Dose of Disney: Polynesian Resort Review

This trip we stayed at the Polynesian Village Resort in the Disney Vacation Club villas. We had two combined studios that overlooked Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom. Although the resort is gorgeous we found some major downsides to this resort, plus just being a monorail resort. 

First off, the resort was very noisy and busy! A lot of people come to the Polynesian to eat dinner or to explore. My family had been used to staying at resorts that were less of a destination for people not staying there. So, this was definitely a downside for us. We ate at Captain Cook's, which is there quick serve, and it was a mad house. There were barely any tables and just people everywhere. Also, the lobby was always busy, where in the past the hotel common areas were peaceful areas. But, again the Polynesian proved to be much more of a destination then we thought. 

Next up transportation. I think after this trip we won't be staying at any monorail resorts. Numerous times the lines were unbelievably long and it was impossible to get on a monorail. People who weren't staying at resorts would take the hotel express monorail to avoid the ticket and transportation monorail's long line. This increased out line and make the ride very crowded when we eventually did get on. Luckily we figured out that the ticket and transportation center was a less then 5 min walk from our specific hotel room. So, we opted for the boat available there to get to Magic Kingdom. But, the monorails for sure proved to be less convienent then the thought. 

Our room did have an amazing view of the water and we could watch Magic Kingdom fireworks every night from our window. But, being on the water ended up being a major downside because of the noise. Every 10 min or so in the morning and night we would hear the boats honking their horns. This made a great wake up call, if your into that sort of thing, but it was very annoying and loud. So, although we had a great view, you have to sacrifice quietness with that view. 

Our next major problem was with our individual room. This problem, hopefully, won't happen to everyone. But it was pretty gross experience! After pulled out the sofa bed we discovered a large lollipop stuck onto the mattress under the sheets. We discovered this around 10pm so not much could be done about it. But, it took basically 2 days for the problem to be resolved. So, we lost valuable sleeping space. Although this is a very specific room problem, it was very gross and annoying. Also, very impressed a kid got a lollipop there... not sure how that happened. 

Despite the downsides, this resort is gorgeous! If noise or a busy lobby doesn't bother you this is a great place to stay. The scenery is amazing and seeing the fireworks every night was awesome. With tropical vibes it for sure makes you feel like you are on vacation. Plus there are a ton of amenities and things to do just at the hotel. 

This review is completely my own opinions and experience! I try and give my honest opinion to help my readers in the future. 

Have you stayed at the Polynesian? I want to hear your experience! Let me know in the comments. 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Dose of Disney: Cold Day at the Parks

Orlando wasn't treating us so well over spring break as it was one of the coldest weeks of the season, of course. So, layering was my best friend on this trip. For this look I layered my J Crew green jacket over an adorable sweatshirt I picked up in Disneyland Paris while I was abroad. I love this sweatshirt so I was happy I got the chance to wear it. 

During the day I kept my green jacket on, then in my backpack I kept my Patagonia lighter jacket for the evening. It got down into the 40s so an additional jacket was necessary! The great thing about my Patagonia is that it compresses and folds up super easily. So, it didn't take up to much room in my backpack. To compress it even more I slipped it into a gallon size ziplock bag. 

Again, I carried my Seven Dwarfs Danielle Nicole handbag around at the parks. I got so many compliments on this bag, and my ears, it was insane! Most people don't look outside of the Disney gift shops for fun Disney merchandise. So, if your planning a trip do some digging around to find more unique pieces like this bag and my Aloha Ear Design 3D printed ears! It will for sure make you stand out in the parks and they provide endless opportunities for cute photos. 

Here is a closer look at my sweatshirt from Disneyland Paris! It features a ton of characters including classics like Mickey and Minnie and fun characters like the three good fairies and Tinkerbell! The characters are surrounded by famous Paris landmarks. This sweatshirt is so cute because it is subtle, but still has a ton of Disney style. With the sweatshirt I wore my Baublebar glitter monogram necklace to complete the look. 

Where it's from: 

Jacket: J Crew 

Sweatshirt: Disneyland Paris 

Tee: Box Lunch (layered underneath) 

Jeans: American Eagle 

Shoes: Keds Minnie Mouse collection 

Ears: Aloha Ear Design

Bag: Danielle Nicole Handbags 

Necklace: Baublebar 

Magicband wrap: Magical Monograms 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Disney World 

Have you ever been to Disney World or Disneyland when it was cold? Let me know what you wore in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Dose of Disney: Violet Minnie

Purple is my all time favorite color! So, when I learned there was a violet lemonade at the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot I was excited to say the least. This look is all purple and floral inspired. My Minnie floral baseball tee is from the wonderful Pretty Little Monograms. I got a ton of stuff from her before my trip and I love everything, especially this tee! 

This tee matched the Flower and Garden merch perfectly! I picked up these Minnie ears at the park and they coordinated perfectly with this tee. Having a baseball tee was perfect because it was a bit chilly. We expected the weather to be much warmer then it was, but I changed in and out of a pair of chino shorts to yoga pants as the weather changed throughout the day. Sadly I was in yoga pants most of the day, but it still ended up being a cute look. 

Again, I also layered my denim jacket over this look when it was colder. I accessorized the jacket with fun pins and buttons for an extra dose of Disney! My shoes are the same Toy Story Vans I rocked a lot of the days while at the parks. 

How cute is this wall! It's known as the bumble gum wall because of it's awesome colors. This wall is right near the Spaceship Earth ride right near the entrance of Epcot. My adorable "Treat your self" button is from Parkbound buttons. 

One of my bigger purchases of the trip was this Flower and Garden exclusive Dooney and Bourke crossbody. I'm obsessed with this print! I knew I wanted to pick it up after seeing it all over Instagram. Opting for the smaller size lets me use it at the parks, in addition to my backpack, and also for everyday use. I searched for a print on the bag that showcased Minnie the most. I'm not the biggest fan of Figment, who was a featured character, so I found one where he wasn't as prevalent! When purchasing one of the bags be sure to check the patterns because they all look a little different. 

While at Epcot I met the adorable Raven behind The Disney Dorm on Instagram. She is so so so adorable! She was at the parks handing out free patches she makes and I knew I had to go say hi. Before my trip I picked up her tea cup patch for an upcoming DIY project I'm planning. She's the sweetest girl and I loved the chance to meet her. Be sure to check out her shop Disney Dorm and her adorable products! 

This trip I found a ton of cute new photo spots perfect for snapping the perfect Instagram! I'll be doing a whole post on the best Instagram photo spots soon! 

Where it's from:

Shirt: Pretty Little Monograms 

Jean jacket: American Eagle 

Leggings: Aerie 

Shoes: Disney Van's 

Ears: Disney 

Purse: Dooney Bourke Flower & Garden Festival print 

Magicband wrap: Magical Monograms 

Buttons: Parkbound buttons, Box Lunch 

Have you been to the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Dose of Disney: You've Got a Friend in Me

You've got a friend in me, you've got a friend in me. 

Toy Story is one of my favorites! Disney's Hollywood Studios is kind of the home of Pixar and with the upcoming Toy Story land I was feeling major Pixar vibes! So, for my outfit for Hollywood Studios I rocked a head to toe Toy Story inspired look. 

These super cute ears were made by my best friend's sister! She has her own Etsy shop and makes adorable ears. I had to have these Toy Story ears for this look. Be sure to check out her shop Enchanted Ears by KT.

For this look I wore the most adorable Pizza Planet pocket tee from Box Lunch. Box Lunch is a super cool store that has a bunch of pop culture merchandise, including Disney! The best part, they donate meals to kids in need with every purchase. So awesome! The pocket tee features the adorable aliens from Toy Story reaching out of the pocket tee with the claw. Also, it says Pizza Planet. 

These Van's Toy Story sneakers are so darn cute! Somehow I managed to snag them at Nordstrom rack for under $40. Such a steal. They were also super comfortable for walking around all day in the parks. In addition, they are subtle enough that I can wear them outside of Disney World. Not to mention, the adorable Andy detail on the bottom of the shoe is to die for! 

Pizza Planet was my family's favorite restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios. So, when we heard they were getting rid of it we were devastated! These shirts pay tribute to our favorite spot in a small way. We all wore matching t-shirts so we looked like typical dorky tourists, but in a stylish way. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Box Lunch 

Shorts: Nordstrom 

Shoes: Vans Toy Story collection 

Ears: KT Enchanted Ears on Etsy 

Magicband wrap: Magical Monograms on Etsy 

Necklace: Baublebar 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

What's your favorite character from Toy Story? Mine is the little aliens! Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Dose of Disney: Minnie meets Lilly

For my first day at Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot I wanted a fun outfit to take pictures in front of all of the beautiful topiaries. So, I opted for a Lilly meets Disney look. I paired a pair of Sail Bow Lilly Minnie ears with a matching Lilly dress. This print is one of my all time favorites, so I loved this look! 

With this dress I wore my Minnie Mouse Keds. Keds are my go-to sneaker to wear at Disney. They are comfortable but also cute! This pair is great because they are neutral, but still have a hint of subtle Disney style. 

This day was odd weather, Sometimes it was super warm and other times it was cold. So, I carried around a denim jacket to throw on when it got chilly. I wore this jacket on repeat all week. My new obsession is for sure a jean jacket with some flair like buttons or pins. This day I wore some buttons from Box Lunch (also my new obsession) and some pins from Disney World. 

Can we talk about this topiary? So cute! There will be a post all about the different topiaries of the Flower and Garden Festival so be on the lookout! 

For accessories, I carried my new favorite Disney bag. This Danielle Nicole handbag is Seven Dwarf themed! Ahh! I'm obsessed. It features my favorite Disney boys and a moveable pick and hammer on the front. Also, it has a bunch of iridescent glitter. Danielle Nicole has so many cute Disney bags, but this is for sure my favorite. I got it the day I left for Disney so the timing was perfect. I picked it up for 20% off on Hot Topic's website. Surprisingly they have a ton of cute Disney stuff! 

Where it's from: 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer 

Ears: Sail Bows 

Jacket: American Eagle 

Necklace: Kendra Scott 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

Magic Band Wrap: Magical Monograms 

Bag: Danielle Nicole Handbags 

Buttons: Box Lunch & Disney 

Shoes: Keds Minnie Mouse collection

What is your favorite Lilly print? I love this citrus one! Tell me in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Dose of Disney: Why I love Disney as a young adult

So many people tease me about loving Disney as a 21-year-old adult. But, I don't care. Disney is something I have loved and cherished all of my life. Whether that be the movies, the parks, or the characters. My entire life Disney has been there. From watching the movies with my brother and Papa, to going to the parks with my family, to going on Disney cruises and making amazing friends Disney is something that is important to me. 

If you don't like Disney that is totally okay. But, why diss on people who do? As a "young adult" who loves Disney, I'm someone who loves being a kid. 

Disney World brings me to a place of happiness. Disney cruises gives me an opportunity to escape the real world and just have fun. Disney movies gives me a chance to have fun and be a kid. That is why I love Disney. Because it gives me the chance to forget all of my problems and just have fun. It reminds me of the little girl who loved playing dress up in Disney princess dresses and carried around a 101 Dalmatians purse. Disney reminds me of simpler times.

With the world we live in I think everyone could use a little magic and happiness, and Disney does that for me. So, the next time you diss on someone who is going on vacation to Disney world or says they are way to excited for the Beauty and the Beast movie release (because let's be honest we are all excited) remember what Disney means to people like us.

Do you love Disney? Let me know why in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda