And, We're Off!

We will travel to Walt Disney World in just 10 short/long days!  A few things are different for us on this trip - the biggest being that now that I am a Disney Vacation Planner, I have a new perspective for Disney travel.  While we are trying some new things for this trip, most of it will remain the same.  We are after all creatures of habit!

Each time we plan a major Disney vacation, we try to stay at a different resort.  This time we will stay at Animal kingdom Lodge, Jambo House.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at this Deluxe resort!  The African theme of this resort will be a change of pace for us, and we are looking forward to seeing the wildlife from our windows!

We will be driving the 16+ hour trip in ONE DAY.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This is due, in part to the fact that my husband is a beast, and that we have found that we can save lots of money in unneceesary hotel and food expenses if we just decide to stay in the car for the entire day.  We will leave Shelbyville, KY at 2:30am and arrive to Downtown Disney around 7:00 or 8:00pm.  Just in time for a quick dinner at Earl of Sandwich, and then check-in our pre-Disney hotel.  

We get various looks from folks when we reveal that we like to travel this way.  Lots of Questions arise - most of which we have a rehearsed answer.    

• Why don't you just fly?
• We simply can't afford it.  We travel in the summer, when airfare is at its highest.  If we could find a flight for our family for less than $Gazillion, we would consider flying.  While flying is the most efficient method of traveling to Disney World for most families, and cuts down on lots of "are we there yet?" whining, we just can't stomach the cost.  Plus, we enjoy our time in our minivan.  The double DVD players, stocked cooler, and pre-loaded playlist on the iPod keep us happy!  We enjoy the stops along the way, and find time to try out different restaurants (and potty stops)!  
• Why so early?  Wouldn't it be better to leave in the evening and drive overnight?
• While driving overnight works for many families - many swear by it - but it just doesn't work for our family.  At ages 3 & 5 (barely), my children are still required to sit in booster seats, and car seats with a 5-point harness.  It was evident early on in our attempt at overnight driving that it was impossible for them to get comfortable in their seats to sleep.  They can nap for small intervals without much incident, but requiring them to sleep in those seats just didn't work.  And although my husband is a great driver, and even allows me to take the wheel when he's ready for a rest, we found ourselves very sleepy.  So sleepy that we puled into a rest area, took our kids out of their seats, and all slept for an hour or more.  Early morning driving gives us all rest from the night before, allows us to drive as the sun rises, and keeps us awake!

• What about the kids?  Don't they get bored?
• Well, in a word, yes!  Kids are going to get bored with anything for an extended amount of time.  We build in quick stops along the way, bring snacks, toys, and MOVIES!  The kids' favorite is the gifts from Mickey Mouse.  A day or two before we leave, a box of wrapped gifts arrives on our front porch - gifts from Mickey Mouse!  We spend the weeks leading up to our trip scouring the Dollar Store, and dollar sections of Wal-mart and Target for cheap toys and games with Disney characters.  We wrap them individually for each child, and take the box with us.  Every hour or so (or when the kids are becoming unruly in the back seat!) we let them open a gift.  These toys hold the kids' attention just long enough to get us down the road a little farther! 

• Why do you arrive the night before you reservations?  
• While it seems like the addition of a hotel the night before our Disney reservations begin adds unnecessary expenses, we really don't feel this way.  By staying at a Good Neighbor hotel (we always stay in a nearby Dountown Disney area hotel) we can begin our Disney Magic sooner!  We are able to check into our Disney hotel first thing on the morning of our reservations, and while our room isn't always ready (though most of the time it is) we can get our Key to the World cards, and head straight to the parks that morning.  We find that this prolongs our trip and maximizes our time!

• Earl of Sandwich?  Huh?
• Earl of Sandwich is a restaurant located in The Marketplace at Downtown Disney.  The sandwiches are exceptional, and large enough to share with our kids for a satisfying dinner.  The prices are reasonable - one of the most reasonable on Disney property - and lets us enjoy some Disney magic at The Marketplace without breaking our budget the first night!  If the restaurnat is overly crowded, and it's very likely, we can take the sandwiches out to a nearby curb, or bench to eat.  My husband orders "The Full Montagu" and I get the club.  Again...creatures of habit! 

However your family chooses to travel to Walt Disney World, I hope you do it soon!  Don't wait until the kids "get big enough" or "we have enough money to do it right."  There are millions of ways to put together a Disney vacation - and no matter which way you do it, it will be memorable and worth it!








 

  

At Last!

As most of you know, my passion has been planning magical Disney vacations, and had it not had the potential to squash my parents' hopes for my future, I would have announced my dream of becoming a travel agent right out of high school.  However, I did the responsible thing and attended college, received my bachelor's degree, began teaching in the public school system, earned a masters degree, and set off on a journey of tenured bliss.  

Well, some of that is changing...sort of.  While I still plan on continuing my teaching profession, I am now OFFICIALLY a travel agent!  I have joined Glass Slipper Concierge, a travel company specializing in luxury Disney vacations.  My partnership comes with a wonderful benefit - a great team of travel professionals who know all there is to know about Disney Destinations.  The company's founder, Cara Goldsbury, is a well-known Disney expert with over 30 years in the travel industry.  She is a published author, having penned, The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World, and has been featured as a WDW expert on Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty, both specials on the Travel Channel.  I feel quite honored to be working alongside Cara and her team of Disney authorities!  What a blessing for this Disney Dork!

So, fellow dorks (and closet dorks, who are reading this right now hoping that your spouse won't discover you in the midst of another Disney Dreaming session), contact me for a FREE quote for your next Disney vacation!  I now have the credentials to back up my Disney Dork-ness, and I think my parents were saved a massive incident several years back, as I now have a successful teaching career in tact, and available to support me until this new adventure carries me forward!  

Erin@GlassSlipperConcierge.com

 

  

The Fever

Around this time of year at my house, at least one of my family members comes down with a bad case of what we call "The Fever."  They are anxious, lack focus, drift from one thought to another, and act in ways that seem irrational.  Their speech becomes littered with odd phrases, their eating habits change, as do their entertainment selections.  The most dangerous aspect of having "The Fever" is that it can be easily - sometimes instantaneously - transferred to others who are susceptible to it.  Once you come down with this disease, it is likely that it will recur at least once a year.

The Fever has hit our house hard this week.  It seems that all four of us have a touch of Disney Fever.
While it is no secret that I live my life in constant affliction of some version of Disney Fever, the other members of our family have recently shown signs of developing it as well.  Let me preface my husband's affliction by telling you that just a few weeks ago, after looking over our finances and household budget, declared that we would not be taking a Disney trip this summer as we had wished.  But as we drove to church just last Sunday he said, "You know, this will be the last trip Jace will take before he starts school." This declaration has prompted our two littles into Disney Fever frenzy.  They talk non-stop of the adventures they will have on their next visit to WDW.

So, we have Disney Fever, and aren't 100% sure we can afford to go this summer.  While I am anxious about that possibility, I will not lose heart!  In the meantime, here are some great ways to settle a Disney Fever rampage (or fuel the fire even more!)

• Watch Disney Planning videos - ours is permanently lodged in our van's DVD player, and the kids get lost in dreamland as the host describes every possible option at WDW.  The look on their faces in the rear-view mirror is priceless!
• Re-create menu options from WDW - even if it's not remotely the same, this is a great way to remember those wonderful meals from The World!  I plan to serve my BBQ sandwishes Sunday evening billed as Whispering Canyon Cafe's Canyon Skillet!
• Play Dress-up - When we dress-up as their favorite Disney characters, we pretend that they are the real characters at WDW - complete with autograph signing!
• Visit the WDW attractions on YouTube - we have ridden The Pirates of the Caribbean ten times this week!
• Disney-themed breakfast - Mickey pancakes require nothing more than quick placement of three dollops of batter!
• Fold your towel into an animal - Disney Mousekeepers are fantasitic at creating magic with a clean towel, and you can be too!
• Fill up that Resort Travel mug! If your refillable mugs are like ours, the logo is beginning to wear away from multiple washings, but the memories tied to them are wonderful!
• Visit the Disney Store - While it's not the same, it is similar, and the cast members try to make everyone welcome!
• Create edible version of your favorite attractions - The Edible Jungle Cruise (below) just might get your family ready for the adventures in the Jungle!

What do you do to keep the Disney Magic alive when you aren't there?

Saving Money at The World - Accommodations

Of all the questions people ask me about planning their Disney vacation the one I get the most is, "How can I save money?"  While this sounds like a completely reasonable question to ask, as most people I know are trying to maximize their dollar -- the sad fact is that people think that a Disney trip has to break the bank, and that just isn't so.  Believe me, my husband and I are both public school teachers, and if our meager salaraies can support a Disney vacation every two years or so, then the typical American can afford one too!


One Suggestion for getting the biggest bang for your Disney buck:

Visit during a Value Season 

WDW Resorts rates dip and dive throughout the calendar year.  These "seasons" dictate the resort rate - but NOT the ticket prices (ticket prices are set for a specific time frame; usually a calendar year).  The best way to save money on accommodations is to book during a value season.  These dates are the ones during time windows where schools are in session, and few families are able to travel to WDW.  While it is difficult for most families to lock in a value season rate, other seasons are available.  The key is to avoid Peak Seasons and Holiday rates.   


2012 Value Season Dates:
Value 1 Season Jan 2 - 4
Value 1 Season  Jan 8 - 12
Value 1 Season Jan 16 - Feb 15
Value 2 Season Aug 5 - Sept 27
* Higher rates for New Year's  Jan 1, Marathon Weekend  Jan 5 - 7, President's Day Feb 17-19, Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Jan 13-15


2012 Fall Season Dates:
Fall Season   Sept 28 - Oct 4
Fall Season  Oct 8 - Nov 16
Fall Season Nov 24 - Dec 20
* Higher Rates for Columbus Day  Oct 5 - 7 & Thanksgiving Nov 17 - 23


2012 Regular Season Dates:
Regular Season  Feb 26 - March 8
Regular Season April 15- May 31
* Higher rates for Easter April 1 - April 14


2012 Summer Season Dates:
Summer Season June 1 - Aug 4


2012 Peak Season Dates:
Peak Season Feb 20 - Feb 25
Peak Season  Mar 9 - March 31


2012 Holiday Dates:
Holiday Season Dec 21 - Dec 31


Keep in mind that rates are higher on weekends.  Arriving on a Monday and staying through Friday is a great way to maximize your accommodations dollar -- staying off property the the night before your scheduled arrival at the WDW Resort ensures that you get the most time with your theme park tickets.  Even purchasing a day or two fewer theme park tickets for your stay and spending a day or two at Downtown Disney or nearby outlet malls makes for a great way to save some money!


Also worth noting is that Disney DOES run special offers throughout the year!  It is sometimes possible to save up to 40% on Disney accommodations and vacation packages.  www.mousesavers.com publishes an updated list of all discount codes and offers.  


  
  

Disney Destination Specialist?

I've been called many things in my life, but one that ranks near the top in the excitement factor, sans the obvious mother and wife, is a Disney Destination Specialist.  I would have to agree that I have more Disney knowledge than most, and as we all know -- this is okay with me!  I know I am a dork when it comes to WDW and perhaps it is for this reason that I am most excited about my next venture.

My husband pokes fun at me for my Disney vacation planning.  Now, I'm not talking about the trips that we will actually take, those are just in alternating summers.  Specifically, I am referring to the WDW vacations that are planned whenever I get "The Fever."  At any given moment, I may have 2-5 Disney vacation offers saved.  In fact, at this moment, I even have dining reservations for hard-to-reserve restaurants at WDW for a future dream vacation that we likely will not take!  Deep in my heart, I know that these trips will never come to fruition.  But planning Disney Vacations is a great pastime!  Perhaps I've even helped you plan one of yours!

It is for this reason that I have applied to be a "Magic Maker" with Off to Neverland Travel.  This position would basically pay me commission for doing what I do already - plan Disney vacations.  So...how does this help the general WDW-seeking traveller?

Using a Disney Specialist, or any travel agent for that matter, is a sweet deal for any traveller.  This is especially true of the traveller with limited knowledge of the destination.  By partnering with a Disney Specialist, or "Magic Maker", many of the questions that seem to have you stuck in your travel preparations are answered for you.

When is the cheapest time to travel to WDW?
Should I opt for the dining plan, and if so, which one do I choose?
Are my children to young to fully experience Disney?
Do I need to rent a car?
What are the differences between the types of resorts?  Are Value Resorts really a value?
What is all the hype about Character Dining?

These are usually some of the most time-consuming questions that Disney travelers, new and experienced alike, find them selves researching.  Let's be honest - the Internet is a phenomenal tool when planning any vacation, but can sometimes be a bit coy when trying to find Disney answers.

Another great perk is that a Disney Destination Specialist will also have access to discounted rates and other money and time-saving information to help you!  And for even more money and time-saving help - using a travel agent is absolutely FREE to the traveler!  Disney pays a commission to certified travel agents (in my case, Off to Neverland Travel), and therefore there is no cost to the traveler.

So...what are you waiting for?!  Book that Disney Dream vacation!  I will be thrilled to help you plan a magical vacation and answer those questions that are nagging at you!

Note: (1/28/2012) I was actually informed last night that my application with Off to Neverland Travel was declined. Declined!? No worries though, I have applied with two other companies, and have already gotten a call back. The dream is still alive!

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.