One More Disney Day--Big Deal or Big Letdown?

I'm not sure if it was an error in planning or if Disney meant for it to happen this way, but the big announcement during "New Year's Rockin' Eve" at precisely 11:00 p.m. was, in most cases, pre-empted by that local news. Still the website Disney set up as a countdown spilled the beans to those of us who were watching the 'net. Now that we've heard the big announcement, it's up to us to decide: is this going to be a big deal...or is it really just a big letdown?

Rumors were right on target in regard to the Parks staying open 24-hours for Leap Day 2012. In addition, fans can enter to win a free Disney vacation every day from January 1 through February 29, 2012. Finally, Disney is offering what is essentially a "buy 3, get one free" deal for travel dates between Feb. 26 and March 10.

You can read the full details of "One More Disney Day" here, and judge for yourself how significant you think this promotion will be for 2012.

Wednesdays with Walt

Music has always had a prominent part in all of our products from the early cartoon days. I have had no formal musical training. Credit for the memorable songs and scores must, of course, go to the brilliant composers and musicians who have been associated with me through the years. – Walt Disney

Countdown to One More Disney Day

You've probably heard by now that Disney plans to make a big surprise announcement on New Year's Eve, during the live broadcast of "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve." This announcement, of course, is in regard to the 2012 theme (or, more appropriately, marketing push) for all the Disney Parks: "One More Disney Day." Much speculation has gone into this announcement--with particular focus around the fact that 2012 is a Leap Year--but we'll all have to wait until Saturday night to get the details. 

If you're filled with anticipation, you can visit the countdown page on Disney's website to learn exactly how long you'll have to wait for the news.  There's a video you can watch that may offer a few clues (mostly, a lot of clock shots). According to the page, in 2012 Disney will do something they've never done before (so fans hoping for a free day on their birthday or something similar will likely be disappointed). Any guesses to what it will be?

Extra 15% Off Sale Items at DisneyStore.com

DisneyStore.com is having it's "Twice Upon a Year" sale, but for the next two days (12/26 and 12/27), you will get an extra 15% off sale items with the promo code SALE15. I'm going to shop a little this morning to see if there's anything I just have to have, since one of my Christmas gifts was a $100 Disney gift card (that can be used in the Parks, Resorts, or on merchandise), which included a $10 Disney Store gift card. So, I have at least $10 to spend, and maybe up to $110 if I want! (But, let's face it, I'm probably going to save that $100 so that I can go to WDW sooner!)

Hidden Mickey Monday

I trust everyone had a Merry Christmas! We made these gingerbread beignets last week as part of our family celebration...but they didn't turn out quite right (faulty yeast, I think). Boo. Still, they looked kinda cute, don't ya think?

Friday Photo

OK, this actually has nothing to do with Disney (except that we're a Disney-loving family!), but I thought I would share our family Christmas photo with my readers...sort of a virtual Christmas card. I think you can see from the photo that my youngest daughter is the family comedian. Merry Christmas from Scott, Valerie (that's me!), Reagan, and Presley!

Thursday's Tip

As much as I try to pause during this time of year and contemplate the true meaning and reality of Christmas--that God Himself came to Earth as an infant, to grow and mature just like we do, in order to face a cruel death on the Cross...all of this for the purpose of making us holy and acceptable to God, worthy to be called His children--I still get caught up in the commercialism. I still get trapped into the lie that I need to buy this or that for this person or that person...the lie that somehow I will have committed the unpardonable sin if my child doesn't get the specific color or some luxury electronics item that she wants.

So, please indulge me if this Thursday's Tip waxes a bit poetic: Stop. Stop the madness and commercialism. Stop for just a moment this Christmas season to celebrate, to be thankful, to remember what's important. For some, this will take the form of buying a few less gifts and instead sharing a few more laughs and hugs. For others, it may mean turning down a few invitations--because sometimes invitations feel like obligations. Or for you, it may just mean being more thoughtful about each celebration...remembering why we do all this.

I'm a Disney fan. There aren't many things I enjoy more than spending time at Walt Disney World with my family. And our holiday will be filled with its share of "Disney Magic" as we enjoy our Disney-themed tree ornaments, bake cookies with our Disney cookie-cutters, and our children open several Disney-related gifts. But I don't worship at the Church of Disney, and Mickey Mouse isn't my savior. There is only One person who has that distinction: Jesus Christ. I pray that all my readers experience the joy and meaning that comes from knowing Him this Christmas!

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only One did that for me.

("How Many Kings" by Downhere)

Wednesday's with Walt

"A man should never neglect his family for business." --Walt Disney

This is perfect timing for this quote from Mr. Disney, as I let my readers know that Affording the Mou$e will be somewhat MIA for the next week or two as I celebrate Christmas with my family. There may be a few posts here and there, but I plan to devote the majority of my Christmas break to relaxing and enjoying my crew. I encourage you, dear reader, to do the same! Merry Christmas!

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Refurb

The Place Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment beginning January 27, 2012. The eatery is expected to reopen in late March.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Here's a Hidden Mickey we found on one of my daughter's kindergarten math papers.

Main Street Electrical Parade Closure

The nighttime Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom) will be closed January 20 through February 10, not for its own refurbishment, but to allow for work on the walkways throughout the Park. The parade will resume on February 11.

Friday Photo

Today's photo is super fun, as it includes one of my favorite Cast Members. Years ago...a lot of years ago...Claire and I were in Sound of Music together at a dinner theatre in Indiana. (She was young Gretl, and I was Sister Berthe.) We were reaquainted a few years ago when I learned from another CM friend who was also in that same production of SOM that Claire was performing at Disney. Since then, we always make a point to catch Claire in whatever show she might be appearing in during each visit to Walt Disney World.

On our most recent visit, we watched Claire in Disney Junior--Live on Stage! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Click here to see the Friday Photo--from the Official Disney World Website--of Claire hanging with Jake and the Neverland Pirates. How fun that she is now the "face" of Disney Junior on the web

Free Wi-Fi Now a Reality...Sort Of

It seems that our dreams of free wi-fi at the Disney Resorts is now a reality...well, mostly. Free wi-fi has now been extended to include most public areas (including main lobbies, bus stops, pool areas, restaurants, meeting rooms, and guest rooms) of the Deluxe Resorts & Villas, as well as the Coronado Springs (presumably because it boasts a convention center).

Here's hoping that the rest of the Moderates and the Values follow suit in 2012!

UPDATE 12/16/11: Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach have both added free wi-fi to their public areas (pools and lobbies).

Thursday's Tip

As I've mentioned a time or two (or three or four or...), visiting Walt Disney World at Christmastime is on my Disney "bucket list." Gotta get there one of these days! As it turns out, my brother and his family are headed there next week, and in answering a few questions for him, I started thinking of a tip that is specific to visiting WDW during the holidays: plan a minimum of one day to tour the Resorts. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I actually think this is a great tip for ANY visit to WDW, but it's especially important during Christmas. Here are just a few things you can see--for free!--at Walt Disney World during the Christmas season:

• A giant gingerbread house is on display at the Grand Floridian Resort. Enough said.


• The Beach Club displays a child-sized gingerbread carousel, while the Yacht Club features an entire candy-coated village.


• At the Contemporary Resort, you can visit a chocolate and sugar toy shop!


• View an outdoor light display, courtesy of camping guests at the Ft. Wilderness Campground. Yes, the campers bring their own elaborate decorations, and I've heard it's nothing short of spectacular! (While you're at Ft. Wilderness, you can enjoy a genuine sleigh ride? They aren't free, but what a fun treat!)


• You can hang with Santa at Downtown Disney.


• And don't forget all the amazing trees at the Resorts, each decorated with ornaments representative of each specific Resort!

There's so much to see and do at WDW that doesn't cost anything but your time. If you're lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, you'll definitely want to check out these fabulous displays!

"Sounds Dangerous" Finally Says Good-Bye

It has been under "seasonal operation" for a number of years now, so it's not terribly surprising that Disney plans to shut down "Sounds Dangerous" and remove all signage and reference to it from Park maps permanently in 2012 (likely by mid-year). The ABC Sound Studio that houses the show will be home to a brief run of performances from the Comedy Warehouse from December 25 through 31. No word yet on what will permanently replace "Sounds Dangerous" when it closed for good.

Since our family tends to visit Walt Disney World in the less crowded times of the year, the attraction featuring Drew Carey is almost never open when we're there. I do believe I visited it many years ago, but honestly don't remember much about the show. What I remember more was the Sound Works area outside the theatre where you could experiment with sound and create soundtracks, videos, and do all sorts of fun things. Guest ratings and perceptions of the attraction have been dismal, so I doubt there will be any outcry from fans.

What's New for 2012?

Disney is teasing us with a big announcement set for New Year's Eve, regarding its marketing push for 2012: "The Year of More Magic." But what does it all mean? There are a few rumors, hints, and guesses out there. For starters, 2012 is a Leap Year, so by default, there will be at least one extra day for "More Magic." Some thoughts are that the Parks will be open 24-hours for Leap Day. But Disney has promised that this "Year of More Magic" will include more than just Leap Day.

We also know that 2012 will see the premiere of Disney's new "XPass" option. From what I've read, I'm not a big fan. Seems like this is going to be geared toward the big spenders--not exactly the demographic of Affording the Mou$e. You can find a great article discussing XPass here.

2012 already promises "More Magic" with the opening of many new attractions in the Fantasyland expansion. Then there's the Art of Animation Resort, and new specialty rooms at existing resorts. There will definitely be more options for guests in a number of areas.

I guess we'll all have to wait (and speculate) until New Year's Eve. I believe we'll be hearing about the announcement on "Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve," although even that is a rumor. Regardless, by January 1 we should all have a better idea of what "The Year of More Magic" will bring.

Hidden Mickey Monday

This is a Hidden Mickey we spotted on our most recent trip to WDW. Any idea where we saw this one? (Those legs in the background might give you a clue.)

Friday Photo

Ah, the Mayor of Main Street USA. And let's not forget about women's rights! One of the delightful surprises when you first enter the Magic Kingdom are the characters that greet you. I'm not talking about Mickey, Minnie, and the gang, but rather the humans who inhabit Main Street. They add yet another layer of magic to the whole Disney experience. Next time you're strolling into the MK, take some time to visit with the lively characters along your path and enjoy their company.

Winter Refurbishments Roundup

Ah, winter...the season of refurbishment at Walt Disney World. Here's a list of some upcoming closures and/or refurbishments around the World:

Magic Kingdom

• Aladdin's Magic Carpets will be closed February 26 through March 10.


• The Liberty Square Riverboat remains closed through February 3.


• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close January 9 until at least April 30.


• Dumbo will be closed January 9 through February 17, when it is expected to reopen--at twice its current size!--in the new Fantasyland expansion area.


• The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will be closed January 4 through March 27.

Epcot

• Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy) will be closed January 8 through April 1.


• House of Innoventions (Innoventions) will remain closed until May 15, when it is expected to open with a new sponsor.

Hollywood Studios

• The Backlot Tour will be closed from February 13 through March 10.


• The Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playset Adventure will also be closed February 13 through March 10.


• Fantasmic! will be closed from January 9 through February 11.

Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids will be closed January 23 through February 9.

Other

• Typhoon Lagoon is closed now through March 17.


• The Spa at Disney's Grand Floridian remains closed until sometime in 2013, due to construction on the DVC property there.


• The beach at the Polynesian will be "renourished" beginning December 24 through January 10. It is unclear whether this will close the entire beach or only a portion at a time.

Thursday's Tip

Perhaps my number one tip to those planning their first Walt Disney World vacation is to go during an off-peak season--which can usually be defined by the times of year when school is in session. But that is not always possible for those with children in school or, perhaps, are teachers or school employees themselves. Which leads to my number two tip--today's "Thursday's Tip"--and one that applies most significantly to those traveling during Disney's busiest, or peak, seasons: have a plan in place.

Now, I know that's a pretty vague and lame tip in and of itself, so I'll elaborate. When you aren't able to visit WDW in the off-season, it's essential that you plan your days in the Parks according to several factors. First, look at the schedule for Extra Magic Hours. My rule of thumb is to always visit the Park with early EMH, then hop to another park around mid-morning or lunchtime, when things start to get crowded. For late EMH, I typically avoid that Park until at least after dinner time, then hop over in time to enjoy the EMH. This, of course, only applies to those with a Park Hopper ticket and those that are staying on Disney property.

Another key factor into which Park to visit on which day is special entertainment. Mostly, I'm talking about Fantasmic!, but there may be other shows or parades that this applies to also. (In the slower months, Disney sometimes drops a parade here or there, or offersFantasmic! only a couple of times per week.) Here's where it gets tricky: if you want to view these special shows, you'll need to visit that Park (I recommend hopping over about 1-2 hours prior to show time). But if, like us, you've seen them all a few times, you might want to avoid the Park on nights with parades/entertainment, as they'll likely be more crowded. Better yet, if you visit those Parks, take the opportunity to visit a few attractions while everyone else is enjoying the show. Lines will be considerably shorter on most attractions.

The final, vital component into the "which Park which day" decision is the scheduled regular Park hours (not just EMH). This really comes into play when there are special events (such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) that close one of the Parks early. Obviously, if you don't have a Park Hopper, you'll want to avoid the early-closing Park, so that you can get a full day of fun at another Park. (It's all about getting your money's worth!) But if you can Park Hop, the early-closing Park will tend to have the lightest crowds; start your day there, then simply hop to another Park when it closes.

Pair these tips with the usual tips for touring--always arrive at rope drop, use Fastpass to your advantage, visit the busiest attractions/areas early in the day--and you're well on your way to "beating the crowds" during peak season.

Disney's Gingerbread Recipe

One of the items on my Disney "bucket list" is to visit the Grand Floridian during Christmas time to see the fabulous 16-foot-tall gingerbread house they build each year. In the mean time, you can use Disney's very own recipe to make one of the miniature versions that they sell there during the holidays. Check out this tutorial for recipes and instructions for assembly.

Kali River Rapids Refurbishment

Our favorite way to cool off on a hot day at Animal Kingdom is by taking a spin on a raft at Kali River Rapids. The attraction will be closed for a brief refurbishment from January 23 until February 9, reopening on February 10. It's not likely to be missed by many guests at that time of year...even Florida tends to be a little too cool for getting drenched in January and February.

Pepper Market Tests Buffet Breakfast & Lunch

The Pepper Market, the food court at Coronado Springs, will be testing a buffet breakfast and lunch, now through January 4, 2012. The price for breakfast will be $14.99 for adults and $8.99 for children 3-9; lunch will cost $16.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. Gratuities will not be automatically applied to the bill. The set-up is basically unchanged from the food court, and the stations (taco station, pizza and pasta, desserts, etc.) remain intact, allowing diners to choose from any or all. Dinner remains with normal ala carte pricing.

During this test, Maya Grill will be closed during breakfast hours.

Happy birthday, Walt!

Today would have been Walter Elias Disney's 110th birthday. Happy birthday, Walt!

More AK Character and Entertainment Changes

Last week we learned that Animal Kingdom would be losing its meet-n-greet opportunities with Jiminy Cricket and Pocahontas at Rafiki's Planet Watch. In addition, we've learned that Turk (from Tarzan) and Lilo & Stitch will also be leaving AK.



On a positive note, the characters from UP will be heading to AK for meet-n-greets. No specifics on which characters or where exactly in the Park they'll be, but it's good to hear there will be new characters to fill the void left by so many departing characters.

Finally, on the entertainment front, AK will be scrapping the morning "The Adventure Begins" welcome show as well as the closing "Adventurers Celebration Gathering" show. One can only speculate that these many changes are in some way related to the upcoming Avatar Land planned for Animal Kingdom.

Friday Photo

I thought it might be fun to take a look back at the early stages of the Fantasyland expansion. This was taken in October of 2010. Construction walls had not been up so very long, and that big mound of rock you see has now taken shape and is nearing completion. I'm enjoying the "sneak peaks" of attractions as they rise above the construction walls, but I'm more excited to see all the new additions up close!

New D&B from Disney Parks Authentic

Just in time for Christmas, there are new additions to the Disney-themed Dooney & Bourke purses for the Disney Parks Authentic line, available on DisneyStore.com. This time, we get a little Minnie Mouse bow action going on--cute, cute! Click here to view (and purchase!) the entire Disney-inspired D&B line.

New Spring Room-Only Discount

Disney has just released a new room-only discount for dates throughout spring, with a black-out period for spring break/Easter. The offer must be booked by January 12, 2012, and it's good for travel dates February 21-March 31, 2012 and April 13-June 14, 2012. Discounts are kind of all over the place based on dates (you might save more on certain nights), but here is the basic outline for most dates:

• All Value Resorts,  Fort Wilderness Cabins, Port Orleans French Quarter, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Polynesian: 20% off


• Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and Port Orleans Riverside: 25% off


• All other Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas: 30% off

This discount is available on the "special offers" page of Disney's website, and you don't need a booking code.

Great Deals on Disney Wii Games

Amazon has some great deals on Disney Wii games right now. Plus, if you spend $25 or more, shipping is free! Here are some of my top picks:

 $19.96 (great for older kids and adults!)

 $29.96 (includes microphone)

 $15.99 (my girls love this!)

 $19.46 (ditto on this one!)




 $15.99

Christmas Day Parade Taping Schedule

The taping of the Diney Parks Christmas Day Parade will take place this Friday and Saturday, December 2 & 3 at the Magic Kingdom. Unless you're determined to actually see the taping--and willing to camp out on Main Street and miss some of your other favorite attractions--I recommend skipping the MK on these two days and focusing on other Parks, as there will be some interruptions in the usual entertainment schedule at the MK. For example, the Main Street Trolley (or its accompanying "show") will not be running either day, and neither will the "Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it!" street party. The "Dream Along with Mickey" castle show will still run on Friday, but will not on Saturday. And the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade will start later on both days, at 5:00 p.m., and will begin in Frontierland.

Changes Coming to Animal Kingdom

I learned last week that Animal Kingdom would be losing a few key character meet-n-greets in December--namely, Jiminy Cricket and Pocahontas, who can currently be found at Rafiki's Planet Watch. (Sad, because this is really the only place where these two characters can currently be experienced in a meet-n-greet setting.) What I didn't know at the time (and still don't know, as it is merely a rumor at this point) is that the entire area including the Conservation Station, Affection Section, Habitat Habit!, and the Wildlife Express Train may be closing as early as January to make room for the new Avatar Land.

It was originally thought that Camp Minnie-Mickey would be the casualty to the much-anticipated, film-inspired land of the Nav'i--with the relocation of The Festival of the Lion Kingto another area in the Park--but moving the characters out of Rafiki's Planet Watch is a good indication that Disney has other plans. While I'm not a huge fan of the attractions that may fall victim to the expansion, I do think they have merit but have been under-utilized. The learning potential of the Conservation Station appeals to me as a homeschooling mom, but on our visits we have not seen much in the way of Cast Member/animal interaction. I would love to see Disney give guests a more intimate look into what they actually do at AK. Instead, the CS exhibits have become rather static, without much CM interaction or views of actual animal care. (I'm not asking them to perform surgery on a giraffe in the viewing area, but it would have been cool to see them giving a turtle an exam...you get the idea.)

So, what do you think? Would you rather see Disney close Camp Minnie-Mickey (assuming they relocate The Festival of the Lion King) or Rafiki's Planet Watch?

Free Shipping at DisneyStore.com

It's Cyber Monday, and you know what that means! Not much, really, since most online retailers have been having great deals since last Thursday. However, today on DisneyStore.com, you can get free shipping with no minimum purchase by using the promo code CYBER. That's a great bonus for those of us who don't have a Disney Store in our hometowns and aren't prepared to purchase the typical minimum of $75 to get free shipping.

I'm buying some PJs and a couple of Disney Parks Christmas ornaments. What's on your Disney Store wish list?

(Black) Friday Photo

Happy Black Friday everyone! In honor of this occasion, enjoy this photo from the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney, circa 2009. Mr. Potato Head is displaying the "blue screen of death." Maybe that's why they removed these interactive computers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving with most of my extended family in Southern Indiana this weekend, but we're missing a small faction of the family who are spending their Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World. Wishing a very happy Thanksgiving to my sweet cousin (and Disney College Program participant) Camille and my Aunt Donna. Wish you could be with us--or, rather, that we could be with you and Mickey! Eat a giant turkey leg for us, and we'll eat way too much of everything, watch Christmas Vacation, and decorate the tree while we think of you!

Beauty and the Beast Trailer

Here's a new trailer for the release of Beauty and the Beast, coming in 3D to theatres on January 13, 2012.

 

"Health and Wellness Suites" Cancelled

Remember this post, in which I told you about Disney's plans to create lush health and wellness suites at the Contemporary Resort? Well...um...never mind. Apparently, Disney has ditched the plans quietly. Not gonna happen. Sorry, fans of health and wellness...you're out of luck.

It's not the first time Disney has announced a grand idea, only to let it fade quietly into the past without coming to fruition. Remember Hyperion Wharf? Probably not. Over a year ago, the plan to transform the "Pleasure Island" portion of Downtown Disney into a waterfront shopping district was announced. But Disney hasn't moved on with the plans. In fact, they've made a few store changes that lead those watching the progress to believe they've abandoned the Wharf plan altogether.

Then there's Flamingo Crossing. This commercial district on the western portion of Disney property is still basically a series of empty acres, with the addition of a few paved roads and a basic utilities infrastructure. It has been in development since 2007.

The fact is, things change. Business climates change. Economies change. And even great ideas change, evolve, or turn out to be not-so-great after all. Still, I'm ready for Disney to do something more permanent with Hyperion Wharf and Flamingo Crossing, aren't you?

Hidden Mickey Monday

Forgive the blurry photo. As many times as we ride this attraction each Disney vacation, you'd think I could have gotten a better photo. The Hidden Mickey, of course, is in the lower right corner. This one's pretty easy...especially if you have little ones (they seem to love this ride, for some odd reason). Guess away!

AtM Featured in Tennessean Article

A few days ago, I received an email from a reporter for the Tennessean, our newspaper her in Nashville, requesting an interview on a story he was doing about "Disney bargains." Yep, it was a no-brainer...a perfect fit for this Disney fan! Here's the finished product, which just happened to appear on the front page of today's paper:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111118/NEWS01/311170072/Disney-fans-find-fairytale-deals-Middle-Tennessee-outlet-stores?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Friday Photo

Believe it or not, we had never seen Cinderella's stepsisters and stepmother (at least not up close and personal) until our most recent trip to Walt Disney World. Here's a pic of my girls enjoying their snide comments and general bad manners.

Happy Birthday, Mickey!

On this date in 1928, everyone's favorite mouse arrived on the scene with the release of Steamboat Willie. (OK, so technically he had arrived on the scene 6 months earlier in the silent film Plane Crazy...but most historians count Steamboat Willie as his official "birthday.") Happy 83rd birthday, Mickey! You don't look a day over 30!



Fun facts about Mickey:

• Walt Disney was the original voice for Mickey Mouse.


• Mickey Mouse was the first ever cartoon character to talk.


• During WWII, when Allied forces invaded Europe, the code name of the operation was "Mickey Mouse."


• Walt Disney is rumored to have said that Mickey and Minnie were actually married in their "private life," although they never were on screen.


• The first piece of Mickey Mouse merchandise was introduced in 1929. It was a child's writing tablet with Mickey's image on it.


• Walt Disney was actually quite frightened by mice...yet he saw them as sympathetic creatures.

Just for fun, who can tell me Mickey's original name? Disney later used this name as a rival character.

Thursday's Tip

You can probably guess that I'm a big proponent of staying on Disney property when traveling to Walt Disney World. We love the convenience and the atmosphere of being immersed in Disney magic for our entire trip. That said, I have stayed off-site when traveling with extra family members, simply because there weren't many affordable suite options on-site to accommodate us all. (Hopefully that will change when the Art of Animation Resort opens!)

Here's a Thursday's Tip for those staying off-site: budget and plan to drive your own car (or a rental car) to the Parks. Even if your hotel has "scheduled transportation" to the Disney Parks, that schedule will undoubtedly be limited. Having the freedom to come and go at will is well worth the $14/day parking fee, in my humble opinion. If you have small children who may require an afternoon nap or--heaven forbid!--a trip to a walk-in clinic (been there/done that), I'd consider my own transportation a necessity.

We stay on Disney property and still actually prefer to take our own transportation to the Parks in most instances. We love the flexibility it affords, and we even pack a small cooler with cold drinks and snacks and often make a late afternoon trek out to the car to refresh our Park stash. And, of course, when you're staying at a WDW Resort, parking at all of the theme parks is free!

The Bobby Driscoll Story: A Cautionary Tale

This one is for the Disney historians among you. I stumbled across this tragically fascinating story about Disney's first child actor to fall victim to the dark side of entertainment. While I was aware of Bobby Driscoll and some of his story, I did not realize that this same actor who starred in Song of the South was also the voice of Peter Pan. There are so many parallels that can be drawn here, and so much to extrapolate and apply to the lives of our modern-day child actors (Lindsay Lohan, anyone?), but I'll simply offer you the link and let the writer's words do the rest.

http://wdfmuseum.squarespace.com/posts/2011/11/14/once-youve-grown-up-you-can-never-come-back.html

Happy Birthday, Thunder Mountain Railroad!

It zoomed down the track with WDW guests for the first time on this date in 1980. Happy birthday to one of our family's favorite attractions, Thunder Mountain Railroad!

Tangled Short to Accompany B&tB Theatrical Release

When Beauty and the Beast comes to theatres for a limited engagement in 3D on January 13, moviegoers will get an additional treat: the Disney short, Tangled Ever After. You'll want to make sure you're in your seat on time, as this brief film will roll before the feature at each showing.

Tangled Ever After is the continuing story of Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, specifically the royal wedding that inevitably follows the story line of Tangled (mentioned in the whole "happily ever after" ending, but the viewer didn't get to see it). You'll be reacquainted with old pals Maximus and Pascal, and undoubtedly hi-jinx will ensue. It looks to be a great accompaniment to B&tB, as it will certainly appeal to the princess-loving crowd.

While we have seen Beauty and the Beast in nearly every sort of venue--from movies to live musical performances--our family will most definitely be lining up on opening day to catch this perennial favorite with a new, fun addition!

Weekend Top Stories

So, I was out of town this weekend, so I missed out on a few stories. (Why is is that when I'm home with plenty of time, it seems as if nothing happens. Then when I'm swamped or out of town, there are dozens of exciting things going on at WDW?) Here are a few Disney news items that you might have missed over the weekend:

• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, a new interactive game similar to the Kim Possible Adventure, is now testing in Adventureland. The game appears to use electronic "spell cards" rather than the cell phone technology that KP utilizes.


• The gospel choir D'Vine will be performing special holiday shows at the Fountain of Nations Stage in Epcot daily at various times in the afternoon, beginning November 25 and continuing through December 29.


• The new Talking Mickey is making limited appearances in Town Square (Magic Kingdom), but there is no set schedule at this time. You are more likely to catch him at a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but he has also made some daytime appearances. Unfortunately, no official schedule has been published at this point, so it's really just a matter of being at the right place at the right time.


• The Enchanted Grove (quick snacks & beverages in the Magic Kingdom) is now the Cheshire Cafe. Not much else has changed, it seems--other than signage and a few prices going up a bit.


• Epcot is already testing an RFID entry system. They are doing this by adding stickers with embedded RFID chips to guest tickets. Tickets are scanned, then the ticket info is tranferred to the chip. Upon re-entry, simply scan your chip and your fingerprint, and be on your merry way. Expect this to become a permanent entry system once Disney works any kinks out of the system.


• Sleepy Hollow Refreshments (Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom) is now offering waffle sandwiches--both sweet and savory! All I can say is, this will be a "must try" on our next visit! You can read more about them on the Disney Food Blog.


• Jake, of "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" fame, has replaced the "Little Einsteins" characters at the Animation Courtyard meet-n-greet. He has also joined the Hollywood and Vine character "Play-n-Dine" experience.

Those are the main highlights you might have missed over the weekend.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Here's another Hidden Mickey our oldest daughter spotted on our most recent WDW vacation. Can you guess where she found it?

Friday Photo

I'm on a little getaway with my husband, celebrating our 11th anniversary--yes, we are celebrating 11 years on 11/11/11! Our first date was on 12/11/99; we got engaged on 5/11/00; and we got married on 11/11/00. We're staying at a B&B that has 11 rooms, and we're eating at a restaurant named Eleven tonight for dinner!

In honor of our anniversary, here's a rare photo of just me and the hubs at WDW (taken by our oldest daughter, who was probably 6 at the time):

Thursday's Tip

So, it's now 3:42 p.m. Central, and I just realized that I have not yet posted a Thursday's Tip for the day. While going through my mental rolodex of tips, fate broke in and rescued me (much as it does in that Disney favorite, "When You Wish Upon a Star") with some great news: Nashville will once again have it's own Disney Outlet Store!!! So excited that Opry Mills will rise from the ashes--or the flood, as it were--and open again later this month. Among the stores confirmed to be returning (eventually, at least) is the Disney Outlet! Woohoo!

So...back to my tip. It goes hand in hand with my personal mantra, "never pay full price." The tip: shop at outlet stores for great Disney merchandise at exceptional prices. In addition to the official Disney Store Outlets that are featured around the country, there are several Disney-related outlet stores that have inexpensive Disney merchandise. We actually have an AMS Character Depot not terribly far from us in Whitehouse, TN. Most of the merchandise there is actually from Disneyland rather than Walt Disney World, but some of it just says "Disney." They have also just opened a seasonal shop in nearby Murfreesboro, TN (gonna check that one out this weekend). And, of course, there is the Character Outlet and Disney's Character Premiere in the Orlando area. The first is not necessarily official Disney Parks merchandise, but tends to have rock bottom prices on a few items. The latter is actually owned by Disney. The prices are higher, but the merchandise is more authentic and specifically Disney.

Anybody out there have an outlet nearby that sells Disney merchandise?

We Got Another PIN Code

Our family received another PIN code via email this week, but this one is what I would call a non-offer: a PIN code for something that Disney has already offered to the general public. In this case, it was free dining for most dates in January. (You can read about the previous offer in this post.) We've received similar non-offers in the past. But just the mere idea of getting a PIN code--an offer meant just for our family--is exciting and lets me know that Disney recognizes and rewards my loyalty as a guest.

Looking back at my files, I see that my most recent PIN code was in March of this year--about 8 months ago--and this makes 3 that we have received in 2011! The March code was another "non-offer" of free dining for fall. But the one before it, in January, was a great room discount, and we used it to book our most recent WDW vacation.

Did any of you Disney regulars also get the free dining PIN code?

WDW Holiday Decorations Are Up!

Christmas has descended upon Walt Disney World. How I wish I could be there to see it in person! (One of these days...) Since I'm not able to be there and photograph the lovely sights for you, check out this photo essay on WDWMagic.com.

Disney Wins Another Lawsuit

Any corporation as big as Disney is bound to be the defendant in numerous lawsuits, but I think Disney might win the prize for the most unique ones. Sure, there are very valid and serious suits concerning guest and employee safety. (And, yes, Disney does occasionally lose them...but they're more likely to settle cases that they have any chance of losing, especially if big money or the potential for bad publicity is involved.) But many lawsuits against Disney are just frivolous, to put it mildly.

My favorites are the ones where guests make ridiculous claims of Disney's fault, such as the one where the woman tripped on the sidewalk and sued Disney for having uneven pavement. Really? I guess I'm of the "suck it up" mentality, because I don't think you can blame a company for your clumsiness. Perhaps the most notable frivolous lawsuit came from a guest who claimed her eardrum burst from the quick descent in the Twin Hydrolators that were once a part of The Living Seas pavillion at Epcot. This former attraction that closed in 2006 gave guests the experience of going deep down to the ocean floor in an elevator-type device. The only problem with this woman's logic: the ride was a simulation--the floor shook and you could see bubbles moving up the glass walls, but the Hydrolators didn't actually go anywhere!

But onto the news of the day. Disney won their most recent frivolous lawsuit on Thursday, as a jury awarded no damages to a woman who sued the company when she got in a fight in line for the Mad Tea Party. Note that she got in a fight...and yet she somehow considered this Disney's fault. The woman who sued, Aimee Krause, has a history of violent behavior, including battering her husband and being suspended from high school six times for fighting, among other noted anger management issues. But she still claimed that Disney failed to provide adequate security for its guests. Wow, really? Gee, maybe...just maybe, Disney expects that most adult guests will act like grown, responsible citizens and not get in physical with other guests when there are children present.

What is happening to the idea of personal responsibility these days? Ugh. I'll get off my soap box now and simply let you know that you can read the full story on the Orlando Sentinel's website.

Hidden Mickey Monday

This upside down Hidden Mickey can be found in one of our favorite attractions. I bet you can guess it from the other items in the picture.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Disney Fans

I have a confession to make: I have yet to purchase one single Christmas gift. This is not like me. I'm usually well on my way at this point, sometimes nearing the finish line. But not this year. Not even close.

In the unlikely event that you're in the same boat as me, I thought I would offer you a random menagerie of Christmas gifts that may be appropriate for the Disney fan in your life. Since there are so many, I'm doing them in several posts. This is the book/music edition. I have notated my favorites, just in case my husband is reading. I've made it really simple for him (and you!). Just click on the pic and order from Amazon. (Most purchases qualify for free shipping and you save yourself the hassle of fighting the ridiculous crowds--a win/win, as far as I'm concerned!)

 A great coffee table book for the true Pixar fan.

 Disney...Bluegrass style.

 For the business man who has everything.
 There are several variations of these hardcover books, but this one is a great gift for the kiddos!

 This one makes me salivate...I want--NO! I NEEEEEEEEED it. (Did I oversell?)
 This story about the contributions of the late Imagineer John Hench looks like a winner to me!
 Technically, this book is for kids...but it might be a good gift for the dad who can't keep his Disney Princesses straight from his Fairies, or his White Rabbit from his Yellow Rabbit. (Yes, there is a difference.)

 Yes, please!

 Sure, they're technically for tweens, but I'd sure like to own the complete set of Ridley Pearson's Kingdom Keepers books (hint, hint).

 Ah, the soundtrack of my childhood!

There are sooooo many more I could list. Next up, I'll share some of my favorite Blu-ray/DVDs.