This Is Where the Magic Lives

No Dogs Allowed....

2011-03-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

Time to think about what to do with naughty Miss Penny while we are away. Disney doesn't have pet friendly hotels like Universal does - but actually I am glad of that. Too many rascally dogs in one hotel kind of grosses me out. I love dogs - but I know how Penny is and I can't imagine she's that much different from others of her kind...... well, on second thought maybe she is. She is a lot different than my previous Newfie....

Our neighbors used to volunteer to have our sweet Tatum over for the duration of our trips. Not happening with Penny. I subtly let them know we are planning on being away...... and I am met with silence and then a, "Have a great time!"

How can one fluffy teddy bear dog be so mischievous? She looks so innocent....

But we know different...... I think she's a diva princess at heart and if we aren't looking at her, talking to her, petting her, walking her, telling her how cute she is, taking her photo, giving her treats, she gets us back for it. She is an attention seeker and has been since she was a puppy. She was actually promised to a breeder, but the breeder met her and chose another puppy!! OMG we should have known what we were in for after that....we could have had her or her brother. I wanted a sweet little girl puppy..... but I got Penny. Her naughty ways are well known by our friends. Maybe we should have kept her habits hush hush. She is lovable and sweet but so badly behaved. I guess we had to share her tricks for laughs and our own sanity. She doesn't have the normal Newfie qualities *calm, sweet, loyal*...she loves to bark, be a pest, moan and squeak to get her way, she's not a buddy or team player - more a star, and she's bouncy and full of life and energy, and naughty......

I found a fun place for Penny last year for her first boarding experience so looks like this will be where she spends our Disney vacation again this year since volunteers for Penny sitting aren't knocking on our door. Chasing our Tails is a doggy day care type facility where the dogs are allowed to be free with each other from 9 to 5pm and then they are kenneled overnight til the next day's play time. This place is pretty local and I appreciate that - when I had Tatum I was driving her an hour away to a similar type of kennel...for twice the price - this other place had a canoe out front, a playground, cute Adirondack furniture for the dogs LOL and even believe it or not, Disney Suites. Tatum spent a few of our vacations in the Winnie the Pooh Suite. (my kids love the Pooh characters so they chose that for her lol to help ease the guilt of leaving her behind) These doggy daycare centers seem to be popping up here and there now as they increase in popularity. I do feel good about leaving Penny where she can interact with other dogs - maybe get knocked down a few pegs by the older dogs and learn some better etiquette. She seemed to enjoy being there, too, and didn't come home miffed at us for leaving her there. We don't want a pissed Penny......There are horns under that fur....

Disney World does have a newer kennel run by Best Friends Pet Care, but then the issue is getting the dog down there....Who brings their dog on vacation anyway? I would never consider driving 20 hours with Penny in the car. She freaks out on a 5 minute drive to her vet.....I can't imagine how she would be in a cargo hold on a flight, either. Not sure how that works, but it seems mean, too... Penny would be traumatized. Penny gives me attitude about even being put IN the car...and she's 105lbs of attitude. Maybe other people have really good dogs? And good dogs get to go to Walt Disney World.... Penny will never see the castle.

"There's nothing funnier than the human animal." Walt Disney

Obviously Walt never met Penny.......

Happy travels!!

Disney thoughts....

2011-03-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today I spent a lot of time in the car running errands....that means time to think. Aerosmith came on the radio.... pretty funny that I consider Aerosmith "Disney music" but I do! It takes me to Disney's Hollywood Studios. So then naturally my thoughts roam to Disney World....and clients. I have a list in my head of clients traveling next week and in the near future and did a mental run through check list assuring myself that they are all taken care of and ready for memorable and magical travels.   Next week is our spring break, too...but my daughter is going to New York City with the high school band. We can't go to Disney World without her - she's a huge fan and it would break her heart if we did - so we are staying home. We'll make our own magical times here :)

This morning before I left for my running around, I had been reading more about the rumored DVC coming to the Grand. Did a few miles worth of pondering about that. I can't get past how I will be so disappointed if Disney builds this DVC. I enjoy the pathway between the Grand and the Polynesian. So pretty and quiet except for the Ferry boat horns and miscellaneous WDW sounds now and then. We often walk it and see nobody...the DVC will nix that little peaceful walkway. The monorail is already experiencing overloads and breaking down more than ever - I've seen that on the past several trips..... we used to enjoy staying at the Contemporary but haven't even bothered in recent years because of the noticeable difference in the crowd levels there and lines in the monorail station on the fourth floor. The Contemporary is still a terrific resort, but for people like us that have stayed there over the past 20 years, the changes we have seen have turned us off a bit - and the addition of Bay Lake Tower is one of those changes that has kept us away.   I don't want to see the Grand go down the same path with over crowding in the pool and common areas.   The Grand Floridian was always my little respite from the craziness of the parks...*and craziness of life*.... and I just love the peaceful calm way I always feel at the Grand. It's such an escape. Not sure I'll have the Grand as my happy place if DVC comes along.   I don't appreciate that Disney is being cheap and building their DVC onto already existing resorts so that the DVC owners can flood into the resort pools, shops, restaurants, etc.

AND....along those lines, as I am planning trips for people - many that are first timers to Walt Disney World - I know the cost of a Disney vacation can be a real turn off to people that don't realize the VALUE they will get for their money. Walt Disney World is the absolutely the best vacation destination in the world. There really is something for everybody. But there are differences that the locations of the hotels can mean as far as transportation and view and over all convenience & vacation quality - and price of course.

We started going to WDW 20 years ago when my son was one year old.   When I was a child and went to WDW with my own family waaaaaaaay back when, we stayed at the Contemporary...so when we took Zack for the first time, that's where I wanted us to stay. My childhood memories of that absolutely fantastic vacation were all wrapped around the Contemporary and the Magic Kingdom. (most of our family vacations were to historical and natural wonder destinations but WDW was my favorite!) The Contemporary meant Disney and happy family vacation to me. So we stayed at the Contemporary and enjoyed the view of the Magic Kingdom, the terrific location, the fun monorail rides...."Please stand clear of the doors"..... and that wonderful feeling of being IN the midst of the magic 24/7 from the morning boat and monorail sounds, to wake-ups with Chef Mickey's music outside our door in the morning - "Celebrate with Mickey Mouse!" - and again greeting us at night after an exciting exhausting day spent in the parks, to the view of the changing colors on the castle and luminous Tomorrowland glowing in the dark - just so many precious memories of those family vacations. After that first trip with our first baby we chose a Magic Kingdom resort from then on and had the same magical experiences for years with our daughters, too. A few times to change things up we would split our vacation time between the Beach Club and the Contemporary.   But the vacation never felt the same until we had the opportunity to gaze at the castle.   That view means magic to me. I still equate a Disney vacation with the monorail and the castle. I'm having a hard time thinking of an Easter trip over at the Boardwalk Inn without a split with a Magic Kingdom resort.

It's hard to tell people how important that aspect of the WDW trip can be ...especially when they are trying to work within a budget. Or maybe that part of a WDW trip is just MY perception and idea of what I value about a Disney vacation and not the same for others? Maybe just due to the memories we made over the years? I often worry, though, because first timers don't realize how large Walt Disney World is, and how time is money, and convenience makes for low stress. Or is that just ME again? And what I find important? We usually go all out nuts on vacations....I would rather not go to WDW if I have to be on a budget. Our family had some tough years between 2008 and now. We were victims of the poor economy, we had high medical bills aquired by my son and also my beloved dog, and we chose to skip our family WDW trips rather than downgrade to a moderate or value resort.   I was thinking I wouldn't get the same magic fix that I've grown accustomed to over the past many years full of trips. I think all the Disney resorts are fantastic and have terrific theming, I've tried almost all of them, but I have my favorites and if I can't stay at them I'd rather keep the money in the bank until I can. Years ago we started off our first Disney trips being mega park touring maniacs - we would do 12 hours in a park and come back and pass out, rest and do it again the next day and the next. The past few years we've changed our Disney vacation strategy. As the kids become more involved in activities and sports here at home and our crazy schedule has taken over our lives we really need the down time on vacation. We love having relaxing time spent at the resort mixed in with the park touring.   So where we stay really has some importance in how the trip goes.   Maybe that's the difference for us and we know if we don't get to see or do something on a trip, we'll be back again and do it then. Some first timers don't mind where they stay so much because it's all about being out and about and seeing everything they can on a once in a lifetime trip. They just need a place to shower and lay their heads for the night. I remember us feeling that way 20 years ago - we were out in the parks all day soaking in as much magic as we could, always thinking it was our last Disney trip for a while...but we would return the next year and the next.

I hope everybody, no matter where they choose to stay in Walt Disney World, makes magical memories like we did that will last years and bond their families together.   A nice thing about Disney is that they do have hotels for all budgets and vacation styles, and they are all wonderfully themed and fun.

Happy travels!!

Life, Disney, Life......

2011-03-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

Hey all...wow I have left this blog thing go too long. Christmas pics greeted me when I signed in to post. I love to write, but having this blog be ALL 100% Disney has actually kind of sucked the fun out of doing this. Almost like when you're in school and told to write a 1500 word expository yada yada about XYZ and be able to cite your sources etc.... I LOVE Disney and I LIVE Disney - I am a Disney travel agent and have a few websites, facebook pages, and all, but my life doesn't revolve completely around Disney. I have three kids, a husband and a dog..... needy people they are.   So between them draining me and having a commitment to write about Disney Disney Disney - the creative juices have run low. BUT...I have a new idea for this. I am thinking of just writing about life and stuff I know & experience with a bit of Disney thrown into that mix. That's more balanced and more my reality and it will come easier to me and allow me to keep this blog up...and no guilt! I feel horrid that I've let it go. Can't do that anymore.

Here's the thing - I am just going to assume you know me.   If you do, great then you're probably some stalker type or a friend. Fine. If you don't know me, you soon will.....you'll either catch on and feel good about reading this or you'll think omg .....who IS this person? ha... I don't think my life is much different than most people. We all have happy and bad and if you're reading this you have an affection for Disney, too....like I do.   Sometimes I am going about life and things start to really suck and I think OK time for a Disney escape - so the planning starts :0) (for me!) I almost always have Disney on my mind because I plan trips for clients but sometimes it comes to mind for me and my family too.

Today for instance....all the snow had melted....it was fairly warmish out for Northern Illinois in mid March.... time for the most atrocious of all household jobs....poop duty.   I have a Newfoundland puppy and this "duty" is no small job, particularly after a winter of heavy snow and months gone by without clean up. ugh....awful. Nobody in my family will help me with this disgusting activity. My dog, my duty.... so I put on my ipod and went at it.   I was listening to WDW Today podcast live show.   A man called in with a question.... he and his family were headed to WDW over spring break, had an 8 am ADR at Crystal Palace (thinking this was a great way to get into the MK early, before the scheduled 9 am opening, and start the day ) and also had on that same day a lunch ADR at Crystal Palace. He asked the guys' advice as to now that the Magic Kingdom park hours had been updated to have the park opening an hour earlier - 8 am, what should he do? Keep the 8 am breakfast or cancel that one and do the lunch reservation instead?   The WDW Today guys said to stick with the 8 am. breakfast. I have to disagree. Why would he do that, if the park now opens at 8 am? Keeping the 8 am ADR defeats the purpose he intended when he made it....getting into the park early. So he'd be wasting about an hour and a half sitting in Crystal Palace, getting hugs and cuddles from Pooh and Friends, while the park was at it's emptiest. If it were me, I think I would have ditched the breakfast, headed to MK early (well not really, because I never get to the MK early lol - but I can dream!) and then enjoyed the rides without lines, picked up a cinnamon bun at Main Street Bakery about 930 (LOVE these!) and watched the trolley singers "Good morning, good morning" greeting guests with their dancing and singing, and then headed over to Adventureland and had fun til a lunch ADR at the Crystal Palace.

Disney has had a serious place in my mind recently. I am in the midst of planning a spontaneous Easter trip with my family, that we just booked last week, and then hopping on the Dream with friends right afterward.   The Easter trip came about because we NEEDED it....yep we needed an escape. Lots of weirdness going on here recently and it's about time we can take a break from it all and hopefully leave it behind. Maybe some details of weirdness here to come in future blogs but I didn't want to scare anybody off with this first post lol.

So anyway...I figure this blog will go in a slightly different direction that previous posts -more free form, journal ish, but Disney sprinkled in...just like my life...free, but a bit cluttered, good, bad, work, fun, and of course the ever present Disney......I need something that comes more naturally to me, is more enjoyable and easier to write and will flow from my speedily typing fingers and let me be me..... take it or leave it!

And for some real Disney mixed into this hodge podge.....

These are the newly released dates for the 2011 WDW parties. *Fun*

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Sept. 13,16,20,23,27,30
October 2,6,7,10,11,13,16,18,20,21,23,25, 27,28,30,31
Nov 1

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November 8,9,11,13,15,18,27,29,30
December 2,4,6,7,9,11,13, 14,16,18

"I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." Walt Disney

Christmas in the Happiest Place on Earth!

2010-11-19T21:57:00.000-06:00

I am going to be working on this!! Just had to "space save" and take out the Halloween stuff.....but anyway - Christmas in Walt Disney World is fantastic. What a jolly fun time to visit the wonderful world of Disney.

Be back in a bit with pics and info and more!

Channing

Fall in the Magic

2010-09-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

The autumn months are a fun-filled & magical time to visit the Walt Disney World parks. I am going to miss my annual October visit to the magic this year and I'm feeling pretty bummed about it. Especially now that I am looking over all my photos from past trips. We had so much fun over the years. I think our first Halloween party in WDW was in 2003....and we were hooked.

In my mind I am plotting HOW...how can I sneak something in.....it just won't work no matter how I finagle options in my head. I can't sneak away with my Disney buddy kids or without them. My older daughter is now a freshman in high school and involved in too many things and AP classes (good for her - bad for me!) - she can't even miss a few days and my younger daughter is in sports & busy with her school life - so... my days of quickie last minute fall trips to the magic are done. (That's a hard pill to swallow) But I love looking at the photos of the Magic Kingdom all decorated for fall even if it makes me envious of others that are able to pick up and leave and head to the world. There is so much to see and do and with the extras that the months of September and October bring to the parks, it just makes it all the more special a time to visit.

Autumn is in the air in central Florida beginning in September. It''s still summery here in Illinois, but you can tell something special is brewing as you enter the Magic Kingdom during September and October! Pumpkins and Jack-o-Lanterns glow along the roof tops, the buildings are draped in orange and gold, and harvest leaves and fall floral details are placed in every little nook. During Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties, from dusk to dark Main Street glows with orange, violet, and green and later in the evening ghosts drift over the shops and sidewalks as villains voices haunt the air while festive music plays and puts everybody in a trick or treat fun mood.

The Wicked Step Mother and Step Sisters hold a meet and greet

The Villains Mix and Mingle in the Castle forecourt

The lighting on Main Sreet is fantastic

The Magic Kingdom hosts the spectacular Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on 24 evenings during September and October. These are phenomenal parties. The parade and fireworks alone are worth the cost of admission. You will see characters in their Halloween costumes - and rare characters come out to join in the fun, too - throughout the Magic Kingdom are trick or treat stations lit up with huge glowing signs and ghosts floating overhead, special shows at the castle and in Belle's story area, dance parties where characters jam to the festive the music with the crowd, the headless horseman racing through the parade route, the most amazing fireworks display, and more! Beware of hitchiking ghosts - Disney knows how to throw a party & they may want to join in the spirit of the fun. If you are a pin collector, Disney puts out special limited edition pins available only to guests attending these parties. I have always also seen other party only merchandise & souvenirs out for sale - and once the party ends, the items are placed in the back until the next party night. You'll leave the Magic Kingdom with a bag of candy weighing you down and the mega catchy "It's not so very scary - Boo to you...." parade theme song resounding in your head. Believe me...everybody but the headless horseman will be singing that song afterwards! We came home with the party music CD a few years ago and that has become a standard in our house from mid September to Halloween.

Party Facts and Information

The event will be held from 7pm-12am September- November, 2010*

Order tickets online now or by calling (407) WDISNEY or (407) 934-7639. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

* Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.

* Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.

* Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villians in special Halloween costumes.

* Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

The tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary" and is appropriate for children of all ages.

Dates:

* Tuesday, September 14, 2010

* Saturday, September 18, 2010

* Tuesday, September 21, 2010

* Thursday, September 23, 2010

* Saturday, September 25, 2010

* Tuesday, September 28, 2010

* Thursday, September 30, 2010

* Friday, October 1, 2010

* Sunday, October 3, 2010

* Thursday, October 7, 2010

* Friday, October 8, 2010

* Monday, October 11, 2010

* Tuesday, October 12, 2010

* Thursday, October 14, 2010

* Sunday, October 17, 2010

* Tuesday, October 19, 2010

* Thursday, October 21, 2010

* Friday, October 22, 2010

* Sunday, October 24, 2010

* Tuesday, October 26, 2010

* Thursday, October 28, 2010

* Friday, October 29, 2010

* Sunday, October 31, 2010

* Monday, November 1, 2010

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)

Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

More info, photos, and comments Magic Chat Live

And don't forget the 15th annual EPCOT Food and Wine Festival which takes place

in The World Showcase

from October 1 to November 14th 2010

*No extra admission required*

There are some terrific Disney deals out now for room and or dining savingsIf you have questions about booking a magical WDW vacation & want a hassle free planning experience, contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com for a FREE no obligation quote on my FREE planning services.

Happy & Magical Travels,

Channing

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

800-670-4312 Ext 124

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Magic Chat Live Contest!

2010-07-28T11:17:00.000-05:00

I own the website Magic Chat Live and we are now running our very first contest.

Just for sharing your story, you could win
a $25 Disney gift card.

The contest is based on your best or worst

Disney dining experience.

Come share the magic of a great time at a restaurant in Walt Disney World or Disneyland- OR

come on over and vent about the worst time you've ever had and why you'll never ever be back!

We've all had good and bad - One thing we can be sure of at WDW is the inconsistency. Just write a short review or summary, or pictorial - however you think you can get the story across best. Let's have fun with this one - Photos are always a good thing - a picture tells a thousand words. There are some sample stories up now posted by members. It is FAST AND FREE to register for this fun Disney Vacation planning website. You can be anonymous! Be creative, colorful (watch the language a little though, though *wink*) and have a good time sharing! Nobody will be graded on grammar or spelling LOL - just have a good time.

Does this name make you SHUDDER?


Have you had a really bad burger?


Dinnner at the Castle a royal rip?

Was Narcoossee's the bomb?

The voting will begin August 1, 2010. On August 15th, 2010 a winner will be announced.

Dining Contest Rules

To enter you must register for MagicChatLive (it's fast and free) and start your own thread in this contest forum about your best or worst dining experience at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. *Have fun*

Tell us all about your experience (go ahead and let it fly now's your time to vent) and include pictures if you would like - pics are good!

Come back and vote once a day for your favorite story. Please only vote for your own thread one time. Let's keep this fair -the prize is $25 not a WDW trip. Voting will start on August 1, 2010. On August 15th, 2010 voting will close and a winner will be announced on August 16th.

The winner will receive a $25.00 Disney Gift Card that we will mail USPS priority mail as soon as the winner has been notified and we have their shipping address. The winner will have 7 days to reply to us with their mailing address, if they do not we will ship to the 2nd place winner.

For extra entries please fan Magic Chat Live on Facebook and post on the wall letting us know that it is an entry for the contest

If you have questions please contact us at WhereTheMagicLives@comcast.net with Disney Contest in the subject line

Magic Chat Live Information

Magic Chat Live is a fun place with friendly Disney loving people that enjoy sharing their trip planning and other tips, information & photos. Everybody is welcome! Come join - it's easy and fast!

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Plans are Finalized!!!

2010-06-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

I started packing yesterday! Wow what a pain...I guess it's better than unpacking! Packing for myself is bad enough but packing for a family - *faint* ....it is a little easier now that my youngest is past the princess days. We aren't schlepping a variety of gowns, crowns, shoes and hairbows. So we are packing "light". For us. (We still have a wardrobe of ears (I am so happy the girls will still wear "ears") and a huge Disney pin collection and of course tons of flip flops.

I finalized my dining..... I added the princess breakfast in Norway - it's been 2 years since we've done that & Jo is still young enough to enjoy it. I actually got a "go" from Lucy, too. In May, I ate dinner in the castle, and I have to say DISAPPOINTING. I would not do it again for a long time. I felt like it was dirty, sticky, and just over all bleh - but expensive. Hopefully the Norway experience will be different.

I saw a trip report where there were photos of food and the photos of sticky toffee pudding dessert at lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern tempted me - so I had to add that and do some rearranging to fit that one in.

For the birthday people (my daughter and husband) I listened to their requests, and have a Cape May Cafe breakfast booked and Le Cellier late lunch. I am one of the people that thinks Le Cellier is way over rated, but last time we ate dinner there it WAS very good. I am not having any high expectations, though.

Our usual at DHS is the Sci Fi Drive in Diner. That's a hit with everybody in my family. The food is OK but the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Those black and white funny science fiction movies have been distracting my kids for about 15 years now and allowing me ME time while I eat. It's a must do each trip.

We like eating outside on the patio at Rose & Crown and I was lucky enough to book a 7:40pm dinner reservation. I hope we wind up outside for Illuminations viewing. Plus I love the beer there - and their stilton cheese salad dressing & the cheese bread rolls. My husband likes the fish and chips and honestly, I am not sure what the kids eat there......not a lot of options that are kid (picky eater) friendly. We shall see.

My youngest is 10 years old - and she actually WANTED Bippity Boppity Boutique. That really surprised me.....I was able to get her an appointment in the castle. I figured I'd better appreciate her wanting to do this now. After this, the next time I get to take a little girl to BBB will probably be when I'm a grandma lol...because I think soon enough Jojo won't want to be done up with fakey make up, colorful hair extensions, and goo put in her hair. For now, she does - and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Ohana.....wow - our last experience there was nasty. It was a big bummer disappointment because it has been a staple dining place for us for as long as I can remember. Well....last time we did eat there was 2 years ago and we all agreed NEVER AGAIN. Just horrid service & yucky food. Well, I have heard they've made some changes to the staff and it's getting some raves again. We are giving Ohana another go. They must be doing something right because the best I could get for us was an 855pm dining time. Another we shall see in the works. I hope it's good again because it was a WDW vacation tradition for us for so long.

Another tradition for us 1900 Park Fare. We have the dinner booked with Cinderella and her wicked step sisters. Those sisters are the best. They make the experience what it is. Looking forward to that again.

My older daughter, Lucy, is a big Eeyore fan, Jojo is a Piglet fan, and Zack always liked Tigger - so Crystal Palace has always been on my ADR list.

We love the trip over to Wilderness Lodge. It's a little adventure just getting there - so I booked us Whispering Canyon Cafe. Last time we ate there, Jojo was having attitude and not in the mood to be anywhere except in front of the TV watching Hannah Montana & playing with her Disney Princess Polly Pockets. Well, that dinner turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We had such a fun waiter - he completely picked up on Miss Jojo's baditude and played right up to her. She was a star and she loved all the attention. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere a lot of fun and laughs.

OK I even am taking one for the team. I booked us a dinner at Tony's Town Square...that place gets horrible reviews.....but I have clients that ask about it and I turn them off to eating there. Well, honestly it's been 3 years or so since we put ourselves thru the Tony's experience, so we're going to have to try it again so that I can give a fair review of the place. Our last dinner there, our waiter must have been low man on the totem pole, because he was the restaurant garbage guy....we would see him take out the trash, change the garbage bags, *cross our fingers he washed his hands* and laugh...."When he came back to take our order, my son even asked him, "Did you wash your hands?" and we all just cracked up....I guess you had to be there but that's part of the family vacation fun....all the silly things you remember and laugh about later. We had fun there, but the food....eh. Get the Rolaids and the Tums. I cannot even guarantee my family will suck it up and go along with this one.....

On MY birthday, I figured a little R&R and spoiling so I booked us a pool cabana at the Grand Floridian. And then later a late lunch at the tea room. We have done "tea" here a few times before and my daughters really really enjoy it. Kind of funny, I wouldn't think they would like it as much as they do, but it's such a nice relaxing break away from the park craziness and the other LOUD restaurants. Sort of like the Plaza Restaurant. That's a simple one, too - and one of their favorites.

My favorite vacation drink is a pina colada with a shot of Kahlua drizzled through it. I can taste it now.....

On our last morning, I booked the breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. I figure we'll be out monorail shopping and picking up those last minute souvenirs - so a stop over at the Polynesian fits with that plan.

I am getting really excited...but almost the kind of excitement that sends me into neurotic feelings of "Something might go wrong to spoil this trip". (I am crazy that way LOL) The countdown is on and as of today I have five days left of neurosis....but so far *knock on wood* so good. Looks like it's all systems go.

I have a lot of plans I hope we can fit in - movies on the beach at both the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian, I wanted to take a boat over to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and just check it all out and see what that area is like, I'd love it if we made it to Downtown Disney for shopping, a trip up in the hot air balloon, and ice cream, the girls want to do lots of pin trading & expand their immense collection, and then we have to find time for swimming breaks and just relaxing and people watching from our balcony.

Renting a pontoon boat is always fun in the afternoons, too....

My daughters always like to do the "Pick a Pearl" in Japan in EPCOT - the uglier the oyster, the prettier the pearl is what we learned. Jojo is a champion pearl picker - she always gets a jumbo or twins. There are sterling silver settings for a decent price and the jewelry makes a nice lasting souvenir.

This will be a strange trip in a way as my son won't be coming with. He is almost 20 and pretty much outgrown family vacations. (it's a mutual thing - we've outgrown him, too LOL) His idea of a family vacation is sleeping til 2 pm and then being on his cell phone with friends. So...this is it. Just the four of us this time around. Somebody is going to lose their thrill ride buddy.

Kind of a new step in the family vacation situation - but at least the four of us are all Disney fans and really thrilled about taking this vacation and spending time together. I have so many memories of past family trips when the kids were young & want to repeat everything - but it gets harder and harder as the kids get older and the experiences pile up. I guess we'll have to make new memories - just the four of us. That will be easy, though - we are going to be on the move cramming in all the fun we can handle for 10 days straight.

Happy travels!
Channing

Free dining is back for fall and there are still discounts for summer - Make some family memories!

Contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com for a free quote.

Anticipation!!!

2010-06-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well, we are just under two weeks until our trip!! I had delusions of getting some fantastic SWA Ding fare that would allow me to change my dates a bit and RE add on my last 2 nights (that I - during temporary insanity) chopped off because I wasn't (in my head at the time I made this change) up for moving to a third resort during one trip. The closer my trip gets the more I ask myself...why did I shorten it?!?!? We really like to do a split stay between two resorts - one on the EPCOT side of the "world" and then over to the Magic Kingdom side.....but moving a third time left me bleh. So I added one more night to my Grand Floridian reservation and chopped off 2 Wilderness Lodge nights. Yeah, a confusing mess, but what

it comes down to is 4 nights at the Yacht Club and 6 at the Grand.

What happened to SWA Dings?!?!? I used to get Dings here and there that would send me to fun places.....now it's Indianapolis & Cleveland most often....not fun..... So, no such fun destination Ding arrived for me.....and I feel like I am paying more for air for this summer trip than we have paid in years.

Yesterday I was reviewing my park plans and ADRs. I use Tour Guide Mike to plan the "best days" and I have found him to be useful and helpful. But my handwriting and scribble scrabbled notes all over my trip notes page had me lost. It took me a LOOOOOooooong time to figure out WHAT?!?! What did I want to do?? And WHY?? My reasoning a month ago seems to conflict with my 2 week out reasoning haha. So I had to back track, head over to TGM and then try and figure out what time and where I did want to dine. I plan for other people in a nice legible logical way, but my own plans and ideas for my family trip get added here and there when I have a few minutes and become scattered LOL - I guess it's like the plumber with the clogged drains all over his house. So, after rereviewing TGM and double checking my ADRs online, I am now good to go with a new plan of attack!!!

I booked our flight to Florida based on my 13 yr old daughter's high hopes of seeing the midnight showing of the Twilight movie, "Eclipse" haha.....her birthday is July 1 and she had visions of me taking her and several friends to the midnight opening showing on June 30.....omg.....I am now in denial mode. WHY did I agree to that?!?!? I can't even think about the reality of doing that....... I have never read the books, not seen the movies, am going to snooze thru this movie from midnight to 2 am....and then have to deal with driving a throng of teen girls to our house to spend the night and dealing with them in the morning while trying to throw everything all together and get us out of the house for the airport. I selected a 2 pm flight, thinking that works.....but how do I get roped into these crazy schemes....... I am still (when feeling a reality check) trying to plot a way out of doing these plans.

So now that I have the ADRs and schedule the way I like it.....time to start dealing with things here on the home front. I have started taking Miss Mischief Penny to a doggy daycare to prepare her for when she'll be kenneled there. She just turned 8 months old and has never been away from home. Have to make sure everybody has good park shoes.....shorts and more.....start getting the toiletries together, stuff for the flight...lots of Target runs before a vacation.....I am actually getting butterflies in my stomach while thinking of this list of have to dos!!! I am a last minute packer - I don't like the pressure of doing it that way, but I don't enjoy packing and procrastinate til it has to be done. I always bring too much.....so make more work for myself than I should. I am going to TRY my best to leave home without 400lbs of junk in 8 bags. Coming home to have to put that away (AFTER laundering 400lbs) is the pits. I have an almost 20 year old son and he won't be coming with this time. Part of me is jumping for joy because the last time he did come with (he was 17.5 at that time) he was a huge buzz kill and downed us all out. But...then I think about being 1200 miles away from him for 10 nights and get a bit of a sick panicky feeling. I just have to work that out in my head.....but I am sure out of sight out of mind may be what happens once I step onto the colorful mosaic floor in MCO and hop on their monorails!!! *LOL*

We don't have anything super special planned during our trip. With my crazy family it's hard to even stick with my schedule because inevitably somebody wants to do something else.....or isn't hungry at ADR time.....or is tired or hot....flexibility is a necessary thing for us on our vacations.....We just plan on hitting the parks early (ya right - we shall see..... - flexibility needed here haha) returning for a swim and then back to the parks in the late afternoon/evenings and stay til close.

Three of us have birthdays during the first week of July but my younger daughter is a January baby...I don't want to make a giant deal out of us three birthday people when she has actually never been during hers. My older daughter and husband and I chose where we want to eat for our days but I didn't mention BIRTHDAY on the reservations. Last year I let my youngest daughter have my birthday.....she wore the button and got the cupcake at lunch. She got my year and birthday calories. What a deal.

Well.....we are finally seeing the sun here in good old northern Illinois, so I am going to soak some up and get a nice tan going so I don't burn in Florida.

I CAN"T WAIT TO GO!!!!!!!

Happy travels, all!!

Channing

TravelWithTheMagic

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save big with free dining. If you are interested,

please contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

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Let us add some MAGIC to your trip!!

I am in the midst of vacation planning!

2010-06-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I am so behind in this blog!!! I finally reached my 45 day mark for my own family trip this summer and had to COMMIT!!! It was killing me and for weeks I went back and forth on how long to stay...where to stay....which flights..... too many decisions and I am commitment phobic. I used to book room only - which has the nice generous cancellation policy of 6 nights prior to check in.....but with the way I reserved the rooms this year, it was considered a package and I had to 100% commit 45 days out. SCARY to me....but I did it. I managed to make a choice. Not saying I am all over the process and fully satisfied with what I chose....I still go online and dork around with dates and resorts and even my flights. I always fly SWA to MCO.....so that makes my change it around option viable....and I love that and take some comfort it the ability to swap out flight times or even days!

For now, we are set for 4 nights at the Yacht Club and then moving over to the Grand Floridian for 6 nights. I originally had us staying at the WL CL after our Grand Floridian stay, but thought about obligations at home (8 month old Newfie puppy) and the pool turning mucky.....and then do I really want to move three times during one stay? NO. So I chopped those last 2 nights off and changed the flight home. Then of course the regrets hit me....why am I shortening a Disney trip!!!?!!!?!? What is wrong with me? We could get the neighbor kid to deal with the pool water & equipment, and I have a nice doggy daycare place lined up for Penny.....we have the vacation time so WHY did I do that?!?!!

In the mean time my husband decided 10 nights was enough for him. DARN. I am not sure what over came me and possessed me to shorten my Disney vacation when I had him roped into a 12 night stay. My daughters are all for the more Disney the better. But now what's done is done. There is no going back. ......or isn't there?! haha....I keep checking. I can get the Grand for those last 2 nights now. It wasn't available back when I got the Wilderness Lodge...but it is now. So the drama continues...I am just waiting with baited breath for a SWA Ding and that would be it - flight switched and an extra 2 nights added on again.....my husband would probably never know. He has too much other stuff on his mind LOL. I plan the trips, he comes. My daughters and I would have a secret little laugh when it came time to pack up (what he thinks is time to pack up) and we didn't have to. Too late! We're staying......I'd just have to say, "Don't you remember we talked about these two nights?" LOL....I have him so confused at this point he would have to say "OH ya...." and let it go or we'd get into one of those "YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME WHEN I AM TALKING TO YOU" discussions.....and he won't want to go there haha.

So...I am still in planning mode....and with resort and flight planning comes the dining planning!!!!! With the chopped off days I had to rearrange dining so we didn't miss what I had booked on those last 2 days.....

The drama continues........

Disney vacation planning is the best!

I'll be back later with more - once I have more settled. :)

PS...the Disney Cruise was FANTASTIC!!!! I posted pics on Magic Chat Live and on Magic Chat Live on facebook in a Disney Cruise Line album.

Happy planning and happy travels!!
Channing
Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

Choose us and let us add some MAGIC to your vacation!!! Our planning services are free! Click for a FREE QUOTE

Disney Cruise Line Tips and Information!

2010-04-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

Advice, Tips, Info...your first time cruiser's S.O.S.

Since I've made it known that I am going on a DCL cruise for the first time, I have been really inundated with terrific info and tips from long time cruisers. THANK YOU!

I figured I would share some of that fantastic advice and info.

Pre Cruise -

Several people have mentioned the Passporter is the best guide out there for DCL. I have several WDW Passporters and enjoy them...but I coulndn't find the DCL version - I bought a little Birnbaum book and found that handy, too. Plus I love the Birnbaum's photos & small, easy to pack size.

Buy '"pirate supplies" at Party City or other party supply store before you leave - LOL this is one I'll skip

Visit CastawayCayClub.com for useful info and links

Be sure to book your spa appointments asap or as soon as you're on board (we tried to book them online but they were very tight with availability - we're going to try and book asap once aboard the ship - we'll see if we have any luck with that!! Also..another bit of a tip is to go for the "Rainforest Room session as they say it's economical and well worth it....not sure for me. I don't care for steam rooms......but it's a combo of a few different things & many people love it.

Embarkation

Do your Palo and Spa reservations, then swim, then eat. This will be the least crowded the pool will be the whole cruise - except when the ship is in port

Don't miss the sail away celebration!

Once in your Stateroom -

Order a daily wake up call (no thanks!)

The port holes are 4 feet in diameter - you can hang Xmas lights around the inside of the window

(again - not happening!)

You can ask the cabin steward for matterss liners for the little ones (NA)

Entertainment

Check the board by guest services for the character schedule or call the hotline. Be early for the princesses
(not sure if three adults care about this one - but if I had kids cruising with me I would be on top of it!)

Call 888-325-2500 to see what movies are showing during your cruise

For "Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer" sit near empty rows or seats to have more chance of being picked

See all the shows and don't leave early!

Kids

Allow kids to participate in the kids program at the end of the cuise - they usually get free t-shirts

Book Flounders Reef on your own rather than relying on concierge or some one else

Do-si-do with Snow White is at 645 pm in the kids club - ask your server to bring dinner first so you get there in time

Take a tee shirt or pillow case with sharpies in a ziploc bag to guest services with the kids' names, ages, and stateroom. You'll get it returned all signed!

Laundry

Do laundry on port days or very early on sea days

Dryers will require 2 cycles. Plan quarters accordingly

The laundry on Deck 7 provides more time than on Deck 6

Meals

Be early at Palo for better seating location

Bring your own water on board - as long as you can contain it in a closed cooler or luggage

DCL is a Coke provider - bring your own if you are a Pepsi product drinker

Eat at least one lunch in Triton's or Lumiere's

Fruit and Cookies are available at Scoops throughout the day

Order the "All Hands on Deck" cheese platter at last once

Order the lemon meringue pie *yum* at the Palo brunch (several people have told me Palo brunch is better than Palo for dinner - they don't offer the brunch on 3 night cruises, so we'll just have to settle for dinner) At dinner - the chocolate souffle is suppsed to be fantastic - but must be ordered ahead of time!

Order the room service cake of the day (ok - sounds good to me!!!)

Room Service has Mickey ice cream bars even though that is not listed on the menu

You can get nachos at Pluto's even though they're not on the menu

Enjoy a glass of Fairy Tale Cuvee Champagne... or some Rosa Regale...
*advice from a friend*
Palo... Have the chocolate souffle... Also.. at ANY of the meals. and I suggest this at Palo.. they will bring you 2nd's... 3rds... etc. of ANYTHING... or... if you see more than one thing on the menu that you like as for it. I asked at Palo and got 1/2 servings of say the Rack of Lamb along with my Filet - we also shared several other things from the menu at our table.

Castaway Cay

Bahama Mamas are 2 for 1 (now there's some great info!)

Find the furthest seating away from Cookie's BBQ - it's usually the least crowded

Go to the far side of the Family Beach

Go to the food line at the far right at Cookie's BBQ - it's usually the shortest

Send yourself a postcard from Castaway Cay

Snorekel early before it gets crowded and cloudy

Wait until mid day and you may be able to get a free float by unclaimed owners (OK I don't care for this one....just what I want to get yelled at for taking somebody's float that was lying around lol)

Take the tram all the way out to the adult beach at Serenity Bay. You don't want to walk
Miscellaneous

Disney Dollars can be used at Guest Services toward your account but nowhere else on the ship

Red anchors point toward the back/aft and blue points toward the front

Deck 4 chairs are comfortable and quiet

The Cove has the best coffee & also free pastries - different from elsewhere on board

Take a large rubber band (like you might get on your mail). If your shower head (hand held slips on a post) slides, you can twist the band and hold it up.

Something weighted (magnets, or even clothesline clips) are useful to keep the shower curtain

from floating in and sticking to you.
If your bathroom smells a little "septic", get really hot tap water and flush the vents in the floor (under the sink area - maybe hidden under a trash can)

Make sure you pack singles for Room Service tips

Get your Drink of the Day the 1st day because it will come in a DCL (plastic) hurricane glass - different colors - that's the only time I saw them serve them

If you see something at the shops that you want... BUY IT!!!

They only carry just so much on the ships and that goes for the shop on CC, too!

On the Ariel screen up by the family pool.. .they show movies at night. They are fun to watch... sort of like a drive in movie... you can order drinks or get snacks up there.

If you are late dining... make sure you leave in time for the fireworks and the Pirate Party. It will be crowded. Watch them from the Port Side on Deck 10. (they go off on the starboard side and everyone wants to be there... but they ARE up in the air...)

Pack early on the last day because they will take your luggage at 10 pm

Check your navigators and the screen in the main lobby - it will tell you when the characters are out. Some will be out before dinner and some after.

If you are a DVC owner - go to the reception

Future Booking
(Now this is going to be important - especially if you have had the time of your life on this cruise!)

Check sailings and dates before you leave home so you have an idea of the cost & can compare

Be sure to book onboard for a future cruise. You can always transfer that reservation to your favorite travel agent and you'll get onboard credits. DCL will usually offer discounts for future cruises booked while aboard

Be sure they charge your CC for the deposit before you leave the ship - or it may create
some problems later on

If you do decide to bok onboard for a fruture cruise, do so early - it backs up toward the end of the cruise

And just think... after this first DCL cruise, you will be
a CASTAWAY CLUB MEMBER!!!

Thanks to everybody that sent me advice and tips!
Happy travels!

If you are interested in a Disney Destination, please contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com
or 800-670-4312 ext 124 for a free no obligation quote

Travel With The Magic is a full service travel agency. We specialize in Disney and in personalized service, itinerary planning, dining & tour reservatoin assistance, and more. We are Disney College of Knowledge graduates and have CLIA and IATAN cards. Book with us and receive onboard credits or a Disney gift card & a welcome packet!

TravelWithTheMagic.com

DCL info on Magic Chat Live

Less than two weeks til our cruise!!! I am getting very excited!

Magical travels,
Channing
Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

Disney Cruise Line - Information and Anticipation!

2010-04-12T14:08:00.004-05:00

I am taking my first DCL cruise at the end of this month. I never thought I would enjoy cruising, but I am starting to get excited about it. It's DISNEY after all....and I love Disney destinations. I guess the reason behind the growing anticipation and excitement - for the most part - is that anybody that hears I am going on this cruise is so excited for me and envious. There must be something to it! And then also, people that have done a Disney cruise are even more excited as they have been there done that and know how fantastic it will be.

We are only taking a little "trial" cruise for our first ever experiment with cruising. Our cruise is the shortest Disney cruise, which includes three nights on the ship, a stop in Nassau for a day and then another day stop in Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise, and then back to Florida. We don't plan to leave the ship in Nassau, but instead enjoy some spa time and a lovely lunch at Triton's.

The ship looks fantastic - I love the classy vintage style of the Disney ships. (We will be on the Disney Wonder) The stateroom is a decent, comfortable size of about 300 sq feet. We booked a deluxe stateroom with a veranda for a beautiful ocean view - and I imagine sitting out there in the morning, in the warmth of the sun, relaxing and enjoying coffee (delivered to me by room service) while watching the sunshine sparkle on the waves & daydreaming about the fun to come during the day. Peaceful & heavenly!

Here's my view...... *I hope!*

And then maybe another day.....as we near Castaway Cay......

And when we aren't sitting on our private veranda...love that word lol....we could be lounging near one of the three pools, playing fun games, luxuriating in the spa, going to the movies, enjoying Disney shows, there is so much going on it's going to be difficult to choose which activity involve ourselves in....but somehow I think spa and lounging with a cocktail will win over ping pong or Family Feud.

There are shore excursions in Nassau and in Castaway Cay. We just plan to stay on the ship in Nassau and enjoy having it "to ourselves" while everybody else is out playing at Atlantis or touring the island. We booked Palo for dinner that evening. Palo is rumored to be terrific and a must do on the ship, so we are really looking forward to that dining experience. In Castaway Cay we may opt to snorkel, bike around the island, take a glass bottom boat tour, rent water craft, enjoy a bbq, lounge on an adult only beach.....not sure how we're going to decide what to do for 8 hours. There is just too much! This island looks just like a postcard tropical paradise. Much better than Gilligan's Island. I wouldn't mind being stranded here. I picture myself having to be dragged back to the ship kicking and screaming and not wanting to leave this magical paradise of an island.

Castaway Cay photos.......

And on Castaway Cay they have a stingray "adventure"....just looking at this was making my skin crawl...I'll be taking a pass on this one....but I hear they are smart and surprisingly gentle and trainable.

Extra fun on one of the nights at sea includes a pirate deck party. There is a huge buffet (I hear a CHOCOLATE buffet!) and then fireworks! I think DCL is the only cruise line that shoots fireworks off. It sounds like people have fun dressing for the pirate theme.... I think I'll have too much junk crammed in my luggage for any pirate gear, though. I am NOT a practical packer. I will be on overload...a pirate costume is not on my priority list haha....but then again, maybe I'll feel under dressed for the occasion? Hmmm....something to consider.

The thing that bums me out is having to be off the ship sooooo darn early on embarkation day. WOW I think we have to be out of there by 730 am. But you know what? It won't be the end for us.....we are headed back to WDW for a stay at our happy place, the Grand Floridian.

I'll be back here posting in about a month with new photos of my own and more info and comments on how we either LOVED or didn't *I hope we do* the Disney cruise. There is nothing like first hand experience. I have books and people giving me advice, but it will be most interesting to see how it goes. I'm sure I'll think of something else to blog about between now and then, though.....like my crazy, ever changing, always evolving, but maybe finally finished plans for our summer vacation.....or a "tour" of a Disney hotel or restaurant. But I am looking forward to coming back with some fun photos to share & experiences to write about of our time on the Disney Wonder.

DCL has some terrific deals out now for select cruises. Also, Florida residents get a terrific discount on DCL cruises. Maybe time to think about a little 4 night Bahama/Castaway Cay getaway?

Disney Cruise Line Information - The Facts

Itineraries, Rates & Dates

Disney Cruise Line® offers unbelievable experiences you won't find anywhere else. Through the wonder that is Disney, guests are transported on a journey of never-ending enchantment where excitement coexists with rejuvenation, serenity lives with adventure and escape is the destination.

3-Night Bahamian Cruise

Indulge in a magnificent weekend cruise great for both first-timers and those who love to sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

4-Night Bahamian Cruise

Enjoy fun-filled visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay with a relaxing day at sea.

5-Night Bahamian Cruises

In 2010, the Disney Wonder® is going to cruise for even more Caribbean fun, on special 5-night itineraries. One featuring two stops at Castaway Cay and another featuring a visit to Key West.

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Experience St. Maarten - an island that is half-French, half-Dutch and full of fun. Then head to St. Thomas, famous for duty-free shopping or choose to take a Port Adventure to the island of St. John. After this stop, there's an incredible day at sea and then a day at Disney's Castaway Cay.

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Set sail for the exotic ports of Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel with a day at Castaway Cay.

15-Night Panama Canal Cruise

The 2011 Western-bound sails to Castaway Cay and Aruba in the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and to the Mexican ports of Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

The Disney Wonder® is again sailing for more unforgettable adventures in 2011, along the California coast, along the Mexican Riviera and through the Panama Canal.

6-Night Los Angeles to Vancouver Cruise

Guests depart from Los Angeles, California and travel north to Vancouver, Canada, with stops in San Francisco, California and Victoria, Canada plus 2 enchanting days at sea.

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Every year, for Disney Cruise Line® there's always new magic on the horizon. And in 2011, for the first time ever, that includes a voyage to the breathtaking shores of Alaska.

5-Night Vancouver to Los Angeles Cruise

Guests depart from Vancouver, Canada and travel south to Los Angeles, California with stops in Victoria, Canada and Ensenada, Mexico plus 2 enchanting days at sea.

14-Night Transatlantic Cruise

In 2010 and 2011, set sail on a transatlantic cruise from Florida to Spain with visits to Castaway Cay, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise

Set sail from Barcelona, Spain and experience legendary visits to Malta, Tunisia, Italy, Corsica and France.

11-Night Mediterranean Cruise

Sail from Barcelona, Spain and experience legendary visits to Malta, Tunisia, Italy, Corsica and France.

12-Night Northern European Capitals Cruise

Sail from Dover, England to visit incredible seaside capital cities in Norway, Denmark, Finland or Estonia, Sweden, Germany and on to Russia.

2010 and 2011 Holiday Cruises

Experience the holidays as Disney Cruise Line® celebrates the splendor of the season with special 10- and 11-night itineraries.

Of course each of the different itineraries is loaded with a variety of shore excursions and something fun for everybody aboard

For more info on Disney Cruises and Itineraries contact us at TravelWithTheMagic.com

DCL Fun Aboard the Ship

Deck Activities...

Be a good sport with deck activities where you can work up a sweat or just have fun. Get your competive juices flowing on the Wide World of Sports Deck, run laps on the terrific track around Deck 4, score big with shuffleboard, play ping pong at tables conveniently situated around the family pool areas, and outscore opponents in awesome arcade games at Quarter Masters.

Pools.....

Delight in three sparkling pools with the Disney touch. Bring the entire clan to Goofy's Pool, with its giant picture of Goofy on the bottom and two extra-large hot tubs. Play with the little ones in Mickey's Pool, with its two wading pools and a super slide. Or take some personal time at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool with its two whirlpool spas and poolside bar and cafe.

Spa.....
Step into a world-class spa to relax your mind and cleanse your body with marvelous treatments. Experience the perfect workout, followed by pure relaxation. Visit a fitness facility with over a dozen cardiovascular and weight machines and invigorating training sessions in aerobics, yoga and total body shaping. And don't forget our top-notch salon for hair styling, make-up, manicures and more!

Studio Sea....

Get ready for action in this family club that looks like a television soundstage — with lots of TV monitors, director's chairs, film cans and all the bustling activity you'd expect. Get set to take the stage or just sit back and enjoy the activities that always add up to pure fun, Disney style!

The Stack....

Meet on your own terms in this personal space on the Disney Magic®. Teens (ages 14-17) cruise in style in this place packed with music, movies, video games, big-screen plasma TVs, a lounge area, dance floor, Internet café and teen-only activities into the wee hours. And the counselors are always cool. Are you a teen? Then you can make this vacation what you want it to be — at the Stack.

Aloft....

Discover the ultimate hangout on the Disney Wonder®: a teen-only (ages 13-17) world where you can relax by yourself or with friends, escape with music or a movie, sing and dance, or talk and play. With big-screen plasma TVs, video games, a lounge area, Internet cafe and more, here's a place where the counselors are cool and you can just be yourself.

Ocean Quest....on the Disney Magic

Show 'em you're a nautical natural and "steer" the cruise ship in and out of ports around the world! In this scaled replica of the ship's bridge, sit in a captain's chair surrounded by LCD screen "windows" that let you look out over the actual bridge via live video feed. This is also the perfect place for kids ages 11-13 to "chill" as they play video games, create arts and crafts, or watch a movie on one of many plasma screen televisions.

Oceaneer Lab....
Explore a world beyond the imagination for kids ages 8-12 on the Disney Wonder® and for kids ages 8-10 on the Disney Magic®. Discover a giant video wall with wireless controllers, private listening rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, flat-screen computers loaded with "family-rated" software, animation programs and activities you won't find anywhere else. Be guided by Disney counselors who know how to facilitate fun. And Moms and Dads can always stay in touch with the provided pagers..

Oceaneer Club....
Welcome to a place like no other, where kids ages 3-7 find new friends and fun. Delight in programs run by trained counselors who know how to inspire the imagination. See why no one brings adventures on the high seas to life like Disney with activities tied to kids' favorite Disney Characters and stories. And Moms and Dads can always stay in touch with the provided pagers.

And there IS a nursery for infants so parents can have some alone time.

More Disney Cruise Line information

The Disney Dream Coming in 2011

If you are interested in any Disney Destination

email me for a free quote at

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

Travel With the Magic

is a full service travel agency. We are Disney College of Knowledge graduates & have earned our CLIA and IATAN cards. Our services are free and we work hard to ensure our clients

get the best deals and have the most magical experiences possible.

Yes....there I will be.......sitting on my little pier...not wanting to leave Castaway Cay........

it just looks like paradise.............a little slice of heaven

Disney Cruise Line Information

Easter in Walt Disney World

2010-03-26T11:17:00.001-05:00

A couple years ago we spent Easter week in WDW. We did a split stay between the Swan and then the Grand Floridian in a Royal Palm Club room. *My all time favorite room category at WDW* Easter was at the end of March that year and we arrived Tuesday before Good Friday. The Flower and Garden Festival was in full swing over at EPCOT and the weather was gorgeous. The crowds were actually surprisingly low from Tuesday until Friday morning. After that there was a noticeable difference. By Easter Sunday at EPCOT we were feeling the crowd crunch. Luckily the heat was on and we spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing.

The resorts have their own schedule of fun events. I remember the Grand had a continental breakfast out in the courtyard, family craft and game activities throughout the day, an Easter egg hunt on the courtyard lawn, and more. Grand Floridian Easter

The parks also have a few special events on Easter. Here is a list of what they have scheduled for this year....
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The ‘Good Times Gathering Spot’ returns to Camp Minnie-Mickey from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 to April 10. Guests can meet Thumper and Miss Bunny, listen to Pocahontas tell stories and groove to a D.J. The Easter Bunny will greet guests at 2:30 p.m. Easter Sunday (April 4).

Magic Kingdom
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will hop along during the pre-parade show, which begins about 2:50 p.m., on Easter Sunday. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the couple will greet guests intermittently in the Tour Guide Gardens and pose for photos.

Meet the Main Street Poodle Society Ladies and the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids in Town Square on Easter Sunday. They also will stroll down Main Street with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny in the pre-parade show. The Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will start from Town Square at noon and 3 p.m.

Guests will be able to meet the Easter Bunnies in the Tour Guide Gardens near City Hall on Main Street USA. They are scheduled to appear 8am to 5pm from March 28 to April 4 2010.

Epcot
On Easter Sunday, children ages 3 to 9 years old are invited to gather at Heritage Garden at the American Adventure pavilion for Easter egg hunts every 30 minutes from 11:40 a.m. to 5:40 p.m.

Easter egg relays will be held for kids ages 6 to 12 at Future World West Garden (outside Character Spot in Innoventions West) every 40 minutes from 10:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

Religious services
Disney’s Contemporary Resort will host a Protestant service (9 a.m.) and Catholic Masses (8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.) in the Fantasia Ballroom on Easter Sunday. Disney advises all guests not staying at the Contemporary or having a dining reservation to use Disney transportation due to strict monitoring of parking that day.

Disney hotels
The hotels typically host Easter activities for their guests, including crafts, egg hunts, cookie decorating, candy scrambles, appearances by the Easter Bunny and Easter brunches and dinners. Advance dining reservations are definitely recommended; call 407-WDW-DINE.

When we were in EPCOT on Easter Sunday, Alice & the Mad Hatter and friends were holding a tea party for kids. There were Easter egg hunts throughout the park, too. Everything was included in your park admission, but you had to sign up in advance at the location. Guests received an "invitation" showing their scheduled hunt or party time that was to be presented at check in for the scheduled fun.

Tea Party at EPCOT....

There were also Easter decorations all through the park.....giant eggs on the grass, bunnies, and then of course the beautiful topiary and gardens of the flower festival. Disney is always fun for the holidays!

If you're interested in a Disney vacation email me for a free quote.

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

The Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom

2010-03-22T16:14:00.001-05:00

The Plaza Restaurant in Main Street USA

I was kind of having writer's block....between life going on here and running kids around like a crazy person....planning Disney vacations for other people, and not even having time to think about my own summer trip.....I was stumped for something - just a little something to put down here.....I asked my daughter for some inspiration and she said FOOD! lol....well there is a lot of food in WDW....too much for one little blog post. So I said, let's narrow it down.....together we decided I should write about a little secret we have. We love the Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. It's not so well known....many people just seem to pass it by on their way to Tomorrowland or the castle without giving it much notice, but this little gem at the end of Main Street is one of my family's favorite restaurants in WDW....my kids actually love eating here. Many trips we eat here twice. For my kids the Plaza even beats out some of the character meals - including.....Chef Mickey's....they serve just good fresh basic items and sometimes after the wild loud atmosphere of the character meals, buffet food & and some fancier but often heavy table service options....the Plaza Restaurant fits the bill for just good food. During vacations I sometimes find myself just craving home cooked food....and salads! The Plaza works for that craving.

The dining area is on the small side, so it is much quieter here than in many other Disney restaurants. The decor is pretty and Victorian but not overdone. It's very comfortable. The specialties are sandwiches and delicious ice cream desserts.

Once you check in at the podium right outside the entrance, you're given a pager. You can sit down at the yellow and white umbrella tables and just soak in the excitement all around between the castle hub, the entry to Tomorrowland, the people making their way into the park from Main Street....it's a lovely place to just sit and people watch. Sometimes the Dapper Dans will be roaming around the area and performing right there, too. It's a pleasant place to just sit and feel in the midst of the Magic.

We have often seen the Mayor of Main Street and his "Lady Friend" (yes...not his wife..but his girlfriend) stop in and visit and chat with guests in the Plaza. He makes a big production of the 100th guest of the day...that guest gets a Magical Moment certificate and free desserts for their party. The Mayor also enjoys going around from table to table and singing "Happy Birthday" to anybody celebrating. The kids always get a kick out of this. He doesn't let anybody hide from a birthday song or celebration. *I tried*

Sometimes the Mayor makes a spectacular entry all alone......

He's very proud to be the Mayor of Main Street

We have been "regulars" of the Plaza for about 15 years now. We've never had a bad meal there. Although....I do miss their fantastic potato salad. Things change....they now only serve fries or home made sweet potato chips.

This is their menu....you can't go wrong with anything here.....but my favorite is the Plaza Club.

Entrees
(sandwiches served with choice of broccoli slaw, homemade chips or French fries)
Add Soup of the Day $3.99 or Tossed Salad for $4.49)

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - grilled chicken breast topped with shaved ham and Swiss cheese served on a flour-dusted Kaiser $11.99

Angus Chuck Cheeseburger - served on a flour-dusted kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Choose from the following toppings: Cheddar, American cheese, Bacon, Grilled Mushrooms and Grilled Onions $11.99 (Veggie Burgers available on request.)

Cheese Steak Sandwich - shaved beef, grilled with onions, mushrooms, red peppers, and white American cheese served on a hoagie roll $11.49

Chicken Strawberry Salad - fresh garden greens, grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, gorgonzola cheese, tossed in a white zinfandel vinaigrette dressing $12.99

Tuna Salad Sandwich - tuna salad with lettuce and tomato on freshly baked croissant $10.49

Grilled Reuben - thinly sliced corned beef on grilled marble rye with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing $10.49

Plaza Club - smoked ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise layered on toasted multi-grain bread $11.49

Vegetarian Sandwich - fresh mozzarella, hummus, basil pesto, cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, and lettuce on a freshly baked foccaccia $10.49

Turkey Sandwich - smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, vine ripened tomato and mayonnaise on toasted multi-grain bread $11.49

From the Fountain

Ice Cream Flavors - chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, no sugar added raspberry sorbet, no sugar added butter pecan or non-fat chocolate-vanilla swirl

Creamy Hand-Dipped Milkshakes $4.69

Ice Cream Floats (Made with Vanilla Ice Cream) Coke Classic, Diet Coke, Sprite or Root Beer $4.49

Desserts

Original Banana Split - chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with hot fudge, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, whipped cream and a cherry $6.49

New York Style Cheesecake served with strawberries $5.49

The Plaza Restaurant Sundae - ice cream (your choice) with hot fudge, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts and a cherry $4.99

Brownie Sundae - vanilla ice cream and a fudge brownie topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry $5.99

No Sugar Added Ice Cream Shake - Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl or Butter Pecan $4.69

Beverages

Complimentary refills on soft drinks or iced tea $2.69, coffee/hot tea $2.19

Evian Spring Water (330mL) or Perrier Sparkling Water (330mL) $4.50

Tinker Bell and Friends or Lightning McQueen Raceway Punch - Minute Maid Light Lemonade Punch served in a souvenir Fairies or Cars cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Lightning McQueen Clip On Light $6.49

Kids have their own menu..... and the Mickeylodeon is great...it's an upside down sugar cone on a scoop of icecream with two chocolate candy disc ears. My kids have had their share of those over the years. Anything can be customized, also.....change up the flavors for your own specialty.

For Mickey's little friends ages 9 and under
All meals served with 1% milk, bottled water or juice

French fries and soft drinks available upon request

CHOICE OF ONE APPETIZER, ONE ENTREE, AND ONE DESSERT $7.59

Appetizers

Tomato Soup

Mixed Salad

Entrees

Grilled Chicken Sticks with apple wedges, rice and BBQ sauce

Cheeseburger with carrots and ranch dressing

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with grapes

Mickey's Turkey Sandwich with apple wedges

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich with grapes and bananas

Desserts

Mickeylodeon

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies and Milk

The Plaza Restaurant is definitely on our MUST DO list each time we visit WDW. We have our WDW dining favorites, some have let us down over the years, some we just scratched off and said NEVER AGAIN lol, and there are some we have yet to try....but the Plaza is a staple that hasn't ever let us down & we make sure to stop in and enjoy a lunch here a few times a year.

To book a vacation to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line,

or Adventures by Disney

contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com.

Our services at Travel With the Magic are free and we will make sure your travels are

memorable and magical.

2010-03-11T18:16:00.002-06:00

Mickey and Minnie....Homeless in Walt Disney World.......

I hear that come September Toon Town will be going away. Seems that with the Fantasyland expansion, there is no room for a couple sweet mice & their friends that have made their houses comfy homes for the past several years.

I guess Toon Town was one of those things we kind of took for granted. My kids always LOVED to tour Mickey and Minnie's homes when we were visiting the Magic Kingdom, but sometimes I never got around to letting them do it.....I thought or said to my kids..."Boring" or "The houses have no air conditioning and it's too hot out" .....or "We don't have time for that"...and the always popular "We'll stop back after we go on (insert anything)" and then we'd never make it back. BUT when we did take the time to walk through and visit the homes, my kids got such a kick out of them. Early on when they were little they really BELIEVED that Mickey and Minnie lived here. They weren't sure about Donald...that boat with all the squirting water didn't seem like it would be comfortable 24/7...even for a duck - and even to kids. But Mickey and Minnie called Toon Town home. They were sure of it.

I think it's just sort of sad that many kids won't get to visit the houses and know what Mickey likes to do in his spare time...(garden) and how Minnie likes to decorate for the holidays & how she enters her arts and crafts in the fair each year, and what they keep in their refrigerators (cheese, cheese cake, cottage cheese, more cheese....)

Where will Mickey and Minnie live? Maybe bum some sofas in Cinderella's castle? Get a couple little apartments on Main Street? In the last scene of Carousel of Progress?? I hope Disney can figure it out....I feel bad that the big cheese and his girl are being displaced like they are nobodies.......

Here are some photos of the houses and the Toon Town that my kids love. I hope we get back to see it one more time before it goes away. I wonder if we'll see Mickey's birdhouse on Ebay? Or Minnie's neat chair that my kids always had to sit in *if there was a line they would wait their turn. They HAD to sit in Minnie's wicker chair* You'll see from the photos LOL. That chair was a priority. Too bad Mickey's kitchen remodel won't ever be completed.....that's been going on for years now. My kids used to be sure that one of the times they visited they'd see it all spankin' new and fresh! Not gonna happen.......I hope Mickey can find a new somewhere nice to hang all his tuxes.

That was Mickey's cozy little home......

But with my two daughters...Minnie's was the BEST!

They loved popping in here for a quick visit and to see what Minnie has been up to lately....she is quite the crafter.

We would have never known

had it not been for the little tour of her house.

Donald's Boat....the Miss Daisy

Goofy's Barnstormer

I remember the first time my youngest daughter rode this...she thought she was such a big kid riding a roller coaster

And even Pete's Garage....who my 19 year old son knew about from watching

The Goofy Movie when he was young....

Toon Town was always busy....there was never a shortage of curious visitors.......

Bye Bye Toon Town! We are gonna miss ya!!
*Maybe somebody will change his mind and move them to another part of the Magic Kingdom?*
I can hope....

If you are intersted in booking a Disney vacation, please contact me at

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

And we'll get started planning a magical trip!

Yacht and Beach Club

2010-03-07T14:45:00.000-06:00

We have stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club several times over the years. When planning our summer trip I always consider this resort because of the fantastic pool. It's almost a mini water park. We have a pool at home and my kids grew up swimming in it 5 to 6 months out of the year...they are part fish and love being in the water....and in July Florida temps call for being in the water if not all day at least part of the day. The pool water gets almost too warm from the hot sun....but it is still refreshing.

Besides the awesome pool at the Yacht and Beach Club there is a lot to really enjoy about being over on this side of the "World". The Yacht and Beach Club are virtually connected and seem as one long resort with slightly different theming...they just kind of blend together. You can just keep walking and access one directly from the other and not realize you left one behind. Across the lake or lagoon is the Boardwalk Inn Resort and Boardwalk Villas, and the Swan and Dolphin are also right in that area so there are a lot of shopping and dining options all within a few minutes walk of each other.

The fabulous pool, Storm along Bay is shared between the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, there are some good restaurants in the Y/BC itself, upscale and character meals and a few in between. The location of these resorts is great for access to EPCOT and DHS by boat or walking path. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the International Gateway at EPCOT and a bit longer to make it over to DHS walking along a path that goes right by the water ways the boats use. We really enjoy the convenience of being able to walk vs wait in a line for a Friendship Boat.

Walkway to International Gateway for EPCOT entry

Walkway in front of the Yacht and Beach Club that heads to EPCOT...

From near the International Gateway looking back toward the resort area....

In the evenings my family likes to head over to the Board Walk where street performers entertain crowds. Another fun thing to do at the BW is rent a surrey bike. This is one of my kids' all time favorite things to do in WDW...believe it or not haha....they LOVE pedaling these things around the lake. The littlest one used to sit in the basket and ring the warning bell & yell "WATCH OUT CRAZY DRIVER COMING THROUGH" to pedestrians on the walkway....while the rest of us struggled to pedal the bike up the hills. The worst hill is past the Yacht Club - many many times we had seen people have to get out and push their bike up this one....we always laughed until it happened to US. If you don't get enough speed rounding the bend toward that hill - forget it- you have to get out and push. We have a lot of fun memories of those surrey bikes......with kids a lot of their best times are the simple laid back things. Swimming, the biking, taking pontoon boats out and cruising around, playing in the sand on the beach, or even just the walk between a resort and park...lots of chat and laughs happen during those walks. It doesn't always have to be about a park.

The Boardwalk is very peaceful during the day but comes alive after dark

The Yacht and Beach Club are the originators of the movies on the beach. They show a Disney movie on the beach between the resorts every night - weather permitting. It was always something my kids looked forward to doing after a day at a park. Pull up a lounge chair and sit and enjoy the Disney sights & sounds across the lake while keeping one eye on the giant movie screen.

Beaches and Cream....oh boy....we had some good eats there LOL. Over the years my kids ALWAYS always wanted to order the kitchen sink...but seriously by the time we've had burgers and fries a small sundae - if even that- is all I could squeeze in....but there was a time we broke down and ordered the Kitchen Sink..... it looked and tasted delicious for the first couple minutes....until it turned to sludge and we were sooooo full.

Before...us all happy and feeling good....posing with the marvelously yummy looking dessert....

After..... we all looked like this in one way or another..... but my daughter is good at emoting for the camera LOL

"No Way Jose"....my all time B&C favorite.....

Banana Split and Chocolate Waffle Cone.... too many choices, too little time!!!

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is wonderful. We've always had a great meal there. They have a neat dessert for kids where they can paint on white chocolate and decorate cupcakes...so even though it's a "nice" restaurant they do have a childrens' menu and some tasty & entertaining options for the little ones. It's Disney, after all.

Cape May Cafe is a really terrific and often overlooked character breakfast. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Chip and Dale are in their beach wear and visit each table for photos and autographs. The tables are covered in white paper and when you check in the children are given crayons and the "go ahead" to get creative. It's a fun place and the food is better than many of the other character breakfasts. Dinner at Cape May is a clam bake. I am not a seafood fan...but there are many other options & I've always enjoyed a meal there. No characters at dinner, though.

If you're out at the pool and get hungry, Hurricane Hannahs is the place to be. They have sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, etc. The kids meals are served in sand pails with shovels.

If you are considering staying at one of these resorts, but are concerned you'll miss the Magic Kingdom area too much.....think about doing a split stay. That's often our routine. We stay a few days at the Yacht Club and then move to a Magic Kingdom area resort. While at the YC, we visit EPCOT and DHS. Once we move to the MK area we are all over the Magic Kingdom. Moving resorts is very easy. Disney will transfer your luggage when you check out. It is very hassle free and we've done it on numerous trips without incident. A split stay feels like two very different vacations in one.

OK...I could go on and on...*obviously* LOL....but I want to show some photos of the Yacht and Beach Club and that resort area. So I am saving room for those pics!!

Info on all the Yacht and Beach Club resorts have to offer and many more photos

The EPCOT resort area is a lot of fun for families with the neat pools, dining, and recreation options and the close proximity to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are interested in a free quote for any of the Disney resorts, please email me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com Disney is running some fantastic deals right now thru summer. Let me show you how you can save up to 45% on your resort stay!

Travel with the Magic is a full service travel agency. We are Disney College of Knowledge graduates and have earned our IATAN and Clia cards and our services are free. TravelWithTheMagic.com

Summer Nightastic Comes to WDW Summer 2010

2010-03-04T10:11:00.001-06:00

What exciting news! I was thrilled to hear this is coming our way...having spent a lot of time last year looking at pics and reading articles about all the neat Summer Nightastic festivities and goings on at Disneyland last summer - this is fantastic news for all of us that frequent Walt Disney World more often than Disneyland.

The arrival of Summer Nightastic brings several new events.....New Magic Kingdom fireworks - which promise to be unbelievable from what I am hearing, the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade (with new and improved floats), and some extra fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Summer Nightastic is scheduled to begin on June 6, 2010 and run until August 14, 2010...but hopefully due to popularity they will extend the dates...even if they have to call it Fall Nightastic LOL.

Nobody does parades and fireworks like Disney does. I remember our first family trip to WDW waaaayyy back in February of what I believe was 1976 or '77. My sister and I were dying to know if we were going to be lucky enough to be there during some Magic Kingdom fireworks. Back then, the MK evening fireworks were not a nightly event....they were only shown on weekend eves or holidays - and really mostly during the more crowded busy seasons......Before our own February trip I recall going to my uncle's house and he was showing us a slide show of HIS family's trip to the world the summer before...and summer in Magic Kingdom meant fireworks! So after seeing those photos we HAD to see some for ourselves. Fireworks over Cinderella Castle were something dreams were made of. I remember bugging my mom over and over...there was no internet, not a lot of WDW planning guide books....no real way of knowing what to expect in the way of evening spectaculars in the Magic Kingdom...but I remember just wishing and hoping we'd be lucky enough to see Disney fireworks. We were 10 and 9 years old back then....and a fireworks show was not something we'd seen often. Not sure if this was unusual to us, but growing up in the sticks of northern IL in the 1960s and '70s the only fireworks we saw were the annual July 4th fireworks...back when they were shown ON July 4....not the 3 or the 5th. LOL If you missed July 4th fireworks for whatever reason, that was it....you blew it until next year.....and those were podunk small town displays...nothing like what we had seen on TV commercials glowing over Cinderella Castle advertising the magic and wonder of Walt Disney World!

Well....on that February trip we WERE lucky enough to view the show ONE TIME! It was miraculous!!! Just like we expected from the TV commercials, but even more special in person. Nothing we had seen before prepared us for the continuous colors and display of glittering sparkles in the sky over the castle - and the continuous cacophony of bangs and booms!! It was pure magic.

The same holds true today for my own kids....there is NOTHING in the world like a Disney fireworks display...their gorgeous evening shows have ruined us for all others, though lol.    Nowadays when here in Illinois the July 4th fireworks are shown July 3 thru 5th in many towns we don't even bother to go! *that's ok it keeps us out of the crazy townie crowds* Last year we stayed home in our back yard and just viewed them from a distance.   We know where the best fireworks in the world are.....Disney's Magic Kingdoms.   It doesn't matter how many times we see theirs, they are always special. I notice something different each time - whether a comment in the sountrack, or a new design in the sky. And every once in a while I glance down to see the glow on my daughters' faces while they enjoy the magic. That's probably the best part of the whole thing.

The views from the three monorail resorts are amazing. From a Contemporary Tower room, you feel right in the midst of the show - and you can put your room tv on channel 25 to hear the music. The Polynesian has the most direct, head on view from the beach or some of it's Theme Park View rooms & the Grand Floridian also has a beautiful view of the castle and fireworks - and if you watch near the marina and Gasparilla's Grill you can hear the soundtrack coordinated with the display over the castle. We've spent evenings viewing from all three - and FYI you can watch from the Polynesian beach or the Grand's marina even if you are not a guest at these resorts.

Along with celebrating summer with the new fireworks show, the Main Street Electrical Parade will be returning to Florida's Magic Kingdom.   I am not normally a "parade person" but Disney knows how to run parades and I find myself enjoying each of them at least once per trip. Try and see the latest parade shown....those are the least crowded.    We have our "secret" parade viewing spot in the Magic Kingdom and usually have great luck arriving near the start time and getting great seats. I'd tell you....but then it wouldn't be secret. :) Hint...it's not on Main Street.   Check the park maps for parade routes. Everybody seems to want to choose a seat on Main Street...there are other options.

The last time we saw the Main Street Electrical Parade in WDW we were eating dinner at Tony's Town Square...we had been lucky enough to have the option of outdoor seating...it was wonderful! Talk about front row seats....that's another good hint...Tony's is not my favorite restaurant but if you can snag a table outside about 8 pm or so when a parade goes by soon after....you are set for magic - so so food included. That was probably in the year 2000 or 2001 right before the parade left to return to Disneyland.   I remember walking back to our room at the Contemporary shortly afterward with tired little kids in strollers.....*if you have little kids - walking back to the Contemporary is a great option, but make sure you bring strollers! Don't rely on park rentals because kids are too tired to hoof it all that way back and inevitably somebody will have to go potty... you can RUN with a kid in a stroller LOL*

OK...I've had my trip down memory lane....here are the facts so far on what's to come in June.......

Beginning June 5, 2010 and running until August 14, 2010 Summer Nightastic will be a magical addition to evenings in the WDW parks.

Walt Disney World Resort glows like never before this summer with the exciting, after-dark entertainment of Summer Nightastic! Magic Kingdom will treat guests to a special summer fireworks spectacular, Tinker Bell's "pixie magic" in "Disney's Electrical Parade", there will be new lighting effects and a new addition to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, A Rock N’ Glow Dance Party will be held in the courtyard of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a new high energy Magic Kingdom street party will get guests moving and dancing.

If you are tempted at all to book a WDW summer trip, contact me for a free quote. There are some terrific deals running right now through summer on Disney Resort rooms. I hope to see the new magic they are bringing to the parks! It looks like it is going to be amazing.

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com or 800-670-4312 X124

Port Orleans Riverside

2010-03-03T10:18:00.000-06:00

We visited Port Orleans in January. I had never seen it and didn't know what to expect from a Disney "moderate" resort. It was LOVELY! We have been deluxe hotel guests from the start of our family WDW trips. When I was a kid we stayed at the Contemporary with my family so that's where I wanted us to stay with our kids when we started coming back in 1990. In 1990 we had our son that was just born...from then on we thought the Contemporary was for us. It was a little boy's paradise....but I can see how Port Orleans could be too! Riverside is really pretty and kids will have fun with all the green areas and winding pathways, the sparkling pool and waterslide, lots of picnicky type areas to sit and eat.....and the river and boats there.....I think a nice ride to Downtown Disney for shopping & browsing and some fun making treats at Goofy's Candy Company sounds great on a warm day or evening for kids. The resort is manageable in size and has a charming rustic comfortable atmosphere.

A stay at Port Orleans Riverside runs about $175/night but right now Disney has a promotion running for a savings of up to 35% on the cost of the room. Contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com for details and a free quote!

*All services with Travel With the Magic are fee free.*

For more info and facts on all Port Orleans Riverside has to offer, including dining and recreation, see the Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Fact and Info Thread.

Here are some pics of Port Orleans Riverside I took last month. It was a gorgeous blue sky day.....

Contact me for a quote on your next magical Disney vacation!

Celebrations at Disney - Birthdays....Anniversaries.... & Grand Gatherings

2010-03-01T22:53:00.001-06:00

One of my most memorable trips ever to WDW was taken to celebrate my 40th birthday.......

I never made a big deal about my own birthday....my family didn't either. My birthday falls in July...so it was usually just a swim/hangout type of day and we'd either grill or order out and just relax and do the small quiet family thing. BUT....when I was turning 40 a few years ago *I won't say how many years ago* I wanted a big sha- bang....and nobody could plan what I wanted like I could LOL- since I AM the Disney planner in this family. So......I booked us a room at the Grand Floridian in the Royal Palm Club (main building concierge) for a week, booked my birthday dinner at Narcoossee's, the Grand 1 yacht for a Wishes Cruise directly after dinner .....and ordered myself a gorgeous birthday cake & champagne to enjoy on the yacht. I felt a bit cheesy and self centered doing all this for myself but hey...it was the best birthday I ever had!!!

When it was all said and done I was glad I did it for myself. It was a once in a lifetime splurge on ME and the kids got a big kick out of the whole thing, too. Now my husband will be turning 50 next year....and we are thinking along the lines of an Adventures by Disney trip to England and France. He was born in England and lived there until he was 9 and has some childhood memories of the place and wants to return and see what it is really like - and if his memories hold true.

Currently Disney has a whole marketing campaign about WHAT WILL YOU CELEBRATE - we all have something special we can "use" the Disney vacation for. :) Graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, you name it...you can figure out a unique way celebrate it one way or another in the midst of the magic in WDW or Disneyland.

To begin with, let your Disney planner know that you will be celebrating during your trip and this information can be noted on your room and dining reservations. Many times you may be surprised with a little extra magic but that extra is not always guaranteed. If you want to ensure something special comes your way, the Disney Florist does beautiful gift baskets and floral arrangements for any and all occasions in all price ranges. Here is a picture of one of their in-room celebration packages....

Once you arrive, you can pick up free celebration buttons at any of the guest service locations in the parks and resorts. This is just a sample of what I've seen available.....

Cakes can be ordered ahead of time to be delivered to various restaurants in the parks and resorts or spontaneously at the podium of restaurants.

There is a "Cake Hotline" for guests requesting celebratory cakes at most table service dining locations.
The Cake Hotline number is 407-827-2253 and requires 48 hours notice.

Here is specific cake ordering info...sizes and prices... Cake Information

Disney restaurants now also have special little pirate celebration packages that can be ordered

Grand Gathering Information - A "Grand Gathering" consists of a group of 8 or more guests - ages 3 and up - staying at a WDW Resort Hotel. There are many special activity options for Grand Gatherings.

Specialty cruises are a fantastic way to spend an hour or more during the evenings. You can book a birthday cruise on a pontoon boat...the boat will be festively decorated with balloons & you'll enjoy snacks and drinks aboard.....or you can book the Breathless for Illuminations viewing....or the spectacular Grand 1 yacht for a Wishes cruise. There are endless possibilities to enhance these exciting options.

Here are a few miscellaneous pics of cakes and more from our past Disney "celebrations".....we have three birthdays the first week of July and often planned family trips to coincide with these.....what a great excuse for a vacation....

This picture of me was at the Grand Floridian Cafe...my daughter announced that it was my birthday....and they brought me the cupcake, sang, and announced to all the reason

and my AGE!!!!!

A Polynesian Birthday......and then a special dose of unexpected magic compliments of the Grand Floridian, a special surprise birthday creme brulle at Citricos, a cake ordered from the Grand Floridian bakery, a plate of truffles and

chocolate tuxedo strawberries, and more.......

Even hotels participate in the fun...in 2008 the Grand Floridian celebrated it's 20th anniversary.

The Crystal Palace pixie dusts the tables and brings the birthday kid a card signed by Pooh and friends.....

Oh...this was a fun one....the musicians saw the birthday button and serenaded my daughter - to her embarrassment.... You see the importance of the buttons?! LOL

At some of the signature restaurants - if they have advance notice of a celebration - guests may receive personalized souvenir menus.

We've had a lot of fun with birthdays in WDW over the years.......

Disney destinations are full of possibilities to make any celebration memorable and special - either a once in a lifetime no holds barred blow out or a more frequent getaway to embrace the magic and live out your dreams.

To book your magical vacation email me at

Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com

for a free quote.

All Travel With the Magic services are free.

We will gladly assist you with all your vacation planning needs and answer any questions

you may have to ensure a most magical, memorable,

and hassle free vacation.

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Begins This Week

2010-03-01T09:09:00.004-06:00

March 1st today! I had to come back and edit!!! I didn't realize it was a new month LOL. March means spring to me. And a sure sign of spring is the amazing flower and garden festival at EPCOT. The park is transformed into an amazing array of blooming colors and fantastic topiary, and exciting events throughout. Even if you're not an avid gardener and have no sign of a green thumb (that's me) you can appreciate all the beauty the park offers at this time of year. I am always in awe of what I see and experience while touring the park. HOW DO THEY DO THAT??!?!?! On a normal day EPCOT is lovely....but during this spring season it is just inspiring.

The Flower and Garden Festival is gearing up to begin on March 3 and will run thru May 16. If you have never been, this is a beautiful time to visit the parks. Not only for the gorgeous flowers and fun events & concerts, but the weather is fantastic this time of year. The temps are usually in the mid to upper 70s or warmer and the kids can swim but it's still comfortable for touring the parks. The end of April into early May are some of my favorite times to visit WDW. As you get farther into April and to about mid May the crowds are low - also a bonus!

Here is some more specific info on what will be offered this year...
Magic Chat Live EPCOT Flower and Garden Fest

Flower and Garden Festival Brochure

There are some special offerings just for kids, including Minnie's Butterfly Garden.. a Princess and the Frog activity, Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden with Tink and her fairy friends, a scavenger hunt and more. Just walking around and seeing all the topiaries is fun. The Flower Power Concerts take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in the American Pavilion in World Showcase.

If you are interested in planning a trip to see the Flower and Garden Festival, please contact me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com or call 800-670-4312 Ext 124 for a free quote. WDW has some fantastic deals running right now and thru mid August. We can put together a magical vacation for you.

Most everything is included with the price of admission into EPCOT. Here are some photos from mid April 2009.

2010-02-28T18:32:00.001-06:00

This is my first post! I'm going to make it easy on myself and just introduce myself to you & add on a few great discounts Disney has running right now. Once I get more comfortable here I'll add more fun stuff....but I am a total newb at blogging so this is a learning experience for me....

My name is Channing and I am a Disney-a-holic. Truly. In regards to Disney, I love vintage Disney - stuff and tv shows and movies and old film, Walt Disney, and any Disney travel related fun. As far as ME... I have a difficult, but often amusing 19.5 year old son, and two terrific daughters - ages 13.5 and 10 - they haven't hit a difficult age quite yet (thankfully)...and a beautiful new, almost 5 month old Newfoundland puppy. I live in the midwest and it's brutal here right now...so I am enjoying planning my next trip to the home of the magic and blue skies and palm trees. Trying to work out where to stay. The Grand Floridian is my favorite in WDW, but I am almost leaning toward trying something new...maybe even a one bedroom villa at the Boardwalk. I'm not sure if I can break away from the routine...but we'll see. I'm shooting for a July family trip because my 13.5 year old will be heading to high school in the fall and that will just knock out any chances of a fall getaway.....she is in AP classes and won't be able to be yanked out of school for spontaneous Disney getaways. Having kids in school cramps my Disney vacation addiction lol. Hmmm...what else about me...??

I have stayed at many of the Disney World resorts including the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Boardwalk Inn, and Yacht and Beach Club....also the Swan and the Dolphin resorts. My family tried out the Nick Hotel and the Vero Beach Resort a few times, also. Disneyland is another favorite Disney destination of ours. We've made so many trips to WDW over the past 18 years my kids like to say it's their second home.
I own two websites....Wherethemagiclives.com - which is a site about all things Grand Floridian. I just love that resort.....I think a big part of loving it is all the great memories my family and I have made staying there over the years. Before we discovered the magic of the Grand, our usual resorts were the Contemporary and the Yacht and Beach Club. The kids love the pool at the Y/BC and they always loved the excitement of staying so near the Magic Kingdom and having the view of the castle from the Contemporary tower. I also own MagicChatLive.com....a vacation planning/discussion/chat forum. The LIVE part is going to happen soon....we will begin having live chat vacation planning for members on a scheduled basis. I have to work out some of the kinks and we will be a go.

I am Disney Destination Planner with a great travel company Travel With The Magic. If you are interested in a Disney vacation please email me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com and I'll be happy to assist you & answer any questions you may have. The website is TravelwiththeMagic.com and Kelly is my friend and owner and another magical travel agent.

I just returned from a fantastic trip with friends to WDW. We stayed at the Grand Floridian and did a few neat things. This winter trip has turned into an annual event and the planning has already begun for next year's trip. There is a link to the trip report below.

Now on to those terrific deals Disney is offering.....

For Walt Disney World...there is a gift card offer..but that is really NOT the best deal...this one is... it's a WINTER SPRING ROOM DISCOUNT...and it's fantastic!
Save up to 30% off the non-discounted price when they stay for 5 or more consecutive nights at select Disney Value Resorts for stays most nights Feb. 15 - March 27 and April 11 - Aug. 14, 2010. Plus, there are more great savings at other resort categories.
Booking Window:
Through March 27, 2010

Sample Pricing:
For a 5-night stay or longer:

30% savings at select Disney Value Resorts - Book for as little as $74 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
35% savings at select Disney Moderate Resorts - Book for as little as $111 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
40% savings at select Disney Deluxe Resorts - Book for as little as $180 per night, plus tax in a standard room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
45% savings at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts - Book for as little as $182 per night, plus tax in a studio room at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort for stays most nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.

For a 1 to 4-night stay:

25% savings at select Disney Value Resorts - Book for as little as $79 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
30% savings at select Disney Moderate Resorts - Book for as little as $119 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
35% savings at select Disney Deluxe Resorts - Book for as little as $195 per night, plus tax in a standard room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.
40% savings at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts - Book for as little as $198 per night, plus tax in a studio room at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort for stays most nights April 11 - June 3, 2010.

Disneyland Deals.....
Buy a Three-Night, Five-Day Package,
Get Two More Nights Free*!Get two more hotel nights free* when they buy a three-night hotel package with a 5-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket.
Offer Details:
When Clients buy a Walt Disney Travel Company 3-night, 5-day Disneyland Resort vacation package, they’ll get two more hotel nights FREE*. This package includes a 5-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket, allowing Clients to enjoy favorite attractions at both Theme Parks.
Booking Window:
Now through April 1, 2010
Travel Window:
This offer is available for arrivals:

Jan. 5 - 14, 2010
Jan. 18 - Feb. 11, 2010
Feb. 15 - March 27, 2010
April 11 - 29, 2010

Travel on this offer must be completed by May 4, 2010.




Disneyland Winter Room-Only Offer Enjoy special savings with all the fun and excitement of the Disneyland® Resort with these special room-only rates. Offer Details: Save 30% with a 2-night minimum hotel stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort. Booking Window: Now through April 1, 2010 Travel Window: This offer is available for arrivals: Jan. 5 - 14, 2010 Jan. 18 - Feb. 11, 2010 Feb. 15 - March 27, 2010 April 11 - 29, 2010 Travel on this offer must be completed by May 4, 2010. Disney Cruise Line has wonderful offers running...... Visit Europe starting from $699* Per person based on double occupancy For 14 night Transatlantic sailing on April 10, 2010			]

Mediterranean cruises starting from $999*
Per person based on double occupancy
For 10 or 11 night Mediterranean sailings on April 24, May 5, May 15 and May 26, 2010.
Come explore favorite ports in Europe and venture to incredible places. Combine this with the outstanding personal service, enchanting experiences and unmatched entertainment that is distinctive to Disney Cruise Line®.

Adventures by Disney also has some specials on select itineraries.

If you are interested in learning more about these discounts or booking a Disney vacation, please email me at Channing@TravelWithTheMagic.com for a free quote.

Here are a few pics.....Dinner at Narcoossee's....and a few more.....

2010-02-17T17:05:00.000-06:00

Just a test to see how this ----