tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31793496452301333342024-03-04T22:11:02.424-08:00Confessions of a Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-10039193690470378872013-01-18T17:13:00.001-08:002013-01-18T17:13:45.965-08:00Spring Special OfferThere is a new offer out for a room discount at Disney World this Spring. The offer includes 20-30% off most resorts, and 15% off at Art of Animation (Disney's newest resort - The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms are not included in the offer). You can also save on tickets for select nights during the available dates. The room offer is good starting now through March 23, and April 2-June 14. The ticket discount will be available most nights Feb. 21- March 7, and April 7 - May 23. This is not one of the best offers I've seen, but it can definitely save you some money if you were planning a trip during these dates. To book or get more information, click <a href="http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy13q2q3room&market=fy13q2q3room" target="_blank">here</a>. Happy planning!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-3958761440655189572012-07-11T07:03:00.000-07:002012-07-11T07:03:36.820-07:00Thinking of Taking a Disney Vacation?Disney just released new free dining dates for Disney Visa cardholders from September - December 2012. These deals are usually released to the public soon after, so be on the lookout for that if you're thinking of going to Disney this Fall. You cannot beat a free dining deal! Once the offer goes public, you can find it at <a href="http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/">http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/</a> under Special Offers.<br />
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Also, starting today, you can book 2013 Disney vacations on <a href="http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/">http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/</a>. Quick tip: You can go ahead and book your vacation for the dates you have in mind, and if a deal comes out between now and then, you can apply it to your already existing reservation!<br />
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It's a great time to start thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney Diva<br />
Deneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-53865112092597143182012-06-21T08:34:00.000-07:002012-06-21T08:34:51.988-07:00Christmas at Walt Disney WorldI know, I know...we are right in the middle of sticky, hot summertime, and no one is even remotely thinking about Christmas right now, but it just occurred to me that I never blogged about our Christmas trip to Disney World this past Christmas! So enjoy, and think cool thoughts!<br />
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The first thing you need to know about going to WDW in December is that the weather is unpredictable. The first day we were there, it was beautiful...sunny day, high temperatures near 80 degrees, perfection. The next day was a completely different story. It was cold, windy, and we were very uncomfortable. Be sure to wear layers and pay attention to the weather forecast. During December in Florida, you never know what you might get!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR4NG1TnWapurBx0H91av7RnZdt8-OkfPc2CjJc_RpZpug0hIGKFZNEDnAO1uV3N0renlZPjAthB55N47o_cCqcbLqsLFhx4Z4b1r64opNXTSB7upw0SMjpmt6IXZP3afiYOgxrM6Zw/s1600/IMG_7262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR4NG1TnWapurBx0H91av7RnZdt8-OkfPc2CjJc_RpZpug0hIGKFZNEDnAO1uV3N0renlZPjAthB55N47o_cCqcbLqsLFhx4Z4b1r64opNXTSB7upw0SMjpmt6IXZP3afiYOgxrM6Zw/s320/IMG_7262.JPG" width="240" /></a>There are some incredible special events that happen in the parks at Christmas. Of course, there's <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/" target="_blank">Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party</a> at Magic Kingdom, <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/candlelight-processional/" target="_blank">Candlelight Processional</a> at Epcot, and <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/" target="_blank">Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights</a> at Hollywood Studios. Those are the biggies, and they are spectacular. But there are other events to look forward to when visiting the parks at Christmas that you won't see any other time of year. Even if you don't have tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (You actually have to purchase tickets for this event, separate from your park admission.), you can still stick around until dusk to see the castle lighting ceremony. At Epcot, you can enjoy Holidays Around the World at World Showcase, with each country sharing the Christmas story as it is told in their culture. You can even get a picture with Santa right beside the American Adventure in World Showcase! There is also a special holiday addition to Illuminations, the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. If you're visiting Animal Kingdom, you won't want to miss Mickey's Jingle Jungle Jammin' Parade!<br />
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Everything at Disney World is decked out for Christmas. Even the resorts are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and much more. Don't forget that you are welcome to tour all the resorts, not just the one you're staying in. So take the time to enjoy the beautiful decorations at the resorts. <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/" target="_blank">Grand Floridian</a> has an incredible life-sized gingerbread house, and it is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom! The <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/wilderness-lodge-resort/" target="_blank">Wilderness Lodge</a> offers sleigh rides, or you can just sit in the lobby by the fire and enjoy the decorations and Christmas music! At the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/yacht-club-resort/" target="_blank">Yacht Club Resort</a>, you can see a Christmas village with a train set, and the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/beach-club-resort/" target="_blank">Beach Club Resort</a> has a really cool gingerbread carousel! <br />
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Besides all of that, absolutely everything in the parks is decorated at Christmas. Every lamppost has greenery and ribbons. Main Street USA is adorned with wreaths, candles and greenery overhead. Oversized toy soldiers stand guard in various locations. Even the parades and firework shows have a special Christmas theme! <br />
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Any trip to Disney World is magical, but Christmas at Disney World is extra magical! I highly recommend it!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-33736525345107609412012-06-19T13:22:00.000-07:002012-06-19T13:22:02.112-07:00You CAN afford it!So many people have told me "I'd love to go to Disney World, but I just can't afford it!" It is my mission to assure you, a Walt Disney World vacation <i>can</i> be affordable! For our family, a week at the beach costs about the same thing as a week at Walt Disney World. We have paid upwards of $200 a night for a hotel in Myrtle Beach during the summer, and that doesn't even count what we spend on food and entertainment. When we go to Disney World, tickets and dining are included in the total price of our vacation package (we always get the dining plan). That includes a resort stay in a Walt Disney World resort, park tickets (regular Magic Your Way), plus dining, and we don't usually pay much more than $200-$300 per day. <br />
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So here are my budget planning tips:<br />
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1. Don't buy park tickets for every day that you're there. We usually reserve a couple of days for down-time. We go to <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/" target="_blank">Downtown Disney</a>, resort hop (visit other resorts), or just hang around the pool at our resort.<br />
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2. Don't buy park hopper passes. Yes, it is nice to be able to park hop, but when you're planning on a budget, it is just not worth it. We still come and go to the parks as we please, but we just leave and come back to the same park in the same day. We just aren't able to go to 2 (or more) parks in the same day. No big loss to me.<br />
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3. Save on dining. If you are planning to do character meals, or table service meals, go with the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/disney-dining-plan/" target="_blank">Disney Dining Plan</a>. It is well worth it. If you are just planning to grab a bite whenever you get hungry, you're probably better off without it. <br />
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4. Shop for deals. You can check out <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/" target="_blank">Special Offers</a> at <a href="http://waltdisneyworld.com/">waltdisneyworld.com</a>. This is where you can find room discounts, or special offers like free dining or ticket discounts. You can also use websites like <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/" target="_blank">mousesavers</a>, and <a href="http://www.knowbeforeugo.com/" target="_blank">knowbeforeugo.com</a> to find discounted tickets, if you're not using a vacation package.<br />
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5. Compare prices. When I help people plan a trip for their budget, I create a spreadsheet where I lay out prices and options like dining plans, resorts, and number of tickets. That way they can see all the different options they have within their budget. For example, maybe you could stay in a moderate or deluxe resort with no dining plan for about the same price as staying in a value resort with the dining plan. Try different options and find which one works best for your needs and your budget.<br />
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6. Try the <a href="http://disneyrewards.com/" target="_blank">Chase Disney Rewards Visa</a> card. You get 6 months with 0% interest to pay off your vacation, plus you earn Disney Rewards points for any purchases you make. You can save up your points to pay for future Disney trips! I'm not a big supporter of credit card use, but I use this card for everything, and just pay it off at the end of every month. <br />
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With a little effort, you will find that you <i>can</i> plan a trip to Disney World on your budget. So get started planning your magical vacation! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney Diva<br />
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</tbody></table>Deneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-60239039562956037492012-06-17T17:57:00.000-07:002012-06-17T17:58:59.476-07:00Fantasyland ExpansionHave you heard about the New Fantasyland expansion? Parts of it are now open to the public! The Barnstormer, which has been re-themed with "The Great Goofini" is open now. "Dumbo the Flying Elephant," with a new interactive queue and a second Dumbo ride will be opening this summer, and "Casey Jr.'s Splash 'N' Soak" is open now. All of this is part of the "Storybook Circus" area of the New Fantasyland.<br />
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Opening later this year, a new section called "Fantasyland Forest." "Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid" is being crafted to look like Erik's castle on the outside. Inside, the ride will operate with an omnimover system with clam cars like the ones at The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The ride will highlight scenes from The Little Mermaid.<br />
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Next, in "Belle's Village," there will be a quick service restaurant called "Gaston's Tavern," and "Enchanted Tales with Belle" in Beast's library. You will access the library through a magic mirror in Maurice's Workshop, just through Belle's Cottage. And the part I can't wait to see is the "Be Our Guest Restaurant" inside Beast's castle.<br />
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And as of May 31, 2012, "Snow White's Scary Adventures" is no more, making way for "Princess Fairytale Hall," where guests will have a chance to meet and greet the princesses. This is scheduled to open late 2013. The plan is for it to be castle-like, with stone walls and stained glass windows. I am sure it will be a must for all the parents of little princesses!<br />
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Coming in 2014, the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" coaster will be a highlight of the New Fantasyland. The plan is for an entrance through the dwarfs' cottage, moving along to a ride through the mines with the seven dwarfs. It sounds pretty interesting, with free-hanging cars that will move back and forth during the ride.<br />
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I am already planning my trip for 2014 to see this when it's all finished! It is going to be spectacular, no doubt! Are you excited about the New Fantasyland?<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney Diva<br />
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<br />Deneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-21361307275856140152012-06-15T07:25:00.000-07:002012-06-15T07:25:31.047-07:00Top Ten Tips for Staying Cool at WDWSince I am planning my first official "Summer" trip to WDW, I've also been thinking a lot about how to beat the heat. I know it is going to be positively sweltering, and I know that I need to have a plan for how to deal with the heat. Getting overheated can really take the magic away from the most magical place on Earth!<br />
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10 - This one is a no brainer - hydrate! Bring water bottles with you to the parks, pick up a free water from any dining location, just drink lots of water!<br />
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9 - Find a shady area to cool off. There are some nice areas scattered all around the parks where you can sit and "rest a spell" as my grandmother would put it. :) Take advantage of these locations. If you are hot and tired, you are not going to enjoy anything. It is worth it to stop and take a break!<br />
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8 - Head toward an air-conditioned attraction. There are lots of these all over the parks. Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom, American Adventure at Epcot, One Man's Dream at Hollywood Studios, It's Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom, and so many more! <br />
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7 - Or enjoy a nice sit-down, shaded attraction. Our personal favorite is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom. This ride takes you all over Tomorrowland, indoors and out, and you even get to view some of the attractions from the ride! It is a great way to sit and rest, and enjoy a nice breeze. Some other examples might be Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom, the Studio Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios, or the boat ride around the lagoon at Epcot. Once, we rode back and forth for nearly an hour while my daughter napped! <br />
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6 - Head back to the hotel for a siesta. Parks are hottest and most crowded between about 1 and 6 pm. This is a great time to take a break and head back to the hotel. You can rest, nap, go for a swim, or just take a break. Then, come back out around dinnertime refreshed and ready to enjoy the parks again!<br />
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5 - Take a lunch break (or breakfast, or dinner, or hey, you're on vacation, you can eat whenever you want). I always think it is a nice break when we stop for a meal or snack. You get to sit down for a while, cool down, rest your legs, and get some energy to enjoy the rest of your day. <br />
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4 - Go shopping! Nearly all the shopping areas in the parks are either shaded or air conditioned! This is a great time to spend some time looking around to find the perfect souvenir! If you don't want to carry it around the rest of the day, you can even have purchases delivered to your resort (if you're staying on-site)!<br />
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3 - Dress for the weather. Another no-brainer here. Wear light colors, and loose clothing. Hats are great, too for some relief from the bright Florida sun.<br />
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2 - Enjoy a frozen treat! This is a great time to enjoy a Mickey bar, Dole Whip, smoothie, ice cream, whatever your pleasure! Just make sure to eat it fast, because it's going to melt quickly!<br />
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1 - Play in the water! Take a ride on Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom), Maelstrom (Epcot) or Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom). Find a water play area and splash around with your kids. In Adventureland at Magic Kingdom, you can get wet from the spray at the tiki statues, and the spitting camel. There is also the brand new Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station in the new Fantasyland expansion. At Epcot, you will find water play areas on the walkway from Future World to World Showcase, and you can sometimes get wet on the upper level outside the Imagination Pavilion. Or if you've purchased the Water Parks and More option, enjoy some time relaxing and cooling off in the water parks. <br />
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Well, those are my top 10 tips (in no particular order). Do you have any other ideas for keeping cool at WDW? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-91237082974433198722012-06-14T17:11:00.001-07:002012-06-14T17:12:02.756-07:00Art of AnimationWalt Disney World has added a new resort to its value category - The Art of Animation Resort. Art of Animation includes four themed buildings - Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. The first three buildings will be made up of family suites which accommodate up to 6 guests. The Little Mermaid building will have standard rooms. Finding Nemo is open now, Cars is set to open next week, Lion King is on schedule to open in August, and The Little Mermaid should open in September. Like other resorts in the value category, Art of Animation includes three pool areas, and an on-site food court. <br />
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Family suites start at $249 per night. Standard rooms start at $97 per night. What a great value for a fantastic new resort!<br />
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You can find out more about the Art of Animation resort at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/">http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/</a>.<br />
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I can't wait to see it for myself!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-43620792481207519882012-06-11T11:16:00.001-07:002012-06-11T11:17:53.220-07:00It Matters When You Go!So, if you're planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, the first question you have to answer is a biggie - "When to go?" I was just reminded of the importance of this question today as I was planning our next vacation. I discovered that visiting the parks just one week later, would save us over $150 on our total vacation package! What?!?!? That's because the first week I was thinking of fell during summer season, and the next during value season. Sometimes, by changing the dates of your vacation by only a few days, you can save hundreds of dollars! The days of the week you'll be staying also make a difference. Weeknights, of course, are slightly less expensive than weekends in the resorts. Check out <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/popcentury2012.html" target="_blank">this</a> breakdown for Pop Century from <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/" target="_blank">mousesavers.com</a>. You can see what a big difference the dates you choose can make. Taking the time to research pricing for different dates can really pay off in the long run!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-43709380864294310212012-06-08T09:12:00.000-07:002012-06-15T07:28:05.775-07:00Disney CruiseFor Spring Break this year, we went on our very first Disney Cruise. We loved it! It was such a beautiful, relaxing vacation. We had tons of fun both on and off the ship. We sailed on the Disney Dream... <br />
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We went on a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas, with stops in Nassau, and Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay was definitely a favorite. It had the most beautiful, clear water I have ever seen in my life...<br />
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We got to eat in fantastic restaurants, and had a fantastic serving staff...<br />
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Did you know that the same servers actually follow you to your assigned restaurant each night? So you have the same servers each night. So they know if you don't like lemon in your tea, or whatever! They are fantastic! They work hard to make sure that you have a magical experience at each meal. <br />
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We even loved our interior rooms complete with a magical porthole! The kids went absolutely crazy when one of the Disney characters showed up on the screen! <br />
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Or when we got back in the evening, and our host had turned down the beds and left us a nice surprise!<br />
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We had a great time! I highly recommend the Disney Cruise!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-45954623137816917142012-06-08T08:05:00.000-07:002012-06-08T08:05:26.019-07:00The Land of the LivingWell, hello again! I apologize for the ridiculously long amount of time it has taken me to post to my blog again. If you didn't know this already, I am a public school teacher, and I do not have a life between the months of August and May. I had high hopes of posting at least once a week during the school year, but we can see how well that turned out. Oh well...we'll try again next year.<br />
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Alas, summer vacation is here. And I'm back in the land of the living. And I intend to continue sharing all of my Disney nerd knowledge with anyone who wants to know. I have decided I probably need to join some kind of support group, because this addiction is way out of control. I now meet complete strangers in public and start talking about Disney World with them. I've planned 3 Disney World vacations for my family in the last year (and countless more for other people). Anybody want to start a Disney-holics Anonymous group with me?<br />
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We are, in fact, planning another Disney World vacation this summer, and I can't wait to share my experience with you, because we are conquering our own fears and attempting Disney World in the middle of the hot, crowded summer season. I'll be sure to let you all know how it works out. <br />
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We are taking advantage of a <a href="http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy12q3summer&market=fy12q3summer" target="_blank">Special Offer</a> available at <a href="http://waltdisneyworld.com/">waltdisneyworld.com</a>. They are offering summer stays for $69 per person, per night in a value resort, $78 per person, per night in a moderate resort, and $95 per person, per night in a deluxe resort. The offer excludes the brand new <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/" target="_blank">Art of Animation</a> resort (though I cannot wait to try this one out!), and must be booked by June 14. The offer does not include a dining plan. It is not one of my favorite deals ever, but we were happy to get any discount at all during the super busy summer months!<br />
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I can't wait to spend my summer sharing my Disney nerd-ness with you! Happy Summer!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-47135005605826923952011-11-27T12:09:00.001-08:002011-11-27T12:22:51.667-08:00When to Go?So, when is the best time to go to Disney World? There's a pretty simple answer to that question. When the kids are in school. :)<br />
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Typically, September and October are great months to go to WDW because temperatures are cooler and crowds are lower. And as if that was not good enough, they also typically offer FREE DINING during these months! But you must also take into consideration, that this is the peak of hurricane season, so the weather could be tricky.<br />
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January and February also tend to be cooler, lower crowd months, but avoid MLK weekend, and President's Day weekend if at all possible. <br />
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So, what if you're like me, and you can't go when the kids are in school? Well, don't fret, my pet, because there are lots of other great times to visit Disney World! Where I live, school typically gets out at the end of May, and we have always been able to squeeze in a trip right at the end of the late-Spring special offers. This is a great time to get a good deal. Also, many schools in the southeast start back in mid-August, so late August can be a good time. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are also a bit less crowded.<br />
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What times of year should you avoid? Holidays and school breaks are the busiest times at WDW. Crowds are higher, and so are the prices. Avoid mid-summer, Spring Break, and Christmas-New Year's if at all possible. <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-91158112409433085532011-09-13T16:05:00.000-07:002011-09-13T16:23:14.804-07:00Why We Choose Pop CenturyThere are lots of things to think about when choosing where to stay when you go to Disney World. Is it really better to stay on-site? Is it really worth the extra money to stay in a moderate or deluxe resort? The choice of where to stay is a very personal one, and you really just have to decide what's best for your family. Today I want to tell you why we almost always choose Pop Century.<br />
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The first year we went to Disney, we stayed at another value resort. It was nice, but the bus service was horrid! We were sharing buses with 2 other resorts, so there were times we waited for an hour or longer for a bus. I think Disney has since worked to improve this situation, but nevertheless, we decided to try another resort. The next year, we decided to try Pop Century, and we have stayed there every year since.<br />
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Many of you want the perks of staying in a moderate or deluxe resort. Sure, the pools are nicer, the dining options might be a little better, and you might have a little extra wiggle room. But for us, we don't spend a whole lot of time in the room, so we can't justify spending the extra money for a moderate or deluxe room. Again, it's a personal decision. You have to decide what's best for your family.<br />
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Pop Century is great, but for many other reasons than not having to share a bus! Pop Century has this awesome nostalgic feel. I love the giant Potato Heads, Big Wheel, Play-Doh, Mickey phone, and oh so much more! It definitely makes you feel like a kid again! The giant flower shaped "Hippy Dippy Pool" is so much fun, but the other pools (shaped like a computer, and bowling pin) are great, too. Everything Pop Shopping and Dining is a great place to chill and cool down after a long day in the parks, as well as for buying all your souvenirs. The rooms are nice and clean. They aren't huge, but again, we don't spend a whole lot of time in the room, so we don't mind at all. And I don't know why, but I love the sparkly floors inside the main building!<br />
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So, lots of people have asked me about where to stay when you go to Disney World, and I tell them that you have to think about what's best for your family, but we love Pop Century! It's very affordable, still nicer than a lot of other hotels we've been in before, and lots of fun! So when you're thinking about where to stay for your Disney World vacation, don't count out those value resorts just yet! Pop Century is a great one!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-90185614678859695922011-09-04T18:55:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:56:48.692-07:00Free Dining DatesDid you know that as long as you plan to arrive during a free dining period, you get free dining for the duration of your vacation? If the website says there is free dining Dec. 10-15, I can plan my vacation for the 15-20, and get free dining for the entire vacation because I arrived during the 10-15 free dining period! So if you're thinking of planning a Disney World vacation, look out for those free dining offers, and remember that as long as you arrive during those dates, you'll receive free dining for the duration of your vacation! Right now, there are free dining dates available from October 2011-March 2012! Check them out <a href="http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy12dine&market=fy12dine">here</a>.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-9218246278353283362011-08-27T07:08:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:57:29.486-07:00What to Pack?So, you're going to Disney World. What to pack? This is a question many people ask when they are planning there trip. Here's my two cents:<br />
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1. TENNIS SHOES - I have always worn my flip flops at Disney World. I love flip flops. I wear them every day. Plus, if you get wet, soggy tennis shoes are no fun. Well, this year, I decided to listen to my husband and give the tennis shoes a try. I will never wear flip flops at Disney World again! My feet and legs were so much happier wearing tennis shoes all day! I highly recommend tennis shoes for a day in the parks!<br />
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2. Extra Clothes - I usually pack two sets of clothes per day for us. We go to the parks in the morning, and come back in the afternoon to rest/swim/whatever. You don't want to put on dirty clothes when you're going back out in the evening. So I make sure we have extra sets of clothes for the days we are going to be in the parks.<br />
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3. Poncho/Rain Coats - We usually take ponchos in our backpack to the parks. It is Florida, and you never know when you're going to get caught in a rain shower. We have used our ponchos every year. Unfortunately, the first year, we didn't bring them and had to buy them in the park. OUCH! Bring your own!<br />
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4. First Aid Kit - I don't bring anything major, just a little something with band-aids and some antiseptic. We have lots of scrapes and blisters, so band-aids are a must!<br />
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5. Camera- Duh! You're definitely going to want pictures/videos of those magical memories!<br />
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6. Backpack - I mentioned this already, but we always take a backpack into the park. It can be a bit cumbersome, but we've tried taking smaller bags, and have just found that the backpack works best. We can bring our ponchos, first aid kit, camera, bottles of water, snacks, and whatever else we might need.<br />
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7. Sunblock - Again, this is Florida. You're going to need sunblock!<br />
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8. Medications - Of course, if you take daily medications you'll want to take those, but I learned to always bring Tylenol/Motrin as well. Our daughter caught strep throat last year at Disney World and we had to carry the children's Tylenol around in our backpack! We also bring allergy medicine, just in case!<br />
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9. Hand Sanitizer - I ALWAYS keep this in my backpack at Disney World. There are gazillions of people there and if you have kids, they put their hands on everything! And usually you're stopping to eat while you're in the park, so you'll want the hand sanitizer nearby. <br />
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Of course, if you forget something, there are plenty of places inside and outside of Disney World where you can get what you need. The most important thing is to have fun! So don't stress about this part! You're probably going to forget something, and it is going to be okay! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-40642420349226205182011-08-20T06:55:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:58:11.238-07:00Special EventsThere are a number of special events that happen at Disney World seasonally. They are fantastic, and if you happen to be there during one of these events, you'll definitely want to take part! The one I can't wait to see for myself is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! You must have a special ticket for this event, and they have offered discounted tickets to Disney Visa cardholders for events like these in the past. But it is completely magical! Holiday parades, characters decked out in their holiday best, free hot cocoa and cookies, snow on Main Street USA...It is not to be missed! Staying on the topic of Christmas, Epcot also has a candlelight processional that I hear is amazing. Celebrity hosts narrate the Christmas story with a mass choir to create an unforgettable holiday experience. This event does not require a ticket, but you can get reserved seating with a lunch or dinner package.<br />
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In the Fall, Magic Kingdom also offers Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is another ticketed event where kids (of all ages!) can dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom. Characters are decked out in their Halloween attire and villains who are scarce at other times of year make special appearances. There is a Boo to You parade featuring the Haunted Mansion characters as well! It is all a bit of not-so-scary fun!<br />
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There are other special events held around the year. Magic Kingdom's Night of Joy is coming up soon on September 9-10 featuring Christian music artists. They also host the marathons in January and February, Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival has amazing topiaries in the Spring-last year they had Lightning McQueen and Tow-Mater right at the entrance to World Showcase...so cool! And of course, Epcot's Food and Wine Festival in the fall where you can enjoy food and drink specialties from around the world! Hollywood Studios has Osborne Family's Spectacle of Lights at Christmas with millions of lights, and in the summer, Star Wars Weekends for the Jedi in your family!<br />
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To find out more about special events at Disney World, click <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-events/">here</a>.<br />
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Have you attended any of these events? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-42170191133434359732011-08-03T12:23:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:23:56.480-07:00BREAKING NEWS!!!Walt Disney World has just announced free dining dates for October 2011-March 2012! Like the last free dining promotion, if you stay at a value resort, you will be given the Quick Service Dining plan, and if you stay at a moderate resort (or above), you will get the regular Dining Plan (which includes table service meals). Quick note: 2012 Quick Service Dining Plan only includes 1 snack per day instead of 2. If you've been thinking about planning a Disney Vacation, but have been waiting for a good deal, here's your chance! Rooms designated for promotions are limited, so call soon to get the resort of your choice! Packages must be booked by <b>October 29</b>! You can find more details <a href="http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy12dine&market=fy12dine&CMP=SOC-WDWFY11Q4FBDM0002">here</a>.<br />
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Happy Planning!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-8181464279497625902011-07-28T08:09:00.000-07:002011-07-28T08:10:14.709-07:00My ItinerarySome of you are like my husband, and want to go to Disney World and just do whatever you feel like doing. It's vacation, right? Others of you are like me and have every single minute of every single day planned out so you don't miss a thing. Well, for us, we have to compromise and do something in-between, but for those of you who are like me, today I am sharing my itinerary.<br />
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You don't HAVE to have an itinerary for a Disney trip. I just find it helps me keep track of the things I want/need to remember, like dining reservations, tips, character greeting times, shows, etc. Most of the planning sheets I've seen are in excel, but I don't like excel, so mine is in word. :)<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Our 2011 Disney Vacation!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Sunday</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Monday</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Tuesday</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Wednesday</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT";">Thursday</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Magic</span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Kingdom</span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Epcot</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Hollywood</span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;"> Studios</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Epcot</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Magic</span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;">Kingdom</span><span style="font-family: "AdLib BT"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">7 am</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Breakfast at resort</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Breakfast at resort</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Bus to MK</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">8 am</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">8:10</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Chef Mickey’s</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="overlaytitle"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Confirmation #403381209004</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Bus to Epcot</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Bus to Epcot</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> EMH</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">9 am</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Castle: Sit on the stone ledge on the side of the castle, you will hear Stitch giggle and tell you to be quiet because he's hiding. Notice the color of the step sister's faces in the mosiac</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">9:25</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Akershus</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="overlaytitle"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Confirmation #403381211441</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Head to HS and Toy Story Mania</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Future World</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Head straight for Soarin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">(Tomorrowland)Look for the Galaxy Gazette Hawker between the entrances to Astro and Transit. Stand in front of him to get insulted.</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">10 am</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Family Magic Tour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">City Hall</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">#410101207168</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Voyage of the Little Mermaid </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Disney Junior?</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">The Seas </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Test Track</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">11 am</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">11:30</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Beauty and the Beast</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">World Showcase</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Kim Possible</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">12 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Lunch at Pecos Bill’s</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% red; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Back to Hotel</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Lunch at Pizza Planet</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Lunch at Liberty Inn</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Lunch at Cosmic Ray’s</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">1 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Adventureland: Carpets: Ride halfway to get hit by the Camel spit. Stand on the wet spots on the pavement outside the ride to get wet too!</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Lunch at Resort</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Muppet Vision </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Honey I Shrunk the Kids</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Mulan (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">China</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">)- </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">11am to 6pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Back to Hotel</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 53.05pt;"> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">2 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Frontierland:</span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">BTMR:Take off your hat! Each of the 6 trains has an engine and 5 cars. For the "wildest ride" request a seat in the back rows. For tamer rides, request a seat in the front of the train. Look at the second floor of the saloon for a party!</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Mexico</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Donald - 1:</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">20 - 5:45 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">.</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 53.05pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">3 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% lime; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Registration at Indy Racing</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Pixar Pals Parade</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Watch near American Idol Entrance</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Alice</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">. Be sure to visit The Toy Shop for more characters! (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">UK</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Back to MK </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">4 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Liberty Square</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Area: Look for the wooden crates at the entrance that represent the Boston Tea Party. Look for the brown pavement that represents the sewer that flowed through the streets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Look for the 2 lanterns in the window across from the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Haunted</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Mansion</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% lime; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Indy Racing Experience</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Back to Hotel</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">DVRC Meet & Greet</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Character greetings at Town Square Theater (to the right as you enter). FASTPASSes are available just past TST before Chapeau.</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">5 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Dream Along With Mickey (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">5:15</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Dinner at Yakitori House</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Fantasyland</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">6 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Dinner at </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Pinnochio</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Village</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> Haus</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Dinner at Downtown Disney?</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Head over to line for Fantasmic</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">11:30 - 6:30</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">France</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">) Princess </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Aurora</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">, Belle (and the Beast sometimes), and even Esmerelda and Marie- in one of the shops in </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">France</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"> (behind the perfume shop, I think), you can find the Beast's library.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Look for the little area behind the bookstore. That is where the characters come out!</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">7 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Back to Resort</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">12:15 - 7 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">. (</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Morocco</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">) Aladdin, Jasmine,</span></div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Dinner at Casey’s Corner</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">8 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">9 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Fantasmic</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Main Street Electrical Parade</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.05pt;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">10 pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.35pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">back to resort</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% fuchsia; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Wishes</span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>I hope this helps you as you're planning your own Disney trip. If it does, let me know! If it doesn't, you can let me know that, too! :)<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-51090942589815566392011-07-27T06:55:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:14:33.691-07:00DiscountsWondering if you might be able to get a discount on your Walt Disney World vacation? The answer is YES! I have never been to Disney World without some sort of discount. That being said, the rumor is, they will be releasing fewer discounts than they have in recent history because bookings have increased. Nevertheless, there are still discounts being offered, and you can take advantage of them! Disney's current special offers can be found <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/">here</a> on the waltdisneyworld.com website. To get an idea about when a special offer might come along for the dates you're planning, take a look <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html">here</a> on the mousesavers.com website to see when discounted rates have been released in the past.<br />
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Disney also has something called a bounceback offer, where you can book your next vacation while you're on the current one. You can look for these offers in resort hotel rooms. These offers can only be booked, though, while on your current vacation. There are no exceptions.<br />
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Also, if you are planning a Disney vacation, make sure you become a member of their website, as they periodically send out special "code" offers by email. To get these offers, you have to have the PIN you were emailed. Likewise, these offers may be sent out to members of anyone who has an account with the Disney store, Disney Rewards Visa, or has requested the free vacation planning dvd. Let them know you're interested, and you might get just the discount you were hoping for!<br />
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So don't feel overwhelmed by prices when you look into a Disney World vacation! You can make it happen! So start planning!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney Diva<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-92216585309904126722011-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:002011-07-26T18:06:35.656-07:00Resort HoppingDid you know that it is perfectly okay to resort-hop at Disney World? If you're staying at a value resort, but you're just dying to check out a deluxe, hop on over! You are welcome to explore any resort at the world while you're there, just not the pools! Each resort has its own special atmosphere and you are welcome to come take part in the activities at any resort during your stay. You can go to each resort's webpage and click on the tab that says recreation to see some options. <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/recreation/">Here</a> is one example at the Fort Wilderness Resort. Likewise, if you want to try a restaurant at a different resort than the one you're staying, go for it! Just don't forget that if it's table service, you'll probably need to make advance reservations. So as you're planning your trip to Disney World, don't forget that you can check out some of the great amenities at some of the more high-priced resorts without breaking your budget! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-12836982059145513202011-07-25T06:58:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:05:09.721-07:00Character DiningIf you have a kid like mine, character dining is a necessity at Disney World. My daughter's goal each trip is to fill every, single page in her autograph book with autographs of characters. We spend hours chasing characters around and waiting in lines to get an autograph. Character dinners are wonderful because we get to sit down and have a nice meal, and the characters come to us! <br />
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Character dinners can be expensive, but are included if you get the regular dining plan. If you aren't on the dining plan, character dinners usually run around $100 for a family of four, but it completely depends on the meal. On our last vacation we spent about $150 (tip included) for a princess breakfast at Akershus. But I used my <a href="http://disneyrewards.disney.go.com/">Disney Rewards Visa</a> rewards to pay for it, so it didn't seem so bad. And it was totally worth it because I can't imagine the lines we'd have had to wait in to meet all those princesses!<br />
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Our favorite character meal is <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/chef-mickeys/">Chef Mickey's</a>. We usually visit Chef Mickey's on a day we plan to visit Magic Kingdom because it is at the Contemporary and we can just ride the monorail right back to Magic Kingdom when we're done. Chef Mickey's is great because you get to meet all the Disney "classic" characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald. They come around to your table while you're eating and take all the time you want signing autographs, taking pictures, and just having a good time. Chef Mickey's is a buffet, with delicious choices for breakfast or dinner. We love the food here because there's something for everyone. <br />
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If you have someone in your family who is into the princesses, a princess dining experience is a must. <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cinderellas-royal-table/">Cinderella's Royal Table</a> at the Cinderella castle is a favorite, but counts as 2 table service credits on your dining plan, and if you're not on the dining plan can be quite expensive. It is definitely a unique experience that your little princess will love, but we chose <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/akershus/">Akershus Storybook Dining</a> instead. This is at Epcot, and includes several princesses. We met Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, and Mary Poppins. I'm not sure why Mary Poppins was at the princess breakfast, but it was good to meet her anyway. :)<br />
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If you have a Wonderland fan in your family, you can meet Alice and her Wonderland friends at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/1900-park-fare/">1900 Park Fare</a> at the Grand Floridian. This is another monorail resort where you can ride straight back to the Magic Kingdom. Winnie the Pooh fans can meet their favorites at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/the-crystal-palace/">The Crystal Palace</a> at Magic Kingdom. You can also meet Chip and Dale and friends at the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-grill/">Garden Grill</a> at Epcot, and Goofy and pals at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cape-may-cafe/">Cape May</a> at the Beach Club resort. '<a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ohanas/">Ohana</a> is a unique experience that takes place at the Polynesian resort (another monorail resort!), and breakfast features Lilo and Stitch! Disney Junior fans can meet their favorite characters at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-and-vine/">Hollywood and Vine</a> at Hollywood Studios. And for another truly unique dining experience, dine on African-style favorites at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/tusker-house/">Tusker House</a> at Animal Kingdom, and enjoy breakfast with Donald and his friends!<br />
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There are tons of choices when it comes to character dining at Disney World, and each one is special! Don't miss out on this experience! The food is delicious, and the interaction with characters is priceless. You will make memories here that your family will treasure for years to come!<br />
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Do you have a favorite character dining experience? I'd love to hear about it! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-31490395927501050062011-07-21T12:07:00.000-07:002011-07-21T12:07:44.286-07:00Did You Know?Today's tip is just a little FYI...If you're planning your upcoming trip to Disney World and you're wondering which attractions are best for your family (this is especially helpful if you have young children), did you know that you can find videos of most of the attractions on YouTube? Check it out beforehand and see if it's right for you! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-73669954041920089882011-07-19T12:34:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:59:23.129-07:00Tips and Tricks for Getting the Lowest Price!I know there are lots of you who say "I would love to take my family to Disney World, I just can't afford it." You are the reason I started this blog! People say that to me all the time and it is my goal to let you know you CAN afford Disney World! Here are some ways I do it:<br />
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First off, I have the <a href="http://disneyrewards.disney.go.com/">Chase Disney Rewards Visa</a> card. Now I'm not a huge fan of credit cards, but I use this one to buy stuff like gas and groceries and stuff, and I pay it off every month. It is not a great rewards program, but it does have some perks. There are two reasons why I love this card. One, because I save up my rewards points and use them for spending money at Disney World, and two, because you get 0% APR financing for 6 months, so I get 6 months to pay off my Disney trip, which helps. There are also some theme park perks, like a special character meet and greet for cardmembers only, discounted tours, and a complimentary 5x7 photo!<br />
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Second, choose your days wisely. When staying at a Disney resort, weeknights are cheaper than weekdays. Also, some times of year are cheaper than others. Spring Break, Mid-summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are some of the most expensive times to visit, so if you can plan your trip away from those times, you can get some great discounts.<br />
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Of course, there are <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/">special offers</a>, too. We have enjoyed free dining for almost all of our Walt Disney World vacations. These special offers are only available on certain dates, but if you can go during these times, it is SO WORTH IT! Disney also offers percentage off hotels, and kids stay and play free packages from time to time. There is also a military discount, which is pretty good. The special offers are not as plentiful as they have been in the past few years, but they will still release them from time to time, so keep an eye out for those.<br />
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If you're not on the dining plan, dine outside of the parks for most of your meals. If you want to eat somewhere in the parks, do it at breakfast or lunch, when the prices are lower. We all know restaurant portions are huge, so consider sharing, if you can. You can also bring drinks and snacks into the parks with you so you don't have to buy them at the park.<br />
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And there are always ways to save, like staying off-site, dining off-site, and buying tickets from a discount site. All of those are options if that's what works for your family, but I do recommend the Disney World vacation package if you can swing it! We have always chosen a vacation package, and have been able to book for a family of four (including resort, park tickets, and dining) for about $200-$300 per day. That's about what we'd spend on any other vacation!<br />
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Where there is a will, there is a way, when it comes to taking your family on a Disney vacation! It is a special trip where you'll make magical memories your family will remember forever. You CAN afford it! Don't miss out because you think you can't!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-70147112998994192372011-07-15T05:38:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:59:45.717-07:00Disney TransportationWhile I'm on the subject of pros and cons, let's talk about Disney Transportation. I'm talking about the free, resort-guest transportation provided by the folks at Disney World. Again, there are pros and cons, and you have to make up your mind what's best for your family. I know people who feel strongly about both sides.<br />
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Pros: You get out of your car when you get to your resort, and you don't have to come back to it until you leave (unless you want to, of course)! If you're a resort guest, this is totally FREE! Even the transportation is part of the experience: I love it when the bus gets to the park entrance and the little announcement comes on and says "You are now entering the Magic Kingdom..." and the little magical music plays...so fun! The monorail is just cool, and the ferryboats are a truly unique way to get around the Magic Kingdom area! It is wonderful when you get ready to leave the park, and you are hot and tired, and you get to that bus stop and board a cool bus ready to take you right back to your resort! You don't have to worry about finding your car in a huge parking lot, waiting for it to cool off because it's about a thousand degrees inside, fiddling with seatbelts and carseats, etc. We almost always use Disney Transportation because we love it!<br />
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Cons: Unfortunately, the bus (or monorail, or ferryboat) can't be right there waiting for you when you are ready to go. Sometimes you have to wait. Rarely, it's a long wait. Disney is really working hard to improve these wait times, and on our last trip, we hardly ever had to wait for a bus, but I have had to wait many times before. Once, after fireworks, we waited over and hour...that was very frustrating. If you're trying to get to a dining reservation or something, make sure you are very early for your transportation because you may have to wait in line. And sometimes, you'll have to stand. They fill those buses/monorails/ferryboats to the max, so if you aren't one of the first ones in, you'll be standing. Strollers can be a pain if you're using Disney Transportation, because you'll have to fold it up and carry it with you.<br />
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So, I guess the pros and cons here pretty much balance out. You choose for yourself, and let me know what you think! Did you love Disney Transportation, or do you prefer to leave the driving to yourself?<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-53219968369720509402011-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:002011-07-14T08:11:32.698-07:00Extra Magic HoursSince I've referenced Extra Magic Hours (EMH) in a few posts, I thought that today I might give some more details on this popular Disney Resort guest perk. As with most things in life, there are pros and cons for EMH, and I will try to fill you in on some of those today.<br />
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Pros: I love the morning EMH. Lots of people want to sleep late on vacation, so if I can get up early and be in the park at 8, beating the heat and the crowd, I'm a happy camper. When I enter the park for morning EMH, I head straight to those most popular attractions, so I can enjoy them without the long wait. I rarely use the evening EMH because I have a young child, but I can imagine if you can stay out a bit later, many people are watching parades/fireworks and you can enjoy shorter lines at some attractions. During the actual EMH times, the parks will likely be less crowded, because only Disney Resort guests will be able to enjoy the attractions that are open.<br />
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Cons: During the midday, parks with EMH tend to be even more crowded because many resort guests are there for the EMH, plus the "normal" crowd. Some planners will tell you to avoid parks with EMH for this reason. It can also be tedious trying to plan your vacation around EMH, whether you're trying to use them or avoid them.<br />
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So to me, all in all, it looks like the pros outweigh the cons. Granted, I don't plan my vacation around EMH. I have used them, and enjoyed them, but I plan my schedule how it works for me, and if the EMH fall on the day I'm going to the park, I take advantage of them. Overall, if you want to use EMH, I'd recommend getting to the park as soon as they begin, leaving during the midday crowd, and returning in the evening for parades or fireworks, or other attractions. I can't give a lot of advice about evening EMH, because they just don't work for the stage of life I'm in, but if you can do it, go for it, and let me know how it went! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179349645230133334.post-80338933644594309812011-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:002011-07-13T06:41:14.526-07:005 Things I Wish I Knew on My First Disney TripSo there are all these little things that you don't know until you actually experience it, or you become a Disney nerd like me and research it. :) I thought I'd share a few of those valuable little tips I've found to be most helpful. <br />
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1. If there is theater style seating (like Philharmagic, It's Tough to be a Bug, American Adventure, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, etc.) you do NOT want to be first in line. If you are first, they make you go all the way to the end of the row. You want to try to be somewhere in the middle of the crowd, that way you get a seat in the middle of the theater. (FYI: There really aren't any "bad" seats).<br />
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2. On most attractions, if there is a particular place you want to sit, ask. You might have to wait until the next round, but most cast members will try to help you out. This is the place where dreams come true, right? <br />
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3. You do not have to have park hopper. If you don't want to stay in the park all day, you can leave and come back to the same park in the same day. Park hopper tickets cost more, so don't pay for park hopper unless you really need to go to different parks in one day. Oh, and you can always get a base ticket, and add park hopper later if you decide you need it. You can even add it in the middle of your vacation if you want to.<br />
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4. If you have small children, the stroller is so worth it. You do a LOT of walking at Disney World. It took us three years to figure out that our daughter was so much happier in a stroller. Whether you bring your own, or rent one at the park, it is totally worth the trouble.<br />
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5. The most popular attractions get crowded early, and run out of FASTPASSes early. Head to those FIRST. Before your trip, make priorities about the things you most want to see and do, and make sure you get to those first, then you can do others if you have time. Use FASTPASS so you don't have to wait in line as long for the most popular attractions.<br />
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Hope this helps! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Disney DivaDeneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456027673129189701noreply@blogger.com0