Hidden Mickey Monday

Soooo...I've been a bit absent from the cyber world this week. Our family was visiting New York City to see my cousin Cody Williams perform in Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway. The show was amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed going backstage and seeing all the behind-the-scenes "magic." While we enjoyed our time in the Big Apple, seeing sights that you just won't find anywhere else, we realized why we love living in the South too. (How's that for diplomatic?) It's good to be home!

Our "Hidden Mickey Monday" comes to you straight from the streets of NYC. My youngest daughter spotted it. And, yes, that is gum. Awesome, right?

 

Disney Visa Late Summer Room-Only Discount

And the discounts just keep coming! Disney has just released a room-only discount for Disney Rewards Visa card members, with travel dates August 15 through September 28. (Don't worry; the discount will go public later this week.) You can add park tickets to this package and a slight discount will apply.  The offer must be booked by July 31, and the discounts are as follows:

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  Save 30% at most Deluxe Resorts (excluding Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary) and Villas.

  
  


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  Save 25% at most Moderate Resorts (excluding Port Orleans French Quarter), including the cabins at Fort Wilderness.

  
  


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  Save 20% at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, All-Star Sports , All-Star Music and Pop Century.

  
  


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  Save 15% at Art of Animation Resort family suites (excludes standard rooms).

  
  


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  Save 5% at All-Star Movies, Port Orleans French Quarter, Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna view and club level), Contemporary (theme park view and club level rooms), Bay Lake Tower and Animal Kingdom Villas.

  
  

This discount cannot be combined with the Free Fall Dining discount.

 

It's Free Fall Dining Time!

If you're a Disney Rewards Visa cardholder (and why wouldn't you be?), you can book at WDW package and get the dining plan free! Of course, if you don't have the DRV, you'll need to wait a few days to get this same discount. (Check Disney's online "offers" page May 9.) The details are similar to past years, although the travel dates seems to be getting more limited each year:

• Valid for travel dates September 2-25; that just means that you must check in during those date--your stay can extend beyond September 25.


• Must be booked by July 31.


• Suites, villas, and campsites are excluded.


• There is a 3-night minimum stay and a 14-night maximum.


• You must purchase at least a 2-day Magic Your Way ticket for every guest staying in your room.


• Guests staying at a Value Resort will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan free. Those staying at Moderate or Deluxe Resorts will receive the Disney Dining Plan free.


• You can upgrade to any of the other available plans for a charge.

That about sums it up. If you're a DRV cardholder, I recommend booking BEFORE this is released to the general public to ensure that you get the resort of your choice.

 

Worlds Collide! Storybrook Meets Fantasyland

If you're a fan of ABC's Once Upon a Time, you'll want to be sure to watch tonight's episode--and stay in the room for the commercials! A promo for the new Fantasyland, featuring the Evil Queen herself (as portrayed by actress Laura Parrilla) will be aired. If this behind the scenes look is any indication, this will be a really fun promo that you won't want to miss!

 

Happy Star Wars Day!

Happy Star Wars Day--and May the Fourth be with you! (And to all my fellow Kentuckiana natives, happy Derby day too!) To celebrate this auspicious occasion, Walt Disney World has several "Limited Time Magic" offerings for guests today. You can find more information on the events HERE.

In other Star Wars related news, Star Wars Weekends will be back beginning May 17 and running through June 9 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can get more information HERE.

 


 

Thursday's Tip

I've shared this tip before, but in light of a sale going on at DisneyStore.com, I thought it was worth re-sharing. If you want to bring a little extra magic to a Walt Disney World vacation for your child, it's fun to offer a small gift for each day of your trip. Sometimes I've found Disney-themed trinkets and toys at Dollar Tree, Target, or Walmart. But my favorite are from the Disney Store.

Right now, there are several great options for small toys and plush dolls on sale at DisneyStore.com. Click on this link to take you directly to the page of items eligible for coupon code BONUS, which will give you 40% off of prices listed. I actually ordered several of the adorable bear dolls for gift bags at my daughter's Brave-inspired birthday party coming up in June. (I'll be sure to post details after the party!) They were originally $9.50, but after sale and coupon code, they were just $2.39 each! They also have mini bean bag plush of several of the Sugar Rush characters from Wreck It Ralph for around $3.50. You'll also find character silverware, plates, and water bottles all for under $5. The less expensive items seem to go quickly, so log on now to snag your bargains!

 

Tickets on Sale for Halloween and Christmas Parties

Tickets are now on sale for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. If you're planning a trip during these dates, you'll want to note that the Magic Kingdom closes early on Party days to regular guests. Only those with tickets to these events will be permitted to stay in the MK after official closing. Dates and Prices are below. Call 407-WDISNEY to purchase.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

• Dates: September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29; October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1


• Child tickets on most nights range from $54 to $57 + tax, depending on when you go. (September dates are cheapest.)


• Adult tickets on most nights range from $59 to $62 + tax.


• October 31 is considered a "Premium" night and tickets are $68 + tax for children and $73 + tax for adults. This night will sell out early, so get your tickets ASAP.


• Disney considers anyone 10 or older an "adult"--at least where ticket prices are concerned. Children under 3 are free.


• There are discounts available some nights for annual passholders and DVC members.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

• Dates: November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22 and December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20


• Child tickets range from $57 to $66 + tax (that includes "Premium" pricing, although it was not clear which events fit this classification).


• Adult tickets range from $62 to $71 + tax, including "Premium" nights.


• As before, Disney considers anyone 10 or older an "adult" and children under 3 are free.


• There are discounts available some nights for annual passholders and DVC members.