Review - Morning Pixie Dust with Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker

There's going to be a reoccurring idea here at My Life Disabled and that's getting a lot of daily pixie dust. Whether your getting homesick and longing to be back in the house of mouse or your planning your vacation, pixie dust is important. When we go to Disney we always start planning a year out just to let the hype build and give us plenty of time to really enjoy everything a trip is. On the flip side you could be in our current place of getting homesick! Disney is magic so when the pixie dust from your recent trip starts to fade (and sadly it will) it's time to sprinkle more.

That's where today's post comes in. This year I got a perfect pixie dust generator for my birthday. I am now the proud owner of a Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker! Mickey Mouse waffles are a Disney breakfast staple. Almost every restaurant serves these babies every morning so it's part of daily life on Disney property. Now you can have them at home and start everyday with pixie dust!

The Waffle Maker is non-stick and electric so it's incredibly easy to use.  We just mixup some bisquick, milk, and fresh blueberries.  It's easy to clean up too.  You really can't get much easier than that or any magical!

On Dasher!

One thing I've learned testing out games and software is it's alot like dating, completely hit or miss. Some days you find wonderfully accessible things and sometimes it's just bad! Yesterday while looking up some accessible gaming equipment I saw a program called Dasher. It claimed that experienced users of eye tracking software could type 30 words a minute so I was curious what I could master with only a mouse.

At first typing was a challenge since in Dasher letters come zipping across your screen and you basically herd them to a crosshair to be typed.  It didn't take but a few minutes to begin mastering the style of typing and soon sentences that took me forever to type with the traditional onscreen keyboard one click at a time, were taking seconds. This is not for quick things like chatting on a messenger or posting to facebook, it's for longer writing sessions like this post I'm writing now. It doesn't type directly into other programs, instead it has a notepad type area that saves your text to be copy and pasted or saved within the program.

I'll say it has made typing long post quicker and more enjoyable than before. My typing speed keeps increasing too the more I use it and get used to how it works. So far dasher has been amazing and totally worth it's price tag... FREE! Check it out at:  http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/dasher/

Top 10 Disney Movies to Watch Before Your Walt Disney World Vacation

If you're like me, you're spending the weeks...  oh, who am I kidding, months before your trip preparing for your magical vacation.  That means reading about trip plans, loading your mp3 player full of Disney music and ofcourse breaking out those Disney movies! While most people are loading up on Frozen (Can we Let It Go already?) there are actually a ton of movies that not only help get you into the Disney spirit, but also help you enjoy some attractions more.

I'm not going to lie, some attractions are for more of a... classic generation.  They're based on movies that some younger Disney fans may not have been exposed to.  Sure you'll recognize Ariel on Under The Sea, but try enjoying the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse if you have no idea who that it.  It goes from an immersive experience Disney tries to give you to "well, that was neat I guess?"  So do yourself a favor and do a little pre-trip homework!  You'll thank me later! Here are my top 10:

1. The Country Bears (2002. Rated G) - Country Bear Jamboree is an old fashioned hoe-down featuring 20 animatronic bears in the Magic Kingdom.  It's an older attraction and one that on many trips we skipped right past.  Singing animatronics were just a bit random when you could be with Mickey.  Don't let these be random bears! In the movie "The Country Bears" you'll meet and get familiar with some of these beloved characters like Big Al and Trixie.  Once you know these bears you'll definitely want to stop in for a visit!
2. Swiss Family Robinson (1960. Rated G) - As I mentioned earlier, there's a whole tree house dedicated to this family at the Magic Kingdom.  You'll see how they lived after being shipwrecked.  If you don't know who they are, it's just some random tree house to walk through.  If you've seen the movie you'll definitely connect more here!
3. Tom Sawyer (1973, Rated G) - The Magic Kingdom is home to a special island where you can explore memorable places such as Harper's Mill, Injun Joe's Cave, and Fort Longhorn.  If your kids have never watched Tom Sawyer they probably just won't understand it!  Sure they'll enjoy the log raft ride across but will they understand who Becky Thatcher is when they see it painted on a railing?
4. Davy Crockett (1955, Rated PG) - Why should you watch this movie before you head to Disney World?  One word: Frontierland!  Everywhere you turn you're greeted by Coonskin hats and frontier living.  Not to mention the "Davy Crockett" song in the areas music loop!  Let your kids imagination really run wild by knowing more about Davy Crockett and this era!
5. Haunted Mansion (2003, Rated PG) - The Haunted Mansion is one of the most beloved rides in Disney's history.  You board a Doombuggy and sing along with ghosts!  Sound spooky?  It can be!  You can get introduced to Madame Leota before you ever leave home.  Why not check out this movie and see how silly ghosts can be?
6. The Muppets (2011, Rated PG) - Sure everyone knows Kermit, but what about Sweetums, Rizzo or Sam Eagle?  Give yourself or your kids a quick lesson before it's time to head to Muppetvision 3D at Hollywood Studios.  Muppetvision is a 3D short featuring characters from the Muppet Show.  Knowing the Muppets before you go in will definitely make this experience more enduring.
7. Star Wars (1977, Rated PG) - A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there was an epic movie made which led to a whole theme park area.  That's right!  Hollywood Studios already has Star Wars attractions and now they're GROWING!  A whole Star Wars Land is coming so if you want to understand why Darth Vader needs padawans to defeat him or feel the excitement of boarding the Millennium Falcon I suggest catching up before your trip.
8. Fantasia (1940, Rated G) - I've tried to avoid animated features in my recommendations but this is the exception.  Fantasia is where you're introduced to Sorcerer Mickey which has become a park icon.  There's sorcerer mouse ears, toys, sculpted topiaries of dancing brooms, and ofcourse there's Fantasmic!  It's definitely worth watching before you're surrounded by sorcerer hats!
9. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003, Rated PG-13) - Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirate's life awaits you in Adventureland!  You'll sail with pirates and see Captain Jack Sparrow which is a lot more impressive if you know who he is.  He was added to Pirates of the Caribbean ride and also comes out to entertain guests occasionally.
10. Tower of Terror (1997, Not Rated) - I'll be honest about this one... I didn't even know it existed!  The Tower of Terror ride is branded by the Twilight Zone but there's actually a whole movie based on the story of the Hollywood Hotel.  Warning to the parents of the tiny generation:  According to the description "The film starts out when 5 people walk into an elevator, but something goes very wrong. The elevator collapses 11 floors and the five people roam around the hotel as ghosts."  I don't know how it's presented and the ride is an elevator so you might want to check this out beforehand to see if it's ok for your kiddo.  You don't want them terrified of a ride before they even get there!

There are my top 10 suggestions to make Disney attractions more immersive.  Do you have more?  Tell us in the comments!

"SON OF A ^!#$@ I FORGOT MY SHAMPOO" Disney World Trip Report 2015 Day 17

January 15, 2015

We had a very long drive in some nasty weather so we got home super late but someone was happy to see us.  This was definitely the best trip we had taken.  It was filled with so much pixie dust!  Planning for a third of a park a day and focusing fast passes to be in the area definitely helped us see and do more.  We tried a lot of new things and made soooo many memories!  I can't wait to go again.

"SON OF A ^!#$@ I FORGOT MY SHAMPOO" Disney World Trip Report 2015 Day 17

January 14, 2015

Time to start the journey home.  We had to say our goodbyes.  Goodbye room...

Goodbye beautiful views of lagoons...

Goodbye Disney wildlife.  

Parting is such sweet sorrow but we had a long drive ahead.  We cashed in our remaining meal credits for snacks and hit the open road.  Next stop Quincy, Florida!

We were so tired after a long driving day.  The beds looked nice and comfy, but Quincy...  have you heard of maintenance?

It felt like most of our room was broken.

I won't say this place should be avoided because it was clean and had nice staff but seriously, everything was broken.

Good guy Feav fixed our bathroom door so we could close it.  I always carry "wheelchair tools" in my backpack.  We were glad we had them close.  We headed to bed.  Tomorrow: HOME!

"SON OF A ^!#$@ I FORGOT MY SHAMPOO" Disney World Trip Report 2015 Day 16

January 13, 2015

Downtown Disney was a bust for the Marie boggin/mitten set.  Surprise Surprise, they told Feav to try somewhere else.

Back to the Magic Kingdom we went!  This time we were just swinging by the Emporium which was supposed to have a few.  Sadly they had none either.  The ladies at the Emporium were super nice and double checked everywhere and talked to Mom for a few.  While Mom was talking to them, Feav and I were watching a parade on Main Street when a Cast Member came by & started talking to us.  She got so confused so fast.  I told her we had just gotten to the park & she somehow turned it into it being our 1st visit.  The more I explained the more confused she got.  Long story short, we left wearing 1st Visit pins bearing the wrong names.  Bless her heart.

Back on the Ferry & empty handed we headed to Epcot.  We were on an empty ferry except 2 Disney secret service!  Disney secret service is a thing.  They're dressed in plain clothes complete with tourist backpacks but are wearing an earpiece with a wire going into their shirt.  Pretty cool to see one.  We also were trying to figure out why people throw pennies on the big concrete guides in the water.  I can see wishing wells or fountains, but random concrete?  *Shrugs*

Last park day was Epcot, actually last day at Disney.  =(  We still had alot of things to see.  We haven't visited but half the World Showcase but first...

 

We still hadn't swam the Seas with Nemo!  It is accessibile but getting to the ride is an adventure.  Imagine being outside in the bright Florida sun then going into a dark building.  When I say dark I don't mean dim, I mean DARK.  Then you wind back and forth through a very long line which has big metal bars on each side to guide crowds through.  In the future I'll have a flashlight ready.

Once onboard the ride, it's really cool.  They basically tell you the story of Nemo.  Check out those jellyfish!

We went to Journey into Imagination with Figment but the wheelchair ride cart was being repaired.  Feav rode it while Mom & I shopped in Figments gift shop.  I love that dragon!  We checked out the fountains on the way to the World Showcase.  

First stop on the world tour was Canada.  Exploring the country means lots of narrow ramps but it's worth it.  The stores had interesting Canadian souvenirs.

The scenery is beautiful too.  We wanted a Photo Pass photo here and stood waiting to get one for awhile but the photographer was too busy flirting with 2 ladies to notice.  Again a VERY weird occurrence at Disney.  Mom took one of Feav & I anyway.

Don't worry, we found someone who wasn't trying to make Disney magic of his own to get a group picture.

Time to head to the United Kingdom and take the obligatory telephone booth shot.  There was a serious line here!

We got Yorkshire Fish and Chips for lunch.  Unfortunately, we couldn't get pictures because of this guy!  Okay, this guy and his friends.  The birds here were persistent so it was a fight   not to lose food.  Come to find out the had a bunch of nests near us & it was the time of year they roost.

The United Kingdom turned out to be my geek heaven!  Medieval stuff, Monty Python, Cadbury...  it was wonderful!

I mean just look!  I could've stayed there for hours but we had more countries to visit.  Oddly I had no pictures of Morocco.  I want to say the performers were there so we skipped it but I can't remember for sure.

I also ended up with only one from Japan but I remember why here.  The Mitsukoshi Department Store was where we stayed.  If you like video games, anime, Japanese culture or Hello Kitty this is your store!  They also have "Pick a Pearl" which is a great memory making souvenir!

We roamed around until out dinner reservations that night.  Ok by roamed I mean to China to get one more wine.  It was good as always.   We had dinner reservations at Chefs de France.  Back to France we go!

Mom had...  you know, I'll just copy and paste this one...  Lasagnes de legumes du soleil a l'huile d'olive au thym - Zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and bell peppers baked into thin layers of pasta.  Now you understand why!  

Feav had the Prix Fixe 3 course meal.  He chose Lobster Bisque soup, Chicken, Broccoli & Potatoes.  He loved the Bisque!  The rest was kinda bland to him.

 

For desert they both got...  uhhhhh yeah, copy and paste time!  Fraisier sur coulis de framboise, sorbet fraise - fresh strawberry and cream cake, raspberry sauce and strawberry sorbet.  Whew, I could never live in France!

One last photo pass picture.  Time to say goodbye to Epcot until next time.  It's always pretty sad.  We headed back to our resort.

When we went in, Pixie Dust happened.  A stuffed Marie, a card from Cinderella and a note was on our dresser.

The ladies at the Emporium made the trip the most magical ever.  What a perfect way to end a trip.  Tomorrow's Destination:  Quincy, Florida

"SON OF A ^!#$@ I FORGOT MY SHAMPOO" Disney World Trip Report 2015 Day 15

January 12, 2015

We were starting off our morning right!  We were having breakfast at a place I had been wanting to try for a few trips now.  1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian resort.

This place is surprisingly HUGE.  It's a monorail resort and it was cool to see the monorail zooming around.

We actually went in the wrong building at first but saw this fountain which was adorable.  The Grand Floridian is all about Mary Poppins and Alice In Wonderland.  Mom had her picture taken with the penguins.

We found the building we needed to be at.  The pathways between buildings had a roof above.  Disney understands Florida rain showers!

Off to 1900 Park Fare we go!  There was a photopass photographer here but I gotta say she was either having a bad day or just wasn't a Disney person.  She was a bit rushy, impersonal and a little grumpy.  It's a really strange thing at Disney World!

This place is a character breakfast buffet.  I love doing character meals because it saves time meeting them in parks where lines are long.  Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Pooh, and Tigger circled through while we ate.  The menu here far exceeds Mickey Waffles and features signatures like Strawberry Soup and Lobster Eggs Benedict.  I had chocolate milk, coffee, and my personal favorite offering Orange/Passion Fruit/Guava Juice.  It was amazing!

I felt sorry for Tigger.  The group next to us kept aggravating him by calling him Tony.  "Hi Tony!"  "I like your cereal Tony"  College kids!

Mary Poppins was the best character interaction at 1900 Park Fare.  Mom was gone the first time around and she actually sat and talked to me & Feav awhile.   Mom was back her second trip through and she told Mom what good children we were.  You know it, Mary!  You're Supercalifragilistic too!

After breakfast we explored a little more.  This place is sooooo fancy!  Look at that elevator!  We went up and shopped a bit.  I couldn't help but feel like we were on Titanic.

Need I say more?  We were kinda feeling out of place and decided to head outside.

I love the Alice in Wonderland water play area they have.  When the hat filled with water it would tip over and splash down.

The beach there is pretty amazing too.  It was getting very cloudy though so we got on with our plans.

We were going to puttputt golf!  We had passes so we decided to try Fantasia Gardens.  There was actually a long wait!  We hung out in the arcade and waited.  We didn't mind considering it had Star Wars.  Goodbye quarters!

Finally it was our turn!  Fantasia Gardens was wheelchair accessible throughout however there were some tight spots.  Proceed with caution, adventures!

The theming was nice so anyone who's a fan of Fantasia should check it out.  Definitely glad we gave it a try!

In the end, Feav won!  It was a nice way to spend an afternoon since there wasn't much on the Hollywood Studios to do list!  With 18 holes behind uswe headed to the Studios.

We caught a photographer right before she was leaving because... it started to rain!  It wasn't bad, just sprinkles, so we headed in.  We window shopped a lot looking for a Marie boggin & mittens I had saw at Epcot.  There was one at Epcot but by the time decided to get it, it was gone.  We had been looking since but had no luck! A shop at Hollywood Studios said Downtown Disney had one in stock,  We decided to check later, now we were heading to the Writer's Stop to get the famous Carrot Cake Cookie.

That's when the monsoon came!  It rained so hard complete with high winds.  We had to break down and wear ponchos.  Glad I got hot chocolate at Writer's Stop because it was chilly once you got wet.  I had a poncho on but then the rain ran down it and poured on my feet & lower jeans.  Wheelchair problems!  We were close to Muppet's 3D so we ran for it since the Writer's Stop was getting overcrowded.  Rain wouldn't last long, right? Wrong! We got out of the Muppets & still raining. We spent a good hour sitting in Pizza Planet waiting for our dinner reservations.

We survived the flood!  Well except my glasses which had water spots everywhere.  We were happy to be at Mama Melrose's where it was nice and dry.

 

I had a cappuccino to keep staying warm.  It was delicious. The worst part of food pictures is seeing them 8 months later and craving them.  The things I do for you guys!

Feav and Mom had Chicken Campanelle.  It was ok but nothing over the top amazing.

Desert was next.  Feav had the Cannoli and Mom had the Panna cotta.  Again, nothing fantastic but not bad either!

The atmosphere was great.  At Disney it always is though.  Those Christmas lights!  It was perfectly themed.

The new Hollywood Studios picture with the Sorcerer Hat coming down.  Definitely a different look.  

One last picture before we said goodbye to the Studios.  Now to talk Feav into checking Downtown Disney for my Marie boggin...