Some Disney "Wishes" for Our Next Trip to Walt Disney World!

“A dream is a wish your hearts makes. . . when you are fast asleep” but I have been dreaming, Disney dreaming that is, while wide awake.  And because of that, there are some “wishes” for our upcoming trip:

Wish #1:  That we get selected, randomly or otherwise, to test MagicBands and Fastpass +.  I have logged into My Disney Experience on-line and our plans are there, but nothing indicating MagicBands or Fastpass +.  I do have the app on a mobile device and next will be to put it on my new Smartphone (yes, I went there!).

MagicBands are bracelets worn by guests that incorporate the latest in RFiD technology and include all information such as tickets, dining, Fastpasses, etc. all with the touch or tap of the bracelet.  Fastpass+ is the ability to pre-select various Fastpass attractions and experiences prior to arriving at the parks and have the information electronically loaded into MagicBands.   Planners will love Fastpass + as it allows guests to preselect times for attractions, etc. 

I got wind of an internet rumor that guests at Coronado Springs were being selected for the MagicBand trials.  Pick me, pick me!  Sign us up!  I will be looking for Cast Members with iPads at Disney’s Magical Express at the airport as well as in the registration area of the resort.

Wish #2:  That the Limited Time Magic theme for our stay, which has yet to be announced, is Long Lost Friends.  Limited Time Magic is the year long Disney theme for 2013 featuring various themed events and celebrations throughout the year, each for a limited time.  The Long Lost Friends theme has shown up twice yet so far this year and we would love to see it again as it features unusual and not often found characters.  This wish is for the husband as he would love to meet the Big Bad Wolf. 

We do know that there will be a Summer Beach Party happening at Typhoon Lagoon, Lone Ranger merchandise will be available, and Mike and Sully will be providing our wake-up calls during our stay, all a part of various Limited Time Magic themes and celebrations.

Wish #3:  This one is for the boy, who along with his mother, would love to somehow obtain a visit to or stay at Cinderella’s Castle Suite.  I asked on a message board site if guests are still being randomly selected for this privilege, similar to Year of a Million Dreams, and most replies indicated no, as a stay was being used for prizes for various contests or the Make a Wish Foundation.  There was one hopeful reply to my message and it said that after reading our blog, if anyone could make a stay in the Castle Suite happen, we could! 

One never knows what sort of magic and surprises we have in store for us during our upcoming trip to the most magical place on earth.  All I know is that we are up for it. . . whatever it is!  Our rule:  Say “yes.” 

Tough Disney Questions

Sometimes the husband asks me tough questions.  Yesterday while at the soccer fields, we took a moment to savor the number of days until our next trip to Walt Disney World.  The husband then asks, other than Toy Story Mania, what ride are you most looking forward to?

I paused, speechless, as it is so hard for me to pinpoint something specific, as I enjoy almost every aspect of a Disney vacation, but I thought for a moment and then responded.  I told him I was looking forward to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as we had yet to experience the new interactive queue.  I added Splash Mountain, Dinosaur, and Everest for the ride photos.  Tower of Terror is on my list because it will be the first time the boy is going to ride it AND the ride photo—ride photos are included with Photopass +.  But then there are some favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight and Soarin’.  It is too hard to pick ONE that I am most looking forward to.

Then, he asks another question.  What restaurant am I most looking forward to?  I almost growl as this question. . . it is too hard! 

I begin with ‘Ohana’s as it is a family favorite and never disappoints.  Then I add Nine Dragons as it will be new for us.  Rose & Crown was on the list as we will get to see Illuminations.  Be Our Guest is another new restaurant I am excited to see and we added The Plaza to our list for our upcoming trip.  Then there is Rainforest Café which will be a new adventure for us.  How could I pick just one favorite?

The table turned and I asked him a question, but it wasn’t at soccer.  It was while he was scouring around to pack items for a Scout campout, working from a list.  I asked if he now knew what it was like to pack for a trip?  He answered, “no.”  Because I have it laid out ahead of time which makes it easier.  What?  How does the stuff get laid out ahead of time?  Magically?  No, I do it.  But since I do it over time rather than in one hurried and harried moment, it makes it easier according to his perspective.  Hmm. . . packing for 3 people for multiple days and nights or packing for 2 people for one night—which one might be easier?  I keep telling him that he gets to pack for our next vacation and he keeps reminding me that I enjoy packing.  I sense this is a strategy on his part to stay away from packing.  In the meantime, he keeps distracting me with Disney questions!

Disney Dreaming--A Stay In Cinderella's Castle Suite?

Because of Disney we believe that a dream is a wish your heart makes.  Lately, our boy has been expressing the desire, the wish, the dream of somehow making his way to the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom and getting to stay there.  While this dream could have been a reality during the “Year of a Million Dreams” that lasted more than a year, the reality now is uncertain.

I am aware that overnight stays in the Castle Dream Suite are often prizes in contests and give-aways.  Also, I have been told that stays are provided to the rich and famous, a status beyond our reach.  Charities and foundations have also been afforded the elusive Castle Suite for deserving clients.  And, thankfully, the boy doesn’t qualify in this category either.

Just knowing his dream, made me inquire about the status of the Castle Suite on the message boards,  In addition to obtaining helpful information about the status, I was cautioned about “not setting his expectations too high” as he would be disappointed.  Was I “fanning” the flame of his desire and setting him up to be disappointed?  What a fine line for a parent to walk to not squelch his dreams.

One comment to my message board post was hopeful and warmed my heart.  The poster said they had been to our blog and with our string of luck if there was anyone who could make it happen, we could.  I replied with thanks as we have been very fortunate in our magical Disney experiences and for that we are so grateful!

We don’t march into the Magic Kingdom or any other park expecting or demanding magical experiences—they just happen—typically when our family is making magic of its own.  When the boy expressed the desire to light the Christmas tree on the Disney Dream, my response to him was to ask when he got on board.  And, boy did he!  His persistence and his dream made for a magical experience—click here to read more.  So, that is my response to his dream of staying in Cinderella’s Castle Suite;  ask when we get to Walt Disney World.  Will he remember?  I’m sure of it.  Will he ask and inquire?  Yes, he will.  Will he be okay with any answer?  Definitely.  Will his dream make or break our vacation?  No way!  

There is always room to pack faith, trust, and pixie dust in our luggage.  That, and knowing that dreams really do come true!

Plans Coming Together For Next Disney Vacation

Our next Disney vacation is about 200 days away.  So close and yet so far!  Plans are well underway and flights are booked.

The trip includes a 5 night cruise on the Disney Dream.  We will be flying in the day before and staying overnight at the Hyatt at Orlando International Airport.  It is so easy and convenient to stay there as luggage is handled for us and we get up the next morning, go downstairs at the airport and catch a bus to the port.

After disembarking, we are heading to Walt Disney World for a 3 night stay at Coronado Springs.  We have a 1 day park ticket, as in order to add the dining plan to our stay, we had to purchase at least a one day ticket.  We plan to use that ticket in Hollywood Studios.  Downtown Disney and the resort pool are on our list of things to do.

Our travel agent has our ADR’s or Advanced Dining Reservations requests.  One favorite, one familiar, and one new restaurant are planned.  Keeping our fingers crossed that we are able to get the days/times/restaurants we want as we are traveling during a busy time of year.

In addition to looking forward to the trip, there’s the anticipation of booking our next Disney vacations while we are there.  Most likely, we will rebook our next cruise while on board and I think it is unanimous that we want to try the Disney Fantasy next.  Then, there’s the opportunity for a “bounce back” special while we are staying at Walt Disney World which gives a discount for booking your next Disney World stay at a discount if you reserve before you leave.  This, too, can lead to significant savings.

Disney dreaming is a favorite past time for our family.  And, as I have told the husband many times, I am much happier when I have a Disney trip in my future!

It's Been 9 Months Since Our Last Disney Cruise!

It’s been 9 months since our Disney Cruise.  I’m saying that with a bit of a whine in my voice, as it will be another 8 months until we cruise again with Disney.

The topic of our next trip came up at dinner the other night.  The husband and the boy were wondering what movies would be shown on the ship and how they would watch while eating pizza and hamburgers.

We pondered about the boy needing a watch, as he would be old enough to check himself in and out of the kids’ club.  Having a watch would help him keep track of the time and when he needed to be somewhere, etc.

I fantasized about the white sand between my toes at Castaway Cay.  The husband drooled about a bucket of cold beers while on the beach.  He then wondered if Phineas and Ferb would be on the ship.

The boy then asked, “When do we fly?” as if he were visualizing the trip in his head.

We are definitely looking forward to our next Disney cruise on the beautiful Disney Dream.  Great service, great food, a great stateroom, and great entertainment are just the beginning!

We have much to look forward to and much to be grateful for!