Thursday's Tip

So you're going to Walt Disney World for spring break next week--hey, that sounds fun! But as I'm sure you've already been warned, Easter week is one of the most crowded times in the parks. Today's Thursday's Tip is really a collection of strategies for surviving--and enjoying!--Disney, even when it's crowded.

1. Make a plan, and prioritize your day. List your "must see," "wanna see," and "we can skip this if we run out of time" attractions. Start with the most popular and go from there.


2. Arrive early and follow the "rope drop" to your first attraction. You'll likely get a couple of things in before some of the lolly-gaggers have even made their way through the gate.


3. Use FastPass. ALWAYS have one ready for the next attraction. We like to designate a FP "runner" who holds everyone's tickets and grabs FPs while the rest of the group moves on to the next attraction. (Make sure this person is physically fit and responsible!)


4. Eat at off-peak times. This saves time, but can also save you money (see post here). Better yet, pack your own food and eat while waiting in line.


5. Skip the parade and take advantage of the lighter crowds while everyone else watches. This might not go over well if you have small children.


6. Consider using a program, such as Ridemax, to provide a customized touring plan that will maximize your time in the parks. Yes, there is a fee, but for these most crowded times, it will definitely increase the number of attractions you're able to fit in. This program is not for the "stop and smell the roses" crowd. Only hard-core tourers need apply.

Oh, and don't forget to wear your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Enjoy your trip!

Guest Posting

Click here to read my guest post over at Couponing to Disney. While you're there, check out some of the great shopping deals Kristin has for you.

Disney Visa Bonus Rewards: Enroll Now!

If  you have a Disney Rewards Visa, be looking in your mail for a special enrollment card that will help you earn three times the normal Disney Dream Reward Dollars on eligible purchases from April 1 through June 30. The categories included are: Dining, Airlines, Gas, and Groceries (YES!).  HOWEVER (and that's a big HOWEVER on purpose), you have to spend $750 in any given category--or combination of categories--per month, and THEN you begin to accumulate at three times the normal rate. There is also a maximum of 100 bonus Dream Reward Dollars available.

BUT (also big on purpose), if you're buying airline tickets, or if you use your card for all gas, grocery, and dining purchases, it's certainly within the realm of possibility that you'll earn a few extra bonus dollars.

If you're not familiar with the Chase Disney Rewards Visa, you can see my posts here and here. Or, you can go here to apply.

Upcoming Disney DVD/Blu-Ray Releases

Here are a few upcoming releases from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, including the format on which they will be available:

• April 6:  My Friends Tigger & Pooh, Super Duper Super Sleuths (DVD)


• April 13:  The Great Mouse Detective, Mystery in the Mist Edition (DVD)


• April 20:  Handy Manny, Big Race (DVD)


• April 27:  Armageddon (Blu-ray) and Tombstone (Blu-ray)


• June 15:  When in Rome (DVD/Blu-ray)


• September 21:  Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue (Blu-ray combo pack, DVD)


• October 5:  Beauty and the Beast (Blu-ray/DVD combo pack)

Our family will be anxiously awaiting the fall for Tink and Belle, two favorites. They would make great Christmas gifts...if we could wait that long without opening them! Which releases are you looking forward to purchasing?

Buy Alice Today

The two-disc Special Un-Anniversary Edition of Disney's Alice in Wonderland(the animated version, NOT the new live action film) goes on sale today. It's available in DVD (no Blu-ray). No coupons are available at this time, but I've seen it priced as low as $17.99 at Target.

Disney Offers Incentive to Eat at Off-Peak Times

If you're familiar at all with Disney's "seasons" (no, I don't mean spring, summer, fall, and winter, but rather value, peak, regular, holiday), you know that spring can be a double whammy. First, it's peak season, due to spring break. But it's also holiday season when Easter rolls around. The equation looks something like this:

Spring Break + Easter = Crowded Parks

In order to combat overcrowding at a select few Magic Kingdom eateries, Disney is distributing 20% off dining coupons for specific, off-peak times during Easter week (April 3-10). If you eat before 11:30 a.m. or between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the following locations, you'll be eligible for the discount: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Columbia Harbour House, Pinocchio Village Haus, Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe, and the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace.

Might I recommend the clam chowder at Columbia Harbour House? Or, the rotisserie chicken and sides at Cosmic Ray's is great if you're really hungry (or want to share). Two of my favorites!

Custom Toy Car Shop Opens at Downtown Disney

My husband loves auto racing. He enjoys Disney too, but he loves NASCAR. Now he has a reason to love Disney--specifically Downtown Disney--just a little bit more. Ridemakerz, a custom toy car shop, opened in Downtown Disney this week. The store, housed in the former Virgin Megastore location, allows guests to design and build custom, one-of-a-kind remote control cars. This sounds like little boy heaven...and I know a couple of princesses who would probably enjoy it too!

A Ridemakerz store already exists in California's Downtown Disney district. And apparently it's so popular that they are currently expanding, according to Disney's website.

I know our family--especially the Daddy--will enjoy checking out Ridemakerz on our next WDW visit!