Monday, December 19, 2011

Disney Dining Plan Changes 2012

Disney has updated the Disney Dining Plan for 2012!  The great news is that they have added more restaurants giving you even more options. 

Here are the additions to the 2012 Disney Dining Plan:

New Table Service Dining Locations Include:

Bongos Cuban Cafe at Downtown Disney
House of Blue at Downtown Disney
Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney
Portobello at Downtown Disney
Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
T-Rex at Downtown Disney

Fulton’s Crab House at Downtown Disney-requires 2 table service dining credits
Bistro de Paris at Epcot-World Showcase at France-requires 2 table service dining credits
Wolfgang Puck Cafe: The Dining Room at Downtown Disney-requires 2 table service dining credits

New Quick-Service Dining Locations Include:

Landscapes Cafe at the new Art of Animation Resort
The Paddock Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Katsura Grill at Epcot-World Showcase at Japan
Bongo’s Cuban Sandwich Window at Downtown Disney
Marketplace Snacks at Downtown Disney

The Disney Dining Plan saves 30% over the cost of paying for your meals out of pocket.  Now, you can enjoy even more dining experiences.

Contact me today to book your Disney adventure!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Contemporary Resort - Walt Disney World

I was feeling nostalgic today and wanted to write about the first resort I ever stayed in on my first trip to Disney World. 

The Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, was 1 of 2 resorts at Walt Disney World when it first opened.  It's is the A-Framed silver resort that sits very close to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom.  The thing I thought was so cool was not only how it looked, but that the monorail traveled right through it.  I remember hopping on that monorail and being able to sit up front with the driver.  So cool!

The guest rooms recently underwent a major transformation and it has a much more modern look.  There are shops and many activities to keep you busy if you decide to take a break from the parks. 

The new Fantasia gift shop opened in 2007 with ginor'mouse' (ha..get it?)  Mickey ears announcing the entrance.

You can't miss the huge mosaic tile mural on the wall.  Have you seen the 5 legged goat?  Besides all there is to see, there is some great dining at The Contemporary as well.

One of the most popular places to dine, being Chef Mickeys.  This is a buffet style, character meal.  My son's first encounter with Dale, (from Chip n Dale) was here.  Dale approached him as he was eating, and Jason reached up and honked his nose.  Very cute and I was so happy to catch that on film. 

Recently the Bay Lake Towers, being part of the Disney Vacation Club have been added to the resort area. 

I think one of the best parts of staying here is not only enjoying the beautiful resort, but location, location, location.  You can walk to the Magic Kingdom within minutes, or hop on the monorail for easy access to EPCOT as well. 

Yes, this is considered one of Disneys Deluxe Resorts, however with the spring discount going on right now, you may be able to make this resort an option for you! 

Contact me so we can plan your magical vacation staying at Disneys Contemporary Resort!


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Disney Spring Resort Discount

Disney has recently announced it's Spring discount on their Resort hotels through June,14 2012. 
You can save up to 35% on many Resort rooms during your stay.  There are certain dates that are blacked out so you will want to message me to find out for sure.

If there is a particular resort you've always wanted to stay at, but didn't think you could,
now is a great time to take advantage of these discounts.
And, if you think a better deal may come along...don't worry!  I will keep watch on your reservation and adjust it for you.

So why not make your reservation?  You won't lose out on anything and all of my services are free!

It's a win - win! 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Enter To Win A Disney Gift Card!

Make Your Holidays Brighter With A FREE Disney Gift Card!




From December 1st through December 10th enter to win a $150 Disney Gift card to spend as you like — online at the Disney Store or in person a the Disney Parks or onboard a Disney Cruise! Entering is easy and free!
How to Enter
This giveaway is being run using the Rafflecopter form, which should appear below. Just click to enter! If you are having trouble viewing the Rafflecopter form, here’s a checklist to help you out:
  • Try refreshing your browser or viewing it from a different browser.
  • Make sure you have JavaScript enabled on your computer.
  • You may need to clear your cache.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Relaxing at Disney

I've been recently talking to some friends about their Disney vacations and one thing I commonly hear is.  'We are so tired and always on the go.  My kids have melt downs and I come home exhausted.' 

Yes...this is true for most of us.  Vacationing itself can be tiring from all the planning, packing and traveling.  Kids can have melt downs anywhere and many times it's because they are tired.

However, your Disney vacation doesn't have to be go - go - go experience!  There are ways to stop and relax and enjoy what's around you without rushing to the next attraction. 

Here are some ideas.  When you are at the Parks and you notice your group is getting tired, or cranky try taking a snack break.

When we are at The Magic Kingdom, we like to stop in Tomorrowland and hop on the People Mover.  We've even asked to ride again and if it's not busy, many times the Cast Member will let us.  Sometimes we'll grab a Mickey Ice Cream bar and just eat something yummy.

If we are at Hollywood Studios, we head over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set area and let them run around.  Again, we'll get a snack, and just let our kids play till they are done. 

At Epcot, we'll head over the squirting water fountain area and let them get their feet wet. 

And while we are at Animal Kingdom we'll head over to The Boneyard and let them play. 

Of course it's not always about the kids taking a break.  It's good for us too, and Disney offers many other ways to relax while on vacation. 

There are many jogging trails at the hotels.  If you are a jogger, bring your running shoes if you don't want to miss your workout.  Yes, you walk a ton at the parks, but for most joggers, it's their way of escaping and they don't want to miss 'the run.' 

You could consider the Spa at Saratoga Springs.  The white sandy beaches at The Contemporary.  Bike rentals at The Boardwalk or even fishing at Fort Wilderness.  Of course don't forget about all the amazing pools!

If you find your group is overwhelmed, try to take advantage of other ways to spend your time while visiting Walt Disney World. 

Your time will be magical!
  

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

My New Job?

I probably should have blogged about this sooner.  But it just dawned on me that I really should announce on my blog that I am now a Travel Agent. 
I'm so excited to be a part of Destinations To Explore.  I have received some wonderful support and I can't believe I will be able to do something so awesome as a career!  Eventually I hope to have my own website that people can visit to get lots of questions answered.  I will have my blog on that website.  But until that happens I will continue to tweet and connect on Facebook.

I have struggled with this issue for awhile.  What do I do when my youngest is in school all day?  I had tossed around so many ideas.  I was trying to help people with their Disney Vacations, by giving them great information to help make their trip more memorable.  But this is an opportunity to actually plan and book their vacation.  I get to be a part of something so wonderful.  Making their trips magical!
That's why I can hardly believe I have a job.  Should I even call it that?  Doesn't seem like doing something you love should be called a job. 

But no matter what you call it, I've been extremely blessed to be a part of other peoples lives and still be home when my children are home.  I pray I will be successful and give others all they need to make their vacation, no matter where it may be, their best vacation ever!

So...if you have any travel questions.  Please contact me!  I'll be more than happy to help you. 

And remember...quotes are always free.  There is NO cost to you!

Oh and thanks to my daughter for showing me a typo on my last blog about the Muppets.  I did get the song lyric wrong.  But you all probably figured that out too.  ;)

Friday, November 18, 2011

Bringing Back The Muppets

Ok, we are not all too old to remember the Muppet Show when it was on TV.  I watched it religiously.  I thought the 2 older guys sitting in the balcony were hilarious.  Remember their names?  I won't keep it a secret.  It's Waldorf and Statler.  For some reason listening to their insults cracked me up.
Anyway, it's hard to pick a favorite, but they are on the top of my list. 

Of course Miss Piggy was someone I think almost every woman wanted to act like at some point.  Let's face it, she's aggressive and arrogant.  And she really gets away with it.  I guess that's what we love about her. 

Leave it to Disney to bring back these cute characters.  There have been various appearances over the years, but I think this latest Muppet Movie will be very fun!

If you've been fortunate to see the 3D movie at Hollywood Studios, than you probably already love them and can't wait to see this movie. 
Even the nail polish company OPI has launched a line of Muppet nail colors.  Names include 'Fresh Frog of Bel Air' and 'Gettin' Miss Piggy With It.'  The colors are great and full of sparkle!

The Muppet Movie is showing in theaters starting November 23. 

It's time to light the music,
It's time to light the lights,
It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight!