Saturday, December 29, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom - Introduction
Well hello there Disney fans! A lot of you may already know about Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (referred to as SOTMK for the rest of this post) but I have been asked by more than one person to explain this new(ish) attraction in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Since I just returned from a very productive trip where I made it a mission to complete the main part of my deck, I figured this would be the perfect time to introduce everyone to my newest Disney obsession. I will be discussing SOTMK in a series of posts because there is A LOT of information to cover. This is post number one, the introduction.
What is Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?
SOTMK is an interactive attraction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that debuted in February of 2012. Hades is trying to take over the land and Merlin recruits you to help him put a stop to the evil villain. While you are helping Merlin, Hades has recruited the other villains to help him take over the Magic Kingdom. You need to stop him by recovering the four missing crystals that Hades henchmen, Pain and Panic have lost.
That sounds exciting! How do I get started?
You will need to visit one of two kiosk stations.
The main kiosk station is the Fire House next to Guest Relations on Main Street at City Hall.
The second kiosk is behind Old Ye Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. It is next to the character greeting area for The Princess and the Frog.
When you go to the kiosk you must present your park ticket and the cast member will give you a portal key that is matched up with your park ticket. You will also be given a pack of randomly sorted cards and a map of all of the portal locations with their corresponding symbols.
If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. The cast member will train you at a training portal located near the kiosk.
Cards, Maps, Training... sounds great, but how much is this going to cost me?
Believe it or not, the experience is almost completely free. There are 60 cards that you can get for free. The remaining 10 cards (Lightning Bolts) can only be obtained by purchasing a SOTMK booster pack. This is not necessary for general game play. I will discuss the booster packs further in a future SOTMK post.
How often can I get a new pack of cards?
Everyone with a park ticket can pick up one pack between official park opening and one hour before official park closing. Sorcerers can also pick up an additional pack when you beat Hades and Merlin congratulates you.
How long does it take to complete the attraction?
It takes about 2.5 hours to complete on the first level. This can vary based on what location you are given, where you are starting out for the day, what you choose to do between portals, and how many other sorcerers you come across at your portals.
2.5 Hours?!? That's longer than the wait for Peter Pan or the New Test Track! Is it worth it?
YES. It is. It is a great adventure for both the young and the young at heart. It's awesome for those guests like myself who visit Walt Disney World frequently and feel as though they've "done everything". It's also fun for those guests who are not so frequent or even first time visitors because it is completely interactive and it lets you see different areas of the Magic Kingdom.
The best part is that it does not have to be 2.5 hours straight through in one day. You can start your missions and then return to the designated portal the following day/week/etc. This attraction works for people who like to have something to do every minute of their trip as well as for people who like to simply go with the flow.
Even if you don't decide to PLAY the game. The cards are awesome, make for a fun collection, and best of all, are FREE. How often does anyone, let alone Disney, give us something so awesome for FREE?!?
So, now that you've gotten the basics, get out there and save the Magic Kingdom!!
Since I just returned from a very productive trip where I made it a mission to complete the main part of my deck, I figured this would be the perfect time to introduce everyone to my newest Disney obsession. I will be discussing SOTMK in a series of posts because there is A LOT of information to cover. This is post number one, the introduction.
What is Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?
SOTMK is an interactive attraction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that debuted in February of 2012. Hades is trying to take over the land and Merlin recruits you to help him put a stop to the evil villain. While you are helping Merlin, Hades has recruited the other villains to help him take over the Magic Kingdom. You need to stop him by recovering the four missing crystals that Hades henchmen, Pain and Panic have lost.
That sounds exciting! How do I get started?
You will need to visit one of two kiosk stations.
The main kiosk station is the Fire House next to Guest Relations on Main Street at City Hall.
The second kiosk is behind Old Ye Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. It is next to the character greeting area for The Princess and the Frog.
When you go to the kiosk you must present your park ticket and the cast member will give you a portal key that is matched up with your park ticket. You will also be given a pack of randomly sorted cards and a map of all of the portal locations with their corresponding symbols.
If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. The cast member will train you at a training portal located near the kiosk.
Cards, Maps, Training... sounds great, but how much is this going to cost me?
Believe it or not, the experience is almost completely free. There are 60 cards that you can get for free. The remaining 10 cards (Lightning Bolts) can only be obtained by purchasing a SOTMK booster pack. This is not necessary for general game play. I will discuss the booster packs further in a future SOTMK post.
How often can I get a new pack of cards?
Everyone with a park ticket can pick up one pack between official park opening and one hour before official park closing. Sorcerers can also pick up an additional pack when you beat Hades and Merlin congratulates you.
How long does it take to complete the attraction?
It takes about 2.5 hours to complete on the first level. This can vary based on what location you are given, where you are starting out for the day, what you choose to do between portals, and how many other sorcerers you come across at your portals.
2.5 Hours?!? That's longer than the wait for Peter Pan or the New Test Track! Is it worth it?
YES. It is. It is a great adventure for both the young and the young at heart. It's awesome for those guests like myself who visit Walt Disney World frequently and feel as though they've "done everything". It's also fun for those guests who are not so frequent or even first time visitors because it is completely interactive and it lets you see different areas of the Magic Kingdom.
The best part is that it does not have to be 2.5 hours straight through in one day. You can start your missions and then return to the designated portal the following day/week/etc. This attraction works for people who like to have something to do every minute of their trip as well as for people who like to simply go with the flow.
Even if you don't decide to PLAY the game. The cards are awesome, make for a fun collection, and best of all, are FREE. How often does anyone, let alone Disney, give us something so awesome for FREE?!?
So, now that you've gotten the basics, get out there and save the Magic Kingdom!!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Happy Birthday to Me!
This is the one purchase from my last Disney trip that I am having any guilt about. Not my new Dooney & Bourke, not my new pick a pearl necklace and setting, not my Disney Precious Moments collectible dolls... Nope. This.
My Limited Run, 3 color, Epcot 30th Anniversary, Figment original sketch with matte and frame.
I LOVE it!! But I have nowhere to put it right now so it's just going to sit in its box for a while.
This makes me feel like I didn't need it but not to the point of buyer's remorse!
Figment and I both celebrated our 30th year of existence this year and this is a great way to commemorate it.
Have you ever felt guilty about a purchase at Disney?
My Limited Run, 3 color, Epcot 30th Anniversary, Figment original sketch with matte and frame.
I LOVE it!! But I have nowhere to put it right now so it's just going to sit in its box for a while.
This makes me feel like I didn't need it but not to the point of buyer's remorse!
Figment and I both celebrated our 30th year of existence this year and this is a great way to commemorate it.
Have you ever felt guilty about a purchase at Disney?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Walt Disney World's New Fantasyland
Full review of New Fantasyland and Be Our Guest restaurant coming soon!
For now please enjoy this sneak peak!
For now please enjoy this sneak peak!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Dragons Coming to Fantasyland?!?
It looks like I might be getting my wish! Back in June when the dragons sightings started I had made a quick blog post with some tiny photos of them mentioning how I wish they were coming to the Magic Kingdom instead of Animal Kingdom.
Word around the Net today is that they are!
Check out Disney's new official Tumblr for more information!
Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?!?!
Word around the Net today is that they are!
Check out Disney's new official Tumblr for more information!
Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?!?!
November 15, 1965:
At 2:00 p.m., Walt and Roy Disney, accompanied by Governor Haydon Burns, speak to the press in the Egyptian Room of the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando and officially launch the Disney World project in Florida. (Site preparation will begin in the fall of 1967 and the park will open in October 1971, unfortunately five years after Walt's death.) Only days after this announcement, the price of land surrounding the property that the Disney organization purchased for supposedly $180 an acre - will shoot up to an amazing $80,000 per acre! As of this day, Disney planners have acquired about 27,443 acres (or 43 square miles) at a cost of just about $5 million.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Goodbye Main Street Bakery
Okay, so I know that I'm a little late to the party on this one. It isn't that I didn't know it was happening or wasn't aware of the story, it's just that I was so upset about it I honestly didn't want to talk about it.
However, as with everything in life, ignoring it won't make it not happen so here it goes...
In January the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom will close for a major refurbishment. The beloved bakery is becoming a Starbucks. Yup, a Starbucks.
The good news is that at least you'll be able to get a decent cup of coffee at Walt Disney World come the summer. The bad news is that well, the Main Street Bakery is becoming a Starbucks.
There are a LOT of angry and upset people right now. It's understandable. As adults we love Walt Disney World because of how it makes us feel like kids again. We don't like change. Even if the change is a good thing.
People are complaining about the price of Starbucks. Have you seen how much it costs to get a cup of dare I say crappy coffee at Walt Disney World today? At least with Starbucks you know you'll get a decent cup of coffee and you'll get a LOT more choices. The coffee aspect of this change is a great thing. I'm excited about it. The thought of enjoying a nice cold caramel frappacinno while walking around a hot theme park makes me a happy little Lady. The thought of seeing a Starbucks logo on Main Street... not so much.
Then I think about all of the other logos on Main Street and I sort of get over it. I mean, Edy's has giant logos over the ice cream shop and Coca Cola has giant signs over Casey's. It really isn't such a big deal when you think about it.
I was so excited when I came up with a fabulous idea for a logo and then felt silly because apparently everyone had the same idea. I didn't create this image I found it on Google but I love it and would embrace it if Disney actually used it instead of the actual Starbucks logo.
I think it's only fair to mention that I was once a Starbucks employee. I am not a Starbucks lover. I don't live for a cup of coffee and personally I'd choose Dunkin Donunts coffee over any other brand any day of the week... but I can say that as a former employee I think it's actually a good match. Keep in mind that the people who will be working at the Disney locations will be DISNEY Cast Members and not Starbucks employees. They'll be in costume and not the horrible green aprons everyone is used to seeing.
Also, keep in mind that Starbucks already exists in Disneyland and the world hasn't come to a horrible end just yet.
What do you think? Are you excited about having a good cup of coffee or are you upset and angry about the change? I'd love to hear your thoughts here and on Facebook!
However, as with everything in life, ignoring it won't make it not happen so here it goes...
In January the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom will close for a major refurbishment. The beloved bakery is becoming a Starbucks. Yup, a Starbucks.
The good news is that at least you'll be able to get a decent cup of coffee at Walt Disney World come the summer. The bad news is that well, the Main Street Bakery is becoming a Starbucks.
There are a LOT of angry and upset people right now. It's understandable. As adults we love Walt Disney World because of how it makes us feel like kids again. We don't like change. Even if the change is a good thing.
People are complaining about the price of Starbucks. Have you seen how much it costs to get a cup of dare I say crappy coffee at Walt Disney World today? At least with Starbucks you know you'll get a decent cup of coffee and you'll get a LOT more choices. The coffee aspect of this change is a great thing. I'm excited about it. The thought of enjoying a nice cold caramel frappacinno while walking around a hot theme park makes me a happy little Lady. The thought of seeing a Starbucks logo on Main Street... not so much.
Then I think about all of the other logos on Main Street and I sort of get over it. I mean, Edy's has giant logos over the ice cream shop and Coca Cola has giant signs over Casey's. It really isn't such a big deal when you think about it.
I was so excited when I came up with a fabulous idea for a logo and then felt silly because apparently everyone had the same idea. I didn't create this image I found it on Google but I love it and would embrace it if Disney actually used it instead of the actual Starbucks logo.
Also, keep in mind that Starbucks already exists in Disneyland and the world hasn't come to a horrible end just yet.
What do you think? Are you excited about having a good cup of coffee or are you upset and angry about the change? I'd love to hear your thoughts here and on Facebook!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party starts TODAY!
In honor of the fact that tonight is the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party of the season, I am sharing some photos that some of you may have already seen.
These are from MNSSHP that my husband and I have attended over the years.
Do you have some great photos from the party that you'd like to share? Send them my way either through email or you can share them on my Facebook Wall!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Disney Announces December 6th is the Grand Opening of the Fantasyland Expansion in Magic Kingdom
You can't possibly imagine my excitement when I heard that the official grand opening of Walt Disney World's Fantasyland Expansion is set for December 6, 2012.
Why am I so excited? Because I will be there!! I am going to Walt Disney World to celebrate my 30th birthday in style and I will be there the 5th-14th. I have tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on the 6th which means lower crowds that evening. I know that the low crowds won't be as low as we had hoped and expected since this news became public but it will be amazing regardless.
I promise to take a TON of photos for all of you. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for real time updates and photos.
Attractions included in the opening are Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel's Grotto, Gaston's Tavern, and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
Princess Fairytale Hall is schedule to open in 2013 and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is scheduled to open in 2014.
What aspect of the Fantasyland Expansion are you most excited about?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Disney Announces Fantasyland Expansion Preview for Passholders
Exciting news from Disney today:
"Be among the first to experience the enchantment of New Fantasyland during a special Passholder Preview in November 2012! Upon completion, Fantasyland will nearly double in size – for the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom Park.
Registration details are coming soon and will be communicated via email and here on the Passholder website. Event capacity is limited, so be sure to watch for these updates! Valid Magic Kingdom Theme Park admission is required to attend this event."
Please let me know if you get the invite!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Disney Free Dining Can Save You Over $1,000
Get a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels, for arrivals most nights:
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4, Oct. 19 - Nov. 1, Nov. 9 - 15, Nov. 23 - 29, Dec. 10 - 13Book through September 29, 2012! The choice is yours:
Dining Plan
Get a FREE Disney Dining Plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select
Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Example: 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package at a select Disney Moderate Resort for stays most nights from 10/19-11/1/12, 11/24-11/29/12, and 12/10-12/13/12 is just
$86 per person, per day
for a family of 4 in a standard room for a total package price of $2,421.
That's a savings of $1,017!
Free Disney Quick
Service Dining Plan
Service Dining Plan
Get a FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts.
Example: 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package at a select
Disney Value Resort for stays most nights from 10/19-11/1/12, 11/24-11/29/12, and 12/10-12/13/12 is just
$69 per person, per day
for a family of 4 in a standard room for a total package price of $1,922.
That's a savings of $701!
Example: 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package at a select
Disney Value Resort for stays most nights from 10/19-11/1/12, 11/24-11/29/12, and 12/10-12/13/12 is just
$69 per person, per day
for a family of 4 in a standard room for a total package price of $1,922.
That's a savings of $701!
All of my clients also receive free gifts which may include gift cards, onboard ship credits and more!
Fill out this form and Select KERRI from the agent you'd like to work with drop down box.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Review & Giveaway! Grimes Graphics
As you all know, I am always looking for cool Disney things. What you may not know, is that I am also always on the lookout for anything with my name on it. I do not have an unpopular name, however, I do have an unpopular spelling and it makes finding personalized items that are affordable a bit harder or more expensive than I'd like.
Imagine my excitement when I came across Grimes Graphics, a fabulous company that does custom decals.
Not only could they put my name on various items, but they could also put it on Disney inspired items!
I received a plastic water bottle personalized with my name and a Mickey head decal for the purpose of this review.
I absolutely love it!! It is light weight, but not in a cheap/flimsy way. It doesn't leak, and that is the important part! It's a great size, and I love that the top is big enough for me to drop ice cubes into the bottle. (TIP: Fill your water bottle with ice cubes at Disney with just a little bit of water. By the time you are in the parks the ice will start to melt and you will have ice water to drink instead of warm water.)
The owner of Grimes Graphics was kind enough to offer a fabulous contest prize to my readers!
Use the form below to enter to win a RED PERSONALIZED DISNEY INSPIRED SHIRT like the one seen in the photo to the left. (prize is only the shirt, the water bottle is NOT included)
Grimes Graphics also offers other Disney inspired items such as personalized beach buckets, metal water bottles, decals and more. Minnie Mouse items are available for your little princess.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Imagine my excitement when I came across Grimes Graphics, a fabulous company that does custom decals.
Not only could they put my name on various items, but they could also put it on Disney inspired items!
I received a plastic water bottle personalized with my name and a Mickey head decal for the purpose of this review.
I absolutely love it!! It is light weight, but not in a cheap/flimsy way. It doesn't leak, and that is the important part! It's a great size, and I love that the top is big enough for me to drop ice cubes into the bottle. (TIP: Fill your water bottle with ice cubes at Disney with just a little bit of water. By the time you are in the parks the ice will start to melt and you will have ice water to drink instead of warm water.)
The owner of Grimes Graphics was kind enough to offer a fabulous contest prize to my readers!
Use the form below to enter to win a RED PERSONALIZED DISNEY INSPIRED SHIRT like the one seen in the photo to the left. (prize is only the shirt, the water bottle is NOT included)
Grimes Graphics also offers other Disney inspired items such as personalized beach buckets, metal water bottles, decals and more. Minnie Mouse items are available for your little princess.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Walt Disney World Free Dining for Fall/Winter 2012
It's here!!!
FREE DINING for the fall and early winter!!!!
Disney Visa Card holders get to book first, everyone else starts Thursday.
Book by Sept 29th. Catch this great offer before it's gone!
Fill out this form and select my name from the agent drop down menu (KERRI) to get started and also be entered into my travel agency's Dooney & Bourke wristlet contest.
Travel dates:
9/30-10/4
10/19-11/1
11/9-11/15
11/23-11/29
12/10-12/13
As you can see there will be some black out dates but as long as your check in date falls within the dates above you are able to get the promotion for your whole stay.
All resorts are included except the Little Mermaid section of Art Of Animation.
If you are booking a value resort the Quick service plan is included, the plus dining plan is free with a moderate or deluxe resort stay. You are able to upgrade the dining plan to the plus or deluxe with any package.
Must stay 4 nights to receive this offer.
Don't forget every quote request now thru July 18th is eligible for an entry to win the Dooney & Bourke wristlet. A Booking is worth 2 entries. Click here for more info on the giveaway.
Fill out this form and select KERRI as your travel agent, and I will add myself as your agent to your reservation and you will get my free services! This will not cost you anything extra, and may in fact end up saving you a lot of money!
The number of packages available for this offer is limited. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Family suites at Disney's Art of Animation are eligible. All other suites, campsites, and 3-bedroom villas are not eligible. Dining plan excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must order from the children's menu, where available. Some Table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Disney Park Capacity Levels and What It Means For You
Many of my friends and family as well as my clients ask me the same question:
Do the Walt Disney World theme parks ever reach capacity?
The answer is YES. I have been there not only on a day when this was true but on a day when Lord Hill and I were fortunate enough to be on the last bus, and the very last group of people to be allowed in before they declared the park closed to any new guests. This was at 11:00am on New Years Eve. There are several stages of park capacity levels.
Here is what they mean and how it can affect your trip.
Stage Zero - Due to limited available parking, Guests may be directed to alternate parking areas where they will use Resort transportation to travel to the park of their choice.
Stage 1 - At this stage each Guest in a vehicle must have a valid multi-day ticket. Also Guests with a Park Hopper or re-entering the Park, by showing a currently dated Parking Receipt, will be allowed in. Also, any Guests using Disney transportation are allowed.
Stage 2 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders, Guests with Park Hopper tickets crossing over from another Park, Guests re-entering this Park today. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted. Guests using Walt Disney World Resort Transportation will be admitted. Guests not meeting the above criteria are told the Theme Park has reached capacity.
Stage 3 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted.
Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in. Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.
*Guests of WDW Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green at the Walt Disney World Resort are considered part of this group for Stages 2 and 3. In addition, Guests from Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels arriving by bus are included.
For more information about visiting the Disney theme parks please email me at Kerri@MickeysdreamVacations.com
It would be my pleasure to help you make the most out of your magical vacation at no additional cost to you!
The answer is YES. I have been there not only on a day when this was true but on a day when Lord Hill and I were fortunate enough to be on the last bus, and the very last group of people to be allowed in before they declared the park closed to any new guests. This was at 11:00am on New Years Eve. There are several stages of park capacity levels.
Here is what they mean and how it can affect your trip.
Stage Zero - Due to limited available parking, Guests may be directed to alternate parking areas where they will use Resort transportation to travel to the park of their choice.
Stage 1 - At this stage each Guest in a vehicle must have a valid multi-day ticket. Also Guests with a Park Hopper or re-entering the Park, by showing a currently dated Parking Receipt, will be allowed in. Also, any Guests using Disney transportation are allowed.
Stage 2 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders, Guests with Park Hopper tickets crossing over from another Park, Guests re-entering this Park today. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted. Guests using Walt Disney World Resort Transportation will be admitted. Guests not meeting the above criteria are told the Theme Park has reached capacity.
Stage 3 - At this stage, Theme Park admission is limited to Disney Resort Guests*, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders. Guests with written confirmation of reservations for Dining or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League within one hour are also admitted.
Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in. Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.
*Guests of WDW Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green at the Walt Disney World Resort are considered part of this group for Stages 2 and 3. In addition, Guests from Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels arriving by bus are included.
For more information about visiting the Disney theme parks please email me at Kerri@MickeysdreamVacations.com
It would be my pleasure to help you make the most out of your magical vacation at no additional cost to you!
Giveaway! Disney Dooney & Bourke Wristlet
With the new Disney 2013 packages being released on July 11th and the
rumored Fall/Winter FREE DINING being out on the 12th my travel agency is having an
awesome giveaway!
How do you do enter?
Fill out this form to get a quote: (Select Kerri as the agent you'd like to work with)
http://mickeysdreamvacations.com/get-a-quote.php
Fill out this form to transfer your trip to us: http://mickeysdreamvacations.com/transfer.php
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**Bookings must have deposit paid by July 18th to count for 2 entries.As an added bonus, every client that books a new package with me or transfers an existing reservation over to me receives a FREE gift and a Free Disney Gift Card.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Character Meals vs Character Meet & Greets
When it comes to visiting the Disney Resorts getting the perfect photo with your favorite character is usually at the top of the to do list.
There are two different ways you can go about creating these memories. Meet and Greets in the parks, or a character dining experience at one of the Disney dining locations.
My husband and I have done both and depending on the nature of our trip will do both again.
There are a lot of great things about the in park Meet and Greets.
My husband and I never go into the parks with a set plan. We used to, but after several years and several trips we are more "go with the flow" these days. I love randomly coming across a character we haven't met yet, and jumping on the line to meet them. I like the surprise aspect. I also like the type of interactions you can have in the parks.
When we met Lilo and Stitch it was almost like a full out show. Stitch played hide and seek using the guests as things to hide behind. They danced with everyone as a group and posed for photos with everyone without really having to wait on a line. They signed autographs and stole our pens and it was just a fun time.
I like that you can get two characters at once depending on the set up which can create some great photo opportunities.
Meeting characters during a Character Dining Experience is great too!
It's air conditioned, you KNOW you will get to meet the characters regardless of how hot it is and you won't be stuck waiting on line only to be the one right as the character takes a break leaving you stand a few minutes before they come back.
You get to relax and eat and enjoy the fun interactions the characters have at your table. Piglet was appalled when he saw that I had bacon on my plate. Pooh tried to steal my honey!
I also love that at certain dining locations like Cape May Cafe, and Chef Mickey's the characters are wearing costumes you will not see them in anywhere else.
Meeting characters is always a highlight of any trip to Disney, whether we wait on line to do it or enjoy a relaxing meal while letting the characters come to us.
Which do you prefer?
Kerri
Kerri@mickeysdreamvacations.com
facebook.com/mickeysdreamvacationsbykerri
There are two different ways you can go about creating these memories. Meet and Greets in the parks, or a character dining experience at one of the Disney dining locations.
My husband and I have done both and depending on the nature of our trip will do both again.
There are a lot of great things about the in park Meet and Greets.
My husband and I never go into the parks with a set plan. We used to, but after several years and several trips we are more "go with the flow" these days. I love randomly coming across a character we haven't met yet, and jumping on the line to meet them. I like the surprise aspect. I also like the type of interactions you can have in the parks.
When we met Lilo and Stitch it was almost like a full out show. Stitch played hide and seek using the guests as things to hide behind. They danced with everyone as a group and posed for photos with everyone without really having to wait on a line. They signed autographs and stole our pens and it was just a fun time.
I like that you can get two characters at once depending on the set up which can create some great photo opportunities.
Meeting characters during a Character Dining Experience is great too!
It's air conditioned, you KNOW you will get to meet the characters regardless of how hot it is and you won't be stuck waiting on line only to be the one right as the character takes a break leaving you stand a few minutes before they come back.
You get to relax and eat and enjoy the fun interactions the characters have at your table. Piglet was appalled when he saw that I had bacon on my plate. Pooh tried to steal my honey!
I also love that at certain dining locations like Cape May Cafe, and Chef Mickey's the characters are wearing costumes you will not see them in anywhere else.
Meeting characters is always a highlight of any trip to Disney, whether we wait on line to do it or enjoy a relaxing meal while letting the characters come to us.
Which do you prefer?
Kerri
Kerri@mickeysdreamvacations.com
facebook.com/mickeysdreamvacationsbykerri
Celebrating the 4th of July at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World will be holding 4th of July celebrations at 3 of it's 4 parks this year:
- Epcot will host a special 4th of July version of Illuminations will show at 10:00 pm
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will have a “Special July 4th Fireworks Presentation” at 9.45pm
- The Magic Kingdom, will have “Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” show at 9:00 pm.
Magic Kingdom
July 3rd, 2012
9:00 pm - "Celebrate America - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" Fireworks (4th of July fireworks at the Magic Kingdom include an enhanced presentation featuring patriotic music themed to spectacular pyrotechnics)
10:00 pm - Main Street Electrical Parade
12:00 am - Main Street Electrical Parade
July 4th, 2012
9:00 pm - "Celebrate America - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" Fireworks
10:00 pm - Main Street Electrical Parade
12:00 am - Main Street Electrical Parade
EPCOT
11:30 am - 6:30 pm, Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin and Disney characters in the patriotic costumes will appear on the promenade near The American Adventure.
12:30 - Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage
5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00 pm - Slippery When Wet performs at the Sounds Like Summer concert series
10:00 pm - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will feature The Heartbeat of Freedom, a 5-minute patriotic fireworks finale.
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
6:00pm - Rockin' 4th of July Celebration! Be at the Sorcerer Hat at 6:00 as a DJ gets the party started! At 8:30 and 9:30 pm, Mulch, Sweat & Shears will rock the stage!
9:00 pm - Fantasmic!
9:45 pm - Fireworks with a rock n' roll soundtrack
10:30 pm - Fantasmic!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Dragons?!
We all know my all encompassing love of Figment. What you may not know is that I love ALL dragons, Figment just happens to be my favorite.
Well, it appears that Disney has created some amazing flying dragons!
Rumor has it that they are for the new Avatar land coming to Animal Kingdom.
Boo.
I'd much rather see them flying over Magic Kingdom. How cool would it be to have Maleficent as a dragon?!?!
This is the photo I found of the dragons so far. They are pretty sweet.
Well, it appears that Disney has created some amazing flying dragons!
Rumor has it that they are for the new Avatar land coming to Animal Kingdom.
Boo.
I'd much rather see them flying over Magic Kingdom. How cool would it be to have Maleficent as a dragon?!?!
This is the photo I found of the dragons so far. They are pretty sweet.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hidden Mickey on Mercury
I'm sure most of you die hard Disney fans have seen this already, but just in case you haven't...
This cluster of craters was found on the planet Mercury! How cool is that?
The crater resembling Mickey's head measures about 65 miles (105 kilometers) across.
You can download a larger version of the image on NASA's website here.
This cluster of craters was found on the planet Mercury! How cool is that?
The crater resembling Mickey's head measures about 65 miles (105 kilometers) across.
You can download a larger version of the image on NASA's website here.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Partial Candlelight Processional Schedule and Narrators
During the holidays, Epcot theme park is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to Candlelight Processional, delight in the sights and sounds of the season.
Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator † accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.
A partial list of dates and narrators has been announced:
11/23 – 11/25 Isabella Rossellini11/26 – 11/29 Neil Patrick Harris
11/30 – 12/01 Whoopi Goldberg
12/02 – 12/04 TBA
12/05 – 12/07 TBA
12/08 – 12/10 TBA
12/11 – 12/13 Jodi Benson
12/14 – 12/16 Olivia Newton John
12/17 – 12/19 TBA
12/20 – 12/22 Trace Adkins
12/23 – 12/25 Gary Sinise
12/26 – 12/28 TBA
12/29 – 12/30 Marlee Matlin with Jack Jason
Important Information for Visiting Disneyland on June 15th
As stated on the Disney Parks Blog...
- Disney California Adventure park opens at 9 a.m. on June 15; Disneyland park opens at 8 a.m. on June 15.
- The early arrival queue will open to guests on Disneyland Resort property at 11 p.m. on June 14.
- Parking will be available in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, and standard parking rates will apply.
- A select amount of wristbands will be distributed to guests who are waiting in line to maintain the order of arrival. All guests in line will be able to leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms until 6 a.m. on June 15.
- Portions of the early arrival queue will be located beyond the guest screening checkpoints, beyond which certain items will not be permitted. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.
- Restrooms and ticket booths will be available to guests in the queue.
- The following Downtown Disney District locations will offer extended operating hours on June 14-15:
- La Brea Bakery Express & Cart: Open all night
- Café Renee: Open all night
- Jamba Juice: Open until 12 a.m., reopening at 4 a.m.
- Wetzel’s Pretzels: Open until 1 a.m., reopening at 5 a.m.
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express: Open until 2 a.m., reopening at 6 a.m.
- Haagen-Dazs: Open until 1 a.m., reopening at 5 a.m
Be sure to take a lot of photos! If you're attending and would like to have your photos featured on this blog and corresponding Facebook page, please let me know!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Figment Nerd and Stitch Nerd Vinylmation Available Now!
That's right folks! The Figment and Stitch from the Nerds Rock Vinylmation series are currently for sale via the Disney Vinylmation Facebook app.
They will be available in Disneyland and Walt Disney World at D-Street on June 22nd. I have heard that they will also be available on DisneyStore.com that day.
If you read my blog regularly then you know that I already ordered them! Well, hubby ordered them for me. The Stitch is his and the Figment is...
You can order yours HERE now!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
My family is so Disney...
that even the dog gets involved!
Look at what she made for us last night. If you've been looking for hidden Mickey's lately well then "urine" luck! Get it? Urine... you're in...
Stop judging me.
If you're reading this blog then chances are you would have taken a picture if your dog left a hidden Mickey on a wee wee pad too.
At least I didn't turn the computer on and post it as soon as I saw it. I just ran and got my camera, took a few photos to make sure I got the perfect one, and went back to bed. Leaving the wee wee pad on the floor so that my Disney loving husband could see it in the morning.
Best part about it? He saw it, took a picture of it, and sent it to me in a text while I was at my niece's dance recital. He was just as excited as I was.
So, the next time you think you might be more into the Disney lifestyle than we are, just ask yourself, "would my dog do this?"
What's the strangest hidden Mickey you've ever found?
Look at what she made for us last night. If you've been looking for hidden Mickey's lately well then "urine" luck! Get it? Urine... you're in...
Stop judging me.
If you're reading this blog then chances are you would have taken a picture if your dog left a hidden Mickey on a wee wee pad too.
At least I didn't turn the computer on and post it as soon as I saw it. I just ran and got my camera, took a few photos to make sure I got the perfect one, and went back to bed. Leaving the wee wee pad on the floor so that my Disney loving husband could see it in the morning.
Best part about it? He saw it, took a picture of it, and sent it to me in a text while I was at my niece's dance recital. He was just as excited as I was.
So, the next time you think you might be more into the Disney lifestyle than we are, just ask yourself, "would my dog do this?"
What's the strangest hidden Mickey you've ever found?
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Save on Gas by buying Disney Gift Cards
Kroger grocery stores are offering 4 times fuel points and you can redeem them for up to $2.00 off per gallon of gas the entire summer. The offer expires on June 17th.
A lot of people use a great strategy to save money on their Disney trips. They will purchase the Disney gift cards, using their Disney Visa card. This helps you save money on gas, and then earns you points on your credit card!
For information on how the point system works you can visit Couponing to Disney. I do not have a Kroger near me so if it weren't for that blog I wouldn't have known about this offer.
(you don't have to buy Disney gift cards to take advantage of the offer, you can use any gift card, but since all of my money goes to Disney anyway, I figured it'd make sense haha)
Monday, June 4, 2012
Preview of the new Dumbo Storybook Circus Attraction
The "new and improved" Dumbo attraction is going to have something that guests of Walt Disney World have never seen before... a "no line" queue! According to the Disney Parks blog, Disney will be issuing pagers like you would get at a restaurant rather than waiting on line to ride the classic attraction. While waiting guests will be able to enjoy the circus themed "queue lounge" where there will be interactive elements for the guests to enjoy.
Here are some sneak peek photos for you to enjoy as well as a video from Inside the Magic of the current ride in action at night. The new colored lights and fountain really make a nice impact at night.
The Storybook Circus part of the Fantasyland expansion project is scheduled to open this July!
Here are some sneak peek photos for you to enjoy as well as a video from Inside the Magic of the current ride in action at night. The new colored lights and fountain really make a nice impact at night.
The Storybook Circus part of the Fantasyland expansion project is scheduled to open this July!
It's A Small World by LeSportsac
Disney has teamed up with the handbag company LeSportsac to bring us a new and fabulous line of designer Disney bags. These bags are available at the LeSportsac website.
With four different patterns and twelve different styles, there is a bag for everyone!
I would buy a bag just to get the cute charms they come with.
Look how cute the charm is on the mermaid themed Peace, Love, and Mermaid bags. The same charm is used on the Tahitian Dreams bags as well! (patterns featured on first and second bags from the left in above photo)
The metal coin charm from the Magical Journey bag is nice too and would make a good key chain if removed from the bag. (pattern is featured on the third bag from the left in the photo above)
Do you own any Disney handbags?
Which It's A Small World pattern do you like best?
With four different patterns and twelve different styles, there is a bag for everyone!
I would buy a bag just to get the cute charms they come with.
Look how cute the charm is on the mermaid themed Peace, Love, and Mermaid bags. The same charm is used on the Tahitian Dreams bags as well! (patterns featured on first and second bags from the left in above photo)
The metal coin charm from the Magical Journey bag is nice too and would make a good key chain if removed from the bag. (pattern is featured on the third bag from the left in the photo above)
The Time to Share bag might have my favorite charm, and the pattern is definitely the most "in your face" about it being a Small World/Disney themed bag. (pattern is featured on the last bag from the left in the photo above)
I don't currently own any LeSportsac bags, I am a Coach and Disney Dooney & Bourke gal, but with the slightly lower price tag, and fabulous patterns along with the numerous style options, I think I might just have to add one of these to my Disney bag collection.
Do you own any Disney handbags?
Which It's A Small World pattern do you like best?
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Walt Disney World Park Ticket Price Increase June 3rd
It's official!
Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket prices will go up on Sunday, June 3rd.
Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket prices will go up on Sunday, June 3rd.
Contact me for more information or to purchase tickets.
You can find me on Facebook here or here. You can also email me at kerri(at)mickeysdreamvacations(dot)com
The new prices are listed below. They do not include tax which is applied to every purchase regardless of state of origin. Tax is 6.5%
| Theme Park Annual Pass Options (*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| Annual Pass | $574 | $574 |
| Annual Pass entitles guest to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except activities/events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as complimentary parking. | ||
| Premium Annual Pass | $699 | $699 |
| Premium Annual Pass entitles guest to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except activities/events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Disney’s Oak Trail golf course, DisneyQuest and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, as well as complimentary parking. | ||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attractions Outside the Theme Parks (*) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 | |
| Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach | 1-Day 1-Park / Annual Hopper | $52 / $99.95 | $44 / $80.50 |
| DisneyQuest | 1-Day / Annual Pass | $44 / $89 | $38 / $71 |
| DisneyQuest + Water Parks | Annual Pass | $129 | $99 |
| ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex | $14.95 | $10.28 | |
| Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba | $73-$128 | $58-$102 | |
| Theme Park Miscellaneous Options (*) | |
|---|---|
| Parking | $14 (tax included) ($15 camper/trailer) per day |
| Single Stroller | $15 per day ($13 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| Double Stroller | $31 per day ($27 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| Locker | Theme Parks: $7 per day (large lockers $9 per day) + $5 refundable deposit Water Parks: $8 per day (large lockers $10 per day) + $5 refundable deposit |
| Wheelchair | $12 rental per day ($10 per day for length-of-stay rentals) |
| ECV | $50 rental per day + $20 refundable deposit |
| Florida Resident Theme Park Tickets and Options (*) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hopper® | Water Park Fun & More | Park Hopper® & Water Park Fun & More | |||
| Ages 10+ | Ages 3-9 | ||||
| Florida Resident 4-Day Ticket | $192 | $178 | $28.50 | $28.50 | $57 |
| Florida Resident 3-Day Ticket | $169 | $157 | $28.50 | $28.50 | $57 |
| 1-Day MYW Ticket | $89 | $83 | $17.50 | $28.50 | $46 |
| Florida Resident Theme Park Annual/Seasonal Pass Options (*) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Ages 10-up | Ages 3-9 |
| Florida Resident Annual Pass | $425 | $425 |
| Florida Resident Annual Pass entitles residents to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus complimentary parking. | ||
| Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass | $559 | $559 |
| Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass entitles residents to unlimited admission for 365 days from the activation date (except events separately priced) to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, plus complimentary parking. | ||
| Florida Resident Seasonal Pass | $299 | $299 |
| Florida Resident Seasonal Pass entitles residents to admission to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom except for “blockout” dates around Christmas/New Years, Easter/spring break, and peak summer vacation period; the pass expires 365 days after activation. | ||
Will the new ticket prices change your vacation plans? Are you more likely to purchase tickets before the change to save money or will you wait and add them to your package at a later date for convenience sake?
I will be buying annual pass vouchers for our December trip tomorrow, every little bit helps!
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