Thursday's Tip

I shared many tips over the years on how to save money on food at Walt Disney World. But even the cheapest among us (yes, I'm speaking of myself) likes to splurge every now and then. While we're not big fans of spending too much time (or money!) in table service restaurants while on vacation, our family usually tries to splurge on at least one new dining experience each trip. So my tip is two-fold: First, make your ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) as early as possible--in most cases, you can do this 180 days in advance of your arrival. This step has become increasingly important in recent years, as "Free Fall Dining" promotions have become the norm. And second, be sure to know about any dining closures for your travel dates. Obviously, when you call to make ADRs, you will be alerted to closures for table service restaurants, but it's also good to know if your favorite counter service eatery is going to be closed too. Here's a list of current and upcoming closures:

• ESPN Club (BoardWalk Resort): closed now and will re-open late spring


• BoardWalk Bakery, BoardWalk Resort: currently closed and expected to open late spring or early summer


• Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom): currently closed and will re-open May 18 as a Starbucks location


• California Grill (Contemporary Resort): closed now through late summer


• Fountain View Cafe (Epcot): closing in March and will reopen sometime this summer as a Starbucks location


• Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom): closing briefly for refurbishment May 13-16

Dapper Dans Deliver Limited Time Magic

This week's Limited Time Magic is brought to you by a perennial favorite performing group in the Magic Kingdom, the Dapper Dans. From now until March 3, the "Original Boy Band" will supplement their normal barber shop fare by tipping their hats to some of the hottest boy bands of recent years. If you've ever wanted to hear the Dans sing "Bye Bye Bye" or "What Makes You Beautiful," be sure to hang out on Main Street and catch the show this week. And even if you don't get to WDW for the Limited Time Magic, the Dapper Dans always offer up a fun show you won't want to miss!

 

 

Characters in Flight Groupon

Today's Groupon for the Orlando area included a deal for Characters in Flight, the tethered balloon experience at Downtown Disney. The deal is either $11 for one guest or $20 for two, and it expires on May 31. You can view this and other Groupon deals here.

 

 

Hidden Mickey Monday

"Made" this Hidden Mickey by chance while getting my girls and myself some lunch this week. Then, of course, I just had to take a pictue. Yes, Mama gets the big plate. :-)

Friday Photo

This is my youngest next to a fun little troll. Where did we find him?

 

 

Evite and Disney Partner

Spoonful.com, Disney's lifestyle family site, has partnered with Evite to create Disney-themed online party invitations. The Evite Disney Collection features Disney's popular characters--including Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Cars, Toy Story, Phineas and Ferb, Alice in Wonderland, Mickey and Minnie, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Pooh, Tangled, Brave, Shake it Up, and Doc McStuffins--and utilizes Evite’s simple-to-use online invitation templates and party planning tools. As a mom who has hosted her share of Disney-themed birthday parties, I'm very excited about this collaboration! You can view the Evite Disney Collection here.

Disney News Roundup

Here are a few recent news items for all things Disney:

• There are, once again, rumors of a re-vamp of Downtown Disney. This time, the area is being dubbed "Disney Springs." Plans would include a new multi-level parking facility, and existing parking would be transformed into green space and more stores. At this point, it seems to be mostly speculation with nothing confirmed by Disney.


• There is a new Oz, The Great and Powerful play area in Epcot. Features include a downed hot air balloon, handmade glass poppies, Baum Brothers Circus Midway, and a yellow brick road. It will remain through the Flower & Garden Festival.


• It would appear that all remaining Segway tours have been cancelled in Epcot, with no indication that they will return.


• The Tangled-themed restrooms in Fantasyland are near completion. Expect them to open any day!


• Rosetta will be joining her fairy friends once again in Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, beginning Friday. Periwinkle will likely be the fairy who departs at this time.


• The Good Year Blimp made its appearance in the skies over WDW yesterday and today, in correlation with the filming of Live! with Kelly and Michael. The blimp is used to acquire aerial footage.


• It is rumored that Harrison Ford is on board for Star Wars VII, the first film in the franchise since Disney acquired the rights.

Those are the highlights for now. Exciting stuff in the air!