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.