Every New Years Eve I talk to my husband and family about my yearly goals. You can roll your eyes if you want to. I get that this is not exactly revolutionary and incredibly cliché. But setting goals has proven to be step #1 of manifesting stuff I want to be, get, or do in real life. Anyhoo, my husband wrote his first goal of the year: own a vacation home. Now, even though I am usually the type of woman spouting cheesy sayings about living in a limitless universe and believing in abundance, I was very much like "yeah okay, babe!" and continued my own list of goals I was going to actually achieve, thank you very much.
But, the fuse was lit and he started talking to people about how to make it happen. I was happy to dream along with him, spending late nights on Zillow, and still believing that we couldn't really afford to do something so adult.
A few days into 2021 our mortgage broker gave us some different options on how to make it work financially (thank you record low mortgage rates) and by March we were picking up the keys for our condo 10 miles from Disney! So yeah, goals work people!
We visited Disney is 2019 and stayed off-property to keep the costs manageable, so I knew I wanted to make a really fun and family-friendly space for folks wanting the Disney experience with a lower price tag, the convenience of a kitchen, and a space that could potentially work for a family with kids and grandparents.
I really felt that the condo needed someTLC before we felt ready to share it with family & friends. Oh, people tried to convince me we could rent it as is for a while, but I make everything complicated and I can if I want to. Luckily, my husband is pretty handy and we were able to do everything ourselves. Shout out to my father-in-law who spent 9 days in Florida helping us out.
BEFORE:
AFTER
We opted to keep countertops (can't win 'em all) and cabinets but give them a fresh coat of paint, added a subway tile backsplash, and replace the appliances. Please also notice the under-cabinet lighting because my husband is very, very proud of that.
I wanted keep the color scheme in the kitchen pretty simply, and classic Mickey, so black, white, and red. The Mickey Clock above the cabinets was exactly the style I was searching for, and comes in several other colors. Not too shabby for $20, no?
Of course, we had to get a Mickey Waffle Maker, because if you don't have Mickey waffles are you even on vacation??
For the master bedroom I opted for a Harry Potter theme. I have been a little obsessed with Harry Potter for decades, and I reasoned to believe that if you love Disney (magic) and are staying off-property you might also love wizards and more magic.
I am in love with the some of the details in this room.
For starters, the Hedwig Pendent Light, Always patronus pillow, and Flying Keys I got from Pottery Barn Teen are simply stunning in person.
The flying keys are really meant to serve accessory hooks, but since I'm not really worried about functionality I thought it would be more fun to have them "flying." They are really excellent quality and I just ordered another set to add to this wall.
You can get my little Mirror or Erised is from Amazon for $60. But remember! "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." Just kidding. Sort of....
There is a really magnificent Mirror of Erised from Pottery Barn Teen as well, but I put my money (literally) on the Hedwig light, and can upgrade the mirror another time if I really want.
You really cannot appreciate the artwork I ordered from sellers on Etsy from these photos, but if you love Harry Potter and are looking for some whimsical and original wall art, I was thrilled with the details and quality of this print of Diagon Alley.
I also framed this slightly different style print that is more minimalist, but just as magical that includes Ollivander's and the & Owl Post. I can't say enough how much I love the artwork from these sellers!
The second bedroom is Star Wars themed. During the pandemic our family binge-watched all the movies in chronological order, and let's just say our kids became fans. We've also watched The Mandalorian, so there's a little of everything.
BEFORE
AFTER
I had so much fun filling this room with Star Wars decor and details.
The ceiling light fixture is from Ikea. There is a string to open/close, and closed it has definite Death Star vibes.
One of my favorite items in the entire place is this adorable R2D2 lamp from Pottery Barn Teen. It is incredibly sturdy and well made.
The comforters on the beds are from ShopDisney.com. They are reversible with the Millennium Falcon on white side and then various Star Wars space crafts on the other side.
For the walls I ordered these prints from Etsy. They look awesome framed and are just the right balance between artsy and nerdy. You can order them without the movie title, which is what I opted for, but to each their own.
I also couldn't resist these cool pennants from Etsy! You can purchase them individually or in a set. (They also sell Harry Potter pennants with the different school houses!)
Some other details I love are the BB8 throw pillow on the bed, this Baby Yoda Chair, and this Death Star clock, which were all purchased on Amazon.
Also, both the Harry Potter AND Star Wars rooms have these very thematic and extra light switch covers, because thematic and extra is how I roll.
Maybe my favorite item in the whole condo is in the bathroom. Yeah you read that right. I saw this lego Luke Skywalker toilet paper holder on Etsy, and new I had to have it! Each one is 3D printed, and it is so unique and fun. I laugh every time I see it and they also have Darth Vader, a Storm Trooper, and various light saber designs.
On to the main living area!
Dining Room BEFORE
Dining Room AFTER
The kitchen/dining room/living room is big Mickey vibes, as it should be. I basically planned the whole room around that Kettle-Style Mickey Popcorn Maker, and I'm not sorry.
The popcorn supplies all live in the cabinet below, so we are always ready for movie night. The Mickey Canvas art above is from Amazon (I have a problem, I know).
Living Room BEFORE
Living Room AFTER
We were VERY lucky to have my father-in-laws helps to replace all the flooring throughout. Good-bye carpet! I found a Mickey "Movie Night" sign for above the TV at Hobby Lobby. They often have Disney Decor, but remember that wall art is 50% off every other week, so you can save some money if you watch their flyers.
The pièce de résistance in this room is the Mickey-shaped Neon Light from Pottery Barn Kids.
I also picked up some various prints at The Art of Disney and from the WonderGround Gallery both located at Disney Springs.
If you made it this far I seriously commend you. I could just keep going and going, but I'll save some details to share another time.
If you find yourself planning a visit to the Orlando area you can stay at Our Happy Place and enjoy the popcorn & Mickey waffle maker for yourself.
If you have any questions or comments at all I would love to hear from you! Just leave a comment below or you can email me at disneyisaverb@gmail.com
Stay magic, friends.
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