There 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 here. Happy planning!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Showing posts with label Planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Planning. Show all posts
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Thinking 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 http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/ under Special Offers.
Also, starting today, you can book 2013 Disney vacations on http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/. 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!
It's a great time to start thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Also, starting today, you can book 2013 Disney vacations on http://www.waltdisneyworld.com/. 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!
It's a great time to start thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Christmas at Walt Disney World
I 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!
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!
There are some incredible special events that happen in the parks at Christmas. Of course, there's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights 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!
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. Grand Floridian has an incredible life-sized gingerbread house, and it is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom! The Wilderness Lodge offers sleigh rides, or you can just sit in the lobby by the fire and enjoy the decorations and Christmas music! At the Yacht Club Resort, you can see a Christmas village with a train set, and the Beach Club Resort has a really cool gingerbread carousel!
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!
Any trip to Disney World is magical, but Christmas at Disney World is extra magical! I highly recommend it!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
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!
There are some incredible special events that happen in the parks at Christmas. Of course, there's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights 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!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. Grand Floridian has an incredible life-sized gingerbread house, and it is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom! The Wilderness Lodge offers sleigh rides, or you can just sit in the lobby by the fire and enjoy the decorations and Christmas music! At the Yacht Club Resort, you can see a Christmas village with a train set, and the Beach Club Resort has a really cool gingerbread carousel!
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!
Any trip to Disney World is magical, but Christmas at Disney World is extra magical! I highly recommend it!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
You 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 can 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.
So here are my budget planning tips:
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 Downtown Disney, resort hop (visit other resorts), or just hang around the pool at our resort.
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.
3. Save on dining. If you are planning to do character meals, or table service meals, go with the Disney Dining Plan. 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.
4. Shop for deals. You can check out Special Offers at waltdisneyworld.com. This is where you can find room discounts, or special offers like free dining or ticket discounts. You can also use websites like mousesavers, and knowbeforeugo.com to find discounted tickets, if you're not using a vacation package.
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.
6. Try the Chase Disney Rewards Visa 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.
With a little effort, you will find that you can plan a trip to Disney World on your budget. So get started planning your magical vacation!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
So here are my budget planning tips:
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 Downtown Disney, resort hop (visit other resorts), or just hang around the pool at our resort.
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.
3. Save on dining. If you are planning to do character meals, or table service meals, go with the Disney Dining Plan. 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.
4. Shop for deals. You can check out Special Offers at waltdisneyworld.com. This is where you can find room discounts, or special offers like free dining or ticket discounts. You can also use websites like mousesavers, and knowbeforeugo.com to find discounted tickets, if you're not using a vacation package.
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.
6. Try the Chase Disney Rewards Visa 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.
With a little effort, you will find that you can plan a trip to Disney World on your budget. So get started planning your magical vacation!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Friday, June 15, 2012
Top Ten Tips for Staying Cool at WDW
Since 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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)!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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)!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Art of Animation
Walt 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.
Family suites start at $249 per night. Standard rooms start at $97 per night. What a great value for a fantastic new resort!
You can find out more about the Art of Animation resort at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/.
I can't wait to see it for myself!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Family suites start at $249 per night. Standard rooms start at $97 per night. What a great value for a fantastic new resort!
You can find out more about the Art of Animation resort at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/.
I can't wait to see it for myself!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Monday, June 11, 2012
It 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 this breakdown for Pop Century from mousesavers.com. 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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Free Dining Dates
Did 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 here.
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Saturday, August 27, 2011
What 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:
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!
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.
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!
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!
5. Camera- Duh! You're definitely going to want pictures/videos of those magical memories!
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.
7. Sunblock - Again, this is Florida. You're going to need sunblock!
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!
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.
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
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!
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.
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!
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!
5. Camera- Duh! You're definitely going to want pictures/videos of those magical memories!
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.
7. Sunblock - Again, this is Florida. You're going to need sunblock!
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!
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.
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Thursday, July 28, 2011
My Itinerary
Some 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.
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. :)
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! :)
Until next time...
Disney Diva
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. :)
Our 2011 Disney Vacation!
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
Magic Kingdom | Epcot | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Magic Kingdom | |
7 am | Breakfast at resort | Breakfast at resort | Bus to MK | ||
8 am | 8:10 Chef Mickey’s | Bus to Epcot | Bus to Epcot | EMH | |
9 am | 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 | 9:25 Akershus | Head to HS and Toy Story Mania | Future World Head straight for Soarin | (Tomorrowland)Look for the Galaxy Gazette Hawker between the entrances to Astro and Transit. Stand in front of him to get insulted. |
10 am | Family Magic Tour City Hall #410101207168 | Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney Junior? | The Seas Test Track | ||
11 am | 11:30 Beauty and the Beast | World Showcase Kim Possible | |||
12 pm | Lunch at Pecos Bill’s | Back to Hotel | Lunch at Pizza Planet | Lunch at Liberty Inn | Lunch at Cosmic Ray’s |
1 pm | 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! | Lunch at Resort | Muppet Vision Honey I Shrunk the Kids | Mulan (China)- 11am to 6pm | Back to Hotel |
2 pm | Frontierland: 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! | Mexico Donald - 1:20 - 5:45 pm. | |||
3 pm | Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade | Registration at Indy Racing | Pixar Pals Parade Watch near American Idol Entrance | Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger and Alice. Be sure to visit The Toy Shop for more characters! (UK) | Back to MK |
4 pm | Liberty Square 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. Look for the 2 lanterns in the window across from the Haunted Mansion | Indy Racing Experience | Back to Hotel | DVRC Meet & Greet | Character greetings at Town Square Theater (to the right as you enter). FASTPASSes are available just past TST before Chapeau. |
5 pm | Dream Along With Mickey (5:15) | Dinner at Yakitori House | Fantasyland | ||
6 pm | Dinner at Pinnochio Village Haus | Dinner at Downtown Disney? | Head over to line for Fantasmic | 11:30 - 6:30 (France) Princess Aurora, Belle (and the Beast sometimes), and even Esmerelda and Marie- in one of the shops in France (behind the perfume shop, I think), you can find the Beast's library. Look for the little area behind the bookstore. That is where the characters come out! | |
7 pm | Back to Resort | 12:15 - 7 pm. (Morocco) Aladdin, Jasmine, | Dinner at Casey’s Corner | ||
8 pm | |||||
9 pm | Fantasmic | Main Street Electrical Parade | |||
10 pm | back to resort | Wishes |
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tips 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:
First off, I have the Chase Disney Rewards Visa 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!
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.
Of course, there are special offers, 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.
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.
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!
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
First off, I have the Chase Disney Rewards Visa 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!
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.
Of course, there are special offers, 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.
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.
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!
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!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Friday, April 29, 2011
NEW Deals!
Disney just released a new special offer for Chase Disney Rewards Visa cardmembers. August 28, 2011-September 24, 2011, they are offering FREE dining, plus a Photopass photo book! This deal will be released to the general public probably within the next few days. If you are able to go to Disney during this time, it is a great time to go! The weather is great and the crowds are low, but you might want to think about vacation insurance because this is hurricane season, and we are talking about Florida here! Not to worry, though, on our first Disney trip there was a hurricane off the coast of Florida, and we had lots of rain and thunderstorms, but we still had a great time!
If you book at a value resort, you will automatically be given the quick service dining plan which includes 2 meals and 2 snacks per person per day. If you book at a moderate or deluxe resort, you will get the basic (table service) dining plan free. That's 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per person per day. I do hear that you can upgrade your dining plan if you wish, but you will be responsible for paying the difference.
This sounds like a great deal! Free dining is one of the best Disney offers out there. Let's start planning!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
If you book at a value resort, you will automatically be given the quick service dining plan which includes 2 meals and 2 snacks per person per day. If you book at a moderate or deluxe resort, you will get the basic (table service) dining plan free. That's 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per person per day. I do hear that you can upgrade your dining plan if you wish, but you will be responsible for paying the difference.
This sounds like a great deal! Free dining is one of the best Disney offers out there. Let's start planning!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Choosing the Right Resort for You
Walt Disney World has different "tiers" of resorts: value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa. Each of the Disney resorts are full of character and charm, and each has its own unique qualities. The right resort for you depends on personal preference, your budget, amenities you'd prefer, and the amount of time you plan on spending there. Here is a breakdown to get you started:
Value Resorts
The value resorts are generally the most affordable (as low as $82 per night). We usually stay in these resorts. We don't spend a lot of time in our room, and the accommodations are better here than most of the hotels we've stayed at other times. There are 4 value resorts: Pop Century, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports. There is a new Art of Animation Resort that is scheduled to open in 2012. We usually choose Pop Century, mainly because of the bus situation at the All-Star resorts. The three resorts share buses and there were times we waited in line for an hour or more just waiting on a bus. We have never had that problem with Pop Century. All of these resorts have pools, arcades, food courts, and gift shops. The maximum occupancy of these rooms is 4, except for All-Star Movies which has a family suite that sleeps 6. If you have a smaller family, I'd definitely recommend the value resorts for their affordability. Here is a link to check out more.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78175=on
Moderate Resorts
The moderate resorts are a little higher priced (as low as $154/night). These include the Port Orleans resorts, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. These resorts generally have more amenities, like larger rooms, trundle beds (in some rooms), mini-fridges (these are available at value resorts for an extra charge), double sinks, and ceiling fans. The moderate resorts also have larger pool areas with water slides. Some of these resorts have nicer dining experiences as well. The Caribbean Beach Resort also has a pirate theme which can be lots of fun for young boys. These rooms also generally sleep 4, but the rooms with the trundle bed can sleep 5. The cabins sleep 6. You can find out more at the following link.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78119=on
Deluxe Resorts
There are several deluxe resorts, so I won't name them all. They are a bit more pricey (as low as $250/night and on up to the thousands). The deluxe resorts are very nice, and their amenities vary widely. These resorts boast things like wildlife outside your window (Animal Kingdom Lodge), access to the monorail right in your resort (Contemporary, Polynesian), spas (Grand Floridian, Beach Club), beaches, watercraft rentals, bike rentals, health clubs, and so much more. They also offer things like concierge service, valet parking, and Signature Dining experiences. If you can afford it, go for it! These resorts are awesome! You can get more information at the following link.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78513=on
Deluxe Villas
Several of the Deluxe Villas are inside the Deluxe Resorts, but there are a few outside. These offer more of the conveniences of home. Rooms are offered for as low as $305/night for a room that sleeps 4. Some Deluxe Villas can sleep up to 12 people. These rooms come with things like full kitchens, washers and dryers, whirlpool tubs, private balconies, sleeper sofas, and more. They offer many of the same services as the Deluxe Resorts, because most of them are at the same physical location. You can find out more at:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78265=on
I hope this helps you choose the hotel that is right for you! There are lots of hotels outside Disney World that are affordable and super-nice, but I don't think you can beat staying on Disney property! You'll get that one-of-a-kind Disney service and experience, and you'll get to be a part of the magic even when you leave the parks. Not only that, but you'll get bonuses like Extra Magic Hours, and Disney Transportation! We usually park our car when we get there and don't see it again until we leave! Disney hotels are the way to go!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Value Resorts
The value resorts are generally the most affordable (as low as $82 per night). We usually stay in these resorts. We don't spend a lot of time in our room, and the accommodations are better here than most of the hotels we've stayed at other times. There are 4 value resorts: Pop Century, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports. There is a new Art of Animation Resort that is scheduled to open in 2012. We usually choose Pop Century, mainly because of the bus situation at the All-Star resorts. The three resorts share buses and there were times we waited in line for an hour or more just waiting on a bus. We have never had that problem with Pop Century. All of these resorts have pools, arcades, food courts, and gift shops. The maximum occupancy of these rooms is 4, except for All-Star Movies which has a family suite that sleeps 6. If you have a smaller family, I'd definitely recommend the value resorts for their affordability. Here is a link to check out more.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78175=on
Moderate Resorts
The moderate resorts are a little higher priced (as low as $154/night). These include the Port Orleans resorts, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. These resorts generally have more amenities, like larger rooms, trundle beds (in some rooms), mini-fridges (these are available at value resorts for an extra charge), double sinks, and ceiling fans. The moderate resorts also have larger pool areas with water slides. Some of these resorts have nicer dining experiences as well. The Caribbean Beach Resort also has a pirate theme which can be lots of fun for young boys. These rooms also generally sleep 4, but the rooms with the trundle bed can sleep 5. The cabins sleep 6. You can find out more at the following link.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78119=on
Deluxe Resorts
There are several deluxe resorts, so I won't name them all. They are a bit more pricey (as low as $250/night and on up to the thousands). The deluxe resorts are very nice, and their amenities vary widely. These resorts boast things like wildlife outside your window (Animal Kingdom Lodge), access to the monorail right in your resort (Contemporary, Polynesian), spas (Grand Floridian, Beach Club), beaches, watercraft rentals, bike rentals, health clubs, and so much more. They also offer things like concierge service, valet parking, and Signature Dining experiences. If you can afford it, go for it! These resorts are awesome! You can get more information at the following link.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78513=on
Deluxe Villas
Several of the Deluxe Villas are inside the Deluxe Resorts, but there are a few outside. These offer more of the conveniences of home. Rooms are offered for as low as $305/night for a room that sleeps 4. Some Deluxe Villas can sleep up to 12 people. These rooms come with things like full kitchens, washers and dryers, whirlpool tubs, private balconies, sleeper sofas, and more. They offer many of the same services as the Deluxe Resorts, because most of them are at the same physical location. You can find out more at:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78265=on
I hope this helps you choose the hotel that is right for you! There are lots of hotels outside Disney World that are affordable and super-nice, but I don't think you can beat staying on Disney property! You'll get that one-of-a-kind Disney service and experience, and you'll get to be a part of the magic even when you leave the parks. Not only that, but you'll get bonuses like Extra Magic Hours, and Disney Transportation! We usually park our car when we get there and don't see it again until we leave! Disney hotels are the way to go!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Monday, April 18, 2011
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Animal Kingdom Edition)
My personal favorite at Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari. On our first Disney World vacation, we tried this one, and our vehicle actually had to stop because there was a rhino in the road! How cool is that? What an incredible experience this attraction is. I highly recommend it.
Another favorite at AK is Expedition Everest. I haven't been on this ride personally, but I have watched it on YouTube! It sure looks exciting! How scary that you're moving along and the track just runs out! And Yeti even makes an appearance!
I personally enjoyed It's Tough to be a Bug, but let me tell you, my 4 year old daughter DID NOT. I should have listened to the warnings that this could be scary for little kids. This 3-D show lets kids experience A Bug's Life through experiences like being sprayed, poked by stingers in the back, and more. My daughter was hysterical by the time we left. I think it's a great attraction, but save it for your older kids.
One experience I haven't had at AK and hope to is Kali River Rapids. This ride looks like so much fun! I hope to try that one next time we visit AK.
Well, this one's a short list because after It's Tough to be a Bug, we hightailed it out of there. We didn't particularly want to win the bad parent of the day award. And our daughter was scarred for life and never wants to go back to Animal Kingdom. Maybe one day...
If you want to learn more about Animal Kingdom attractions, visit
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Another favorite at AK is Expedition Everest. I haven't been on this ride personally, but I have watched it on YouTube! It sure looks exciting! How scary that you're moving along and the track just runs out! And Yeti even makes an appearance!
I personally enjoyed It's Tough to be a Bug, but let me tell you, my 4 year old daughter DID NOT. I should have listened to the warnings that this could be scary for little kids. This 3-D show lets kids experience A Bug's Life through experiences like being sprayed, poked by stingers in the back, and more. My daughter was hysterical by the time we left. I think it's a great attraction, but save it for your older kids.
One experience I haven't had at AK and hope to is Kali River Rapids. This ride looks like so much fun! I hope to try that one next time we visit AK.
Well, this one's a short list because after It's Tough to be a Bug, we hightailed it out of there. We didn't particularly want to win the bad parent of the day award. And our daughter was scarred for life and never wants to go back to Animal Kingdom. Maybe one day...
If you want to learn more about Animal Kingdom attractions, visit
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Thursday, April 14, 2011
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Hollywood Studios Edition)
For those of you who haven't been to Disney World in a while, Hollywood Studios is what you used to know as MGM. Hollywood Studios has lots of great attractions and a fantastic fireworks show called Fantasmic. Fantasmic takes place in an outdoor amphitheater, so seating is limited, and weather can cause the show to be cancelled. The show is amazing, with fireworks, images projected on water sprays, and Mickey's defeat of some favorite Disney villains. However, you usually have to get in line for this attraction rather early (unless you take part in the Fantasmic Dining Package), and again, it can be cancelled because of bad weather. This happened to us the first time we tried Fantasmic. We waited for over 2 hours for the show to start, then about 10 minutes into the show, it started to rain and they cancelled the rest. Talk about a bummer. But the show is amazing, and I'd encourage you to see it, but check the weather forecast first! And make plans to wait for quite a while.
On to other Hollywood Studios Attractions! One of the most favorites is Toy Story Mania. This ride almost always has a LONG wait time, and FASTPASSES run out quickly, so head there first thing. Also, opening in May 2011 will be the new Star Tours attraction, and you can count on about the same thing there also.
I LOVE the Animation Courtyard area for our young daughter. She gets to see some of her favorite Disney Junior characters at Disney Junior LIVE! Plus, some of them appear outside periodically for autographs! Across the way is Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which is a really cool live show.
The Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is also a fun place for kids. They get to run around and play in a giant bugs eye view playground. It's also a great place to take pictures!
For big kids, there's Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. These are really fun rides, but not at all for the little ones.
Well, these are a few of my favorite things at Hollywood Studios, but that's definitely not all! You can see more Hollywood Studios attractions at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/
Until next time...
Disney Diva
On to other Hollywood Studios Attractions! One of the most favorites is Toy Story Mania. This ride almost always has a LONG wait time, and FASTPASSES run out quickly, so head there first thing. Also, opening in May 2011 will be the new Star Tours attraction, and you can count on about the same thing there also.
I LOVE the Animation Courtyard area for our young daughter. She gets to see some of her favorite Disney Junior characters at Disney Junior LIVE! Plus, some of them appear outside periodically for autographs! Across the way is Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which is a really cool live show.
The Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is also a fun place for kids. They get to run around and play in a giant bugs eye view playground. It's also a great place to take pictures!
For big kids, there's Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. These are really fun rides, but not at all for the little ones.
Well, these are a few of my favorite things at Hollywood Studios, but that's definitely not all! You can see more Hollywood Studios attractions at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Touring Plans
I also get lots of questions about itineraries/touring plans for WDW. There are many out there to choose from. I am working on an itinerary for my family's vacation for the first time this year. We have visited the parks for 3 years in a row without a plan and have enjoyed our time immensely, but this year we expect it to be a little more crowded since we will be arriving on a holiday weekend. Because of that, I wanted to have a plan in mind.
That said, let me caution you about planning your vacation down to the minute. It is very easy to get caught in the trap of trying to plan "the perfect vacation." Let me assure you: there is no such thing. On our first trip to WDW, there was a hurricane offshore and there were severe thunderstorms every day of our trip. Last year, my daughter had strep throat and ran a fever the whole time. It is very likely that your vacation will not turn out the way you planned. BUT, it can take some stress off of you to have a plan in mind as you enjoy the park. The key word is FLEXIBILITY. You can plan your vacation perfectly, and something will happen to change it. Be prepared to be flexible.
Here are a few good websites to get you started:
www.easywdw.com
There are several sample touring plans here for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. Look for them on the categories column all the way at the bottom.
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/2010/12/29/touring-the-parks-with-my-tip-sheets/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CouponingToDisney+%28Couponing+to+Disney%29&utm_content=FaceBook This is from a great website called Couponing to Disney. These are her planning sheets from her personal vacation. I got tons of ideas from her!
http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/tools
This is a website that you can subscribe to for hundreds of touring plans, but there are a few freebies.
http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2009/06/how-to-create-a-touring-plan/
Some good advice here about trying to create your own touring plans.
http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-World-Guides/dp/047061529X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302393076&sr=8-1
This is a link to the Amazon page to buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2011. This book has several different touring plans you can use and tons of advice.
Hope this helps!
Please feel free to let me know if you know of any other resources!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
That said, let me caution you about planning your vacation down to the minute. It is very easy to get caught in the trap of trying to plan "the perfect vacation." Let me assure you: there is no such thing. On our first trip to WDW, there was a hurricane offshore and there were severe thunderstorms every day of our trip. Last year, my daughter had strep throat and ran a fever the whole time. It is very likely that your vacation will not turn out the way you planned. BUT, it can take some stress off of you to have a plan in mind as you enjoy the park. The key word is FLEXIBILITY. You can plan your vacation perfectly, and something will happen to change it. Be prepared to be flexible.
Here are a few good websites to get you started:
www.easywdw.com
There are several sample touring plans here for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. Look for them on the categories column all the way at the bottom.
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/2010/12/29/touring-the-parks-with-my-tip-sheets/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CouponingToDisney+%28Couponing+to+Disney%29&utm_content=FaceBook This is from a great website called Couponing to Disney. These are her planning sheets from her personal vacation. I got tons of ideas from her!
http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/tools
This is a website that you can subscribe to for hundreds of touring plans, but there are a few freebies.
http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2009/06/how-to-create-a-touring-plan/
Some good advice here about trying to create your own touring plans.
http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-World-Guides/dp/047061529X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302393076&sr=8-1
This is a link to the Amazon page to buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2011. This book has several different touring plans you can use and tons of advice.
Hope this helps!
Please feel free to let me know if you know of any other resources!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Getting a Great Deal at Disney
Most people think I'm absolutely crazy when I tell them that I go to Disney World every year. "How do you afford it," they always ask. Going to WDW can be an affordable vacation if you plan it well. Last year, we went to Myrtle Beach for 2 nights. The hotel was over $200 a night, plus anything extra we wanted to do like dining out, going to a movie, etc. cost extra. Our family of 3 can go to Disney World for about $200 per day hotel, tickets, and dining included!
The best thing to do when you start is check out the special offers at www.waltdisneyworld.com. We almost always book using one of these offers. But there are lots of other websites you can use to get ideas about planning. Some of my favorites are: www.mousesavers.com, www.allears.net, and www.wdwinfo.com.
If you can book your vacation when Disney offers the Free Dining discount, you absolutely should. This is an incredible deal! There are several other discounts Disney offers from time to time, such as room discounts, kids stay and play free discounts, and gift card promotions (like if you book a package you get a $300 gift card). And of course, there are other discounts for those in the military, Florida residents, and sometimes for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders.
You CAN afford a trip to Disney! So get started!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
The best thing to do when you start is check out the special offers at www.waltdisneyworld.com. We almost always book using one of these offers. But there are lots of other websites you can use to get ideas about planning. Some of my favorites are: www.mousesavers.com, www.allears.net, and www.wdwinfo.com.
If you can book your vacation when Disney offers the Free Dining discount, you absolutely should. This is an incredible deal! There are several other discounts Disney offers from time to time, such as room discounts, kids stay and play free discounts, and gift card promotions (like if you book a package you get a $300 gift card). And of course, there are other discounts for those in the military, Florida residents, and sometimes for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders.
You CAN afford a trip to Disney! So get started!
Until next time...
Disney Diva
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