Jaylene turned 16 on Saturday.  She's a pretty cool girl...in her honor, i'm sharing a terrific picture of her and Scott.  During our February 2011 trip there was a blizzard back home in Chicago. Closing schools and stopping traffic for hours. Places were closed 2-3 days, there were power outages, and it was, I imagine, pretty cold. We came across this snowman at Hollywood studios and thought we should get a picture and send it back to all our friends snowed in at home. They didn't think it was as funny as we did, but that's okay. Do you have any stories about weather at home or at Disney during your vacation?

According to long-time Lost and Found staffers, the most unusual items turned in have been a glass eye, a prosthetic leg and a potty trainer. Each, incidentally, was claimed (but not by the same person).

I'm a little obsessive about my stuff. I check and double check for my camera probably three times an hour. I remember getting frustrated with my brother when he forgot his wallet in the room--WITH HIS PARK TICKET IN IT! I couldn't imagine losing a prosthetic leg during a day in the park. My brother on the other hand would probably be checking lost and found by noon. What is the most unusual thing you've ever lost on vacation?

Happy Mothers Day!

Here's my mom, taking a break while shopping at Downtown Disney. My mom is awesome, and one of the first people to help me see that Disney really did hold magic for families. She spent hours planning our vacations when I was growing up, focusing on the things that each of us would enjoy so that all of us had a special experience. She worked full time, took care of us, and made the whole thing look easy. She's basically one of the coolest people I know, and so this magical monday is just for her!

There are enough Disney character T-shirts sold to put Mickey Mouse’s smiling face on the chest of every resident of Montana.

Need a few ideas to make your t-shirt into a timeless treasure? Purchase a t-shirt with the year of your stay on it and grab a permanent marker. Use the t-shirt all week and gather up character autographs. Once the shirt is outgrown, you can turn it into a pillow case or put it in a frame. Right now, my favorite Disney shirt is a white 2011 zip up sweatshirt. Do you have a favorite disney shirt?

See the May 2 post for current offers--remember free dining for September must be booked by May 18th!  Happy friday!

First Haircut!

Harmony Barber shop specializes in making even haircuts magical. Little ones getting their first haircut receive a certificate and mouse ears. They'll even wrap up that lock of hair to save for the baby book. With little extras like bubbles and stickers, a hair cut becomes a favorite activity. Pixie dust and colored gels are also a feature of this tucked away treasure.

Harmony isn't just for kids though. Adults are also welcome to stop in for a trim in this little corner of main street magic. Prices for all cuts from the smallest to the tallest range from $14-$22

Call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) for a reservation up to 180 days in advance. Harmony Barber Shop reservations requires payment or a credit card guarantee, and there is a one-day $10 cancellation policy. No same-day reservations can be made but walk-up appointments, if available, are accepted.

A note about tipping: Please be aware that tips are accepted at Harmony Barber Shop, but can not currently be processed with Disney’s credit and charge system. Guests should carry some cash if they want to offer a gratuity.

When laid end to end, there are enough of the famous “Mouse Ear” hats sold each year to stretch 175 miles or cover the head of every man, woman and child in Orange County, Florida

Could you imagine driving down 175 miles of Mouse Ear road? Thats 3 straight hours of mickey hats.

Not a traditional Mickey Ear fan? No problem. Mickey ears come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can get specialty ears to celebrate your special event or holiday experience. My favorite ears are the ones my daughter got during her first haircut at the Harmony Barber shop on Main Street. You can see my favorite ears and learn more about Harmony's hair cuts on Magical Monday! Do you have favorite ears?

News and Notes May 2, 2012

April Showers bring MAY...discounts! In today's newsletter, I'm going to make you aware of all the upcoming discounts being offered at Disney through September 29th, and I've also included information for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

If you haven't booked a trip yet, feel free to email me or give me a call at 815-214-9832.  Oh hey--or there is a link to the right that you can submit a request.  :)  I'm easy to reach!

I do all the work, so you can relax and enjoy your family and make magical memories. Services are free, and I can do as much or little as you need to make your experience truly one of a kind. Reservations, dining and customized touring plans are just a little of what I can do. I also monitor trips to make sure you get the best value possible. If you've already booked (through Disney) and want to transfer your reservation, let me know.

So,lets get started! First--the discounts!

Free dining is offered Aug. 25-Sept 29 but must be booked by May 18th!

Summer discounts: 15-30% off rooms June 15-Aug 15, booked by June 14.

Late Summer also offers discounts: 10-30% off rooms Aug. 15-Sept 29 (cannot be combined with free dining offers)

Next: Let's talk about the parties!

If you would like to purchase tickets for these events--shoot me an email or give me a call!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!
2012 Dates: 7:00 p.m. - Midnight

September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 & 30
October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31
November 2

Halloween at the Magic Kingdom is one of the most unique parties hosted by Disney. Come out for an evening of fun and see all your favorite Characters dressed up in their costumes. Watch for Cast Members from the Haunted Mansion. They are roaming the park, looking for new tenants perhaps...? Eek!

Returning this year is a spectacular Halloween-themed fireworks display -- “Happy HalloWishes” -- featuring spooky music from family-friendly Disney attractions and movies including Haunted Mansion and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” as well as the voices of memorable Disney characters such as Madame Leota, Ursula, Jafar, Maleficent and Oogie Boogie. The one and only Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parade will make it's way down Main Street USA, past all those ghostly shadows flying along the buildings. (Watch for the Headless Horseman.) The parade is shown twice. Unique floats include a Villains Float, Haunted Mansion Float, and Hades Float. The fog is thick, so watch your step. The decor of the evening is hay bales, cornstalks, balloons, and jack o lanterns... everywhere! Upon arriving guests receive a Trick-or-Treat bag with a few goodies, and can go to designated locations throughout the Magic Kingdom for even more treats.

Tickets: September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28

Advance Purchase: $55.95 for adults 10 and older, $50.94 for ages 3-9

Day of Event: $62.95 for adults, $57.95 ages 3-9

October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
November 2 (No discounts are available for Friday nights, October 5,12,26, 31)

Advance Purchase: $58.95 for adults 10 and older, $53.95 for ages 3-9

Day of Event: $64.95 for adults, $59.95 ages 3-9

Military Dates:
Sept.11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
$37.77/$36.77 plus tax
Up to 5 additional tickets for family and friends. Id requirements same as Mil Promotion tickets.

October 31$69.95for adults 10 and older, $64.95 for ages 3-9

This is a hard ticket event. Guests need to purchase a separate ticket for entry. Halloween Night always sells out in advance, so get your tickets early. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and are not included with any other ticket media.

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Guests already inside the Theme Park who have purchased admission for the "hard ticket event" for that day may return to the Main Entrance to have their hard ticket event admission swiped. The Guest will receive a wristband which will serve as proof of admission for the event later that evening. Guests with wristbands may stay in the park at closing; all other Guests will be asked to leave the park.

Boo! What? Where? & When?

Trick-or-Treating Goodies for your ghouls all evenings. Consult park map for locations. 7PM-12AM
Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade    8:15 & 10:30 PM
Halloween Dance Parties  Stitch's Cosmic Dance Party - Tomorrowland and Get Up & Boo-gie - Fantasyland
“Happy HalloWishes” Fireworks  9:30 PM
Villain's Mix and Mingle Your favorite Disney Villains take center stage in this Halloween production - stick around, you don't know who you may meet after the show.

Transportation to resorts will continue through the end of the party.

 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
7 p.m. - Midnight
2012 Dates:
November 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30;
December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21.

Pricing Advance-- 58.95/$53.95 plus tax

Same Day --$64.95 plus tax/$59.95

Premium Date - December 21 --$67.95/$62.95 plus tax

On an ordinary day during this season, Christmas in the Magic Kingdom is very festive in every way. A towering Christmas tree decorates Town Square and the whole place is decked out in Disney fashion, with garlands, wreaths, decorations and lights everywhere.  On select evenings during the Holiday season you can purchase tickets for the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party event, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, a complimentary family photo and button, and even SNOW... Don't miss the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade held twice during the evening. Also see a Special Holiday Wishes Fireworks.

Tickets/Dates: Military Dates
Nov.9, 12, 15, 25,27, 29
$41.27 plus tax/$37.77 plus tax

This is a hard ticket event. Guests need to purchase a separate ticket for entry. Walt Disney World limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many dates sell out in advance

Event tickets are valid only during specific dates and hours. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and are not included with any other ticket media.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Guests already inside the Theme Park who have purchased admission for the "hard ticket event" for that day may return to the Main Entrance to have their hard ticket event admission swiped. The Guest will receive a wristband which will serve as proof of admission for the event later that evening. Guests with wristbands may stay in the park at closing; all other Guests will be asked to leave the park.

What? Where? & When?
Cinderella's Holiday Wish --Castle Forecourt Stage
Mickey's Once upon a Christmastime Parade 8:15 & 10:30 PM
Holiday Wishes 9:30 PM

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland
See Santa Next to City Hall in Town Square
Character Dance Parties Join us in Fantasyland and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland for our Holiday Disney Character Dance parties.
Save 40% on Disney PhotoPass
Exclusively for the event. See any Disney PhotoPass Photographer for Details. Special Event Merchandise is also available in select locations throughout the park be sure to check your map for exact locations.