Save for the Disney Adventure!

For my vacations, I am slowly learning to be spontaneous. Living in the moment, researching what there is to do when we get there. That is not my background though. I come from a family of planners; the vacationers with the spreadsheets and days mapped out to the minute. 

From my two different types of vacationing, I have learned that regardless of how you plan for the time you spend there, you have to prepare in advance for the money you may spend. Calculating the average for transportation, accommodation, tickets, food and souvenirs just so you can have an idea of what you will need. 

Image Copyright DisneyVacationAccount.Disney.Go.Com

This concept has gotten a lot easier when planning for a Disney vacation with the Disney Vacation Account. When you have a Disney vacation coming up, you can use this site to approximate how much you may need for that stay and then see how much you will need to save each week to get to your goal. Once you have set up your vacation details, you can attach a debit or credit card and set up a savings plan that will take out as little or as much money as you want on scheduled times to help you save!

When you have saved some money up and you want to make a payment, you can do that automatically by using your account number as a gift card number. This can be done over the phone also if that is more convenient. 

These accounts can be used for a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney vacation. 

There are incentives for using this savings program as well, including gift cards after spending so much towards your vacation. 

Decide to use your "Disneyland" account savings for a "Disney Cruise Line" vacation instead? Not a problem, it is your money to use as you wish, this is just a place to store it while you save. 

An emergency comes up and you need to withdraw that money you were saving for something else? Absolutely! Just contact them and they can set that up for you right away. 

For more details about the program, click here and to sign up for a Free account of your own, go to DisneyVacationAccount.com. 

Pixar's Inside Out Trailer: Intrigued

Ok, I have seen these posters for this movie in the Animation building in Hollywood Studios for the last couple years and, I will be honest, I was skeptical. I mean, all it had on it was a colorful face, what on earth were we supposed to get from that?!

Well, we finally know what to expect and I am finally getting excited about it! It also left me with many questions that makes me look forward to the next trailer; what makes different emotions in charge? Do they take different positions permanently or do they move around? Are these the 5 emotions that are always inside us or do they grow as we grow?

What questions does the trailer make you think of? See for yourself and leave your answers below:

Throwback Thursday: Mickey's Birthday

Here is a throwback post from my previous blog, The True Disney Fan, celebrating the my former boss' birthday in 2009. Enjoy!

November 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!!

In Honor of Mickey Mouse's 81st Birthday, I thought I would post some pictures that I was given from a Disney magazine from a past birthday!

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!! 

Today's Adventure: Osborne Lights!!

I love the Christmas season, it runs in my family and even though I try very hard to keep the holiday prep until after Thanksgiving, I just can't help but take opportunities when they are presented to celebrate. Osborne lights are one of those opportunities. Especially when you have a cold day like today, it just felt like Christmas!  I will talk more about my love of the lights another time, but I just had to post a favorite picture from tonight.

 Many things are hidden throughout the display; hidden mickeys, a black cat, a razorback, infamous leg lamp and so on. While searching for these hidden gems, this classic character was pointed out to me. Baby Sinclair is such a happy memory from my childhood! I actually had a stuffed doll of him when I was little that said classic phrases such as "Not the mama!" and "I'm the baby, gotta love me!" I was so excited to find this and had to share it out. 

What is your favorite part of the Osborne lights? Have you seen them before? What is your favorite song? Please leave your comments or questions  below and check out my Instagram page for video and pictures from the lights this evening.

Walt Disney Parks and Cruise Line's New Health and Educational Alliance

As a special education teacher and someone who has health issues of my own, this news story I find very exciting! The below press release focuses on a new alliance between pharmaceutical company Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, and The Walt Disney Parks. The Disney parks will begin placing EpiPens throughout the parks and the Disney Cruise Line ships to make the emergency medication more accessible for those who may need it. There will also be an initiative to create educational programs to "increase awareness of and preparedness for severe allergic reactions."

The first phase, EpiPens becoming available throughout the parks, begins in late 2014. I certainly hope that one of the first initiatives throughout the parks will be to teach the Cast Members how to use them in case they come across such a situation.  Read the full press release below for more information. 

Mylan Signs Strategic Alliance Agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Enhance Access to EpiPen^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors

EpiPen^® Auto-Injector Locations Designated on Updated Guide Maps and Signage

New Multi-year Alliance to Increase Anaphylaxis Awareness through Multiple Educational Initiatives

PITTSBURGH – Nov. 7, 2014 – Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL) today announced it has signed a multi-year strategic alliance agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to help increase awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening (severe) allergic reaction. The agreement includes updated maps in Disney’s domestic theme parks and on its cruise ships as well as updated signage in the parks that highlight locations with EpiPen^® (epinephrine) and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors. Over time, the companies also will introduce a variety of educational resources designed to increase awareness of and preparedness for severe allergic reactions.

Magic Kingdom Copyright Jessica Clawson

EpiPen^® locations will roll out at Disney parks and on cruise ships beginning in late 2014. In addition to emergency medical services (EMS), nurses trained to administer EpiPen Auto-Injectors are available during First Aid station operating hours to assist guests experiencing a severe allergic reaction. To help guests identify EpiPen locations, Disney’s guide maps will now include an EpiPen Auto-Injector symbol and new signage at First Aid stations.

“Mylan’s mission is to provide the world’s 7 billion people access to high quality medicine and set new standards in health care. In support of this mission, we are committed to enhancing access to EpiPen Auto-Injectors and to increasing awareness of anaphylaxis. Like life, severe allergic reactions are unpredictable, so people need to be prepared,” said Mylan CEO Heather Bresch. “We are very proud to be working with Disney, which already has a strong reputation for meeting the needs of people managing severe allergies, and believe we can further raise awareness of anaphylaxis through this collaboration and our joint commitment to education.”

Anaphylaxis is unpredictable, and can progress quickly and without warning. Clinical guidelines state that epinephrine is the first-line treatment when anaphylaxis occurs, making access critical. For those with a known risk, it is important to be prepared with an anaphylaxis action plan that includes 1) avoiding known allergens, 2) recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, 3) having immediate access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen Auto-Injector, and 4) seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.

“For our guests who live with severe allergies every day, identifying EpiPen locations is an additional tool they’ll have for their anaphylaxis management plan,” said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This new strategic alliance will help raise awareness of EpiPen locations so that our Guests with severe allergies may have the best possible experience at our parks and on our cruise ships.”

Families managing known severe allergies are encouraged to follow their individual anaphylaxis action plans and carry their epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times.

IndicationsEpiPen^® (epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are determined to be at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use.

Important Safety Information

EpiPen Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector.

The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.

Talk to your healthcare professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

About EpiPen^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injector

EpiPen^® (epinephrine) and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors are used for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions. Each EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® contains two single auto-injectors, instructions for use and a training device, with no drug product or needle, to help patients become familiar with the administration technique. EpiPen Auto-Injector should be administered immediately at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction. EpiPen Auto-Injector is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. Patients should seek emergency medical attention immediately following administration. EpiPen Auto-Injector has been the No. 1 prescribed epinephrine auto-injector for more than 25 years and has three-step simple instructions for use. For more information about EpiPen Auto-Injector, please visit www.EpiPen.com.

About Mylan

Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in health care. Working together around the world to provide 7 billion people access to high quality medicine, we innovate to satisfy unmet needs; make reliability and service excellence a habit; do what's right, not what's easy; and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of more than 1,300 generic pharmaceuticals and several brand medications. In addition, we offer a wide range of antiretroviral therapies, upon which approximately 40% of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries depend. We also operate one of the largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers and currently market products in approximately 140 countries and territories. Our workforce of more than 20,000 people is dedicated to improving the customer experience and increasing pharmaceutical access to consumers around the world. Learn more at mylan.com

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

More than 50 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. A sixth resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, is currently under construction in Pudong New District, Shanghai. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts, cruise ships, entertainment and attractions.

EpiPen^®, EpiPen Jr^®, EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. licensed exclusively to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L.P.

SOURCE Mylan Inc. and The Walt Disney Company

For additional product information, please visit EpiPen.com.

Blogger Who?

As it has been a few years since I have been in the blogging field, I figured I would give a brief history of myself. If you are going to read or listen to what I have to say, it makes sense you should know at least a little about who you are talking to.

My name is Jessica. I grew up in Delaware close to Philadelphia. I have a Mom, Dad and little sister (I say little even though she is taller than me and 21 years old and I will always say little because as the big sister, it is one of the few things I can do).

I graduated from Neumann University as an Elementary Education and Special Education teacher with a minor in Music. My first year of teaching was in a school near my home and, to keep it blunt, it was a very difficult year in the public school system. I thought that I was a poor teacher and took the year roughly. As the year came to a close, I had found a new job and my adventure on my own began.

I had always wanted to move to Florida; besides the lovely warm temperatures for most of the year, one of my favorite places in the whole wide word is there -Walt Disney World. Since I was looking to re-evaluate my career, I figured it was the best time to make the move and start fresh. I packed up my things in the summer of 2012 with my family's help and moved to Kissimmee, Florida. I rented an apartment on my own and began a job working at the amazing Walt Disney World Resort. I made a great many friends and discovered how much I love being close to a main city with lots of activity and how awesome Florida is in general.

After working for nearly 2 years in the company, money began getting tight and while I searched for a second job, I stumbled upon the most lovely private school for students with special needs. I got a job as a long term substitute out of the blue and was offered a full time position for the fall. A lot of soul searching happened this past summer and I realized that teaching was the right path for me and while I tried at first to go part time or seasonal at Walt Disney World, it was not meant to be.

Oh, and if the stress of changing careers relatively randomly was not enough, I ran through the entire process of purchasing a house as well while this was all going on. And that is where my life is now, new home owner and a career as a High School Teacher to class of 10 wonderful students.

Through all of this I have had a huge pillar of support for the last 2 and a half years, my wonderful boyfriend, Mike. While we have had a long distance relationship for a good portion of our time together, he still has always found a way to take care of me no matter where he is. He is in his third year of medical school and is a huge catalyst to some of my more recent adventures. We both love to try new things and travel and learn together. Our most recent adventure? Trying to visit all of the lighthouses in Florida! (Yes, we have only seen 2 so far, but it is a start!)

Interests and hobbies? Well my biggest interest is Disney, I am fascinated by the workings of this company, even after having worked there for 2 years. The empire that Walt Disney created and the family values he centered it around are what keep people coming to those parks and I certainly hope to see those values continue. Besides Disney, I enjoy reading and books (I have a huge collection of those), cross stitching, cooking, crocheting, traveling and playing the flute, which I have been doing for over 20 years. I am not a huge movie/TV watcher, but I have recently gotten into Doctor Who. (Thus the title of this piece)

Things that I hope to learn to do and work on in the near future? Quilting out of T-shirts that I have, building bookshelves, making creme brûlée, and trying my hand at gardening come spring. All new adventures to try and that doesn't even count the places I want to travel to!

And, in case my writing style seems familiar at all, many people may know me by my previous blog persona, Lady Aurora. My previous blogging endeavor ended right before my move to Florida with The True Disney Fan. As you can guess by the name, my main focus for this website was everything Disney related. While I am sure I will talk about Disney with this blog as it is a large passion of mine, I would like a much more broader category to work in.

There is a bit about me! Any questions, feel free to leave comments below.