Thursday's Tip

So you're going to Walt Disney World for spring break next week--hey, that sounds fun! But as I'm sure you've already been warned, Easter week is one of the most crowded times in the parks. Today's Thursday's Tip is really a collection of strategies for surviving--and enjoying!--Disney, even when it's crowded.

1. Make a plan, and prioritize your day. List your "must see," "wanna see," and "we can skip this if we run out of time" attractions. Start with the most popular and go from there.


2. Arrive early and follow the "rope drop" to your first attraction. You'll likely get a couple of things in before some of the lolly-gaggers have even made their way through the gate.


3. Use FastPass. ALWAYS have one ready for the next attraction. We like to designate a FP "runner" who holds everyone's tickets and grabs FPs while the rest of the group moves on to the next attraction. (Make sure this person is physically fit and responsible!)


4. Eat at off-peak times. This saves time, but can also save you money (see post here). Better yet, pack your own food and eat while waiting in line.


5. Skip the parade and take advantage of the lighter crowds while everyone else watches. This might not go over well if you have small children.


6. Consider using a program, such as Ridemax, to provide a customized touring plan that will maximize your time in the parks. Yes, there is a fee, but for these most crowded times, it will definitely increase the number of attractions you're able to fit in. This program is not for the "stop and smell the roses" crowd. Only hard-core tourers need apply.

Oh, and don't forget to wear your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Enjoy your trip!

Guest Posting

Click here to read my guest post over at Couponing to Disney. While you're there, check out some of the great shopping deals Kristin has for you.

Disney Visa Bonus Rewards: Enroll Now!

If  you have a Disney Rewards Visa, be looking in your mail for a special enrollment card that will help you earn three times the normal Disney Dream Reward Dollars on eligible purchases from April 1 through June 30. The categories included are: Dining, Airlines, Gas, and Groceries (YES!).  HOWEVER (and that's a big HOWEVER on purpose), you have to spend $750 in any given category--or combination of categories--per month, and THEN you begin to accumulate at three times the normal rate. There is also a maximum of 100 bonus Dream Reward Dollars available.

BUT (also big on purpose), if you're buying airline tickets, or if you use your card for all gas, grocery, and dining purchases, it's certainly within the realm of possibility that you'll earn a few extra bonus dollars.

If you're not familiar with the Chase Disney Rewards Visa, you can see my posts here and here. Or, you can go here to apply.

Upcoming Disney DVD/Blu-Ray Releases

Here are a few upcoming releases from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, including the format on which they will be available:

• April 6:  My Friends Tigger & Pooh, Super Duper Super Sleuths (DVD)


• April 13:  The Great Mouse Detective, Mystery in the Mist Edition (DVD)


• April 20:  Handy Manny, Big Race (DVD)


• April 27:  Armageddon (Blu-ray) and Tombstone (Blu-ray)


• June 15:  When in Rome (DVD/Blu-ray)


• September 21:  Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue (Blu-ray combo pack, DVD)


• October 5:  Beauty and the Beast (Blu-ray/DVD combo pack)

Our family will be anxiously awaiting the fall for Tink and Belle, two favorites. They would make great Christmas gifts...if we could wait that long without opening them! Which releases are you looking forward to purchasing?

Buy Alice Today

The two-disc Special Un-Anniversary Edition of Disney's Alice in Wonderland(the animated version, NOT the new live action film) goes on sale today. It's available in DVD (no Blu-ray). No coupons are available at this time, but I've seen it priced as low as $17.99 at Target.

Disney Offers Incentive to Eat at Off-Peak Times

If you're familiar at all with Disney's "seasons" (no, I don't mean spring, summer, fall, and winter, but rather value, peak, regular, holiday), you know that spring can be a double whammy. First, it's peak season, due to spring break. But it's also holiday season when Easter rolls around. The equation looks something like this:

Spring Break + Easter = Crowded Parks

In order to combat overcrowding at a select few Magic Kingdom eateries, Disney is distributing 20% off dining coupons for specific, off-peak times during Easter week (April 3-10). If you eat before 11:30 a.m. or between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the following locations, you'll be eligible for the discount: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Columbia Harbour House, Pinocchio Village Haus, Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe, and the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace.

Might I recommend the clam chowder at Columbia Harbour House? Or, the rotisserie chicken and sides at Cosmic Ray's is great if you're really hungry (or want to share). Two of my favorites!

Custom Toy Car Shop Opens at Downtown Disney

My husband loves auto racing. He enjoys Disney too, but he loves NASCAR. Now he has a reason to love Disney--specifically Downtown Disney--just a little bit more. Ridemakerz, a custom toy car shop, opened in Downtown Disney this week. The store, housed in the former Virgin Megastore location, allows guests to design and build custom, one-of-a-kind remote control cars. This sounds like little boy heaven...and I know a couple of princesses who would probably enjoy it too!

A Ridemakerz store already exists in California's Downtown Disney district. And apparently it's so popular that they are currently expanding, according to Disney's website.

I know our family--especially the Daddy--will enjoy checking out Ridemakerz on our next WDW visit!

Update on Wishes Dessert Party

Just two days after I mentioned the return of the Wishes Dessert Party in this post, more information has surfaced on the official Disney Parks Blog. For those of you who were interested in the specifics, here's the info directly from their post:

WISHES DESSERT PARTY RETURNS. Make your reservation for this exclusive party that resumes Sunday, March 28, at Tomorrowland Terrace in the Magic Kingdom. For $25.99, $13.99 ages 3 to 9, you can settle in an hour before the Wishes nighttime spectacular and enjoy all the sweets you care to eat with coffee, tea and other beverages. And plenty of fantastic viewing spots for the fireworks. Call 407-WDW-DINE and pick a date except for April 23, 24 and 30 and May 1 when the party is on hold for Grad Nite in the Magic Kingdom. (Magic Kingdom admission is required.) If you show up without a reservation, you can try to reserve a spot – but we recommend calling ahead. Even guests with sugar-free diets can enjoy this sweet ending – just ask a cast member for assistance.

So there you have it. Sugar addicts and chocoholics, unite and enjoy!

Walking Sleeping Beauty Now in Limited Release

And when they say "limited," they really mean it. Basically, if you're in California, New York, Illinois, or Pennsylvania, you can find a theatre somewhere in your vicinity showing it. Click here to find a showing . The rest of us will have to wait for DVD release, I suppose.

What's that you say? You haven't heard of Waking Sleeping Beauty? Here's a little description of the film to whet your appetite:

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn't care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits - "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast ," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more - over a 10-year period.    

I am so excited to see this documentary! (And I am not generally a documentary-lovin' woman.) I miss the days when the public got to sneak a peek at animators in action at Disney's Hollywood Studios, so it will be fun to have an inside view again of what went into this prolific period in Disney Animation history.

Friday Photo

In honor of Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival (currently underway), today's Friday Photo is from the Fairy Garden at 2009's F&GF. Tink is a fave in our house, and I just love this adorable topiary of her, especially the little puff balls on her shoes--so cute!

Star Tours Refurb Finally Scheduled?

You may remember me mentioning changes coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios attraction Star Tours here. Stitch Kingdom is reporting a rumored refurbishment scheduled for Star Tours beginning September 8. The attraction would likely be closed until May 20. Sadly, I think that means we'll miss it on our next trip. :-(

In the same post, Stitch Kingdom also reported that Toy Story Midway Mania, also in DHS, will be closed for a short refurbishment August 15 through September 5. (This is our family's FAVORITE attraction...we'd have to reschedule the trip, if we were going then!)

Thursday's Tip

After a long day of park-hopping, you drag the kiddos to the monorail line (be sure to use the one to the resorts--it's less crowded!). After finally boarding, you make your way back to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) and scramble to the tram line. Right about then is when it hits you...you have no earthly idea where you parked. Today's tip: take a photo of the number and name of your parking lane (usually something like "Goofy 43") with your phone or digital camera when you arrive!

We almost always drive to the parks. Why? Because when we stay on-site, it's free. And we love the freedom of being able to come and go at will, without waiting for a bus. (Have you seen the bus lines at closing? Yikes!) And sometimes (rarely) we leave the park for lunch. It's just convenient for us.

But if you've been park-hopping it's possible to forget even which park you've left your car at, not to mention which section and lane. Do yourself a favor, and take that picture. That way, when you're brain-dead after a long day, you won't have to ride the parking lot tram over and over, searching for your vehicle.

Please, Oh Please, Let It Stay!

Good news--the Wishes Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom is returning on March 28!!! This is probably the ONE THING at Walt Disney World that I have never done that I want to do the most! So far, it has always been a seasonal offering...and I somehow manage to miss the season. So, Dear Disney, I am begging you...please, Please, PLEASE make this a permanent dining experience! I really, Really, REALLY want to try it! Thanks! Love, ME.

Bus Accident at WDW Sends Eight to the Hospital

A bus accident involving a Walt Disney World bus and a Mears charter bus sent eight people to the hospital Tuesday just before 2:00 p.m. near Epcot. The driver of the Disney bus was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He required surgery, but his injuries are not life-threatening.  At least one of the guests on board the Disney bus had serious injuries. All others taken to various hospitals had minor injuries. Only the driver was on board the Mears bus, and she was not injured.

By all reports, the Disney bus rear-ended the Mears bus, which was parked (due to mechanical trouble) and had its hazard lights on. Conditions seemed to be clear, and no obvious reason for the collision has surfaced. The investigation is ongoing.

Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin Winter Sale

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts are having a winter sale. You can stay for just $149 most nights between now and May 31. But hurry--you must book by March 31 to get this special rate. Book online, or call 866-924-8704 and reference special number 383511 to get the deal.

Exposition Hall Closing to Make Room for Mickey & Minnie

Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom will be closing on April 2 to begin construction on the new character meet & greet (presumably for Mickey & Minnie, but may include other characters as well). Since the plans are to level Toontown (*sigh*) with the new Fantasyland expansion, these beloved characters will find their new home on Main Street. In the mean time, the Storytime Experience that is currently housed in Exposition Hall will move to Epcot, and the Walt Disney World Theatre will close (no word on if this is a temporary or permanent close). In true Disney fashion, the gift shop at the front of Exposition Hall will remain open.

Guest Post @ Couponing to Disney

I'm guest posting over at Couponing to Disney today with some touring tips for the Magic Kingdom. You can see the post here. While you're there, check out the great deals Kristin has on her site!

Disney DVD/Blu-Ray Coupons & Deals

There are some great deals to be had on Disney DVDs and Blu-ray discs! My friend Kristin over at Couponing to Disney has an excellent (albeit complicated) deal here to get DVD/Blu-ray combo packs for The Princess and the Frog, Toy Story 1, and Toy Story 2 for less than $6 each--even less if you consider that TS1 and TS2 have a free movie ticket for Toy Story 3 inside. You could easily end up making money on this deal, especially if you submit the rebate(s) for The Princess and the Frog. [Note: To get the $10 off coupons for TS1 and TS2, you need to own a previous version and have that UPC code handy (the collector's set should work too), AND you need to be a member of Disney Movie Rewards. It's free to join and a great points program if you buy a lot of Disney DVDs. If you don't have previous copies of the TS movies, there are $5 off coupons available for both.]

This is such a great deal that I just might have to purchase another copy of TPATF as a gift! (Got mine at Target for $6.99 after rebates last week.) Or maybe I'll pick up a classic Disney flick on Blu-ray that we haven't already purchased...but whatever could that be? Seems we own most of them already!

Happy deal-hunting!

Friday Photo

Isn't she cute as a button? This is my oldest daughter Reagan in May of '08. We were on our way to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort for breakfast with Mickey and the gang. And, as is usually the case with my girls, that meant dressing the part.

As an aside, we love, Love, LOVE Chef Mickey's breakfast buffet! Definitely a lot of bang for your Disney buck, as well as a great character experience.

Toy Story 3 a Big Hit at ShoWest

As film industry folks are wrapping up their time at ShoWest in Las Vegas today, Disney/Pixar execs are no doubt basking in the early praise for Toy Story 3. Words like "brilliant" and "touching" are floating around. And while most media are honoring producer Darla Anderson's request not to reveal any plot details, there is one revelation floating around the blogosphere: you're gonna need to bring your tissues.

Apparently the last 30 minutes are weepers. That's when the fate of Woody, Buzz, and the gang is decided. There are also some tense moments leading up to the conclusion that may be frightening to the youngest viewers, but the resolution justifies the journey, so I'm told.

Plan to re-watch TS1 and TS2 for a refresher course before the new movie hits theatres on June 18.

Thursday's Tip

I'm addicted to free samples. Seriously. If it says, "Free--Take One!" I'm all over it. So what do I do with all those tiny portions of shampoo, perfume, moisturizer, lotion, cereal, and energy bars? I save them for my next Walt Disney World vacation! Have you been down the sample aisle at Target lately? Sample sizes of shampoo, deodorant, etc. cost around $1 each! With my couponing habits, I rarely pay that much for full size health & beauty products, so it really stings to pay that for the tiny versions.

If you haven't developed the free sample habit like I have, I'll get you started. Here are a few links you can click to sign up for your own free samples:

Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner

Bounce Fabric Softener

South Beach Living Bar

Bora Bora Organic Bar

John Frieda Shampoo & Conditioner

Night of Joy Lineup Released

While I have never been able to attend Walt Disney World's Night of Joy, it is an event that pairs two of my favorite things--Disney and Christian music. So I'm super excited to announce the lineup for the 2010 Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom on September 10 and 11. It includes some great artists!

Friday:

• Chris Tomlin


• David Crowder Band


• Casting Crowns


• BarlowGirl


• Francesca Battistelli


• Group 1 Crew


• Tenth Avenue North


• Sidewalk Prophets

Saturday:

• mercyme


• Third Day


• Family Force 5


• Smokie Norful


• Red


• LeCrae


• Day of Fire

Success Rice/The Princess and the Frog Rebate

If you weren't satisfied with the FrogTape and/or Band-Aid rebates for The Princess and the Frog, there is now a Success Rice rebate available here for $5 back when you purchase two rice products and the DVD or Blu-ray. (Look for a coupon in the upcoming Sunday paper to make this an even sweeter deal!)  And since Disney movies only come with only two proof of purchase tabs, you'll have to decide which two of these rebates are your favorite.

Top o' the...Er...Evenin' To Ya!

OK, so I have to apologize to you, my dear reader. I have been very remiss in my posting lately. The truth is, we're on spring break this week. And while I do love having my whole family together (husband is off work too), all this togetherness is really eating up my web time. We've taken a brief road trip, painted a bathroom, visited the allergist (my daughter), visited the dentist (me), and painted cabinets. Whoo! I'm exhausted! So, you'll forgive me if I haven't had time to post. But rest assured, I have been checking in with the blogosphere daily, and there isn't anything earth-shattering that you've missed.

I promise to be back in true form next week. Oh, and btw, Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here's a little clip from Veggie Tales that give the history behind this holiday. Maybe you've never heard this before, but it's pretty interesting. And leave it to Veggie Tales to make the story fun and easy-to-understand.

Did You Get Yours?

Bought my DVD/Blu-ray combo pack of The Princess and the Frogtoday at Target. It came with a bonus gift--a cute little coin purse that I'm sure my girls will fight over.  It was priced at $26.99, but I had the $10 off coupon, for a total of $16.99. I also plan to submit both the FrogTape rebate for $5 and the Band-Aid rebate for $5, taking the total down to $6.99. Of course, I had to purchase those items, but we are actually painting this week and needed the FrogTape, so that was a good deal...and I had both a store coupon and manufacturer's coupon for the Band-Aids and got them nearly free. All in all, another great Disney deal!

The Princess and the Frog Releases; Disney Officially Welcomes Tiana

OK, so Tuesday is the big day--The Princess and the Frogreleases on DVD/Blu-ray. I'll be heading to Target to get my combo pack for $26.99, minus the $10 coupon, minus the $5 FrogTape rebate (yes, we're painting this week!), and minus the $5 Bandaid rebate. Net cost after rebates and coupon: $6.99--not too shabby.



We've known Tiana as the most recent Disney Princess for a while now, but Disney made it official on Sunday in a star-studded event in New York City. All the other princesses were there to welcome Princess Tiana as the 9th Disney Princess in the Court. (If you have any question about who the other "official" princesses are, you can check out the photo above. Apparently, Giselle doesn't have that distinction.)

To read more about the event, you can check out the official Disney press release here.

Guest Post at Couponing to Disney

I'm guest posting at Couponing to Disney tonight, so hop on over to read my post about where to eat in the Magic Kingdom.

The Ever-Elusive Pin Code

We received one of the infamous pin codes in the mail this week. This is the second one we've received...ever. What is a pin code? It's a non-transferable offer for a special discount or deal from Disney. Our first was for 40% of any resort stay for a specified time period--we used that one. The one we just received is for free Quick-Service Dining Plan when you purchase a 4-night/5-day Magic Your Way package, for most stays between now and July 3. Not a bad deal, but not quite as good as the current Disney Rewards Visa deal I told you about in this post, so I think we'll pass.

How does one go about receiving one of these mysterious codes? That's the thing--nobody really knows. It appears to be somewhat random, although here are a few things that might help your chances:

• Sign up as a member on any Disney website.


• Request a free Disney Planning DVD.


• Request free Disney Parks maps.


• Apply for a Disney Rewards Visa.


• Make a purchase at www.DisneyStore.com.


• Stay at a Disney resort...often.

The best way to increase your chances of receiving a pin code is to get in Disney's system any and every way you can. And I think the last item on the list--staying at a Disney resort--is perhaps the most important. In fact, I've never met anyone who had never been to WDW who received one of these pin codes. (I'm just saying, don't wait around for one of these codes before booking your first trip.)

Anybody out there ever received an awesome pin code? Let me hear about it in the comments!

Friday Photo

If you have daughters, like me, and you love English tea, like me, then you'll want to visit the Garden View Tea Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort. It's a small "room with a view," with a dozen tables or so. You can sip tea and eat tasty treats while looking out on the man-made beach. This Friday Photo was taken in May, when I took my oldest daughter, Reagan (then 5) to afternoon tea. We both enjoyed that special mommy/daughter time. For just $6, you can sip on a pot of tea. For around $20, you can get a full tea service with sandwiches, pastries, etc.--enough for lunch. Afternoon tea is a great alternative to the $250 My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea at the same location. Reservations are highly recommended, as the tea room has limited seating and only serves for a few hours each afternoon.

The Princess and the Frog Coupon Now Available

You can get a coupon for $10 off the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack here. The movie releases on Tuesday, March 16.

Thursday's Tip

Wow, it's already halfway through Thursday, and I'm just now getting to posting Thursday's Tip. All I can say is that I was busy researching and planning a Walt Disney World vacation for a client. So thank you, Loyal Reader, for hanging in there and waiting for me!

Today's tip came to mind this week as I was trading emails with my friend Kristin over at Couponing to Disney about the new Disney Rewards Visa discount I reported in this post. She had previously booked her trip and was wondering if this was going to be a better deal for her family. You can read her post about that decision here.

OK, back to the tip: Even if you've already booked your WDW vacation, don't be afraid to call back and re-book if you find a better deal! As long as you've booked through Disney, you can make changes to your trip virtually up until your arrival (providing they have the rooms/days available). In fact, you can cancel your trip without paying a cent in cancellation fees, as long as you do so at least five days prior to your arrival date. Never, NEVER think that you're trapped into your current deal! (Unless, of course, you booked through someone other than Disney that has a no-refund policy. Then, well, you are trapped.)

On our last visit in October, I booked at the regular rate simply to have our reservation made. Then they released a room-only discount, and I re-booked. Then, we got one of those fabulous-yet-rare personal pin codes, so I called back a third time and re-booked! Oh, there's no stopping me when it comes to saving money!

Happy deal-hunting!

Disney Offers 'Premier Passport'

I'm a Disney World girl. I actually find myself correcting people who ask me, "Are you going to Disneyland again this year?" Um, no. No, I'm not. I'm going to Walt Disney WORLD, thank you very much. I'd like to visit Disneyland sometime (no, I've never been), but my loyalty lies with the park that was birthed in the same year that I was, has far more acreage and--IMHO--more to offer in terms of variety and attractions, and (perhaps most importantly) is closest to my home.

But if you live in the middle of the country (I'm thinking about those Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma folks), this might be the deal for you! Disney is offering a new Premier Passport that will serve as an annual pass to BOTH Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. For $700 plus tax, you'll get unlimited admission into all the major parks for a year, as well as admission to the water parks, DisneyQuest, ESPN WWoS Complex, Oak Trail Golf Course, free parking to all parks, as well as a few extras. Not a bad deal when you consider that the annual pass for WDW only is around $500. For an extra $200, you get Disneyland thrown in.

I can't help but noticing that the biggest benefits seem to be for the Orlando area parks, simply because there just isn't as much at the Anaheim location. Perhaps the biggest benefit would be had by those who live close to WDW but plan at least one trip this year to Disneyland. Just my observation.

You can read more about this new Premier Passport here.

Ooooooh, I Want!

Have you seen the fun new kitchen gear from The Disney Store? They are part of the Disney Parks collection. Every time I visit the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, I find myself enamored by the kitchen items. Now you can order these items wherever you are. I want one of everything! I'm especially excited about the classic Mickey tea kettle. I'm starting my Christmas list right now! You can see more of Mickey's kitchen gear here.

The Princess and the Frog on DVD/Blu-Ray Next Tuesday

With the release of The Princess and the Frog next Tuesday, prepare to see some great deals in the coming week. If history holds true, there will be multiple rebate options to accompany the $10 off coupon that is expected to be posted by Disney soon.

One rebate has already been released. Buy a roll of FrogTape and the film, and get $5 back by mail. Just complete the form here. Since the product retails for about that much (or more!), this one is only a good deal if you actually need the painter's tape. I'm holding out for something more fitting to my own shopping habits.

Target will have the DVD/Blu-ray pack priced at $26.99, with the DVD at $15.99 (but the Disney coupon will not apply to the DVD purchase), so you could snag TPATF for $16.99 on Blu-ray/DVD, or even $9.99 with the rebate and coupon.

Stay tuned for more deals and rebate offers as they come in!

UPDATE: There is now a Band-Aid rebate for $5 here.  (Thanks, Couponing to Disney!)

Kids Stay, Play, and Dine Free for Disney Visa Cardholders

There's a new discount available to Disney Visa Cardholders. Not a Disney Visa member? Drop me an email at affordingthemouse (at) att (dot) net for your personal referral code.

Disney Rewards^® Visa^® Cardmembers, take advantage of this exclusive offer for stays most nights March 14, 2010 – August 14, 2010. When you purchase a 4-night 5-day Magic Your Way vacation package that includes room, Theme Park tickets and a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, a child 3-9 can stay, get 5-day Theme Park tickets and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, FREE.

Make your family’s stay more magical with these Resort extras:
	Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan: Lets you choose Quick-Service meals and snacks at over 50 select Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants.
	Disney’s Magical Express Service: Enjoy complimentary motor-coach transportation to and from Orlando International Airport.
	Extra Magic Hours Benefit: Each day, one of the Parks is open for extra time to enjoy select attractions.
	Guest Transportation: Complimentary transportation takes your family from your Disney Resort Hotel to all four Disney Theme Parks and more – throughout the day!
Click here for more details!

Alice in Wonderland's Historic Opening Weekend

$210.3 million--that's the figure! The biggest winter opening in history. It seems that 3-D may be mostly responsible for the huge take this weekend, generating about 70% of the total revenue. So, one has to ask, were it not for 3-D, would Alicehave had a record-breaking opening? It stands to reason, since 3-D flicks usually charge a higher admission--and especially those shown in Imax--that perhaps the $210.3 figure is a bit "inflated," at least in terms of how many people actually saw the film.

But, then again, maybe that's just "sour grapes" on my part. You see, my plans of seeing the film in 3-D Imax on opening day were foiled when all the shows sold out. Now, I know what you're going to say: "Why didn't you buy tickets on Fandango?" The short version is that we had free "re-admission" passes that we needed to use and could only use them at the box office. (The long version involves an Imax malfunction at over two hours into Avatar...never did see the end of that one!)

I plan to see Alice in Wonderland sometime next week, when my family is on spring break. You'll have to wait until then for my official review.

Flower & Garden Time-Lapse Video

I just love these time-lapse videos. Fun to see (quickly) all that goes into preparation for the various Disney special events. This one is for the Flower & Garden Festival that's going on now until May 16.

UP a Big Winner at the Oscars

Congratulations to UP for winning two Oscars last night: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score! I think both awards were well-deserved. Even though our family was anticipating the opening of The Princess and the Frog with more excitement than UP, I have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised at how much we loved UP...and continue to love it. The first ten to fifteen minutes of this film are golden, in my opinion. It tackles the tough theme of growing old and death with delicacy and beauty. It definitely gets all thumbs UP in our household!

Princess Half Marathon Sunday

The Princess Half Marathon will be run on Sunday. This event is always a fun time at WDW. Of course there are very serious runners--and there's a winner. But there are also a fair share of ladies who run for the sheer fun of it--wearing their tiaras, fairy wings, and Minnie ears as they go. The course runs through various portions of Walt Disney World, and there are things to keep runners entertained and motivated along the way--including photo ops with the Disney princesses!

I'm a reluctant runner. Reluctant is the key word. But if I ever work my way up to a half marathon (probably not happening anytime soon), this is definitely the one I will run!

Guest Post @ Couponing to Disney

Check out the latest guest post I wrote for Couponing to Disney here. It gives some very general tips for touring the Magic Kingdom. While you're there, check out all the great deals that can help you save money for your WDW vacation!

"Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" Likely Closing Today

If you haven't already scheduled your volunteer service for this program, it may just be too late. Those who have expressed interest online recently have been receiving emails from the Hands On Network, the organization responsible for overseeing this enormous effort, saying that the program has nearly reached it's limit. A recent email included this:  “By Friday, March 5, all flexible schedule volunteer opportunities and the ability for volunteers to search for participating organizations and arrange service will be removed from the search at www.DisneyParks.com.”

It became clear that the program certainly would not last through the original December 10, 2010 deadline when in just six weeks it had already reached 600,000 volunteers. No word yet on whether Disney will consider extending the program beyond the one million cut-off originally set.

Friday Photo

I know...this is a strange Friday Photo. Can you take a guess where this was taken? It's during the opening show at the Backlot Tour (Disney's Hollywood Studios). So why would I be highlighting the actors in this silly little movie effects show? Because I am one of those actors! That's me bending down on the right. My husband is on the phone at the left.

I think this was the last Backlot Tour of the day (some attractions run a limited schedule), and we barely made it in time to catch it. There were no lines...just walked right in. But we were soon approached by a Cast Member and asked if we'd like to be a part of the show. I was afraid that my normally shy and not at all performance oriented husband would decline. But to my surprise, he agreed. (Nobody had to talk this stage-lovin' camera hog into anything! They had me at "hello.") And since my parents were there with us, they took the kiddos in for the show while we suited up.

We were in head-to-toe rain gear, as you can see. Still, we got a bit wet. However, we were clearly the lucky ones in this scenario, as the other woman that was recruited with us basically had a huge barrel of water poured on her. Even with the rainsuit, she got wet. It was a fun experience, and our kiddos really liked seeing Mama and Daddy in the "movie."

So, how do you get chosen to participate in various events at WDW? Mostly, it's about being at the right place at the right time, like we were. But it does help if you have an open attitude and look enthusiastic. Oh, and it never hurts to wear one of those "I'm Celebrating" badges to get noticed. Of course, if you want to be a part of a real show, you can audition for The American Idol Experience. For that, though, you actually might need to be talented. (Notice how I said might...)

How Young Is Too Young for Disney?

I just came across an excellent guest column at AllEars.net about how old your child should be before you take him/her to Walt Disney World. As a mom whose three-year-old has already been three times, you probably know where I stand on the issue. (She was not quite two on her first trip.)

I love the writer's take on the whole "Will they remember it?" issue. Um...why should that matter? Most of us don't remember anything we did in our first few years--does that mean we didn't do anything? (And, for the record, my three-year-old remembers it quite well, thank you very much. She daily recounts some attraction or event that happened on previous trips...and asks daily when we can return to our "Happy Place.")

Are there reasons to wait? Absolutely. Do what feels right for your own family. But don't let someone else's nay-saying cause you to put off a vacation that your whole family can enjoy right now! You can read the full story here.

Thursday's Tip

At the end of the evening when guests are slowing making their way down Main Street, filing out of turnstiles, one chore of WDW Cast Members has just begun: the gathering and sorting of items left behind by guests. Would it surprise you to learn that Walt Disney World has a larger Lost & Found department than some small cities? Here's one great tip for making sure you get back anything you might lose during your stay at WDW: label everything! Your camera, your purse, your iPod...whatever you bring of value, label it.

The fastest way to have an item returned to you is if your cell phone number is on it. We go a step further and put our mailing address on larger items such as our cameras. If Disney locates your item, the first thing they will do is look for identification. If there's an address on it, they will ship it to you! Really.

So, what happens if you don't label it? It's still possible to get lost items back...just more complicated. If you're still in the park when you discover you've lost something, check with Guest Services in that park, that same day. If you're already back at your resort, you can reach Lost & Found (407-824-4321, press 0 for an operator, and ask for Lost & Found ) between the hours of 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM Eastern time. Actually, unless there is a sense of urgency (the item is medical in nature), it's best to wait a day after you've lost an item, as it takes Disney about a day to catalog and sort items that are found in the parks. If you know approximately where you lost your item, that may help. If your item is something like, say, a digital camera, try to have the model name/number handy, as there will undoubtedly be dozens of cameras to sort through. Identifying marks/colors/etc. are also helpful. Be persistent. If your item isn't identified immediately, it may not have been found yet. Keep calling back, at least a few times.

Of course, it's better not to lose items in the first place. But it's nice to know that Disney has a helpful Lost & Found staff if you need them.

More Fantasyland Progress

Construction walls are up around The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Rumor is that they are relocating the big tree from Pooh's Playful Spot to the entrance of the line for this ride. Glad to see them salvaging--or re-purposing--some of the items that will go away because of the Fantasyland expansion. (I wanted to help Disney "re-purpose" the decorations from the recently-closed Disney Store in my town as playroom decorations, but they didn't go for that. Hmmph!)

Magic of Disney Animation Gets a Facelift from TS3

OK, I'm just going to admit it: The Magic of Disney Animation is one attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios that our family tends to skip over. It's not that we're not interested, per se, it's just that with a 3- and 6-year-old, we tend to focus more on the shows and a preschool-friendly attractions. However, back in the day--you know...when you could actually see Disney animators at work on this interactive walk-through tour--I really enjoyed this attraction. Now, the artists' desks are still there, and some of them are even "decorated" as if they're still at work. But they're not. At least not in WDW. They packed up and moved to California. As the old saying goes, "The lights are on, but there's nobody home." (Probably not exactly the best use of that phrase, but you get my meaning.)

Since I can't accurately comment on the nature of the current tour (we did catch part of the animation "show" on our last vist, but it has been a few years since we've gone through the entire exhibit), I'll have to rely on Disney's own explanation:

The Magic of Disney Animation is an informative 20-minute show at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park where Guests of all ages are invited to discover the process of creating animated characters.

Go behind the scenes of animated Disney classics like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion Kingfor a look at how Disney animators create your favorite characters. Join Mushu from Mulan and a real Disney animator as together they illustrate—in a humorous and an easy-to-understand way—the basics of creating animated characters and character development.

After the show, embark on a guided walk to a special landing and snap a picture of the former studios of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. After a brief discussion about animation with your guide, take some time to join in a number of different workshops that bring the magic of Disney animation to life.

Wow...maybe we will need to take in this attraction on our next visit. Actually sounds kind of cool. Oh, and adding to the coolness factor (at least in my children's eyes) is the addition of a Toy Story 3display. You can now see story boards, posters, character renderings, and assorted artwork from the film as you tour the former animation studio. For a few recent pictures, courtesy of WDWNewsToday, click here and scroll down just a bit.

Rapunzel Becomes "Tangled"

Rapunzel, now retitled as Tangled, will be in theatres November 12--just in time for the holidays. But thanks to, well, I'm not sure who, you can see a sneak peek today!

Tink's Treasures Going Away?

WDWMagic is reporting that Tink's Treasures, the Neverland-themed gift shop in Fantasyland (Magic Kingdom), is closed for remodeling. When it reopens later this month, it will be a PhotoPass location for guests of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to have their transformation photographed. Merchandise from the store will be incorporated into Castle Couture store next door.

Hearing this makes me extra glad that I let both my girls stop in at Tink's Treasures on our last visit and ring the bell to summon Tink. And, of course, I'm ecstatic that we were able to get these photos:



But that leaves me with one final question: Where will tiny Tink hang out now? Maybe she'll have her own digs in the new Fantasyland expansion.

New Baby Gorilla Born at Animal Kingdom

All together now: "Aaaawwwwww..." Sooooo cute, right? This little guy (or maybe girl?) was born Feb. 19 in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The gender is still in question because Mama is holding the baby so close that the animal keepers have yet to get a close look! This is the third gorilla born at Animal Kingdom in cooperation with the Association of Zoo and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. This little precious will grow to between five and six feet tall and eventually weigh in at nearly 500 pounds.

Is the World Ready for Alice 2.0?

Get ready to experience Alice in Wonderland as never before. With the twisted mind of Tim Burton putting his spin on the film, we are certainly in for a veritable feast of the unusual and bizarre. Admittedly, I am not a huge Burton fan. While the trailers are visually stunning, I have to wonder if the actual movie will be as captivating as I am hoping. But I will, nonetheless, be standing in line with the rest of the Disneyphiles, waiting for a ticket on opening weekend. And although both my children are huge Alice fans, at 3 and 6 they will NOT be seeing this until my husband and I preview it. (Honestly, I don't expect them to get to see it for a few more years.)

      

With the opening just days away, Disney is in the midst of a full-on marketing blitz. Products are popping up all over. Not a great conouseur of couture, I'm not rushing out to purchase any of the designer items that are showing up in Bloomingdale's. But I do love quirky, unique gifts and apparel, so I just might look for some of the items featured here. They can be found at Disney Vault 28 in Downtown Disney in California for now. I'm guessing that by our next trip to WDW, the TrenD store in Downtown Disney Marketplace will be stocked with plenty of fun and exotic Alice creations.