Including Disney in your holiday decor

It's that time of year when you switch out all your regular home decor for some holiday fun!

While I have tried to maintain some sophistication when it comes to Christmas decorating, being such huge Disney fans, it wouldn't be right to exclude the "Mouse" from this special holiday.

Here are our Disney Christmas pieces:

This artificial palm tree is in our kitchen. We've made it a tradition to get a new ornament from Walt Disney World every year, and this tree is reserved exclusively for these WDW ornaments.



This collector's piece is from Carleton Cards at a local mall. I thought it was too cute to pass up... Especially on sale.



Lastly, I always have a throw on my sofa, mainly because I have a tendency to be cold in the evening and I like to cuddle underneath a blanket. Each Christmas, though, I swap out my usual throw, for this holiday one we bought at WDW. It was part of those common promotions where if you spend so much, you get the throw for $15 or $20. I can't remember which one. It's a cozy blanket which features the whole gang snuggling up in front of the fireplace (Goofy and Donald couldn't fit in my shot).



How do you include Disney in your holiday decorating?

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Who else is watching Sofia the First?

My little girl has been eagerly awaiting the premiere of Disney Junior's new show. Today has finally arrived. Here's my Little Princess watching Disney's newest Princess.




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A week in an OKW Grand Villa

As I'm sure most of you are in your circles of friends, I tend to be known as the Walt Disney World guru around my friends and family. People are always asking me where to stay when they head down to visit the Mouse.
It's common practice to visit the World in large groups. Whether you're bringing down the grandparents, or friends who have never been, or maybe you're even having a family reunion, lots of visitors come to Walt Disney World with more than just their immediate family.
Of course there are lots of off-site accommodations for large groups, but if you want to stay right inside the magic, you might want to consider a Grand Villa at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort. These villas feature three bedrooms, four bathrooms, full-sized dining rooms and living rooms, full kitchens and a washers and dryers. Even if you're not a member, there are many websites dedicated to matching WDW guests with DVC owners wanting to rent out their points!
The most economical Grand Villa is at Disney's Old Key West Resort. We had the pleasure of staying in one in September 2011. Here is a photo tour of our Grand Villa.




This was our "home" for the week. We chose a Grand Villa this trip because we were taking our parents with us.




When you walk in, to the right was the full kitchen. The laundry room was off of the kitchen.




The dining room was adjacent to the kitchen.




To the left was one of four bathrooms (the only one which wasn't an ensuite) and the master bedroom.




The master bedroom ensuite was extremely spacious.












The focal point of the main floor, however, was the beautiful living room with cathedral ceilings.








This Grand Villa was the size of a house! Two bedrooms also awaited us on the second floor!




Our view from the second floor.
It was so nice to have the space to spread out and not get in each other's way. I would definitely stay here again with a party of 6 - or more. The living room sofa converts to a bed, as does the chair.
I would highly recommend this Grand Villa, and the resort, as well. Old Key West had a very relaxed and welcoming feel about it... And relaxing is just what we did. :)
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