I call it “First Ears.” This was our youngest daughter Presley’s first trip to WDW, so of course we had to purchase her first ear hat with her name embroidered on the back. Sure, it was a little big. But nothing says, “I went to Disney World!” like a classic ear hat! It’s still, IMHO, the perfect first-trip souvenir.

(BTW, you can purchase a variety of ear hats throughout the parks, but there are only a few shops that can embroider them while you wait. We purchased this one in Toontown.)

I wrote a guest post today about planning a Walt Disney World vacation for a new blog, Savings for Disney. You can read the post here and check out the deals Kim has for you!

Today’s tip is one of those “extra magic” kind of tips–not really necessary, but it makes for fun photos: buy your kids (or the whole family) matching shirts. Yes, it’s cheesy. Predictable? You bet! But it really does make adorable photos. In fact one of the funnest Disney vacation photos I’ve seen was of an entire family wearing matching Incredibles shirts doing super hero poses in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Too cute! While I haven’t been able to get my husband in on the act, I usually have two or three matching Disney-themed shirts/outfits for my girls each time we visit WDW. An added bonus: it makes them easier to spot in a crowd!

I just love this idea! Have you ever heard of the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program? I hadn’t, but it is a brilliant idea. This organization takes the unused portion of opened toiletries from hotels–you know, those little bars of soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc.–and recycles them and redistributes them to schools, orphanages, clinics, and churches in third world countries. When I say “recycles,” I don’t mean they simply get the little bits of leftovers. Clean the World cleans/sanitizes them (whatever that entails) before distribution.

Disney is partnering with Clean the World to recycle the partially-used amenities from their 28,000 hotel rooms in Walt Disney World. Hotels that participate contribute a tax-deductible recycling fee to participate in the program. This allows Clean the World to collect, recycle, and distribute the items free to those in need.

Last year, Clean the World sent more than 230 tons of products to countries such as Haiti, Mongolia, Uganda, Mali, and Honduras. Currently, they are distributing goods to Haiti in particular, in light of the recent earthquakes.

Oh, if I were fifteen years younger, I would be all over this! With the changes coming to WDW’s Fantasyland–specifically, the addition of princess character greetings and attractions that feature live actors–Disney has begun the search for the many Cast Members needed to create the best experience for guests. Do you look like Cinderella? Resemble Snow White? You could be the next Disney Princess!

There are several nation-wide auditions listed here on the Disney audition website. While they are not specifically requesting princess look-alikes, rumor is that Disney is beginning an enormous recruitment drive with finding the perfect princesses as their primary goal.

To learn more about becoming a Disney performer, check out the Disney Auditions website.

Hop on over to Couponing to Disney today to see my guest post on saving money on food at Walt Disney World. While you’re there, check out some of CTD’s other great tips for saving money for your WDW vacation! Click here to view the post.