Dressing for the DisneyStore.com Family and Friends Sale

Happy Valentines Day!

I LOVE Valentines Day- not so much the 'candy and jewelry and flowers and Hallmark' Valentines Day, but the 'pink and red and love and hearts' Valentines Day. 

The DisneyStore.com is showing their love for us by having their Friends and Family Sale until Monday, February 16th. Just use code: DISNEYPAL at checkout to get 25% off everything- including Sale items!

Below I've put together some of my favorite items. Happy shopping! 

 A Minnie Mouse eye pillow for sleeping in on the weekends, or for keeping out that ray of sunshine that inevitably shines through the closed curtains in your Resort room, no matter how tightly you pulled them shut. You know that I'm talking about. // Light up wristband and shoe clips for running in the dark. // A pretty Mickey watch- I'm not much for Mickey watches, but this one is subtle, classy, and on-trend with the white. I love the monochromatic look. // Everybody needs a pair of diamond Mickey studs, no? // I really like this Mary Blair inspired, it's a small world Dooney. It's a good size, too. 

I like the two shirts at the top, both the football jersey style and baseball tee, and have eyed them in the parks the past few times I've gone. They're part of the 2015 merch line. // This Hatbox Ghost sweatshirt is awesome-- especially since rumors are swirling that the infamous Hatbox Ghost will be revived in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion in honor of the 60th Anniversary. // This varsity jacket comes in both a Disneyland and Walt Disney World version. 

I've been lusting after this Haunted Mansion blanket for over a year now- this might be the time to break down and buy it, with it being on sale and all. // This little throw pillow is sweet, and features a print of a map of WDW. // The next three items reside in my house: The Tomorrowland cup is the perfect size for juice, and comes in prints featuring other lands in the World. // The little plate on the left is just the right size for a piece of toast for breakfast, or a nice snack size. Again, comes in other prints. // Tiki room pillow, because Tiki Room. 

I'm not a fan of the Frozen frenzy, but if you're gonna get an outfit for your Frozen obsessed child, now's the time to get it at half off. // A Kermit pillow. 'Nuff said. // This nail polish is so pretty, and looks JUST like Essie's 'Bikini So Teeny' which is a super flattering, on-trend color for spring. // The teacher in me is always thinking of ways to get boys interested in writing, and this Chewbacca journal does just that. What a cool way to inspire them to keep notes about their Disney vacation! // This Dooney is my go-to park bag; you can see it in the picture below. I hook it through two belt loops and *bam*, high-style fanny pack. This print is on sale because they introduced an updated version, but personally I like this one better. 

My Valentine. 

ALSO, yesterday the Tower of Terror released it's new merchandise line. Some of the artists and designers were there to sign their work. You can see all of the new items on my Snapchat- username: disneyfiedash. 

Left to right: Tyler Dumas, Brian Blackfmore, me, Richard Terpstra. Richard designed the tote bags we're holding, and Brian designed all the 'character drop' ToT merch. 

Did you get anything from the Friends and Family Sale? What are your thoughts on Valentines Day-- love it, hate it, indifferent? Let me know in the comments below!

Dressing for DHS +Tower of Terror Hollywood Tower Hotel Tour + Cinderella Preview

The other day I found myself at Disney's Hollywood Studios MGM to enjoy the beautiful weather and see what's shakin' at one of my fave parks. 

Some people find it strange that I go to parks alone, but I really enjoy taking my camera and setting my own pace, soaking in the details, chatting with strangers, and generally being an oddball. I know many of you photographers and Disney 'lifestylers' get it, but the majority of people, when I tell them I go to parks by myself, give me a look that is both incredulous and pitiful all at once. 

I took this shot of the park icon skyline- past, present, and future? 

I'm personally glad to see that hat removed, and look forward to this lovely sight down Hollywood Blvd.

*Update: While talking with a Photopass CM today (1/30/15), I learned that there are talks of having a Carthay Circle building and restaurant built in front of the Theater. Also talks of the Red Car Trolly Line going up and down Hollywood Blvd. (Both ideas very reminicient of Disney's California Adventure/Buena Vista Street out in California.) It will be interesting to see if this comes to fruition in any way, shape or form.

Photo credit: Copper Mugs via Pinterest

The hat is much further along in dismantling now. This was from 1/19(ish). 

**Update: Here's what the hat looks like as of 1/30/15. 

I'm typically not a 'character gal,' but couldn't resist these two since they had no line and I'd never met them before. 

Lilly Pulitzer Skipper Popover // Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pant // New Balance runDisney Cinderella Sneakers (available at runDisney events, or for an atrocious amount on eBay)

This guy's still hanging around. Wonder how long 'till he gets the boot?

The new Starbucks loctation, Trolly Car Cafe, is coming right along. I haven't been back in over a week to see if they've replaced the old timey car that used to be under that pavilion. *Update: talked to a CM on 1/30/15 and he seemed to think the car would be returning. Also, Starbucks is set to open either 2/3 or 2/4, with 'soft openings' happening daily until then. Revoke my Disney card for not knowing what kind of car it was (hey, I'm a girl!)

I was in search of another DHS Alex and Ani bracelet (because they've been discontinued due to featuring the Hat, and can fetch a pretty penny on eBay). A&A used to be sold in two places in the park. Now, Keystone Clothiers is the only location that carries them. I do love this little shop. 

The other location that used to carry them, Sunset Club Couture, now just carries the Pandora Disney collection. Thank goodness I'm not into these; I don't think my wallet could handle it among my other shopping habits.  

Speaking of being an oddball, I have favorite plants and vegetation in each of the different parks. These are my favorite in MGM. I love succulents! 

Next, I popped into the old Sounds Dangerous theater to see a preview of the new live action film, Cinderella. I think it looks cute, and the costumes look beautiful. But the Fairy Godmother- oy vey! She's a bumbling oaf! So opposite of how the Fairy Godmother in the animated version is portrayed. This alone kind of put me off from wanting to see the movie. 

Oh, I wore my Cindy New Balance shoes to see Cindy, because nerd. 

Luckily my friend Darren was working at ToT that day, so I headed over to visit with him. He was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Hollywood Tower Hotel during his break. 

You know those stairs flanking the exit? I've always wanted to climb them and guess what... I did! With permission, of course. Here's the view looking down them. 

If I had disposable income and a fiance who would be down, I'd totally get married on this balcony. Between the foliage and background music, I'm in heaven. 

We then headed in to the lobby. 

Oh hai, just sittin' on the HTH couch. No big deal. 

Thanks again, Darren. Be sure to check out his photos on Instagram @30framespersecond

Finally, I headed out of the park. But first, I had to try the Baymax cupcake. I mean, research, ammiright? It's chocolate with banana buttercream frosting, caramel drizzle, and chocolate pieces. Yum! 

Thanks for reading. I'm going to try to get into the habit of posting a Weekend Recap every Monday or so. Until then, let me know if there's anything you want to see featured! 

Have a great weekend.