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We Came To Play!

We Came To Play!

Opening Magic Kingdom

Opening Magic Kingdom

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Saving For A Family Vacation



Folks are always interested in how to save money for a vacation and save money while on vacation. Click here to read our previous post about Saving ‘o the Green. And, many find creative ways to save, literally pennies, for future vacations.




I have read about change jars decorated like Mickey Mouse or decorated with Disney stickers that collect all the loose change which is later cashed in for spending money while traveling.



I have read about special vacation savings accounts with money deducted from each paycheck—kind of like a Christmas club account.



I have read about money being used to purchase Disney Gift cards or add money to existing gift cards with each paycheck. Note: Disney Gift cards don’t expire or lose money over time. Maximum load amount is $1,000.



So, while there are as many creative ways to save for an annual or every other year family vacation as there are families, here are some of our ideas.



I will preface this with the fact that we do not live an austere life. We enjoy many largesse habits—like cable, caffeine, and a twice monthly cleaning service. What we cut back on are things like going out to eat, going to movie theaters, alcohol consumption, and shopping trips. I use coupons when grocery shopping and shopping for almost anything else—even gas for the car, if I can.



When confronted with the “oh, I like that purse” (you can substitute anything in the place of purse), I consider whether or not it is a need or a want. Most of the time, it’s a want. Then I consider whether or not I would rather spend the money on the “purse” (again, substitute anything in place of purse) or use it towards a port adventure while we cruise, or pre-purchasing a Photopass CD, or a special tour or experience while traveling to Walt Disney World. The answer is usually yes, I would rather use those funds toward something for our family vacation, and besides, I already have a “purse.”



We do have change banks/jars. We do redeem cans for cash. We do stock up on sale items and store them in our freezer and pantry. We do eat most meals at home on a daily basis, including lunches—if possible—eat at home or pack with us. And, while those funds are not directly channeled towards Disney travel, they do affect the bottom line of the household budget which affects the available funds for family vacations.



When the boy gets cash as a gift for holidays and birthdays, 75% of it goes into his savings account. Before we travel, some of it is withdrawn and becomes his spending money during the trip.



It’s a matter of priorities. For us, the priority is family travel, specifically, Disney family travel.



Happy planning and safe travels to all!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Dining at Les Chefs de France in EPCOT



In our continued quest to dine “around the World” in World Showcase at EPCOT, we gave Les Chefs de France a try on our last trip.




Let me begin by saying I was a bit hesitant to book this ADR as my perception was that the restaurant would be a “stuffy” and not OK for an 8 year old boy. Then, I thought again. This is Disney and unless there was an incredibly high price tag or a policy on age, this restaurant was going to be just fine. And, we wanted to see Remy, also known as The Chef, as he makes periodic appearances at Les Chefs de France.



So on our last day at EPCOT, we had dinner at Les Chefs de France, but alas, upon check in, we learned that The Chef would not be making an appearance that day. While we were disappointed, we soldiered on and we were glad we did.



We ordered from the Price Fixe menu, which is on the left side of the menu and for around $40 each adult had an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. I had Lobster Bisque, which the boy had his spoon in repeatedly and both the husband and I had beef dishes. They were delicious. There is a children’s menu as well. The boy had a mixed green salad for his side and I was so proud of him, as the mixed greens were a variety of colors—not just green—and he devoured the salad.



The service was fast and friendly. The servers brought the boy a birthday surprise and the group sang to him—what a delight!




Les Chefs de France is a table service restaurant in the France Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. In addition to great restaurants—Bistro is here, too, there are lots of activities and beautiful gardens and fountains. . . and of course, the Eifel Tower!





Many characters can be found in France—Belle and The Beast, Princess Aurora, and Marie from Aristocats.




The World Showcase Players provide regular entertainment with Serveur Amusant—a balancing gymnast of sorts. Serveur Amusant draws quite a crowd with the tower of chairs. Check the Times Guide for performances that happen just outside Les Chefs de France. After all, Serveur Amusant is a waiter, so maybe he’s on a break from the restaurant.



How do you know a restaurant is a hit? When you are making your ADR’s for your next trip and the boy asks to eat there again. While we won’t be dining at Les Chefs de France on our next trip, we will definitely eat there again.



Oh, and about seeing The Chef, here’s a video of his appearances at Les Chefs de France:

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

180 Days Until Our 8th Trip to Walt Disney World


Today marks the 180 countdown until our next and 8th visit to Walt Disney World. And, since it is now 180 days, we made our ADR’s or Advanced Dining Reservations. We are booked!




Here’s the plan: We fly the day before our cruise on the Disney Dream then use Magical Express to take us to our resort. We have a reservation at T-Rex Café at Downtown Disney that evening. Now, we have eaten at T-Rex Café before, but in Kansas City, not Orlando. Click here to read about dining at T-Rex Café.



We will get to take in the sights and sounds of Downtown Disney before heading back to our resort. The next morning, we have a reservation to eat at O’HANA’s for breakfast with Lilo, Stitch and company. Then it is off, via Disney Cruise Line bus to Port Canaveral to board the Disney Dream.



After our 5 night cruise on board the Disney Dream, we will return to our resort via Disney Cruise Line bus for a 6 night stay. We have ADR’s for 5 dinners and 2 lunches. Our dining itinerary includes Mama Melrose, O’HANA’s, Crystal Palace, Coral Reef, Restaurant Marrakesh, Teppan Edo, and Chef Mickey’s. (The last time I wrote, we weren’t going to make it to Chef Mickey’s, but now the plans have changed.)



Ah, the plans are coming together nicely. Now, we need that one thing special, one thing different that we haven’t done before. I have an idea, but I’ll share more with you when the plans are finalized.



In the meantime, let even more Disney dreaming commence!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Disney Wonder Arrives On The West Coast


It seems Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Dream has been hogging all the press lately, so it is no wonder that the Disney Wonder’s arrival at San Pedro and the World Cruise Terminal just a few days ago, went virtually unnoticed. Unnoticed no more—this entry is to give the Wonder its due.




We have sailed on the Disney Wonder and have sailed out of the World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro, California, but not at the same time. Our first Disney cruise was a 4-night sailing on the Wonder. We were hooked! On Disney and on cruising with Disney.




We sailed out of the World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro on the Disney Magic for our 2nd Disney cruise and a 7 night voyage to the Mexican Riviera. (Note: The World Cruise Terminal was the terminal for the Love Boat.)

The World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro is a 20 minute drive from LAX and Long Beach is just on the other side of that big bridge in the photo above.


Interestingly, just as the Wonder arrived on the west coast, Disney announced changes to the Mexican Riviera itineraries, at least through February. The ship, originally was to make stops in Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. The stop at Mazatlan has been stopped—due to “changing conditions”—and a second stop in Cabo has been added instead.



While Cabo is beautiful, it is unfortunate that Mazatlan has been taken out of the list of ports. To read about our time in Mazatlan—click here.



One would venture to guess that Disney may change ports eventually—possibly Manzanilla, Ensenada, or Acapulco could be added in exchange for Mazatlan. We will have to wait and see!



The Wonder will offer 7 night Mexican Riviera sailings until April, then reposition to Vancouver and offer for the first time ever, Disney cruises to Alaska during the spring and summer of 2011.



The Wonder is scheduled to stay on the west coast for the next 5 years.



We are still hoping for Disney to break the news that the Wonder will offer cruises to Hawaii. Our fingers are crossed! And, with the recent changes in the Mexican Riviera itineraries, there may need to be more shuffling of the cruise offerings.


Welcome to the west coast, Disney Wonder! 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sometimes You're Going To Get Wet At Disney--EPCOT

 This is the 2nd part in a series of posts. To read part 1, click here.




Now, EPCOT, has no attractions that are deemed water attractions. At the same time, it is very possible to get quite wet, even soaked at EPCOT. Here’s how. . .




Fountains—EPCOT is loaded with fountains. You’ll find fountains near the entrance, the Fountain of Nations in the middle of Future World, and fountains in almost every country in World Showcase—Germany, Italy, American Adventure, France, and United Kingdom. Countries that don’t have fountains, have waterfalls—Canada, Norway. And if no fountain or waterfall, you might find a Koi pond, like in Japan, or a quiet stream in China.






There are even leaping fountains found outside the Imagination Pavilion and an upside down waterfall. While the fountains are meant to be looked at and enjoyed, the husband has actually taken the boy and lifted him in the air so that he could “catch” one of the leaping fountains. See what I mean about getting soaked, even though there are no water attractions?

Here's a cool video capturing the leaping fountains in slow motion:




Future World also hosts a few spots for cooling off and getting wet. There is a set of bubble, dare I say jets, and cool misters just past Innoventions East—pass MouseGear on the way to Test Track. At the exit to Test Track, you can find Cool Wash—a cool mister area sponsored by Coco-Cola. The area is themed to look like a car wash for a Test Track Car and when the “brushes” spin, they look like Coco-Cola bottles. There are also cool misters just past Innoventions West on the way to the Living Seas Pavilion.




The place where the boy has gotten the most wet is in the bubble/jet sprays on the walk-way from Future World to World Showcase. You know the ones—on the right as you are heading into World Showcase. These areas can be a great temptation for wee ones. We just let him get wet, unless it is chilly. He’ll dry eventually.




I know I said that EPCOT doesn’t have any attractions that are noted for being water attractions, but there are some attractions that rely on water. Let’s start with Maelstrom, the flume ride in Norway. Guests board a miniature Viking ship for a sail through Norway, complete with polar bears and trolls. Then there’s Living with the Land. While the name implies a “land” attraction, it is actually a tram of boats that take riders through the attraction. Think Small World but with educational stuff about farming and growing and without the music. The Mexico Pavilion hosts another boat ride--Gran Fiesta Tour.  There's a beautiful "lake" inside this pavilion where you can shop or dine.  Let’s not forget the entire Living Seas Pavilion with Nemo and Friends. That ride is UNDER the water!




EPCOT certainly isn’t a water park, no where near, but water can be found throughout the park. In fact, water is integral in the design and landscape of the park. Water is also integral to Illuminations the night time spectacular held on and over World Showcase Lagoon. Illuminations wouldn’t be the same without water!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Disney Cruise Line--Our Favorite Port Adventures

A faithful reader asked about our favorite excursions or Port Adventures, as they are now referred to, from our Disney cruises.




Interestingly, when I gave this topic a bit more thought, a pattern emerged. Each of our favorites involved water and some sort of water animal, especially stingrays.

So here are the favorites, more in chronological order rather than “top 3” order:



Blackbeard’s Cay in Nassau in the BahamasClick here to read more.  It was a lengthy port adventure with sand, water, snorkeling, and stingrays.  Reasonably priced, too!



The dolphin encounter in Cabo San Lucas.  While the boy was supposed to be the only one who got in on the act, the husband and I were allowed to get in the water at the end for an up close and personal moment with the dolphin.  Plusses—most reasonably priced dolphin excursion we have found;  adults did not have to pay for an “observer” excursion, as we have found in most other dolphin port adventures.  Click here to read more about our time in Cabo.




Stingrays on Castaway Cay!  Do I need to say anymore?  Castaway Cay is the highlight of most Disney cruises and during our last visit, we did the hour long stingray encounter.  Pros—the commute was excellent, as we were already on the island;  price was right;  and you could schedule for almost any hour—we did ours early in the day.  Click here to read more.


Now that I have thought about this more, it makes more sense as to what Port Adventures we are looking at for our next cruise—a sea lion encounter and parasailing.  Let’s hope we are able to do both!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Meeting Lotso From Toy Story 3


Nestled in the Magic of Disney Animation building at Hollywood Studios, is a meet and greet designed exclusively for Lotso, short for Lotso Hugging Bear, from Toy Story 3.


Now, if you have seen the movie, you know that Lotso isn’t as huggable and lovable as he once was. And as the husband puts it, he is one evil bear. But, when greeting guests at Hollywood Studios, Lotso demonstrates mostly hugs.




The queue for Lotso is themed with Sunnyside Day Care pictures and notes. There is even a collage of pictures of Toy Story characters made to look like they were colored by kids. Who knows, maybe they were.


 When you have navigated the queue, Lotso will greet you with a bit hug. And, he smells like strawberries. Really, he does!




A Disney Photopass Photographer is on hand to capture the moments for you. Lotso’s handler took him our autograph book and had him sign his autograph.




It is hard not to love this giant, purple, hugging bear.  I guess we just have to believe that like all things at Disney, meeting Lotso would be magical. 


Note:  You can get to the character meet and greet location by enjoying the show inside the Magic of Disney Animation or you can go into the art store, just to the right of the entrance to the Magic of Disney Animation and go through the back of the store into the location to meet characters.  After seeing the show with Mushu a couple of times, we have learned to take the “back way.” 


Here’s a video clip of our meeting with Lotso.  Too bad we don’t have “smellevision” so you could smell the strawberries!


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Disney Cruise Line Kids' Clubs


I was browsing the boards at Passporter.com the other day and a question popped up about when the kids go to the kids’ clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. Good question!




Our family has enjoyed 3 Disney cruises and we are happily preparing for our 4th Disney cruise. The first was March 2007—the boy was 4. The second was July 2008—the boy was 5. The third was December 2009—the boy was 7, and he will be 8 for our next cruise. So, we have had lots of experience with the kids’ clubs on board.



The kids’ clubs on board have historically been divided into age categories. The nursery is for children 12 weeks to 3 years, the Club for kids 4-7, the Lab for kids 8-12, and then a teen location for 13-17. Recently, there have been changes to the system to allow for more flexibility.



One change happened just after our last cruise with the blending of activities for the 4-10 year old crowd. Disney began to offer strands or themed activities so families could pick and choose the activities the kids would like, rather than be assigned to an age specific activity.



We ran into that dilemma during our first cruise. The boy really wanted to learn “How to be a pirate,” but that activity was for the 5-8 year olds. With some pursasion, he was able to join the activity with the older kids. By the time we experienced our 3rd cruise, there was definitely more mixing of the ages for the activities. He spent more time in the Lab than in the Club, even though he was 7.



The blending of ages and activities is certainly helpful for families, as siblings can participate in activities together or separately, if they desire.



With the addition of the new ship, additional space has been dedicated to the 10-12 year olds in one of the funnels of the ship. The 13-17 year olds now the entire bow of the ship on Deck 5 and I hear it is one of the coolest spaces ever with both indoor and outdoor space.



As far as when kids go to the clubs, the answer is almost anytime. Typically, the kids areas are open for registration on the first afternoon and early evening on board, then after that, they are open morning ‘til night. And for the older kids, I understand activities are happening until the wee hours of the morning.



The boy enjoys going to the club when he has finished eating. Since dining on a cruise is part of the experience, and meals can last 90 minutes or more, when we sit down for dinner, we order his entire meal and ask for it to be served at the same time. So he eats his dinner, including dessert in about the same amount of time it takes for us to eat our appetizer. Then, he is off to the club and we leisurely enjoy the rest of our meal. (The only time we don’t do this is when it is “show night” at Animator’s Palate—which entertains everyone!) When we are finished eating, we might take stroll around the ship or browse the shops before the evening show. If it is a show the boy would like, we stop by and pick him up in the club. If not, he stays while we see the show and then we pick him up.



Since port days can be very busy with shore excursions or port adventures, he doesn’t spend much time in the club on those days, other than after dinner. On sea days, he can choose to hang out with us or go to the club. His choice—the club. On our last cruise, the last sea day, he and his dad saw The Princess and the Frog movie in the theater after breakfast while I hung out by the pool on Deck 10. After the movie the boy decided he wanted to go to the club rather than swim. OK. We checked in on him around lunch time. He wanted to stay and have lunch. OK. Toy Story boot camp followed and he didn’t rejoin us until almost time for dinner.



If the kids are in the clubs during meals, they make their way to a designated restaurant to eat. This even happens on Castaway Cay if the kids are at the kids’ club on the island.



There are no fees for the clubs for the 4 and up crowd. The nursery has an hourly fee and reservations are needed. Parents can make those reservations on-line prior to their cruise. For the 10 and up group, drinks—smoothies, are sometimes made and served, so I’m guessing there would be a charge for those drinks while in the teen and pre-teen clubs. If someone knows that for sure, please add a comment.



The families with kids registered for the kids clubs on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are given pagers. This way, the parents can be sent a message if their child needs something while in the club. On the Disney Dream, guests will receive 2 wave phones in their staterooms. If a child in a club needs something, the Cast Members will call or text the phones.



We have heard stories of families where their child doesn’t want to go the club or is hesitant. If that is the case, the parents are welcome to attend the club with their child. This may help the child feel more comfortable. Also, going to the club on the very first day—during open house and registration—can be helpful as this as when acquaintances form and there may be a familiar face in the group the next time the child returns. On our last cruise, our table mates had a daughter the same age as the boy. She was hesitant to go to the club, but when she knew the boy was going, she was more eager. Often, the two of them would go together. The other family was grateful that she felt more comfortable going to the club—it was their 3rd Disney cruise, too.



Disney cruising to me is family cruising and their goal is make sure that every member of the family has an incredible vacation experience. That goal extends to the kids clubs on board. We have always been pleased and the boy can’t wait to try out the new facilities on the Dream!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Magic, The Memories, And You!


Disney is hosting a media event this evening at Walt Disney World.  I'm sure the web will be filled with news tonight and tomorrow about upcoming events and happenings throughout Walt Disney World.

The video above demonstrates the projection test for guest photos to be projected onto Cinderella's Castle each evening as part of the "Let The Memories Begin" campaign.  As I understand it, Photopass Photos will be displayed during "The Magic, The Memories, And You!  show each night just prior to Wishes.

The media event tonight is part 1 of a 2 part, 2 day media bonanza.  The second part will come tomorrow during the Christening of the Disney Dream.  A live broadcast is scheduled for 10:30 am Eastern Time and can be viewed on the Disney Parks Blog site or the Disney Cruise Line web-site.

Will we get news about itineraries for the remainder of 2012?  We can only hope!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sometimes You're Going To Get Wet At Disney--Magic Kingdom

This post, no, this series, was the brainchild of the husband over a breakfast of Mickey waffles. I don’t exactly recall where the conversation started, but I do know where it ended. . . with the idea that sometimes you are going to get wet at Disney.




Let’s start with the Magic Kingdom. While there is the obvious attraction, Splash Mountain, where any unsuspecting Disney guest can get wet, or even soaked, there are certainly other places in the Magic Kingdom that provide an opportunity to get wet.



But back to Splash Mountain for a moment. . . One would think that riders get wet on the big drop, the big slide down Slippin’ Falls. Yes, you can get wet there, especially at the bottom. But the big soaker is before that; it is when your log goes in front of Slippin’ Falls and just to the other side of the briar patch, if you are in the right place at the right time a huge spray of water can come your way. If you want a chance to stay dry, sit on the left side of the log, meaning you get in first.



We are purists when it comes to riding water rides.  No ponchos for us.  If it is water ride, then you are taking the risk of getting wet.  That’s part of the attraction, part of the adventure, part of the suspense.  We have ridden Splash Mountain with guests draped in ponchos.  They were so worried about getting wet and staying dry, that they seemed to miss the story—the fun!  And, trust me, I have been soaked so thoroughly by Splash Mountain that it took hours for my denim shorts to dry.  Yeah, not the most comfortable thing, but it is all part of the experience.  And, beside, where else can you walk around with soaked hair and soaked clothes and still have the time of your life?




Now, back to more of the Magic Kingdom. . . Just in Adventureland, there are several opportunities to get wet. There are the Tiki’s between the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and Jungle Cruse. Sometimes guests get a bit of water spray from the elephants during the Jungle Cruise. There is that spitting camel on Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Sometimes you can feel a bit of a splash during the short drop during Pirates of the Caribbean.



Before Toontown closes on February 11, guests could get wet on Donald’s Boat with it sprays and misters.



There are also misters in Tomorrowland, not too far from Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.



Before Ariel’s Grotto closed to make way for the Fantasyland Expansion, guests could get a little wet there in the sprays.



Another place to get wet is at Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Huh? Yep, it’s during the champagne scene, when the corks come off, guests will feel the “bubbly.”



Have I missed any places to get wet at the Magic Kingdom? If so, please let us know by posting a comment.



Stay tuned for getting wet at EPCOT.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Disney/Pixar's 'Cars 2' New Hi-Res Character Images and Profiles

Disney/Pixar's 'Cars 2' New Hi-Res Character Images and Profiles

More Dreamin' About the Disney Dream


Each day brings us closer to our 4th Disney Cruise and our first on Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Dream. Disney announced last week that they will have a live broadcast during the ship’s christening beginning at 10:30 am Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, on both the Disney Cruise Line site and Disney Parks Blog site.




In the meantime, I found a video from the ship—click here to take a look. The video is about 30 minutes and at the beginning you can hear the wind, but it gives you a look at the Donald and Mickey Pools, as well as the Adult’s Only Quiet Cove Pool. The boy wanted to know if there were still the two mini-pools in Mickey’s ears in the Mickey pool, like on the Magic and Wonder. The answer-- no. Mickey’s pool is square, but with the face of Mickey on the bottom—and it seems bigger. The Mickey slide doesn’t empty into or nearby the pool, but to the side. I think this is so the pool can be completely covered for more space for deck parties.



You also get to peek at Cabanas, which is not a buffet location, but a food court, and Remy, Palo, and the Meridian Lounge, just up one deck. Everyone at our house was excited to see the seafood station in Cabanas. Check out the blue and white striped awning in the entrance to Cabanas and the “palm trees” that hit the ceiling. While there’s no “sand” in Cabanas, there are pictures, almost etchings, of various sand castles on the walls.



If you want to see even more of the Dream, check out the video series on the Disney Cruise Line site. Cruise Director, Rachael, has made a series of videos—The Disney Dream Revealed. I smile at the one about the staterooms where she is under the bed to show you that there is even more room to store your luggage. I also got to see the round shower/bathtub—plenty of room for shaving legs.



I’m sure there will be plenty more photos and videos coming in the next weeks as more guests board the Disney Dream. But I still want to know when the itineraries for the remaining months of 2012 will be announced. Maybe on the 19th or soon after the Dream’s Inaugural Sailing on Jan. 26? In the meantime, I’m waiting for a set of Disney sand toys I ordered from e-bay for $6 with free shipping to arrive. They come in their own Mickey shaped basket like container that allow for rinsing and sand removal and sell for $10 in the parks and resorts. They will be great for Castaway Cay!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Disney Rocks! At Hollywood Studios

It seems that if you hang out in the courtyard in front of the large Sorcerer Mickey hat in Hollywood Studios, you would get in on a lot of action. . . characters, shows, block parties, etc. And, during our last trip to Hollywood Studios, after meeting the characters in the center court, we stayed for the new show, Disney Rocks. Disney Rocks had replaced High School Musical 3 just a few weeks prior to our visit.



We stayed on one side of the courtyard for a few minutes prior to the show. We knew to do this, as when the ropes go up, you can’t even get to the courtyard from Hollywood Boulevard. When the ropes went up inside the courtyard, we were asked to stay behind the rope. No problem.



Soon we heard the mobile show. The show comes down Hollywood Boulevard and enters the courtyard, makes a turn and voila, the show is ready to begin.



After the first song, the guides bring the ropes to the center and guests follow.  We were front and center.



The music is contagious and you can’t help clapping, swaying, and singing along if you know the words.



At one point, the kids are invited to join.  Our not so shy boy eagerly joined to show his cool moves.  You can see in the progression of pictures that he quickly finds someone to dance with and is then joined by one of the cast.


The show ends with a bang of streamers shooting into the sky. Amazingly enough, these streamers are either snagged up by kids who want to a few moments to play in them, or swept up by cast members. The only remnants that remain when the show is over and makes another turn to move back down Hollywood Boulevard are the echoes of the music and smiles.




.
We were able to capture a bit of Disney Rocks! on video. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World--Summer 2011--Here We Come!

 I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it. . .! Our summer of 2011 travel plans are finalized! Airfare has been purchased. And, once that happens, there’s no turning back—at least without a hefty fee.




We were already booked on a 5-night sailing aboard the Disney Dream. We booked that cruise while on board the Magic over a year ago. We found that re-booking on board typically includes a discount and on-board credit towards your next cruise.



Then we added a night’s stay at Walt Disney World prior to our cruise since we are flying the day before. When we have flown prior to a cruise, we have stayed at the Hyatt at Orlando International, but this time we wanted a bit more Disney.




Our plan is to go to Downtown Disney that evening, then have a character breakfast the next morning before a Disney bus whisks us away to Port Canaveral.




After our cruise, we will once again be magically transported via Disney bus, to Walt Disney World for a 7 day/6 night stay. Yeah!



We learned that Disney’s Magical Express will take you to your resort hotel, even if you not purchasing park tickets, meal plans, etc. We are staying one night, that’s all, and we will still get the lovely bag tags to have our luggage magically appear in our room after we check it in at the airport. I love that part!



We learned that our favorite airline, AirTran, has the best rates out of Moline, Illinois. Now, where we live, there are several airports within a 2-4 hour driving distance. . . Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha, Cedar Rapids, St. Louis. After checking—repeatedly, Moline had the best rates. I say that with the tone of a whisper, as this small but mighty airport is great to navigate. We can also get a park ‘n’ fly room just across the street for about $60, which is a great savings over paying to park our car for 13 days.


We learned that while Disney has offered land/sea packages in the past and the land portion could only be before your cruise, there are now many more options available for guests wanting to take a Disney Cruise and make a visit to Walt Disney World.  Even a recent spot from the Disney Mom’s panel, suggested taking the cruise first before tackling the parks, which is exactly what the husband wanted to do.  Reason being that the cruise is typically the most expensive part of your vacation—tips, port adventures, etc. and that getting to the port can take longer than returning from the port, so you can get the most out of your day at the parks if you go after you disembark.  All true!




Our dining has been decided. Now we wait for the 180 day window to open to make our ADR’s. Deciding on dining made for some interesting conversations at the dinner table last night. OK, which do you prefer—Teppan Edo or Coral Reef? That one was so hard to decide, that we are doing both. We are leaving off Chef Mickey’s this trip in exchange to try out a new restaurant at EPCOT. I did put Crystal Palace back in the rotation. Since we are using the Disney Dining Plan, we have 6 table service credits, and we are using half of them at EPCOT. The husband said, “Well, they just have lots of good restaurants there.” Yes, they do! And, we have that goal of eating around the world at World Showcase.




The laptop came to the breakfast table Sunday morning as we browsed the deck plan of the Disney Dream. Goofy’s Sports Deck on deck 13 was a fascination of all. With 9 holes of miniature golf, sport simulators, walking track, and a basketball/volleyball/soccer court, I imagine we are going to spend a lot of time here during our cruise. When we stayed at an all inclusive resort in Cancun a couple of years ago, the resort had a miniature golf course. That was our nightly stop after dinner. I imagine that the miniature golf course will used almost daily on the ship, too.



So, why book now? Well, January is AAA’s Disney Month. Our travel professional is a AAA travel professional. So, not only did we receive AAA’s great rates—which were lower than the on-line rates at the Disney web-site, we get a $25 gift card and free Disney photo book. Also, if Disney offers a special between now and our time of travel, it is possible to change our reservation and take advantage of any specials.

Cruise #4 and Walt Disney World trip #8 here we come! When will #9 be?