Planning Archives - Chip and Co

Tag Archives: Planning

Five ways to pass the time until you leave for your Disney Vacation

Thursday, May 16, 2013 Michele 1 Comment

Is your Disney vacation not close enough? Not sure what to do with all of your pre-vacation excitement? You are not alone!

Here are 5 ideas that my family and I use to get us through until our next vacation with Mickey and the gang…

Join a Disney discussion forum to commiserate and post on Disney discussions regularly. Where can you find a forum? There are several on the net such as DVC News and DisBoards or pages on Facebook like You Might Be A Disney Addict If…. Belonging to both discussion forums and Facebook groups will get you exposed to a wide range of people from newbies to Disney Addicts. What better way to share your excitement or get advice but from other Disney loving friends?
Go over your Disney reservations and park plans. Did you download the My Disney Experience app for your iPhone yet? You love your smart phone and want to access Disney on the go. What better way to store all your Disney plans and check out park layouts before you go and still access them once you get to Disney?
Stream Disney music. Have you tried Sorcerer Radio? Music gets people in the mood for all kinds of things. Disney music is no different! Whether you are listening to the music from your favorite Disney attraction or resort, it is sure to soothe and relax.

Less Stress and More Magic at Walt Disney World

Friday, April 19, 2013 Carrie No comments

When you stay on Disney property, you have everything you need, right at your fingertips? Right? Usually, that is the case. Small shops at resorts and Downtown Disney can provide some basic needs, there are a few grocery stores right in the area, and Disney even rents their own strollers…uncomfortable and slightly impractical…but you can rent a stroller at the parks. However, there are some businesses that can make your Disney experience even easier and more magical that I want to share with you today.

Garden Grocer. These people are AWESOME! A week or so before you arrive at Disney, you can place your order on their website for almost anything you’ll need. All your favorite grocery brands are there, and they will deliver right to your Disney resort. Garden Grocer is great if you are flying OR driving. Some perishable items, such as milk & juice, may not travel well in the car. Or, if you prefer to have them bring over some diapers and other toiletry necessities so you don’t have to pack them in your luggage, they’re happy to do so. Their minimum order is $40, and they do charge a $14 delivery fee.

Disneyland Planning Checklist

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 DisneyDaniel 2 Comments

We all want to get the most out of our vacations, and with some Key Disneyland Planning you can. We’ve created a handy checklist for you to follow along with as you start the planning process. If you use a Travel Agent, then they will do most of this for you.

Here’s a highlighted checklist of what to plan before arriving:

Plan the Best Time of Year for Your Visit – This is very personal, if you don’t like crowds, don’t go in July. If you don’t mind crowds and want full days with lots of options, July is probably your best choice.
Contact Your Travel Agent with a list of your wants – Put them to work for you, that’s what they do and at no cost to you
Order For Yourself Or Have Your Travel Agent Send You A Disney Vacation Planning DVD – It’s fun to watch no matter what
Write a Vacation Budget – Share with Your Travel Agent – this should include your must do’s, food budget (then add 20%), souvenir budget and Miscellaneous items

Planning a Disney Vacation in Less than Six Months

Thursday, March 28, 2013 Carrie No comments

Planning a Disney vacation in less than six months is doable with a little bit of advice. For some reason, our family notoriously books Disney vacations with less than six months to plan. We talk about it, and find ourselves using the phrase, “Next year when we go to Disney….”, but we don’t actually make a full commitment and book a rom until typically less than six months out. For some people, that really puts a wreck in their touring plans…..and don’t even think about ADRs! I mean, you have to be up at the crack of dawn on your 180 day mark to get any sort of good reservation….right? Well, maybe so, but it’s not impossible to plan a Disney vacation when your arrival is less than six months away. Today I want to share with you my tips for getting your vacation together, alleviating stress, and having a magical time.

1. Look if there are any possible ADRs available for your time frame. It is certainly preferable to book your dining 180 day s out from your trip. But, there are often reservations still available. I suggest looking to see what is available because that will help you decide if you want to take part in the Disney Dining Plan. With this Dining Plan, you get one sit down meal per person in your party per day. You don’t want to add this to your package, if you know there aren’t going to be any reservations avaialable.

Planning 101: Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

Thursday, January 31, 2013 MickeyMom No comments

Planning 101: Stocking up for Birthday and Holiday Gifts at Disney

Like many Disney guests, I’ve celebrated my kids birthdays and even one crazy Christmas at Walt Disney World. I would go broke if I waited and bought their presents upon arrival, so a little planning is often required. Keep in mind you need to get these supplies to Disney, so if flying you should weigh the cost options of an extra bag or mailing to your resort vs. your savings. Here are a few of my tips for stocking up for giving giving with a little Disney magic:

Disney Store or DisneyStore.com-When Disney has a sale, they have a good one. I’m also lucky enough to have two outlet stores nearby and can snag some deals. Park exclusives are available as well! Take advantage of their “Twice Upon a Year Sales” and after Christmas markdowns for next Christmas. Beware: Some items will be dated with the year, so look at the online description.
“Other Websites”-There are a lot of sites selling Disney merchandise. One being LaughingPlaceStore.com which has items like autograph books and pin sets. BirthdayExpress.com has Disney party goods to make birthday’s special.
“Other Stores”-Again, look for deals and clearance but Disney items can be found at Target, Sears, Walmart, Toys R Us, etc. I’ve gotten some really cute sweatshirts to give as gifts and wear at the park.
Get Creative-Zazzle.com allows you to make custom clothing with official Disney graphics. Perfect for announcing to the park your special trip. Etsy.com is also a really creative place for custom Disney clothing.

Part of having fun at Disney immersing yourself in the Magic of Disney. So budget a bit to get a special “One of a Kind” present from the gift shops. Don’t forget to get a “Happy Birthday” Button at Guest Services as you enter the parks. Decorate your window at your resort for Birthdays or Christmas. For ideas, click here. Have fun and enjoy your special holiday vacation!

Mickey Mom is Mom to two boys with birthdays that often get celebrated as one big party in Walt Disney World.