If you’re a Disney lover (and who isn’t?), you are most likely familiar with the sea of emotions that come over you anytime you do something Disney related. Whether you’re watching a Disney film, reading a classic Disney book with a child, or even walking into one of the Disney theme parks, the emotions that come with the territory can sometimes overwhelm you. (in a good way, of course.)
“Happily Ever After” is an 18-minute show that features more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park! Park guests witness the many transformations of Cinderella Castle as it becomes a part of popular Disney stories—and is brought to life by awe-inspiring fireworks and rooftop pyro, state-of-the-art projections, brilliant lasers and immersive lighting and beautiful,contemporary versions of popular Disney songs.
On our most recent family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, our family was invited to attend the “Happily Ever After” Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom. Upon arrival at Tomorrowland Terrace, my emotions were already at an all-time high! I was completely elated!
The Happily Ever After Dessert Party is specially ticketed event held nightly at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. From the moment you check in, you feel very “VIP”! You’re greeted by cast members who give you a special wristband to wear as event identification. (My daughter didn’t take hers off for 2 weeks!) Next, a cast member shows you around the party and shows you all of the delectable drinks and house-made desserts available to you as part of the experience. It’s all set up buffet style so it’s all you care to enjoy. A cast member shows you to your very own table, which is overlooking the water, with a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks over Cinderella Castle.Here’s a brief video giving a glimpse into our experience:
There are a variety of beverage offerings at the party including:
- juices
- lemonades
- teas
- coffee
- milk
and my very favorite: sparkling cider! It’s the perfect occasion to make a special toast to!
When you’re ready for a snack, you’ll be giddy to see the magical spread of light bites and sweets to enjoy including:
- cheeses
- seasonal fresh fruit
- chocolate-dipped strawberries
- an ice cream sundae bar (it’s not just for kids)
- create-your-own-cookie
- delectable cakes, tarts, mini cupcakes, and macarons
- Disney character-themed desserts (those were my favorite!)
There was a PhotoPass photographer at the event who snapped some family photos of us. You can access the photos on the app and if you’ve already added Memory Maker to your vacation package, you will already be able to download, save and share your photos from the party.
Here are some tips and facts that you should know before you head to the dessert party.
- A separate park ticket is required for entry to Magic Kingdom Park.
- Reservations for the dessert party can be made up to 180 prior to your visit. To book your reservation, you can call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 or go here.
- I suggest arriving early to maximize your time enjoying the drinks and desserts, as well as take photos. Check-in time is 60 minutes prior to fireworks.
- Remember to bring a photo ID along, which is required to check in.
- Bring a light jacket with you.
- Fireworks are not guaranteed as part of the experience and may be changed and/or canceled due to inclement weather. Check the fireworks schedule when you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park.
For more information about the Happily Ever After Dessert party and to make your own reservation, please visit here. You can also find information about the latest happenings at Walt Disney World Resort by visiting https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/.
A very special “Thank You!” to Walt Disney World for hosting our family at the Happily Ever After Dessert Party.
After a royal ceremony complete with knights on horses, a little girl squire and boy knight plus a hawk that flew the key to the Castle to Merlin the wizard and trumpeters to announce the grand opening of in front of hundreds of media and special guests, the hotel was declared “officially open”! Here’s a short video of the Grand Opening Ceremony that also shows a little bit of the hotel too.
A royal LEGO statue marks the entrance and is just one of more than 2,100 LEGO models created out of more than three million bricks. As guests enter the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a towering LEGO wizard conjuring up spells to protect the Castle from the bad knights and dragons.
In the Royal Princess rooms, the princess is joining forces with her jester friend to sneak into the grand tournament and compete with the knights. In the Knights and Dragons rooms, the knights are on a mission to defend the king’s castle and protect his treasure. In the Magic Wizard rooms, the wizards are concocting potions and fireworks for the grand tournament. Every room has a children’s sleeping area which includes:
In Dragon’s Den, a full-service sit down restaurant, guests can watch chefs preparing their food, enjoy LEGO models and entertainers within a unique dining experience. Breakfast is included with each guest’s stay and includes made-to-order items along with a buffet.
The Royal Courtyard immerses children in a fairy tale of their own creation with multiple play areas for different age groups, a giant movie screen, resort-style pool with interactive water features and hot tub and a tented stage for live plays and shows.
Interactive elements throughout LEGOLAND Castle Hotel include a knock-knock door, a royal throne that makes silly noises, LEGO caricatures to build upon, a self-playing piano and a slide from the first floor to the lobby.
Aging seniors want, and need, accessibility, which is why I’m so grateful for the smart home technologies that have been made available to them by Cox Communications. The senior phase of life encourages people to slow down and simplify but it doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence.
Nearly 90% of adults age 65+ would prefer to grow old in their current home instead of moving to an assisted living facility. The want to the ability to “age in place”. With the smart home technology readily available on the market today, this is becoming more a more realistic option for aging Americans. Not only does technology empower seniors to live independently for longer, it is likely a less expensive option than moving.
Check out this short video about Cox Communications Smart Home Living for Seniors:
Lucille’s will donate to these three worthy causes through Round It Up America contributions – in which guests “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar – at all 23 Lucille’s locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada during the month of April to support Autism Awareness month. For donations of $5 or more made during the month of April, Lucille’s will give guests a $10 bonus card good for a return visit between May 1 and June 30, 2018 (one per table, please).
Lucille’s has been participating in Round It Up America, platform that encourages restaurant guests to donate change; over the past ten years, Round It Up America has collectively raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations and programs across the country.
As another way to support these organizations, Lucille’s will be serving up a drink called the “Blue Bayou”, inspired by the color for autism awareness and is made from fresh blueberries & blackberries, 1800 Reposado and Coconut Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. For each Blue Bayou sold in April, Lucille’s will donate an additional $1 towards the cause.
Connect with Lucille’s on 
Disney’s “ZOMBIES” is a music- and dance-filled story set in the fictitious world of Seabrook, a cookie-cutter community brimming with perky conformity 50 years after a zombie apocalypse. Today, the zombies pose no threat, but are required to live in Zombietown, an isolated, rundown community infused with their unique creative spirit. When zombies are finally allowed to enroll in Seabrook High School, the charming, charismatic zombie Zed, who is determined to play football, meets freshman Addison who dreams of being a cheerleader — the ultimate form of status in Seabrook. Addison takes a lot of flak for befriending Zed and his zombie friends, but comes to learn that zombies and cheerleaders aren’t so different after all. Zed and Addison work together to show Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them a community.
At Seabrook High, it takes GUTS to be Yourself and it’s Zoms vs.Poms, well at least at the beginning of the movie. We made a fun “Zom Pom Friendship Snack Mix” recipe that was super easy to make and perfect for watching “ZOMBIES” together! The mix represents “Zoms” with a bit of green and “Poms” with pink.
Instructions
There are so many special women to honor and remember on this holiday that’s just for them. This year, I’m planning ahead and remembering the moms in my life with something meaningful and personalized. Centime sent me a couple of Mother Daughter Necklace sets and they are beautiful. Their 
Personalized Mother Necklaces
If you have an old card with your parents or grandparents’ signature or loving words on it, you can have it made into one of these memorable pieces. This handwritten jewelry pieces are available in sterling silver with 18K gold plate options.
Mother Daughter Necklaces
Stackable Mothers Ring
Grandma and Mom Necklaces
Their grandmother’s necklace is handstamped or engraved with grandchildren’s names or family names. Choose from grandmother and granddaughter necklace or even a great grandma necklace. The special grandmother(s) in your life will be touched to receive this special gift full of love from the whole family.
To view Centime’s entire collection of personalized jewelry and gifting options, perfect for Mother’s Day, please visit their site 
During our most recent trip to Walt Disney World Resort, we headed over to Splitsville Orlando for some family time. It was a welcomed change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the parks and is a great opportunity for your family members to bring out their competitive sides. 
You’re going to love the retro decor of the place! It features brightly colored accents, hand-painted murals and other fun touches.
They even have Minnie and Mickey details on the bowling balls! You can bet I grabbed the hot pink Minnie Mouse ball right away! It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Once you’re checked in and your bowling shoes are ready, you are shown to your lane, where you have unlimited bowling for the duration of your reservation. 
You can sit comfortably at your lane-side dining table while you wait for your next turn to bowl and your friendly Splitsville server will keep any food and drinks coming that you order from their amazing menu. (Keep reading for more about the food.)
Dining at Splitsville is like nothing you’ve experienced at a bowling alley before! You have the option of dining inside or outside at Splitsville and don’t even have to be there for bowling to dine there. However, eating and bowling is like the ultimate way to make yourself feel like a kingpin!
Splitsville has taken “typical” bowling alley food and turned it up about 10 notches, to offer things such as:
Other dining offerings at Splitsville include appetizers, desserts, and a Kids Menu.
The drink menu at Splitsville Luxury Lanes is as extensive as the food menu and includes Frozen Drinks, Bowl Drinks, and Specialty Cocktails, as well as draft beer, bottle beer, and wine. There are also non-alcoholic options including 130+ varieties of sodas and teas. Any drink, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can be ordered and served in a 28 oz. Splitsville Pin Sipper Souvenir for an extra charge, Sounds like the perfect souvenir to me, which is why we brought home 2 of them! 
Here’s a short video showing some of our fun day out at Splitsville.
Walk-ins are always welcome but you can also make a reservation at Splitsville for either a lane or a party. Some fun party ideas for Splitsville include: birthday parties, office team building, and even corporate events. To make your reservation, please go 
I had no idea I was going to love Splitsville so much. I don’t think I can go back to “regular” bowling again! It’s definitely true what they say…“Fine dining 
So…, are you ready to “Roll in and Rock Out” at Splitsville Orlando? We can’t wait to go back! To find a location closest to you, go
Connect with Splitsville on 
