Today, I am so pumped to share a fun DIY Disney Floral Ear tutorial from my friend, Carrie.

Grab your craft supplies and then craft along with her video as she shows you how easy it is make your very own custom DIY Disney floral ears – even if you don’t think you’re very crafty! These are super cute to wear whenever you’re feeling fancy, but also perfect for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Can’t you just imagine posing amongst the Mickey topiaries in these? 

DIY Disney Floral Ears

Are you as obsessed as much as I am with the new trends of Disney floral ears? As I spend hours pining over Etsy and feeling like I could easily be on an edition of Hoarders: Disney Ear Edition, I finally broke down and decided to make my own.

After all, there’s no need to go broke just because you, like me, MUST have every variation of floral ears there is in existence.

Floral Ears Supply List

Thankfully, making your own ears is fairly simple. All you need are a few basic supplies:

• Thick Headband – You can use one you have already, or grab two for $1 at Dollar Tree! Of course, they can be found almost anywhere including Amazon too.
• Bendable Wire – You’ll need 4 pieces of this. It can be any color you’d like. I use floral wire, which can be easily found at any craft store.
• Wire Cutters – Take it from me, you’ll need these! Scissors won’t really work with cutting wire, especially if you bought a thicker wire.
• Fake Flowers – You can get these anywhere. I suggest a few different colors and not too large ones!)
• Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun

Steps to DIY Disney Floral Ears

1. Grab two pieces of wire and hold them together with ends aligned. Then, twist them together from one end to the other.
2. Cut the wire down to about inches – this is your first ear.
3. Then, repeat with another 2 pieces of wire. 
4. Bend each twisted wire over the top of your headband…this will form the rough shape of your mouse ear.
5. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to hot glue one end of the twisted wire at a time to your headband. Make sure to leave a space in the middle of the ears that’s about 2″ wide.
6. Then, glue all remaining ends of the ears onto the headband. Don’t worry about what the glue looks like…it will be covered by the flowers!
7. Speaking of, now it’s time to add those pretty florals! Pop off the tops of your faux flowers. Make sure to pull or cut off some of the greenery as well.
8. Next, use glue to add the green leaves to the middle of your ears. I also recommend adding some around the base of the wire.
9. Now it’s time to add the flowers. Pro tip: before gluing, arrange your flowers on your headband first. Once you’re happy with how they look, then go for the glue.
10. Check the back of your headband too. You may want to glue in leaves to cover any exposed pieces. You can even add flowers on both sides so you can make a reversible set of DIY Disney Floral Ears
11. Want to take it up a notch? Add in a mini figurine if you would like to create a theme to your DIY Disney Floral Ears!

Thank you for crafting with me and let us know if there are any crafts you would like to see in upcoming blogs! See you in the parks!

For more amazing Disney information, head over to Disney Express Lane. Take a peek at these Four Things I Will Never Do At Disney Again. Plus, make sure to check out these 7 Disney-Inspired Crafts!

Yield: 1 headband

DIY Disney Floral Ears

Print

This DIY Disney floral ears project is the cutest! Learn how to craft one up for yourself.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Materials

• Thick headband
• Bendable wire (such as floral wire)
• Fake flowers
• Hot glue

Tools

• Wire cutters
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. Take two pieces of wire and twist together from one end to the other.
2. Cut wire to ~8 inches
3. Repeat with other 2 pieces of wire. Twist and cut.
4. Bend your wire over the top of your headband to form the rough shape of your mouse ear.
5. Hot glue one end of the twisted wire at a time to your headband leaving a space in the middle of the ears 2-3 fingers wide.
6. Glue all remaining ends of ears onto headband.
7. Pop off the tops of your fake flowers and take the greenery off as well.
8. Use glue to adhere green leaves (on their side) to the middle of your ears, followed by some around each base of the wire.
9. Before gluing, arrange your flowers on your headband and when you are happy with the desired look, glue them in.
10. Go to the back of your headband and glue in leaves to cover all of the "behind the scenes" glued in pieces. OPTIONAL: You may add flowers on both sides if you want a reversible set of DIY Disney Floral Ears!
11. Glue in any sprigs or extra pieces to add depth to your new ears.
12. OPTIONAL: Add in a mini figurine if you would like to create a theme to your DIY Disney Floral Ears!

The post How to Make DIY Disney Floral Ears! appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

You have spent months planning your Disney World vacation, looked at menus, maybe even watched videos of the rides. The entire family has looked at Resort photos and layouts, picked your Magic Bands and signed up for Magical Express. Now it’s time to pack for Disney World and you have no idea what to wear or take with you! No worries, we are here to help!

Pack For Disney World

Disney World is typically a warm place to be most of the time. Sometimes in the winter around January and February, it may get a little chilly. In summer, it will be rainy and very hot! This can be very confusing when you are trying to pack for everyone! So let’s talk about some things you need to keep in mind when packing.

April Through September

If you are packing for your family and you are going between April and September you should expect pretty warm temperatures. It may be a little chilly in the morning, depending on how early you get up and out while on vacation. Nights may get a little chilly too, but after walking through the parks all day it is usually a welcomed cool off! During these months bathing suits are a must! My kids always look forward to visiting the pool after dinner no matter how exhausted they claim they are while walking in the parks! You don’t need to worry about towels though, all of the Resorts offer a fully stocked supply of towels at the pools.

Shorts, t shirts, tank tops are all great for days in the parks. Comfortable leggings work great too. I wore Capri yoga pants several days when we went in September and I was very comfortable. We always bring flip flops to walk around the resort in and go to the pools but I always pack lightweight sneakers and light socks for parks. Flip flops may sound great but with the amount of walking you do in the parks, but you might want your feet to be a little bit more supported. This way, you aren’t having to ice your feet at night!

I always make sure to bring a light sweatshirt for everyone. Usually the thickness of a regular shirt but with long sleeves. So when we are waiting for transportation in the early morning no one is too chilly. Then when it warms up, we put them in our park bags and they take up very little space. 

October Through March

If you are visiting during winter months, your packing is going to be a little different. There have been cases of it getting rather chilly in Florida. In February of this year, the Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort was cancelled because of cold temperatures. Often times I am told stories of people who traveled to Disney World who weren’t prepared for colder temperatures and had to purchase clothes from the resorts. Everyone loves buying souvenirs but purchasing clothing for an entire family when you weren’t expecting to can be very costly. Especially if it’s an unexpected expense. So it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the weather in the days leading up to your trip.

Make sure to bring a heavier sweatshirt in the event it does get cold. And sneakers. If you were planning on just wearing light sandals, it may be best to plan for sneakers and socks. Also, possibly a few long sleeved shirts, just in case. I personally would still bring the bathing suit though! My kids love swimming and if the pool is open, regardless of how chilly the weather may feel. They are still going to ask to go in the pools! You really can’t blame them though, every one of Disney World Resorts pools are amazing! 

It Can Be HOT Anytime!

When you pack for Disney World, keep in mind that it can be HOT anytime, just because of the climate in Orlando. There are those times in the winter months that it’s REALLY HOT! We have been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with almost 100 degree temps. Just be prepared for all types of weather and you will be fine! LOL! Be sure to take a peek at these 5 things you need to do BEFORE your Disney World vacation.

What are your MUST HAVES when you are packing for Disney World? What are some things that you just cannot do without? Join our Facebook Group over at DISNEY EXPRESS LANE and let us know!

The post When You Don’t Know What To Pack For Your Disney World Vacation appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Current Disney World Face Mask Rules

All face coverings should:

• Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
• Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn as face coverings.

In addition to the park requirements, many hotels and businesses in the Disney area may have different face mask policies compared to what you’re experiencing at home. For example, some hotels are still requiring them on pool decks or while ordering from pool bars/restaurants. Call your resort and know their policies before you book if this will be an issue for you.

If you plan to visit Disney Springs or frequent other businesses in the Orlando area, bring a mask just in case that store or restaurant requires it. 

Tips for Wearing Face Masks in Florida

We have two fully dedicated posts about the heat in Florida – All About the Temperature at DisneyWorld and 10 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat at DisneyWorld. This is not a drill!

Wearing face coverings in the Florida heat adds some unique challenges, but there are a few ways to make it a bit more bearable:

• WEAR YOUR HAIR UP – If you have any length to your hair, you will find having it up in a ponytail will make wearing the mask a little more comfortable. Wear some Mickey Ears if you want to look cute!
• PUT ON SUNSCREEN 
• BRING EYE GLASS CLOTH OR WIPES – If you have to wear glasses or plan on wearing sunglasses, you will want to be sure to have some glass wipes/cloths on hand. Your glasses will fog up. It is quite annoying, but keeping them cleaned throughout the day will help a lot.
• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER– Florida is already hot enough but adding the mask only increases the heat. So make sure to stay hydrated. Bring your own water bottles to refill throughout the day or make sure to stop at any quick service location and ask for cups of ice water (THEY ARE FREE). Staying hydrated is important anytime you are in the parks. Wearing a mask that we are not used to only increases the heat and makes staying hydrated even more important.
• TAKE A BREAK– There are going to be times you are not required to wear your mask. Take advantage of these times when you can throughout the day, as this helps!

Do Kids Need to Wear Face Masks at Disney?

Children under the age of 2 and fully vaccinated children do not have to wear face coverings except on shared Disney transportation.

Unvaccinated children over the age of 2 will still need to wear face coverings indoors – for example, indoor dining, on rides, in shops, etc.

While many of our children are used to masks by now – for many of them, they have been allowed to go without for several months. One nice thing about the current regulations is that kids no longer have to wear masks outdoors, which was particularly uncomfortable in the Florida heat.

(I’m not saying your children shouldn’t still wear a mask outdoors – that’s your personal decision – but it is nice that they can take breaks from the masks when they get too unbearable.)

Tips to Get Kids to Wear a Mask at a Disney Park

1. For the little ones, (throw-away) disposable masks may not be the best option for them since the elastic ear loops may start bothering the back of their ears. A better option may be the small cloth Disney masks with the cloth ear loops.
2. If you do opt for disposable masks, bring extras as they can start to disintegrate and smell as the day wears on.
3. Plan for plenty of snack or water breaks so children can remove their masks and have a bit of a breather.
4. Let your child pick out a fun Disney-themed mask that is special just for wearing at Disney.
5. Experiment with different mask types. While Disney no longer allows gaitor-style masks or bandanas, there are still so many options available to find one that your child finds comfortable.

I hope this guide helps you with a bit of your Walt Disney World vacation planning in knowing how to handle wearing masks in the Florida heat and knowing when you will be expected to wear a mask.

If you have any tips that we didn’t mention, I’d love to hear them! Join us over at Disney Express Lane, on Facebook to share your experiences and tips.

The post A Guide To Wearing Face Coverings While Visiting Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Mickey Mouse Disney Wreath

I made mine a few months ago and it is still going strong and gets a lot of compliments when we have people over to our home. Without waiting any longer, here is what you do!

First gather up all of your materials. Amazon had everything we needed. It is super convenient and it will be delivered right to your door. You do not need to go anywhere! Especially during this time when we aren’t supposed to leave our homes but for essentials, this works out great. Also, it gives you something to do while you are inside your four walls. Grab a glass of wine, put on some Disney music, send the kids to their rooms and start crafting. If they want to help, well then tell them, this is only for adults and then run and hide. Quickly! Ha!

Material you will need:

• 1- 16″ Boxwood Wreath
• 2- 8″ Boxwood Wreath 
• 8- Red Roses 
• Zip Ties
• Hot glue and Hot Glue Gun

Once you have all of your supplies, get ready to put it all together. This is so simple and easy, you will seriously wonder why you have not done this already.

• Grab all three of the wreaths you ordered from Amazon. Place the biggest wreath on a clean surface.
• Place the two smaller wreaths on the sides where Mickey’s ears would be.
• Use as many of the zip ties you need to tie the three wreaths together.
• Grab the red roses and snip the buds off of the stems with garden trimmers or sharp scissors.
• Hot glue the buds into the wreath wherever you would like to put them. Decorate with as many of the roses you would like. Use as little or as many as you would like.

That is it! Told you! So simple and easy!

Hang your wreath inside or outside. I like keeping mine inside so we can enjoy it for longer since we have more humid weather during the Spring and Summer. But, it will work in either place.

We love decorating with Disney decor especially if it Farmhouse Disney Decor! Please share with all of us your creation after you make yours. We would love to see! Tag us on IG or Facebook with your pictures.

The post Spring Farmhouse Mickey Mouse Disney Wreath-DIY appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

gift shops located around Disney World property. Navigating the many options can be difficult, however we are here to give you some tips on shopping at Disney World!

Shopping At Disney World

There are SO many options for shopping at Disney World. It can be a bit overwhelming!

General Disney Merchandise

All of the theme parks have gift shops full of Disney merchandise just waiting to be bought. Some are specialized by theme while many are more generalized and sell everything from clothing and jewelry to kitchenware’s and picture frames. Most of the parks have these merchandise locations situated at the front of the park so you are tempted to enter right when you get there and then again as you leave. At Magic Kingdom it is the Emporium, Animal Kingdom has Island Mercantile and Disney Outfitters, Hollywood Studios has Mickey’s of Hollywood and Epcot has Mouse Gear. 

Smaller Shops 

In addition to these primary shops, each park has additional smaller gift shops and stands that will sell an assortment of what you will find within the larger stores.

World Of Disney 

World of Disney at Disney Springs has recently been updated with a new modern look and is the largest Disney store in the world. They have everything you could possibly want and the store is broken into sections based on age, gender and product type.

Specialized Items

Disney World also has a knack for specialized gift shops. They have stores dedicated entirely to Christmas décor at both Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. They have a Pixar store at Hollywood Studios and others that focus on high end jewelry and brand collaborations. At each of the countries of the World Showcase at Epcot you can find items specifically from that country. This includes snacks, clothing and art. In Italy you can find Italian designer bags alongside t-shirts featuring your favorite Disney character with an Italian theme. When you walk into the Mexico Pavilion you feel as if you are in an open air market featuring hand made artisan pieces. So even if a character t-shirt or pair of Mickey Ears is not your style, there is definitely more subtle choices that may catch your eye!

Shopping At Disney World Tips

• Prior to going to Disney World, it is a good idea to include souvenirs in your budget. They will add up quickly and it is easy to just buy it without really considering the bottom line. To help keep you within budget consider getting Disney gift cards prior to your trip, especially if you are going with kids. Each kid gets a $25 gift card to use as they choose throughout the trip. Set a standard that everyone gets to buy one item and stick to it.
• Another tip and big perk of being a Disney World property resort guest is that when you buy something in a park or at Disney Springs they will send it to your hotel room for you. This is fantastic if you end up with a plush of Minnie Mouse and don’t want to lug it around all day. Even more so if you splurge on something that is fragile.
• Another idea is to start a traditional souvenir to get for each of trips when you visit. Maybe a Christmas ornament with the date or a specific style figurine? I love the Alex and Ani Disney bangles and I try to get one to commemorate my trip each time I go. It is a little reminder when I am home of that particular trip!

Some logistical things to keep in mind is that if you don’t see a specific item or size in the store always ask. Not only can they check their back stock but if they don’t have it they can find it across property. There was a spirit jersey I was looking at on my last trip. After looking in store after store and them not having my size, I finally asked. I found out that there were only 3 left on property which probably meant there were not any left. Had I asked on day one I may have started looking for something else.

Take-aways

The most important takeaway is to always ask a cast member if you have a question. They want to help and instead of wasting time searching for an item they can tell you if they have it and if not where to find it. Souvenirs and merchandise shouldn’t be the focus of your trip. Making memories is key but keep these points in mind going into your trip. It will help you keep your budget and gift expenses in line and everyone in the family happy. For a cost efficient souvenir, check out PRESSED PENNIES!

Are you a “shopper” or do you just browse as you are walking from place to place? Head over to our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and tell us about your shopping experience. We would love to hear about your favorite store on Disney World property!

The post Your Complete Guide To Souvenirs And Shopping At Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Diaper Bags and Satchels

Sometimes I love a good diaper bag, even though I do not have any kids in diapers! I know, I know! Ridiculous , right? But, I love a good BIG bag on occasions! I take the changing pad out and voila all of the compartments are a added bonus. Check out all I found below!

Backpacks

Everyone needs a good back pack on occasions, especially in the Parks. There are even a few the man in your life could carry. Who says you have to carry all of the families’ loot in your bag?!

Cross Body, Clutches and Wallets

Nothing beats having a great cross body bag for the parks or around town. Whether you are Disneybounding or going out on the town you will always be in style. You can’t go wrong with all of this cuteness!

What To Carry In Your Disney Bag

So the next important topic to tackle is: What should we put in our fabulous Disney Park Bag? We have answered that question right here in How to Pack a Rockin’ Disney Park Bag!

Now it’s your turn. What do you pack in your Disney Parks Bag? Let us know in our Facebook Group, Disney Express Lane! We would love to hear what you pack for the parks!

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The post Stylish Bags That Are Perfect For Your Next Disney Parks Visit appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

6 Athletic Shoes That Are Perfect For Your Next Disney Parks Visit

1. 696 Suede in Faded Pink/Rose Sandstone by New Balance
2. Adidas by Stella McCartney Adipure Trainer Sneakers by adidas by Stella McCartney
3. Holiday Bastille in Tafta Black by Veja
4. CrazyTrain Pro in Navy by adidas by Stella McCartney
5. 247 Nubuck in Marblehead/Sea Salt by New Balance
6. AW Run Mid in Black

Disneybounding

Other Disneybounding posts you may like!

Don’t miss our other Disneybounding articles that I am sure you will find helpful! Every girl loves dressing up in style. Disneybounding isn’t about dressing up in your daughter’s princess costume, it’s about looking good, stylish and comfortable in your amazing digs! It’s all about style, my dear! So let’s do this!

Minnie Mouse Rocks Her Dots On The Walk Of Fame

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Mary Poppins And Dooney Bourke Team Up For The Ultimate Bag

Instagram Disney Style

Check out faithnpixie1’s Instagram style! Check out her new posts everyday to see what she posts next from Disney or all about Disney-style and Disneybounding!

A post shared by {ThePurposeFULLWoman} Amanda (@faithnpixie1) on Feb 4, 2018 at 5:51am PST

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