Happy "One More Disney Day"! (Oh...and Leap Day!)

Happy Leap Day, readers! Today is your last chance to enter the One More Disney Day Sweepstakes here. I've been following twitter feeds and fan sites posting about the day's events at the Magic Kingdom. It seems that the crowd level and ride waits are all quite manageable--not bad at all. So sad to be missing all the fun!

Are any of my readers there? I had one reader on Facebook comment that she was at Disney's California Adventure today, and it's incredibly crowded. It seems that Disney World is faring better with the crowds than California is. All in all, it seems like a pretty normal day at the Magic Kingdom so far, but there's nothing normal about spending the night there. What a fun place to pull an all-nighter!

Remember, even if you couldn't make it to the MK, you can purchase merchandise for the event at the Disney Store online.

FastPass Coming to Additional Attractions

At least two attractions at Epcot are currently getting FastPass machines installed. In preparation for the coming X-pass feature, Disney is adding FastPass machines to The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Spaceship Earth. Additional attractions around the World are expected to get FastPass in the near future, in preparation for the controversial--and largely unfavorable among fans--program. Of course, Disney has made no official announcement on when  it will premier, or even exactly what X-pass will entail, but there is an abundance of speculation and rumor that can be located with a simple web search.

In other Epcot news, Habit Heroes--the Innoventions exhibit aimed at helping guests kick unhealthy habits and improve fitness--has closed for some reworking just three weeks after it's opening. The attraction came under fire when several noted experts on juvenile health and obesity condemned it as being inappropriate and possibly harmful to children's self esteem. No word yet on exactly what will change or when it will re-open.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Found this one on my computer power cord:

Tune In to HGTV Tonight

Tune in to HGTV tonight at 9:00 p.m. Eastern (8:00 Central) to see "My House Goes Disney." A follow-up to the yard version that first aired, this show transforms the inside of the lucky family's home. How could would that be?!? Me, me! Pick me next! You can catch a sneak preview here.

Friday Photo

Ah, Thunder Mountain Railroad...how we miss you! Come back soon. :-)

Gas Prices Soar Near Disney World

Motorists from other areas of the country may be in for a bit of "sticker shock" when they see current gas prices in Florida, with some areas charging close to $6 per gallon. Ouch! Prices in Lake Buena Vista are as high as $5.89 for regular and $5.99 for premium at some stations! The national average this week is at around $3.59 per gallon for regular. Of course, higher prices in tourist areas are expected, but traditionally the HESS gas stations on Walt Disney World property are actually among the cheapest in the immediate Lake Buena Vista area. Current prices, according to GasBuddy.com, at those HESS stations are still a relative "cheap" $3.71 for regular.

Thursday's Tip

Our family always seems to be coming up with unique ways to save for a Disney vacation. Some of our past forays into the world of saving have involved yard sales, couponing, and saving our spare coins. For our Thursday's Tip, here are a few other ways you might be able to pinch a few pennies--and remember, those pennies add up!

• Compare prices on everything! Don't assume that a discount or warehouse store has the cheapest prices on everything. Sometimes those jumbo sizes are misleading. I've found that with coupons, I can usually purchase most items in a smaller, more manageable size for a lower price-per-unit.


• Re-think your prescription refills. Many pharmacies offer incentives to switch to their pharmacy, and mail order companies can sometimes offer a significant savings if you buy a 3-month supply at one time. Search for the best deal that fits your needs.


• Give your grocery cart a once-over. Is there anything in there that you can do without? Are there prepared items that you could purchase whole and prepare yourself? Are there junk foods full of empty calories that would be better replaced with a healthier (and often cheaper) option? Are you paying for packaging, rather than the food?


• Use the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. Not only is it good for the environment; it's also good for your wallet. Some examples: Use less paper towels and napkins by using cloth instead. Or recycle aluminum cans for cash. And don't purchase new boxes or packaging material. Instead, reused salvaged boxes, bubble wrap, etc. Same goes for bags for birthday and Christmas gifts. (It's getting a bit humorous to our family members, as we keep giving and receiving the same bags over the years.)


• Install a dimmer switch on lights and/or a digital thermostat that can be programmed to save on heating and cooling while you're away. Change your furnace filter regularly for optimum performance, and seal up any drafts or cracks that might allow air to escape. Check faucets for drips. Be sure to remove lint from your dryer after every load. These few minor maintenance and repair items can keep you from wasting $ on fuel and energy bills.


• Do a yearly overview of all your negotiable bills--cell phone, cable, insurance, baking fees, etc.--to make sure you're getting the best deal to fit your needs. Don't assume that the "bundle" your company offers is indeed the best deal for you. And while you're at it, be sure to pay your bills on time. There's no easier way to waste money than to pay a late fee.


• Institute a "no spend" day. This is a day set aside each week where all your meals and snacks come from your pantry, and you don't do any sort of shopping. The only caveat: make sure you don't overspend on the next day to compensate!

These are just a few ways to save money. Of course the next step, as you notice that your savings is growing, is to set aside a specific amount in a vacation fund each week or month.

Wednesdays with Walt

 

I have no use for people who throw their weight around as celebrities, or for those who fawn over you just because you are famous. --Walt Disney

Disney Reservation System Down on Thursday

If you're planning a Disney vacation, you'll want to note that their reservation system will experience an outage on Thursday, February 23, beginning at 5:00 a.m. (end time TBD, but the system will likely be fully functional by Thursday evening). Guests will be unable to make resort, dining, or any other reservations--both online or by phone--during this outage, so plan accordingly.

Keep Entering!

There's still about a week left in the "One More Disney Day" sweepstakes. Don't forget to enter daily here for a chance to win one of 60 Disney vacations that will be given away--one for each day in January and February. I confess that I have missed a few days here and there (and the website was rather "kludgy" in the first few days), but I have entered most days.

So, has anyone out there every won a Disney or other vacation sweepstakes? Though I've won a few radio trivia or essay contests for tickets and small prizes, I've never won anything as elaborate as a vacation.  How awesome would that be?!? Still hoping!

 

 

"One More Disney Day" Schedule

Later this month, Disney will celebrate Leap Day on February 29 with "One More Disney Day," in which the Magic Kingdom (as well as Disneyland in California) will be open for 24 continuous hours from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday through 6:00 a.m. Thursday. The MK will then re-open on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. for a regular day of operations. Here are a few details:

• "One More Disney Day" is NOT a special ticketed event. In other words, it is open to any guest with a valid admission ticket, including an annual pass.


• Select merchandise locations will have limited hours, while others will remain open at all times. Commemorative merchandise will be available and is expected to be offered online following the event.


• There will be a few brief closures of certain attractions, in order to complete the routine nightly maintenance, but otherwise, all attractions are expected to remain open during the 24-hour period.


• Table service at most eateries will end around midnight, but there will be at least one counter service restaurant with indoor seating open at all times. Several locations will offer a breakfast menu on Thursday morning.


• Guest services such as transportation, bag check, security, First Aid, and the Baby Care Center are expected to be fully operational for all 24 hours.

Now, for the schedule. Unless otherwise noted, times are shown for Wednesday:

• The morning show will begin at 5:50 a.m.


• The Main Street Trolley Show will be in the morning at 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, 9:15, 10:10, and noon.


• In the evening The Magic, Memories and You! can be seen at 7:45, 9:00, 11:00 and in the morning at 5:30 on Thursday.


• Wishes will be shown once at 8:00 p.m.


• You can see the Main Street Electrical parade at 10:00 p.m. or at midnight.


• Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will be shown once at 3:00 p.m.


• You can catch the Movie It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:40 p.m.


• The Dream Along with Mickey can be seen in the afternoon and evening at 1:15, 2:15, 4:15, 5:15, 6:30, and 7:20.


• Donald Duck will meet guests from 6:00 a.m. until 2:35 p.m.


• Mickey can be found at Town Square Theater from opening until 10:00 p.m.


• Characters from Alice in Wonderland will be available from 6:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.


• Aladdin will meet with guests from 6:30 a.m.  to 3:45 p.m.


• See the Disney Princesses in Town Square Theater from 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday through 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.


• The Tangled Play and Greet will run from 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday through 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.


• You can find the Disney Fairies in Adventureland from 9:15 a.m. Wednesday until 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.


• Pooh and friends will greet guests from 10:15 a.m. Wednesday until 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.


• Guests can see Woody and Jessie from 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday to 4:30 a.m. on Thursday.


• The Princess and the Frog meet-n-greet will run from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.


• The Frontierland Hoedown will take place on Thursday morning at 2:45, 3:30, and 4:30.

In addition, there will be some sort of dance party in the castle hub, featuring a DJ (not certain on times).  And expect to find a few characters you don't normally see in the Magic Kingdom, such as Phineas and Ferb and Captain Jack Sparrow.

Disney Homeschool Days and "Famous" Friends

I am fortunate to have a few Disney Cast Member friends, and from time to time I spot one of them in a promotional photo, video, or ad for Walt Disney World. Most recently, I spotted our friend Claire on the 2012 Disney Vacation Planning DVD in the section about Disney's Hollywood Studios (she's a hostess at Disney Junior). But this is the first time one of our non-Cast Member friends has ever made it into a Disney promo video.

Lori, a fellow homeschooling mom that I've known since my eldest daughter attended preschool with her daughter, is the second parent (and first mom) featured in this video about Disney's Homeschool Days. I believe her husband is the last one who speaks in the video. And, yes, we are among the friends she mentions who had attended the program previously and recommended it!

 

If you're a homeschooling family and don't know about Disney's Homeschool Days, I encourage you to go here and learn more. No dates have been released for the 2012 Homeschool Days, but other YES (Youth Education Series) programs are listed for the year.

Friday Photo

I am always interested in the packaged products you can find in the gift shops around the World Showcase in Epcot. Japan is especially of interest to me, as I have friends who have lived there, and others who have visited and brought back some amusing food packages. This one isn't hilarious or anything...just sort of ironic. Shouldn't that be "Gluten Free" instead of "100% Glutinous Rice"? I mean, I know rice is gluten free...and I don't see anyone jumping on the "Eat More Gluten" bandwagon. So close...just not quite right.

Thursday's Tip

With Disney cracking down on FastPass return times, chances are that you may not be able to use FP for all the attractions that you want to ride during any given day. In a perfect world, return times would line up for your schedule--and that may come in time, with the NextGen technology and XPass--but for now, you'll likely miss out on a FP for at least one attraction that you want to see. Our Thursday's Tip offers an alternative to FP for getting  on your favorite ride with minimal wait: use the stand-by line during a parade or fireworks show.

Crowds throughout the Parks tend to lighten during the parades, particularly the evening ones. And as long as you're in line for an attraction before a Park closes, you will be allowed to ride. I don't recommend waiting until the last minute for your absolute favorite attraction--anything could happen, and a ride can shut down at any time--but if you're unable to fit a popular attraction in via FastPass, the stand-by line during parade times is a great second option.

Guess What Came in the Mail!

I'm always excited whenever I receive an envelope with the words "Rewards Center" or anything similar on the outside. When yesterday's arrived, I was struggling to remember what rebate I might have sent in or what points I might have redeemed recently--and I just couldn't think of what it might be.

 



I was thrilled when I opened it to find my $100 Disney gift card--my "reward" for opening a new Chase Premier Disney Visa account. (I actually thought it was going to be a credit to my account, not a gift card--and not nearly as fun, IMHO, since I can't put a credit directly into our Disney fund jar!) This card has already more than paid for itself (it does have a $49 annual fee, while the Chase Disney Rewards Visa does not have an annual fee)--at least for the next 2 years. And since I get 2% back in rewards for all purchases at restaurants, gas, and groceries--my three most common purchase categories--I'm sure it will continue to pay for itself well beyond the first two years.

NOTE: While I am a big advocate of earning rewards via credit cards, I am firmly against going into debt to take a vacation--even a Disney vacation. I use credit cards as a convenience, and I never use a credit card unless I have the cash in the bank to cover the purchase. So please don't view my rave review of the Chase Disney Premier Visa as a license to spend money that you don't have. If you have credit card debt, I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace, as well as his other books and programs. Don't let your money "own" you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our girls had a very Mickey Valentine's Day today. I found these adorable earbuds online for them--and only paid $1.98 for BOTH sets--including shipping! (Sure, they'll probably only work about a week, but they sure are cute!)



And, of couse, we couldn't forget the Mickey Valentines, could we? So cute!

Damaged Monorail Beam Slows Down the System

The Walt Disney World monorail system will be operating at reduced capacity--and speed--due to damage in a joint of the beam on the portion between the Grand Floridian and the Magic Kingdom. Extremely low temperatures in the Orlando area are said to be responsible for the damage, and no timeline has been given as to when repairs might take place or be completed. But for now, monorails are forced to travel at a crawl in the critical area, slowing down the system.

Guests should expect increased wait and travel times on both the Resort and Express monorail lines. (The Epcot line, however, is running at its usual speed.) It might be a good time to check out the ferry boats if that's not your typical mode of transportation. They can actually be as fast as the monorail, even on a good monorail day.

Hidden Mickey Monday

OK, so it's not a perfectly-formed Mickey head, but it still has the general shape. We found this one (and several others on various similar clutch bags) at one of our favorite stores: Charming Charlie.

My Daughter Is Excited About This One...

a *real* elephant on the Savannah

Kilimanjaro Safaris is getting a bit of an update. You may have noticed, if you've made multiple visits since Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, that the story line involving poachers and such has evolved over the years. In fact, it seems that it's being phased out almost entirely. One more step in that process will take place this spring and summer as "Little Red," the animatronic baby elephant that is saved from poachers, is replaced with a live zebra watering hole. (The zebra is my daughter's favorite animal; thus, the headline of this post.)

The transformation of the attraction--with a new story that will still reflect a strong message of conservation--should be completed by the fall. Kilimanjaro Safaris will remain open during the process.

First Lady to Visit WWoS

Michelle Obama is scheduled to make an appearance at ESPN's Wide World of Sports tomorrow (February 11) to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of "Let's Move!", the health initiative that is near and dear to her heart. (You've probably seen her promoting "Let's Move!" on the Disney Channel in short segments with various DC stars.)

Mrs. Obama will be celebrating with local families, professional athletes, and Disney Channel stars--but don't expect to see the festivities in person. As with the Presidential visit, all invitations are issued by the White House, and you're not getting near the First Lady without one. However, ESPN's WWoS will remain open to guests during Mrs. Obama's visit.

Friday Photo

Have you ever rented one of these? They look so fun! You can find them on the Boardwalk, as well as a few other resort locations. This is definitely on my "Disney Bucket List." Maybe next trip.

Thursday's Tip

Can I make a confession? I'm really glad to be out of the "take-a-diaper-bag-and-the-stroller-to-the-Parks" stage with my kids. Touring the Parks is a lot less cumbersome without all the extras a toddler requires. Still, if you're in that phase of life, you understand that lugging a few extra items can be instrumental in ensuring a happy experience for your family at Walt Disney World.

So, might I recommend one additional item to stuff in your diaper bag? Thursday's Tip: If you plan to stay at one of the Disney Parks until (or past) your toddler's bedtime, take his or her PJs along to change into just before boarding transportation to return to your Resort. (Any restroom will do, but the Baby Care Centers in each of the Parks are a great place to do this. You might also considering bringing along a toothbrush or anything else you need for the nighttime ritual.) After a long day, most little ones will nod off when they feel the rhythmic movement of a bus or hear the gentle hum of a boat. It seems a shame to wake up your little pumpkin simply to put on his or her PJs in order to get the child back to sleep. Save yourself the hassle--and possibly a sleepless night--and do it before you leave the Parks. You'll be glad you did!

Wednesdays with Walt

Walt truly was an inspired leader.

Of all the things I have done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them towards a certain goal. --Walt Disney

Who's That Girl?

If you visit Walt Disney World frequently enough, you might occasionally begin to recognize some of the Cast Members that play various roles around the World. For example, on our last few visits we saw the same actress play Belle in "Storytime with Belle" (before it closed to make way for Rapunzel). It's always a delight to see a familiar face in a familiar role. But lately, I've been having several "Who's that girl?" moments, as I've spotted one particular Disney Cast Member in numerous different roles. It makes one wonder if the ability to morph into various characters might be a detriment to an actor's believability. (How long before kiddos start commenting, "Mommy, Callie Stenics looks an awful lot like the American Idol judge yesterday.") Here's proof of what I'm talking about:

 Patty of the "From the Drawing Board" video, updating us on the Art of Animation Resort construction,

 can also be seen as...

 Callie Stenics (Habitat Heroes, Epcot)

and also as...

an American Idol Experience judge (Disney's Hollywood Studios).

I've seen this particular actress in a couple of other places recently, although I couldn't recall exactly where (but I think at least one was another video). Now, I completely understand that Cast Members need to diversify in order to have a full schedule of work hours. In fact, I happen to know a CM who plays multiple roles throughout the Parks. My friend typically has costuming and/or wigs that help her become more "anonymous" as various characters. That said, this particular actress has a very distinct look and sound to her voice, and I haven't once seen her in a wig or makeup that truly disguises her appearance. (Yes, that wild American Idol hair is her own, teased up to amazing height--I asked her myself!)

Don't get me wrong--this actress is actually one of my favorite performing CMs, and I always enjoy seeing her perky face show up somewhere. But it might be time for Disney to give her a permanent full-time gig hosting as herself (whatever her name is!) instead of spreading her too thin as multiple characters, 'cause...well...we're onto her now.

Say It Isn't So!

There have been rumors before, but it looks like this time it might be true: Disney is going to start cracking down on Fastpass return windows. (Can you hear the collective wail from devoted WDW fans everywhere?) This has long been one of my favorite tips for readers--that you can actually use Fastpasses anytime after the start of the return window on the ticket. This has allowed my own family to have a somewhat flexible touring schedule at Walt Disney World and still manage to visit those key Fastpass attractions. But now it seems that beginning March 7, all guests will be required to use Fastpasses during the actual time listed on the paper ticket, with a 5-minute grace period at the start and a 15-minute grace period at the end (meaning, you can be up to 5 minutes early or up to 15 minutes late...but that's IT!).

Why the sudden change? All guesses point to preparation for the new NextGen Fastpass system that will allow guests to log on to their computers or mobile devices and essentially plan every detail of their Disney vacation, including what times they will visit each attraction. The need for precision with the NextGen system is pretty obvious.

I'm a planner, but the idea of scheduling every minute of my time in the Disney Parks is completely unappealing to me. And from what I gather from other fan sites, it's pretty unappealing to many devoted fans. I can't help but wonder if the NextGen Fastpass system will have the same effect on one's ability to get Fastpasses "on the fly" as Free Fall Dining has had on our ability to get Advanced Dining Reservations less than a month in advance.

Like it or not, it's coming.

Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition Releases Today

  Lady and the Tramp is now available on Bu-ray. If you have a previous edition of the movie on VHS or DVD, you can download a coupon from Disney Movie Rewards for $8 off the Diamond Edition 3-disc combo pack or $5 off the Diamond Edition 2-disc Blu-ray or DVD Combo pack.

I haven't checked prices yet, but Target and Best Buy traditionally have the best prices on new release Disney movies (although occasionally Toys R Us is competitive as well).

Super Bowl MVP Parade Today at MK

True to his word, Eli Manning is going to Disney World! (If you didn't see that magical moment yet, you can view it here.)  The Magic Kingdom will host the Super Bowl MVP today for the traditional parade, which will begin in Liberty Square at 1:20 p.m. Eastern. To accommodate the parade, there are a few entertainment changes: There will be no Trolley show at noon. Instead there will be a Dream Along with Mickey castle show at noon, and the 1:15 and 2:15 castle shows have been cancelled.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Can you see it? I saw this one when crossing our church parking lot last week. It's a little hard to see, but if you view it at just the right angle, you can spot Mickey's familiar shadow. Hidden Mickeys are everywhere--you just have to be looking!

Free Disneyland Explorer App for iPad

I'm a Disney World person. World...not -land. But despite the fact that it features Disneyland and not my beloved Walt Disney World, the free Disneyland Explorer app for iPad is one of the coolest things I've seen in a long while.  The amazing graphics and interactive elements are delightful to kids and adults alike! (My nearly three-year-old niece was giggling with delight, eyes popping out of her head with excitement!) We can only hope that a Walt Disney World version will follow soon!

If you have an iPad, go immediately to the app store and download it! You won't regret it. And if you don't...well, that's kind of a bummer for you. Still, you can check out some screenshots here. Better yet, practice saying these words that I taught my niece: "Daddy, I want an iPad for my birthday."

Just Arrived!

I'm super excited to watch Disney's 2012 Vacation Planning DVD that just arrived in my mailbox! If you haven't requested yours yet, go here to do it. (You can request a Disney Vacation Planning DVD every six months.) And, if you haven't requested your free customized Disney Parks maps, you can do that here.

 

Friday Photo

Coming Soon!

Thursday's Tip

Here's a simple but important tip for anyone traveling to one of the Disney Parks: stay hydrated. For those of us not from Florida, the heat can be a bit of a shock to our system. Staying hydrated is perhaps the single most important thing we can do to beat the heat. (That and sunscreen...really important for this pale girl!) But besides the obvious affects of the Florida heat, mild dehydration can cause a myriad of other issues that we don't always thing about: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and grumpiness. Yes, I said grumpiness--the enemy of any family vacation!

And here's the catch: if you're thirsty, you're probably already mildly dehydrated. So it's best to head off thirst before it hits you. Bring along a refillable water bottle (we love our Britta filter bottle) and fill it up each time you take a restroom break. (By the way, if you find that you're not needing restroom breaks very often, that's another sign of mild dehydration.)  

Here's something else to think about: caffeinated beverages can actually do more harm than good, as caffeine is a diuretic that pulls the moisture from your body. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a Coke at WDW--just follow it up with a couple of glasses of water next time.

Don't let a simple lack of liquids be the downfall of your family fun time. Be smart: hydrate!

VIP Safari Weekend with Jane Goodall

Here's your opportunity to explore Walt Disney World--and Animal Kingdom, especially--with a living legend! Dr. Jane Goodall is considered THE foremost expert on chimpanzees, due in no small part to her 45-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, Disney is offering a VIP Safari Weekend with the distinguished scientist, April 20-22. I have no idea what this weekend will cost (honestly, I'm afraid to ask), but it will certainly be a priceless experience for those that can afford it. Highlights of the weekend will include:

• Exploring all of the Disney Parks with Park Hopper passes


• Savannah-view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge


• Behind-the-scenes animal viewing on the Backstage Safari Tour


• Breakfast with Dr. Goodall and Disney characters at the Backstage Prop Shop at AKL


• Campfire meet-n-greet, featuring s'mores and hot cocoa, as well as amazing stories from Dr. Goodall

Registration information doesn't seem to be readily accessible, but you can learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute here.

UPDATE: I have read from a few sources that the pricing is around $8,500 per adult and $7,500 per child. Yikes! Although I still haven't seen official Disney registration information, you can contact the representative from the JGI via email (azarillo at janegoodall dot org ) or phone (703-682-9288). Space is, obviously, very limited.