Fantasyland Expansion Plans in 3-D

WDWNewsToday has pics and an interesting story about the Fantasyland expansion that is about to begin. This offers a clearer picture of what the "new and improved" Fantasyland might look when it's all finished. Happy sneak-peeking!

Disney Speak

Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland knows that the folks at Disney have their own unique vocabulary. For example, Disney employees aren't employees at all--they are Cast Members. Here are a few of the most common (and some that are just my funny favorites!) Disneyisms and their translations:

• Attraction: This is a ride, show, or maybe a combination of both. A great word for the, er, attractions at Disney, since many of them fit into multiple categories.


• Backstage: Since Disney considers their entire park to be a production of sorts, this term refers to any area that is behind the scenes.


• Guest: Other companies might refer to them as customers...or attenders...or even visitors...but Disney wants you to be their Guest. So much more inviting, isnt' it?


• Day Guest: Refers to any park guest who is not staying onsite at a Disney resort.


• Alph Unit: This is the standard call for a medic. But Alpha Unit is far less hair-raising and stress-inducing to guests who might overhear the request for medical assistance. 


• Face Character: You've got your Mickey, your Minnie, and your Goofy...and then you've got your Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. The last group, portrayed with actual human faces showing (rather than large synthetic heads!) are Face Characters.


• Soft Opening: A "trial" opening (usually unannounced) of an attraction before its official opening.


• Protein Spill: OK, this one is hands down my favorite! Have you guessed it yet? Vomit. Throw up. Tossed cookies. Is that an awesomely subtle way to say it, or what?

What other Disney Speak have you heard in the parks or elsewhere?

Friday Photo

Today's Friday Photo is of my youngest daughter Presley. It was May 2009, and we were at the lovely Grand Floridian Resort in 1900 Park Fare for the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. Characters attending were Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and the Mad Hatter (seen here). Presley, just a couple of weeks from turning 3, was planning a Mad Hatter Tea Party for her birthday. The wacky Mad Hatter wrangled an invitation, then promptly alerted the entire restaurant: "I'm invited! I'm invited!" He got Presley to make a zany face with him in this shot:

Thursday's Tip

Today's tip is for those of us who are Disney return visitors--we just can't stay away for more than a year, or possibly two. The tip: only buy it once. What is "it"? Whatever you need specifically for the WDW vacation. Here are a few examples from my own family: heavy-duty ponchos, light-up/spinning toys, clear backpack, kid's fanny packs, lanyard for pins, carabiners, autograph books, and even Mickey ears. In fact, I'm so passionate about the "only buy it once" rule that I keep a "Disney tub"--decorated lovingly with character stickers gathered on previous trips--in the attic with these items (or, at least the ones I don't use at other times during the year) packed. When it's time for our next vacation, I simply get the tub out and pack the remaining items we need.

Why buy a new lanyard every year for your kids, when they can add new pins to their existing lanyard? And why purchase a new spinny toy for around $15, when you can simply bring the one from home that you bought on your last trip? (Chances are, your kids ignored it once you returned home anyhow, right? So, tuck it away in your WDW vacation supplies, and it will be like a new toy the next time they see it!)

If you're a yearly visitor who is also a seriously hard-core, pack-items-for-every-possible-contingency kind of person, and you don't want to ship or carry these items with you on every trip, you might want to consider this service.

Give Kids the World

If you aren't familiar with Give Kids the World, then let me introduce you to this amazing organization that brings joy to children facing life-changing illness. Give Kids the World has hosted close to 100,000 families  at its 70-acre village in Central Florida since its opening in 1989, providing them with much-needed respite and theme park bliss! The villas are whimsical and cater to the special needs of its young visitors. The atmosphere is anything but gloomy!

I ran across this article, which inspired this post. I am most intrigued by the founder, Henri Landwirth, and his story. You can read more about him here.

If you'd like to  explore volunteer opportunities, you can read more here. To donate online, click here.

Before You Post that Vacation Video...

One of my favorite ways to "experience" Walt Disney World while I'm away is watching our home videos from previous trips. I also enjoy searching YouTube for a particular attraction/show if I'm wondering about its appropriateness for my children. But sharing your vacation videos from WDW just might get you in hot water with the Mouse House. Why? Well, it's all about intellectual property. And the definition on that one is pretty vague. So vague, in fact, that Disney's policy doesn't specify what constitutes a violation and what legal action might be taken against said violation.

Not posting video of the entire Beauty & the Beast show is kind of a no-brainer. But, how about video of your ride through Space Mountain? That's a fuzzy area, apparently. Confused? Me too. And I'm not sure there will be a clearer answer unless and until we see an actual lawsuit of this kind.  In the mean time, I found this article on the subject to be quite interesting.

While I understand the dilemma--and as a musician myself, I have a great appreciation for the "intellectual property" argument--I find the idea of Disney going after families for posting their vacation videos to be a bit absurd. Can anyone actually argue that watching a video of The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacularis in any way akin to actually seeing the show live? Does Disney really think YouTube is going to cause people to stop coming to WDW, and instead opt to stay home and watch it on their computer? C'mon, guys. Really? I'm just sayin'...

Nashville-Area Disney Stores Closing

Nashville readers: Tomorrow (1/23) is your last chance to stop by and say farewell to the Opry Mills Disney Outlet Store. (Sigh.)  I went by today and made one final purchase. Got two T-shirts (Minnie) and a hat (Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland) for a grand total of $1.63! And while I love a great deal, it was a bittersweet victory. :-/ Stock is very low, but what's left is an additional 75% off the lowest price (which was, in most cases, considerably lower than it was actually marked).

Even more sad, we'll lose the only other Nashville-area Disney store next month as the Cool Springs Galleria store closes. Right now, this store has the entire store discounted at 25% off. If you're looking for specific merchandise, now is the time to go! But if you're simply looking for great deals, you might want to wait a week or two. I hope to stop by in the next couple of days to see what great deals I can find.

Friday Photo (or should that be Friday Foto?)

I know it's a bit of a stretch, but since there isn't a day of the week that starts with ph, then I guess we'll have to make it work. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some of our family's favorite Disney photos. Here's the inaugural "Friday Photo."



This was our oldest daughter's first trip to WDW. We were having lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. At age 2, Reagan was in awe of the princesses! I love this pic with Snow White--especially the funny expression on Reagan's face. SW left Reagan with a lovely souvenir: a big red kiss print on her forehead. :-)

Thursday's Tip

Today's Thursday's Tip is a "before you go" tip: Know the park hours! In fact, I think this is a must before you even plan your vacation dates. Why? Because you get a lot more bang for your buck if the parks are open until 10 PM (or later) than you do if they close at 7 PM.  (Yet another reason why Animal Kingdom is not my favorite park--it always closes earlier than the others. But I digress...)

It's hard to predict what the park hours might be during a specific time of year without checking. While there is some seasonal fluxuation, there are also special events--marathons, Pirates & Princess Party, corporate events--that can cause any one of the parks to close early.

But fear not! For by consulting the park calendar/hours here, you can figure out which parks are open the latest  on which days, and juggle your touring plan accordingly. Oh, and don't forget those Extra Magic Hours too! Just for staying at a Disney resort, you get an extra hour or two in one of the parks each day.

If you're like me, getting the most out of your time at WDW is important! Why would you want to get just 10 hours in a park, when you could get up to 15 for the same price?!?

New Disney Site Coming in February

It looks like we're not the only ones updating our website! Disney will be rolling out a new vacation planning site, My Magical Vacation, on February 8. For now, there's just a colorful home page inviting you to come back then. You can check it out and bookmark it  here.

New Look

We've updated our look! How do you like it? Did you notice the Mickey colors--black, white, red, and a subtle hint of yellow...just like everybody's favorite mouse! I'm in the process  of learning how to fully utilize the new site (thanks to instruction from my IT-guru husband). Hoping to add more content soon, including resources such as tip lists, restaurant guides, packing lists, and more.

With spring break and summer vacation just around the corner (at least in Disney planning terms), now is a great time to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation!

Fantasyland Expansion Nears Groundbreaking

Do you remember the big expansion of Fantasyland that was officially announced back in September? You can read about it here. It looks like Disney will be beginning the nearly three-year project very soon, with groundbreaking early in 2010. While undoubtedly there will be disruptions and temporary closures throughout this process, one thing Disney does well is camouflage its construction. Still, it would be wise to monitor progress closely if you're planning a trip with little ones. Wouldn't want anyone to miss out on their favorite attractions!

Thursday's Tip

It's easy on a Disney vacation to become so "in the moment" that you forget to document those precious moments on film. Today's tip: utilize Disney's PhotoPass. Perhaps you balk at the $150 price tag for the PhotoPass CD--I do, too! But if you don't have a reliable camera, or you want to be free from the baggage that comes with being the designated photographer, $150 isn't a bad price to keep your vacation memories alive. (Oh, and you can get a discount if you pre-purchase the CD.)

But I'm not here to convince you to purchase Disney's CD of all your pictures. I simply want you to know how to use this FREE service. Yep, that's right...free. Why bother? Well, I consider it a "just in case" plan. "Just in case" your camera is lost..."just in case" your camera isn't functioning properly..."just in case" you didn't get that perfect shot of the kids with Mickey. Don't worry, Disney's PhotoPass photographers did. As a bonus, it's a great way to share photos with friends and family too.

How does it work? From your first steps into the Magic Kingdom (or any of the Disney Parks), you will begin to see Cast Members in uniform. There are two things that set apart Disney Photopass photographer: large cameras (duh!) and utility vests with lots of pockets (for extra batteries, extra PhotoPass cards, etc.). Unless you're walking determinedly toward the castle, they will likely ask if you'd like a photo. Then they'll ask if you have a PhotoPass. If you don't, they'll give you one. It looks like this:

And then they'll take your picture. Any time you see one of these photographers and would like a photo, approach and request. Simple as that. Your photo will also be taken at all character meet-n-greets by PhotoPass photographers. They'll always ask for your card, just in case you forget. You might also have your photo taken on various attractions, such as Splash Mountain or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. When this happens, you can scan your PhotoPass near your picture at the photo booth/kiosk, and those photos will be added to your account as well. AND, you can upload your own photos to the PhotoPass website too! Keep adding photos to the same PhotoPass throughout your vacation. When you return to your computer, visit http://www.disneyphotopass.com/ and plug in the code on the back of your PhotoPass card to view and/or purchase photos. In addition, the website gives you the opportunity to email the link to friends and family FREE! Since guests can purchase your photos also, this will eliminate Aunt June's incessant nagging for a picture of the kids with Goofy.

Be sure to take advantage of this free, reliable service on your next Disney vacation!

Thursday's Tip

It's easy on a Disney vacation to become so "in the moment" that you forget to document those precious moments on film. Today's tip: utilize Disney's PhotoPass. Perhaps you balk at the $150 price tag for the PhotoPass CD--I do, too! But if you don't have a reliable camera, or you want to be free from the baggage that comes with being the designated photographer, $150 isn't a bad price to keep your vacation memories alive. (Oh, and you can get a discount if you pre-purchase the CD.)

But I'm not here to convince you to purchase Disney's CD of all your pictures. I simply want you to know how to use this FREE service. Yep, that's right...free. Why bother? Well, I consider it a "just in case" plan. "Just in case" your camera is lost..."just in case" your camera isn't functioning properly..."just in case" you didn't get that perfect shot of the kids with Mickey. Don't worry, Disney's PhotoPass photographers did. As a bonus, it's a great way to share photos with friends and family too.

How does it work? From your first steps into the Magic Kingdom (or any of the Disney Parks), you will begin to see Cast Members in uniform. There are two things that set apart Disney Photopass photographer: large cameras (duh!) and utility vests with lots of pockets (for extra batteries, extra PhotoPass cards, etc.). Unless you're walking determinedly toward the castle, they will likely ask if you'd like a photo. Then they'll ask if you have a PhotoPass. If you don't, they'll give you one. It looks like this:

And then they'll take your picture. Any time you see one of these photographers and would like a photo, approach and request. Simple as that. Your photo will also be taken at all character meet-n-greets by PhotoPass photographers. They'll always ask for your card, just in case you forget. You might also have your photo taken on various attractions, such as Splash Mountain or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. When this happens, you can scan your PhotoPass near your picture at the photo booth/kiosk, and those photos will be added to your account as well. AND, you can upload your own photos to the PhotoPass website too! Keep adding photos to the same PhotoPass throughout your vacation. When you return to your computer, visit http://www.disneyphotopass.com/ and plug in the code on the back of your PhotoPass card to view and/or purchase photos. In addition, the website gives you the opportunity to email the link to friends and family FREE! Since guests can purchase your photos also, this will eliminate Aunt June's incessant nagging for a picture of the kids with Goofy.

Be sure to take advantage of this free, reliable service on your next Disney vacation!

New and Improved Affording the Mou$e Coming Soon

As we Disney fans know all too well, even our favorite attractions need a little refurbishment every now and then. The same goes for Affording the Mou$e. And while I hesitate to mention it too soon, for fear that the schedule may go awry, I am hoping to have a new-and-improved version of the site up by the end of the week! The new format will allow me to add more relevant content and features, and it will have a more contemporary, fun look.

We're excited to share our new look! In the meantime, don't forget to join us on Facebook. Invite your friends too!

New and Improved Affording the Mou$e Coming Soon

As we Disney fans know all too well, even our favorite attractions need a little refurbishment every now and then. The same goes for Affording the Mou$e. And while I hesitate to mention it too soon, for fear that the schedule may go awry, I am hoping to have a new-and-improved version of the site up by the end of the week! The new format will allow me to add more relevant content and features, and it will have a more contemporary, fun look.

We're excited to share our new look! In the meantime, don't forget to join us on Facebook. Invite your friends too!

No "Doc Hudson" for Cars 2

You may have heard that Cars 2, the sequel to the uber-popular NASCAR-themed Pixar flick, will be making its round in theatres in 2011. But with the passing of Hollywood legend Paul Newman in 2008, there is one key character who won't be making an appearance: The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, aka Doc Hudson. It seems that original scripts did indeed feature Doc as a prominent character, but after Newman's passing Pixar execs decided to retire the character rather than have another actor voice Doc.

It will be interesting to see how the script handles Doc's absence. I think, considering the stature of Mr. Newman, the filmmakers made the right decision. I can't imagine anyone else as Doc. Still, Radiator Springs will seem a little less than perfect without its patriarch.

No "Doc Hudson" for Cars 2

You may have heard that Cars 2, the sequel to the uber-popular NASCAR-themed Pixar flick, will be making its round in theatres in 2011. But with the passing of Hollywood legend Paul Newman in 2008, there is one key character who won't be making an appearance: The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, aka Doc Hudson. It seems that original scripts did indeed feature Doc as a prominent character, but after Newman's passing Pixar execs decided to retire the character rather than have another actor voice Doc.

It will be interesting to see how the script handles Doc's absence. I think, considering the stature of Mr. Newman, the filmmakers made the right decision. I can't imagine anyone else as Doc. Still, Radiator Springs will seem a little less than perfect without its patriarch.

Military Room-Only Discounts

Hot on the heels of the recently-announced ticket deals for military personnel comes a room-only discount of up to 40% off the regular seasonal rates at select Walt Disney Resorts. Combining these two offers, active and retired military can create an extremely-discounted Walt Disney World vacation. Here are the details:

• Travel dates are now through September 30, 2010. However, discount will be limited or unavailable during these dates: February 12-14; March 22-April 10; May 21-24; July 3-4.


• Minimum stay may be required. Not all resorts will be available for all days. Weekend and weekday rates may vary. (All pretty standard for WDW resort discounts.)


• You can add the Disney Dining Plan to these room-only rates! (This is not typical with discounts offered to the general public--you usually have to purchase tickets as well to get the dining plan!)


• Discount is available not only at Shades of Green, the military-only Resort at WDW, but also at other WDW Resorts.
  

To find out more, especially regarding eligibility, contact Shades of Green. Or, to book through Affording the Mouse, email us at affordingthemouse@att.net.

Military Room-Only Discounts

Hot on the heels of the recently-announced ticket deals for military personnel comes a room-only discount of up to 40% off the regular seasonal rates at select Walt Disney Resorts. Combining these two offers, active and retired military can create an extremely-discounted Walt Disney World vacation. Here are the details:

• Travel dates are now through September 30, 2010. However, discount will be limited or unavailable during these dates: February 12-14; March 22-April 10; May 21-24; July 3-4.


• Minimum stay may be required. Not all resorts will be available for all days. Weekend and weekday rates may vary. (All pretty standard for WDW resort discounts.)


• You can add the Disney Dining Plan to these room-only rates! (This is not typical with discounts offered to the general public--you usually have to purchase tickets as well to get the dining plan!)


• Discount is available not only at Shades of Green, the military-only Resort at WDW, but also at other WDW Resorts.

To find out more, especially regarding eligibility, contact Shades of Green. Or, to book through Affording the Mouse, email us at affordingthemouse@att.net.

Thursday's Tip

Today's tip is simple, yet rarely utilized: Always ask for a discount! (Which goes along with my personal motto: Never pay full price!)

When calling to make resort reservations, be sure to ask the Cast Member helping you about any discounts for which you might be eligible. For example, auto clubs, military personnel, educators, and even health care workers are among groups that are sometimes offered reduced rates at Disney resorts and other hotels in the Orlando area. And if you've seen a discount advertised on a website, ask for it (it helps to know the discount code). Even highly publicized discounts will rarely be offered to you unless you request them. Ask...and you shall receive!

Thursday's Tip

Today's tip is simple, yet rarely utilized: Always ask for a discount! (Which goes along with my personal motto: Never pay full price!)

When calling to make resort reservations, be sure to ask the Cast Member helping you about any discounts for which you might be eligible. For example, auto clubs, military personnel, educators, and even health care workers are among groups that are sometimes offered reduced rates at Disney resorts and other hotels in the Orlando area. And if you've seen a discount advertised on a website, ask for it (it helps to know the discount code). Even highly publicized discounts will rarely be offered to you unless you request them. Ask...and you shall receive!

Florida Resident Tickets: Four Days for $99

It's definitely a sweet deal...so sweet that I wish I was eligible. But alas, I reside in Tennessee. But if you're a Florida resident and don't have an annual pass (why wouldn't you?), you can purchase a 4-day Dream Pass for just $99 that will give you entry to one of the parks for four separate days! The tickets are good until May 25, 2010, but blackout dates apply (late March/early April--during spring break weeks). You can find out more by clicking here.

Florida Resident Tickets: Four Days for $99

It's definitely a sweet deal...so sweet that I wish I was eligible. But alas, I reside in Tennessee. But if you're a Florida resident and don't have an annual pass (why wouldn't you?), you can purchase a 4-day Dream Pass for just $99 that will give you entry to one of the parks for four separate days! The tickets are good until May 25, 2010, but blackout dates apply (late March/early April--during spring break weeks). You can find out more by clicking here.

Picnic in the Park Goes Away...For Now

Animal Kingdom's "Picnic in the Park" offering--where guests can order a selection of entrees, sides, and beverages for a picnic lunch--is no longer available. But, don't be too sad...we hear this fun lunch plan will be back as a seasonal offering. But for now, guests can create their own picnic lunch from the "Grab & Go" section at Beastly Bazaar.

Picnic in the Park Goes Away...For Now

Animal Kingdom's "Picnic in the Park" offering--where guests can order a selection of entrees, sides, and beverages for a picnic lunch--is no longer available. But, don't be too sad...we hear this fun lunch plan will be back as a seasonal offering. But for now, guests can create their own picnic lunch from the "Grab & Go" section at Beastly Bazaar.

Happy New Year! It's Time to Volunteer

Wow, I made a rhyme! But seriously, folks, it's time to take advantage of Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day" promotion. Go here to sign up for volunteer opportunities, and get a day in any of the Disney Parks for free! Who doesn't love FREE?!? This really is a win/win! Sign up today.

Happy New Year! It's Time to Volunteer

Wow, I made a rhyme! But seriously, folks, it's time to take advantage of Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day" promotion. Go here to sign up for volunteer opportunities, and get a day in any of the Disney Parks for free! Who doesn't love FREE?!? This really is a win/win! Sign up today.