Ultimate Disney Lovers on Budgets!

Many Disney lovers who are on budget have joined the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) 

From the DVC website, Disney Vacation Club is based on a Vacation Points system. As a Member, you receive an annual allotment of Vacation Points—based on the size of your real estate interest—to use toward your vacations at Disney Vacation Club Resorts and any one of more than 500 Member Getaways destinations worldwide when you purchase directly from Disney.

Essentially, you earn points and go on vacation - on a budget! 

You can visit (500 different) places like: 

• Disney World
• New York City
• Hawaii
• Aruba
• Cancun
• Austria
• Lake Tahoe
• Las Vegas
• Hilton Head
• London
• Paris
• San Francisco 

You can get to go to all these places for just as little as $72 per month! 

Happy Vacationing! 

Ever want to run away?

...just go to Disney! 

 Did you know that Disney hots various marathons, half marathons and 5k's throughout the year! 

These are such fun events, you are even able to get into the parks during 'after hours'!

Heres the list of types of runs! 

• Walt Disney World Marathon
• half marathon, 5k, Goofy's challenge, pasta in the park party
• Tinkerbell Half Marathon
• also, Neverland Family Fun run!
• Princess Half Marathon
• Royal 5k, kid races 
• Expedition Everest Challenge
• kid run and post challenge party
• Disneyland Marathon
•  half marathon, Carland 5k rally, pasta in the park party
• Tower of Terror Twilight Zone 10 miler! 
• Haunted 5k, Villians Hollywood Bash
• Wine and Dine marathon 
• includes half marathon, 5k, kids races 

I've always thought about doing one, but I don't think I could actually train for it! 

Maybe one day! 

New Fantasyland!

Its offically open!

The new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is up and running! 

Today, December 6th, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jordan Sparks were there with Mickey for the big day!

Ginnifer, from ABC's Once Upon a Time is a fitting guest for the reveal! 

There are many new attractions to see and places to eat! Especially Be Our Guest. 

Belle and the Beast welcome you into their castle to have lunch or dinner- french style!

Ariel also has a place for herself in the new Fantasyland- with her own grotto of course! 

It may not be the cheapest afternoon, but it will definitely be exciting and all new!

On the hunt...

....For hidden Mickeys of course!

Take a stroll around Downtown Disney or any of the properties at Disney and see how many Hidden Mickeys you can find. Hidden Mickeys are partial or complete images of Mickey Mouse that have been hidden by Disney's Imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas. You must be sharp-eyed, as these images are designed to blend into their surroundings. The most common Hidden Mickey is a depiction of Mickey's head formed by three intersecting circles, one for his head and two for his round ears. Other Mickeys could be a profile of his face, a side profile of his body or a full-length silhouette of his body from the front.

This link has a fun game to see if you can find the hidden Mickey!

You can buy the book for around $11.95 at any major book stores or even online at Amazon!

You're Going To Have To Try This!

Pineapple Whips!!! 

By Dole, they are the best thing in Magic Kingdom to eat! 

These are the best treats and they are pretty inexpensive around $2-$5! 

I could go on for days about them! But the perks many people love is that they are dairy free! 

They taste extremely creamy, light and fluffy! I was shocked when I heard this too, but I won't complain! 

You can order them many different ways, above is the dole whip float with pineapple juice in the bottom- however I'm not the biggest fan of the juice so I order just the whip! 

You can also order different types of soft serve at Aloha Aisle, the stand in Adventureland where they are for sale! Such as Orange or Vanilla! 

I can't wait to get mine on Saturday when I visit the parks! 

Happy Eating! 

Water Parade!

What is there to do at night this is completely free and fun for the whole family??

Disney's nighttime water parade! 

This parade is shown most nights on the Seven Seas Lagoon, where the Contemportay Hotel, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds surround

9: 00 PM - Disney’s Polynesian Resort
9:15 PM – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
9:35 PM – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
9:45 PM – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
10:05 PM – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

If you are not staying at one of these hotels you can either travel to them by bus or car! 

If you are taking your own car, you must go through Magic Kingdom parking - which can cost up to $15 , however you can tell them you are just there to eat dinner or checking in and they will let you in for free! 

Nessie the loch ness monster!

Here is the video if you would like to watch a clip of the parade! 

At the Polynesian and Grand Floridian you can watch the parade from the beach! Its a nice end to any night spend at the theme parks! 

Save some gas take the highway in the sky!

At Disney there are few free things, but transportation is one of them! 

Disney provides buses to a from all theme parks and shopping areas to hotels! 

You'll have to get one at least one mode of transportation to get to Magic Kingdom! 

From buses, boats or the highway in the sky - Walt's idea of the monorail! 

I think this is the funniest way to get around Disney! 

You're able to see Epcot and Magic Kingdom - even go through the inside of the Contemporary! 

But don't forget the oldest form of of transportation - railroad!

In Magic Kingdom there is Walt's railroad. As a boy he was fascinated by the idea of trains, so he brought it to the park! To this day it runs around the outskirts of the park all day for everyone to enjoy! 

Insider Tip: As Magic Kingdom opens in the morning, the train will make its first appearance! You will hear the horn and will see a fun surprise! (Different characters are out every morning) It's a special moment you won't forget! 

What is the Art of Animation?

It's a new value resort at Walt Disney World! 

 This is located on Disney property right around the corner from the parks.

Nemo water play area! 

 This resort is something Disney has never done- value suites! 

This is perfect for many families because its affordable, spacious, and fun! 

I have not stayed here yet, but all the pictures look amazing! 

 

Each suite includes 2 queen beds, a pull out sofa in the living room,

 dining area, kitchen!, and full bathroom! 

The buildings are themed, they include Finding Nemo, Lion King, Cars and the Little Mermaid! 

Rates range from $200-$500 depending on the time of year! 

This resort also has standard rooms which include 2 queen beds, 

which are also themed and range from under $100-$200!

Make sure to book in advance though! 

Sleep tight!

Anyone for a round of mini golf?

Disney has two miniature golf courses: Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens

Prices: $12.52 adults, $10.39 children (tax included) 

They do have discounts though! 

Here are some of the discount tips I got from Mousesavers:

• Anyone can get 50% off a second round on the same day.
• Disney World Annual, Premium Annual and Seasonal Passholders get 50% off miniature golf, for the Passholder and up to 3 guests.
• Disney Vacation Club members get a 15% discount on rounds of miniature golf for members and up to three guests.
• If you have Magic Your Way Tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use one or more of the “visits” for one round of miniature golf at either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf courses (before 4:00 pm). However, note that this is not a good use of a “visit” in most cases since the cost of a round is so low by comparison with other options, such as the water parks.
• All Magic Your Way vacation packages include a voucher valid for one round of miniature golf at either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf courses. (One per room.)
• Unlimited miniature golf is included without additional charge when you purchase a Magic Your Way Premium or Platinum vacation package.

Summer- Sand Castle

Santa's Sleigh!

Santa!

I played on Wintersummerland last year! It was really fun, and takes about 45 minutes if you're having fun! 

Everything but the kitchen sink!

At the Yacht and Beach club resort there is a small little icea cream parlor called Beaches & Cream! 

I went January of last year, and we walked around for 15 minutes before finding it! (it's behind the hotel pool)

Anyways, this shop has the typical ice cream treats and something called the kitchen sink!

This treat is great for families or friends! It feeds four people, but really more like 6-8! haha

If you want to figure out exactly how its made and what's in it - watch this video! 

Its a fun thing to do -it's $24.99, so if you split it up its not so bad! 

Make sure to go hungry! 

(my biggest mistake hahah)

Carriage Rides

Normally you would associate carriage rides with winter and snow! Or at least I do, but Disney has them too! You can go on a 25-minute evening carriage ride from two different locations on property.

The ride is only 45$ and you can ride between 6pm and 9:30pm. This is a great experience for families or couples! The carriage can accomodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

Call (407)-WDW-PLAY (939-7529) to get more information!

 Resorts offering the carriage rides:

• Port Orleans Riverside (departs in front of Boatwright’s Dining Hall)
• Fort Wilderness (departs in front of Crockett’s Tavern at Pioneer Hall)

I am way to excited to do this next time I am staying overnight! Sounds like fun!
 

PS. For the holidays they do sleigh rides! I know..no snow, but it seems really festive for winter in Florida!

Bibbidie Bobbidie Boo!

Have you heard of the Bibbidie Bobbidie Boutique? It is a boutqiue where little girls under the age of 15 can get their hair and makeup done to look just like a princess! 

Bibbidie Bobbidie Boutique!

This can cost up to $300, which is pretty pricey for hair glitter and a dress!

So, we researched something a bit more affordable, but still just as great of an experience! 

On Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom there is a little barber shop in the front of the park! 

This is a great experience not only for girls under 15 but everyone of all ages! 

The barber shop provides 1st haircuts, but with special Disney Magic, you recieve (with price of haircut) a Mickey ear hat! It's only $18! 

First Haircut Ears!

Another service that is great for the whole family is glitter/confetti hair! This is the affordable alternative to the boutique and its for all ages! 

You can pick your own colors and styles but heres an example of what they look like! 

Glitter Hair!

Have fun!

Concert Series

 More often than not, Disney hosts free concerts (with park admission) at the American Pavilion at Epcot! These are great family-fun activities, if you just come for the concert or to take a break from walking around!

These concerts range from who is playing, enerally throughout the year it is just cover bands - still entertaining though. 

During the special events held such as Food and Wine there is the Eat to the Beat series. This included artists like Sugar Ray, Starship, Boyz II Men, Smashmouth, Hanson, Sister Hazel, Billy Ocean, and Survivor. 

But at Holiday time, there are the candlelight processions! These are beautiful programs which feature a different celebrity with a choir of cast members!

Here is the list for the series (in order), in case you were interested!

Geena Davis, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Garcia, Blair Underwood, James Denton, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Alfre Woodard, Trace Adkins, Gary Sinise, Amy Grant, Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

Surprisingly I have never stopped to watch any concerts, many times the ones I would have loved to see where when I was working! Maybe I'll make it over for candlelight! Hope you were able to find someone you would be interested in seeing too!  

Sorcerer Mickey Saves the Day!

          As you all might know, Mickey has taken on many roles over the years! He is pretty famous for being a Sorcerer in the movie Fantasia! Walt Disney created the movie to prove that good can beat evil and Mickey proved it!

          Years later, Disney has created a free interactive game located throughout Magic Kingdom! This game turns you into a sorcerer, helping Mickey win over the Magic Kingdom from all the evil villains.

All you need is your park ticket! 

 You start out in the original Firehouse on Main Street, and they can explain the game in more detail! 

Firehouse, Magic Kingdom

       I have been playing this game since in started, it allows you to collect 70 playing cards, that make up a full deck to help you save the Kingdom! This is a great way to collect memories without paying a dime!

Some playing cards! 

    At the top of this picture the gold key is your key to access all the portals around the park. Everytime you visit the systems saves all your info, so it is continuous! (pretty neat!)

Portal in Adventureland

      Above, is one of the portals in Adventureland. They are digital screens, that only are visible when you scan your key!

If you are going to the park make sure and stop by the Firehouse to see what it's all about!

Nightlife at Disney

Don't let Disney fool you - there is a nightlife for the grown-ups too! 

Downtown Disney, which is a free shopping area has a nightlife area called Pleasure Island! 

There are multiple bars and restaurants which include House of Blues, Bongos, Splitsville, Paradiso 37, Raglan Road, and Portabello! These are all great places to spend the night. 

I have been to many throughout the years, but most recently House of Blues. This was great, they have live music all night long! Food and drinks were reasonably priced (not Disney pricing!). They are family appropriate during the day and turn into a great young-nightlife! 

What I liked about all these places is that it was free to get in and listen to their music, no requirement to spend any money at all! 

At Downtown Disney there is a place for everyone! Even if you decide to bring the kids at night there is a Ghirardelli ice cream shop to hang out in!

Food and Wine Update!!

         I was lucky enough to be able to go to the opening weekend of Food and Wine Festival! They included 2 new booths this year, Terra and Florida Local!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend!

This is the beginning of our day!

This is the brochure, which could also be saved as a keepsake!
& my birthday button! I was celebrating my 21st! 

This is my 2012 Food and Wine Pin- it was around $11

Cheese Fondue, and a few drinks! From Germany and Cheese Booths!

Peach Bellini from Italy! 

Souvenirs!

     Everyone likes taking a memory home, I mean it's so hard to walk through all those shops and not being able to afford everything! Disney makes it quite expensive sometimes, but with a few tips you might be able to save your wallet!

• Pins! Pins! Pins! - These are one things I really enjoy collecting, they range from 5.95 to 13.95, these are great souvenirs because they are on the lower end of all things Disney, and they are SMALL! So you dont have mickey everywhere around your house!  

Here's a sneak peak at my collection!

I started my pin collection around 2005, I know, I am a Disney nerd!

This is one of my 2012 pins from early this year! 

• Buttons - If you are going to celebrate any special events you can visit Guest Services to get a celebration pin! Some include  birthdays, family reunions, anniversaries, and happily ever after! 

• I mentioned in my Food and Wine post, about the free passports for eating around the world! This is a limited time free souvenir so take advantage! 

• Kid Alert! : In Epcot, you can get a free Duffy bear cutout, mickey's friend, and get it stamped from all the coutnries you visit in the world showcase! This is a great activity that allows you to meet different cast memebers from around the world! 
• Most of the cast members are from the actual country you are 'in' 

Good Luck!

Skip the lines!

        At Disney it seems like everything is outragously priced! But one great thing about Disney that they haev kept free while other parks like Universal, Seaworld or Six Flags, is there Fastpass program!

 This means skip the entire line! FOR FREE!

 

       After you entire the park, you will be able to get a park map, telling you all the attractions (mostly the extremely popular ones), that have Fastpasses. This great service is not advertised as well as everything else in the park so some first-timers may miss it and get stuck waiting in unnessscesary lines!

 

 

Tip: When you first enter the park, get to the attraction you want to ride most firs,t and get it's Fastpass, so you can go on a few other rides in the time you would have to wait in the stand-by line

 

Tip: If you are going to Magic Kingdom, try and do all the 'little kid' rides last! The later you wait to do them in the night, the shorter the lines because all the young kids go home after fireworks and the parade! (the shorter the line the better!)

 

    It always seems like the lines are long, but if you make a plan to manuver around the park in order, it will also take you less time to get everything done!

 

   Hope these tips help!





Dining!

         Disney dining is always considered to be outrageously overpriced! And most of it is, but I have a few tips to keep the cost down!

• Always pack water with you- you are able to bring in food and drinks (non-alcoholic) into the parks, so take advantage of it! 
• If staying at a hotel, go for the Dining Plan! 
• This plan has two options, but overall it allows you to eat more cheaply if you plan on eating a few meals and snacks everyday while at the parks! With each meal you get a drink, and dessert, options for dessert include fruit, cake, chips, or even ice cream sundaes! 
• This is the link to Disney Dining Plan if you'd like more information!
• Depending on what park you are in, some quick service locations are cheaper and give you more food for your money! 
• For instance- in Magic Kingdom, Pinochio's Village (in Fantasyland) allows you to get italian food, such as spaghetti and pizza for a lower price than eating at Cosmic Rays (Tomorrowland) 
• For Hollywood Studios, stop by Pizza Planet (located next to the Muppets show) you can get pizza for the normal cost roughly $9, but it comes with a side salad included, which most other food locations don't! 

        Try to get the most food for your money! 

Food and Wine Festival!

       Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is the yummiest time of year! The festival for 2012 starts on September 28 and runs until November 12!

        In Epcot, there are 11 countries located in the World Showcase, but for the festival they construct booths that represent each country from around the world. For the festival there are 29 countries to pick from! This is a great time of year to visit Epcot because you can sample food and different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from around the world!

    Most small plates of food run from $3-$7, depending on what you're ordering and drinks run from $4-$8! As you drink and eat you're way around the World Showcase, you can get a passport! This passport is so fun to see which countries you visited, and its a free souvenir!

     In addition to just visiting all the countries booths, there are cooking class, wine tasting classes that you can sign up for while in the park! They also bring in famous chefs from around the world to teach!

     Although these classes are an addition cost to your park ticket they are once in a lifetime!

If you are in the orlando area, try and make a stop for the festival it's defiantly worth it! 

This is me at the Food and Wine festival from 2011! 

I am visiting the festival this year on opening weekend and I will make sure to post all about it! 

Tickets, Tickets, Tickets!

          As a Florida resident, I am able to visit Disney quite frequently, this can sometimes be a burden on my wallet but learning a few key tips can certainly help!

         First being, if you are a Florida resident, take advantage of it!! If you are a frequent visitor of the Disney parks think about investing in an annual pass! Many of these passes work out to roughly 4 or 5 trips before they pay for themselves!

-One of the best things Disney has done is put their annual passes on a monthly payment plan!  This allows people on a budget to enjoy the experience just as much!

          For people who are not Florida residents, don't get discouraged! You are not able to get discounted tickets, but they are usually promotions in the slow times of year!

But remember, be careful! There are too many places that will rip you off out there. Never buy a partially used ticket or from places offering extremely high discounts! There is nothing worse than getting to the turnstiles and getting turned away!

Holidays are busy for Disney, but one of the advantages of them is the specialty holiday theme parties in Magic Kingdom! 



    Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are separate admission tickets!!! Make sure to check you are NOT going to the parks on these days. It is a waste of a park ticket because you must exit the park at 7pm, if you do NOT have a separate ticket!


However, there is a plus to these parties!! If you purchase the ticket you are allowed to enter the park around 4pm (ending at midnight)! This $59.95 ticket also includes trick-or-treating for Halloween and hot chocolate and cookies for Christmas!

There are always ways around the 'rules' at Disney, don't get discouraged if you think its not in your budget!

Early Bird Gets The Worm

Getting the news that you’re going to Disney World is like Christmas morning. After the initial excitement wears off, you start to worry about how you’re going to pay of all of it. This is where I am here to help! I have been going to Disney World at least once a year since I was born; because of this I have learned plenty of incredible tips!

            One of the most important tips for Disney, as well as many other travel plans its to plan as far in advance as possible. This allows for rates and fares to be lower, also try and plan around the busier seasons of year! The least crowded and lowest rates usually occur:

• January: after the holidays are over, many people are getting back into routines, so many of the hotels and parks are empty
• Late April: until Memorial Day, this time of year is Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, where many free concerts and exhibits with park admission
• Late August through end of September: families are getting ready for the new school year. No kids – no crowds.

       During these times Disney is eager to get hotel and dining reservations filled! Also during these times you might be able to find cheaper airfare or train fare!

Unusual Tip: Don’t forget about the train, even though it might be a bit longer travel time there are surprisingly cheap fares!