easy-desserts-3-ingredients/”
This No-Bake Strawberry Yogurt Pie (also known as a Chiffon Pie) can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes. It's the perfect choice if you want something easy and ultra-refreshing.
With its yummy strawberry taste, light and airy texture, and crunchy graham cracker crust, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone.
This Strawberry Ice Cream is a delicious and refreshing treat to cool you down on warm days.
With just three simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up the perfect frozen treat. This ice cream is chilled to perfection with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipping cream to create a creamy texture that's perfect for the kiddos (and adults too!).
These delicious Strawberry Brownies are a fun and colorful dessert that's super easy to make.
With just 3 ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these chewy and moist pink brownies in no time.
They're perfect for any occasion where the color pink is the theme. Whether it's Easter, Spring holidays, birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, Mother's Day, or any other special event, these brownies are sure to impress.
These Vegan Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are a decadent and delicious dessert to celebrate Valentine's Day or to enjoy during strawberry season.
They're so easy to make and taste amazing. You can enjoy them plain or add your favorite toppings like shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or chopped almonds to take them to the next level.
This easy Strawberry Dump Cake features a gorgeous strawberry filling and is covered in a crispy, cake mix crust.
When you top it off with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, it becomes the most delightful and dreamy dessert that is bound to put smiles on everyone's face.
This Strawberry Parfait is a delicious and beautiful dessert that's sure to impress your guests.
With its layers of whipped cream and strawberry puree, not only is it deliciously light, but it also makes a stunning presentation for any occasion.
You won't believe how easy it is to whip up this delicious sorbet. All you need is strawberries, orange juice, and honey.
Not only is it a perfect way to cool down on a warm day, but it's also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty.
You can make this homemade vegan, dairy-free ice cream with just 3 ingredients and in under 3 minutes!
Even though it doesn't have any cream, it still has a wonderfully creamy texture that you wouldn't expect. The secret to its creaminess is the addition of cashews, which perfectly complement the frozen strawberries and provide the perfect texture.
This Strawberry Banana Smoothie has a classic flavor that's both healthy and delicious.
Packed with fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and some milk, this smoothie has everything you need for the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition.
And the best part? It's sweet without any added sugar and creamy without the need for any cream.
These Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles are a delicious and refreshing treat and the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer.
To make them even better, canned coconut milk is added for extra creaminess.
Don’t you just love penguins? Whether of the cartoon variety or the real-life one, there’s something so cute about them. Whether it’s their waddle, their unique black and white coloring, or just the fact that they don’t live in the northern hemisphere, making them kind …
When it comes to preparing a delicious and satisfying meal, choosing the right side dish can make all the difference. One of our go-to choices is mashed potatoes because they’re not only creamy and comforting, but they also pair well with various main dishes. (Plus …
I don’t know about you, but when I think “comfort food,” I immediately think pasta. Give me a nice, wide bowl of some sort of noodles, and I’m set.
Cooking with cream of mushroom soup and pasta is a super easy (no pun intended) way to create a quick, easy, and comforting weeknight dinner for the family. It’s a classic combination that never fails to create a delicious, satisfying meal.
Here are six great recipes, with main ingredients ranging from tuna to pork chops to turkey to beef, that are sure to please.
So grab a can of cream of mushroom soup and a box of pasta, and let’s get cooking!
This Spaghetti Tuna Casserole has ALL the flavor of traditional tuna casserole -- but it's made in just 28 minutes or less. You can get creative with it, using whatever veggies or types of pasta that you have in the house.
For real comfort food, try this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a turkey casserole that’s so creamy and delicious. Plus it's a perfect way to use up leftover turkey!
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is sure to please. It’s hearty, and filling, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families.
Made with pan-seared Pork Chops and Cream of Mushroom Soup, this fast and easy weeknight dinner is best served with a side of noodles and sweet corn and is perfect for anyone craving a little comfort food.
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes for a quick and inexpensive comforting family meal. With just a few ingredients and just a few minutes time, you can have dinner on the table quite quickly.
This Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is as easy as mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl, layering it in a casserole dish, and baking until it's a bubbly golden brown.
“Cream of whatever” soups are often thought of as being a really unhealthy ingredient, but that’s not completely true.
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, and selenium. They are also low in calories and fat and contain fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
The problem is that many canned versions of cream of mushroom soup are high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories.
I certainly have been known to crack open many cans cream of mushroom soup over the years. (And personally, I rarely choose the low-sodium or reduced-fat versions.)
But if you’re less lazy than I am, you can certainly opt to make your own homemade cream of mushroom soup. Here’s a recipe from Culinary Hill and another one from Cafe Delites.
Another easy way to make these meals more nutritious — and yummy — is to make a great side salad to go with it.
If you make one of these pasta dishes for dinner and have leftover cream of mushroom soup, here are a few ideas to use it up:
Birthdays are a special day (no matter how old we are!) As a parent, you want to make your child’s special and memorable right from the start … but you also don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. One really simple yet creative breakfast …
When my two daughters were young, we spent lots of time getting them craft materials and coming up with activities. They were crazy about any kind of stickers, and loved to glue, cut, color, decorate … you name it. But then I had a son. …
Last summer I took a Spanish class in Costa Rica, and during one class the teacher called on me and asked me to name something we disliked.
It was such a broad question that I fumbled for a moment, and then shrugged and said, “No me gustan frijoles.” (I don’t like beans.)
A few minutes later I was called on again, to say what our favorite food was, and everybody chuckled when I answered, “Burritos sin frijoles.” (burritos without beans)
I don’t hate beans. I’ll eat them. Sometimes.
But I’m definitely not a fan of beans. I always skip the beans when I order from Chipotle, and I don’t eat the baked beans at a barbecue.
And what my daughter used to call “cream beans” at Mexican restaurants? Ugh. No thank you.
So I started researching what other options there were for people who wanted to try something other than beans in their chili.
It turns out that there are a lot of healthy alternatives!
Chili Cook Off Premium Trophy Medals
Engraved Chili Cook Off Wooden SpoonsChili Cook Off Champion – Chef Hat
First let’s talk about what you can do if you’re not anti-bean in general, but you don’t particularly like kidney beans (or just don’t have them in the house at the moment.)
In this case, there are several other types of beans that you can use. It’s basically just a matter of personal preference.
Now let’s talk about removing beans of all colors, shapes, and sizes from our chili.
There are several reasons why you might want to do that:
That’s my main issue with beans. They’re creamy, but they’re savory, and that causes a weird disconnect in my brain. Creamy should be reserved for things like rice pudding and ice cream.
For some people, beans can cause digestive issues such as bloating and gas. Replacing beans with other ingredients let’s them still enjoy bowl of chili without any uncomfortable side effects.
It’s possible that you’re a friend to all beans, but you get tired of the same old, same old, and just want to try something new to jazz up your chili a little.
So the simplest solution to avoiding beans in your chili is to just make Texas chili.
Here are 8 great options that you can substitute for the beans in your favorite chili recipe.
Wait … aren’t lentils beans?
Nope. Lentils are grain legumes that contains lots of fiber and protein.
“Legumes” and “beans” aren’t synonymous. All beans are legumes, but not all legumes are beans.
According to Master Class, lentils are much smaller and flatter than beans, which are usually plump and oval or kidney shaped.
Also, lentils are lower in indigestible sugars and lower in carbs than beans are. And they also have a shorter cooking time than beans, so your chili will probably be ready a bit quicker than usual.
They do have a similar texture and flavor to beans, which means — surprise, surprise! — that I’m personally not a big fan of lentils either.
To use lentils in your chili recipe, start by rinsing them thoroughly and soaking them for a few hours. Then add them to the pot with your other ingredients and simmer until they’re tender.
You may need to add a bit more liquid to the pot to accommodate the lentils.
Here’s another legume that isn’t a bean!
Split peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. They’re made by splitting the whole pea in half, which makes them cook faster and easier to digest than whole peas. Split peas come in two varieties: green and yellow.
They’re an excellent substitute for beans in chili because they add a thick, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
To use split peas in chili, simply add them to the pot along with the other ingredients and allow them to cook until they’re tender. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to accommodate the split peas, as they will absorb quite a bit of liquid as they cook.
Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain that can also be used as a substitute for beans in chili. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a texture that is similar to beans, which makes it a great addition to chili.
To use quinoa or brown rice in your chili recipe, rinse it thoroughly and add it to the pot with your other ingredients. Again, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to accommodate the quinoa.
You can also add other gluten-rice grains, like brown rice, polenta, or grits.
Another option for bean-free chili is to use vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant. You’ll end up with a chili packed with nutrients and fiber — and fewer carbs.
Soy is a great low-carb substitute for beans. You can use tofu, endamame, whole soybeans, tempeh or texturized vegetable protein (TVP).
To me, adding potatoes does start to transform the dish from “chili” to “stew,” but I guess it doesn’t matter what we call it.
Personally, I recommend sweet potatoes — plus some cinnamon or nutmeg.
I love cashews, walnuts, pecans, or almonds in my cookies and brownies, but I never would have thought to add it to my chili — what a great idea!
If nuts are too pricey, or you’re dealing with a nut allergy, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
An easy way to avoid the carbs, digestive issues, and yucky texture of beans is to just double your meat! You can use ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, and/or pork sausage. Don’t be afraid to mix meats.
Planning a unicorn-themed party? Girls will love these 23 sweet treats that will be a hit at any sleepover. From the super sweet (Cool Whip and colorful sprinkles sandwiches between graham crackers) to somehow healthy (strawberry banana smoothies, rainbow fruit platter) to breakfast food (rainbow …
One of the many nice things about doing crafts with kids is that it can be either and indoor or outdoor activity. We’ve done crafts not only at the kitchen or playroom tables, but also along the side of the neighborhood swimming pool or at …
Looking for some cute and easy snacks for an ocean-themed party … or just a fun way to enjoy a summer afternoon with the kiddos?
Here are 10 fun treats — from mermaid cupcakes to beach pudding cups to starfish sugar cookies — that will be a hit at your next pool party.
Under The Sea Party SuppliesBeach Summer Party Tableware SetPool Party Beach Balls
Kids will flip their tails over these fun and colorful mermaid ice cream cone cupcakes. A fun way to enjoy your next beach party -- or, of course, a mermaid birthday party.
Looking for a cute beach themed dessert idea?
Then look no further. This fun and whimsical snack made with blue jell-o, graham cracker crumbs, and gummy sharks, are the perfect treat for your next party.
Bring oceans of fun to your home with these delicious No-Bake Under the Sea Cookies that will be the perfect addition to any snack time or party.
Made with blue frosting, shortbread cookies, and goldfish crackers, these fun ccean themed snacks will be a huge hit wherever you take them.
These clam shell vanilla cupcakes are a cute -- and surprisingly easy -- beach snack that no one will be able to resist.
Need a cool dessert? These dipped Oreos decorated with sea creatures will be a huge hit with kids on a summer day.
Here's a creative way to turn plain pudding cups into an ocean scene with this no-bake recipe. Make your beach snacks using pudding, swedish fish, and graham cracker crumbs for a quick and easy treat.
These colorful Starfish Cookies are perfect to enjoy for a summer sea theme party.
These easy pretzel rods are the perfect snack for an ocean themed party -- or any occasion!
With a delicious combination of sweet and salty treats, these beach-themed sea snacks (with printable tag!) is perfect for any birthday or pool party.
Whether your kids are excited for Shark Week or they can’t get enough of that one particular super-catchy song, these cute treats are the perfect yummy snack!
If you’ve been studying nutrition and health with your kids, these free printable worksheets are a great way to reinforce spelling and vocabulary. Of course, you can also do them just because they’re fun, and hey, everybody likes food! These 3 printable worksheets are geared …
If you’re bringing a baby to Disney World, a baby carrier that you and your baby both very comfortable is a very useful item to bring along too. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Oh, we don’t need that, we’re bringing a stroller,” keep in mind …
I’m willing to bet that if you have kids (and maybe even if you don’t), you’re planning at least one trip to Disney World in the future — even if “the future” means three or four years from now.
And if you’ve spoken to anyone who’s been already there, you know that there’s a lot to know, and the more information you have, the better.
Because Disney World is huge. It really is its own little world.
So knowing just “how big is Disney World?” can give you a good place to start planning your fabulous Disney World Vacation.
In this post you’ll learn some specific numbers about the size of Disney World, the size of its various “parts,” and how Disney World compares overall to its California cousin (and the original park), Disneyland.
Walt Disney World is located in central Florida in the city of Orlando. Orlando itself is a very large city, and it incorporates the world’s biggest theme park (as well as Universal Studios, home of the Wizarding World of Potter) into its city limits.
Disney World actually spreads over 43 square miles of land, which is 27,000 acres. That means approximately 20,812 football fields would fit into Disney World.
Imagine walking all that with a toddler — or with crummy shoes. Yikes!
Disney World Florida, consists of six different parks. Four are Disney Theme Parks, and two are Disney Water Parks.
Here is a fun fact you may not have known … (I’m very big on trivia.)
Before it expanded into what it is today, Walt Disney World consisted of only one park…Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, built in 1971.
(More trivia — admission when Disney World first opened was $3.50, and then you’d have to buy tickets to ride the rides, kinda like a local fair.)
Magic Kingdom alone is 107 acres and filled with iconic and historical attractions built based on the original ideas and movies of the Walt Disney company.
Due to its size and number of attractions, you really need to spend at least one full day at this park if you want to see everything.
Epcot (originally EPCOT) was the second park built as part of Walt Disney World. Built in 1982, Epccot is 305 acres and therefore twice as big as Magic Kingdom.
The original EPCOT was very different from what Epcot is today. It was designed as a celebration of human accomplishment, dedicated to emerging technology and a celebration of global cultures. It was an educational park, and there were no Disney characters there other than Figment and Dreamfinder from Journey Into Imagination.
Some of the earlier Epcot attractions that are long gone include:
I gotta be honest: There’s a part of me that wishes the original Epcot still existed. Not instead of the existing Epcot, but in addition to it. Wouldn’t that be cool?
Hollywood Studios was built third, in 1989, and is 135 acres, making it slightly larger than the original Magic Kingdom Park.
Hollywood Studios used to be quite a bit different as well. Originally named Disney-MGM Studios, the focus was on films and the process movie making.
Yes, I kinda wish that park still existed too. But on the other hand, current-day Hollywood Studios has Toy Story Land, Star Wars Land, and two of my favorite rides — Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster.
Hollywood Studios used to have a reputation of being geared toward a slightly older audience, but I don’t think that’s very true anymore.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in Walt Disney World, but it is also the world’s biggest theme park, period. At 580 acres of land, Animal Kingdom is home to roughly 2,000 animals that roam openly, plus rides and other attractions.
There are two Disney World water parks your family can choose from. One is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and the other is Blizzard Beach.
Typhoon Lagoon is a 56-acre water park. It was the first water park built at Walt Disney World and is home to waterslides, raft rides, and other fun attractions.
Even though this is a water park, you can still see fun Disney parades, have character interactions, and see shows and fireworks.
One water park was just not enough for Disney World. They had to defy expectations and build a second one on the resort.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is slightly larger than Typhoon Lagoon, coming in at 66 acres. Like Typhoon Lagoon, it is made up of fun water slides, shows, characters, and raft rides, you won’t miss out on any of the Disney magic.
In the spirit of full disclosure, we have never been to either of the water parks — yet — but one key difference is that the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon is more intense.
When Disney World opened in 1971, there were only three resort hotels:
Today there are over 25 hotels and resorts to choose from within Disney World Resort. But no matter which one you choose, they all give unique experiences you and your family will never forget.
Disney Springs used to be known as Downtown Disney (I’m feeling older as I write this post) and is the premier Disney shopping district.
Even though Downtown Disney Disney Springs isn’t inside any of the theme parks, it’s still part of the greater Disney World Resort. The area is 120 acres and consists of shopping, dining, and fun. The best part is that you don’t need a park ticket to visit.
Disney Cirque Du Soleil (show)
Put another way, about 51 Disneylands can fit inside Disney World
Disneyland is one park with nine distinct lands:
Disney World is about the same size as San Francisco.
New York City is much bigger than Disney World. But Disney World is about twice the size of Manhattan (which is one of the five boroughs in New York City).
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the Walt Disney Resort encompasses 47 square miles, or 122 square kilometers.
According to DOZR, it it took over 19 months (and over 9,000 construction workers) for the Magic Kingdom to open on October 1, 1971.
It took a year to build Disneyland (the only park that was actually built under Walt Disney’s supervision).
Believe it or not, you actually can live on Disney property. (I did not know this until about two minutes ago.)
There’s a neighborhood community on Disney World property called Golden Oak, located southeast of Magic Kingdom, near the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
The people who live there have their own concierge service that helps them schedule things like VIP tours and dining reservations. In addition, this service is also available to help you with Disney-inspired holiday decor and basic household maintenance.
As you’ve probably guessed, it’s very very expensive to live on Disney property. Houses in Golden Oak start at $2 million.
Craving the fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside, slightly sweet taste of waffles — but can’t (or don’t want to) eat gluten? No worries. These 11 waffle recipes are delicious, easy, and completely gluten-free. Pancake & Cupcake Batter DispenserTovolo Mini Silicone Easy-Grip Waffle Tongs You …
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show Dad you care than with a handmade gift? These 24 easy Father’s Day crafts all make great handmade gifts that are sure to make dad smile on his special day. Whether your …
I regularly do yoga, so I’m very aware of the importance of balance, an area of physical fitness that’s often overlooked. (And I’m quite proud to say that I can still sit down — and get back up — off the floor without using my hands.)
So I was intrigued when I heard about “balance boards” and “wobble boards” for toddlers.
After reading this post, you’ll know why balance boards are beneficial for toddlers and how they can be used. You’ll also read reviews of the best balance boards, so you can decide which one is right for your kids.
Wobble boards are great for toddlers. They’re a great toy for building strength and coordination, for open-ended play, and as a cause and effect toy.
But you shouldn’t stop there! They are actually great for any age (even teens and adults) to help with balance and coordination in a fun way.
Some wobble boards are small and safe enough for an 18 month old to start using. In general, though, most boards are recommended for age 3 up.
All wobble boards are balance boards, but not all balance boards are wobble boards.
Put another way, “balance board” is the big umbrella category, and a wobble board is just one specific kind of balance board.
A balance board is made for balance and can be made many ways, (ie. round, center balance, squishy half ball, wobble board, etc.).
But a wobble board is a curved board made for balance, coordination, and imaginative play.
Wobble board are generally the best type of balance boards for toddlers because they’re slightly easier to use and they allow for more options for play than just balance and coordination.
Easy — just hop on, placing your feet on the raised sides of the curve, and then rock back and forth.
But that’s not the only way to use it. Because of it’s shape, you can also:
And these types of boards aren’t just for toddlers. They can be fun for the whole family.
The best wobble board for toddlers is the one that will work with the abilities and needs of your child. Below are several boards that are safe, durable, and received positive customer reviews.
Gentle Monster Wooden Wobble Board
Board size: 31 x 12 x 0.66 inches
Board weight: 5.19 pounds
This particular curvy board has three things going for it:
The actual weight of the board is 5.19 pounds, so be sure your child can lift it if you want them to use it for imaginary play. But if you just want them to be able to do some exercise or work their core muscles indoors, this could still be a great option.
Due to the size at 31 x 12 x 0.66 inches, this particular board may be better for 3 year old’s and up.
Size of board: 36 x 12.25 x 0.5 inches
Weight of board: 8.5 pounds
Wobble boards are great wooden toys and are often found in Montessori homes for open-ended toddler play.
This particular balancing board is slightly longer than the one above. It’s a high-quality board made of wood, eco-friendly water-based paint, 11 layers of high-quality birch and 2 layers of beech.
The max weight limit is only 390 pounds for this one, but it’s recommended for ages 18 months and up.
The larger size lends well to creative play and more fun. The company uses machine grinding to make these boards nice and smooth. They also offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed with a 30 day full refund.
Amazon reviewer Heidi Gray says this board is amazing:
… EVERYONE in the family can use it, for all different reasons and results.
- Young kids practice their balance while getting some exercise in.
- Young adults can use it to hone a certain skill, for example- a sports skill.
- And adults can use it for exercise, core balance, meditation.
It literally can be used by all for so, so many things. This is truly an all in one product.
Wooden Wobble Board and Montessori Rocker
Board size: 37 x 11 x 0.66 inches
Board weight: none mentioned
This wobble board has something none of the other original wooden rocker boards have — spacing around the edge that acts as finger protection. An additional piece of wood on the bottom cteates a gap around the edges between the floor and the edge of the board, so a toddler’s finger (or puppy’s tail) won’t get smushed while someone else is using the board.
Amazon reviewer Elaine says that this safety feature is well worth the extra money:
… within 10 minutes of opening the gift, I was so happy that I had opted for the beveled “safety edge”.
From across the room, I saw the youngest with his fingers tucked under to hold on, and his sister standing above him rocked the board suddenly and there was no time to rescue his little fingers! We took a breath of relief when he went on giggling and having fun … It would have been very painful for those little fingers to get pinched or crushed under that board.
The max weight for the board is 330 pounds.
INFIDEZ 360 Degree Rotation Wooden Balance Board
Board Size: 16 x 10 x 3 inches,
Board Weight: No mention
Are you interested in using your child’s balance board yourself, but afraid that you’ll be bored after two minutes? Then this is the board for you! It includes a simple, yet challenging, marble maze.
The board has an eye-catching design with a cute panda pattern. Geared toward indoor and outdoor pay, the safety design of this board is what makes it fun for young children. There’s an anti-slip surface on the top and an anti-slip material on the bottom.
It’s made of solid wood, but the max weight on this board is only 250 pounds, which is low compared to the boards above.
The rotation of this board is designed to help even more with balance, a child’s posture, and coordination. It’s portable and versatile, but from an imaginary play standpoint, it is not as open-ended as one of the basic curved wobble boards.
Wood City Wobble Board for Kids
Board size: 16.5 x 9.4 x 2.5 inches
Board weight: 2.1 pounds
This board is small and lightweight, making it easy for toddlers to carry around the house, bring it ouside, turn it upside down, and move around any way they like.
Be aware that the maximum weight capacity is only 220 pounds, so adults should be careful. The fun on top is UV printed making is safe from fading and very durable. The board itself has polished edges, is durable and sturdy, and is ergonomically designed with a 15 degree inclination angle.
Bodo Maze Balance Board with Labyrinth
Board size: 23 x 15 x 2.5 inches
Board weight: none mentioned
With one center point of balance and a marble maze, the Bodo Maze Balance Board may be one of the most challenging on the list. But that also means it is hours of fun.
The board is made of eco-friendly material and is designed to help improve balance and train muscles through play.
One thing about this board is that it doesn’t have traction on the bottom of the board, so it’s not ideal for smooth surfaces like hardwood floors. But it’s large enough for any age to use, even teens and adults. The maximum weight recommendation is 440 pounds.
Amazon reviewer Jeremy was particularly impressed by the quality of this board:
I bought this after looking at a bunch of plastic balance boards. I’m so glad I didn’t buy another throw-away piece of exercise equipment. This is attractive and very sturdy. It’s made of really nice solid 12-ply wood and looks like it will last forever.
I use it for planks and balance training. You could also velcro your phone on it and play games instead of using the steel balls and voila – you have a classy and more versatile version of the ugly plastic stealth core trainer that I was considering when I found this
Board size: 27 x 9 x 3.75 inches
Board weight: 3.5 lbs
This versatile balance board is a little different than the others, although it functions exactly the same way. The Glintoper board is made of natural wood but it’s backed with felt cloth to protect flooring and reduce noise.
This board has a maximum weight of 250 pounds.
Amazon reviewer Toni explained what she did and didn’t like about this board:
I bought thus for versatile reasons….for my son of course to introduce him to balance, yoga and exercise but also use this when we have big emotions and want to calm down and talk. Just rock back and forth until we calm down. Love it.
The only issue I have is I have hardwood floors and it slides. There is a gray grip on the bottom to use for other things… not sure if that is indeed suppose to prevent it from sliding, I can only assume because I bought a different balance board for myself that has grip on the bottom of it.
Even though my kids are getting older, we still play board games all the time. We started playing board games when they were toddlers around 2 years old and they just fell in love with them. To help you get started playing board games with …
Here are 23 adorable bee crafts that your kids will surely love. Not only are these crafts fun and entertaining, but they also provide a great way to enhance your child’s fine motor skills. Bumblebee crafts are not only cute and easy to make, but …
I don’t know about you, but spaghetti and meatballs is one of my family’s favorite meals.
And I always make more than I need. After all, making one double (or triple!) batch of anything is a lot less work than making one bunch twice.
So can you freeze spaghetti and meatballs and make it work for another dinner? You sure can.
Spaghetti dinner night is one of my favorites, because not only is it a quick dinner, but it’s one of the few things that everybody in the family loves. Plus, there are always spaghetti leftovers I can use for other meals or to freeze.
Good news — you can freeze spaghetti and meatballs! All parts of this dish can be frozen. The ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta will last about 2-3 months in a regular 42 degree freezer. It’ll even last up to a year in the deep freezer.
The freezing process can be done a few different ways, but here are the most simple steps:
There is most definitely an option to freeze the spaghetti, meat and pasta sauce separately.
Since all parts of this dish freeze, you can be creative about how you use each item when you thaw it. For example, you could use the sauce on uncooked plain pasta in a baked pasta dish . . . or use the pasta in a cream sauce dish.
Freezing the noodles when they are cooked al dente will give you the best results when you thaw and want to use them later.
Also, try mixing a bit of olive oil into the spaghetti noodles so they don’t stick together from all the starch.
Still make sure to use freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers and squeeze out all the air you can.
NOTE: This process works with all types of pasta once cooked. But if you are freezing fresh pasta you will want to place it on a cookie sheet in a single layer then pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes. After that, you can follow the instructions above.
You can freeze the meatballs individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag and toss them into any meal to make it a little meatier.
Freeze ground beef the same way as the meatballs by spreading the meat out onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment and allowing it to freeze. Once frozen, crumble it and place the crumbles into a freezer bag so it can be used in other dishes.
Unlike jarred spaghetti sauce which can last a little longer in the fridge, your homemade spaghetti sauce should be frozen for sure. This cuts down on food waste and saves you time when you need it.
Some people like creamy sauces on their spaghetti, and guess what –you can still freeze a cream-based sauce.
Here are the things that you need to make sure of:
Let it cool. Then freeze it. It should not take a long time (30-60 minutes) to completely cool as long as you stir it occasionally to let the heat out of the center.
&Nbsp;
I love freezing our favorite foods into individual portions that can be grabbed and thawed at a moment’s notice.
People usually think of storing people in plastic containers, but interestingly, glass jars are a great way to make individual portions. Just put a serving size into the jar, place a piece of parchment paper on top to cut down on freezer burn and then freeze it.
You can also use a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to make small piles of spaghetti to freeze. Then once frozen, place them into a freezer bag and pull one out whenever you want a small meal.
Some days my lunch will consist of just an individual serving of spaghetti.
Parmesan cheese actually has a really high fat content, so it freezes really well. It shouldn’t compromise your spaghetti by freezing them together.
Freezer safe containers (whether they’re technically “Tupperware” or not) can be used as long as they say they are an air-tight container. This helps prevent freezer burn.
You also want to make sure they’re quality containers so they don’t crack from the freezing temperature (which we have definitely had happen).
A freezer safe bag is one of the best ways to freeze spaghetti and meatballs. The most important thing is to remember to try to remove all the air from the bag before placing it in the freezer.
There’s a chance that reheating those spaghetti noodles can make them mushy. So for best results, it’s a good idea to thaw the spaghetti with meat sauce in the refrigerator before reheating.
Once the mixture is thawed, bring it up as close to room temperature.
Then just have to warm it up in one of these ways:
Make sure the internal temperature of the dish is at least 165 degrees (especially if you have meatballs).
Did you forget to get the frozen spaghetti out to thaw in the fridge the night before?
No worries. Place the closed ziplock bag in a bowl with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Then heat the spaghetti and meatballs using a method mentioned above.
You can freeze cooked meatballs up to 3 months in the regular freezer and up to 1 year in a deep freezer.
Yes, you can freeze spaghetti with sauce on it. You can either separate the components or freeze them all together.
As we all know, refrigeration will only keep your perishable food good for so long before bacterial growth sets in, exposing us to possible food poisoning.
Be sure to look for signs of spoilage before eating. Things like bacterial growth, mold, or a rotten smell can all be signs of bad spaghetti.
Store-bought sauce is laden with preservatives and can last a little longer in the fridge. Be sure to check the expiration date.
The best option for homemade pasta sauce is to freeze it as soon as possible. It can be put in the refrigerator overnight, but should be frozen by the next day. And mark expiration dates on your frozen meals so you know when you need to use them up.
According to State Food safety and the FDA food code, all leftovers should be eaten before 7 days. That being said, I would recommend eating your spaghetti and meatballs in 3-4 days even if your container is airtight.
My favorite spaghetti recipe is one that you can actually make in the crockpot. It is super simple and super delicious.
Remembering to freeze perishable foods can make the shelf life of the food you make last so much longer (instead of just putting it into the refrigerator to go bad quickly)
So, the next time you need a dinner idea on a busy weeknight, remember you have frozen spaghetti and meatballs in the freezer. And don’t you think food is always better the second time around? Pair it with a nice glass of wine and it will make that busy night feel so much better.
When I was a kid growing up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, September — specifically, the day after Labor Day — always meant going back to school. Even though I’ve lived in the south for my entire adult life, and everyone goes back to school …
The weather is getting a little warmer (some days!), the tulips and daffodils that my daughter and I planted back in November are starting to form little sprouts, I hear birds singing outside as I type this … Yup, spring is coming soon! Below are …
These ocean sensory bottles — or, as I like to call them, “mini aquariums” — are ridiculously easy to make and are a sensory activity that will keep young children calm and entranced for quite a while.
There’s nothing wrong with making these bottles just for something fun and pretty for little hands to shake around, but they can also be a fun way to learn about sea creatures and ocean life.
Just add a few books, a video or two (YouTube has some), and then throw in some ocean-themed snacks (like these blue jello cups with graham crackers and gummy sharks), and you’ve got a super-easy, hands-on unit study!
Mister Seahorse by Eric CarleIn the Sea by David ElliottNational Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean
We used a Voss water bottle for this, but you can certainly be creative with the type and size of bottle that you use.
We used blue food coloring, but you can experiment with different colors.
You can add a nice touch to your bottle by adding a few small seashells.
Below are the step-by-step instructions, with photos, of how we made our ocean in a bottle.
I also answered some FAQs about sensory bottles in general.
You can put either water or oil in a sensory bottle, depending on the look and feel that you’re going for.
Vegetable oil will give your bottle a yellow color. Baby oil, mineral oil, or water will be clear and you can add food coloring to give it the color you want.
You can add clear Elmer’s glue to water to keep the clear color but give it a thicker consistency.
You can thicken the water in a sensory bottle by adding clear glue or corn syrup. This works nicely in a sensory bottle with glitter, because it keeps the glitter from settling.
You can use tap water in a sensory bottle, although it might give it a more cloudy appearance than using distilled water.
We made our ocean sensory bottle with water, clear glue, blue food coloring, and plastic fish and sea animal toys. Adding seashells would also be a nice touch.
Putting glue in a sensory bottle makes the water thicker and makes the items in the bottle move more slowly, giving it a “swirly” effecct.
Yes, you can add either play sand or beach sand to an ocean in a bottle. It’s easier if you add the sand before pouring in your liquid.
The easiest way to put sand in a bottle is to place a funnel in the mouth of a bottle and then pour the sand into the funnel.
You can put almost anything you want in a sensory bottle!
You need to have some sort of “filler.” This can be liquid, like water mixed with glue, mineral oil, baby oil, or hand sanitizer. It can also be a solid material like sand or rice.
Once you have your filler, you can add things like:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here are some more great ideas for sensory activities with an ocean theme:
Word searches are a fun activity and a great way to learn new words, reinforce both spelling and vocabulary, and develop fine motor skills. These Cinco de Mayo word puzzles are at two different difficulty levels, so there’s something for all age groups. There’s no …
It’s almost February, so I thought I’d make some February themed printables. The month of February has quite a few special days: Groundhog’s Day Valentine’s Day President’s Day Not to mention that February is also Black History Month, American Heart Month, Library Lover’s Month, and …
These free printable word search puzzles are a fun way to celebrate Groundhog Day with your kids.
They make great educational activities for home school or classroom use — or they can just be a fun activity for your kids to do at home, just because.
Below are two different word searches. each in a pdf file that’s completely free and ready for instant download. You don’t need to give me your email address, click to a bunch of other pages, or anything else. Just click below and it’s yours!
One puzzle is pretty easy and the other is a little more challenging, so there’s something for kids of all ages.
For each puzzle, there is both a color and black and white version. The black and white ones are nice for kids who’d like to do a little bit of coloring as well.
(Other than a Bill Murray movie, of course …)
Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in North America (both the United States and Canada) on February 2nd.
It’s based on the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog come out of his burrow that morning, there will be six more weeks of winter.
If he doesn’t see its shadow because of cloudiness, there will be early spring.
(Spoiler: studies haven’t found any connection between the groundhog seeing its shadow and how soon spring-like weather arrives.)
The Groundhog Day ceremony is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (go Steelers!), starring the semi-mythical groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.
Grumpy GroundhogGroundhog Gets a SayCelebrating Groundhog Day: History, Traditions, and Activities
This word search has only 14 fairly short words, and none of them run diagonally.
Click here to download or print.
This is the same exact worksheet as the one above; except it’s in black and white.
Click here to download or print.
This word search is a little more difficult than the one above. There are more words, some of the words are a little longer, and they can be found in any direction, including diagonally.
Click here to download or print.
Again, this is a black and white version of the word search directly above.
Click here to download or print.
You might also like:
Free Printable February Word Searches
As I’m sure you already know, one of the secrets to cooking is to always make extras. Doubling a recipe gives you double the meals without doubling the work. And if you’re really smart (and to be honest, I’m usually not), you’ll always make double …
There are two basic ways a blogger can choose a topic for an article: Find something you really like and have a lot of experience with, and share your expertise with others Find something that you know nothing about, do some research on, and then …
Around the time our daughter Rebecca was middle school age, she got turned onto pin trading during our Disney vacations. Looking for places to trade pins, discovering unique pins, and looking for pins of our favorite characters finding pins that she really liked became a big part of the trip for her.
And, by extension, it added an extra dimension to our trips that I wouldn’t have thought to do myself.
And it didn’t cost very much, either.
In this post I’m going to go in-depth on everything you need to know about Disney pin trading, including topics like:
Disney trading pins are small collectible pins that feature Disney characters, attractions, icons, or events. They can be purchased individually, in packs, or traded with others, particularly at the Disney parks.
Many cast members working at the parks will be wearing lanyards with 12 pins on them. (These are not their own personal pins; they belong to Disney.) You’re welcome to look at their lanyards and choose a pin you would like to trade them for.
They will be happy to trade with you if your pin meets the criteria (which we’ll talk about later.) In order words, they won’t say, “Mmm, no thanks, I don’t want a Minnie Mouse pin.”
Cast members that are wearing green lanyards only trade with kids.
You’re allowed to trade up to 2 pins, per cast member, per day. You shouldn’t grab their lanyard or touch their pins, but instead tell them which pin you would like. In addition, you’re not supposed to give them a pin they already have (although I have that rule is not well enforced).
So how many Disney trading pins are there? I don’t think anyone knows for sure the exact number, but it’s several thousand. I’ve read numbers ranging from 70,000 to 120,000.
The short reason, for most people, is “because it’s a lot of fun.”
One thing I liked about it was that it caused us to interact with a lot of cast members, and occasionally learn a thing or two from them.
I also liked how it caused us to slow down and pay a little more attention to our surroundings: instead of just dashing to the next ride, we would be keeping our eyes out for pin boards or cast members wearing pin lanyards.
If you’re the kind of person who likes a challenge, you could make it your goal to find a specific pin, or see how many pins of a particular character you can find.
From a more practical perspective, Disney pins can be great souvenirs that are pretty inexpensive, don’t take up a lot of space, and provide an interactive experience. (It can also turn out to be crazy-expensive, though, depending on how you do it. So be careful.)
Disney pins themselves have been around since the parks opened, but pin trading wasn’t a “thing” until the Millennium Celebration at Walt Disney World in 1999.
Ranker tells the story of how Disney Pin Trading all began:
When George Kalogridis, the president of Walt Disney World Resort, went to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, he was looking for ways to spice up the Disney Millennium celebration he’d be organizing.
He came across a group of people trading Olympics-themed pins and was impressed by the connections people were making despite not sharing a language. He decided to bring that experience to the Millennium celebration in 1999, and pin trading took off from there…
Disney pins, the article goes on to say, were never intended to be a phenomenon, or even to last more than about a year, but the demand of guests, particularly collectors, caused pin trading to last for two decades and counting.
The trading craze has spread to the Disneyland Resort in California (home of most Pin Trading events), as well as Aulani, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Lines.
Interestingly, pin trading officially ended at Tokyo Disney Resort in 2002 because guests were getting so carried away with trading that it was taking over the park. However, pin are still offered there as prizes for carnival games, and a relatively small number of pins are available for sale.
According to Wiki:
According to Undercover Tourist, the best locations for either buying or trading pins are:
Yes.
A lot of them.
And by “a lot,” I mean “thousands and thousands.”
And many of them — a huge number of them — are right inside the Disney parks.
Surprised? I was. Let’s talk about this, because there’s a lot to say.
When we bought these Pin Starter Sets in the past, I completely believed that I was buying genuine, bona-fide, authentic Disney pins.
The set were recommended by a popular Disney blogger, who said the seller was incredibly high-rated, and that the pins in the set were “legitimate for trading.”
That sounded great to me!
And when the pins arrived, none of us were disappointed, and ever doubted their “realness.” I mean, they didn’t look weird or ugly or anything. They didn’t say “Diznee” on the back.
So we traded these pins — which we firmly believed were authentic pins — with many Disney cast members’ pins, who of course were only trading authentic Disney pins, right?
Whoops.
Turns out we were wrong on both counts.
You know those “tradable pins” that I bought from an “incredibly high-rated seller”?
Well, apparently referring to a Disney pin as “tradable” doesn’t mean anything.
Well … actually it kinda does mean something. It’s pretty much code for a “fake” or “scrapper pin.”
Scrappers are officially-licensed pins, made where actual Disney pins are produced. However, they were meant to be discarded (hence the name) because they did not meet the quality control criteria. I’ve heard them be described as “factory seconds” or “production overruns.”
Cheap packs of pins that you can find on Ebay or Amazon (like the pack we got) are very likely to be scrappers.
As in, very very likely.
As in, they are almost definitely scrappers.
The Pins We Use
Check Price on Amazon
I’m sure many readers will be rolling their eyes at my naivete, but I just assumed that Disney pins being worn and handed out by Disney employees at the Disney Parks would be real Disney pins.
Nope.
Well, okay … surely a couple fake pins get traded to a cast member here and there without anyone noticing … but the vast majority of their pins must be real, right?
Nope.
Turns out that roughly 90% of the pins you see on cast member lanyard and Disney pin trading boards are scrappers.
You might assume that’s because cast members don’t know the difference, or maybe some of them do, but they don’t have time to check the pins closely.
That may be true, but it’s also more than that.
Cast members have to trade a pin as long as the pin:
And guess what? Scrapper pins meet all 3 criteria.
And that’s why they be advertised as “tradable.”
Because they are.
So that means it’s entirely possible to spend top-dollar on real Disney pins, trade them with cast members during your vacation, and end up with a bunch of junky, fake pins when you get home.
Not only is it “entirely possible,” but it’s almost guaranteed.
This creates somewhat of a dilemma for families like us: people who really enjoy the fun of pin trading in the parks, but don’t really care about how valuable or authentic our pins are, as long as we like them.
As someone wrote in the comments of a blog post about pins:
The fake pins are so pervasive, I find it best to make one of two choices.
1. Don’t worry about fakes; or
2. Don’t trade pins
Disney blogger Tom Bricker explains how Disney themselves apparently feels about all this:
Scrappers are controversial with hardcore Disney Pin Trading fans, but Disney itself is selling these to third parties and/or using factories in China that are known for producing overruns. Moreover, Disney allows Cast Members to trade scrappers. Given both of these facts, Walt Disney World’s official stance on these pins is quite clear.
If Disney wanted to put an end to scrappers, they could easily do so by producing the pins elsewhere or instituting different pin trading policies. Disney has made a business decision to do neither, likely because moving production would cost more money and policy changes in pin trading would be bad for business goodwill.
In any case, the practical reality is that the vast majority of pins on Cast Member lanyards (I’d estimate it’s over 90%) are scrappers. If you or your kids are trading pins with Cast Members, you’re going to get scrappers in return. That’s just a fact of pin trading.
As such, we highly recommend going the eBay or Amazon route …
And I tend to agree with him.
To me, it makes no sense to spend $200+ on real pins and trade them with Disney cast members, only to end up with a pile of cheap, fake pins when you’re by the end of your vacation.
Also, the way I see it is this: If I’m trading a fake for another fake, then that’s an even trade.
So unless something makes me change my mind — and by all means, if you have something to share that might change my mind, feel free to share it with me in the comments — we will continue to buy cheap pin starter packs (which are almost certainly scrappers) and trade them with cast members (for different pins that are scrappers).
However, this is an understandably controversial topic, and I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I “recommend” buying scrappers, or anything else. I’m just explaining the situation and telling you what we choose to do.
I also want to stress that I would never knowingly trade a scrapper pin for someone else’s real pin, either by flat-out lying or just not mentioning it.
The only trading we do is with Disney cast members, and since almost all of their pins are fakes … well, I consider that an equal trade.
I’m sure that right about now several are you are running to your Disney pin collections, eager to find out whether or not they are fake pins.
There also may be some of you who are determined to continue pin trading in the parks, but to just do it very very diligently and look for the very few pins out there that are authentic.
Here are some of the important things to look for in determining whether a pin is real or fake:
NOTE: In the comments below, Tracy points out this is NOT a good way to tell a real Disney pin from a fake Disney pin. She’s had real pins stick to the magnet and fake pins not stick to the magnet and vice versa. So you can use the magnet test as one piece of the data, but not as a definitive test.
Since this kind of thing is hard to really “get” without visuals and comparisons, I’ve included some videos below from people who know a lot more about this than I do:
Okay, so just when you think you’ve finally gotten things figured out, I’m gonna throw something else at you.
Disney Fantasy pins.
Disney Fantasy pins are simply cute pins created by Disney fans. You cannot trade them with Disney cast members and you should never try to pass them off as official or tradable pin because, of course, they’re not.
However, people can and do trade fantasy pins with each other.
Are Fantasy pins illegal?
Mmm … the creators are possibly breaking some copyright laws (in the same way that, say, an Etsy seller creating T-shirts with Disney characters on them probably is), but as long as you’re honest about what they are, there’s nothing wrong with buying and trading them.
You can buy Fantasy pins on Etsy or Amazon.
Peter Pan & Tinkerbell Fantasy Pin
Pin Trader says that the best way to tell the difference between an official pin and a fantasy pin is to look at the back.
Official Disney pins will have the official Disney Pin Trading seal and a copyright Disney stamp (and possibly the Mickey ears pin back, if it hasn’t gotten lost). The backs of fantasy pins, on the other hand, just look like a plain old pin.
So where can you buy Disney pins, either for the purpose of trading and/or starting your own collection?
If you are okay with buying scrapper pins, there are places on both eBay and Amazon where you can get a pack of pins pretty cheap — roughly $1 per pin. (And again, just to make sure there is no confusion, the reason they are so cheap is because they are fake/scrapper pins.)
Disney Trading Pins-Lot of 25-No Duplicates
Disney Trading Pins-Lot of 25-No Duplicates
If you are only interested in authentic Disney pins, obviously your best bet is buying your pins directly from Disney, either at the gift shops in the parks, on online.
Facebook is actually a good place to buy pins online. Pinderella is very popular for selling authentic pins at good prices.
Your first consideration is to keep your pins safe. The backs that come with the pins can easily come off when they’re being jostled around. (Remember, the whole reason Rebecca got into pin trading is because somebody else lost their pin.)
We replaced our pin backs with these more secure backs:
25 PCS of Nickel (Silver) Plated Butterfly Clutch Pin Backs
Most people (including Rebecca) like to wear their trading pins on a lanyard, like the Disney cast members do.
Of course these lanyards don’t have to have Disney characters (in fact, you can make an argument that decorating a plain lanyard with pins is a better idea). But if you — or more likely, your kids — want a Disney lanyard, here are a few cute ones:
Disney Princess Lanyard with Card HolderSet of 2 Mickey and Minnie Mouse Lanyards with Detachable Coin PurseMinnie Mouse Pink Lanyard
If you go this route, keep in mind that a lanyard full of pins can get awfully heavy and turn into a real pain when you’re walking for miles in the heat.
So if you have a lot of pins — say, more than 6 or 7 — consider:
PinFolio Lightweight Pin Display Bag
This bag comes in five different colors (including “mermaid” and “villains”) and has dimensions of 10 3/4 by 7.5 by 1 3/8 inches. The concept is that you can display all your Disney pin without needing their pin backs, making it easier to adjust and rearrange your display.
It even has a zipper enclosure so you don’t have to worry about your pins getting lost, and it allows you and everyone else to see your cool pin collection through the clear front.
There are three surfaces for arranging your pins, two zippers for easy access, and a clear window with a zipper enclosure. There’s even a handy mesh pocket for additional storage and a felt divider to prevent scratching.
There’s also a removable, adjustable strap so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or or crossbody style bag.
Reviewers said this bag holds roughly 75 pins. Click here to see some photos of how one reviewers arranged theirs.
PinFolio Compact Disney Pin Display Bag, Light
If you want a small Disney pin trading bag that can fit inside your backpack, this is the bag for you.
Like the bag above, you don’t need your pin backs to store the pins (although you can keep them in the zippered mesh pocket on the back).
The dimensions of this bag are 8 by 5.5 by 1 inches. Reviewers said that it holds about 30 pins.
Another option is to wear your pins on a visor, hat, or vest.
Sadly, eventually you have to leave the Disney parks and return to your real life in the normal world, where you [probably] won’t walk around with a lanyard covered in Disney pins.
So what do you do with your pins that’s better than just tossing them into a drawer into your next trip?
Well, if you already have your pins on a lanyard, you can simply hang your lanyard up on some sort of hook.
Another easy thing to do is buy a cork board and hang it on the wall. You could use it just for Disney pins, or for more “normal” things as well, like grocery lists and Christmas card photos of your cousin’s family.
Some people create “Disney boards” that have not only pins, but countdown calendars, park tickets, photos, park maps, and other paper souvenirs.
If you’re crafty, you might want to make your own display board:
If you’re a hard-core collector — or just one of those organized people — you might like to keep it in an album made for storing pins. Each page can hold a different type of pin, or a different group of characters, or pins that you collected during a specific trip.
Disney Parks Exclusive Pin Trading Album
And hey, even in the real world it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a few Disney pins out and about. Rebecca keeps a few on her school backpack, and I plan to wear one or two on the collar of my denim jacket this fall.
Like most hobbies, pin trading has its own set of terminology and abbreviations that seasoned vets toss around with ease, but which could baffle newbies.
Here is a partial list of abbreviations from Disney Pin Blog:
And here’s an explanation of some different pin types from Complete Set:
Just as the name suggests, Hidden Mickeys are pins with small Mickey heads hidden on them. (They’re not so much “hidden” as they are tiny.)
So what’s the history behind Hidden Mickey pins?
According to Wiki, a group of pins called the “WDW Cast Lanyard Collection” was introduced in 1999, meant to encourage guests to trade pins with cast members.
When guests complained that it was too hard to tell the difference between Lanyard Collection pins and “regular” pins, designers began placing Hidden Mickeys on the pins. In 2007, the series name was officially changed to the “Hidden Mickey Collection.”
When people are brand new to pin trading, they often like to start out with a “pin starter set,” containing just a few pins and a lanyard, to get going.
Here are a few nice-looking starter sets that I saw on Amazon.
While I do not know for sure whether they are real Disney pins, I am guessing that they are, between both the price and the fact that they either say “Disney Parks authentic” or have the Disney logo on the product page.
Disney Parks Frozen Pin Trading Starter SetRogue One: A Star Wars Story Pin Trading Starter SetPin Trading Starter Set – VillainsDisney Pins – Friends Are Forever – Starter Lanyard Set
Here are answers to some common questions about pin trading:
Sure! A starter kit of trading pins doesn’t cost much. If you decide you don’t really enjoy pin trading while you’re at the park, you can just stop doing it, and you haven’t really lost anything. And if you don’t even want the pins, you can always brighten someone else’s day by giving the pins to the family standing behind you in line.
The backs to Disney pins come off very easily. I suggest that you immediately replace them with butterfly clutch pin backs so they stay put.
According to DVS Shop, there are more than 100,000 different pin design, including limited edition pins, cast member pins, and event pins.
Honestly, if you didn’t buy it from a Disney store, chances are very likely that it isn’t real — it’s either a “scrapper” or a full-blown fake.
According to The Mouselets, the easiest way to spot a fake pin is by feeling. It it doesn’t have a smooth finish, and you can feel the ridges, it’s probably made of soft enamel and therefore fake.
Another sign of a fake is that the pin looks like it’s been “filled in” with paint, rather than created smoothly.
I tried my best to include a lot of information in this post, and I certainly hope that it was helpful.
However, as lengthy as this post is, it certainly isn’t an exhaustive look at Disney Pin Trading. Nor do I pretend to be either an expert or a collector.
So if you want to learn more, check out The Mouse Pin Trading Guide.
Mouse Pin Trading Guide: The Beginner’s Guide to the Fun and Obsessive world of Disney Pin Trading!
I haven’t read the book myself, but it has very good reviews on Amazon.
Reviewer LuckyLanena says:
This was the best $13 I ever spent. This book guides you not only through the History of Pin but many helpful tips. The best part is the book includes full lists of all the “Hidden Mickey” and if you register your book on the author’s website you get print out copies of the pin list in FULL Color plus sign up for the informative newsletter. I now Trade with pride and knowledge. Thank you!
Now it’s your turn.
Let us know below in the comments!
When I was about ten years old, a neighborhood friend and I were hanging around outside one day during summer break when we discovered mint leaves in my background. For some reason we got pretty excited about this discovery and thought we should go door-to-door …
Since this easy spaghetti recipe is one of my most popular posts, I thought I’d follow it up with a post of the best sides to serve with spaghetti. These 43 recipes includes various salads, roasted and steamed veggies, soft pretzels (great for dipping in …
When my daughters were younger, they both loved crafts — even very simple ones, like peeling off stickers and putting them on a piece of construction paper.
We were always for craft supplies, craft kits, and art project ideas for them. But unfortunately, back then we didn’t realize what a great place the dollar store is for buying craft materials.
Some craft supplies that you can find at the dollar store include:
Here are 24 easy crafts, all made with items that you can buy at your local dollar store — from craft supplies like pom poms and construction paper to household items like coffee filters, food coloring, and cupcake liners.
Some of these craft projects can be completely made using only Dollar Tree items, while others might need a trip to another store as well.
Everything we used to make this craft is from Dollar Store -- from the Mason jar shaped ornament to the bottle brush Christmas tree to the red and white cardstock.
Kids will have so much fun mixing colors together to make this pretty fall garlands. Coffee filters and food coloring are both available at the Dollar Store.
You can really go to town making sensory bottles with Dollar Store materials.
Buy some water bottles and baby oil, then throw in whatever dry pasta, beads, glitter, plastic toys, etc, that you either have on hand already or see in the aisles that day.
Disney fans will love making this fun craft. Get some marbles, acylic paint, and pom poms from the Dollar Store, and cut out the free mouse ears templates.
Then have fun dipping marbles in paint and rolling them around inside a box to create this wall hanging.
These paper plate ladybugs are a great painting project for kids of all ages. It's a great way for helping fine-tune your child's motor skills while having lots of fun in the process.
The next time you finish a gallon milk jug, go to your local Dollar Tree store to get some hot glue gun sticks, pink flowers, and packaged moss to make this adorable fairy house.
This simple project makes a great hanging decoration for Halloween.
Just grab a single hole punch, some empty toilet paper roll tubes, and get everything else you need from the Dollar Store to make these hanging ghosts.
These tissue paper flowers are so much fun and easy for kids to make. Plus they make great gifts!
This is an adorable craft that's easy to make, thanks to the templates. All you need are markers, pencils, colored paper, and a toilet paper roll.
This is a great activity to do outdoors, where you can have a big tub of soapy water nearby and you don't mind if it gets messy.
And yes, you can get toy school buses (or whatever other toy vehicle you want to use) at the Dollar Store!
Use Dollar Tree Mod Podge to give these adorable bookmarks that shimmery look. Free printable templates are available with the instructions.
Pick up stickers, cotton balls, markers, and cardstock from your Dollar Tree store, and then use the free printable templates to make these winter mittens. Includes book suggestions to go along with the craft.
Digital photos are great, but don't you sometimes want some physical photos that can display -- or give as gifts?
These colorful popsicle stick picture frames are a fun and simple way to display your family’s favorite memories.
Do you know a kid who loves dinosaurs? With the free templates, it's easy to make these felt puppets with popsicle sticks.
This is a ridiculously inexpensive craft to make. Buy some Dollar Store yarn and glue, cut some shapes out of cardboard (it could even be the back of a cereal box), and you're good to go!
If you like reading or the beach (or reading at the beach, which I love to do), then this is the craft for you! Use a technique called "paint pouring" to create this beautiful blue color.
Here are even more fun crafts that your kids will love.
Isn’t toy shopping for your kids fun? I always think it is. But sometimes it can be overwhelming, or even confusing. There’s tons of stuff out there. And you don’t want to buy just any toy. You want a fantastic toy that’s high quality, lasts …
When my son was a year old, we joked that his favorite toy with a light switch. But really, it wasn’t a joke at all. His favorite thing to do for a while was stand on a chair so he could reach the light switch, …
We all know that toddlers have an endless supply of energy and curiosity. They love to explore and climb on everything within their reach.
As parents, it can drive you crazy be challenging to keep up with their adventurous spirit, keep them out of things that they shouldn’t be into, and keep them safe, while still feeding that energy and curiosity.
I did several hours of research to compile this list of the best climbing toys for toddlers that will keep them safely entertained and engaged while promoting their physical development.
From foam blocks for babies and younger toddlers to outdoor obstacle courses to slides with basketball hoops attached, there’s something for all sizes and needs.
Baoniu Foldable Climbing Triangle Ladder
This climbing set is made from high-quality eco-wood, making it very safe for kids to play on. It includes ladders on both sides, a climbing side, and a slide, providing lots of different ways to have fun.
Assembly takes about 20 minutes, and an Allen key is included.
Reviewers loved how this jungle gym was not only durable, but is also beautiful to look at, with the natural wood finish giving it it a classic look that’s way better that your typical bright-colored, plastic play equipment.
Pros
Cons
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
This climbing tower is surprisingly lightweight and easy to assemble, making it easy to transport and set up in different places as needed.
Amazon Vine Voice Sam B. gave an extremely thorough review of this toy:
…. after looking at multiple dome-shaped climbers, we went with this one and we’re happy we did. For starters, the whole thing is pretty easy to set up.
You get a big box of tubes and connectors with some instructions. The instruction booklet is laid out weird so I just tossed aside several of the pages until I found the assembly diagram – All of the connectors and tubes are labeled so you know exactly what tube goes where. Once you get the base tube sections assembled, it’s pretty intuitive from there. The instructions guide you through assembling the climber in chunks, then connecting those chunks to make the whole thing. I was worried that the climber would have some flex to it when fully assembled but by the time I was down to the last tube put on, I could tell that that wouldn’t be an issue …
When looking around at other options, we took our kids to an outdoor equipment store and let them climb on everything. Though made of metal, the bigger domes had too large of a space between the bars to where our kids could’t climb to the top – this one is the perfect size for our kids right now and I can tell by the quality that it will last our kids for several years.
PROS:
– heavy-duty plastic components
– easy assembly (aside from the stiff buttons)
– all pieces are labeled so you know what goes where
– easy to follow assembly diagram
– great size for smaller kids – probably about 3 to 8-ish depending on how big they are – and even bigger kids can still have fun climbing under it as a “fort”.CONS:
-Pins/buttons on the connectors can be stiff and hard to push down to get the tubes on
-Stiff pins/buttons can lead to pinched fingers and subsequent swearing around children during assembly
– The labels on the tubes are just stickers so if you have a destructive or OCD child, the stickers will be gone instantly and you won’t know what tube is what when you take it apart unless you sort the tubes by length.This thing was a hit with my kids at Christmas this year – they love climbing on it and throwing blankets over the top to make a fort. It’s big enough that my 45″ tall 5 year old can climb on it but small enough that it fits in our “family room” (aka kids playroom) downstairs …
Note: If you do purchase this climbing tower, be sure to read this detailed review giving advice and several photos about the assembly process.
Pros
Cons
4-Piece Set Climbing Foam Play Set
The soft foam material on this toy is perfect for little ones to crawl, climb, and slide on, while the vinyl surface is easy to clean and maintain.
Amazon reviewer Diana wrote a very thorough of her experience with this toy:
I got these for my 13 mo but all my kids love them …
The pros:
- This is very sturdy!
Four of my kids that weigh 70lbs, 65lbs, 40bs and 28lbs climb on it without it collapsing or caving under them. The foam is really thick and durable!- All the kids love this toy. Even the older ones! It also holds their attention for quite awhile before they run off to play with something else. But they come back to it soon after.
- They are small enough to kind of stack in a corner if they are not being used. Also, they don’t take up a lot of space when they are being used.
- The material is well made and isn’t cheap so it won’t fall apart I dont think! Also the foam fills the outer shell whatever that is made of! So there isn’t any gaps. I’ve seen some reviews on other products similar to this where that was an issue.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with velcro. I put a playmat under them to stop them from slipping despite thr antislip base. I plan on buying velcro strips to hold them in place.
- I wish it came with a few more things to climb on. I went back to buy more but they are out of stock with it saying they don’t know if or when they will get more. So I guess I have to wait to see.
Pros
Cons
Costzon Wooden 3 in 1 Montessori Triangle Climber
This Montessori climbing toy is made of 100% natural wood materials, making it not only safer, but also more environmentally friendly than sets made with plastic materials. The ramp for sliding can be firmly fixed into the climbing ladder without wobbling, and the burr-free surface, smoothly rounded corners, and raised edges help protect our child’s safety when they slide.
Be sure the check the dimensions (the ramp is only 38.5 inches long and 15 wide) and make sure that it fits your needs. Somehow the photo makes it look bigger than it really is.
Pros
Cons
This is a climbing toy and building toy in one, since toddlers can rearrange the colorful foam blocks
to create imaginary worlds, buildings, and structures.
Pros
Cons
Avenlur Magnolia Waldorf Style Indoor Playground
This playground (which is designed for kids ages 2-6 years old) offers a mini rock climbing wall, Swedish slide, monkey bars, rope ladder, wood ladder, and swing.
Amazon Reviewer RBJ what they liked and disliked about this toy, plus some advice;
Pros:
- My boys (18 m & 2yr) love it!!!
- Easy to put together. Not sure what happened with the people who had trouble, but I just followed the directions and it took me about 3 hours.
- Feels very sturdy.
Cons
- Swing is trash. I got jungle gym rings to hang instead of the swing.
- Padding! I know they are coming out with padding like seen in the ad soon. But there is padding that is needed around the slide. If you have the slide set up where it goes through the jungle gym, your kids WILL hit their heads as they slide down.
- The rock wall pieces hurt. They are so hard.
- Don’t wear socks. I only let my sons climb with bare feet or with shoes on. Your asking for an emergency room visit if you let them climb with just socks. Slippery!
Pros
Cons
Step2 Panda Climber: Outdoor Toddler Activity Playset
This toy’s crawl-through tunnel, archway, fun slide, and stairway holes provide lots of opportunities for imaginative play, while the large platform level with a rail ensures added safety during playtime.
The manufacturer says this toy is only intended for outdoor use, but there were plenty of reviewers who said they had it set it up indoors, so take that for what it’s worth.
Amazon reviewer Mommy2Lillybug claims this is the best slide/climbing toy out there for kids aged 18 months through 3 years old:
… I researched a few other models, but ended up deciding on this one because of the curved yellow bar that snaps into the back of the climber, helping to enclose it and hopefully prevent falls…
Assembly was not bad, most of the pieces snapped together like a giant puzzle. It did take a little work to get one of the side pieces snapped into the standing platform, but keep in mind that these things are all manufactured in plastic molds, so the edges are not always going to be perfect. It popped in after some force was put forth … It’s your standard step by step list of pictures, with the parts labled A, B, C, D and so on. The screws were all included, and there were spots to screw them in, but no actual predrilled holes, so be prepared to put some muscle behind your screwdriver, or use an electric one.
We currently have this in our living room, and our living room is not large by any means. My daughter loves this thing, she climbs up it and goes down the slide all day long. She likes to put her pillows and stuffed animals in the little hidey hole underneath and crawl in there with them …
Pros
Cons
Jugader 2X50ft Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids
This kit includes everything you need to create a complete ninja warrior obstacle course, including monkey bars, rope ladder, gym rings, and more. In addition, the slackline can also be used as a zipline, providing even more fun for your little ones.
One of the best things about this course is the unfixed clips with attachments position adjustment, which make it easy to customize the course to match the age and skill level of your child. The ratchet straps also make it easy to tension the line and ensure a secure and stable course.
Pros
Cons
Montessori Wooden Triangle Climbing Toy with Reversible Ramp
The set includes two climbing triangles, a climbing cube, and two sliding boards that can be combined in different ways to create new challenges and games. The reversible ramp can be used as a climbing ladder or slide, adding even more variety to playtime.
The high-quality wood material of the climbing toys is durable and sturdy, with paint, BPA-free construction We appreciated, and a smooth wood surface that keeps your kids from getting splinters. In addition, the triangular structure helps keep it stable.
Not only are extra screws, a screw driver and an extra Allen wrench included to help with assembly, but even gloves are included. (Although something to note: one reviewer recommends using a screw gun instead.)
That’s the good news about assembly. The bad news is that it could take you 45 minutes to assemble it, and you’ll probably need a helper, so be prepared to grab your spouse or your next-door neighbor.
Pros
Cons
Toddler Playground Set with Basketball Hoop
With this toy, kids can practice throwing and catching as well as climbing.
Be aware that the ball is not included, so you’ll have to take care of that yourself. Also, some reviewers said that the assembly directions were terrible and difficult to understand, so brace yourself.
Pros
Cons
Some users have reported that the assembly instructions could be better.
Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center Playset
This toy has a 3-in-1 design that provides plenty of activities to keep your little one entertained, including a basketball hoop, soccer goal, and tethered baseball bat. The extra-wide step and slide also help your toddler practice their balance and coordination.
Pros
It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
Action air Bounce House, Inflatable Bouncer with Air Blower
The Action Air Bouncer is a great gift for toddlers and children. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor use and can fit multiple children with a maximum weight of 250 pounds.
Pros
Cons
Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
This playset (which was the winner of the 2019 Parents’ Choice Award) It’s great for both indoor and outdoor play, and it’s even small enough to fit through a standard door frame. The extra wide slide provides a more secure ride for toddlers and young children, while the easy grip side rails make it easy to climb up the ladder and onto the two-tiered platform. The crawl-through round doors lead to a secret fort with a steering wheel for pretend driving fun.
One really cool thing about the Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber (especially is you have plenty of space to work with) is that it’s part of a Modular Play System. Each playset can be enjoyed by itself or combined with other sets (like this clubhouse) to build a bigger playset.
Pros
Cons
Toddler Jungle Gym Play Tent with Ball Pit Tents and Tunnels
Do your kids love ball pits, but you hate all the germs of public play places? Not a problem! This ultra-durable and lightweight playset, made the soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring, includes a ball pen (but not the balls; you have to buy those yourself).
Pros
Cons
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
This toy is Amazon’s Choice in the category of “Little Tikes Outdoor Playsets.”
It includes an easy climbing rock wall, gentle slope slide, and crawl tunnel and hideout.
However, be sure to pay close attention to the dimensions. The “climbing wall,” for instance, is barely over a foot high, and the slide height is just under 20 under inches.
Pros
Cons
Here are some of the key benefits of climbing toys for toddlers:
They’re a lot more safe that having your 2 and 3 year old trying to climb your furniture!
Seriously, though — yes, toddler climbing toys can be very safe — if they are designed, installed, and used properly. Here are some key safety considerations:
Age-appropriate design: Make sure that the climbing toy is designed specifically for toddlers and is appropriate for their age and developmental level.
Sturdy construction: The climbing toy should be sturdy and well-constructed, with no sharp edges or corners that could cause injury.
Safe materials: The materials used in the climbing toy should be non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
Proper installation: If the climbing toy is installed outdoors or indoors, make sure it is installed properly and securely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the toy is anchored firmly to the ground or wall.
Supervision: Always supervise your toddler when they are playing on the climbing toy. Be ready to intervene if they are in danger or need help.
Toddlers can start climbing as early as 9-12 months old. At this age, climbing may involve pulling themselves up onto low surfaces such as a sofa or chair. As they get older and more mobile, they may start climbing on furniture or other objects around the house.
Of course, it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. One of my children was walking at 9 months, while my youngest didn’t walk until he was almost 18 months.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World (especially during the summer months), you might be so concerned about the heat that you forget about the rain. But the truth is, it’s very likely that you’ll get at least a little rain — if not …
The last thing you want during your vacation to Universal Studios Orlando is for you (or your spouse or kids) to be uncomfortable. Wearing shoes that hurt, socks that cause blister, or anything that’s inappropriate for the weather is no fun. And Florida weather can …
My daughter Rebecca and I just came back from our first visit to Universal Studios in Orlando. As usual, I did some right and some things not-so-right, so I thought my first post about the trip should be about what to pack and what to bring into the parks.
I’m not going to include a complete packing list of very basic vacation packing, like toothpaste, bathing suits, and underwear, but rather items you should have for theme parks in general, and Universal specifically.
You’ll also learn what to bring into the parks, why the answer is somewhat different than what you should bring into the Disney parks, and what to wear depending on the season.
Before I give you a long list of what you should put in your Universal Park backpack, let me start out by saying:
*Don’t* bring a backpack into the Universal Parks.
That may sound crazy at best and impossible at worst (especially if you’re going with young children, which I did not), so I’ll modify if to say:
Bring as little into the Universal parks with you as possible, and avoid bringing a bag if you can.
Why?
Before I answer that, let’s look specific at the Universal Studios bag policy:
So back to my question: Why should you avoid bringing a bag into the Universal parks?
Because one of the differences between Universal and Disney is that many of the thrill rides at Universal require you to put your bag/backpack/whatever in a locker.
The first day I brought a small backpack and it was kind of annoying to walk up to the ride, be told I had to put my bag in a locker, go get a locker, go back to the ride, then get off the ride, walk back to the lockers.
Plus if you do what I did and think, “Oh, this next ride is right over here; I’ll just ride this too and then go get my backpack,” you’ll be charged $3 when you do go back to the locker. You’re only allowed too store your stuff in a free locker for the duration of one ride.
Even worse, if your backpack is any bigger than mine, you won’t even be able to fit it into the free lockers, and will have to pay for a locker regardless.
The standard-sized lockers that are while you ride are 14 by 5.5 by 16.9 inches.
If your bag or backpack won’t fit in those, you can pay to rent a larger locker that is 12 by 13 by 16.9 inches.
For the first 3 rides listed above, everything but your park ticket must be put in a locker. You’ll actually go through a metal detector before you enter the queue.
For the last 5 rides on this list, you can have, say, your cell phone in your pocket. It’s also possible — although not guaranteed — that they’ll let you on with a fanny pack.
So … all that to say that, if you can possibly pull it off, bring nothing into the park except for:
Some people like to wear a lanyard like this one to easy keep their cards handy without needing a bag or wallet.
Marvel Comic Book LanyardMagical Wizard Lanyard with ID Badge Holder (2 Pack)Harry Potter Hedwig ID Lanyard Badge Holder
So here’s a fun story of what not to do:
I got all cocky that my park ticket was on my phone and I could use my resort key to buy things, and thought, “Ha! I don’t even need my wallet at all!”
Well, I almost was sent back to our hotel at rope drop the first morning because they needed my ID for me to pick up my Express Pass.
No, I didn’t even have a photo of it on my phone.
Yes, that was super dumb of me.
Fortunately, they reluctantly let me in because I was able to tell them my address and phone number. (And probably because they could see how panic-y I was getting.
Then when I entered the park, the little machine couldn’t register my fingerprint for some reason, and the cast team member said, “Okay, I’ll just need to see your ID.”
So for the second time in 10 minutes, I had to say, “Uh .. duh … I don’t have my ID.”
Fortunately, they let me in and just told me to bring it next time.
So yes — bring your ID and your credit card, just in case!
However, it takes about 2-3 days for it to arrive. If your vacation ends before then, ask if you can pick it up at the big Universal Studio Store in CitiWalk, just outside the parks.
Okay … so now that I’ve just told you to bring almost nothing into the parks … here’s my list of what you should bring into the parks.
Be prepared for a lot of walking. (We clocked in at about 9 miles each day).
I suggest you visit my post on the most comfortable shoes for Disney World for a really deep dive on great shoe options, but I’ll give you some brief tips here as well.
My daughter Rebecca (who, as you can see, is extremely stylish and into punk rock) was excited to be wearing her new Doc Martens combat boots on our trip, but she ended up with blisters on her feet.
So don’t wear those. (Not that you were going to.)
I normally wear Merrell sandals when I go to Disney World. No, they’re not the cutest things in the world, but they’re comfortable, go decently with either shorts or a sundress, and I like not having to worry about sweaty or soggy socks.
If you want a cuter (and less expensive) sandal, I would recommend the Sanuk Yoga Sling. They’re very popular among female theme park travelers. Unfortunately, my feet just say, “Nope!” whenever I try them, which is unfortunate, because I do like how they look.
On our Universal trip, I brought my Merrells as usual. However, since it was both cold and rainy, and I knew that my feet would be unhappy in sandals.
Instead, I wore my Bob sneakers, which I’d worn on the drive down to Florida, simply because they were the other only shoes I had with me.
And I’m happy to report that they were quite comfortable and held up well to 9 miles of walking. I particularly liked how lightweight they were for a sneaker.
Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Flip FlopMerrell Women’s Slide SandalSkechers BOBS Women’s Party Sneaker
While Rebecca’s phone battery just barely lasted the entire day, mine did not. (She told me that was because I kept getting on Facebook while we were on line.) Having no phone access is a Bad Thing, so make sure you bring a portable charger if you think there’s any possibility that you’ll need it.
People often ask if you can bring a Hydroflask into the parks, and the answer is yes. You can refill them at the park water fountains.
Again, since space and the size of your bag is a bit of an issue at Universal, you might want to check out these collapsible silicone water bottles that won’t be as bulky.
I’m one of those annoying people who regularly does Intermittent Fasting (yes, even while on vacation), and I can easily go at least four hours at the parks without eating anything.
However, most normal people don’t wish to do this, so you’ll probably want to pack your own food in case you get hungry while waiting in line.
If you really want to go all-out and pack your own lunch in a small cooler, check out my post on the best soft coolers for theme parks.
Some ideas for snacks include:
You’ll need these after eating al the applesauce and chips. Bring extra if you have kids.
This may seem like crazy overkill — and frankly, I rarely do it myself — BUT there is a lot of “wet stuff” at Islands of Adventure. (And if you ride Jurassic Park River Adventure, you’re guaranteed to get good and wet.)
If you know that you (and/or your kids) will be unhappy walking around in wet clothes, then pack some extras — or at least extra socks.
This is for holding your granola bar wrappers, used wet wipes, and wet clothes.
Even if you have pack lots of wet wipes, I still think hand sanitizer is good to have on hand, especially in a place where there are tons of people and you’ll eventually be eating.
Whether it’s from the wind or the heat, your lips might get chapped from being outside in the Florida weather all day. It can also protect your lips from the sun. Here’s a good lip balm with SPF that my dermatologist recommended.
I have skin that is extremely sun sensitive. Here are the ones my dermatologist recommended:
EltaMD UV Broad Spectrum SPF 50 SunscreenBlue Lizard Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
This wasn’t an issue for us since we barely saw the sun during our entire trip, but normally you’ll want at least one of these.
Yes, you can bring an umbrella to the parks, and we saw several people using them. In fact, I kinda wished that I had one instead of these disposable ponchos, which are not only annoying, but still allowed my arms to get all wet.
You can read about good travel umbrella options here.
This is something else that I never pack myself, but a lot of people recommend it, and sure, it sounds smart.
This one is very highly rated and is waterproof. Even if you don’t bring it to Universal, it’s probably not a bad idea to keep in the car for Life in General, especially if you family does a lot of outdoorsy things. Among other things, it contains cotton gauze, cotton swabs, an emergency blanket, a whistle, tweezer, and bandages of various shapes and sizes.
Even though I never pack a first aid kit, I do always bring a pain killer, though, which I would particularly recommend if you’re planning on riding The Incredible Hulk Coaster. And Band-aids are easy to pack and might come in handy, especially if your daughter wears their Doc Marten combat boots and later asks you for a band-aid for her feet.
These’s a lot of rides at Universal that can make you motion sick, which is why my husband did not come with us on this trip. Bring this if you think you might need it. You know who you are.
Here’s what you can’t bring into the park, courtesy of UnderCover Tourist:
Orlando can be surprisingly cold in the winter, especially in the evenings.
Our trip was during the week of Thanksgiving, and we wore long pants and jackets the entire time. One evening I wore ear muffs and two shirts, plus a jacket, which Rebecca wore two pairs of pants and a warm hat. You might not have the same experience, but definitely be prepared for cold weather and bring clothes that you can layer!
The Simpsons Men’s HoodieLisa Simpsons Long Sleeve ShirtMarvel Avengers Boys’ Pullover HoodieMarvel Spider-Man Toddler Boys Fleece
It’s not a bad idea to bring a light jacket (especially one that’s good for rain) even during the summer.
However, for the most part, your main concern will probably be how to stay cool. Instead of making this post longer than it needs to be, I’ll refer you to some other posts I’ve already written. Even though they’re about Disney World, the same principles apply.
Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to bring to Universal Studios:
Technically, no you do not need a backpack at Universal Studios. You could put your ID and phone in your pocket and be good to go.
However, most people have something additional they want to bring into the parks, whether it’s sunscreen, water, or things that their kids need.
If you really need a bag, a small backpack or fanny pack is best.
(Don’t worry, fanny packs are less icky these days than they used to be, and some are actually pretty fashionable.)
Yes, you can wear a fanny pack on almost every ride at Universal Studios.
The Incredible Hulk, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and Velocicoaster will not allow any items on the ride, including cell phones or fanny packs. There are free lockers nearby for storing those items.
Free lockers that 9.5” wide x 11.5” high x 17” deep are outside certain attractions and are available for a limited amount of time while you ride.
For most rides, you can put your backpack down by your feet.
However, there are several thrill rides that don’t allow backpacks. For those, you’ll need to store your backpack in a free standard-sized locker, which is 14 by 5.5 by 16.9 inches.
If your backpack doesn’t fit in the standard-sized locker, you can pay to store it in a larger locker.
Yes, you can bring food and drinks into the Universal Studios parks, although there are some limitations.
Bottled water up to 2 liters, small snack, food required for special dietary needs or medical needs, baby food and formula, and soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep are all allowed.
You can’t bring alcohol (or marijuana), glass containers, open containers, large coolers, hard-sided coolers, or anything with wheels attached.
Universal guests must be fully clothed, including shoes and shirts. Coverings that fully or partially obscure a person’s face aren’t allowed, unless it’s required by Universal or for religious or medical reasons.
Sure, you can wear jeans to Universal Studios. I did, and it was fine. But depending on the weather, jeans might not be very comfortable. You might want to consider shorts, a sundress, or even leggings instead.
Wearing a crop top at Universal is fine as long as it doesn’t have any offensive language or anything that could cause a disturbance on it.
What are your must-haves for Universal Studios? Do you bring a bag into the parks, or just pack extra light?
Do you have a favorite theme park shoe?
Are you Team Umbrella, Poncho, or Rain Jacket?
Let us know below in the comments!
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the not-too-distant future, and really have your heart set on a character dining experience with some princesses, I have some bad news for you. At the time of this writing (November 2022), almost none of …
I often see posts online where people ask if it’s “worth it” for adults to go to Disney World without any kids. Um … yes! Honestly, one of the best trips I had was when I went to Disney World with a friend of mine. …
If you have as many stuffed animals as we do, you need some good storage ideas for them.
One thing that I’ve found to be an extra challenge about stuffed animals is that new ones come in … but the old ones rarely leave.
The stuffed Corduroy Rachael fell in love with when she was four, Benjamin’s Woofie he got from his Grandma when he just a few days old, and Rebecca’s entire collection of Friends, most of them huge … they’re not going anywhere.
They’re all here to stay, unlike the other toddler and preschool toys and board games that have gotten sold or donated over the years.
They’re all part of the family.
So it’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuffed animals, and storing them is always a challenge. Here are five different options that look promising and received good reviews.
Mesh hangers are nice because you can still see all your stuffed friends, and they’re up out of the way, instead of taking up half your floor or shelf space. Here are a few options:
Over Door Stuffed Animal Hanging Organizer
You’ve got a door, so you might as well use for storage, right?
This hanging organizer comes in six different colors (black, white, blue, grey, pink, and teal). It has four mesh pockets (the bottom pocket is the largest), so your stuffed animals aren’t all in one huge, jumbled mess.
Reviewers loved that this held a huge amount of stuffed animals and could also accommodate very big stuffed animals.
However, there was an issue that some reviewers had with the hooks. Watch this short video to see what the problem is and how to fix it.
MiniOwls Toy Hammock for Stuffed Animals
This hammock comes in nine different colors, including a “rainbow” color and a “unicorn” color.
Two sizes are available:
Amazon reviewer Kimberly Valadez had some suggestions about where to drill the holes for hanging:
… The video instructions say to go down 22” from the ceiling. This might be okay if you’re only doing 1 net, but I put two in the same corner.
I did 13” down from the ceiling and I wish I had done anywhere between 8” and 10” as it droops down a lot as you start filling it. I placed the second set of holes for the second one down 12” from the top one, but they are too close together. If I had gone up closer to the ceiling, a good space between the top and bottom holes going down would be 15”-17” to place the second one …So I had to put larger stuffies on the top one and smaller ones on the bottom one. It still looks great and works.
Also the drill bit I used to make the holes was 3/16.
This is kind of like giving your stuffed animals their own 5-story apartment building to live in. It easily attaches to a closet rod, although you could be creative and find other places to hang it from.
Be aware that if you put lots of animals in here, it starts to stretch and sag.
3pcs Hanging Mesh Storage Baskets
This is a set of 3 different hanging containers in 3 different bright colors. (Even though the photos show a yellow-ish container, reviewers say that it’s really green.)
These hangers are a little shorter than 3 feet long, so by no means does it hang from the ceiling to the floor, or even close.
However, they work well for segregating oodles of small stuffed animals. And for 3 containers, it’s quite a bargain.
Another nice thing about this set is that the hanging containers also work well for other purposes. Some reviewers used it for a hanging laundry basket or as a place to store kids’ dress-up costumes.
Others say it’s perfect for hanging dirty clothing while on a camping trip.
Want to be adventurous and make your own hammock? This video shows you how!
Baskets are always pretty, and if you want something a little more decorative than mesh, this is a nice alternative. It could be on the wall or behind a door.
As you can see, it wasn’t specifically designed for stuffed animals, so I’m kind of going out on a limb suggesting it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
These baskets are foldable and machine washable. They come with over the door hooks. They have a depth of 7 inches and a width of 13.5 inches. Each basket can hold hold up to nine pounds.
If you don’t like the idea of hanging storage, another possibility is a “stuffed animal zoo.”
Because of their vertical design, they don’t take up much floor space.
Wooden Stuffed Animal Zoo Storage
This animal zoo is made of engineered wood and measures 18 x 20 x 54 inches. It has a firm bottom, making it easy to re-position or even transport if needed.
Reviewers liked how this zoo has a nice decorative look to it.
This zoo is made with PVC and measures 60.6 x 21.8 x 13.7 inches.
Reviewers liked how this “zoo” was quick and easy to assemble and that it was sturdy and well-balanced, so that it wouldn’t tip over easily.
It’s worth noting that there’s no bottom — which is fine if it’s going to stay in the corner of your child’s bedroom. But if you plan to move it around a lot, it wouldn’t be a good choice, because the animals would keep falling out.
Your stuffed animal friends are soft and fluffy. Why not put them to good use and have them be the stuffing of a soft bean bag chair?
Creative QT Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair
This bean bag is available in twelve different designs, including ones with polka dots and stripes.
The large size in 33 inches in diameter, and the extra-large is 38 inches.
You wash put it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, then hang it up to dry.
Amazon reviewer was skeptical that this would be a good solution for her kids’ stuffed animal overpopulation issues, but was pleasantly surprised:
… After I filled it with 80% of the kids’ stuffed animals, they brought me more and I said, “I don’t think they will fit.” But the kids insisted, so I tried, and much to my surprise and delight, they fit. They brought me more, and those fit, too. Then we zipped it up, and the kids all took turns jumping on it, jumping off it, curling up and taking a “nap,” and rolling it around their room like a boulder.
Later that night, while their daddy read them bedtime stories, I plopped down on the stuffed-animal bean-bag chair and nearly fell asleep myself – it was certainly comfy even for my adult body.
So we eagerly purchased a second one to fit the remaining few stuffed animals and some extra blankets.
Pros:
- Fits many, many stuffed animals.
- Multi-functional storage – keeps floor clear of stuffies and also can be used as a bean-bag chair and in countless imaginative play scenarios.
- Sturdier than I expected – looks like it would hold up to the wear and tear it will undergo.
- Flap to cover zipper – looks nice, and discourages kiddos from playing with the zipper.
Cons:
Once filled, it’s pretty heavy. Although it is sturdy, I try not to haul it around by the handle just in case it were to rip out. Thankfully, the kids really do like rolling it around.
Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair
If you find traditional bean bag too lumpy and awkward to actually sit on, you might prefer this longer design, which is more like a sort lounge chair.
If you actually want your kids to use the chair for reading, watching TV, or maybe even sleeping, this would be the better choice.
Amazon reviewer Brandi Williams looked at hundreds of these types of bean bags and is really glad that she picked this one:
The fabric is so soft. The print is amazing … Seems like it’s not going to get too dirty too quickly. There is stretch to the fabric which is perfect because it conforms to the kids and the stuff inside. They are quite large, my 10 year old son can lay on them and not be hanging off. I’d say its probably the same size advertised online. But it stretches, so may be a little bigger after stuffing if.you want.
Great for a 2 year old too, it’s like a cozy couch/lounge when watching TV, reading or playing quietly. Seems to be pretty durable as my 6 year old drug her’s from one room to the other by the loop and it didn’t get damaged. The zipper seems to be made well and works with ease … I’m incredibly happy, and so are the kids …
MiniOwls Storage Teddy Toy Chain
Hanging toy chains are a nice option if you have less toys, smaller toys, and want to use minimal space.
They’re also great if you want to always be able to see the stuffed animals, and not forget about them because they’re buried in a mesh net, hanging up in the closet, or inside a bean bag.
This is a white chain that comes with twenty hooks.
Are you planning a trip to Disney World soon and wondering about the best counter service locations at Magic Kingdom? There are plenty of different options throughout the park where you can a great meal and/or snack without needing reservations or spending much time before …
When my girls were little, we spent a lot of time in the kitchen. Sometimes the girls would sit on the counter and help me make dinner (mostly handing me things and pouring in stuff), and other times we would make “fun food,” like peanut …
![28 Edible Christmas Crafts for Kids [fun & easy!]](https://threekidsthreecatsandahusband.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edible-Christmas-Crafts-Featured-Image.png)
Many years ago, when my kids were babies and toddlers and I was researching the idea of homeschooling, I read a book that said that during the entire month of December you should just shelve the regular schoolwork and just do Christmas DIY projects and activities.
I don’t know that we ever officially did that, but we certainly did follow the spirit of that idea.
Making one or more of these 28 edible crafts is a great way for your family to get into the holiday spirit and spend quality time together. Many of them are simple enough that younger children can do them as well.
And the best part is that your family will get to enjoy some super fun foods (preferably along with cups of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows!) during the Christmas season.
Making these easy edible Christmas crafts are a great way for the entire family to spend the holiday season together.
Kids of all ages will love making these Nutter Butter Santa, reindeer and snowmen are fun and easy to make. All they take are just a few simple ingredients to create a simple, festive treat.
Looking for an easy and fun Christmas tree themed sweet treat? Then check out these adorable Pretzel Christmas Trees. They're easy to make -- plus they're delicious!
Angel sandwiches are a fun way to build a healthy Christmas lunch. Send them with your children in their lunchboxes or make them together at home. You will also find other fun, crafty sandwich ideas like a gift, a reindeer, and a Christmas tree.
These Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer are a cute Christmas treat idea. They're easy to make and are a merry addition to any party or playdate. Kids love them.
These Polar Bear Marshmallows are an adorable Christmas craft treat that will become an annual family tradition this time of year. They’re so cute you almost won’t want to eat them…Almost.
Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats are so fun, both to make and eat. Skip the baking and get right to decorating with this fun food craft for kids.
Kids LOVE frosty the snowman! Whip up a batch of EASY melted snowman cookies for a fun kids Christmas cookie. Just a few ingredients from the pantry and you have a unique , crafted cookie the whole family can appreciate.
What better way to celebrate Christmas morning than decorating and eating Gingerbread Pancakes is our favorite Christmas tradition.
You can make them plain or flavor them like gingerbread, and there is no crazy construction required!
Caprese Salad Snowmen are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat! Serve them for a party or build them together as a family!
Looking for an easy craft idea for toddlers and kids? These ice cream cone Christmas trees are a fun holiday activity, and make a darling centerpiece for your table!
Pretty and festive, these candy canes cgn easily be made in less than an hour. They're great for stirring hot winter drinks, as gifts, to decorate holiday packages or for a snack.
These cookies are a work of art -- and a lot easier than you'd think, once you know the secret! Have kids help make, dye, and decorate these amazing 3D cookies for Christmas.
Avoid a Pinterest fail with these incredibly cute and easy to make Christmas chocolate dipped marshmallows recipe. So simple that even little hands can help.
Creating Christmas Pretzels is a fun activity for the whole family. No special tools are required to create these adorable chocolate treats that are ideal for holiday snacking and edible gifts.
These "Father Christmas cookies" are crisp, light and gently spiced, then decorated with sugar paste to create very fun, very tasty and very festive treats.
These traditional gingerbread men cookies are the perfect festive Christmas food. They are full of warming ginger flavor and make fantastic make ahead Christmas gifts.
Gingerbread houses are the ultimate Christmas food craft, of course! And this one is perfect -- sturdy enough to build with, yet soft enough to enjoy eating.
With just a few simple ingredients this cookie is simple for all ages to create. Great for a Christmas party treat or a fun dessert!
This Christmas craft for making tree ornaments using a cinnamon stick and colorful ribbon really can’t get much simpler.
The kids are going to love decorating these fun holiday treat with this Santa Hat Cupcake Recipe
This easy Christmas reindeer pudding cups recipe is the easiest holiday treat that you'll ever create.
Make Edible Snow Globes with the kids with this easy how to using store bought Ding Dongs! Just a few ingredients needed!
A sweet and salty treat that is festive and fun for the holidays, Christmas Pretzel hugs might just be the perfect snack.
These reindeer pretzels are fun and easy to make. They're great for a kids' Christmas party or as a treat to make at home.
Quick and easy homemade donuts that are dunked in green frosting with a heart sprinkle make these Grinch Donuts fun and easy to make. The perfect addition to a Christmas breakfast, Grinch party or just because they are fun!
Make these super easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies in Christmas shapes like trees. Simple enough for kids to make needing just a little help with the oven.
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World for the first time, it’s very likely that you have some kids going with you. The good news is that there are a lot of kid-friendly restaurants in Disney World. And the bad news is that there are …
Are you planning an adults-only Disney World trip and wondering if you should bother going to the Magic Kingdom? I get it. After all, it has a reputation for being the most kid-friendly Disney park. Maybe you’re wondering if you’d be bored — or worse, …
As I mentioned in another post, I’ve always been an Alice in Wonderland fan. (Although I’m not particularly crazy about the Disney film. I don’t hate it or anything; it just doesn’t grab me.)
Interestingly, my oldest daughter went through a phase when she was five where she pretended to be Alice. She wore a blue dress, then tied a white long-sleeve t-shirt around her waist to give the appearance of an apron.
Then she’d go outside, ring the front doorbell, and say, “Hi! I’m Alice.”
If you know a young Alice fan, they might want to have an Alice in Wonderland themed party. It’s a great party theme, what with there being a tea party and all.
In this post you’ll discover several Alice party games and activities, plus some clever and delicious food and beverage ideas.
The Queen’s Guard Giant Playing Cards
The cool thing about a deck of cards is that there are so many different games you can play with them.
These jumbo-sized Alice in Wonderland themed playing cards come with an instruction booklet with 16 card games.
Because of their size and the illustrations on each card, they can also work great as decorations.
The White Rabbit’s Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt game comes with metal keys that you can hide inside or outside of your house. (Or, if you prefer, you can hide treats or small toys instead.) Then kids get in teams and solve the riddles to find the hidden keys (or treats or toys).
This simple balancing game is designed for ages 5 and up. You can play with just 2 players or as many as 10. The game takes about 20 minutes to play.
There are 12 colorful teacups different sizes on an tilting tea party. Players take turns taking a card and following directions.
I don’t know about you, but I love getting together with a few friends and painting some ceramics. It’s both fun and peaceful — plus you have a pretty decoration when you’re done!
This ceramic tea set includes 13 pieces — a teapot, 4 cups and saucers, a sugar bowl and creamer. Brushes and paints are included as well.
This is a great outdoor game from Simple Practical Beautiful. I particularly like it because it’s not an elimination game, where kids get “out” and then have to spend the rest of the game just standing there and watching.
Spread a bunch of hula hoops on the ground (as many hoops as there are players) and then have everybody walk around in a circle while music plays. (It’d be fun to play The Caucus Race Song, although of course you could play any music that you like.)
When the music stops, everyone needs to stand inside of a hula hoop. Then take away one hoop and do it again. Instead of someone being “out,” there will be two people inside one hula hoop.
Keep eliminating hoops until everybody has to stand inside one hoop when the music stops!
Coloring is a simple activity, but a popular one. You can easily print off some or all of these 6 coloring pages and either use them as a party activity and/or put them in party favor bags for your guests to enjoy later.
This finger puppets can be printed out on card stock, then cut out and wrapped around your fingers to bring the characters from Wonderland to life.
There are 5 characters in total -- Alice, the White Rabbit, the Chesire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts -- and two scenery backgrounds.
I'm a big fan of strawberry & chocolate combos. These adorable "mushroom" brownies are decorated with candy rocks and mini marshmallows.
This cold, sweet party drink is inspired by the Cheshire Cat's colors and looks really cool.
Homemade sandwich cookies that look like a deck of cards -- how cool is that?
These creative chocolate cupcakes will make a great dessert for your party. You can even have the decorating be a party activity, if you think your guests would enjoy that.
What would an Alice in Wonderland party be without tea sandwiches?
This post tells you the best bread to use and also shares a variety of tasty fillings.
“We’re painting the roses red.” These sugar cookies are topped with delicious buttercream frosting rosettes. Follow the step-by-step tutorial for these “painted” cookies, perfect for an Alice in Wonderland party.
This queen of hearts mocktail is super fun and easy to make! Just a few ingredients in a few minutes and you’re there.
These delicious teacup cookies are the perfect way to have your own Alice in Wonderland tea party. Fun to decorate, guests can decorate their own as a project or you can present them beautifully finished.
NOTE: Featured image courtesy of Laurie at Pics from the World of Disney.
8 Pcs Alice In Wonderland Honeycomb Centerpieces\Cupcake Stand CenterpieceAlice in Wonderland Party Vintage Style Arrow SignsAlice in Wonderlandnd Tablecloth, Plates, Cake Plates, Napkins, Cups, Forks & Party Planner
Everybody knows that the countdown to Christmas is at least as much fun as Christmas Day itself. An Advent Calendar is a great way to make that countdown tangible and create a daily routine that can turn into a great family tradition. These 10 crafts …
You’re wearing your sweaters and jeans (and possibly coats, depending on where you live), drinking pumpkin spice lattes, cooking a lot of soup, and raking up the leaves. Yes, it’s November, and there are a ton of fun seasonal activities you can can do with …
“You’re obsessed with Alice in Wonderland,” one of my daughters said to me a couple years ago.
Well, I don’t think I’m obsessed, but I do have a particular fondness for the stories. (Yes, there are two separate stories that take place in two separate lands, despite what Disney would have you believe.)
Maybe it’s because when I was in fifth grade, our chorus class put on a version of the Disney musical. (I was a card.) And it helped that one of my friends (who was also a card), gave me a lovely hardback cover book of both stories, which I still have today.
I also just love some of the … language of it. How can you not love the poem “Jabberwocky”? When something exciting happens, I’ll sometimes actually say, “O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
If you know — or are — an Alice in Wonderland fan as well, check out these great gift ideas. Some feature Disney-themed Alice characters, and others have the classic images from the original books by Lewis Carroll.
Funko Pop! White Rabbit with Watch
This vinyl white rabbit figurine is 3.5 inches tall and is super cute.
You can also get a Funko Pop of:
You can easily get an entire collection going!
Disney Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit Succulent Plant in Tea Cup
No, this figurine does not include a live plant, but it’s pretty neat and is sure to brighten up any desk, bookshelf, or counter.
It’s authentic Disney Parks merchandise and stands 6 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
Precious Moments “You’re The Queen of My Heart” Porcelain Figurine
We started a Precious Moments collection when we got married. They’re just so adorable, and there are so many to chose to from!
This Precious Moments figurine of the Queen of Hearts playing croquet with her flamingo stands 5.5 inches tall.
I kinda feel like you can never have enough mugs, at least as long as they’re fun mugs. (I currently have five Disney-themed mugs myself, and I’m sure that number will grow.)
This red mug has a black handle and black interior. Great for fans of Disney villains.
Loungefly Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Shoulder Bag
The last time I went to Disney World I saw tons of these beautiful Disney-themed Loungefly bags and swore I would get one for our next trip.
No, they’re not cheap. (Which is why I have about three of them in my Amazon cart but still haven’t pulled the trigger on any of them. But they’re easy to carry, easy to clean, and hold a good amount of stuff without being cumbersome.
This tea party-themed shoulder bag measures 10.5 by 9 by 4.5 inches.
Loungefly Disney Alice In Wonderland Floral Faux Leather Wallet
You can also get an Alice-themed Loungefly wallet, either to match the above purse or just on its own.
Made of faux leather, this wallet measure 8 by 4 by 1 inches and features several card slots, bill Slots, and an inner zipper coin pouch.
Down The Rabbit Hole – Alice in Wonderland Themed Corn Hole Game
Whether you’re planning an Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party or just want a game that’s fun for the entire family, you’ll love this beanbag/corn hole style game.
It can be played either indoors or outdoors and includes 1 board and 4 small bags (2 hearts and 2 spades).
Alice in Wonderland Themed Scavenger Hunt
Designed for ages 6 and up, this game includes 30 riddles to solve in order the find the metal keys that can be hidden inside and/or outside your house. (You could also choose to substitute the keys with treats, Easter eggs, or any other objects that you like.)
This game is great for parties, holidays, or family game night.
Alice in Wonderland and The Queen of Hearts Figurine
This beautifully hand-painted Enesco figurine of Alice with the Queen of Hearts is from the Disney Traditions by Jim Shore collection. It comes in a gift box and measure 5.75 by 5.5 by 8.25 inches.
Alice In Wonderland Themed Playing Cards
If you know an Alice in Wonderland fan who also loves playing cards, this is the perfect gift.
This full pack of cards can be used either for simply playing card games or used as decorations. The Ace, Jack, Queen and King each have a lovely vintage color image from the classic Alice in Wonderland books, whilethe remainder of the cards have simpler designs without images.
Funko Pop! Alice in Wonderland with Flowers
I love this particular Funko Pop because it’s so sweet and colorful. A perfect addition to add to someone’s Wonderland Funko Pop collection or to get a new collection going.
Disney Alice in Wonderland Stacked Tea Cups Ceramic Mug
This 3D sculpted mug hold 20 ounces of a hot or cold beverage.It would also make a unique beautiful pot for your favorite type of plant!
Mad Tea Party Blend of Black Tea
Disney Alice in Wonderland Always Tea Time Kids Room Rug
This rug would look great in a playroom, child’s bedroom, or school classroom. It measures 4 by 5 feet and is made from 100% polymide. It’s enhanced with a latex backing to prevent slipping and for added safety.
Reviews liked this rug’s thick quality, vibrant colors, and how easy it was to clean.
Disney Cheshire Cat Ceramic 3D Sculpted Mug
Now here’s a mug that will get people’s attention!
This pink and yellow 3D sculpted Disney mug holds 24-ounces of your favorite beverage. It’s also such a bold and attractive design that it could be used strictly as a decoration if you prefer.
Now if this mug won’t get an Alice Wonderland fan excited, then I don’t know what would.
This black and white mug has a “classic Alice” design of Alice looking up at the Cheshire Cat in a tree, plus a quote. (It kind of looks like a page from the book.)
And when you pour a hot liquid into this mug — the cat disappears, leaving only his grin! How’s that for cool?
Be careful not to put this mug in the dishwasher.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation
This pop-up storybook is faithful to the original Lewis Carroll text,
One reviewer bought this book for her granddaughter and said it was the most spectacular book she’d ever seen:
… You aren’t going to believe your eyes when you thumb thru one!!!
… The pop ups are gi-normous and startling!!! Minute attention to every little detail!! Each and every page has an incredible pop-up, but what they don’t tell you is that several pages have mini-books-within-the-book that are a most pleasant surprise. What is this? On some pages there was a tiny book that further told the story and in vibrant colors and MORE pop-ups!
At her birthday party I passed the book around to all the parents and they were just blown away. Many took down the author’s name and will be buying his books from now on for presents for the children on their gift lists as well. My son says this book is a MUST READ every night at bedtime and is her most treasured possession. They are going to take very good care of it and pack it away so that someday she can pass it down to HER children. A TRUE heirloom from her grandma …
This 20 inch (with tail) plush Disney version of the Cheshire Cat is “soft but squeezable, lightweight and adorable,” according to one reviewer.
Alice In Wonderland Natural Canvas Tote Bag
I don’t think anyone can have too many tote bags. They’re great for trips to the library, the bookstore, the grocery store, or any other errand. Reviewers said this canvasbag was made of good heavy canvas and that the picture was very clear and detailed.
It comes comes in two sizes:
Alice in Wonderland Bookmarks (30-Pack)
These beautiful, double-sided bookmarks have the “classic” Alice designs and characters, as opposed to the Disney version.
They’re made of quality 7″x 2″ Cards; 5.5 oz matte card board paper with double-sided water-resistant coating.
They are 5 copies of each of the 6 designs, for a total of 30 bookmarks.
Wall Art Print of Alice in Wonderland Quotes
Alice In Wonderland Cup And Saucer
Alice in Wonderland Charm Bracelet
This bracelet has several detail charms including the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Alice in a “falling position,” a pocket watch, key, “Drink Me” bottle, and more, plus some colorful stones.
You can wear the bracelet as is or attach the charms to other things, such as a keychain.
Cheshire Cat – Enamel Disney Pin
This Authentic Disney Park Pin has the Cheshire Cat hanging out around signs that say, “Don’t Step on the Mome Raths.”
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Whimsical Coloring Book for Adults and Kids
I just love coloring. It’s relaxing, inexpensive, there’s no particular skill or lessons required, and you end up with a beautiful finished product without much effort.
This Alice-themed coloring book contains 40 one-sided printed pages with black-backed pages to reduce bleed-through.
Amazon reviewer JES loves the details in this book:
I own several ‘Alice’ books, and this is my favorite. So much attention to little details. On one pic., there are birds and a duck wearing the English wigs as they write. The Mad Hatter has a garden of toadstools coming out of his hat. All the pics are highly detailed, and whimsical. Some may be difficult to do if there is an eyesight issue …
Click here to see some close-up photos of the inside pages of this coloring book.
Cover Case for Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle eReaders
Do you know an Alice fan who never leaves the house without their Kindle eReader? They’ll love this beautiful red and green hardback book cover with the “classic Alice” design.
It has a hidden magnet closure that also keeps the cover in position when the case is folded backwards.
Alice In Wonderland Insulated Tumbler
This Tervis insulated tumbler comes in both a lidded and unlidded version. It is made of heavy plastic, is BPA free, and can be used for both hold and cold beverages. It’s also microwave and dishwasher safe, which is always a plus!
Jim Shore Alice on Mushroom Figurine
Another beautiful Jim Shore figurine.
Alice in Wonderland Waterproof Sticker Decals
As a teacher, I can tell you that kids go crazy for these types of stickers! They can go on laptops, water bottles, phones, skateboards, and luggage. These would make a great gift for teacher or just an Alice fan who loves decorating their belongings.
There are 70 total stickers in the pack. Reviewers were impressed by the high quality of the backing paper and the fact that they were waterproof.
Click here to see a couple close-up photos of these stickers.
Mad Hatter Tea Party Vegan Scented Candle
This 9 ounce candle is set in an unique oval hexagonal jar and comes with a gift box. It has a 55-60 hour burn time and contains no dyes, parabens, phthalates, or other toxins.
Retro Alice in Wonderland Pocket Watch
Vintage Drink Me Pocket Watch Necklace Quartz Watch
NOTE: Featured image courtesy of Laurie at Pics from the World of Disney.
I love the Christmas season as much as anyone, but I vividly remember the days when my kids were toddlers and how challenging the month of December could sometimes be. During the year of the year, you can often spend half the day at the …
If your family is spending the day at one of the Walt Disney World parks, you’re going to need plenty of stuff with you. How much stuff depends on your personality, how old your kids are, and your eating game plan for the day, among …
There are lot of different reasons that people choose, or prefer, one Disney park over the other. But one common question that comes up, especially for Disney first-timers, is “Which park has the most rides?”
And it makes sense. After all, you paid a lot of money for your tickets, and you want to pack as much fun into your day as possible.
And for a lot of people, “fun” at Disney World = rides.
In this post, you’ll learn which Disney park has the most rides, which park(s) have the least, and get an alphabetical list of rides for each park.
In addition, you’ll learn a little Disney trivia along the way, see some great ride photos, and learn how these ride numbers compare to Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Magic Kingdom has 23 rides (soon to be 24), making it the Disney park with the most rides.
Magic Kingdom — 23 rides (soon to be 24 when Tron Lightcycle Power Run Coaster opens)
Epcot — 10 rides
Hollywood Studios – 8 rides
Animal Kingdom — 8 rides
Here’s a complete list of Magic Kingdom’s rides in alphabetical order:
