Holiday Tradition Continues

This past weekend, my mom and I continued our annual weekend trip to Disney. We missed last year because of my car accident and her incident. This year, my sister was able to come and join us. We saw the Candlelight Processional, the Osbourne lights and the Dreamlights on the castle. The castle was stunning as always and the fog made it even more of a delight... including when the fog caused the castle to disappear from sight.

For the Candlelight Processional, we had lunch at San Angel Inn (something I can check off). Not somewhere I would normally pick to eat at, but was very nice. The narrator we had was Thomas Gibson, from "Darma and Greg" and "Criminal Minds". He read very well.

The last thing we did was go to the Grand Floridian to see the Gingerbread house. We had some photos taken there which I need to take a look at. They will be very special to us.

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.

Kennels at Walt Disney World

A while back, Walt Disney World kennels were taken over by Best Friends Pet Care Inc. The kennels at WDW are still located at each park and at Ft. Wilderness campground. Plus there is a new addition over by Port Orleans Resort. The new facility has a separate area for dogs, cats and pocket pets.


The kennels are located at the entrances to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom there parks. The kennel closest to the Magic Kingdom is over at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Plus, as said above, Ft. Wilderness campground and on Bonnet Creek Parkway opposite Port Orleans.


The kennels at the TTC, Epcot and Ft. Wilderness include 2 walks and 2 feedings per day. From reading, it appears that the same will happen at Port Orleans area kennel too. Unfortunately, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom kennels, you will have to walk and exercise your dog 2 times a day. The kennels have a fee for each animal boarded for each day there. Reservations are not a guarantee for a space, and may have to be at another of the kennel choices. I would think that the kennels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom would be the ones with more openings.


Documentation of the following vaccinations is required. No exotic animals are allowed in the kennels.
          Records Required for Dogs                   
          Rabies                                                        
          D.H.P.P.                                                    
          Bordetella                                                  
                                                                           
          Records Required for Cats
          Rabies
          Panleukopenia
          Rhinotracheitis
          Calicivirus


Disney's Animal Kingdom Kennel: (407) 938-2100
Disney's Hollywood Studios Kennel: (407) 560-4282
Epcot Kennel: (407) 560-6229
Magic Kingdom/TTC Kennel: (407) 824-6568
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Kennel: (407) 824-2735


Website and contact number for Best Friends Pet Care Inc. www.bestfriendspetcare.com or 877-4-WDW-PETS.


*DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Adult dogs usually also have a leptospirosis vaccine included
*Bordetella- Kennel Cough
*Panleukopenia - Feline Distemper
*Rhinotracheitis - Feline Herpes Virus
*Calicivirus - upper respiratory virus

*edit: There has been some changes to the Kennels

Something to Note

Upon the recent trip to MK, as we strolled along through Fantasyland, we noticed off towards Toon Town 2 large tent like buildings. It has to be for the new Dumbo rides. Okay... not "new"" but new. New location, double the ride size... I will need to ride the current one soon. I know it's not the original, since it was moved a bit years ago. I just need to ride it as I never had done it. (Really have NO idea why I never rode it. Mom doesn't know either. Was probably because I LOVED the carrousel.)

Summer Nightastic: Revisted

I went back to WDW this past weekend to the Magic Kingdom. I wanted to give the new fireworks another try. I had been talking to a cast member about them, that I didn't like them. She said that a lot of guests had complained about them. Another cast member had said that they have redone the fireworks to improve the flow better. That it is noticible.

I went with hope that I would see the better side of them. We found a different viewing area and waited.

I am glad to say that they are improved. The are still not as magical as Wishes. They seemed shorter, but the storyline was improved. They removed a couple things and sadly, one was Tinkerbell flying. There were some kids that were disappointed (besides me).

I am awaiting the return of Wishes, but the improvement to these fireworks was nice.

Florida Residents Meet

There have been a few Florida Resident Disney Fan meets. They have been nice. Some have been small groups and one has started with a larger group, but then tapered down. It was really nice to meet some of the others who have shown an interest. Rebecca was brillant in starting the thread to do the meets. I think there should be one in each state, and if need find different locations to meet. I noticed that they do some of that in another thread.

Not sure when the next one is yet, but am sure it will be just as nice to meet up with whomever. The love of Disney is great, and even better when shared with others. Flexibility has made the meets nice too. Sometimes someone can't get there until later or can't be in the park because of seasonal passes and blackout dates.

Come and join in if you are in the area!

Return of Main Street Electric Light Parade

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Disney proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nightime magic and imagination in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!"

On Saturday, the 5th of June, the Main Street Electric Light Parade returned to Walt Disney World. I was thrilled to be there for this as it was initially suppose to return on the 6th. I surprisingly wasn't up on the curb of Main Street to watch this, but the magic was still there for me. I was able to see the flash of lights reflecting off the buildings as it headed toward us. I could hear the music and felt people bumps on my skin. Then the lights went out....


Now for me to finally get a view, the floats had to come around the hub and start to cross the bridge into Liberty Square, but there it was... the parade I have missed. Tinkerbell was leading the way in a brand new float. There were 2 other floats that were new. They were with Pinnochio. I have to say though, that I wish they had not removed any floats though... miss seeing the Blue Fairy and Dumbo with the circus.


I saw Goofy in his train and remembered the commercials showing that it was coming back during its last run. They made it look like it was really parading across the US in the commercials. There was Alice and others from Wonderland, the snail, the turtle and my FAVORITE lightning bug! I remember when it left again too. I know at the end of summer, this favorite will once again be gone. I still have the poster that they gave to AP holders (maybe SP too, but I don't remember) when it left. I have pins that light up from it in a shadow box with a postcard of Goofy in the train in front of the castle. I may add the 2 new pins to that.


I will miss it when it is gone, but in the meantime, I welcome it back like I would an old friend who has been away. Thanking in my heart for the time we get to enjoy memories that Disney has brought to us.

Summer Nightastic

On Saturday, I was able to see the new fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. It's call Summer Nightastic and it was okay. I think I honestly need to see it again before I completely write it off. I thought I read that there was going to be some other effects. Saw a picture somewhere that I can't find that had a picture of Dumbo in it (and it wasn't a Disneyland picture as I know Dumbo flies there). Maybe it was my imagination.


They started out kind of slow with the Fairy Godmother speaking. There was some fighting over the castle being pink or blue from the little fairies from Sleeping Beauty. (Hmmm why would they fight over what color Cinderella's castle is???? Can understand Sleeping Beauty's at Disneyland, but not here.) The pirates took over at one point and the castle was under attack. That was a great effect. It was also a play off of the Pirate and Princess party fireworks. The fireworks were the only good thing about those parties! I want to give it another chance.... there were some cute moments, but overall, they just didn't capture Disney's magic as much as Wishes does. There is something magical for me when I watch Wishes. And Wishes is romantic. I want to see them with that someone special one day and kiss under the falling sparkles of light.


These fireworks are suppose to go only until August 14th. I noticed a sign as I was going to Magic Kingdom that said expect delays nightly for perimeter fireworks.

Parasailing

Thanks to a friend, I was able to enjoy something that many people never take the chance of doing at Walt Disney World. On Friday, May 14th 2010, I went parasailing. Yes, I did and I’m afraid of heights! Now, when I say I am afraid of heights, it’s not like the kind where you get a panic attack. I don’t get all freaked out. I have done a few things that I wouldn’t be able to do if I didn’t just do it.


You take off from the stern of the boat and return there without getting wet. I am not aware of being able to get dunked on this. I was in regular clothes and didn’t bring my suit for this due to other plans that we had that day. There is a pilot of the boat, the one who gets you hooked up and another who is like a spotter.


While my friend was up in the air, I was moved to the waiting position and stepped into my harness. I was given simple instructions: where to hold on at, where not to hold onto, and scissor kick to come down. I was hooked up and asked if I was ready… and off I went!


It was exciting and I could see for 15 miles that day. It was quiet and peaceful up there. It was smooth for the most part. I felt very safe in the harness and the guys were great that handled everything. I didn’t want to know until I came back down, but I was told I was at 600 ft. when I settled back onto the boat. I did get a little motion sick coming down from the sensation.


Over at the Contemporary Resort, there at the boat dock by the pool, you will find the Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre. They offer not only parasailing, but waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and Jet Skiing. I haven’t looked into the other offerings yet, though maybe one day I will.


For the parasailing, you can do a single or tandem flight. There are 2 levels to each flight, regular and premium. The single regular is $95 plus tax. This flight takes you for 8-10 minutes at 450 ft. The premium single is $130 plus tax and the run is 10-12 minutes at 600 ft. Tandem flights run the same length of time and height with a cost of $170 plus tax for single and $195 plus tax for the premium.


There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. The weight minimum is 125 lbs, with maximum is 330 lbs. When the weight minimum isn’t met then they may be paired with another flier to meet the minimum weight requirement. Children of at least 5 years old may participate and children under the age of 18 must have an adult present to sign the waiver before departure.


The schedule for parasailing is 7 days a week with weather permitting from 9:00am to 4:30pm for summer season and from 10:00am to 4:30pm during winter season. Departures are every 30 minutes.


To book you can call 407-939-0754 for a bird’s eye view. Reservations are preferred and you have a 90 day window to book your flight.


Enjoy!

Happy Thoughts

A friend asked me today "What is your Disney Happy Thought?" What make you happiest at Disney?


I wasn't that sure at first whether that meant at Disney or in general. Hence the repeat of the statement. That was easy. The Castle. Wishes. But then I started thinking about it more. There are many, many happy thoughts that I have when I go to Disney. But the Castle is something I look for when I come over the overpass on 429. Now I could see it better before BLT was built but I still can find it. One happy thought I haven't had yet, is sharing it with that someone special. We are trying, but it's just not in the cards yet.


Some others that come to mind: the cast members that I have become friends with, driving under the gate when coming onto property, the music that makes part of streetmosphere, Main Street Electric Light Parade, the lightning bug from this parade, Cinderella's wishing well, sharing the magic with friends, rides that make me smile like POTC, HM, BTMRR (especially at night), RnR, Soarin', Illuminations, the exit song to Epcot, the Goodnight Kiss from the Castle, Cinderella's carrousel, dole whips, pink mickey mouse balloons... the little details in places where you don't quite expect them, people waving back when you wave and some of the resorts.

Flower and Garden is Up and Running

I went to WDW this past weekend for a late day arrival on Saturday. I went to see David Cassidy in concert for Flower and Garden. We arrived and got in line for his last show. He really did a good show and was very nice. Some songs I didn't recognize. I did get some great pictures though. I am going to work on those this weekend. Some of the concerts do not want you to take photos and/or video. For him it was video.


I also went over to MK but at the time we got over there by monorail, I decided that we would go to the Poly to eat something for dinner. After dinner we went out to the beach and watched the fireworks. It was really nice. Also got to enjoy a Dole whip while at the Poly.


Sunday was back to Flower and Garden at Epcot. Was nice to see the flowers. There was a few new items that I saw for the garden that I will go back and get. They had a Thumper statue. The shop over where Body Wars was isn't much of anything. There are few artists, at least in my opinion. Heather French was not there. I will be emailing her to inquire about that.


Unfortunately, it started raining and we left. Though I would normally stay in the rain, my mom doesn't like that idea. Especially if we hear some thunder or see some lightning. One time for both. That was it and that was when we were leaving Raglan Road. Rainy days at WDW can be done in so many different ways. Always bring a second pair of shoes in case your feet get wet. Allows that pair to dry and enjoy the fun still. Definitely something to blog about later.


The trip was a little bittersweet. I have been really stressed and driving on property, I felt the magic take hold and ease the pain a bit. I even got teary eyed. I thought about my last trip and what that trip had meant (the 2 Kingdoms, 1 Day). Thought about Jen and then about my accident on the way home from Orlando airport (MCO).


I am going again in another month for 2 different trips. I with my mom again, after a class. This means another late arrival. Then I go and am suppose to meet up with friends, though one may be cutting a trip short. I miss my monthly trips to my happy place. I have been talking to someone about stress etc and he said I need to go. It does help. I can hardly wait for the May trip to come around. I have plans for friends again on the Grand 1 yacht. I may not be doing this again for awhile. I want to do something else some other time for them and for me.

Main Street Electrical Light Parade

The Main Street Electrical Light Parade is returning!!! I'm excited! I LOVE this parade. Don't get me wrong, I love SpectroMagic. I have been in love MSELP for years! Love the music! Just makes me feel so happy inside. And there is that lightning bug (firefly) in the parade ♥♥♥. I have a small replica from Walt Disney Classic Collections of the lightning bug.

There is going to be some new floats too, from what I have read from another blog and what someone told me. Tinkerbell will be leading it off in a ballon float. Snow White and another character will be there too. I am hoping they are not taking away anything though. Will have to wait to see. Sometimes, changing a classic can be good, and other times... not so much. This change also seems to tie in a little with it not playing at DL while I was there. May be when they did the addition of the new floats.

There will be a change to the summer fireworks. Supposedly to be more like what they do at Disneyland. I didn't get to see this show as it was Christmas time when I went and they had special fireworks. I hope they will bring Wishes back at the end of the year. The only other tthing that I can think to be a problem and would downplay the change, is "if" it is going to be like it is in DL then when there are the numerous thunderstorms we have, I doubt that there will be characters flying around (Dumbo and Tinkerbell fly at DL).

I guess I need to reinvest in a camcorder to get some good video coverage of Wishes and Spectro just in case. Plus I think I want to record Wishes from different places too.

I'm Going to Disneyland!

For those who know me... they know what a big deal this is. I am not a fan of flying. I will fly when I have to, how else would I have gotten to England and Germany??? I would rather not fly alone... BUT I know this is no big deal and I can do this. I WANT to do this!

Over a year ago, the trip planning was started. Dates were set. More planning. Jen died. I had some decisions to make. I'm going. Jen had wanted to go on this trip SO bad, so if I don't go, I think she will kick me in the ass somehow. Unfortunately, the others who were going have backed out... well, not all of them. There are a few I will see and thankful for that!

I plan to take my computer and do some updates. I know I will be posting pics to facebook (for my friends only) and then move some another place. I may add some here too. Just limit pics because of the limit that this site has overall.

OMG! I'm going to Disneyland!!! I am planning to be in 2 parks in 1 day. Not just any 2 parks either! Not Disneyland and California Adventure! Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and then to the original Disneyland. I can hardly wait!!!! Heather has sent me a book to read on the plane... I have to do some iTunes work on my iPod. I need to get all my packing out of piles and into my suitcase (carryon style so I can get right from the plane to park). Try not to overpack!!!!

Come along with me on my adventure...

The Grand 1 Yacht

I have always wanted to take a cruise on the Grand 1 yacht. The yacht has changed a couple of times over the years and the current one allows you to have 18 people on board. It is incredible and expensive.

I still want to do this for a date, and I will one day... but I have been on it for another wonderful reason. I rented it to celebrate a friend's birthday and her wedding. She and her husband have been married for 9 months at the time, and because she gave up her Disney wedding (for the right reason), I wanted her to have something special. She and I worked together in getting the cake picked, and discussing some of the details.

We had assistance through the Grand Floridian in getting everything together. Pat was wonderful. We decided not to have a butler, which it is optional. The Captain was great. He made sure that we had great view of the fireworks (Hallowishes) and we cruised around the 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

The Grand 1 has been used for parties, romantic dinners, engagements, celebrations like anniversaries, a private taxi to go to and from different places around the Seas. Now, I do not recommend the private taxi myself, but if you have the money to blow on that, that is your choice.

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????????

Disneyland's Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland is doing a walkway similar to the bricks that are at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. The one at DL will be between MK and California Adventure. The bricks are still being sold at this time. They run $150.00 for 3 lines. Each line is up to 16 letters, spaces and punctuation. You may have names, a place (like city and state) and a date. You also get to pick a little picture from a choice of 6 designs (wedding bells, a castle with a banner under it that I don't remember, Mickey icon shape with a year in it, and Mickey's hands that make a heart. One for California AP holders only and one for CM only.). You may not put "in memory of, in honor of, wedding, anniversary, birthday etc.). For an extra $35 each you may get either an acrylic or wooden replica of the brick. After the information is received by DL, they send a confirmation out in approximately 3 weeks. After another 10 weeks, you get the replicas.

I recently purchased a brick with contributions from awesome friends who wanted to be a part of remember a friend we lost suddenly. I spoke about her in a past blog. We have all contributed enough money to not only get the brick, but also 2 wooden replicas for her children, AND over $250.00 is going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in her name. Her brick has the Mickey hands picture, her name and where she lived. I am amazed by their generosity and friendship. They have been a great help as I have dealt with the loss of a friend and I hope that I was equally as generous with compassion for them as they went through this loss too.

Jen's brick will be placed in February 2010. I hope I can get out there one day to see it. I do have a couple friends in California who would take a picture for me. I think it's a wonderful way to remember someone who loves Disney.

MNSSHP Kickoff

Tonight was the first night of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Fall has arrived at WDW when the decorations went up over a week ago. Made my day when I saw a text picture from a friend showing me that. We are heading into my favorite time of year... Fall.

There is a lot to do at the MNSSHP. You can go to dance parties, trick or treat at special spots through out the park, ride the rides, watch the parade (which is the highlight of the night) not once but twice, see Hallo-Wishes and the ultimate of all things is for just a bit... is to see the Headless Horseman ride! This is the must NOT be missed.. if even for one time. The parade itself is a not to miss too, especially with the ghosts and the gravediggers. Oh, and look for the caretaker and his dog from the HM! For the trick or treating part, WDW gives you bags to collect all the sweets you can. The cast members are a lot of fun too!

Don't forget you can dress up for this party! I have seen a variety of themes in the park. The best was a group who dressed up as characters from the Adventurer's Club. I have seen group as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tink, Michael and John... oh, and some lost boys! Saw theme of 101 Dalmations, Snow White, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Some friends and I talked about doing that for this year, when the trip was really big, but it didn't pan out.

The music is addictive and I can hardly wait to change my phone ringtone to "Boo to You". I did it last year and it was a huge hit =0) There are many photo options and don't forget to use your photopass. There was a ghost added into the photo at the HM which was pretty cool. There are also banners that can be added online when you edit the pictures.

Happy Trick or Treating!

Have to Keep the Magic

My heart is sad. My dear friend Jennifer is gone. She died suddenly on Monday morning. Jennifer and I were going to do the 2 Kingdoms in one day trip I talked about below. We were to meet up with others at Disneyland if they didn't or couldn't come to both. Jennifer had a great laugh. She loved Disney more than anyone I have met. She loved her two children so much. She had a kind heart and a generous soul.

Here is the biggest part... Jen and I have never met. We tried so many times.. but things happened that didn't work out for her. She was suppose to be with me in September 2008, the weekend after I took my boards. Another friend Kip was there, and we got a pink balloon and carried that around one day, calling it Jen. When I got home, I took the balloon and let the air out (okay not air) but regardless... I mailed it to her. She loved it. I feel like we have known each other for longer than the couple years. That is the power the internet can have. Bring you close to someone who is miles and miles away.

I plan to keep this trip. I hope other friends will join in. I hope someone else will come along too. Jen had said the more the merrier! I promise to keep the Magic in my life.

**8/13/2009: I am going to WDW on Saturday. I am going to meet up with a couple friends of Jen's and mine. We will celebrate her life (one of many trips for that).

Characters in Flight

I finally was able to ride the Characters in Flight helium balloon last night and it was awesome! I didn't take my camera, so I didn't take any photos. The flight was around 7:15pm when we went up. The sun was still very much up, but it was nice. You could see a good distance around the property and beyond in some areas. I really think that if you time it right you could be on the flight when the fireworks* are going off at Epcot or at Magic Kingdom. I would imagine many, many others would try this too! It was really a neat perspective! I think that it can be romantic too... even if it only lasts 10 minutes total. I am looking forward to doing it again sometime.

*Don't forget how long the fireworks are...... Wishes is approximately 12 minutes and Illuminations is 12.5 minutes.

A Random Thought...

I was just going through some other blogs and saw something that I had thought would be neat to do. I just wasn't sure how to make it possible. But it is!

The funny thing about this, is there has always been a desire to do something* similar here in the state of Florida. Now just thinking bigger! The idea is to be in Walt Disney World AND Disneyland on the same day! I would need to stay in Orlando of course at WDW. Spend some time in the park of choice... most likely Magic Kingdom. Take a late flight, that would allow me time to get to DL and into a park that same day... again, the original park.

I have to take another look at flights and talk to a friend. There is a group of us going in December to Disneyland. I am looking forward to this. I have never been to DL... let alone past Texas! I am hoping too, that this will be topped off with some other things. I need to add a night to our stay but not sure which resort.

* I have always wanted to see the sun rise on the east coast of Florida, head west doing something to spend the day arriving on the west coast of Florida and see the sun set. Get up early enough to see the sun rise at WDW, and then watch it set while at DL.