April 15th- WDW NewsCast

For my daily Disney devotion on April 15th I watched the WDW newscast that aired on April 13th.  This newcast is a weekly show done by Lou Mongello of the Walt Disney World Trivia Books and WDW radio show.  I used to listen to his podcast religiously, but since becoming a mom, I really don't have the time to devote to a multi-hour podcast each week.  The WDW newcast is perfect for me, because its short and just hits the weeks highlights.  On April 13th they were discussing the possible return of the original Tiki Room and the enhancements to the Haunted Mansion queue.  Since I want the HM queue to be a total surprise, I fast forwarded through that part, but I did listen to the Tiki Room segment.  Basically it is all speculation at this time, but there is some hope that the original show may be restored for the 40th anniversary of the park.   I personally would love to see a return to the original, mostly because it wasn't as scary, and would be much more child friendly. 

If you would like to watch the show, you can see it below!

April 14th- a Virginia Safari

On April 14th I took Everett to the Reston Zoo,  a local park here in Virginia.  We really enjoyed all the animals, but the highlight of the day, for both me and Everett was the wagon ride around the free ranging animals.  It definitely did not rival Animal Kingdom in theming or authenticity, but there were some of the same animals.  We saw Pattersons Elin, and Watusi Cattle and (my favorite) Thompsons Gazelle- but everybody calls them Tommys!  I wanted to take some pictures, but I had to keep both hands on my little boy, he was really enjoying the ride and would have very much liked to jump overboard and join the animals on the "savannah".  

April 13th- Disney memories

I'll admit I tear up during Disney commercials, and the one I saw on April 13th was no exception.  I was watching TV, when one of the new Disney memories TV spots came on, all I could think about was how close our trip was, and how much I couldn't wait to get there to make new memories with my little boy.

April 12- Beast Castle

There are amazing things happening with the Fantasyland Expansion!  Portions of the Beast's castle are finished and for my daily Disney Devotion on April 12th, I read this article from WDWmagic.com about the progress that can be seen rising up from behind the wall.  I can't wait to get there and see it for myself!

April 11th- Shanghai Disney

Photo courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog

For my daily Disney devotion on April 7th, I read about the ground breaking for new Disney park in Shanghai.  The concept art is beautiful and I'm sure it will be an incredible park.  One of my goals is to visit every Disney park in the world, so I hope to someday get there, but I'm sure it will be a while.  Until then, I'll keep updated on its progress and continue to dream.  For coverage of the new park in Shanghai, you can check out the Disney Parks Blog.

April 10th- Babycakes

For my daily Disney devotion on April 10th, I decided to honor Downtown Disney's newly opened cupcake bakery, Babycakes, by enjoying some designer cupcakes from my local cupcake establishment.   I love cupcakes, and living right outside of DC, I'm in cupcake central.  There are literally three cupcake bakeries within walking distance of my house.  My favorite is Lavender Moon, and Everett and I split a flourless chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream icing.  It was so good, I may just have to honor Babycakes a little more often!

April 9th- Impressions de France

Photo courtesy of allears.net

On April 9th my husband Mark was entertaining Everett while I was attempting to get some chores done around the house.  He decided to put on some classical music in an attempt to create a calming atmosphere that might transition nicely into nap time ( I didn't want to tell him this, and hurt his feelings, but its going to take a lot more than classical music to calm my rambunctious boy!).  Anyway, while I was downstairs sorting laundry, I caught the strains of a familiar tune and recognized instantly the music from Impressions de France.  I abandoned the laundry and bounded upstairs to ask him what he was playing, and it was Claire de Lune by DeBussy, which is featured in the soundtrack from Impressions de France.

I think the film is beautiful, and I love to sit and watch it after I have stuffed my face with pastries from the Patisserie.  The music brought back some very happy memories and was my daily Disney devotion for April 9th.