CLOSED: A Go To Review and Giveaway: Le Sportsac's It's a Small World Collection - 2 Chances to win

So it's taken me a while to post this review and giveaway, as many of you know, I have been on a 2 month cross country RV trip, have attended the AMAZING Disney Social Media Moms Conference, and have been helping to take care of my sweet 92 year old Nanny.  Needless to say, I've been busier than you can imagine, and I am SO in love with the items I am about to review for you, that I wanted to be sure not to skimp.  Even after I cut and edited the review video, I still cam in at over 8 minutes... WHAT!?  8 minutes of me professing my love for Le Sportsac's "it's a small world" line!  Isn't it pretty?  Click on the picture below to view the collection, and be sure to watch my video below for details on the giveaway and for my honest to goodness review of these products!

 

And now it's time for the giveaway... One lucky reader will win a Le Sportsac It's A Small World Cosmetic Pouch with removable key fob.  All you have to do is tell me which piece is your favorite by commenting on this post and LIKE my FB Page (if you don't already).  For extra entries, you can tweet about this giveaway with a link to this page. Or update your status about this giveaway tagging my FB page in the update! Comment below for each extra entry.  You can tweet and post on FB once per day. Be sure to include your email address with each entry.  You can also receive extra entries for each time you share the FB post and comment on it (once per person...no need to comment here).

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 am on May 24th, at which time I will draw the winners using a random number generator.  The first winner will receive the Laptop Case and the second will receive the Laptop Case.  If the same name is drawn twice, another name will be drawn for the second prize. Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and winner must reply to email within 48 hours.

Disclosure:  Le Sportsac provided complimentary items to facilitate this review and giveaway but I was a fan beforehand so my opinions are 100% genuine!

@runDisney Races are Selling Out But You Can Still Join in the Fun...Hurry!

Wow!  As a loyal runDisney fan and avid runner (well, kinda avid... working on being a loyal runner) I just have to say that I am continually impressed and excited by this endurance racing program's continued success.  This week, runDisney celebrated record breaking sell outs of two major races within 24 hours of each other:  The Wine and Dine Half Marathon, which closed out with over 14,000 runners, and The Walt Disney World Half Marathon which capped out at nearly 25,000 just 35 days after the opening of online registrations.

What a crowning moment for runDisney, eh!?  If you've ever needed a reason to start running...here it is!  There is a reason why these race weekends are selling out in record time and this just SPEAKS volumes for the growing popularity of this program!

Kicking yourself yet!?  If you missed out on registering for these two races, don't worry!  Opportunities to participate are still available.  Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is slated for the weekend of January 8-12 and runners can still register for runDisney kid's races, the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge, and the WDW full Marathon.  Limited registrations for the Half Marathon are still available through charities and travel groups as well!

You can also still register to join in the fun during Wine and Dine race weekend as well!  There are still openings for the Jingle Jungle 5K, and kid's and if you hurry, you can even grab tickets for the Wine and Dine Pre-Race Taste which will take place at Hollywood Studios on Friday, November 8.  Imagine a private party held on the set of Lights, Motors, Action with Epcot Food and Wine booths set up for your enjoyment!  I hear there will even be live music and Disney characters on hand!  How cool is that!?

And if that wasn't enough, tickets still remain for The Finish Line Party which will take place at Epcot! Runners and their fans can party the night away while enjoying food and celebratory beverages from the many Food and Wine kiosks situated around World Showcase Lagoon!  Attendees will even be able to enjoy special character appearances, live music, and select attractions including two of my favorites, Soarin' and Test Track!

So what are you waiting for?  Don't let these last few opportunities "RUN" past.  Snag 'em up before they're gone and I'll look forward to seeing you there!

A DGTG Review and Giveaway: Disney Pets Line from PETSMART (Video)

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DGTG Guest Review: Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage at Walt Disney World

Please enjoy this guest post by new DGTG contributor Carin V.

Our 2012 Disney Trip was the year of new adventures. After countless trips to the “Happiest Place on Earth” I decided to make this trip the one where we try all new things!! No matter how many times or how many days you go to Disney you NEVER get to see & do it all! 

For months I secretly planned our adventures. I would have made Julie the Cruise Director so proud!  As the days got closer I didn’t think I would be able to keep the surprise from my family, but somehow I did.  As the clock inched closer I finally did the big reveal … Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage!

As if I don’t love fireworks enough, having a daughter born on the 4^th of July just puts me in a league of my own. There is no better fireworks display then seeing Tinkerbell flying down to start the show high atop Magic Kingdom. How could Disney top that...haa silly question it’s Disney!

The launch is from the beautiful Contemporary Resort. Before you set sail, there is bountiful treasure to make it even more special! Candy gold coins, cake, cookies with lots of tasty matey drinks. Once you get your share of the loot you make your way over to a special photo shoot with Captain Hook & Mister Smee! Then its time to “walk the plank” to your pirate ship. As you head over to the Seven Seas Lagoon to anchor up, your Captain will help everyone get to know their crew mates in your best pirate voice! Before you know it’s time for the show! This is truly an experience that words cannot describe.  From the perfect view to the accompanying music piped in, you feel closer then ever to the show. It is a moment in time that I looked around at my husband & daughters and made sure to make a mental image and lock it down into the vault as a memory I will have a lifetime. 

Once the finale knocks your socks off, it’s time to head back to shore...Is it a quiet boring ride back?? Oh not at all!  The fun continues. The Captain will test his crew’s Disney trivia that would make Walt himself have to think a minute! For every fact you get right a pirate prize for you!!!

You are just about to dock when all of a sudden the Electrical Water Pageant appears.  If you have never had the good fortune to see this it is a MUST! I had not seen this spectacle since 1976. It definitely lived up to the magical memory I had of it as a child!

So now you think all the fun is done… you are docking. And of course one last surprise! Who is there to greet you… no one other then Peter Pan himself!!!! As you walk the plank back to the safety of shore it is time for you to have your photo shoot with Peter!!!

I can not say enough great things about this once in a lifetime adventure except I am planning on making it a TWICE in a lifetime experience!

Carin V. is "Mom" to 2 beautiful daughters, Nicole (23) and Meadow (10) and this June she will celebrate 25 years of marriage to her husband, Frank.  She is originally from South Jersey, but relocated to the Virginia Beach area for work in 2000 and since then, her Mom, Sister, and Sister and law and their families have also moved to the area and they all work together at the same firm!  Carin enjoys Pinterest and of course ANYTHING Disney!

Save Big This Spring at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

It's no secret that I have absolutely LOVE the Disneyland Resort Hotels.  To me, nothing beats staying RIGHT in the middle of the magic not to mention the exclusive guest perks, intricate theming, over the top pools, and unparalleled service that only Disney can provide!

Disneyland Hotel (Courtesy of Disneyland News)

Well, as of today, guests booking a 2-night stay at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels can Spring into Savings with an incredible offer.  You can begin booking today for stays between April 7th and May 22nd (booking window for this offer ends April 27th) to receive up to 20% off most Sundays through Thursdays and up to 15% off most Fridays and Saturdays.

This SPRING is the PERFECT time to visit the Disneyland Resort, and with this incredible offer, you and yours can enjoy a multi-day stay which will enable you really take in all of the magical offerings available at the Happiest Place on Earth.

While you're there, be sure to check out the all new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park where you can meet your favorite Princesses in an immersive experience unlike any other, and of course, you won't wanna miss Cars Land and Radiator Springs over at Disney California Adventure!

Offer Details

Save 20% on a 2-night stay — most Sunday through Thursday nights 

Save 15% on a 2-night stay — most Friday and Saturday nights

Booking Dates: March 12 through April 27, 2013

Arrival Dates: April 7 through May 22, 2013

Additional Information

Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for a two (2) night stay between April 7, 2013 and May 22, 2013 when booked from March 12, 2013 through April 27, 2013; 20% savings based on most Sunday through Thursday nights and 15% savings based on most Friday and Saturday nights. Travel must be completed by May 24, 2013. Offer is not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Advance reservations required. Check for offers on different lengths of stay. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

DGTG Traveling in Style: My "Go To" Luggage Picks for your next #Disney Vacation

This Polyvore creation was inspired by the Disney Social Media Moms Conference
which will be taking place this May at the Walt Disney World Resort.
I thought this would be the perfect time to share my favorite Disney-inspired
 luggage options since I, along with many other luck bloggers, be packing up
and heading to the conference in a few short months.

I have included pieces from Disney Store, Heys Luggage, Dooney and Bourke,
and Le Sportsac and can personally testify to the quality of each brand since I own
 at least one piece from each.  I actually purchased the Mickey Block Heys set below
 just before the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in 2011 and I still use this
luggage for every trip! It's holding up great!  I also own the Dooney and Bourke
Weekender, a carry-on sized wheelie from Disney, and a Le Sportsac "it's a small
world" cosmetic bag.  It's fun to travel in Disney fashion and these pieces are all
conversation starters as well.

Which pieces are on your GO TO luggage list?

Disney Go To Girl: Traveling in Style 

It's Gonna Be a Runner's Night Out at This Year's #runDisney Wine and Dine Half Weekend

Registration is now open for RunDisney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend which is slated to take place November 8-9, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Resort. This year promises to be the ULTIMATE Runner's Night Out with several special events taking place both before and after the main event.

As you may have noticed, I have definitely caught the RunDisney bug (Tinkerbell Half Marathon Recap...anxiously awaiting the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland and my second Tower of Terror 10 miler at Walt Disney World this Fall) and this race weekend, which features a nighttime Half Marathon passing through three theme parks followed by a finish line party at Epcot where racers and their guests can sample food and wine from around the world while enjoying select attractions, sound like the perfect mix to me... Food, Wine, Running, and Disney... can't beat that can you?

Photo Courtesy of Disney Sports News

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Highlights:

• 13.1-mile course through Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World® Guests staying at Event Host Resorts
• Family Reunion Area with entertainment and characters
• Exclusive after hours Finish Line Party at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival for participants

Not quite ready for a 13.1 mile Half Marathon?  Hakuna Matata! Mickey's Jungle Jingle 5K is the perfect  speed for runners and walkers alike who wish to join in the runDisney fun at a more fun and relaxing pace!

Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K Highlights:

• 5K course through Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
• Disney Characters and entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

And don't forget about the little runners in your group!  There's even the perfect race for the smallest Mousekerunners with the runDisney Kid's Races of Wine and Dine weekend:

runDisney Kids Dashes Age Groups

• 12 months and under - Diaper Dash for crawlers
• 1-3 years old - 100m dash
• 4-6 years old - 200m dash
• 7-8 years old - 400m dash
• One Mile Run - Open to all children 13 years old & under

Disney Parks Moms Panelist Lori L.
(Photo Courtesy of Disney World News)

Planning to attend runDisney's Wine and Dine weekend, or any other runDisney event, but not sure where to begin planning?  Be sure to visit my friend (fellow panelist) and runDisney specialist on the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Lori!  She's always there to provide the best insider info around and can help you tailor a magical runDisney weekend.

It seems like there's a runDisney race for everyone!  Which is your favorite!?

Official Press Release via Disney Sports News:

Runners can now register for this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, Nov. 8 -9, by going to www.rundisney.com.

More than 20,500 runners are expected to register for weekend races, including 14,000 for the nighttime half marathon, increasing the number of registered runners for runDisney races in 2013 to more than 175,000 – a single-year record for runDisney, which has seven event weekends. Last year more than 125,000 runners competed in runDisney’s seven event weekends at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The 13.1-mile Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon course takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. After crossing the finish line runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 am (friends and family must purchase party ticket for entry). The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’. New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters.

In addition, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend features therunDisney Kids Races, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and the half marathon which starts at 10 pm at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

There’s also Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such as runDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus. Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.

To register for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot,visit www.runDisney.com.