Free Dining!

As I've said before, the BEST time to go to Disney World is when they offer free dining.  Well, just a few weeks ago, Disney released their newest free dining dates: August 28 - September 24, 2011.  These are GREAT times to visit the parks, as most kids are back in school and the crowds are much lower.  Again, if you book a value resort, you will receive a quick service dining plan, and if you book at a moderate (or above) you will receive the regular dining plan (with table service meals).  We have done both dining plans and enjoy both equally.  You can also request to change your dining plan, and they will usually let you do that, for example, if you are staying at a value resort and really want the regular dining plan.

They are booking for this special offer until August 27.  But there is a catch.  This time around, they are offering free dining only with the "Memories Vacation Package," which includes a 20 page PhotoPass photo book.  (PhotoPass is a card you receive from Disney photographers who are all over the parks.  They scan your card and take your pictures so they are all saved on your card.)  So I'm guessing that the 20 page photo book is adding a little to the cost, BUT, I still think it is a good deal since all your meals are going to be free.

You can find out more here.

Until next time...
Disney Diva

FASTPASS

So you're really excited about your trip to Disney World and you want to squeeze in as much fun as possible, but what to do about the lines!?!?  Sometimes the wait for a popular ride can be an hour or more!  How will you fit it all in?  The answer is FASTPASS!

Each park offers FASTPASS for its most popular attractions.  A few examples are Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris and Animal Kingdom, the three "mountains" at Magic Kingdom (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad), Soarin' and Test Track at Epcot, and Toy Story Mania and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios. These attractions are most likely to have very long wait times.

CAUTION!  You can generally only have one FASTPASS at a time.  So you can't just plan to go in at 9 am and go around and get FASTPASSes for all your favorite rides and then ride all day long.  Choose your favorite ride first and head straight there as soon as you get to the park.  Get your FASTPASS and if you look at the bottom of your ticket, there will be a line that tells you when you can obtain your next FASTPASS.  It is usually after you are able to use the current one, but sometimes it will be a couple hours after you got it.  Only then can you head over to get another FASTPASS.

Another word of caution, some of the MOST popular attractions will run out of FASTPASSes quickly.  This includes the rides mentioned above, plus Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (MK), Rock'n'Roller Coaster (HS), and Mission: Space (Epcot).  If any of these attractions are must sees for you, make sure you head over as early as possible for your FASTPASS.

For more information on FASTPASS, go to:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/


Until next time...
Disney Diva

Don't worry, be happy! You're going to Disney World!

As I am getting ready to head to Disney World in just a few weeks, I know from experience that most people worry about what will happen to all this money they've spent on a fabulous vacation if the unexpected happens and you can't make it.  I am here to help!  Full payment for your vacation is due 45 days prior to your trip.  Before that time, you can change or cancel with no losses.  After the 44 day mark, you will pay a $200 cancellation fee if you have a vacation package.  Also, after the 44 day mark, there is a $50 charge to make changes to your reservation.

Some people like to buy vacation insurance in case something happens, but for me, personally, I'm just not sure it's worth it.  Disney's vacation insurance is expensive, and if I cancel, all I have to pay is $200 without it anyway, so for me, I'd rather just pay the $200 if the worst happens.  I know there's not a whole lot that's going to keep me away, so for me, that just seems like the better option.  There are some other options for vacation insurance you can check out at www.insuremytrip.com.  They do have some more affordable options there.

In other words, don't worry!  Be happy!  You're going to Disney World!


Until  next time...
Disney Diva 

Fun New Tool!

I am excited about a new tool I discovered today at www.planitdisney.com!  This website allows you to view a map of Walt Disney World (or Disneyland) and click on any part of the map to add it to your itinerary.  The plan tool is super easy.  You can just click on any event you added to your event queue and drag it onto your calendar!  There is even a blog and an app you can use to help you plan your vacation.  What a great planning tool!  I can't wait to start using it!  Head on over and check it out!

Until next time...
Disney Diva