Kids Play Free with Disney Rewards Visa

If you are a Disney Rewards Visa card member, you may have received an email alerting you to a new "Kids Play Free" deal for much of 2011. Similar to deals in the past, it's essentially means that kids will get free park tickets when adults purchase tickets and book a resort stay. Of course, there are minimum stay requirements as well as blocked out dates and a few other restrictions. (Add-ons, such as Park Hopper and Water Parks & More are not included in the free children's tickets.)

Here is the basic info directly from the email:

Dear Cardmembers, Take advantage of this advance booking offer today to purchase a 4-night/4-day Magic Your Way Vacation Package that includes room and Theme Park tickets, and children age 3-9 can stay and get a 4-day Theme Park admission ticket, FREE. So hurry and book today! Your offer is available for stays most nights February 17–April 16, April 28–June 14, and August 14–October 1, 2011. And when you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, not only will you be in the middle of the magic, you'll also experience special magic, like:
	Extra time in a Theme Park each day so you can enjoy more rides on select attractions with your family...and more Disney time together! (Valid Theme Park admission required.)
	Complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport AND throughout Walt Disney World® Resort. It makes getting around as hassle free as can be!
	Fun for everyone whether you're splashing down Resort pool slides, watching movies under the stars or hitting the links with a complimentary golf club rental (at select Disney Golf Courses).

If you're not a Disney Rewards Visa cardholder, I highly recommend it for anyone who is able to use a credit card responsibly. Check out my previous DRV posts (under categories at the right) or drop me an email or comment if you'd like a referral code to receive bonus Disney Dream Dollars at signing.

"Like" Ridemakerz on Facebook for a $10 off $30 Coupon

If you have a little race fan in your family, you might want to "like" the Ridemakerz Facebook page for a coupon worth $10 off a $30 purchase (expires 12/31/10). The coupon can be used in the store at Downtown Disney (and other locations nationwide) or online at www.Ridemakerz.com. To get your coupon, follow this link:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=120273829473

Via Napoli Offers Pizza by the Slice

I'm not sure if it's temporary or permanent, but Via Napoli (in the Italy section of Epcot) has begun offering pizza by the slice at a kiosk just outside the restaurant. It's not cheap--a pricey $6.50 for a large slice--but it's a nice alternative if you don't have the time or a group large enough to share a whole pie inside the restaurant.

We ate at Via Napoli during our last visit to WDW, and we really enjoyed it. The food was yummy (see photo above), and we actually walked right in without any wait. The staff was friendly, and the pizza ovens were fun and festive. Overall, a good experience. But, by far, the best part was the traditional Italian pizza--definitely a step above what you would expect from "theme park" pizza.

Another Fatal Disney Bus Accident

A 69-year-old man is dead after stepping in front of a WDW bus at the Port Orleans Resort on Sunday, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Initial investigation concludes that the bus driver was not at fault in the incident, and no other injuries were reported. You can read the full story here.

Merry Christmas from Affording the Mou$e

 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2: 1-20, NIV

Merry Christmas from the Voices of Liberty

One of my favorite vocal ensembles...enjoy this Christmas greeting in song!

Sneak Peek at Art of Animation Rooms

Are you as excited as me about the Art of Animation Resort that will feature a large number of family suites? It will definitely fill a great need for large families (and those who just like a little more room) visiting Walt Disney World. Orlando's Fox affiliate has a photo preview of some of the rooms on their website. I think the Nemo rooms are my favorite! What do you think?

Dining Online Reservation Enhancements

So, you may recall the online reservation system having several recent outages for scheduled maintenance. Apparently, they made some enhancements to the online dining reservations. Now, you can make online ADR (advanced dining reservations) for groups of up to 14 guests. Also, it's now possible to make online reservations for some of the special dining events that you previously had to call the dining line to book--events such as the Fantasmic! Dinner Package, the Wishes Dessert Party, and even Dine with an Imagineer (among others). To view the new and improved reservation page, click here.

More Art Immitating Life Immitating Art?

You may have seen my post this week about Jon Favreau directing the new Magic Kingdom film. It seems this genre--a movie about a real place that seeks to emulate a fantasy world--is gaining popularity with Disney. Here's an interesting story about a new film in development based on a Disney attraction that never made it past the concept stage. The Museum of the Wierd sounds pretty interesting, and with Ahmet Zappa writing the script, it's certain to be memorable.

National Free Shipping Day

It's National Free Shipping Day, an opportunity for all of us last-minute shoppers to click through our lists without having to leave the comfort of our living rooms! (And, let me say, it is CRAZY out there this time of year!) DisneyStore.com is joining in on the fun. Today only, use the code FREESHIP to get free standard delivery shipping sitewide. And, guess what? Today is the last day for delivery by Dec. 24 with standard shipping. As always, some restrictions apply. Order by midnight to get your items shipped free in time for Christmas!

Friday Photo

Anyone know where this photo was taken?

Dragon Legend Acrobats to Leave Epcot Soon

One of my family's favorite performing groups, the Dragon Legend Acrobats will end their nearly 25-year run in early 2011 and say goodbye to the China pavilion at Epcot. I will really miss seeing these young kids performing their amazing feats. But a tiny part of me really hopes they'll all get a chance to play and be normal kids now too! Of course, who's to say they're not already having the time of their lives? I think, perhaps, it was this disapproving look from their coach that makes me suspicious:

Thursday's Tip

OK, so I have to apologize because I have all but abandoned my Thursday's Tip series. All I can say is the holidays have overtaken me, and I'm all out of creative juices right now. Still, I managed to crank one out for today...hope it's helpful!

I'm a big advocate of paying for (or at least saving for) your Disney vacation in advance. I don't believe in going into debt for a vacation. Any vacation. Even a Walt Disney World vacation. Today's tip offers a great way to help you plan and save for your next trip. When you've got an idea of your trip dates (hopefully you know 6 months to a year in advance!), log onto the Disney website and price out your trip at full price--with no discounts. That way, you'll know the maximum amount your trip could cost. (Don't forget to add in flights, food, gas, or whatever extras are not covered.) Then, take that figure and subtract what you already have saved specifically for your vacation. The amount that's left is what you'll need to save between now and then, so divide that amount by how many months are left until your trip. Then you'll have a clear figure of what you'll need to save each month.

Now, you may say, "But I am quite sure I will get a discount. My trip isn't going to cost that much." To that I say, GREAT! And when you save that full amount, you'll be thrilled to have the extra cash to spend on souvenirs or, better yet, a jump start on savings for your next trip!

Favreau Ditches Iron Man for Magic Kingdom

I've been a fan of Jon Favreau since Swingers ("You're money, and you don't even know it") which he starred in and wrote. And I fell in love all over again with Elf. So I was pretty psyched to learn that he would be directing the new movie about Disneyland, Magic Kingdom. (Too bad for all the Iron Man fans who will have a new director for the next installment of that series.)

Favreau says the story is “essentially a family caught in Disneyland, bringing all of the attractions to life. I really want to plumb the depths of the history of the park because it’s a place I love to go a few times a year.”

Favreau shared a bit of his preparation and inspiration for how he'll approach the movie in a recent interview: “I said, look I’ve got to watch every Disney property. I started with Steamboat Willie working my way all the way up. I really want to focus on the classic stuff like Dumbo, Steamboat Willie, all the early black and white Mickey Mouse cartoons – all the Fantasyland stuff. I think there was something timeless about what Walt did and I want to explore, not just Disneyland, but Walt’s vision of Disneyland. If you look at his concept art it diverges a little bit from what the park turned into over time; but if you look at his original concept art and really explore what that world is, I think there is something really fun and magical to be done there.”

Magic Kingdom is slated for a 2013 release. Can't wait!

Yet Another Reservation System Outage

Once again, the Walt Disney World reservation system will be down for maintenance from Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. through sometime Wednesday morning. That means guests will be unable to make dining or resort reservations or change said reservations. If you need to make or change a reservation, you'll need to do it before 5:30 or plan on waiting until Wednesday.

Disney Movie Rewards Points Still Up for Grabs

Are you a member of Disney Movie Rewards? If you see a lot of Disney movies or purchase them on home video/DVD/Blu-ray, you should be! I've earned enough points over the years to purchase some pretty nice items (Hannah Montana bicycle, anyone?).

Now through Christmas (OK, so it has been going on for a couple of weeks now...I'm just getting around to telling you), you can earn bonus points every day, just by logging on to ABC Family's website and clicking on the Disney Movie Rewards button. I'll give you a hint: it's low on the left side of the page. This will take you to the DMR page where you'll be credited as soon as you log in to your account.

There are still 13 days of points available to DMR members! (Most days are coming up 5 pts., but I'm hoping for a big bonus on Christmas!)

Great Ideas for Crafting and Baking Fun

If you're a DIY mom like me, you're always looking for fun crafts or a new easy recipe to make with the kiddos. Now that I'm a homeschooling mom, the need for new and fresh ideas is even more strong! One great place to find ideas for fun family Christmas projects is Disney's Family Fun magazine. Log on to the website to find fun crafts, yummy treats, and all sorts of fun ideas for your holiday family time. Most projects require items you'd have around your house already, and some even have instructional videos (really helpful!).

What are your favorite Christmas family projects? Here's one of our recent projects--a gingerbread house made from scratch! (Never mind that it only stood about 45 minutes before crashing down. The good news is that we actually got to eat it while it was still fresh, rather than hard as a rock from sitting around for two weeks until Christmas. Gotta find that silver lining, right?

Toontown Set to Close in February

Many of you have been wondering...and a few of you have asked...but until now, I didn't have a clear answer. But Friday, the official Disney Parks Blog confirmed that Mickey's Toontown Fair will be closing after February 11 to make room for the Fantasyland expansion.

Mickey, Minnie, and the Princesses will find temporary meet-n-greet digs elsewhere in the park, and will relocate to the Town Square Exposition Center in the spring. Tink will be heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios to greet guests, while her fairy friends will be appearing in Epcot in the spring.

The Walt Disney World Railroad station in Toontown will close, leaving only the Main Street and Frontierland stations in the loop. However, the railroad will operate as normal otherwise.

If you get an opportunity to visit WDW before February 11, be sure to give Toontown a fond farewell!

Friday Photo

Ah, memories! This was taken back in 2005--our oldest daughter's first visit to WDW. The castle show at that time was called "Cinderellebration!" and it featured all the major princesses: Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, and Jasmine. After watching home video of it over and over and over, I can still sing most of the songs from this show. (A little sad, right?) It was a fun show, and my little princess just loved it! Anyone out there remember "Cinderellebration!" ?

Parks Offering "Coupons" for Off-Hour Dining

It doesn't happen often, but on a few occasions recently Disney has offered coupons for dining at odd hours. If you're visiting the parks between December 19 and January 1, you can actually print a voucher to receive 30% off at specific restaurants, simply for dining during specific hours, specifically before noon or between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.



Click here to print your voucher.

Free Shipping at DisneyStore.com with Toy Purchase

Today through Wednesday, if you purchase any toy from www.DisneyStore.com you can get free shipping on your entire purchase by using the code TOYMANIA. Free shipping applies to standard delivery, and there are a few restrictions, but this is a great way to get the items you want shipped free--just make sure you add a not-so-expensive toy to your cart.

How are you all doing on your Christmas shopping? Finished? Almost? Not even started? I'm getting pretty close, but I still have a few items to buy. Just 19 days left...better get moving!

I Want One...

OK, so you might remember me pining over a Dooney & Bourke Mickey purse. And then, when I actually purchased a small one (at a cost of $60--which is a lot for a frugal shopper like me!), I was completely underwhelmed. And, to be quite honest, I had a pretty abysmal customer service experience with DisneyStore.com, too. :-/ Honestly, I haven't made a purchase from them since.

That said, I just saw these new beauties:



No, they're not from D&B...they're from Harveys. Are they cute, or what? This one is $154.50--so NOT in my budget. The cheapest one I saw was $129.50 (boo). And since I still have the tiny D&B one sitting on my desk, mocking me for making a frivolous purchase of a bag too small to hold my goods with a handle too short to go over my shoulder, I guess I'll merely adore these from afar.

Besides, I'm still a little miffed at DisneyStore.com (per the aforementioned abysmal customer service experience). Guess I'll tell myself I'm passing on principle. That will make it hurt less, right?

Friday Photo

I'm a planner. And although I do advocate having a general touring plan for any WDW vacation, I'm actually not a ride-by-ride itinerary planner. For one thing, even the most well-planned itinerary can fall victim to unexpected stumbling blocks, such as a closed attraction or a sick child (both happened to us on our last trip!). And the other main reason I like having a flexible plan is so that we can take in the street performances that we stumble across around the World. (Actually, most of these are on a schedule too, but it's way more fun to happen upon them, in my opinion!) Here's a fun little acrobatic/juggling act near France in Epcot. The little guy on the table provides most of the skilled straight-man work, while the chef takes on the more comedic role.

Where in the World is your favorite street performance?

Room-Only Discount for Spring

For the first time since I can remember, Disney is actually discounting rooms during the spring break period! Book by December 31, and you can save up to 35% on stays most nights from February 17 through April 16, 2011. (Book Jan. 1 through Feb. 11, and you can still save up to 30%.) Sure, there are a few black-out dates, and the savings seems to be for Sunday through Thursday only, but it appears that many spring break weeks will be included.

To get the discount, simply click here and make your reservation.

Waking Sleeping Beauty Releases on DVD

The much-anticipated documentary about the 1990s Disney Animation Studios revival of sorts is now available on DVD. Haven't seen it in stores (did a little shopping today), but it is available online. Amazon has it for $19.99--has anyone seen a better price? I'm hoping to get this as a gift this Christmas (hint, hint...anyone?).

Cyber Monday Deals on DisneyStore.com

Today only, get free shipping with ANY order at www.DisneyStore.com. Also, you'll get 10% off purchases of at least $50, 15% off $75, 20% off $100, and 25% off $125 or more. Just use the code CYBER. As always, some restrictions apply.

Might be a great opportunity to finish up--or start!--your Christmas shopping!

Giving Thanks...

We're heading out for a few days to spend time with family and count our blessings! It's quite likely that we'll catch a showing of Tangled this weekend as well! How about you--what are your Thanksgiving plans? And what are you most thankful for?

Disney Store's Black Friday & Cyber Monday Offerings

More than 100 Disney Stores across the country will be opening at midnight on Friday morning for "Magical Friday" (so much nicer sounding than Black Friday, right?). Guests who arrive before 10 a.m. can expect to get 20% off all items in the store and will see special deals for as low as $5.

But if you're like us and you don't have a local Disney Store--or if you just don't want to fight those Black Friday crowds--you can wait for Cyber Monday. Expect to see one-day online-only pricing for more than 1000 items at DisneyStore.com!

So, what's the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal you've ever snagged?

Last Day for Free Shipping with Disney Parks Purchase

You have until midnight to get free shipping on your ENTIRE purchase at DisneyStore.com when you buy any Disney Parks Authentic item. Just use the code PARK48 at checkout. (Some restrictions apply.)

While shopping yesterday, I spotted a few really inexpensive items (pens, trading pins, etc.) that would be great fillers to get the free shipping deal if, perhaps, the item you really wanted to purchase was not from the Disney Parks Authentic line. Some may be sold out by now, but it's worth checking before you pay shipping on other items. You can search the site by Disney Parks Authentic and then sort by price, low to high, to find the best deals.

Disney Junior Promo

I just saw my first Disney Junior promo while watching TinkerBell and the Lost Treasureon Disney Channel (yes, we have the movie on Blu-Ray, but isn't it more fun to catch it on TV?). You can see a similar version of the promo here. It's really quite cute!

Friday Photo

With all the mobile apps for wait times at WDW that are now available, many guests can have relatively accurate information at their fingertips. But for those of us who are technologically challenged, there's still the "old fashioned" tip board. This is a pic of the one at the Magic Kingdom. Low tech? Sure. But it still gets the job done.

Free Dining Add-Ons for ESPN Weekend

If you're heading to WDW for the ESPN Weekend (Feb. 28 through March 3), there is a special package available to you. Yes, those dates fall in the free dining window already announced, but there are several great add-ons for sports fans included in this package. They include:

One ticket to the Mar. 3 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game vs. the Detroit Tigers.

Headstart on making advance reservations for seating at Mike & Mike in the Morning or The Herd with Colin Cowherd  AND first in line access for a Meet and Greet with Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, or Colin Cowherd after the show. Reservations for these shows open to the general public on February 1. Seating is limited.

Access for 30 Minutes of play at the PlayStation Pavilion in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Early seating (15 min. prior to the doors opening) at the Premiere Theater (DHS) for “inside ESPN” shows.

Of course, all the rules for the free dining option are still in place: must purchase a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way ticket and a resort stay of at least 3 nights. You get the Quick Service Dining Plan free with stays at Value Resorts and the regular Disney Dining Plan for stays at Moderate, Deluxe, and Villas.

Space is limited on this deal, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

Christmas Parade Taping Set

If you're traveling to Walt Disney World in early December, you'll want to be aware of the Christmas Parade taping that will take place on December 3 & 4 in the Magic Kingdom.  

Some of you may want to join the fun--why not, right? How often do you get the chance to be a part of television magic? But sadly, all the reserved "good seats" are already spoken for. That doesn't mean you won't get to see the action. But it does drastically lower your chances of getting any screen time.

If you fall into the avoid-big-crowds-at-all-costs camp, you'll want to adjust your touring plans accordingly. Might be a great day to check out one of the other parks. Consider this: in order to get the perfect views from all angles, the parade may actually run multiple times down Main Street and around the castle hub. Congestion, even gridlock, is a given. You WILL need additional time to navigate the Magic Kingdom on these two days.

Of course, if you make it past the hub, you may find lighter crowds at the attractions. Maybe.

Cars 2 Website/Trailer

Check out the Cars 2 website, featuring a trailer for the film here.

Pre-Order Disney Films, Just in Time for Christmas

I have been anxiously awaiting the DVD release of Waking Sleeping Beauty, the documentary about the rebirth of animation at Disney Studios in the 1990s. It will finally release on November 30, just in time to be a great Christmas present (hint, hint...Dear Husband...if you are reading).Two additional films that fall in the same general genre of Disney history, Walt & El Grupo and The Boys. All three movies can be pre-ordered now for $49.95 plus $4.95 shipping. Or, you can order them individually for $21.95. You can check them out and order here.

Going Offline for a Few Days

OK, if I had it all together, you wouldn't be reading this post. I would have taken a few hours out of my day (yea, right...like I have a few "extra" hours!) to write and schedule posts for the week. But, alas, I SO don't have it together.

Nonetheless, tomorrow my husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. We're dropping the kiddos off at the grandparents' house and taking a brief trip. Obviously, I don't want to be blogging on my anniversary, so there won't be any posts for the next few days. I hope you'll stick with me and come back on Monday. I promise I'll plan better next time. :-)

PS--We actually considered taking a kid-free trip to WDW for our anniversary, but we knew we'd have to suffer the wrath of our two daughters if we did that. But one of these days...

YES Programs Offer Individual Enrollment

You may be aware that Disney offers special opportunities for youth groups, all under the umbrella of their YES Programs (Youth Education Series). To be eligible for these programs which include discounted park tickets, your youth group must have at least 10 members and meet a few other criteria (can't just get 10 of your friends together--has to be a legitimate youth group).



Also falling under this umbrella are the Disney Homeschool Days that we attended in September.  And unlike other YES Programs, the Disney Homeschool Days do not require you to have a minimum number of guests to qualify for discounted tickets. I highly recommend this program, as it is a bargain for homeschooling families AND they take place at two of the least crowded times to visit WDW--September and January.

I recently received an email from the YES Programs team with information on individual enrollment to certain YES Programs. It seems that these particular events are open to any individuals that meet the age criteria, not exclusively homeschoolers. I've listed the specifics given in the email below. Call the YES Programs number if you would like more information or click on the links below.

Disney Youth Education Series -  Individual Enrollment

This special program offers individual students and small groups the chance to participate in real-world learning experiences at Disney Theme Parkswhere they will discover newfound insights, skills and knowledge.

• Available on select dates in January, February, June, July, & August 2011.  September and October dates will be released at a later time.


• Students ages 5-18 are able to participate and special tickets are available for the entire family


•  Add-on dining at select locations by purchasing Meal Vouchers


• For details on our Winter Programs, please click here.


• For details on our Summer Programs, please click here. 


• Register Today for the Winter Programs @ www.disneyurl.com/IndividualEnrollment

Disney Homeschool Days

Disney Homeschool Days at Walt Disney World® Resort gives students the opportunity to learn in the most magical way of all — Disney-style. 

• Come “Explore Disney’s Wild Side” January 24 & 25, 2011 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park


• Special Presentation on African Cats: January 24, 2011 at 10:00 am


• Additional Disney Youth Education Series programs may be added on to your experience.


• Add-on dining at select locations by purchasing Meal Vouchers


• Register Today @ www.disneyurl.com/Homeschool2011


• Stay tuned for more information on a Fall Homeschool event in October 2011!

Accommodations

• Disney Resort Rooms are blocked at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort & Disney’s Port Orleans: Riverside Resort for the Disney Homeschool Days event. Rooms available from January 17-31, 2011.  For more information on booking rooms, please contact the Disney Homeschool Days team at 407.566.6334.

Friday Photo

OK, so the pic is a bit fuzzy because of the foggy window. But this yummy display is from the Kringla Bakeri in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, featuring my new favorite treat: School Bread. These big puffy pastries are a cross between a cream-filled donut and a coconut cream pie. Oh-so-good! And at just under $2, they're quite a bargain too. Try one on your next visit...and you can thank me later.

January Refurbishments Announced

It's about that time...time for Disney to announce the many attraction refurbishment closures that take place during what is arguably its slowest month--January. Here's a rundown of what is currently planned for refurbishment:

• Typhoon Lagoon actually closed this week, but will remain closed until Jan. 16


• Blizzard Beach, closed Jan. 9-Mar. 26


• Studio Backlot Tour (DHS), closed Jan. 3-29


• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground (DHS), closed Jan. 3-29


• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (DHS), closed Jan. 30-Mar. 5


• Block Party Bash (DHS) closes permanently Jan. 1, but will be replaced by Pixar Pals Cavalcade on Jan. 16


• Splash Mountain (MK), Jan. 3-31


• Liberty Square Riverboat (MK), closed Jan. 29-Feb. 4


• Kali River Rapids (AK), closed Jan. 3-29


• Primevil Whirl (AK), closed Jan. 17-April 5


• Star Tours remains closed until May 16.

There will likely be other brief refurbs added to the list in the coming weeks. Always keep the refurbishment schedule in mind when planning a Disney vacation. It's more than a little disappointing to arrive at the Parks only to discover that your favorite attraction is closed.

Thursday's Tip

Have you ever been in line at a Disney Parks attraction when your child suddenly decided that perhaps she didn't want to ride. In fact, she adamantly protested and had an all-out meltdown? Well, I have. And, fortunately, a kind Cast Member was able to talk our daughter down from the ledge. (For the record, it was Pirates of the Caribbean, which is now one of her favorite attractions!) Still, there are times when no amount of coersion or bribery will work. What to do then? Today's Tip: use the "chicken exit."

There is always a way out. Yep, there's a "chicken exit" for every attraction. In fact, the CMs at Disney World are quite accustomed to ushering little (and sometimes  not-so-little) guests safely to an exit--even up to the very last minute. So even if you've already had your flight training, but then freak out a little when you see the enormous mechanism that isSoarin', you can simply attract a CM's attention and they'll handle the rest.

It's always better to plan ahead for any fears and apprehensions. (The whole question of whether or not to force a child onto an attraction is a heated argument. Best policy: know thy child. Our oldest is a "scaredy cat" that probably wouldn't ride anything if we didn't push. But our youngest isn't afraid of much, so we know if she doesn't want to ride, she means it.) But if you get caught in a surprising situation and you need to make a hasty exit, it's good to know that you can always find one!

Adorable Custom Disney Dresses

Today I wanted to pass on a fun shopping find I discovered recently! If you're ever looking for Disney-themed dresses for your daughters that are a bit more personal (and definitely higher quality!) than the mass-produced dresses you'll find in Wal-Mart or Target, check out the Henry and Harriett shop on Etsy. My friend and former co-worker Kate Etue is now a stay-at-home mom, and she makes these dresses in her spare time. She has a few up now available for sale, and she can fulfill custom orders as well. Check out her shop here!

Makes Me Want to Pack My Bags!

Best TS3 Blu-Ray/DVD Deals

So, I scanned the sale ads yesterday, and in our area it looks like Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy have about the same deal on the Toy Story 3 Ray/DVD Combo Pack--$25, give or take a few pennies. With the $8 off coupon available from www.DisneyMovieRewards.com, that comes out to about $17. There are also two rebates (below) of $5 each, which takes the grand total down to around $7.

If you're a CVS shopper (I'm not) and use Extra Care Bucks (I don't), and especially if you need to stock up on some household items (nope, not me), there is a better deal. You can get the DVD (not Blu-ray) for just $3.99 if you spend  $25 on P&G products. Add in the $10 in rebates, and this is a potential money-maker (except, of course, for the items you need to purchase)! If you're really industrious and pair sales with coupons on those items (and you don't care about the Blu-ray--which we do), this could be a great deal all around! Doesn't fit my needs, but it might fit yours.

Here are links to the rebates (be sure to pair them with coupons for extra savings!):

Campbell's

Rayovac

Disney Rooms Will Soon Be Available on Priceline

Starting in a couple of weeks, Disney Resort rooms will be available on Priceline's booking engine--however, they will NOT be available through the "name-your-own-price" feature on the site. Some Disney Resort rooms have been available for several years on sites such as Expedia and Travelocity, so I don't see this as a huge change. But the extra exposure certainly opens these discounted rates to a larger audience, which Disney hopes will help with abysmal occupancy rates.

Tangled "Play and Greet" Now Open

Guests can now visit with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Pascal the chameleon at seven daily "Play and Greet" shows in the Fairytale Garden at the Magic Kingdom. Before the guests of honor arrive, children are given coloring pages and a pack of crayons (there is now a large table to accommodate this activity). Rapunzel and Flynn arrive and dance a bit with their guests. Cast members play games with the children as well. And Pascal plays and poses with the children as well. Of course there are ample opportunities for photos, with Disney PhotoPass Photographers standing by as well. Looks like a fun experience--can't wait to see it on our next visit!

TS3 Coupon Now Available

If you're a member of Disney Movie Rewards, log onto the site today and snag your $8 off coupon for the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of Toy Story 3. I've been anxiously awaiting a coupon for this movie (which releases on November 2) and was beginning to wonder if Disney would break their streak of providing these high-dollar incentives to purchase. I needn't have worried--Disney always comes through for me. Not quite the $10 off that I was hoping for, but I'll take it!

Thursday's Tip

Every week when I prepare the "Thursday's Tip," I run through my previous posts to see if I've already used the tip that's on my mind. And today I started thinking, Hey, I've gained quite a few new readers since I started this site. And those lovely readers may not have had the chance to read some of my earlier posts. So, I think I finally decided that if I recycle a tip or two here or there, it's not really a big deal. [I say all this for those ever-conscientious readers who will want to remind me that I'm recycling my own material. I would be THAT reader, too! :-) ]

So, here's one I'm quite sure I've shared before...but it's worth repeating for the masses: Bring your own. Bring your own what? you may ask. Well, everything. Sunscreen, snacks, rain ponchos, OTC meds, etc. Because whatever you forgot at home will cost you approximately twice as much inside the confines of the Mickey complex. If you're fortunate enough to have a car with you, there are drugstores and discount stores within a ten or fifteen-minute drive from most anywhere on Disney property. But if not, you're at the mercy of the gift shops in the Parks or your Resort.

Trust me, you do not want to make this rookie mistake. Pack absolutely everything you can fathom needing and have room to take. You can thank me later.

Pooh Closes to Complete Refurbishment

Signs outside The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh say it all: "Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends are hibernating during renovations." Yep, after months of walls, moved trees, and all-around chaos, the attraction is finally closing until November 14 to complete the final phase of refurbishment. The ride will re-open with a new interactive queue, and hopefully the walls will come down too!

Playhouse Disney Changes

My kids are almost past the whole Playhouse Disney thing (sigh). They still enjoy the occasional episode of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," but really they have moved on to "Phineas & Ferb," "Sonny With a Chance," etc. But in years past, many an evening or afternoon has been salvaged in my home by using "On Demand" to play episodes of the Playhouse Disney classics like "JoJo's Circus" and "Little Einsteins." Because of modern technology, my children have no concept of a world where children's programming only exists at certain times of the day/week. Still, there are times when "On Demand" goes on the blink and finding appropriate programming for a grumpy teething tot is difficult.

But no more! Playhouse Disney is about to get its own 24-hour-a-day channel. Well...sort of...but not anytime soon. See, Playhouse Disney is in the process of morphing into Disney Junior, a block of morning programming geared toward two- through four-year-olds. (Basically, it's just a new name at this point for what already exists as Playhouse Disney.) This minor transition should take place in early 2011. But by 2012, Disney Junior should be ready for it's own channel.

As is always the case with Disney, we will be hearing about this for a long time before anything actually happens. (Remember seeing promos for Camp Rock 2 a full two months before it premiered? Yep, me too.) Disney will begin teasing us by introducing the Disney Junior  logo, which will feature the letters J-U-N-I-O-R "clothed" in the costuming of the main six characters--instantly recognizable to most children and Disney fans. Promos will run during popular Playhouse Disney shows. (Has anyone seen one yet?)

So, parents of small tots, you have something to look forward to...in a year or so. For now, you'll have to rely on your DVD stash, "On Demand," or your TiVo. Still, our kids have got it pretty good, haven't they? Anybody else remember when the only children's programming was on Saturday morning or a brief hour on weekday afternoons?

Military Discounted Tickets Now Available

As I mentioned in this post, there is a room-only discount available for active and retired U.S. military personnel, with travel dates through Oct. 1, 2011. Disney has now introduced discounted military park tickets for approximately the same dates.

Now through September 28, 2011, active or retired military (including Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase up to 6 of these special tickets at pretty amazing prices. Here are the specifics:

• 4-Day ticket with Park Hopper Option for $138 each, plus tax


• 4-Day ticket with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax


• 4-Day ticket with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax

All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Oct. 1, 2011, and as with the room-only discount, certain blackout dates apply. Vouchers for these tickets can currently be purchased at Shades of Green, Disney's military-only resort, and also at military bases. (Take the voucher to the Disney ticket window to exchange it for your tickets.) Any questions about availability should be directed to Shades of Green.

Friday Photo

Since our children have been to Disney World several times, we have pics with most of the main Disney characters. Sure, we still stop to pose with Mickey or Minnie on occasion--especially when there's a short line. But, motly, we concentrate on characters we've never had the opportunity to pose with on previous visits. This trip, we were able to catch a couple of "new-to-us" characters. Behold: Ms. Bunny. She's Thumper's girlfriend, in case you aren't up on your Bambie cast (I'm ashamed to admit that I had to ask which bunny this was). Thumper came out a bit later, but we were on our way to a show and didn't stay for a pic. Next time, perhaps.

Thursday's Tip

Here's a tip for you: log onto www.DisneyStore.com TODAY and order your child's Halloween costume. No, seriously! It's the last day of free shipping (use the code DRESSUP at check out). Many of the costumes are on sale--up to 40% off, and there's just enough time to still get these by Halloween without paying for expedited shipping.



Have you been costume shopping lately--in, say, a Target or Wal-Mart? The quality of the costumes that are available is pretty average. But I can say from much experience (I think our official Disney Store costume count is up to around 8), that Disney Store and Disney Parks costumes are much higher quality and hold up well under the pressure of two girls that play dress-up on a very regular basis! And they just look...well...more princessey.

Here's a bonus tip: if you live near a Disney Store (sadly, we don't), you can drop by for a special Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party this weekend. On Friday, two separate parties start at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, the event starts at 11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Have your kiddo wear his or her favorite costume, and they will receive a free gift. If you get to go, I'd love to hear about it! (I sure do miss my local Disney Store. C'mon, Disney--put one somewhere in Nashville...pretty please!)

Cars 2 Teaser

It's a Small World Re-Opens

It's a Small World re-opened today, ahead of schedule! (My girls were very disappointed that this favorite was closed for refurbishment during our last visit.) Besides a general freshness that new paint and replacing worn parts brings, the most glaring change is that the entry and exit ramps have essentially been switched. Guests now enter and load from what was previously the exit ramp. Likewise, the exit is where guests once entered. The exterior of the building retains its general appearance, but it definitely has a fresh, new feel too. Can't wait to hear how more about the changes from friends who are currently touring. If you're there now, be sure to stop by and let me know what you think about the refurbishment!

Disney Halloween Spoof

You can find more of these funny spoofs at Disney Living's YouTube page. Cute and not-so-scary!

Another Reservation System Outage Scheduled for Tonight

The Disney Reservation System will be down again tonight, beginning at 6 p.m. through Wednesday morning. This outage will be similar to the one that occurred last week (mentioned in this post). If you need to make or change a reservation--resort, ADR, or otherwise--you should do that immediately or plan to wait until the system is back up on Wednesday.

Free Shipping and Up to 40% Off Costumes

Right now, www.DisneyStore.com has many of their costumes on sale for up to 40% off regular prices. (Excluded are some of the deluxe costumes and also the newer characters, like Rapunzel.) In addition, you can get free shipping on any costume if you use the promo code DRESSUP at checkout!



I'm a big fan of Disney Store costumes. They are definitely higher quality than those you can find almost anywhere else, and often they are just as inexpensive--if you catch a sale like this one. My girls play in the year-round, and they seem to always find places to wear them. (My youngest is going to a princess birthday party this coming Saturday and will be wearing Cinderella!)

Sale ends Oct. 21, so shop ASAP!

Friday Photo

Now that we're a homeschooling family...and since we were actually at Walt Disney World for their Homeschool Days, we decided we should make the most of this experience and fit in some learning time. The most obvious Park for "school time" is Epcot, although you can extrapolate lessons from any of the Disney Parks if you try hard enough! On this particular day, Presley decided to learn a little Chinese. :-) Actually, we were going through the exhibits in the Seas with Nemo & Friends. There were some great learning opportunities, and this was one of the computer games we tried. Since Presley doesn't actually read yet, she didn't realize she had chosen Chinese as her language of choice. It made for a cute, memorable pic for our scrapbook!

Thursday's Tip

If you've ever been to Walt Disney World, you know that there are opportunities to buy souvenirs on, literally, every corner. From the establishments lining Main Street to the shops that one conveniently must walk through in order to exit an attraction, there are ample opportunities to spend your cash. Today's tip: shop around and make souvenir purchases near the end of your trip. Why? Because there will always be one more shop...and that shop may just have the one thing you haven't seen yet and simply must have.

Here's the thing...about 75% of the items you'll find in any given souvenir shop will be essentially the same stuff you find at other shops. But the other 25% will be different. And, there are actually a few items that you may only find in one obscure shop. If you're a real Disney aficionado, or if you're a collector of the obscure, this sort of shopping just might pay off with a rare find.



So, except for, perhaps, apparel ('cause you wanna wear those Mickey ears while you're there, right?), save your pennies until the end of your trip. Lots of window shopping first=no buyer's remorse!

Tangled Characters to Meet-N-Greet at Epcot

You may have read this post that mentioned the demise of Storytime with Belle to make way for a Tangled meet-n-greet in the Fairytale Garden in the Magic Kingdom. Recently, I read that the opening of this meet-n-greet had been delayed until October 25. But I just found out that Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will be greeting guests at the International Gateway in Epcot, beginning October 15.  I'm guessing this will merely be a temporary stopover for our Tangled friends, until the permanent, interactive meet-n-greet is ready to open at the Fairytale Garden location. As far as I know, that is still scheduled to happen on October 25.

Active/Retired Military Room-Only Discount

If you're active or retired military, you may already know that Disney is great about offering discounts for you and your family. And this fall is no different! They've just announced a room-only discount of up to 40% off at Walt Disney World Resorts for travel dates October 3, 2010 through October 1, 2011! Of course there are some dates that availability will be extremely limited: Nov. 24-26, 2010; Dec. 26-31, 2010; and April 17-20, 2011, for example. Also there may some restrictions and minimum stay requirements.

At this point, there is no "Military Salute" discounted park ticket currently available, but rumor has it that one will be introduced in early 2011.

With all military discounts, proper ID is essential. If you have questions about your eligibility, I highly recommend contacting the military-only resort at WDW, Shades of Green, with your questions. (While you're at the website, you might want to check out this great resort! Of course, not being military, I've never stayed there. But I hear it's wonderful.)

If you're interested in more information or a discount code to book this offer, you can email me at affordingthemouse (at) att (dot) net.

American Idol Experience Gets a Lighter Schedule

Could it be that the mega-hit's popularity is finally waning? Or perhaps it's just the drop off in fall crowds that has necessitated a change. Either way, the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios is dropping a couple of shows from their daily schedule. Instead of the previous hourly shows that ran from noon until the 7 p.m. finale, the new schedule has shows at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 4:30, 5:30, and the finale at 6:30.

When we were there in early September, they clearly were having some difficulty getting people to audition. While it was mildly tempting to me (I mean, I do have a degree in vocal performance), I just couldn't stand the thought of using up what could be valuable touring time with my family. My cousin (then a college student, but now a professional actor) auditioned a couple of years ago and made it to the finale show. He was recognized all day and greeted by "fans"--pretty fun!

The show we saw on this last trip was proof that they're having some trouble finding "talent." After hearing the first two vocalists, we were a bit afraid that we'd have to vote for the "lesser of two evils," if you know what I mean. Fortunately, the third contestant was a soulful singer with skills, so we had a winner! We enjoyed sitting on the second row and getting on the big screen, but my youngest daughter took advantage of the cool theatre with cushioned seats and took a little nap. (How one can nap with all the noise and lighting changes is beyond me, but she did!) She made it onto the big screen too. :-)

I'm sure AIE will eventually go the way of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire--Play It! and other TV tie-ins, but for now, it's still a really fun show that gives guests the opportunity to fulfill their pop star fantasies. Hope it's still there in a few years when this one is old enough:

Friday Photo

Did you ever see a cuter Cinderella wannabe? This is my youngest daughter on the first morning of our most recent trip, just before breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. She doesn't look excited or anything, does she?

Thursday's Tip

Do you remember back in the 80s and early 90s (before everyone on the planet had cell phones) when you would see families using walky-talky devices at Disney World to keep up with each other? Sure, we did it. And it was a pretty good idea that worked *most* of the time. With the introduction of cell phones, walky-talkies have become a bit...well...obsolete. But here's the thing I realized on our most recent trip to WDW: the cell phone is NOT fail-proof. Sometimes the noise levels in the Parks can prevent you from hearing your phone. And service could be spotty in places. Oh, and here's another big one: the phones only actually work if both parties have theirs turned ON. (Found this out the hard way when my dear husband turned his off to save his battery.) All that to say--yes, there is a tip coming!--that this tried and true tip will still help you reunite with your family in a pinch: Choose a designated location in each Park as your "meet-back-here-if-we-get-separated" spot.

Of course, the chances of you needing it are really slim. You're probably not going to get separated. And you probably will be able to hear your cell phone. And you probably would find each other quickly even if you don't. Still, if you've spent a good 15-20 minutes trying to find your crew, at that point wouldn't it just be easier to hike back to the Partners Statue...or Club Cool...or the Great Movie Ride (just some suggestions), rather than spending the next hour continuing the search? Trust me, having a backup plan is always a good idea (says the woman who spent 15 minutes canvasing Tomorrowland).

Future World Late Hours Bordering on Bogus

You may have read in this post about Future World's later hours, which started Oct. 3, and had all of Epcot closing at the same time. But now I'm hearing reports that this is more than a bit misleading. See, up until now, there were certain attractions in Future World that stayed open until closing anyhow--Test Track and Soarin', for example. Outside of a few attractions, the rest closed at 7 p.m. Well, it seems that although Future World is now set to close later, along with the World Showcase, there are still several attractions that close at 7 p.m. So what has changed? Mostly, the way Disney is wording things. But in essence, Future World's new closing hours haven't actually changed the attraction hours.

Anybody else think this smells a bit off? Bogus, I say! Bogus!

Disney Parks Exclusive Bands

Ok, so we can't technically call them Silly Bandz, because that's a trademarked name brand. But, yep, that's pretty much what they are, with Disney Parks themes! Check them out here.

If you have kids anywhere from age 3 to about age 12, you probably know all about these pricey little items. (I mean, really? Are we paying $5 for a small box of rubber bands?) They come in every variety under the sun. We actually have Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, and even Toy Story bands at our house. But these Disney Parks themed bands are brand new! When we were at WDW less than a month ago, they were nowhere to be found. Right now, you can only get them at the Parks. Hopefully, they'll eventually be available online at the Disney Store under the "Disney Parks Exclusive" section. (Crossing my fingers, are you?)

Online Reservation System Scheduled for Maintenance

Disney's online reservation system will be temporarily out of service for scheduled maintenance October 12-14 (specifically beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern on the 12th and finishing up sometime in the morning on the 14th). So what does this mean for vacation goers? You will not be able to make room or package reservations for WDW during this time (this includes all the Disney Resorts and DVCs) online OR by phone. AND, you will not be able to modify an existing reservation during this time. AND, you will not be able to use the online check-in service. AND, you can't make payments at this time. AND, you won't be able to make online ADRs. AND, you can't make reservations for special tours, events, recreation, shows, etc. Basically, everything that requires advanced planning or reservations will be unavailable during this time.

So, yes, this is kind of a big deal. If you have plans to make or change any sort or WDW reservation, you'd better plan on doing it before October 12...or you'll be waiting until at least October 14.

Beauty and the Beast Combo Pack for as Low as $2.99

I've been searching for the cheapest deal for the Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack that comes out tomorrow. So far, it looks like Toys R Us has the best deal. They will have it for $22.99. If  you got the $10 off coupon from Disney Movie Rewards (must have a previous version of the movie), that drops the price down to $12.99. And with a couple of rebates that are available, you could get it for as low as $2.99. (I actually got a $10 gift card for TRU when I pre-orderedTinkerBell and the Great Fairy Rescue, so I'll be using that too!)

If they sell Wester Bagel products in your area, you can purchase two products and complete this form for a $5 rebate. They will accept a photocopied receipt.

And since you'll still have your original receipt, you can also purchase 3 Campbells kids soups or SpaghettiOs and submit this form for an additional $5 rebate. (And, of course, there are coupons to be found for these products, so with the right deal, you might score some free--or really cheap--soup too!)

These deals have been pretty widely reported on several deal sites, so I'd advise you to go as early as possible tomorrow and snag your copy! I wouldn't be terribly surprised if many stores sell out of the combo packs by the end of the day.

15th Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival Opens

Today is the day! Disney "Foodies" from all over the globe are rejoicing as, once again, this festive event opens at Epcot. While we won't be making it to WDW for the Food & Wine Festival this year, we were there last year. Here are a few of my favorite pics:

Park Entrance

 

Sample Menus

Eat to the Beat Concert

 

I couldn't resist--here are my girls, all tired out!

Friday Photo

Since I didn't get to post this before our trip, I'm sharing it today. This Friday Photo was actually taken on a Friday--just as we were about to leave for Walt Disney World. We have a Mazda CX-9, a mid-sized SUV (some might even say small), but we make the most of every inch of space. Spacial relations was always one of my high scores on achievement tests in school. As far as I can tell, this is the only place where that skill has come in handy!

Thursday's Tip

Have you ever come home from a Disney vacation, looked over your photographs and thought, "Was I even on this trip?" It seems all the photos on your memory card are of your little tyke and Mickey--and you're nowhere to be found! Today's tip: Be sure to hop in some of those photos--especially the character shots! Disney PhotoPass photographers are more than happy to take a photo with your camera (right after they get a primo shot with theirs, of course!), and they're quite used to adults posing with the characters. Yes, I can hear your excuses about bad hair days (oooh, I can relate to that! Notice how I'm wearing a hat in the second photo and not in the first--thank you, FL humidity!), having put on a few pounds, or just wanting to have photos of your children. But believe me when I say that having at least a couple of great family photos from your WDW vacation will solidify those happy memories for everyone.

In this age of digital photography, it doesn't cost anything to take a few extra shots--you can always delete the really horrible ones--and you'll be glad when you can look back years later and see how much fun you had with your entire family. Stop hiding behind the camera, and get in front for a change!

New Tangled Teaser

Alfred Angelo Creates Disney-Inspired Wedding Gowns

For the true Disney fan/bride-to-be!

Epcot's Future World to Stay Open Full Days

If you're familiar with the hours at Epcot, you know that Future World opens before the World Showcase, usually by a couple of hours. Sadly, it also closes a couple of hours early. This typically translates into these hours: Future World open 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the World Showcase open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. (with some FW attractions remaining open for Epcot's evening Extra Magic Hours). But beginning October 3, Future World will remain open until Epcot closes each evening.



Sadly, the World Showcase will NOT be opening with Future World and will remain on a delayed schedule. (Of course, if you want a peek inside the World Showcase earlier in the day, you can always make an ADR for the Storybook Princess Breakfast at Akershus in Norway!)

MNSSHP Sold Out for October 31

I hope you weren't planning to spend Halloween Night with Mickey & friends. Well, if you were, I hope you purchased your tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party early because that evening is completely sold out! Always a popular party, MNSSHP features a "Boo to You" parade, trick-or-treating throughout the Magic Kingdom, dance parties with characters at several locations, and a special Happy HalloWishes fireworks display. We've never been (missed it by less than a week this year!), but it sure looks like fun!

Friday, er, Sunday Night Photo?

I'm not sure what happened here...I thought I had this post scheduled for Friday, but apparently I didn't. And while I was off enjoying a weekend with my family, I didn't bother to check that things were running as they should. So sorry, dear reader. In any event, here's the Friday Photo...just a couple of days late.

Behold: the red card. Have you ever been the bearer of the red card? This little handy card helps Disney calculate wait times at attractions. On occasion, a Cast Member may hand you said card and say, "Would you please give this to the Cast Member at the boarding area?" or something similar. And, well, that's what you do. Kinda boring, really? And yet, I can't help but get a little excited when I get to carry the red card (happened to me twice on this past trip!). I guess it just makes me feel like I'm a party of the magic. Weird, right?

Thursday's Tip

Don't you just hate leaving the Disney Parks with the throngs of people at closing? One great way to avoid this is to make the latest dinner ADR possible at one of the table service restaurants. Yes, you might miss whatever fireworks display is happening (unless you're lucky enough to get outdoor dining with a view), but you'll be able to stay and eat past closing. Then, when you're finished with your leisurely meal, you can take an equally leisurely stroll out of the Park--with very few guests sharing the space with you. Of course, if you have very young children, this may not be an option. But for couples and families with older children, a late dinner is a great way to avoid the closing rush.

Great Movie Ride Parody

It's a cross between Night at the Museum and The Great Movie Ride, with a bit of Kingdom Keepers thrown in for fun! The best part? These are actual Disney Cast Members that work the attraction. In fact, Cory (the young man with glasses) was our tour guide on our last visit! (It may take a few minutes to load.)

Let the Memories Begin

Were you able to catch the live broadcast from NYC? I missed the first few minutes, as the Disney Parks site seemed to be overloaded (found a link on another site). The main event was the announcement of the 2011 Disney Parks campaign: Let the Memories Begin. It's a nice phrase...a sweet sentiment...but what does it really mean for guests?

Honestly? Not much. Nobody's getting free admission--as in the What Will You Celebrate? and Give a Day, Get a Disney Day campaigns. And you won't have the chance to win a night in Cinderella's Castle or even a special FastPass as you did with The Year of a Million Dreams. Nope, in 2011, Disney is going to let you share your vacation memories--in photos and videos. Are you as underwhelmed as I am?

Sure, it's a neat concept. On most evenings, Disney will be projecting guest photos and videos onto Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World and It's a Small World in Disneyland. Some of those photos/videos will have been taken that day of guests who are currently visiting the Parks. Others will have been submitted by guests online. Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs calls it "one of the most personal...innovative" things they've ever done.

I guess so...but still...a bit of a let down.

There were other highlights from the press event. For starters Tom Bergeron was pretty funny (and candid) as the host. And there were the lovely moments that Michael J. Fox spent sharing his family's own special Disney vacation moments. And Chairman Staggs did give a few updates (that most Disneyphiles are already aware of) on the upcoming Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction, the changes for Star Tours, the Aulani Resort in Hawaii, new ships and itineraries for Disney Cruise Line, and Adventure by Disney. And then Broadway star Montego Glover, who got her start singing in the Lion King show, shared a song that seemed written for just this occasion! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy made their entrance and the event came to a quick end.

That's pretty much it. A bit of a snoozer, really. If you'd like to check out the new site or upload a photo, video, or even a story of your Disney vacation, click here. It's a lovely site, really. I was just hoping for something...well...more.

Oooh! Special Announcement!

Is it coincidence that this "Special Announcement" from Disney will be coming on my birthday? I think not! The official Disney Parks Blog has announced that there will be live coverage of a very special announcement tomorrow at 12:45 Eastern (that's NYC time, the point of origination for this big announcement). Meet ya back here right after?

Trip Report: Cheers and Jeers

While our most recent trip to Walt Disney World was tons of fun, there are always a few things that don't go as planned. The post might be better titled "Highlights and Lowlights." Either way, here's our list of the things that went extremely well, and a few that went a bit awry:

Cheers! to getting to see and ride on the new Tron monorail.

Cheers! for the nostalgia that Captain EO brings. But, dare I say it? Jeers for the actual content...I had forgotten how cheesy that movie is!

Cheers! for catching one of the last Storytime with Belle performances before the area is transformed for a Tangled meet-n-greet. (Jeers that my sweet darlings never got picked to be a part of the show.)

Cheers! for the Kim Possible Mission in Great Britain. And Cheers! that we met a Cast Member from Nashville's own Lipscomb University working at the kiosk! (Way better than the Norway one, and we got a bag of Chai tea!)

Cheers! for the Dragon Legend Acrobats (China, Epcot).

But Jeers for their disapproving coach.

Cheers! for becoming a part of the show! My little ones got to introduce the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at DHS (and got a souvenir card);

they got to dance and play percussion at the Lion King Show at AK;

and my oldest was "discovered" by "Great 'Romanian' Film Director" Vladimir Pooey and given an acting award at DHS (he gave us his business card).

Cheers! to seeing the barn from the Hannah Montana Movie on the Backlot Tour ('cause, let's be honest, there haven't been many updates to this attraction over the years...it's getting a little tired, IMHO).

Jeers for my favorite AK eatery being closed! Our alternative, the walk-up window at Yak & Yeti, was seriously lacking. Flame Tree BBQ, come back!

Cheers! for touch-screen ordering at Captain Cook's (Polynesian Resort). This really streamlined the process...oh, and the food is great too!

Cheers! for seeing my favorite color crayon in the queue for Toy Story Midway Mania! But Jeers that the attraction was closed the evening we were there (fortunately, we had ridden it that morning).

I could go on and on...but I'll finish with a couple of great Cheers! First, to the most excellent, fun hair we've ever had. Thanks, Harmony Barber Shop!

And, finally, Cheers! to seeing an old friend (well, she's not old...but I am...she was actually very young when we met...but I digress) perform in multiple roles. Yes, I actually KNOW Ariel, Sheldon, and Squirt! How fun is that?!?