Art of Animation

Here's a pretty princess, ready to let you explore her world at Art of Animation. 

The regular rooms opened just a few weeks ago, and Ariel and her gang were ready to greet families. 

If you wanted to stay in all the guestrooms in all of the resorts currently open on Walt Disney World Property, it would take over 68 years.

Thats moving rooms every single night, and it doesn't include Disney's brand new Art of Animation resort.  I think I'll settle for staying at a different resort each trip. 

We've been having a great week at Disney's Fort Wilderness resort as it is our family favorite.  We plan to try a few others over the next year, but when we travel with a large group, the cabins are a great way to relax and spread out. 

The giant Big Wheel in th 1970's section at Disney's Pop Century can accomodate a child rider weighing 877 pounds.

This fact is another example of detail, as it can be found on the "recommended child weight" sticker attached to the gigantic toy. 

Another fun fact:  We're arriving at Disney this afternoon!  I'm so excited!  I'm pretty sure everyone in the car wishes I would fall asleep!

The musical notes across the registration desk at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter play out the first verse of "when the saints go marching in"

It's small details like placing actual sheet music on the walls that match the theme of the resort that makes Disney the leader in guest immersion and experience.  No details are overlooked, including the details of the decor. 

Swimming for everyone!

Many Disney resorts have more than just pools.  The moderate and deluxe resorts also have water slides.  All of the resorts also feature a kids splash area for smaller children where they can play independently.  With water only coming up to their knees, water play areas like this one at Caribbean Beach make relaxing at the pool even more fun for mom and dad as their little ones can enjoy the water without worrying about floating off into deeper waters. 

The Mosaic mural in the 4th floor lobby at Disney's Contemporary Resort was created with 1800 one square foot tiles and took 18 months to construct.

If you look closely at this mural, there is a 5-legged goat facing the monorail track.  It was created in 1971 for the grand opening of the Walt Disney World resort complex.  Have you ever stopped to explore this mural?

Stormalong Bay, at Disney's Beach club holds 750,000 gallons of water, making it the largest sand-bottom pool in the world.

Not only is it the largest sand-bottom pool, it is also one of the highest ranked pools in all of central Florida.  Stormalong bay boasts a big slide, a kiddie slide and a lazy river all as part of it's pool complex.  Not only that, Disney's Beach club is just a short walk to Epcot so it's in a great location, too!

It would take nearly 9.5 MILLION tennis balls to fill one of the tennis ball cans at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort.

9.5 million is a lot of tennis balls.  If these balls were lined up next to each other, they would stretch from Disney World all the way to Key West.  Of course, you'd have to keep them lined up, and you'd have to figure out how to keep them from floating away once you approached Key West but its all in the numbers I suppose. 

Disney only has one full time harpist.

The harpist entertains diners at Victoria and Alberts, a signature dining experience at Disney's Grand Floridian. 

Victoria and Albert's, along with several other high end dining experiences are scattered throughout Walt Disney World.  These locations are perfect for romantic celebrations such as honeymoon's and anniversaries.  It is also a perfect choice for someone looking for a quiet, more formal night out during vacation, or what we like to call "a reason to dress up". 

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.

*Covering 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 25,000 acres, less than 35 percent has been developed with a quarter designated as a wilderness preserve.*

Size Matters. Walt Disney World being so big attributes a lot to the magic. Once you enter property, you are surrounded by people just like you. You're cut off from the regular world, and you're living in the Disney experience.

That is one of the single greatest benefits of staying on property. You are truly on vacation from the outside world. Disney takes care of every detail, from getting your stuff to your room to driving you anywhere you want to go. If you forgot something, stop by guest relations or the resort gift shop and they're sure to have what you need.

* It would take more than 20 million 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola to fill one of the humongous Coke cups at Home Run Hotel in Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.*

I am a soda addict. Seriously. I just love pop. I think I’ve mentioned this before. I also love baseball. So, lets take a few minutes to talk about the All-Star Sports resort. While some people have the idea that a “value” resort is not as high quality as the moderate or deluxe resorts, that isn’t true when it comes to extraordinary attention to detail in the theme of the resort, the cleanliness or the Disney cast member service. The resort has two fantastically detailed pools. The main pool being surf themed, and the smaller pool being baseball themed and shaped like a baseball diamond. The baseball pool also has the added feature of Goofy on the mound, shooting water at passing swimmers. There is also a playground and video arcade.

The End-Zone food court offers a variety of different counter service options throughout the day. For anyone on the dining plan, this is the place to use those refillable mugs up! Nearby is also Goofy’s Gifts, with a wide variety of Disney merchandise and vacation necessities. Like all Disney on-site resorts, complimentary transportation is offered to all the theme parks, water parks and downtown Disney.

POP into vacation mode!

I have to admit, having stayed at other value resorts, I was expecting POP Century to be about the same. We were traveling with my brother and sister-in-law on their first every Disney experience. We let them pick the resort, and they wanted to stay at POP. Having never been there, I was a little nervous because I wanted everything about this trip to be special for them. As soon as we pulled in, I knew I had nothing to worry about. The outstanding theming begins as you travel down a long entrance road. With signs advertising Color TV’s and Air Conditioned rooms, my sister-in-law immediately begins reading everything in sight and laughing.

Check in was smooth, we waited for about maybe 5 minutes, which was no big deal as we had arrived around 4:30. We were assigned a room in the 1960’s right next to the steps on the second floor close to the main building. The room was clean, and even though we were four adults we had enough room to unpack and relax a little. We were there at the end of February and unsure about using the pool, however, we were able to swim two different nights coming back from the parks, which was a nice relaxing way to end the day. The pool never felt overly crowded and was warm. The food court was always very busy, but the lines moved quickly and there was plenty of seating to accommodate the crowd. The selection is typical counter service, but was usually hot and fresh. Since our room was so close to the main building, we were able to utilize the refillable mug more than we had been able to on previous visits, so I was pleased with that as well.

Bus service to the parks was good, and we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. Bus service to Downtown Disney was not as good, and we ended up driving on two different occasions after waiting more than 20 minutes for the bus.

Overall, POP Century is a great value for anyone who spends most of their time at the parks, but enjoys a little down time at the resort. We enjoyed walking around the grounds looking at all of the theming. The food court was well run and a great place to grab a quick meal or a snack at the end of the day, and bus service was good, although at park opening or closing it was a little crowded. This was a fantastic resort for the price, and the detailed theming puts this at the top of our list for value resorts.

What's your favorite?

When recently asked about my favorite resort for families at the Walt Disney World resort, I only had to think for a second. I love all the colors and giant statues of the value resorts as much as the next person, but those rooms can get really crowded, and fast. I'm also a park person. While the deluxe resorts have a TON of really great features and fantastic theming, I'm not at the resort enough to enjoy them. That is why it was easy for me to select Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins as my current Favorite.

Fort Wilderness is located on Bay Lake, and just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness gives families room to spread out and relax with a living room, private porch area in addition to the bedroom. Each cabin is approximately 500 square feet, almost twice the size of a standard room at a moderate or value resort. It also allows mom and dad to stay up later to prepare for the next day without waking the kids in the bedroom. The cabins also sleep up to six, so this is ideal for families with 3 or 4 children wanting to be close to the magic and escape the “busy” feel of some of the other resorts.
There are 407 cabins at the resort, in addition to almost 800 campsites. The size of the resort is large enough to warrant an internal, easy to use, bus system to get you from one end to the other. The bus drivers are always willing to answer questions and help you get to your destination. Golf carts are also available for rent to families that prefer to have more freedom to roam around the campground.
There are several things that make this resort a great deal for busy families. One of them being a multitude of low cost recreational activities for children and families. In addition to two pools (one with a slide featuring an icon from River country) and four different playground areas, there is also a petting zoo and pony rides offered at the Tri-Circle D Ranch.
Not to be missed is a nightly sing-a-long with chip and dale before the movie under the stars. The sing-a-long and movie are completely free and a great way for kids to unwind toward the end of the day. There are also options for older children, such as tennis, bike rentals, fishing, archery instruction, horseback riding, basketball and tether ball courts. There’s even a segway tour for adults and older teens.

Renovated in 2009 the Meadows swimming hole features a large children’s water play area complete with children’s slides. There is also a small wading pool for smaller children. The main pool added a slide and a hot tub area. There is a smaller swimming pool. A second swimming area, the Wilderness pool also recently underwent a refurbishment.

Dining at Fort Wilderness provides more unique family fun. All of Fort Wilderness’ dining options participate in the dining plan Trails End Buffet offers a variety of american fare and is one table service credit. The two other main dining options at the resort are both 2 table service credits, but include much more than dining. The long running comedy Hoop-De-Doo Revue runs 3 times a night and provides a family style, all you can eat dinner while enjoying singing and dancing to keep everyone entertained and laughing. One other unique dining option offered at Fort Wilderness is Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Another all-you-can-eat experience, this one is outside and features Mickey and pals as the hosts. Here you’ll experience singing, line dancing, rope tricks and provides interactive fun.

The only drawback to staying at Fort Wilderness is the lack of counter service dining available. There are a few snack venues, and groceries available in the gift shops. If you’re a family on a budget, and decide not to go with a dining plan, you also have the benefit of a kitchen in your cabin. Mousekeeping comes by daily to run your dishwasher, so families can continue to relax and enjoy themselves. Families on the dining plan can also utilize the kitchen, keeping late night snacks and drinks in the room.

Overall, Fort Wilderness Cabins are a great value for the money. They provide unique dining experiences, a wide variety of recreation options for family members of all ages, as well as space to spread out, relax and truly enjoy vacation. The beach is also a prime viewing spot for the electric water pageant that runs nightly through Bay Lake.

I would highly recommend this resort to families with 3 or 4 children, or families who enjoy being outdoors and experiencing a more secluded, relaxing resort experience.

Right now, with the spring room special (January –June), families can save up to 20% on the cost of the cabins, making it an even better value for the money. You’ll also get all the Magical Memories free services, including dining recommendations and reservations, customized itineraries to meet the needs of your family, tips and tricks for using the fastpass service, preferred fireworks viewing and much, much more. We even provide on-call service during your vacation if a problem does arise. If you book any 2012 trip during the month of January, you also are eligible for a gift card to celebrate Magical Memories 5 year anniversary! Feel free to request a quote on the right if you want more information.