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Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting: Advent-style Disney Cruise Countdown Calendar

by Fran Cassano

Hi Everyone! As tradition goes, an Advent calendar is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. So, to “wrap up” the Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting posts for “Christmas in July”, I thought it would be fun to share an Advent-style countdown calendar in anticipation of the WDW Radio Cruise this November.

I used the following (but definitely feel free to do a variation that fits your own theme):

  • 10 White Envelopes
  • Glue Lines or similar adhesive
  • Dimensional foam dots
  • 1 page Disney Cruise Line themed scrapbook paper with titles. Or you can create your own titles.
  • Large scraps of scrapbooking paper and card stock in coordinating colors
  • A print out of the numbers 1 – 10 and “Days Until” on different card stocks. I made mine in Waltograph font (we will cover how to obtain different Disney fonts in a later post). You can also use number stickers.
  • Different sized craft punches for layering (I have a 1 1/4″ square and a slightly larger scalloped square). You can also cut what I use these for, free hand.
  • Large Mickey Silhouette Head Template (Download the one on this page, and in your printing feature, uncheck “fit picture” and use the 3×5 print setting to make a template).
  • Simplicity’s Disney Mickey Mouse Silhouette Ribbon, 1″ wide, 3 yd. long
  • 1 Disney branded treat (think Disney PEZ; licensed cookies or candy from Walmart, Target or local supermarket…) OR
  • Small Disney branded toy, notebook, lip balm, or Silly Bandz

Instructions:

Create a sign using your Disney Cruise Line themed paper. I cut around the wording and borders, reconstructed it into my sign and made it stand out using dimensional foam dots. I also added “Days Until”, so it reads “Days Until Our Disney Cruise”.

Punch or cut out all the numbers and a slightly larger sized layering piece for each. You can also use number stickers for this. Using dimensional foam dots, layer the numbers and pieces together atop the envelopes however you like. I made mine vertical, so I can affix them to the ribbon at a slight angle (much the way you would display holiday cards). This will be your calendar. Now, snip enough ribbon to string the envelopes together in 2 groups of 5.

Next, use your Mickey Silhouette Head template and cut out 10 Mickey Silhouettes out of coordinating card stock scraps. Write a countdown idea for the day on the Mickey. Stuff one each of these into your envelopes. You can even enclose a Disney themed treat or small gift. (I chose some Princess Bandz I got at last year’s D23 Expo).

Here are some ideas to write on your Mickeys:

  • Dedicate a special, Disney themed tote for all your embarkation “Bare Necessities”. Don’t forget a travel bottle or mug (for the drinks area).
  • Make your cruise activities and packing lists…”check them twice”.
  • Create a decorative magnet for your stateroom door.
  • Listen to your favorite Disney songs.
  • Take a picture of your family getting ready for the trip.
  • Make a gift for your Fish Extender group friends.
  • Visit WDWRadio.com for ideas on what you can do aboard the ship.
  • Need to make a pre-cruise order? Use this promo code at DisneyStore.com for Free Shipping on $75 or more: SHIPTODAY
  • Bake some Pillsbury Disney Shape sugar cookies.
  • Watch your favorite nautical themed Disney movie.
  • Enjoy this Mickey-themed treat. (Enclose a packaged Disney item in the envelope).
  • Instead of making Mickey Pancakes this time, make everyone a Disney Parks themed dinner (we love the whole grain, Cars themed Perdue Nuggets).

Next, take the sign and the strung envelopes and hang wherever you like. I like to put my countdown calendars near my table, where we congregate at different times of the day. It’s a great way to get everyone talking about the upcoming Cruise. Where will you hang your Countdown Calendar?

With Warmest Regards and a Merry “Christmas in July” to all! Happy Crafting!

Craft Time: 2 hours start to finish

 

Fran’s Notes:

~You can create a countdown like this for an upcoming Disney Parks trip or any vacation. You can also do this for other holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or even the first day of school. Just change the ideas you write on your Mickeys to celebrate your event.

~You can make however many numbered days you like. I chose 10, because it is the traditional “countdown” number.

 Tell us how YOU countdown to a Disney trip in the comments below!

Like so many of us, Fran Cassano’s life is sprinkled with Mickeys. From collecting Park brochures as a child, to creating ideas for her own Disney Fairy Tale Wedding, paper crafts have kept the magic of Disney a part of her everyday life. Fran invites us capture our own memories through Storyboarding your Life: Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting… Break out the tools that have been gathering dust. And let’s figure out how, together!

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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