Money Saver Monday!! Free things to do at Downtown Disney

Happy Monday Guru readers!! I hope you had a fantastic weekend!


My family and I are Disney World obsessed!! We absolutely love our family trips to Walt Disney World and take full advantage of all of the extras while traveling there. The one thing that may set us apart from many families is that we minimize shopping while we are at Disney World. We feel that our children are very lucky to go every year and that memories of our trips will far exceed the need for a new t-shirt. My family and I are constantly on the hunt for Disney freebies and low cost fun!!! While we love going to Downtown Disney like the next family...we just do not want to spend our time shopping. Check out the wonderful free or low cost things you can take advantage of next time you make a stop at Downtown Disney. :0)

• Take a stroll over to the Magic Masters shop. Not only will you enjoy a free magic demonstration, but you will learn a new card trick!!

• Children and  adults alike love Legos. Be sure to visit Lego Imagination Center because they have a FREE 3,000 square foot outdoor play area that has thousands of Lego blocks. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap a few photos of the huge Lego sculptures.

• Check out the ever so popular interactive fountains where children can frolic and play in the water. Don't forget to pack swim diapers and extra clothes. :0)

• We are always looking for a sweet treat while at Disney World. You will be in heaven when you visit Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop.  A Sundae will cost about $6.25 while shakes will cost about $3.95.  Can we say yummy!!!!!!!!!!!

See ya real soon!!

Visiting During Christmas??? Here is what you can do for free!!!

It is peak season at Walt Disney World!! Believe me they call it peak season for a reason. Lights and decorations cover every end of the parks and resorts. No matter where you go you are sure to be reminded that a holiday celebration is going on.

Not everything at Walt Disney World requires a hard ticket in order to enjoy the holiday season. Your regular park ticket is more than enough to get you into some of the most wondrous sights at Walt Disney World during the holiday season.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Millions of sparkling lights shine in falling snow in this theme park, in the Streets of America backlot area.
The history of this display goes back to Little Rock Arkansas in 1986, when businessman Jennings Osborne strung up 1000 red lights for his 6-year-old daughter. The display grew every year, so much so that-- by the time it reached 3 million lights-- the neighbors took legal action!
Luckily the whole thing moved to a permanent home in Orlando. Now thousands of visitors enjoy 5 million lights on trees, carousels, Mickey, Santa, and lots more, plus "Florida snow".  Since 2006, the Spectacle has had "dancing" lights: every 15 minutes, choreographed lights swirl to a medley of classic holiday music; snow flurries, too.
 
This is a must do if you are visiting Walt Disney World between November 8, 2010 and January 3, 2011.
 
Disney Christmas: Epcot - Holidays Around the World

At any time of year it's fun to tour the world at Epcot, by visiting the pavilions from 11 different countries ranged around the World Showcase Lagoon, but from November 26, 2010 to December 30 2010 the tour is even better, celebrating Holidays Around the World: storytelling, Pere Noel in France, la Befana in Italy, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah exhibits in The American Adventure Rotunda.

Epcot: Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is an annual tradition and a big part of a Disney Christmas for many visitors: a retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator accompanied(Click here for the lineup) by a choir and a 50-piece orchestra. 
The Candlelight Processional is included with Epcot park admission, and takes place at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., from November 26,2010 to December. 30 2010. (If you purchase a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, you'll get reserved seating in the American Gardens Theater for this show.)
Also at Epcot: 

• Lights of Winter, a musical light show nightly at the World Showcase Plaza;
• Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat: every evening, Mickey and friends light a Christmas Tree in the World Showcase Plaza;
• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth --the laser light and fireworks show that ends the night at Epcot year-round-- has a special finale for the holiday season, including classic song "Let There Be Peace On Earth"

Disney's Animal Kingdom

 Although Christmas it's much less emphasized, you'll find appropriate decorations at various points in the park, but the main celebration comes with Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade (November  14, 2010-January 3, 2011). 


Christmas at the Resorts

Many people will not take the time to visit Disney Resorts during the holiday season....while others say it is a must do. Here are some of the resort Christmas treasures that are sure to keep you in the holiday spirit.

• Grand Floridian - This resort is stunning on a normal day, but it is gorgeous during the holidays.  One of its main features in the six-story atrium is a large hand-crafted gingerbread house, large enough to actually use as a place to sell gingerbread "shingles." 
• Wilderness Lodge - The rustic setting with Christmas added is romantic and very earthy. Make time to  rent a sleigh ride through the grounds.
• The Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk Resorts - Some spectacular displays are found within these Boardwalk resorts, including a large candy roller coaster.
• Dolphin and Swan - Activities are held throughout the week with an emphasis on entertaining kids.  From Santa's Workshop and cookie decorating to meeting Santa or having s'mores on the beach, the holidays are celebrated to the fullest here.

Disney has done it again, made it virtually impossible for anyone to say that they have done it all. No matter what time of year you visit Walt Disney World, you are always sure to see something new. The best part is when you don't need to pay an extra dime to experience it all. Some of the most magical moments of Christmas at Walt Disney World are free!!

See ya real soon!

 

Where in the "World"- Wednesday's Answer

These lovely Mickey Ears can be found in the Judge's Tent in Toon Town. You can see them while you are waiting in line to meet Mickey.  Check back next Wednesday for another photo challenge.

Email me your pictures to use...I would love to hear from you.

See ya real soon!!

Where in the World????



Where in the World-Wednesday's

Here is a photo challenge for you. Where in the "World" can you find the picture below. Post your guesses in the comments I will give you the answer at the end of the night on Wednesday.

Have Fun!!!

Do you have a picture that you would like me to feature on Where in the World-Wednesday's? Email me and I will be sure to use your picture.

See ya real soon!

Tuesday's Top Ten Things I Have Yet to Experience at Walt Disney World...

Looking at my list of things that I have yet to experience, I simply cannot believe that I have yet to try any of these. I guess I need to plan another trip!! :0) 

Enjoy! 

1. Tom Sawyer Island-Open until dusk, Tom Sawyer Island is one big playground for all kids. Accessible only by raft, the island is a walk through attraction. This is a great haven to unwind where adults can sit on rocking chairs and watch the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom across the Rivers of America, while relaxing amidst the shade of the great oaks, pines, red maples, elms and sycamores. Tom Sawyer Island also offers a place for kids to let off steam as they wander through the caves and play in Fort Sam Clemens.
Families can cross the barrel bridge and explore the working water wheel, follow the dirt paths and then rest on benches found scattered throughout.

2. Club Cool at Epcot-Club Cool is the place to go to cool down and sip a free beverage or two. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this "exhibit" situated near Innoventions West, offers free samples of soft drinks from around the world, as well as Coca-Cola merchandise.

3. Kim Possible Adventure-Follow the signs and meet Kim Possible agents who will explain your challenge. Once you are ready, swipe your park admissions ticket and receive a Kim Possible "Fast Pass"! This FastPass will tell you where and when to report for your mission!
Once at the designated location, you will receive your Kimmunicator, a GPS cell phone with special enhancements.

The Kimmunicator is a really neat device that speaks your instructions to you while displaying animated characters on the device screen. You’re instructed to go find clues in certain locations. Once your mission is completed, your Kimmunicator will tell you where to return your device.


4. Finding Nemo The Musical-Shows are very difficult for our family because my younger children have a difficult time sitting still. We seem to spend more time trying to keep them quiet then enjoying the show. I really want to see this show and will make it a must do on our next trip.

5.Turkey Leg from Frontierland-I always watch people walking around with a massive turkey leg and think to myself that I would love to get one. I just simply have never gotten around to it. Maybe next time!! :0)

6. Drink Around the World Showcase- This is where you walk around to each country and try an adult beverage from around the world. Yummy!! Sounds so very refreshing!!

7.  Hall of Presidents- This is truly an attraction that I always mean to try and never do. I love history and I know that I would really enjoy this attraction. I am going to promise to myself to give this attraction a try the next time I visit Walt Disney World.

8. Disney Water Parks- I live in a location that s a multitude of indoor water parks, I m just not interested in visiting water parks while I am at Walt Disney World. I am thinking that once my kids are a bit older I may give them a whirl.

9. The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management- T be really honest, this attraction has never grabbed my attention. I know that it must be great...after all, all things Disney are wonderful!!

10. Contemporary Resort- I have stayed at all of the resorts on the monorail, but not Contemporary. I have always wanted to try it. I am not sure I will ever get the chance as I think my family and I are going to take the plunge and purchase Disney Vacation Club.  

I just love that I have yet to see and do everything at Walt Disney World!! Every time we visit it is a brand new adventure! I am going to make my top ten list of things that I have yet to experience, my number one priority for my next visit.

What is something you have always wanted to try at Walt Disney World?

See ya real soon!

Money Saver Monday!!!

Happy Monday Guru Readers!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Eating at Walt Disney World can be a very expensive activity. I have a great money saver for you when eating on Walt Disney World property. Next time you eat at a counter service restaurant, order one double cheeseburger combo meal. (Includes a drink, fries and the burger) Ask the cast member for an extra bun...they will give you one so do not be shy(there is a fee). Then split the burger to make it two!! I just love doing this I feel so thrifty!! You can share the fries and the drink and you have two meals with one low cost. If you have children with you this is a great way to have them share a meal and keep costs down.  Another great thing  about this is that many of the counter service locations have a condiment bar, so you can each go and create a fully loaded burger to your liking...all for the cost of one.

* The bun at some locations has gone up in price...ask for the price before paying to determine if it is worth it.

I would love to chat Disney....email me or comment below with your questions, suggestions or thoughts.

See ya real soon!

Disney World News from the week of 11/8/10....

This week was an exiting week at Magic Kingdom as the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party began on 11/8. Sights sounds and smells of the holiday season are in full swing. If you are so lucky as to be visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season, you are visiting during the most magical time of the year. Visit allears.net to see full video coverage of opening day.

If you have always wanted to attend the Christmas Day parade taping, now is your chance. Registration now open for extras for the 2010 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade . Click here for more information.

November 15, 2010 is the opening day for the Gingerbread House at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. This year marks it's 12th appearance at the resort.  Once opened you can purchase Gingerbread cookies from the window of the house as a tasty snack.

November 14th will be the last day for Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival.

The holiday season is just beautiful at Walt Disney World. Check out wdwmagic.com for a full photo tour of the festive decorations that adorn the parks.

If you have any thoughts, suggestions or questions about Walt Disney World please feel free to email me. I love to talk Disney. :0)

Have a wonderful weekend!!

See ya real soon!