Tusday's Top Ten Disney Blogs......

I began Disney Guru to share my passion for Walt Disney World with you. I have always loved sharing information with other Disney fans, or newbies to Walt Disney World travel. I look at my blog as a way to connect with others and a way to express my passion.

In order for me to begin this blog I needed to get to know some other Disney bloggers out there. Boy oh boy are there a ton!! I have my select few that I enjoy following from day to day. These blogs have helped to shape Disney Guru to what it is now and to what it may become.  I thank you to all of those bloggers that have helped me become a better blogger. But please know I am still learning....and will be for a while.

The following blogs are in no particular order.

1.My Disney Blog

You are just going to LOVE Disney Dean's mydisneyblog.com. He is a very unbiased Disney blogger that has a true appreciation for all things Disney.  You can expect to follow his passion while you read his blog. I would also like to mention that he is a kind person that helped answer many questions I had.

2.The Affordable Mouse

Are you looking for the best but lowest cost way to get to Walt Disney World? You have to visit The Affordable Mouse. This is a great site that posts daily....not only is this blog a money saving blog but it includes that Walt Disney World passion that I am always on the hunt for. You can expect to be exposed to various writers and many money saving tips.

3.  Disney 4 Dads

This site is a touching viewpoint on Walt Disney World as a father. Weekly posts are sure to bring a tear to your eye.  Not only is this site touching but it offers an array wonderful Disney travel based information for any of the Disney destinations. I would highly recommend visiting this blog weekly to get your Disney fix.

4. Disney Food Blog

I know that I have mention before that much of the planning for my Walt Disney World trips includes hours of conversations and research about food. My family and I look at Disney dining as an attraction at Walt Disney World.  If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip visiting this site is a must! Be ready to get hungry as there are a plethora of pictures of many of your Walt Disney World favorite foods. You can expect to be exposed to the Disney favorites as well as Disney hidden gems.

5.  A World View

This site is a potpourri of information strictly related to Walt Disney World. You can find information on Disney discounts, trip contests, planning tools for your trip and much more. In addition, this site offers weekly posts that are geared around current events at the parks.

6. The Disney Driven Life

This is an amazing blog related to all things Disney. The Disney Driven life not only offers a unique look into a Disney fans eyes but a true connection with those that are true Disney fans.

7. Growing Up Disney

This is a neat blog for several reasons but my favorite being that this is a family of Disney lovers. Right at the header of this blog you can see it says, "Three generations taking on the "World." The passion for all things Disney surly shines through each post. It is no wonder how this blogger just found herself in round 2 for the Disney Mom's panel.

8. Chip and Co

This is a fabulous site for Disney news, rumors and posts. There is a TON of information on this site. If you are planning or just need to calm your Disney crave visit Chip and Co...you sure will not be disappointed.

9. Everything Walt Disney World

What a nice looking site!! Not only do I love the organized clean look of this site but I LOVE the writing style. The information is well written and very informative whether you are a seasoned Disney Parks fan or a newbie. I highly recommend visiting this site!!

10. Disney Babies

This is a really cute site! The bloggers are two moms that are raising their children to become Disney fans just like them. You will find some great travel information if you are a Disney fan traveling with children.


Thank you again to all of the wonderful Disney bloggers out there!! While I know there are so many more of you that I have missed...do not be shy. Comment or email me and I will be sure to link you in my posts.

See you real soon!

Harmony Barber Shop...a Memory that Lasts a Lifetime!!

Travel Tip Tuesday...


For many the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street U.S.A holds memories of their child's first hair cut. Harmony Barber Shop is a place where you can go to get that old fashioned barber shop hair cut. No matter what your age you are sure to leave feeling like you have just stepped out of a time machine.   When you walk in you will not see a ton of space or chairs. Just a few chairs and a few barbers tending to their clients. Not only do they offer a great cut but wonderful conversation. Disney was sure to add that extra special magic in this barber shop.

Let's talk about their specialties......

First haircuts!! I will never forget the day I took my son for his first hair cut at Harmony Barber Shop. There is nothing more magical than for a die hard Disney fan to be able to say that their child got their first hair cut on Main Street U.S.A. in Walt Disney World!!!  These barbers have a way with kids, from their capes to their stickers, to the magic pixie dust they sprinkle on the hair....your child is sure to feel great when they leave the chair.  Children that receive their first hair cut at Harmony Barber Shop get some grand surprises....pixie dust, Mickey Ears that say, "my first haircut",  a certificate and bubbles.  Oh yeah and feel free to take as many pics as you would like!!!

Hours:  9-5 Seven Days a Week

Cost: 

Adults $19

Children 12 & Under $15

Colored Hair Gel $5

Beard & Mustache Trim $10

First Haircuts $18

 

 

See you real soon!!!!

 

                                                  

Disney World Rumors!!!

This is according to Screamscape, reporting on rumors from another site:

 

Huge rumors are abuzz about the Fantasyland phase 2 expansion. According to Amusement Insider, most of Phase 2 may have been tossed but as a result there are some new additions.

 

For the good news: Seems to be that there has been a rumor of a roller coaster for the Seven Dwarfs mine ride and rumor has it that it is 100% back on track. This ride will involve a layout with both an indoor and outdoor coaster sections. In addition, Goofy's Barnstormer may be able to keep it's name. This attraction may be given a very minor new theme, Goofy's performing an aerial circus act. This theme will go very well with the Double Dumbo ride that will be right next to Barnstormer.

 

For the bad news: If you are a Disney Princess lover get some tissue. It is rumored that Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella Meet & Greet attractions may have been tossed along with the entire Pixie Hollow concept. Last, it is rumored that Snow White's Scary Adventure will be closed down as of 2011. This will allow for a redesign plan for this entire area of the park.

Click here to read an older rumor post that touched on many of these rumors.

What are your thoughts about all of these changes? I would love to hear from you!!!! :0)

 

See you real soon!!!

 

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Halloween Event

Disney's Animal Kingdom will be holding Halloween events at Camp Minnie-Mickey and Rafiki's Planet Watch from October 29 - 31 2010.

Meet and Greet characters will be in Halloween costumes at Camp Minnie-Mickey and Discovery Island Character Landing. At Rafiki's Planet Watch there will be Trick or Treating, mini-pumpkin decorating, voting for their favorite decorated pumpkin, Halloween-themed arts and crafts and more.
See you real soon!!!

When You Go & Where You Stay Impacts Your Budget

Money Saver Monday!!!

Happy Monday Guru readers!!

Saving a buck or two can go a long way when planning travel to Walt Disney World. There are a lot of expenses involved in a trip to the world. To some extent you have control over prices as long as you are flexible with your travel dates and where you would like to stay.

When you go to Walt Disney World, has a huge impact on your travel budget because Disney is constantly changing their pricing based on the season. For example, if you choose to stay at a deluxe category resort such as Contemporary during the most expensive time of year, such as end of December, you can expect to pay $2700 more than if you went at an off peak time such as January.

Where you stay has an enormous impact on your Disney budget because Disney has tiered resort categories. Staying at the Contemporary instead of Pop Century during the low cost season will cost you up to $2,400 more.

Putting these all together, staying at the Contemporary during the highest cost time of the year instead of at Pop Century during the lowest cost time of the year—costs you a whopping $5,100 extra!!

When planning your trip you have to think about what is most important to you...length of stay or category of your resort? Do you really need to visit Walt Disney World during peak season, or can you go and save money during off season?

Most important is to plan, plan, plan!! If you plan to visit Walt Disney World, research your trip before you choose your resort category, or season in which to travel. You will feel so good knowing that you did your homework and saved your family enough money to go again in the near future.

See you real soon!

Name the Singing Busts

Happy Sunday Guru readers!!!

This week's Sunday Trivia question is....

Can you name the singing busts in the graveyard of Haunted Mansion?

Email the Guru with your answer. Be sure to include your first name and last initial along with what state you are from. Thank you in advance for your participation. Answers will be accepted through 11/21/10.

Click here for the answer to last week's post.

See you real soon!

The Fifth Dimension on the Tower of Terror!!!!

Hope that you had a wonderful weekend!!

Last week's trivia was about Tower of Terror.....

The "fifth dimension" scene of the Tower of Terror was inspired in part by what episode of The Twilight Zone?

The Answer: The "fifth dimension" scene of the attraction was inspired in part by the "Little Girl Lost" episode of The Twilight Zone. In the episode, a little girl rolls under her bed and disappears into another dimension.

Thank you to the following readers for submitting the correct answer:

Dana L. South Dakota

Frankie R. Florida

Have a great week!!

I need your help!!

Yesterday, I posted a question about how you curb you Walt Disney World crave...I really need your help in answering that question. I just love hearing about the different things people do to get their Disney Fix!!

Please visit my discussion forum and begin the chat about this question. I truly appreciate your thoughts.

Have a magical day!

Candlelight Processional news

John O'Hurley added to this year's Candlelight Processional narrator lineup
Here is the current Candelight Processional narrator list for 2010. This list has been known to change as the dates get closer. 

America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm & 8:15pm. Nov 26 - 28 Isabella Rossellini
Nov 29 - Dec. 1 John O’Hurley
Dec 2 - 4 Corbin Bernsen
Dec 5 - 6 Susan Lucci
Dec 7 - 9 Jodi Benson
Dec 10 - 11 Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 12 - 15 Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec 16 - 18 Thomas Gibson
Dec 19 - 21 Trace Adkins
Dec 22 -23 Brad Garrett
Dec 24 - 27 Edward James Olmos
Dec. 28 - 30 Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

See you real soon!

How Do You Curb Your Walt Disney World Crave?

We all know the feeling....we just got back from the most magical trip to Walt Disney World and we are already planning that next trip. Sometimes the excitement and anticipation of my next trip simply takes over my day.  I can start off on a Disney forum answering questions and before you know it an hour passed and I find that I am so engrossed in Disney conversation that I cannot stop.  In order to curb my Walt Disney World crave, I talk Disney.

I would love to know what you do to curb your Walt Disney World crave. Comment below, or email me. I will be sure to include your comment in a post next week.

Thank you in advance for your help.

See you real soon!

Candelight Processional Adds a New Narrator

Susan Lucci added to the Candlelight Processional narrator list

Here is the temporary Candelight Processional narrator list for 2010. This list has been known to change as the dates get closer.  This list has yet to be confirmed.

America Gardens Theatre 5:00pm, 6:45pm & 8:15pm.

Nov 26 - 28 Isabella Rossellini
Nov 29 - Dec. 1 TBD
Dec 2 - 4 Corbin Bernsen
ADDED Dec 5 - 6 Susan Lucci
Dec 7 - 9 Jodi Benson
Dec 10 - 11 Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 12 - 15 Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec 16 - 18 Thomas Gibson
Dec 19 - 21 Trace Adkins
Dec 22 -23 Brad Garrett
Dec 24 - 27 Edward James Olmos
Dec. 28 - 30 Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

See you real soon!!

What Makes Walt Disney World So Magical?

This week the magical theme is resorts. I have stayed at every resort category that Walt Disney World has to offer and one thing is for sure, no matter where you stay, on property, you are sure to get that extra special Walt Disney World magic.

When you stay on Walt Disney World property, there are several extra perks aka “magic” you can expect no matter what you paid for your room.

1. Excellent "Mousekeeping"...even this service can sometimes give you that extra magic touch in your room by creating a towel creature just for you. And yes, folks the consensus is, you can take those home. :0)

2. Bussing to and from your resort to any of the Walt Disney World theme parks, including Down Town Disney. If you are like me, you take full advantage of this service by not renting a car. I have said it before, and I will say it again, nothing says vacation like no driving for a week, or however long you choose to travel to the world.

3. Magical Express is a service ready to take you from the airport to your resort front door. Once again, no driving!!!  Best part is it’s free!!!!!

4. You can also take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. This means that on select days resort guests may take advantage of an early opening or a late closing of the parks. This is a really great time to hit some of those attractions that during normal park hours have long lines.

5. Last and certainly not least, ambiance!! The ambiance of any Walt Disney Resort is top notch. From Value to Deluxe, whatever Walt Disney World accommodation you choose, you are sure to have a magical time.

What makes Walt Disney World magical to you? Email me so that I can share your story.

See you real soon!

Tuesday's Top Ten Counter Service Restaurants Around Walt Disney World

When planning your Walt Disney World Vacation let's face it, much of the planning revolves around food. Many people ask me questions about counter service restaurants and where the best ones are. Believe me, if you do your homework you do not have to eat cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets all week in order to save a buck or two at Walt Disney World.  Enjoy reading about Walt Disney World's top ten counter service restaurants according to me(and some Guru readers).  :0)


In no particular order:


Magic Kingdom: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
More commonly called "Pecos Bill's", located in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland.  This is a huge counter service restaurant....seats are not hard to come by. The menu at Pecos Bill's offers a quick lunch or dinner option with a few snacks and some dessert items. The most popular menu item at this restaurant by far is the burger and fries....why you ask? Pecos Bill's has an amazing toppings bar, some of the items included on the bar are, grilled onions, cheese sauce, grilled mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, raw onions and much more. Oh yeah, feel free to use your snack credit to order a side of fries, take a stroll over to the toppings bar and make yourself some loaded fries. Yummy!! Some readers have said that they even make a side salad at the bar to go with their lunch.  In addition to burgers, Pecos Bills also offers a veggie burger, wraps, chicken and taco salads, and a pulled pork sandwich.


I am sure you can see why Pecos Bill's has made it into one of the top ten favorite counter service restaurants.


Animal Kingdom: Flame Tree Barbecue
Located on Discovery Island, not only does this counter service restaurant offer a yummy menu, but it also sports a wonderful location. Views of the lake and Mt. Everest make for a fully enjoyable dining experience. The food at Flame Tree BBQ is sure not what you would expect to find at any theme park. BBQ chicken, pulled meat and turkey sandwiches, and salads along with beans, ribs, fries and key lime pie, this menu has is all. Not to mention that the food is top of the line delectable...sure to be on you’re not to miss list. 


Some readers have stated to visit the restaurant at dusk for a truly amazing view.


Epcot: Sunshine Seasons
Sunshine Seasons is a reader’s all time favorite and has even made its way to the Food Network. The special thing about Sunshine Seasons is the food is fresh. The restaurant is one of the only true food courts on all of Walt Disney World property. Sunshine Seasons serves food all day long, starting with breakfast and filtering all of the way through dinner. Sunshine seasons is divided into an Asian food area, soup and salads, sandwiches, grill, a bakery, and grab and go items such as chips, fruit, and sodas.


That is not all; the best part of this delectable cuisine is the dessert. You can chose from a plethora of bakery items, including, crème brulee, fruit tulip, chocolate mousse cake and many more. Yummmmm!!!


For a savory, fresh meal visit Sunshine Seasons at Epcot's Land Pavilion.


Disney Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Pizza Planet
Are you looking for a great place to enjoy some true family time with the kids? Toy Story Pizza Planet is the spot to be. Located next to Muppets 3D  in the Streets of America area of Disney Hollywood Studios, this counter service restaurant is really a two in one. You get an arcade, a themed restaurant sure to please any Toy Story fan and some really great pizza.


The menu is not extensive, but consists of varieties of personal pizzas. If you are on the dining plan you also get a salad and dessert. If you would like to enjoy a bit more quiet time, head outside to enjoy your meal.


Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbor House
Some have described this as the hidden gem of counter service restaurants. Located across from the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square, it can be a bit hidden. Here you can find tuna sandwiches, fish sandwiches with fries, hummus, BLT's and Clam Chowder. Don’t forget to try the warm apple crisp for dessert.  Do not let the seating fool you...take a walk upstairs for a quaint view of Magic Kingdom while you dine.




Epcot World Showcase: Tangerine Cafe
Located in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot, the Tangerine Cafe offers high quality food, huge portions, and a wonderful seating area. Do not miss this on your next trip! Many have suggested not to even look at the menu but to order the chicken and lamb Shawarma platters. The lamb is extremely moist and you get a very generous portion. Dig in!


Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Located in Tomorrowland , this place has a ton of food options. Beware as it is always crowded.  There are three main food stations in this restaurant, Chicken, Sandwiches & Salads, and Burgers.  The only downfall is that you have to order from each specialized station, for example, if you want a burger and someone else in your party wants chicken, you have to wait in two different lines to get your food. Many have suggested trying out the 1/2 chicken and BBQ rib combination.  In addition to the great food....you will just love the piano player at Cosmic Ray's.....wink wink.


Downtown Disney: Cookes of Dublin
This is an Irish eatery located in the back of Reglan Road. Cookes of Dublin serves wonderful fish and chips and other Irish Cuisine. The homemade Dublin Style Pies like Beef & Lamb or Chicken & Mushroom are great.  The deep fried candy bar called the Doh-Bar pushes this restaurant to the top of the list.  Everything is made to order which makes the food very fresh and hot.


Downtown Disney: Earl of Sandwich
As you might expect, sandwiches rule at this Downtown Disney restaurant. Choices range from the tried and true, such as roast beef with cheddar cheese and horseradish to the more adventurous, like the Caribbean jerk chicken with hot banana peppers. Salads, including Chinese chicken salad and Mediterranean tuna salad, can be ordered in a bowl or wrapped in flat bread. Earl of Sandwich also offers a variety of soups and sides. For many, this is a must do on every trip.


Down Town Disney: Wolfgang Puck Express
I have to say that if you are on the dining plan this is a must do! You get so very much for your credit...otherwise this can be a bit costly, but the food is way worth it. The menu is varied from Salads to Sandwiches, To Gourmet Pizzas To Salmon.  The service is great and this is as close as you will get to a Table Service restaurant with your Disney Dining Plan Quick Service Credit.  The crème brulee is a great way to top off your meal. While the food is great, the restaurant can get a bit crowded and is very tight.
That is it for this edition of Tuesday's Top Ten!! Do you have an idea for a top ten topic? Email me your ideas. I would love to hear from you.


Visit http://www.allears.net/ to view the menus for all of the Walt Disney World restaurants.


See you real soon!




  

Flying Southwest? Why Not Pack an Extra Suitcase?

Money Saver Monday

Happy Monday Guru Readers!!! I hope that you had a magical weekend!

I don't know about you, but I have noticed that flights are truly at an all time high for travel to the Orlando area.  Many of us are looking for that sweet deal to come our way!!  This includes looking for deals on some of those value airlines like Southwest, AirTran, and SpiritAir.

I always try to fly Southwest...I just love the way they run their flights. One great way that you can save with Southwest is not only in their ticket prices, but with their free luggage offer. That's right...each paid ticket is allowed 2 bags for free!! Last month I wrote a post about sending a package to the resort...I still believe that is a great way to save money. Another option is to pack an extra suitcase full of snacks and items you would normally ship over in that box? This way you do not have to pay the shipping cost at all!!! Additionally, on the way home you have an empty suitcase to store your purchases in.  This is just another way Southwest can save you some big bucks on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

I would love to hear from you…email me your favorite money saving tips. I will be sure to give you credit for your ideas.

See you real soon!!

Sunday Trivia!!!!

Happy Sunday Guru readers!! Hope you had a magical weekend!

The question for this week is:

The "fifth dimension" scene of the attraction was inspired in part by what episode of The Twilight Zone?

Email the Guru with your answer. Be sure to include your first name and last initial along with what state you are from. Thank you in advance for your participation. Answers will be accepted through 11/17/10.

Click here for the answer to last week's post.

See you real soon!

The "Breathing Door" on the Haunted Mansion

Happy Sunday!!

Last Sunday's trivia question was......

The "breathing door" in the corridor of doors on the Haunted Mansion ride is from what 1963 movie?

Answer: The Haunting

Thank you to the following Guru readers for submitting the correct answer:

Jo O. Illinois

Sharon R. Oregon

Meagan L. Wisconsin

Joan R. Illinois

Participate next week to have your name featured on our site! October is all about Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror.

Do you have a fun trivia question you would like to see added to Sunday Trivia? Email me I will be sure to add your trivia question next week. 

See you real soon!!



Walt Disney World News For The Week Of 10/4...

Kick up your feet grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the Walt Disney World News for the week of 10/4/10!!!

Like me, many families are planning on visiting Walt Disney World during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The problem is families are not quite sure how to navigate through the festival because they are traveling with their small children. Should you skip it? No way!! Check out The Daily Disney's article on quick tips on how to enjoy the festival with your kids.

Flights to Orlando seem to be at an all time high!! Families are recalculating their thoughts on driving vs. flying...for the first time in years my family actually considered driving to Walt Disney World....ugh!  Visit The Affordable Mouse for a delightful story about flying vs. driving.

Are you familiar with the Retro Disney Project? Follow Disney Dean as he updates us on this amazing project!!!!

The holiday season is voted by many as the most magical time of year to visit Walt Disney World!!! Hundreds of visitors will take advantage of viewing Candlelight Processional, while at Walt Disney World from November 26-December 30, 2010.  Visit wdwmagic.com for the narrator lineup.

If you plan to visit the Magic Kingdom in January 2011, be prepared to have Splash Mountain closed for refurbishment.  The refurbishment is scheduled to take place from January 3-January 31, 2011.

Last and certainly not least is a blog that I have had the pleasure of coming across very recently. Disney 4 Dads features many touching stories about being a father and loving Walt Disney World. Every post is sure to leave you with a tear in your eye. I just LOVE the story this week about wishing upon a rock....this is a must read. Every parent that has a child with a close relationship to their grandparent(s) will find themselves touched by this story.

Thank you as always for visiting my blog!!! Hope you had a magical week!! Remember, another week done means you are that much closer to your next Walt Disney World vacation!!!!

Have a magical weekend!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Sure Is Rockin!!!

Featuring Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is one of the best thrill attractions in all of Walt Disney World.  The ride takes you on a fictional tour of the G-Force Recording Studio. As with all things Disney, you are greeted by a large guitar at the rides entrance and that is just the start of this very large ride.

Opening July 29th, 1999, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster actually can hit a maximum g-force of 4.5...wow!!! Believe me....when you take off from the gate you sure can feel that g-force.

Here is an interesting fact for you: That safety harness you will be scratching your nails into during your ride, is not there to keep you in the limo as you speed along the track. Centrifugal force would surly hold you in your seat even without that harness.  The harness is there to keep you in your seat once the ride has come to a stop.

I would love to hear your thoughts about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster!!!! Comment, email, or visit my forum.

See you real soon!!

What makes Walt Disney World so magical?

For many, a trip to Walt Disney World must begin with a step inside Magic Kingdom. Although, the park opened its doors in 1971 it remains a timeless icon for people of all ages. Technology has far surpassed some of the attractions featured at Walt Disney World, yet the desire to visit remains in full force for millions of people from all over the world.

What has Disney done to create an ambiance that keeps you coming back for more?  I believe it is a vision...Walt Disney had a vision for is business, family and spending time together. Magic Kingdom has stayed true to its original vision and has maintained a trust in families that is truly magical. 

Whether  you are a first time visitor or a veteran to the Magic Kingdom, stepping foot on Main Street USA is sure to give you the awe inspiring feeling of childhood and wonder. Something tells me that is just what Walt wanted. This week it is Walt’s vision that makes Walt Disney World so magical.

See you real soon!

Haunted Mansion Queue News

If you are visiting Walt Disney World anytime soon you will notice that construction wall have just gone up in some parts of the Haunted Mansion queue.

The first addition will be some interactive features.  Last, the queue will be rearranged to allow for easier wheelchair access. To allow for all of the upgrades, the queue will extend minimally into the graveyard section and closer to the water.

See you real soon!

What is that feeling?

You have planned for months, spent hours making reservations, searching for deals, researching park hours, resorts, dining, rides and so much more. You really do get to the point where it consumes your life! So what exactly is that feeling you get when it is almost time for your trip to Walt Disney World?

For me, I get a feeling of peace, and serenity. I know it may sound so entirely farfetched but that is how I feel. I am about 18 days out from my 22nd Walt Disney World vacation and the excitement I feel only gets stronger as the years go by. Why do I feel peace? I think it may be because everything is done. I already know the place like the back of my hand, and really, once I get there all we need to do is have fun. I guess that feeling of peace comes with many years of great planning and attention to detail.

Serenity means the state or quality of being calm or tranquil. Before I pack my family and make the trek to Walt Disney World, I get a feeling of serenity. I have been wondering why exactly I feel that way and while I struggle to put those feelings into words, I think it is because when I am there I feel fully detached from this world of chaos, responsibility, stress and distractions that keep me from the most important thing on earth.....my family.  I can honestly say that when we are at WDW all together, there is nothing that can distract me from my mission to spend quality time with my family. I don't cook, clean, drive talk on the phone text or go on the internet at all while we are at WDW. In my life that is the picture of serenity.

"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the Park. I want them to feel they're in another world." Walt Disney

I would love to hear how you feel when your Walt Disney World vacation is near. Comment, email, or visit our forum to share your thoughts.

See you real soon!!

Ship over those water bottles!!!

Happy Monday Guru readers! Hope that you had a fantastic weekend!

When my family and I visit Walt Disney World, we always spend so much money on water!!!! Even if you purchase one water per day for each person in your party, you could be spending upwards of $75 for the week...yikes!!!

All Disney hotels come with a fridge, with the exception of value resorts.(you can rent one for $12 per night) These refrigerators are small but perfect to hold water bottles. My suggestion to you is, to go to Staples.com or Costco.com, place an order for water. Have it shipped to your hotel and you will save a bundle on water!! We even purchase the drink mix-ins my kids love to choose their juice flavors for the day. This will keep the family off of pop and also keep them well hydrated, while at the same time being budget conscious for your wallet.  Be sure to include your reservation number and arrival date with your address if you try this.

Visit my post about shipping over a package to your hotel.

See you real soon!

Sunday Trivia!!!

Happy Sunday!! I hope that you are having a magical weekend!

October trivia is going to be all about Tower of Terror and Haunted Mansion....spooky!!!

This week's question is....

The "breathing door" in the corridor of doors on the Haunted Mansion ride is from what 1963 movie?

Email the Guru  (kno2879@gmail.com) with your answer. Be sure to include your first name and last initial along with what state you are from. Thank you in advance for your participation. Answers will be accepted through 10/10/10.....wow look at that date!!!

Click here for last week's post.

See you real soon!

Where can you go and see "The Blob"?

Last Sunday Trivia Question was:
Where in Walt Disney World can you go and, within a few minutes, see scenes from the black-and-white film classic, "The Blob"?

The answer is: Sci-Fi Dine-In, Hollywood Studios

Thank you to the following Guru readers for submitting the correct answer:

Pam R. Illinois

Caitlin B. Indiana
Stefanie A. Illinois

Participate next week to have your name featured on our site! October will be all about Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror.

Do you have a fun trivia question you would like to see added to Sunday Trivia? Email the Guru we will be sure to add your trivia to our site.

See you real soon!

Disney News From the Week of 9/27...

Even though much of what goes on at Walt Disney World is not news breaking to most, for us Disney fans, even the smallest news is a huge headline. Check out what was going on in the world of Disney this week....

Parking trams seem to be the buzz this week check out wdwmagic.com for details on the new transformation.

I have often wondered, "Why does Future World close earlier than the rest of Epcot"....I would love to see the hours match. Starting October 3, 2010 Future World will extend its hours to match World Showcase. This would mean a 9PM closing on most nights. Be sure to consult park hours before making plans to go to the parks.

Great news for all of you planners!! April park hours have been released...go ahead and plan your dining!! Yummy!! Check out wdwmagic.com for information on hours.

Anyone want to fill their sweet tooth? Check out allears.net to see some Halloween Sweets from Main Street...they look festive and yummy!!!

You must check out this delicious blog called Disney Dispatch!!! The blogger offers a wonderful trek around World Showcase during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. One thing is for sure you will want to have a snack while checking out Disney Dispatch!

While Disney World is always magical...there is nothing like visiting the most magical place on earth during the last few months of the year. Sights and sounds of the season adorn Walt Disney World. This week Disney is half finished with their Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights installation. Click here for the complete story.

Last and certainly no least....if you are so lucky as to be traveling to Walt Disney World during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, you are in for a delicious time!!!! Words cannot describe the ambiance at Epcot during this event! Check out wdwmagic.com for a full photo tour of the 2010 Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

Hope that everyone had a magical week!!! You are now another week closer to your next Walt Disney World vacation!!!!!  :0)

See you real soon!

How About a Delightful Surprise?

Next time you visit Disney's Hollywood Studios, take a stroll to Animation Courtyard. You will notice that the streetlamp on the corner has an umbrella attached. Stand on the black pad, and pull the umbrella's handle for a surprise that is sure to have you "Singing in the Rain" with Gene Kelly.

See you real soon!!!