One of my favorite things to eat at Disney is the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich from Sleepy Hollow. In fact, getting some version of this picture has become one of my traditions.
For those not familiar, this is a waffle with hazelnut spread on it, covered in fresh fruit – strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. I’m not a fan of bananas, so I usually request those be left off.
Sleepy Hollow (located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom) also offers a Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle sandwich. I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard positive reviews. They also have a variety of other snacks, including Funnel Cakes and an Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich that I can confirm is delicious! With castle-view seating, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon snack. You can see their entire menu here.
The Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich is one of those snacks that I crave when I’m at home, and luckily, it’s also one that is easy to replicate. And the best part is that you can customize it with all of your favorite fruit!
This one is pretty simple: fire up your waffle maker (bonus points for Mickey-shaped waffles!) and prepare your other ingredients. I chose pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries.
Spread the Nutella to your liking (my liking is a thick, delicious layer), and then add your fruit on top. Turn on some Disney music, close your eyes, and pretend you’re sitting in front of the castle. This is a perfect weekend breakfast, and makes me miss my favorite place a little less.
It’s easy to see why Emmeline by Design is doing so well…its shop owner and creative force, Susan Zeidler, is passionate about what she does! Whether perusing her site at www.emmelinebydesign.com or following her on social media, you’ll be bowled over by her huge array of gorgeous bracelets, most Disney inspired!
Disney Parks inspired bracelets from www.emmelinebydesign.com
This Connecticut-based wife and mother of two (her shop name was inspired by her oldest daughter, Emmeline) has always had a love of Disney and crafting. She honeymooned there, has annual passes and even recently became a DVC member. Crafting was always something to help balance her math-heavy role of being an actuary (just like Jaguar in Zootopia!) whether it was quilting, make-up artistry or jewelry. But it was in 2015 when Susan struck pay dirt-she shared some of her personal designs with some Disney-loving running friends, and everyone went crazy for them!
Susan Zeidler, shop owner and creative force behind Emmeline by Design, at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Whimsical Wraps
Susan had started crafting wraps…fabric bracelets of different colors with stamped metal plates with Disney sayings. She wanted to design something that she could run with without irritation. “Believe in Yetis” was one of her first designs, and spoke to her love for the popular Expedition Everest ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was also 100% hypoallergenic.
Inspiration from Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest.
Susan shared her design on a fan page devoted to popular Disney-themed running clothes…tapping into what was to be her biggest fan base…women who love Disney, running, or both! Suggestions for sayings flooded in, and inspired by the interest and positive feedback, Susan set to work. Not long after, with inspiration from Disney princesses (Best Day Ever!), Star Wars (Do or do not, there is no try!), runDisney races (Every Mile is Magic!), even Pirates of the Caribbean (A pirate’s life for me!) her first wave of wraps hit her website!
100% hypoallergenic wrap bracelet
Inspired by Disney…and other Fandoms!
Disney continues to be Susan’s number one influence, but it’s the sense of community it creates that draws her in the most. In fact, many repeat customers are runDisney runners, and one of her best-selling wraps quotes, “Every mile will be worth my while!” from the movie Hercules.
One of her popular runDisney designs.
She also channels her other current obsessions for design ideas-Harry Potter, Star Wars, Avatar…even the Gilmore Girls! Look for future designs featuring these, and maybe even something new to commemorate the release of the new live action Beauty and the Beast on March 17th! (Hint: I Want Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere coming soon!)
Magical Mouse Bangles and Enchanting Expandables
While her wraps are most popular during race season, on Park days the ladies want their Mouse Bangles! These wire wrapped bangles feature a prominent Mickey head in every color imaginable. They can be worn separately or layered with other bracelets. (I’m a big fan of the Magical Mouse Set…three bracelets featuring a mouse head, bow and polka dot ball in your choice of colors for $40!) Prices range from $14-$18 for individual bracelets, and sets of two or even three can be combined for $30 or $40.
Bracelets can be combined for a custom, layered look!
Over the holidays, Emmeline by Design’s most popular items are the expandable bracelets. These beautiful bracelets, which are constructed similarly to the hugely popular Alex and Ani line, come in three sizes and feature hand-stamped metal charms with both shape charms and gems. All adjustable bracelets are $20, and are inspired by popular Disney movies (Aladdin), rides (Haunted Mansion) and even snacks (Dole Whips)! There is even a bracelet celebrating Magic Kingdom’s long-standing fireworks show, Wishes, that was recently slated to end in April, so get yours while they last!
Inspired by the Wishes fireworks show in Magic KingdomCoordinating Anna and Elsa expandable bracelets
Fan Favorites
While all of her bracelets have their own time to shine, some are perennial favorites! Anything ‘Ohana is a big hit in every style. ‘Ohana means family, made popular by both the classic Lilo and Stitch movie, and the restaurant in Disney’s Polynesian Resort that shares the same name. Anything running related also continues to be popular…quoting lines like “Eat my pixie dust!” and “I run for the Dark Side”.
‘Ohana means family cuff bracelet
Susan’s favorite style continues to be her wrap bracelets, as they are so versatile and can be customized. “Wraps give me the most opportunity to experiment with design…it’s the biggest canvas I have”, she shares. But her favorite experience is working with customers to create unique, one of a kind designs. She recently designed shoe tags to accessorize the Ariel runDisney New Balance sneaker at the request of a customer-“Don’t be such a guppy!”
Customized shoe tags…”Don’t be such a guppy!”
A Bright (and Sparkly!) Future
Susan is most excited by her newest offering that is currently available only for pre-order, engraved cuffs! These thin, beautiful cuffs had only been available hand-stamped on stainless steel previously, but are now being offered in both gold and rose gold as well. These will ship at the end of February, and will even feature new quotes from Moana (No telling how far I’ll go) and the coordinates of Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California! Cuff prices range from $20 to $27.50 for your own personalized quote.
Coordinates on the popular cuffs
In addition to her website, etsy shop and Facebook page, Susan and Emmeline by Design also have a big presence on Instagram! It’s the perfect venue to announce new products, promotions, and of course, show off her beautiful craftsmanship! With over 5,000 followers, it’s no wonder she gets so much repeat business and positive feedback!
Bracelets inspired by the parks
If you haven’t already, head on over to Emmeline by Design to get your Disney fix-Susan has something for everyone! Even her site quotes Walt Disney…”it was all started by a mouse!”
Jacqueline lives in Southbury, CT with her husband and two children. You can follow her on Instagram at @morphingintominnie.
