countdown to Disney World!

We've been anticipating our trip to Disney World for this WHOLE YEAR! The kids thought we were going in November or December, but after getting a GREAT DEAL we surprised them and went in September!

To make the waiting more fun, and get us all revved up to go I made this cute Disney World Countdown. I patterned it after this one I found on Pinterest. I think it turned out pretty cute.

 

 Inside each link, was at least 1 activity for the day. Some were questions, crafts, or games.  Here's a look at some of the links.

 

To keep my sanity, I wrote the day on each link, I took a picture of all the links and made a note so I'd know when we were doing what so I could have the necessary supplies ready. That was a GREAT IDEA and I was very glad I did.

I wrapped the Countdown in a box in 3 layers of wrapping paper and let each kiddo unwrap 1 layer. Then we opened it up together. I must admit I was a little disappointed with the reaction, but it was mostly because the boys didn't understand. Once Alivia realized we had moved up our trip to September then we got a great reaction from her, and that was awesome!

I know the kids, and even us grown-ups were excited to pull off the link for the next day. We all were getting excited.

 Here's a list of our countdown activities (in no particular order; many of them came from "A Little Tipsy"):

Sing your favorite Disney song

Make MickeyMousse for dessert

Make Disney characters out of playdoh

Make Mickey pancakes

Make Mickey Oreos

Find the hidden mickeys around the house for a prize

Play Disneygames on the computer

Which 3 characters do you most want to meet?

Name 3 rides you are most excited for.

Disney movie night

Color a Disney picture for your bedroom door.

Write a letter to your favorite Disney character.

Make Mickeynecklace

Hop around the house like Tigger.

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Count your souvenir money

Play MickeyMemory Game

Play MickeyYahtzee

Make Disneyt-shirts

Play Red Light, Green Light with Disney songs

Read a Disney story

Play DisneyScene-it

Pack your bags! We leave tomorrow!

Here's a trip down memory lane of our last trip to Disney World.

Mickey Mousse

One of our Disney World Countdown activities was to "Make Mickey Mousse." I found this Pinterest idea on Craftin' in the Rain.

Photo courtesy of Craftin' in the Rain

She uses this yummy & simple recipe from Our Best Bites, then makes her own Mickey Ears out of milk chocolate melting chocolate.

Mickey Mousse

Mousse recipe from Our Best Bites "Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake"

Ingredients:

1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

1 Tbsp. cold water

2 Tbsp. boiling water (just heat it in a small bowl in your microwave)

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 c. whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and cold water and allow to stand for about 1 minute. While gelatin is softening, bring 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in the microwave. Whisk into the softened gelatin and allow to cool slightly.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, whipping cream, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. Mix in gelatin mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Chocolate Mickey Ears 

from Craftin' in the Rain 

Ingredients:

1 package melting milk chocolate

Directions:

1. To make the Mickeys, melt chocolate wafers in the microwave at half power then spoon into a plastic bag.  Snip a tiny hole in one corner and squeeze the chocolate Mickey shapes.  To keep them consistent, I printed some images off my computer and put the wax paper over the top so I could see through.  

2. I did the 2 ear circles, the head circle, and then just zig-zaggy lines to fill them in. 

3. Wait until they're completely cooled before trying to peel them off the paper.  And always make extras in case they break!  I would love to see these on top of cup cakes too :)  Top mousse with whipped cream and a chocolate Mickey.

Mickey Oreos

As part of our prepping for Disney World, we made these Mickey Oreos as a family one night. My inspiration came from A Little Tipsy. Super easy and definitely NOT professional looking, but nonetheless yummy.

Mickey Oreos

Ingredients:
1 package of Oreos
1 package of red melting chocolate (found mine @ Michael's)
1 package of melting milk chocolate
1 package of yellow or white COOKIE decorating frosting (found in the baking aisle @ the grocery store)

Directions:

1. Put a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper on 2 cookie sheets.
2. Pour red melting chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and follow directions on package. (Something like- heat for 30 seconds @ 50% and stir; continue warming in 30 second increments until smooth. Mine took about 1 1/2 minutes total).
3. Dip half of your oreo into melted red chocolate. Lay on prepared cookie sheet. Continue with all other oreos. 
4. Once your oreos are all half dipped you should be able to handle them to glue the ears (melting milk chocolate pieces) on with a dab of the cookie frosting. Add dots to red pants to finish off your Mickey Oreos. 
5. Chill until set and enjoy!