Room-Only Discount for Spring

For the first time since I can remember, Disney is actually discounting rooms during the spring break period! Book by December 31, and you can save up to 35% on stays most nights from February 17 through April 16, 2011. (Book Jan. 1 through Feb. 11, and you can still save up to 30%.) Sure, there are a few black-out dates, and the savings seems to be for Sunday through Thursday only, but it appears that many spring break weeks will be included.

To get the discount, simply click here and make your reservation.

Waking Sleeping Beauty Releases on DVD

The much-anticipated documentary about the 1990s Disney Animation Studios revival of sorts is now available on DVD. Haven't seen it in stores (did a little shopping today), but it is available online. Amazon has it for $19.99--has anyone seen a better price? I'm hoping to get this as a gift this Christmas (hint, hint...anyone?).

Cyber Monday Deals on DisneyStore.com

Today only, get free shipping with ANY order at www.DisneyStore.com. Also, you'll get 10% off purchases of at least $50, 15% off $75, 20% off $100, and 25% off $125 or more. Just use the code CYBER. As always, some restrictions apply.

Might be a great opportunity to finish up--or start!--your Christmas shopping!

Giving Thanks...

We're heading out for a few days to spend time with family and count our blessings! It's quite likely that we'll catch a showing of Tangled this weekend as well! How about you--what are your Thanksgiving plans? And what are you most thankful for?

Disney Store's Black Friday & Cyber Monday Offerings

More than 100 Disney Stores across the country will be opening at midnight on Friday morning for "Magical Friday" (so much nicer sounding than Black Friday, right?). Guests who arrive before 10 a.m. can expect to get 20% off all items in the store and will see special deals for as low as $5.

But if you're like us and you don't have a local Disney Store--or if you just don't want to fight those Black Friday crowds--you can wait for Cyber Monday. Expect to see one-day online-only pricing for more than 1000 items at DisneyStore.com!

So, what's the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal you've ever snagged?

Last Day for Free Shipping with Disney Parks Purchase

You have until midnight to get free shipping on your ENTIRE purchase at DisneyStore.com when you buy any Disney Parks Authentic item. Just use the code PARK48 at checkout. (Some restrictions apply.)

While shopping yesterday, I spotted a few really inexpensive items (pens, trading pins, etc.) that would be great fillers to get the free shipping deal if, perhaps, the item you really wanted to purchase was not from the Disney Parks Authentic line. Some may be sold out by now, but it's worth checking before you pay shipping on other items. You can search the site by Disney Parks Authentic and then sort by price, low to high, to find the best deals.

Disney Junior Promo

I just saw my first Disney Junior promo while watching TinkerBell and the Lost Treasureon Disney Channel (yes, we have the movie on Blu-Ray, but isn't it more fun to catch it on TV?). You can see a similar version of the promo here. It's really quite cute!

Friday Photo

With all the mobile apps for wait times at WDW that are now available, many guests can have relatively accurate information at their fingertips. But for those of us who are technologically challenged, there's still the "old fashioned" tip board. This is a pic of the one at the Magic Kingdom. Low tech? Sure. But it still gets the job done.

Free Dining Add-Ons for ESPN Weekend

If you're heading to WDW for the ESPN Weekend (Feb. 28 through March 3), there is a special package available to you. Yes, those dates fall in the free dining window already announced, but there are several great add-ons for sports fans included in this package. They include:

One ticket to the Mar. 3 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game vs. the Detroit Tigers.

Headstart on making advance reservations for seating at Mike & Mike in the Morning or The Herd with Colin Cowherd  AND first in line access for a Meet and Greet with Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, or Colin Cowherd after the show. Reservations for these shows open to the general public on February 1. Seating is limited.

Access for 30 Minutes of play at the PlayStation Pavilion in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Early seating (15 min. prior to the doors opening) at the Premiere Theater (DHS) for “inside ESPN” shows.

Of course, all the rules for the free dining option are still in place: must purchase a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way ticket and a resort stay of at least 3 nights. You get the Quick Service Dining Plan free with stays at Value Resorts and the regular Disney Dining Plan for stays at Moderate, Deluxe, and Villas.

Space is limited on this deal, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

Christmas Parade Taping Set

If you're traveling to Walt Disney World in early December, you'll want to be aware of the Christmas Parade taping that will take place on December 3 & 4 in the Magic Kingdom.  

Some of you may want to join the fun--why not, right? How often do you get the chance to be a part of television magic? But sadly, all the reserved "good seats" are already spoken for. That doesn't mean you won't get to see the action. But it does drastically lower your chances of getting any screen time.

If you fall into the avoid-big-crowds-at-all-costs camp, you'll want to adjust your touring plans accordingly. Might be a great day to check out one of the other parks. Consider this: in order to get the perfect views from all angles, the parade may actually run multiple times down Main Street and around the castle hub. Congestion, even gridlock, is a given. You WILL need additional time to navigate the Magic Kingdom on these two days.

Of course, if you make it past the hub, you may find lighter crowds at the attractions. Maybe.

Cars 2 Website/Trailer

Check out the Cars 2 website, featuring a trailer for the film here.

Pre-Order Disney Films, Just in Time for Christmas

I have been anxiously awaiting the DVD release of Waking Sleeping Beauty, the documentary about the rebirth of animation at Disney Studios in the 1990s. It will finally release on November 30, just in time to be a great Christmas present (hint, hint...Dear Husband...if you are reading).Two additional films that fall in the same general genre of Disney history, Walt & El Grupo and The Boys. All three movies can be pre-ordered now for $49.95 plus $4.95 shipping. Or, you can order them individually for $21.95. You can check them out and order here.

Going Offline for a Few Days

OK, if I had it all together, you wouldn't be reading this post. I would have taken a few hours out of my day (yea, right...like I have a few "extra" hours!) to write and schedule posts for the week. But, alas, I SO don't have it together.

Nonetheless, tomorrow my husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. We're dropping the kiddos off at the grandparents' house and taking a brief trip. Obviously, I don't want to be blogging on my anniversary, so there won't be any posts for the next few days. I hope you'll stick with me and come back on Monday. I promise I'll plan better next time. :-)

PS--We actually considered taking a kid-free trip to WDW for our anniversary, but we knew we'd have to suffer the wrath of our two daughters if we did that. But one of these days...

YES Programs Offer Individual Enrollment

You may be aware that Disney offers special opportunities for youth groups, all under the umbrella of their YES Programs (Youth Education Series). To be eligible for these programs which include discounted park tickets, your youth group must have at least 10 members and meet a few other criteria (can't just get 10 of your friends together--has to be a legitimate youth group).



Also falling under this umbrella are the Disney Homeschool Days that we attended in September.  And unlike other YES Programs, the Disney Homeschool Days do not require you to have a minimum number of guests to qualify for discounted tickets. I highly recommend this program, as it is a bargain for homeschooling families AND they take place at two of the least crowded times to visit WDW--September and January.

I recently received an email from the YES Programs team with information on individual enrollment to certain YES Programs. It seems that these particular events are open to any individuals that meet the age criteria, not exclusively homeschoolers. I've listed the specifics given in the email below. Call the YES Programs number if you would like more information or click on the links below.

Disney Youth Education Series -  Individual Enrollment

This special program offers individual students and small groups the chance to participate in real-world learning experiences at Disney Theme Parkswhere they will discover newfound insights, skills and knowledge.

• Available on select dates in January, February, June, July, & August 2011.  September and October dates will be released at a later time.


• Students ages 5-18 are able to participate and special tickets are available for the entire family


•  Add-on dining at select locations by purchasing Meal Vouchers


• For details on our Winter Programs, please click here.


• For details on our Summer Programs, please click here. 


• Register Today for the Winter Programs @ www.disneyurl.com/IndividualEnrollment

Disney Homeschool Days

Disney Homeschool Days at Walt Disney World® Resort gives students the opportunity to learn in the most magical way of all — Disney-style. 

• Come “Explore Disney’s Wild Side” January 24 & 25, 2011 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park


• Special Presentation on African Cats: January 24, 2011 at 10:00 am


• Additional Disney Youth Education Series programs may be added on to your experience.


• Add-on dining at select locations by purchasing Meal Vouchers


• Register Today @ www.disneyurl.com/Homeschool2011


• Stay tuned for more information on a Fall Homeschool event in October 2011!

Accommodations

• Disney Resort Rooms are blocked at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort & Disney’s Port Orleans: Riverside Resort for the Disney Homeschool Days event. Rooms available from January 17-31, 2011.  For more information on booking rooms, please contact the Disney Homeschool Days team at 407.566.6334.

Friday Photo

OK, so the pic is a bit fuzzy because of the foggy window. But this yummy display is from the Kringla Bakeri in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, featuring my new favorite treat: School Bread. These big puffy pastries are a cross between a cream-filled donut and a coconut cream pie. Oh-so-good! And at just under $2, they're quite a bargain too. Try one on your next visit...and you can thank me later.

January Refurbishments Announced

It's about that time...time for Disney to announce the many attraction refurbishment closures that take place during what is arguably its slowest month--January. Here's a rundown of what is currently planned for refurbishment:

• Typhoon Lagoon actually closed this week, but will remain closed until Jan. 16


• Blizzard Beach, closed Jan. 9-Mar. 26


• Studio Backlot Tour (DHS), closed Jan. 3-29


• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground (DHS), closed Jan. 3-29


• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (DHS), closed Jan. 30-Mar. 5


• Block Party Bash (DHS) closes permanently Jan. 1, but will be replaced by Pixar Pals Cavalcade on Jan. 16


• Splash Mountain (MK), Jan. 3-31


• Liberty Square Riverboat (MK), closed Jan. 29-Feb. 4


• Kali River Rapids (AK), closed Jan. 3-29


• Primevil Whirl (AK), closed Jan. 17-April 5


• Star Tours remains closed until May 16.

There will likely be other brief refurbs added to the list in the coming weeks. Always keep the refurbishment schedule in mind when planning a Disney vacation. It's more than a little disappointing to arrive at the Parks only to discover that your favorite attraction is closed.

Thursday's Tip

Have you ever been in line at a Disney Parks attraction when your child suddenly decided that perhaps she didn't want to ride. In fact, she adamantly protested and had an all-out meltdown? Well, I have. And, fortunately, a kind Cast Member was able to talk our daughter down from the ledge. (For the record, it was Pirates of the Caribbean, which is now one of her favorite attractions!) Still, there are times when no amount of coersion or bribery will work. What to do then? Today's Tip: use the "chicken exit."

There is always a way out. Yep, there's a "chicken exit" for every attraction. In fact, the CMs at Disney World are quite accustomed to ushering little (and sometimes  not-so-little) guests safely to an exit--even up to the very last minute. So even if you've already had your flight training, but then freak out a little when you see the enormous mechanism that isSoarin', you can simply attract a CM's attention and they'll handle the rest.

It's always better to plan ahead for any fears and apprehensions. (The whole question of whether or not to force a child onto an attraction is a heated argument. Best policy: know thy child. Our oldest is a "scaredy cat" that probably wouldn't ride anything if we didn't push. But our youngest isn't afraid of much, so we know if she doesn't want to ride, she means it.) But if you get caught in a surprising situation and you need to make a hasty exit, it's good to know that you can always find one!

Adorable Custom Disney Dresses

Today I wanted to pass on a fun shopping find I discovered recently! If you're ever looking for Disney-themed dresses for your daughters that are a bit more personal (and definitely higher quality!) than the mass-produced dresses you'll find in Wal-Mart or Target, check out the Henry and Harriett shop on Etsy. My friend and former co-worker Kate Etue is now a stay-at-home mom, and she makes these dresses in her spare time. She has a few up now available for sale, and she can fulfill custom orders as well. Check out her shop here!

Makes Me Want to Pack My Bags!

Best TS3 Blu-Ray/DVD Deals

So, I scanned the sale ads yesterday, and in our area it looks like Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy have about the same deal on the Toy Story 3 Ray/DVD Combo Pack--$25, give or take a few pennies. With the $8 off coupon available from www.DisneyMovieRewards.com, that comes out to about $17. There are also two rebates (below) of $5 each, which takes the grand total down to around $7.

If you're a CVS shopper (I'm not) and use Extra Care Bucks (I don't), and especially if you need to stock up on some household items (nope, not me), there is a better deal. You can get the DVD (not Blu-ray) for just $3.99 if you spend  $25 on P&G products. Add in the $10 in rebates, and this is a potential money-maker (except, of course, for the items you need to purchase)! If you're really industrious and pair sales with coupons on those items (and you don't care about the Blu-ray--which we do), this could be a great deal all around! Doesn't fit my needs, but it might fit yours.

Here are links to the rebates (be sure to pair them with coupons for extra savings!):

Campbell's

Rayovac

Disney Rooms Will Soon Be Available on Priceline

Starting in a couple of weeks, Disney Resort rooms will be available on Priceline's booking engine--however, they will NOT be available through the "name-your-own-price" feature on the site. Some Disney Resort rooms have been available for several years on sites such as Expedia and Travelocity, so I don't see this as a huge change. But the extra exposure certainly opens these discounted rates to a larger audience, which Disney hopes will help with abysmal occupancy rates.

Tangled "Play and Greet" Now Open

Guests can now visit with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Pascal the chameleon at seven daily "Play and Greet" shows in the Fairytale Garden at the Magic Kingdom. Before the guests of honor arrive, children are given coloring pages and a pack of crayons (there is now a large table to accommodate this activity). Rapunzel and Flynn arrive and dance a bit with their guests. Cast members play games with the children as well. And Pascal plays and poses with the children as well. Of course there are ample opportunities for photos, with Disney PhotoPass Photographers standing by as well. Looks like a fun experience--can't wait to see it on our next visit!