What if you could transform an ordinary celebration into an unforgettable magical experience? Tune in to discover the secrets of making your special occasions at Walt Disney World truly one-of-a-kind. From noting your celebration on your reservation to customizing every detail with vendors like Enchanted Dreams Boutique, Birthdays and More or Pixie Dust Delivery Service, we'll guide you on how to elevate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. Learn why character dining is a must and get the latest scoop on Ashlee from Storybook Delights, including her mouth-watering new offerings and how she can add a sprinkle of pixie dust to your Disney celebration.
Join us as we explore the endless possibilities Disney provides for all life's significant moments, from fireworks cruises and dessert parties to unique keepsakes like personalized Christmas ornaments. Ashlee from Storybook Delights shares her passion for Disney events and introduces her expanded product line, featuring delightful treats like custom cakes and Mickey-shaped Pop Tarts. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation or planning a surprise anniversary gift, Ashlee’s creations promise to make every occasion magical. Find out how her delivery services ensure that these special touches arrive just in time to make your experience at Disney unforgettable.
- Hear the first episode with Ashlee back from 2022 in Episode 101
- Storybook Delights Instagram Profile
- Episode 128 with Michelle from Enchanted Dreams Boutique
- Randy Chapman Photography to capture your celebrations.
High quality, clean baby gear delivered right to your resort while on your Disney Vacation.
Use the code "dislove10" to save 10%!
Where In the Park game packs are fun & challenging for anyone who knows the parks and for newbies.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
For all the latest news about our episodes follow us on Instagram @dislovewithvanessaandkris or on YouTube.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Vanessa Ferguson (00:04):
Welcome to the Dislove Podcast with Vanessa
and Kris.
I'm Vanessa Ferguson.
Kris Johns (00:08):
And I'm Kris Johns.
Vanessa Ferguson (00:09):
We would like to welcome you to show number
149.
And for any listeners joiningus for the first time, our show
features things we love atDisney and in each episode we
have a guest who creates Disneymagic for our listeners at home
or on their Disney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic theirDisney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic into yourlife.
And as a reminder to ourlisteners, we appreciate if you
(00:31):
can take time to leave us areview on Apple Podcasts or any
other platform where you listen.
This helps the show grow and,of course, we love to give shout
outs to individuals who've leftthose reviews.
And before we get started, wehave a message from our friends
Eric and Alexa.
Kris Johns (00:46):
They want to remind you that, when you're planning
your next trip to Disney, togive them a call if you need a
crib, a high chair or a stroller.
They are independent baby quipquality providers and they're
going to provide you with allthe things that you need to make
your vacation easy.
We've used them for ourdaughter.
She is a little older, butputting her in a stroller helps
just move around the parkquicker, as well as to carry our
(01:08):
stuff.
And what's awesome aboutBabyQuip is that they number one
provide you with great products.
They bring it right to yourroom and their delivery driver
comes with a smile.
And what's awesome is that we,in our last trip, we had a brand
new stroller that was perfectto maneuver around the park.
Again, that's Eric and Alexa.
They are your independent babyquip providers.
Vanessa Ferguson (01:31):
And check out the show notes for a link to
make your reservation.
Today and on today's show, weare going to share an update
from Ashlee with StorybookDelights.
We first welcomed her to theshow in early 2022, and we had a
chance to see her at the Houseof Mouse Expo earlier this year.
So we wanted to share with youall the updates about what she
(01:52):
has going on in her business andwe're super excited for that.
And before we get to ourinterview with Ashlee, we wanted
to talk to you about ways tojust celebrate any sort of
occasion at Walt Disney World.
So we're in the season ofweddings and engagements and
graduations and all kinds of funthings.
(02:13):
So we thought we've talkedabout, like, date nights, we've
talked about birthdays.
We thought that we'd just giveyou an overview of some of those
fun festive things that you canadd on to really for any sort
of celebration.
So one of the things that isimportant is always make sure,
when you are planning to put onyour reservation, to make a note
(02:34):
about your celebration.
You never know what sorts ofthings that you can do, and that
is also a great way for you tobe able to let just your resort
and different ones.
Know what you have planned.
Now, one of the things that welike to do is to work with some
of the great vendors that we'vehad on the show, and one of the
(02:55):
first things that you can do isto have a door decoration done
for your resort.
So on the outside of yourresort door we have some great
vendors.
Enchanted Dreams Boutique isreally awesome.
She just recently did a doorfor one of Kris friends when
they were down on a trip.
Kris Johns (03:13):
He loved it.
Yes, they did a door for mybuddy, Gary and his family.
They took a trip down to Disneyin the art of animation.
I kept it a secret.
His kids, they went to the parkand then the door was designed
and when they came back they goDisney did this and he said,
nope, we had an awesome vendordo that for us.
Vanessa Ferguson (03:30):
Yes.
So Enchanted Dreams Boutique Iwill put her information in the
show notes.
Michelle has been on the showbefore so I'll put not only a
link to her business but also alink to her previous episode.
And she does personalized doordecorations.
She can deliver gift baskets.
If you're there at a holidaytime, you can have Kris
(03:51):
decorating really all kinds ofamazing things.
And door decorations are reallya great way to not only honor
that person that's in your roomthat you're celebrating whether
it be their birthday or somesort of milestone but it's also
a great way for other people tosee that you're celebrating
whether it be their birthday orsome sort of milestone, but it's
also a great way for otherpeople to see that you're
celebrating.
And there's a couple othervendors we've used.
We've used birthdays and more.
(04:11):
She recently decorated a doorfor we had a friend that was
visiting from India with her son, and we've also used Pixie Dust
Delivery Service.
All of these vendors will dowhat they call in-room
celebrations, so kind ofdecorations in your room as well
as that door decor.
So I'll put links to all ofthem and this is just really a
(04:33):
fun enhancement.
We've had it done before.
It just adds a little bit ofadded excitement.
Typically, how it will workwith the vendors is the day you
arrive and you have your roomnumber.
You share it with them.
Of course, you'll have alreadyplaced your order in advance of
your trip and then the next day,so the day after you check in,
they will typically come anddecorate the door for you.
(04:53):
So when you come back it's justa fun surprise.
So our friends that were herefrom India her son loved Buzz
and Woody and Spider-Man andwhen they came back at the end
of the day her son was convincedthat Buzz and Woody had came
and decorated his door.
So fun little things and Ithink a door decor and an
(05:14):
in-room celebration are greatways to kick off your vacation.
Now, another big part, I think,of any Disney trip, but of any
celebration in general for usbig part, I think of any Disney
trip but of any celebration ingeneral for us is always dining,
and we've had a couple ofepisodes about special occasion
dining.
And then, of course, characterdining.
(05:35):
If you're celebrating anoccasion like right now we're in
graduation season If you have agraduate and you go to a
character meal and they wearlike some sort of either Mickey
ears that have the graduatetassels or like one of their
actual graduation caps, you canget some really fun pictures.
It's always a great experience.
And if you're celebrating amore adult occasion, like maybe
somebody's retiring orsomebody's celebrating a
(05:57):
milestone birthday, there's somereally great dining experiences
that I think some peoplethey're kind of like those once
in a lifetime.
So you have Victoria andAlbert's at Grand Floridian.
This is a AAA five diamondaward winning restaurant and
they have not only just regularmeals but you can also do like
the chef's table, which is anamazing experience.
(06:19):
It's really great to celebrateagain those adults in your life
that are celebrating some sortof milestone, or even if you're
there for an anniversary.
Another thing that is great todo is you can go to California
Grill, and that, of course, isat the top of the contemporary.
You can time it where you canwatch the fireworks at Magic
(06:40):
Kingdom.
Narcooses is also a great onewhere you can time for fireworks
.
It's just a great way to addoff kind of a nice ending to a
day when you've been celebratingsomething.
Now, one thing that you canalso do, whether it be for a
birthday or an anniversary oralso a retirement we've done
this for Kris birthday we had anOlaf cake one year decorated
(07:03):
and brought to Ohana.
That was a really great cake.
Kris Johns (07:06):
Yes.
Vanessa Ferguson (07:07):
And we've also done it for anniversaries,
where we had replicas of the toptier of our wedding cake done,
and so you can arrange thisthrough Disney.
But one of the things that welove to do is to work with the
outside vendors because they cando so many amazing things for
you.
So Ashlee, she can make cuts.
So our person that we'reinterviewing today from
(07:28):
Storybook Delights she can makecustom cakes and cookies for
your occasion.
We've had her do birthday cakesfor us.
We also had a gathering offriends in the fall and she did
a Halloween themed box and howit works.
So if you order from Disney,there's certain places they can
deliver with someone like Ashlee.
She delivered right to ourresort, so we just picked up our
(07:49):
cake.
It had been in the cold storageat the front and we were able
to take it right with us to therestaurant and Disney had no
problem at all.
We didn't have any issues.
Now sometimes you think aboutsomething at the very last
minute and you don't have achance to get with Ashlee or to
order through Disney.
So one of the things that isgreat is that all of the
(08:10):
restaurants typically, if youask when you check in about
their celebration dome cakes.
You can get those added to.
You can have those brought outwith your meal.
They are a set price.
I think they have like achocolate and a vanilla version,
but those are cakes that youcan have right that day.
So if you're doing an impromptucelebration, that's a great way
to do it.
Now these are some biggerthings that you might plan to do
(08:34):
.
That do cost some money, butthere are some really
cost-effective ways.
I know when we talked aboutbirthdays, we talked about
having those birthday buttonsbut also get the I'm celebrating
buttons.
We've used them for firstvisits.
We were just there for ouranniversary and we had buttons
and we got lots of happyanniversaries.
Kris Johns (08:54):
Lots of happy anniversaries.
Vanessa Ferguson (08:55):
Yes, so it's great.
I think guests and cast memberslove to congratulate people.
So if it is that, I was therefor my college graduation years
ago and it was so much fun justhaving people congratulate you.
So if it is, I was there for mycollege graduation years ago
and it was so much fun justhaving people congratulate you.
Now I know there's lots ofthreads on Facebook and that
where people will talk aboutgetting pixie dusted with little
(09:17):
extras for things, but thosearen't a guarantee.
But I would say probably thecongratulations and the happy
birthdays and those just wellwishes, those are pretty much a
guarantee You're going to getthose from people.
Kris Johns (09:28):
Oh, definitely.
Vanessa Ferguson (09:29):
So if you go into it with just that attitude
that you're happy to be able tocelebrate, that's always a nice
way to do it.
So when you're out celebratingin the parks, one of the things
is we love getting family photos, and we especially love getting
family photos at Disney Ofcourse we do.
So we typically have celebrationpictures done with Randy
(09:51):
Chapman from Chapman Photography, which I'll put a link to his
business and how you can contacthim in the show notes.
But we've had him do engagementpictures, anniversary, wedding
vow, renewal birthdays, justfamily gatherings.
But you can also, if you justhave time for something small,
there's a option in the parkscalled Capture the Magic and
(10:14):
this is done at Magic Kingdomand it's $99 as of June 2024.
You can have up to eight peoplein the photos and you get a 20
minute session.
It can be either on Main Street, usa Fantasyland or in Liberty
Square and it's just a fun wayto get some quick pictures in
the park.
Wear something nice, get somenice things.
(10:35):
So if it's somebody'sgraduation, have them bring
their cap.
If it's if you just got engaged, get some great pictures.
You can also for birthdaycelebrations.
I know we did.
We didn't do the capture themagic, but we did some photos
with Randy for our daughter'sfifth birthday and those are
some of my favorite pictures ofher.
So that's a fun thing to do andsomething that you can
(10:58):
definitely enjoy, and whether itbe at the resorts with one of
the great outside vendors ordoing like that capture the
magic in the parks.
Those are some great ways tohave those memories forever of
whatever particular milestoneyou're celebrating Now.
We love photos, we love food.
(11:19):
Another thing that we or I guessI would say I enjoy is
fireworks.
Fireworks and one of the thingsthat you can do is you can book
some experiences related tofireworks.
So we've talked about these insome other shows.
But, like when I graduated fromcollege, my parents had booked
a fireworks cruise.
(11:39):
At that time it wasIlluminations, but at Epcot you
can book the fireworks cruises.
It left out of Yacht and BeachClub and we had snacks and we
had great viewing for thefireworks.
We did a fireworks celebrationon a boat for my aunt's birthday
a few years back and that leftout of the Grand Floridian
(12:01):
Marina and it's a great thing todo.
So if you have a little bitbigger group, like eight to 10
people, you can do thosefireworks cruises.
But then there's also thefireworks parties in the park
which we've talked about, all ofthose different ones.
So you have a chance to have areserved area.
(12:22):
We did the one at Magic Kingdomfor our daughter's fifth
birthday and you get some nicetreats and some snacks and then
we had a chance to have greatviewing of the fireworks.
I think all of these, dependingon what your budget is, you
have a lot of different options.
So those fireworks cruises are$449, but again it includes a
larger group.
You can have up to 10 people.
(12:43):
You have those options for thedessert parties that are in the
parks and I think any of theseare a great way to kind of cap
off any sort of milestone.
Like I said, we've done thesefor lots of different occasions.
We've done for birthdays,graduations, anniversaries.
So depending on whatever you'recelebrating, I would say Disney
is a great place to celebrate.
Kris Johns (13:04):
It sure is.
Vanessa Ferguson (13:07):
So I will make sure to share all of these.
I think one of the things thatso many people forget is that
Disney doesn't have to just be aplace for honeymoons.
It doesn't have to be just be aplace for kids' birthdays.
There's so many differentmilestones that you have hit in
your life that you can take thattime to enjoy at the parks and
(13:28):
at the resorts.
Lots of different fun things todo.
So check out all of thedifferent options at the resorts
.
The resorts have nice eventsthat you can partake in.
You can also.
One of the things I love to dois we buy a special souvenir to
commemorate an occasion.
So, whether it be special earsor we get a lot of personalized
(13:49):
ornaments, and we have a lot ofKris ornaments.
We sure do.
So we like to get thempersonalized and at Disney you
can have the Kris ornaments doneat the shop in Magic Kingdom or
at Disney Springs.
So you can have dates andlittle things.
I have ones from my high schoolgraduation, college graduations
birthdays.
I have ones from my high schoolgraduation, college graduations
(14:09):
birthdays all kinds ofdifferent milestones and those
are nice keepsakes of that tripas well as that occasion that
you were celebrating.
So take some time to enjoywhatever milestone you have
coming up and look at all of thedifferent creative options, and
I'm sure you will not bedisappointed.
It's definitely great, and I'dlike to thank our friends over
(14:30):
at Disney Tourist Blog for someadditional ideas, along with
just our own experiences fromover the years.
And so give us just a minuteand we'll get our call up with
Ashlee.
We'd like to welcome Ashlee tothe show from Storybook Delights
.
We actually had her on the showa few years ago, and so we are
so happy to have her back on toget some updates about what's
been going on since we lasttalked, and her business offers
(14:54):
all kinds of great baked goods,from snack boxes to breakfast
boxes, cakes We've had ourdaughter's birthday cake one
year done by her.
We've gotten some really greattreat boxes as well.
They'll deliver it right toyour Disney Resort and we're
really excited to have Ashleeback on the show.
Hi guys, as you all know, wealways like to get started with
(15:16):
a little bit about what ourguests enjoy at the parks, so
right now we've been askingpeople what is your favorite
event at a Disney park?
Ashlee Santmyers (15:25):
Oh, there's a no-brainer there.
My favorite is still and willalways be Not so Scary oh yeah.
Yeah, I'm a little sad thatthey switched it up a couple
years back, but still alwaysgoing to be Not so Scary.
Halloween is just my jam and Ilove everything to go with it
the macabre, the spooky, thedressing up, you name it.
(15:49):
That's my go-to every year.
Vanessa Ferguson (15:51):
We're bummed this year.
We're coming at the end ofAugust just for a very short
trip and we're going to a DVCevent and it's the only night
that there's a Halloween party.
So we're going to miss theHalloween party this year, which
is a bummer for us.
Ashlee Santmyers (16:03):
Yeah, it's starting way earlier this year
and honestly I'm not ready forit, but boxes are being prepared
, so here we go.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:13):
Well, that's perfect.
Now let's go ahead, and we wantto hear.
Tell us about your business andthe products you offer
connected to Disney, includingwhat's new, since we had you on
the show last.
Ashlee Santmyers (16:24):
Oh, that's gonna be.
I have to remember everythingI've added, man, I have done.
I have expanded so much.
So I do breakfast and snackboxes so you can do like a pick
four, pick six option and eachoption you choose.
Like you can do cinnamon rollsand Pop-Tarts.
Each of those you get like sixpieces of each and they're
(16:46):
basically grab-and-go items.
So you have breakfast in yourroom ready to go.
When you're you know you'redoing rope drop or it's you know
, rest day and you don't reallywant to go anywhere, you have
that stuff in your room for youare ready to go.
The snack boxes as wellchocolate dip, pretzels, cookies
, cake pops, cupcakes, you nameit.
(17:08):
I pretty much do it.
If it's not on my menu, Ialways say ask me, because
that's something you know.
I'm always looking for newsuggestions and new options to
include.
I also do like a la carte stuff.
I do cakes, custom cakes.
No cake is the same with me.
I always like to have a littlebit of a difference between
(17:29):
cakes I make every client,because my slogan is every cake
has a story or every dessert hasa story.
Let me tell yours.
So I like making everythingcompletely unique to you.
I do cupcakes, like I said, ala carte options, breakfast
options.
That like sums it up.
(17:49):
But I've added some new stuff.
I've started doing monthlyshipping, so each month I have
kind of a different theme goingout.
This month that I'm doing iscookies, so I did like a cookies
and cream cake jar, a cookiedough cake jar.
I've done some like monstercookies and cookie bars.
(18:11):
So each month is slightlydifferent.
And I'm adding excuse me, I'madding large Mickey head
cinnamon rolls.
Yes, so those are still kind ofin production, so you guys are
like the first ones to knowabout it here.
But large Mickey head cinnamonrolls, exactly as they sound, in
production, so you guys arelike the first ones to know
about it here.
Um, but large mickeyheadcinnamon rolls, exactly as they
(18:31):
sound, mickey shaped, covered infrosting.
Kris Johns (18:34):
Uh, delicious goodness coming right to your
resort you know and part of thatis you know we have had the
pleasure of experiencing in thepast.
What are some new things thatyou've been up to doing?
Ashlee Santmyers (18:46):
um, new business has kind of been going
as normal.
New things I have a well, shejust turned one, so she's not
new anymore.
But I have a new little baby.
Her name's Hannah.
She has graced us with herpresence.
We actually just celebrated herfirst birthday.
So I've been focused on being amom a little bit and just kind
(19:07):
of cruising with the business.
I did, actually business-wise Iwon second place in a cake
decorating competition at theFlorida Strawberry Festival.
Wow, yeah, it was one of mymacabre cakes that I did and it
was my first time competing as aprofessional, so that's really
(19:30):
exciting.
I'm excited to have that winunder my belt.
I'm starting to do a lot morecharity work.
Have you guys heard of theScience of Wine at Orlando
Science Center?
Vanessa Ferguson (19:42):
No, tell us a little bit about it.
Ashlee Santmyers (19:45):
So every year they have a gala for lack of a
better word.
People come dressed to thenines and you pay one price to
get in.
They have silent auctions, theyhave a bunch of different
vendors offering food, you canwalk around and have wine, and
(20:05):
all of this goes back to theOrlando Science Center.
So it's how they raise funds tocontinue doing what they're
doing for their science centerand it's extremely popular.
The past couple years I've doneit for three years and each
year it's been over 1000 peopleand it's been a lot of fun.
(20:26):
Yes, it's been a lot of fun.
It's a great place for me toshowcase and talk with people
too, because normally you see mebehind a website.
You don't actually get to seeme in person.
So all of that goes to OrlandoScience Center.
I'm doing a taste event inAugust.
(20:47):
Forgive me, but I don'tremember what that one goes to
right now.
I tried to do it last year butunfortunately had to back out
because I was due with my babygirl, so I couldn't really do
much.
But we're doing that one againthis year.
It's kind of a similar thing1,000-plus people, you come and
you get small bites.
So I'm starting to do a lotmore of that stuff now.
Vanessa Ferguson (21:12):
We saw you in person at the house of mouse
expo earlier this year.
It have you done some Disneyevents as well?
Ashlee Santmyers (21:19):
oh, yes, I forgot a house and house.
Thanks for reminding me.
So, yeah, so this is my secondyear with house of mouse.
Um, I'm trying to get into moreDisney-esque events like that.
It's just really hard.
Not everybody likes baked goodsat events like this, so it's a
very touchy, not touchy.
(21:41):
But I've got to be veryselective with where I go,
because there's some places thatlove food and I will sell out,
and then there's other placeswhere I have to have, like
special permissions and you know, locations frowned on food.
So I'm I'm looking for more ofthose.
I'm definitely going to go backto House of Mouse.
That one has been so fun.
(22:02):
Everybody that's been there hasbeen absolutely wonderful.
All the actors have beenextremely kind and like just
genuine to happy to be there,and even the guests and other
vendors that come in just reallyseem like good people.
So I'm excited to do that oneagain.
Vanessa Ferguson (22:23):
Now I know in our previous interview with you
you told us about how youstarted your business.
Just for anybody who might nothave heard that first show,
could you just tell a quicksynopsis of how you started your
business?
Ashlee Santmyers (22:36):
Oh yeah.
So I was a furloughed castmember during COVID.
I did something calledquarantine cakes that I just
gave away to keep my creativejuices flowing.
And then Ear for Each Otheropened up and I kind of popped
on that one as like hey, can I,you know, join and sell my stuff
(22:58):
, you know, promote myself?
And it kind of just took offfrom there and here I am, oh,
four years, four years goinginto it, three years officially
as Storybook Delights.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:12):
Now, if you could tell our listeners a
little bit about how you thinkyour products add magic to your
customers' lives.
Ashlee Santmyers (23:19):
My products add magic to my clients because
you can have it in your room.
You can get custom items towhat you want.
You can have it like in yourroom.
You can get custom items towhat you want.
So if you want, like cinnamonrolls, you can have them in your
room.
If you want a birthday cake, Iliterally just had one that was
(23:41):
Cinderella themed.
They wanted a very specificpicture of Cinderella and they
wanted a very specific scene.
I can do that.
You know I can give you guys asclose to possible as what you
want.
Another good one is the holidaysHalloween and Kris.
I do specialty boxes just forthose holidays, so they're
called my storybook nightmareand my storybook present and
(24:03):
each of them are loosely themedaround.
You know the not so scary partyand the Kris party as well.
I try to do the same colors andwhat not.
So you have those treats thatyou can come back to when you're
done with the party or yourpre-party celebration, as I've
had people tell me they havethis as their.
(24:24):
Hey, we're going to Not soScary tonight.
Let's have some extra treatsand it's just kind of a little
extra for you guys to enjoy andto celebrate, because you don't
need a reason to you know youdon't need a reason to have
sweets.
So that's exactly what it is Alittle bit of extra celebration
(24:45):
for you, no matter the reason.
Vanessa Ferguson (24:48):
And I will add , just like the little touches,
like I know, in our breakfastbox the Pop Tarts were shaped,
mickey shaped, and like we did acake for our daughter's
birthday but then we also gotcupcakes because some people in
our group were gluten free andthey were able to have something
that was tasted wonderful andalso enjoy that experience with
(25:08):
all of us.
So I think all those littleadded touches just add so much
that if you were just to have agrocery delivery order or
something you just don't getthat with unless you're in a
park, yeah, yeah.
Ashlee Santmyers (25:20):
So I try to do that too and honestly, it's not
just Disney.
I've done Universal, I've donedifferent kinds of fandoms, you
name it.
I want the challenge and I wantto do it.
So you know, I do try to addthose little touches.
You know, even if it's just acouple pieces of chocolate, to
make a Mickey cupcake, like yousaid.
If it's somebody's birthday andyou guys ordered cookies for me
(25:44):
, I could put in that littletouch of happy birthday and,
like, put their name on it.
Just the little things thatpeople kind of don't think about
, but add the extra little bitof magic to your day.
Vanessa Ferguson (25:56):
Now, if you could tell a little bit about
how the ordering process worksand then like, where do you
deliver, so that way people canknow if they want to make an
order yeah, sure, of course.
Ashlee Santmyers (26:06):
um, so right now everything is still through
facebook messenger.
Um, you do send me a messageand just say, hey, I'm curious
if you have this date or not, um, and I'll get back to you.
Right now it is literally justme and my delivery driver, so I
do have about a 24 to 48 hourresponse window.
(26:27):
But I promise I will get to you.
You just let me know what youwant, when you want it, where
you want it delivered, and wejust kind of go through the
process there.
I try to talk to you, make sureI get 100% of what you want.
So, no matter how manyquestions you ask me, how many
times you message me, it reallyis no bother.
(26:48):
A lot of people are like, oh,I'm sorry for asking so many
questions.
No, like, ask away, becausethat's what I'm here for.
I want to make sure you getexactly what you're looking for
and you understand exactly whatyou're getting.
With that being said, I deliverall over, not just to Disney.
I deliver to Airbnbs.
(27:08):
I've delivered to Universal.
I have a Cocoa Beach deliverycoming up.
So, yeah, I deliver all over.
Cocoa Beach is a little outsidemy range, so it's a bit more of
my delivery fee.
But I do it because I want tomake sure the stuff gets to you
safe and sound and it getsexactly.
(27:29):
You know I want my presentationto be there when I deliver to
you.
I do deliver to, like I said,disney resorts, their front desk
bell services.
Each resort is slightlydifferent but they will hold it
for you too.
So if you're just checking inthat day, if you're having a
park day, they will hold it foryou in refrigeration as long as
(27:52):
you want them to hold it.
I've had people order it twodays in advance and two days go
by.
They pick it up because theydon't have a refrigerator.
Two days go by, they pick it upbecause they don't have a
refrigerator.
Airbnbs I prefer to deliver dayafter check-in.
(28:13):
If you're comfortable, you cangive me door code and I will put
it in your refrigerator.
I can schedule a time to meetup with you when somebody is
there.
I don't really like leaving iton the front porch just because
of Florida weather.
It can be very unpredictable.
So Airbnbs I'm a little moreflexible with.
But yeah, I delivered aUniversal.
A couple of resorts atUniversal I can say yes for sure
(28:37):
, right off the bat.
Other ones I kind of got tocheck with.
They're not as efficient asDisney.
And then I also deliver.
You know any resorts thatyou're staying at?
Marriott, I've delivered toHilton's, you name it.
All I have to do is just calland say, hey, will you hold
stuff on behalf of the guest?
(28:57):
And if they say, yes, perfect,we're good to go.
But yeah, wherever you'resaying you can get storybook
delights delivered to you and Iwill say we've had several
things delivered and it was soeasy.
Vanessa Ferguson (29:09):
We were at Disney resorts and, like you
said, they held it in therefrigeration for us and we had
no problems.
It was very easy.
Now, how does the subscriptionwork, because you were talking
about that a little bit earliermy, my monthly shipping.
Ashlee Santmyers (29:21):
You mean?
Oh, yes, yes, yeah, so I openup my monthly shipping usually
the first or second every month.
My June is going to be slightlydelayed a little bit because my
May is actually going outtomorrow, so I still got to have
time to prepare for June.
But I typically open it thefirst couple days of the month
(29:45):
and I keep it open until eitherI sell out or I'm reaching my
production date, and it'sselective items that you won't
see on my menu.
Typically it's new items I'mplaying with.
You know some recipes I'mtrying and just basically what
people have requested from me.
I do have a website now and itgoes live on the website when I
(30:08):
open shipping up and it's reallysimple.
You just order through thewebsite and you put your address
in and you're good to go.
You have your order in forwhatever's available for that
month and I usually try to shipout the second week of the month
.
May is only a little behindbecause I did take some time off
(30:29):
with the family, but everythingI say I ship out by a certain
date.
It's three to five day shippingand it will come right to your
door within sorry, within threeto five days.
And it's there for you, alittle bit of Storybook Delights
at home.
Kris Johns (30:47):
Awesome.
You know and you mentioned youknow the best way to order is on
Facebook, through FacebookMessenger.
Where can people go online tosee all the awesome things you
make?
Ashlee Santmyers (30:55):
Facebook.
I'm working on my website rightnow.
Like I said, though, it'sliterally just me and my
delivery driver and I'm a mamatoo, so kind of juggling all
three of those.
I haven't got my website fullyup to what I want it to do, but
most everything is on FacebookStorybook Delights.
(31:15):
On Facebook I try to post everyday and you can literally just
search.
If you're looking for somethingNightmare Before Kris, type
that in the search bar and I canassure you something Nightmare
Before Kris will pop up.
If you don't see something,send me a message and I can dig
through my photos and probablyfind what you're looking for.
(31:37):
At this point, I have almost5,000 photos of everything I've
done, so I don't have them allposted, because that would be a
bit crazy, but I can dig throughthem and definitely find
inspiration or what I've doneand show you guys.
Vanessa Ferguson (31:55):
And I can say from the process when we did our
daughter's birthday cake,that's exactly what you did you
worked with me to get.
We did a little mermaid themeand you worked with us to get
exactly what we wanted and itwas very easy process.
So I know and we'll make sure,we'll put, of course, your link
to Facebook, but we'll also, asyou're working on the website
and as things grow later thisyear, we'll make sure to share
(32:17):
that with everybody again aswell.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:19):
Okay, thank you, yeah, and like you said, I
take inspiration photos too, sosend me photos If you like
something.
From a couple cakes I'll take,you know, three or four photos
and kind of make a cake for youthat way as well.
Vanessa Ferguson (32:35):
Thank you so much for joining us again.
It was so great hearing all theupdates about what you've been
doing the last two years and wewill definitely make sure to
share all of the latest on oursocials.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:46):
Well, thank you again for having me.
I really appreciate it, keepingin touch with you guys and hope
to see you guys again, maybe atHouse and House next year.
Vanessa Ferguson (32:54):
For sure, thank you.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:57):
Thank you.
Kris Johns (32:58):
Thank you again to Ashlee for joining us today.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:01):
And now we are on to our two-minute trivia and
our wisdom.
Kris Johns (33:03):
From Walt quote and Kris, you were up with trivia-
Well, I mentioned my buddy Garyand how he had his room door by
our friend.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:11):
At Enchanted Dreams Boutique.
Kris Johns (33:13):
Exactly.
Yeah, these names are just soelaborate, I just can't remember
all the wonderful names.
So he was at one room in Art ofAnimation names.
So he was at one room in Art ofAnimation.
How many?
According to Google AI, howmany total rooms are there at?
Vanessa Ferguson (33:29):
Walt Disney World across all resorts.
Kris Johns (33:30):
Oh, wow, and I will give you a plus or minus of
2,000.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:34):
Let's go with 41,500.
Kris Johns (33:37):
One more guess You're a little high 28,000.
You're a little low.
One more guess 33,000.
0 for 3.
You struck out Okay, accordingto Google AI, which we've known,
what Google AI will do, it says36,000 rooms across all of
their options.
Hopefully that number iscorrect.
(33:58):
I've seen some numbers be30,000, but that was from a
couple of years ago.
I know they've added Coronado.
No, Coronado is not new.
Wait, what's Bay Lake Tower?
Vanessa Ferguson (34:09):
What's the one they're building?
Oh, they're building the newtower at the Polynesian.
Yeah, you're talking about that, and they just added the cabins
and you figure, since then youalso had a couple of the other
resorts have added more rooms.
Kris Johns (34:21):
So 36,000.
Vanessa Ferguson (34:22):
Awesome, very cool.
Wow, that's crazy.
That's bigger than a lot ofsmall towns.
All right, well, I thought thisquote kind of reminded me of
all the awesome vendors wetalked about during our segment,
and then also listening toAshlee about all the great
things she does, and it's areally simple to the point.
I believe in being an innovator, and it's a really simple to
the point.
I believe in being an innovator, and I think that's true when
(34:45):
you look at all the guests thatwe've had over the years.
All of them are true innovatorsand it's so exciting to see
what they can do.
So don't forget to check outall the other episodes we have
on our Buzzsprout page andfollow us on social media, and
thank you so much for joining uson this episode of the Dis Love
Podcast with Vanessa and Kris.
I'm Vanessa.
Kris Johns (35:03):
And I'm Kris.
This podcast is not affiliatedwith the Walt Disney Company or
its holdings, and it is intendedfor entertainment purposes only
.
Welcome to the Dislove Podcast with Vanessa
and Kris.
I'm Vanessa Ferguson.
Kris Johns (00:08):
And I'm Kris Johns.
Vanessa Ferguson (00:09):
We would like to welcome you to show number
149.
And for any listeners joiningus for the first time, our show
features things we love atDisney and in each episode we
have a guest who creates Disneymagic for our listeners at home
or on their Disney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic theirDisney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic into yourlife.
And as a reminder to ourlisteners, we appreciate if you
(00:31):
can take time to leave us areview on Apple Podcasts or any
other platform where you listen.
This helps the show grow and,of course, we love to give shout
outs to individuals who've leftthose reviews.
And before we get started, wehave a message from our friends
Eric and Alexa.
Kris Johns (00:46):
They want to remind you that, when you're planning
your next trip to Disney, togive them a call if you need a
crib, a high chair or a stroller.
They are independent baby quipquality providers and they're
going to provide you with allthe things that you need to make
your vacation easy.
We've used them for ourdaughter.
She is a little older, butputting her in a stroller helps
just move around the parkquicker, as well as to carry our
(01:08):
stuff.
And what's awesome aboutBabyQuip is that they number one
provide you with great products.
They bring it right to yourroom and their delivery driver
comes with a smile.
And what's awesome is that we,in our last trip, we had a brand
new stroller that was perfectto maneuver around the park.
Again, that's Eric and Alexa.
They are your independent babyquip providers.
Vanessa Ferguson (01:31):
And check out the show notes for a link to
make your reservation.
Today and on today's show, weare going to share an update
from Ashlee with StorybookDelights.
We first welcomed her to theshow in early 2022, and we had a
chance to see her at the Houseof Mouse Expo earlier this year.
So we wanted to share with youall the updates about what she
(01:52):
has going on in her business andwe're super excited for that.
And before we get to ourinterview with Ashlee, we wanted
to talk to you about ways tojust celebrate any sort of
occasion at Walt Disney World.
So we're in the season ofweddings and engagements and
graduations and all kinds of funthings.
(02:13):
So we thought we've talkedabout, like, date nights, we've
talked about birthdays.
We thought that we'd just giveyou an overview of some of those
fun festive things that you canadd on to really for any sort
of celebration.
So one of the things that isimportant is always make sure,
when you are planning to put onyour reservation, to make a note
(02:34):
about your celebration.
You never know what sorts ofthings that you can do, and that
is also a great way for you tobe able to let just your resort
and different ones.
Know what you have planned.
Now, one of the things that welike to do is to work with some
of the great vendors that we'vehad on the show, and one of the
(02:55):
first things that you can do isto have a door decoration done
for your resort.
So on the outside of yourresort door we have some great
vendors.
Enchanted Dreams Boutique isreally awesome.
She just recently did a doorfor one of Kris friends when
they were down on a trip.
Kris Johns (03:13):
He loved it.
Yes, they did a door for mybuddy, Gary and his family.
They took a trip down to Disneyin the art of animation.
I kept it a secret.
His kids, they went to the parkand then the door was designed
and when they came back they goDisney did this and he said,
nope, we had an awesome vendordo that for us.
Vanessa Ferguson (03:30):
Yes.
So Enchanted Dreams Boutique Iwill put her information in the
show notes.
Michelle has been on the showbefore so I'll put not only a
link to her business but also alink to her previous episode.
And she does personalized doordecorations.
She can deliver gift baskets.
If you're there at a holidaytime, you can have Kris
(03:51):
decorating really all kinds ofamazing things.
And door decorations are reallya great way to not only honor
that person that's in your roomthat you're celebrating whether
it be their birthday or somesort of milestone but it's also
a great way for other people tosee that you're celebrating
whether it be their birthday orsome sort of milestone, but it's
also a great way for otherpeople to see that you're
celebrating.
And there's a couple othervendors we've used.
We've used birthdays and more.
(04:11):
She recently decorated a doorfor we had a friend that was
visiting from India with her son, and we've also used Pixie Dust
Delivery Service.
All of these vendors will dowhat they call in-room
celebrations, so kind ofdecorations in your room as well
as that door decor.
So I'll put links to all ofthem and this is just really a
(04:33):
fun enhancement.
We've had it done before.
It just adds a little bit ofadded excitement.
Typically, how it will workwith the vendors is the day you
arrive and you have your roomnumber.
You share it with them.
Of course, you'll have alreadyplaced your order in advance of
your trip and then the next day,so the day after you check in,
they will typically come anddecorate the door for you.
(04:53):
So when you come back it's justa fun surprise.
So our friends that were herefrom India her son loved Buzz
and Woody and Spider-Man andwhen they came back at the end
of the day her son was convincedthat Buzz and Woody had came
and decorated his door.
So fun little things and Ithink a door decor and an
(05:14):
in-room celebration are greatways to kick off your vacation.
Now, another big part, I think,of any Disney trip, but of any
celebration in general for usbig part, I think of any Disney
trip but of any celebration ingeneral for us is always dining,
and we've had a couple ofepisodes about special occasion
dining.
And then, of course, characterdining.
(05:35):
If you're celebrating anoccasion like right now we're in
graduation season If you have agraduate and you go to a
character meal and they wearlike some sort of either Mickey
ears that have the graduatetassels or like one of their
actual graduation caps, you canget some really fun pictures.
It's always a great experience.
And if you're celebrating amore adult occasion, like maybe
somebody's retiring orsomebody's celebrating a
(05:57):
milestone birthday, there's somereally great dining experiences
that I think some peoplethey're kind of like those once
in a lifetime.
So you have Victoria andAlbert's at Grand Floridian.
This is a AAA five diamondaward winning restaurant and
they have not only just regularmeals but you can also do like
the chef's table, which is anamazing experience.
(06:19):
It's really great to celebrateagain those adults in your life
that are celebrating some sortof milestone, or even if you're
there for an anniversary.
Another thing that is great todo is you can go to California
Grill, and that, of course, isat the top of the contemporary.
You can time it where you canwatch the fireworks at Magic
(06:40):
Kingdom.
Narcooses is also a great onewhere you can time for fireworks
.
It's just a great way to addoff kind of a nice ending to a
day when you've been celebratingsomething.
Now, one thing that you canalso do, whether it be for a
birthday or an anniversary oralso a retirement we've done
this for Kris birthday we had anOlaf cake one year decorated
(07:03):
and brought to Ohana.
That was a really great cake.
Kris Johns (07:06):
Yes.
Vanessa Ferguson (07:07):
And we've also done it for anniversaries,
where we had replicas of the toptier of our wedding cake done,
and so you can arrange thisthrough Disney.
But one of the things that welove to do is to work with the
outside vendors because they cando so many amazing things for
you.
So Ashlee, she can make cuts.
So our person that we'reinterviewing today from
(07:28):
Storybook Delights she can makecustom cakes and cookies for
your occasion.
We've had her do birthday cakesfor us.
We also had a gathering offriends in the fall and she did
a Halloween themed box and howit works.
So if you order from Disney,there's certain places they can
deliver with someone like Ashlee.
She delivered right to ourresort, so we just picked up our
(07:49):
cake.
It had been in the cold storageat the front and we were able
to take it right with us to therestaurant and Disney had no
problem at all.
We didn't have any issues.
Now sometimes you think aboutsomething at the very last
minute and you don't have achance to get with Ashlee or to
order through Disney.
So one of the things that isgreat is that all of the
(08:10):
restaurants typically, if youask when you check in about
their celebration dome cakes.
You can get those added to.
You can have those brought outwith your meal.
They are a set price.
I think they have like achocolate and a vanilla version,
but those are cakes that youcan have right that day.
So if you're doing an impromptucelebration, that's a great way
to do it.
Now these are some biggerthings that you might plan to do
(08:34):
.
That do cost some money, butthere are some really
cost-effective ways.
I know when we talked aboutbirthdays, we talked about
having those birthday buttonsbut also get the I'm celebrating
buttons.
We've used them for firstvisits.
We were just there for ouranniversary and we had buttons
and we got lots of happyanniversaries.
Kris Johns (08:54):
Lots of happy anniversaries.
Vanessa Ferguson (08:55):
Yes, so it's great.
I think guests and cast memberslove to congratulate people.
So if it is that, I was therefor my college graduation years
ago and it was so much fun justhaving people congratulate you.
So if it is, I was there for mycollege graduation years ago
and it was so much fun justhaving people congratulate you.
Now I know there's lots ofthreads on Facebook and that
where people will talk aboutgetting pixie dusted with little
(09:17):
extras for things, but thosearen't a guarantee.
But I would say probably thecongratulations and the happy
birthdays and those just wellwishes, those are pretty much a
guarantee You're going to getthose from people.
Kris Johns (09:28):
Oh, definitely.
Vanessa Ferguson (09:29):
So if you go into it with just that attitude
that you're happy to be able tocelebrate, that's always a nice
way to do it.
So when you're out celebratingin the parks, one of the things
is we love getting family photos, and we especially love getting
family photos at Disney Ofcourse we do.
So we typically have celebrationpictures done with Randy
(09:51):
Chapman from Chapman Photography, which I'll put a link to his
business and how you can contacthim in the show notes.
But we've had him do engagementpictures, anniversary, wedding
vow, renewal birthdays, justfamily gatherings.
But you can also, if you justhave time for something small,
there's a option in the parkscalled Capture the Magic and
(10:14):
this is done at Magic Kingdomand it's $99 as of June 2024.
You can have up to eight peoplein the photos and you get a 20
minute session.
It can be either on Main Street, usa Fantasyland or in Liberty
Square and it's just a fun wayto get some quick pictures in
the park.
Wear something nice, get somenice things.
(10:35):
So if it's somebody'sgraduation, have them bring
their cap.
If it's if you just got engaged, get some great pictures.
You can also for birthdaycelebrations.
I know we did.
We didn't do the capture themagic, but we did some photos
with Randy for our daughter'sfifth birthday and those are
some of my favorite pictures ofher.
So that's a fun thing to do andsomething that you can
(10:58):
definitely enjoy, and whether itbe at the resorts with one of
the great outside vendors ordoing like that capture the
magic in the parks.
Those are some great ways tohave those memories forever of
whatever particular milestoneyou're celebrating Now.
We love photos, we love food.
(11:19):
Another thing that we or I guessI would say I enjoy is
fireworks.
Fireworks and one of the thingsthat you can do is you can book
some experiences related tofireworks.
So we've talked about these insome other shows.
But, like when I graduated fromcollege, my parents had booked
a fireworks cruise.
(11:39):
At that time it wasIlluminations, but at Epcot you
can book the fireworks cruises.
It left out of Yacht and BeachClub and we had snacks and we
had great viewing for thefireworks.
We did a fireworks celebrationon a boat for my aunt's birthday
a few years back and that leftout of the Grand Floridian
(12:01):
Marina and it's a great thing todo.
So if you have a little bitbigger group, like eight to 10
people, you can do thosefireworks cruises.
But then there's also thefireworks parties in the park
which we've talked about, all ofthose different ones.
So you have a chance to have areserved area.
(12:22):
We did the one at Magic Kingdomfor our daughter's fifth
birthday and you get some nicetreats and some snacks and then
we had a chance to have greatviewing of the fireworks.
I think all of these, dependingon what your budget is, you
have a lot of different options.
So those fireworks cruises are$449, but again it includes a
larger group.
You can have up to 10 people.
(12:43):
You have those options for thedessert parties that are in the
parks and I think any of theseare a great way to kind of cap
off any sort of milestone.
Like I said, we've done thesefor lots of different occasions.
We've done for birthdays,graduations, anniversaries.
So depending on whatever you'recelebrating, I would say Disney
is a great place to celebrate.
Kris Johns (13:04):
It sure is.
Vanessa Ferguson (13:07):
So I will make sure to share all of these.
I think one of the things thatso many people forget is that
Disney doesn't have to just be aplace for honeymoons.
It doesn't have to be just be aplace for kids' birthdays.
There's so many differentmilestones that you have hit in
your life that you can take thattime to enjoy at the parks and
(13:28):
at the resorts.
Lots of different fun things todo.
So check out all of thedifferent options at the resorts
.
The resorts have nice eventsthat you can partake in.
You can also.
One of the things I love to dois we buy a special souvenir to
commemorate an occasion.
So, whether it be special earsor we get a lot of personalized
(13:49):
ornaments, and we have a lot ofKris ornaments.
We sure do.
So we like to get thempersonalized and at Disney you
can have the Kris ornaments doneat the shop in Magic Kingdom or
at Disney Springs.
So you can have dates andlittle things.
I have ones from my high schoolgraduation, college graduations
birthdays.
I have ones from my high schoolgraduation, college graduations
(14:09):
birthdays all kinds ofdifferent milestones and those
are nice keepsakes of that tripas well as that occasion that
you were celebrating.
So take some time to enjoywhatever milestone you have
coming up and look at all of thedifferent creative options, and
I'm sure you will not bedisappointed.
It's definitely great, and I'dlike to thank our friends over
(14:30):
at Disney Tourist Blog for someadditional ideas, along with
just our own experiences fromover the years.
And so give us just a minuteand we'll get our call up with
Ashlee.
We'd like to welcome Ashlee tothe show from Storybook Delights
.
We actually had her on the showa few years ago, and so we are
so happy to have her back on toget some updates about what's
been going on since we lasttalked, and her business offers
(14:54):
all kinds of great baked goods,from snack boxes to breakfast
boxes, cakes We've had ourdaughter's birthday cake one
year done by her.
We've gotten some really greattreat boxes as well.
They'll deliver it right toyour Disney Resort and we're
really excited to have Ashleeback on the show.
Hi guys, as you all know, wealways like to get started with
(15:16):
a little bit about what ourguests enjoy at the parks, so
right now we've been askingpeople what is your favorite
event at a Disney park?
Ashlee Santmyers (15:25):
Oh, there's a no-brainer there.
My favorite is still and willalways be Not so Scary oh yeah.
Yeah, I'm a little sad thatthey switched it up a couple
years back, but still alwaysgoing to be Not so Scary.
Halloween is just my jam and Ilove everything to go with it
the macabre, the spooky, thedressing up, you name it.
(15:49):
That's my go-to every year.
Vanessa Ferguson (15:51):
We're bummed this year.
We're coming at the end ofAugust just for a very short
trip and we're going to a DVCevent and it's the only night
that there's a Halloween party.
So we're going to miss theHalloween party this year, which
is a bummer for us.
Ashlee Santmyers (16:03):
Yeah, it's starting way earlier this year
and honestly I'm not ready forit, but boxes are being prepared
, so here we go.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:13):
Well, that's perfect.
Now let's go ahead, and we wantto hear.
Tell us about your business andthe products you offer
connected to Disney, includingwhat's new, since we had you on
the show last.
Ashlee Santmyers (16:24):
Oh, that's gonna be.
I have to remember everythingI've added, man, I have done.
I have expanded so much.
So I do breakfast and snackboxes so you can do like a pick
four, pick six option and eachoption you choose.
Like you can do cinnamon rollsand Pop-Tarts.
Each of those you get like sixpieces of each and they're
(16:46):
basically grab-and-go items.
So you have breakfast in yourroom ready to go.
When you're you know you'redoing rope drop or it's you know
, rest day and you don't reallywant to go anywhere, you have
that stuff in your room for youare ready to go.
The snack boxes as wellchocolate dip, pretzels, cookies
, cake pops, cupcakes, you nameit.
(17:08):
I pretty much do it.
If it's not on my menu, Ialways say ask me, because
that's something you know.
I'm always looking for newsuggestions and new options to
include.
I also do like a la carte stuff.
I do cakes, custom cakes.
No cake is the same with me.
I always like to have a littlebit of a difference between
(17:29):
cakes I make every client,because my slogan is every cake
has a story or every dessert hasa story.
Let me tell yours.
So I like making everythingcompletely unique to you.
I do cupcakes, like I said, ala carte options, breakfast
options.
That like sums it up.
(17:49):
But I've added some new stuff.
I've started doing monthlyshipping, so each month I have
kind of a different theme goingout.
This month that I'm doing iscookies, so I did like a cookies
and cream cake jar, a cookiedough cake jar.
I've done some like monstercookies and cookie bars.
(18:11):
So each month is slightlydifferent.
And I'm adding excuse me, I'madding large Mickey head
cinnamon rolls.
Yes, so those are still kind ofin production, so you guys are
like the first ones to knowabout it here.
But large Mickey head cinnamonrolls, exactly as they sound, in
production, so you guys arelike the first ones to know
about it here.
Um, but large mickeyheadcinnamon rolls, exactly as they
(18:31):
sound, mickey shaped, covered infrosting.
Kris Johns (18:34):
Uh, delicious goodness coming right to your
resort you know and part of thatis you know we have had the
pleasure of experiencing in thepast.
What are some new things thatyou've been up to doing?
Ashlee Santmyers (18:46):
um, new business has kind of been going
as normal.
New things I have a well, shejust turned one, so she's not
new anymore.
But I have a new little baby.
Her name's Hannah.
She has graced us with herpresence.
We actually just celebrated herfirst birthday.
So I've been focused on being amom a little bit and just kind
(19:07):
of cruising with the business.
I did, actually business-wise Iwon second place in a cake
decorating competition at theFlorida Strawberry Festival.
Wow, yeah, it was one of mymacabre cakes that I did and it
was my first time competing as aprofessional, so that's really
(19:30):
exciting.
I'm excited to have that winunder my belt.
I'm starting to do a lot morecharity work.
Have you guys heard of theScience of Wine at Orlando
Science Center?
Vanessa Ferguson (19:42):
No, tell us a little bit about it.
Ashlee Santmyers (19:45):
So every year they have a gala for lack of a
better word.
People come dressed to thenines and you pay one price to
get in.
They have silent auctions, theyhave a bunch of different
vendors offering food, you canwalk around and have wine, and
(20:05):
all of this goes back to theOrlando Science Center.
So it's how they raise funds tocontinue doing what they're
doing for their science centerand it's extremely popular.
The past couple years I've doneit for three years and each
year it's been over 1000 peopleand it's been a lot of fun.
(20:26):
Yes, it's been a lot of fun.
It's a great place for me toshowcase and talk with people
too, because normally you see mebehind a website.
You don't actually get to seeme in person.
So all of that goes to OrlandoScience Center.
I'm doing a taste event inAugust.
(20:47):
Forgive me, but I don'tremember what that one goes to
right now.
I tried to do it last year butunfortunately had to back out
because I was due with my babygirl, so I couldn't really do
much.
But we're doing that one againthis year.
It's kind of a similar thing1,000-plus people, you come and
you get small bites.
So I'm starting to do a lotmore of that stuff now.
Vanessa Ferguson (21:12):
We saw you in person at the house of mouse
expo earlier this year.
It have you done some Disneyevents as well?
Ashlee Santmyers (21:19):
oh, yes, I forgot a house and house.
Thanks for reminding me.
So, yeah, so this is my secondyear with house of mouse.
Um, I'm trying to get into moreDisney-esque events like that.
It's just really hard.
Not everybody likes baked goodsat events like this, so it's a
very touchy, not touchy.
(21:41):
But I've got to be veryselective with where I go,
because there's some places thatlove food and I will sell out,
and then there's other placeswhere I have to have, like
special permissions and you know, locations frowned on food.
So I'm I'm looking for more ofthose.
I'm definitely going to go backto House of Mouse.
That one has been so fun.
(22:02):
Everybody that's been there hasbeen absolutely wonderful.
All the actors have beenextremely kind and like just
genuine to happy to be there,and even the guests and other
vendors that come in just reallyseem like good people.
So I'm excited to do that oneagain.
Vanessa Ferguson (22:23):
Now I know in our previous interview with you
you told us about how youstarted your business.
Just for anybody who might nothave heard that first show,
could you just tell a quicksynopsis of how you started your
business?
Ashlee Santmyers (22:36):
Oh yeah.
So I was a furloughed castmember during COVID.
I did something calledquarantine cakes that I just
gave away to keep my creativejuices flowing.
And then Ear for Each Otheropened up and I kind of popped
on that one as like hey, can I,you know, join and sell my stuff
(22:58):
, you know, promote myself?
And it kind of just took offfrom there and here I am, oh,
four years, four years goinginto it, three years officially
as Storybook Delights.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:12):
Now, if you could tell our listeners a
little bit about how you thinkyour products add magic to your
customers' lives.
Ashlee Santmyers (23:19):
My products add magic to my clients because
you can have it in your room.
You can get custom items towhat you want.
You can have it like in yourroom.
You can get custom items towhat you want.
So if you want, like cinnamonrolls, you can have them in your
room.
If you want a birthday cake, Iliterally just had one that was
(23:41):
Cinderella themed.
They wanted a very specificpicture of Cinderella and they
wanted a very specific scene.
I can do that.
You know I can give you guys asclose to possible as what you
want.
Another good one is the holidaysHalloween and Kris.
I do specialty boxes just forthose holidays, so they're
called my storybook nightmareand my storybook present and
(24:03):
each of them are loosely themedaround.
You know the not so scary partyand the Kris party as well.
I try to do the same colors andwhat not.
So you have those treats thatyou can come back to when you're
done with the party or yourpre-party celebration, as I've
had people tell me they havethis as their.
(24:24):
Hey, we're going to Not soScary tonight.
Let's have some extra treatsand it's just kind of a little
extra for you guys to enjoy andto celebrate, because you don't
need a reason to you know youdon't need a reason to have
sweets.
So that's exactly what it is Alittle bit of extra celebration
(24:45):
for you, no matter the reason.
Vanessa Ferguson (24:48):
And I will add , just like the little touches,
like I know, in our breakfastbox the Pop Tarts were shaped,
mickey shaped, and like we did acake for our daughter's
birthday but then we also gotcupcakes because some people in
our group were gluten free andthey were able to have something
that was tasted wonderful andalso enjoy that experience with
(25:08):
all of us.
So I think all those littleadded touches just add so much
that if you were just to have agrocery delivery order or
something you just don't getthat with unless you're in a
park, yeah, yeah.
Ashlee Santmyers (25:20):
So I try to do that too and honestly, it's not
just Disney.
I've done Universal, I've donedifferent kinds of fandoms, you
name it.
I want the challenge and I wantto do it.
So you know, I do try to addthose little touches.
You know, even if it's just acouple pieces of chocolate, to
make a Mickey cupcake, like yousaid.
If it's somebody's birthday andyou guys ordered cookies for me
(25:44):
, I could put in that littletouch of happy birthday and,
like, put their name on it.
Just the little things thatpeople kind of don't think about
, but add the extra little bitof magic to your day.
Vanessa Ferguson (25:56):
Now, if you could tell a little bit about
how the ordering process worksand then like, where do you
deliver, so that way people canknow if they want to make an
order yeah, sure, of course.
Ashlee Santmyers (26:06):
um, so right now everything is still through
facebook messenger.
Um, you do send me a messageand just say, hey, I'm curious
if you have this date or not, um, and I'll get back to you.
Right now it is literally justme and my delivery driver, so I
do have about a 24 to 48 hourresponse window.
(26:27):
But I promise I will get to you.
You just let me know what youwant, when you want it, where
you want it delivered, and wejust kind of go through the
process there.
I try to talk to you, make sureI get 100% of what you want.
So, no matter how manyquestions you ask me, how many
times you message me, it reallyis no bother.
(26:48):
A lot of people are like, oh,I'm sorry for asking so many
questions.
No, like, ask away, becausethat's what I'm here for.
I want to make sure you getexactly what you're looking for
and you understand exactly whatyou're getting.
With that being said, I deliverall over, not just to Disney.
I deliver to Airbnbs.
(27:08):
I've delivered to Universal.
I have a Cocoa Beach deliverycoming up.
So, yeah, I deliver all over.
Cocoa Beach is a little outsidemy range, so it's a bit more of
my delivery fee.
But I do it because I want tomake sure the stuff gets to you
safe and sound and it getsexactly.
(27:29):
You know I want my presentationto be there when I deliver to
you.
I do deliver to, like I said,disney resorts, their front desk
bell services.
Each resort is slightlydifferent but they will hold it
for you too.
So if you're just checking inthat day, if you're having a
park day, they will hold it foryou in refrigeration as long as
(27:52):
you want them to hold it.
I've had people order it twodays in advance and two days go
by.
They pick it up because theydon't have a refrigerator.
Two days go by, they pick it upbecause they don't have a
refrigerator.
Airbnbs I prefer to deliver dayafter check-in.
(28:13):
If you're comfortable, you cangive me door code and I will put
it in your refrigerator.
I can schedule a time to meetup with you when somebody is
there.
I don't really like leaving iton the front porch just because
of Florida weather.
It can be very unpredictable.
So Airbnbs I'm a little moreflexible with.
But yeah, I delivered aUniversal.
A couple of resorts atUniversal I can say yes for sure
(28:37):
, right off the bat.
Other ones I kind of got tocheck with.
They're not as efficient asDisney.
And then I also deliver.
You know any resorts thatyou're staying at?
Marriott, I've delivered toHilton's, you name it.
All I have to do is just calland say, hey, will you hold
stuff on behalf of the guest?
(28:57):
And if they say, yes, perfect,we're good to go.
But yeah, wherever you'resaying you can get storybook
delights delivered to you and Iwill say we've had several
things delivered and it was soeasy.
Vanessa Ferguson (29:09):
We were at Disney resorts and, like you
said, they held it in therefrigeration for us and we had
no problems.
It was very easy.
Now, how does the subscriptionwork, because you were talking
about that a little bit earliermy, my monthly shipping.
Ashlee Santmyers (29:21):
You mean?
Oh, yes, yes, yeah, so I openup my monthly shipping usually
the first or second every month.
My June is going to be slightlydelayed a little bit because my
May is actually going outtomorrow, so I still got to have
time to prepare for June.
But I typically open it thefirst couple days of the month
(29:45):
and I keep it open until eitherI sell out or I'm reaching my
production date, and it'sselective items that you won't
see on my menu.
Typically it's new items I'mplaying with.
You know some recipes I'mtrying and just basically what
people have requested from me.
I do have a website now and itgoes live on the website when I
(30:08):
open shipping up and it's reallysimple.
You just order through thewebsite and you put your address
in and you're good to go.
You have your order in forwhatever's available for that
month and I usually try to shipout the second week of the month
.
May is only a little behindbecause I did take some time off
(30:29):
with the family, but everythingI say I ship out by a certain
date.
It's three to five day shippingand it will come right to your
door within sorry, within threeto five days.
And it's there for you, alittle bit of Storybook Delights
at home.
Kris Johns (30:47):
Awesome.
You know and you mentioned youknow the best way to order is on
Facebook, through FacebookMessenger.
Where can people go online tosee all the awesome things you
make?
Ashlee Santmyers (30:55):
Facebook.
I'm working on my website rightnow.
Like I said, though, it'sliterally just me and my
delivery driver and I'm a mamatoo, so kind of juggling all
three of those.
I haven't got my website fullyup to what I want it to do, but
most everything is on FacebookStorybook Delights.
(31:15):
On Facebook I try to post everyday and you can literally just
search.
If you're looking for somethingNightmare Before Kris, type
that in the search bar and I canassure you something Nightmare
Before Kris will pop up.
If you don't see something,send me a message and I can dig
through my photos and probablyfind what you're looking for.
(31:37):
At this point, I have almost5,000 photos of everything I've
done, so I don't have them allposted, because that would be a
bit crazy, but I can dig throughthem and definitely find
inspiration or what I've doneand show you guys.
Vanessa Ferguson (31:55):
And I can say from the process when we did our
daughter's birthday cake,that's exactly what you did you
worked with me to get.
We did a little mermaid themeand you worked with us to get
exactly what we wanted and itwas very easy process.
So I know and we'll make sure,we'll put, of course, your link
to Facebook, but we'll also, asyou're working on the website
and as things grow later thisyear, we'll make sure to share
(32:17):
that with everybody again aswell.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:19):
Okay, thank you, yeah, and like you said, I
take inspiration photos too, sosend me photos If you like
something.
From a couple cakes I'll take,you know, three or four photos
and kind of make a cake for youthat way as well.
Vanessa Ferguson (32:35):
Thank you so much for joining us again.
It was so great hearing all theupdates about what you've been
doing the last two years and wewill definitely make sure to
share all of the latest on oursocials.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:46):
Well, thank you again for having me.
I really appreciate it, keepingin touch with you guys and hope
to see you guys again, maybe atHouse and House next year.
Vanessa Ferguson (32:54):
For sure, thank you.
Ashlee Santmyers (32:57):
Thank you.
Kris Johns (32:58):
Thank you again to Ashlee for joining us today.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:01):
And now we are on to our two-minute trivia and
our wisdom.
Kris Johns (33:03):
From Walt quote and Kris, you were up with trivia-
Well, I mentioned my buddy Garyand how he had his room door by
our friend.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:11):
At Enchanted Dreams Boutique.
Kris Johns (33:13):
Exactly.
Yeah, these names are just soelaborate, I just can't remember
all the wonderful names.
So he was at one room in Art ofAnimation names.
So he was at one room in Art ofAnimation.
How many?
According to Google AI, howmany total rooms are there at?
Vanessa Ferguson (33:29):
Walt Disney World across all resorts.
Kris Johns (33:30):
Oh, wow, and I will give you a plus or minus of
2,000.
Vanessa Ferguson (33:34):
Let's go with 41,500.
Kris Johns (33:37):
One more guess You're a little high 28,000.
You're a little low.
One more guess 33,000.
0 for 3.
You struck out Okay, accordingto Google AI, which we've known,
what Google AI will do, it says36,000 rooms across all of
their options.
Hopefully that number iscorrect.
(33:58):
I've seen some numbers be30,000, but that was from a
couple of years ago.
I know they've added Coronado.
No, Coronado is not new.
Wait, what's Bay Lake Tower?
Vanessa Ferguson (34:09):
What's the one they're building?
Oh, they're building the newtower at the Polynesian.
Yeah, you're talking about that, and they just added the cabins
and you figure, since then youalso had a couple of the other
resorts have added more rooms.
Kris Johns (34:21):
So 36,000.
Vanessa Ferguson (34:22):
Awesome, very cool.
Wow, that's crazy.
That's bigger than a lot ofsmall towns.
All right, well, I thought thisquote kind of reminded me of
all the awesome vendors wetalked about during our segment,
and then also listening toAshlee about all the great
things she does, and it's areally simple to the point.
I believe in being an innovator, and it's a really simple to
the point.
I believe in being an innovator, and I think that's true when
(34:45):
you look at all the guests thatwe've had over the years.
All of them are true innovatorsand it's so exciting to see
what they can do.
So don't forget to check outall the other episodes we have
on our Buzzsprout page andfollow us on social media, and
thank you so much for joining uson this episode of the Dis Love
Podcast with Vanessa and Kris.
I'm Vanessa.
Kris Johns (35:03):
And I'm Kris.
This podcast is not affiliatedwith the Walt Disney Company or
its holdings, and it is intendedfor entertainment purposes only
.
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