As I’ve been considering the things I hope to instill in my young daughter, I’ve been thinking about the wonderful life lessons in Disney films. So, I made a list of the ones that resonated the most.
Throughout Up, Carl is pursuing the “big adventure” that he never had with Ellie, but in the end realizes that his relationship with her was the real adventure. After all, it’s really more about the journey than the destination, as Carl discovered.
You can’t tell what someone is like simply by looking at them, just as Sulley and Mike discovered of little Boo. You have to get to know them for what’s inside, because that is what truly matters.
From our friends at family.disney.com Filed Under: Articles, Aladdin (1992) | Movies | 4ba34c18e869059e961b9666, Finding Nemo (2003) | Movies | 4b9060054bd8950f422a8ba2, Tangled (2010) | Movies | 4b9060054c55750f422a8ba2, Toy Story | Franchises | 53e10cf800676d625d89746a
Over the weekend, we watched The Little Mermaid for our weekly family movie night. Neither of my girls had ever seen it, and somehow I grew up in the ’90s without ever having seen the entire thing, so big chunks of it were new to me too.
Since I’m always thinking about baby names, I noticed several really cute ones that would be perfect for a little mermaid or merman.
1. Ariel
Of course! Too bad the amazing red hair doesn’t automatically come along with the name.
2. Eric
Means “eternal ruler.” I guess King Triton has nothing on Prince Eric!
3. Athena
Ariel’s mother’s name is regal and gorgeous.
4. Carlotta
I love this Spanish name. It’s so exotic but not weird.
5. Sebastian
This name has been steadily gaining popularity, currently clocking in at 45 on the Social Security registry.
6. Gabriella
This gorgeous French name (which belongs to one of Ariel’s mermaid friends) is easily shortened to Gabby; perfect for little girls and grown-up women alike.
7. Alana
All of Ariel’s sisters have names that start with an A, but Alana is my favorite of all of them.
8. Ollie
The Ollie in the Little Mermaid is an octopus, but the full name, Oliver, is plenty popular for humans too, sitting comfortably in the top 100 for the last five years.
9. Melody
It’s no surprise that Ariel’s daughter is just as musical as her mother.
10. Max
Eric’s dog snagged a popular name for himself. Max has been in the top 200 since 1987!
For more Disney magic, check out these Disney DIYs for your toddler:
From our friends at family.disney.com Filed Under: Articles, Disney Baby Names | Seo-tags | 56702b67fef4a65f24c2d659, The Little Mermaid (1989) | Movies | 4b9060054cacb50f422a8ba2
Looking to plan a magical family cruise and not sure if your little one is old enough? A Disney Cruise would be perfect—fit for the whole family. We had the opportunity to cruise aboard the Disney Wonder a few weeks ago with our tyke in tow. The cruise line offered so many features and amenities that made the entire vacation seamless with a little one. Here are nine things to know about going on a Disney Cruise Line vacation with a baby or toddler.
1. Be Aware of Age Requirements
While Disney Cruise Line is very welcoming to babies on board, the cruise line does have reasonable age restrictions with health and safety in mind. Before you book, make sure your child is old enough for the particular sailing. Babies must be 6 months old as of the sailing date for most Disney Cruise vacations, but need to be 12 months for Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries.
2. Take Advantage of the “it’s a small world” Nursery
Disney Cruise Line has childcare especially tailored to the littlest travelers. Every ship has a nursery that takes babies and toddlers up to age 3, with very reasonable pricing. It offers them a chance to play games, make crafts, watch movies, or take a nap. Pre-register your children for childcare online prior to the cruise to streamline the check-in process.
3. Cabins Are Built for Early Baby Bedtimes
No need to sit in the dark to not disturb your kiddo as they sleep. Cabins on the ships are divided by a very heavy blackout curtain that closes the kids bunk area off from the main bed for adults. Your children can go to sleep while you have access to the rest of the cabin.
4. Ships Are Stocked with Supplies and Gear
While you still may want to bring specific styles your family prefers, the ships have plenty of diapers, infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, and more. There is even a refrigerator in the room to store snacks, milk, or formula for ease. Pack ‘N Plays are also available to give your baby a safe space to sleep.
5. Tots in Swim Diapers Can Play in the Water
Each ship has a water play area where swim diapers are allowed for the pre-potty trained little ones. Dory’s Reef on the Disney Wonder offered my son hours of enjoyment.
6. Castaway Cay Is a Beach Baby’s Dream
Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is a stop on most of the cruise line’s trips out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Jogging strollers and wagons with wheels
that can easily navigate sand are available to transport your little one more easily. The beaches have a very gradual drop-off that allows babies and toddlers to wade safely. Free life jackets in small sizes are stocked on every beach to borrow, just like on the ship. Even the bike rentals are baby-friendly! You can rent adult bikes with baby seats on the back to explore the island with your tyke.
7. Bathing Your Baby Is No Problem
Did you get a little sandy at Castaway Cay? No problem! Cabins have a bathtub where you can actually give your baby a bath. Even though these tubs are smaller than the standard size, they were still big enough to give both of my kids a bath at the same time for maximum efficiency.
8. Entertainment Is a Fit for Little Travelers
Assuming it isn’t too much past your baby’s bedtime, the evening shows on Disney Cruise Line are likely to be a hit with tykes. The shows are filled with Disney magic and familiar characters that hold their attention.
9. Don’t Miss Character Meet and Greets
Seeing a little one’s eyes light up meeting Mickey for the first time is what makes any kind of Disney vacation special, including trips on Disney Cruise Line. There are many opportunities for your baby or toddler to meet their favorite characters on the cruise. Book character meet and greets in advance online to have the shortest wait times, or simply seize the moment when pre-dinner photo opps present themselves. On Castaway Cay, there are also a number of character meet-ups as you disembark, so get those cameras ready!
For more Disney magic, check out these Steamboat Willie Party Glasses:
We’re getting in one more summer adventure for the books. Spend the weekend with Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore, crafting some unBEARably cute crafts and recipes with your family. Then, head to the theater to see Christopher Robin.
These hand pies will have your mouth watering and your family begging for more. They can be served anytime and anywhere because they’re portable and convenient to eat when you’re on the go.
Delicious lemon squares are a classic treat. Make them even sweeter with our favorite silly old bear! These little Winnie the Pooh Lemon Bars pair perfectly with a summer afternoon or evening.
This easy cake is straight from the Hundred Acre Wood, and will delight your family and friends. It’s made by frosting miniature cupcakes together to create an adorable, little Pooh cake.
Each puff is made of a light, airy pastry paired with a crispy cookie shell and delicate, sweet filling. These Winnie the Pooh Cream Puffs are the absolute cutest treat to munch on.
I have found a few movies that have really captured my kiddos’ attention when they were toddlers. Some of them have remained on their top list since they were tots, while others have been added. I’ve found that they preferred movies with interesting shapes and super bright colors. A great soundtrack helps as well and gets them dancing.
He’s cute, cuddly, and loves his honey! Babies and toddlers love Winnie the Pooh, thanks to his gentle manner, soft voice, and sweet personality. Pooh’s friends are just as charming and each come with a drastically different personality. I think that could also play into the huge appeal. Follow along with Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Eeyore, and Christopher Robin as they join Winnie the Pooh on his exciting adventures.
This movie has something for both toddlers and kids of all ages. Nemo and his friends swim around, solve problems, and embark on an adventure that captures you from the very beginning. The colorful fish and quick movements keep tots entertained.
Anything and everything The Little Mermaid is a win with all three of my kids. My son dances to the music, the girls are in love with Ariel, and the talking sea creatures just make it that much more fun. Plus, the bright colors and playful soundtrack keep them happy.
The idea of toys and dolls coming to life is essentially a child’s dream come true. These are my son’s favorite movies and his sisters offer no objection when he asks to watch them. Warning: if you have never seen Toy Story 3 before, have a box of Kleenex ready.
This movie had my girls the moment the stork started flying across the sky holding a bundle. The “awwwwws” and “oohhhhs!” that come out of their mouths every time they see baby Dumbo is one of the sweetest things. The story offers a message that I think is so important for kids of all ages. And, my son loves elephants, so this is an appealing flick for him as well.
For more Disney magic, check out this Peter Pan Pumpkin:
From our friends at family.disney.com Filed Under: Articles, Dumbo (1941) | Movies | 4ba34c30e20b159e961b9666, Finding Nemo (2003) | Movies | 4b9060054bd8950f422a8ba2, Rainy Day Activities, The Little Mermaid (1989) | Movies | 4b9060054cacb50f422a8ba2, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) | Movies | 4ba34c73919b859e961b9666, Toy Story | Franchises | 53e10cf800676d625d89746a
