I’m not one for the New Year, New Me mentality; while this approach works for many people, for me, it fits more like a cossetted top that’s two sizes too small. It’s just not right for me. So, rather than taking a New Me approach to 2025, I embrace the idea that no matter our age, we should focus on dreaming and we should always keep dreaming.
Dreams become goals, and goals can become reality when our determination pushes us to do the hard work, the boring work, the never-ending repetitive work, and we choose to keep going even when our dreams seem like they may never come true.
In 2025, I’m dreaming and planning for these four dreams to become reality.
What Started as a Dream and is Now a Plan #1: To Participate in More Pop-Ops, Expos, and Shows
An essential piece of knowledge I’m bringing from 2024 into 2025 is that while the accessories in our bounding boxes photograph beautifully, it’s when someone sees the items in person that gets the biggest reaction. A sparkle and excitement can be seen when people realize their bounds are complete, and I LOVE seeing someone’s face light up when they find what they’ve been searching for; I’m thankful each time I witness it. So, in 2025, we’ll continue offering all of our bounding boxes online AND be found in various shows, expos, and pop-ups.
What Started as a Dream and is Now a Plan #2: More Characters and More Boxes
Bounding is part of my life, and it’s true; I’ll be bound as the same character countless times, yet it’s also good to expand. With that goal in mind, I’m dreaming and planning to add additional character-inspired boxes in 2025. If there’s a character box you want to see, let us know; comment on a social media post or send an email; we’re always looking to hear from our fellow bounders.
What Started as a Dream and is Now a Plan #3: Visiting a Disney Park Other Than at WDW
For years, this has been a dream, and I’m thrilled this is happening! There’s no question that I LOVE being at Walt Disney World, yet I also dream to see all of the Disney Parks.
This year, Hubby and I will head to California to experience Disneyland and Disney’s Californian Adventure. Since we booked our room, I’ve been dreaming about all the different things I want to see, and some bounds I can wear while in the parks. 😉
I’m excited to walk down Main Street and see where it began. I’m excited to feel the energy of a new-to-me Disney Park and be in awe of the new experiences.
What Started as a Dream and is Now a Plan #4: To keep growing our #BoundingAndCaring Project
Last year, we partnered with One Tree Planted, and a portion of every box sold goes towards planting trees, helping build a greener tomorrow for future-bounders. This commitment resulted in 50 trees being planted in 2024. The dream I’ve planted for 2025 is to grow this project further to get more trees in the ground! This collaboration is the first #BoundingAndCaring endeavor, TheCB.Co has taken on a second dream. It’s propelled our small business to dream of expanding our social responsibility – planting more trees and adding new collaborations to our #BoundingAndCaring story. As time writes the 2025 chapter for TheCB.Co, I want the #BoundingAndCaring project to develop, grow, and flourish.
So, as the year unfolds, I will be dreaming, creating, doing the work, and cheering for all of my fellow dreamers who are digging in and determined to make their dreams a reality.
Dream big in 2025!
~Kelly
As the holiday get-togethers with friends and family have started to wind down, today feels like the perfect time to stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the memorable bounds from this year. Here are my five favorite bounds of 2024.
Lookout Cay Daisy – Bound Details:
In August, my hubby and I visited Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) newest private Bahamian destination of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. With the new island came new outfits for the classic Disney characters, and I LOVED seeing Daisy’s bright and colorful dress–it inspired the bond I wore while we spent the day exploring Lookout Cay.
I included this bound in this list because it’s the one I was most nervous about (it involved walking around in my swimsuit). Yet, in the end, I impressed myself by not letting the nervousness stop me, and I’m glad I did it.
Cruise Donald – Bound Details:
If there were two words to describe this bound, it would be pure energy! Inspired by Donald’s cruise outfit, I found myself bursting with enthusiasm as I roamed around the ship. The color blocks are based on a traditional nautical style, and I felt comfortable being in this bound everywhere I went on the ship.
Fozzie Bear – Bound Details:
Channeling my favorite funny bear, I enjoyed my time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by adding smiles and more than a few chuckles to the day.
In November, when the news broke that Muppet Vision 3D will be closing permanently and making way for a New Monster’s Inc themed land, this bound became even more important to me. I’m happy to have the memories from that day as I bounded around the park inspired by what could be said as a less popular character, but one that I personally have always liked.
Sorcerer Mickey – Bound Details:
I loved this bound so much that I packed it on multiple trips. I originally wore it to dinner at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Magic and then packed it again for a day in the parks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Seeing Minnie and Mickey’s reactions to my bound at Red Carpet Dreams was adorable! They both recognized my inspiration right away and made for very cute memories.
Last but not least,
Rapunzel: A Tower Princess – Bound Details:
Paired with the accessories from our Tower Princess bounding box
– Chameleon Ring
– Lantern Scarf
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– Frying Pan Necklace
This bound was my favorite from 2024 because it was so versatile. From spending a day in Magic Kingdom, attending trivia nights with friends at a local pizzeria, and working some of my hometown holiday Markets, this bound was my go-to pick for 2024. I was comfortable, and each time I bounded with these pieces, I took the opportunity to embrace this princess’s passion for leaving her tower to pursue her dreams.
2024 was a year of new experiences, and as I look back, I’m thankful for all of them; each adventure was an opportunity to learn something new.
From the memories that make us smile, the bounds that inspire, and the dreams that keep us moving forward, this year’s story sets the stage for the next chapter, bound to be more magical in 2025.
~Kelly
For me and fellow Disney Adults, Walt Disney World is a magical place, yet it’s transformed into something even more special during the Christmas season. With the added lights, decorations, music, and events, WDW offers countless options for Merry Moments and can be a wonderful place to find your Christmas spirit.
The Resorts:
Not only are Christmas decorations found in the parks, but they can also be seen at each of the WDW Resorts, and their theming matches the resort’s overall aesthetic!
There’s a gingerbread display at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn that I highly recommend checking out. If you look closely at the Boardwalk Deli, you’ll see Mickey and Minnie baking cookies in the kitchen.
There are also 25 silver Hidden Mickeys on the house for guests to search for when viewing this incredible culinary creation.
When looking at the decoctions on and around the house, pay close attention to the trees. Do you see what I see? Each tree is inspired by a Disney character.
So, you could say, each tree is BOUNDING as a Disney character! I love that bounding is becoming so popular within the WDW community.
The Special-Ticketed Events:
Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides guests the chance to enjoy the glitz and glamor of the holidays. With options like Glisten! an ice-skating show, dancing the night away at the Tip Top Club for the Twilight Soiree, belting out lyrics during the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, or watching Disney’s Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, the night can be filled with unique and fun activities. 2023 was its inaugural year, and while it originally was met with some negative reviews, accounts this year suggest Disney has improved in the areas that needed addressing. I’ve not yet attended this event, but I look forward to experiencing it in future years.
As usual, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade was packed full of festive cheer with an abundance of performers and characters, including my personal favorite, the Toy Soldiers.
Watching the Toy Soldiers march down Main Street is one of the most magical sights to see at WDW during this time of year.
Whether it’s the smell of gingerbread in a resort lobby, meeting a rare character, or seeing Cinderella Castle lit up with a holiday design, there are Merry Moments throughout WDW and I hope your holiday season is bounding with joy.
Merry Christmas!
~Kelly
Two weeks from today, one of my favorite gatherings at Walt Disney World begins, and that’s Dapper Day – when people meet up and showcase great style from yesteryear to today.
To learn more about the founder of Dapper Day and its history, click here.
The weekend is filled with multiple opportunities to meet new people, chat about life, and snap a photo or two. Having attended this year’s WDW Spring Dapper Day Weekend, my biggest takeaway was meeting some of the nicest Disney Adults I’ve ever known.
The itinerary is meant to be a guide for people, and by no means restrictive. This upcoming weekend follows a similar schedule as the spring event, which was a meet-up outside of the parks on Friday evening, followed by two days of visiting specific parks in your refined style. People participate in as much or as little as they want; it’s up to each individual how long they want to be there and what they deem as a refined style to wear.
The non-park evening has the advantage of less walking and tends to be when more of the dress shoes are on display. The spring’s Friday night gathering was held at Disney Springs, allowing people to stroll through the shops, enjoy a nice meal including a delicious dessert, and meet up at sunset.
The Fall event for Friday night is planned for Disney’s Boardwalk, another great space for photos, food, and fun.
The Spring event had people visit Epcot on Saturday and Magic Kingdom on Sunday. From the moment I arrived at the parks and scanned my MagicBand, I saw beautiful vintage-style dresses, gorgeous hats, and tons of smiles.
Not to mention the gorgeous colorful backdrop of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival made for countless picture-perfect spots!
Having been there solo, I wondered what it would be like on my own, and that worry was quickly squashed as people warmly welcomed me when I met up with them. Social media groups, such as Dapper Orlando, D3Darlins, and Dapper Days, are known to arrange meet-up spots in the parks to socialize and pose for a photo throughout the weekend. For me, those quick gatherings were the highlight of the event. It was there that I met wonderful people and got to hear their stories.
Attending a Dapper Day event does NOT require that you bound, but me being me, I certainly loved the opportunity to enhance my clothes with a refined style and simultaneously mix in bounding.
Dapper Cruella Bound:
Dapper Belle Bound:
Dapper Snow White Bound:
Another fun element of the weekend was watching how characters reacted to our Dapper outfits.
And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the PhotoPass Photographers. Every day they’re amazing at their jobs, yet during Spring’s Dapper Day Weekend, they went above and beyond with wanting to help capture the perfect shot.
The upcoming Fall WDW Dapper Day Weekend is planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday December 7th, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Sunday December 8th.
A Dapper Day Weekend is a way to experience WDW at a pace different from the usual park visit. It’s a way to slow down, look at the details around you, and enjoy strolling through the parks.
So, whether it be a fascinator in your hair or donning a four-button vest, I encourage you to come out to the next Dapper Day event and show off your refined style!
~Kelly
One of the things I LOVE about a Disney Cruise is the ease of meeting characters throughout your sailing.
This means there are multiple chances to bound as your favorite characters and see their reactions to your bounds! So, let’s embark on this written journey, and look at the bounding opportunities found onboard a Disney Cruise.
The first chance to bound begins on embarkation day and continues throughout your sailing; its character meets and greets. After being welcomed aboard by Disney Cruise Line Cast Members, look around (or consult the Disney Cruise Line app) and, it won’t be long before you encounter characters ready to interact with you.
On the first day of sailing, the classic characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale can be seen in their cruising outfits, providing picture-perfect opportunities to start wearing your bounds and interacting with these fantastic friends.
For the classic characters, I was inspired by Captain Mickey and Cruise Donald.
Captain Mickey Bound Details:
One bonus of bounding as cruise-themed characters is that several of my pieces were reusable for multiple bounds throughout the sailing.
Cruise Donald Bound Details:
Another point worth mentioning is that these same characters can be seen numerous times during your cruise in different outfits, giving you even more opportunities to create bounds inspired by their signature styles.
The second opportunity to showcase your character-inspired bounds is at the ships’ shows and parties. From Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party to the Broadway-caliber shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, endless options exist to bound during your time sailing the seas.
Even the Cruise Line Cast Members in the Sail-A-Wave Party are bounding as Disney characters! To me, this highlights how popular bounding has become in the Disney community; it’s even being used for their entertainment Cast Members.
By far, my favorite time to bound on a cruise is dinner. The phenomenal theming of the ship’s restaurants creates a perfect setting for bounding.
These restaurants’ theming is spectacular, from the dinnerware, the art on the walls, and even the details in the chairs.
For our sailing on the Disney Magic, I bounded three out of the four nights (the other night was the Pirate party, and I wore a pirate-themed shirt). Here’s a look at each of those bounds.
Restaurant: Lumiere’s
Belle Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Book Loving Princess bounding box
Restaurant: Animator’s Palate
Sorcerer Mickey Bound:
Restaurant: Rapunzel’s Royal Table
Rapunzel Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Tower Princess bounding box
Whether dining in beautifully decorated restaurants with delicious food, seeing wave-making shows, meeting characters, or looking through a porthole, sailing the seas with Disney Cruise Line is a sea-riously wonderful place to accessorize with a story and make new magical memories!
~Kelly
It won’t be long before Christmas music is playing in every store, and Hallmark holiday movies fill the TV schedule, BUT before we deck the halls, let’s take one more look at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and remind ourselves why Spooky Season is a fantastically fun time to visit Walt Disney World (WDW).
Here are my 5 favorite things about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
If there is one activity that transports me to my childhood, it’s trick-or-treating. The excitement of watching the candies be poured into my loot bag, investigating which specific treats I got compared to a friend/family member, and maybe arranging a trade of one sweet treat for another makes me feel like I’m 10 years old.
Being able to do that activity in Magic Kingdom reminds me that Disney is a place for everyone who is young at heart. As we made our way throughout the kingdom, it was not just the children smiling and having fun; the adults were just as excited to arrive at a treat station, hold out their candy bag, and emphatically say to a Cast Member, “trick-or-treat!” It’s memories like these, which may seem small at the moment, but as years go by and I look back, I cherish those moments of joy, laughter, and fun.
Hands down, this is my favorite Disney parade!
The music is catchy…yes, it gets stuck in my head for days. I also LOVE being able to see so many villains gathered in one place.
MNSSHP is one of the rare times when any guest can wear a costume at Magic Kingdom (normally, it’s limited to children under the age of 14 years old). So, a MNSSHP gives me the chance to go all-out in a full costume or be a little more laid-back with a bound. This year, I opted for something in the middle, which was a Tigger outfit that I’d say was close to a bound but, due to the tail, fit within the costume category.
Costume Details:
If I wanted to modify this costume into a bound, I would make the following changes:
Bound Details:
I don’t like waiting in lines for attractions, so having the opportunity to be in the park where wait times are reduced is a win! If you’re looking to maximize your time on the rides and not be in lines, I’d recommend being at the attractions during the parade times or the fireworks. Throughout the party, Tron Lightcycle/Run was sitting around a 40-70 minute wait, but I entered the line during the fireworks and boarded a bike within 25 minutes. Another recommendation is that as the night goes on, wait times can also decrease, so leaving the more popular rides until the end of the night could be a successful strategy to try.
& my favorite thing about a MNSSHP is….
From the moment guests got their treat bags, we had multiple opportunities to interact with the characters. This year, Cruella was the first character we encountered, and I adore her over-the-top personality, which was on full display as she interacted with guests.
Although I’ve already mentioned that the Boo-to-You Parade is one of my favorite things about the party, the number of characters within the parade is another reason why I love it! Regardless of whether they’re on a float or walking on foot, these Disney villains and friends are happy to wave or give a quick compliment to guests as they make their way past us.
Ghosts Madame Carlotta and Butler Broome, were lingering in the graveyard conversing with guests right before we entered the Haunted Mansion.
Special character meet-and-greets happen throughout the party, including this year’s addition of Minnie and friends. Returning this year were fan favorites Jack and Sally, who often have the longest wait of the night. While I didn’t see them this year, this photo is from 2023, when I had a great conversation with them about how Zero likes to play fetch when they walk together.
Another opportunity to see villains is at the Trick-or-treat locations inside Princess Fairytale Hall.
As we made our way through the candy line, Maleficent and the Evil Queen kept a close eye on all of us. The Evil Queen was more than willing to give advice on my costume and strongly suggested that the next time I return, I should not be dressed as one of Snow White’s woodland friends.
Over the next few days, the scent of pumpkin spice will be replaced with gingerbread, and Spooky Season will officially end. Yet, I’m glad we looked back at the fun we had during this year’s parties, and I hope that you enjoyed the season when villains come out to play, and we learned they’re not-so-scary.
Happy Halloween!
~Kelly
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties are currently happening at Magic Kingdom four nights a week, and whether it’s your first time at the event or you’re returning for another year of not-so-spooky memories, one question that all of us face is ‘what should I wear to this frightfully fun celebration?’
While it’s true guests of all ages can attend in full costume, some partygoers may be looking for an alternative that will showcase their Halloween spirit AND be comfortable for a night of fun in the park. If you’re one of those guests, this blog is for you!
Rather than a full costume, which can be hot and heavy, I suggest bounding to the party!
Below are four easy-to-build bounds that are fantastic alternatives to traditional costumes.
– Light purple dress
Paired with the accessories from our Tower Princess bounding box:
– Chameleon Ring
– Lantern Scarf
&
– Frying Pan Necklace:
This bound requires minimal items, just a purple dress in any style you like, and you’ll be ready to break free from your tower and tackle your dreams. Another suggestion would be to incorporate a braid in your hair, which works with the character’s esthetic and helps keep your hair out of your way as you see the fireworks, watch the parade, and race from one ride to the next during the party.
– Burgundy golf shirt
– Black skort
– Black wristband
– Black tie
Paired with the accessories from our Sorcerer Villain bounding box:
– Snake tie clip
– Black and gold lamp pocket-square tied in my hair
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– Black and gold lamp socks
The red and black color palette emulates the cape and robe this villain is most often seen wearing, and the gold accents on the socks and pocket square show the treasure he’s truly after… the lamp. Creating this bound of athletic wear offers a comfy and breathable ensemble so you can easily enjoy the party while continuing your quest for phenomenal cosmic power.
– Purple blouse
– Green/teal skirt
Paired with the accessories from our Mermaid Princess bounding box:
– Fork hair clip
– Mermaid scale scarf
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– Thingamabobs bracelet
Given the scarf’s size, it can be worn around your hips, your shoulders, or tied in your hair and cascade down your back. No matter which option you choose, it’ll show that your bound is of a princess who began her journey in the sea and now wants to be part of your world as she creates her new life on land.
The final bound in today’s blog coordinates with our Ariel bound. If you and a friend are going to a party together, your bounds could complement each other, with one of you being a princess and the other person the villain from the same story.
– Purple golf shirt
– Black overalls
– Black long cardigan
Paired with the accessories from our Sea Witch bounding box:
– Seashell necklace
– Potion ring
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– Eel bangle
While life can be full of tough choices, this bound isn’t one of them. Black overalls, a purple shirt, and a black cardigan create a sinister silhouette of the villain who uses her power to “help” those unfortunate souls with no one else to turn to.
The beauty behind bounding at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party versus wearing a full costume is the freedom it gives you. You don’t have to replicate the same look as the character you’re inspired by; you have the flexibility to adapt, interpret, and customize your outfit to your preferences. If these upcoming weeks have you attending a Not-So-Scary Party or any Halloween event, may it be filled with sweat treats and bewitching bounds!
~Kelly
Whether you visit our website, see us in the parks, or follow us on social media, there’s no denying that we love bounding.
Adding a bit of magic to every day by wearing accessories based on storybook characters makes me smile. Yet, as a small business owner I wondered, is there something more we should be doing? Can we pair our passion for bounding with a good cause?
The answer is yes; I’m happy to announce our project: Bounding and Caring – Partnering to Plant Trees (#BoundingAndCaring)!
We’ve partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization rooted in global reforestation that creates habitats for biodiversity and makes a positive social impact. Since 2014, One Tree Planted has planted more than 135.5 million trees in over 82 countries. Their spectacular track record and focus on getting trees in the ground to help everyone align perfectly with our choice of being a company that helps to improve the world and create a greener future.
Starting today, a portion of every bounding box sold will go towards planting trees to create a sustainable future for everyone.
Why Did We Choose Trees?
Trees connect to everything. They play a critical role in our planet’s climate, restoring ecosystems, supporting wildlife habitats, and improving air and water quality. Trees make a global impact. The more trees in the world, the better it is for all of us today and tomorrow. We believe that choosing trees fits TheCB.Co’s commitment to a healthier planet for future generations.
Who’s Covering the Donation?
We are! Our Bounding and Caring – Partnering to Plant Trees project does NOT change the cost of your bounding box. Our prices have remained the same to our consumers. The donations made as part of #BoundingAndCaring are from the TheCB.Co’s pockets and has no added expense to our customers.
So, What’s Next?
We’re hopeful this project will be the first of many future campaigns in which we can participate. As a small business, we want to continue growing and sharing our passion for bounding with fellow bounders around the world. Yet we also want to be part of improving the world, and we believe we can do both. We’re working to be a thriving small business whose definition of success includes helping to improve the world for future bounders.
~Kelly
On June 7th 2024, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point opened as a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line (DCL) guests. Since then, cruisers have been splashing in the waterplay areas, digging their toes in the sand, and exploring the new sights and sounds of DCL’s second island destination.
Having just completed a 4-night Bahamian cruise with a stop at Lookout Cay, here are my 5 takeaways of items worth noting for your next trip:
To minimize the impact on the island’s natural environment, DCL built its dock away from the island’s edge. The dock runs approximately ½ mile from the island and is noticeably further than cruisers are used to at Castaway Cay. The ½ mile walk takes between 9-15 minutes and is a comparable distance as the walking path guests take from Disney’s Bay Lake Tower to the Magic Kingdom.
The biggest issue with the dock is that guests are in direct sun the entire walk, making the distance much harder to do on hot or sunny days (which, since Lookout Cay is in the Bahamas, that’s most days). To combat the strain the walk along the dock is placing on guests, DCL has begun offering wagons to pull to and from the ship; little cruisers can ride in the wagon, and guests can place their beach bags in the wagon.
DCL has also placed water stations at the start, midway point, and end of the dock, but honestly, more needs to be done.
I recommend that DCL give guests a bottle of water to carry with them as they walk along the dock, provide each guest a UA umbrella to use during the walk, or add shade sails to the pier. Shade sails are successfully used at Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, and would provide a much-needed break from the sun; greatly reducing the negative impact guests are currently experiencing.
This is an area where DCL has upped their game.
At each of the dining locations; True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ, the buffets offer traditional items such as burgers, hot dogs, potato salads, coleslaws etc…, along with an expanded variety of dishes like; Bahamian inspired marinated snapper, yucca fries, fried plantains, and chicken or seafood rice bowls. The expanded menu was a great surprise, giving more options for guests to enjoy.
During the initial sailings, social media posts came out stating the dining locations were overrun with flies. I’m relieved and delighted to share that DCL has resolved that problem! I did not have an issue with flies in either instance of serving myself at the buffet or eating in the seating areas. I want to give DCL credit for hearing the feedback from guests and resolving the fly problem so quickly.
Rush Out Gush Out is a family water play area that offers guests a spot to play in the sun, zip down water slides, and have fun with the whole family. It’s a fun space for kids and those of us who are kids at heart to make memories together.
Sabastian’s Cove is a waterplay area specifically designed for guests ages 3-10 years old. Younger cruisers can splash their way around statues of Sabastian conducting his orchestra of Under the Sea friends while water pops up from the ground and rains down from flower petals. The Cove is a cute space for younger guests to play, with less intense water features.
The Play-Play Pavilion offers a spot to stay dry and try your hand at games. Be it giant Jenga, Cornhole, or Ring toss; there are a bunch of activities for everyone to enjoy. During our time on the island, this was the perfect place to visit while a rain cloud passed through, and it gave us a chance to test our gaming skills amongst the family.
Theodore Elyett, an acclaimed Bahamian designer, created new looks for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Chip, Dale, and Pluto to wear on Lookout Cay. These colorful pieces are inspired by the Bahamian culture, especially the vibrant colors of the traditional Junkanoo style, and ensure that each of our Disney friends is ready for their day on the island.
Mickey’s got conch shells on his shorts, and Minnie has a fantastic green dress with a giant green bow in her hair.
My personal favorite is the bold contrasting colors of Daisy’s ensemble. Her outfit inspired me to do a Lookout Cay bound.
Bound Details:
Character Meet and Greets on the island happen throughout the day (times and locations can be found on the DCL Navigator App). You can also see characters in their new outfits during RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration and the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash.
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Serenity Bay and the Family Beach shorelines have crystal clear water, and the sand is smooth – no pebbles or rocks to avoid stepping on. I did not have the chance to try the beach area in front of the Mabrika Cove Cabanas, yet I imagine it’s just as nice as the two areas we explored.
The beaches are lined with umbrellas and loungers for guests to use. Further back from the water, and behind the sand dune, is another set of loungers, so if guests don’t want to be so close to the water’s edge or prefer to be closer to the island activities, they’ve got options.
On the day we visited, it stormed in the morning, and even with high winds during the storm, the water was clear for our afternoon swim (not a lot of seaweed or debris washing up on shore). When comparing the beaches of Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, I’d choose Lookout Cay every time!
The opening of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a welcome addition to DCL’s Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. While some areas of concerns still have room for improvement and hopefully will be addressed over time, my overall takeaway is that this new destination offers a relaxing day for cruisers with beautiful beaches, good food, and Disney magic mixed in.
~Kelly
After a four-year closure, 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian has reopened its doors.
It’s now welcoming guests to a dining experience offering buffets of food, character meet-and-greets, and, most importantly, the chance to celebrate the power of a wish.
The idea of wishes is incorporated into the experience from the moment you arrive at your table. The Cast Member who seats your family will give each person a “Wish Card” and ask that you write down a wish to have on hand for the Wish Ceremony.
The Wish Ceremony happens during your meal where over the course of a song all of the characters roam throughout the dining room and ask that you hold up your Wish Card. For me, this was a really cute moment because when I looked around, I saw an abundance of excitement to participate in the ceremony from my fellow dinners (especially the younger guests).
Also, the back of the Wish Card has a copy of each character’s autograph.
The restaurant has kept its early 20th-century design but has been refreshed with new color palettes, fabrics, and artwork highlighting pivotal moments in a character’s story.
Some images show characters making their greatest wish, while other paintings capture the moment when a wish comes true.
There’s a mix of classic Disney tales like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty alongside newer stories such as when Asha and Valentino meet Star in the Disney Movie – Wish. The overall theme shows that wishes are part of everyone’s story – we all have wishes that we want to come true.
Throughout your meal, Maribel, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Tiana will each stop by to chat and pose for a photo.
*Recently, Disney has begun testing a modified set-up where Tiana is stationed in her own area to meet guests after they finish their meal, so this new configuration may be what you experience during your next visit.
During the character visits, conversations about wishes are by far the most popular topic. Each of these characters has learned about the power of wishes and oftentimes want to hear about your next wish. These wish conversations led to one of my best character interactions at Walt Disney World.
When I learned Alladin would be at 1900 Park Fare, I chose to bound (aka: Disney Bounding) as Jafar for the evening. After all, it’s rare that I get to chat with Aladdin, and I felt it would be an excellent opportunity to bound as his arch-nemesis.
This all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet is open for breakfast and dinner and offers numerous dining choices, including the very popular strawberry soup (available at both breakfast and dinner).
The dinner menu has both traditional Disney buffet items and noteworthy new additions like curry-roasted chicken and Tiana’s gumbo.
With the popularity of the restaurant and its characters, Advanced Dining Reservations are recommended.
Whether it be wishing on a star, receiving a wish from an enchanted candle, finding a dusty old lamp, or having help of a Fairy Godmother, there’s no denying that wishes are powerful and they can change the direction of a person’s story.
So, in a world full of wishes, take a moment and make your wish – believe in it, believe in yourself, and anything is possible!
~Kelly
