Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Free Nights at Walt Disney World
To Find out about Free Nights at Disney World, click on the picture below. Don't miss out on this great deal!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Food Saving Tips for Walt Disney World
As you have probably already guessed, going to Disney World can get expensive. There is the tickets, hotel, souvenirs, and most importantly food. You could easily spend the same amount in food that you did on your hotel and theme park tickets. I have put together a list of different ideas and techniques to cut your food bill and still enjoy great meals.
When my husband I took our kids to Disney World the first time, I did a little research on what to expect and what to plan. The one thing that kept popping up was eating breakfast in our room. Everyone just kept saying that was the way to start your day and boy were they right. Not only does it save you money on breakfast, but it also saves you on time. I love to have the kids eat a bowl of cereal while I am getting ready and packing up for the day. We get out the door and to the parks a lot quicker and they are not sitting there asking me 20 times when are we going to leave. And it is so easy now to bring the cereal with you. I have found cereal in ready to use bowls at my local grocery store and I stock up on them before our trip. The only other things I need is spoons and milk. Luckily, most Disney Resorts have refrigerators in the rooms and you can purchase milk from the resort dining area or a local grocery store. If your resort does not have a refrigerator already in the room, you can ask for one at a minimal charge per day.
Another great money saving tip is to bring your own bottled water and snacks with you into the park. At one time Disney did not allow you to bring in your own food items, but they have since changed that rule. This is great if you don't want to spend a lot on just a bottle of water, it can really bust your budget. There are different companies such a Staples or Costco that will deliver your water to your resort for you. That is a great way to have it shipped if you are flying down. My family also likes to bring along the single serving packs of lemonade or Gatorade to add to the their water. And don't forget the snacks! All that walking can wear you out and you will need some kind of pick me up. Instead of spending a few dollars on a snack, you can bring in a bag of your favorite snack to eat. Depending on how long you are staying, it can save you around $20 per person for the week. Just remember that the Disney parks do not allow hard side coolers, glass containers, or alcholic beverages. They also do not allow straws in the Animal Kingdom Resort and Park for the safety of the animals. You can bring in a small collapsible cooler though to hold your water or even some sandwiches if you want.
Inexpensive meals are hard to find at the theme parks, but you can find some cheaper options for real food that will fill you up. An example of this would be Casey's Corner on Mainstreet in the Magic Kingdom. You can get a large hotdog and fries for around $6.00. Or if you are in Epcot at World Showcase, you can visit France and have a ham and cheese croissant for around $3.25.
There are many different options, just know that you don't have to pay for items you don't want. If you go to Casey's Corner and you just want a hotdog, then you can just get a hotdog. The counter-service menus often only list complete meals. The truth is you can order anything you want a la carte. You may save up to $2.00 on an item you might not want. This does only apply to adult meals though.
Another great idea is to share your meals. I know that the last Disney trip my family went on, my daughter did not eat a lot. She and I ended up sharing a lot of counter-service meals and saved a few dollars in the process.
The last money saving tip I have for today is the Disney Dining Plan. It is a prepaid plan that you can purchase when you have purchased a Magic Your Way Package. There are different dining plan options, but I am only going to list the first two since those are the best options for your money.
If you plan to take the park head on and don't have the time to sit and eat, you can purchase the quick service dining plan, which includes 2 quick service meals and 2 snacks per person, per package night, plus a resort refillable mug per person. Be sure to really check out the menu's at the counter-service area's. They have a lot more to offer then just a hamburger or chicken fingers. You can get some healthier options there also.
If you enjoy sitting down to eat a meal or if you plan on doing some character meals, then the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining Plan is for you. You get 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per package night. My family loves to have a nice dinner after spending our days in the park or even before we watch the fireworks. It is a nice down time to talk to each other and talk about the events of the day, because even though you are together all day there is so much going on that it is hard to really talk.
You don't have to be overwhelmed with planning your Disney World Vacation. There are many low cost ways of going, and I have only listed a few of them. I would love to help you plan your vacation and show you all the ways you can do it even if you are on a budget. My services do not cost you extra and may end up saving some money in the process.
jillsmagicaltravel.com
When my husband I took our kids to Disney World the first time, I did a little research on what to expect and what to plan. The one thing that kept popping up was eating breakfast in our room. Everyone just kept saying that was the way to start your day and boy were they right. Not only does it save you money on breakfast, but it also saves you on time. I love to have the kids eat a bowl of cereal while I am getting ready and packing up for the day. We get out the door and to the parks a lot quicker and they are not sitting there asking me 20 times when are we going to leave. And it is so easy now to bring the cereal with you. I have found cereal in ready to use bowls at my local grocery store and I stock up on them before our trip. The only other things I need is spoons and milk. Luckily, most Disney Resorts have refrigerators in the rooms and you can purchase milk from the resort dining area or a local grocery store. If your resort does not have a refrigerator already in the room, you can ask for one at a minimal charge per day.
Another great money saving tip is to bring your own bottled water and snacks with you into the park. At one time Disney did not allow you to bring in your own food items, but they have since changed that rule. This is great if you don't want to spend a lot on just a bottle of water, it can really bust your budget. There are different companies such a Staples or Costco that will deliver your water to your resort for you. That is a great way to have it shipped if you are flying down. My family also likes to bring along the single serving packs of lemonade or Gatorade to add to the their water. And don't forget the snacks! All that walking can wear you out and you will need some kind of pick me up. Instead of spending a few dollars on a snack, you can bring in a bag of your favorite snack to eat. Depending on how long you are staying, it can save you around $20 per person for the week. Just remember that the Disney parks do not allow hard side coolers, glass containers, or alcholic beverages. They also do not allow straws in the Animal Kingdom Resort and Park for the safety of the animals. You can bring in a small collapsible cooler though to hold your water or even some sandwiches if you want.
Inexpensive meals are hard to find at the theme parks, but you can find some cheaper options for real food that will fill you up. An example of this would be Casey's Corner on Mainstreet in the Magic Kingdom. You can get a large hotdog and fries for around $6.00. Or if you are in Epcot at World Showcase, you can visit France and have a ham and cheese croissant for around $3.25.
There are many different options, just know that you don't have to pay for items you don't want. If you go to Casey's Corner and you just want a hotdog, then you can just get a hotdog. The counter-service menus often only list complete meals. The truth is you can order anything you want a la carte. You may save up to $2.00 on an item you might not want. This does only apply to adult meals though.
Another great idea is to share your meals. I know that the last Disney trip my family went on, my daughter did not eat a lot. She and I ended up sharing a lot of counter-service meals and saved a few dollars in the process.
The last money saving tip I have for today is the Disney Dining Plan. It is a prepaid plan that you can purchase when you have purchased a Magic Your Way Package. There are different dining plan options, but I am only going to list the first two since those are the best options for your money.
If you plan to take the park head on and don't have the time to sit and eat, you can purchase the quick service dining plan, which includes 2 quick service meals and 2 snacks per person, per package night, plus a resort refillable mug per person. Be sure to really check out the menu's at the counter-service area's. They have a lot more to offer then just a hamburger or chicken fingers. You can get some healthier options there also.
If you enjoy sitting down to eat a meal or if you plan on doing some character meals, then the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining Plan is for you. You get 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per package night. My family loves to have a nice dinner after spending our days in the park or even before we watch the fireworks. It is a nice down time to talk to each other and talk about the events of the day, because even though you are together all day there is so much going on that it is hard to really talk.
You don't have to be overwhelmed with planning your Disney World Vacation. There are many low cost ways of going, and I have only listed a few of them. I would love to help you plan your vacation and show you all the ways you can do it even if you are on a budget. My services do not cost you extra and may end up saving some money in the process.
jillsmagicaltravel.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Flooding in Georgia
I felt that I should write a few words on the past few days of the destruction and loss that has been surrounding my great state of Georgia and my local counties which have seen death to young and old.
As of today, my children have missed 2 days of school and will not be returning tomorrow due to harmful conditions. The roads are not safe for buses to drive on, some are washed out or still flooded. Flooded plants are dumping sewage into the Chattahoochee River. Grocery stores are running out of bottled water because we are not allowed to drink or bath in our tap water.
It is a sad day for many Georgians who do not have a place to call home or have lost someone that they love. Please, keep our great state in your thoughts and in your prayers as we try to rebuild the things that were lost or grieve for the ones that we lost.
As of today, my children have missed 2 days of school and will not be returning tomorrow due to harmful conditions. The roads are not safe for buses to drive on, some are washed out or still flooded. Flooded plants are dumping sewage into the Chattahoochee River. Grocery stores are running out of bottled water because we are not allowed to drink or bath in our tap water.
It is a sad day for many Georgians who do not have a place to call home or have lost someone that they love. Please, keep our great state in your thoughts and in your prayers as we try to rebuild the things that were lost or grieve for the ones that we lost.
Monday, September 21, 2009
.jpg)
New- Holiday D-Lights Tour: The holidays are a special time at Disney. Get an insider's look into how Cinderella Castle sparkles during the holidays. Enjoy the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. You will experience the Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and you will meet the Disney event team responsible for planning and executing all the displays at WDW
Disneyland Special
Wicked fun for everyone!
Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort is coming! Spend all day playing in the Parks—enjoying special seasonal excitement, like Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy and new nightly fireworks show—then spend the night in the middle of the magic at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort. You’ll have so much fun, it’s almost scary! Package includes:
• 4 Nights at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort
• 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
• Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness**–A special and exclusive hour with Mickey and his pals!
• Preferred Seating*** at select shows in Disney’s California Adventure® Park
• EXCLUSIVE! Collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag (one per person)
• Disney Character Call–Receive a "Welcome" call froma Disney Character when your Travel Agent books
your package online (one per package)
Hurry! Packages can book up fast–purchase yours today!
SAVE $400*
on a 4-day/4-night Disneyland®
Resort vacation package!
(Book 8/12/09 through 12/19/09)
Sept. 25 thru Nov. 1
*$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets, at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel for a family of 4 (3 adults and 1 child (age 3–9)). Offer is valid for bookings from 8/12/09 through 12/19/09 and for arrivals from 8/23/09 through 12/20/09 with travel being completed by 12/24/09. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stay. The Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. The number of rooms allocated for this package may be restricted and subject to the Blockout Dates of 11/25/09–11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. **Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, and days and times are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. ***Preferred seating and show capacity is limited and subject to availability. Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 10222259-50 ©Disney DLRSWDTC-09-11897 MP2009-1631
Saturday, September 19, 2009
New Pirates of the Caribbean Movie!
Johnny Depp sailed onstage in a pirate ship at the D23 Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in California to announce the upcoming 4th installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Depp, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, announced the exciting new to about 5000 fans. Depp will reprise his role as the flamboyant Captain in the Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger Tides, scheduled to be released in theaters the summer of 2011.
There have been many different leaks about the movie and from what I can tell so far it will center around Jack Sparrow and the fountain of Youth. If you are a fan of the Elizabeth and Will story line, you will be disappointed that they will not be returning, but you can look for Barbossa to return.
With all the mixed reviews of the movie going around, I for one am excited to see Johnny Depp reprise his eccentric but gorgeous role. I do hope that the story and effects meet the standards of the last 3 Pirates movies.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Disney Cruise Line Now Sails to Alaska
Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska in 2011
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder® in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder® in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line Guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, Guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, Guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line Guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.
Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
The Disney Magic® will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.
Contact me at jill@magicaltravel.com or visit my website to learn more about planning your Disney vacation.
Disney Announces Expansion to Fantasyland
Disney Announces Expansion to Fantasyland
There has been a rumor going around that Disney was going to be expanding Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. I am here to tell you it is all true! At Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim yesterday Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo revealed that the plans for Fantasyland would be the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Guests will begin to see changes in 2012, with everything planned to complete in 2013.
This concept art gives you a view across the new Fantasyland expansion area as if you were hovering above the Cinderella Castle. If you look to the front left you will see some castle walls -- you will walk through these to reach the Princess Realms where Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Cinderella and Belle will have their own meet and greet areas.
Guests will be invited to share a dance with Cinderella in her chateau, join Belle in an enchanting story book performance in the Beast’s castle library and celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday with the Good Fairies. Of course Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will continue to reign over Pixie Hollow.
The Beauty & the Beast realm will also be home to a new ‘Be Our Guest’ dinner show which I can’t wait to experience.
Ariel will get her very own attraction: Journey under the Sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid; which will also open at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim in 2011.
The much-loved Dumbo attraction will also get the pixie dust treatment as part of the Fantasyland expansion. Parents will be pleased to read that the enhanced attraction will have two spinners, increasing the capacity and hopefully decreasing the wait time! It will also have a circus theme -- and a more interactive queue to keep the kids entertained while you wait.
The new Dumbo attraction and the Pixie Hollow meet and greet area will replace the existing Mickey’s Toontown Fair area of the park. Imagineers have yet to announce where the existing Mickey Mouse and friends meet and greets will be moved to.
The makeover will not extend to the west side where attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World will remain untouched.
It sounds as if the enhancements appear to be very little girl orientated with all the princess elements, but Imagineers have assured us that the new Fantasyland additions will be very interactive and should appeal to little boys too.
You don’t need to worry about a lack of Fantasyland attractions if you’re planning a Disney World vacation before 2011 -- the new construction work will not affect the existing Fantasyland area and we shouldn’t see any major closures. If your children are fans of Pooh’s Playful Spot then you may wish to note that this small play area is likely to close.
Contact me at www.jillsmagicaltravel.com to learn more or book a Disney vacation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
