Summer Room Discount for Disney Visa Cardholders

A room-only discount has just been released to Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders for summer travel dates June 13 through August 14. (It will be released to the general public on April 2.) The discount offers up to 30% off rack rate of various Resorts throughout Walt Disney World. Generally, it's 30% off Deluxe and Villas, 20% off Moderates, and 15% off Values, but there are exclusions and restrictions. You must use your Disney Rewards Visa to pay the deposit, and the deal must be booked by June 14. For complete details, click here.

Spring Break at WDW

No, I'm not there. (Boo.) In fact, here in Tennessee, the weather feels distinctly un-springlike! We have snow on the ground as I type this--ouch. And although the Lake Buena Vista area isn't seeing white flakes, the cool weather has closed Typhoon Lagoon for the day (Blizzard Beach remains open for the few crazy people who are willing to brave the cold). And earlier in the week, they also experienced Tornado Warnings--yikes! But the severe weather clearly isn't hindering the crowds, as proven by the Magic Kingdom reaching Phase 3 closure yesterday. (Park admittance during high-capacity days is based on various factors including the type of ticket you have, dining or other reservations, and even the type of transportation used to get to the Parks. Phase 3 is the last step before closing the Parks to ALL guests, regardless of these factors.)

Here are a few updates for spring/Easter/Spring Fling ("Limited Time Magic") activities around WDW:

• Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny are appearing at Epcot (United Kingdom in the World Showcase) from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., now through March 31.


• "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade (Magic Kingdom) will be offered twice daily from now until April 6, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.


• This week's "Limited Time Magic" is called "Spring Fling." Expect special character meet-n-greets in the Magic Kingdom in Town Square from 9:00 a.m. until 5:10 p.m., and characters will also be making pre-parade appearances before the aforementioned "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade.


• "Taste of Hollywood to Go" is now being offered as a dining option at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The $15.99 boxed meals ($5.49 for children) include reserved seating for Fantasmic! and count as one quick service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

 

The Homeschool Planner I Use

This is the homeschool planner that I use religiously. It keeps me organized and on task. It also comes with report cards that you can complete for your students. (More information below.) This week, it's on sale for 20% off (that's the best price I've ever seen for it). If you're a homeschooler and you'd like to purchase it, I'd appreciate it if you use THIS LINK (or click on the photo below), as I will get a small percentage of sales.

I offer all the information, tips, and discounts on this site at no cost to my readers, and my advertising affiliate programs are the only small (miniscule...really) income (more of a tiny perk) that I receive for my work here. I appreciate your support so much!

Valerie



Pre-Release Sale on Well Planned Day Planners

Many people do spring cleaning and change some decor to freshen their homes in the spring. Why not freshen your desk?! Well Planned Day planners are bright and cheery, and this year’s design will bring you a smile every time you look at it! The 2013-2014 planners now have tabs to make your life even easier. Whether you need the ever-popular Well Planned Day to keep your homeschool life on track or the purse-sized On the Go to keep your personal life going in the right direction, you’ll be organized in style. Get stylish savings with Well Planned Day’s 20% off pre-release sale. Hurry–ends March 31st!

Hidden Mickey Monday

I might call this one a Hidden Minnie because of the bows. :-)



 

Easter Basket Ideas

Here are some of the best Disney-related (mostly) Easter gift ideas that I found on Amazon.com today:

 










And, finally, this one isn't Disney-related, and it won't fit in a basket, but it's my absolute favorite storybook Bible for children. Today only, it's just $1.99 in the Kindle Store. I simply love the way Sally Lloyd-Jones makes the New Testament come alive in these pages! Our family just completed reading it through this week...a perfect pre-Easter read-aloud book.

Friday Photo

Presley got "the wet seat" on Kali River Rapids. Soaked to the core. Fun times!

Thursday's Tip

Today I have a savings tip for you: never pay full price. No, I'm not just referring to a Walt Disney World vacation (although I certainly never pay full price on that!). This is my mantra for every day life. If you adopt a "never pay full price" attitude, you'll become a saver. And savers can afford to take their families to Walt Disney World!

Here's an example: I coupon shop. And if it's not on sale or I don't have a coupon, I rarely buy it. Obviously, there are a few exceptions...but not many. For example, my husband and I have been sharing a tiny sample of toothpaste this week because I actually let my stockpile of regular-sized tubes run out, and I don't currently have any good coupons. That's how cheap I am! I'm sure that soon there will be a great sale or I will come up with some coupons and we can replenish our stash. Until then, we're finally putting all those freebies from the dentist to good use.

Another great way to implement this tip is to shop seasonally. As I've mentioned, we're homeschoolers, and I'm currently deciding on next year's curriculum for my girls. Although I have made most of the decisions, I'm holding off on purchases because I know there will be several deals that coincide with the spring homeschool conventions and fairs around the country. There are also usually some springtime used curriculum sales at local churches. I'm holding out for the best deal. BUT, I'm going to purchase my favorite planner this week, because it's on sale and I'm fairly certain I won't find a better price before school starts next fall. (I'm a loyal "Well-Planned Day" user. Click on the link below for more info or to purchase.)

Every day savings can add up to a week of vacation with some careful planning!

 

WDW Update

Been a little busy this week, so in lieu of multiple posts I'm doing one collective post of brief updates from around Walt Disney World. Some contain links with more details. Here's what's happening:

• The new Tangled-themed restroom area is now open in Fantasyland!


• The "Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun" parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be ending after the April 6 performance, as will "Disney Channel Rocks!" No replacement entertainment has been announced by Disney yet, which has fueled rumors that Disney has something bigger planned for DHS. (Star Wars Land, anyone?)


• Construction has begun on what will be the new home of "Festival of the Lion King" at Animal Kingdom. The show is being displaced because of the coming "Avatar Land" project.


• Now through March 24, guests at Epcot can enjoy a "Limited Time Magic" Easter egg hunt. for $4.95 plus tax (and Park admission, of course), guests will get a map that leads them to "eggs" throughout the Park, where they will collect stickers. When all have been found, the completed map can be redeemed for a prize consisting of two Vinylmation key rings (valued at $12.95).


• Disney has announced celebrities for the 2013 Star Wars Weekends at DHS. Get more information here.


• Disney has just begun work on a new bus loop at the Magic Kingdom that will accommodate larger (think the double-length buses that bend in the middle) buses and, therefore, more guests.


• Guests at WDW now through April 23 may get a bonus on their dining receipts from quick service restaurants--a 20% off coupon for merchandise. This coupon must be used before 1 p.m., and certain restrictions apply.

That should catch you up for now!

Downtown Disney: What's Coming Next

There have been several incarnations of Downtown Disney over the years--and dozens of rumored changes that never come to pass. But Disney has finally announced their official development plans for that area. Disney Springs will be a long-term project, with construction to begin next month, but completion expected in 2016 (really not as far away as it sounds!). The turn-of-the-century theming appeals to me, and if the concept art is accurate, I think it will be a lovely change for this area that hasn't quite found its personality since its Pleasure Island days. What do you think?

all photos ©Disney Co.

Hidden Mickey Monday

I'm an office supply geek (could have something to do with homeschooling), so I just loved this Hidden Mickey from OfficeMax!

Friday Photo

We did a little homeschool art with a Disney theme--pinatas! We used Mickey-shaped balloons, covered them in papier mache, and then painted them to look like Mickey. Now, we just need to have a fiesta so we can fill 'em and smash 'em! (Or maybe not...it might be too sad to break them.)



 

 

Club Penguin EP Review

Are your kids fans of Club Penguin? Apparently, they're not alone, since CP is the #1 virtual world for kids! If your kiddos just can't get enough, they're in luck, because CP has just released its first-ever collection of the hit singles they know and love from the website--along with a never-before-released bonus track.

Since I'm not an expert on Club Penguin, I deferred to my girls (ages 6 and 9) for their opinion. They both gave the EP and enthusiastic thumbs-up! My girls love the title track, "The Party Starts Now," and following close behind on their favorites list were "Puffle Party (Gotta Have a Wingman)" and "Cool in the Cold."

As any good parent should, I listened (and consulted the lyric sheet) with a critical ear (and eye) for anything objectionable and troubling and can happily report that I found nothing. While kid pop may not be your cup of tea, parents, you can at least rest easy with regard to its content. The worst thing I could find was use of the word "skivvies"--and that's just pirate talk!

You can purchase The Party Starts Now by clicking below, and your children can visit Club Penguin to play and explore for free or sign up for a subscription membership that provides access to additional features for a fee.

Wreck-It Ralph Release and Coupon

Wreck-It Ralph releases today! There is a coupon available for $7 off the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Scott's Shared Values. If you're not already a member, you can sign up for free to get the deal. You also need to be a member of Disney Movie Rewards (also free to sign up--and you earn reward points for free stuff by buying Disney music/movies or seeing them in the theatre) to print the coupon.

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

 

 

Friday Photo

We have exciting plans tonight--we're going to see Peter Pan, starring former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby. It's hard to believe that at 60 years old Rigby is still flying high as the boy who won't grow up! (I'm optimistic, if a little skeptical, about how that will translate.) In honor of our plans, I've posted one of our favorite family photos with one of the girls' favorite characters.