Sunday Funday!

Hi, ladies!! Hope you all had a wonderful and safe weekend so far!  I was waiting to see if I would get the coupons to send out, but decided I had better get this posted for you all.  Connie's mother-in-law passed away earlier this week, with the funeral being this weekend.  I know you will all be super-understanding and I will get the coupons out soon as I get them myself!  Thank you so much for patience in advance.

Everyone was correct about the kit used on last week's Jigsaw Puzzle. It was Land of Liberty.  Quite fitting for this time of year.  Must say I love the feedback you all include in your answers.   I am coming to the conclusion that your favorite game is the Jigsaw Puzzle!!   The winner of the $10 coupon is Marjorie Mikesell!! Congratulations, Marjorie.  Here is the layout that was created by chigirl:

I wanted to try something just a little different this week. With it being the 4th and so many family activities going on, I was thinking it would be great if you all shared with me some of your layouts of your holiday activities!! I'm sure many of you play the Showoff Wednesday with Connie.  This is going to be rather similar.  For our game, I want you to create a layout of something you did this weekend.  Yes, one of Connie's products is required.   (Doesn't have to be Disney, either!) Email me a link to your layout in one of Connie's galleries at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Please get your emails in to me by July 10th at 9 PM Eastern time.  Make sure your layout includes appropriate credits, please!  Everyone who plays along with me will receive a $1 coupon.  One lucky person will receive the $10 coupon. Just know that your layout may be featured on the blog, Connie's Facebook Page or Pinterest, so if you have privacy concerns, be sure to let me know in your email.   I might even use some of your layouts for future Jigsaw Puzzles.  

Did you ever want to design your own roller coaster?

Disney World just isn't about Princes and Princesses and happily ever afters.  Your visit can be downright educational and even a bit "geeky".

We've spent some time in Magic Kingdom, and played some games along the way.  Let's spend some time in Epcot now, starting with Future World.

Those Disney Imagineers are really masters at turning the simple things into truly amazing "attractions".  The Innoventions Fountain which is located in Innoventions Plaza in Epcot's Future World is certainly no exception.  The Imagineers have taken water, light and sound to create one of the most beautiful "attractions".

Think water has to flow down? You're wrong!  I've watched the fountain waters flowing upwards myself. Even have a little video for a reminder.  Did you know water can dance?  Watch the water ballet at the fountains.  Every 15 minutes, a new ballet begins to one of 7 different musical selections (randomly rotating). Over 200 shooters propel water up to 150 feet in the air.  This all took three months of computer programming to design the seven different ballets and coordinate with lights in the evening. Truly a beautiful sight. Guests are often mesmerized by the beauty and will watch for some time.

This is the largest fountain on Disney property. The fountain holds approx. 150,000 gallons of water with computer controlled pumps. The fountain uses thirty five (yes 35) miles of electrical wire. Chloride is far too corrosive for this fountain. Bromine is used to keep the fountain clean and algae free.  Disney does collect all of the coins tossed into the fountain, which is donated to local charities.

The fountain has been part of Epcot since opening day. As a symbolic gesture of international cooperation and understanding, representatives from 22 countries each poured one gallon of water into the fountain.

Not surprisingly, there is an underground work area beneath this fountain that houses the pumps and computer systems. The elaborate display is based on an oval that is 180 x 120 feet.  (I am not aware of any behind the scenes tour that will take you beneath the fountain. Which is sad because I would love to see that work area!)

During the month of December, when all the "World"is transformed by holiday lights and decorations, the fountain also takes on a new dimension. The music is changed to holiday music and the fountain is now in harmony with the Lights of the Winter Archway. Nobody does it quite like Disney.

Disney has partnered with a variety of vendors to present the latest in cutting edge technology at Innoventions. The exhibits are changed regularly and most of them are designed to appeal to a wide range of ages.

I would like to tell you about some of those attractions over the next couple of weeks.  Innoventions East (which is on the Mission Space side) is the home of The Sum of All Thrills presented by Raytheon.

It is here that you use your math, science and engineering skills to design your very own thrill ride - as mild or wild as you would like. You get to determine the height and velocity using interactive touch screens while adding hill climbs, dives and corkscrews.  Once you are done designing your thrill ride, you hop into 4D robotic simulator and get to experience the ride you just created, accompanied by high definition video, audio and motion. How cool is that?  Learn more about 4D here! Other examples of 4D attractions at Disney include Soarin' and Mickey's PhilharMagic. The Wiki list does not appear to be all inclusive, but the definition and samples are good ones.

It is highly recommended that you read the warning sign at this attraction and even test the chairs to make sure that you will fit before proceeding with your design process.  There is a great write up and links to video here at Allears.net. 

I did make a layout for you this week. It's called innoventions fountain.  There's a little contest as well. This one is NOT going to be easy.  The kit I used is no longer in any of Connie's stores, so it will take a long time fan to come up with the correct answer.  I also believe that this was an exclusive for Gotta Pixel Club Members, no longer available, therefore pre-2011. So if you think you know the kit, go ahead and send me an email at coyotelady(at)gmail.com.  I'll do a random draw on any correct answers for a $10 coupon to Connie's store.  (Does the fact I have this kit make me a hoarder?)

Hope you enjoyed todays visit to Epcot's Future World. More next week!!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 3 and Magical Disney Christmas!

I'm so pleased to present the information on Connie's 12 Days of Christmas: Day 3!!  There is also a freebie for you folks!!  

Click on the Looking Forward Journal Card image or here for your download:

Last Sunday, I posted a layout and asked that you guess at least 4 of the 6 kits I used for that layout.  Here is that layout again:

The kits I used are: Flurry of Fun,  Cold Hands Warm Heart,  Be Jolly,  P2013 December,  Happy To My Toes,  Ice Ice Baby. I linked to the kits at GingerScraps.   Cold Hands Warm Heart is no longer available.  That was my oversight when I said all of the kits were in the store.  I am very sorry.  

We still have winners though!!  I have already sent out the $1 participation coupon. So check your mail box for those.    Lisa Sim is the winner of the $10 coupon.  (YAY!!)  I have sent that coupon as well.  This week the coupons are good at GingerScraps and expire on 12/22.   Because I sent you searching through all of Connie's pages...  there was a drawing for a kit you found and loved!!  That winner is  Lynn Goshert and she requested the kit "For You".  Lynn already had the Mini Kit and loved it.  It is an awesome choice!!  Lynn - I will be sending you your coupon as soon as I hear back from Connie with the code!!  

On December 18th, our MouseScrapper Challenge will be starting up.  Connie just sent me the kit those who participate will receive.   Here's a preview of that kit:

Really coordinates very well with the P2013 December Kit don't you think?  So here is what we are going to do this week.   I want layouts!  (Yes.. I haven't given up on those!)  I will give all of you the opportunity to receive this kit - but like my fellow MouseScrappers... you need to give me a layout!

Of course, I would LOVE it if you would scrap Disney.  If you want to scrap Disney and don't have any Disney photos, I would be happy to lend you some of mine! Drop me a note at coyotelady(at)gmail.com.   If you don't want to scrap Disney.. in the spirit of Christmas... that's fine, too!!  My next wish would be scrapping an Elf on the Shelf layout.  (Santa just brought me one this year so I am having fun with Elf Antics of my own!!  Somehow, my Elf found Tinkerbell... and he is presently enjoying her company.  

Don't they just look so cute together?  Face it.. Fairy... Elf.. they were made for each other!!  In fact, if you want to scrap my Elf and Tinkerbell.. feel free. Save the photo and have at it!!   

If Disney or the Elf aren't your thing.. and you would still love this kit for your stash... I'm good with that this week!  It will still cost you a layout though!! Since it is Christmas time.. a Christmas layout is in order.   

So - there's your challenge! A layout in exchange for the MouseScrapper kit shown above!  Your layout must be Christmas in nature. Disney Christmas. Elf Christmas. Or just Christmas Christmas!   I want Christmas!!  Lots of Christmas. It's the best time of the year!   Post them here using Linky.  Oh! My Elf needs a good name.  Leave me a comment with a name suggestion for my Christmas Elf!

I'll be watching for those layouts....  until next week!  

Let's Talk about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (also known as MNSSHP) is one of the "hard ticket" events at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.   This means, you pay extra for admittance. It is not covered by your regular admission tickets.  MNSSHP runs on select nights starting September 10 to November 1, 2013.  The hours are 7 PM to midnight.

Important things to know:

Many dates sell out early.  Buy tickets ahead of time.  Children under age 3 DO NOT need a ticket.

Here is a simple breakdown of the ticket prices for the rest of this year's event:

October 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29 & Nov. 1

Advance Purchase:  Adult: $62.00 +tax, Child: $57.00 + tax

Same Day Purchase:  Adult: $67.00+ tax, Child: $62.00+tax

October 31, 2013 THE PARTY IS SOLD OUT FOR OCTOBER 31ST!

Advance Purchase: Adult:$73.00 + tax, Child: $68.00 +tax

Same Day Purchase: Adult $73.00+tax, Child: $73.00+tax

Hours:  7:00 PM to Midnight

Boo To You Parade:  8:15 PM and 10:30 PM

Happy HalloWishes Fireworks:  9:30 PM

Disney Villains' Dance Mix and Mingle!:  7:45 PM, 8:50 PM, 10:05 PM, and 11:15 PM

Character Dance Parties:

Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball (Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland) 

Woody's Happy Harvest Roundup (The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square)

There are those who feel that the Boo To You Parade is the best parade Disney has to offer at DisneyWorld.  When you see that Headless Horsemen riding down Main Street...a misty fog rising, you just know you are in for a terrific parade!  The Haunted Mansion float is just incredible. Speaking of the Haunted Mansion, there are two "Magical Shots" opportunities during the MNSSHP.  They are only available at the Haunted Mansion.  You may just find a hitchhiking ghost or two in your photopass memory. (You are allowed to request these from the photopass photographer. Don't be shy!!)   The Happy HallowWishes Fireworks is definitely one of the best fireworks shows that Disney offers throughout the year.  

Money saving hint:  

If you would normally buy a 5 day pass for the park, buy a 4 day pass and your MNSSHP tickets. Spend the day relaxing at your resort, or visit Downtown Disney.  MNSSHP ticket holders can enter the park as early as 4 PM.  Arrive around 4 PM (in costume!), do an attraction or two, have a nice, leisurely dinner all before 6:30 PM.   Now.. it's time to PARTY! And I do mean party.

This will be the first year that Jack Skellington and Sally will be in the park!  (Do I wish I was going this year?? YEAH!!)  I have read on the various Disney sites that the waits to meet those characters have been lengthy. 

The MNSSHP is said to be the only time of year you can get the autographs of certain villains. I SO wanted to meet Maleficent when we went last year. Anyone who knows me, knows that I sport an avatar of Maleficent around Digi-Land.  I was very VERY disappointed.  The villains do come into the crowd, however, it was for short periods only.  Approx 10 - 15 minutes per show. So you had to be right up front to hope to meet one of the characters and get your photo pass photo.  I say that because, yeah.. everyone wants their photo with a villain, right?  So there I am.. in an ECV, which makes it VERY difficult to get close enough to even hope to catch a close up glimpse.  I was crushed.  On the flip side, I do actually get really good viewing areas being in an ECV for the parades and other shows. 

What else is there? The attractions are all open.  There are wonderful special meet and greets with characters.  A Trick or Treat trail.. and you can go to each as many times as you want!  There are some very special food and beverage treats available during the MNSSHP. And the Halloween Merchandise..... is to die for!!   My favorite was a flashing Jack Skellington head that you could wear around your neck. And at home,  attach it to a window with a suction cup. Can I say AWESOME? 

So if you haven't figured out by now that I am just a huge kid at Disney, now you  know!  I was born the same year as Tinkerbell and I grew up on Disney.  I LOVE Disney. It is truly my "Happy Place". I can't tell you how many times I just close my eyes and walk down Main Street.   

It's really hard to get everything in during those 5 hours.  Chrissy and I are huge fans of the characters and spend time hanging with them.  Did I mention the characters themselves dress up in costume?   

Before I go on to this week's fun challenge...  I have to tell you a story.  Just the other night, Joe and I were having a quick hamburger at Wendy's here in town.  There was a woman with two children seated next to us. She was talking to the kids about their upcoming trip to Disney.  Explaining how there was nothing between the Halloween Party and the Christmas Party, which they did not have tickets for. Then she goes on to tell the kids but we can go to the Transportation center and watch the fireworks show from there.  I wanted to bang my head against the table and say, "Buy the kids the tickets!"  She was really trying to push Epcot on the kids.  (And we will talk about Epcot now and then, I promise.)   I had to fight every feeling in me to keep my mouth shut. I wanted to say, so if you're at Epcot.. stay there! Illuminations is wonderful. Epcot has a pretty darn good Christmas line up. Sadly, the year we were at Disney when the Christmas Party is on...  we missed it. We had our tickets, went for dinner at the Liberty Tree. Walked out into the pouring rain. It had been so cold and rainy the whole time we had been there. We were both getting sick. I looked at Joe and said, I know we paid extra for this.. but can we please just go back to the room? Important note to self and all: never ever EVER buy tickets to a Hard Ticket Party the night before you are due to go home. Chances are you will be too tired to truly enjoy the event.  Buy those tickets early on in your trip. 

*takes a deep breath*  On to the challenge....  Connie whipped up this template for one of our MouseScrapper challenges.

Your challenge this week: Download the template file (click on the template image or here for immediate download).   Have fun with the template and upload your layout using Linky.  Everyone that uploads a layout using this template will receive a $1.00 coupon to Connie's store.  For my layout, I used some of the pumpkin decorations at Disney. 

I am really looking forward to seeing your layouts from this template.  Don't you just love that alpha? It's from the Haunting Halloween Add On Alpha packs.  

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Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Remy and a Freebie!

It's already here!!  The 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival began September 27 and runs through November 10, 2013.  I have to admit that the food at DisneyWorld is really amazing.  And then the Wine and Food Festival starts and the game is stepped up! So many different booths with culinary delights from around the world are featured throughout the World Showcase. 

For those of you headed that way... I do hope you made your reservations early!  So many of the events and seminars are sold out as of Sept 4, 2013.   You can view the list of sold out events here: For those who have not yet been to this amazing festival, you might just be interested in reading over this material and setting it as a special goal for a vacation.

You can view the list of low cost seminars and demonstrations here:

You can view the list of Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events here:  My favorite would definitely be the "3D" Disney's Dessert Discovery. Special desserts, cordials, special viewing of IllumiNations. Our family is a regular at the Dessert Party in Tomorrowland Terrace at Magic Kingdom. Desserts are awesome.. and the firework seating is to die for!   Second favorite.. the cheese seminars. 

You can view the list of World Showcase Booths (including menus and photos) here: Be sure to click on the links to view the booths, menus and drool over some food samples.

It's not just food and drink!  There is a full schedule of "Eat to the Beat Concerts" during the festival! The list is always subject to change.   You can view the concert schedule here:   There are three shows nightly to catch your favorites. Shows start at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM.  This year's line up includes such greats as Air Supply, Sister Hazel, Sugar Ray, The Manhattan Transfer, Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Christopher Cross, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to name a few.

And scrappers.. be sure to pick up your Festival Marketplace Discovery Passport from the Festival Welcome Center. As you travel the World, be sure to collect the unique passport stamps from the Marketplaces that you visit. 

I am going to go ahead and add The Disney Food Blog to the Disney Hint's  page.  You can find recipes there. Awesome recipes!  You will find tons of information about the restaurants, the menus, the dining plans. They do have some ebooks that they sell there. I really don't recommend paying for that information when you can actually rustle it all up on the internet for free. Save those dollars for Disney instead!! If there is something you want to know, drop me an email, leave a comment. If we (Chrissy and I) don't already have that information hanging around our computers, we can find it for you.  

Oh! Before I forget, the correct answer to last week's Hidden Layout game..... 13.  You expected something other than that this Halloween season??   Let me show you that Haunting Halloween

Mini Kit.  If you hurry on over to MouseScrappers, you can still get this kit free by accepting my Weekly Challenge #204!!  The challenge runs through October 8, 2013. 

I really want to share with you my layout for the  In Vino Veritas kit Connie recently released at the GingerScraps Buffet. 

Remy, the Little Chef, can be found at the Chefs de France Restaurant located in France on the World Showcase.  He comes to your table on this little tray with cheese and grapes. He moves. He talks. He is adorable!!  But he can't do autographs. 

This week, I wanted to give you all a little something I made using In Vino Veritas.  I hope you can all use this for a special layout of your trip to a very special place. If not now.. in the future!  Click on the image to start your download. You may also click here for the download to start.  (Link corrected 10-6-13 at 10:12 AM)

Until next week then!!  

Yo Ho Yo Ho A Pirate's Life For Me! And a Pirate layout challenge!!

I loved all the emails with the answers to last week's Hidden Elements game.  We're starting this week off with the layout and the elements identified because so many of you wanted to know where I hid them!!

1. Blue flower on the door

2. Blue flower on the door

3. Purple flower on the door

4. Black button with green bow placed on the boy's hat

5. Black star placed on the object behind Sulley  (It is somewhat faded because that is blending area)

6. Monster word bit behind Sulley's shoulder.  Partially hidden as it would appear!

7. White button with the black bow placed over the Monsters, Inc. logo on Mike's hard hat

8. The black/blue BOO flair button placed over the Disney happy birthday button on my hubby's hat

9. Monster eyes placed into the eye sockets of Jack Skellington on hubby's t-shirt. 

These are the nine hidden elements.   I would like to add that each of the nine elements was found by some readers, but only one reader found them all!  Congrats to Valerie Wing for finding all 9 of the elements.  Connie told me she couldn't even find all of those hidden elements and if anyone did, they might get a special crown. I just sent Valerie a $5.00 coupon for her valiant efforts! Congrats, Valerie.

This was so much fun!! Seems you all love the hidden elements games. We'll have some more of those coming up in the future. 

  

Well.. on to this week's fun!!   Yo Ho Yo Ho a pirate's life for me!!  Disney is not only about the princesses!!  Pirates have been playing a larger and larger part. Okay, admit it. Pirates are definitely more popular with the younger boys (not so sure about the older boys.. they might be digging the princesses but I did see a lot of older pirates wandering Disney last year!! )   

Info: The Pirates League

The Pirates League is located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom between the entrance to the Pirate's of The Caribbean ride and the Plaza del Sol Bazaar.  There are several packages to choose from.  The First Mate and Empress Packages start at $29.95 plus tax. There is a Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package starting at $44.95 plus tax.  There is also The Mermaid Deluxe Package that starts at $74.95 plus tax.  Your adventure begins with christening of your Official Pirate name and then on to your pirate makeover!!  

There are few things you should know about The Pirate's League. Aspiring pirates joining the league must be at least 3 years of age or older. Adults are also welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entire experience. (No dropping the kids off, folks!) You must bring your own comb or brush unless you have a hairstyle that won't accommodate one (ie: braids). You must also arrive with clean, bare nails if you want nail polish applied.  Guest must be free of any scalp or skin conditions for at least the prior 30 days. You should check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your experience.

Chrissy had appointments for her and I at the Biddi Bobbidi Boutique last September. At the last minute, I bailed. I have so many allergies and was concerned about the make up.  She wouldn't go alone and I'm not sure she'll ever forgive me for this. However, I was also under strict orders from the kids... no allergy attacks while at Disney.  I'm only mentioning this because, do be aware of any sensitivities you or your children may have for any of these makeovers! 

Info: Pirate Adventure Cruise

Potty-trained scallywags between the ages of 4 and 12 years of age can set sail on a Pirate Adventure Cruise! Follow the clues to discover hidden treasure. There are 4 different swashbuckling adventures that travel the waterways of the Disney Resorts. Each excursion takes place daily(weather permitting) between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM.   Reservations are made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.  I did not see prices on Disney's site, but have linked each of the cruises to their respective review pages at AllEars.net. There is pricing available but may not always be current.  I like to stick with Disney's info.

• Disney's Pirate Adventure departs from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise departs from Barefoot Bay Marina at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Albatross Treasure Cruise departs from the Bayside Marina Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Bayou Pirate Adventure departs from the Fishin' Hole on Ol' Man Island at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.

Info: The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

Awww.. don't worry mom and dad. There's also an extra special event for the whole family to enjoy. The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage! A moonlight cruise of the Seven Seas Lagoon and prime viewing of the "Wishes Nightime Spectacular" fireworks display.  Starting with photo shoot with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee - snacks and treats - and a welcome back from a mystery character!! Lots of fun.  For the know before you go info: Normal operating hours are Friday through Monday and the event starts one hour and 15 minutes prior to the scheduled fireworks spectacular. Arrive 10 minutes before the event and check the board in the lobby (Disney's Contemporary Resort) to find out exactly where to meet.  Cruises may be cancelled due to bad weather but do go out in the rain and cold. (So dress accordingly! It can get chilly out on the lagoon.) Same day bookings are allowed, if available space, up to one hour before the experience begins. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult 18 or over.  Each boat accommodates up to 60 people. Large parties of 13 or more may be separated into two boats.  Character appearances are subject to change without notice. Lastly.. if you are a no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation you will forfeit the entire price.  Tickets for children range from  $30.00 to $34.00. Adult tickets are $53.99 to $59.00. Prices do not include tax.

Whew!!  That's a lot of information for one week!  There are other pirate things as well!! We'll save those for another week!!

Before we leave the pirates..  it's time for a layout challenge!!  Create a layout about pirates!! Doesn't have to be Disney.. but Disney is always fun!  The only other real requirement is.. you must use a Pirate Font!!   Okay.. I know some of you will ask.  It doesn't have to be one of Connie's kits.. but it would be appreciated. :)   

So where do you get a Pirate Font??  Here's one place:   There are 18 free pirate fonts and dingbats there!  I really like the Henry Morgan Hand.  Select the name of the font you wish to see. Then click on the font sample to download your font.  Be careful not to head over to the paid font section!!  We certainly are font enablers here on Connie's team!

Another source:  Pieces of Eight at DaFont.com

My favorite is the Caribbean font available here:  I'm partial to this font because of one special character. The # sign will give you "of the" which looks awesome if you doing Pirates Of The Caribbean!  

So that's 20 fonts (counting the dingbats) to pick from!!  Please note.. I have not downloaded and installed all of these, so be mindful of any error warnings your computer may give!

If you decide to take my challenge...  and post your layout here using the inLink tool...  you will receive    a $1.00 coupon for playing along! Yep.. that's everyone, folks. One lucky participant will be chosen randomly to receive (drum roll please).. a $10 coupon! You read it correctly!!  $10 coupon!!  Connie is the most generous person I know!!  She also loves pirates.  Let's not disappoint Connie!  One entry per person, please!  But let's make lots of layouts! 

Sadly, not all fonts include all numbers and punctuation.    Using Linky does require your email address, which is not published, but I'll know where to send your coupon.  Here is my layout:

About Linky... post your layout at any gallery,  PhotoBucket, your blog.. etc.  Then click on the blue link. You will be asked for the URL.. your name.. and your email. (email is needed) Then click to next step.  Then select which of the images you are wanting to post here. I set the thumbnails to show larger this time.  Once you do Linky, you will love him!