Nov 21 2014

My New Book – A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Looking for a great gift idea for the Disney fan in your family? Do you know someone who is trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Maybe you know someone who has visited one resort and is curious about the other? Or maybe that someone is you! My new book, A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World, is now available from Amazon just in time for the holidays!

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 includes handy side-by-side charts that compare the weather, crowds, events, accommodations, admissions, transportation, and dining that each destination offers. And of course, there’s helpful advice about budgeting, planning your trip, and organizing your day. My favorite feature? As a fellow mom who has experienced the highs and the lows of taking kids on a variety of rides, I have included a Word of Warning for each and every attraction that needs one, giving you a heads up on what you need to be aware of before taking your child on that particular ride.

Whether you, or the person you are purchasing this book for, is 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!

Please click this link, to purchase your copy today!

Looking for more incredible books for the Disney fans in your life? Please check out Theme Park Press! Theme Park Press is the world’s leading independent publisher of books about the Disney company, its history, its films and animation, and its theme parks. Their catalog includes guidebooks, memoirs, fiction, popular history, scholarly works, family favorites, and many other titles written by Disney Legends, Disney animators and artists, Mouseketeers, Cast Members, historians, academics, executives, prominent bloggers, and talented first-time authors.

Nov 13 2014

Disney World News – Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

If you will be in Disney World for New Year’s this holiday season, several dining options are being offered. Here’s the scoop from WDW News:

Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort can ring in the new year with special holiday meals at more than a dozen spots within the theme parks and resorts.

At Epcot World Showcase, Biergarten Restaurant in Germany is offering both lunch and dinner celebrations; La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner; Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada has three seatings, and Monsieur Paul in France starts celebrating at 11:45 a.m. with seatings throughout the day and evening. The World ShowPlace pavilion also will host a custom dinner package.

In the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Terrace will feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks dessert party twice nightly on December 30-31. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood & Vine will host a special holiday dinner buffet.

In the resorts, special dining for ringing in the New Year is planned at Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk; Victoria & Albert’s and Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; The Wave…of American Flavors and California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; and Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (lunch and dinner).

For information and reservations, please call 407-WDW-DINE .

Be sure to call right away, seating is limited and fills up quickly!

Happy Holidays!

Oct 30 2014

Early 2016 Disney Cruise Line New Itineraries And Ports

Beginning today you can book your early 2016 cruise on the Disney Cruise Line. The popular Caribbean ports of Tortola and Martinique are being added to some of the itineraries. Here’s the scoop from Disney Cruise Line:

Sail January through April in 2016 and discover spectacular itineraries, magical experiences and breathtaking ports-of-call. Enchanting destinations include the Caribbean islands of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and the charming French island of Martinique.

New for 2016

Choose from an array of dazzling destinations and itineraries in 2016:

Itineraries:

Southern Caribbean Itineraries — Back by popular demand, Disney Cruise Line returns to San Juan, Puerto Rico in early 2016 as the Disney Wonder sails four cruises to the Southern Caribbean, including to the French island of Martinique, a new port of call.
Western Caribbean Itineraries — Explore glorious Western Caribbean stops on cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral.
Eastern Caribbean Itineraries — Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida to the Eastern Caribbean with stops in—Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Bahamian Itineraries — Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral and Miami to the Bahamas on a variety of itineraries. All of these cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

New Ports:

Port of Tortola — The British Virgin Islands are an idyllic escape for guests of all ages, from tranquil beaches and stunning scenery to exhilarating activities and authentic Caribbean fare. Guests can swim with dolphins, explore centuries-old ruins, sample local spices on Main Street and revel in the natural beauty of Sage Mountain National Park aboard most Eastern Caribbean sailings.
Port of Martinique — Known as the “Flower of the Caribbean,” Martinique offers breathtaking natural beauty and a cosmopolitan blend of French and Creole cultures. Nature lovers can explore lush rainforests, waterfalls and volcanos, while Guests looking for a more upscale experience can savor superb French cuisine and excellent shopping aboard four limited Southern Caribbean sailings.

Make your reservation today, online by clicking here, by calling 888-325-2500 or by clicking the image below and filling out the quote form with my friends at Destinations in Florida!
Don’t delay – these itineraries may fill up quickly!

Oct 24 2014

Missing Disney

Two weeks ago today I was so excited. I was busily packing for a long anticipated Disney World vacation. My two boys were off for Fall Break and the next day we would be heading for a week-long trip to Walt Disney World! Now just two short weeks later our wonderful vacation has come and gone and my kiddos are right back at school working away as I sit here home alone missing them and missing Disney. Does anyone else ever feel this way when returning from a Disney World vacation? I always find Fall Break the hardest vacation to return from. Since my boys are school-age now, our trips are limited to the traditional Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter breaks. We never really travel during winter break, because of the holidays and our unpredictable Colorado weather. When we return from spring break, I know that our weather will be improving in a couple of months and my boys will soon be out of school for the summer. When we return from a summer vacation, we still have lots of beautiful days and fun times planned. But when we return from fall break, a long, cold, snowy winter and several months of school still loom large ahead of us. So what is a person to do to get themselves out of the “Disney Blues?” Well, here’s what I am going to try:

Listen To Disney Music – I have my favorite Disney CD called Four Parks One World in my CD player right now. I also like to listen to MouseWorldRadio.com while I’m writing. Both have music from the parks that make me feel like I’m right back there!
Watch Disney Movies – There’s nothing like watching a funny movie to lift your spirits! This weekend, it’s time for a Disney movie night. I’m thinking a little Monsters University will be perfect!
Look At Photos – Since we returned a few days ago, I’ve been spending a little time each day looking through the hundreds (sorry, boys!) of photos that I took during our trip. It is so much fun remembering all of the great times that we had during our trip.
Make A Disney Treat – Also on the plans for this weekend is making some Disney cupcakes. A sweet treat like Mickey Mouse or Frozen cupcakes is sure to brighten our day!
Plan Another Trip – Getting my mind off the trip that is over and on to planning the next one is always very helpful to me! I’m starting to review menus and think about where to make dining reservations and which parks we will want to visit each day. Not to mention, the countdown for the next trip is already on the refrigerator and my phone!

Do you have any great ways to beat the “Disney Blues?” Please leave a comment!

Sep 12 2014

Disney World News – Frozen Attraction Coming To Epcot

So have you heard the news? For months we’ve been hearing the rumors and apparently it is true…Disney is transforming Maelstrom located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot into a Frozen attraction. Here’s the post straight from Disney Parks Blog:

When Walt Disney promised that Disneyland would never be completed, so long as there is imagination left in the world, he made a promise to our guests that we take seriously at all our locations around the world. This year, one particular product of imagination — Disney Animation’s blockbuster hit “Frozen” — captured the hearts and minds of people around the world and gave us a new opportunity to make good on Walt’s pledge.

We’ve made “Frozen” a part of the guest experience in a number of ways already and our guests have both loved them and asked for more. So I’m pleased to say that we’re starting construction at Walt Disney World Resort on a brand new “Frozen” attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these “Frozen” elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.

“Frozen’s” popular characters will also have a bigger presence at Magic Kingdom Park this holiday season. In addition to the ongoing character appearances, Queen Elsa will use her powers to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace every night starting in early November. And Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-goers can see Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”

We’re extending some favorite elements of Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!, too, so that guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can continue singing along to “Frozen” songs with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. Wandering Oaken’s will set up shop closer to the show through the holiday season and will feature a larger play area with real snow (in Florida!).

From the moment we screened the film several months before its release, we were inspired by the possibility of bringing this great story to life for our guests. Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! has been extremely popular, and now we’re looking forward to doing even more to allow our guests to experience the “Frozen” phenomenon.

So what are your thoughts on this move? Will you miss Maelstrom? Are you excited about the changes? Please leave a comment!