Superoo 2013

Are you familiar with Trekaroo? It's a travel site designed especially for families with kids, featuring thousands of reader-driven reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions that are deemed kid-friendly. And, of course, one of the more popular destinations is Walt Disney World.

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a 2013 Superoo. (That just means they liked my reviews and I might be offered the opportunity to review other attractions, hotels, or restaurants...yes, I'm talking free tickets, meal passes, and hotel stays!) This is where I need your help. First, I think you should check out the site because it's full of honest and helpful information. But while you're there, could you seek out a few of my reviews--especially the Disney-related ones--and mark them as "helpful"? (Only if they truly were, of course.) It might help me to get a bit of recognition and perhaps have a leg up for review opportunities that come my way.

I truly appreciate all my readers. And as I have said before, the compensation I receive for my work on this site is the minimal ad revenue (because I hate tons of ads on sites) and little perks like review items. So being able to take a basically free trip with my family would be so awesome! Thanks for your support!

You can click HERE to find my reviews. The Disney ones are mostly near the end of the grouping, as I wrote most of them first.

Hidden Mickey Monday

I just love the little Hidden Mickey on this bell. Have you seend these when visiting the Disney Parks?

Disney Pulls Another All Nighter

On May 24, guests at the Magic Kingdom can once again party all night long! "The Monstrous Summer All Nighter" was officially announced via a giant projection of Mike Wazowski on Spaceship Earth at Epcot. While technically it is a 24-hour party--from 6:00 a.m. on May 24 through 6:00 a.m. on May 25--the MK will indeed close briefly after that to "reset" for the regular opening on May 25. So, no, you can't stay in the MK for two days straight.

Similar to last year's "One More Disney Day" to celebrate Leap Day, this event will both celebrate the upcoming Monsters University film and also be tied in with Limited Time Magic. (This is also the kick-off of Memorial Day weekend.) There will be special entertainment (likely an extra parade and dance parties, etc.) to help fill the extra hours. And some of the characters will even appear in their PJs!

Does anyone out there have plans to attend? Let me hear from you!

 

Monsters University Monorail

Monorail Teal has a new look! It's has been taken over by Mike, Sully, and some of their friends from Monsters University. But don't worry, Marvel fans. The Iron Man 3 monorail is still in circulation as well. Click here to see the story on the official Disney Parks Blog.

photo ©Disney

 

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

Happy 15th birthday, Animal Kingdom! In your honor, here are a few AK Hidden Mickeys. Ok, it might be a bit of a stretch (or merely an accident) with the pots and pans, but I see a couple, don't you?

Friday Photo

Please allow me a bit of personal indulgence for today's Friday Photo (it does, at least, have a Disney connection). My oldest daughter is currently in a production of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., so I couldn't resist posting a photo of her in costume. Isn't she a cute little mermaid?



 

 

Coming Soon to the Magic Kingdom: A Pirate's Adventure

Thursday's Tip

With the recent Boston bombings filling our TV screens, and with my family planning a trip to New York City next month, I've been in "Safety Mom" mode. Typically, I feel incredibly safe at Walt Disney World. We've been enough times and my kids are comfortable enough with their surroundings that I feel confident that they could handle a situation where they might get separated from us. Here are a few safety tips that will help you and your children feel safe and secure in the crowds and (sometimes) mayhem of Walt Disney World:

• Teach your kiddos to recognize Cast Members. The most obvious way to recognize them is by dress, but you can also teach them to look for their nametags. In the event that a child gets out of your sight, CMs are trained to handle the situation quickly and efficiently.


• Tag your children. It can be a sticker, a bracelet, or anything that can list their name, your name, and your cell phone number. It's probably safest if the information is hidden (some predators will use a parent's name to lure children away), but make it easy for the child to locate in the event of an emergency. Sometimes little ones get flustered when they're lost and can't remember important numbers--having it in an accessible spot (I sticker my girls on the underside of their shirt tail in front, so they can just flip it up to show a CM) allows them to give that information to a CM and be reunited with you faster.


• Carry money and valuables such as tickets in a front pocket, or somewhere close to your body. Don't put your wallet in the front zipper pouch of your backpack--that's just asking for someone to take it.


• Don't leave valuables behind in your stroller. Especially if it's a rental, as other guests might accidentally mistake it for theirs.


• If anyone in your party has a life-threatening medical condition, wear a medic alert bracelet or something that would clearly indicate the nature of your condition to emergency workers. Carry any medication you might need with you into the Parks. Wherever I go, I'm always packing...an epi-Pen, that is, for my oldest daughter (tree nut allergy).


• Believe the best in all people, but prepare for the worst. Mostly, guests at Walt Disney World are basically honest people hoping to share a few days of fun with their families, just like you. But heat and exhaustion and lack of sleep and crowds can cause irritability to escalate into ugliness. If you encounter an angry guest, steer clear if you can. Humor can often diffuse a potentially-nasty situation. As for your own attitude, try taking annoyances in stride and adapt a "go with the flow" mentality. (This does NOT come naturally to me!) It's almost a given that some minor inconvenience will come to hamper a bit of your fun, but fixating and complaining about it is sure to spoil the fun for everyone in your party.


• Finally, obey the rules. They really are there for your safety.

Homeschool Deal

Forgive me for this break in the "All Disney, All the Time" posts, but this was a deal I thought worth sharing with my fellow homeschoolers--or anyone who wants to learn a second language. Right now, you can request a voucher from Amazon for $130 off of Rosetta Stone products. You can, of course, only use the voucher on certain products, but there are several languages included, and you'll get the Level 1-2 version for $169 (regularly $299). That's cheaper than I could find it anywhere on the web. I purchased the French version for my 9 year old (she has been wanting to learn for quite some time, and my language of emphasis was German). Below are the links to request your voucher, and then to purchase your language kit.

Voucher here.

Rosetta Stone products here.

Hidden Mickey Monday

Spotted these two in IKEA...not exactly a Hidden Mickey, but still a fun surprise!



 

Disney Wardrobe

We took a day off from schooling to do a little spring cleaning and organizing. In the process of arranging my girls' closets to feature their spring/summer attire, I realized just how many adorable Disney-themed clothes they own. So that inspired me to post some of my favorites--some that they already own, but mostly things that I'd love to buy for them! And while I was at it, I threw a few in for myself! (Since this is theoretical shopping, who cares, right?) Adding these to my wish list now.

 Cute, cute, cute!

 We love Belle!

 And Tink!

 Cool and comfy!

 Don't forget the socks...

 ...or the panties.

 I don't wear scrubs--but I almost wish I did!

 I would totally wear this!

 These look comfortable.

 Love the graffiti look!

 Why do we love villains so much?

Hidden Mickey Monday

Another Hidden Mickey found at the party store:

Thursday's Tip

I'm trying to plan a trip for our family to New York City to see my cousin in Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway. (That's almost a Disney connection, right?) I'm realizing that our entire family can visit Walt Disney World for over a week for less than what it will cost us to spend 3 days in NYC. Ouch! If any of my readers have any great NYC money-saving tips, please hit me with them in the comments.

But I digress...all my trip planning has led to much frustration, as I know very little about the area. While I can plan a trip to WDW in my sleep, with the confidence that I'm getting the best deal available, I feel pretty lost when it comes to NYC. So, here's my tip: don't be afraid to seek professional help. No, I don't mean a therapist (although, I could probably use one of those at this point!). I'm talking about a travel agent or consultant--one that specializes in all things Disney. Most travel agents work on commission, so theoretically they won't cost you anything. And even a consultant who charges a fee (like me) will typically save you more than you pay in fees...and will save you countless hours of hassle and frustration. (I actually guarantee my fees against the client's savings; if I don't save you more off standard Disney rates than my fee, then I don't get paid!)

If you're like me and you love to do the research yourself, then there are tons of resources available to you. But if your head is about to explode from the information overload, seek qualified help. After all, time is money, so you'll likely save some $ and your sanity too!

 

Finding Dory Coming to Theatres in 2015

Disney/Pixar has announced plans for a Finding Nemo sequel to hit theatres in 2015. Finding Dory will focus on everyone's favorite little blue fish with the short-term memory problem. Read more details here.



 

Summer Room-Only Discount

The summer room-only discount that was previously released to Disney Rewards Visa cardholders is now available to the general public. Click here to see details.

 

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

Happy April Fool's Day, everyone! I just told my children that we weren't going to Disney World this year. The looks on their faces were rather pitiful, and they got really quiet. (I was impressed that there was no whining, though!) I didn't make them sweat long before blurting out, "April Fools!" Score one for Mom! (Trust me, with all the many silly jokes I have endured today, they had it coming.)

Here's a Hidden Mickey from the Disney Rewards Visa meet-n-greet at Epcot. Do you have a DRV? If not, you're missing out on a free 5 x 7 photo and private meet-n-greet with Mickey and Pals each time you visit!