January 25, 2024 • 24 mins
Embark on a sensory journey through Epcot's International Festival of the Arts with us and savor the fusion of creativity and cuisine that is sure to enchant your palette and your imagination. We wade into a sea of artistic wonder, from the skilled hands of live painters to the whimsical chalk art adorning the pavements. Feel the joy swell as we recount the thrill of contributing to a grand interactive mural or seeking out Figment on a park-wide scavenger hunt designed for the delight of families. Your culinary cravings will be satisfied with a tantalizing recounting of treats like the vibrant rainbow cake, sparkling with freeze-dried Skittles, and a Figment-inspired concoction that's as playful as it is refreshing.
Amanda from Happy Thoughts Crafting Co. joins us, sharing her story of spinning a challenging time into an opportunity to sprinkle a little more Disney magic into the world. Her handcrafted items - born from a blend of passion, thrifted vintage materials, and a dash of enchantment - are the perfect companion for any Disney adventure. As she opens up about her creative process and how she tailors each piece to her clients' dreams, be ready to discover how to add personalized magic to your next trip to the happiest place on Earth.
Use the code Dislove10 to save 10% off your order placed through direct message on her website.
Closing our episode, we reflect on the power of artistic expression and the unstoppable drive that Walt Disney himself championed. Whether it's through crafting your own Disney-inspired wardrobe or simply taking in the festival's sights and sounds, we hope to ignite that fervent spark of creation in you. Join us as we celebrate the harmony of art, taste, and joy, ensuring that your experience at Epcot's festival will be nothing short of spectacular.
- "Undercover Tourist" guide to Epcot International Festival of the Arts
- Walt Disney World overview of Epcot International Festival of the Arts
- "Disney Food Blog" guide to the culinary creations at the Festival of the Arts
High quality, clean baby gear delivered right to your resort while on your Disney Vacation.
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 (00:05):
Welcome to the DisLove Podcast with Vanessa
and Kris.
I'm Vanessa Ferguson.
Kris Johns (00:09):
I'm Kris Johns.
Vanessa Ferguson (00:10):
We would like to welcome you to show number
142 and for anyone joining usfor the first time.
Our show features things welove at Disney and in each
episode we have a guest whocreates Disney magic for our
listeners at home or on theirDisney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic into yourlife and, as a reminder to our
(00:31):
listeners, we appreciate if youcan take time to leave us a
review on Apple Podcasts or anyother platform where you listen.
We always like to give shoutouts to these reviews and, of
course, it helps the show grow.
So thank you to all of youwho've already left those
ratings.
We appreciate those and, chris,we have a message from some of
our friends.
Kris Johns (00:49):
Yes, our friends Eric and Alexa want us to remind
you that when you're planningyour next Disney vacation with
the little ones, make sure toreserve anything you need from
them, including strollers, carseats, cribs and high chairs and
more, with delivery directly toyour resort.
As your baby quip independentquality provider, they will
provide you with excellentcustomer service by providing
clean and useful equipment tomake your vacation easy.
(01:12):
Want something but don't see iton their site?
Let them know and they'll dotheir best to accommodate you.
We've used them for several ofour rentals.
Most notably, we rented a verynice stroller and what was great
about it was that it wasdelivered directly to our resort
.
It came in, it was perfect,they picked it up and it was a
wonderful experience, where ourdaughter still is at the age
(01:32):
where she can go all day, butshe can't walk all day, so
that's why we need a strollerfor both her as well as our
stuff.
Eric and Alexa and baby quipreally took care of us, so visit
the show notes for a link tomake your reservation today.
Vanessa Ferguson (01:45):
And on today's show we are going to be joined
by Amanda from Happy ThoughtsCrafting Co.
She makes magically handcraftedsewn items and crocheted items.
I'm really looking forward tohearing to having you hear all
about her shop and, Kris, shehas a special discount for our
viewers.
Kris Johns (02:03):
She does use the code Dislove10 to save 10% off
when placing an order by directmessage.
The code will also work whenher website goes live.
Vanessa Ferguson (02:12):
And we will make sure to share when her
website launches, which is verysoon.
So that's exciting as well.
So festival season hasofficially kicked off at Epcot
earlier this month.
So today we are going to bediscussing the International
Festival of the Arts at Epcot,and one of the things that's
great about this is it features,obviously, artwork and great
(02:33):
artists, but they also have.
I think one of the nice thingsthat Epcot has started to do is
really incorporate food in allof their festivals, and if you
listen to the show, you know welove to talk about food.
So one of the things that'sreally awesome with this is they
have food that's presented inan artistic fashion.
So that is super exciting.
(02:53):
So before we start talkingabout the food, I want to talk
about the really all thedifferent acts that exist,
because they have a lot ofdifferent artists, from musical
artists to artists who are likepainting and doing different
things.
So we've only actually beenable to experience this festival
once and it was awesome.
(03:13):
It was great to see the artistsdoing things live, and you had
so many great vendors to checkout.
So one of the first things theyhave is what's called art in
action.
So when you go throughout thepark.
There are artists actuallydoing things their artwork right
in front of you, which is supercool.
They have all kinds of piecesthat you can see them make and
(03:34):
then you can buy them and takethem home.
Right then it's super nicebecause you can talk to the
artists in here about theirinspiration and you get to be
able to take something home withyou.
Now, one piece of art that youcan't take home with you is they
do 2D and 3D chalk art, whichis so cool.
So they have a variety ofartists throughout the park and
(03:59):
one of the super neat things isthat they have them on the
ground and they even have themin some of the spaces, like in
world showcase.
This year there's a super coolone in Italy that's by the
fountain.
They have Luca.
So there's all kinds of funthings and it's super cool
because it it's looks likeyou're in the artwork with.
(04:19):
Some of them are friends ofshared some pictures.
It's super neat to be able todo.
Another thing that we havegotten a chance to do which is
fun is they'll have these giantmural displays and it's a paint
by number so you can't mess itup.
You stand in line, they giveyou a little thing with paint
and a paint brush and you get topaint one of the Little squares
(04:39):
and then, when the murals done,you can say you were part of
this amazing artwork.
This only runs like it's kindof got weird hours.
It's only from like 11 to five.
So I know that was somethingwhen we were there we had
intentionally planned to go doit.
It's at.
These are usually between thatwalkway from journey to your
magic, into imagination, to theworld showcase.
(05:00):
So you want to time it whereyou get to be able to do it,
because it's just fun, is kids,for kids or adults to be able to
have a chance to participate inthe art.
And I'm betting, Kris, do youremember painting on the mural?
Oh, I sure do.
I'll have to look and see if Ihave some pictures when we
painted.
It's super.
It's super fun to do.
And of course, they have aninteractive scavenger hunt which
(05:22):
they do for all of thedifferent festivals.
And if anybody knows me, theyknow I love figment.
So there is a figment brushwith a master scavenger hunt.
So I love the theming for thisone, and what it is is you're
searching for famous artworkthroughout the world showcase.
So it's super neat.
You buy the maps, just like youdo with all the scavenger hunts
.
You can get them at that portof entry, the world traveler or
(05:49):
the creation shop and then whenyou turn it in at the end, after
you found all of the pieces ofart, you get a prize, and that's
always fun to do.
I enjoy all of those scavengerhunts that they have all year.
Earlier this year we did theEaster egg one, so it's always
fun and I think for kids that'salso a good way to engage them
if they're not as excited aboutbeing at Epcot.
So that's super cool to do.
And then when you go over to,they also have animation Academy
(06:17):
classes, which we've not donethese down there.
We did them when there was oneof the traveling Disney exhibits
in Chicago, but it's super fun.
You at the American GardensTheater.
So right by the Americanadventure you.
They do these at 1230 and 130,so it's earlier in the day, so
it doesn't interact with whenthey have some of the singing
artists later in the day.
You get to, they give you aclipboard and all of the stuff
(06:43):
you need to be able to make yourcreation and it's fun because
they have an animator walkaround and give the instructions
.
They have big screens for youto watch.
That super fun.
And then they have a lot ofinteractive things for kids.
Check out the booklet becausethey have some chalk art for
kids to do.
They have a lot of likeprojects that they can do
(07:03):
throughout the, throughout thefestival, and I think one of the
neat things that I reallyenjoyed they call them visual
art and performance.
So we watched a painter do aMickey portrait and they have
them all throughout the day thisyear, the I think it's similar
artists that come every year.
(07:24):
They do the painting and it'sso cool because within just a
few minutes, this amazingportrait of a character comes up
.
So, like I said, we saw Mickey.
They have all kinds of otherthings.
That was so, depending on theday, these are usually in the
afternoon as well, so you'llnotice a lot of this stuff is in
the afternoon.
So if you're planning a daythere, you have to plan
accordingly.
If you're trying to mix inrides or reservations, I would
(07:47):
definitely.
If it was me, I would avoid alunch reservation because you'll
want to maybe eat earlier inthe day and then have a dinner
because you don't want to missout on some of these really cool
things.
There's also some cool acrobatsthat do some shows and those
are also kind of from the 11 tothree range, so you'll want to
check them out.
(08:08):
Some of their.
The things they do is amazing.
It reminds you of Cirque duSoleil on just on a smaller
scale, so that is super fun.
Now we have a friend who lovesBroadway loves it.
Loves it, so I know he sent mesome of the concert series.
We unfortunately have not beenable to attend one of these, but
(08:29):
they bring in a lineup everyyear of different Disney on
Broadway artists and it's supergreat to see all of the
different ones that they have.
And they do the dining packages, just like they do for
candlelight processional or forthe concerts during Flower and
Garden.
So depending on the artist anddepending on how popular they're
(08:52):
going to be, you might want todo the dining package and I
really liked, like when we wentto the candlelight processional
I thought it was just nice tonot have to go over there super
early to get a seat.
Did you like having that diningpackage?
Kris Johns (09:03):
Oh, it was wonderful .
Vanessa Ferguson (09:05):
So it is a little bit more, but you get to
choose what show you wantbecause they have three shows
every night that 5.30, 6.45 and8 o'clock so it's really great
to be able to do that.
So this year the artists vary,but they have artists from
Disney on Broadway with FrozenLittle Mermaid, beauty and the
Beast, mary Poppins, lion King,tarzan, aladdin so it's just
(09:30):
super great.
Depending on when you're goingto be there, you can check out
their dates that the artists arethere kind of vary.
So definitely check out theschedule.
I'll make sure to put a link tothis year's concert lineup
because this runs all the way to, like the third week in
February.
So I'll make sure to put thatlineup in the show notes.
But really now you can startplanning for 2025.
(09:54):
That's kind of the fun thingwith this festival is you can
already start thinking ahead.
So hopefully, if you have anyBroadway lovers in your family,
like we talked about with ourfriend, or if you just really
enjoy a great show, definitelycheck those out.
Now again, as I mentionedearlier, we love to talk about
food.
Kris Johns (10:14):
Yes.
Vanessa Ferguson (10:15):
So they call them the eats and treats and
they have all kinds of reallycool things that are just so
pretty you just aren't reallysure if you want to eat them.
There's 16 different exclusivethings and they have super cute
figment inspired things.
The one thing this year is arainbow cake that has freeze
dried Skittles.
(10:35):
I know freeze dried candy is abig thing.
Kris Johns (10:38):
I haven't tried any freeze dried candy yet it's a
thing I just haven't been drawnto it.
Vanessa Ferguson (10:44):
So if you've tried it before or if you
haven't, this might be a chanceto try it.
So the rainbow cake.
And then they have a super cool.
They have a figment drink thatcomes in a figment cup, which I
have, a cup from a previous year.
Purple drink, lots of fun.
And then they have all kinds ofjust really nice displayed
things.
(11:04):
They have a key lime tartthat's supposed to be great.
Kris is on a pop tarts kick.
This is not pop tarts brand,but they have a blueberry filled
pastry tart with purple icing,so it has figment kind of thing.
They have all kinds of nicedessert trios.
Kris loves beets.
Kris Johns (11:23):
Love beets.
Vanessa Ferguson (11:24):
So there's a roasted beet with goat cheese,
petite lettuce, blackberry andspice pecans.
So lots of different differentthings.
There's a chorizo and potatoand panada.
There's a lot of variety ofthings which I think is fun.
And they have just like thecookie stroll at Christmas time.
They have what's called thewonderful walk of colorful
(11:45):
cuisine and if you get a stampat each of those locations for
food as you purchase thosethings, then at the end you get
an artist's palette cookie andthat is available at the Deco
Delights location.
So that's kind of a fun thing.
And another interactive thing Ilove when they have these
interactive things because it'sgreat for kids, but it's also
(12:07):
great for those of us who go tothe parks a lot.
It kind of adds a little bitsomething new, something a
little exciting.
So those are some of thedifferent food options.
And again, check out what you.
Sometimes, when there's thesefestivals going on, we skip
having one sit down meal becausewe like to try all the
different things that you can atall the different locations.
(12:28):
So a couple of final tips thatyou want to do, just like for
Flower and Garden and Food andWine.
They have a great littlepassport that you can pick up.
I find picking those up iseasier than trying to flip
through things in the app andobviously you're gonna use the
app for finding times and all ofthat.
But I think those booklets arenice to help guide you as you're
(12:50):
going around the park.
But also it's a great way forit's a nice little keepsake and
ice scrapbook.
So I like to save those forthat sort of thing.
Check out all the really coolmerchandise.
I've been torn.
They had a super neat figmentpopcorn bucket that looks like
the imagination pavilion.
It lights up.
That's something that you couldget.
(13:11):
I know it's been popular in.
Disney's been good aboutkeeping those in stock and they
have mobile order for that.
That's over at the Odyssey Alot of the food options you can
pick up in that area.
There's some things there and,as usual, Disney always does a
great job with fun interactivephoto things.
So they have a lot of, ofcourse, famous art pieces and,
(13:32):
Kris, they have where you couldbe in the Mona Lisa.
They have some Vincent Van Goghones and there's even some cool
, a cute one from the movie wish, and we enjoyed the movie wish.
Yes, we did, yeah, so lots ofthat's kind of a neat thing and
then of course, throughout theworld showcase.
There's nice, like the tents andthe little kiosk where you can
(13:54):
go and see lots of differentartists, and I think that's the
fun thing about this is it justbrings a new element.
I know people joke that Epcotis the festival park and I know
people kind of make jokes aboutwhen they abbreviate the name of
this one.
I don't, we're not gonna gothat juvenile with the
abbreviation, but people havefun with the abbreviation for
(14:15):
this festival name and stuff.
But I think it brings somethingunique.
I like Epcot anyways and Ienjoy going and trying these new
festivals.
What's your opinion about allthe festivals?
Kris Johns (14:26):
Well, it's just something different because for
the most part, you know, inEpcot the countries are there,
they're not gonna change, butthe festivals allow a new
wrinkle and something new to see.
Vanessa Ferguson (14:34):
Yes, and I think those interactive elements
just make it where.
It gives you somethingdifferent, especially for those
of us that are there all thetime.
And if it's your first time,it's also a great way to
experience something that youmight not experience on a future
trip, depending on what time ofyear that you come.
And, of course, I think theadded elements with the concerts
, like that just is such a hugeextra thing for people as well.
(14:57):
So give us just a few minutes.
We're gonna bring up.
Oh, and there's one more thingyou have to do At the end of the
night on Spaceship Earth theyhave a they do with the lights
on Spaceship Earth.
They do they sequence withrainbow connection with Kermit
the Frog, and it's so sweet.
I have some friends that havewatched it and it just brings
(15:18):
back a lot of those nicechildhood memories.
So check out the rainbowconnection sequence on Spaceship
Earth.
You won't be disappointed.
So, as you're leaving for thenight, make sure you do that and
give us just a minute.
We're gonna get our call upwith Amanda so you can hear all
about her shop.
I'd like to welcome Amanda tothe show.
Her shop, happy Thoughts CraftCo, has all kinds of neat custom
(15:40):
.
She does ear pouches, hippouches, dresses, all kinds of
really neat products.
She sews crochets and knits andof course, like all of us, she
loves Disney.
Her and her husband lovetraveling down to Florida.
Some of their favorites, likeours, are People Mover.
They also like Seven Doors,mind Train, cosmic Rewind.
We actually haven't gotten toride that yet.
(16:00):
We're hoping to do that on ournext trip.
And even though we're inMichigan, she's not too far away
.
She's our neighbor over inOntario, so we'd like to welcome
Amanda to the show.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:10):
Thank you so much.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:12):
Now we've been asking everyone lately what is
your favorite event at anyDisney part.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:18):
Okay, so my favorite event is
definitely the Christmas partyat Magic Kingdom.
We have gone, I think, fivetimes now.
Our first one was in 2019.
And we love it, we loveChristmas, we love Magic Kingdom
, we love Disney.
So having all of that at onceis the best thing ever.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:40):
Yes, and we just got to go in December again
.
It was the first time takingour daughter, and we've been
before, but it's so much funtaking kids.
They just really bring suchmore excitement to that party
for sure.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:52):
It is so magical.
We bring our daughter everytime and we just love it Like
the snope on Main Streettwirling in that and the parade.
We've had a lot of reallymagical cast members as well at
the Christmas party who havegiven us amazing, just
experiences.
So we really really love it.
It's great memories.
Vanessa Ferguson (17:12):
That is for sure, and I touched a little bit
about what you offer.
But if you could tell us alittle bit about your business
and the products you offerconnected to Disney, okay,
perfect.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (17:24):
I make magically inspired, handcrafted
items.
I mostly sew, so a lot of thethings you'd see on my page is
sewing, but I also crochet andknit as well.
As you mentioned, I make itemsto bring on vacation, to the
parks, on cruises, dinny cruisesor just to have some magic at
home.
Some of my favorite things tomake are hip pouches and ear
(17:47):
pouches.
I make a lot of cosmeticpouches or like a boxy, larger
cosmetic pouch for travelingcosies and hair accessories.
I also started making dresseslast year and I really loved
making them.
I like working with people tomake them like the perfect dress
for their park experience, andI'm using new fabrics as well as
(18:10):
thrifted vintage sheets as well, so I've been collecting a lot
of those.
Vanessa Ferguson (18:14):
Now just a quick question about the dresses
Do you make ones for adults andfor kids?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (18:19):
I do so I can make matching like mama
and me dresses, or just for kidsor just for adults, absolutely
any size.
Kris Johns (18:29):
What was the inspiration for you to start
your business?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (18:32):
So I actually started during the
pandemic.
I think a lot of small shopsdid.
I was kind of depressedthinking about wearing masks out
and I thought what if I hadsome magical fabric to make
masks with?
I hadn't touched my sewingmachine in a few years my
daughter was about four at thetime so I was finally at the
(18:55):
point where I could get mysewing machine out and kind of
leave it out without her gettinginto it.
So I started making masksduring the pandemic and people
were like where did you get thatfabric from?
So I started searchingeverywhere for just all of the
Disney fabrics that I could findand making masks for everybody.
And I started my Instagram andthen it just kind of grew from
(19:15):
there.
Vanessa Ferguson (19:16):
Yeah, it's so interesting.
We actually started the show in2019.
So before the pandemic.
But it's just been so neat,like from when we started,
versus the growth in the lastcouple of years.
In this industry there's justso many creative vendors just
like you.
It's just so exciting to seethose things.
And that kind of leads intowhat we wanna talk about next
(19:37):
how do you think your productsadd Disney magic to your
customers' lives?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (19:42):
Well, I have hundreds of fabrics and
people get really excited whenthey learn about all the options
that I have available, I thinkjust featuring their favorite
ride or park or character.
It's so special for Disney fans.
They get really excited aboutthat and having something that's
custom made for them to wearout and about or at the parks,
(20:05):
it's just super special for themand they really love it.
Vanessa Ferguson (20:08):
Now, talking about all these special fabrics
and things that you have, number, I guess, two questions First,
what is your favorite fabric?
Like, what character orwhatever it might be, what's
your favorite fabric?
And then the second question iswhat is your personal favorite
product?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (20:24):
Okay, so my favorite fabric?
Okay, I literally have hundredsof fabrics.
One of my absolute favoriteones is a Park Snacks fabric
that I have.
It was actually designed by mydarling creates and she's
Canadian as well and, yeah, Ireally, really love that one.
It's pink, it's got snacks,it's really fun and cute.
(20:45):
But I also love I also have,like a vintage Disney poster
fabric that I really love.
So those are my top two.
I can't narrow it down to justone.
And my favorite product I wouldhave to say are my ear pouches,
because I'm really proud ofthose.
I drafted the pattern myself, Icreated them I think last year
(21:06):
maybe the year before Time Flies, but I did create the pattern
myself and they hold eight to 10pairs of ears.
So they hold the ton and youcan pack them for your trip, you
can use them to store, like inyour closet or your dresser.
I just really love them.
And they're really personalizedbecause you can pick whichever
fabric you like.
Vanessa Ferguson (21:25):
And that is super nice, I will say.
I've had ear pouches in thepast, but usually they only hold
like two or three.
So that's really nice in termsof storage and, like you said,
packing, because you can't justtake two or three pairs of ears,
you have to take more.
So that's really great Twopairs of ears, right, exactly.
So that's really awesome tohear.
Now, just, I know you, we'vetalked about it, but, like if I
(21:47):
were ordering a product from you, what's the turnaround time if
I have a trip coming up?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (21:52):
If you let me know your trip date, I
mean I can get it out to you asquick as possible Within Canada,
usually, like I can getexpedited shipping within a
couple days.
The states maybe like three orfour days out, but typically my
turnaround time is one to twoweeks, but I can always bump it
up if needed to get you readyfor your trip.
Kris Johns (22:14):
Now you've mentioned these things that you said that
you make with love.
Where can people go online tofind them?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (22:19):
On my Instagram, so it's at happy
thoughts crafting co.
I have lots of pictures ofitems that I make and also in my
story highlights are all of myfabric options, and they're
organized by category, and thenyou can just DM me with any
order that you'd like to placeand we can work out all the
(22:40):
details together.
I also do story drops prettyfrequently, like once a month or
so, so you can always watch outfor those as well, if you're
looking for something ready toship.
And also, I'll be launching mywebsite very soon, so that's
exciting as well.
Perfect, we'll make sure to putthe links to all of your
socials and then when yourwebsite launches.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:01):
we'll make sure to share that with
everybody.
So thank you so much forjoining us today.
Great Thank you so much forhaving me.
It was so fun.
Kris Johns (23:10):
Thank you again to Amanda for joining us today.
Use the code DISLOVED10 to save10% off your next order.
And now we are on to Two MinuteTrivia and our wisdom from Walt
Quote and Kris from Up withTrivia.
So we've talked about the EpcotInternational Festival of the
Arts, yes, and so here's aquestion In 2024, when it
(23:32):
commences, it will be the whatyear of the festival?
How many years has the festival?
Vanessa Ferguson (23:37):
been, I feel like we might have went the
first year.
Is it 15?
Kris Johns (23:44):
According to altyearsnet, this will be the
eighth year.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:48):
Oh, so I'm way off.
I need to go back and look atmy dates.
Wow, that's.
It's getting close to the 10th.
That's really interesting,awesome.
Well, because we were talkingabout art, I thought that I
would pull a quote from WaltDisney about creation of artwork
, and this quote was art wasalways a means to an end.
With me, you get an idea andyou just can't wait once you've
(24:11):
started, and then you're therewith the punches flying.
So hopefully, all of you cancreate an amazing piece of art
and maybe enjoy the festival aswell.
So thank you so much forjoining us on this episode of
the Dislove Podcast with Vanessaand Kris.
Kris Johns (24:25):
I'm Vanessa 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 (00:09):
I'm Kris Johns.
Vanessa Ferguson (00:10):
We would like to welcome you to show number
142 and for anyone joining usfor the first time.
Our show features things welove at Disney and in each
episode we have a guest whocreates Disney magic for our
listeners at home or on theirDisney vacations.
From vacation planners toproduct producers, our guests
can bring Disney magic into yourlife and, as a reminder to our
(00:31):
listeners, we appreciate if youcan take time to leave us a
review on Apple Podcasts or anyother platform where you listen.
We always like to give shoutouts to these reviews and, of
course, it helps the show grow.
So thank you to all of youwho've already left those
ratings.
We appreciate those and, chris,we have a message from some of
our friends.
Kris Johns (00:49):
Yes, our friends Eric and Alexa want us to remind
you that when you're planningyour next Disney vacation with
the little ones, make sure toreserve anything you need from
them, including strollers, carseats, cribs and high chairs and
more, with delivery directly toyour resort.
As your baby quip independentquality provider, they will
provide you with excellentcustomer service by providing
clean and useful equipment tomake your vacation easy.
(01:12):
Want something but don't see iton their site?
Let them know and they'll dotheir best to accommodate you.
We've used them for several ofour rentals.
Most notably, we rented a verynice stroller and what was great
about it was that it wasdelivered directly to our resort
.
It came in, it was perfect,they picked it up and it was a
wonderful experience, where ourdaughter still is at the age
(01:32):
where she can go all day, butshe can't walk all day, so
that's why we need a strollerfor both her as well as our
stuff.
Eric and Alexa and baby quipreally took care of us, so visit
the show notes for a link tomake your reservation today.
Vanessa Ferguson (01:45):
And on today's show we are going to be joined
by Amanda from Happy ThoughtsCrafting Co.
She makes magically handcraftedsewn items and crocheted items.
I'm really looking forward tohearing to having you hear all
about her shop and, Kris, shehas a special discount for our
viewers.
Kris Johns (02:03):
She does use the code Dislove10 to save 10% off
when placing an order by directmessage.
The code will also work whenher website goes live.
Vanessa Ferguson (02:12):
And we will make sure to share when her
website launches, which is verysoon.
So that's exciting as well.
So festival season hasofficially kicked off at Epcot
earlier this month.
So today we are going to bediscussing the International
Festival of the Arts at Epcot,and one of the things that's
great about this is it features,obviously, artwork and great
(02:33):
artists, but they also have.
I think one of the nice thingsthat Epcot has started to do is
really incorporate food in allof their festivals, and if you
listen to the show, you know welove to talk about food.
So one of the things that'sreally awesome with this is they
have food that's presented inan artistic fashion.
So that is super exciting.
(02:53):
So before we start talkingabout the food, I want to talk
about the really all thedifferent acts that exist,
because they have a lot ofdifferent artists, from musical
artists to artists who are likepainting and doing different
things.
So we've only actually beenable to experience this festival
once and it was awesome.
(03:13):
It was great to see the artistsdoing things live, and you had
so many great vendors to checkout.
So one of the first things theyhave is what's called art in
action.
So when you go throughout thepark.
There are artists actuallydoing things their artwork right
in front of you, which is supercool.
They have all kinds of piecesthat you can see them make and
(03:34):
then you can buy them and takethem home.
Right then it's super nicebecause you can talk to the
artists in here about theirinspiration and you get to be
able to take something home withyou.
Now, one piece of art that youcan't take home with you is they
do 2D and 3D chalk art, whichis so cool.
So they have a variety ofartists throughout the park and
(03:59):
one of the super neat things isthat they have them on the
ground and they even have themin some of the spaces, like in
world showcase.
This year there's a super coolone in Italy that's by the
fountain.
They have Luca.
So there's all kinds of funthings and it's super cool
because it it's looks likeyou're in the artwork with.
(04:19):
Some of them are friends ofshared some pictures.
It's super neat to be able todo.
Another thing that we havegotten a chance to do which is
fun is they'll have these giantmural displays and it's a paint
by number so you can't mess itup.
You stand in line, they giveyou a little thing with paint
and a paint brush and you get topaint one of the Little squares
(04:39):
and then, when the murals done,you can say you were part of
this amazing artwork.
This only runs like it's kindof got weird hours.
It's only from like 11 to five.
So I know that was somethingwhen we were there we had
intentionally planned to go doit.
It's at.
These are usually between thatwalkway from journey to your
magic, into imagination, to theworld showcase.
(05:00):
So you want to time it whereyou get to be able to do it,
because it's just fun, is kids,for kids or adults to be able to
have a chance to participate inthe art.
And I'm betting, Kris, do youremember painting on the mural?
Oh, I sure do.
I'll have to look and see if Ihave some pictures when we
painted.
It's super.
It's super fun to do.
And of course, they have aninteractive scavenger hunt which
(05:22):
they do for all of thedifferent festivals.
And if anybody knows me, theyknow I love figment.
So there is a figment brushwith a master scavenger hunt.
So I love the theming for thisone, and what it is is you're
searching for famous artworkthroughout the world showcase.
So it's super neat.
You buy the maps, just like youdo with all the scavenger hunts
.
You can get them at that portof entry, the world traveler or
(05:49):
the creation shop and then whenyou turn it in at the end, after
you found all of the pieces ofart, you get a prize, and that's
always fun to do.
I enjoy all of those scavengerhunts that they have all year.
Earlier this year we did theEaster egg one, so it's always
fun and I think for kids that'salso a good way to engage them
if they're not as excited aboutbeing at Epcot.
So that's super cool to do.
And then when you go over to,they also have animation Academy
(06:17):
classes, which we've not donethese down there.
We did them when there was oneof the traveling Disney exhibits
in Chicago, but it's super fun.
You at the American GardensTheater.
So right by the Americanadventure you.
They do these at 1230 and 130,so it's earlier in the day, so
it doesn't interact with whenthey have some of the singing
artists later in the day.
You get to, they give you aclipboard and all of the stuff
(06:43):
you need to be able to make yourcreation and it's fun because
they have an animator walkaround and give the instructions
.
They have big screens for youto watch.
That super fun.
And then they have a lot ofinteractive things for kids.
Check out the booklet becausethey have some chalk art for
kids to do.
They have a lot of likeprojects that they can do
(07:03):
throughout the, throughout thefestival, and I think one of the
neat things that I reallyenjoyed they call them visual
art and performance.
So we watched a painter do aMickey portrait and they have
them all throughout the day thisyear, the I think it's similar
artists that come every year.
(07:24):
They do the painting and it'sso cool because within just a
few minutes, this amazingportrait of a character comes up
.
So, like I said, we saw Mickey.
They have all kinds of otherthings.
That was so, depending on theday, these are usually in the
afternoon as well, so you'llnotice a lot of this stuff is in
the afternoon.
So if you're planning a daythere, you have to plan
accordingly.
If you're trying to mix inrides or reservations, I would
(07:47):
definitely.
If it was me, I would avoid alunch reservation because you'll
want to maybe eat earlier inthe day and then have a dinner
because you don't want to missout on some of these really cool
things.
There's also some cool acrobatsthat do some shows and those
are also kind of from the 11 tothree range, so you'll want to
check them out.
(08:08):
Some of their.
The things they do is amazing.
It reminds you of Cirque duSoleil on just on a smaller
scale, so that is super fun.
Now we have a friend who lovesBroadway loves it.
Loves it, so I know he sent mesome of the concert series.
We unfortunately have not beenable to attend one of these, but
(08:29):
they bring in a lineup everyyear of different Disney on
Broadway artists and it's supergreat to see all of the
different ones that they have.
And they do the dining packages, just like they do for
candlelight processional or forthe concerts during Flower and
Garden.
So depending on the artist anddepending on how popular they're
(08:52):
going to be, you might want todo the dining package and I
really liked, like when we wentto the candlelight processional
I thought it was just nice tonot have to go over there super
early to get a seat.
Did you like having that diningpackage?
Kris Johns (09:03):
Oh, it was wonderful .
Vanessa Ferguson (09:05):
So it is a little bit more, but you get to
choose what show you wantbecause they have three shows
every night that 5.30, 6.45 and8 o'clock so it's really great
to be able to do that.
So this year the artists vary,but they have artists from
Disney on Broadway with FrozenLittle Mermaid, beauty and the
Beast, mary Poppins, lion King,tarzan, aladdin so it's just
(09:30):
super great.
Depending on when you're goingto be there, you can check out
their dates that the artists arethere kind of vary.
So definitely check out theschedule.
I'll make sure to put a link tothis year's concert lineup
because this runs all the way to, like the third week in
February.
So I'll make sure to put thatlineup in the show notes.
But really now you can startplanning for 2025.
(09:54):
That's kind of the fun thingwith this festival is you can
already start thinking ahead.
So hopefully, if you have anyBroadway lovers in your family,
like we talked about with ourfriend, or if you just really
enjoy a great show, definitelycheck those out.
Now again, as I mentionedearlier, we love to talk about
food.
Kris Johns (10:14):
Yes.
Vanessa Ferguson (10:15):
So they call them the eats and treats and
they have all kinds of reallycool things that are just so
pretty you just aren't reallysure if you want to eat them.
There's 16 different exclusivethings and they have super cute
figment inspired things.
The one thing this year is arainbow cake that has freeze
dried Skittles.
(10:35):
I know freeze dried candy is abig thing.
Kris Johns (10:38):
I haven't tried any freeze dried candy yet it's a
thing I just haven't been drawnto it.
Vanessa Ferguson (10:44):
So if you've tried it before or if you
haven't, this might be a chanceto try it.
So the rainbow cake.
And then they have a super cool.
They have a figment drink thatcomes in a figment cup, which I
have, a cup from a previous year.
Purple drink, lots of fun.
And then they have all kinds ofjust really nice displayed
things.
(11:04):
They have a key lime tartthat's supposed to be great.
Kris is on a pop tarts kick.
This is not pop tarts brand,but they have a blueberry filled
pastry tart with purple icing,so it has figment kind of thing.
They have all kinds of nicedessert trios.
Kris loves beets.
Kris Johns (11:23):
Love beets.
Vanessa Ferguson (11:24):
So there's a roasted beet with goat cheese,
petite lettuce, blackberry andspice pecans.
So lots of different differentthings.
There's a chorizo and potatoand panada.
There's a lot of variety ofthings which I think is fun.
And they have just like thecookie stroll at Christmas time.
They have what's called thewonderful walk of colorful
(11:45):
cuisine and if you get a stampat each of those locations for
food as you purchase thosethings, then at the end you get
an artist's palette cookie andthat is available at the Deco
Delights location.
So that's kind of a fun thing.
And another interactive thing Ilove when they have these
interactive things because it'sgreat for kids, but it's also
(12:07):
great for those of us who go tothe parks a lot.
It kind of adds a little bitsomething new, something a
little exciting.
So those are some of thedifferent food options.
And again, check out what you.
Sometimes, when there's thesefestivals going on, we skip
having one sit down meal becausewe like to try all the
different things that you can atall the different locations.
(12:28):
So a couple of final tips thatyou want to do, just like for
Flower and Garden and Food andWine.
They have a great littlepassport that you can pick up.
I find picking those up iseasier than trying to flip
through things in the app andobviously you're gonna use the
app for finding times and all ofthat.
But I think those booklets arenice to help guide you as you're
(12:50):
going around the park.
But also it's a great way forit's a nice little keepsake and
ice scrapbook.
So I like to save those forthat sort of thing.
Check out all the really coolmerchandise.
I've been torn.
They had a super neat figmentpopcorn bucket that looks like
the imagination pavilion.
It lights up.
That's something that you couldget.
(13:11):
I know it's been popular in.
Disney's been good aboutkeeping those in stock and they
have mobile order for that.
That's over at the Odyssey Alot of the food options you can
pick up in that area.
There's some things there and,as usual, Disney always does a
great job with fun interactivephoto things.
So they have a lot of, ofcourse, famous art pieces and,
(13:32):
Kris, they have where you couldbe in the Mona Lisa.
They have some Vincent Van Goghones and there's even some cool
, a cute one from the movie wish, and we enjoyed the movie wish.
Yes, we did, yeah, so lots ofthat's kind of a neat thing and
then of course, throughout theworld showcase.
There's nice, like the tents andthe little kiosk where you can
(13:54):
go and see lots of differentartists, and I think that's the
fun thing about this is it justbrings a new element.
I know people joke that Epcotis the festival park and I know
people kind of make jokes aboutwhen they abbreviate the name of
this one.
I don't, we're not gonna gothat juvenile with the
abbreviation, but people havefun with the abbreviation for
(14:15):
this festival name and stuff.
But I think it brings somethingunique.
I like Epcot anyways and Ienjoy going and trying these new
festivals.
What's your opinion about allthe festivals?
Kris Johns (14:26):
Well, it's just something different because for
the most part, you know, inEpcot the countries are there,
they're not gonna change, butthe festivals allow a new
wrinkle and something new to see.
Vanessa Ferguson (14:34):
Yes, and I think those interactive elements
just make it where.
It gives you somethingdifferent, especially for those
of us that are there all thetime.
And if it's your first time,it's also a great way to
experience something that youmight not experience on a future
trip, depending on what time ofyear that you come.
And, of course, I think theadded elements with the concerts
, like that just is such a hugeextra thing for people as well.
(14:57):
So give us just a few minutes.
We're gonna bring up.
Oh, and there's one more thingyou have to do At the end of the
night on Spaceship Earth theyhave a they do with the lights
on Spaceship Earth.
They do they sequence withrainbow connection with Kermit
the Frog, and it's so sweet.
I have some friends that havewatched it and it just brings
(15:18):
back a lot of those nicechildhood memories.
So check out the rainbowconnection sequence on Spaceship
Earth.
You won't be disappointed.
So, as you're leaving for thenight, make sure you do that and
give us just a minute.
We're gonna get our call upwith Amanda so you can hear all
about her shop.
I'd like to welcome Amanda tothe show.
Her shop, happy Thoughts CraftCo, has all kinds of neat custom
(15:40):
.
She does ear pouches, hippouches, dresses, all kinds of
really neat products.
She sews crochets and knits andof course, like all of us, she
loves Disney.
Her and her husband lovetraveling down to Florida.
Some of their favorites, likeours, are People Mover.
They also like Seven Doors,mind Train, cosmic Rewind.
We actually haven't gotten toride that yet.
(16:00):
We're hoping to do that on ournext trip.
And even though we're inMichigan, she's not too far away
.
She's our neighbor over inOntario, so we'd like to welcome
Amanda to the show.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:10):
Thank you so much.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:12):
Now we've been asking everyone lately what is
your favorite event at anyDisney part.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:18):
Okay, so my favorite event is
definitely the Christmas partyat Magic Kingdom.
We have gone, I think, fivetimes now.
Our first one was in 2019.
And we love it, we loveChristmas, we love Magic Kingdom
, we love Disney.
So having all of that at onceis the best thing ever.
Vanessa Ferguson (16:40):
Yes, and we just got to go in December again
.
It was the first time takingour daughter, and we've been
before, but it's so much funtaking kids.
They just really bring suchmore excitement to that party
for sure.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (16:52):
It is so magical.
We bring our daughter everytime and we just love it Like
the snope on Main Streettwirling in that and the parade.
We've had a lot of reallymagical cast members as well at
the Christmas party who havegiven us amazing, just
experiences.
So we really really love it.
It's great memories.
Vanessa Ferguson (17:12):
That is for sure, and I touched a little bit
about what you offer.
But if you could tell us alittle bit about your business
and the products you offerconnected to Disney, okay,
perfect.
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (17:24):
I make magically inspired, handcrafted
items.
I mostly sew, so a lot of thethings you'd see on my page is
sewing, but I also crochet andknit as well.
As you mentioned, I make itemsto bring on vacation, to the
parks, on cruises, dinny cruisesor just to have some magic at
home.
Some of my favorite things tomake are hip pouches and ear
(17:47):
pouches.
I make a lot of cosmeticpouches or like a boxy, larger
cosmetic pouch for travelingcosies and hair accessories.
I also started making dresseslast year and I really loved
making them.
I like working with people tomake them like the perfect dress
for their park experience, andI'm using new fabrics as well as
(18:10):
thrifted vintage sheets as well, so I've been collecting a lot
of those.
Vanessa Ferguson (18:14):
Now just a quick question about the dresses
Do you make ones for adults andfor kids?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (18:19):
I do so I can make matching like mama
and me dresses, or just for kidsor just for adults, absolutely
any size.
Kris Johns (18:29):
What was the inspiration for you to start
your business?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (18:32):
So I actually started during the
pandemic.
I think a lot of small shopsdid.
I was kind of depressedthinking about wearing masks out
and I thought what if I hadsome magical fabric to make
masks with?
I hadn't touched my sewingmachine in a few years my
daughter was about four at thetime so I was finally at the
(18:55):
point where I could get mysewing machine out and kind of
leave it out without her gettinginto it.
So I started making masksduring the pandemic and people
were like where did you get thatfabric from?
So I started searchingeverywhere for just all of the
Disney fabrics that I could findand making masks for everybody.
And I started my Instagram andthen it just kind of grew from
(19:15):
there.
Vanessa Ferguson (19:16):
Yeah, it's so interesting.
We actually started the show in2019.
So before the pandemic.
But it's just been so neat,like from when we started,
versus the growth in the lastcouple of years.
In this industry there's justso many creative vendors just
like you.
It's just so exciting to seethose things.
And that kind of leads intowhat we wanna talk about next
(19:37):
how do you think your productsadd Disney magic to your
customers' lives?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (19:42):
Well, I have hundreds of fabrics and
people get really excited whenthey learn about all the options
that I have available, I thinkjust featuring their favorite
ride or park or character.
It's so special for Disney fans.
They get really excited aboutthat and having something that's
custom made for them to wearout and about or at the parks,
(20:05):
it's just super special for themand they really love it.
Vanessa Ferguson (20:08):
Now, talking about all these special fabrics
and things that you have, number, I guess, two questions First,
what is your favorite fabric?
Like, what character orwhatever it might be, what's
your favorite fabric?
And then the second question iswhat is your personal favorite
product?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (20:24):
Okay, so my favorite fabric?
Okay, I literally have hundredsof fabrics.
One of my absolute favoriteones is a Park Snacks fabric
that I have.
It was actually designed by mydarling creates and she's
Canadian as well and, yeah, Ireally, really love that one.
It's pink, it's got snacks,it's really fun and cute.
(20:45):
But I also love I also have,like a vintage Disney poster
fabric that I really love.
So those are my top two.
I can't narrow it down to justone.
And my favorite product I wouldhave to say are my ear pouches,
because I'm really proud ofthose.
I drafted the pattern myself, Icreated them I think last year
(21:06):
maybe the year before Time Flies, but I did create the pattern
myself and they hold eight to 10pairs of ears.
So they hold the ton and youcan pack them for your trip, you
can use them to store, like inyour closet or your dresser.
I just really love them.
And they're really personalizedbecause you can pick whichever
fabric you like.
Vanessa Ferguson (21:25):
And that is super nice, I will say.
I've had ear pouches in thepast, but usually they only hold
like two or three.
So that's really nice in termsof storage and, like you said,
packing, because you can't justtake two or three pairs of ears,
you have to take more.
So that's really great Twopairs of ears, right, exactly.
So that's really awesome tohear.
Now, just, I know you, we'vetalked about it, but, like if I
(21:47):
were ordering a product from you, what's the turnaround time if
I have a trip coming up?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (21:52):
If you let me know your trip date, I
mean I can get it out to you asquick as possible Within Canada,
usually, like I can getexpedited shipping within a
couple days.
The states maybe like three orfour days out, but typically my
turnaround time is one to twoweeks, but I can always bump it
up if needed to get you readyfor your trip.
Kris Johns (22:14):
Now you've mentioned these things that you said that
you make with love.
Where can people go online tofind them?
Amanda Robinson-Demarco (22:19):
On my Instagram, so it's at happy
thoughts crafting co.
I have lots of pictures ofitems that I make and also in my
story highlights are all of myfabric options, and they're
organized by category, and thenyou can just DM me with any
order that you'd like to placeand we can work out all the
(22:40):
details together.
I also do story drops prettyfrequently, like once a month or
so, so you can always watch outfor those as well, if you're
looking for something ready toship.
And also, I'll be launching mywebsite very soon, so that's
exciting as well.
Perfect, we'll make sure to putthe links to all of your
socials and then when yourwebsite launches.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:01):
we'll make sure to share that with
everybody.
So thank you so much forjoining us today.
Great Thank you so much forhaving me.
It was so fun.
Kris Johns (23:10):
Thank you again to Amanda for joining us today.
Use the code DISLOVED10 to save10% off your next order.
And now we are on to Two MinuteTrivia and our wisdom from Walt
Quote and Kris from Up withTrivia.
So we've talked about the EpcotInternational Festival of the
Arts, yes, and so here's aquestion In 2024, when it
(23:32):
commences, it will be the whatyear of the festival?
How many years has the festival?
Vanessa Ferguson (23:37):
been, I feel like we might have went the
first year.
Is it 15?
Kris Johns (23:44):
According to altyearsnet, this will be the
eighth year.
Vanessa Ferguson (23:48):
Oh, so I'm way off.
I need to go back and look atmy dates.
Wow, that's.
It's getting close to the 10th.
That's really interesting,awesome.
Well, because we were talkingabout art, I thought that I
would pull a quote from WaltDisney about creation of artwork
, and this quote was art wasalways a means to an end.
With me, you get an idea andyou just can't wait once you've
(24:11):
started, and then you're therewith the punches flying.
So hopefully, all of you cancreate an amazing piece of art
and maybe enjoy the festival aswell.
So thank you so much forjoining us on this episode of
the Dislove Podcast with Vanessaand Kris.
Kris Johns (24:25):
I'm Vanessa 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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