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!

A Disney Vacation A Day Giveaway!

Have you entered?

Go do it!

Now, and tomorrow! and the next day!!!

You could get the chance to show us your Disney Side!!

FastPass+ Cheat Sheet :)

Keep this with you as a handy reference sheet!

Believe me...you will be glad you did!

Memory Maker Photo Service at Walt Disney World

Another addition to Disney's MyMagic+ has arrived. Disney's Memory Maker replaces the Photopass+ that was introduced just over a year ago!

So....let's get the skinny on this new product:

What DOES it include:

It includes the Digital Download of allllll of your photos taken while you are at Walt Disney World.
(the ONLY exception to this, is that it has a 3 day window. So you *really* need to order it before you leave home!)

It includes your attraction photos (Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, etc)
your dining photos (Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, etc)
 and all of your Photopass Photographer photos during your Walt Disney World vacation.

How much is it:
 $149.00

What does it NOT include:
 This is the important thing to note:
 It does NOT include a CD.
It DOES include the digital download, but if you want the CD, you will need to add that to your My Disney Experience account, as the CD add-on. ($9.95)

It does NOT include the photo gallery/stock images.
That will be an additional $30 charge.

 So, if you want the CD, you will need to add that.
If you want the photo gallery/stock images, you will need to add those.

Otherwise, the $149 will just about cover all of your Disney Photopass needs.

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!

Adventures by Disney - Scotland

If you are thinking of, dreaming of, or even considering a Vacation of a Lifetime Experience...well, look no further.

The Guides at Adventures by Disney leave no detail undone.

Take a look into the Scotland Adventure! Amazing!

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.

Magic Bands and My Magic+

Walt Disney World Resort has released an updated schedule for MyMagic+ and Magic Bands at the resorts.
 It will continue to occur in waves, until October 23rd, when The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa officially open.
All guests with a checkin date on or after the dates listed, will be able to customize Magic Bands to enhance their MyMagic+ experience.

Starting today, September 30, and each Monday following, new resorts will be "officially" added to the list. Then, on October 23rd, it will go "live" at all resorts.

Now...keep in mind, this program, MyMagic+, will still be considered in the "testing" phase, so, it may not be fully functional at select times.

Again, testing phase.

And then, on December 1st, 2013, it is set to be in full swing!

Arrival dates (on or after):
September 30, 2013:
Disney's Bay Lake Tower
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa
Disney's All Star Movies

October 7, 2013:
Disney's All Star Sports
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Disney's Boardwalk Villas
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

October 14, 2013:
Disney's All Star Music
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

October 21, 2013:
The Campgrounds at Disney's Fort Wilderness
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

October 23, 2013: The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridan Hotel & Spa

Show us your Disney Side

I could not be any more in love with the 2014 plan for Disney Parks...Show us your Disney Side

My family and I have been finding our "Disney Side" for years, as a matter of fact, we think it is our BEST side, and that's why we keep coming back for more...more laughs, more memories, more fun!

More of our Disney Side!

So, take a look and see what you think...

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!

Disney's Frozen Movie Trailer

In Theaters November 27,2013

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind "Tangled" and "Wreck-It Ralph," presents "Frozen," a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
The film is directed by Chris Buck ("Tarzan," "Surf's Up") and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, "Wreck-It Ralph"), and produced by Peter Del Vecho ("Winnie the Pooh," "The Princess and the Frog"). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez ("The Book of Mormon," "Avenue Q") and Kristen Anderson-Lopez ("In Transit"), "Frozen" is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013.

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 :)

2013 Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

Christmas at Walt Disney World is one of my most favorite times of year!

Full of lights, and sounds and smells of Christmas, makes my happy place, even more happier!

I just love it.

And the Candlelight processional is just one more event that takes place, that I just can't get enough of.

When the sound of the choir takes over the World Showcase, it makes me stop in my tracks.

Even if we don't have a seat for that night, we will stand in the back, and watch. And almost always, in silence, with all of the other guests as they watch in amazement as well.

It's a reverent time. It's a peaceful time. It's a joyous time!

And I love it.

2013 has a fabulous line-up of Celebrity Narrators, incuding Trace Adkins, Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris.

If you have the opportunity, do NOT miss this event!

Disneynature's Bears in theaters April 18,2014

Just in time for Earth Day 2014,
You are invited, somewhere incredible...somewhere beautiful..somewhere unpredicatble!
 You're invited into the world of Bears. From Disneynature comes a story all parents share, about the strength it takes to raise a family.
Bears Trailer on Disney Video

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)

Castaway Club Offer

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!!!