Jan 5 2015

A Tale Of Two Resorts Giveaway Winner

The Winner

Congratulations to Cathleen who won a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference“! 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 “A Tale of Two Resorts”? Please click this link, to purchase your copy today!

A Little About My Book

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 new book, “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference“, is now available!

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.

As a mom with two boys of my own, I understand the many challenges of traveling with young kids. Throughout “A Tale of Two Resorts”, I’ve included several features for parents that will help you plan your Disney trip plus they’ll make your vacation easier once you arrive at the resort. Here are just a few of these invaluable features:

In Chapter 8 Accommodations – I’ve included detailed information about every resort including room types available and resort amenities. If you need to know if a particular hotel has a kiddie pool, offers on site childcare or even how many people the room will accommodate, you’ll find those important answers.
In Chapter 11 Theme Parks – I’ve included a Word of Warning for each and every attraction that needs one, giving you a heads up on what to expect and what you need to be aware of before taking your child on that particular ride.
In Chapter 13 Dining – I’ve included specifics for every dining location from table service to snack stand such as atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. So if you are like me and have kids that are picky eaters, you’ll know exactly where to find those all important chicken nuggets or macaroni & cheese.

Whether you are going to Disneyland or Disney World and especially if the decision between the two destinations is still being made, “A Tale of Two Resorts” will give you all of the information you need to make the better choice and plenty of advice for planning that magical vacation!

Like politics and religion, the topic of which destination is better – Disneyland or Walt Disney World – is sure to fire up the faithful. In “A Tale of Two Resorts”, Kristi Fredericks takes no side, but she does deliver the most comprehensive reference guide for both resorts available anywhere.

Jan 2 2015

Last Chance – A Tale Of Two Resorts Giveaway

Friday, January 2 is the last day to enter to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”!

A Little About My Book

In Chapter 8 Accommodations – I’ve included detailed information about every resort including room types available and resort amenities. If you need to know if a particular hotel has a kiddie pool, offers on site childcare or even how many people the room will accommodate, you’ll find those important answers.
In Chapter 11 Theme Parks – I’ve included a Word of Warning for each and every attraction that needs one, giving you a heads up on what to expect and what you need to be aware of before taking your child on that particular ride.
In Chapter 13 Dining – I’ve included specifics for every dining location from table service to snack stand such as atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. So if you are like me and have kids that are picky eaters, you’ll know exactly where to find those all important chicken nuggets or macaroni & cheese.

The Giveaway

Until midnight Friday, January 2, 2015 Mountain Time, you can enter to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”. 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!

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

The Winner

Be sure to check back on Monday, January 5, 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 “A Tale Of Two Resorts Winner!” Good luck, everyone!

Jan 1 2015

Happy New Year 2015!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

A few of my favorite Disney Parks New Year’s Eve photos…

And New Year’s Eve fireworks from around Disney World…

I hope you have a safe and magical holiday!

Dec 31 2014

Spring 2015 Disney World Discounts

Please check out these incredible Spring Walt Disney World discounts!

Discount Offer 1
You can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when you book between December 29, 2014 – February 16, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.

Or save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between February 17 – March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015. Great rates are also available for stays most nights February 22 – March 1, 2015.

As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

Travel Window:
February 22 – June 15, 2015

Discount Offer 2
Families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $889 most Sunday through Thursday nights April 12 – May 21, 2015 and May 25 – 28, 2015 when you book December 29, 2014 – February 16, 2015.

Or families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $909 when you book February 17 – March 28, 2015.

Travel Window:
April 12 – May 21, 2015
May 25 – 28, 2015

Please click the banner below and fill out the quote form to take advantage of these great offers!

Dec 30 2014

Disney Movie Review – Into The Woods

Off for winter break and in the midst of a snowstorm, my boys and I decided it was time to hit the movies again. This time, we ventured out to the theatre to see the newest Disney release, Into The Woods. As a musical theatre fan, I have been eager to see this film every time I’ve seen the trailer. My boys (ages 11 and 8) were not nearly as enthused about the prospect. They are good sports and knowing that there would be candy, popcorn and nachos didn’t hurt either. Just as was expected, I loved this movie and my boys…well, two resounding thumbs down. Read on for all of the details and don’t worry, there are no spoilers in this review.

Into The Woods is based on the beloved musical by Stephen Sondheim. It follows the story of a baker and his wife who are unable to have children due to a curse upon their home. In desperation, they make an agreement with a witch to reverse the curse in exchange for collecting four items: Jack and The Beanstalk’s cow, Little Red Riding Hood’s cloak, Cinderella’s slipper and Rapunzel’s hair. These four classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales intertwine with the story of the baker and his wife to weave a complicated, emotional and breathtaking film.

I loved this movie! The music was stirring, the lyrics brilliant and the story compelling. It was beautifully acted and although very somber at times still had an uplifting message overall. My oldest son could appreciate why some people would enjoy the film, but said it was not for him. He was very uncomfortable during a scene between the baker’s wife and Prince Charming, felt it was more sad than necessary, and found the entire story strange. My youngest son agreed that is was strange, he didn’t like that they had combined fairy tales and he was not a fan of the story about the baker and his wife since it wasn’t a “real fairy tale.”

Without giving too much away, I would be cautious about taking young children to this movie. The versions of these fairy tales are much more Brothers Grimm than Disney, so many of the images could be terrifying to young children. All of the evils are present including a witch, wolf and giant. Several characters are in peril throughout the film and many die. Most of the violence occurs off screen, but most kids are aware enough to imagine what is going on. My eight year old wasn’t afraid of anything during the movie, but he is one of those kids that really doesn’t scare very easily. I would recommend this film for children at least 11 years old and based on my experience with my boys, you may find that girls enjoy it more. I’ve included the trailer below and for more details, reviews, ratings and for help determining if it might be right for your family, please check out this link.