Disney World - Holiday Rising

Why I still believe in the Magic of Disney World and the impact of Walt’s extraordinary, courageous vision of dreaming big!

Disney World. Lake Buena Vista, Florida

For years now…oh, and I mean years, way too many to count (but over 45), I’ve been blessed many times with the ability to go to the fabulous magical land called Disney World in Lake Buena Vista Florida. My older sisters’ were among the very first to grace the grounds along with my grandparents. They took the wonderful drive down I 75 to Disney in their RV from Michigan was still in my mother’s womb. Well, I must have carried the excitement, anticipation oh, and jealousy of not being able to attend this brand new world, because I certainly adopted all of the fascination, childlike nuances and excitement every time I think about going back every time.

They say it is the sheer Joy of watching a child’s expression experiencing something fantastical and whimsical for the first time that fills your heart with glee and is more addictive than sugar.. But I believe it is even more than that. I believe that even as adults we are reminded that dreams can come true, great stories can transform, and the imagination can take us as far as we allow it to go.

Walt Disney World is an extraordinary symbol of what is possible when we stretch our limits, ideas, imaginations and even belief in what is possible.The knowledge that one location has brought billions of people everyday together from all walks of life, many different experiences, and cultures to share in it’s peek into the future is mindblowing. Disney World, taps into the possibilities of what if and forces all that walk down magical mainstreet to be absolutely present in the moment creating memories for a lifetime.It seems the ultimate goal of sharing a golden vision of someone else’s and showing what is possible with love, hardwork and endless perseverance to make others marvel and smile with pure joy are at the core of Disney’s existence.

I am so proud to still say I’m a Disney kid, the fact that our kids Ace and Kingston are Disney kids as well and are just as excited if not more than me to attend and find new activities and things to explore excites me to no end. When able, Disney is more than an escape; it is an extension of someone’s belief that you could create something so powerful, innovative and demonstrative that it becomes infectious. That is a gift to us all.

Let’s take it back decades, when Walt Disney was buying up literal swampland back in the fifties and sixties with the belief that he could take his Gold Mine Mickey Mouse cartoon idea and create a World of Magic. Imagine trying to buy up land and for an idea that didn’t even exist as of yet, with the land that wasn’t even there (swamp land to be built upon) the sheer blank canvas of swamp land in the middle of Orlando Florida oh, my gosh the thought that someone saw that and then said here is where ‘Paradise on Earth’ is going to be just blows my mind. And I am so grateful for his Insight, intuition and quite possibly spiritual intervention that touched him with such a thought and then the drive to actually believe he could pull it off. But then the fortitude, willpower, dedication, and desire to see it through has made this new existence possible. Wow.

As an avid traveler, dreamer, entrepreneur, reader, adventurer, I draw so much inspiration and happiness every time I travel back to Lake Buena Vista and to Disney World to see what is new. Every time we go, there is new found treasure. I can recall traveling to Disney with my family over the years when I was a kid then going with my friends and then going with my family. As a mom now, I truly believe that over the 40 times I’ve been, there’s still so much more to see and do. Just like my life, I feel like although there is so much that I have accomplished, failed at, seen and done, oh, I am still a wonderful work in progress just like Disney!

Growing and adapting to a new world around me. Where Disney is an organized wonderful well-run machine however, I feel more like beautiful chaos. Which is perfectly fine and wonderful in itself. Because just like the many different exhibits, rides, attractions, food selections we are all so different and unique and have our own desires, experiences, goals, and dreams.

It’s just so amazing to be among so many other people experiencing the shared experience of Walt Disney. Traveling to Disney to grab the magic and sampling a slice of one man’s dream. I wonder if he even imagined where his vision has grown today. With movies, Disney+ streaming channel, International Park,toys, adventure games and more, his dream grew wings and is soaring like a mighty phoenix. Thank you Walt Disney for your vision and the singular goal of tapping into everyone’s innermost fantasy. Disney World represents a magical world of possibility and pure joy.. I hope I am always a Disney kid at heart and truly wish that everyone at least one time in their lives can experience lightning in a bottle that exists at Walt Disney World.

Wish upon a star…

Happy Holiday Rising

Celebrating 50 Magical Years at Walt Disney World!!!

Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Milestones like turning 50 are amazing markers of resilience, growth and an abundance of memories. And no one quite does celebrating in extravagance like Disney!! Since opening it’s doors in the early 1970’s Disney World has stood the test of time, expanded it’s offerings and continued to shock and amaze all who venture through the magical markers stating it’s the “The most magical place on earth”.

Ace at Hollywood Studios!!

While many doubted the scuccess of Disney world back in the 50’s and 60’s when Walt Disney was trying to buy up land for an amazing world of wonder in the middle of swampland and not much else, He was steadfast in his vision. He saw potential where very few others did and with his vision of an escape to wonder and the future, brining families together was thought to be just a money pit whim of fantasy. But as we ventured down south this spring break to tackle all four parks again, Magic Kingdon, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, just keep getting better with time! Creating a sense of new adventures and memories to share.

Here we go!!! Our ritualistic Family pose at the Magic Kingdom Entrance!

I tip my hat to people who have incredible creativity, but also the courage to see thier dreams become reality despite all odds. It often takes years, even decades for true goals and dreams to be realized, but it is worth it as you sit in your once just colorful dreams. When you can say you set a goal, dream or plan that is so far fetched that it makes your stomach quesy and then set out to accomplish it anyway is pretty ‘bad ass’ if you ask me. That is true courage. The Great Muhammad Ali once said “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they are not big enough”. To be scared to try something but be moved to do it anyway is remarkably courageous and maybe one of the reasons Disney and Disney World still holds so much wonder, is that just by going and witnessing the magic first hand, a bit of magic dust is sprinkled on you and inspires the adventurist in us all to strive for the absolute greatest of ourselves.

Auntie Mern and Kingston Chillin’ at Animal Kingdom

There is hope and joy in the faces of people being inspired by Walt Disney and his pursuit to see a vision of what many would call impractical and delusional even to Fruition. I hope that all who read this feel empowered by whatever pursuits tickle your fancy in your dreams. With a strong idea, a great plan, and the willingness to see it through no matter what, we can all see our passionate visions come true!

Ace & Kingtson soaking in the magic of Main Street at Magic Kingdom

Mern & Malaika (M&M) bravely taking on the amazing and spectacular new Gaurdians of the

Galaxy Roller Coaster at Epcot.

Colin taking it easy at Epcot, enjoying the display of countries,

and searching for the best food!!!

Malaika enjoying the perfect Disney Snack. The Mickey Pretzel!!

YAAAAAAAS Disney, you make 50 look Fabulous!

It’s time to relax, relate and release!

Ever look at a child’s face when they are handed their favorite double scoop special order of ice cream with brownie when they are going in for their first bite? Witnessed a baby figuring out the art of the magical peek a boo smile? Observed a chef’s reaction to tasting their utterly magnificent creation? A dancer’s locked in poise and resolve as they hit their groove? How about my very favorite, the look on a child’s face along with their parents reaction to walking the great pathway on main street towards Disney Worlds magic castle. These are all moments of sheer bliss that transcend thoughts, stress and reason. They are true moments of joy.

These moments when felt, often cannot be explained, duplicated on demand or manufactured. They are simply the feeling of being elated that feels like sprinkles of sunshine on your skin on a beautiful summer day. So often as we grow older, especially these days, we are so inundated with reports to file, jobs to do, bills to pay and goals to conquer, that we pass by so many opportunities for sprinkles of joy!

Stop and enjoy the beautiful sight of a bee pollinating an exotic flower, the perfect shade of fuchsia. Appreciate the sunrays streaking down from the clouds in heavenly fashion. Take time to appreciate the beautiful light rain on a hot day. Slowly eat and enjoy your meal with your family, savor every bite and the conversation. Truly look into the eyes of a loved one and see their soul as you dive into deep conversation.

Find a park and jump on the swings, grab an indulgent ice cream scoop, howl at the moon, play a board game, watch a comedy that will make you laugh uncontrollably. Take time to enjoy life and yourself! You deserve sheer pleasure, so go out and grab it! It’s in these little moments that help to create a lifestyle of feeling like a holiday or vacation is always on the horizon. Hence you are truly living a holiday rising inspired life!

Chocolate Banana Pops

Inspired by Frozen Banana popsicles at Disney World

Magic Kingdom at Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Looking for a great way to cool off and satiate your sweet tooth? Look no further than this addictive snack that is a big departure from your normal go to’s. Prepare these frozen banana treats and be a hero in your neighborhood or party sphere. We were first introduced to this delightful treat while wondering around the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida. They apply a bit more chocolate (which I am still trying to perfect their recipe). But here is our Loft Kitchen take on it!

All you need is:

2 medium-long bananas

2 cups milk or white chocolate chips

4 tablespoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons sweetened coconut flakes

4 tablespoons chopped almonds or granola

All you have to do is:

1. Peel the bananas and cut them in half. Using Popsicle sticks or cake pop sticks, insert the stick on the bottom of the banana about halfway up. Place bananas on the parchment paper (about 1-2 inches apart) then freeze for 30 minutes.

2. Next, warm up the chocolate chips for 60-90 seconds. Mix in cinnamon.

3. After removing bananas from freezer, place them into the bowl of melted chocolate. You can use a spoon to add more chocolate up the sides of the banana. Lay the chocolate-covered bananas back onto the baking sheet.

4. Now for the fun part sprinkle the almonds or granola and coconut flakes over the bananas. Freeze again for 10-15 minutes. Finish your amazing desert with a chocolate or (caramel drizzle) or any other of your family favorite toppings and enjoy!!!

Happy Easter Weekend!!!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with candy and treats left by the Easter Bunny….or just head to

Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs, Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Florida.

Hope you all have a magical and blessed Easer! For many it’s one of the first times family and friends are able to gather and celebrate together in a few years. We are so grateful for our loved and cherished ones and are over the moon that we get to get out and enjoy the world and each other again.

We here at Holiday Rising want to pass along our Easter Blessings to you all and share a wonderful candy store experience at Walt Disney World called Goofy’s Candy Company We don’t always indulge in sugar but when we do…. oh boy!!!

They have everything for even the most sweet toothed enthusiast. From lollypops, gummy bears, licorice, giant suckers to huge sweet muffins, cupcakes, Carmel or chocolate apples and much more!!! Oh my mouth is watering while typing with the memory of the tantalizing smell of Goofy’s. You truly do feel like you’ve stepped on set of a cross between the best magical Disney birthday party and Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory!!! So many eye catching treats to try will put you in a frenzy for sure.