I won't lie...with all of the changes this year at Disney, that change so often there's almost no writing them down before they change again, have kept me from updating as often. It seems things are changing faster at Disney than any blogger can keep up with, so I'm going to just go back to some evergreen posts for us all to enjoy, and yes....get in the holiday spirit. 

Once again, Lowes is THE PLACE to get your outdoor Disney decor. Check out this short video of my favorite decoration from there. They are selling it again! 

Wondering about the best Disney Christmas movies? 

We love Disney Christmas books, too. What are your favorites? 

If you are planning to visit over Christmas, there are a few things you'll need to know, this year more than ever, like...how to stay sane! 

And perhaps the most important...Disney Holiday music to get you in the mood! 
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Soon, the stocking sutffers will hit the stores, and I'll have an updated list of all the Disney goodies to stick under the tree! I can hardly wait! This is seriously, my most favorite time of the year. 

That's my favorite quote. My 8 year old also uses it quite often.

We've a special surprise for you readers today, too. Danielle Jaycox is a gifted graphic artist and writer, who, like those of us here, has a soft spot for all things Disney. 

As a special gift, she's giving Disney Magic Mommy Readers a bunch of TOTALLY FREE Wallpapers and Live Wallpapers! 

Danielle can make wallpapers out of anything. Family photos, ideas stuck on your head, whatever you are imagining, she can probably create it. 

She says: 

I have done graphic design and writing for almost 14 years. I take pride in helping people make their vision come true, whether it is for something as simple as an invitation or complex as a website for their business. I make wallpapers mostly for fun. I love being able to help people personalize, and since wallpapers are something we see so often I love being able to help make it something that puts a smile on someone's face.

I do any kind of wallpapers, including taking family pictures and editing them for mobile platforms. I also provide personalized graphics for anything from social media, banners, business cards, and anything one can imagine. I would be glad to take request for favorite characters, quotes, etc! I most only ask for a review on my facebook business page. 

​So I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE wallpapers! For my phone or for my computer, I'm crazy about them. Danielle was amazing enough to offer a ton of them for you guys! Just right click to save, and please, stop by and let her know if you liked them! I've also uploaded the files, just in case it works better for you that way.  The ones that say MP4, are the live wallpapers. 

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Do you love these as much as I do? Since Danielle was so sweet to make these for us all, please stop by and like her page or say hello!  I know she'd appreciate it! Just click on any of these underlined words to go to her Facebook. 

​While strolling the streets of Batuu, like many other travelers we were thirsty. Wanting a beverage for then, and to take home, we tried to buy a total of 8 of the above drinks, only to be told there was a limit of 4. 

What, a family of 5 would do, I don't know. I left while the Cast Member was again, refusing to sell more than 4 drinks to the family of five behind us. That particular day, there were only two beverage stands open selling these specially shaped drinks, so yes, I moved on to the next stand which was just out of sight and bought 4 more. 

A word of warning. We didn't buy these drinks during the day on our first day at Hollywood Studios, fully intending to return to the park that evening. We didn't end up returning. Our second day there, I decided to get the drnks, and luckily, it was our last trip with the stroller so the stroller lugged them. Luckily I did, because 30 minutes later the skies opened, and even once the rain cleared out, and we stayed til partk close, the drink sellers never returned. 

If you are wanting to get enough drinks for everyone in your party, or some extras to take home, I'd suggest splitting up if you are a large group, and remember, Bright Suns, only. They don't seem to sell when it's cloudy. 

Ordering with food allergies right now at Disney is a little different. While all food carts are supposed to have an ipad or a green binder with the ingredients, often we discovered it was NOT available, and we had to look for another stand. 

Menus are more limited. Wile that's great, less desserts to drool over and wakl away from, it was harder for meal choices. 

Ordering at quick service varied. At the parks, there was always someone helpful, and the red trays were still used to signify an allergy order. At our resort, Pop Century, it was a mess. Instead of the wonderful chefs we had been given in the past, we had the rude one from Art of Animation. He barked at me, didn't really want to help answer questions, and shrugged me off, not wanting to answer questions. Thankfully, the next time I ordered, I had a friendlier chef, though he didn't inspire as much confidence in me as much as Joquan had last year. I pray he returns. 

The food court was chaotic, so if you place an allergy order, please be sure that it is flagged down, and you are watching to make sure that no one takes your order by mistake. 

We did not do table service this time. I have heard that some people are being charged to speak to a chef, but others are not. 

At Disney Springs, we ate at Wolfgang Puck Express, and as always, felt safe and confident in the meal choice and the staff in looking after our youngest. The meals were delicious there, and it was nice to have a good variety. 

First, an apology. I'm still here! We started virtual learning and it's been tricky to find our groove because our internet keeps going crazy! I'm long overdue here! 

Have you been wondering about the Rapid Refill mugs? Are the Disney resorts still doing them? How does it work? What should you expect? 

I've got all the details for you, from our recent trip there. 

The Rapid Refill Mugs ARE still for sale. We still feel they are a value. They are located within the gift shop, at the price of $19.99 plus tax. An available upgrade for an extra $10 is the Star Wars mug. Disappointingly, after buying one we realized those are NOT dishwasher safe. 

The process of getting your mug refilled is a little different, but it's not bad. 

First, after activating your mug, you'll let a cast member know you want to fill it. There are two drink stations active, and each has a cast member there behind a table. 
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The dots on the floor are to maintain social distancing. On the table are a variety of the drinks. Some, like tea or coffee you'll need to ask for. Everything is labeled. You just show your mug and grab your drink. 

Straws are available from the cast members, and here's the exciting part...sometimes there are LIDS on the cups! We saved ours to take for drinks in the park, so they wouldn't slosh out as we were walking. 

We loved the new paper cup, too! Aren't they pretty? I saved one to bring back. Yes, I'm weird.

Sometimes the lines were very long for drinks, but that was usually at the dinner hour. The rest of the time it was walk up and go. It's nice some things are still the same!   
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