Top 5 Ways To Cheer Up With Disney

As much as we all want to live in a world where all of our dreams come true, where everything is perfect, most of us have to face a little thing called reality.  Unfortunately, reality is far from perfect and comes with its daily issues and challenges.  Sometimes it can be a little much for people and can make them feel sad, upset or angry; overall a variety of unpleasant emotions.  However when you get to feeling that way, there are plenty of ways to cheer up - everything from realizing all that you have to be thankful for, participating in an activity you enjoy, spending time with friends and family, the possibilities are endless.  Still, it can be a struggle at times to cheer up from whatever is bringing you down.  I have personally struggled with anxiety and depression for years.  It's not something I'm ashamed of, but rather I know it has made me who I am.  There are many things I do to try and feel better when its bringing me down and this week, I'm going to share with you my top 5 favourite ways to cheer up using Disney.

1) Read Disney Quotes
Walt Disney said many inspiring things over the years.  You can find his quotes in so many places about all different things.  I personally have a coffee mug that says "Who says you have to grow up?"  He was all about giving hope and letting out that inner child.  There are also plenty of quotes from every Disney movie that can also make you feel better and give you hope.  Here are a list of some of my favourite Disney quotes:

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them," Walt Disney

"If you can dream it, you can do it," Walt Disney

"Have faith in your dreams, and someday your rainbow will come shining through," Cinderella, Cinderella

"Hakuna Matata," Timon and Pumbaa, The Lion King

"Everything in the forest has its season. Where one thing falls, another grows. Maybe not what was there before, but something new and wonderful all the same," Bambi's Mother, Bambi

"The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up," Timothy Mouse, Dumbo 

2) Listen to Disney Music
Music has the power to do many things, including cheering people up.  Disney has many wonderful songs to cheer people up.  There are songs about love, friendship and so much more that can remind you of happier days.  I enjoy listening to romantic songs, which remind me not only of the classic Disney love stories, but also reminds me of my own.  Those sweet, happy memories can really help you when you're down and just put a nice smile on your face.

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However, one of the best type of Disney songs to listen to when you're feeling down is a big show stopping number.  These are the songs that will get you dancing and singing along to the words that you know and love.  They get you so energized and happy that you can forget why you were even down in the first place.  Some of my favourite ones to listen to include "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid, "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and The Beast and "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King.  

3) Watch a Disney Movie
You've listened to the songs, now how about watching the movies?  Watching any movie can distract you and usually help cheer you up, but a Disney one can definitely make you happier.  There are so many great choices, whether you're looking for classically animated, Pixar or live action style.  Personally, I enjoy the classically animated ones the most.  I usually like to watch something I haven't seen in a while and then snuggle up with a warm blanket, relax on my comfy couch and get lost in the magic.  It's very easy to get right into in all of the storytelling, characters and songs.  By the time the movie is done, how can you not feel better?

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4) Remember your Last Disney Vacation
One thing that really helps to cheer up when you're feeling down is to remember happier times.  And why not remember your last trip to the happiest place on Earth, Disney World, or any Disney vacation hot spot.  I find it particularly relaxing to remember our Disney Cruise vacation, especially the time we spent on Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island.  I close my eyes and just imagine that I'm back there, sinking my feet in the soft white sand, hearing the sound of the water as it swooshes and splashes, smelling the Caribbean air and enjoying sight of the beach for miles.  Thinking about those memories of being in that beautiful place is so relaxing.

Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay
Photo from personal collection

Of course it wasn't just about the beaches.  There were so many wonderful things to think about with my last vacation, including the food, the characters, the shows, the activities and so much more.  Every sight was incredible and a new experience that I could not wait to try out.  The magic of a Disney vacation really is like no other and it can really bring a smile to your face to relieve those memories.

5) Start Planning your Next Disney Vacation
So now that memories are fresh from a previous fun Disney vacation, why not start to plan the next one?  Think of the memories you can create in the future and the new things you can experience.  For instance when my husband Scott and I were last at Disney World, New Fantasyland was still a couple months away from opening.  Next time we go, we're going to check it out and experience all of the new attractions, which happen to be from my favourite movies, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.  We also plan to spend much more time in the parks and checking out other new things, including the new Art of Animation resort.

Planning all of these details can be fun and give you something to look forward to.  Knowing that you're going to get to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip can give you that motivation and push to do just about anything.  It can also give you the determination to work harder to get there.  While saving for our cruise, I found it very difficult at times to get through days at work but knowing that we were going on this Disney adventure kept me going forward.

Scott and I with Mickey and Minnie at the Magic Kingdom
Photo from personal collection

So those are my top five ways to cheer up with the help of Disney magic.  I hope they help you when you're having a bad day or are just feeling plain miserable.  I have found comfort in all of these ways and clung to the hope that it will get better.  Fairy tales and happily ever afters do happen, it's just that some days you really have to work at it.  In the end, it's all worth it to see the magic and happiness within your own life, with the help of a little Disney!

Top 15 Disney Love Songs

Happy Valentine's Day!!  As we approach the annual romantic holiday, I thought I would look back at my top 15 Disney love songs.  Note that I only include classically animated Disney films with only one exception that has some live action in it.  I also decided to order them chronologically because to be perfectly honest, they are all wonderful songs.  Finally, I also included Youtube links to every song, so feel free to enjoy all of this wonderful Disney love.

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1) I'm Wishing/One Song - Snow White (1937)
This is a song that really introduces us to Prince Charming and Snow White.  She's outside her castle in peasant clothes, dreaming for her Prince to come.  She makes a wish at the well and a prince shows up and tries to woo her.  She bashfully tries to hide from him as he sings to her but in the end, you can tell she's interested in him too.  This was the start of romantic songs for Disney and it introduces us in such a sweet way.
Youtube link: I'm Wishing/One Song

2) Baby Mine - Dumbo (1941)
Ok, I'm going to be perfectly honest, I haven't seen Dumbo in years but as I sit here now, having just watched this song, I'll admit I'm a little choked up.  The love that Mrs. Jumbo has for her son Dumbo is a really beautiful thing.  I realize it's not "romantic" but it's still some of the strongest love I've ever seen in any movie.  The song takes place as Dumbo goes to visit his mom, who is locked up after causing a panic while protecting her son.  She rocks him softly in her trunk, which is all she can get out through the bars of her cage.  Throughout the song, you see other animals and their mothers together and it made me even more aware of how lucky I am to have my wonderful mother.  Love you, Mom!
Youtube link: Baby Mine

3) So This Is Love - Cinderella (1950)
That magical moment when Cinderella walks into the Prince's ball and he sees her for the first time - that would be what leads to this magical song.  The two of them start dancing and walking through his garden together.  It's so beautiful to watch the two of them together as they start to fall in love.  She looks absolutely gorgeous and you can tell this is going to be the most magical night of her life.  The song should end with a kiss but right as they're about to, the clock starts to strike midnight and Cinderella must leave.
Youtube link: So This Is Love

4) Bella Notte - Lady and the Tramp (1955)
This one is for all the dog lovers out there.  Humans aren't the only ones who can have romantic dates which include a wonderful Italian dinner and stroll through the park.  This song happens after Lady has run away from the evil Aunt Sarah and gets chased down by some mean dogs.  Tramp saves her and they spend the afternoon together.  Eventually they make their way to Tony's Restaurant via the back entrance and are given a spaghetti dinner.  As they enjoy it, the chefs sing to them and it is really romantic.  The song continues as they take a nice stroll through the park and are clearly very smitten with each other.
Youtube link: Bella Notte

5) Once Upon A Dream - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
This is the song from Sleeping Beauty where Princess Aurora, aka Briar Rose is dancing with a mysterious stranger in the woods, aka Prince Phillip.  She is talking with her animal friends about how she met this man and how wonderful he was and how they got along so well.  The only thing was, it was just in her dreams.  So she starts singing about her dream and him and Prince Phillip, wondering through the woods, hears her and starts to join her in song.  When she first sees him, she's initially a little frightened but she quickly warms up and starts dancing and singing with him.  You can tell just how quickly they fall in love, not even knowing who the other one really is.
Youtube link: Once Upon A Dream

6) Kiss The Girl - Little Mermaid (1989)
This song comes from everybody's favorite crab, Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.  It is Ariel's second day as a human and she only has three days to get Prince Eric to kiss her.  She has just spent a day with him getting a tour of his kingdom.  At this point, they're in a little row boat together and Sebastian tries to help her get Eric to kiss her by singing a sweet song.  He gets other animals to help him create the right mood and tone and try to encourage the two of them to kiss.  You really get to see the two of them fall in love for each other during this song and right as they're about to kiss, Ursula's eels Flotsam and Jetsam knock over their boat.  Still, this song is pretty romantic up to that point.
Youtube link: Kiss The Girl

7) Beauty And The Beast - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
If I personally had to pick one favourite song on this list, this would be it.  Beauty and the Beast has been my favourite movie for years and this song is truly a masterpiece.  It takes place as Belle and Beast are starting to fall in love with each other and during this song is when the magic really happens.  They are all dressed up in their iconic outfits - him in his blue suit and her in that stunning yellow ball gown.  From the time they walk down the stairs to when they enjoy their meal to dancing in the ball room, it's a thing of beauty from start to finish.  Plus there is the talented Angela Lansbury singing the song as Mrs. Potts.  It is truly an amazing song and one that gets me everytime that I watch it.
Youtube link: Beauty And The Beast

8) A Whole New World - Aladdin (1992)
Known as one of the biggest Disney hit songs out there, A Whole New World delivers many elements, including romance and adventure.  Aladdin realizes he needs to get Jasmine to see him differently than the way she has seen most suitors.  He takes her on a magic carpet ride and shows her the world and all of its wonders.  The song isn't only about discovering the physical world they're seeing, it's also about falling in love and all the risks and joys that come with it.  It's scary at times but it's so beautiful and a once in a lifetime experience.  The way she sees that he is different from what she thought opens her eyes up to a whole new experience she never thought possible.
Youtube link: A Whole New World

9) Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Lion King (1994)
Another song from the animal kingdom, Can You Feel The Love Tonight is a captivating song about two friends reuniting and discovering that they might be more than that.  Simba, who had been living with Timon and Pumbaa since his father's death, is too ashamed to return back to his homeland and prefers the care free lifestyle.  Nala wants him to come back and take over as king and in this song, they start to get to know each other again.  They're adults now and they have feelings for each other, which they never thought they could have before.  Timon and Pumbaa are worried that they'll loose their friend but in the end, love and friendship both win.
Youtube link: Can You Feel The Love Tonight

10) If I Never Knew You - Pocahontas (1995)
This one might not seem as familiar as the majority of songs on this list and that's because it wasn't in the original version of Pocahontas.  When Disney re-released the movie years later, they added it back in.  John Smith is being held captive by the Native Americans, accused of killing Kocoum, and Pocahontas visits him.  As they have a few moments alone together, she apologizes for getting him into this mess but he tells her that his life wouldn't have been the same without her.  They both go onto say just how much the other has changed their lives for the better.  This is without a doubt one of the most powerful songs in Disney's repertoire.
Youtube link: If I Never Knew You

11) I Won't Say (I'm In Love) - Hercules (1997)
Now onto one of the only songs where we only have one half our leading couple.  However, while this is mostly about Meg, Hercules is the one she is claiming not to be in love with.  She was hurt once before by being in love, so after swearing she would never fall in love again, she is scared to realize that she might be doing just that.  She tries to deny it but the Muses assure her that it is alright and that she can't keep denying it.  In the end she finally does admit to herself that she is in love.  It's a scary feeling to jump back in that boat, especially when you've been hurt but like so many love stories prove, it really is all worth it in the end.
Youtube link: I Won't Say (I'm In Love)


12) You'll Be In My Heart - Tarzan (1999)
This is my other parent/child song.  It takes place after Kala, a motherly ape, has rescued Tarzan from Sabor, a leopard who killed not only Tarzan's parents, but also Kala's son.  Her husband Kerchek isn't impressed but he agrees to let him stay.  Kala then sings this beautiful song to her new baby.  She lets him know that no matter what anyone else says, no matter what struggles he goes through, he will always be in her heart.  This song has a special place in my heart because it was the father/daughter song at my wedding.  It really is such a beautiful song and like Baby Mine, it shows just how strong the relationship is between a parent and a child.
Youtube link: You'll Be In My Heart

13) That's How You Know - Enchanted (2007)
This is the one song I picked from a Disney movie that's only partially animated.  I decided to put it in because it really demonstrates the classic Disney love song.  Giselle is trying to show Robert that he can't just assume that his girlfriend Nancy knows how he feels about her.  He needs to be romantic and make her feel special and loved.  She manages to get most of Central Park involved in this big showstopping number which really gets the message across.  In the end, you've got to make sure that your special someone knows that they are loved by you.
Youtube link: That's How You Know 

14) Ma Belle Evangeline - Princess and the Frog (2009)
This is a sweet song between firefly Ray and his "girlfriend" Evangeline.  He points her out to Tiana, Naveen and Louis and they realize she is actually a star in the sky and not a firefly.  Still he loves her very much and sings a little romantic tune about her.  While he's doing that Naveen gets a hestant Tiana to dance with him on a lily pad.  The two of them clearly have some romantic chemistry together but they quickly try to extinguish any flames that may have sparked.  Eventually they end up together and this song is a sweet beginning to when they start to fall for each other.
Youtube link: Me Belle Evangeline

15) I See The Light - Tangled (2010)
This song is a perfect way to end this list.  It's beautiful, it's romantic and it's classic Disney but with a modern spin.  After finally making their way to the kingdom to see the floating laterns, Rapunzel and Flynn are in a boat together, ready to enjoy it.  The laterns start floating and she can't believe she's finally there watching it.  She begins to realize though that she likes Flynn and that without him, she wouldn't be there, while at the same time he is also developing feelings for her. Overall this is a nice romantic song between two people coming to the realization that while their initial relationship might have been just to help the other, it's grown into something more - love.
Youtube link: I See The Light

That's the end of the list, I hope you all enjoyed it.  As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful Disney love songs and not just in these 15 movies, but in many more.  So this Valentine's Day, I hope you all get to spend time with the people you love most.  And remember, love really is beautiful thing, so once you do find it, treasure it and not just on February 14th, but year round.

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate The Holidays Disney Style

Merry Christmas Disney fans!! It's that time of year of year again and although it seems the holidays are always changing, at least for me, there are some things I enjoy keeping the same.  One of those would be making sure that I can enjoy some Disney no matter where I am.  Here some simple ways that I enjoy a fun Disney Christmas and Holiday Season.

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas Disney Style

1) Watch Disney Movies - This is the perfect way to get into a cheerful mood, no matter what time of year.  However, this is especially true during the holiday season.  While any Disney movie will do, it is nice to enjoy some Christmas ones.  There are a couple Disney ones based on the classic Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol, that are real classics.  A Muppet Christmas Carol and Mickey's Christmas Carol are two of the best retellings of the story.  I grew up with both of these as a child and they're both entertaining and present the story with a nice touch of Disney magic. 

Other animated Christmas movies worth checking out would be The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.  However, my favourite Disney Christmas movies are the live action ones, most notably The Santa Clause 1 through 3.  Tim Allen as Santa Claus works well and I always try to catch all three every holiday season.  I also enjoy I'll Be Home For Christmas, starring a couple of my favourite 90s stars, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel.  So as you can see there are plenty of choices.

2. Use Disney Christmas Ornaments - Now that you're in the Christmas mood, it's time to set up the tree.  And why not add a little Disney to it?  I have a growing collection of beautiful Disney ornaments on mine.  There are so many different types that you can get, from simple ones to highly detailed ones and for every price range. 

Here are some of my favourites from my personal collection:
- A Snow White Ball
- A Mickey and Minnie Frame that says 2009 with a picture of my husband and I in it - it was from our first Christmas together
- Pocahontas and John Smith sitting together
- Disney Princess Balls
- Magician Mickey
- Beauty and the Beast - from their ballroom scene, it's one I actually keep out year round
- Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship - as a reminder of the cruise my husband and I took this past summer

3. Give Disney Gifts - So now that we're in the spirit and we've got our tree up, it's time to get some gifts to put under it.  There are perfect gifts you can get for people of all ages that have a little Disney touch.  And best of all, you can get them anytime of year.  For example, when my husband and I took our Disney Cruise, we picked up a couple unique gifts for our loved ones.  Gifts that will not only show some Disney spirit, but also ones that will be unique since they came from a very specific place.  However, anything with a nice Disney touch can put a smile on someone's face.  T-shirts and mugs are great ideas and I've given a few out over the years.  In fact, one year I gave my Dad and future husband the same Goofy t-shirt, since they both really like Goofy.  In fact, my husband likes Goofy so much, that my mother gave him an old framed picture of her with Goofy from her trip to Disney World in the 80s.

Another way to go is add some Disney to your Secret Santa gifts.  For the past two years, the people who've had my name have both picked out some great Disney gifts for me - including classic Mickey and Minnie plush dolls, as well as pens and a nice glass.  Those are just a couple of great ideas that can work well for any Disney fan. 


4. Watch the Disney Christmas Parade on Christmas Day - This is something I look forward to every year!  There is no parade like a Disney parade and they go all out to make it magical.  During my two trips to Disney World, I was able to watch a few parades and they were great - all of my favourite characters were there; dancing, singing, waving to the crowd.  It's a happiness that is so contagious that if it could be bottled up it could cheer up even the most miserable Scrooge.

This year the parade will air from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in my time zone of Atlantic, or 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. EST on ABC or at 12:10 P.M on CBC in Canada, no matter what your time zone.  Nick Cannon, Maria Menounos and Mario Lopez will be hosting the event, featuring headlining musical act Lady Antebellum, as well as other performers such as Phillip Phillips, Colbie Caillat, Backstreet Boys and many more.  Plus Mickey and the gang will be there, ready to celebrate with the best Christmas cheer.  So gather your friends and family and don't miss out on this wonderful annual parade.

5. Cook and Bake Disney Style - This one is great to do all year long, but especially during the holidays.  By adding a little Disney touch, you can also add a whole lot of magic.  There are a couple ways you can cook and bake Disney style.  The first would be to shape your food into the classic Mickey head shape.  This can be done with cookies, pancakes, cakes, eggs, fruits, vegetables, just about anything you can think of, really.  It's something that you can do as simple or as fancy as you would like.

This year I'm going to try something new, along with the help of my husband, who is a chef.  While on our Disney Fantasy Cruise this past summer, we purchased a cookbook titled Cooking With Mickey and the Disney Chefs, which feature actual recipes that are used by real Disney chefs in Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney Cruise Line.  By making things that we would get if we were actually in the happiest places on earth, it will help re-create that special environment.  However, you don't have to go on a Disney vacation to find the recipes used by Disney Chefs.  You can find the books online, as well as individual recipes.

And when it comes to the food that Disney prepares, Lumiere says, "Our dinner here is never second best." And he is right, I have yet to experience anything from a Disney kitchen that isn't mouth watering and has a perfect appearance, taste and texture.  It's making me hungry just thinking about it. 

Bonus:

Spending Christmas in Disney World - this one is a bonus because I have done the other 5 but have yet to achieve this one. It's always a great day to be in Disney world or Disneyland or even on a Disney cruise but the magic you would get at Christmas time would be extra special. So for now this will be on my to-do list. However if anyone wants to send me to Disney world for Christmas, I certainly wouldn't object ;)

Those are my simple ways to enjoy a Disney holiday season.  No matter what your traditions, you can always find a way to work some Disney magic in.  The most important thing is to appreciate all the love that is right around you.  It's everywhere and it really is the season and the time to look at all that you have and be thankful for what the year has brought you. 

So from my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

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Growing Up Disney

Greetings fellow Disney addicts, my name is Katie Mealey.  I am a happy newlywed who is currently taking Public Relations while working part time as a Starbucks Barista.  Oh and I've grown up Disney.  I have always had Disney around me for as long as I can remember.  My parents always made sure I had the movies and merchandise.  I can still remember the Ariel themed bedroom I had as a toddler and having various Disney plush toys, books and VHS tapes.  Yes this was the life!!

Considering I was born in the late 80s, it should be no surprise that my two favorite Disney Princess movies and let's be honest, my favorite movies overall, are Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.  They were both released shortly after I was born and have always been a part of my life.  To me, these are the classic Disney Princess fairytales.  Yes I realize that there were three other Disney Princess movies before them, but they don't have that same magic.  More on that later.

Growing up Disney isn't just something I decided to be, it's part of who I am as a person.  It affects various aspects of my life and all for the better.  It has helped me become a believer, a dreamer and a doer.  It may seem weird to attribute qualities like that soley on one company and I agree, but I would say that this one company has influenced me through their various methods.  I believe they do it mostly through film and music but they also do it by showing how successful a company can be and how much they can do.  Disney does movies, television, theme parks, cruises, other travel vacations, merchandising of all kind and more.  It's incredible all that they do.  Disney has always been one to inspire people of every age. 

So to sum up, this blog will be about my life and how Disney fits into it.  Some stories will involve my family, some will involve my husband, some will be just me but they will all have a touch of Disney magic.