Dec 23 2014

Tuesday Trivia – Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree

How tall is the Christmas tree located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom?

Check out this amazing time-lapse video showing the overnight installation!

Please check the comments section for the answer!

Dec 22 2014

Disney Parks Christmas Day Special

If you can’t be in a Disney Park this year for the holidays, be sure to tune in for “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” on Christmas Day! Here’s the scoop from Disney:

Robin Roberts Hosts This Year’s “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” with Performances by Train, Ariana Grande, Lucy Hale, Trisha Yearwood and More

Anaheim, Calif. and Lake Buena Vista Fla.: Dec. 15, 2014 – This holiday season, Disney will put a “Frozen” twist on its 31^st annual Christmas Day telecast, appropriately renamed the “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airing Dec. 25, 2014 on ABC-TV.

Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” will host the reimagined television special inspired by the blockbuster hit’s message of uniting family and loved ones. Roberts will lead the telecast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with support from GMA Contributor and ESPN and SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow.

They will be joined by Rob Marciano, senior meteorologist of ABC’s “Good Morning America” from the “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort. Sarah Hyland, star of ABC’s Emmy award-winning show “Modern Family,” joins the fun from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‛i. The festivities will also feature a special appearance by Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, making this year’s Christmas special a magical “Frozen” celebration not to be missed.

Disney Parks will celebrate this Christmas with more than a parade, but with a heartfelt wish for the holiday season, the coming together of loved ones and family. In keeping with the spirit of “Frozen” where two sisters are united through the power of true love, Disney will bring together three groups of families and friends who have been apart or separated for the holidays, providing the ultimate Christmas gift. The reunions will take place at three magical Disney destinations – Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Aulani – making these reunions bigger, brighter and merrier.

The joyous occasion will fittingly include a special rendition of the “Frozen” hit single, “Let It Go,” as performed by 12-year-old YouTube sensation, Lexi Walker.

There will also be festive performances from some of today’s top musical talents at each of the various Disney locations:

Ariana Grande will regale Walt Disney World Resort guests with her new Christmas single “Santa Tell Me” and the Christmas tradition “Last Christmas”
Prince Royce adds to the merriment with “I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad”
The spotlight also will shine on special performances from the X Factor USA third and final season winners Alex and Sierra singing “Love is an Open Door” from “Frozen”
Yuletide cheer will be brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Gavin DeGraw, performing his latest single “Fire” and the holiday standard “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Laura Marano, of Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally,” entertains viewers with her version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” as posed by Princess Anna in “Frozen”
Trey Songz, Lucy Hale and Train will serenade audiences at Disneyland Resort in California with holiday favorites such as “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Mistletoe,” and “Shake Up Christmas”
Country music superstar Trisha Yearwood will perform her hit single, “Prizefighter,” and the holiday classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Holiday Spirit Brought to Life

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with familiar Disney friends and holiday characters as they spread Christmas joy and cheer at Disneyland Park in California and along parade routes at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

The “Frozen” stars of the parade, Elsa and Anna, return from Arendelle to join the royal court and ring in the holidays on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort
Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from “Frozen,” joins hundreds of Dance the Magic youth performers in front of Cinderella Castle for a musical number to “In Summer”
Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty makes her holiday debut as the steampunk-inspired fire-breathing dragon, as featured in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
A new Club Penguin float joins the procession highlighting the holiday special, “We Wish You a Merry Walrus”
The superheroes of Big Hero 6 take a break from saving the world to wish onlookers happy holidays
The National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance Performance Cheer Team, featuring 800 members from 41 states, entertain park guests lining Main Street, U.S.A.
Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year winner, Maryah Sullivan, appears in the regal coach from the upcoming live action film, Cinderella
Traditional Christmas favorites such as Toy Soldiers and Gingerbread Men get their time in the spotlight to make the season merry and bright
After a long night of delivering presents, the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, finishes his route on Main Street, U.S.A.

Tune in for the “Frozen” Magic and Merriment

The “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airs December 25, 2014 on ABC-TV at 10 a.m. EST. Other airtimes vary; check local listings in your market.

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

Disney World Decorates For The Holidays
Frozen Gingerbread Castle At Contemporary
Holiday Videos From Around Disney World
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
Disney’s Poinse-tini Cocktail
Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

Happy Holidays!

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”