Pros To Staying On Site At Walt Disney World

Each time I have visited Orlando I have booked with the same people, flown with the same airline and stayed in the exact same hotel.
Yes, I know what you may be thinking - live a little, try something else, but in all honesty I've always been so happy with the package I've purchased, nothing makes me want to change!

Disney Wishlist #25

Danielle Nicole Tinkerbell Bag | Mad Beauty Princess Face Mask | Mulan Quote Bangle | Princess Doormat | Up! Hairbrush | Stitch iPhone Case | Scrump Keyring | Mickey Pearl Pandora Charm | Snow White Card | Minnie Slippers | Tangled Salt and Pepper Shakers

Easy Ways To Save Money At Walt Disney World

When it comes to the topic of Disney World I think one thing that always springs to peoples minds immediately is money. 
Yes, it's true, heading to Orlando is not the cheapest of holidays, I mean it cost me a ridiculous $2 for ONE banana last time I was there... don't ask... and that's after the flights, hotels, park tickets and 57 plush toys I wanted to buy!

10 Things Still On My Walt Disney World Bucket List

No matter how many times I go to WDW, there will always and forever be an ever-growing list of things I want to see, do, eat and experience across the world of Disney. So here are ten things still on my Walt Disney World bucket list...

Disney Wishlist #24

Ladies Christmas Pyjamas | Doormat | Lilo & Stitch Figurine | WDW Sheet Music Prints | Cinderella Pumpkin Coach Pandora Charm | Mickey Sweatshirt | WDW iPhone Case | Merci Handy Hand Gels | Stitch Christmas Tree Ornament | Baymax Blanket

Disney Wishlist #23

Toy Story Mug | Aurora Cosplay Dress | Fluent Disney Notebook | Tink Tree Topper | 90s Toy Story Tee | Minnie Towel Headband | Pumpkin Carriage Candle | Tink Cath Kidston iPhone Case | Guess The Film Game | Cinderella Writing Set

DIY Disney Fashion

Ahhh I have been so excited to share this blog post with you all and now it's finally time!

We ALL know I love Disney and whether it's movies, mugs, holidays or fashion, I'm all for it. So creating my own personalised Disney pieces? YES PLEASE.

Disney Wishlist #22

Mickey Bodysuit | The Little Mermaid Washbag | Girl Power Minnie Crop Top | Kate Spade Minnie Backpack | Castle iPhone Case | Maui Soft Toy | Thomas Kinkade 2018 Wall Calendar | I Speak Fluent Disney Notebook | TGMR Print  | Lilac Mickey Studs

Disney Wishlist #21

BATB Pyjamas | Mickey Hoodie | Things To Do Pad | My Happy Place Tee | Minnie Mouse Satchel Bag | Sleeping Beauty Canvas |  Mickey Diary 2018 | Mickey Pen | Minnie Cake Tin

Disney Wishlist #20

The Little Mermaid Pyjamas | I'm Here For The Food Tank | Mary Poppins Journal | Stitch Cropped Shirt | Sleeping Beauty Coin Purse | Countdown Plaque | Darth Vader Grater | Disney Princess Postcards | Laughter Is Timeless Sign

Disney Wishlist #19

Chamilia Minnie Cupcake Charm | Minnie Mouse Pyjamas | Minnie Baseball Cap | Best Day Ever T-shirt | Buzzlighter Apron | Beauty & The Beast Watch | Nemo Bath Plug | Themepark Stickers | Mickey Bowl

28 Magical Disney Stores I've Found On Instagram

This year I have stumbled upon more than just a few incredible Disney Instagrammers. 
I am obsessed with having my feed full of beautiful, happy Disney snaps - Magic Kingdom selfies, mickey shaped food and of course... that cheeky purple wall! 
But what else I have discovered within this is the amazing array of Disney shops on Instagram.

Why Disneyworld?

That is a question I hear far too often. 
"Why do you want to go back?" "But don't you want to go somewhere else?" "Surely you're bored of it?" "There's a whole world out there you know"..... I've heard them all and I hear them from about 90% of people I talk to about holidays, and I cannot be the only one.

Since I was about 7 I had dreamed of Walt Disney World and being able to set foot in Orlando, Florida. 

Disney Wishlist #18

Disneyworld iPhone Case | Dreamer Watch | Instagram Pics Badge | Stitch Mug With Lid | Classic Logo Socks | To Infinity & Beyond Bangle | Adventure Scrapbook | Forever 21 Minnie Cap | Cath Kidston Notebook | Ohana Postcard

Disney Wishlist #17

Baymax Mug | I Lava You Cushion | 90s Disney Shot Glasses | Princess Mason Jar | Rose Gold Princess Decals | Spireside I Am Moana Candle | Spireside Main Street Bakery Room Spray | Fastpass Princess Cap | Mickey Mouse Ring | Disney Studio Pens

Five Of My Favourite Things Purchased At Disneyworld

I'm back with another Disney post, it's been way too long since I've talked about one of my favourite things ever and I know I still have my Q&A to come (I haven't forgotten) but I thought before then I would share some of my favourite Disney possessions and more importantly ones from Disneyworld!

I have been lucky enough to venture to Florida three times since 2012 and each time, of course, I have spent hour upon hour (at the horror of my boyfriend and best friend) browsing round the gift shops and stores all over Disney.
No doubt thousands of dollars later and I have a home full of pictures, magnets, kitchenware, plush toys, stationery and god knows what else! But there are so bits that mean just a little bit more than others and I wanted to share five of my FAV Disneyworld bits that I've picked up over the years! 

 My Disney Pandora charms are so, so special to me. I got my first Pandora bracelet this past Christmas (2016) from my best friend and one of the first things I thought when I opened it was.... I cannot wait to buy Disney charms!
I have two - the Fantasyland Firework Charm which my boyfriend bought me from Magic Kingdom on our first day of our holiday this year which I adore and I have the Mickey Mouse Ears Charm which I bought for myself to remind me of my favourite place!
These charms aren't the cheapest but I love that I get to wear them every single day and have that happy reminder on my wrist!

Minnie ears!!! Such an iconic buy from Disneyworld and if you've been to Florida and haven't worn a pair then who are you? Looking at these in my room makes me miss walking round the parks, taking it all in on a daily basis... ahh holidays!
This castle phone case is actually the second version I have had of it. Back in 2014 I had an iPhone 5s (I think) and I bought this exact case apart from the fact it was hard plastic. As I had a phone upgrade back in Jan 2016 I had been Disney phone caseless for far too long so I couldn't wait to get back to DW and pick up a replacement! The perfect way to keep a bit of Disney in my life 24/7!

If you follow me on social media I think you probably ALL saw me rocking my MU cap during my Disney trip this year. I spotted this in our hotel shop and feel in love (yes I am 27 don't judge!) then bought it from Magic Kingdom during our first day there. Such a cute little replica of Mike's hat!
Last but not least this is something I bought from Disneyworld 5 years ago during my first ever trip. This trip was spent with my best friend and it was a literal dream come true for me, the photo in the frame is of me and my bestie... and believe or not this wasn't actually posed for, just a perfect snapshot of us both looking at the castle at the same time! The quote makes me happy and fits the photo perfectly.

Find everything online here (although I have no idea if you can order it... *sad face*) :

Cap - http://bit.ly/2lEVmrq

Firework Pandora Charm - http://bit.ly/2rzTIcZ 

Mickey Pandora Charm - http://bit.ly/2sxyEFn 

Similar Photo Frames - http://bit.ly/2sQFLM1

iPhone Case - http://bit.ly/2tpSQZG

What are some of your favourite items you've picked up from Disneyworld over the years?

New Beginnings

Well it's officially here - AlohaKirstie is up and running (welcome!) and it is time to say goodbye to A Yellow Brick Blog.

A Yellow Brick Blog was started back in 2013 in a time of jobless wonderment after many failed attempts to starting a blog. I have always been obsessed with being creative but having zero talent in the art department the internet has been the perfect place for me to pop things together and express what I'm loving.
Blogging has been such an incredible experience for me and as I am now approaching my fifth year of creating, writing and general chatting I thought it was about time my blog evolved with me.

I outgrew A Yellow Brick Blog a while ago and felt like the name just didn't reflect myself, my personality and/or the content I wanted to create. The name for me was a rushed idea and although I loved that it was different and stood out from the crowd, I always knew it wouldn't be forever.

AlohaKirstie is the new and improved version of me! I know over the past year my blogging has been well... a little MIA! From getting a new job, to opening my own business (which wasn't planned!) and everything in between unfortunately it had to take a short backseat, which made me so sad.
 But I now feel refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of things and continue to upload new and exciting content for you all!

You can expect to see lots of the same and lots of new ideas and thoughts :)

If you have any requests or ideas for posts let me know in the comments below or tweet me @AlohaKirstie! 

Don't forget you can also find my new page on Facebook at /AlohaKirstie (go click 'like' now so I know you've read this post!) and of course Instagram @AlohaKirstie!

Disney Wishlist : May 2017

I have missed doing these posts so much! I am constantly seeing Disney things that I want/need... I mean, I don't think you can ever have enough Disney in your life - and I always get such great feedback and comments when I share my latest finds so thought it was about time the Disney Wishlists made a come back.

Disney Tangle Teezer
Pretty much the only thing I use on my hair is a Tangle Teezer. I have three and cannot live without them in my life! So... a Disney version is pretty much a dream come true... how bloomin' cute is this!

Mickey Mouse Coaster & Mug
Working from home I LIVE on tea and this little duo would just look perfect on my desk... I'm in desperate need for a coaster so I mean, I NEED this in my life!

Lillian & Co Bangle
I stumbled across this brand on Instagram (there are so many cute Disney brands on there I can't deal!). Their bracelets are to die for, so many lovely quotes in different colours, definitely time to save up for a few.

Beauty & The Beast Pyjamas
Topshop always nails pyjamas, and even though, yes, they are a little more expensive than your classic Primark they do look and feel great (and probably last a little longer). How gorgeous are the shorts on these ones!

Disney Snack Top
Etsy has so many hidden gems when it comes to Disney, I wish I had had a little shopping spree on there before my trip to Disneyworld earlier this year! Mickey shaped treats are pretty much the best thing ever so this top is just perfect! 

Winnie The Pooh Memory Box
I love this idea so much, I thought it would be great to use for all my bits and pieces I've collected from my trips to Disneyworld e.g. tickets, photos, magicbands and everything else I feel like essential to cart back in my suitcase!

Belle iPhone Case
I'm a sucker for a phone case and this one is just so damn pretty, plus it has one of my favourites Disney lines on it - so yeah... this is HIGH up on the current wishlist!

Mickey Evolution Print 
Last but not least I spotted this gorgeous Mickey print on TruffleShuffle. How cool is it seeing all of the Mickey designs from over the years!

Spotted or bought anything Disney and awesome lately? Share it in the comments below!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

Universal Studios / Islands Of Adventure Q & A

As you probably know already, if you follow me on any form of social media, last month I was lucky enough to go to Orlando, Florida for the third time!
I seriously LOVE going to Orlando, it really is my happy place - so I thought what better than bringing that love over to my blog with a couple of fun Q&As! These questions are ones I've been asking over on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and a few that I have been asked more than once in real life by friends/family!

Did you stay in one place for both Disney and Universal? If so, which location is best to stay?
I personally always stay on site at Disneyworld. I've stayed at the Pop Century Resort three times now and love it - it's in a great location and it makes life so much easier.
As there are 6 Disney parks compared to just the two (nearly three) parks at Universal for me it is a lot more cost effective to stay at Disney and just travel to Universal on the days we wanted to visit. Booking with Disneyholidays your tickets for Disney are added to your package so it makes it all a lot easier that way.

What do you wear?
I'm a big fan of shorts! Getting on and off rides (sitting with your legs open on some), walking all day, getting soaked on water rides .... dresses, for me, are just not ideal for a theme park! I love wearing shorts (obviously as long as it is warm enough, which 9 times out of 10 it is) - although not denim as they are a nightmare when trying to dry after rides like Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls or Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges! Playsuits are also fab to wear - just always a longer experience when going for a wee! After this recent trip aswell I am a strong believer in the backpack! I bought a mini backpack from Forever 21 and it was a godsend! I love having my hands free whilst walking round and it was such a great size for all my daily essentials e.g. phone, small purse, tissues, anti-bac, suncream, lipstick etc!
Last but not least .... TRAINERS! I wear trainers every single time I go to Universal. With all the walking and different rides I live in them for both practicality and comfort! I wore my Nike Roshe nearly every single day of my two week holiday!

What are your top 5 favourite rides at Universal?
Ahhh this is a toughy but I would have to go for the following five (in no particular order!) : 

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Dragon Challenge

Anything you wish you'd taken/known before you went? 

As I had been twice previously I was pretty prepared for what to take with me! The only thing I would have packed more of is... snacks! I took a Clif bar most days but all the walking and I guess adrenaline just made me so hungry!

Where do you buy your tickets?

I ALWAYS buy my tickets for Universal before I head to Orlando. Attraction Tickets Direct* offer a fantastic offer of a 2 week park hopper. This means you can use your ticket for 14 consecutive days, from the first use, as many times as you want for Universal Studios, Islands Of Adventure and from May 2017 Volcano Bay (their brand new water park!).
This was perfect for our holiday, we actually went to Universal four days out of the 14 we were there, as we just love it, so we definitely got our monies worth! The 2/3 park explorer tickets are £227 per adult - which is a bargain compared to the prices you'd pay on the door!

How do you get to Universal?
As we stayed at Disneyworld we were around a 20 minute drive from Universal. This holiday we decided to try Uber to get in and out of the Disney resort ... which was the best desicion ever! Uber is so super easy and around half (if not less) the price of using the taxi firm out there. As there is wifi at Universal it's easy to order your Uber on your way out and there is always someone near by, I highly recommend this app if you don't hire a car when in Orlando or fancy a drink - it will save you so much money plus the cars are nice and most drivers are super friendly!

How long should the trip be so you feel you've had enough time to see it all?
I think this question is aimed at Orlando in general. 
Each time I have been I have been for two weeks and I feel like that is enough time to do and see more or less everything you want if you're organised. (unless you are queuing for rides for 5/6 hours a day, which I never do) I always have a plan for where we are going each day, have meals booked up to 6 months in advance and really do make a list of everything I want to include on my trip, it makes life so much easier when you are there.

What is the first thing you do when you go to Universal?
My boyfriend and I always do the same route everytime we go to Universal. We get there around 30mins before opening and head to IOA. As soon as that rope goes own we walk (fast) straight to Hogsmeade (WWOHP) and usually go on the Forbidden Journey then as it can get really busy, we then do everything HP - Dragon Challenge/look round/get photos etc before walking through to Jurrasic Park and then make our way round the park that way until we are back at the entrance (just past Hulk). 
We then either walk out and walk round to Universal Studios (which is next door if you didn't know) or we head to the train station to get the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross (aka Universal Studios/Diagon Alley) which takes about ten minutes or so in total - minus queuing.
Once at Universal studios we usually head to Springfield for some lunch and then take the rest of the day as it comes, usually heading to rides based on wait times!

Have you ever bought a fast pass for Universal? Was it worth it?
Yes! Our first day at Universal this trip we decided to invest in a Fastpass for the day as it looked fairly busy.
This was the greatest idea.
Even though they are fairly expensive (around $100 each) it really was worth it for that day. We bought the pass in which you can go on the rides as many times as you like via fast pass, there is another version which is just 1 x fastpass per ride. (Do be aware that there are some rides excluded from these passes.)
For us this was totally worth it on this day, it was so nice to just stroll onto the ride, especially when the queues for rides were upto 120 minutes.
Don't get me wrong though these aren't always needed - the other three times we went to Universal we didn't bother with the passes and got on everything we wanted in a wait time of 30 minutes or less minus Gringotts which took us 40mins ish on one of the days.

Did you use Hogwarts Express and travel between the two parks? If so how did you use it i.e. Back and forth or as your 'commute' to the park?

Ahh I mentioned this earlier on. Yes we do use the Hogwarts Express to travel between the two parks. We have only ever used it to commute - never back and forth, in my opinion that would be a waste of time, just use it when you need it.
This time it was closed a couple of times when we were there so we just walked round. As we had done it a few times already this didn't bother me.

What do you personally recommend and don't recommend? 
I personally recommend the following :
Packing your own snacks, buying souvenirs at the end of your day, fast passing if it's super busy, wearing a bag you don't have to carry with your hands/arms, wearing trainers, getting a photopass, exploring Universal CityWalk, buying a poncho for Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls or Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, packing suncream, going to WWOHP first.

I personally don't recommend the following :
Buying your tickets on the door, arriving long after opening time (10am/11am), wearing flip-flops, wearing lots of make-up, queuing long for King Kong.

What are your top tips for Universal?
This is pretty similar to the previous question so I'm just going to give my five top tips :
1. Arrive before opening time ready and raring for that rope drop.
2. Plan your day - try and know your route and where you are aiming to go next.
3. Download the app to find out wait times and news whenever you are in the park throughout the day. (Great to know what to avoid if closed/delayed) 
4. Wear comfortable clothing/footwear that doesn't take long to dry.
5. Buy your tickets before you arrive in Orlando. (This is where I got mine)


If there is anything I haven't covered or something you'd love to know leave a comment below or tweet me @alohakirstie!

*ATD were kind enough to gift me with a ticket to Universal for my trip this year, we of course purchased our other ticket with them too as the offer is fantasticulous! We had THE best time ever so thank you ATD :)

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5 Ways To Make Your Blog & Social Channels Easier For PR Companies

As most of you will already know I work in PR and social media (and LOVE it),  and I also, obviously, run this blog! It's so fun being both sides of the e-mails and I really enjoy interacting with fellow bloggers as well as fellow PR companies!
In my time within this industry I have talked to many fellow bloggers (and yes they are all total babes)!
When it comes to contacting and organising bloggers, I have noticed there can be a few things that hinder a company or brand getting the information they need so I thought why not write out a few TOP things for you guys to ensure you are including all the information that's needed!
Check out these 5 EASY bits and bobs below.....

Tell Us Your Name
Yes, you would think this would be a total given, but yet there are still blogs out there where there is actually no indication at all of what the writers name is.
 I hate having to write "Hi there" in my e-mails and one of my personal pet hates is getting e-mailed "Dear ayellowbrickblog".
I mean fair enough if you want to keep anonymous or not use your real name, but make sure there is something that we can call you by! I have been on Blogs, Twitters, Instagrams and more of the same person and still have no clue what their name is or what to call them!

Social Media - the kings of the internet
It is always fabulous to have your social media channels in plain sight on your blog and even better if your followings for each are showing! Being able to find all your platforms in one place is a life saver.... believe me!
(Oh and for the love of God... get them to open in a new tab :)

UK? North, South, East, West?
Now this one is handy for event invites!
If PR companies are looking for bloggers in a certain area it's great for them to be able to see if you are close enough or not!  I'm not saying give up your street name, postcode or even town but just the area you live in makes it so much easier for PR companies to send you relevant e-mails that may be of interest to you - Manchester, London, North West, South East, Isle Of Wight....  it's always good to know - even if it's just on your Twitter or Instagram!

Contacting YOU
It's all well and good finding your blog and loving your content - but if you want to be involved in PR opportunities, having your e-mail address prominent on your blog/social is essential.
Having a 'Contact Me' section is always perfect.... one where you have a contactable e-mail address too not a form to fill out ;)
Including it in your social media bios is also perfect - it makes life ALOT easier and saves so much time.

Searching...
Having a search option within your blog is also a fantastic addition and useful tool for people looking to work with you. It gives them access to be able to find any relevant content you may have created previously.

These may all seem SO super obvious but you may be surprised to know I sit there weekly looking at blogs unable to find names, e-mail address or even if they have a Twitter or not!
Do let me know if you'd like any other PR themed posts, or maybe if you have any questions at all!


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