Tips &Tricks Archives - Page 610 of 655

Inside the Bibbidi- Bobbidi- Boutique

July 3, 2010 by Chip 6 Comments

Hi all, Sharline, here letting you in on another Magical Disney experience! This is a wonderful experience for your little Princess to be….. be immersed into the Magic!

It all starts with your phone call to make a reservation. They have two locations, Downtown Disney at The World of Disney and at The Magic Kingdom inside the castle! They have 3 different packages to choose from…. Coach Package which includes- hairstyle, makeup, and nails for $49.95….. Crown Package which includes- hairstyle, shimmering makeup, and nails for $54.95….. Castle Package which includes- imaging package ( 1 6×8, 4 4×6 photos), complete costume of your choice with accessories Starting at $189.95. With the first two packages you can bring your own costume and accessories which is great!

Our daughter was 5 her first time and we chose the Castle Package since it was her Birthday. We wanted her to be completely made over and boy oh boy was she! From the moment you walk in the door at either location. (Since we have done both locations 2008 and 2009) The Fairy Godmother’s in training make the whole experience a moment to remember!

They give your daughter a custom reservation card with her name on it. Ask her to choose her costume and she waits a moment while they get her dressing room ready. They take her to the dressing room and her gown and accessories are all laid out. When she is dressed and ready they sit her in a extravagant salon chair. She then picks her hairstyle, nail polish, and makeup colors. The Fairy Godmother in training turns her around away from the mirror and proceeds to do her make over. When it is all finished they give her a face shield and sprinkle her with fairy dust! She then turns her around for the REVEAL…… Priceless! A Disney Photopass Photographer is there to catch her reaction.

What a reaction it is! Her eyes light up and smile is ear to ear! My goodness it’s Sheer Delight! They then give you instructions on where to go to for the Photography Studio. There they take so many pictures and numerous poses. They have you choose 2 poses out of them all. It is soooo difficult to do! Believe me! They are all so Beautiful! At least they are on the Disney Photopass.

You can either buy pictures there or go home and buy them online, which is what I do. ( But that is a whole other story.) We LOVE and enjoy Bibbidi- Bobbidi- Boutique so much we’re doing it again this year! I say as long as my Princess wants to be a Princess, who am I to stop her!

I’m, Sharline Hernandez, a Pixie Vacations Specialized Disney Vacation Planner. Mom of 3 who is passionate about any and everything Disney! Let me help you experience the Magic of Disney by giving you a Free quote today!

I will be there with you every step of the way to personalize your Disney Dream Vacation. Itineraries are also included free when you book a Magical Disney vacation with me. I have experienced many of what Disney has to offer and will help you choose what suits your needs!

Contact me at….
e-mail Sharline@Pixievacations.com
cell 210-838-2936

Filed Under: Guest Blogging, Reviews, Tips, Tips &Tricks, Travel Tagged With: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney Princess

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

July 2, 2010 by Pixie Vacations 4 Comments

Are you looking for a Disney World Resort with a little more room to spread out? Do you like the convenience of a full kitchen and daily maid service? Would you like a tranquil peaceful setting, instead of the hustle and bustle of a hotel? And would you like all this at a very moderate price? If so, then The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are just what you are looking for.

Each individual cabin sleeps six people comfortably. In the bedroom are a twin bunk bed, a double bed, dresser and television. The living room contains a pull down double bed, sofa, dining table that seats six and television. The kitchen is full sized and fully stocked with all the glassware, dishes, silverware and pots & pans you might need. There are no storage containers though so if you tend to have any leftovers you might want to remember to bring ziploc bags or plastic wrap. The refrigerator is full sized complete with ice trays and there is even a dishwasher. Don’t worry though, the maid service will load and run it for you. Outside you will find your own patio, picnic table and charcoal grill. At the cabins, you will find more privacy then in a typical hotel room. They are spaced apart enough so that you don’t know if you neighbor is home or not.

From each cabin, you can walk to a bus stop. There are three different colored buses that run throughout the Fort Wilderness resort that will take you to the three main destinations on the resort grounds: The Meadow Recreation Area, The Reception Outpost and the Settlement. These buses run about every 20 minutes and will get you anywhere on the resort that you want to go but after a long day at one of the parks waiting for another bus was not fun with three kids. And even the short trek from the bus stop to the cabin was an ordeal. So, on the second day we did break down and rent a golf cart. The golf cart was great, we could speed around the resort wherever and whenever we wanted. Each area had spots to park the golf carts and plug them in for charging. This small luxury was well worth the price.

The Reception Outpost contains the resort’s main lobby for checking in and out, airline check in, guest services, golf cart rentals and any Disney information or help you may need. In this area, you will also find The Wilderness Corral Trail Rides, a kennel and most importantly, the bus station. This bus station is where guests can catch a bus to any Disney World park, resort and Downtown Disney.

The Meadow Recreation area contains the resort’s main pool complete with water slide, Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade, tennis courts, and a snack bar. This pool has the new water slide and hot tub. The kids did their late night swimming here and it was never crowded. Pool was well lit at night, though the slide does close down when the lifeguards go off duty. At 10:00 they warned everybody it was swim at your own risk time. There is one other small pool, the Wilderness Pool. It was near our cabin though and always pretty empty. The kids enjoyed playing here and cooling off during our breaks from the parks. The Meadow Recreation area is also where Chip N Dale’s campfire sing-a-long takes place along with a marshmallow roast and the outdoor showing of Disney classic movies. You will also find the Meadow Trading Post here where you can find the typical Disney souvenirs along with a decent selection of convenience foods and kitchen staples. Prices are very high on all the grocery items. So, if you wanted to use the kitchen to save money, bypass buying your food here. In your cabin, is the number for a local grocery store that will deliver the groceries right to your cabin.

The top of the resort is called the Settlement. This is where you will find Pioneer Hall, home of the famous Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. If you’ve never seen this show or even if you have, don’t miss this high energy, hilarious show. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy. Also in Pioneer Hall, you will find Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern. Next door is the Tri-Circle D Ranch where you can take a carriage ride, wagon ride or even pony rides for the kids. There is a Settlement Trading Post which is slightly smaller then the Meadow Trading Post and contains basically the same items at the same high prices. A children’s playground is also here right before you reach the beach and the marina and boat launch. Here you can rent watercraft, join in on fishing excursions and yes, take the ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom. Nothing quite beats the feeling of riding the ferry to the Magic Kingdom for the first time. Boats also can take you to Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary, and the Polynesian resorts.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is an expansive resort with lots of recreation opportunities. If you never left the resort in a week, you still wouldn’t have done everything and seen everything the resort has to offer. Its moderate pricing gives a family room to spread out without breaking the bank. And its peaceful and tranquil setting offers a quiet place to unwind after a busy day among the crowds and bright lights of the parks. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is one of Disney’s best family resorts and has a little something for everyone.

Jennifer Webster

Please contact me to help you plan your magical Disney vacation.

phone: 847-909-4575
e-mail: jennifer@pixievacations.com
website: www.pixievacations.com

Filed Under: Guest Blogging, Planning, Reviews, Tips &Tricks, Travel Tagged With: Fort Wilderness Resort, Original Articles, Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Parks for families with babies and older children

July 2, 2010 by Pixie Vacations 2 Comments

Disney is wonderful for many reasons, one being it caters to all ages.

But what do you do to please more than one age group at the same time?

Instead of splitting off and spending the whole day apart, families with children of varying ages and interests can find something to do all over the parks and stay nearby each other and share their experiences. The younger ones won’t understand why they can’t go on the big rides like their older siblings, so it helps to find some attraction geared toward their stage wherever you stop.

One adult might take the older (taller) child/ren if they still need supervision (age 7 and up can ride without adult for most rides if they are tall enough) and the other adult will take the younger ones. Using FastPasses whenever possible will help the wait times be shorter and asking for the “parent swap” pass will help the other parent get a turn to do some rides too and share in the experiences. You can ask for a “parent swap” pass on most rides that have height restrictions on them. The parent redeeming the parent swap pass won’t get another one. Depending on the ride, you either go to the exit to use it (like on Space Mountain) or to the FastPass line. Talk to the Cast Member at the front when you take the pass so you can guide the other person when they want to redeem their turn. We normally use them right away, but there isn’t really a time restriction on it- sometime during the park visit, just don’t lose it!
Some examples of how to work some rides at both Disneyland Resort (DLR) and Walt Disney World (WDW) parks:

Space Mountain (for riders 44″ at WDW, 40″ at DLR and up) has a few options nearby- if the younger child wants to do a ride on Autopia with dad while mom takes the big kids, this is one where dad should also grab a “parent swap” pass so mom can have a turn afterward with the younger kid so the big kid and dad can do Space Mountain together using that swap pass. Or mom and younger ones can go on the Buzz ride for something different and email a picture of themselves afterward, then the big kid and dad can go on Autopia together and not miss out.

Splash Mountain (40″) is located by Tom Sawyer’s island at both parks, this is a good place to get away and explore. At DLR, there is also the Winnie the Pooh ride next door and Pooh’s Corner which has a wonderful assortment of goodies- they are big enough to share!

Soarin’ (40″, EPCOT in WDW, California Adventure in DLR). This ride is near The Land pavilion of EPCOT, and next door is the Circle of Life film with the Lion King characters. At DLR, the closest spots are a quick-service restaurant and a shop but it is also pretty close to where the parade route goes by in the afternoon. Lightning McQueen and Mater currently hang out right across from here also until their new LAND is ready.

Barnstormer at WDW or Gadget’s Go-Coaster at DLR are the similar mini-coasters in Toon Town (TT Faire for WDW) for 35″ and up. It might be one that some of the younger kids can do if they ride with an adult. Nearby is Minnie and Mickey’s house to explore as well as Donald’s boat to play in for the even younger ones.

Walt Disney World only attractions and distractions

Test Track in EPCOT (40″ and up, coming soon as CARS! to Disneyland California Adventure)- there is a show every so often called JAMMitors, where the janitors bang and drum using trash cans. The little ones can dance and enjoy, they won’t even notice the big kids gone.

EPCOT also has their KidCot stations at each of the Pavilions with activities to do and stamps and charms to collect- this can give the bigger ones a chance to do what the sites have to offer while the kids are occupied. You can also get a special KimPossible mission at a specific time at one of the country pavilions (only 7 participate). You report there at the stated time to get your special family mission!

Expedition Everest (44″) which is in the Asia part of the Animal Kingdom Park is one of the more thrilling rides at that park. It is adjacent to the Flights of Wonder show with all sorts of winged animals like Eagles who are trained to show their stuff. You could also tour the Maharaja Jungle Trek (a zoo-like exhibit) or wait for the whole family to tour together.

Disneyland only attractions and distractions

Matterhorn (for 32″ and up) is right by the Alice and Wonderland and Mat Hatter’s tea cup rides or the Nemo Submarines if the line is short.
Indiana Jones’ ride (for 48″ and up) is fun for the adults, and right nearby is the Jungle Cruise and the Jungle Book tree house. This is a must with FastPass and Parent Swap.

California Screamin’ in California Adventure (for 52″ and up) has the King Triton Carousel right next door, and also the Mickey Fun Wheel and other Paradise Pier attractions nearby.

There are lots of options like this wherever you stop around the Disney parks. Plus the rides and shows that the whole family can do together- Small World, Fantasyland, Pirates of the Caribbean and more, so you don’t want to spend your whole day apart and miss out on these fun times where everyone can be involved.

If the younger ones need a nap later in the day, this is a good time to stop and do something more tame for them or just find a spot to sit down and grab a snack- it will do wonders for kids of all ages. This is the point you could separate and have a group go off and do other activities like swimming or shopping while the little ones nap in the hotel room. Then everyone will be refreshed and ready in time to enjoy dinner and the magic of the evening parades and shows.

Linds Pierce is a Hawaii and Disney vacation specialist with Pixie Vacations
Contact: Linds@PixieVacations.com or 1-678-3PIXIE9
Follow: Twitter or Facebook or her blog: Deals to Disney

Filed Under: Guest Blogging, Original Articles, Planning, Tips, Tips &Tricks, Travel Tagged With: Disney families, Disney Parks, Original Articles

Advice you’d give to parents taking kids to Disney for the first time?

July 2, 2010 by Chip 1 Comment

We asked this question to our Facebook Family earlier this week…
“What is the number one piece of advice you’d give to parents taking kids to Disney for the first time?”

Here are your responses.

Bridget
Get there before opening….when crowds are less

Constance
Take a break before they get to that “cranky/whiny” stage. Go swimming, take a nap, just unwind somewhere. You’ll all enjoy it much more!

Dorsey
Get a character breakfast reservation prior to park opening. Example – Park opens at 9am, get a reservation at 8am and then you are already in the park when it opens. Then do Fantasyland first at MK.

Brandy
Go in the off season, and in the fall/winter when it isn’t so miserably hot. Stay at a Disney resort, too, so it is easy to get to and from your hotel for naps and stuff.

Timm
Take lots of naps!!! ….. You’ll need them!

Brian
make sure to take a break away from the parks in the afternoon. A swim at the hotel, Downtown Disney….a movie

Brenda
go early in the morning when the park first opens…..then back to the hotel for naps {thus avoiding peak heat/sun} then return to the park when the kids are refreshed…….Also when the kids get whiney, tired and start crying~take a clue from the kids and take them home.

Rebecca
Assume you will be back and don’t try to jam pack your trip. Take it slow, savor each moment, and take lots of breaks!!

Erin
Enjoy the momment, you cannot do it all, so don’t try, it will just make everyone stressed and crazy, plan your must sees, but also take time for the little things, because in the long run, that will be what you all remember most!!
Karen
Here’s a tip off the beaten path…pre order the photopass cd. This way you can have family pictures with everyone in them. You’ll want to preorder because when you get home and upload your pictures you’ll be in shock at the prices to purchase the pictures. With the cd you’ll be able to print them out. It’s well worth the money!!

Kacy
Take a rest in the middle of the day!!!!! Makes for a much happier evening!!!

Kelly
We just got back and took our 9 month old for the first time..and my 8 yr old (he has been 5 times) But if you take a baby…and you go during the summer…bring a fan for the stroller…a rain cover for the stroller..a buy a longer canopy for the stroller..All these sure came in handy for us! And do take advantage of the baby care centers at all the Disney parks..they are VERY nice!

Chip
wear comfortable shoes, drink tons of watertake pictures of all the food you see and submit your pictures tothe Disney Food Confessions Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Disney-Food-Confession/126556334034296?ref=sgm

Amy
Do not try to cram 4 people + their luggage, two pack n plays, a double stroller, and a week’s worth of diapers for two toddlers into a room at Pop (or any non-suite value room). Trust me- it’s not pretty. Spring for at LEAST a moderate resort with bigger rooms. Our solution after just one such trip was to use some inheritance money from my father’s passing and buy into DVC. 1 bedroom villas for us from here on out!!!

Carol
What a bunch of other folks have said. You’re not “wasting” your vacation time or money by giving up for the day and going back to the room; the real waste is making everyone miserable by pushing on.

Howard
Been there done that at least 10 times. Youngest I took was 9 mos. old with the mode of transportation plane and car rental. Pack n Play, formula, diapers etc… My best advice is to take small children, stroller age from November through the end of March. At least the weather is workable. Nothing like an infant or toddler needing to be held when its brutally hot!! ie. summer in Orlando.

Rosemary
Wait until the child is old enough to actually enjoy and remember it!! At least 5 (and even that is pushing it) . Other than pictures, the only thing they will remember is what you TELL them. NO one has a good time if they are too young.

Kerry
My grandson was 2 his first trip and loved it, it was all he talked about. So we went last year and we are going again this year. He makes everyone do his Disney dance as he calls it.We have to jump around in a circle and sing we’re going to Disney, we’re going to Disney.It’s called making memories no matter what age. Be patient with little ones and don’t sweat about the small things. HAVE FUN!!!!

DeAnna
I’m with Rosemary. Make sure they’re old enough! We took my sister when she was 3, she was scared of everything, too short for everything, and whined all day because she was too hot!

Thanks guys for all the great advice. If you have more let us know in the comment section below.

Filed Under: Guest Blogging, Original Articles, Questions, Tips &Tricks, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: Disney Parks, disney planning, Guest Blogging, questions

Saving Money on Where You Stay at Disney World: Check Out All Your Options

July 2, 2010 by guest blogging 9 Comments

When it comes to deciding where to stay at Walt Disney World, there are a wide variety of choices, from the many Disney properties, to off-resort hotels, to a vast supply of vacation homes and condos. How do you choose? And perhaps even more importantly: what is the most affordable choice for your Disney vacation?

The answer, as with many things when it comes to Disney vacation planning is, it depends.

Most people think that it is always cheaper to stay off-property, and that is just not always the case. There are a number of variables that will come into play here: time of the year, size of your family, and need for transportation while there, will all factor in your decision.

The busier times of year will be more expensive, and you may possibly have fewer choices. Disney will not typically offer as many promotions for these times of year as they will for the slower times. So off-site may be your best choice for saving money at Disney World during peak season but not always.

You need to look at the size of your family: if you have a number of children that will require more than one motel room, then a larger “suite”, villa, or rental home may be the most economical as compared to renting multiple rooms. The Walt Disney resort has villas that can accommodate larger groups of people, and Disney does at times offer discounts and packages on this “level” of accommodation. In other cases, some hotels/motels, both on and off property, may offer specials where two rooms could be cheaper than one room in a different location. You will also want to look beyond the traditional hotel/motel option and consider renting a vacation home, condominium, or time-share. If you need the additional space, do the math: it can be a definite cost-saver.

And then you will want to consider how you are going to get around while at Disney World. You can stay with Disney and use their free resort transportation, consisting of buses, monorail, or boats. If you end up off-site then you will need a way to get to the parks: find out if your hotel/motel has a free shuttle. If not, or if you are staying in a private property, then you will need to factor in the cost of renting a car or van.

One of the best things about trying to plan an affordable Disney vacation, is that you have options: there are a number of ways to save money at Disney World. Choosing where you stay is a big part of any vacation budget, so be sure to check out all options, to make sure you are getting the most for the least money!

What have you found to be the most affordable options for where to stay at Disney World…for your family?

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 watching children’s faces light up when they see their favorite characters in person.