Dec 19 2014

A Tale Of Two Resorts Traveler’s Reference Giveaway

Exciting News

To celebrate the holiday season, I am giving away 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

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!

The Giveaway

From now through Friday, January 2, 2015, please enter daily 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!

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.

Dec 17 2014

Disney Discounts For The Week Of December 15, 2014

Please check out this week’s amazing Disney discounts!

Walt Disney World® Resort

Stay Play & Dine: Save up to 30% off your hotel accommodations for a 2015 Disney World vacation. Select dates from January 5 – March 28, 2015.
Save Up to 30% Off Hotels: Book your family vacation from January 5 – March 28 and save up to 30% off Disney Resort Hotels.
Active/Retired Military Rates: For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates: Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels up to 35% off.
RunDisney Group Rates: Are you a runner? Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse? Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Disney Marathon and Disney Princess Run. These exclusive rates are only with Destinations in Florida.

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

Disneyland® Resort

Save up to 25% Off Spring 2015 Vacations: Save up to 25% on Disneyland® Resort Hotel stays January 4 – February 12, 2015 and save up to 20% on stays February 13 – March 26, 2015.
Active/Retired Military Rates: For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
3rd, 4th or 5th Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels: Visit Anaheim during select nights through December 2014. Stay at a select Disney Good Neighbor Hotels and enjoy a 3rd night, 4th night or 5th night free. Contact Jennifer Hardy at Destinations in Florida for details.

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

Disney Cruise Line®

Canadian Residents Save up to 20% Off: Through January 2015, Canadian Residents can save up to 20% off Disney Cruise prices on select cruises.
Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

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

Dec 16 2014

Disney World News – Holiday Videos From Around Disney World

The holiday season is by far one of the most magical times of year to visit Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, a lot of us have other commitments that prevent us from being able to travel during these months. So for all of you out there like me that would love to be in Disney World experiencing the holiday festivities, here’s a few videos to make you feel like you’re almost there. Enjoy!

Epcot’s Mariachi Cobre Plays “Silent Night”

Animal Kingdom’s Chakranadi Performs “Carol of the Bells”

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” At Magic Kingdom

Highlights From Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Behind The Scenes Tour Of Osborne Family Spectacle Of Lights

Looking for more Disney World holiday fun? Be sure to check out these posts, too!

Disney World Decorates For The Holidays
Frozen Gingerbread Castle At Contemporary
A Frozen Holiday Wish Now Appearing At Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise Transformed To Jingle Cruise
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014
Holiday Treats At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holidays Around The World At Epcot
Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights Returns
Holiday Happenings At Downtown Disney
Disney’s Christmas Cookie Cocktail
Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

(all photos & videos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)
Happy Holidays!

Dec 15 2014

Disney World News – Holiday Happenings At Downtown Disney

It’s that time of year again when Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! Let’s check out some of the holiday happenings being offered at Downtown Disney during its Festival of the Seasons:

You can meet Santa now through Christmas Eve when Santa Goofy takes over from December 25 – 29. There are PhotoPass Photographers available to snap your picture from 12pm – 9:30pm daily. A nice addition this year is that you can check in at the Santa Chalet podium and pick up a pager that will buzz when it’s your turn to meet the big guy!
As we’ve come to expect there is plenty of shopping available all throughout Downtown Disney. Favorite stops are the World of Disney store and the Marketplace Co-Op. Each location is featuring lots of fun holiday merchandise.
There is also loads of holiday entertainment to enjoy at Downtown Disney including carolers, stilt walkers, live musicians and dance parties. Be sure to pick up a times guide so that you can join in on the celebration!
And no holiday extravaganza would be complete without some tasty treats and beverages. Stop by Ghirardelli for some rich hot chocolate or Starbucks for one of their famous holiday specialties. In the mood for a dessert? Venture over to Goofy’s Candy Company for one of their festive delights!

Looking for more Disney World holiday fun? Be sure to check out these posts, too!

Disney World Decorates For The Holidays
Frozen Gingerbread Castle At Contemporary
A Frozen Holiday Wish Now Appearing At Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise Transformed To Jingle Cruise
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014
Holiday Treats At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holidays Around The World At Epcot
Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights Returns
Disney’s Christmas Cookie Cocktail
Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

(all photos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)
Happy Holidays!

Dec 12 2014

Disney World News – Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios

It’s that time of year again when each of the Walt Disney World theme parks goes all out for the holidays! Let’s check out some of the holiday happenings being offered at Hollywood Studios:

One of the most beloved traditions at Hollywood Studios is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D effects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall. This dazzling show is running from now until January 4, 2015. This year there are over 80 hidden Mickeys to be found throughout the display. Here’s a video giving a behind-the-scenes peek:

A Frozen Holiday Premium Package is available from now until January 4, 2015. This package includes reserved seating for a performance of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at the Premiere Theatre, reserved Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights viewing with a Frozen-themed dessert party (which will feature mini Anna cupcakes and mini Elsa cupcakes among other delicious treats) in the evening, a holiday themed lithograph and a Frozen pin. The package costs $89 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 – 9) plus tax (gratuity is included). Valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in this package price. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Beginning December 20 through January 4, 2015, the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special will return. Here’s the scoop from Disney: Back by popular demand, it’s the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special—an interactive improv extravaganza where anyone in the audience could find themselves reigned in as part of the funny. Come join in the hoots as holiday-seasoned comedians field suggestions from the crowd to compose knee-slapping Christmas songs, put their own spin on classic stories and poems, and invent absurdly hilarious scenarios—all festive, all on the fly and all family-friendly, of course. The show is 20 minutes in duration and takes place in the Superstar Television Theater. Show times are scheduled at 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 2:45pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm daily (subject to change) and Fastpass+ is available.

And what holiday celebration would be complete without some festive food and drink? You might want to try a delicious gingerbread cupcake or maybe a specialty Christmas cocktail. There’s the Gumdrop with Stoli Razberi vodka, Chambord, Sprite, pineapple and cranberry juices garnished with candy gumdrops. Plus other favorites such as a Winter Berry and Torched Holiday Cider, the Very Merry Cherry, and the Holiday Delight – a tasty combination of Bacardi Razz rum, blue curacao, orange juice and a splash of Sprite with a souvenir glow cube.