tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55855923545696659552024-03-05T10:59:57.323-06:00Adventures of a Cosplaying MomLike a regular mom, only more awesome.Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-64055831876703824052018-03-06T12:25:00.002-06:002018-03-06T21:09:08.268-06:00Planning a Disney World Trip - Fastpass+ Guide and Attraction Overviews<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hey guys! I'm back with more
Disney World info, to hopefully help you plan your best possible
vacation. In my last post, I covered <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2018/03/planning-disney-world-trip-how-to-use.html" target="_blank">how Fastpass+ works</a>, and the
process of booking them. In this post, I'll talk about which
attractions have Fastpasses, and which ones (from my experience) are
the most important. I'll also cover which rides are more suited for
young children. Nabbing the right Fastpasses is essential to getting
the most out of your trip, because no one, especially toddlers, likes
standing in long lines. But with so many options out there, it can
be a little overwhelming to try to decide which three to go for! I'm
going to do my best to give you some more confidence in your
decision, though of course the final decision will be up to you based
on what your child likes and what is most important to your family.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I stated last time, most wait
times that I mention are going to be based on my own off-season
visits, so if you're planning a peak season trip, the times will most
likely be longer. Also, keep in mind that any ride or show is going
to have the shortest wait times first thing in the morning or late in
the evening, so it is possible to catch some of the most popular
rides without a Fastpass if you can get there early or stay late.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When it comes to shows and
character meetings, the first things you're going to want to do when
you get to any park is grab a map (there is a map on the Disney World
app, but the paper version is much easier to read) and a Times Guide.
The Times Guide will tell you when all the show performances are,
where and when you can find the characters, plus other information
about any attractions with special times (early closings, etc.).</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In all honesty, I haven't been to Disney World enough times to experience everything they have to offer. But I have tried to be up front about what I don't know as much about (everything in Animal Kingdom, for instance!), and I have also done a good amount of research for this post on wait times, age level, etc.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is going to be a long post
with a lot of information stuffed inside! But to try to make it a
little easier on you, I've included a recap at the end of each park
with which Fastpasses are priority. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Magic Kingdom</span></h2>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAaFoKiYONdjsL1uafp7pl6gv1ZWi7DFTB8Y_gZhGT-Pi9x49wYASwfrIY6Nm0Vrk71Cp15uOvDcf9aLlNRiZcHtn6W72oa6Rjoz05EOnp0qcEkBCz9vQaZ5dvT5k0CoXY69j6uWAPgZ5/s1600/magickingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAaFoKiYONdjsL1uafp7pl6gv1ZWi7DFTB8Y_gZhGT-Pi9x49wYASwfrIY6Nm0Vrk71Cp15uOvDcf9aLlNRiZcHtn6W72oa6Rjoz05EOnp0qcEkBCz9vQaZ5dvT5k0CoXY69j6uWAPgZ5/s320/magickingdom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unlike the rest of the parks, there is
no tier system for the attractions at Magic Kingdom, which means any
three Fastpasses are up for grabs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
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<br /></div>
<h4>
RIDES</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> The Barnstormer</i> – 35” or taller
– a small, outdoor rollercoaster. I've never personally been on
the ride, but off-season wait times seem to average 20-45 minutes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Big Thunder Mountain Railroad</i> –
40” or taller – a mild rollercoaster. Wait times almost always
exceed an hour, so you'll want a Fastpass.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin</i>
– any height – ride with laser guns, fun for all ages. One of
our personal favorites! Wait times are often 45 minutes or more, so
it's definitely a good idea to try to get this one, though it could
be possible to catch it at a shorter time if you keep checking.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Dumbo the Flying Elephant</i> – any
height – wait times often go up to 45 minutes, but slack off later
in the day. There is also a new interactive waiting area to keep the
kids occupied if the wait does get long. I would not use one of my
Fastpasses for this ride.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Haunted Mansion</i> – any height –
even though it's a “silly” ride, it will probably be too scary
for most young children. Wait times are mostly over 45 minutes, so
Fastpass is recommended.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>It's a Small World</i> – any height –
one of the most classic Disney World rides, and little ones love it.
Wait times seem to be longer lately than ever before, but still don't
usually go above 30 minutes, so you don't really need a Fastpass for
this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Jungle Cruise </i>– any height – a
cheesy but classic boat ride. The ride features animatronic animals,
which are not scary by themselves, but some tour guides may try to
“spook” you a little. Wait times tend to be 30 minutes or more.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mad Tea Party </i>– any height –
classic spinning tea cup ride. Generally has short wait times,
Fastpass should not be needed.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Magic Carpets of Aladdin</i> –
any height – similar to the Dumbo ride, fun for all ages. Another
of our favorites! Wait times can be long in the middle of the day,
but stay short in the late afternoon and evening. Fastpass should
not be needed.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> The Many Adventures of Winnie the
Pooh</i> – any height – fun ride through scenes of The Blustery Day,
great for all ages. You'll feel like you're bouncing with Tigger,
floating in the flood, and more! Wait times tend to be 30 minutes or
more, so a Fastpass is a good idea.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Peter Pan's Flight </i>– any height –
one of the classics, and great for little ones. Wait times almost
always exceed an hour, so Fastpass is a must.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Pirates of the Caribbean </i>–any
height – includes a small drop, and the imagery is a bit scary and
violent, so I'd skip this one with little kids. It's been a while
since I've been on this ride, but Fastpass is probably a good idea on
busier days.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Seven Dwarfs Mine Trai</i>n – 38”
of taller – a mild outdoor rollercoaster, one of the newest
additions. Wait times are almost always over an hour, so you'll need
a Fastpass for this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Space Mountain </i>– 44” or taller
– indoor rollercoaster in the dark. A personal favorite of mine!
No huge drops, but still pretty intense. Wait times are almost
always over an hour.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Splash Mountain</i> – 40” or taller
– water ride with a large drop at the end. Wait times are almost
always over an hour, so you'll want a Fastpass to ride this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Tomorrowland Speedway</i> – 32” or
taller – some toddlers may be too short to ride, but it is fun for
little ones to be able to drive their own racecar. Wait times are
often at least 30 minutes, but sometimes drop on slower days, so you
could go either way with the Fastpass on this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Under the Sea</i> – any height –
fun ride through the scenes of the Little Mermaid for all ages. Even
though it's new, wait times seem to be staying mostly under 30
minutes, so a Fastpass is probably not needed here.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</h4>
<h4>
SHOWS</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Enchanted Tales with Belle</i> – an interactive re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. I have not seen the show since it changed locations, but others online are recommending the Fastpass because of the low capacity of the seating area.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mickey's PhilarMagic</i> – a 3D movie that's lots of fun for children and adults. If young children don't like the 3D effect, they can watch without the glasses and still enjoy it. Shows are every 15 minutes and the auditorium is large, so Fastpass is not necessary.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor</i> – the humor, though clean and hilarious, is geared more towards adults and teens. Children who have seen the movie may still enjoy the show, though. Shows are every 15 minutes and the auditorium is large, so Fastpass is not necessary.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Ariel </i>– located next to the Under the Sea ride in the new section of Fantasyland. Wait times are often 30 minutes or more, but on slower days also frequently drop lower. A Fastpass would definitely be good in busier times, but in the off-season probably not necessary.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Cinderella and Elena –</i> located in Princess Fairytale Hall, in the main section of Fantasyland, next to PhilarMagic. The two princesses are in the same room together. This line can be caught at 25 or 30 minutes, but is usually longer, so a Fastpass would be a good idea.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mickey Mouse</i> – located in Town Square. I believe this is the new “talking Mickey”, which I have not seen but have heard is a neat experience. Wait times seem to be running an hour or more most of the time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Rapunzel and Tiana</i> – located in Princess Fairytale Hall, in the main section of Fantasyland, next to PhilarMagic. The two princesses are in the same room together. This line runs much shorter than its neighboring princess line, so I would not use a Fastpass on it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tinker Bell</i> – located in Town Square. Wait times are usually only around 15 or 20 minutes, so I would not use a Fastpass for this meet.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> No Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px;">
RIDES</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Astro Orbiter</i> – any height –
similar to Dumbo, but with a great, high-up view of Magic Kingdom.
Wait times are usually 40 minutes or more.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Carousel of Progress</i> – any height
– another classic that I have never done, this is a look at how
technology has changed through the years. It's more of a show than a
ride, though the seats do move, and will probably be a little boring
for little ones. Wait times are very short.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Liberty Square Riverboat</i> – any
height – a 17 minute riverboat ride. I've only been on it once as
a pre-teen and found it pretty boring, but younger children may enjoy
it more. Wait times should not be long.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Prince Charming Regal Carousel </i>–
any height – classic carousel. Wait times rarely exceed 15
minutes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Tomorrowland Transit Authority
PeopleMover</i> – any height – a fun, relaxing train-type ride that
takes you all around Tomorrowland. The concept is very simple, but
it's still one of our favorites. Wait times can go up to 15 minutes
but you can often walk right on.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Walt Disney World Railroad </i>– any
height – a 20 minute scenic tour of Magic Kingdom. There are 3
different stops around the park, so you can get on or off anytime.
Trains are scheduled to arrive every 4-10 minutes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate
Tutorial</i> – an interactive show, geared more toward slightly older
children. Learn swordfighting with Captain Jack and Gibbs. There
are 6 shows a day, once every hour.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Country Bear Jamboree</i> – I have
not seen this, but it's a classic show with animatronic singing bears
that people say little children love. Shows run every 17 minutes and
rarely have a wait time longer than that.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Enchanted Tiki Room</i> – another
classic featuring singing animatronic birds. Shows run every 15
minutes and there is never really a wait.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Festival of Fantasy Parade</i> – this
is a newer version of the daytime parade, and we really enjoyed it.
It starts at the entrance to Magic Kingdom, goes down Main Street,
then turns to go through Liberty Square and Adventureland. Most
people recommend picking out a spot to watch at least half an hour
beforehand, but it is possible on slower days to arrive closer to 10
minutes ahead and get a decent spot in some areas. There is only one
showing, and it is at 3 pm.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Hall of Presidents</i> – another show
I have not seen, but I would guess that young children would not be
very interested. Features all of the U.S. Presidents, either as wax
figures or animatronics that give speeches. Shows run every 21
minutes, and the theater has a very large capacity.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Happily Ever After</i> – the
nighttime fireworks, projection, and laser show. You can watch the
fireworks from many places in the park, but if you want to see the
cool projections on the castle you'll have to be right in front of
the castle. You will need to arrive plenty early to claim a decent
spot for this one. The show starts at 7:55 pm.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let the Magic Begin</i> – if you're
on your game enough to make it to the opening of the park, Mickey and
friends kick off the day with a show in front of the castle at 8:55
am.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire</i> –
this is the current show in front of the castle, featuring Mickey and
friends as well as characters from Princess and the Frog, Tangled,
and Frozen. There are 5 performances per day. It's a good idea to
arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time to get a good view.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play
It! Street Party</i> – several parade type floats with characters on
them gather in front of the castle for a dance party, then have a
mini parade back up Main Street when they leave. There are 3
performances per day.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse </i>–
this isn't actually a show, but for lack of a better place I'll
include it here. Self-guided walk through of a mulit-level tree
house modeled after the Swiss Family Robinson's.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Aladdin and Jasmine</i> – located
near the Magic Carpet ride in Adventureland until evening. Note:
Jasmine and sometimes Aladdin can also be seen in Epcot.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Alice</i> – can be found only in the
mornings near the Mad Tea Party ride in Fantasyland. Though not
listed on the Disney website, some people have reported seeing the
White Rabbit with her. Note: Alice can also be seen in Epcot.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Anastasia and Drizella</i> – can
sometimes be seen in various spots in the main part of Fantasyland.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Buzz Lightyear</i> – located outside
throughout the day near the Space Ranger Spin ride in Tomorrowland.
Note: Buzz can also be found in Hollywood Studios.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Circus Stars</i> – meet Minnie,
Goofy, Donald, and Daisy dressed as circus stars in the circus area
of Fantasyland (formerly Toontown). There are two different queues,
one for Minnie and Daisy and one for Goofy and Donald. Note: All of
these characters can be seen elsewhere, but in different costumes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Disney Pals</i> – located in Town
Square off and on until early afternoon. Various characters have
been seen, including Pluto, Snow White, Stitch, and Mary Poppins.
Note: All of these except Stitch can also be seen in Epcot.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Fairy Godmother </i>– I have not
personally seen her recently, but I have heard that she can sometimes
be seen in Fantasyland.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Gaston</i> – can be found near his
tavern in the new part of Fantasyland on and off until afternoon.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Merida</i> – located in Fairytale
Garden (to the right of the castle) throughout the day until evening.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Peter Pan</i> – can be found off and
on throughout the day until evening, around the corner behind the
Peter Pan ride.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Pooh and Tigger</i> – there is an
official queue complete with wait time clock right next to the Pooh
ride. They are there most of the day, but the wait times seem to
stay over 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Woody and Jessie</i> – I have not
personally seen them in Magic Kingdom, but have heard that they can
be found in Frontierland, across from The Golden Horseshoe.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass Recap for Magic Kingdom</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DEFINITELY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Many Adventures of Winnie the
Pooh</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter Pan's Flight</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Space Mountain</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Splash Mountain</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Mickey Mouse</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
PROBABLY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Haunted Mansion</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Enchanted Tales with Belle</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Cinderella and Elena</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
GOOD ON BUSY DAYS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Barnstormer</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jungle Cruise</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pirates of the Caribbean</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tomorrowland Speedway </div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Under the Sea</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Ariel</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DON'T NEED</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dumbo the Flying Elephant</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a Small World</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mad Tea Party</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mickey's PhilarMagic</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Rapunzel and Tiana</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Tinker Bell</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Epcot</span></h2>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJLoZMirgVeM7g6-86GlGIaTM4E2qcSIOZd1wh_w24MnxVdfAb-WoFzqDLyrO__bvZUd9QCR9gXyTAcCIMTIbPvE409Dsty3xZr7qvd1RElhSqSSprxIzeTMCngbRO1n_gOosBvKNh5r/s1600/epcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJLoZMirgVeM7g6-86GlGIaTM4E2qcSIOZd1wh_w24MnxVdfAb-WoFzqDLyrO__bvZUd9QCR9gXyTAcCIMTIbPvE409Dsty3xZr7qvd1RElhSqSSprxIzeTMCngbRO1n_gOosBvKNh5r/s320/epcot.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The remainder of the parks use a
tier system for their Fastpasses. You may choose one Fastpass from
Tier 1, and the other two from Tier 2.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tier 1 - choose one</i></h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Frozen Ever After</i> – any height –
a brand new ride, this was my whole family's favorite from our trip!
It has fun animatronics and effects, music, and you get to ride
backwards part of the ride. There are two small drops, but my little
ones were both ok with that. Also, you will most likely get wet.
Wait times are always over an hour, and it's located in the back of
the park so it's difficult to get to first thing in the morning. A
Fastpass is a must.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Living with the Land</i> – any height
– it's been years since I was on this ride, but as an older child I
found it very boring. It's a slow boat ride that talks about plants
and farming, but it somehow always seems to have a pretty long line.
If you want to ride it, a Fastpass is a good idea, but if you have
young children I would skip it.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Soarin'</i> – 40” or taller –
this ride is a lot of fun, and I would definitely recommend if your
children are tall enough or if you want to just ride it yourself.
It's a motion ride that lifts you up in the air, so don't ride if you
have a problem with heights. Lines are always very long, so you'll
want a Fastpass if you can. If you choose to use your Tier 1
Fastpass on something else, you can try to catch Soarin' first thing
in the morning or maybe late in the evening and get a shorter line.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Test Track</i> – 40” or taller –
I haven't been on the newest version of this ride, but I hear it's
still a lot of fun. Kids will enjoy it if they are tall enough, or
adults can enjoy it by themselves. The main part of the ride is
pretty mild, then it ends with an up to 65 mph loop around the
outside of the ride. Fastpass is great for this if you're not
planning on riding Frozen or Soarin', but the wait times do tend to
be slightly shorter for this one. Again, try to catch it first thing
in the morning or late in the evening for your best chance.</div>
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<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
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<i> Illuminations </i>– this is the
nighttime laser show. First of all, we weren't very impressed by it
the one time we watched, but I know that many people do like it. Second, a Fastpass doesn't get you much,
just a roped off area to stand in. Arrive a little early and skip
the Fastpass for this one.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tier 2 - choose two</i></h4>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</h4>
<h4>
RIDES</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<i> Journey Into Imagination with
Figment </i>– any height – this is a silly, colorful ride good for
young kids. It hardly ever has a wait, only 15 minutes or so at the
most, so a Fastpass is not needed. The ride lets out into an
interactive area where kids can run off some energy and play some
games with sound.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Mission: Space</i> – 40” or taller
– a simulation ride of a launch into space. This is a pretty
intense ride, though there are (or at least were on the original
ride; it has been recently redone) two different versions of the ride
to choose from, one milder than the other. Wait times don't seem to
be too awful, but this is probably the only other ride that you would
really want to use a Fastpass on.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> The Seas with Nemo & Friends </i>–
any height – a fun little ride through some scenes of the movie,
good for kids. The ride lets out into a real aquarium that you can
walk through at your leisure. Also don't forget to check out the
“mine mine” seagulls outside the entrance to the ride! Wait
times are never long for this ride, so a Fastpass shouldn't be
needed.
</div>
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<i>Spaceship Earth </i>– any height –
this is the classic ride inside “the big ball”, as we always call
it. A slow moving ride through the history of communication, ending
with an interactive video forecasting your future. The ride itself
could be a little boring for some kids - though my three year old
seemed to enjoy it - but the animated video with your faces inserted
is fun for them to watch. Just make sure they get up high enough at
the very beginning of the ride so that their faces can be seen in the
picture! Wait times for this ride are a bit long when you first
walk into the park, since it's the first ride that you see, but if
you skip it and come back later you should be able to walk right on
without a Fastpass.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
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<i>Disney & Pixar Short Film
Festival</i> – a 4D showing of Pixar's most popular short films. Shows
are every 18 minutes, so a Fastpass should not be necessary.</div>
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<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Epcot Character Spot</i> – meet
Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy all in one room. This is located in Future
World, just behind Spaceship Earth. The line is usually over 30
minutes, so this is a great Fastpass to have. Also, Chip and Dale
sometimes hang out nearby, but are not included in the Fastpass.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Turtle Talk with Crush</i> – any
height – in the same building with the Nemo ride, this is an
on-screen interactive session with the surfer dude turtle from the
movie. A lot of fun for those who have seen the movie in particular.
The wait time for this should not be long enough to warrant a
Fastpass.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> No Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
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<i>Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three
Caballeros</i> – any height – located inside the Mexico temple, this
is a Small World-esque ride featuring funny video clips of Donald and
the Caballeros. I've heard rumor that this will soon be changed over
to a Coco-themed ride, though, so if you want to see the Three
Caballeros now is your chance! Wait times are usually very short for
this ride.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
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Each pavilion in the World Showcase
has at least one show, whether it be musicians, acrobats, a street
performer, or a movie. I have not seen most of them, so I won't try
to give overviews. None of them should have long wait times, and
most of the street performers and musicians you'll just kind of
“happen upon”. The only one that I know you should try to find a
seat early for is the Chinese acrobats, who perform 5 times in the
afternoon and evening.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
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<i> Anna and Elsa</i> – located in the
Norway pavilion, in a building called Royal Sommerhaus. Despite the
long wait time for the Frozen ride, the characters' line seems to be
staying at 20 minutes or less.
</div>
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<i>Alice</i> – located outdoors in the
United Kingdom pavilion. In the instance of rain, it's possible that
her meeting spot may be moved indoors, though I'm not sure of the
exact location. Like many of the characters in Epcot, she comes out
every hour, but they cut the line off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay
attention to your Times Guide and make sure you get there as close as
you can to the times listed. Note: Alice can also be found in Magic
Kingdom.</div>
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<i>Aurora </i>– can be found in the
France pavilion, under a gazebo off to the side. Like many of the
characters in Epcot, she comes out every hour, but they cut the line
off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to your Times Guide and
make sure you get there as close as you can to the times listed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Baymax </i>– can be found across from
the Epcot Character Spot in Future World, he can be seen throughout
the day.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Belle</i> – located outdoors in the
France pavilion, right next to the lagoon. In the instance of rain,
her meeting spot should be moved indoors into one of the French
stores. Like many of the characters in Epcot, she comes out every
hour, but they cut the line off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay
attention to your Times Guide and make sure you get there as close as
you can to the times listed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Daisy Duck </i>– can be found just
inside the main gate, before you go under Spaceship Earth, on and off
for most of the day. Note: You can also see Daisy in Hollywood
Studios.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Donald Duck </i>– can be found
outdoors in the Mexico pavilion, dressed in a colorful poncho and
sombrero. His meeting spot is a little set back off the main path,
just past the temple. He is there through most of the afternoon and
evening. Note: You can also see Donald in Hollywood Studios, but
not in Mexican garb.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Jasmine</i> – can be found in the
very back of the Morocco pavilion in an indoor location. I believe
that Aladdin joins her sometimes. Like many of the characters in
Epcot, she comes out every hour, but they cut the line off after 15
or 20 minutes. Pay attention to your Times Guide and make sure you
get there as close as you can to the times listed. Note: Aladdin and
Jasmine can also be found in Magic Kingdom.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Joy and Sadness </i>– the main
characters from “Inside Out” are located in Future World, near
Baymax and the Epcot Character Spot. They will be there all day
long.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mary Poppins</i> – located in the
United Kingdom pavilion. I believe she has an outdoor meeting spot,
but should be moved inside in case of rain. Like many of the
characters in Epcot, she comes out every hour, but they cut the line
off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to your Times Guide and
make sure you get there as close as you can to the times listed.
Note: You can also sometimes see Mary in Magic Kingdom.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Mulan</i> – located just outside the
temple in the China pavilion. In case of rain, her meeting spot is
moved inside the temple. Like many of the characters in Epcot, she
comes out every hour, but they cut the line off after 15 or 20
minutes. Pay attention to your Times Guide and make sure you get
there as close as you can to the times listed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Pluto</i> – can be found under a
shelter near the entrance into World Showcase (Mexico side). Like
many of the characters in Epcot, he comes out every hour, but they
cut the line off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to your Times
Guide and make sure you get there as close as you can to the times
listed. Note: Pluto can also be seen in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood
Studios.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Snow White </i>– can be found in an
outdoor location in the Germany pavilion. She probably has an indoor
spot in case of rain, but I'm not sure where exactly it is. Like
many of the characters in Epcot, she comes out every hour, but they
cut the line off after 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to your Times
Guide and make sure you get there as close as you can to the times
listed. Note: Snow White can also sometimes be seen in Magic
Kingdom.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass Recap for Epcot
</span></h3>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> DEFINITELY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – either Frozen Ever
After, Soarin', or Test Track</div>
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Tier 2 – Epcot Character Spot</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mission: Space</div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
MAY WANT</h4>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – Living with the Land
(if not riding any of the above Tier 1 rides)</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DON'T NEED</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – Illuminations</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Disney & Pixar Short
Film Festival</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Journey Into
Imagination with Figment</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Seas with Nemo and
Friends</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Spaceship Earth</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Turtle Talk with Crush</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hollywood Studios</span></h2>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10WR83rG-jRxDhcyJ_QEzH4NbIeECiVl3qPRcGUDa4LjRGmQxHRsZdatitUvAiLuO_QmYhyphenhyphen3aTJCs-cJ3KwGQrL1jibrOcIy4SPqNf-6sIEJDO07RPnAqgWfhwQpPogSmq4gdaWGweOQc/s1600/hollywoodstudios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10WR83rG-jRxDhcyJ_QEzH4NbIeECiVl3qPRcGUDa4LjRGmQxHRsZdatitUvAiLuO_QmYhyphenhyphen3aTJCs-cJ3KwGQrL1jibrOcIy4SPqNf-6sIEJDO07RPnAqgWfhwQpPogSmq4gdaWGweOQc/s320/hollywoodstudios.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Picture courtesy of chicagotribune.com)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As with Epcot, the attractions are
divided into two tiers. You may pick one Fastpass from Tier 1, and
two from Tier 2.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> <i>Tier 1 - choose one</i></h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring
Aerosmith</i> – 48” or taller – an indoor rollercoaster complete
with a speaker system in each car so you can rock out the whole way.
Super fast, and includes a loop. Wait times are some of the longest
in the park, so a Fastpass is definitely a good idea.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Toy Story Midway Mania! </i>– any
height – this is a fun ride for adults and kids. You'll don 3D
glasses and shoot your way through several carnival-type games. A
rope-pull trigger on the guns should make it easy for younger kids to
do the shooting themselves. This ride always has super long wait
times, so Fastpass is a must.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage</i>
– while not on the same level as a Broadway production, this is
certainly one of the more complex and well-crafted shows of Hollywood
Studios. It runs 25 minutes, has 5 performances a day, and takes
place in an outdoor ampitheater. A Fastpass will get you into a
reserved seating area towards the front of the theater. On busy
days, this could definitely be a good idea, but if you arrive early
enough it shouldn't be a problem to get a decent seat otherwise.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Fantasmic</i> – this is one of
Hollywood Studios' nighttime shows, which I have never personally
watched. It starts at 7 pm and includes pyrotechnics, lasers,
dancing water, and a whole cast of Disney heroes and villains. A
Fastpass will give you first choice of seating in the amphitheater,
which would be a good idea on busy days in particular.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tier 2 - choose two</i></h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Star Tours: The Adventures Continue</i>
– 40” or taller – a must for Star Wars fans, this is a 3D
motion ride that takes you on a crazy trip to 3 different worlds.
One of our personal favorites. The wait times don't usually go over
an hour and can definitely be caught shorter, but a Fastpass is still
a good idea for busier days in particular.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror</i> –
40” or taller – Hollwood Studios' landmark ride. From what I've
heard it drops you a varying number of times from different heights
each time. Wait times tend to run pretty high, over an hour
sometimes, so if you're riding this one you'll want a Fastpass.</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> SHOWS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Disney Jr. Live on Stage</i> – if
your kids watch the Disney Jr. channel, they will love this
interactive puppet show that features Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia
the First, Doc McStuffins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates.
Seating is on the floor, and the stage with the puppets on it is a
bit high, so the Fastpass that lets you come in first and sit in the
front is really not a good idea. Your view will be better from the
middle or back of the room. There are about 10 shows a day, so it
should be easy to catch.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>For the First Time in Forever: A
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration </i>– young fans of Frozen will, of
course, love this show. If you don't have any litle ones with you,
though, it's not really worth seeing, since a large portion of it is
just watching video clips from the movie. On the other hand, the two
hilarious hosts of the show are pretty entertaining to watch (even
when they're standing to the side while the clips are playing!), and
there are some pretty cool effects at the end of the show. Shows
play every hour for most of the day, and the auditorium is huge, so
you should be able to skip the Fastpass for this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Indiana Jones Epic Stunt
Spectacular</i> – I haven't ever seen the whole show (it got cancelled
after the first scene due to inclimate weather), but from what I did
see and have heard, it's pretty entertaining even if you're not a
huge fan of the movies. You'll see stunts and stage combat both
performed and explained, and it's not scary for kids like the movies
are. This show has 5 performances starting at noon, but doesn't
usually have a wait.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Muppet Vision 3D </i>– a 3D movie
(with 4D experiences like small water splashes) putting you in the
middle of Muppet madness. If kids are uncomfortable with the 3D
aspect, they can most likely enjoy the show just as well without the
glasses on. Show runs 15 minutes plus a 12 minute pre-show while
you're in line, and wait times are usually low.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Voyage of the Little Mermaid</i> – a
very condensed version of the movie told by live actors, puppets, and
video clips. My toddler found Ursula a little bit scary, but the
puppets are a lot of fun and all the kids love seeing Ariel sing and
turn into a human. Shows run every 17 minutes and shouldn't be hard
to get into, so I'd skip the Fastpass for this one.</div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> No Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Disney Movie Magic</i> – this is a
short projection show that is presented on the front of the Chinese
Theater at 7:55 pm, just before the fireworks. It features clips
from many different movies of many different genres, all through
cinematic history.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple</i>
– an interactive experience which anyone can watch, but only ages
4-12 can participate in. If your child wants to participate they
must register before the show on a first come first served basis.
Young padawans will go on stage to learn lightsaber skills, then be
tested against real Star Wars villains.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>March of the First Order</i> –
Stormtroopers, led by Captain Phasma, march down the main street of
Hollywood Studios. This happens 6 times a day, every hour, and all
you should have to do to see it is be in the right place at the right
time.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular</i> –
this is the new projection and fireworks show, which takes place in
front of the Chinese Theater at 8:15 pm. Still shots and clips from
all 8 movies will be projected onto the Theater. Definitely fun for
Star Wars fans. Try to show up pretty early to get as close to the
Theater as possible, as the projections are hard to see from a
distance.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away </i>–
a short production that takes place out in the street near the
Chinese Theater. It's more of a presentation of characters than a
show, as not much action actually happens, but it's fun to see a lot
of the characters that you can't see anywhere else in the park.
There are 6 showings, every hour. They draw a decent crowd, but you
can still see relatively well from the back.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>BB-8 –</i> located inside Star Wars
Launch Bay, which is NOT next to Star Tours, but shares a courtyard
with Disney Jr. No autographs, but you can talk to him and take
pictures.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Buzz Lightyear and Woody </i>– can be
found all day long across from Toy Story Midway Mania. Note: Buzz
and possibly Woody can also be seen at Magic Kingdom.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Chewbacca</i> – located inside Star
Wars Launch Bay, which is NOT next to Star Tours, but shares a
courtyard with Disney Jr. He does not sign autographs, but does
“talk” and pose for photos.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Cruz Ramirez </i>– a life size
replica of the car from the new Cars 3, with moving eyes and sound
effects. She can be found close to Toy Story Midway Mania for most
of the day.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Doc McStuffins</i> – located out in
the courtyard right next to the Disney Jr. show. The Disney Jr.
characters do leave at 6:30, which is earlier than most of the
characters in Hollywood Studios. These meet and greets are listed
just as “Disney Jr. Pals”, so it's possible that who is actually
there may vary.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Jake the Neverland Pirate</i> –
located out in the courtyard right next to the Disney Jr. show. The
Disney Jr. characters do leave at 6:30, which is earlier than most of
the characters in Hollywood Studios. These meet and greets are
listed just as “Disney Jr. Pals”, so it's possible that who is
actually there may vary.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Kylo Ren </i>– located inside Star
Wars Launch Bay, which is NOT next to Star Tours, but shares a
courtyard with Disney Jr. He does not sign autographs, but does talk
and pose for photos.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Olaf </i>– can be found throughout
the day inside “Celebrity Spotlight”, which is just around the
corner from the Frozen Sing-Along show. He does not sign autographs,
but you will be given a “self-portait” and can take photos with
him.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Pluto </i>– located out in the
courtyard right next to the Disney Jr. show. These characters do
leave at 6:30, which is earlier than most of the characters in
Hollywood Studios. Note: Pluto can also be seen at Epcot and Magic
Kingdom.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Sofia the First </i>– located out in
the courtyard right next to the Disney Jr. show. The Disney Jr.
characters do leave at 6:30, which is earlier than most of the
characters in Hollywood Studios. These meet and greets are listed
just as “Disney Jr. Pals”, so it's possible that who is actually
there may vary.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Sorcerer Mickey and Red Carpet
Minnie</i> – can be found all day in a building across from Star Tours.
Note: Mickey and Minnie can be found in Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but
in different costumes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass Recap for Hollywood
Studios</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DEFINITELY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Starring Aerosmith</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Toy Story Midway
Mania!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Twilight Zone Tower of
Terror</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> PROBABLY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Star Tours: The
Adventures Continue</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> GOOD ON BUSY DAYS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – Fantasmic!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Beauty and the Beast
Live on Stage</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> DON'T NEED</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Disney Jr. Live on Stage</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the First Time in
Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Indiana Jones Epic
Stunt Spectacular</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Muppet Vision 3D</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Voyage of the Little
Mermaid</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Animal Kingdom</span></h2>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhQNaa4UWt4ssfWbO3uuTG-zxdjkJtu1-LCDttJ6KmqFvR5LGivmwV-dhipxg6o-X9CBqKryblLRVEfXS15hjBNfK2TBDrLlvFmXC-Azqca8eYWSCWtYlCfWbmJJofYWeucc7d4V_98Qs/s1600/animalkingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhQNaa4UWt4ssfWbO3uuTG-zxdjkJtu1-LCDttJ6KmqFvR5LGivmwV-dhipxg6o-X9CBqKryblLRVEfXS15hjBNfK2TBDrLlvFmXC-Azqca8eYWSCWtYlCfWbmJJofYWeucc7d4V_98Qs/s320/animalkingdom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Picture courtesy of wdwmagic.com)</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first tier for Animal Kingdom
is made up of the two new Avatar rides, meaning that you can only
choose a Fastpass for one of these two. Your other two Fastpasses
must come from the second tier.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tier 1: choose one</i></h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Avatar Flight of Passage</i> – 44”
or taller – a 3D motion ride, you'll sit on a bicycle-like seat for
this ride on the back of a mountain banshee. Wait times for these
new rides are very long, so you'll want a Fastpass, but keep in mind
that you can only choose one between the two of them.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Na'vi River Journey </i>– any height
– this is the family-friendly option of the two Avatar rides. A
slow-moving boat tour through Pandora at night, complete with glowing
plants and exotic creatures. Since this is a new ride the wait times
are still long, but if you want to ride Flight of Passage you should
go with the Fastpass for that, instead, since it has the longer wait
times of the two.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Tier 2: choose two</i></h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>DINOSAUR</i> – 40” or taller – a
scary boat ride complete with a small drop (only one that I know of,
but I've never ridden!). The wait times on this one seem to vary
pretty widely, but on slower days mostly stay below 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Expedition Everest </i>– 44” or
taller – an indoor/outdoor roller coaster that goes both forward
and backwards and features the legendary Yeti (may be scary for young
kids). Wait times are often over 30 minutes, so a Fastpass would be
a good idea.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Kali River Rapids</i> – 38” or
taller – ride down a white water river on a 12-person round boat.
At least one small drop (I have never ridden, so I don't know how
many for sure!), geysers, and plenty more ways to get you wet.
Despite being a water ride, it is open year-round. There are lockers
across from the ride which are free for use while you are riding. If
you don't want to get wet yourself, but still want to join in on the
fun, find the bridge that crosses the river and use the elephants
there for free to spray the boats going by. The wait time is almost
always over 30 minutes, so definitely grab a Fastpass for this one.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Kilimanjaro Safaris</i> – any height
– a bumpy ride in an open-air vehicle through an African-like
terrain. You could see many different varieties of animals,
including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and lions, though you should
keep in mind that these are wild animals in a very large enclosure,
so you could see a lot or not much at all. The wait times can get
very long, though I hear that around sunset is a great time to ride
for short wait times and lots of animal activity.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Primeval Whirl </i>– 48” or taller
– a small, spinning outdoor roller coaster featuring kid-friendly
dinosaurs. Wait times usually only go over 30 minutes on busy days.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Its Tough to be a Bug!</i> – a 3D
show (with 4D effects in the theater) based on the movie “A Bug's
Life”. Loud noises and startling effects may make it too scary for
young kids. Shows run every 9 minutes, and should not have a wait.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Festival of the Lion King</i> – I
have heard great things about this Broadway-style show. Good for
kids and adults alike. Shows run for 30 minutes and are performed
every hour all day long. A Fastpass for this will get you into the
show first for your pick of the seats, so it's good if you like to
sit up front.
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Finding Nemo - the Musical </i>– this
is another show that I have heard is fantastic. It uses puppets and
live actors to tell the story of Nemo and his dad, complete with
songs. This is a 40 minute show, which is longer than most of the
attractions in Disney World, so just be aware that it will take up
more of your time than usual. There are 5 performances per day.
Like the Lion King, a Fastpass will get you into the show first for
your pick of the seats...but unlike Lion King, you will want to be
closer to the middle than the front for the best view.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Rivers of Light </i>– Animal
Kingdom's nighttime show, made up of boats, colorful lights, Asian
music and dance, and water fountains. There are 2 performances, at
7:15 and 8:30 pm. With this being a relatively new show, information
on Fastpasses is a bit scarce. The crowds when it first opened were
large, but have probably died down enough now, combined with the two
performances per day, that you should be able to get in even without
a Fastpass. I have heard, though, that the view is a little better
from the Fastpass seating area.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHARACTERS</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Mickey and Minnie</i> – dressed in
their safari outfits, they can be found at Adventurers Outpost, close
to the Tree of Life, until evening. Wait times are often over 30
minutes, so a Fastpass is a good idea. Note: both Mickey and Minnie
can be seen in Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but in different
costumes.</div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> No Fastpass+ Available:</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RIDES</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>TriceraTop Spin </i>– any height –
this ride is just like Dumbo or the Magic Carpet ride in Magic
Kingdom, but with friendly, colorful dinosaurs. You can control how
high or low you fly, or use a joystick to tilt your dinosaur back and
forth. Wait times are usually low for this ride.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Wildlife Express Train</i> – any
height – there's not a lot to see on this 7 minute train ride, but
it's main purpose is to get you out to Rafiki's Planet Watch, where
you'll find a petting zoo and other animal experiences, as well as a
couple of character meet and greets.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
SHOWS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are several different street
performances that take place throughout the park, mostly African- and
Caribbean-style musicians.</div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /> CHARACTERS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Baloo and King Louie</i> – located
just across the river behind the Tree of Life until evening.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Doc McStuffins</i> – located at
Rafiki's Planet Watch, which you must ride a train to get to, until
late afternoon. Note: she can also be found in Hollywood Studios.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Donald Duck</i> – dressed in his
safari clothes, he can be found in DinoLand, U.S.A. until evening.
Note: he can also be seen in Hollywood Studios and Epcot, but in
different costumes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Flik</i> – located on one of the
trails close to the Tree of Life until evening.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Goofy and Pluto </i>– can be found in
DinoLand, U.S.A. until evening. Note: both characters can also be
seen in Epcot, but in different costumes.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Pocahontas </i>– located just outside
the entrance to DinoLand, U.S.A. until evening.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> Rafiki</i> – can be found at Rafiki's
Planet Watch, which you must ride a train to get to, until late
afternoon.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Russell (from Up)</i> – can be found
right next to the entrance to It's Tough to be a Bug until evening.</div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> Fastpass Recap for Animal Kingdom</span></h3>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DEFINITELY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 1 – Avatar Flight of
Passage, or if not riding that, Na'vi River Journey</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Kali River Rapids</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meet Mickey and Minnie</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
PROBABLY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Expedition Everest</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kilimanjaro Safaris
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rivers of Light</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
GOOD ON BUSY DAYS</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – DINOSAUR</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Primeval Whirl</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
MAY WANT</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – Festival of the Lion
King</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finding Nemo the
Musical</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DON'T NEED</h4>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tier 2 – It's Tough to be a Bug!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, obviously you still have a lot
to think about, and plenty of decisions still to make. But hopefully
this well help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting any
Fastpasses on rides with short lines or that your kids won't even
like. Also keep in mind that if you're planning a trip for after
summer of 2018, Toy Story Land will be open in Hollywood Studios with
new rides, and if you're traveling after summer of 2019, Star Wars
Land will be open in Hollywood Studios with a ton of new experiences.
All of the new rides will be super popular for the first 6 months to
a year, so Fastpasses will be a must where available. I will try to
remember to come back and update this post after they open!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Please follow and share if you enjoyed this post! Leave me a comment if you have anything to add, or have any questions about anything Disney
World related!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-61524316448528229002018-03-01T17:17:00.000-06:002018-03-06T21:08:28.701-06:00Planning a Disney World Trip - How to Use Fastpass+<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After my first post with <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2018/02/disney-world-with-little-ones-on-budget.html" target="_blank">tips and ideas for Disney World</a>, I had some interest shown in hearing more
about planning a Disney trip. I know that if you haven't ever been
to Disney, or haven't been in a long time, it can probably seem
pretty overwhelming. There are a lot of details to consider! So
over the next couple of posts, I'll be covering some of the important
aspects of planning, including Fastpasses, character meet and greets,
and overviews of the parks and rides. There are a lot of posts out
there in the blogosphere about these subjects, so in mine I will be
specifically focusing once again on tackling Disney with little ones.
I will also mostly be basing my information off of my experiences
going in the off-season (see my other Disney World post for more info
about ideal times to visit), so if you're planning a trip during a
busier season any wait times mentioned will most definitely be
longer.</div>
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Which Parks to Visit and for How
Many Days</h3>
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There are four different parks in
Disney World, not counting water parks.
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<b>Magic Kingdom</b> is the most
well-known, and certainly a must-do, especially with young children.
This is the home of Cinderella's castle, and all of the most classic
rides, plus a parade, a live show, and fireworks. My family has made
a tradition for many visits of starting and ending the trip with a
day in Magic Kingdom. Though two days in the park are not necessary,
there is certainly a lot to do and see in MK, and there are many
rides that children will enjoy riding more than once if they have a
chance.</div>
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<b>Epcot</b> is my other favorite park,
and another park that can be hard to really fully enjoy in just one
day. The first half of the park, called FutureWorld, is mostly
geared toward adults and older children, but does have some character
meet and greets and a couple of rides that younger kids can enjoy.
The back of the park, World Showcase, has very few rides, but plenty
of opportunities to meet characters. The adults will enjoy
meandering through the various countries, shopping and sampling local
cuisine, and the younger kids can color and collect stamps at each
country's “Kidcot” stop.</div>
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<b>Hollywood Studios</b> (formerly known
as MGM) only has a few rides, and only one of those (at least until
Toy Story Land opens in June 2018) is little kid-friendly. But there
are plenty of character meet and greets, and a lot of fun live shows
that kids will love. If you're a Star Wars fan, Hollywood Studios is
a must, even now before all of the new Star Wars attractions open.
There's also a whole section devoted to Disney Junior, if your kids
are fans of the channel.
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<b>Animal Kingdom</b> is the one park that
I know little about. I have visited it briefly on two occasions, but
have never spent a whole day there. A large portion of the park is
set up similar to a zoo. There are a handful of rides, all but a few
of which are for older kids and adults. They do have a couple of
great live shows that younger kids will enjoy, as well as some
characters that you won't find in any other park.</div>
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How Fastpass+ Works</h3>
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For those of you who are unfamiliar
with Fastpasses, they are special tickets that allow you to skip the
normal, “stand-by” line for certain attractions and cut way down
on your wait time. There is no extra cost for these tickets, but
there are a limited number of them available per day per attraction.
Even though it can seem like a bit of a pain to deal with booking
Fastpasses and having to choose way ahead of time what attractions
you'll want to do and when, it is definitely worth it to not have to
wait in super long lines for the most popular attractions.</div>
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The new Fastpass system is called
Fastpass+, and there are some important differences between the old
system and the new. You will still arrive at the ride to use your
Fastpass during a specific, hour long window of time, and you will
still enter the ride by a special queue marked “Fastpass Entrance”.
Now, however, instead of getting all of your Fastpasses at the
entrance to the ride on the day you arrive at the park, you will need
to book them ahead of time online or on the Disney World app. You
CAN still get Fastpasses in the park at a few designated kiosks, or
book them the day of on the app, but your options will be very
limited. The most popular rides will likely be completely gone.</div>
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If you're staying at a Disney
resort, you will be able to book your Fastpasses 60 days ahead of
your trip, for the entire length of your stay. This means, for
example, if your first day is February 1<sup>st</sup> and your hotel
or campground reservation goes through the 7<sup>th</sup>, you can
book all of your Fastpasses for your entire trip on December 3<sup>rd</sup>.
If nothing has changed since I last heard, that booking time starts
at midnight.<br />
If you're staying off-property, you
will be able to book your Fastpasses 30 days ahead of each day you
will be in the park. So, for example, if your first day in the park
is February 1<sup>st</sup>, you can book your Fastpasses for that day
on January 2<sup>nd</sup>. If you then take a day off before your
second day in the park on February 3<sup>rd</sup>, you can book
Fastpasses for that second day on January 4<sup>th</sup>, and so on.
The booking time opens at 7 am eastern time.</div>
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Another difference in the new
system is that you can now only book 3 Fastpasses per day to start
with. Once you are in the park and use those 3, you can check at a
kiosk or on the app and see if there is anything else available for
that day, and you can book one more at a time for the rest of the
day. Because of this, the earlier in the day you can book your
initial 3 Fastpasses the better, but of course you have to keep in
mind what time you'll be able to get to the park. We were usually
doing good to get there between 11 and 12 (being in a different time
zone didn't help!), so all of our Fastpasses were for somewhere
between 12 and 4.
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How to Book Fastpass+</h3>
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The process for booking is
relatively simple, and similar for the website vs. the app from what
I can tell. You'll need to have your tickets linked to your account
before you start, so make sure that you have entered all of that
information.</div>
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Just before the booking time
begins, log in to your account and select all of the members of your
party for which you will be booking Fastpasses. When midnight or 7
am hits, click to the next page and choose your date, then which park
you will be visiting. You will then see a list of attractions, and
at the top of the page will be the option for “morning”,
“afternoon”, “evening”, or more specific times of day. I
recommend choosing one of these first three to narrow down your
options before scrolling down to the attraction you're looking for.
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Some of these go very fast, so
you'll need to move as quickly as possible. I will talk in my next
post about which attractions you should try to grab first, and which
passes in general are most worth having. If you do miss out on a
specific Fastpass that you're wanting, I would definitely recommend
continuing to check back even up to the day of your visit, because
sometimes people cancel and they become available again. (And if you
change your plans for any reason, don't forget to cancel your
Fastpasses and make someone else's day!)</div>
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After you've booked all three
Fastpasses as quickly as you can, you can go back and try to change
your times if you're not happy with them. There may or may not still
be other times available, depending on the popularity of the
attraction. On the app, go to “My Plans”, find the Fastpass that
you want to change, and click “Modify”. It will ask you which
members of your party you are making changes for. Then you will be
able to see what times are still available, if any. Choose one
that's better for your schedule, then click “Confirm”.
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In my next post, I'll be covering
ALL the attractions and character meet and greets, and talking about
which have Fastpasses and which ones are most worth trying to get.
You won't want to miss it, so stay tuned!</div>
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Please like and share, and comment
if you enjoyed this post or have any questions about anything Disney
World related!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></div>
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Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-83879839554647284152018-02-15T13:37:00.000-06:002018-03-06T21:07:50.726-06:00Disney World with Little Ones on a Budget Hey everyone! We just got back from taking Sugarplum and Buttercup on their very first trip to Disney World.<br />
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It was my ninth visit, but my first time to actually be in charge of planning the whole trip. Obviously Disney is pretty expensive as far as vacations go, and can be a little intimidating to think about tackling with toddlers. But there are plenty of ways to save money here and there, and doing it all with little ones isn't bad at all with some planning ahead. I certainly am not an expert, and our trip went far from perfectly (mainly because we were fighting with stomach flu the whole time! Yikes!). But I thought I could share a few tips and ideas that we followed (or want to try in the future, based on our experience this time). I'm not going to get into which parks to visit, which rides to go on, Fastpass strategies, or anything like that. I'll just be focused on saving money and working with toddlers/babies.<br />
UPDATE 3/1/18: I've now posted part 1 of 2 covering parks, attractions, and most of all, <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2018/03/planning-disney-world-trip-how-to-use.html" target="_blank">how to use Fastpass+</a>. Check it out!<br />
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1. Go During the Off-Season</h3>
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You can save a lot of money and headaches by going during one of Disney World's off-seasons. Hotels will be cheaper, whether you're staying on or off-property (see #2), and crowds will be significantly smaller, which means less time waiting in lines and more time having fun. Check online for a crowd prediction calendar for the year you're planning on going. Usually late January to early February is a perfect time to go - not only is it their slow season, but the temperatures are just right in Florida at that time of year.</div>
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Tip within a tip - even if you're there during the off-season, you're going to want to avoid Magic Kingdom on the weekends. It can still be super busy, especially on Saturdays, but on Fridays and Sundays, too. Use those days to take a day off (see #3) or visit the other parks.</div>
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2. Consider Staying Off-Property</h3>
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There are pros and cons to staying in a non-Disney hotel or condo, so go through them all and decide what's going to be best for your family.</div>
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The main advantages to staying in a Disney resort (besides just the experience) are having Disney transportation to the parks, and getting other resort perks like Extra Magic Hours. What made up our minds to stay off-property was the cost and the size of the rooms. The cheapest Disney hotel averages $110 per night, and we're talking about a very small standard hotel room. If you're only going to be in your room for sleeping and getting ready in the morning, this isn't as big of a deal - though we all know that more room with toddlers is better for even that amount of time. But if you're taking days off (see #3), you're going to want plenty of space for them to run around and play. And if you're going to be making food at all (see #4), you're going to want a kitchenette at the least. </div>
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I was able to score a room with a separate bedroom and a kitchenette on <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> for only $55 a night. The separate bedroom, with a door, was important for us for two reasons - first of all, Buttercup still wakes up at night, and we didn't want her waking Sugarplum. Second, on our days off we were able to put both of them in the bedroom for naps and we could stay up in the living area without bothering them. </div>
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Even with the added cost of parking for $20 each day at the parks, we still came out on top. But personally, I still would have stayed off-property even if we had had to pay the same price as for the Disney hotel, just so that we could have all of that extra space.</div>
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If you're interested in details, we stayed in <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21153509" target="_blank">this room</a> at Parkway Palms Resort. It was a 10-15 min drive to all of the parks from there, and close to grocery stores, etc. We had very few complaints! Besides Airbnb, you can also try sites like <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/" target="_blank">VRBO</a> to look for rooms owned by individuals.</div>
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3. Take Days Off</h3>
If you've ever been to Disney before, you know that it is extremely tiring. This is even more true for little ones! Even if they're not walking like you are, they'll be tired from travel and from being off of their normal schedule, and potentially getting to bed late (yes, this happened to us pretty much every night, despite our best efforts). You are definitely going to want to take as many days off from going to the parks as you can afford! If I could, next time I would take a day off in between every park day. But of course, more days off means more days paying for a hotel, and more days off of work, so that probably won't be possible. Anyway, for your sake and your kids', take at least one day off to let everyone just hang out at the hotel and recuperate.<br />
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4. Take a Cooler Into the Parks</h3>
Yes, Disney will let you take a cooler in! Their only requirements are that it be smaller than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high, and that you do not bring in alcoholic drinks or glass containers (other than baby food jars). This gives you several options. You could choose anything from just taking in a few snacks, to taking in all your meals, or anywhere in between. Obviously the more you bring in yourself, the more money you save, and the healthier your food choices can be, too! We bought a couple of pounds of lunch meat at the beginning of our trip and made sandwiches to take in for lunch every day, plus bringing in food for Buttercup and snacks for everyone. We usually would end up eating a late lunch and then snacking throughout the evening, and waiting to make up something quick (think frozen meals or Hamburger Helper) when we got back to the condo at night.<br />
Of course even if you are taking in all of your food, there may be some things here and there that you want to splurge on. For us, it was Mickey ice cream bars on our last day in the park, and fish and chips from the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot. Yum!! But overall, taking in food saved us a ton of money, plus it saved us from standing in even more lines to buy food.<br />
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5. Forgo the Disney Dining Plan</h3>
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While we're talking about food, make sure that you do plenty of research and consideration before signing on for the Disney dining plan. If you're planning on buying all your meals and snacks in the park, then it could be worth it for your family (though I would still try to research how much the meals will actually be costing you to make sure you'll be saving money). But if you're planning on bringing in food at all, it's probably not cost-effective. </div>
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6. Budget for Character Meals</h3>
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If you're not using a dining plan, but are planning on doing a character meal on your trip, you should be aware that these meals cost a good bit more than other table service restaurants. I'm not saying that you should skip it, because we've always had a lot of fun at our character meals. Just keep the extra cost in mind as you're budgeting for your trip.</div>
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7. Rent a Stroller from an Outside Source</h3>
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Even if your little one(s) doesn't normally use a stroller at home, I would highly recommend having one for your Disney trip. There is a lot of walking involved, and those little legs tire out easily. The last thing you want is for your kids to get tired and grumpy prematurely, or to end up having to carry them around the park!</div>
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Having said that, the strollers that they offer for rent at Disney World are made of hard plastic and have very little storage. If you don't want to bring your own stroller from home, then I would recommend looking into the many different companies in the Orlando area that you can rent from. We used <a href="http://abbf.com/" target="_blank">A Baby's Best Friend</a> because they offered the lowest prices for the type of stroller that we wanted to rent, and we had no complaints. They were very easy to work with, and the stroller was in perfect condition. Because the stroller was a normal style that you would use anywhere else, both the girls were able to nap in it, and we had plenty of space to hold water bottles, jackets, our cooler, etc.</div>
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As a secondary stroller tip, I personally would recommend getting a double side-by-side stroller if you have 2 children. We considered all the possibilities, including a sit-and-stand or getting two separate strollers, and I'm glad we went with the side-by-side. The sit-and-stand would have been much less comfortable for Sugarplum, and she would not have been able to nap at all (even though she only did that on one day). They can tend to be a bit harder to navigate, too, since they're so long. We decided against two separate strollers so that one of us would always have our arms available, either just to take a break, or to hold Buttercup when she got tired of riding. The side-by-side was very easy to maneuver, and the girls liked being able to see each other and see everything around them. It was pretty bulky and hard to carry when folded, but that's only an issue when getting on and off a bus or tram, and it's not likely that any other stroller would have been much easier. We didn't have any major issues with it fitting through any openings in the park.</div>
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8. Your Kids Might Not Wear Their MagicBands</h3>
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MagicBands are one of Disney's newest features. If you book a stay at one of their resorts, the MagicBands come free with your tickets. If you're not staying at a resort, you can purchase them separately. You can simply scan your MagicBand for entry into the park, and it also holds all of your Fastpasses and all of the photos that the PhotoPass photographers take. They were nice and convenient for DH and I, who were wearing them on our wrists the whole time. Sugarplum, on the other hand, only wanted to wear hers for short amounts of time, and complained if it was too tight, which means it fell off her wrist multiple times. We ended up keeping it in an outside pocket of our backpack most of the time, which wasn't too bad as far pulling it out to scan for Fastpasses. But then she'd decide that she wanted to wear it again, and then it would come off again...long story short, her MagicBand was left somewhere on the Little Mermaid ride and was never seen again. Thankfully, we had her ticket with us, too, and were able to use it for the rest of her Fastpasses. </div>
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The moral of this story is, if you want to get a MagicBand for your toddler, you might want to consider an alternative to having them wear it on their wrist. Perhaps you could hang it on a keychain, so that it was still easy to access for scanning. I've also seen people taking out the center portion of their MagicBands (the Mickey head part) and using it to make necklaces, keychains, etc. If your child wears a lanyard for their Disney pins, you could possibly come up with a way to hang it on the end of the lanyard. And if all else fails, it wasn't too big of a deal to just keep her ticket in DH's wallet and pull it out each time, either.</div>
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9. Try Decorating Your MagicBand</h3>
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Like the cute characters on some of the MagicBands, but don't want to pay the extra money for them? Buy a plain colored one, and decorate it yourself. I used nail polish for mine, and had no issue with it rubbing or washing off. The clear coat on the top cracked a little bit when I put the band on the first time, but it was barely noticeable. </div>
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Even if you don't want to take on something quite as intricate as mine, you can still customize your MagicBand with simple designs like dots or Mickey heads. Look online (Pinterest or Etsy are great resources), find some inspiration and give it a go! Also, keep in mind that you can sketch out a design on your MagicBand with a pencil (I used a soft-leaded art pencil) before you start painting. That helped me out a ton.</div>
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10. Shop for Souvenirs at Walmart</h3>
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This was in my original plan for this trip, but our schedule got thrown off because of sickness and we didn't end up making it. However, from what I've been told, you can find great Disney souvenirs like t-shirts, hats, etc. at the local Walmart and pay a fraction of the price. Now, if you're like my sister M, your souvenirs *have* to come from Disney itself to be legitimate. And of course if you want really specific or specialty items, such as trading pins, you'll need to stick with shopping at Disney. But if you're just looking for cute Disney stuff and want to save a ton of money, I would definitely check it out.</div>
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11. Stay Away from Disney Springs</h3>
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My sister M would flip out about this one, too. Maybe you love shopping and crowds, or like my sister, you just think going to Disney Springs is part of the whole experience. If so, that's great, you should go and have fun! But if you've never been to Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney), I just feel I should forewarn you that it is like another day in the parks in and of itself. It's huge, there will be a lot of walking involved, there will be a ton of people, there are rides that your kids will want to ride but they cost extra money, and navigating the main store (World of Disney) is a big pain. The good thing about shopping at World of Disney is that most of the merchandise you see in the parks, plus more, can all be found in that one store. It's nice to be able to see it all at once and compare the things you like, rather than impulse buying in the park and then seeing something you liked better later. But if you're not worried about impulse buying, and you want to avoid the madhouse, do yourself a favor and shop at Walmart and in the parks. </div>
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12. Ask for Gift Cards</h3>
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Once you know that you're going to be making a trip to Disney World, start asking for gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, etc. You can do Disney gift cards, or VISA gift cards, or a combination of both. DH and I accumulated a total of $370 in Disney and VISA cards and cash, which put a nice dent in paying for gas, parking, and souvenirs.</div>
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13. Get the Disney World App</h3>
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The app is called "Disney World" and it's free! Not only can you use it to book and modify Fastpasses, make dining reservations, and link your MagicBands to your tickets, but it also has live wait times for all of the rides and some of the character meet and greets. This makes it so easy when you're in the park to find out what is nearby that has the shortest wait time, so you can make the most of your time in Disney. </div>
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14. Take Advantage of Rider Swap</h3>
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Also known as "parent swap", this is an opportunity for you and your spouse to go on rides that your kids are too small for still. You'll have to ride by yourselves, but all you have to do is go up to the Cast Member at the entrance, tell them you want to do rider swap, and they'll give you a voucher to come back later and go through the Fastpass line to ride again. This way one parent can stay with the kids while the other rides, then vice versa. If you're like us, your time will be plenty taken up by kids rides and character meetings, but it's still nice to take some time for yourself on occasion! Disney has some great roller coasters and other fast-moving rides that are fun for adults and older kids. </div>
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15. Don't Be Scared to Take Them Young!</h3>
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No, Buttercup (age 14 months) didn't understand the purpose of the trip at all, and she didn't want to have anything to do with any of the characters. But she was able to ride everything that Sugarplum could ride and even enjoyed a few of the rides like the carousel and Magic Carpets. Yes, she got pretty worn out by the end of the week. But she took naps in the car, in the stroller, in my arms, or anywhere else she could get them, and she recovered quickly once the trip was over.</div>
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No, Sugarplum (age 3 1/2) won't remember the trip in a few years. But boy, did she have a great time, and we had a great time watching her. She was at the perfect age to really enjoy all the magic of Disney, and we have videos and photos to remember it all by for years to come.</div>
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Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</div>
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Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-81245247309256509242017-06-29T16:00:00.000-05:002018-03-06T21:07:33.016-06:00Female Squall Leonhart (Leon) Cosplay After a long, intense, sometimes stressful, mostly fun 10 or so months of work, I finally finished our costumes! We took on ComiCon in Knoxville this past weekend, and it was a lot of fun as usual. We didn't win the costume contest (as usual!), but we got tons of compliments and had our picture taken dozens of times.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">From left to right, my sister M as Cloud Strife, my sister D as Sora, and me as Squall Leonhart (aka Leon). All female versions of the male characters, and all based on the looks that they wear in Kingdom Hearts 2. I designed the female looks, and created most of the pieces. M and D each worked on some pieces, as well, and our dad made our awesome weapons out of foam core. </span></div>
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I'd like to go through each of our costumes (in separate entries) in a little more detail and tell you how I made the pieces. Starting with mine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tts5xQYV_gih1jrrLF3qYz7Z3DBQmNQvAb8A2hyphenhyphenQn_8TirEjUM5GlAgaJaefJUku3eUYkBtkXY8zRO8bGYfYo-T-KWoVl8sxmwX-iBCVcjd_7_pdJPvCRkqLKX8noog09O_1wCCZWXpv/s1600/IMG_8686.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tts5xQYV_gih1jrrLF3qYz7Z3DBQmNQvAb8A2hyphenhyphenQn_8TirEjUM5GlAgaJaefJUku3eUYkBtkXY8zRO8bGYfYo-T-KWoVl8sxmwX-iBCVcjd_7_pdJPvCRkqLKX8noog09O_1wCCZWXpv/s320/IMG_8686.PNG" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inspiration - Squall Leonhart (Leon) from Kingdom Hearts 2</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMOHOb4x9lBCjxzxJCygHgPwMO0Z_4dc680LMPELqvMoxHiifSFQqcStsiUbwIR1SpZXYllYiuncq6bhkALVUTjS8eYnjsDHzbU81wa5pHCb0JD5KGXrKs9nbD8r58B5qgWxBBrBJKaNJ/s1600/IMG_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMOHOb4x9lBCjxzxJCygHgPwMO0Z_4dc680LMPELqvMoxHiifSFQqcStsiUbwIR1SpZXYllYiuncq6bhkALVUTjS8eYnjsDHzbU81wa5pHCb0JD5KGXrKs9nbD8r58B5qgWxBBrBJKaNJ/s200/IMG_4071.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rp_u2FcID-0V7uxzYFvGS4fYAv55Q9jB3y0HFWgH1Ee9Y10yzbYAKBnEexZ2iaCP7yft5-4y6vzMOfXI2cc2aYwN3sDzfPXAEXfiQC_eYAlXRjxHMLIfbZnmvcDStk35nDUuJkZfQSce/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rp_u2FcID-0V7uxzYFvGS4fYAv55Q9jB3y0HFWgH1Ee9Y10yzbYAKBnEexZ2iaCP7yft5-4y6vzMOfXI2cc2aYwN3sDzfPXAEXfiQC_eYAlXRjxHMLIfbZnmvcDStk35nDUuJkZfQSce/s200/IMG_4078.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Concept art</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSylcu2TVm2U1zyNrYREcpjRz9mx5PBj24fH4r08DlFBapSp8OB7Ih5iBMJ_z6M4su9xl0UEhiVPMe9XHcBJ_rwJ9Ha7gr2Pq5DP45ayaXf6E8XlOVJvhip89IYloosEmB32-y12g1q-Mh/s1600/IMG_8678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSylcu2TVm2U1zyNrYREcpjRz9mx5PBj24fH4r08DlFBapSp8OB7Ih5iBMJ_z6M4su9xl0UEhiVPMe9XHcBJ_rwJ9Ha7gr2Pq5DP45ayaXf6E8XlOVJvhip89IYloosEmB32-y12g1q-Mh/s400/IMG_8678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's start with the jacket. I bought a 3/4 length sleeve, black, "leather" cropped jacket, Body Central brand, from swap.com.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCiPOximhC2wL2T2Gk-tIaJHC-aA9bii0ePmkqhdwBETqSjviaF-32zwFuQTZUADzE82mHUW2hF3-zEU6ziubxI7AYxPgq4HB665c9JUsn31I9NHMNnq-qFWMcpxG-Y-Z-WXBWwdVP1Xj/s1600/IMG_8849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCiPOximhC2wL2T2Gk-tIaJHC-aA9bii0ePmkqhdwBETqSjviaF-32zwFuQTZUADzE82mHUW2hF3-zEU6ziubxI7AYxPgq4HB665c9JUsn31I9NHMNnq-qFWMcpxG-Y-Z-WXBWwdVP1Xj/s200/IMG_8849.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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My first step was to cut off the sleeves to short-sleeve length and re-hem them. I cut them shorter than Leon's actually are, for a more "feminine" look. Then I started adding details. I found some red pleather on sale at Joann (in their home decor fabrics), and I used the lion's head necklace that I found on eBay -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8nusAh1qcew2rD-C9bPJMDLUfPOi_0lzhL9JwqCJ9nLc339hCGGy6a1rVlwyQNrgj7N_Goz3uLe37Y3j6lTmTs4fyev5NJmt2aCjrh97Ugl5lkG50oGBMWb2ohW05c2rQiGMcLJjRlSV/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8nusAh1qcew2rD-C9bPJMDLUfPOi_0lzhL9JwqCJ9nLc339hCGGy6a1rVlwyQNrgj7N_Goz3uLe37Y3j6lTmTs4fyev5NJmt2aCjrh97Ugl5lkG50oGBMWb2ohW05c2rQiGMcLJjRlSV/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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- as my template to cut out the emblem for the jacket sleeve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-WXhJNllU9t_E69y8k-Ux9EVd9arfeSR556_ovvPbuVVSDg9XKtUqsSg5PLYWJiuQFDZU1F3pInj0YMS5FCkob54jcv6vDrnzgBmBV_H9jOBnY4QrK190TpM21o5C1Pt2MOrHPlpjHq8/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-WXhJNllU9t_E69y8k-Ux9EVd9arfeSR556_ovvPbuVVSDg9XKtUqsSg5PLYWJiuQFDZU1F3pInj0YMS5FCkob54jcv6vDrnzgBmBV_H9jOBnY4QrK190TpM21o5C1Pt2MOrHPlpjHq8/s320/IMG_6194.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This one I hand stitched, since I figured it was easier than trying to get the sewing machine into all those little nooks and crannies. </div>
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The "wings" on the back of the jacket I sketched out by hand based on some screenshots I found, and I sewed them on with the machine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_VR4R4HC8kiDySTXO0J8foi_FZCB79YNfEguhfAJr9a6D8Rwhp3eiT5dl1dhTUfy-tpU9c5oKwkByHjILwJJxh_yvwzmcGuSP39tPQbaTQ6mPiJm4-Vg2qTUJFPIwsGABZzmh2LjPBEk/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_VR4R4HC8kiDySTXO0J8foi_FZCB79YNfEguhfAJr9a6D8Rwhp3eiT5dl1dhTUfy-tpU9c5oKwkByHjILwJJxh_yvwzmcGuSP39tPQbaTQ6mPiJm4-Vg2qTUJFPIwsGABZzmh2LjPBEk/s320/IMG_6192.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For the silver edging I used metallic silver paint. Here's a pic of me baby-wearing and painting at the same time! 😂</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6HC-zPheS7UF-2gRU__2_J3LkvBmBzhl7__dv_g1da8PtGySnxrFgDkwWEEDnK8xqOfic3aw6JWPvWuzR9rqgcvJ3h_dvpdLR_4XZXqDFpDwPTwL_G60ezMlZxs7H8gfK3OPNxBxQpNv/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6HC-zPheS7UF-2gRU__2_J3LkvBmBzhl7__dv_g1da8PtGySnxrFgDkwWEEDnK8xqOfic3aw6JWPvWuzR9rqgcvJ3h_dvpdLR_4XZXqDFpDwPTwL_G60ezMlZxs7H8gfK3OPNxBxQpNv/s320/IMG_6305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And the finished product, minus a second coat of paint...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgNHesrr3Nm2h2Az-WVyOTsDKc438mLW5XHk0FL2jzRfO-Fdupjirh2BtZziJT2KY5EWqoNwKbfyDym_YqavN8LKYNyomBq3Mrsm_v2WDzdmDfjT70_qb1urQjfKpH3qckdla_Y_J0KmH/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgNHesrr3Nm2h2Az-WVyOTsDKc438mLW5XHk0FL2jzRfO-Fdupjirh2BtZziJT2KY5EWqoNwKbfyDym_YqavN8LKYNyomBq3Mrsm_v2WDzdmDfjT70_qb1urQjfKpH3qckdla_Y_J0KmH/s320/IMG_6302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next step was to add the fur trim. I bought the fur from Hobby Lobby, and getting it cut and sewn on was a tricky procedure. I had a lot of help from my mom on that one (hard to get it pinned on unless you're wearing it!), and I still can't tell you exactly how we did it haha. </div>
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The last step was to add the black panels to the front of the jacket. I used some leftover fabric from Sora's skirt, which made things interesting since it was stretchy. If you had better fabric, you could potentially turn these into pockets, which would make it easier to get them sewn on flat/straight, and be useful when it came ComiCon time. But I just decided to stick with what I had on hand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3sRsLsFDhoq6TurLpjHQel-OPN8q3rubTKuqSntB3vPRCVUrXryJtbyHspU1_ZXhqy2mRtNzRpzjAmCU1sR_qpRKqTm_WgOWjY3bCQeLyMIJDDJ2TvOzg4Pc_f0rEjRAFk-0BxXTO0qK/s1600/IMG_6988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3sRsLsFDhoq6TurLpjHQel-OPN8q3rubTKuqSntB3vPRCVUrXryJtbyHspU1_ZXhqy2mRtNzRpzjAmCU1sR_qpRKqTm_WgOWjY3bCQeLyMIJDDJ2TvOzg4Pc_f0rEjRAFk-0BxXTO0qK/s320/IMG_6988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the white shirt underneath the jacket, I used a v-neck camisole that I already owned (it had some lace trim on it that I tacked down so as not to be TOO feminine!)</div>
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The skirt I made from scratch with some semi-sheer black fabric from Hobby Lobby and two super long zippers that I found on Amazon. I wanted it to be reminiscent of Leon's zippered pants, and look basically like a maxi that had been unzipped up both sides. Basically it was just two panels of fabric, sewn together at the top and then zippered together the rest of the way, with an elastic waistband. I tapered the skirt in toward the bottom so that it would better show off the leggings and boots underneath.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lMJMWB2y8Azf5fFfPxysE8QefMoosKXEIKkvrfrllJaEw2t9ZOsFQ9zabqbFbnR1Z7IU-fuXG262JflZPLSi22yhrFjLg3FY7BQn9ugDvdE735LnJiLVOptP2ws-MbXE6WBjMRZ0AG9s/s1600/IMG_8678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lMJMWB2y8Azf5fFfPxysE8QefMoosKXEIKkvrfrllJaEw2t9ZOsFQ9zabqbFbnR1Z7IU-fuXG262JflZPLSi22yhrFjLg3FY7BQn9ugDvdE735LnJiLVOptP2ws-MbXE6WBjMRZ0AG9s/s320/IMG_8678.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The leggings were another swap.com purchase (can you believe I didn't already own black leggings?), and the boots were from eBay. I did already have a pair of knee-high black boots, but a. they weren't the style I wanted, and b. I didn't want to mess them up by putting zippers on them! I discovered in my online searching that boots with zippers up the front are extremely rare, and if you do find them they are super expensive! So instead, I bought plain black boots and a couple more zippers from Amazon, and I glued the zippers to the front of the boots. It ended up working really well, it was not at all obvious that they weren't functional zippers. I highly recommend this glue -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WZ10I9m47Q3XSL-lTG2yq_8LX1H1g5Id7Lnwxa0uanoAsumD9wYUw_C83OAm85rMy-hpRWONhmYjFlNIcofoPhBcBH_VIHz57La20V3E-FjH10yjl74WJHRxmwhNEw2ImpRbxGFdG7Zq/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WZ10I9m47Q3XSL-lTG2yq_8LX1H1g5Id7Lnwxa0uanoAsumD9wYUw_C83OAm85rMy-hpRWONhmYjFlNIcofoPhBcBH_VIHz57La20V3E-FjH10yjl74WJHRxmwhNEw2ImpRbxGFdG7Zq/s320/IMG_6404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- for all your cosplay needs! I lost count of how many projects we ended up using this stuff on. For the boots, I glued on a little of the zipper at a time, held it in place until it became tacky, then used painter's tape to hold it while I continued up the zipper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5k9pHHLTHKQ2rZLgNalo3424OGX1eB-a9o2j3CQ1ZM2wDGBhDZ9dZIr8wIz2Iw_BJ9ZqPJV4CWDDhyphenhyphenV8jP4nwxmrMDU7cMrpV5dgCklP0Q3nb-sZFjTen6ZJxasXzPzlss3zfjkk4Ku8/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5k9pHHLTHKQ2rZLgNalo3424OGX1eB-a9o2j3CQ1ZM2wDGBhDZ9dZIr8wIz2Iw_BJ9ZqPJV4CWDDhyphenhyphenV8jP4nwxmrMDU7cMrpV5dgCklP0Q3nb-sZFjTen6ZJxasXzPzlss3zfjkk4Ku8/s320/IMG_6405.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Excuse the extremely messy background! I also used some rolled up cardboard (frozen pizza boxes, to be exact!) to stuff down inside the boots so they would stay upright while the glue dried. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hxhmj-0okQJqKVtoh9BtCo54jhlQvIl9r8umixxS0qr_o7TCGlffOiO1CsPMHaY98QvO3ybSs8OJgYL18nP7GIzsElCMyKTvNFiby6KXwK_wajcpa5i8028djY-s8t8frLN_sc-59IJg/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hxhmj-0okQJqKVtoh9BtCo54jhlQvIl9r8umixxS0qr_o7TCGlffOiO1CsPMHaY98QvO3ybSs8OJgYL18nP7GIzsElCMyKTvNFiby6KXwK_wajcpa5i8028djY-s8t8frLN_sc-59IJg/s320/IMG_6406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now for accessories...the belt that I wore around my waist actually belongs to my husband, but the other 3 I bought off of eBay. Size XL, so that they would fit all they way around my hips, though I think I could have gotten away with a size down so that there would not have been so much of a "tail" left over.</div>
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The armbands I decided to make rather than buy, to keep the cost down. They were a royal pain, mostly just because it's difficult to cut and work with leather, but they turned out well! I found a bag of leather scraps at Hobby Lobby, and cut the 3 armbands out from one large piece of brown leather. The buckles also came from Hobby Lobby. I measured my arm where I wanted the armbands to be, then added a couple of inches to that. I punched 3 holes in each one with an awl, with the center hole being the one I actually used. Then I sewed a small piece of elastic to one end of the armband, looping around the center bar of the buckle. Because of the elastic, I was able to just slide the first two armbands over my hand and up my arm. I only had to actually unbuckle the one on my wrist, since I have a really small wrist. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SuWlcyi7c1y5T3l1oN5UeRYCmbvsMzRKeYBhOJ0-qk2w3GIfQRJOzmr473ebtplfD2cXfQ1gGrPjF6aBzVJfzcls6-_4kETgG9S6Z3scNfR3I09MANu3Q7hZ4GWEwNItN7XjYy9TeZji/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SuWlcyi7c1y5T3l1oN5UeRYCmbvsMzRKeYBhOJ0-qk2w3GIfQRJOzmr473ebtplfD2cXfQ1gGrPjF6aBzVJfzcls6-_4kETgG9S6Z3scNfR3I09MANu3Q7hZ4GWEwNItN7XjYy9TeZji/s320/IMG_8108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sorry I don't have any photos of the actual process!</div>
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My gloves were originally basic black leather, and they also came off of swap.com.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6QNvShC61fY2kZJYAIMRUbLOud-foHbYYCo-Cv6npAY6G6jtamlIvfTUK6YTuB7xufyVvx9jbKflROAr32YWXh7VeilO6fB2L5gDsL0xntSJvrSvL6fL4M7FwJADHvkqMej2GN9rWiCU/s1600/IMG_6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6QNvShC61fY2kZJYAIMRUbLOud-foHbYYCo-Cv6npAY6G6jtamlIvfTUK6YTuB7xufyVvx9jbKflROAr32YWXh7VeilO6fB2L5gDsL0xntSJvrSvL6fL4M7FwJADHvkqMej2GN9rWiCU/s320/IMG_6351.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used more of the same leftover fabric from Sora's skirt, and finished the edges of 3 different strips to go across the gloves. I had to hand sew these, since I was going up inside the glove. The silver details I made out of air dry clay (from Hobby Lobby or Walmart), and spray painted them with the same paint I used for my gunblade. I glued them on with the E6000 glue (see above!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYqrFhW0Prv9dMgMoUTS2_GJ0lz_XzC0Y-SaEDYmTr091EyD4TnR4bgvTD4lfFP1_mmszmdk8wnWcuZvfmjC3x59Nw01s3ImrTQnuVs23oIKLfWjGOD80TfoGcnOYVp7lh4l2A8FWQWRj/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYqrFhW0Prv9dMgMoUTS2_GJ0lz_XzC0Y-SaEDYmTr091EyD4TnR4bgvTD4lfFP1_mmszmdk8wnWcuZvfmjC3x59Nw01s3ImrTQnuVs23oIKLfWjGOD80TfoGcnOYVp7lh4l2A8FWQWRj/s320/IMG_8204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you could easily find some kind of buttons to use instead, but again, I was trying not to buy anything else! I also debated using more leather instead of fabric for the straps, but was afraid it would make hand movement difficult. Also, after all the work on the armbands, I was over the whole working with leather thing haha.</div>
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My weapon, known as the Gunblade, was made by my dad out of foam core and a Pringles can for the revolver! I painted the whole thing with metallic silver spray paint, and learned in the process that if you spray on too much at once the top layer of the foam core will buckle up. I was able to smooth it out with a straight edge, which actually ended up leaving some cool looking marks on the blade that made it look "battle worn". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3PM2kcyeGfwNzvWAzZDUDVVE3PlbAzArvNEAWpF2jB8-JZZrIUR1uo6V8uDnDmHrgCJq5YikaMBth6Ri63DKG2mMjSLXt2tQHomXKjGVdu-Gq7YqQtsYL6CSPjYHYybU4zIcZ36lvnki/s1600/IMG_8198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3PM2kcyeGfwNzvWAzZDUDVVE3PlbAzArvNEAWpF2jB8-JZZrIUR1uo6V8uDnDmHrgCJq5YikaMBth6Ri63DKG2mMjSLXt2tQHomXKjGVdu-Gq7YqQtsYL6CSPjYHYybU4zIcZ36lvnki/s320/IMG_8198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The handle and the shading on the revolver I painted with craft paint. The lion emblem was definitely the most difficult part! I finally found a picture of it online that was clear enough to use, and my hubby resized it on Photoshop to the size I wanted for the blade. Here is the original file that I cropped, before resizing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2NjRCA7h7ZG_qCBaAqLWqnEU0pP7Djxg-ZyEP6BXDB8zXX_sU3C9LIGoio2PPbyfCa6lvHBCJuL-aXVrOQD8Kq2P11SO_F_99fCpiILMTmR2dOnQF2EjgI0F5RSUhkFzqVM38vK543oE/s1600/IMG_8207.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2NjRCA7h7ZG_qCBaAqLWqnEU0pP7Djxg-ZyEP6BXDB8zXX_sU3C9LIGoio2PPbyfCa6lvHBCJuL-aXVrOQD8Kq2P11SO_F_99fCpiILMTmR2dOnQF2EjgI0F5RSUhkFzqVM38vK543oE/s400/IMG_8207.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Once it was resized and printed, I used graphite paper to transfer it onto the blade. This, however, was only semi-successful. In several places the transfer barely showed up, and I had to fill in the blanks by hand, looking at the original. Then I traced over all the lines and filled in the solid parts with a Sharpie...much easier than paint and a paintbrush, and it looked just fine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkNibF-IH0i6xnRFFyA1a_lFiDgml1DjN6NfzBQuJ4gykja2J11D3kXrzP-pXogWqJ092nAKgMKbtGuFwmSWqmfqPjaIihOGSeGtmeV7KSraREahmnqsotEEk_AMoSZvMuDwDSl7fdQOb/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkNibF-IH0i6xnRFFyA1a_lFiDgml1DjN6NfzBQuJ4gykja2J11D3kXrzP-pXogWqJ092nAKgMKbtGuFwmSWqmfqPjaIihOGSeGtmeV7KSraREahmnqsotEEk_AMoSZvMuDwDSl7fdQOb/s320/IMG_8563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the "keychain" on the end of the handle, I removed a few links from a plastic chain that we already had and spray painted it with the same paint I used on the sword. My dad cut a notch into the middle layer of foam core, and inserted half of one of the chain links into the notch with some glue. I created the lion's head on the end out of more air dry clay and silver spray paint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLCbxbnztxIKzvQF0X4fyRmATmG4YVpckigE9NhyphenhyphenGrqThRVu18NQN8UlAHAOi9rn_wSFM8Ac0Ek82PplI7aaqOXqeX19VPw70htjonpOE8el_NnpKgMrOR0NceThpVo2GauhMU8oRRe7d/s1600/IMG_8683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLCbxbnztxIKzvQF0X4fyRmATmG4YVpckigE9NhyphenhyphenGrqThRVu18NQN8UlAHAOi9rn_wSFM8Ac0Ek82PplI7aaqOXqeX19VPw70htjonpOE8el_NnpKgMrOR0NceThpVo2GauhMU8oRRe7d/s320/IMG_8683.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As far as hair goes, I used a couple of different gel and wax products coupled with plenty of hairspray to get the raised bangs that Leon wears. I also separated a section of hair over each ear and held that all in place with the same products. </div>
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For makeup, I actually researched biker chick looks, and based mine off of that! Squall/Leon may not actually own a Harley, but his outfit definitely says biker to me. My sister D did my smoky eyeshadow, and my husband made Squall's iconic scar with a light bronze cream foundation and a makeup brush. Finished all that off with black eyeliner, my normal light rosy-brown blush, some highlighter, and bright red lipstick, and some finishing spray to help hold it all in place. (Tip: don't let your little sister do the finishing spray part, or you might almost drown.)</div>
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That's all for mine! To wrap up, here's a fun picture that D and I took at ComiCon, recreating a moment from Kingdom Hearts 1 when Sora and Leon first meet (even though both our costumes are different, we couldn't resist!)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="font-family: georgia, serif;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-73187947599538122272017-01-24T19:35:00.001-06:002017-02-01T14:08:16.428-06:00I Don't Have Time to Blog<div style="font-size: 17px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Yep, you read that right. This is a blog post about not having time to write a blog post. Makes total sense, right? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Okay, so obviously, technically, I have time to blog. I actually have tons of down time, sitting right here where I am right now, on the couch holding a sleeping Buttercup. We've been dealing with colic for most of the last two months, and she's a very restless sleeper during the day. The real story is that up until today, I hadn't thought of using this time to type out a post on my phone. Of course that's a rather slow-going process...not only because I'm typing an entire blog post with one thumb, but because I'm also trying not to ignore Sugarplum. So typing is being peppered with getting my teeth checked, conversations about an imaginary bug, and telling her to stop throwing toys. Also putting Buttercup's pacifier back in her mouth over and over again until she finally decides to stay asleep. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, though. I wouldn't trade these girls for anything. Adding a second child hasn't been easy, by any means, but in most ways it hasn't been as hard as I was worried it would be. It just involves a lot of improvisation and making do with the time you have...like one finger typing a blog post on your phone while holding a sleeping baby. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Anyway, the original point of this blog post was to talk about the things I'm doing when I'm actually NOT sitting on the couch holding Buttercup. There are a few short moments each day when either she has just eaten and is awake and happy, or I'm able to lay her down and she stays asleep for at least a few minutes. Also, of course, I can sometimes hand her off to DH or a visiting family members and steal a few minutes away. Some of that time has to go to things like eating, showering, taking care of Sugarplum, and trying to give her a little one-on-one attention. Also there are things like occasionally doing some dishes and laundry, and oh yeah, maybe eventually taking down the rest of my Christmas decorations. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> But honestly, one of my biggest focuses lately whenever I get the chance has been our costumes for this year's ComiCon. We have 5 months left, and there is sooo much left to do. M, D, and I started thinking about our costumes literally on the day after the con last year, and had decided before I even made it back home. We're doing a group cosplay this time. Buttercup and Sugarplum will be participating as well. DH hasn't decided for sure yet, but I'm hoping that he'll end up joining us. I'm not going to share exactly what we're doing quite yet. I will tell you this...our three costumes (M, D, and me) are femme versions of male characters, are designed by me, and involve quite a bit of crafting and sewing. There's a pretty good combination of sewing from scratch and altering pieces that we purchased. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> My dad, also, will be involved with some weapon and armor crafting. We owe that guy big...he never actually signed up for this whole cosplay thing, nor did my mom. But they love their girls, so he fills our orders without (a whole lot of) complaining, and they both help us craft and dye and paint and come up with solutions and ideas. Love y'all!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Without going into a ton of detail, right now I think the only thing I have completely finished is D's shirt (not counting my shirt, which didn't need any alterations, and a couple of accessories that we bought online). I'm currently in the middle of alterations on my jacket, D's jacket, and M's top. I still have to start on skirts for all 3 of us, and there are still several accessories yet to buy, including wigs for the two of them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> I know what Buttercup's costume is going to be, but I'm trying to wait until closer to June to start on it so that I'll know for sure what size she'll be in. I haven't actually decided on Sugarplum's costume yet. I have a few choices, but I'm waiting on DH to decide on his before I make a final decision. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> I haven't hit panic mode yet, even though it does seem like a ton of stuff to do in a very little amount of time. I really enjoy the whole process of planning and making costumes...even more than actually wearing the costume and going to ComiCon! The good news is, I recently acquired a carrier that seems to be working well for Buttercup, so hopefully I'll start being able to get some more stuff done while wearing her on days when she wants to be held all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: white; font-family: inherit;"> So...yeah. Life's a little hectic at times, and free time is a very limited commodity. But hey, I did at least finally write a blog entry! Check that one off the list. </span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-67889461801621198332016-09-17T20:22:00.001-05:002018-03-06T21:07:06.624-06:00DIY Abby Sciuto cosplay So, it's been absolutely forever since I've updated my blog. ComiCon has come and gone, and we finished all of our costumes in time...whew! It was definitely a tight race to the finish, but we made it! Everyone had fun (other than maybe Sugarplum, who had been fighting a cold and was pretty exhausted most of the day), and my little sisters are pumped for next year already!<br />
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My main excuse for not updating has been my computer being on the fritz...yet it's still on the fritz, and here I am, so clearly that wasn't an entirely valid excuse. It did make things a bit more complicated - I had to get the pictures I wanted off of my super slow computer onto a flash drive, and then actually write the blog on DH's computer since mine won't currently connect to the internet. But I'm making it work!<br />
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Having said all of that...it's time to start recap entries for each of our costumes, so that all the info is in one place and easy to follow. Starting with my own cosplay, Abby Sciuto from NCIS.<br />
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Most of this costume involved searching for and ordering pieces, there were not a lot of projects to complete. First, every Abby cosplay needs a good goth-style top. <br />
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I was originally looking for maybe something with skulls, which for some reason was a lot harder to find than I anticipated. Maybe if you look at this time of year it would be easier! But I ended up finding this skeleton tank on eBay, and it's extremely similar to one that Abby has actually worn on the show.<br />
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Next you'll need a skirt or pants. From my research, Abby does wear some of both, but the plaid mini skirt is her most iconic look. <br />
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I was looking for either red, green, or blue, though I was leaning toward red. The fact that this one came with a studded belt was an added bonus...but unfortunately, you couldn't even see it once I put it with the shirt. Oh well. This skirt came from swap.com.</div>
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The next important piece is a lab coat. I found mine on eBay, and added the embroidery myself. I'm sure you could probably find a pre-embroidered NCIS lab coat if you don't have the means to do the embroidery, though they'll probably be a bit more expensive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLdwYjQXznCihoISJTLB1074CtKWw2d3woRzExWAC3jbe1m-kd6VpXImM2AX6tUfUyTVwyL99NV3Un1HTrKGYQ7JGTMup3Gv-61fAgapDbUtGTfEA7ubdFGoFvYGzks49DD2v6eAXr-sk/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLdwYjQXznCihoISJTLB1074CtKWw2d3woRzExWAC3jbe1m-kd6VpXImM2AX6tUfUyTVwyL99NV3Un1HTrKGYQ7JGTMup3Gv-61fAgapDbUtGTfEA7ubdFGoFvYGzks49DD2v6eAXr-sk/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As an added detail for the final look, I hooked an ink pen into this pocket since Abby often carries one there.</div>
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An optional piece, depending on what type of bottom you need up with and how comfortable you are in short skirts, is a pair of black leggings. </div>
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I accidentally ended up with a pair with holes down the front, which ended up working well for the overall look. Like I said, the leggings are optional, since Abby doesn't actually wear them, but I didn't personally want to wear just a mini skirt with no other covering! These came from swap.com as well.</div>
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A key piece of Abby's look is her knee-high socks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_uJKY8Ao-cdgR4Xf7Jo2edOtMHcTKstvOX3hdTagkLrTQEk7XKHb40Ro3Cnazq0X3SR76zdpLXNMjUWgYpa4VyxKqNU8OUJcYwOkSGqGKb8FqiwVDkq4DgfD56wiVHKLB19VCtLoClcI/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_uJKY8Ao-cdgR4Xf7Jo2edOtMHcTKstvOX3hdTagkLrTQEk7XKHb40Ro3Cnazq0X3SR76zdpLXNMjUWgYpa4VyxKqNU8OUJcYwOkSGqGKb8FqiwVDkq4DgfD56wiVHKLB19VCtLoClcI/s320/IMG_4698.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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She wears a variety of patterns, including argyle, but I decided to go with the black and white stripes. This was another eBay find.</div>
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Of course as we're working our way down to the feet, the next obvious piece would be a pair of boots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_xX_SA45OxIlD6A56hYDU4pFRn6cPJjP0mSBGYMn8TQxpeppXDfZT-xKf6Zh3PHGNv9Jq1i1OhdFQPBFcGqJFj_6ZuNsZ-VZ_wKgjmivo6tiqD_pkbddfTMsNr684b3as2CVR74RSMGF/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_xX_SA45OxIlD6A56hYDU4pFRn6cPJjP0mSBGYMn8TQxpeppXDfZT-xKf6Zh3PHGNv9Jq1i1OhdFQPBFcGqJFj_6ZuNsZ-VZ_wKgjmivo6tiqD_pkbddfTMsNr684b3as2CVR74RSMGF/s320/IMG_4697.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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While I admit these are not the most "Abby" boots I could have possibly gone with...I already owned them, and boots are expensive! Abby generally wears taller boots, with lots of buckles and such. But I felt like a simple pair of black combat boots worked pretty well without having to spend all that extra money.</div>
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If you don't already have black hair and bangs, you'll also need a wig to complete your look.</div>
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I found this one for cheap on eBay. Keep in mind when buying wigs, what you pay for is what you get! So while a cheap wig ended up working for me in the end, it was a lot more work to get it that way. <br />
The first thing I had to fix was the bangs. They were VERY uneven!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1OgXkA670_IyNHgpBBkiZfjzPKq3cvtuG26Civ8D8ehkBHAViPJcMzZaGFzE5zXj08SHSzZCWG2cs1K8Z_jOvti8XcNxvqBDBLEvyk8FCgowZzJlLYyOkyC5UnFhfaKJzN9xmlF-OCW8/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1OgXkA670_IyNHgpBBkiZfjzPKq3cvtuG26Civ8D8ehkBHAViPJcMzZaGFzE5zXj08SHSzZCWG2cs1K8Z_jOvti8XcNxvqBDBLEvyk8FCgowZzJlLYyOkyC5UnFhfaKJzN9xmlF-OCW8/s320/IMG_2609.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYorP-UxS2EVXUQFCEYIPfQ1ANsp9MP38oLmkthtrsuLcFdOtpDtZvfz3agCLPBn30eShz9Vz2n4wMco-kXZKpv7RSZrNiFOk4AF3IwGGFeHL8sq1EhA-w3vq8ULbSBo6Y7P_ecD6mSj99/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYorP-UxS2EVXUQFCEYIPfQ1ANsp9MP38oLmkthtrsuLcFdOtpDtZvfz3agCLPBn30eShz9Vz2n4wMco-kXZKpv7RSZrNiFOk4AF3IwGGFeHL8sq1EhA-w3vq8ULbSBo6Y7P_ecD6mSj99/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you can see, there were sections on each side that weren't short enough to be bangs, but not long enough to mix in with the rest of the hair. I cut those off to bangs-length. There were other long pieces randomly mixed in throughout the bangs, too. <br />
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Next I worked on <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2015/08/how-to-remove-shine-from-synthetic.html" target="_blank">de-shining the wig</a>, which I have written a post on already, so I won't go into detail here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBjd_czItXfrRN7h3mdBe8qn2Uog4SsnEL30bmty0Gvgc2hXyW9Rys23JrP21LS7Tm10N1Nq_Kl4B1MtscM0minRlooVt6eD0fONWEqU86TMzZV8hCq38_1-WOxwdPt9I0cuACDBUS9z0/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBjd_czItXfrRN7h3mdBe8qn2Uog4SsnEL30bmty0Gvgc2hXyW9Rys23JrP21LS7Tm10N1Nq_Kl4B1MtscM0minRlooVt6eD0fONWEqU86TMzZV8hCq38_1-WOxwdPt9I0cuACDBUS9z0/s320/IMG_2612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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In this picture the left section has been de-shined. It's not a huge difference, but it's one of those subtle details that makes the wig look more realistic. <br />
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I really wanted to give my wig Abby's iconic high pigtails. Unfortunately, this is what happened when I tried that.<br />
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I don't know how well you can tell without zooming in on the photo, but you can see the netting of the wig right through the hair. Nothing I did to style the wig solved the problem! Even with a black wig cap on underneath you could still see it. This is probably another result of buying a cheap wig. A better quality wig would most likely be thicker and have better coverage and styling options. So, I ended up going with another Abby look, the low braided pigtails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytaMdfil-czIpBhmejCaodwrmtM20AEIDgd6vrjgOKRRbb0FuK-0YG86rbHsgS3Fd26-Lw7RaXEABqhv9KqtaZq3ewJmIbeWk7UENRR_Yae9K3DsBWDu7us7oW3Bn36AyLOBnTVOkkcI/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytaMdfil-czIpBhmejCaodwrmtM20AEIDgd6vrjgOKRRbb0FuK-0YG86rbHsgS3Fd26-Lw7RaXEABqhv9KqtaZq3ewJmIbeWk7UENRR_Yae9K3DsBWDu7us7oW3Bn36AyLOBnTVOkkcI/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even this look was a bit hard to accomplish without exposing the netting underneath. I will go ahead and admit that I got very frustrated with this wig before it was over with! But in the end, the bit of netting that was exposed was not noticeable enough when paired with the black wig cap to continue to worry about.<br />
A side note...if you're going to do any kind of cutting or styling on a wig, you'll want to get one of these wig heads. They only cost about $5 at Hobby Lobby or Jo-Ann. Also, do yourself a huge favor and rig some kind of stand to put it on, because they are super lightweight and will fall over constantly while you're trying to style. You can see somewhat in the picture above the one that DH made for me...basically it's a board with a spike/dowel sticking out of it and up into the hole in the bottom of the wig head. <br />
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Now for the details! The fun stuff! First, jewelry. Abby loves her jewelry!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lHZJ7GMcmXrvO8p9ShWv8rKsMB-TvCZaCzDbvxdQaFHv63_5I-Lomuvu3T5MVJrpS3wiFujvDilKEfwFG7L3P_hR0vIdilTfHoVxdiIVhLYvKGrSoZ4pUFh4TAsb5eYSXC4JjpJgwqS8/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lHZJ7GMcmXrvO8p9ShWv8rKsMB-TvCZaCzDbvxdQaFHv63_5I-Lomuvu3T5MVJrpS3wiFujvDilKEfwFG7L3P_hR0vIdilTfHoVxdiIVhLYvKGrSoZ4pUFh4TAsb5eYSXC4JjpJgwqS8/s320/IMG_4699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're going to cosplay Abby, a dog collar choker is pretty much a must. I got mine on eBay, and I'm pretty sure it was an actual dog collar and not meant to be a necklace! The skull bracelet also came from eBay, and the studded cuff was something DH had lying around. As long as you stick with metal, black, and leather, you're pretty safe to be as creative as you'd like with your bracelets. A choker and bracelets are about as far as Abby usually goes, though. No earrings, and if she ever wears rings I didn't notice them.<br />
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And, of course, you can't really be Abby without the tattoos. This is certainly the most difficult part of the whole look! Thankfully I married an artist, so he was in charge of my tattoos, though my sister M and I each did one on my wrists to help him out. <br />
There are several methods for creating your own temporary tattoos, and we weighed the pros and cons of each before settling on the simple Sharpie method. If you want to be able to print your tattoos instead of having to draw them, there is a method with water transfer paper that you should look into. For us, the Sharpies worked well - we drew them on the night before ComiCon, and they lasted throughout the day with very little fading. The main issue I had was with the ones on my wrists, because I had bracelets rubbing on them, but they were easy enough to touch up. Just make sure you take your Sharpie to the con with you! That goes along with step #10 on my <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2015/11/brianas-guide-to-comicon-for-cosplayers.html" target="_blank">guide to ComiCon</a>, which you should definitely check out if you're headed to your first con.<br />
Here are a couple of pictures of my tattoos compared with Abby's, with mine being on the right.<br />
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Another little detail you might notice in the top picture is my black fingernail polish. Not my usual look, but definitely an Abby thing! For makeup, I kept it simple, with black eyeliner (but not a ton), a very small amount of light blush, and dark red lipstick. </div>
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And here it is, the final look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AIno-ILCQZ7YTKc_elvavWUmUrEkvs9jN47EyrJgseAU0pB6e35rTxsxr8PzEra-8BgK9OYkGRivIcJ4rwweK4ny2hstfhtidZ7GLU4cBCB8xkJWt6CsjckBLswWIqcY9g4wvqB_K55O/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AIno-ILCQZ7YTKc_elvavWUmUrEkvs9jN47EyrJgseAU0pB6e35rTxsxr8PzEra-8BgK9OYkGRivIcJ4rwweK4ny2hstfhtidZ7GLU4cBCB8xkJWt6CsjckBLswWIqcY9g4wvqB_K55O/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uHo7Bx9FtwJvPXPDjB_8xm02t527lGRJddCG-sJDqr5gwrAzhWli5b8i9Wk88IDunBaJs2mQak4QbOt-OMjLHuI9Re8X3faquIiCYyxjYHV6mtTvdIcDfCQX1e2Rq_e-9vjiKn81AvJX/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uHo7Bx9FtwJvPXPDjB_8xm02t527lGRJddCG-sJDqr5gwrAzhWli5b8i9Wk88IDunBaJs2mQak4QbOt-OMjLHuI9Re8X3faquIiCYyxjYHV6mtTvdIcDfCQX1e2Rq_e-9vjiKn81AvJX/s320/IMG_3218.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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This was such a fun new look to try, and I got a ton of compliments on how much I looked like Abby. Even with my baby bump, haha!<br />
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Now let's talk cost. <br />
Skeleton tank: $4.99<br />
Mini skirt: $9.00<br />
Lab coat: $11.79<br />
Leggings: free! (long story, see my <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2016/03/costume-updates.html" target="_blank">costume update</a> post for that)<br />
Socks: $1.76<br />
Boots: free!<br />
Wig: $6.99<br />
Skull bracelet: $.74<br />
Dog collar: $3.70<br />
Cuff bracelet: free!<br />
Makeup, tattoos, and nails: free!<br />
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TOTAL COST: $38.97<br />
Now that's cosplay on a budget! This was actually the first time I had added up the cost, and I have to say I'm pretty pleased. <br />
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I'll eventually get around to posts on Rey, Vanellope, Samantha Parkington, and The Man with No Name. Hopefully it won't take me quite as long this time!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span>Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-47346305001116837852016-05-30T17:49:00.001-05:002018-03-06T21:06:48.653-06:00Sewing Rey's Pants<h3>
Aka: turning dress pants into harem-esque capris!</h3>
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The journey to completing M's pants for her Rey cosplay has been an...interesting one. A bit longer and more complicated than any of us hoped. But they are done now, so that's what matters! </div>
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I mentioned in my last <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2016/03/costume-updates.html" target="_blank">costume update</a> that I had found what I hoped was the perfect pair of pants for M at Goodwill. We really liked the color and the how the fabric draped; they seemed to match the pants from the movie well. </div>
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But, once I got the pants to her and she was able to try them on, it turned out they were too small, even though they were the size she normally wears! Women's clothing...ugh. They wouldn't even go all the way over her hips, so we weren't sure that there was anything that could be done about it. So we started looking for other options, but I was too sick to get out and do any physical shopping (oh btw, have I mentioned I'm pregnant? ha), and it's so hard to tell what you're getting color- and fabric-wise online. My mom ordered another pair off of eBay, but they ended up being way too gray and not at all the right fabric. </div>
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So, recently I was finally well enough to be able to make it back over to their house and actually see these pants in person. My mom and I had hatched a possible plan to open up the side seams far enough for her to actually get the pants on, and then fill in the gaps with the excess fabric that we were already going to be cutting off of the legs. Thankfully, that worked (that is, after my pregnant brain decided to use a completely wrong measurement the first time and make them way huge on her), and the pants now actually fit her.</div>
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But anyway, assuming that you actually buy the correct size pants for your cosplay, what you'll really need to know how to do is to make them fitted at the knee like Rey's are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96ySytHE2lAERnyoPPrm8fDUwNVLS7VZ_jL6lJ_aJbZn97f6qdUObxgiReBBvVh-tI662J8GPIDnfvLhrWL4rNzgAiLWR-URiyzumUcIb5BDaWfihYFe6lgY7gpxQ_LRklYMon_uMOGJC/s1600/Rey_with_her_quarterstaff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96ySytHE2lAERnyoPPrm8fDUwNVLS7VZ_jL6lJ_aJbZn97f6qdUObxgiReBBvVh-tI662J8GPIDnfvLhrWL4rNzgAiLWR-URiyzumUcIb5BDaWfihYFe6lgY7gpxQ_LRklYMon_uMOGJC/s320/Rey_with_her_quarterstaff.png" width="268" /></a></div>
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Most capris that you find are going to be fitted through the leg, unlike Rey's. So the easiest thing to do is to find a pair of long dress pants that are loose fitting, or possibly a pair of gauchos. Try the pants on, mark a spot just under the knee where you want them to end, allowing some extra room for seam allowances, etc., then cut both legs off at this mark. </div>
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Next you'll need to create a cuff for the ends of the pants. Measure around the largest part of your calf, even if that's not where the pants will actually end. You want to make sure the cuff can slide all the way up to where it belongs! Use some of the fabric that you cut off to make the cuff. In my case, the original bottom of the pants had a very wide hem, just the right width for my cuff and already nicely finished off for me. If you don't have this luxury, then I suggest 2-3 inches wide, and you'll need to hem one side. You can choose either to cut one long strip, the length of your calf measurement (plus seam allowances), and sew the ends together (right sides together) to create a loop, or cut 2 pieces of equal length and sew those ends together (right sides together). I did the latter.</div>
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Hope you're still with me so far! I pretty much make this stuff up as I go, so I'm certainly not an expert at explaining it all. </div>
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Okay, your next step is to gather the end of the pants. Run a double gathering stitch (long stitch length) along the edge, then pull the threads until the pants are gathered enough to just fit inside the cuff. You'll need to do this one side of the pants at a time, since the existing side seams won't gather. </div>
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Getting it to the right size will take a little bit of trial and error; just place the cuff around the gathers and readjust as needed. It's easiest to gather a little too much to start with and then pull it back out a little once you're holding the cuff on.</div>
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Next, once you've tied off your gathering stitches, turn the cuff inside out and pin it over the end of the pants. When you sew this, make sure that you leave enough seam allowance to cover up all of your gathering stitches.</div>
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Turn right side out, repeat on other leg, and ta da! You're done! </div>
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Didn't get a picture of the finished product on M, but there will be plenty to come. At this point I'm trying to decide whether there's some kind of tie on Rey's pants, around the cuff. Anybody have any input on that one? I have plenty of fabric still left over, so I can easily add one at the last minute if I decide I want to.</div>
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Another quick update on how everything else is coming: Now that we have the pants done, M's costume is basically finished other than acquiring the fabric to wrap around her arms. </div>
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D's Vanellope costume still needs stripes painted on the leggings and stitches added to the hoodie pocket, and we need to make candy clips for her hair. She does have her hoodie strings dyed pink, and she actually ended up getting a different pair of white leggings and dying them the correct color to better match her hoodie.</div>
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DH finally found a hat for his "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" cosplay! However, it needs some work before it's ready to go. Also, we bought some fabric for his poncho, but it still needs to be made and the design painted on. Those are his two main pieces that needed work.</div>
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Sugarplum's Samantha dress is nearly finished. All the sewing is done (and was that a task! I hate patterns so much!), all that's left is to finish tacking down the ribbon belt and to find a gold piece to be the "buckle" at the center of the belt. I also bought her some black stockings this weekend.</div>
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This week I'm excited to finally get back to work on my Abby Sciuto costume! All of the pieces did come in, and they all look great. Today I gave my wig a slight haircut, and over the next couple of days I hope to work on <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2015/08/how-to-remove-shine-from-synthetic.html" target="_blank">de-shining the wig</a> and styling it. That will probably be my next post, so keep an eye out!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span></div>
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Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-41451027481384974512016-03-09T21:45:00.000-06:002018-03-06T21:06:04.449-06:00Costume Updates I spent last week at my parents' house, and one thing my sisters and I did was work on acquiring pieces for their costumes. Combine that with some of the other buying and crafting I've done recently, and I've been pretty productive on the costume front lately. So...time for an update!<br />
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Abby Sciuto Cosplay</h4>
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The first item to arrive for my Abby costume was a skull bracelet that I found on eBay for $.79 and free shipping. Can't beat that!</div>
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Next was the lab coat...also from eBay...which I failed to take a picture of before I embroidered. But I made up for it by taking a video of the embroidery machine at work!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MfkbKFYCfks/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MfkbKFYCfks?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Am I the only one who finds watching embroidery machines fascinating? Yes? Ok, fine. Here's a still shot of it for all the rest of you.<br />
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And here is the final product!</div>
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Today the skirt and leggings came in the mail, too...</div>
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Funny story about these leggings. I didn't realize when I ordered the that they had holes down the front. That was very unclear in the picture/description. And while that look may be appropriate for Abby, I was hoping to be able to wear these myself, and that's NOT my style. So I went back on swap.com to return them, and they told me they'd give me my money back but that I could keep the leggings for my inconvenience. That's the second time swap has done that to me! So now, I guess I'm going to use them after all...I mean, they were free! My one concern was that they wouldn't look right when I paired them with the knee socks (which haven't come in yet for me to try), but I think it'll look fine. I'm definitely glad I have the leggings, because that skirt just BARELY covers me!</div>
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Still waiting on my shirt, dog collar, knee socks, and wig to arrive, but they're all coming from China :/ so the estimated arrival puts them here anytime between next week and mid-April.</div>
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Samantha Parkington Cosplay</h4>
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Sugarplum's costume is the most labor-intensive, and also the one that I've accomplished the least on. Gotta make myself sit down and sew! Some of it has to do with finding the time...the perfect day when Sugarplum herself will actually cooperate and LET me sit down and sew!</div>
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Anyway, I did buy the fabric from Hobby Lobby. As I said in my last post, it's not exact, but it's the closest I could find.</div>
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I also found this ribbon at JoAnn to use for the waistband.</div>
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This is the pattern I'm going to be using, found on Etsy. </div>
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I've cut out all the pieces, and ironed the fabric, so my next step is ironing the pattern pieces and then pinning and cutting everything. It's been so long since I've actually sewn with a pattern, it makes me a little nervous. Funny that having instructions and a guide would make me more nervous than winging it.</div>
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Lastly, I found a pair of black patent leather shoes on eBay. I got them a little big in hopes that she'll still be able to wear them next winter to church.</div>
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Rey Cosplay</h4>
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My sister M's Rey cosplay is coming along well. First I found her a pair of pants at Goodwill.</div>
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They're a little more grey in person than they look in this photo. I need to cut them off at her knees and hem them, but other than that they're the perfect fabric (linen-esque) and color.</div>
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We finally decided on some fabric, from JoAnn. Hobby Lobby had the same type of fabric labeled as batiste, but I'm not sure if that's the correct name for it or not. Regardless, it seemed to be the perfect texture for the fabric that drapes around Rey's shoulders. I measured from M's knee, up over the opposite shoulder, and back down to her knee, which turned out to be 2 1/2 yards. Since the fabric comes 45" wide, I just bought that length, and cut the fabric in half lengthwise to make a strip for each shoulder. No need to have 45" worth of fabric gathered up on her shoulder!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTfi85Fp6bESvp1jSLUVT5f2_AQIi2VfOYkUdSFgrTp_K1eQ3BMsTgDcylYWFjLs136LPAXAM9BX89HWy5Ng0v2f9wvv2INHhLMIU9FnlMomKhDjUNWJSULC7p5u6IzFZhYdZy90EnuW3/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTfi85Fp6bESvp1jSLUVT5f2_AQIi2VfOYkUdSFgrTp_K1eQ3BMsTgDcylYWFjLs136LPAXAM9BX89HWy5Ng0v2f9wvv2INHhLMIU9FnlMomKhDjUNWJSULC7p5u6IzFZhYdZy90EnuW3/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's a picture of Rey's costume for texture comparison.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae_Nhh7X4XInipHiP3Oqk_ebCr_yE79h1RFnySBa84o7tGPGuwC4-QNJ3bSmb1CX8TN-ZpK3UTn2kVn1WdjHdng5FiYacnTeZvdgkzBEoT_A7_ek5_WwI1KqYKJx9vNEN4aVYDIrGfQaR/s1600/rey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae_Nhh7X4XInipHiP3Oqk_ebCr_yE79h1RFnySBa84o7tGPGuwC4-QNJ3bSmb1CX8TN-ZpK3UTn2kVn1WdjHdng5FiYacnTeZvdgkzBEoT_A7_ek5_WwI1KqYKJx9vNEN4aVYDIrGfQaR/s320/rey.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The other item we found for her cosplay last week was a shirt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgmgiV_hrY7ge9udVeTOGhLitLZe_SbgkasAEYVCB_mqasCAWqQkGgyTU4lMO9WOBAlNys5SY-kbgG8r7HkwJEiS4-MLnLLrtV3xwFWBqO7mdU57E7qqs_PtDJPquL5PQLQCfDh2MdAU4/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgmgiV_hrY7ge9udVeTOGhLitLZe_SbgkasAEYVCB_mqasCAWqQkGgyTU4lMO9WOBAlNys5SY-kbgG8r7HkwJEiS4-MLnLLrtV3xwFWBqO7mdU57E7qqs_PtDJPquL5PQLQCfDh2MdAU4/s320/IMG_1302.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We bought this off-white fitted tee from Walmart, and I'm going to make a couple of alterations to it.</div>
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You can just barely see in this picture where I've marked the collar and sleeve. On the collar I'll be cutting a small "v". The sleeves are supposed to be cap sleeves, so I'm going to cut them off shorter and re-hem them.</div>
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We already own the belt and leather wrist cuff, so now we just need to find her some boots and some kind of fabric to wrap around her arms. She decided to forego the staff...too expensive and too much of a pain to carry around all day!</div>
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Vanellope von Schweetz Cosplay</h4>
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My youngest sister D's cosplay is also nearing completion. It took us awhile to find the perfect hoodie...there are a lot of teal hoodies out there, but most of them have logos and/or zippers on the front. Also, finding the perfect color teal is easier said than done, especially without paying through the nose for it! But I finally came across this one on eBay, which was a great price AND (contrary to what this picture shows) is the perfect color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuTpnKyegrTJSHxMkuSfmoXjkuKonoIIwUHIxM-ZUMSnXnBPi2EYayk2DwXFUhwjletgCD6SuY4IO246y6YZKW7lFiLD5QniusAQV3zqRrw95ENX6xzXKmqFFelMRmpH29CooQpuIEUtd/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuTpnKyegrTJSHxMkuSfmoXjkuKonoIIwUHIxM-ZUMSnXnBPi2EYayk2DwXFUhwjletgCD6SuY4IO246y6YZKW7lFiLD5QniusAQV3zqRrw95ENX6xzXKmqFFelMRmpH29CooQpuIEUtd/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Not too blue, not too green, that's the key with finding teal! D kept this one with her, and is planning on dying or changing out the strings to hot pink, as well as adding the hot pink stitching on the pocket.</div>
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She's also going to be working on her leggings. We found these at Walgreens, of all places.</div>
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For color comparison purposes, these are slightly bluer and a good bit darker than her hoodie. I saw a tutorial on Pinterest for how to paint white tights to look like Vanellope's, but we figured that painting teal ones with the white stripes would equal less paint, and they'd be less likely to be stiff. Hopefully we were right!</div>
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Another swap.com purchase was her skirt, which just came in the mail today, so she hasn't actually had a chance to try it on yet. It *should* be the right size, though!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFSZP7Dp1QGpqCOPdqv89YjQzZmtnI6GZa2eSOUdtG30cSmrjqnN8yG6fu55kVkV7dvyYmvIGcd1G011MwbEVjNMtOPFQCjfyRqCQmevgSvXiQbyjh32IUyZSLxnYk6PRnqdqjvP9k6y9/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFSZP7Dp1QGpqCOPdqv89YjQzZmtnI6GZa2eSOUdtG30cSmrjqnN8yG6fu55kVkV7dvyYmvIGcd1G011MwbEVjNMtOPFQCjfyRqCQmevgSvXiQbyjh32IUyZSLxnYk6PRnqdqjvP9k6y9/s320/IMG_1324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now all she needs is some shoes and some candy for her hair, and she'll be good to go!</div>
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I didn't include DH's Clint Eastwood cosplay in this list, because he hasn't acquired any new items yet. :) He's having a really hard time finding a hat that meets his standards without costing $100 +! Unfortunately it's not one of those things you can just pick up on eBay or at Goodwill for a few bucks. </div>
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Eventually, when everything is complete, I'll try to compile all of these into separate, single posts, so that all the information about each costume is available in one place. But for now, I find it fun to be able to share my progress as it comes! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span></div>
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Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-37944615413390564272016-02-26T12:39:00.004-06:002018-03-06T21:05:46.008-06:00New year, new costumes! For the past couple of years, I have started thinking about my costume for ComiCon at the beginning of the year. Sometimes it takes me a while to decide what I want to do, and I want to make sure I have plenty of time to accomplish making the costume or putting it together if it ends up being complicated. Like my Arwen dress last year, for instance! This year it was particularly important to start early, since I not only have my costume and Sugarplum's costume to plan (plus helping hubby out if he needs any sewing done), but my two little sisters have decided to come with us, too! I'm super excited about introducing them to cosplay and ComiCon. I always say that my husband turned me into a geek, and I pretty much passed it on to these two (and my older sister to some extent, too!). We were all already Disney geeks, but DH got me into Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, and I in turn introduced my sisters. Haven't gotten them on Doctor Who yet...maybe that'll come next. ;)<br />
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Anyway, it turns out that most of our costumes won't require that much sewing this year, other than Sugarplum's. Which is even more of a good thing considering what I just found out earlier this week...<a href="http://wizardworld.com/" target="_blank">Wizard World</a>, the convention that we usually attend in September, isn't coming to Nashville this year. That means our only choice now is <a href="http://fanboyexpo.com/" target="_blank">FanBoy Expo</a>, which I don't know much about, but it looks like it'll be good. There's one in Nashville in May, and one in Knoxville in June. That leaves us only around 3 months to get everything ready!<br />
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Thankfully, everyone has made up their minds on who they want to be, though it did take us a while. We debated for what seemed like forever on whether or not we could come up with a group cosplay, like maybe all cosplaying as characters from The Force Awakens. We ended up scratching that idea, because in every scenario at least one person was going to end up settling for a costume that they weren't necessarily thrilled about. I really wanted my sisters, especially, to be whoever they really wanted to for their first ComiCon.<br />
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So, without further ado, here is what we have all decided on for this year's ComiCon, and our progress so far.<br />
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My costume: Abby Sciuto from NCIS</h4>
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I watched the show NCIS faithfully for a few years. Now I mostly see re-runs, but Abby has always been a favorite. I mean, who doesn't love Abby? So far her outfit has been pretty fun to put together. I really couldn't have chosen anyone whose sense of style was more different from my own! But that's actually what makes it so much fun.</div>
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So far I have ordered a lab coat, which I plan on embroidering with "NCIS" myself; a black wig, which I will be cutting and styling; black and white striped knee socks; a black spiked dog collar; and one skull bracelet. All of those came off of eBay. I already own a pair of black combat boots that I'll be using. Still keeping my eye out for a plaid skirt, another bracelet, and some sort of skull/skeleton top. Also a pair of black leggings, because the knee sock and mini skirt combo is a little....bare...for me. DH will be helping me with the tattoos when the time comes...I have zero tattoos, and Abby has 7 that will be visible! We haven't quite decided yet what method we'll be using for those, so I'll keep you updated and probably post a tutorial later on.</div>
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DH's costume: The Man with No Name from A Fistful of Dollars</h4>
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I've only actually seen parts of this movie a couple of times, honestly, so I don't know that much about it other than this guy is the gun-slingin' hero! DH searched for a while for a character that he could pull off with his current beard and hairstyle. We've discovered in the past couple of years that there really aren't very many bearded characters, besides old men and wizards! Anyway, he already owns at least a couple of pieces for this look, including the shoes and vest. He's currently looking for the hat (I told him just to wear his Indiana Jones hat from last year, but he claims that this is a pretty specific hat, haha. Shows you what I know.). We're thinking for the poncho we'll end up buying or making a plain brown one, and then painting the designs on. You can actually find this specific poncho for sale online, but they're quite pricey.</div>
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Sugarplum's costume: Samantha Parkington, an American Girl</h4>
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My sisters and I all grew up with American Girl dolls. I didn't personally own Samantha until I was a teenager (I started collecting the dolls as they were being discontinued), but my older sister did. I chose Samantha for Sugarplum because they look the most alike. :) This will be the one costume that will be sewn completely from scratch. And let me tell you...that fabric is NOT easy to find! It's technically a burgundy and grey gingham print on a kind of taffeta like fabric, but no such thing seems to actually exist in the real world. I've had to settle for a burgundy gingham on cotton, which I found at Hobby Lobby for ~$3.50 a yard sale price. It's certainly not exact but it's the closest I could find...well, there was one slightly closer that I found online, but with the cost of shipping it would have been $25 total at least. It wasn't different enough to pay that much. </div>
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I also have the ribbon for the waist, and a pattern for a very similar looking girls' Victorian dress, which I found on Etsy. I ordered a pair of black patent leather dress shoes from eBay, but I'll still need to find the black stockings, and something to use for that gold ring on the belt. </div>
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M's costume: Rey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens</h4>
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Despite the fact that we decided not to go with a group Star Wars cosplay, there will still be one TFA character in the bunch. My 18-year-old sister is going to be cosplaying Rey, the heroine of the movie. As soon as I saw Rey I knew that she'd be a good character to be...her outfit just looks so comfy and fun, doesn't it? We haven't done much shopping for my sisters' costumes yet, since we'd like to do it together and they live a few hours away. I'm planning on visiting next week, though, and I'm sure we'll get a lot accomplished then. However, I did happen to pick up a belt much like Rey's at Goodwill a few months ago on a whim, and I found a perfect pair of pants (that I'm hoping will fit!) at Goodwill a couple of days ago. They're long pants, so I'll have to cut them off and tie them at the knees. Right now I'm on a search for the perfect fabric to drape around her...something light and flowy but not super expensive, which is easier said than done. The other piece that may be difficult to find is the boots, unless she has something already that I don't know about. I'm sure we won't find anything too exact, but as long as they're close in style and color I think she'll be satisfied.</div>
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D's costume: Vanellope Von Schweetz from Wreck it Ralph</h4>
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My 14-year-old sister changed her mind multiple times, but finally decided on Vanellope. We haven't gotten any pieces for her costume yet - though I believe she said she had some shoes that would work - but we have made some plans. I found a tutorial on Pinterest for painting a pair of white tights to look like Vanellope's, and we've talked about how to do the candy for her hair. She wants to use real candy, so we plan to glue it onto bobby pins. We may even thread a wire through an actual Twizzler to wrap around her ponytail! Finding a teal hoodie that doesn't have a zipper down the front is proving harder than I would have thought, so there has also been talk of buying a white hoodie and dying it the correct color.</div>
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And there you have it! We ended up with a very random combination of characters, but I think we're all happy with what we've decided on. There will be progress reports to come, so stay tuned!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-53088445820886471162015-12-01T12:33:00.000-06:002018-03-06T21:04:52.722-06:00Christmas Tree Craft Project for Toddlers or Preschoolers It's December, so let's start out the season right! This is a project that I came up with based off of something similar my sisters and I did when we were little. I will be perfectly honest with you up front...if you are attempting this with a toddler, it will not be the easiest thing to accomplish. Make sure you start out with plenty of patience, and leave behind any OCD tendencies (this one can be difficult for me! I'm not often OCD, but when it comes to symmetry and the placement of things I am). However, having said all of that, Sugarplum did really well, and it really wasn't all that bad. She did try to pull the "ornaments" back off the tree, but she enjoyed the project and did well with the concept.<br />
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Okay, prep time. The first thing you'll need is two sheets of construction paper, one green and one white (or whatever other colors you want your tree and background to be).</div>
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Fold the green sheet in half lengthwise.</div>
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Cut out the shape of half of a Christmas tree on the fold. I freehanded mine, since it's a pretty simple shape. But if you'd rather, you can search for "Christmas tree pattern" on Google images and come up with lots of options. Just print one out in an 8x10 size and cut around it on top of the green paper.</div>
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Next, unfold the tree and use stick glue to adhere it to your white background. Be generous with the glue, and make sure to hit the edges and points well. I recommend using a scrap piece of paper underneath the tree.</div>
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Let this dry for a few minutes before you start the project with your child.</div>
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The other items you will need are tissue paper squares. I used red, yellow, and white tissue paper. Fold a sheet of tissue paper up and cut on the folds until you have approximately 2 inch squares (this is the part that is slightly time consuming!).</div>
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To make the ornaments for the tree, you'll take these squares and crumple them up into little balls. You can do this as part of the prep if you'd like, but I just made the balls as we worked.</div>
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Find a good work surface that your child can easily reach. I took the tray off of Sugarplum's highchair and let her work at the kitchen table. Place the tree in front of your child, hand them an ornament (yes, they may try to un-crumple it!), and let them place it wherever they want on the tree. Then use the glue stick to stick down the ornament in that spot. Another alternative, particularly for slightly older children, is to let them point to a spot on the tree where they'd like the ornament to go.</div>
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You could try using regular Elmer's glue as well, but I didn't want to deal with wet glue and a toddler at the same time. The stick glue worked perfectly well for us.</div>
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Be sure to write the child's name and the date on the back, then hang their masterpiece for everyone to admire!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-80118808030179118292015-11-06T17:58:00.000-06:002018-03-06T21:04:38.497-06:00Briana's Guide to ComiCon for Cosplayers, Moms, and Everyone Else Well, it's taken me long enough, but I'm finally here to talk about ComiCon. I wanted to not only share our experience at this year's Con, but also answer some questions that some of you might have about ComiCon in general. Caution...long post ahead! First off, what is ComiCon? And the question I get the most, what do you do there? There are many different ComiCons (comic conventions) out there. Two of the biggest happen to be San Diego and New York, and are probably the ones you'll hear about the most often. San Diego ComiCon, which takes place sometime in the summer, seems to be where most of the big announcements about upcoming movies, tv shows, events, etc. take place. Movie trailers for highly anticipated movies in the geek world (think Star Wars, Marvel, etc.) will debut, and you're more likely to see the "big" celebrities there. <br />
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But there are several companies who put on conventions around the country, including Wizard World, DragonCon, FanBoy Expo, etc. The one that comes here to Nashville is Wizard World. It's a much smaller convention than San Diego and New York, but still generates a good turnout. My main complaint about it is that the celebrities for Nashville in particular often seem to be "has-beens", for some reason. Other Wizard World cons don't seem to be the same way. Perhaps it's because the Nashville con has only been going on for 3 years. <br />
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So what do you do at ComiCon? Well, if you're not in San Diego watching movie trailers and hearing grand announcements, the main activities will be 1. Celebrity panels and workshops, 2. Autographs and photo ops, 3. Exhibits and vendors, and 4. People watching. <br />
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First, whatever celebrities are attending the convention will likely hold some kind of panel where they'll chat about their past, present, and future projects, and have a question and answer session. This takes place in a separate meeting room, away from the main exhibit hall. Sometimes there will also be panels hosted by "non-celebrities" who are experts on a particular subject...for instance, we attended a Doctor Who panel two years ago where a few people who were close to the series were discussing and speculating on the 50th anniversary special. There are also usually some workshops available where you can learn about cosplay, comic book writing and drawing, etc. <br />
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The celebrities are also available for autographs and photo ops, and sometimes VIP meet and greets. At our con they each have their own booth set up in the exhibit hall where you can line up for autographs, and then a separate booth where they take turns doing photo ops. However, this generally costs an arm and a leg, so we have never participated in this part of ComiCon. Maybe one day, if someone I care enough about to pay $50 to have my picture taken with them shows up...maybe. In the meantime, we just creep on them from a distance while they sit in their booths.</div>
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The main physical area of the con is the exhibit hall. This is where you'll find most of the people, so it's a prime opportunity for the last thing on my list, which is actually my favorite - people watching! I've always loved people watching, and when half of those people are in costume it makes it so much better. Of course the costume contest is the best way to see a bunch of costumes all at once, whether you participate or just watch. Anyway, the exhibit hall is home to dozens of booths, mostly vendors selling everything geek you could possibly imagine. We also have rows of artists, some famous and some local, displaying and selling their geek related artwork. <br />
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To give you a taste of what the exhibit hall is like, I took a quick video while standing in the middle of it all.</div>
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Now that you understand ComiCon a little better, time to share our costumes from this year! Oh, and in case you're BRAND new to all of this, I'll answer another quick question...what on earth is cosplay? Basically, it's a fancy word for geeky adults playing dress up as their favorite characters. And it's FANTASTIC!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My Arwen Undomiel cosplay</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DH's Indiana Jones cosplay</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sugarplum's Arwen Undomiel cosplay</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Later on I will have more detailed posts on these looks and how to create them for yourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> So now for my general survival guide to ComiCon. A lot of these tips will be geared toward cosplayers, but many can apply to anyone.</span><br />
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1. Plan ahead. </h4>
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If you are cosplaying, you should start thinking about your costume as soon as possible. Of course I usually start thinking about next year's costume before I've even been to this year's con, but if it's your first time, find out when your con is and then start brainstorming now! The more time you have to make your costume or find all of the pieces you need, the better it's going to turn out.<br />
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2. Wear what you want.</h4>
If you're a seasoned cosplayer who puts a ton of time and attention into your very detailed and accurate costume, great! You'll probably get lots of compliments and people wanting to take your picture. If you're brand new to the whole cosplaying thing and don't really have the time, money, or desire to put a whole lot into it, that's perfectly fine, too. I have seen just as many people wearing off the rack costumes as those with handmade ones. Now, as you go to the bigger conventions, you'll probably see more of the elaborate stuff and may find more people who are persnickety about the "art of cosplay". But hey, I say if you want to cosplay, do it, no matter what it looks like. And finally, if you really aren't into the whole cosplay thing but still want to do ComiCon, that's great, too. I'd say only a quarter to a half of the people at our con are cosplayers. It's just as acceptable to show your geek pride by wearing your favorite Superman or Minecraft or Ninja Turtle t-shirt. Try doing what some people do and pair it with a lightsaber...and a Deadpool mask...and a Jayne Cobb hat. Seriously, I see those people all the time.<br />
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3. Double check the schedule.</h4>
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If other conventions are like ours, they will post a schedule online before the weekend of the event. That's great, but I definitely recommend double checking the schedule once you get there. You may find that everything is exactly the same, but things happen. Celebrities cancel, rooms get switched, etc. For us, this means going to each meeting room where events are supposed to take place and reading the signs outside the doors...don't even trust the brochure that they hand you, because that was printed ahead of time and won't reflect the last-minute changes. <br />
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4. Register for the costume contest ASAP.</h4>
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Most conventions that I've seen have a costume contest sometime over the weekend. At ours, it's at the very end of the day on Saturday. If you want to participate, find out when it's happening and how to register right after you get there. They may or may not advertise it, but it can fill up super quickly. Try asking at the information desk, they will probably have the sign in sheet.<br />
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5. Pace yourself.</h4>
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Our con is a weekend long event. You have the option to go just one day, or up to all 3. We have only ever gone one day, because we get done everything that we want to in one day with no problem. But just that one day completely wipes us out! It's a lot of being on your feet and walking back and forth through a quite large convention center, often in a costume that's not necessarily the most comfortable thing you've ever worn. Thankfully, the panels provide a great excuse to sit and rest a while, and are also prime opportunities for feeding little ones (or yourself!). In between panels, though, I definitely recommend finding other times to sit in a quiet place and catch your breath, most especially if you have children with you. While you're checking the schedule (see tip #3) is likely a great time to scope out quiet corners to come back to later when the kids need a nap, or just a break from all the stimulation, or to hop out of their strollers or carriers and stretch their legs for a bit. Also, don't feel the need to stay the WHOLE day. We like to stay until the very end because of the costume contest, so we don't get there first thing in the morning when it opens. And like I said, we have never had a problem getting everything in (though I'm sure at bigger cons it's harder).<br />
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6. Bring your own food.</h4>
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Some conventions might not allow this. Ours doesn't seem to have a problem with it. And seriously, if you value your budget at all, you really need to bring your own food. If you can't, I would even think that leaving the con for a while to go to a nearby fast food place would be a better option. The food at ComiCon is OUTRAGEOUS.<br />
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7. Have a dress rehearsal.</h4>
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This is one that we didn't do ourselves until this year, but we will be doing from now on. You just never know what might happen the morning of the con if you are trying on your costume in full for the first time. That hairstyle or wig might not be as easy to accomplish as you thought it was going to be, or you might find a small alteration you want to make to your costume. It's a great time to figure out things like shoes and undergarments that are important but can be easy to overlook in the grand scheme of things. Plus, you've worked super hard on this costume (or maybe not, but you love it anyway!) and you need pictures! Don't leave those until the last minute, especially if you're trying to get to ComiCon at a decent hour.<br />
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8. If at all possible, wear comfortable shoes.</h4>
This goes back to tip #4. Some costumes require very specific shoes, and they may not be comfortable. If you're really committed to your costume, there's nothing you can do about that. But if you have the option (such as my Arwen costume where you couldn't see my shoes), wear something comfy that you won't mind standing and walking in all day. If you have to wear heels or something equally uncomfortable, please do yourself a favor and do everything you can to stave off blisters and achy soles. Dr. Scholl's, Band-aids...you get the picture.<br />
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9. Seriously consider whether or not to bring a stroller.</h4>
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Don't get me wrong here, I have brought a stroller the last two years and will probably continue to do so. I know some mamas wear their babies all the time; I personally do a little of both. But at ComiCon, for me, it would be too tiring to wear her all day (see tip #5). Plus, wearing a carrier would cover up the entire top half of my costume. So a stroller can be a good idea. However, I just think I should warn you, pushing a stroller around at ComiCon is a PAIN. There are so many people who are not watching out for a stroller coming through, randomly stopping to look at merchandise or take pictures without paying attention to their surroundings, squished between lots of booths. It's an exercise in patience, that's for sure! But no worse than going to a theme park or something similar.<br />
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10. Whatever you use to get ready, take it with you.</h4>
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Hairspray, gel, bobby pins, safety pins, makeup...no matter what you needed to get ready to go, take some extras with you. Even if you make it through the day with no mishaps to your look, you'll be able to refresh right before the costume contest.<br />
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11. Have fun, take pictures, geek out!</h4>
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Self explanatory. ComiCon is the one time to see so many like-minded geeks gathered together in one place and having a great time celebrating their geekery. Yes, that sentence was ridiculous. So is ComiCon. But it may the most fun ridiculous thing you do all year!</div>
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Alright, time to wrap up this super long post. Just a few more pictures of our 2015 ComiCon experience before I go!</div>
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Firefly panel with Jewel Staite and Adam Baldwin</div>
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Taking a leg-stretching break</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH1ThoQlJyZtn1Gz-TPUhQiFWDOJPc4Os5yBDeFY-EHUJ_E6Krf1jyFRMOGJB4rTq9x5atvN0zCjX9-CXN5NZvMHsONKE2usG7aByrYQFfxqkuqkbKkiHDUaccVHFVvpw_4a_puslSXDK/s1600/IMG_4573_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH1ThoQlJyZtn1Gz-TPUhQiFWDOJPc4Os5yBDeFY-EHUJ_E6Krf1jyFRMOGJB4rTq9x5atvN0zCjX9-CXN5NZvMHsONKE2usG7aByrYQFfxqkuqkbKkiHDUaccVHFVvpw_4a_puslSXDK/s320/IMG_4573_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Waiting for the costume contest</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></div>
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Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-9630667699647211082015-09-24T16:30:00.001-05:002018-03-06T21:04:18.255-06:00How to Wear a Half Wig As promised, here is my tutorial for how to wear your half wig, or fall!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K8TL-6c4iz0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K8TL-6c4iz0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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Here is the breakdown, in case you'd rather read than watch.<br />
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You will need:<br />
~Half wig<br />
~Hair clip<br />
~Lots and lots of bobby pins<br />
~Wig cap<br />
~More bobby pins<br />
~Hairspray<br />
~A few more bobby pins<br />
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Step 1: Try on the wig to see how much hair you should leave out at the front. It should be somewhere just behind your ears.<br />
Step 2: Clip the front section of your hair out of the way.<br />
Step 3: Pin curl the rest of your hair (twist sections of hair into ringlets and criss-cross bobby pins over each one).<br />
Step 4: Stretch wig cap over pin-curled section of hair. Pin into place.<br />
Step 5: Take front hair out of hair clip. Stretch wig over wig cap, starting at the front, and holding the top in place as you cover the back with the wig. Pin into place.<br />
Step 6: Incorporate the front section of hair into the wig, either by spraying/pinning back, or by braiding into the wig. <br />
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If you hadn't guessed, I'm wearing the wig in this video and doing an Arwen cosplay for ComiCon this weekend. My husband and daughter and I did a photo shoot a few days ago, so pictures of all the costumes will be coming soon!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span>Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-18879213040545162122015-09-18T16:51:00.004-05:002018-03-06T21:03:58.650-06:00DIY Femme Tenth Doctor Cosplay ComiCon is a week from tomorrow, and I'm so excited! However, I don't yet have pictures of our costumes for this year. So today I thought I'd throwback to our first year at ComiCon and my 10th Doctor cosplay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5-7EMbL75e__2xoHlJ7QUhtZtjU81hUulP788Y_svRbnFdKnLNWNWNgOyI_mIKBoCmcPozbDD96j1kjbCF_T2GMNX9l8QxW9DgUyk3qQ5VIZeIFkCveIXR8sitbTjs_fNnVLoFue1Dfe/s1600/Briana%252BMiszklevitz%252BNashville%252BComic%252BCon%252B2013%252BV0_I5OTBHNll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5-7EMbL75e__2xoHlJ7QUhtZtjU81hUulP788Y_svRbnFdKnLNWNWNgOyI_mIKBoCmcPozbDD96j1kjbCF_T2GMNX9l8QxW9DgUyk3qQ5VIZeIFkCveIXR8sitbTjs_fNnVLoFue1Dfe/s320/Briana%252BMiszklevitz%252BNashville%252BComic%252BCon%252B2013%252BV0_I5OTBHNll.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This was a super fun cosplay, and relatively easy to put together. It got a lot of attention at ComiCon because although there were a lot of Doctors (male 10th Doctors, and male and female 11th Doctors), I was the only femme 10th Doctor. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the terms, femme generally refers to a feminine form of a male character, whereas genderswap or genderbend refers to when a female dresses as a male, or vice versa.<br />
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First off, I always find a good photo on the internet to go off of. Here's one of David Tennant as the 10th Doctor in his blue suit:<br />
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So, for your femme cosplay, the first and most important item (partially because it may be one of the hardest to find) is a blue, pinstripe skirt or dress.</div>
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Your best bet may be looking for this on the internet...I say this even though I hate shopping for clothes on the internet. I got lucky. I saw this one on the internet, and then realized it was from H&M. So I went to our local H&M and happened to find the very last one that was on the rack, and it happened to be my size. Score!<br />
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Next, if you've chosen a skirt and not a dress, you'll need a white button-up shirt.<br />
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This should be relatively easy to find, though don't take my word on that! I saw this one at H&M when I was shopping for the skirt. I think I ended up paying about $40-$50 for the skirt and shirt together.<br />
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You will also need a red neck tie...this one I borrowed from my dear husband. :) <br />
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If you have a husband, boyfriend, dad, grandfather...any kind of man in your life, chances are they have one of these. If not, it should be easy to find one. <br />
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The second difficult to find item is a brown trench coat.<br />
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David's coat is more of a medium-brown, while my coat ended up being more camel colored. However, I was excited just to find this coat, so I wasn't going to be too picky about the color. I'm sure that you could order one online and get it closer in color, but I was looking to spend the minimal amount. And guess what? $12 at a local thrift store. Score again!<br />
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Next you'll need a great pair of red shoes.<br />
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My first plan was to go with red Converse, just like the Doctor wears. However, like I said before, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on this costume, especially on items that I wouldn't wear outside of cosplay. Converse isn't my personal style, so I really didn't want to invest in a pair of them to wear once or twice. I looked for knock off brands, but no luck finding the right color. Then I went shopping at Payless, and found this pair for $10. I couldn't pass that up! They're super cute, and they were the same type of canvas fabric as a pair of Converse. Plus, I think they ended up looking much better with the whole outfit than sneakers would have. <br />
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And that's your outfit!<br />
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The only thing left is a couple of accessories, which aren't absolutely vital, but I definitely recommend having.</div>
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A pair of brown, rectangular glasses (with no/fake lenses if you don't need them!), and of course, your trusty sonic screwdriver! The 10th Doctor's screwdriver can be found in multiple places such as <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Doctor-Who-10th-Doctor-Sonic-Screwdriver-Replica/22061501" target="_blank">Walmart</a> or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toys-games-doctor-who-replica-sonic-screwdriver-10th-doctor/27507836" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, for $21-$25. It may not be the most important piece of the costume, but it's a whole lot of fun to play with! :)</div>
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As far as hairstyle goes, I chose to have my hair pulled back out of my face, but with a "bump" in the front, to kind of mimic David Tennant's hair. </div>
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This is a fairly easy style. There might be fancier ways to accomplish it...Bump Its and whatnot, but I made a short (2 min) video on how I do it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwbh3hPKNeXbfgUnJAK11TU6mFOJEoWi9CbW0gNo_kA_orXcansGctzYnrt8sw9mv4CsRnHZyJrLZOWAFUAxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Also, one last detail (and in cosplay, it's all about the details!)...the shoes I found were peep toes. So, I had to make sure my toenails looked nice! I chose to paint them with a galaxy style. Maybe someday I'll do my own tutorial for that, but for now, <a href="http://handtasticintentions.blogspot.com/2013/08/nail-art-galaxy-nails.html" target="_blank">here's one from Pinterest</a>. And another note on the shoes...if you do choose heels, particularly peep toes, please do what I did not and bandage your toes before hand! You will want to take those shoes off as often as possible (sitting in celebrity panels, etc.), but you will also want to wrap up your toes and heels in bandaids/medical tape to keep them from blistering.<br />
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This is definitely a cosplay that I plan to repeat someday (with taped up toes!). I'd love to see your versions of the Doctor, too, so please share! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span>Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-13326817687266236392015-09-03T15:23:00.000-05:002018-03-06T21:03:41.671-06:00No-Mess Painting with a Baby or Toddler I don't do many crazy, creative projects with Sugarplum because I don't generally consider myself a super creative person when it comes to those sorts of things. Also, I am blessed with a generally happy-go-lucky baby who entertains herself pretty well! However, this project was one I adapted from a couple of different Pinterest ideas, and it was a big hit not only with Sugarplum, but with everyone who saw the results.<br />
The original ideas I was seeing on Pinterest were using paint in a Ziploc bag, taped to a table. This way baby can squish the paint around without making a big mess using finger paints. However, I wanted an actual painting in the end, not just a Ziploc bag full of paint to throw away! <br />
Pretty easy fix. I just added paper to the bag! The main issue here is finding paper that will not fall apart with the amount of paint soaking into it. This will depend on how much paint you use, of course. The first time, I didn't use very much paint, so construction paper worked just fine. Next I tried cardstock with a lot more paint, and when I peeled the bag off it peeled most of the paint and the top layer of paper off, too! :( After that I used a thin piece of 8x10 canvas that I got from Hobby Lobby. It's a bit pricier, of course, but the great thing about using canvas is you can create a real keepsake. We framed Sugarplum's canvas masterpiece and gave it to my mom as a Mother's Day gift. <br />
So, step 1. Select your paper or canvas. Then add paint (I just use cheap craft paint that you can get at a craft store or Walmart) in little blobs all over the paper. Carefully slide the paper into a gallon-size Ziploc (or off-brand if you're like me!) bag, and seal it tightly! Sealing is definitely one step you don't want to skimp on, if you truly want no-mess painting. :) <br />
Depending on the age of your baby/toddler, there are a few different options for the next step. Our first time painting, I taped the bag using painter's tape to our kitchen table, and put Sugarplum in her highchair with the tray removed so she could reach to pat on it to her heart's content. The next couple of times, she was crawling, so I taped it to the hardwood floor or the front porch and let her crawl and sit all over it. Now she's walking, so the most recent time, she grabbed that bag and carried it all over the house with her (this works best with canvas, not paper). Any of the above will work just fine. The main thing is to get the paint thoroughly squished all over the paper, and for your tot to have a good time doing it. You can also experiment with using toys to roll over and beat on the painting, which can create interesting patterns. <br />
The last step is to get the bag back from your toddler (if you can!), lay it flat on top of something you don't mind possibly getting paint on, and cut the bag open. You will need to cut all down the sides of the bag and peel the top layer back, rather than trying to slide the paper back out. Then lay your child's masterpiece somewhere safe and flat to dry and enjoy!<br />
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These pictures are from our first try:<br />
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The rest of the times I used more paint, and I liked the end results better.<br />
Painting on the porch:<br />
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End results, framed for hanging:<br />
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Have fun painting!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span></div>
Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585592354569665955.post-16876344964112938442015-08-22T15:47:00.000-05:002018-03-06T21:03:24.644-06:00How to remove shine from a synthetic (curly) wig I recently purchased a half-wig, also known as a fall, off of eBay. I often have my hair cut to around shoulder-length, and I was tired of worrying about what length my hair was going to be by the time ComiCon rolled around! In case you've never dealt with falls before, the purpose of them is not to change your hair color, but to extend it. The front part of your own hair is incorporated into the wig so that it all blends in and looks more natural. <br />
Unfortunately I didn't take a "before" picture of the wig...I didn't have a blog at the time! Here's the eBay version, though.<br />
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I don't know if I would have even thought of the fact that the wig was unnaturally shiny, had I not recently pinned <a href="http://www.blackhairinformation.com/general-articles/tips/remove-shine-synthetic-wig-using-2-odd-ingredients/" target="_blank">this article</a> on Pinterest. So, once the wig came in, I thought, "Hmm...here's a perfect opportunity to try this out!" After all, the more natural looking the cosplay, the better (at least in my opinion!).<br />
So I bought some cheap fabric softener and went to work. Tip #1: Make sure you like the smell of the fabric softener you use, because your wig WILL smell like it afterward! I'm currently debating hanging mine outside somewhere to air it out. :P The tutorial suggested using 1-3 cups of softener, depending on the length of your wig, so I used 2. Pour the fabric softener into a bucket or dish pan, anything big enough to lay the wig in (flipped inside out), and then add enough water to thoroughly cover the wig. Next comes the hardest part of the process - finding somewhere to leave the bucket where babies and dogs can't find it! Or maybe that's just me...<br />
I left my wig soaking for about 5 days (the original tutorial suggested 5-7). Then take it out, letting it drip, and lay it flat on a towel to dry. Don't squeeze it! My wig has a good bit of hair, so I had to spread it out to get it to dry. This process took another couple of days for me. Also, in case you're like and me and are worried about the water messing up your curls...in my case, the curls were perfectly fine. I watched a video another cosplayer posted of doing a similar process with their curly wig, and they had no problem, either.<br />
Okay, honesty time...I have no clue whether the fabric softener did any good or not. The second step of this process is what actually impressed me. However, I'm sure there's a reason that the article said to soak it first! The wig did end up pretty soft, so maybe that's the result I was looking for. However, it was not at all soft until after I finished completely, so don't worry about the fact that it is now a little icky looking/feeling.<br />
Now for part 2 of the de-shining process! This part gets a bit messy, so lay out a towel (and you should probably be prepared for your clothes to get a little dusty, too). Either lay the wig out flat, or pin it onto a wig head if you have one. The original tutorial says to use talc, aka baby powder. However, baby powder is no longer made of talc because it's actually toxic. Yuck! I never use baby powder with Sugarplum, so I was a little clueless. But when I looked at Walmart, turns out that baby powder is now made out of "Pure Corn Starch" (plus scents, etc.). My thought: Why would I buy baby powder made out of corn starch when I have a box of corn starch in my cabinet at home? I even googled it, and yep, you can use corn starch instead of baby powder in most, if not all, instances. Even on your baby's bum! :)<br />
I poured corn starch into a cleaned-out spice shaker to make it easier to apply. You will also need a wig brush...in my case, this was an American Girl doll brush! Basically what you're looking for is a wire brush. If you don't have American Girl dolls :), I'm sure you can find them online or at a wig store. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsOzPfyfnygLHA67eeRXzi6WEAvjUx_CFna3zRE_QDr7WBfrM1CkmEX1gjBBcGjle4hJDX5jakdMpfGhX1_ahcvNAve3AasJ8FW5MLj2ELOlqtPASRv4J2IQ9bnid09-Wno0cPD9-1Kux/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsOzPfyfnygLHA67eeRXzi6WEAvjUx_CFna3zRE_QDr7WBfrM1CkmEX1gjBBcGjle4hJDX5jakdMpfGhX1_ahcvNAve3AasJ8FW5MLj2ELOlqtPASRv4J2IQ9bnid09-Wno0cPD9-1Kux/s320/IMG_3957.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Start coating your wig, section by section, with corn starch, and working it through the hair. I rubbed it in with my fingers, and also brushed it. If your wig is curly, just be very gentle with the ends! It also helps to twist up each section after you finish it, to make sure the curl stays in. You'll find your own method of applying the corn starch as you go. I ended up deciding it was easiest to sprinkle the corn starch into my hand, then dip my fingers in it and rub it into the hair, like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq5w306SxB1KFf5nqSOZh3px6URcAd0_exDPzK_vQiumFbx0jH9OO79rjTs94ileZImy-IeHMq-IeyRuZQqmw7hM7tWvktO3sX_xPx80-lUc7VGeIM1vnDSfzAA0x5j8Ovhi9h4JKekvO/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq5w306SxB1KFf5nqSOZh3px6URcAd0_exDPzK_vQiumFbx0jH9OO79rjTs94ileZImy-IeHMq-IeyRuZQqmw7hM7tWvktO3sX_xPx80-lUc7VGeIM1vnDSfzAA0x5j8Ovhi9h4JKekvO/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You'll be able to see the shine disappearing as you work! I was able to get a pretty good "before and after" picture. With flash:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoJjBZ5NmVHFp6ZyWL-XRPIVXQBwaDKFjTXLqP0uwTsn82fX0Hfx5G2xBWcZOA-fCqkKZfQoWmHQAqPSdKmBeemiq2l4bwsUiH2WGLhdFAY8esMQABdlqvX81EitflT3TJKALSNjMQ8l4/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoJjBZ5NmVHFp6ZyWL-XRPIVXQBwaDKFjTXLqP0uwTsn82fX0Hfx5G2xBWcZOA-fCqkKZfQoWmHQAqPSdKmBeemiq2l4bwsUiH2WGLhdFAY8esMQABdlqvX81EitflT3TJKALSNjMQ8l4/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Without:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS5-N1vdVdn62FtMnKA11ucJuggahHnLYMgKJFZFdhYMppWg-HAORMqkGqooIIMS8-nJ7Ntai1tif3tY1lB3V5W438_9RP4yscpD6G-0uPE3twMHK-oe44naRNDRg1i5OTHf99xL-xmC_/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS5-N1vdVdn62FtMnKA11ucJuggahHnLYMgKJFZFdhYMppWg-HAORMqkGqooIIMS8-nJ7Ntai1tif3tY1lB3V5W438_9RP4yscpD6G-0uPE3twMHK-oe44naRNDRg1i5OTHf99xL-xmC_/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can especially tell in the picture with flash. Natural hair doesn't reflect a flash like that! </div>
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After a couple of sessions brushing and corn starch-ing (you might be able to finish it in less if you're not trying to work around a toddler sleep schedule!), it was done! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjht9LwEy1GdwUkPVG41Q37ysz04B8i-9IKaVjHhbjrHEDOtoGfPT4rzaXw7JTKa_xvRXI2mbWbAnJaWHkLeXSEFlbrcgdJ3GP0-YG8w-8u7S8iVzyqse81EegWLIVWt_WhMTlQmmTat96x/s1600/IMG_3925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjht9LwEy1GdwUkPVG41Q37ysz04B8i-9IKaVjHhbjrHEDOtoGfPT4rzaXw7JTKa_xvRXI2mbWbAnJaWHkLeXSEFlbrcgdJ3GP0-YG8w-8u7S8iVzyqse81EegWLIVWt_WhMTlQmmTat96x/s320/IMG_3925.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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All the curls are still intact (yay!), and it's now much more natural-looking. Plus, it ended up matching my hair a little better in the end than it did to start with. Which is worth making note of - the corn starch may lighten the wig ever so slightly. <br />
Next, check out <a href="http://adventuresofacosplayingmom.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-to-wear-half-wig.html">how to wear your half wig</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowavenuestudio" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="text-align: center;">! I sell hand painted wooden signs with a variety of themes including geek, Disney, and Christian, and I also make custom orders!</span></span>Brianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961660603771816537noreply@blogger.com1