My main goal when I travel to Walt Disney World is to see and do as much as I possibly can. I could imagine your goal is the same. On another post I talk about sending a box to the resort full of snack and breakfast type items. My family and I get up early every day and eat a quick breakfast before heading to the parks. Then what we do is eat lunch between, 11:00 and 11:30. This timeframe not only keeps us from the lunch rush, but it also allows us to hit all of the rides we want while everyone else eats their lunch between 12:00 and 1:00.
Do you have a Walt Disney World travel tip you would like to share? Email it to kno2879@gmail.com, I will be sure to add your tip to our site.
See you real soon!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
New menu for Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom has this week updated it's menu to include some new offerings. The Angus burger joins the line-up, along with a Shrimp Po' Boy, Vegetable Sub, and sweet potato fries as an option. View the menu here
Disney Guru's Money Saver Monday!!!
Happy Monday!
The past few years that I have traveled to Disney World, I have had small children with me. I was always worried that I was going to need to purchase a TON of snacks and such in the park. This could really put a strain on the budget for sure...I mean come on, I did not want to give up my Mickey ears ice cream cone treat because I had to purchase snacks for the kiddos!!! :0)
I decided to ship a box of snacks and other items to the resort. Things I would put in the box would include: take and toss cups, apple juice drink mix-in's, granola bars, Goldfish Crackers, fruit snacks, snack size cereal box's, bowls, spoons, napkins, wipes, diapers(if needed), and sometimes my cosmetics. The box usually costs me about $25-$30 to ship. Ship the box ten days before you depart.
Here is what the address label should read:
Hotel Name
In care of Your Name
Hotel Address
Your reservation Number and date of arrival
Get shipping confirmation on your box. As soon as you see it has arrived, call the hotel directly and confirm that they have it. I have never had a problem shipping my box. The only time I was a bit surprised was when I stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Conference Center. Because this is also a convention center they charged me to hold my box. I believe that it was $15.
Do you have any money saving tips and ideas? Email the Guru at kno2879@gmail.com I will be sure to add your tip on our site.
See you real soon!
The past few years that I have traveled to Disney World, I have had small children with me. I was always worried that I was going to need to purchase a TON of snacks and such in the park. This could really put a strain on the budget for sure...I mean come on, I did not want to give up my Mickey ears ice cream cone treat because I had to purchase snacks for the kiddos!!! :0)
I decided to ship a box of snacks and other items to the resort. Things I would put in the box would include: take and toss cups, apple juice drink mix-in's, granola bars, Goldfish Crackers, fruit snacks, snack size cereal box's, bowls, spoons, napkins, wipes, diapers(if needed), and sometimes my cosmetics. The box usually costs me about $25-$30 to ship. Ship the box ten days before you depart.
Here is what the address label should read:
Hotel Name
In care of Your Name
Hotel Address
Your reservation Number and date of arrival
Get shipping confirmation on your box. As soon as you see it has arrived, call the hotel directly and confirm that they have it. I have never had a problem shipping my box. The only time I was a bit surprised was when I stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Conference Center. Because this is also a convention center they charged me to hold my box. I believe that it was $15.
Do you have any money saving tips and ideas? Email the Guru at kno2879@gmail.com I will be sure to add your tip on our site.
See you real soon!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Disney Surveying VIP and Add-On Theme Park Ticket Options
I stumbled upon some news today and I am not quite sure what I think about it. Take a look at the article below and give me your feedback. Really think about it...these situations could be great for some, but could also pose some serious problems for others.
Seems to me they may be catering more to those that can fork out a TON of cash upfront....hmmmmmm?
What do you think?
Surveys show Disney considering VIP and add-on theme park ticket options for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
by Ricky Brigante
Posted on August 11, 2010
Some recent guests to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. have received surveys from Disney surrounding possible future theme park ticketing options.
Ticketing varities and special experiences Disney is considering for both resorts include:
Alternative theme park ticket options
* Partial Day Ticket – Access to theme parks from opening until 3:00 pm or 3:30 pm until closing (between $29 and $49 per guest, per day);
* Touring Only / No Rides Ticket – Access to theme parks to enjoy everything except the rides and shows with a queue (between $29 and $49 per guest, per day);
* Disney Theme Park Club, Walt Disney World – Receive a Walt Disney World 7-Day Park Hopper ticket with water park access once per year for 10 years ($2,000 per person, or $200 per year – a savings of more than 50% at current prices.);
* Disney Theme Park Club, Disneyland – Walt Disney World 5-Day Park Hopper ticket and free parking once per year for 10 years ($1,500 per person, or $150 per year.);
* Disney California Adventure Discount Ticket – $59 per person, per day if purchased in advance.
VIP Treatment
* Convenience Add-On – Pre-planned itinerary, valet parking, dining reservations, private park entrance ($100 per group, up to 6.);
* VIP Attraction Add-On – Unlimited use of Fastpass ($150 per person on top of regular park admission, subject to availability.);
Exclusive experiences
* Be Part of the Magic Add-On – Four to six hour experience “side-by-side” with select Disney characters including a “makeover,” private meet ‘n’ greet with ride experience, photo session, themed meal, and private transportation (Examples: Princess or Buzz Lightyear. $1,500 per group, up to 6.);
* Character Nights – Nighttime visit to the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland park with all attraction wait times at 10 minutes or less, special fireworks, unlimited snacks, and more character experiences ($125 per person, per day);
* Premium Holiday Ticket – Entrance to the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland on popular holidays with a limit on the number of guests allowed in the park, allowing more time with characters and shorter lines for attractions ($99 per person, per day – $17 more than the current one-day ticket);
Outside the theme parks
* All-Inclusive Disney Resort (Walt Disney World) – Unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages, resort recreation (boat rentals, parasailing, etc.), amenities (Internet access, gym, etc.) ($40 – $80 per person, per night. Does not include room rate.);
The idea of Disney having VIP experiences for an extra cost has often been debated among Disney theme park regulars. Those with money to burn would surely enjoy the benefits of unlimited Fastpass or pre-planned schedules with little-to-no waiting in line for popular attractions. However, guests who can only afford Disney theme park vacations every once in a while worry that their experience will be cheapened by those who are able to skip lines and reserve seating simply by giving the Mouse a few hundred extra bucks.
Universal Orlando, Disney’s primary theme park competitor in Florida, already offers an Express pass for an extra cost (and far less than $150 per person), allowing those who are willing to pay more to skip lines ahead of those who only purchase admission tickets. Disney’s existing Fastpass system is free but has limitations and available Fastpass tickets often run out early in the day for the most popular attractions.
The logistics of enforcing the partial day and no-ride tickets are unknown. How would certain guests be asked to leave at 3 p.m. or be turned away from attractions? Would all guests be required to show a valid ticket before entering an attraction? It’s not unheard of. In Disneyland’s early years, the system required guests to purchase tickets for each ride they wanted to enjoy.
Families who travel to Disney theme park regularly year after year would certainly enjoy savings in the “Theme Park Club” offerings above. Even at current ticket prices, when broken down per-year, the up-front cost of $1,500 or $2,000 is at least a 50% discount and Disney tickets rise in price nearly every year.
But remember, none of these tickets or experiences are currently available. These are options Disney is only considering, as described in recent online surveys. Depending on the reaction from those taking the survey, we may or may not see any of them actually come to the parks in the future.
Seems to me they may be catering more to those that can fork out a TON of cash upfront....hmmmmmm?
What do you think?
Surveys show Disney considering VIP and add-on theme park ticket options for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
by Ricky Brigante
Posted on August 11, 2010
Some recent guests to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. have received surveys from Disney surrounding possible future theme park ticketing options.
Ticketing varities and special experiences Disney is considering for both resorts include:
Alternative theme park ticket options
* Partial Day Ticket – Access to theme parks from opening until 3:00 pm or 3:30 pm until closing (between $29 and $49 per guest, per day);
* Touring Only / No Rides Ticket – Access to theme parks to enjoy everything except the rides and shows with a queue (between $29 and $49 per guest, per day);
* Disney Theme Park Club, Walt Disney World – Receive a Walt Disney World 7-Day Park Hopper ticket with water park access once per year for 10 years ($2,000 per person, or $200 per year – a savings of more than 50% at current prices.);
* Disney Theme Park Club, Disneyland – Walt Disney World 5-Day Park Hopper ticket and free parking once per year for 10 years ($1,500 per person, or $150 per year.);
* Disney California Adventure Discount Ticket – $59 per person, per day if purchased in advance.
VIP Treatment
* Convenience Add-On – Pre-planned itinerary, valet parking, dining reservations, private park entrance ($100 per group, up to 6.);
* VIP Attraction Add-On – Unlimited use of Fastpass ($150 per person on top of regular park admission, subject to availability.);
Exclusive experiences
* Be Part of the Magic Add-On – Four to six hour experience “side-by-side” with select Disney characters including a “makeover,” private meet ‘n’ greet with ride experience, photo session, themed meal, and private transportation (Examples: Princess or Buzz Lightyear. $1,500 per group, up to 6.);
* Character Nights – Nighttime visit to the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland park with all attraction wait times at 10 minutes or less, special fireworks, unlimited snacks, and more character experiences ($125 per person, per day);
* Premium Holiday Ticket – Entrance to the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland on popular holidays with a limit on the number of guests allowed in the park, allowing more time with characters and shorter lines for attractions ($99 per person, per day – $17 more than the current one-day ticket);
Outside the theme parks
* All-Inclusive Disney Resort (Walt Disney World) – Unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages, resort recreation (boat rentals, parasailing, etc.), amenities (Internet access, gym, etc.) ($40 – $80 per person, per night. Does not include room rate.);
The idea of Disney having VIP experiences for an extra cost has often been debated among Disney theme park regulars. Those with money to burn would surely enjoy the benefits of unlimited Fastpass or pre-planned schedules with little-to-no waiting in line for popular attractions. However, guests who can only afford Disney theme park vacations every once in a while worry that their experience will be cheapened by those who are able to skip lines and reserve seating simply by giving the Mouse a few hundred extra bucks.
Universal Orlando, Disney’s primary theme park competitor in Florida, already offers an Express pass for an extra cost (and far less than $150 per person), allowing those who are willing to pay more to skip lines ahead of those who only purchase admission tickets. Disney’s existing Fastpass system is free but has limitations and available Fastpass tickets often run out early in the day for the most popular attractions.
The logistics of enforcing the partial day and no-ride tickets are unknown. How would certain guests be asked to leave at 3 p.m. or be turned away from attractions? Would all guests be required to show a valid ticket before entering an attraction? It’s not unheard of. In Disneyland’s early years, the system required guests to purchase tickets for each ride they wanted to enjoy.
Families who travel to Disney theme park regularly year after year would certainly enjoy savings in the “Theme Park Club” offerings above. Even at current ticket prices, when broken down per-year, the up-front cost of $1,500 or $2,000 is at least a 50% discount and Disney tickets rise in price nearly every year.
But remember, none of these tickets or experiences are currently available. These are options Disney is only considering, as described in recent online surveys. Depending on the reaction from those taking the survey, we may or may not see any of them actually come to the parks in the future.
A Real Pet Cemetary at Magic Kingdom?
Today's secret Saturday posting reveals that there is in fact a real pet cemetery in the que for Haunted Mansion. Word on the street is, all you need to do is ask a Haunted Mansion cast member about it and they will take you right to it.
Have any Disney World secrets of your own to share? Email them to kno2879@gmail.com. I will be sure to feature your secrets on our site.
See you real soon!
Disney Guru
Have any Disney World secrets of your own to share? Email them to kno2879@gmail.com. I will be sure to feature your secrets on our site.
See you real soon!
Disney Guru
Friday, August 27, 2010
Fun Trivia Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not drink the water!!
Did you know that Disney World recycles all the human waste from the parks and hotels....
It's true, the solid and liquids are seperated and the solids are used as fertilizer on the tree farm, where all the trees for the parks are grown. The liquids are then cleaned naturally by growing hydrangas in them and then the water is sent off to the sprinkler system.
When you look around, you'll see little signs that say "THIS IS NOT DRINKING WATER!" Now you know what they really mean by that!
Have a magical day!!! :0)
Courtesy of: http://www.explorethemagic.com/
Did you know that Disney World recycles all the human waste from the parks and hotels....
It's true, the solid and liquids are seperated and the solids are used as fertilizer on the tree farm, where all the trees for the parks are grown. The liquids are then cleaned naturally by growing hydrangas in them and then the water is sent off to the sprinkler system.
When you look around, you'll see little signs that say "THIS IS NOT DRINKING WATER!" Now you know what they really mean by that!
Have a magical day!!! :0)
Courtesy of: http://www.explorethemagic.com/
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Rumor Thursday!!!
Is Fantasy Land East really going to be "Dumbo Circus" themed?
Rumors are abuzz that the Fantasy Land Expansion is going to be Dumbo themed. Hmmmmm.....not so sure how I feel about that!
My source states that, Fantasy Land East is going to be almost entirely "Dumbo Circus" themed. The attraction, formerly known as Barnstormer, will likely be rethemed with clowns, the train station will also be rethemed. There will be a Casey Jr. food stand, and a fairly major merchandise location.
The tents we are all used to seeing will most likely be gone because they are worn, but will be replaced with new ones.
My source also says, Pixie Hollow ( in its earliest concept form) is dead.
How about that Fantasy Land West Expansion?
Rumor has it that Mermaid and the Beauty and the Beast areas are proceeding as planned. The Cinderella and Aurora complex is dead. The space that was going to originally house them will now be Snow White/Dwarf coaster/mine car ride.
Snow White's Scary Adventure will be closed and will make room for the princesses. This may be a temporary move though.
As far as Tink & Pixies....nobody knows.
How do you feel about all of the changes going on in the world?
Rumors are abuzz that the Fantasy Land Expansion is going to be Dumbo themed. Hmmmmm.....not so sure how I feel about that!
My source states that, Fantasy Land East is going to be almost entirely "Dumbo Circus" themed. The attraction, formerly known as Barnstormer, will likely be rethemed with clowns, the train station will also be rethemed. There will be a Casey Jr. food stand, and a fairly major merchandise location.
The tents we are all used to seeing will most likely be gone because they are worn, but will be replaced with new ones.
My source also says, Pixie Hollow ( in its earliest concept form) is dead.
How about that Fantasy Land West Expansion?
Rumor has it that Mermaid and the Beauty and the Beast areas are proceeding as planned. The Cinderella and Aurora complex is dead. The space that was going to originally house them will now be Snow White/Dwarf coaster/mine car ride.
Snow White's Scary Adventure will be closed and will make room for the princesses. This may be a temporary move though.
As far as Tink & Pixies....nobody knows.
How do you feel about all of the changes going on in the world?
Disney Guru Gets a Transformation
As my followers know, I am a brand new blogger. I have a passion for Disney that stretches as far as you could imagine. I have a vision for this site that is unimaginable!! How amazing is it when someone finds their nitch and can make it successful?
I have decided to make this site a place that I would want to go as an avid Disney fan. You are going to begin to see a major transformation in this blog. I was talking to a friend yesterday; we were giving each other tips and info about our next travels to Disney. I gave her a tip and she said, "Now that is what you need to have on your site!"
I spent the night researching successful bloggers and have come to the conclusion that I need a format. I have so much useful information for Disney travelers and I am ready to share!
What I plan to do is have a daily format...i.e....
Money saver Monday
Travel Tip Tuesday
What I need from you are ideas about what you want to know from me. I will transform your ideas into a highly informative blog.
I am looking forward to the future of Disney Guru. :0)
See you real soon!
I have decided to make this site a place that I would want to go as an avid Disney fan. You are going to begin to see a major transformation in this blog. I was talking to a friend yesterday; we were giving each other tips and info about our next travels to Disney. I gave her a tip and she said, "Now that is what you need to have on your site!"
I spent the night researching successful bloggers and have come to the conclusion that I need a format. I have so much useful information for Disney travelers and I am ready to share!
What I plan to do is have a daily format...i.e....
Money saver Monday
Travel Tip Tuesday
What I need from you are ideas about what you want to know from me. I will transform your ideas into a highly informative blog.
I am looking forward to the future of Disney Guru. :0)
See you real soon!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Disney's TTA Renamed "Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover"
The "Tomorrowland Transit Authority" has been renamed to "Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover". The original name of this attraction on opening day, July 1, 1975 was "Wedway Peoplemover". It was renamed "Tomorrowland Transit Authority" in 1994.
Here is a statement from Disney:
'The PeopleMover ride system plays an important role in Disney history and
heritage and it is for this very reason we have decided to restore its name
here in the Magic Kingdom. The name change from the Tomorrowland
Transit Authority to the TTA PeopleMover is a way for us to link the past
with the present, and in turn, guide us into the future. It is a way for all the
promise and wonder that the word "PeopleMover" still holds, to carry on
into new generations.'
I am not quite sure why the name was ever changed at all. I have always and will always call the attraction, "The Peoplemover".
What are your thoughts?
Here is a statement from Disney:
'The PeopleMover ride system plays an important role in Disney history and
heritage and it is for this very reason we have decided to restore its name
here in the Magic Kingdom. The name change from the Tomorrowland
Transit Authority to the TTA PeopleMover is a way for us to link the past
with the present, and in turn, guide us into the future. It is a way for all the
promise and wonder that the word "PeopleMover" still holds, to carry on
into new generations.'
I am not quite sure why the name was ever changed at all. I have always and will always call the attraction, "The Peoplemover".
What are your thoughts?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Chef Mickey's Restaurant News
Chef Mickey's adding a Character Lunch Buffet to meet free dining demand through to October
Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, has added a Character Lunch Buffet, to meet the demands of the free dining plan. The lunch buffet will only be available on select dates through September.
August 16, 2010-August 29, 2010 and September 20, 2010 to October 3, 2010 from 12:30 to 2:30.
Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, has added a Character Lunch Buffet, to meet the demands of the free dining plan. The lunch buffet will only be available on select dates through September.
August 16, 2010-August 29, 2010 and September 20, 2010 to October 3, 2010 from 12:30 to 2:30.
Hacienda de San Angel News
Hacienda de San Angel construction update - signage and more exterior details being installed
Haccidena de San Angel is now heading into it's final stages of construction before it's late September 2010 opening. In addition to the exterior details and landscaping, the building now has the new "Hacidena de San Angel" sign over the entrance area.
Haccidena de San Angel is now heading into it's final stages of construction before it's late September 2010 opening. In addition to the exterior details and landscaping, the building now has the new "Hacidena de San Angel" sign over the entrance area.
Night of Joy News
The Contemporary Christian Music Event of the Year
September 10 & 11, 2010
Night of Joy is a long running Christian music event that returns to the Magic Kingdom September 10 & 11. Each night the event will begin after regular Magic Kingdom hours- from 7-12:30. This special ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park. In addition, guests can take advantage of some of the park's most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.
Open attractions:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Splash Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
2010 Entertainment Schedule:
Friday, September 10
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder*Band
Casting Crowns
BarlowGirl
Francesca Battistelli
Group 1 Crew
Tenth Avenue North
Sidewalk Prophets
Saturday, September 11
mercyme
Third Day
Family Force 5
Smokie Norful
Red
LeCrae
Day of Fire
For more information about the event, visit http://www.nightofjoy.com/.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Christmas in September???
Ready or not here it comes!!! The large crane that transforms Cinderella's Castle at Disney's, Magic Kingdom is set to be onsite around September 13 2010 to September 23 2010. During this time imagineers will install the Castle Dream Lights.
Take a look at the castle lights from last year.
Take a look at the castle lights from last year.
