We are back with another meeting the Magic Makers episode. These episodes are dedicated to showcasing the amazing talents of Disney Cast Members. This time we chatted with Katie Brown, a cast member who has filled many roles at Walt Disney World.
Interview with Disney Cast Member Katie Brown
Katie has done it all from photo pass photography to entertainment. She recently performed with The Voices of Liberty (her dream role) and sailed aboard the Disney Cruise Line as part of their onboard entertainment. Which she said was amazing before 2020 hit. Fingers crossed we can all get back to sailing (safely) very soon.
Since we both have musical backgrounds we were excited to talk to a CM in that field. One of us always wanted to perform for Disney, can you guess who? Let us know if you got it right.
Find Katie at Katie Brown Music and Piano Party. On her own, Katie continues to offer customized musical experiences for any occasion. She has performed in driveway concerts, socially distant wedding receptions, and is currently working on a Carol Kane Tribute show.
If you have a holiday party, class reunion, or anything that could use some live music, Katie is your girl! Or, if you’re looking for a nice night out in the Orlando area, check out The Edison at Disney Springs. Katie is a regular performer there. We can’t wait to go visit and say hi, from a distance of course!
Piano Party started as a side hustle and quickly grew. If you’ve never experienced a dueling piano show you need to get on that now. Or at least visit their website. It is incredible to watch.
We also couldn’t let Katie leave without her sharing not only her favorite fandoms but also her favorite songs to sing. She went for a classic, you’ll have to listen to find out what it was!
We are back with another meeting the Magic Makers episode. These episodes are dedicated to showcasing the amazing talents of Disney Cast Members. This time we chatted with Ashlee Santmyers, a cast member from Walt Disney World.
Interview With Disney Cast Member Ashlee Santmyers
Ashlee is a pastry chef in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She enjoys being able to create the various treats you can find throughout the park. Cakes are her favorite thing to make!
She is also a geek just like us! So you know we had to ask her to pick her favorites and yes we know that can be as hard as picking a favorite child. Ashlee told us how she and her husband are a house divided: Batman vs. Superman and Sailor Moon vs. Dragonball Z. We had to share our own picks out of those two!
Ashlee owns Storybook Delights, where she makes sweet treats for various fandoms and occasions. Every order is custom, Ashlee will work with you to figure out the perfect flavor and decoration combinations to make your next special event shine.
Getting custom made cakes or cupcakes would be a perfect way to have some Disney Magic at home. Going into the winter months, we definitely recommend an extra dose of magic.
This Batman Wedding Cake is phenomenal! We know a few Batman fans who would love this at their wedding.
Do you even like Disney if you don’t have a Mickey-themed birthday party at least once? Look at this adorable Mickey Mouse cake complete with the ears on top!
Obviously, we love Star Wars around here so this cake is a definite favorite. And we bet she can put one together themed after The Mandalorian too if you ask! Just saying!!
Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! These Wizard House Cookies look amazing. You need them for your next Yule Ball.
Order your custom pastries, cakes, cupcakes, and more from Storybook Delights today!
It is no secret we are big Disney fans. When the news of the furloughs and lay-offs came down our hearts broke. We wanted to help in any way we could. Part of our plan is to showcase the amazing Magic Makers, the people who are behind all the magic you experience when heading to the park. From PhotoPass photographers and character attendants to chefs and artists, it takes a lot of special people to make Disney what it is.
Interview with Disney Cast Member Felicia Wisniewski
We got a chance to talk with Felicia Wisniewski, a magic-making cast member from Walt Disney World.Felicia works in costuming primarily at Magic Kingdom. One of her favorite events to work is Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show. The colors, the seasonal changes, it is all so fun.
She is also a geek just like us! So you know we had to ask her to pick her favorites and yes we know that can be as hard as picking a favorite child. Felicia loves Tiana, Daisy, and Star Wars. You know we had to talk some Star Wars with her because we Geek Girls are all about it.
As a big fan of Star Wars, she tells us what it was like to be one of the first CM’s to see what The Rise of the Resistance costumes would look like. We aren’t jealous at all…not at all…
Felicia owns Fandom Sophisticates, an Etsy shop where she makes and sells items for various fandoms, including hard to find pieces for Disney favorites! Lucky for us, and you, Felicia’s shop is also open for CUSTOM orders. So if you’re prepping for a runDisney event, a day at the parks, or just feel like showing off your fandom loving side, she is your girl.
You can’t help but love the Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party! The costumes are colorful, the music is lively, and it is a great time to interact with some of your favorite characters. These ears bring that joy to life and are sure to get you a ton of compliments at the park.
This one is available in English or Aurebesh. It would look great on your laptop, car window, water bottle, basically wherever you can stick a sticker.
Who said Frozen is only for kids? Warm-up your vocal cords and get ready to go Into The Unknown with this poodle skirt. Elsa not your girl? No worries, Felicia can make one custom for your favorite Disney Princess.
On this episode of the Geek Girls Universe Podcast, we are talking Disney, but you know sad Disney because none of the parks are open. We know it is for the best, but that doesn’t make missing the magic any easier. To help with the Disney blues, these are ways to have Disney magic at home.
*affiliate links may be used below
Disney Magic At Home When You Can’t Go To The Parks
Disney Videos & Playlists
Do you find yourself wandering around your house singing “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirate’s Life For Me?” Or “It’s a small world after all!” No matter your favorite Disney ride, parade, or fireworks show, there are tons of YouTube videos for you to choose from.
Cast it to the TV and sit up close to feel like you are really there on the Incredicoaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Splash Mountain. Or you know tear up watching Happily Ever After or the now-retired Wishes show. No one will judge you…I’m a total crier during fireworks. Anyone else?
Maybe you just need to feel like you’re walking down Main Street. Disney Parks playlist on Apple Music as well as Sorcerer Radio on Google Play, Alexa, and in iTunes App Store plays Disney music 24/7. Close your eyes use that great big beautiful imagination of yours and pretend you’re right there on the corner by the Confectionary.
Thank the maker for Disney Plus, Disney Now, and Movies Anywhere. Between those three you have access to almost everything Disney has ever made. From classics like Cinderella to new films like Onward.
Disney+ is our lifesaver at the moment. With so many shows and films to watch it is definitely helping pass the time. If you are wondering where to start, don’t worry. We have our lists of what we think are the best things to binge right now on Disney Plus.
Even if you can’t go to Disney you can bring a little pixie dust into your home with some Disney Home Decor. We like to use our Refillable Mugs from the resorts as well as other Disney mugs when we drink our tea and coffee. Science says it tastes better that way.
I also have various art pieces from our trips and collectibles hanging around that make me smile when I see them. If your home is lacking Disney magic, head over to ShopDisney to find everything you need to decorate your home Disney style.
Can someone please make me a Dole Whip float? I guess I need to make it myself right now, ugh fine!! At least there are a plethora of Disney copy-cat and Disney inspired recipes on Pinterest. We have several on our websites as well.
It can be something as simple as these Toy Story inspired snacks or you can go all out and create an entire meal designed after your favorite attraction or character. Read all about Ashley’s Disney party ideas here.
If baking or creating recipes is not your thing you can also look for Mickey Ice Cream Bars, Star Wars Ice Cream Sandwiches, Toy Story Themed Ice Cream, and other various snack foods at your local grocery store.
Adults, this one is for you. If you are looking for adult Disney beverages check out Jana’s extensive cocktail list here. I could go for this Captain Marvel Cocktail right now.
Grab your Minnie Mouse ears and Magic Bands. Being stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous. Not to mention this gives you a great excuse to get out of your pajamas into some real clothes!
We know you have plenty of “Disney Parks” clothes and if you have children they probably do too. Put on a fashion show, strut your stuff like you’re Daisy Duck, and see who can be the most Disneyfied person in your house.
