A Great Idea

Well, I think its a great idea. I was reading on some things on PassPorter.com and someone had an idea that I think I will add to my packing. The room water to me isn't that great... but its tolerable. I like to refill my water bottles or have a refillable cup. Jane's idea was to take a faucet adapter type water filter like Brita.  Take the adapters in the package with you, along with the filter, drop it in a plastic bag. Attach it to the room's faucet (like in the kitchen or on the little bar in the studios). You can refill your bottles easily and have better tasting water in your room... if you consider that each water bottle is $2.50 each, times whatever number you are buying for your traveling party. Even if you add a flavor pack to the water because you do not like the taste in general, it will save you in the long run especially on the Hot and Humid summer days we have in Florida.

* Update: When I was at WDW this past weekend, I stayed in both BCV and BLT. Neither faucet seemed to have the removeable end. I would need to look at the adaptor of the Brita filter to see if it would work. (PUR is my preference, as I do not like Brita's taste.) Also, my niece had a bottle that had a built in filter. Love it as I used them myself recently.

New DVC???

It appears that the beginning signs of a new DVC are in the works after all. Now the CM who brought it up to me in May 2009, made me think of a couple of the resorts that never came to be. This one isn't where I thinking but still comes to the MK area. There has been some permits drawn up for the River Country area that are leading people to think that this is the area. This was located over at the Ft. Wilderness Campground area. (This also is near the new private development where Disney has opened Golden Oaks and with the Four Season's hotel.)

DVC had done some survey/questionnaires, asking if you would want a resort where you could bring your pet, would you like this or that. I wonder if this is something that they will be incorporating into this resort.

I think that I would expand my points to own here. The only downfall I can see, being a Florida resident, is that water brings mosquitoes. LOL I would like it though for sitting out watching the sunrise over the water.

One other bit of info to throw out there that I haven't seen elsewhere. As of October 21st or 22nd, 2010, the Dining Plan is now something you have to pay for when you book it vs. paying for it when you check in.

Important Disney Numbers

These are some Disney numbers that I have in my phone or in my address book. I thought I would add these in with the blog from yesterday. I hope they are helpful to someone, and I will update as I find numbers that might be helpful or if there is an error that someone finds.

Information
     Walt Disney Parks 407.W-Disney (407.934.7639)
     Walt Disney World Resort 407.827.7200
     Mail Order Dept. 877.560.6477 or Fax 407.363.4918
     Disney Travel Company 407.823.3255
     Passholder information 407.560 PASS (7277) or 407.827.7200

Dining Reservations
     Dining Reservations & information 407.WDW.DINE (407.939.3463)
     Victoria and Albert's 407.939.3862
     Grand Floridian Private Dining 407.824.2473
     Epcot Food & Wine Events 407.939.3378
     Disney Cakes for special occasions 407.827.2253

Recreation
     WDW Recreation 407.939.7529
     Tours 407.WDW.TOUR (407.939.8687)
     Richard Petty Driving Experience 800.BE.PETTY (800.237.3889)
     Water Skiing 407.824.2621
     Wide World of Sports info 407.828.FANS (407.828.3267)
      Golf 407.WDW.GOLF (407.939.4653)

DVC
      800.800.9800

Lost and Found
     407.824.4245

Resorts
     Value-
          All Star Movies 407.939.7000
          All Star Music 407.939.6000
          All Star Sports 407.939.5000
          Art of Animation (opens in 2012)
          Pop Century 407.938.4000

     Moderate-
          Caribbean Beach 407.934.3400
          Corando Springs 407.939.1000
          Port Orleans French Quarter 407.934.5000
          Port Orleans Riverside 407.934-6000

     Deluxe-
          Animal Kingdom* 407.938.3000
          Beach Club* 407.934.8000
          Boardwalk Inn* 407.939.5100
          Contemporary* 407.824.1000
          Grand Floridian 407.824.3000
          Polynesian 407.824.2000
         Wilderness Lodge* 407.824.3200
          Yacht Club 407.934.7000

     DVC Resorts (along with resorts above marked with *)
         Saratoga Springs 407.827.1100
         Old Key West 407.827.7700

     Campground
          Fort Wilderness 407.824.2900

Non-Disney resorts on property-
     Epcot area-
          Swan and Dolphin 407.934.4000/Reservations 888.828.8850

     Magic Kingdom-
          Shades of Green 407.824.3600

     Downtown Disney-
          Best Western 407.828.2424/Reservations: 800.348.3765
          Buena Vista Palace 407.827.2727/Reservations: 866.397.6516
          Double Tree 407.934.1000
          Hilton 407.827.4000/Reservations: 800.782.4414
          Holiday Inn 407.828.8888/Reservations: 888.465.4329
          Regal Sun 407.828.4444/Reservations: 800.624.4109
          Royal Plaza 407.828.2828/Reservations: 800.248.7890

     Other-
          Waldorf Astoria 407.597.5500

Pizza places that deliver to WDW
     Pizza Hut 407.239.0950
     Papa Johns 407.477.7777

Taxi's
     Orlando Cab Company - 407.575.7757
     Checker Cab - 407.699.9999
     Quality Taxi/Van - 407.397.2000
     Mears - 800.759.5219

Other important numbers
     Cirque du Soleil 407.939.7600
     AMC Pleasure Island 800.AMC.4FUN (800.262.4386)
     AMC Guest Services 407.827.1308
     House of Blues 407.934.BLUE (407.934.2583)
     Disney Floral & Gifts 407.827.3505
     Disney Photographers 407.827.9099

Disney Fairy Tale Wedding 407.828.3400
Disney Fairy Tale Honeymoons 407.827.7200

Child Care
     Kindercare 407.827.5437
     Fairy Godmothers (and other kids clubs) 407.827.5444

Disney Cruise Line
     Information 407.556.7000 or 800.951.3532
     Passholders info and ressies 407.556.7000 and 800.284.2901

Disneyland California
     Information 800.225.2024
     Ressies 714.781.3463
     Tours 714.781.4400
     Disneyland Weddings (714) 520-7005.

Disney Information Sites

There are so many places to get Disney information. Sometimes, there is misinformation from rumors and so forth and of course, many that hold one's own opinion. This is what my blog is at part, as a prime example... my thoughts of the new fireworks show at MK with the Summer Nightastic. Regardless, of my opinion, mine isn't meant to sway someone one way or another. It's just my opinion. Today's blog, is to give other options of sites to help find information and other opinions. Some are blogs I follow. This is just a few.... there are many other sites out there.

Official Disney Sites

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

http://www.facebook.com/WaltDisneyWorld

http://www.youtube.com/DisneyParks
http://twitter.com/waltdisneyworld

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/

DVC

http://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/

member login

Other sites and podcasts

http://allears.net/index.html

http://www.wdwinfo.com/

http://www.disboards.com/

http://www.wdwtoday.com/

http://www.wdwradio.com/

http://www.mousesavers.com/

Blogs I follow that have information
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

http://disneydaddy.blogspot.com/

http://www.mainstgazette.com/

http://disneyobsession.blogspot.com/

http://www.disneybyjoe.com/

Other Disney's

Disneyland

Disneyland Paris

Email for getting that item you forgot: wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com

Pulling things together

I am in the middle of some planning for an upcoming trip. A few things are starting to be pulled together. I have the pleasure of sharing time and space with some close friends and family. Looks like a large pajama party at the moment. I want to do some things for gifts or surprises for my roomies. Need time to get things done, but also need a couple trips to WDW. I need to see if I can find some glasses that I had seen there once. Another idea might be a little more costly, but worth it I think. That one I need to include a couple others that aren't staying with me for.


I realized something else about all of this today too. Jen and I had planned a trip in October last year for some group activities. This was noted in the thread she had started. We were going to use DVC points and have a 2 or 3 bedroom and get the gang together. She wanted to do a tour or two and also go out on a fireworks cruise. Now, she was thinking smaller scale (or price?) with the pontoon boat vs the Grand 1. She was hoping for a stay at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.... and that is where we currently are. Though she also hoped for Bay Lake Tower. I am hoping for a change of view at DAK or else trying for BLT lake view or non view.


I need to make some lists. Lists are good. Hmmm I see another blog to write about!!! See you again soon with that one!!!

Art the Greeter

Today I got the official news that Art, the Greeter at the Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas is retiring. I am sure there are many reasons for that final decision, but the main one I can say, as it was confirmed, is that it will allow him more time with family, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Art had talked about it before he was out a few months ago. He had to take time here and there off because when you start taking social security, you can only work so many hours in a month and a year. He had talked about some things he would like to do, "when the time is right".

I saw Art this past weekend, and now knowing that this is official, it make sense on something made in passing. I knew it was coming, just not when. One of the things I have loved when I see Art, is his visiting for moments with families who want to stop and take a picture with him. I have taken MANY of those pictures when I stop to visit over the past several years. I just took one picture of him off the refrigerator and replaced it with another. He will soon have a more special spot, as I am planning to get a photo of him with my mom, sister and niece. It's a 3 generation shot. That one will get framed and treasured, for many reasons.

Art is a huge inspiration and also motivator. I went back to school in 2007-2008, and Art would tell me whenever I was at WDW, "Mediocrity is unacceptable." He is so right. Bring yourself up a level and strive harder. Be better at what you can do and be. Don't do things halfway because it's easier or because someone else can come along later and fix it. Do it right the first time.

I've noticed with conversations I have had with him and some others, that he doesn't judge people, he doesn't take sides. He is the most humble human being I have come to know. He is generous with his time, which is evident when he is at work. If someone asks to see him on his break... he has insisted that staff get him. Only once have I ever interrupted a break, and I was just going to wait for him. Management went to get him instead.

If you can get to WDW before 17th October, I hope you can get by to see Art. I am not sure if he is going to continue to take Sundays and Mondays off, but would think that he will be taking them off. I feel truly blessed to call him a friend... and to have been in the presence of someone like him. He truly is a living icon of all things Disney, and will missed by thousands.

I wish you well Art! May God bless you many, many times over. And thank you for the joy, happiness and peace you have given me.


About the photo: Art was talking with a guest. I had moved around out of the way by one of the pillars closer to the back door. Art had looked up and looked up again when he realized I was there. I had my camera ready, as I wanted a candid shot and got this picture. 24th January 2009.

D23 Expo: Upcoming changes for the Disney Parks and Resorts

I do not normally do the same type of blog that all the other Disney Bloggers seem to do. This is the exception. I saw some information that was going out that wasn't what was said when I listened to the 30 minute feed twice.

Fantasyland at Walt Disney World is getting revamped. Back behind the area that we know they have already started work. There will be settings for Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Cinderella, Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Belle. I am so looking forward to Belle! There will be a new dining area there, "Be Our Guest" I believe is the table service and Gaston's pub will be counter service. They will move the current Storytime with Belle into this area with a change to it. There will be a ride for Ariel (reminded me of Finding Nemo in Epcot). And finally, Pixie Hallow is going to much more than it already is at Toon Town.

Disney Cruise Line had some changes. I thought they said 2 places for new places to see, but only heard Alaska. The Wonder will be permanently moved to the West coast. The 2 new ships, Dream and Fantasy, will be coming soon. Castaway Key is getting some changes too. They did show a little bit of the DVC resort in Hawaii.

I know I have said Tokyo when talking about Adventurer's Club... and I do not know why I keep doing that... but rumor is that after I go to an event there (with 2 others follow the next 2 nights) the AC is being packed up and moved to Hong Kong. Well, now I believe it even more. At DLHK they are adding a new land, a frontier type land, called Grizzly Trails. There is going to be a roller coaster type ride with a mix of California Screamin' and Expedition Everest with added details in all their coasters.

Finally, the AC link. There is going to be a Haunted Mansion type ride that has a interactive part so you never get the same ride twice. It's called Mystic Point and has a theme about a man's adventures and a monkey. This is why I see everything being packed up now at the AC. How sad we lose this great attraction... just because they want to use the props there.

The expansion at DL California Adventure is going on. The World of Color nighttime spectacular is coming along with new boats/barges that look very colorful. They are opening a new land: car Land, that takes you to Radiator Springs. There will be a ride there that is a play on Test Track from the appearance of the mock up. And in Oct 2010, StarTours will be closing at DL for a revamp, that will reopen in 2011. At the announcement, this was only said for the DL resort. Yes, I do eventually see that changing at DHS, but it wasn't announced at that time. Maybe someone asked after the fact, but why would they not say both with all the news????????

Bay Lake Tower

The previews have been going on for Bay Lake Tower for DVC members and future members. AP members had their preview already and the Cast Members get an open house next week.

We started with a wonderful little show and talk about what DVC is and offers. Was really neat to go to for me having originally buying in site unseen so to speak. I first toured when my mom bought in. We did stay in 2 DVC resorts though prior to buying. There were some free gifts and then a dance party and finger food offerings. Then up to the tower.

Now seeing the studio and one bedroom (and the two together making a two bedroom) at the preview center, we needed to see the three bedroom. It's very nice.. but was surprised how small the living room is with it being designed to sleep 12 max. There isn't enough room for 12 to sit "comfortably" there. Maybe 7 but no way 12...

The BLT is ONLY for registered guests when it opens. I love the added features that they have to make sure guests only are there. Only if a registered guest brings you in, will you get in from what I was told. There are two DOUBLE check points, three if you count the BLT lobby. Check in is in the main Contemporary building.

I was disappointed also with the fact that when we went to watch Wishes, that the sound was not working outside on the observation deck as the guide said it would. I would like to be up on the observation deck to see things again in a couple months.... and I get too! My mom and I have bought in on our joint account (several months ago) and we stay there in December in a one bedroom villa. My sister is suppose to join us. We have a Magic Kingdom view!

My DVC future resort thought

When I was at WDW in May with my sister and my mom, we did the DVC tour so my sister could take a look around and get the info etc. While we were there, the guide we had made a comment that got me thinking. It was innocent and the little that he said, well, planted this seed in my head. I let it sit for almost 2 months now and I still think that there is a possibility that this could one day be...

Years ago, there was going to be a few other resorts built. This guide brought this up, and said too, that there is that nice big area over by the Polynesian that isn't being used. He also made particular reference to the Venetian Resort that was at one time to be built there. I am thinking that this could be the next DVC to be built with what little he said.

PS: if Joe Black posts on his Disney blog (Disney by Joe) after reading this and back dates it... it is a stolen idea! LOL I have the text to prove it.

My sister discovered the Magic of Disney

I went to WDW this past weekend. I took my mom and my older sister. Now my mom I take fairly regular. My sister on the other hand doesn't get it. My sister is in the process of a divorce. In my opinion, she took on a lot of her soon to be ex's opinions of things. She has been to Disney a few times with her daughter when she was little, and then with her step daughter and family.

This being Mother's Day, and telling her we will take her, she finally agreed. I was able to get her a seasonal pass. This was to encourage her to make a few more trips. We picked her up, drove down the road and showed her a nice way into property with less stop lights than what she usually took.

Upon arrival to Saratoga Springs Resort, she said, "that is pretty." I smiled. "This is where we are staying." I had gotten us a one bedroom at the resort. She really liked the resort, and the room. She was impressed with the size of the room and the bath. The little details that were in the room. She even found a hidden Mickey.

We went to dinner at Cape May. Our initial plan was to be at DHS 50's Prime Time. Funny, the time was for 7:20pm and the park closed at 7pm. We were late getting there. My sister had gone to feed her horse and I was a little late getting out of work. Regardless, she enjoyed it.

We took mom back to the room, got her settled and went to Jellyrolls. My sister LOVED it! She met a couple friends of mine too. I have never gone out with my sister so it was nice. She told me, she really enjoyed the adult side of Disney.

Next morning we slept in. Got up to go to a late breakfast at the Artist Palette and then to BCV to meet Art. She really enjoyed that too.. and we met Vic! From there we went out to Epcot through the back gate. Redeemed her SP voucher and in we went. We strolled up from England to Canada. We stopped at *Heather French's kiosk (she is an artist and did the poster this year and has done others for Food and Wine). From there we went to Soarin', which again, she enjoyed.

We went to MouseGears, and then up to the front so we could see the topiaries. Saw the butterflies in the special garden. Road the ride in Mexico and Norway. Showed my sister another Hidden Mickey. She seems to like finding those. Walked around the rest of World Showcase and then back to the room to rest for a bit.

Dinner was at the Plaza and we rode Haunted Mansion and then Pirates. Next we caught the fireworks. I can't miss Wishes (okay... I can but I don't like to). Then to Teacups and a stop at the wishing well.

Next morning, my alarm didn't go off, but my sister's internal one did. Good thing too! We had breakfast at Cape May with Dorothy as our server. She is awesome! Tell her Sharon sent you.
Minnie, Goofy and Donald came by to see us. A quick run down to package pick-up to get a piece of art from *Heather French that my sister bought.

We then went to the room to pack up. We stopped at the DVC preview center. My sister went ahead with the full tour. She is going to purchase at some point. Then a stop at Downtown Disney. Unable to find one thing my sister wanted, we left to head home. It was a wonderful trip.

In the car my sister confessed (not exact quote). "I now get the adult side of Disney and why you go so much. How you go so much too. I always thought it was for kids. I like that you can go at whatever pace you want. I'm going to upgrade my pass and come down for the weekend when I want on my motorcycle and go to a water park."

Another one brought to the Mickey side. Mission accomplished

* Heather French is currently commissioned to do 2 lables for the Biltmore Estate Winery. I saw the first drafts that have to be altered because next year is the 25th Anniversary for the Winery.

My Disney Addiction

I was introduced to the joy and wonders of Disney as a child. I remember watching it on television at night with my older sisters and parents. We moved to Florida in 1972 and that was my first trip to the World. That was when it was just the Magic Kingdom. Where you got actual tickets for the rides. They were lettered and certain rides were certain lettered rides. I think we went 3 times in the 3 years we lived in Florida (that time). At some point I got a Disney Long Playing (Yes, LP) Storybook album. It was Robin Hood. I still know all the words to that. I also have one still for Black Beauty that Disney did. There were also some other LPs and small story book albums that were 45's.

When we moved back to Florida (to the same area, 4 hours away), I got to Disney maybe 3-4 times. Then we moved to North Florida. 90 minutes away from my happy place... okay, OUR happy place!

Since moving so close... I have gotten to WDW at least 100 times in 17 years. Nice to go for just a day... couple hours... weekend. To meet up with old friends, some for the first time, some for their first trip ever. To run away from the madness of my world at home! (Don't get me wrong, life isn't bad AT all, but a dose of Mickey does great for one's mental health).

I got to become an Annual Passholder, and eventually, bought into the DVC. I am also a PROUD member of the D23. I just got my card the other day. I am waiting for all the other good things to come. I was in the old Disney Magazine (next to last issue), am a subscriber to Celebrations Magazine and eagerly awaiting the next issue (April/May 2009). I have something posted on my private blog that I will move here eventually.

I will also note for you all that the info here is from my point of view and my experience. There is a chance I may have some wrong info. I admit, to others astonishment, that I am not perfect. LOL If I have some bad info, I apologize.

(Note about the Disney Tunes: yes, I know Anastasia wasn't a Disney Movie... but I love it all the same.)