25% Off Dining Coupons

If you're traveling to Walt Disney World April 17 through April 23, you can take advantage of this rare dining coupon! Because this will be one of the busiest weeks of the year for the Disney Parks, diners are encouraged to eat at off-peak hours--specifically before 11:30 a.m. and between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.--with this special 25% off coupon (with the purchase of an entree) for these participating restaurants:

• Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe*, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Columbia Harbour House*, Pinocchio Village Haus, and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant


• Epcot: Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn, and Sunshine Seasons*


• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, and Studio Catering Company


• Animal Kingdom: Flame Tree Barbecue*, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, and Tamu Tamu Refreshments

[* Denotes an Affording the Mou$e top pick for inexpensive dining!]

You can print the coupons online before you go (the link isn't live yet--will share this soon), or once you arrive look for them in the Times Guide, on the bottom of select merchandise receipts, or on receipts from select counter service restaurants.

In addition, don't forget about the merchandise coupons--available now through May 2--that I told you about in this post.

Thursday's Tip

If you're lucky enough to live within driving distance of Walt Disney World (and "driving distance" is a relative term...for some that means 200 miles or less, while others consider 600 miles an easy trip), you know the advantages of having a car on Walt Disney World property. Sure, there are buses and monorails and boats (oh my!) to take you almost anywhere you need to go on property, but it's nice to have the option to see outside the Mouse compound too. Our family has its favorite off-property restaurants and shops that we wouldn't want to miss on any given trip.

Here's a tip for those of you who have a car on site: drive to the Parks each day. Yes, Disney transportation is almost always safe, reliable, convenient, and it is ALWAYS free. But is it the most safe or most reliable? I'm not trying to sound macabre, but consider the number of accidents on Disney transportation in just the last year or so. We've seen a definite increase, which many Disney followers are attributing to lax standards within Disney's transportation department--including training of new Cast Members. But putting safety aside, our family has found that it can, indeed, be more convenient to drive ourselves.

First, we never have to wait for a bus or monorail. We just hop in the car and go. And often, if you arrive early enough, the parking area for cars can be nearly as close as the drop-off zone for the busses! (Note: you still have to take a monorail from the TTC to get to the Magic Kingdom, since there isn't a parking lot at the MK. All other WDW Parks have their own lot.) And one final bonus involves park hopping.

We almost always visit more than one park each day of our Walt Disney World vacation. And since we always bring in a few snacks and drinks, we keep a cooler in our car to "refresh" our stash before hopping to the next Park. And there have even been a few times when we took the opportunity to drive just a short distance off property to have a meal outside the Parks before returning. (This works especially well with Disney's Hollywood Studios, which is not far from a few of our favorite off-site restaurants.)

For us, it's the only way to go. We love the freedom of having our vehicle nearby. And, just in case you thought we were shelling out $$ to park, parking at the WDW Parks is free to all registered guests at Disney Resorts.

(Obviously, there are special instances when this does not apply. For example, when staying at a Resort that has a more direct transportation route--a monorail or even a boat--we take the most direct method.)

Tidbits from CinemaCon

CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO (that's National Association of Theatre Owners...not to be confused with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is happening this week in Las Vegas. Disney had several announcements to make and info to share. Here are just a few of the details that have surfaced concerning upcoming Disney projects:

• Cars 2 is going to be better than the first, if you can believe its star Larry the Cable Guy: "This second movie is so good, I’m ashamed I was in the first one." We think he was kidding. But with Michael Caine joining the cast as a British spy, we're certainly in for some laughs!


• The Muppets will start Jason Segall and Amy Adams, who made an appearance at the show. Have you seen the movie's title treatment? Not sure how I feel about the headless Kermit.


• 3D footage of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (and of Cars 2) was shown to exhibitors. In this 4th installment, Jack Sparrow is searching for the Fountain of Youth. Penelope Cruz also stars as a female pirate--girl power!


• Despite their $4 billion purchase of Marvel Entertainment, Disney will NOT be distributing the two Marvel movies this summer, Thor and Captain America. Paramount will. Instead, Disney will produce its own superhero film, The Avengers.


• Studio Chairman Rich Ross and Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter were noticeably absent.

Monsters Inc. Gets a Prequel

Disney/Pixar announced Tuesday at CinemaCon that Monsters Inc. will indeed have a sequel in 2012--er, make that a prequel. The title, Monsters University, was announced but with few other details. Billy Crystal is expected to return as the voice of Mike Wazowski, as is John Goodman as Sully. Also on board is Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs, Sully and Mike's nemesis in the original movie.

Did You Get Yours?

I popped into Target first thing this morning to get my copy of Tangled. (Shhh! It's going in the girls' Easter basket.) I had planned to purchase the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack, but was a bit puzzled by the various formats available. (Wish I had taken my camera along to show you what I saw.) I do remember there was a DVD/Blu-ray edition for $19.99, but it did not have the digital copy as the combo packs normally do. There was also just a DVD (can't remember the exact price on that one, but I knew I wanted the Blu-ray copy too). Finally, I saw the one I purchased:

It's has a normal Blu-ray, a 3D Blu-ray, a DVD, and a digital copy! It cost $24.99, but with my two $5 off coupons (one from Disney Movie Rewards and one Target store coupon), I got it for $14.99. After my Success Rice rebate, it will be down to $9.99 plus the cost of the rice (got a coupon for that too--it was in this past Sunday's paper).

No, we don't have a 3D TV (but maybe we will someday!). And sure, I could have purchased just the DVD/Blu-ray for $5 less--but my Target store coupon was for any DVD/Blu-ray priced $24.99 or over, so it would have ended up costing as much as the 3D combo pack. So, I'm thinking I got a pretty great deal.

How about you? Did you get yours? Did you find a better deal?

Tiki Room No Longer "Under New Management"?

Ever since the recent fire that damaged several animatronics (including heavy damage to Iago, the annoying bird originally voiced by Gilbert Godfrey in Aladdin) in the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management, the 'net has been abuzz with murmurs that perhaps now Disney would give the public what it wants--the attraction restored to its previous Iago-free glory. Fueling these rumors is the fact that Disney has changed the re-opening date of the attraction several times. The current date from Disney is July 1.

So...can it be? Is it really true. I've read corroborating reports that indeed we will see a "new and improved"--or, rather, an "old-and-back-to-how-we-like-it" Enchanted Tiki Room when it re-opens. Still, this bit of information falls squarely in the "rumor" category, though it appears to be at least possible with the new opening date.

My Favorite Things

Just as Oprah has her annual "Favorite Things" show, I thought I would start a new feature to introduce you to a few of my favorite things at Walt Disney World. These will range from everything to a special dessert to a unique attraction or experience.

To kick things off, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite "special & unique" dining experiences at Walt Disney World--afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Perhaps you're familiar with the extraordinary dining experiences at the Grand Floridian, such as Victoria & Albert's or even Narcoossee's, but you may not know about the small, elegant tea room located just off the main lobby.

With its lovely view of the beach and wedding gazebo, the atmosphere in this exclusive establishment is relaxing and breathtaking. Serving only from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, the afternoon tea is a return to more civilized times when ladies sat down for a lovely afternoon snack, along with a pot of tea, and simply enjoyed each other's company. It's definitely a remarkable change from my usual Disney pace!

I consider myself a bit of a tea conniseur, with an affinity for English tea in particular, so I find the whole experience to be quite sublime. I've enjoyed talks here with a dear friend and special "mommy and me" times with my oldest daughter too. It's a rare treat to sit sipping tea in relative quiet--so unlike most other Disney experiences that tend to be more high-energy. It's all quite civilized, really. 

The offer tea selections for every pallete, from fruity to hearty, English varieties as well as Asian. The tea sandwiches are scrumptious, and don't even get me started about dessert! Who can resist a swan-shaped pastry? You can purchase items ala carte or get full tea service. (I usually order the Buckingham Palace Tea for around $20; they also offer a Grand Tea that includes sparkling wine for around $25.) They even offer a Mrs. Potts Tea service for children(around $11) that substitutes chocolate milk. (My daughter went for the real thing--she's an adventurous eater!)



I've yet to find an item on the menu that I don't like. The scones with Devonshire cream and preserves are quite good, and I'm a fan of the Gardenview Blend Tea--although I also recommend the Princess Breakfast Tea if you like to avoid caffeine.

Most of all, I recommend taking time out of what can sometimes be a breakneck schedule to enjoy the serenity that the perfect cup of tea can provide. And for one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World, the price is right too!



(Note: I do not recommend this experience for children under 5 unless they are extremely calm by nature. The tea room is a serene environment, and out of courtesy to other guests I would not bring a high-strung or extremely active child of any age into this setting.)

Best Tangled Deal?

It looks like Target is the front-runner for the best deal on the Tangled Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack (available Tuesday). Their sale price will be $24.99. In addition to the coupon available at Disney Movie Rewards, there was a Target store coupon in a recent Easter-themed mailer for $5 off any Disney Blu-ray priced at $24.99 or higher--perfect! Pair that with the Success Rice rebate, and you could get your copy for as low as $9.99 plus the cost of the rice. (If you have a Cost Cutters Family Hair Salon near you (we don't), you could get this additional $5 rebate with a haircut purchase, for the low, low cost of just $4.99!

Wanna make it an even better deal? If you pick up a few other items you already need (and, of course, use coupons on these items at well!), there was a Target coupon on the front cover of the same Easter ad for a free $5 gift card with any purchase of $50 or more.

Tangled Coupon Now Available

OK, so it's not the usual $10 off that we've come to expect, but there is a $5 off coupon for the Tangled DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack now availabe on the Disney Movie Rewards site. Download yours today!

Free Wifi, Finally?

Well, not exactly. But it looks like Disney is running a test of a new wireless/cell phone configuration at the Contemporary Resort. For the next 30 days, guests can access free wireless service in the main lobby, main pool area, The Wave restaurant and lounge, and the Convention Center areas.

Access the sytem by clicking on the "Guest--Access (unsecured)" option. You'll be asked to accept the terms, etc., and then you'll be surfing the net for free. All other areas not specified will still be charged the standard $9.95/day for wireless access. (Wired internet access is available in guest rooms for $14.95/day.)

Here's hoping this is an indication that free wifi might eventually make its way to the Disney Parks & Resorts!

(Note: Free wifi is also available on Disney property at the McDonald's near the All-Star Resorts.)

Friday Photo

How do you like my new bag? Picked this one up at an outlet that sells close-out Disney merchandise (mostly from Disneyland) for under $9. Look out, summer--here I come!

Magician Mickey Will Soon Greet Guests

New details have been released regarding the Town Square Theatre meet-n-greet with Mickey that opens April 1. As I told you in this post, this will be the first character meet-n-greet to utilize Fastpass. Now the official Disney Parks Blog has released images and details about the experience--and it's definitely going to be "magical." Take a look here for yourself.

runDisney Teaser on Facebook

I don't like to run. (There, I said it.) But I do it anyway, because I know it's good for me. Still, it's a good run for me if I run two miles...and I'm usually satisfied with running one and walking one. (Too honest?) That said, I've always thought that if I ever decided to do a distance race, it would have to be a Disney one!

There are a ton of runDisney events throughout the Parks at various times of the year. They range from a low-key Family 5K to the brutal Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (yep, that's a full marathon, plus a half--over 39 miles!). Most are heavily themed as well, so you can choose your favorite!

With all those races already available, it's hard to guess what Disney will come up with next. But right now, if you "like" runDisney on Facebook, you will be the first to see clues about the newest race they will be announcing soon! Go here  to see the first clue.

Thursday's Tip

Without a doubt, my top over-arching Disney tip is to plan well. So today's tip is a bit of a counter-point to that: leave room for interesting distractions! Sure, I like to have a touring plan. But I never plan our schedule so tight that I can't take time out for something new and fun along the way.

For instance, you never know when some new fun experience will become available at Disney World. Sometimes celebrities make surprise appearances--really. Or, there might be a new roaming band or ensemble in one of the Parks. And just maybe, you will see a large turtle walking the path at Epcot...and your preschooler might want to stop and watch the whole scene unfold. (OK, yep, that one actually happened. It was pretty odd to see a turtle on the sidewalk, navigating the minefield of people.)

There's so much to take in at Walt Disney World. Make sure that you aren't so busy doing Disney that you forget to see it.

Merchandise "Coupons" on Food Receipts

If you're heading to Walt Disney World between now and May 2, be on the lookout for a merchandise discount on your counter service meal receipt. The 10% discount is available at Magic Kingdom's Emporium on Main Street USA, and perhaps other locations as well. Be aware that these discounts often have restrictions such as the time of day they may be used.

ADRs Booked!

As promised, I'll be sharing much of my Disney vacation planning as we prepare for my "40th Birthday Extravaganza" in September. We typically don't need to make many ADRs, as we don't use the Disney Dining Plan and tend to eat mostly quick service meals. Our exception is that we usually try to do at least one (and sometimes two) character meal or special dining experience each trip.

Last night, I booked the two dining experiences that I wanted to make sure we did for my birthday. I decided I wanted to have my birthday dinner (well, actually a late lunch) at Les Chefs de France. We booked for 30 minutes before animatronic Remy is supposed to arrive, so that hopefully we would be seated and settled in time to see him. I've always been a fan of the bakery in France, Boulangerie Patisserie, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this lovely table service restaurant. (And, hey, since we're lunching here, I'll probably still hit the bakery later in the evening for a birthday chocolate mousse!)

The other special dining experience that has become a favorite of mine is afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian. My first visit to this cozy little hideaway was with a friend who lives in the area. We enjoyed it so much that I decided to take my oldest daughter when she was old enough. Now that my youngest will be turning 5, I've decided that both girls are ready to share this experience. (Daddy was invited but opted out.) And since we'll be staying at the Grand Floridian for the second portion of our trip, we'll have our tea on the day that we switch resorts (we're taking a day "off" from the Parks so that we can switch over at a leisurely pace and also enjoy the pool and some other sites throughout the World).

At this point, that's all we have planned. We may add a character breakfast (or not), but it will not be a princess meal(been there/done that...several times), so I think we'll still be able to get an ADR is we decide to add that later.

I'm beginning to fill my clear plastic folio with various paperwork (mail received from Disney, printed out confirmations, etc.), so it's starting to feel official. I'm happy to report that Disney has released information about the Fall YES Programs, although registration is not yet open. That will likely be our next step--securing our spot and ordering tickets. As always, I'll keep my dear readers posted.

Character Changes Coming to the Studios

You'll see a few changes at the meet-n-greets throughout Disney's Hollywood Studios in the coming months. We'll be saying goodbye to Lots-o'-Huggin Bear, as he leaves his post at the Magic of Disney Animation (you can still spot Lots-o' in the afternoon parade!). On May 16, Winnie-the-Pooh, who has a new movie opening on July 15, will be found in his place.

The Luigi's Casa Della Tires meet-and-greet will also be mixing it up a little. Lightning McQueen will leave the party on April 8, with Tow Mater staying behind until April 18. At that time, the area will be closed and re-themed for Cars 2, opening with the new look on May 16, well before the movie opens on June 24.

Finally, the promised Phineas & Ferb play-and-greet I told you about in this post is set to open on May 16 as well. 

So, yep, May 16 is a big day for the characters at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

"Tangled Adventure" at Your Local Disney Store

This Saturday, March 26, your child (ages 3 and over, please) can enjoy a Tangled Adventure from 12 to 2 p.m. at your local Disney Store. This free event will include games, activities, and lots of fun! To find a Disney Store near you, click here.

Tangled Rebates

If you plan to puchase Tangled on Blu-ray/DVD (and who doesn't?), there are two new rebates available! Photocopies of your receipt appear to be acceptable for both deals, and since the packaging on all Disney movies contains two proof of purchase tabs, you could be able to get both rebates.

The first one is a $5 rebate when you purchase 2 Success Rice products. These are available pretty much everywhere, with coupons often available, so getting this rebate should be a no-brainer.

If you live near a Cost Cutters Family Hair Salon (these are usually inside Wal-Mart stores), you could also get a $5 rebate with a haircut purchase. Unfortunately, we don't have one of these close to us.

I'll let you know where I find the best deals on the Tangled combo pack closer to its release on March 29!

Friday Photo

No, we haven't turned into a couponing blog! But I have been thinking a lot lately about the many ways to save for a Walt Disney World vacation. Coupon shopping is at the top of my list. I got everything in the picture above for $32.11 (that big bag in the back is 10 pounds of chicken leg quarters, and there are several bottles of vitamins/supplements too). My cost before sales and coupons would have been $119.52! That's a savings of over 73%! I save like this on a regular basis. (In fact, if I haven't saved at least 50%, I don't feel like I haven't done my planning well enough!)

Inspired to save yet? You're in luck--we've added printable coupons, courtesy of Coupons.com, to our site. Click on the tab in the upper right corner of the page and start saving today!

And just to make it an official Friday Photo, with a true Disney World focus, here's a bonus pic. Bet you didn't know Minnie was a coupon user!

Thursday's Tip

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but today's tip is never pay full price. Now, that doesn't mean that you won't pay full price for most of your Walt Disney World vacation--it's quite possible that you will. At certain times of the year, discounts are few and far between. But if you can't find a discount on your resort or park tickets, perhaps you could use frequent flyer miles for your airline tickets. Or maybe you can earn free dining cards for Orlando-area restaurants by answering online surveys (I do this ALL the time--it's so easy!). Or maybe you can "purchase" free gas cards with credit card rewards. And, of course, you can earn Disney Reward Dollars by using your Disney Rewards Visa for your every day purchase! My point is, take the savings where you can find it. Only log onto Disney's website to purchase the trip package at full price (room, tickets, dining) as a last resort.

Of course, seeking out discounts for your resort and/or park tickets is the best way to save the most money. If you think the only discounts to be had will be advertised on the Walt Disney World website, you're wrong. Here are a few discounts you may not be aware of--and you just might qualify for:

• Military or retired military are frequently offered discounted park tickets and room-only discounts throughout the year. In addition, they can stay at the lovely military-only Shades of Green Resort.


• AAA members can purchase discounted park tickets from their local club and members can save on Disney Resort rates at certain times during the year.


• Airline employees are sometimes offered significant discounts on Disney Resorts, depending on the time of year.


• Homeschooling families can get discounted park tickets during Disney's Homeschool Days and when using Individual Enrollment for Disney's YES Programs.


• Florida residents are offered tickets at a significant discount and sometimes discounted rates at the Resorts as well.


• If you work for a company who sponsors one of the many exhibits or attractions at WDW, your company may offer discounted park tickets. It's likely the attraction also has a private lounge area for employees of the company.


• If you stay frequently at Hilton Hotels, you can exchange your Hilton HHonors points for Disney tickets.


• Orlando-area Wal-Mart stores sometimes sell Disney Parks tickets. However, the specific types of tickets are limited, and I highly recommend calling around to see what is available at each store before making the trip.


• Occasionally, you will a select few Disney Resorts listed on sites such as hotels.com, expedia.com, etc., at discounted rates.

Never pay full price isn't just my mantra for WDW vacations--it's a way of life for our family. Why pay more if you don't have to, right?

Alice in Wonderland: the Musical?

It looks as if Disney is exploring the possibility of a stage version of the recent Tim Burton film adaption of Alice in Wonderland. I can't imagine quite how they'll pull off those special effects, but I do believe it could be one of the most visually stunning stage productions ever. Here's the full story from Playbill.

Free Shipping: Your Lucky Day!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, www.DisneyStore.com is offering free shipping on your entire order. Simply use the promo code LUCKY at checkout.

More Disney Mail

One of my favorite parts about planning our next Walt Disney World vacation is all the little surprises along the way. Last week, I received the official "Your Disney Vacation Magic Starts Now" emails for both the resorts we're staying at this trip. They contain general information about each resort and offer suggestions about dining, activities, etc. Just a fun reminder that WDW is not so far away!



This week, we received our "snail mail" version. It's a small booklet with basically the same information, althoug more detailed. Particularly fun this go 'round was the fact that the cover of the booklet read, "Welcome, Gibbs Family for Valerie's Birthday Celebration!" Am I the only one who gets a little "geeked out" about seeing mail from Disney with my name on it?

Another Pin Code

We received yet another pin code in the mail this week. What's most interesting about this--besides the fact that this is the second one we've received in 2011!--is that it is for free dining. This is essentially the same free dining deal that was offered to the general public last fall for most dates through September 2011 (the booking window is now past).

We won't be using this code, as we already booked with our previous room-only pin code (a better deal for our family). Still, I can't help but get excited every time I get one!

Have you ever received one? What's the best pin code deal you have ever been offered?

Video of New Haunted Mansion Queue

Hop on over to the official Disney Parks Blog to check out video of elements added to the new interactive queue at the Haunted Mansion. Can't wait to get my hands on that "Composer's Crypt!" Fun, fun!

Cast Member Dies After Head Injury at Animal Kingdom

A Walt Disney World Cast Member, 52-year-old Russell Roscoe, an attraction mechanic with Animal Kingdom Engineering Services, was pronounced dead this morning after experiencing a head injury Sunday at around 3:45 p.m. while working on the Primeval Whirl attraction at Animal Kingdom. The ride was not operating for guests, as it was undergoing refurbishment. The 911 call reveals that Roscoe was hit by a moving vehicle. Few other details have been released, and OSHA is investigating the accident.

This is the second death associated with this particular attraction. In 2007, a CM died five days after falling from the platform of the ride. After that, sensors were added to prevent similar tragedies from happening. In 2008, federal investigators faulted Disney for five safety violations and fined the company $21,000 for the accident.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Roscoe family.

Last Year for Grad Nites

This may be a case of a few bad apples spoiling things for the whole bunch, but Disney has confirmed that this will be the last year for its annual Grad Nites. A tradition at WDW since 1972, it seems that in recent years the outlandish behavior of some guests (including entering restricted areas and damaging attractions) has caused Disney to shut the whole operation down. Also cited in the decision was increased spring attendance and increased costs, but--let's face it--the main problem was hundreds of 17- and 18-year-old kids on property without parental supervision. (Seriously, teenagers are still just kids.)

While some young students who haven't yet experienced Grad Nites might lament the decision, I'm betting the bulk of Park guests will cheer this one. (Am I sounding like a parental stick-in-the-mud? Sorry, gang! I still have little ones and can't quite see myself letting them--even as seniors--go traipsing around WDW on their own. But that's just me.)

Friday Photo

I'm having a cup of Earl Grey this morning--it's chilly in Tennessee! Made me think of this lovely spot in the United Kingdom (Epcot).

New Site Feature: Resort Pages

I'm thrilled to announce that I have added Resort Pages to my site. Now you can click on the "Resorts" tab in the upper right corner of the screen, and you will be directed to links for Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and DVC Resorts. Every Walt Disney World Resort, with the exception of DVC/Villas (which I hope to add eventually), has its own page with information such as location, theming, dining options, and amenities. I hope to be adding to each of these as I am able to experience each Resort more fully with each trip I take to the Happiest Place on Earth!

If you have resort pics for any of the pages that look a bit sparse, I'd love to have them. (My family is usually so tired from our drive to WDW that we often forget to take room pics before we unload and mess everything up!)

Thursday's Tip

Today's tip: pack smart for the Parks. Yes, I promote bringing your own water and snacks into the Parks. By all means, pack the Jasmine costume for the princess breakfast. And absolutely remember to bring your camera, coins for the pressed penny machines, autograph books and pens, OTC or prescriptions meds, etc., etc., etc. But don't take things you don't need...and pack smart.

Here's an example--and I know I'll hear a collective groan from some parents: skip the handheld games in the Parks. Unless your child has ADHD or some other issue that keeps him or her from being able to stand still for more than 5 minutes, it's really not necessary to give your kiddos something to do every second of the day. There's so much to explore, even as you're standing in line. Let them use their imaginations a bit!

Also, consider whether you really need to take everything into the Parks. Are you driving? Can you leave your light jackets or a change of clothes for the toddler who might have an accident in your car? We love to take a small cooler in our car so that we can refill on cold drinks and grab a snack when we park-hop. That also allows us to unload our princess costumes the girls wore at breakfast and grab their sweatshirts if the forecast calls for cooler night temps. Or maybe you're going back to the resort for an afternoon swim--that's a great time to re-think what you'll need for the evening hours.

Finally, let everyone carry his or her own load. Even as preschoolers, my girls each had their own kid-size fanny pack that held their sunglasses, a couple of snacks, and anything else they insisted on taking. Dad carried our clear backpack (great for getting through security and finding things in a hurry--see this post), and Mom carried a small purse with lots of pockets (just got a great one on clearance at Target for $2.49--see pic below). We still have one who occasionally uses a stroller, so we often hang a small soft-side lunchbox with beverages in it over the stroller handles too. (But we sometimes eliminate this extra bag by letting each family member carry a small water bottle.) We have everything we need, and we're not overloaded.



Got any smart packing ideas you want to share?

New: Coupons.com Saving Center Added

As you may know, I have long been a proponent of using coupons to save money--and especially to help save toward a Walt Disney World vacation. (Read this post about the many simple ways to start saving today!) I'm such a big fan of using coupons (last year I saved $4,648.81 on groceries for my family!--yes, I tracked it), that I decided to open a "Savings Center" on my site to link readers with one of the best coupon sources on the web, Coupons.com.

You can now click the "Coupons.com" tab in the upper right corner of this page and access dozens of printable coupons that will get you started saving for your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. And by using Affording the Mou$e as your gateway to Coupons.com, you help me afford to keep writing this blog! (That's a win/win, right?)

Free Shipping on Disney Parks Merchandise

Get free shipping on your entire order at www.DisneyStore.com when you purchase any Disney Parks official merchandise. Use the promo code CASTLE at checkout to get this deal. There are some new markdowns (up to 40% off), so you might find a few great deals!

Disney College Program

Can I take just a moment for a personal brag? My sweet cousin Camille, a student at Middle Tennessee State University, just got accepted into the Disney College Program! We're super excited to have yet another reason to visit our happy place!

So, what exactly is the Disney College Program? It's essentially a paid internship. Students in a variety of majors can have the fun experience of working for Disney for a year, all the while gaining a wealth of knowledge, earning college credit, and making some cash too! Really, what could be more fun to a young person than working at Walt Disney World? (Not quite as glamorous, my first job here in Nashville was working at the General Jackson Showboat, part of Opryland USA. That was super fun, so I can only imagine how much MORE fun working at WDW would be!)

If you know a college student who might be interested in meeting fun people, learning from the best in the business, and earning some $ and college credit, you can direct them to the Disney College Program page for more information.

Congratulations, Camille! We're coming to see you in September!

Up Recreation--Don't Try This at Home!

Time-Lapsed Video of Flower & Garden Prep

Enjoy this time-lapsed video of preparation for Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, courtesy of Inside the Magic.

Friday Photo

It's opening night for the production of Annie that my daughter and I are both performing in (Bethlehem Players, on stage March 4-13, for tickets visit www.ticketsnashville.com or  www.bethlehemumc.com,  or call 615-791-6456, ext. 2). Now that I got that shameless plug out of the way, here's the Friday Photo that really does fit in with my plug. Do you know where it's found in the World?



And, just for fun, here's a bonus photo. That mean orphan on the far left of the front row belongs to me.

New Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portraits Released

I just adore the Disney Dream Portraits taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz! Today, hop on over to the official Disney Parks Blog to see the three new images they've just released. Look for these ads in upcoming issues of your favorite magazines. Breathtaking!

Jungle Cruise Live Action Movie in the Works

It worked for The Pirates of the Caribbean...not quite so much for The Haunted Mansion. Disney will give turning a Park attraction into a motion picture yet another shot with Jungle Cruise: the Movie. (OK, that's not actually the title...I just made that up.)

The Hollywood Reporter has a few details, including the stars (Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are teaming up again for this one!), the producers (same guys responsible for bringing us The Fighter), and script writer (who has worked on Shrek and several Disney straight-to-DVD releases).

While the project has been in the works for some time, it appears that they are actually moving forward now. Can't wait to see what they come up with!

Le Cellier Goes "Signature"

We all saw this one coming, didn't we? Le Cellier, the ever-popular steak house in the Canadian pavilion of Epcot, has now become one of Disney's Signature Dining Experiences. What does that mean to you and me? For starters, there is a new menu; but don't worry--their famous Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (made with Moosehead beer and bacon) remains. As do a host of other popular dishes. But you will be paying a bit more for your beloved favorites, as prices seem to have hiked up to fit the "Signature" label.

The most significant difference, of course, is that Le Cellier will now require 2 table service credits on the Disney Dining Plans, instead of the previous 1. And you can expect this already-hard-to-get-an-ADR eatery to become even more popular.



If 2 dining credits, or $30-40 per entree is out of your price range, you can create a little Le Cellier magic at home with this recipe for the aforementioned Cheddar Cheese Soup. I have made this a couple of times, and even mixed up a couple of steps in the recipe, and it was still wonderful! Be sure to balance it with a salad, 'cause this recipe is anything but light! Bon apetit!