Even though we love celebrating love and everyday life, we actually aren’t that big into Valentine’s Day. We typically will get cards for each other and then perhaps go out, or more than likely cook a dinner at home together, nothing too big. This year we heard that our local Disney Store was doing a holiday event especially for Disney loving pairs. We figured this free event could be a fun activity to do together. We decided to round out the budget friendly evening with a dinner deal at Qdoba first. Every Valentine’s Day they run a “Qdoba For a Kiss” promo where a smooch gets you a buy-one-get-one entree (Yum!). We enjoyed our burrito bowls and then headed off to the mall for some Disney fun…
The Event
Earlier this year the Disney Store started hosting some in-store events that cater more to the adult crowd called “Fan Thursdays”. We attended a previous event and had a lot of fun. This holiday event was called “Disney Sweethearts & Sidekicks” and was meant for couples (or any pair) to attend together. This was a free event but did require a RSVP. We had called ahead a week or so in advance. We tend to find out about these special events through store emails. (If you aren’t on the list you can easily sign up at disneystore.com where there is an email list sign up in the footer.)
When we arrived at the store there was a table set up towards the back where people gathered to check-in. We had worn matching Mickey & Minnie themed t-shirts, and saw that some other couples had worn some fun Disney gear as well. Once checked in we received some name tags. The mood was even set with some Disney love songs playing and romantic movie clips on the screen above.
A cute banner in the window.
The cast member added little Mickeys to our tags!
A Robin Hood scene plays above.
A sign announcing the event.
The Activities
Sweetheart & Sidekick Game
We started the evening with a true test of couple knowledge. Think of “The Newlywed Game” with a Disney twist. Everyone was given a clipboard with a game sheet. For every question you had to write down your own answer and then take a guess at what your sweetheart’s answer would be. All of the questions were Disney themed from something pretty easy such as “What is your favorite character?”, to harder for some “What is the first Disney movie you saw together?” (We lucked out here because the first movie we ever saw at the theaters together happened to be a Disney film: The Pirates of the Caribbean.) There were also some Disney trivia tie-breakers questions thrown in as well.
Andrew looking calm and collected. Of course he knows her favorite ride!
A peek at the game sheet.
Julie just realizing she messed up on one question. Whoops!
We were a bit shocked to find out we did really well. We even almost won. Almost. But then missed it by one point. The winners received some Mickey medals. But that’s ok, we still got a snazzy certificate and bragging rights!
Go team Disney DINKs!
Pop Up Valentines
There was a station set up with some super cute Mickey & Minnie Valentine cards. The cards were a pop-up style and had room to write and decorate. The cast members had stocked the table with lots of craft supplies such as stickers, markers, gems, etc. It was a sweet little giveaway to take home.
Photo Opp
We had seen some folks online posting pics of a Lady & the Tramp photo booth set up. It seems that our store didn’t have the room for the full booth, but they did have a little photo prop cut out. When thinking of romantic Disney couples, you can’t help think of “Lady & the Tramp” so we thought this little frame was perfect and certainly made it a “Bella Notte”.
So dog-gone cute!
Special Deals
Being at a store you would expect some specials to entice some shopping. There were a few deals going on that evening:
The “Sidekicks” collection was Buy One Get One 50% off
There was a special Valentine’s Day package available of a Mickey or Minnie plush, mug, and pin for only $25
The deal we thought was too good to pass up was a pair of Mickey and Minnie pins for only $5. Look how cute they are! (and they went well with our shirts!)
All in all we had a great time for a low key Thursday night Valentine’s Day 2019. This event was completely free and you certainly can’t beat that. We think it’s great that the Disney Store has started doing some fun fan events like this, and we find it’s a way to connect with other Disney fans at home. We hope to be able to check out another event soon! Thanks Disney Store Columbia for a a fab night!
Raise your hand if you had an American Girl doll growing up. Julie sure did! She loved her Samantha doll and has many fond memories throughout her childhood. When we received an invite for Julie to attend a special adults only brunch at the American Girl store her inner child was ecstatic. Did you know there is an American Girl store in Orlando? Read on to learn all about it and get a peek at the nostalgic brunch Julie recently attended there…