Disclaimer:  Disney is sending me to Walt Disney World on an all-expenses paid trip, in exchange for my coverage of the #ZootopiaEvent, which includes a screening of Zootopia and press junket. All opinions are my own.

One thing I’ve learned now that I’m well into my 40s, it takes but mere seconds to turn into a kid again.

For me, it’s as simple as walking down Main Street with my eyes set on Cinderella’s castle. Or settling into a comfortable seat in the movie theater, buttered popcorn in hand, waiting for the latest animated movie. Or getting an email that begins with…….”Disney has invited you…..”.

AND can you imagine when all 3 of those things align at the same time????

Just weeks ago, I had one of those PIXIE DUSTed emails – an email to top all other emails.

I caught my breath at each new sentence.

• The location – Walt Disney World
• The resort – Animal Kingdom Lodge
• The Why – #ZootopiaEvent and press junket

WAIT! WHAT? Didn’t you break your foot?

Ah yes……..those of you who follow me on social media know that I broke my foot while on a blogger trip in San Diego last fall. I’ll admit, it was just December when I thought I’d never be able to walk through every aisle at a grocery store again. But with a lot of work and patience, my foot is completely healed and the Dr. released me last month.

With the help of my physical therapist, not only am I doing all the grocery shopping again, but I’m ready to tackle one of my most favorite things in the world – DISNEY PARKS! (I just might need to ice my foot each night)

I wouldn’t miss this for the world!

Disney is all about the details and that extends to special events as well.

With the upcoming March 4th release of Disney’s ZOOTOPIA, it’s all about animals!

And while it’s always incredibly difficult to choose among Disney resorts (they all have their own charm and personality), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect themed location to call “home” for a few days.

I had the privilege of staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge one night back in 2011. There was one thing I knew back then when we checked out of the resort……I wanted to go back. Now, I’m getting my chance and I’ll be taking a ton of pictures so you’ll know why this is an ideal location for your family.

With any luck I’ll have a room overlooking the savannah. One can dream, right? 🙂

So follow along as I head to Walt Disney World this week……..I have my itinerary and let’s just say WHOA!

#ZootopiaEvent Highlights include:

• Backstage Safari Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – During this in-depth program, you will get an insider’s look at conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, animal care and behavioral studies. Highlights will include visits to the backstage animal housing area, the Animal Nutrition Center, the Veterinary Hospital and an experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris!
• Screening of Disney’s ZOOTOPIA at Disney Springs (the new name for Downtown Disney)
• Dinner in the Park Party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Interviews with Cast and Directors of ZOOTOPIA, including Jason Bateman (voice of “Nick Wilde” ) and Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of “Judy Hopps”)

And for us Star Wars fans (YES!!!), there will be a Dessert Party followed by the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park!

That’s just some of the highlights….there’s plenty more!

Now…..what does one where to meet Jason Bateman?

I’ve been a fan since even before he was on “Silver Spoons” – remember “Little House on the Prairie”?

Take a glimpse of ZOOTOPIA….

Get Social with ZOOTOPIA –> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Official Website!

Be sure to follow along from Saturday, February 20th – Tuesday, February 23rd.

We’ll  be using the hashtags #ZootopiaEvent

And find me live-streaming video on PERISCOPE — (Username is AFrugalFriend)!

Get connected with me as I’ll be posting live from the events!

• AFRUGALFRIEND on Twitter
• AFRUGALFRIEND on Facebook
• AFRUGALFRIEND on Instagram 

ZOOTOPIA opens in theatres everywhere on March 4th!

Other Blogger Trips:

• Invitation to the White House
• Trip to Sesame Street

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