Thursday's Tip

Today's tip (or, rather, group of tips) are for parents of small children. Although my husband and I are very grateful to be beyond the days of toting diaper bags and pushing strollers, we remember well the strategies one must employ to navigate Walt Disney World with a toddler. Here are a few of my favorite stroller-related tips:

• Even if you don't regularly use a stroller, most children will need one at least part of the day up to around the age of 4 or 5. My eldest daughter was still hopping in little sister's stroller when she was 7 (good thing she's skinny).


• While the WDW strollers are very comfortable and easy to push, they are rather expensive to rent--around $15/day for a single and $31/day for a double, last time I checked. If you're driving, bringing your own lightweight stroller is a no-brainer. Even if you fly, it might be worth bringing yours from home. There are also several companies that rent strollers for the length of your stay, with pricing considerably lower than WDW offers. And if transportation is available, a trip to the local Wal-Mart or Target could yield an umbrella-style stroller for around $20-$30. Again, the price of a taxi might ultimately be worth it for the length of your stay. As a fun "pay it forward" move, you could offer your new stroller to an arriving family  with little ones on your departure.


• Always put an identifying item on your stroller. With rental strollers, it's easy to confuse yours with someone else's--especially when the "stroller fairies" keep moving those little beauties around the stroller parking area. But even with non-rentals, there will likely be another family nearby that has the same model as yours, so anything you can do to obviously identify yours will be helpful. We typically tied a colorful scarf or bandana on ours.


• Never leave valuables in your stroller unattended. (Do I really need to tell you this?)


• Look for designated stroller parking areas and use them. Don't think that you can park it anywhere and expect to find it when you return. Let me assure you that it WILL be moved--probably within 2 minutes--to a designated area. As I mentioned, the "stroller fairies" mean business.


• Your stroller usage will vary among Parks. You may not need it at all in the Magic Kingdom if you have a bit older preschoolers. We find that in Fantasyland especially it is more trouble to go back and forth to the parking area than it is to simply forego the stroller. But you will undoubtedly need it in Epcot, as most attractions are spread out on more acreage.


• If you choose to rent a Disney stroller, hold on to your receipt. If you Park Hop,  simply turn in your stroller at one Park and show your receipt at the next to receive your stroller.


• Take a cheap plastic poncho as a rain cover for your stroller. If there's even a hint of a chance of shower, put the poncho over the stroller before you get in that 60-minute queue, just in case. Trust me on this...you will thank me.

And my youngest daughter's favorite tip comes in handy for those of us who no longer take along a stroller but still have kiddos that tire out at the end of the night: After the fireworks, it is perfectly acceptable to snag an abandoned rental stroller (there will be dozens) and give your child a ride back to the front entrance. Not only do her little legs get a break, but you're helping Disney by returning the stroller to the rental area. Win/win!

 

Disney News

There have been several Disney-related stories in the news recently, so rather than regurgitating what other people already explained so well, I thought I'd share a few links here so you can read the original stories. Click below and enjoy!

• Despite previously saying he wouldn't, J.J. Abrams has apparently reconsidered and will, in fact, direct the new Star Wars movie. Very exciting news for this LOST fan!


• Disney's new MyMagic+ has caused some privacy concerns with a Massachusetts Congressman. Bob Iger responds.


• Aladdin is headed to Broadway!


• George Clooney will star in Tomorrowland, written by Damon Lindelof (another LOSTie!) and Jeff Jensen. The subject matter and plot are still a bit of a mystery.

Those are the major updates for now. Will be interesting to see how each of these stories continues to unfold.

ABC News Nightline Merger Between Disney and ABC

Hidden Mickey Monday

We've been knee-deep in home improvement projects since we moved into our "new-to-us" home. While trolling a website, looking for electrical outlets/switches/etc., my husband found this Hidden Mickey:



 

Disney Amenities at Home

I got a much-overdue haircut yesterday. (Stick with me...there really is a Disney connection.) And each time I go to this lovely salon where I'm offered a beverage (I had Starbucks coffee) and given a complimentary chair massage with your choice of oil (I always go for the blue one), I am somehow transported to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It's not the exceptional customer care--although it is exceptional at both locations! It's the fragrance. The aroma. The scent of...well, I don't exactly know. The salon uses Aveda products, but the Grand Floridian stocks spa products from H2O. Still, there's a particular scent that must be in both, and that scent has the power to transport me to paradise.

I had always thought the Disney varieties of these H2O products were exclusive to the Resorts. On our one and only stay at the Grand Floridian, I was careful to tuck these complimentary shampoos, conditioners, etc. away in my suitcase each evening and await fresh, new complimentary bottles each day. I have rationed these tiny bottles, using them mostly when I'm traveling, but occasionally breaking them out when I need a mental or emotional boost. They are THAT powerful...at least for me. But it seems that perhaps I won't need to be so stingy with them...because I do believe they may actually be the same products sold under the regular H2O label and packaging. For the record, the shampoo is the Sea Marine Revitalizing variety. Here's what I found:



I haven't purchased any yet (they are a little pricey for this bargain chick), but if anyone wanted to get me a gift...well, Valentine's Day is coming up! (I put these sort of things in here to see if my husband ever actually reads my posts...turns out he usually doesn't.) Still, when my tiny bottles run dry, at least I know where to find more. I might just pour it into the tiny bottles and pretend I'm still on vacation at the Grand Floridian. It takes a bit of imagination, but it almost works.

Friday Photo

I can't take credit for this cute idea--it came from Pinterest. (I don't use Pinterest, as I'm quite convinced I would spend every waking minute trolling it--but I pilfer from friends who use it!) I'm thinking of making a simplified version this weekend--just chocolate, as I'm not a fan of red icing, and I don't have the bow mold, so it will be Mickey instead of Minnie. But the Minnie version here sure is cute!



 

Thursday's Tip

If you're a parent of young children, you're probably used to lugging around tons of extra stuff. One of the happiest days of my adult life was when I could stop bringing along the diaper bag on every outing--ahhhh, freedom! And it seems with each passing year, the backpack we take into the Disney Parks gets a little lighter too. No more diapers and, sadly, our girls are almost over wearing costumes to the Parks too (sniff). But when you're forced to lug around everything a family of four needs for a full day at Disney, you get really good at packing efficiently. So here are a few of my favorite packing strategies for a bag to take into the Parks. Keep in mind, this isn't about what to pack (I've addressed that in previous posts) but really about how to pack.

• We love using a clear backpack. It might sound risky--everyone can see what you've packed!--but we think the convenience outweighs the risk. We are generally waved right through security with a glance. And when we need an item, it's so much easier to spot and retrieve. Obviously, we don't pack cash or credit cards in the backpack.


• If you are taking Disney Princess costumes, the fabrics are quite forgiving...which means you can cram them into a gallon-sized zip bag when your little princesses get hot or tired of wearing them.


• If you like taking quarters and shiny pennies for the pressed penny machines, the tubes that miniature M&M's come in are great for holding those.


• A good way to keep various cards in order--park tickets, room keys (if separate from tickets), Fastpasses, credit cards, etc.--is using a wallet-sized photo holder. Stick each card in the plastic sleeve, just like you would a photo, and it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for when you need it.


• And, finally, my secret weapon for packing just about everything is zipper bags. We put our cameras, autograph books, and anything else that might be damaged by water in them. This helps not only in the event of a pop-up shower (quite common in Florida), but also when you encounter the "wet seat" on Kali River Rapids or Splash Mountain.

Disney Unveils Newest "Dream Portrait"

I'm a huge fan of the Annie Leibovitz series of Disney Dream Portraits, which puts celebrities in classic Disney character roles in settings of epic fairytale proportions. Disney just unveiled the latest in the series on the Official Disney Parks blog, and it might just be the favorite of tween girls everywhere. Depicting the ever-popular lead character from Tangled, Rapunzel, is the multiple-Grammy-winning artist Taylor Swift. It's quite stunning--in a good way. See it for yourself here.

 

More "Limited Time Magic"

Here are a few more announced "Limited Time Magic" experiences coming to Walt Disney World:

• Now through January 27, you can meet "Long Lost Disney Friends," including Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Ludwig Von Drake, Scrooge McDuck, Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and Geppetto, and more! All meet-n-greets are taking place in the Magic Kingdom. I'm a little jealous of anyone visiting this week, as I have only seen most of these characters in parades and have only actually had a photo taken with Jiminy Cricket.


• February 11-17 will be "True Love Week." Cinderella Castle will be blush pink and red, and there will be Prince & Princess meet-n-greets, as well as an abundance of Valentine-themed merchandise on hand.


• If one day to celebrate our nation isn't enough for you, you're in luck because July 1-7 is "Independence Week" at the Magic Kingdom. Again, expect tons of USA-themed merchandise and a festive red, white, and blue look for Cinderella's Castle. Oh...and fireworks. Of course, there will be special fireworks.


• On Friday, September 13, Disney's Hollywood Studios plans to "Unleash the Villains." Expect fun and mischief to abound as the Disney Villains will host a dance party lasting until the 13th hour (that would be 1:00 a.m.).

Those are all the officially-announced "Limited Time Magic" events currently scheduled, but expect more in the coming weeks.

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

I honestly don't remember where I found this one. Anyone know?



 

 

 

Today's Orlando Groupon: Characters in Flight

Today's Groupon for the Orlando area is up to 44% off of Characters in Flight, the tethered hot air balloon experience at Downtown Disney. It will cost you $11 for one person (and $18 value) or $20 for two (a $36 value), and you can purchase up to 10 Groupons. The Groupon expires May 31, 2013. If you've always wanted to try this experience, and you have a trip coming up soon, this would be a great deal to purchase!

Friday Photo

It's the simple things in life that make me happy. Here's a sight I enjoy...Mickey soap and shampoo! Just another reminder that you're in the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Thursday's Tip

Most Walt Disney World vacation spending can be calculated--if not precisely, then estimated--well before your trip. Resort, plane tickets, park tickets, and even food (if you choose the Dining Plan) can be priced out rather closely months in advance. My tip this Thursday is to start pricing and planning for your next Walt Disney World vacation almost as soon as you return from a trip. Then calculate the months until your next trip. Divide the total by the number of months, and you'll figure out how much you need to save each month for your vacation. When you break it into smaller increments, it doesn't seem so daunting, and you'll be able to think of creative ways to cut that amount from other areas of your budget each month!

Longer Hours for Disney Visa Photo Op

If you're a Disney Rewards Visa cardholder, you may have experienced the private DRV meet-n-greet/photo op in Epcot's Innoventions West. We try to stop by at least once every time we visit WDW and get our free 5 x 7 photo (we have a total of 3 Disney Rewards Visas in the family!), but with the limited hours (previously 1:30-4:30), the lines tended to get rather long, and sometimes we skipped it rather than lose precious touring time. But now, it seems, we'll have more time to squeeze in this fun souvenir, as the hours have now been extended to 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Hopefully, this will make the line a bit shorter and allow more guests to take advantage of this great perk of being a Disney Rewards Visa card member!

Hidden Mickey Monday

I actually found this Hidden Mickey in Ikea--but, coincidentally, it was in Atlanta as we were driving home from Walt Disney World in September. I guess I still had Mickey on the brain!

Say Good-bye to Non-Expiring WDW Tickets

Say it isn't so, Disney! I read a tweet about it, so I went to the WDW website to confirm...and I'm sad to report that it appears to be true. When you click on the link to purchase tickets, you are no longer offered the option for Non-Expiring tickets. What!?! I think Disney was trying to sneak this in under the radar...but how long did they think it would go unnoticed?

This makes me very sad, as one of the chief ways I encourage families to save money on a Disney vacation is by purchasing a multi-day, non-expiring ticket if they plan to return to WDW in coming years. Ticket prices go up every year, and even with the hefty add-0n price of this feature, it's still cheaper to buy a 10-day non-expiring ticket than, say, two five-day tickets for two separate trips. Additionally, you get added value if you purchase a ticket for a child under the age of 10 who returns to use the remainder of the ticket as an "adult" by Disney standards--since Disney has automatically upgraded those non-expiring tickets to adult tickets in the past.

You didn't hear it from me (wink, wink), but I'm aware of at least one official Disney ticket vendor who still shows availability of non-expiring tickets--Undercover Tourist. (There may be others, but this is the vendor I trust and recommend.) If you are in need of tickets, you might want to log on soon before they're all gone. I can only assume that Disney will continue to honor those non-expiring tickets, just as they have the old-school Park Hopper tickets from year's past that didn't expire.

"Limited Time Magic" Hits Epcot Next Week

If you've always wanted to see it snow in Florida, here's your chance. Disney has announced that the next "Limited Time Magic" experience will take place in Epcot--Canada, to be specific--in the form of a winter wonderland. Guests can play in the "snow" and there will be character meet-n-greets and photo ops as well. But the magic is, after all, limited, so this experience will only be available January 14-20.

Take an Extra 25% Off the Twice Upon a Year Sale

This weekend at DisneyStore.com, you can get an extra 25% off already-reduced prices on items featured in the Twice Upon a Year Sale. Just use the promo code BONUS25 at checkout. And if you spent at least $75 (before shipping/taxes), you can also get free shipping with the code SHIPTODAY

Friday Photo

Since Christmas, I think my girls have watched Secret of the Wings about a hundred times. (Believe it or not, they didn't get it until Christmas! I had to exercise restraint and not go out and buy it immediately and give it to them when it released.) Here's a pic of them meeting their new favorite fairy, Periwinkle, on our September WDW trip:



 

 

Thursday's Tip

Here's a pretty basic tip: start saving early for a Walt Disney World vacation! Kind of a no-brainer, right? But how? I've offered several suggestions in previous posts--everything from saving spare change to skipping the morning latte--but there's a new saving method making its way around Facebook that I'm going to try this year. It's called the "52 Week Money Saving Challenge" and the concept is pretty basic: every week you make a deposit into your savings account (or, in our case, the Disney Fund), beginning with $1 and increasing by $1 each week, until the final week when your deposit will be $52. It starts rather simply--you won't miss a few spare dollars. But even your greatest deposit, $52,  isn't too much of a strain on the wallet. (For a family of 4 or more, this could be as simple as skipping one restaurant meal that week.) When you add all 52 weekly deposits, you'll have saved $1378! That will put you well on your way to paying for a Walt Disney World vacation. (My family has spent less than this on a trip in the past. And with some careful planning, you could too!)

We're getting a late start, since over 3 months have lapsed since our last WDW vacation, and we'll likely return before a full year has past. Still, I'm guessing this will add around $600 to our fund before we take our next trip. That alone will cover our resort stay. (We go in Value Season and ALWAYS have a room discount.)

So now you have your marching orders! Get out there and start saving!

Lego Buzz Lightyear Set 60% Off

I was trolling Amazon.com again (while I should have been writing lesson plans), and I found this fun Lego set. Who wouldn't love this combination--Legos and Buzz Lightyear? At $22, it's priced at 60% off (and eligible for free Super Saver shipping), so I couldn't resist posting, especially since I often overlook fun gifts for boys since we're swimming in a sea of princesses at our house. Still, I think this would make an excellent birthday gift, or maybe even a Disney vacation souvenir, for any Lego-loving Disney fan. Check it out:

My Magic+

photo ©Disney Co.

A couple of days ago, Disney officially announced the new "My Magic+" system. I'll admit that I haven't had time to fully absorb it or even form a complete opinion. So I won't try to sway you, dear reader, or even simplify it for you. Instead, I'll simply point you to the official word from the man himself, Tom Staggs, Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman. Here's the link to the official announcement from the Disney Parks Blog. For more information, a quick search of "My Magic+" will yield tons of articles, posts, stories, etc. from bloggers and fans who are way more informed than I am on this subject! (I'm not afraid to admit my limitations. When it comes to technology, I'll leave that to the techies. Just point me to the deals and coupon codes, please!)

 

Disney Recipe: Liberty Tree Tavern Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake

I have been wanting to try this recipe for Liberty Tree Tavern's Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake since before the holidays, but we've been burried under a sea of Christmas goodies. We had some friends over this weekend, so I decided we were past the post-New Year sugar shock stage and could finally tackle it. The recipe is rather simple (I do not claim to be a skilled chef or even much of a foodie), and the ingredients are pretty basic, with only the key ingredient--toffee--being even slightly out of the ordinary. Plan on about 20 minutes of prep time and around 35 baking time. You prep the dish in two layers, but it bakes together. The consistency is really more of a bar than a cake, and you can cut the sweetness a bit by serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Here's the recipe:

Cake "Crust" Ingredients

• 1 standard box of yellow cake mix


• 1 large egg


• 1 stick of butter, softened (1/2 cup)

Mix these ingredients together and press into a pan, much like you would a graham cracker crust. (I did mine in two 8 x 8" pans so that I could make one without the toffee for my allergy kid, but you could use a 9 x 12" or even muffin tins. ) Set aside, and preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

Cake Top Ingredients

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened


• 2 large eggs


• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract


• 1/4 cup of butter (1/2 stick)


• 1 pound of powdered sugar, sifted


• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips


• 1 cup of toffee bits (you can buy Heath bar pieces, or you can buy whole bars and smash them in a zipper bag with a rubber mallet)

Beat cream cheese until smooth. (You can use a mixer, but a whisk is sufficient.) Add eggs and vanilla, continuing to stir and whip ingredients with each new ingredient. Add butter and mix well. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, and mix until creamy. Stir in chocolate chips and toffee bits, but don't over-mix! Pour mixture over the "crust" and bake approximately 35 minutes. Edges should be golden brown, and the center should be "gooey" but not raw.

This recipe got a big thumbs up from the whole gang! As I mentioned, I made one version without the toffee for my daughter who has a tree nut allergy (toffee contains almonds), and although that version was slightly less glorious, it was still pretty awesome. We served ours with whipped cream, but I think vanilla ice cream on a warm piece would be pretty heavenly--and the ice cream would help cut through some of the incredibly rich sweetness. This is not your every-day dessert! But we'll definitely keep this recipe in our arsenal of special occasion favorites.

Hidden Mickey Monday

It's a new year--and I have a fresh set of Hidden Mickeys for you to decipher. Here's one from our most recent trip to WDW:

Catching Up

OK, let me first apologize for being a total slacker. The truth is, I've been busy as a bee and trying to enjoy what little free time we have with my family. But because of this, I have totally neglected Affording the Mou$e. I'll do my best to catch you up on the major happenings around the World in this post. First, here is some info on a room-only discount that released to the general public this week (after a brief offering to Disney Visa Cardholders first):

• Discounts vary from 15 to 30% off regular rack rates at Disney World Resorts, for travel dates from February 18 through June 24, with blackout dates March 24 through April 1. The deal must be booked by March 7.


• In general, it appears that most Deluxe Resorts offer 30% off, with most Moderates offering 25% off, and Values offering 20% off. The family suites at Art of Animation are 15% off. That said, there are some resorts excluded (or offered at a lower percentage off) and not all dates are available for all resorts.


• You can add the meal plan and tickets for even greater savings.

And now, on to an update of closures and refurbishments:

Magic Kingdom

• Splash Mountain has closed for a lengthy refurbishment and will reopen on March 20.


• The Mad Tea Party will be closed January 7 through February 18.


• The Main Street Bakery has closed and will re-open sometime this summer as a Starbucks location. Have no fear--they will continue to offer many of the yummy pastries we all love.


• The Liberty Square Riverboat will close for a brief refurbishment February 1-7.

Epcot

• The Character Spot remains closed through February. Temporary meet-n-greet locations have been set up. Consult the Times Guide or ask a Cast Member for the location of your favorite characters.


• Fountain View will close in March and re-open this summer as a Starbucks location.


• Habit Heroes remains closed in Innoventions, but there are rumblings that it could reopen this month.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Beauty and the Beast will be closed January 7-12 for a brief refurbishment.


• Disney Junior, Live on Stage! closes January 14 through February 14.

Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids will be closed January 6 through February 15 (but who really wants to ride that in the winter, anyhow?).


• Mr. Kamal's is closed January 6-26.


• Beastly Bazaar remains closed, as it is being re-themed as a meet-n-greet, with no re-opening date given.

And, finally, a contest. Log onto www.disneytimesweeps.com and enter every day between now and January 31 for a chance to win a Walt Disney World vacation. They're giving away one every day!