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!

Disney Cruise Line Vacation - a must do!

It's just no secret that I am a lover of all Disney Vacations.

However, it's very clear when someone says "so what about a Disney Cruise?!" and my eyes just light up.

Don't get me wrong, I love being in the parks, and everything that goes along with that, but I think as my kids have gotten older and life is just "busier" and we are all very much a slave our electronic leash (you know, the phone or the upgrade we just HAVE to have!!!)

Anyways, as life has progressed, I think I love to partner a Disney Vacation, with a complete disconnect from the rest of the world.

We have great dinners together, we play together, we focus on each other, and yes...we even take a nap or two!

So, then, when I finish convincing you that you MUST try a Disney Cruise Line Vacation, then come all of the "must-do" items.

So, I thought I would list a few here:

But, of course, I must say....don't book a Disney Cruise on your own! Use an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. The tips and resources they can offer are priceless! Oh, and I just happen to know an amazing Authorized Disney Travel Planner!!! :)

Things you MUST know before going on a Disney Cruise:

1. The staterooms are "small". They are much larger than other cruise lines, because they are made for families, but even still. They are small. Pack tight!


2. Be sure when you book your cruise, you go ahead and login to your Planning Center online.
Don't procrastinate on this one.
You want to go ahead and reserve your Port Adventures.
Register your children for the Oceaneer Lab or Oceaneer Club (even if you think they will never go in there! This will save lots of time on the ship, if you have done all of this in advance!)

3. Plan to dress up for Pirate Night!! Even if you only wear Pirate Patches and a fun pirate tshirt! Play along! There aren't many opportunities that you have to look crazy as a family, and it's totally acceptable (and you'll be glad you did!)

4. Bring a cup. Preferably a travel-style cup with a lid.
Coca-Cola products, coffee, hot cocoa are available on the pool deck with unlimited refills, however, the cups that are provided aren't great for the journey back to the room, or for sitting in your beach chair!

5, Room Service is free!
Yes, that's right. It is included in the price of your cruise.
It's great for breakfast on your Castaway Cay morning, so you can get off of the ship early.
Or it's great late at night, for a late Giant Cookie or Mickey Ice Cream Bar!!
You will want to bring a few dollar bills with you, to tip your Room Service Host.
(Coca-Cola products, and bottled water are not complimentary with room service)

6. Disney Movies!
This is a great time to catch up on a movie that you haven't had time to see just yet! There are always the most recent first-run Disney movies playing in the Buena Vista theater.

And then tons of other classic favorites playing on the pool deck, Funnel Vision!

7.  Bring sunscreen.
Yes, I know. You have a bottle in the beach bag.
But, please, bring 2 more! atleast!
That Caribbean sun is H.O.T!!
 (you can thank me later when you aren't paying $12 per bottle)


8. Pre-pay your gratuities!
This will save lots of hassle while you are on board.
If you do this before you leave home, then you've already budgeted it in, and one less expense you have to pay onboard.

**Also, you are going to LOVE your servers, so you might want to play to bring extra $$ for them**
We always feel like they are our family by the time disembark.

9. While in port:
If you have already been to Nassau, or if you are only on a 3 night cruise, you might not want to get off of the ship!
This is a great time to stay on board, and enjoy a very empty ship!
Watch a movie, go to the Fitness Center or play Croquet with Alice in the Atrium!


10. Highlighters.
We have found that highlighters are a prized possession for us while on board.
We keep a Personal Navigator in the stateroom and we each have our own color.

Then we highlight what we hope to not miss, and this helps us keep track of the day, and each other!!

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Corral Placement

If you are participating in the Glass Slipper Challenge during runDisney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2014....once you have printed your waiver, you can use this chart to determine your corral placement.

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!

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 Magic re-launch, post-poned

News broke on Thursday, October 17th, that the first sailing of the "re-imagined" Disney Magic must be postponed.

Severe weather conditions, on the transfer back to Miami, Florida, prohibited the workers and crew, from finishing the details to make the ship "guest-ready".

The article in USA today states:
"Passengers on the canceled sailing will receive a full refund as well as reimbursement of airline change fees. In addition, passengers also are being offered a complimentary sailing on the Disney Magic between now and May, 2014. Alternately, passengers can choose a 35% discount on any future Disney cruise in the Bahamas or Caribbean, taken within two years and excluding holiday sail dates."

The new "re-launch" date is set for the October 25th sailing.

 

(photo via Disney Cruise Line)

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 :)

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...

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!

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!!!

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