3 Souvenirs You MUST Get While at Walt Disney World Resort

Our family has been to the Walt Disney World Resort a time or two...or twenty, in our 14 years of togetherness. {We had seasonal passes for a few years and would take weekend or day trips.} Over those years, we haven't bought a whole lot of toys or gifts. We kind of pride ourselves on not bringing home souvenirs that will be tossed aside or left at the wayside. When we DO let the kids pick a souvenir we have them think about it and come back to it. If it's something they really want, they'll still be thinking about it hours later, after they've seen other things. 

We've come home with Glow with the Show Mickey Ears, a Rapunzel princess dress from Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique, a stuffed animal snake and leopard for my animal lovers.

When I make my way back down to the MAGIC that is in Walt Disney World, I have a short list of souvenirs that I would love to bring home with me, for me. After all, adults love bringing home fun things, too!

I shared with you in my 2014 Holiday Gifts Wish List that I would love more Alex and Ani bracelets. It's been a few months and I would still love to have more of these fun bracelets! I was lucky enough to snag my one and only Alex and Ani while in Disneyland last year. This year, I'm hoping to add Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot to my collection!

My husband has a coffee cup collection. He has collected mugs from just about every location he went to an Army training for, we have mugs from when we lived in Fort Campbell and I've made him a few mugs with the kids pictures on them. Recently, we started buying mugs from places we visit. Our most recent mug is from Portland, ME. {We LOVE Maine! Especially a select group of people there that we now call family!} His collection has become our collection and I like to add one or two here and there, too! I mean, we both drink coffee...I should be able to drink from a mug I like. :)

I've heard these You Are Here Starbucks mugs are hard to find, but that's not going to stop me from putting it on my list and looking. First stop when we walk into Magic Kingdom? Starbucks!

{photo credit - huffmans on flickr}

I dream of having a pair of Mickey Ears with my Instagram and Twitter handle, @jonahbonah, embroidered on them. Okay, maybe I don't really dream about them, but I've been talking about them for a couple of years now. The last time I was at the Parks, I was told they couldn't embroider the @ symbol. Hmmpph. That spoiled my plans. But, I asked a few of my Disney pals, and even a few folks employed with Disney, and turns out they CAN do the @ symbol...it just depends on who you ask. Second stop after walking into Magic Kingdom? Le Chapeau on Main Street, USA!

What is on your short list for Disney Souvenirs? Tell me in the comments or tweet me!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. 

Watch the Newest TOMORROWLAND Trailer by Disney Pictures HERE!

Disney's newest full-length feature film Tomorrowland is sure to be nothing short of amazing! {I mean, George Clooney. Need I say more?}

When the most recent trailer was released yesterday, and I saw it, I knew it was a movie I did NOT want to miss!

In Disney’s riveting mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” a jaded scientist and an optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space.

Watch this.

Right?! You don't need to be a George Clooney fan, a Disney fan OR a Sci-Fi fan to see that this movie is going to be an edge-of-your-seat kind of film. May 22, 2015 it hits theaters. Mark your calendar. Make it a date night! 

Which movie are YOU most excited to go see this summer?? Tell me in the comments or tweet me @jonahbonah.

Disneynature's Monkey Kindgom Coming Soon!

Last year, I had the privilege of seeing Disneynature's Bears while at Disney Social Media Moms in Disneyland before it came out in theatres. It was magical. I knew instantly that I needed to have this movie in my family's video library, because my animal-loving son, Jett, would adore watching the bears and gaining new knowledge of these great animals. In fact, I need to have ALL of the Disneynature movies in my collection. I have a feeling they would get watched all.of.the.time!

This year, on Earth Day, Disneynature is releasing a new movie, Monkey Kingdom. This time it's about monkeys! {in case you didn't get that from the title. LOL} Who doesn't love the cute little faces of monkeys? Even those seemingly grumpy gorillas are cute!

Watch the short videos below and then make your plans! Earth Day is April 17, 2015. 

Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in “Monkey Kingdom,”

Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is

forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s

has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When

their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya's whole family retreats,

and she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to uncover untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and

unsettling surroundings. Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can

hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.

Featuring a rich variety of characters, including a mischievous mongoose, simple-minded langur monkeys,

predatory leopards and monitor lizards, “Monkey Kingdom” is narrated by Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), directed by Mark

Linfield (“Chimpanzee,” “Earth”) and co-directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Chimpanzee,” “Bears”). With music from

award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams ("The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the

Wardrobe," “Shrek” movies), Disneynature’s eighth True Life Adventure—the follow-up to 2014’s “Bears”—swings

into theaters April 17, 2015.

Set in the storied jungles of South Asia, “Monkey Kingdom” showcases the adventures of new mom Maya, a clever

and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey who’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world.

From Oscar, Sita, Scout, and the countless wild creatures we share this planet with, thank you! Disneynature is making a difference. With every ticket purchased for Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opening week (4/17 – 4/23), Disney will donate to benefit Conservation International to help benefit monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitat.

To read my post on Disneynature's Bears click here. 

Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links are used in my post. This simply means, when you click through to Amazon and make a purchase, I get a small percentage of the sale. Thanks in advance for supporting jonahbonah.com!

Have Courage and Be Kind {a Disney's Cinderella Review}

Do you remember when there would be a Disney movie on TV on Sunday nights? The Magical World of Disney, it was called. I can still recall sitting on the couch with my little sister and brother, with our popcorn and blankets, to watch whichever movie was coming on that night. I grew up LOVING Disney movies. All of them. I don't think I've watched a single one and not liked it, at least a little. 

The original Cinderella was always a favorite. Even as a kid, I can remember it being a story of hope and overcoming a temporary circumstance. {My thoughts were maybe not as deep, but I could feel it.} If Cinderella could find her Prince Charming, we all can. Or, maybe I was just thinking that there's a good and handsome man out there for us all. If she found him, so can we. I digress. 

In the NEW, non-animated, beautifully written and directed, modern version of Cinderella, you can expect the same kind and gentle Ella {Lily James} being tormented by her evil stepmother {Cate Blanchett} and two ugly-hearted step sisters {Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger}. She's still very much so a lover of animals. Gus Gus is in the movie, of course! He was always my favorite mouse. 

She's given the name Cinderella after...well, you'll want to see that scene for yourself. Once her Fairy Godmother {Helena Bonham Carter} makes a way for her to make it to the Royal Ball, she finds Prince Charming {Richard Madden} and, just like in the old movie, they fall in love. 

The writers found a fresh way to re-tell a classic story. The 2015 version is not exactly like the 1950 version. {Was it really that long ago that the original Cinderella debuted?} For instance, we're given a glimpse of Cinderella's mother before she passes away...but, not before she gives her advice that could be used by all of us today. Have courage and be kind. 

I really don't want to give anymore spoilers. Trust me when I say, you are NOT going to want to miss seeing Cinderella on the Big Screen. Look for it in IMAX even. 

Disney's NEW Cinderella opens everywhere, today, March 13th. Grab your prince charming or little princesses and make it a date night tonight!

I was given advance screening tickets to see Cinderella before it opened. The review you just read is my opinion. I was NOT paid to write a review. All photos are courtesy of Disney.

5 Must See Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney has four major theme parks in Florida. The Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Ask me which is my favorite and I'd probably say, "I love them all." Ask my youngest son, Jett, and he'd say, "Animal Kingdom!"

I've heard differing opinions on how much time is needed to see everything "worth seeing" inside Disney's Animal Kingdom. Some say it only takes half of a day, while others like to visit every nook and cranny. If you ask me, Animal Kingdom is an all-day theme park. Even then, you might not get to see it all, it becomes a two-dayer.

I'm going to tell you my family's TOP 5 Must See Attractions in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Ready? Let's go!

{photo courtesy of Disney}

1. Finding Nemo {The Musical} - Located in DinoLand U.S.A., this is number ONE on our agenda each and every time we visit the Animal Kingdom. The show is entertaining, bright, lively, everything you love about a musical. The puppeteers are cleverly camouflaged to match their character, yet I find myself watching them over the puppet each time. They all are truly talented at what they do and it shows in their facial expressions that they love their roles. I suggest using the NEW My Disney Experience app to get a Fast Pass for this one! You're going to LOVE it! {Fun for ALL ages}

2. Expedition Everest - Located in Asia, this thrilling expedition through the Himalayan Mountains on a weather-beaten train is number two on our list. Climb a steep incline and navigate through a ceremonial stone tunnel before reaching the summit. Once at the "top of the world," hold on tight as you pick up speed and race inside the dreaded mountain. Did I mention a face-to-face encounter with the Yeti? Once at the top of the mountain, you'll come to a screeching halt when you reach a broken track. Where to now? You'll have to ride this thrilling coaster to find out!

{photo courtesy of Disney}

3. Primeval Whirl - Like Finding Nemo, this ride is located in DinoLand U.S.A. This spinning rollercoaster is SO.MUCH.FUN! Sudden dips and hairpin turns take you back in time to a cartoon-esque dinosaur era. The overall appearance of Primeval Whirl is like a ride right from the town carnival. But, as with 99% of Disney's rides, it's everything you look for in a thrilling ride.

4. Kilimanjaro Safaris - Unmistakably, Jett's FAVORITE ride within all of Animal Kingdom. Climb aboard your open-aired safari truck and travel through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Preserve. See wild animals in their natural habitats and maybe even have to wait for some giraffe to cross your path. Each and every time you step foot on this safari your experience will be different because, the more than 34 exotic African species have minds of their own. Last time we rode Kilimanjaro Safaris we saw a hippopotamus out of the water. In all of my years I've never seen a hippo out of water. If you have an aspiring zoologist, this is an absolute must-see.

{Disney's Memory Maker photo}

5. DINOSAUR - There's something about not knowing what lurks around every corner that will keep you coming back to this attraction year after year. Travel back in time on a mission to rescue an Iguanadon. Once there though, you'll discover that you landed just in time for a giant meteor to hit the earth and cause the extinction of dinosaurs. Will you make it back to 2014 before it all takes place? 

There you have it, my family's TOP 5 Must See Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Are there more just as fun and super amazing attractions to see? Of course! 

My family would be disappointed if I didn't give you a bonus selection {of sorts} and tell you about It's Tough to be a Bug! A 3D interactive show featuring the characters from Bug's Life takes you underground into the tunnels where the bugs live. Don't be surprised if you encounter some 4D effects! {I just checked Disney's website. Check before you travel to see if this attraction has been re-opened. Unfortunately, it's currently, July 2014, closed for enhancements.} Update: As of October 17, 2014, It's Tough to be a Bug! is now re-opened!

What are a few of your favorites when you visit Animal Kingdom??

Day Two: Walt Disney World {Hollywood Studios}

{If you want to see Day One click here.}

When we planned this trip we totally anticipated going just the five of us. {Hubs, Jett, McKinley, Mabry and myself} We were well aware of the in and out of the stroller and stopping to change diapers and feed baby. We've done this before. Taking a baby to Disney is not new to us. We took Jett when he was only two weeks old. And again when he was about a year old. I even took McKinley and Jett by myself a few years ago. Disney is, after all, for kids of ALL ages! When our friends, Cathy and Bobby told us they would be in Orlando at the same time we were excited that they also offered to come and hang out with us in the parks! An extra set of hands AND good company. Score!


Something else we planned from the get-go was to not try to pack too much in to one day. We vowed to take our time and see the things that were most important to the kids. As many of those things as time allowed, that is. In one day we were able to ride Tower of Terror, The Great Movie Ride and Toy Story Midway Mania. We watched Muppet 3D Vision and the Disney Junior Show. For lunch we ate at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. We finished our day off at the evening Fantasmic Show. {The new Fast Pass+ really allowed for us to get so much packed in to one day. Without it we would've stood in line for Tower of Terror for more than 60 minutes. The wait time for Toy Story Midway Mania was 85-90 minutes each time we walked by it. With Fast Pass+ we were able to walk right on.}

This is probably my favorite memory from Hollywood Studios...Hubs and I may have told McKinley and Jett that the Tower of Terror was just an old, creepy hotel. It worked for getting them on the ride. About the time that it was about to make its first drop Hubs felt bad for not telling them what really happens. Too late! McKinley's legs flew up over her head and she screamed like crazy! Jett held on for dear life. {I'm laughing just recounting the whole thing in my head!!} The kids were TERRIFIED!!!! --Mission accomplished, Disney!-- As we were walking out I asked McKinley if she wanted to ride again. I thought for sure she'd yell "NO!". To my surprise, her eyes got big and she screamed, "YES!!!!". We didn't. But, we WILL be riding again when we go back!!!







We spent a good bit of time in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure. The kids absolutely LOVED being as small as ants while sliding down blades of grass and hanging out in a giant film canister {who uses film anymore? LOL}








The day we spent at Hollywood Studios was a pretty slow day as far as crowds are concerned. That was good news for us. I LOVE meeting the characters. The kids LOVE meeting the characters! While we didn't get to see Buzz and Woody or Mickey Mouse, we saw a bunch of other favorites!


{Sofia the First}


{Wreck It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweets}


{Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates}


{remember how I said that the Memory Maker was worth the cost? Here's an additional peice of the proof. I am IN a picture with the kids. While Cathy, the kids and I stood in line for characters the guys got drinks and snacks for us before our next attraction.}


{Of course, you recognize Minnie Mouse!}
We had such a great day at Hollywood Studios. The best part? We didn't do everything so we have to go back. Rock'N Roller Coaster, The Backlot Tour, Lights Motors Action...there's so much that awaits us on our next visit!!




{Thank you, Cathy and Bobby for coming along with us! You guys are so amazing!!}
Come back and see what we did on Day Three!

Mickey's Fun Wheel and More {in Disneyland}

I've been home from Disney Social Media Moms for four days. There were so many amazing speakers and so much great information...I'm still processing it all. I hope to be writing a bunch of my thoughts in the coming days. Stick with me.

In the meantime, I've been looking through my photos and finding ones that jump out to me. My favorites. I have a few to share with you today. Having never been to Disneyland, I took pictures of the Mickey Fun Wheel, of course! And Sleeping Beauty Castle.











Day and night, Disneyland is beautiful.





Have you ever been to Disneyland? In all of my years, I've only ever been to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Heading to the opposite coast was such a treat! Tell me, what's your favorite part of Disneyland.

Magic at Play with Disney at Kohl's {a giveaway}

***Giveaway is now closed***
Introducing "Magic at Play" -a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Disney and Kohl's. The spirit of Disney and its beloved characters blends with playfulness and practicality in Disney apparel by Jumping Beans designed to inspire fun and imagination. The first of these Disney apparel by Jumping Beans capsule collections is available exclusively at Kohl's and Kohls.com now.



It's no secret that I love Disney. All things Disney. When I heard they were teaming up with Kohl's to create a line of kids clothing that is cute, as well as affordable, I knew I needed to go see it for myself. Take a look at these outfits!


The girls line is over the top cute! I walked away with 3 tops, 1 pair of shorts and 1 new dress for McKinley.


Jett is a little tougher to buy for since he feels he now has a say-so in what he wears. I played it safe and only picked up the far left tee for him. He's worn it three times already. He LOVES it! I'll be going back for more of the cute boys clothing.


As soon as I brought all of the kids new goodies home they wanted to try it all on. They chose these outfits for church last Sunday.

What's more about this particular line from Disney and Kohl's? It's perfect for the upcoming summer months. Red, white and blue AND comfy, too!



Wanna win a $50 Kohl's gift card so you can do some Disney Jumping Beans shopping yourself?? Leave a comment telling me a Disney secret of yours. It can be anything...your favorite character, a hidden Mickey destination, your favorite theme park, your favorite Disney treat. {you can do this once PER DAY}

Want an additional entry? Tweet about this giveaway! {leave your Twitter handle in the comments after you've tweeted.}


I received a gift from Kohl's in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Becoming a Princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

For months, all McKinley has talked about is going to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Walt Disney World. Seriously. Ask her where she wanted to go and she'd proudly tell you that her daddy was going to take her to the "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo", as she calls it.

What's the big deal? Your daughter is treated as royalty from the moment she checks in. She's given a Royal Invitation and a Royal Pager {like the pager you get at a restaurant while you wait to be seated} while she awaits her turn to be called. Once called, her Fairy Godmother takes her to her dressing room where her ball gown and wand await her.



From there the royal treatment continues. Your princess will get her nails painted and her make-up applied.



McKinley was really starting to feel like a princess at this point. Her Fairy Godmother and the other Royal subjects all oohing and ahhing over her.

The PhotoPass Photographers walked around the boutique and would stop by and tell silly jokes to make the girls giggle.

Now, it's time for her up-do, complete with a sparkly tiara and enough Pixie Dust atop her noggin to choke old Codfish himself.






It's time for Princess McKinley to see herself for the first time since sitting down to the Royal Salon Chair.



She loves it! Just look at that smile!!!




Since we weren't able to get our Royal Reservation at Cinderella Castle itself, we went to Downtown Disney's location. Same great experience, just not in the Magic Kingdom. From there we hopped on a Disney Transportation bus and headed to Main Street, USA to finish the evening riding rides and meeting characters and watching fireworks!




Of course, we stopped in front of Cinderella Castle to have a family picture taken. I just wish I had thought to have McKinley's picture taken by herself in front of the castle. Oh well. Next time.



Want a few tips on a couple of things I learned from start to finish when treating your daughter to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?

• Make your reservation EARLY! You can call 180 days in advance to book. And, if you know your travel dates, you should book that early. Especially if you want the Cinderella Castle location!
• If you want to save yourself $100+, bring a princess dress that is new to your daughter. She'll never know you didn't buy it at the Boutique.
• Make sure your princess is well rested and fed. Princess McKinley quickly turned into Princess Pouty Pants after her transformation. After a quick bite to eat she was twirling all over the park! Tired and hungry preschoolers aren't any more happy dressed as a princess while among a million people than any other day. Trust me.
• Be prepared to get lots of attention! Both Cast Members and Characters will bow to her Highness and speak to her as if she is the real princess she's dressed up as. {McKinley dressed as Rapunzel. As we entered the Magic Kingdom the Cast Member at the gate asked her where her frying pan was. He said that she told him that she NEVER left her tower without it. So fun!}

Have you taken your daughter to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? I'd love to see your pictures and hear of your experience! Tell me about it and/or leave your link in the comments.