Category Disney World

Apr 29 2015

Ways To Kick Off The Coolest Summer Ever At Disney World

Countdown

Disney World is bringing back the
24-hour event to kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever”!

This Memorial Day weekend, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World will be open 24 hours from 6am Friday, May 22 to 6am Saturday, May 23. Guests are invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a huge selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, themed merchandise, foods, and beverages will be available all night to celebrate the beginning of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Disney World. This fantastic event will feature character meet and greets, dance parties, plus more fun-filled surprises.

Here’s a list of 24 ways to join in on the fun and make the most of this celebration courtesy of Disney Parks Blog:

  1. Show your #DisneySide by wearing a costume. (Check out the guidelines here).
  2. Join your favorite heroes from “The Incredibles” in the #IncrediblesSuperDanceParty in Tomorrowland, starting at 9:30 a.m.
  3. Join the “Move It, Shake It, Dance & Play It!” Street party to celebrate the start of summer. The first celebration begins at 9:30 a.m.!
  4. Find the paw prints of “Lady and the Tramp” hidden somewhere on Main Street, U.S.A.
  5. Have breakfast in the park. Mickey Waffles, anyone?
  6. Challenge yourself to get as many photos with Disney characters as possible. The My Disney Experience App will have the latest on appearance times.
  7. Catch the fun of the Royal Majesty Makers, who appear throughout New Fantasyland during the day.
  8. Attend the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade,” which features floats from “Tangled,” “Brave” and many more.
  9. Get your picture with Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach.
  10. May 22 is also the opening date for the film “Tomorrowland.” Celebrate with a ride through Space Mountain or the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover.
  11. Check out the latest Disney merchandise. Memento Mori, a new spot devoted to Haunted Mansion-inspired gifts, is a great place to start.
  12. Catch the patriotic flag retreat on Main Street, U.S.A., promptly at 5 p.m.
  13. Check out the latest additions to the park, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the interactive queue at Peter Pan’s Flight.
  14. Join the late night dance parties in your pajamas. That’s what Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip, Dale and Goofy will be wearing!
  15. Enjoy the “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show.
  16. Gather together for “Wishes” fireworks at Cinderella Castle.
  17. Change costumes at the 12-hour mark. Maybe a “hero” look for the day and a “villain” look at night?
  18. 24 hours means a lot of time for character autographs. How many can you get?
  19. Enjoy a late-night snack at the park. Popcorn or Dole Whip?
  20. Take pictures wearing as many different Mickey Ear hats as you can.
  21. See how many Hidden Mickeys you can find in 24 hours.
  22. Catch two showings of the “Main Street Electrical Parade.”
  23. Enjoy your favorite Disney attractions all day (and night) long.
  24. Take an early morning family photo – if you can make it the full 24 hours!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be attending the 24-Hour Summer Kick Off?
Are you excited for the “Coolest Summer Ever”? Please leave a comment!

Apr 28 2015

501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation April Giveaway Winner

The Winner

Congratulations to Katie* who won a copy of my new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“! Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear about more free giveaways throughout 2015!

Still interested in reading “501 Ways”? Please click this link to purchase your copy today!

*More than one person named “Katie” entered the giveaway, so be sure to check your email to see if you are the winner!

A Little About “501 Ways” – From The Back Cover

The difference between an average and a fantastic Walt Disney World vacation is in the details. And no matter how much you know, there’s still a lot you don’t know. Kristi Fredericks helps close the knowledge gap with her 501 ways to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on Earth.

Just a minute, you say. You’ve heard all the tips, you’ve read all the sites and all the books that promise to help you “make the most of” your Walt Disney World vacation. Are there really any new tips in here?

TouringPlans.com blogger Kristi Fredericks has come up with the Disney World travel tips book for people who are sick of Disney World travel tips books. Her 501 ways to make the most of your Disney vacation include:

  • How to ensure your trip will be a success before you leave home, by packing cheap, never-thought-of essentials from your local dollar store, setting up your iPhone as a personal Disney assistant; and much more
  • How to make the most of the four theme parks, by finding the best parade and photo op spots, keeping little kids enchanted by Epcot, beating the crowds out of the parks, and much more
  • How to never run out of pixie dust, by keeping the kids entertained in lines, creating your own park “challenges”, treating the resort hotels as a fifth theme park, and many other “Mousecellaneous” tips
  • How Kristi herself used many of the tips and techniques in this book during her countless visits to Walt Disney World, as recounted in her humorous stories and anecdotes

You’re just 501 ways from the best Disney World vacation of your life!

What People Are Saying About “501 Ways”

“This little book is chock full of nifty and useful tips for a Walt Disney World vacation.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“This book is one of the best Disney World books that I’ve come across. Just exceptional! There’s so much information packed in it that everyone is bound to learn something that they didn’t know before.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“It is full of practical tips and is written to be both informative and entertaining as the author shares some of her family’s personal experiences.”
– Amazon Customer Review

501 Ways
Please click this link to purchase your copy today!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World soon? I hope you enjoy my book!
Please leave a comment and good luck on the next giveaway, everyone!

Apr 27 2015

Last Chance – 501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation April Giveaway

Last Chance To Enter To Win

Monday, April 27, 2015 is the last day to enter to win a copy of my new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“!

A Little About “501 Ways” – From The Back Cover

The difference between an average and a fantastic Walt Disney World vacation is in the details. And no matter how much you know, there’s still a lot you don’t know. Kristi Fredericks helps close the knowledge gap with her 501 ways to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on Earth.

Just a minute, you say. You’ve heard all the tips, you’ve read all the sites and all the books that promise to help you “make the most of” your Walt Disney World vacation. Are there really any new tips in here?

TouringPlans.com blogger Kristi Fredericks has come up with the Disney World travel tips book for people who are sick of Disney World travel tips books. Her 501 ways to make the most of your Disney vacation include:

  • How to ensure your trip will be a success before you leave home, by packing cheap, never-thought-of essentials from your local dollar store, setting up your iPhone as a personal Disney assistant; and much more
  • How to make the most of the four theme parks, by finding the best parade and photo op spots, keeping little kids enchanted by Epcot, beating the crowds out of the parks, and much more
  • How to never run out of pixie dust, by keeping the kids entertained in lines, creating your own park “challenges”, treating the resort hotels as a fifth theme park, and many other “Mousecellaneous” tips
  • How Kristi herself used many of the tips and techniques in this book during her countless visits to Walt Disney World, as recounted in her humorous stories and anecdotes

You’re just 501 ways from the best Disney World vacation of your life!

What People Are Saying About “501 Ways”

“This little book is chock full of nifty and useful tips for a Walt Disney World vacation.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“This book is one of the best Disney World books that I’ve come across. Just exceptional! There’s so much information packed in it that everyone is bound to learn something that they didn’t know before.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“It is full of practical tips and is written to be both informative and entertaining as the author shares some of her family’s personal experiences.”
– Amazon Customer Review

The Giveaway

Until midnight Monday, April 27, 2015 Mountain Time, you can enter to win a copy of my new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!  

501 Ways

Can’t wait and need to get the book right away?
Please click this link to purchase your copy today!

The Winner

Please check back on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 for the announcement of the winner! If you entered to win, be sure to check your email (including your Junk Folder) for a message with the subject line “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation Winner”!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World soon? Are you entering to win?
Please leave a comment and good luck, everyone!

Apr 26 2015

Cinderella-Inspired Fun At Disney World

Wishes Fireworks

Do you have a Cinderella fan in your family? If so, Disney has you covered! Here’s a list of 11 ways to have Cinderella-inspired fun during your Walt Disney World vacation courtesy of WDW News:

1. Feel Regal and Meet Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall

Elegantly finished rooms welcome you to the home for visiting royalty in the Magic Kingdom at Princess Fairytale Hall where you can meet Cinderella and other princesses. Here you can take photos, get royal autographs and hear stories from Disney princesses many adventures in a spacious gallery adorned with portraits of the princesses, and even catch a glimpse of Cinderella’s infamous glass slipper.

2. Dine like Royalty at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Meeting Cinderella in her royal castle is a dream come true at Cinderella’s Royal Table, where you can dine with Cinderella and her royal friends. Specializing in feasts fit for royalty, this one-of-a kind dining experience will make you feel like you’re living a fairytale. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered daily. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.

3. Stay in a Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside

Marvel at the magical details in one of the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Fit for a prince or princess, the themed rooms immerse you in favorite Disney fairytales with touches of gold and elegant crystals in the décor, as well as special headboards that create a magical “fireworks” display and special mementos left behind by Disney princesses. Reservations can be made by calling 407-939-5277 or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/resorts.

4. Get Magical Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

A Fairy Godmother-in-training will transform the little princess in your life with a wave of her magic wand. Girls ages 3-12 can select their hairstyle, make-up, nail color accessories and a Disney princess costume, if they wish, in this enchanted beauty salon. Little princes can even join in on the fun too, as Fairy Godmothers-in-training can transform them into heroic knights. There are two boutique locations to choose from, one inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and one at Downtown Disney inside the World of Disney retail store. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

5. Pick up Your Favorite Cinderella-themed Merchandise

Pick up some favorite items to tell your Cinderella story, including costume dresses and accessories, a Cinderella Castle play set, dolls and mugs as well as unique items such as a custom phone case at D-Tech on Demand in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace, a new premium popcorn bucket shaped like Cinderella’s carriage, and a Cinderella-themed retail MagicBand that is coming to Walt Disney World stores this spring.

6. Kick Off the Glass Slippers and Enjoy a Pedicure at Senses Spa

Sit back, relax and choose from signature pedicures such as a 50-minute pedicure that uses organic oils to ease stress and tension at one of the Senses – A Disney Spa locations: either Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. You can enhance the rejuvenation session with add-ons such as aromatherapy oil and firming leg treatments, or go big and add on a facial or full body massage. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727).

7. Take a Stroll Through the New Central Plaza area at Magic Kingdom

Feel like a prince or princess yourself by taking a relaxing stroll or a selfie in the new Magic Kingdom Central Plaza area designed to be reminiscent of castle gardens. The sculpted gardens, charming fountains and new pathways are part of the ongoing transformation surrounding Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

8. Find Fabulously Fashionable Footwear at Downtown Disney

If a glass slipper isn’t quite your thing, head to Downtown Disney where the shoe options are unlimited. Find stylish flip flops for men, women and kids made with the highest quality rubber at Havaianas, with hundreds of styles to choose from. There’s even “Make Your Own Havaianas,” where you can customize the casual footwear. Or stop in Sanuk, with more than 175 fun and comfortable designs that are funky and functional. Favorite styles including Yoga Mat Sandal Collection are available for purchase.

9. Getting Married? Have Your Fairy Tale Wedding at Walt Disney World

Couples looking for a truly magical wedding venue can look to Disney Fairytale Weddings for the perfect backdrop to their special day. From arriving in Cinderella’s Coach to taking wedding photos in front of Cinderella Castle, the options are endless for brides looking to live out the fairy tale. Brides-to-be also can channel Cinderella’s timeless elegance in a new Cinderella-inspired gown from America’s foremost bridal company, Alfred Angelo. The new limited-edition gown is in honor of Walt Disney Studios’ live-action feature “Cinderella,” and joins the 2015 Disney Fairytale Weddings bridal collection. Brides can find the Cinderella gown starting Mid-April at Alfred Angelo stores across the U.S. and specialty retailers worldwide. 

10. Spend Supper with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner

You’re the honored guest of Cinderella and Prince Charming at this enchanting dinner buffet at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s 1900 Park Fare restaurant. The Princess’ storybook friends join in the festivities as you choose from delectable seafood, salad, pasta and beef dishes, representing several “kingdoms” from around the globe, plus kid-friendly options as well. Reservations are available by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.

11. ‘Wishes’ Come True Every Night at Cinderella Castle

Well before the clock strikes midnight, you can watch the nightly dazzling “Wishes” fireworks display at Magic Kingdom. The night sky plays host to a wish-granting fireworks spectacular synchronized to an unforgettable musical score. Brilliant colors wash over Cinderella Castle as bursts of light and pyrotechnic effects take center stage high above the castle.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you a Cinderella fan? Have your tried any of these yet?
Please leave a comment!

Apr 25 2015

TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 3

Please check out my latest article on TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 3!

A Tale of Two ResortsDeciding between Disneyland and Disney World?

Are you trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or maybe you have visited one resort and are curious about the other? My book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference” is now available to help!

This reference book is loaded with facts and information about all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, entertainment choices and resort extras that are available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Each chapter begins with a handy side-by-side chart that compares each destination and concludes with a “For What It’s Worth” section that gives my personal thoughts and opinions. Topics include Lay of the Land, Atmosphere, Weather, Crowds, Events, Budgeting, Planning Timeline, Accommodations, Admission Tickets, Transportation, Theme Parks, Resort Extras, Dining and of course, there’s helpful advice about planning your trip and organizing your day.

Do you have a favorite – Disneyland or Disney World? If so, why?
Please leave a comment!