Thursday's Tip

Since it's close to Christmas (and, in full disclosure, I am soooooo not finished with my shopping), I've got gift-giving on the brain. What parent doesn't want to give their child a fun souvenir or gift to commemorate their trip to Walt Disney World? But the prices in the many gift shops around the World can often be exorbitant. (There are a few "clearance" spots to be found--even in the in-Park stores...you just have to look for them!) This is a tip I've shared before, but it is worth repeating: do your Disney vacation souvenir shopping before your trip at discount stores. If you're looking for small "get-a-gift-every-day-of-your-trip" items, you might want to check your local dollar store, as they stock tons of Disney licensed items. And nearly every major discount store has a full line of Disney items, many of them exclusive to a particular store. Additionally, shop your local Disney Store or DisneyStore.com for clearance items--many of them are the very same official Disney Parks items that you can buy on site.

Finally, if you have time to order, I find some of my best Disney deals on Amazon. You have to search frequently, as inventory and pricing changes often. Here are a few of my favorite items up for grabs right now:

Roundup of Updates

I have been terribly remiss about keeping up with the updates around Walt Disney World. My only defense is the same as everyone else's: busyness! The holidays have really snuck up on me. (That explains why so many of my posts lately have been Amazon deals...I am still struggling to get my shopping done!) Pair that with a still fairly new-to-us home, a husband's crazy work schedule, the start of Upward cheer season (I'm a coach), and our normal lives as a homeschooling family, and I simply haven't been able to keep up with the Most Magical Place on Earth as much as I would like. But this morning, I finally carved out some time to read up on some exciting new developments, which I now share below (in shorthand) for you.

• The new Fantasyland expansion area continues to draw the crowds, with wait times exceeding 100 minutes at the Under the Sea--Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction. FYI, if you have a visit planned, you'll want to note that Fastpasses for the ride are located in OLD Fantasyland near Mickey's Philharmagic, not near the Little Mermaid attraction.


• Be Our Guest restaurant (new Fantasyland) will be testing a system that would allow guests to essentially reserve a time for lunch and even pre-order food. Guests would then arrive at the restaurant at the appointed time and go through an express checkout, where they would be given a magical rose (much like traditional restaurant "beepers") to take to their chosen table where the food would later be delivered. Sounds like a viable solution for eliminating the lunchtime bottleneck that seems to be happening in this very popular new eatery.


• WDW has just completed yet another test of the new Fastpass+ system--the first of these tests that also included live shows. (Many of us were curious as to how they would fit into the picture when the original concept was first introduced.) Certainly there are both pros and cons to the system, but based on how many of the new kiosks are sprouting up around the World, I'm guessing it's here to stay. I have yet to personally experience it, but I'm fluctuating between being excited about the new technology and lamenting over losing a system that I am familiar and comfortable with.


• There was a lot of buildup, and if you weren't in the Magic Kingdom on the evening of December 5 you missed it, but the dragon flew. And, as Forest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that."


• While Fantasyland was having its "Grand Re-Opening," Test Track was not to be outdone, when it rolled out its 2.0 version on December 6. There was a band (One Republic), pyrotechnics, WDW execs and such...it was kind of epic. I hear the attraction is pretty cool too. Our family is pretty psyched about giving it a whirl on our next visit!


• Disney has retooled the official Walt Disney World website. Check it out here.

Those are the highlights for now. Back to my Christmas shopping. Oooh...here's another great deal I found on Amazon (Ok, this one is actually from MY list):

Still Time for Amazon Deals with Free Shipping

Apparently today is "Free Shipping Day" for many online dealers. It's also one of the last days you can order from many sites and still get purchases by Christmas (at least without paying outrageous overnight fees!). I was doing another perusal of Amazon and found that several of my Disney favorites had gone down in price! Here are some deals to grab today:







Additionally, Amazon is offering free overnight shipping on select items. Click here to see if the free shipping applies to anything from your Christmas list.

Hidden Mickey Monday

We've been in our new house for almost 2 months now, and we're pretty much finished with the interior cosmetic work--i.e., painting. I had forgotten about this fun little Hidden Mickey that showed up on my hand. FYI, that's the color of our guest powder room.

Disney Savings on Amazon

Now through December 22, you can save up to 47% off regular prices of various DVDs and Blu-ray products distributed by Disney. Click here to discover what titles are covered. (There are quite a few of the more obscure movies, which is exciting to those of us who own pretty much every mainstream Disney film available!) Once on the page, you can click on the tabs--Animation, Live Action, Blu-ray, etc.--for even more titles and savings!

AND, I also just found this deal for savings of up to 65% off Star Wars toys! Check it out here.

 

Is Cars Land Coming to WDW?

It has been rumored for some time now, but I'm hearing buzz that there might be an official announcement as early as this week that Disney is indeed bringing Cars Land to Disney's Hollywood Studios! The area would likely cover the area now occupied by the Studio Backlot Tour and the Lights! Camera! Action! Extreme Stunt Show. I, for one, am thrilled at this new, as it will save my family a large chunk of change that we probably have dropped in the next year on a trip to the West Coast to see the original Cars Land. As it is, we'll likely hold out for the much closer Orlando version.

While I tend to be a traditionalist and often cling to older attractions--especially those that are original to any Park--I think the Backlot Tour has definitely overstayed its welcome. If there were any amount of realism or actual studio backlot insight to be gained from the attraction, I might feel differently. But since very little work is actually being done on the site--and almost no filming, other than promotional materials--the attraction has lost its credibility. It's time for it to go. And, well, I never really cared for the stunt show, so I'm OK with that too. These two will be a small price to pay for the awesomeness that will be Cars Land.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Spotted this one during our September trip. Guess where:

Friday Photo

We just caught a glimpse of the new Test Track on Good Morning America. Did you see it? It happens to be one of our family's favorite attractions. And this Friday Photo of my crew (minus me, the photographer) is proof.

New Fantasyland Officially Opens!

While it has been operating in soft opening for quite a while now, today is the official opening of the new Fantasyland, including several new attractions, restaurants, and experiences. Hop on over to the Official Disney Parks Blog for highlights and photos. I so wish I could be there!

More Amazon Disney Deals

Just Dance Disney for Wii is just $19.99!



OK, not exactly Disney, but related: the complete Indiana Jones set is just $39.99 on DVD!


 And I found this obscure quartet of films for just $12.49 on DVD!

Walt Disney's Birthday

Walt Disney would have been 111 today. Happy birthday, Mr. Disney!

Cinderella Doll Lightning Deal on Amazon

This deal starts at 4:00 p.m. PST (that's 6 Central). Not sure yet what the price will be, but this doll is gorgeous. It retails for $34.99, and it's already on sale for $29.99, so you can expect it to go quite a bit lower than that. Click below to check it out.

Amazon Lightning Deal for Epic Mickey 2

There's a Lightning Deal on Amazon.com right now for Epic Mickey 2 on PS3. Click below to follow the link:

 

Friday Photo

I made a very sad phone call this week: the call to cancel our Resort reservation for a Disney trip scheduled next month. It was to be our first visit to WDW during the Christmas season. But several factors were working against us--including our busy schedule and limited funds due to our recent purchase of a home--and, in the end, we just couldn't justify the time or money involved (especially since we just went in September). Still, one day...one day I WILL see this:

More Disney Deals on Amazon

Here are some Cyber Monday Week (it's a little much, isn't it? now it's a whole week...) deals from Amazon.


90% off!!!


40% off


45% off


50% off


over 60% off



Over 25% off--and she can tote her doll along! (My daughter totally wants this.)

Hidden Mickey Monday

 

You have to possess a certain item to see this one...do you know where it is?

Want to find all the Hidden Mickeys around the World? Check out this book:



 

 

 

 

 

 

You have to possess a particular item to see this one...do you know where to find it?

Want to know where all the Hidden Mickeys can be found around Walt Disney World? Check out this book:

 

Disney Amazon Finds

Amazon has already started their Black Friday Lightning Deals. Be sure to check the site frequently to see what's on a flash sale. Meanwhile, here are some great prices on Disney or Disney-related items that I found today while shopping:

Hidden Mickey Monday

This one is actually in a gift shop outside an attraction. Can you name the shop or guess the attraction?

Friday Photo

Thursday's Tip

I am generally someone who believes you can't possibly start planning for a Walt Disney vacation too early. In fact, I typically have a resort reservation by around six months before an upcoming trip. That said, a lot can change in those six months--including the release of new discounts. My tip for this Thursday: plan ahead, but keep be willing to change your plans.

For example, if you have the flexibility, it might be worth adjusting a reservation a few days one way or the other to qualify for a discount that wasn't yet released when you booked. Or you might learn that your favorite attraction will undergo refurbishment during your scheduled trip--and changing your dates by a week may exponentially increase the enjoyment of your vacation. I have been known to call the Disney reservation line as many as four separate times to change dates or resort for one stay. Chances are, you'll get a different Cast Member each time, so you don't have to worry that they are getting tired of hearing from you! And isn't it worth a few minutes of your time if it saves you cash or hassle?

That reminds me...I need to make a call about a reservation. I'll let you know how it all works out for me.

Brave Releases Today

As a reminder, Brave releases on DVD/Blu-ray today! I haven't had a chance to even research the best deals on this one--did anyone find a great one? I'll be doing most of my holiday shopping online this year, so I'm especially interested in great online deals on Disney movies and merchandise. (In fact, UPS just brought a box from DisneyStore.com this afternoon!) Share your great Disney deal in the comments.

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

The pic is sideways...the sign in the back might give you a clue. Where did we find this Hidden Mickey?

Friday Photo

My oldest daughter is obsessed with all things French. We just finished mudding and painting her room, which has a black/white/fuchsia Paris theme. Here she is in September at one of her favorite Epcot photo spots. Notice the looming dark clouds. Yep, we got a bit wet that day.

Thursday's Tip

I'm sure many of you read the recent news that George Lucas will donate the bulk of the proceeds of selling Lucasfilm to Disney to his "philanthropic endeavors." This charitable act reminds me of one of my favorite Disney tips: pay it forward. What does that look like, in real terms? Well, I'd like to think it's what I do here every day by sharing my Disney knowledge with others. (FYI, I do not make money from this site. I have earned a few dollars--and I mean a few--from Amazon for purchases made from the site, but nothing beyond that. My meager income is from clients who pay me to plan their trips.) Other ways we like to "share" Disney with others are pretty simple--and anyone can do them. Here are a few ideas:

• Keep a few extra cheap rain ponchos in your park bag. When the inevitable Florida shower starts, hand them out to guests without them.


• Buy a couple of packages of glow bracelets to pass out to kiddos waiting for the night parade to begin.


• Aren't going to make it over to Space Mountain to use that FastPass? Give it to another guest.


• When it's really crowded at a counter service restaurant, don't dawdle over your food. Be aware of those waiting on tables, and let them know when you're cleaning up and about to leave.


• If you hear guests asking themselves a question you know the answer to, talk to them! Your advice might save them some time or money.


• Offer your seat on a bus or monorail to the haggard mother carrying her heavy two-year-old. Or anyone...just because.


• If you're leaving for the day and sure you're not coming back, offer your rental stroller to a family coming in for the evening.


• Instead of holding a place in line for your entire family of 12 who went to the restroom, let others go around you and don't worry about the ten minutes you lost.


• In general, give up the best seat...the best place in line...the best anything for someone else.

I'm as guilty as anyone about wanting to have the best experience for myself and my family at Walt Disney World. But I find that the more trips I take, the less important it is for me to have the best, and the more joy I get from seeing others have a wonderful experience. It only takes a small gesture to help someone else have a magical day.

Update Around the World

I have been terribly remiss about even reading WDW updates, much less posting about them! We're finally settled into our new home (well, settled is a relative term), so I'm desperately trying to get back on track with my blogging. Here are some general updates of what's going on around WDW, including refurbishments and openings:

• Although the new Fantasyland doesn't officially open until December 6, Cast Member and passholder previews are in full swing, as well as previews for the general public.


• Test Track (Epcot) is also now scheduled to reopen on December 6.


• The re-imagined Bistro de Paris (Epcot) is also set to open December 6 with a new menu and new name.


• Epcot's Character Spot remains closed through February. If you have a trip scheduled between now and then, you can check with a Cast Member to see where your favorite characters have been relocated.


• The Studio Backlot Tour, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, and American Film Institute Showcase (Disney's Hollywood Studios) are expected to reopen on November 17.


• Lights! Motor! Action! Extreme Stunt Show (DHS) will close next week for a brief refurbishment, closing on November 11 and reopening on November 15.


• Typhoon Lagoon is closed for its yearly rehab and will reopen on January 5, weather permitting.


• Blizzard Beach will undergo its yearly rehab January 6 through March 16.


• Splash Mountain (MK) will be closed from January 2 through March 19, for a rather lengthy refurbishment.


• Mad Tea Party (MK) will be closed January 7-February 18.


• The Liberty Square Riverboat (MK) will close for refurbishment February 1-7.

Whew! I think that about covers it for now. Lots going on around the World.  We were hoping to take a quick trip in December, to experience some of the new and improved attractions, but I'm not sure it's going to happen with all that's going on (new house and especially busy time at work for my husband). Still holding out hope!

Election Day

Tonight I'll be curled up on the couch with my family and a cup of tea. But instead of watching one of our favorite Disney films or even Disney Channel, we'll be watching election results. Truth be told, I don't really like politics. Bu as a responsible adult, I know how important the election process is, and I want my voice to be heard. Whatever the outcome, there will undoubtedly be a lot of angry people. We all know it's close...very close. One side is not going to be happy. Of course, I'm praying that it's not my team that loses. But here's what I know: Although I do believe this election is critical in the direction our country takes over the next four years, tomorrow we will still wake up in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." We need to diligently protect our freedom, but also need to realize that this election is one battle...not the whole war. And, more importantly, I believe that a soverign God puts men in office (and not always good men--read the Bible to see some of the scoundrels He allowed to run things). Nothing happens here on earth that He doesn't have His hands all over! However critical this day may look to us, its merely a blip on the radar for a God who sees the big picture. I don't know about you, but I find that very reassuring.

Perhaps this wasn't a very Disney-ish post. So, I'll leave you with this:

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

Where did we find this one? The design on each circle gives a big hint.

MOVING!!!

We are finally moving...really. This week. And, I just found out that we won't have internet access at the new house until next Tuesday--yikes! But, let's be honest, I probably won't have time to post anything between now and then anyhow. So...I'll be taking a bit of a break from writing about my favorite place. Will you promise to come back, dear Reader, when I return? I hope it won't be too long. In the mean time, if I have time for quick updates, I'll post those to my Facebook page.

Hidden Mickey Monday

A new Hidden Mickey from our most recent trip. The pic kinda gives away its location, but--just for fun--can you guess it?

Disney Launches 2013 Marketing Campaign

At least, I think that's what it's supposed to be. Does anyone remember the good old days of "Year of a Million Dreams" or "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day"? It seems the last few yearly campaigns by Disney have been, well, somewhat underwhelming. 2013 is no exception with "Limited Time Magic." Here's the gist: There will be, throughout the year, multiple "limited time engagements" of any variety of incarnations. These may take the form "Long Lost Friends Week" where we'll see those not-so-common walk-around characters in the Parks. Or "Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands" (I think that is pretty self-explanatory). Or even the return of the "Golden Horseshoe Review." Now, don't get me wrong--I think these ideas are super fun. But is it enough to draw guests to the Disney Parks? I think not. It's a clever idea, and I'm sure many of the locals/Annual Passholders will make additional visits to the Parks to take in a special week, but I can't see it doing much to boost Disney's bottom line, or to excite guests worldwide.

Still, just for fun, what are some of the "Limited Time Magic" events you'd like to see? I'll start...how about a week where "refurbished" and "reimagined" attractions get their old soundtracks back? I'd really like to hear some of my favorites like, "If you had wings..." and even "Now is the time, now is the best time, now is the best time of your life..." Anybody with me?

BTW, in case you missed it, Disney put a beautiful ice castle in Times Square to accentuate the "limited time" aspect of their announcement. If you didn't see

Fantasyland in Soft Opening

While there have been test runs of various attractions over the last few weeks, it has only been in the last week that many of the new Fantasyland attractions, restaurants, etc. have been in what I would call a true "soft opening." Photos are surfacing of areas in and around Belle's village, including Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston's Tavern, and Bonjour Gifts. Just this morning, I spoke with an aquaintance who just returned from WDW and was able to experience those, as well as the Belle attraction (Magical Tales with Belle) and the new Little Mermaid attraction (this one got rave reviews, btw!). And while they weren't hiding that this area was open, they certainly weren't actively promoting it.

If you'll be traveling to the Parks in the coming weeks, be sure to check out the new Fantasyland. And even if an attraction doesn't appear to be open, it never hurts to ask a Cast Member nearby--you might just be pleasantly surprised!

Friday Photo

Have you met the newest Disney Fairy, Periwinkle (which just happens to be my favorite color!)? W

Thursday's Tip

This is a Disney tip wrapped in a general tip: always search for a coupon/discount code--for anything and everything! With a few exceptions (mostly holidays/peak travel season), there is almost always some sort of discount offered at the Disney Parks throughout the year--whether it be free dining, a room discount, or even the rare "Stay, Play, & Dine" discounts. Even if you haven't heard about one, it pays to do a quick web search for Disney discounts, including your travel dates in the search. (Most discounts can be found on Disney's own "special offers" page--but not all.) You never know what you might find! Likewise, whenever purchasing any item online, always search for a coupon/discount/offer code before proceeding. This all goes along with one of my personal mantras: NEVER pay full price!

Discount Updates

I've been terribly remiss in updating you on a few discounts around the World for fall/winter. Here's the rundown of what's currently being offerred:

• Annual Passholders can receive up to 30% off resort stays (discount varies from resort to resort) for travel dates now through December 24. Thanksgiving week is blacked out.


• Florida residents can save up to 35% off resort stays (again, varying greatly among resorts) for travel dates now through December 15. Thanksgiving week is again blacked out.


• The general public can also get in on room savings of up to 30% off for travel dates through December 22. And, you guessed it, Thanksgiving week is blacked out.


• Just released is a winter room-only discount for the general public of savings up to 35% off for travel dates Jan. 2 through March 7. (This was originally released to Disney Rewards Visa cardmembers, but it now available to everyone.) Must be booked by December 31, and there are no blackout dates listed...but that doesn't necessarily mean they don't exist.


• Also new is the "Stay, Play, and Dine" discount for dates Jan. 2 through March 7. This one is a little hard to put your finger on, as they don't list the specific percentage off of regular prices, and there are tons of variables. There is a 3-night minimum stay (maximum 14 nights) and you must purchase at least a 1-day park pass for all guests in the room, as well as the dining plan (either Quick Service or Disney Dining Plan, depending on the resort category). Little Mermaid section of Art of Animation, campsites at Ft. Wilderness, and 3 bedroom villas do not qualify, but there appear to be no blackout dates. My advice is to price out this deal and the above room-only deal to see which is the best price, as it could vary depending on your needs.

That's about it for now.

Monsters University Wants You!

Great news--Monsters University has a brand new website...no, not for the movie; for the institution of higher learning! My nephew Matt (one of my few family members who is a loyal reader--thanks, Matt!) is a high school senior and currently college shopping. I may have found the perfect school for you, Matt! They even have a School of Engineering! Check it out here.

Hidden Mickey Monday

This Hidden Mickey is on one of our favorite rides--do you know which one?

Add This to My Wish List...

OK, I know I just got a house for my birthday (coincidence, but I'll still claim it), but I could certainly use a second vacation home for Christmas! I pick this one. (OK, if I'm being perfectly honest, it would probably creep me out. But I do like the idea of it.)

 

Off the Grid...Sort Of

Hey, gang! I've been somewhat "off the grid" the past few days as we closed on our new home last Friday and have been working frantically to get ready to move ever since! (No wifi or phone yet in the new place...or TV...or, well, much of anything.) Making matters worse, my laptop power source bit the dust, making it temporarily impossible for me to access everything I needed to post here. All that to say, it has been a crazy week...and it will likely continue at this pace for the next few weeks.

Now that my laptop is back in working order, I hope to manage a few posts, but they will almost certainly be less frequent. Please know that the slowdown is merely temporary. I'm not going away...just diverting my energy where it most needed at this time--at home! I'm still trying to keep up on the latest WDW news, and I'll do my best to inform readers of the really big stuff. And if I manage to carve out some free time (hahahahaha!), I will continue with some of my planned posts regarding our most recent trip.

Thanks for sticking with me...I hope to be back at it soon!

Art of Animation...Continued

Yesterday, after putting together a rather lengthy post with tons of pics, apparently WordPress decided there were just too many fabulous photos for one post and edited a few out for me. :-/ So...here are a few of my favorite AoA photos that you didn't see in yesterday's post. I really wanted my readers to see the complete attention to detail in theming, especially in the Cars section. I know a few little boys (and, OK, a few big boys too) who would be in heaven here. Enjoy!

























 

















 

Art of Animation Review

For our most recent trip, we were thrilled to secure a reservation in the Ariel section of the Art of Animation Resort on the very day that it opened to the public. Aside from cookies and lemonade in the registration area, there wasn't much hoopla to celebrate. However, the idea of staying in a room that no one else had stayed in was very appealing to me. In fact, my typically germaphobe tendencies took a vacation too, as I allowed my children to even sit on top of the bedspreads and touch the remote control and telephone. (Yes, I am the crazy person who packs Lysol and sprays down everything before I let anyone touch anything! Bedspreads are immediately removed, and the beds turned down to expose only the laundered sheets.) Perhaps coincidentally--or perhaps NOT--no one in our party got sick this trip!

Here are a few pics of the exterior sculptures in the Ariel section:







And here are some interior shots of our room:

















First, the positive: Our girls LOVED the theming of this room. In Art of Animation, more than any of the other Value Resorts, I feel like Disney has really taken theming to the next level. With even the bathroom tile themed as Ariel's underwater hideaway, the attention to detail here is amazing. And, as a musician, I was particularly drawn in by the sheet music for "Under the Sea" that is featured on the table top. These are the little bonuses that we're accustomed to in the Parks but that sometimes get skipped over in the Resorts. Kudos to Disney for not skimping on the details. That said, there is an element of "cheapness" to all the decor. While it all looks shiny and new today, I have serious concerns about how it will endure over the next 5 to 10 years.

As far as the functionality of the room, it's pretty comparable to any of the other Value Resorts. I'm thrilled that Disney has decided to make refrigerators the standard in all rooms now (once a $10 fee in Value Resorts), but I wish they would provide small friges that can retain a safe/low temperature. (Heaven forbid you should put more than 2 cans of soda in them--you will feel the temp go down. In other words, don't plan on storing a gallon of milk in there unless you want yogurt by the end of the week.)

I would say that the amenities of this Resort in general are a slight step above the other Values too. The food court is a bit more sophisticated, with unique menu items and stations. Additionally, there's no denying that the Big Blue Pool with the splash-n-play area far exceeds the feature pools at other Value Resorts. And the play areas at AoA are cleverly disguised as art--no boring jungle gyms here!











As far as which section of the Resort to stay in, I have my favorites...but it really depends on what matters to you. The Nemo section is obviously closest to the main building (including food court and gift shop), the bus stop, and the Big Blue Pool. The Cars section is by far the most elaborately themes (little boy heaven!). The Lion King section was, in my opinion, the least desirable, as it did not have its own pool and it did host the evening movies (unwanted noise perhaps if you're trying to get little ones in bed). But if you don't need a suite to accomodate your family, I highly recommend the Ariel section, which is the only section of standard rooms. For just a few dollars more per night than the other Value Resorts, these rooms afford superior theming and that "new room" smell that I particularly appreciate.