Selfie Stick Ban

Let's call this "the gasp heard 'round the world" :)

Yes, when you say to a teenager.....or adult, for that matter.......Disney just banned selfie sticks....the reaction is quite amusing!

So, no! DO NOT panic. I repeat! Do not panic!

You may still bring your selfie stick into the parks! You may still have them in your Walt Disney World resort! And yes, you may selfie until your little heart is content!

Welllllll, the last part isn't completely true!

The Selfie Stick is banned from rides / attractions! And, it's for the safety of all guests. Not just you, but the guest in front of you, or behind you on the ride.

Imagine with me for a minute....you go up with the Selfie Stick, in the dark on Space Mountain, with a low-lying track just ahead, and BAM! The stick flies from your hand, and hits the guest behind you!

I know, I know, you have it secured with that little safety strap on your wrist, right?
Ok...things happen. Accidents happen!

And for the safety of all guests, they are banned from the attractions.

You may still take selfies in the parks, during the parades and in all common areas.
But, where it is not safe, you will be asked to refrain.

And....in an effort to help, the Memory Maker photographs are now available on many of the attractions, so maybe you won't miss that perfect photo opp after all :)

For more up-to-date info, follow Main Street Memories on facebook!

FastPass+ Enhancements

I am getting lots of questions about the new changes with the FastPass+ selection options so I thought I would create a little cheat sheet, to help make it a little easier to understand!

Inaugural Minnie 10K at Walt Disney World

I can't put into words how much fun it is to run at Walt Disney World, with all of "my people"... so, I created a Story :)

The Happiest Flight on Earth

The Happiest Flight on Earth?!
Today, WestJet, revealed the new #MagicPlane, set to make departures and arrivals in the Orlando International airport, as well as WestJet’s domestic, trans-border and international network.
So, keep your eye on the skies, you just might spot this beauty in the air soon!
(I think my next flight might have a layover in Calgary!)

Lady and the Tramp - recipe

Here's a fun twist on the classic movie!

The Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe...and now you can dine just like Lady and the Tramp!

This would be a fun night with the kids, maybe even Valentine's Day, and let them set the table, and be the Waiter/Waitress for Mom and Dad!

Enjoy!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party- tips for beginners

 

(photo from Disney Parks Blog)

I am a HUGE fan of "don't reinvent the wheel" so when I saw this post on the Disney Parks Blog...I didn't dare try to re-configure my own...no...these are some GREAT tips!

In case you’re attending your first party this year, here are some tips on how you can make the merriest of the night!

It Requires a Separate Party Ticket
We get this question often, and yes, entry to the party requires a separate Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket (even if you’re visiting the park earlier in the day, the party requires a separate ticket). Here’s a tip – you may receive a discount on select party nights when you purchase tickets in advance. Buying tickets ahead of time is suggested, as some nights do sell out. Click here to learn more.

Your Party Ticket Allows Entry as Early as 4 p.m.
Get the biggest bang for your buck by using your party ticket to enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4 p.m. The holiday festivities don’t start until 7 p.m., so you could use this time to get through a few more attractions.

Grab a Special Event Map
The easiest way to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the holiday fun is to pick up a special event map on your way into the park. Special entertainment times, character greeting locations and more are listed there.

Wear “Glow With the Show” Ears
This year’s party entertainment will be enhanced for the first time with “Glow With the Show” ears. They’ll be used along with the Celebrate the Magic castle projection show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks. Ear hats can be purchased at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park, or you can bring hats you previously purchased at other Disney Parks to wear – they will work.

Head to the Jingle Cruise
For the first time in park history, Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is undergoing a holiday transformation. Head to the attraction to see the skippers’ homemade holiday decor and hear their new seasonal jokes!

Meet Characters
Pick up an event map to keep tabs on special Disney character greeting opportunities throughout the park. And be on the lookout for Santa Claus in Town Square!

Don’t Forget the Free Cocoa & Cookies
Be sure to check out your event map for snack stations throughout the park that offer complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Healthy options are available upon request.

Disney's Guest Access Card (GAC) / DAS update and FAQ

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card Questions

Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

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What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The Disability Access Service Card is designed to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer Guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney's FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

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What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the Disability Access Service Card doesn't meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with Guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

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Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks' goal is to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

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How will Guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

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Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the Guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience Guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

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Does the Disability Access Service Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the Disability Access Service Cardholder's travel party may obtain a return time but the Disability Access Service Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.

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Where do Disability Access Service Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Walt Disney World® Resort, Guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.

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Does a Disability Access Service Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the Disability Access Service Cardholder.

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How long is a Disability Access Service Card valid?
A Disability Access Service Card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a Guest's ticket entitlement.

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Is a Disability Access Service Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

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Why doesn't Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor's note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

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Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to Guests with disabilities, such as Disney's Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a "Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities." This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

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Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a Disability Access Service Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a Disability Access Service Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

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Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Changes coming to Disney Dining's Cancellation Policy

 (Mama Melrose's Italiano in Hollywood Studios)

Many of the Table Service restaurants at Walt Disney World already have the 24 hour cancellation policy in place.
If you do NOT cancel your reservation, 1 day in advance, you will pay a $10 per person penalty, for each reservation, that is not cancelled.

However, some of the Table Service Meals, such as locations like Mama Melrose's, or Kona Cafe, do NOT currently have a cancellation policy in place.

Well, that's all about to change.

October 31,2013 - Walt Disney World will now have a 24 hour cancellation policy for ALL Table Service and Signature Dining locations.

(the policy for Signature dining experience remains the same: full payment is due in full at the time of the reservation if you are NOT on the dining plan, and even if you ARE on the dining plan, a no-show will result in the FULL price of the dining experience to be applied to the credit card you have on file)

Beginning on October 31, with this new change, all Table Service meals will have atleast a $10 per person cancellation fee for all no-show reservations.

This is much in hopes to eliminate lots and lots of guests making multiple reservations each day, and failing to cancel them.

If you wish to avoid this penalty, you may call 1.407.WDW.CNCL to cancel your dining reservation at any time.

Or of course, if you have booked your Walt Disney World vacation with me..well, then I am happy to handle that for you :)

2013 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Opens today

If you have ever had the chance to experience EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, then you know what a treat it is.



It is a great night for adults, especiallly.

Lots of kiosks with offerings from different countries around the world.

The 2013 map is featured here!

Princess Fairytale Hall opens September 18,2013

Take a look into the Imagineering behind Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.

I absolutely love the attention to the tiniest of details, and I am not sure why it even surprises me that so much detail has been put into everything, including the bookends!

What a fabulous experience this will be as guests are treated to an encounter with the charming Cinderella, or the adorable Rapunzel.

I just can't wait to visit this spot...only a few more days :)

New Rapid Fill Resort Mugs at Walt Disney World

As we speak, the new Rapid Fill refillable mug system is making it's mark at Walt Disney World resorts, one resort at a time.


The new refillable mug stations at the resorts are in transition to the new Rapid Fill system. This system allows guests to purchase a specific number of days of refills.

The RFID chips embedded in the mugs will only allow usage of the fountains for only the purchased number of days.

At the end of the purchased period, the mug will deactivate itself.
Regardless of where it was originally purchased, the new mugs, with the Rapid Fill chip, will be able to be used at any Walt Disney World resort  quick service fountain.

The Rapid Fill will use a tiered pricing structure.
Each pricing is counted on a calendar day scale...NOT a 24 hour period.
The days will use Eastern time, and when the clock strikes midnight, a new day begins.

 The tiered pricing structure is as follows:


$8.99 for 1 day
$11.99 for 2 days
$14.99 for 3 days
$17.99 for length of stay

Just like the original refillable resort mug, this Rapid Fill mugWILL be included in some of the Disney Dining Plans.

However, keep in mind, with this new chip embedded in the drink fountains, mugs from a previous trip/purchase will NOT be usable. The fountains will NOT activate without the Rapid Fill ID chip.

 At the beginning of August, the Walt Disney World resorts began the transition. So, although they may not all be using the Rapid Fill system just yet, it should be in place by the end of the month.

The mugs come in a range of colors: yellow, teal, purple, pink, green, black and orange.
At this time, they are not resort specific, and will all feature the Fab 5  at the Disney Pool Scene (a mug that has been previously featured at the resorts and water parks)

Muppets Most Wanted..in theaters March 21

 

Ok, is it just me, or does it seem like there are 8,263 Disney Movies that I cannot wait to see, on the way to theaters, I mean....Disney's Planes, Saving Mr. Banks, and now Muppets, Most Wanted!

Really!

Check out this trailer!

The Muppets find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper in Muppets Most Wanted. In theaters Spring 2014.

Muppets Most Wanted Teaser Trailer on Disney Video

And go ahead, "like" The Muppets on facebook: www.facebook.com/Muppets

Like The Muppets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Muppets
- See more at: http://momstart.com/2013/08/disneys-muppets-most-wanted-movie-teaser-trailer-scenes/#sthash.8udopUw0.dpuf

Like The Muppets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Muppets
- See more at: http://momstart.com/2013/08/disneys-muppets-most-wanted-movie-teaser-trailer-scenes/#sthash.8udopUw0.dpuf

 

Animal Kingdom and Dietary Restrictions?!

If you have ever had to worry about dietary needs, food allergies and restrictions, well, your day just got better!

As of today, August 4th, guests with dietary needs, food allergies and restrictions will be able to visit the Gardens Kiosk at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park to learn about the mal options in the park---and at this kiosk, they can also pick up some healthful, prepackaged snacks.


Located on Discovery Island, next to Adventures Outpost, the Gardens Kiosk is available with knowledgeable Cast Members to discuss their food options, and restrictions. Guests with concerns regarding gluten, wheat, lactose concerns, as well as dairy, peanuts, shellfish, eggs, and so many more!



Not only can you discuss your options, learn more about the dining locations that can assist you, you will also find snacks at the Gardens Kiosk, such as popcorn, chips, hummus, even gluten-free beer! Vegan sweets from Baby Cakes will also be included in the offerings!


So far, Disney's Animal Kingdom parks is the only park with this "dietary kiosk". However, guests are always encouraged to speak with a manger or chef at any Disney Dining location to discuss your restrictions, as well as your options.

Beginning, today, August 4th, The Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information, visit Disneyworld.com to review special dietary requests, or send an email 14 days prior to your visit with specific needs to special.diets@disneyworld.com.

Free Disney Dining Plan Fall 2013

Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package (includes room and theme park tickets) at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer can be booked through September 15, 2013 and is valid for arrivals most nights:

• September 29 to October 2, 2013
• October 18 to November 2, 2013
• November 11 to November 23, 2013
• December 12 to December 22, 2013

Free Quick Service Dining Plan at select Value Resorts

Free Plus Dining Plan at select Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

• Offer excludes
• Campsites
• 3-Bedroom Villas 
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Discover 2 great dining plans that include meals and snacks!

*many exclusions apply! 

facebook.com/MyMainStreetMemories

 

Disney's Planes Activity Sheets

Disney's Planes will premier in theaters August 9th, but until then, here's a fun printable, for the kiddos!

I can't wait to see this movie, and so many things are starting to surface leading up to the premiere, and I can't help but share them!


Click here to download Disney's Planes printable Activity Sheet!!!

Saving Mr Banks

I absolutely cannot wait.
And I mean CAN.NOT.WAIT
to see this movie!

Have you watched the trailer? Are you just as excited as me!

It's not just about Mary Poppins.
It's not just about Walt Disney.

But a story of hope and creativity, and the true pursuit of a dream.

December 13th can't come quick enough!


Trailer: Saving Mr. Banks on Disney Video

Oh, no! My FASTPASS+ attraction is closed!

Let's talk about how this is going to work!

Old FASTPASS System:
When you have a FASTPASS in your possession (ex: 3:15pm), you wait all day, and then return to the ride, only to find that it is now "closed for enhancement" or something magical like that:)

Your mind immediately ques "Holiday Road", and you wonder for just a moment what they would do if you went Clark Griswold on them!

Not any more my friends :)

With the new FASTPASS+ system, you will automatically receive a notification via My Disney Experience. The existing FASTPASS+ will be expired, and you will have 2 options:

Option 1: (and these options may be determined by the time of day in which the attraction closed)

If the attraction closes early in the day, you will be offered a new FASTPASS+ opportunity, for the original attraction, later in the day when it reopens.
OR---
You may select from an alternate listing of 8 FASTPASS+ attractions at that same park, on that same day.

Option 2:

If the attraction closes later in the day, you will be offered the opportunity to choose ANY FASTPASS+ attraction at any of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, on the next day.

Note: You will be notified of the FASTPASS+ attraction closure via My Disney Experience.
It is very important to have access to this during your visit, while inside the parks, via your smart phone, ipad, etc
It is also important to remember to turn those "push notifications" on.

Remember: MyMagic+ is still in the testing phase, and has not been released "live" to all guests. The expected release for MyMagic+ is Fall 2013.
FASTPASS+ is just one feature of MyMagic+ and is a fabulous addition to your Walt Disney World Theme Park experience!

We will be featuring more updates as we have them. All updates can be found here: MyMagic+ info

My Magic+ bands are INCREDIBLE :)

(photo creds to my sweet friend Erin)

I am already very excited about My Magic+, the enhancement to your Disney Vacation, coming Fall 2013.

And then, they go and do this!

So dang cute!

When you login to your My Disney Experience app, and link your resort reservation, you will be able to choose your Magic Band. You can choose different colors for each family member.

Then, you confirm your mailing address, and in true Disney fashion, this little beauty will show up at your door, in this cute tidy little box, just for you!

Yes, indeed...I think it's incredible!!!

I can't wait for this to be in full swing, as the My Magic+ is still in the final test phases now at Walt Disney World.

Ohana...

He's very intense when it comes to bread pudding. 

I had a little free time so I had a little fun with these pics from our summer trip August 2012. 

You see...what had happened was...

Let me set the scene....

It was a dark and stormy night.........

Ok. Ok.
Tuesday morning, 5:30am. Dark as soot up here where I live! Pouring down rain.

And, the best part.....I'm VERY stubborn. I know I know. Shocker!!

So, my mom was gonna drop me off at the airport, on my way to Walt Disney World for work.

So...I decided to use the side porch (that we never use because the steps are awful)

Yes. You can already see where this is headed...

Anyways, I digress.

It was raining. Like. Pouring. I was in a hurry. So I decided to only make ONE trip to the car.

So. I grabbed my suitcase, my carrying bag, and out the door I went.

Step one, step two, and set my suitcase on the ground and BAM!!!!

No step three!

I just stepped straight down to the ground and my ankle went as far under me as possible.

I screamed like a little girl that just meet Justin Beiber!!!!

So loud that mason, who was upstairs, in the bathroom getting ready, heard me and came running outside.

Needless to say, I screamed, cried, regrouped grabbed an ankle brace and dashed out the door.
Throbbing.
Like a beast.

As soon as we landed I called my doc (who is awesome, btw)

(foot...about 3 hours after the "incident")

He assured me it wasn't broken.
Take care of business, wrap it tight, lots of ibuprofen, Ice, and stay off of it.....

Um....has he never been to Walt Disney World?!?!

Ok. So 862 miles of walking, later :)

(the next morning)

And in every single pic we took, I have this crazy, my-leg-doesnt-need-to-touch-the-ground thing going on.



I went to see him as soon as we got back home.

Just before going to the doc...

And now....the boot!

GRRR....

Nah, I didn't do this...but it was fun to pose for a photo opp :)