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Category Archives: Disney Deals and Discounts
Affordable Disney Souvenirs for Penny Pinchers
Among the most affordable Disney souvenirs is something that costs just over 50 cents, offers a good deal of fun involved in getting it, and can provide a great commemoration of your Disney trip……yes, that would be pressed pennies. With pressed penny machines located all over the parks and resorts, there are enough design options to satisfy the “collector” in anyone. Kids especially enjoy the process of squishing pennies and parents truly appreciate the ability to encourage their children in collecting a souvenir that won’t break the bank (sorry for the pun :) )
So if this type of souvenir appeals to you, what do you need to know?
Come Prepared
You may want to plan ahead and bring some pennies with you for this activity, as well as some quarters to pay for each pressed penny: cost is typically 51 cents (your penny, and the 50 cents to press it). You may want to consider whether you want “shiny” pressed pennies! Some people do, and choose to use only new pennies…but know that sometimes the zinc in newer pennies will show through the copper when pressed, leaving a marbled effect. Don’t like that idea? Then use older, pure copper pennies and clean them in advance using vinegar, or some silver cleaner and a soft cloth.
Or consider pressed quarters, which will of course cost you more, but can be a nice variation for your family’s collection.
Find All the Machines
One of the things that surprised me when we first started collecting pressed pennies, was the many, many options for designs that are available! Pressed penny and quarter machines are all over the place, and each one it seems, has a different design. Guest Relations can be a big help here, by providing you with a list of where all the machines are and the designs that are available. Generally, you will find machines in most if not all of the resort hotels, parks and Downtown Disney. One thing that I think is especially helpful is that there are often machines located in the shops, which is a perfect distraction for children who are begging for you to buy them something: go find the pressed penny machine instead!
What I Really Love About Pressed Pennies….
Other than the obvious thing, which is the inexpensive cost, what I truly love about this type of Disney souvenir, is the interaction that gets kids involved with the planning and collecting of their pressed pennies. I am a big fan of encouraging collections: kids love to collect things and when preserved, they can bring back special Disney memories for years to come.
So get your kids involved in planning this souvenir activity in advance of your trip. Encourage them to help collect (and possibly clean if they are old enough) the pennies. When you get to Disney, have them “hunt” for the machines, and compare available designs: many designs are commemorative, and only available for a short time. Others are of just a particular location, ride, or attraction. Involve kids of all ages in this: little ones who can’t read yet, may enjoy collecting the “penny pictures” more than collecting autographs!
And have them be involved in pressing those pennies! You may want to help a bit at the beginning until they get the hang of it, but don’t be discouraged if each penny is not “perfect”…that’s part of the fun. (Want a tip to help your penny designs to show up well? Get the design pressed on the “face” rather than the “tail” side.)
Lastly, once you get home, display those pennies; don’t put them in a box somewhere! Just like looking at pictures and pins, looking at your pressed pennies is like revisiting your Disney vacation all over again! So get an inexpensive book that is designed to hold your new pressed penny collection (available in some of the gift shops), and take a look at it every once in a while. You’ll enjoy the collection as much as, if not more than, the special memories of your Disney vacation!
So….does your family enjoy pressing pennies? What tips would you offer??
Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that special “Disney magic” found in the most unexpected places.
Checking Out the Segway: A Whole Different Kind of Disney Fun
You see them zipping here and there at Disney: castmembers on 2-wheel contraptions that look like a space-age cross between a bike and a scooter. Efficient, “green”, and a whole lotta fun, they are, of course, Segways. I finally had a chance to ride one on our last visit to Disney World….and am here to say that it was way fun!
Disney has been using the Segway personal transporter system for a while now for castmembers to get around, and I think that, at Disney especially, it is a great way to get around. It was only natural, of course, for Disney to realize that their guests were curious and wanted to try them out too…and so an entire group of Segway classes and tours were created. They have been hugely popular, and after riding one, I can see why.
If you want to try one out for yourself, you might want to start where we did, at Segway Central in Innoventions. Not really sure what they would be like, and being unwilling to spend a lot of money on something that might prove to be a challenge for uncoordinated me, I thought this was the perfect place to see if Segways are as fun as they look….because it’s free. 
Now this, as with all Segway experiences, is not for children: you must be 16 to ride, and must have an adult sign a waiver if you are under 18. But if you are tall enough, and in the 100-250 lb range, you can give this a shot. After watching a short film, you sign a release form, and then get personal instructions from a castmember on how to ride. Once you demonstrate that you aren’t going to go NASCAR on them, they then let you go on your own on a 15-20 yard course. Not long, but enough to be very cool! Is it as fun as it looks? You betcha it is!
Once you get the hang of this, there are a number of other Segway experiences you might want to try. There are fees for the rest, but now that I know I am not going to injure myself (or anyone else!) while riding a Segway, I’m definitely going to try another class! Here are the current offerings:
- Simply Segway: A one hour class for beginners that includes some training and mostly indoor riding. Offered daily, the cost is $35 per person.
- Around the World at Epcot on a Segway: This popular two-hour class runs 4 times daily, typically in the mornings prior to World Showcase opening. The first hour is safety rules and practice, and the second hour then tours World Showcase. Cost is $95 per person.
- Nature-Inspired Design Tour: This is a three-hour “backstage tour” on a Segway that explores the role that nature plays in the various Epcot pavilions and attractions. Once the initial training part is completed, then the tour begins. Offered only once in the mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it costs $124 per person
- Wilderness Back Trail Adventures: This two hour tour allows you to experience the Segway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Wilderness Lodge. Offered twice each morning from Tuesday through Saturday, the cost for this tour is $85 per person.
As previously stated, to ride a Segway, you must be at least 16 years old and weigh 100 lbs. to participate. Maximum weight for participants is 250 pounds, and expectant mothers and persons with special needs may not participate due to safety concerns. Payment in full by credit card is required at time of booking. Discounts may be available for Disney Vacation Club members, as well as Disney Visa cardholders and Annual Passholders. If you need to cancel your tour, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to the start of the tour to receive a full refund. Tours can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.
Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that “Disney magic”.
Disney off the Beaten Path: Tom Sawyer Island.
If there was ever an undiscovered treasure in Walt Disney World, it’s Tom Sawyer Island and Ft. Langhorn, located in the Magic Kingdom. Really, I should know: I’ve been going to the parks for over 20 years and I never visited this attraction until my trip last December. The day I finally visited was basically by default. Frontierland was so crowded we could barely get around when my husband and I noticed that the raft over to the island was empty, so we grabbed the kids and decided to give it a try. It only took a few minutes to realize that we’d been overlooking a truly amazing experience. Based on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the island is Walt Disney’s favorite boyhood book come to life. Featuring caves, a fort, winding trails, a playground, windmill, barrel and suspension bridges, and a refreshment area, the tree-filled island seems cooler and is certainly quieter than anywhere else in the park. It’s a great place to spend an hour or even an afternoon.
To get to Tom Sawyer island, you’ll take one of four small rafts from Tom’s Landing located across from Big Thunder Rail Road. The rafts are all named for characters in the book: Injun Joe, Huck Finn, Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer. Each raft carries about 55 people and contrary to popular belief, they do not run on rails or tracks but are free floating vessels.
Here’s the thing about Tom Sawyer Island: It’s what you used to imagine playing in when you were a kid, regardless of where you’re from or who you are. Remember running around your imaginary fort, hiding in the trees and chasing bad guys? Or maybe you pretended to be a princess dancing around your castle? Well that’s the essence of Tom Sawyer Island, the old-fashioned yet timeless kid fantasy, a place that can be anything, really. Space Mountain may be fast. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin may loud and bright. But Tom Sawyer lets a kid engage in the entire experience and use his imagination in a way that few other attractions do.
Early in the morning, cast members hide several paintbrushes for guests to find. If you find one, let a cast member know and you’ll be rewarded with a small prize, such as a soft drink or a pass to get to the front of the line of an attraction, for your entire group. The island is a great place for kids to stretch their legs and for parents to relax and since it’s Disney, it’s all very safe. Kids will love climbing up and down the stairs at Fort Langhorn and exploring all the rooms. From the lookout towers, they can fire popguns at imaginary targets.
One interesting aspect of Tom Sawyer Island is the perspective you get of other attractions on the “mainland.” I really enjoyed seeing the Haunted Mansion from the island, as well as the riverboat going past with Princess Tiana and the cast from Princess and the Frog.
Tom Sawyer Island usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at Dusk. If you want to get a snack, Aunt Polly’s Place sells sandwiches and refreshments. It’s open seasonally. Even when it’s closed, Aunt Polly’s makes a great place to sit and relax; consider bringing a sack lunch and eating it there.
Finally, Tom Sawyer Island is a great place for kids (or adults) with sensory issues who need a little bit of time away from all the excitement and noise of the Magic Kingdom, however, make sure they’re okay with the ride over. It’s very smooth, relatively quiet, and only takes a few minutes once everyone is loaded, but you’ll want to explain to your child what she should expect. Try watching from the docks if you’re worried about how your child will react. Unfortunately, the island is not accessible by wheelchair or scooter. You’ll need to take children out of strollers before you board the raft.
Chris is on a quest for the ever-elusive pin code from Disney. When she’s not indiscriminately pool-hopping or blogging here, you can find her at Everything Walt Disney World.
Playing Hide and Seek with Mickey
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I remember the first time I heard someone say they were looking for Hidden Mickeys. “Oh, that sounds like fun for the kids! Mickey plays Hide and Seek with them!” I have since found out…as many others have as well….that Hidden Mickeys are, yes, kind of a game, but in my opinion, a lot more fun than Hide and Seek…for kids of all ages.
First, a definition, in case you are wondering: Hidden Mickeys are Mickey-head shaped designs that have been hidden all over Walt Disney World by the Imagineers as they came up with the plans for every ride, attraction, restaurant, and resort hotel. They are literally everywhere.
And some of them are very hard to find. Which is why they are called Hidden Mickeys. And why looking for them is so darn fun.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite activities to suggest to families with kids, especially for older ones who want more of a challenge than standing in line for character autographs. You can make it a mission to search for them on every ride you go on. They are there! Make a game of it and award “prizes” to the person who finds the next one if you like. There’s all kinds of ways you can incorporate the hunt for Hidden Mickeys into your vacation, and if your kids are of the age where they love scavenger hunts, they are gonna love this.
Now one thing that I especially love about this, is the potential for having an entire vacation day designed around hunting for Hidden Mickeys….that doesn’t even involve going to any parks. Which means it doesn’t involve paying for park tickets that day. What a great way to get an extra day out of your vacation without spending a lot!
I think the best way to approach this if you want to try it, would be to pick up a copy of Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys to refer to on your search. Steve Barrett is THE authority on Hidden Mickeys and his book has a number of chapters of where to look for them literally everywhere on Disney property. He gives you clues about where to look….and believe me you’ll need the clues…and does provide hints at the end of each chapter if you are completely stumped. Even more fun, he sets it up so that you can score points, and see who the “winner” actually is, if you like. It is very easy to concentrate on say, the resorts only, and completely make a day of touring the resorts and looking for Hidden Mickeys along the way. Frankly, you could probably make several days of it.
However you decide to do it, I think that hunting for Hidden Mickeys is an absolute blast for kids of almost any age. Just a warning though: once you start, you will probably find Hidden Mickeys EVERYWHERE…even off Disney property, even after you get back home.
Speaking from experience here though, you may not want to share your “discoveries” with your non-Disney friends….as they are not likely to find it quite as amazing and entertaining as you do.
Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that “Disney magic”.
A Magical Vacation at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort
Last week we had a chance to visit Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. For those of you who may not be familiar with this beautiful resort, I thought I would take you on a little tour today…
To start, Disney’s Hilton Head resort is a Disney Vacation Club property, although non-DVC members can stay there by paying the standard room rate, or probably a better way, by “renting” points from a DVC member.
As with all DVC resorts, there are several “sizes” available: studios, one and two bedroom villas, and grand villas. As we were traveling with 3 college girls, we reserved a two bedroom villa, which provided the girls with their own bedroom and bath, and we had the same. Lots of space to spread out, and the ability for them to keep all their stuff in one place made things comfortable for all of us.
The Disney Hilton Head resort is surrounded by lots of beautiful, old trees that are draped in Spanish moss. Not only do the trees give the resort a very “southern charm” feel, but they have an even more important function: they provide much-needed shade to the many bike/walking paths that wind around the resort, and honestly made what was an extremely hot and humid week tolerably comfortable. We remarked on a regular basis that all the trees really seemed to drop the temperature a good 10-15 degrees from what it actually was.
One of the things that is great about this resort is that there are so many choices. You can choose to lie on the beach or hammock doing nothing but reading…or you can decide to participate in one of the many official…or unofficial…activities that are available.
For instance, we brought bikes, and found that this is a popular way to get around, not just the resort, but pretty much everywhere on Hilton Head Island. (If you don’t want to bring your own, you can rent bikes from the Disney resort for a very reasonable price for the week.)
There are tons of other things to do, if you wish. Broad Creek, the marshy area right behind Disney’s property is popular with folks for fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and believe it or not, dolphin watching. And Disney offers a huge variety of activities as well, for kids of all ages, and families as well. So no excuses for being bored!
Now, what is not to like about this place? Well, some folks don’t like the fact that the main resort property is not on the beach, but is actually about a mile away. Personally, I have found this to not be a problem, and in fact kind of like the fact that it’s off the beaten path. Disney has a great little beach house with all you need (food, shower/changing areas, a second pool in addition to the one at the main resort) and provides shuttle transportation if you don’t want to drive or bike to the beach….but if you really *have* to be on the beach, then you should know that this is not.
Probably the other main complaint, if you could call it that, is that there is not an actual sit-down restaurant on Disney property…and I know that Chip and Co. folks like their Disney food :) so you will want to know this in advance. However, there are TONS of great dining choices both within walking distance in the Shelter Cove area, and all over Hilton Head Island if you want to drive. Disney dining is always something to look forward to, I know, and having a Disney restaurant would definitely add to this resort, there is no doubt of that. My understanding, for what it’s worth, is that Disney can’t get the permits to do one, because Hilton Head doesn’t want the competition for the existing restaurants….not sure how true that actually is, but that is what we were told. But I noticed on the weekly activities sheet that Disney now offers cooking/tasting sessions with different chefs, so that may be how they are trying to add the dining aspect to their resort offerings.
Would I recommend staying here? Oh without a doubt! It’s a lovely place, and I honestly can’t wait to go back again. If you are still curious, you can check out my vacation photos for more details.
Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that special Disney magic.
