An Extra Step

You know how excited you are when you make a dining reservation? Well, think about those who keep trying and can't get it. There is now a number just for calling and cancelling a dining ressie if you can't make it. I have it stored in my phone. This way, someone who is trying to get that one ressie, maybe for something really special like a birthday or an engagement question, have a chance to get that ressie. Please take the time to cancel a ressie. It doesn't take long.

407-WDW-CNCL (939-2625)

Wi-Fi is coming to the resorts too. Waiting to check that out when I go to Beach Club later this week. Will let you know. Didn't notice it at Coronado this past weekend.

Florida Resident's Only

I was with a client, at their home, the other day and I saw on their table a Disney magazine. Wasn't one I was familar with. I asked if I could look at it. It is WDW Magazine and it is for Florida residents only. Not very thick, may come out every 2 months to quarterly. It had information on food and wine (go again this weekend!), some Christmas/holiday information and the Chef from V&A was interviewed. There was a little more, but those were the main articles. I asked if I could take the card to get a subscription. Of course, they said yes.

As you know, I said that this blog was random on Disney and from my point of view. Some of my views have gotten a different angle because of my boyfriend and his little boy. I am getting to see Disney in different eyes again. I have been with friends and their children before, but this is better for some reason. Hopefully, we can do a Christmas trip together, but if not another adult trip will be just fine. First adult only trip is coming up in a couple weeks. F&W festival and my high school reunion.

Have been able to see more of the changes happening in Fantasyland, the Pirate League and relaxing watching the animals from our room at Kidani the last trip. The upcoming trip is a treat in itself. Going to be staying Club level. Have a few things planned and the rest depends on how long we spend with the reunion events. The events are both Friday and Saturday evening and they are across town but I have one ultimate girl friend task to do on Sunday LOL.

Disney Destinations

I am thrilled to have read that Adventures by Disney has added two interesting new destinations. Where? Greece and Northern France. Would love to go to both, but Northern France got me thinking. This will take you to the home of Claude Monet and also to last place Leonardo Di Vinci was known to live. There is also a trip to Normandy, Omaha Beach and to the American Cemetary. I know that can be emotional for some. Last year they added Egypt, but because of the political upset that occured they suspended it. They are going to resume the trips to Egypt.

Speaking of Disney Destinations, my boyfriend, his son and I are going to be there this weekend. I love seeing Disney through this little man's eyes. R. said that he knows he is going but doesn't seem to understand. Will be his first flight.

Fire at the Castle?

There is a video going around of the Castle on fire. The castle was not on fire, just something on it was. No damage was reported.

A Second New DVC??

Well, there is a posibility that that is what is being added to the GF expansion... tough choice for my add on that I am going to do later. I think, as much as I love the GF, that I will go with the other out at the Ft. Wilderness site.

Pretty Cool

Well, I think it is anyways. I noticed an advertisement that said that Disney Cruise Lines are now sailing out of Galvaston, Tx. How convienent for those who live in Texas, Louisianna, Arkansas etc to easily swing over there for a Disney Cruise to the Western Caribbean. I think I will have my first Disney cruise in the next 2 years. Not high on my priorities right now though. Hear they are a lot of fun, with and without children. Definitely would use it for down time. Does that mean no Cast Away Key though? Have to check with my friend Tracey who is a great resourse for Disney trips now that she is an authorized travel agent for Disney.

Monorail changes?

Heard a rumor from a friend of mine that works at WDW that the monorail is going to not be working for Extra Magic Hours. He said he isn't 100% sure but it would cut some operation costs. He said that he could only see the MK area guests being hurt by this that are at the Poly and Grand.

Makes sense to me, since I walk a lot of the time when at the Contemporary. And its easy to take the ferry to the TTC and walk to the Poly. If they could to the walkway to the Grand (difficulty with the canal for the Water Pageant's holding area, but could do a bridge like they have at Epcot between China and the outpost).

Edit: 7/12/2011- Local news just picked up this story. They said that WDW released a statement that this was because of the aging system and repeated breakdowns, that this will provide longer repair and maintenance time overnight to keep them running.

Fantasmic!

Yay!!! Fantasmic is back to weekly shows. It really has been a hit or miss for me to go back to see it. Either its on a day we decided not to go to that park, with someone who didn't have park hopper option or else just not showing that evening. I have seen it before a couple times, but just would like to again every now and then. After all, my favorites are Wishes and Illuminations.

This is good though because my next planned trip in September, we might go see that (or might not as it depends on who is with us).

If you haven't seen Fantasmic make an attempt to see it. Mickey and other Disney characters, good and evil, with an array of pyrotechnics, water that dances and lasers all too favorite Disney music. As WDW describes it, " Fantasmic! is a lavish musical extravaganza in sight and sound..."

Sometimes Things Go Wrong at Disney

I was at WDW this past weekend with family and had an outstanding time. It was slow paced and relaxing which was much needed on many levels. There are times though when things go wrong though. We moved from one resort to another and used the Disney Valet service to move our items. Now, I am sure things for the majority of people go smoothly. I really do not want to diswade anyone from using this service. Seriously.

Our items were to be brought over to the other resort we were moving to and be there in time for us to get ready for photos and dinner. They weren't there at the time they stated. We saw them being loaded as we left the resort we had stayed at the night before. Okay.. we were running late too. We get to the room with plenty of time, but had to wait longer for the items to get to us.

When they finally did get to us, there was damage to items. The valet who brought the items in was quick to say it wasn't his fault and he didn't know anything about the problem. Yet, in hindsight, he did. He left sticky handprints on the door. He promptly went downstairs to his boss and the manager called us before we even had a chance.

Luckily, we had a room with a washer and dryer for the clothing that was damaged. The suitcase and cooler (not sure who lays a cooler flat) are damaged and have been compensated by WDW.  There was an option to get a suitcase from WDW but as much as there is love for Disney, no mouse wanted on the suitcase. Partly due to other traveling to other places.

The other items that were found to be damaged, were as we were packing up to return home. The tea box was sticky inside and under some of the tea, we found the outer clamp of the lid. The only way it could've gotten in there was by someone picking up a spilled item. Several bags of loose tea had to be tossed as they were clumped inside the bags. No compensation was wanted for this. Just for staff to own up to their errors instead of passing it off that someone else did it.

Many other things could've happened that could've been so much worse. So yes, things can go wrong and Disney does try to take care of things if warrented. I have had it happen a few times in my many trips and luckily, less than I can count on one hand.

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.

Believe In Magic Travel

A friend of mine recently graduated from the College of Disney Knowledge. This makes her cerified to plan vacations at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts, on the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. I think this is so awesome! She has a blog that will give updates, views and tips for your upcoming trips or just to feed your Disney hunger when you need a fix. She is just getting it up and running, so feel free to follow her or bookmark the link.

Here is the link to her blog: http://believeinmagictravel.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Tracey!!!

Added 3/26/2011: Tracey has added a Facebook page, please "like" her page to help her business grow!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/believemagictravel

For Japan With Love ~ Bloggers Day of Silence

A Time Honored Tradition Ends

I remember my sister getting ready to go to Walt Disney World for Grad Night in 1982. I couldn't wait to go! I thought how cool it would be to go and have the Magic Kingdom into the middle of the night. Hearing stories of things that happend each year that others went before my time. Finally, in 1986, it came.

This has been a tradition for Florida high school seniors for almost 40 years. Traveling from all over the state and even from out of state to have a night with fellow seniors. This year is the last of the events. Disney released a statement saying basically, that with the increase of park attendence, that it is hard for them to shut the park down early for an event like this. They have offered an alternative though to Florida school groups. They can get a 1 day, 1 park ticket for any time in the year for $55. The difference here though, the park isn't going to be open to just these kids anymore with special concerts, dance parties and unlimited rides.

Added to the Online Dining Reservations

This is going to be a great help to those who are wanting to book meals that can become great memories. They Disney team has added the opportunity to book the Candlelight Dinner Package, Fantasmic! Dinner Package, Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, Dine With an Imagineer and Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner at the Flying Fish Café. I have not booked any of these through the online dining reservations, but have enjoyed the dining packages for both the Candlelight Processional and Fantasmic! Dinner package. I will enjoy being able to see what is available when planning for a trip and wanting to add the Fireworks Dessert Pary at Tomorrowland Terrace or Dine With an Imagineer.


I hope that if you do any of these that you have a great meal with wonderful memories!