Disney Prayers

My son's bedtime routine involves much of the same activities as most 4 year olds across the world.  He brushes his teeth, hugs everyone goodnight, climbs into bed for a story, and finishes with prayer time.  Let me tell you -- my child says GREAT prayers.  Amazing even.  His prayers could be used as illustrations for sermons, or teaching points for seminary professions.  Okay, I won't go that far, but seriously, the boy can pray.

For the last several nights my little strawberry blonde has thanked God for his family, asked the Holy Spirit to help him be obedient, and has made this special request:   

"God, please let us go to Disney World for my five birthday."

Sweet?  Of course?  Every mother loves to hear the heartfelt prayers of her children.  This momma's heart is touched even more when Disney magic shows up in them!

Since I am home in bed -- sick with a terrible cough/cold/bronchitis (the doctor will confirm later) -- I have decided to plan a "Five Birthday" trip for my son.  Although the trip won't necessarily fall on his birthday, as my husband will more than likely still be in school, a WDW trip at the end of June is not out of the question.    

The possibilities are limitless -- well, not exactly limitless, we do survive on a two-teacher income -- so I will be putting together probably a dozen packages to compare resorts, restaurants, dining plans, etc.  This is my way of maximizing my sick day - since I feel too lousy to do much else.  

Have a magical day!

Tickets!

Earlier today I was rummaging through my wallet when a co-worker noticed my Disney tickets stored neatly away.  When she endearingly remarked that I had better keep those safe, it got me thinking about the various tickets that Disney has to offer!  I am quite aware that this solidifies my dorkiness... there is no need to point this out to me the next time we speak.

Walt Disney World offers tickets that can be modified by opting to add on certain features, and all tickets require 

Magic Your Way

The base ticket, known as Magic Your Way tickets, are just what you'd think - a base ticket.  Purchasing a Magic Your Way Ticket allows you to enter one theme park for one day.  You are allowed to leave the park, and return to the same park on the same day, however.    

Park-Hopper

If your family decides that they would like to visit more than one Disney theme park in one day -- perhaps visit Animal Kingdom in the morning while the animals are more active, then visit Magic Kingdom in the afternoon for thrill rides, and finish the evening at Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic! -- then you could add the Park Hopper option to your ticket.

If you choose to add this option, you will be able to come and go as you please through all four of the parks at WDW on the same day.  The cost for the Park-Hopper option is an additional $35.00  for a one-day ticket, and $55.00 for 2-10 day tickets.  

My opinion...I know you want to hear it...is to ALWAYS add the Park-Hopper option to your ticket if your itinerary allows it (plan for more than one day!).  For the extra $55 - because you should spend more than one day at Disney! - you get a built-in pass to relax.  With the added freedom to come and go as we wish, I usually find that we are not as crazed to accomplish everything in one fail swoop.  We typically hit the parks hard in the early morning, and return to our rooms for a midday rest.  Then strike back to a different park in the evening.  Adding the Park-Hopper option also allows you more freedom with dining options.  You won't have to be as miticulous in your dinner reservations if you have the ability to visit each park as often as you like each day.  You could essentially (and I've done it) have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a diiferent WDW park!

Water Park Fun and More

If you are seeking more than theme parks, you may enjoy adding the Water Park Fun and More option to your base ticket.  With this add-on option, you gain admission to your choice of Blizzard Beach water park, Typhoon Lagoon water park, Disney Quest, a round of golf at Oak Trail Golf Course, or Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.  The number of visits depends on the length of your ticket, i.e. a one-day ticket allows 2 visits to one of the options mentioned, a 10-day ticket allows for 10 visits.  The cost for this add-on is $55.00 per ticket.  When combined with the Park-Hopper option, the rate is $110.00 per ticket.    

My husband and I have added this option only once while staying at WDW, and it was worth it for that visit.  Since having small children, we have not seen the need for adding this option as the theme parks are enough entertainment for our family.  We did find Disney Quest to be a very entertaining, and enjoyed touring the Wide World of Sports Complex - it was nearly empty when we visited, save for a high school wrestling tournament that was being held at the facility.  

No Expiration 

The Magic Your Way base tickets (and any added options ) expire 14 days after their first use.  If you choose to add the no expiration option, you are free to come back and use any remaining tickets at any time.  These tickets NEVER expire.  I recently heard of a gentleman who just returned to WDW to use his ticket from the late 1970's.  (Now there's a real Disney Dork!)  The cost for this feature depends on the number of days of your tickets and ranges from $25 for a 2-day ticket, to $225 for a 10-day ticket. 

We have contemplated purchasing the No Expiration option to actually save some money on our Disney tickets.  If planned correctly, you could purchase tickets for two trips at WDW in one purchase (assuming you had that much extra cash on hand...have I mentioned that my husband and I are BOTH teachers?).  The cost of Disney tickets decline as you add more days to the ticket.  A 5-day adult base ticket costs $270, yet you can buy a 10-day pass for $310.  By adding the No Expiration option, you actually save a tiny fraction (like $5), but you will also have stored up tickets for a family vacation down the road -- and Disney is notorious for raising their prices each year.       

Annual Pass

Perhaps you come down with a terrible case of Disney Fever more than once a year and plan to visit WDW when the feeling strikes.  Purchasing an annual pass permits one year of unlimited admission to all four major theme parks, along with free parking.  The cost for a first time adult annual pass purchase is $560, and can be renewed for $510.  

With the options that Disney has for creating a truly magical experience at the theme parks (and more!) your family should be able to find an option that works best for you!  And for the record, the 3 tickets stored in my wallet are Magic Your Way Base Tickets.  No added options.  Used April 2011.  Just another testament to the Disney Dork -- Keeping them in a place I'll see them often so I can dream about our next visit.      

  

If You Only Have ONE DAY

In the off chance that you stumble upon Walt Disney World, and find yourself with a ticket to ONE PARK for ONE DAY, what should you do?  This is a situation in which I would celebrate and mourn at the same time.  A full day immersed in The World, yet only one day!  Here's how I would (and have) attack that day.

1.  Pick Your Park
This part of the planning is a no-brainer.  If you only have one day in one park - no park-hopping option, then the answer is clear... go to The Magic Kingdom! The oldest of the four Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom is perhaps the most magical, especially for children.  The true essence of Disney Magic is experienced simply by entering Magic Kingdom.

This original park, opened in 1971, has stood the test of time with changing cultures, social climate, and technology which often leaves theme parks outdated and obsolete.  Magic Kingdom remains the most visited theme park, drawing thousands of visitors each year.  I have often said that I would be satisfied to grab a piece of sidewalk on Main Street USA and just sit and enjoy the splendor that is the Magic Kingdom.  This park has stayed true to the original vision of Uncle Walt -- a place where families can gather in a clean and safe place to enjoy the time they spend together.   This park transports visitors back to their childhood, or the childhood they had wished they had!

2. Select Must Do Attractions
In order to effectively visit a park at WDW, and get the most bang for your buck, you will have to plan, plan, plan!  I always start with a list of everything I want to do while I'm there - this is true regardless how many days you have in each park.  Short of quitting my job and relocating my family to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, there will never be enough time to experience everything in one trip.  This is especially true with a one park/one day pass.  I like to plan my must-do's in each land -- this helps me later as I prioritize and make a plan of attack.

For the Magic Kingdom, my "To-Do" list looks something like this:

Main Street USA:

• If line is short - Visit Mickey at the Main Street Theater (if wait time is under 15 minutes)
• Get PhotoPass picture in front of Cinderella Castle (at least twice along the street)
• Watch whomever is performing (maybe The Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet)
• Hurry PAST the shops -- no time to stop, order online later! 

Tomorrowland

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (get fastpass for later, ride now if line is under 15 mins)
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Carousel of Progress
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
• Space Mountain (no my fav, but just mentioning that it's here)

Fantasyland:
(Keep in mind that Mickey's Toontown Fair is closed, and the new Fantasyland will open Fall 2012.  Guests will be able to visit princesses in their own themed attractions.  Dance with Cinderella, celebrate Aurora's birthday and perform with Belle in Beast's Castle, which will also include a new themed restaurant.  Dumbo the FLying Elephant will be larger and a Little Mermaid attraction will be added.  Most of Toontown will be removed and Mickey and Minnie will be relocated to the front of the park.)    

• Cinderella Castle
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• It's a Small World
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey's PhilharMagic 
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Smow White's Scary Adventures
• Winnie the Pooh

Frontierland

• Country Bear Jamboree
• Splash Mountain
• Lunch! - We like to eat at Pecos Bill Cafe -- same food, a little cheaper price on some items.

Liberty Square:

• Haunted Mansion
• Dinner! -- We like to swing back through Liberty Square (through the pass through near Pirates of the Caribbean) and eat at Columbia Harbor House while we wait for our fastpass to Jungle Cruise.  All 4 of us can eat well with 2 meals.  

Adventureland:

• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise (get fastpass)
• Pirates of the Caribbean

3. Shows & Parades

Depending on the time you are visiting, parades, shows and Fireworks have varying schedules.  Check the times of your visit.  We like to use the Share a Dream Come True parade (usually around 3:00) for our rest time.  The kids can side in the stroller, and we can rest on the sidewalk while the parade comes through.  We have no favorite place to see any parade -- especially if we are only at one park on one day.  We plan on opening and closing the park...so we are not in any hurry to beat crowds at any point in the day!  Most crowds start to head out of the park following the parades, so this is a valuable time to revisit any attractions that were too crowded earlier!

4. Prioritize & Make a Route

This is the final step in ensuring that you visit the really important places.  Decide which attractions that you may be willing to part with -- the Enchanted Tiki Room recently reopened with changes that restore the attraction to its orginal 1971 version.  I would not miss the opportunity to see the "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" from my childhood!  

Now get a park map (WDW will mail you FREE maps - see www.disneyparks.com to order) and plan your route.  Most visitors head for the bigger attractions early -- don't expect to ride space mountain or Splash mountain right away unless you want to waste your day in line -- so visit the lesser attractions first, and get fastpasses for the bigger rides.  Be prepared, and willing, to cross lands throughout the day.  Getting a fastpass for a ride in Adventureland, then returning to Fantasyland is a great idea!

No matter how long you have in WDW, the visit will be magical!  

Stash Your Stuff

Heading to The World and have more stuff than you'd like to tote around with you all day?  Let's face it, as well-meaning as we may be, the gear we bring with us can tie us down!  As if waiting in line for longer than 15 minutes to ride The Jungle Cruise, or staking out prime real estate for the 3:00 parade isn't enough with our little ones in tow, we weigh ourselves down with stuff we really only need once during the day!


I have several ideas when it comes to dealing with stuff, but for this blog, I'll stick to some information about locker rentals at WDW (just for you Missy!).


Lockers can really save you at WDW.  They make for a great place to stash rain gear that you may need later in the day (an you will!), or to store jackets or souvenirs (unless you are staying on property, in which case, they will have the items sent to your room for you!).  


All four parks share the same policy regarding locker rental:

• Large Lockers: $9.00/day plus $5.00 key deposit (refunded when key is returned).
• Small Lockers: $7.00/day plus $5.00 key deposit (refunded when key is returned).
• You may access key operated lockers as often as you want.
• You must return your key within an hour of park closing.

If you plan to visit more than one park on the same day, you need not pay additional rental fees.  Simply return the key for your $5.00 refund and get a receipt.  Present the receipt to the next theme park, pay another $5.00 deposit and you will have a locker for the remainder of the day.  May be a hassle, much like renting strollers at WDW, but worth it if you want to free yourself from extra items. 


Lockers are located in various areas throughout the parks and offer various sizes:
Large Locker dimensions: 17"H x 12"W x 16" Deep
Small Locker dimensions: Small Lockers: 11"H x 9" W x 22" Deep
Luggage Locker dimensions: 23"H x 16"W x 29" Deep
Extra Small Locker dimensions: 4"H x 3"W x 5" Deep 


Magic Kingdom: 

• Inside the park, directly under the train station
• Note: no small lockers available at MK

Epcot:  

• To the right of Spaceship Earth (small & large lockers available)
• Stroller Rental at International Gateway (small lockers only)
• Behind Bus Information booth (luggage lockers only - coin operated, 4 quarters)

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• Rent at Crossroads of the World, but actual Lockers located next to Oscar's Super Service (large & small lockers)
• Outside the park by Bus Information booth (extra small - coin operated $0.50, & large lockers - coin operated - 4 quarters)

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

• Expedition Storage lockers by Guest Services inside the park (small & large lockers)
• Outside Main Entrance near the restrooms to the right of the turnstiles (small, large & extra large - coin-operated) 

   

  

40th Anniversary Celebration

Walt Disney World is turning 40 on October 1st!  If Mr. Disney could see us now, I believe that he would nod his head and smile, knowing that his vision of Progress, USA has been achieved ten fold.  In true Disney fashion, many events are planned for this one-of-a-kind celebration, although Disney has been tight-lipped about them!  Below are some of the unconfirmed details that I have been able to dig up. 


The park will be open from 9am to midnight.

These events, while painstakingly planned I'm sure, kind of feel like a bummer to me.  GIven the choice between traveling this fall versus next fall, I would certainly go in 2012.  Sure, the 40th anniversary is a milestone for WDW, and there are likely other events and celebrations planned (during most milestone anniversaries, WDW gives visitors commemorative pins), but I am fully convinced that the unveiling of the new Fantasyland will prove to be a much more grandiose experience!  If you have a trip currently planned (Thompson family) I trust that the 40th anniversary celebrations will provide an extra dose of Disney Magic and will enhance your vacation.  Conversely, if you are saving your pennies for a WDW vacation, keep saving until next fall when you will be able to visit a whole new land of Disney and participate in celebrations on a grander scale!   

The DVC Advantage?

Yesterday evening a good friend, and fellow Disney fan, stopped by for a brief moment.  Our conversation quickly turned to his upcoming Disney trip and we were well on our way to a full fledged Disney Dork moment, when someone brought up the idea of DVC (Disney Vacation Club).  


In theory, becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club has tremendous perks for a Disney enthusiast like me.  DVC is Disney's answer to the timeshare phenomenon, and their concept is one of the fastest growing in the timeshare industry.  DVC members purchase "points" which can be used to stay at any of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts.  These resorts are markedly nicer than the typical Walt Disney World Resort options.  These resorts include: Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Old Key West Resort, Treehouse Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, and Saratoga Springs Report & Spa.  Points can also be used for a Disney Cruise or at Disneyland Resort stays.  Other hotels (over 500) around the world are also included in the DVC package, and are typically top-of-the-line resorts in fabulous locations.  


DVC allows more flexibility than other timeshare companies, and the cast members who specialize in the sale of DVC are quick to point out this fact.  Members can use their DVC points at anytime throughout the year and the accommodations can be chosen based upon your liking.  But the truth is the most cost-effective way to use DVC points is at the above mentioned resorts.  It is for this reason, that DVC membership is a WASTE of money for most families, even Disney addicts like myself, unless you plan to stay at a DVC resort at least every other year.  


It is this truth that had my friend and I nearly arguing with an imaginary DVC agent in my kitchen, having both been subjected to their pleas for membership.  (I once attended an online seminar for DVC that resulted in me disconnecting early, and accepting the free mouse pad, leather-bound portfolio, and DVC mouse ears.)  We deduced that the two of us, me with my family of 4, and he with his family of 5, visit Disney World approximately every other year, and spend between $2,000.00 & $4,000.00 per trip.  If we put the minimum monthly payment that DVC allows (approx $195.00) we would accrue $2340.00 by the year's end.  So....how does this compare to DVC?  Let's run some numbers (this fact will no doubt make my husband laugh, as he knows very well, I'm not a mathematician!).  


The initial cost of joining DVC is a huge investment.  Although recently, DVC has been offering incentives for new members that are unbelievable, however without these incentives the current minimum of 160 points casts approximately $19,200 plus closing costs.  There are also substantial annual dues and maintenance fees.  The current minimum is around $253 per year for 160 points.  Another hidden truth of DVC is that the points are not good forever.  While you can bank your points each year, they do have an expiration date.  They expire on January 31st of 2042, 2054, 2057 or 2060 depending on which resort you buy into.  


I don't want to sound like a huge Debbie-Downer with DVC, so I will point out that there are some perks that almost make me want to join.  

• DVC members save money on Annual Passes at WDW
• Some restaurant and merchandise discounts
• The villas have full kitchens - which could curb the cost of meals
• DVC members and their guests can purchase the Dining Plan when staying on points.  
• No extra cost when more than 2 adults are staying in one unit
• FREE Internet access (general public costs $10/day)
• FREE self-service laundry
• Property tax portion of annual dues may be tax-deductible.  

Simply put, joining DVC sounds like a glamorous way to experience Disney, and it is!  But with that glamour, comes a glamorous cost.  It is likely not a financially responsible decision for your family unless you have the upfront cost in the bank.  In much the same way financial advisers would advise against financing a vacation on a credit card, I would imagine that joining DVC, thus financing a pre-paid Disney vacation, would fall into the same category.  The numbers speak for themselves:

• Your dues for 160 points at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas (2011): $802 (this ignores the purchase price of $19,200 and $253 closing costs)*

• If you rented points from an owner to stay in an Animal Kingdom Villas value studio unit for June 10-16, 2012 at $11 a point, it would cost you $880, savanna view: $1287*

• Maybe you'd be just as happy staying in the least expensive Disney Deluxe hotel room.  If you stayed at Wilderness Lodge during the same dates as above, 6 nights would cost you $2233. *

• If you paid the full "rack rate" charged by Disney to stay in a Saratoga Springs studio for 6 nights, it would cost you $2396.*
  
  
  Long story short?  Stay clear of DVC!  And you'll save yourself the drama of arguing with a fictitious DVC agent in my kitchen, making a case for how to best save for future Disney World vacations!   

*  Keep in mind that these prices are for the hotel only!  These prices do not include park tickets, or dining plans.  Another blog, for another day...

The Disney Store: The Dork's Perspective

My family frequents our local mall every couple of weeks, mostly to walk around and let our children blow off steam.  It is a pastime that we all enjoy -- mostly.  How does this relate to a blog devoted solely to Walt Disney World?  Well, this would be a true Disney Dork confession, one that my husband would again drop his head to his hands in embarrassment.  The mall has a Disney Store!

This feature is unsurpassed with all the other elements that the mall has to offer.  It is a store where we seldom make purchases, but ALWAYS visit.  My children actually believe for a small moment that they are back in the magical world of Disney World.  In their eyes, the other areas of the mall - hallways, bathrooms, department stores, coffee shops, photography studios and boutiques -- are all akin to the atmosphere of Downtown Disney.  Places that are fun to be, and that their parents enjoy, but don't matter much to them (except for when the DJ happens to be on stage leading the crowd in new dance crazes and handing out Mickey Mouse stickers).  The Disney Store for them is like entering into The World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney.  While these two stores are drastically different -- The World of Disney is Disney's largest retail space -- to my children any store with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in the window is a Disney World replica.

The Disney Store IS the mall for my kids.  In fact, when we mention that we might do a little shopping, my son and daughter both will assume their excited faces and squeal with delight, "We're going to The Mickey Mall!"  

On our last trip to "The Mickey Mall" my son took off as soon as he saw the place, and My daughter actually ran in and hugged the cast member who was greeting guests.  I, of course, in true Disney Dork fashion was parking the stroller in my unofficial reserved stroller parking space near the front of the store (Hey, if it happens at the real Disney World, it should happen at The Disney Store).  The kids moved from toy to toy, playing with anything in their reach.  They hugged EVERY "friend" in the back of the store, nearly squeezing their 2 for $25.00 stuffing out.  And we just let them.  Whether the store is full of shoppers or deserted, as it was this particular evening, the magical look on my children's faces is irreplaceable, lest we were actually at Disney World.

Muffin tries out the Toy Story Alien pens.

The look on his face says it all!

  

Following the suggestion of the sweet lady that hugged my child back as she ran to her with open arms and excitement written on her face, exclaiming, "She's my favorite one all day!" we began a new tradition of visiting the Mickey Mall.  We did what all pretend Disney World travelers should do: we rode a ride.  My husband coaxed the kids out of the store (where we purchased nothing) by allowing them to ride up and down the escalator that stands just outside the doors of The Disney Store.  They were elated.  It was the perfect ending to their pretend Disney World trip, and mine too.  

Our new "ride" at the Mickey Mall