Recently, a Chip Panel Blogger wrote a great article about where to start planning a Disney Vacation as a military family.  This article is a great overview of some fantastic options.  I wanted to expand on this article from my perspective.

As a member of the U.S. Military for over 7 years now, I have taken full advantage of many of the perks Walt Disney World offers to the U.S. Military.  I am regularly asked questions by my coworkers what the best options are and I usually hear everyone say that they stay at the Shades of Green.  Why?  The assumption that the “military resort” offers the best deals for members of the military and their families.

The first time I looked into the Shades of Green, it was completely booked.  When that happens, they have an overflow rate at the Disney resorts, even if they have no official discount.  When I was looking, the discount offered from WDW was a better deal than the Shades of Green overflow rate.

As mentioned in the previous article, there is no transportation from the airport, so either a car rental or a cab ride is necessary.  If you do rent a car, the cost to park at the Shades of Green is $5 per day and this does not transfer to the parking lots for the theme parks.

Then comes the actual cost of staying at Shades of Green versus staying at a Disney resort.  1st – while I’ve never experienced the SoG first hand, the pictures don’t make me feel like it is as magical and filled with Disney magic – after all, it is not run and operated by Disney.  I have coworkers and friends who have stayed and enjoyed it, but when I look at cost, I still see it as Disney vs. Non-Disney.

Let me show you this comparison:

For E6 to-E9, O1 to O3, WO-1 to CW3, a Standard Room runs for $123 per night.  More for higher ranks, less for lower ranks.

With Walt Disney Worlds 35% of a moderate resort offer, a night at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort runs for $117 night.

Though the Shades of Green does consider itself a “deluxe” resort, I would choose Disney Magic an extra perk to staying at POR.  And, with the 40% discount on Deluxe Resorts, a night in a standard view at the Animal Kingdom Lodge would be $195 per night.  That includes parking, Disney’s Magical Express, and full time Disney Magic.

Which would you choose?

Related articles

• Disney salutes the U.S. Military (chipandco.com)
• Planning a Disney Vacation for Military Families (chipandco.com)

The cruise line industry is buzzing with the release of the 2013 itineraries and the return of the Disney Magic to Europe.

Californians are saddened that the Wonder will be leaving the Port of Los Angeles, but east coasters can’t wait to have the two newest ships in their two Florida ports (Port Canaveral, Miami).

Maybe all the excitement has you interested in a cruise, if it’s your first time looking into a cruise you’ve probably already shut down the Disney Cruise Line website out of frustration and confusion. Don’t let your cruise dreams end there! Here are the five basics of cruise planning that will get you started on a path to your magical voyage!

Pick your travel dates: Disney Cruise Line offers itineraries year round based on weather patterns and destination highlights. Everyone wants to know the “best time” for cruising here or there. Disney has already picked the best times to cruise…so just pick the time that works for you, keeping in mind that popular travel times such as spring break and Christmas will have higher pricing.

Pick your itinerary: The 2012-2013 cruise itineraries have been released, you have plenty of options to choose from!

2012:

•  Mexican Riviera (Port of Los Angeles)-Last chance for this itinerary! The Mexican Riviera itinerary will not be offered in 2013.

• Hawaii (Port of Los Angeles)-For the first time ever the Disney Wonder will sail twice to Hawaii on a 15 night (April 29th) and 14 night (October 14th). There are limited number of rooms available for this itinerary.

• Panama Canal Repositioning Cruise (Port of Los Angeles): This 14-night itinerary is offered on December 9, 2012 and is a very popular itinerary. Those who have cruised this itinerary often say it was their favorite cruise.

• Bahamas: Year round itineraries to the Bahamas (3, 4 and 5-night cruises)

• Alaska: 7-Night itineraries departing from Seattle, Washington.

• Caribbean: 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

• Pacific Coast: 7-night and 6-night cruises (6-night departing from Vancouver and arriving in Los Angeles)

2013

• Caribbean itineraries (Western and Eastern) sailing from Galveston, Texas

• Trans-Atlantic Repositioning Cruise-(May 18, 2013) Sailing from Galeveston, Texas arriving in Barcelona, Spain

• Mediterranean Cruises: Departing and returning to Barcelona, Spain these voyages are 4, 7, and 12 nights.

• Mediterranean with Greece: For the first time ever these two Mediterranean itineraries will include Greece! Sailings on June 15, 2013 and July 13, 2013 only.

• Bahamian: Everyone’s favorite cruise is still on the agenda!

• Panama Canal Repositioning Cruise (Port of Miami): This 14-night itinerary is offered on May 6, 2013

• Alaska: Departing from Vancouver, Canada

Pick your stateroom: There are only a few categories of staterooms, and then there are sub levels within each category.

• Inside staterooms-The most affordable, with the least square footage. The Magic and the Wonder offer no exterior view from their inside staterooms. The Dream and the Fantasy have magical portholes with real time views of the ocean.

• Oceanview staterooms: The next most affordable with a tiny bit more square footage. These rooms offer one large or two small porthole windows, some with window seating.

• Verandah Staterooms: Moderate to high pricing, with the most square footage compared to the other categories. Verandah rooms can offer a range of prices based on location and view.

• Suites and Concierge Level: The most luxurious of them all! The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder offer a variety of suites from 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom with all the luxury you could imagine; some of those suites sleep up to 7. The Dream and Fantasy suites will only sleep 5.

Pick your dining time: There are two dining times on each ship. They are referred to as “Main Seating” and “Second Seating”. There are benefits to both, many people with small children prefer the main seating, as it happens earlier (5:45pm on the Magic and Wonder and 6:00 on the Dream and Fantasy) and second seating is later (8:15pm on the Magic and Wonder and 8:30pm on the Dream and Fantasy). Second seating dining offers “Dine and Play” for kids registered in the kids clubs. About 45 minutes into your meal a cast member from the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab will come to the restaurant and wait at the main entrance for kids who are done eating and want to go back to play.  Let your server know if your child is participating in dine and play and they will expedite their meal.

Make your deposit-The deposit isn’t $200 like your average Disney World or Disneyland vacation package. The deposit is approximately 20% of your cruise fare so it’s a bit more hefty than Disney travelers may be used to. The deposit is refundable and will hold your stateroom on the ship. Keep in mind that the availability on the ship is limited to a specific quantity based on safety regulations and accommodations. There are no roll away beds available and you can’t just “add an extra” person to your stateroom as easily as you may think. Availability is no joke for these cruises. They literally disappear at any minute so if you don’t want your pixie dust to be blown away, ask your Disney Authorized Travel Planner to place a courtesy hold on your stateroom. This will hold your room for 5 days with no payment and no payment information required. It’s simply a courtesy that holds your stateroom while you decide and either prepare to make your deposit or release the room back into the system with no obligation.

Disney Cruise Line offers a vacation experience that’s unparalleled. If you’re considering a cruise vacation, you should contact a Disney Authorized Travel Planner (Michele@PixieVacations.com) for your free quote. There are no fees when working with Pixie Vacations and we’re here to answer all your questions (you’ll have plenty…trust me!) and we offer Pixie Perks like itinerary planning, personalized service and onboard credits. Contact me about your Disney Cruise Line vacation and let’s talk about which Pixie Perks are right for you!

Related articles

• New Disney Cruise Line Ports for 2013 (pixievacations.com)
• 2013 Disney Cruise Line: Magic and Wonder Itineraries and Details (chipandco.com)

Traveling to Disney World for Jersey Week this year? Pixie Vacations has some great exclusive offers available:

Disney’s Pop Century Resort for $105 per night
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort for $155 per night
Disney’s Contemporary Resort for $315 per night
Disney’s Boardwalk Resort for $329 per night

Just travel at least two nights between November 3 and November 10 (you may book dates on either side of this promotion based on availability). You’ll also receive 10 percent off on park tickets plus a FREE DisneyQuest or water park admission. This time period is traditionally blacked out for discounts and this offer is limited, so book now to save.

Contact Pixie Vacations for more information.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a travel agent at Pixie Vacations and a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast. Email her at ChrisW@PixieVacations.com for free concierge-level vacation planning and for information on how you can get a free Disney gift card when you book a new vacation.

Related articles

• Exclusive Discounts for Jersey Week. (everythingwdisneyworld.com)

Time is running out to take advantage of the fabulous savings through Pixie Vacations. This offer must be booked by January 9, 2012 and is for travel February 3, 2012 through February 10, 2012 (ask about extending your stay).

Package includes:

• Accommodations at select Disney Resorts (see below)
• Magic Your Way Base Tickets
• Disney’s Plus Dining Plan
• A FREE DisneyQuest or Disney Water Park Ticket

This offer is available ONLY through Pixie Vacations, ask for promotion code “SPRING”.

Available resorts include:

• All Star Movies (Value)
• Coronado Springs (Moderate)
• Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe)
• Polynesian (Deluxe)

The fine print:

• All resorts in this offer will have a 12.5% tax added
• There is a fee of $15 per person, per night for 3rd and 4th adults (18 years and older) in each room of the moderate category resorts
• There is a fee of $25 per person, per night for 3rd and 4th adults (18 years and older) in each room of the deluxe category resorts
• The number of packages available at this rate is limited.
• Tickets valid for one theme park per day must be used within 14 days of first use.
• No group rates or other discounts apply
• Advance reservations required

If you’re looking for a magical last minute getaway this could save a family of four up to $1,338.06.

Contact Michele@PixieVacations for your free quote!

Just in time for the new year, Florida Residents get added incentive to make more memories at Walt Disney World this spring, with an extra special ticket offer.

From now until May 21, 2012, Florida residents can purchase a “Wild for 3-Day Pass” for $99 (plus tax) or upgrade to a “Wild for 4-Day Pass” for $129 (plus tax), valid for entry into one Walt Disney World park per day. For even more memory-making, Florida Residents can also add “Park Hopper” or the “Water Park Fun and More” option for $27.50 per ticket.

Details:

• 3-Day “Wild for Disney” Pass
  • Price: $99, plus tax
  • Includes: admission to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks any three days (excluding blockout period); one park per day.
• 4-Day “Wild for Disney” Pass
  • Price: $129, plus tax
  • Includes: admission to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks any four days (excluding blockout period); one park per day.
• Both Passes
  • Offer period: Jan. 4 – May 24, 2012
  • Purchase by: May 21, 2010
  • Blockout dates: Feb. 18, 2012 – February 20, 2012; April 1, 2012 – April 13, 2012
  • Proof of Florida residency required; pass is nontransferable and excludes activities/events separately priced.

To purchase or for more information: disneyworld.com/99.

Related articles

• Disney’s Wild for 4 Pass – 4 Day 4 Park Ticket (chipandco.com)
• Do You Need a Car while at Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)

Florida Residents can purchase the Wild for 4 Pass–a 4-day ticket to Walt Disney World Resort parks–from January 4, 2012 through May 21, 2012. Each Wild for 4 Pass allows you to visit one theme Park per day for just $129, plus tax. For additional flexibility, Florida Residents can upgrade their Pass with the Park Hopper option and the Water Park Fun & More option.

When you order Florida Resident tickets, you will receive an exchange certificate in the mail. Redeem the exchange certificate at any Walt Disney World Theme Park ticket window by presenting the exchange certificate and valid photo ID.

There are 2 blockout periods for usage: February 18, 2012 through February 20, 2012 and April 1, 2012 through April 13, 2012. The ticket expires by May 24, 2012.

Tickets are non-transferable, are only valid during regularly scheduled operating hours and exclude activities/events priced separately. No additional discounts apply. Proof of Florida residency for each adult required for purchase and use.

Related articles

• Official Announcement: Leap Year 2012 Calls for ‘One More Disney Day’ (chipandco.com)
• Florida Residents Enjoy Monday to Friday Fun and Savings with Weekday Select Pass (chipandco.com)

While StarWars.com readers can currently enjoy a recap of Season 4 episodes of The Clone Wars (this week features the 4th, 5th, and 6th episodes of Season 4), fans who’d like to relive the first three seasons of Clone Wars adventures can head over to iTunes for discounted full seasons!

Even if you’ve already got these on Blu-ray or DVD at home, the downloadable versions will make a wonderful holiday gift for your favorite Star Wars fan!

The Clone Wars promotion runs today through January 17, 2012 in the U.S. and Canada. This offer excludes Season 4 and the Nightsisters Trilogy Theatrical Cut:

Season 1: USD $24.99 SD / 34.99 HD
Season 2: USD $24.99 SD / 34.99 HD
Season 3: USD $27.99 SD / 37.99 HD

Head on over to iTunes and be sure and check out The Clone Wars!
*Source StarWars.com

The One More Disney Day promotion is valid for Walt Disney World as well as Disneyland.

Enjoy one more day and night of free Disney magic when you purchase a 3-night, 3-day, non-discounted room and ticket package at select Disneyland resort hotels before January 31, 2012 for arrivals most nights February 26 to March 10, 2012*. Ask your Authorized Disney Travel Planner for the “One More Day” promotion*

Disneyland is also offering this bonus perk:

Plus 2 Free Disney FASTPASS Tickets***

Plus, stay between February 26 and February 29 and receive 2 Disney FASTPASS tickets for every registered hotel Guest in your travel party, ages 3 and older. These 2 Disney FASTPASS tickets can be used in addition to any available in the theme parks and at any FASTPASS attraction.***

*Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay. One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets. Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites. Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first. Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Check for packages of other lengths of stay

**Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Theme park hours are 6:00 a.m. on February 29 to 6:00 a.m. on March 1, 2012; subject to capacity restrictions. Valid theme park admission required.

***Separate theme park admission is required. Each of these Disney FASTPASS tickets will allow a guest one (1) entrance to the Disney FASTPASS return line of any Disney FASTPASS attraction at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks (except World of Color). Tickets expire seven (7) days from check-in or 3/7/2012, whichever occurs first. Disney FASTPASS attractions and return lines may not operate daily and Disney FASTPASS tickets are subject to attraction changes, closures and capacity. No cash value; no substitutions. Tickets may not be sold, copied or transferred for commercial purposes and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Book with Pixie Vacations and your Authorized Disney Travel Planner will take care of all the work so you can have all the fun. Chip and Co writer and travel agent, Michele is offering a custom made autograph book (for kids, or kids at heart!) and a monogrammed Mickey tote bag when you book with her and mention this article. Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote!

Related articles

• Official Announcement: Leap Year 2012 Calls for ‘One More Disney Day’ (chipandco.com)
• Video: 24 Hours at Disney Parks (chipandco.com)

The rumors about the “big announcement” have come to life and Disney has officially announced the “Celebrate One More Disney Day” in honor of leap year.

24 Hours of Magic:
In celebration for Leap Day, for the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California will be open for 24 hours straight* beginning at 6am on February 29, 2912 to enjoy select attractions, entertainment and services!


One More Day and Night of Disney Magic Free:
Enjoy one more day and night Disney magic FREE** when you purchase a 3-night, 3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World resort or Disneyland resort hotels before January 31, 2012 for arrivals most nights February 26 to March 19, 2012.

*Hours of operation are 6am on February 29, 2012 to 6am on March 1, 2012. Subject to capacity restrictions. Valid theme park admission required. 

**Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay. One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets.  Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites.  Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first. Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.  Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.  Check for packages of other lengths of stay.

Be sure to ask for code E60 when booking or tell your travel agent you’d like to use the One More Day promotion.

Book with Pixie Vacations and your Authorized Disney Travel Planner will take care of all the work so you can have all the fun. Chip and Co writer and travel agent, Michele is offering a custom made autograph book (for kids, or kids at heart!) and a monogrammed Mickey tote bag when you book with her and mention this article. Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote!

Related articles

• Official Announcement: Leap Year 2012 Calls for ‘One More Disney Day’ (chipandco.com)
• Video: 24 Hours at Disney Parks (chipandco.com)

Believe it or not there are more deals to be had on Disney World dining than just simply getting the Free Dining plan promos or buying the Tables in Wonderland card.  For example, if you are planning to dine at the Swan and Dolphin or Downtown Disney you can find some pretty sweet deals on Restaurant.com!

Simply check for some promo codes on websites like RetailMeNot.com or other promo code havens.  Find one for Restaurant.com, and head on over.  Than search for your restaurant whether it be B.B. King’s the Garden Grove Character meal you can pay $2-$3 for a $25 gift certificate here! It’s amazing!  If you can’t find a current promotion you can still save $15 by scoring $25 certificates for $10 everyday on Restaurant.com! And they are completely printable so you can even grab them for those last minute ressies!

This is a great way to make a quick, inexpensive day trip or to save some money for souvenirs while vacationing!

Related articles

• To Downtown Disney or Not? (chipandco.com)
• Best Thing I Love about Disney is Dining in Casual Clothes (chipandco.com)

Save up to 80% on select Disney Apps at the Apple App Store! Sales ends January 1st! Download them today!

Related articles

• “Disney FamilyFun” Magazine Named Best of Newsstand App Category in 2011 (chipandco.com)
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For many of us the snow has started falling and we’re already tired of shivering and shoveling. Not to mention the hustle and bustle of the holidays has us all at wits end.

While you’re busy preparing for yet another family function your thoughts are probably drifting to February….sweet, sweet February….that short month that brings Valentines Day and Spring Break.

So why shouldn’t you indulge in your spring fantasies and plan your spring break trip now? There’s no reason you shouldn’t, it’s actually probably best if you did!

Although I love Walt Disney World and Disneyland I used to always return feeling like I needed a vacation from my vacation. After the holiday hustle I’m in the mood for a much more relaxed vacation and I’m sure you are too; that’s why you should choose to cruise!

1. It’s a true vacation: The last thing you need after the holidays is to be plotting your course for another park-commando operation. Cruising is a true vacation and a Disney cruise is a trip with something for the whole family. Separate places with activities for each age group and places to come together as a family (If you want. Good luck getting your kids to leave the kids clubs!)
2. There is virtually no planning: Basically, all you have to do is drag your weary bones onboard and Disney will take care of the rest.  A good Disney Authorized Travel Planner will have you climbing aboard your Disney dream vessel before you can say “pixie dust”. You don’t have to schedule dining, your entertainment is taken care of and the kids have their own things to do all day long. A list is put under your door each night telling you what you can do the next day, if you feel so inclined.
3. It’s all included: Your package price has it all included, you can even pre-pay your gratuities. Entertainment, dining, and onboard activities are all included in your cruise price so you won’t have any surprises once you get onboard.
4. Do as much or as little as you want: There is always something happening on the Disney ships. The Daily Navigator is packed full of activities for everyone, you can do it all; or nothing at all. No one will judge you if you want to lay by the pool all day-they’ll even bring you drinks so you don’t have to be troubled to stand up.
5. Be treated like royalty: “Mouse-keeping” is always nice but on a Disney cruise more than just your bed is tended to. Your stateroom attendant will take care of your room and everywhere you go you’ll find service you can’t even fathom. In the evenings an attendant hands you a paper-towel in the restroom, your server rotates with you; so they already know what you want to drink and what your dining preferences are after the first night. The staff is on hand for anything and everything you may need and your request will always be granted with a smile.

It’s time to experience a true vacation! When you choose to cruise all you have to choose is your cruise. Disney offers itineraries from 3 to 8-Nights to the Bahamas, and 7-Nights to the Mexican Riviera or Caribbean (both Western and Eastern) so you have plenty of choices!

Ask about GTY categories and revel in the savings; these categories book fast when available so don’t delay!

Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quotes and pixie perks.

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‘Tis the season for deals and steals. Every shop window is advertising “buy one get one free” or other miscellaneous discounts. Rarely do we see anything with the words “buy ____, get _____ Free” in regards to vacations, but alas…Disney has warmed our hearts.

Disney’s newest destination: Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i is offering a great deal! Buy 4 nights, get 1 free!

You must book this offer by December 16, 2011

Travel window includes dates from:

• January 4 to January 12, 2012
• January 16 to January 25, 2012

Aulani is the perfect destination to reward yourself and your family for surviving the holidays. Do as much, or as little as you like in this tropical paradise; Disney style.

TIP: If you are enrolled in a frequent flyer program or a credit card/airline incentive that has a “free companion airfare”, Hawaii is the perfect choice to use that ticket. You won’t find greater savings than a free flight to Hawaii!

Book with Michele@PixieVacations.com and receive a $50 Disney Gift Card to use however you like (did I mention there was a 5,000 square foot spa?)

Terms and Conditions:

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers.  Offer excludes suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.  Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room.  Offer applied once per reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers for other lengths of stay. Advance reservations required.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Limit 2 rooms per reservation.

Related articles

• Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Announces a Special Offer to Celebrate its Grand Opening (chipandco.com)
• Aulani Hawaii Special Vacation Offer (pixievacations.com)

Chip and Company, JediMouseketeer.com and Sorcerer Radio Network supporters get 12 months of Club Penguin membership for the price of 8 months! Please click this LINK to begin your fun journey into the world of Club Penguin!

What is Club Penguin?
Club Penguin is a virtual world where children can play games, have fun and interact with
each other. For more details click the banner below.

Hey Disneyland Resort fans – an interesting opportunity has come across my desk, and I wanted to share it with you. It is a limited-capacity event that combines some rare Disney Parks experiences, and is unlike anything we’ve ever offered – especially here on the Disney Parks Blog. Take a look below.

Disneyland Candlelight Experience

December 4–5, 2011, $1,250* per person based on double occupancy, includes:

• One-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011; valet parking for one vehicle included.
• An evening of holiday elegance beginning with a private reception and dinner at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
• Reserved seating for the 8 p.m. performance of Candlelight on December 4.
• Exclusive 2011 Candlelight mementos.
• A sunrise breakfast at The Plaza Inn, one of Walt Disney’s favorite dining locations, on his 110th birthday, December 5. Breakfast will be followed by a pre-opening walk through Disneyland park.
• A visit to several locations in the park with Disney Legends and Creative Staff as they share their stories about Walt Disney, Disneyland park and the magic of the holiday season. Guest speakers currently scheduled include Dave Smith, Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and David Caranci. Speakers are subject to change.
• A visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Reserved viewing of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
• Theme park entrance for both days.

To reserve this special opportunity, call 866-309-9683. Full payment is required at time of booking, and bookings must be made by November 25, 2011. You must be at least 18 years old to RSVP for this event, but your guests may be younger. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.

*Package rate shown is based on double occupancy and standard accommodations. Single occupancy, standard room rate is $1,500. For groups of three (3) to five (5), a charge of $1,000 per person applies for each additional guest occupying the same room, with a maximum of five (5) occupants within the same room. Excludes applicable taxes and fees.

Offer is limited and restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. No items in this package may be redeemed for cash, and all items (and portions thereof) are non-refundable and non-transferable. No credit or compensation will be given for unused portions of this package and such unused elements will be forfeited if not used in conjunction with the Candlelight Experience. No substitutions, refunds or credit for any package element that is canceled for any reason including, but not limited to, inclement weather. Please do not bring any items to be signed by the guest speakers. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50.

All elements of the event and the package are subject to change and cancellation without notice.

Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience at the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

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Attention fanboys and fangirls! Ashley Eckstein, actress and voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, together with her partner, The Araca Group have been working their Jedi magic coming up with cool wearables for women and Padiwans a like but now they will be offering up some sweet deals so you can SAVE during the holiday season!

Check into HerUniverse.com November 28th-December 14th and use the code HOLIDAY11 on a purchase $40 to get FREE shipping. You also get a FREE Yoda pin and signed card from Ashley with your purchase – they are limited to 500 so use the Force and act quickly!

Related articles

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Ultra Sabers biggest sale of the year has begun! Tons of sabers on sale & lots of options on sale. Lots of customers were asking for our sound option to go on sale, well, you asked and we listened! This is the first and only time Obsidian installs will go on sale this year, so don’t miss out. Check out the prices on AV switch installs as well. Now is definitely the time to equip yourself with a decked out Ultra Saber! Sale ends November 27.

They people at Ultra Sabers make some incredible sabers, perfect for display, costuming or martial art demos! Use this LINK and please let them know that Jedi Mouseketeer sent you!

If you are Military personnel or a Florida resident…this post is for you! Time is of the essence so read quickly and pay attention.

There are a slew of sail dates available at discounted rates for Military Personnel and Florida Residents. on Disney Cruise Line. Yes, I just said “discounted rates” and “Disney Cruise Line” in the same sentence; and no…I’m not toying with your emotions.

There are rates starting as low as $130 per person, per night for a variety of sail dates for  3 and 4-Night Bahamian cruises (departing from Port Canaveral, Florida).

Sail dates start as early as November 17th and continue through February 12th but of course the number of staterooms is limited and you have to book by November 20, 2011.

So, what do you do now? You call a Disney travel specialist and get a free quote, then take a Dream vacation (pun intended, you get to go on the Disney Dream!) and save a ton of money. So now the only real question is…can you afford to let this opportunity pass you by?

E-mail Michele@PixieVacations.com to take advantage of this great deal!

Florida Resident Fine Print:

*Governmental taxes and fees and excursions are not included. Other discounts do not apply. See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for applicable terms and conditions. Rates in U.S. dollars. Florida resident must be at least 18 years of age, and proof of Florida residency is required. Other stateroom types are available at varying rates. Ask for booking code FLR.

Military Personnel Fine Print:

*Discount based on prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com. Other categories and sail dates may be available. Not combinable with other discounts or offers. Governmental Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for applicable terms and conditions. Military personnel will be required to present valid military identification at time of check-in. Offer limited to a maximum of 3 staterooms per sailing. Other stateroom types are available at varying rates. Ask for booking code MTO.

*Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders. Active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify.

• Air Force
• Marines
• Army (including Army National Guard)
• Navy
• Coast Guard
• Reservists (for all branches listed above)
• 100% Permanently Disabled Veterans
• Department of Defense, which includes:
  • FBI
  • CIA
  • National Security Agency (this does not include Homeland Security)
  • Secret Service
• Family members classified as ‘active deceased’
• NASA Kennedy Space Center
• NASA Johnson Space Center
• Department of Health and Human Services

The active or retired military personnel must travel in order to receive this offer.

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Between Black Friday (or as Disney calls it “Magical Friday”) and Cyber Monday an estimated 1.5 million guests will visit the retailer’s more than 200 stores nationwide and 12 million guests will visit between Magical Friday and Cyber Monday.

Here is a quick overview of some of the new announcements for Disney Store’s Black Friday 2011:

• Disney Store has increased its staff by 40% in anticipation of the holiday traffic (hiring close to 2,000 additional employees)

• For the first time, 150 Disney Stores across the nation will open at midnight on Black Friday. That’s more than ever before! *We will have localized store opening times for you later next week.

The  Times Square Disney Store will open on Thanksgiving Day for the first time.

• At select Disney Stores on Black Friday, a number of select customers will receive a FREE Muppets plush give-away (while supplies last). The return of the Black Friday freebie!

• For the first time, a new Disney Store App for iOS devices is available. The App easily allows customers to shop anytime, anywhere with the click of a button.
• We’re expecting 1 million guests to shop DisneyStore.com on Cyber Monday (39% increase over last year).

• Disney Store will have huge deals on the season’s hottest toys and Disney lifestyle products, including highly-anticipated Muppet movie merchandise.

More specials and incredible deals will be announced closer to Black Friday; if you have a story to break after Nov. 21 in the days leading up to Black Friday, please let us know and an executive can brief you under embargo on all the details.

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A Happy Belated Veterans Day to all of the Active Duty, Retired, and Reserve military readers in our wonderful Disney community.  I hope that you have already taken advantage of the military packages that have been available over the past few years, but just in case, I’m here to remind you.

Currently offered through September 30th, 2012, Disney’s Armed Forces Salute offers Eligible service members or spouse to purchase up to 6 tickets at 1 point in time – only 6 can be activated during one week, though 12 total can be purchased and activated from the beginning of this salute through the end.  This is good for families like mine, who have used this salute since it started as a one year program and was eventually extended from 2011 to 2012.

The question would be – why you wouldn’t take advantage of this offer.  For a 4 Day Park Hopper, or 4 Day with Water Parks and more for $138, you’re paying less for adults than someone without any discount is paying for a 3 year old.  Personally, we use this discount to it’s full advantage, as we can not be guaranteed tha another discount like this will be available in upcoming years.

Without the Magic Your Way Package, you may not be available to receive Free Dining Promotions either, but know that with this Salute, you can  receive fantastic resort savings, up to 40%.  These discounts are much greater than the rates required to receive Free Dining.  In fact, we’ve used this to splurge on Deluxe Resorts, but you can still receive savings at Value Resorts and sometimes even off property.

So, take some leave, book some flights, and head down to the World!  We may never see deals like this again!

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