Tuesday Tip-Getting the Best Price for your Disney Vacation

While some guests don't have to watch what they spend when considering a Walt Disney World vacation, most of us are usually counting all of our pennies trying to get the best value for our vacation dollars.  This is especially important for a destination like WDW where everything can add up quickly-from room to tickets to food to souvenirs...and don't forget those incidentals that you might not expect like medicine if someone gets sick, ponchos or an umbrella (if you forgot yours) and other similar unexpected extras.  So...today's Tuesday Tip is how to get the best price for your Disney Vacation.

Visiting the Mouse can really add up-save with discount promotions!

Depending on how far in advance of your trip that you decide to book, you may or may not see any special promotions or discounts posted on WDW's website for the time you'll be traveling.  The further out you want to book your trip, the less likely that there will be a promotion available.  BUT--don't let this deter you from booking your trip for the dates you want.  If you are booking a package (room & tickets; room, tickets & dining; Annual Passholders-room & dining), your deposit is going to be $200 per room.  Room-only reservation deposits are equal to the cost of the first night of your stay on the reservation.  The part about getting the best price comes in once discounts do start getting released for your travel dates, because as long as you qualify for a discount when it comes out...meaning your stay is within the dates of the promotion, category of resort, length of stay, etc...you can get that discount applied to your reservation, lowering the cost of your trip and getting a bigger bang for your buck.  And saving money on the biggest costs-room, tickets and dining-means more money available for the fun extras and those unexpected problems that may come up.

Snagging a discount promotion could mean you have enough in your budget to upgrade to a Deluxe resort!

Don't have time to keep checking back to see if a new promotion has been released?  This is when using a travel agent that specializes in Disney destinations can really pay off since most of those agents that specialize in Disney (like me) will continuously monitor your reservation for any promotions, then get discounts applied to your reservation as soon as they are released as long as your trip qualifies.  I know I've been able to save my clients plenty this way-some just a small amount, but others hundreds of dollars.  And most travel agents--especially those who specialize in Disney--don't charge any fees so your trip will not cost you any more than if you had booked on your own...without the headache of having to track your reservation constantly for the release of discounts.

So, whether you want to do it yourself or you use a travel agent, remember that even if you book at rack rate (the maximum charged for a room), Disney will allow discounts released after you book to be applied to your reservation to help lower your cost.

Have you ever had a discount applied after already booking your trip?  How much have you been able to save by getting a discount after your initial reservation?

Need help booking a Disney vacation?  You can request a free quote from my travel agent website or use the Contact Me information in the tab at the top of the blog. As always, there are no extra fees for booking with me :-)

Tuesday Tip-Free Activities for Kids (and Adults!) in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We all know that a vacation in Walt Disney World can get a bit pricey, so it’s always great to find free things the kids can do while in the parks.  Here’s some for you to try on your next trip:

-Wilderness Explorers-Animal Kingdom-Inspired by the Wilderness Explorers in the Disney/Pixar film “Up”, this experience is included in theme park admission.  Kids can complete up to 30 different challenges to earn badges (stickers) for their “Wilderness Explorer Handbook”.  And shhh...don’t tell the kids, but they’ll get to learn too--about the animals, nature skills, folklore and more.  Kids can pick up their field guide from the “headquarters” (on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island) or the Wilderness Explorer stops to begin the challenges.

-Kidcot Fun Stops-Epcot’s World Showcase-Many guests with small children tend to shy away from the World Showcase in Epcot thinking the kids will be bored.  Enter the Kidcot Fun Stops in each country where your child can get a free cardboard Duffy the Disney Bear that they can decorate with supplies available at each station.  The Cast Members at the stops will also give a stamp of Duffy in each country, as well as tell about their native land (again, shh...don’t tell the kids they’re learning on vacation!).

-Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure-Epcot’s World Showcase-This adventure lasts anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  You’ll pick up your interactive handheld device from either the Odyssey Bridge (that connects Future World to the World Showcase), Norway Pavilion, Italy Pavilion or near the International Gateway, then look for clues throughout the World Showcase so you can defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz from carrying out his dastardly deeds.  This activity is free with your park admission as well.

-Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom-Stop by the Firehouse on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom to become an apprentice sorcerer to help fight the forces of evil. You’ll get a Sorcerer Key card and a package of Spell Cards (you can get one pack of spell cards per day, per admission ticket-for FREE!) to help you unlock Magic Portals and challenge Hades and his henchman as you complete missions in the park to thwart the evil Disney villains.  *Special note-you can sometimes score extra “special edition” spell cards-last year when I went to the Halloween Party, there was a special card given out to partygoers only...so keep an eye out for things like this!

Free pack of spell cards

Special Edition spell card from the 2012 Halloween Party

-Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas-Magic Kingdom-This interactive quest is inspired by the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films and turns you into one of Captain Jack’s pirate recruits. There’s five different pirate treasure raids throughout Adventureland...be sure to pick up your magic talisman at The Crow’s Nest in Adventureland so you can read the maps and help Captain Jack complete each mission.  Each of the five missions takes about 20 minutes to complete, and again-this fun adventure is included with your park admission.

Freebies on vacation are always a plus, especially when they can add so much fun to your trip!  And just between us, you don’t necessarily need to be a kid to do all of these... ;-)

Have you or your kids tried any of these free adventures while in the WDW theme parks?  What did you think?  Would you recommend them to others?  If you've done more than one, which is your favorite?

Keep an eye out--a special August giveaway will be posting very soon!  You won't want to miss this one!

Tuesday Tip-Best places to rest your feet in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

While I know you want to get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation after all the time and money you've spent, sometimes you just need to crash for a little bit while in the parks-if only to rest your tired little feet for just a few minutes.  So for this week's Tuesday tip, here's my favorite ways to  get off your feet for a bit (and maybe even catch forty winks while you're at it!):

Magic Kingdom
-Want to relax for more than just one trip around Tomorrowland on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (the Peoplemover)?  If there is not a huge line of guests waiting to board when you get back to the station, ask the cast member at the exit station if you can remain on... but DO NOT get out of the car until you ask. Once you exit the car, you’ll have to exit the attraction and then go thru the entrance again to get back on.  Usually if it’s not too busy, when you ask they’ll shut the door of your car and you can go back around again.

-The Hall of Presidents (Liberty Square)-sit in an air conditioned theater for this approximately 23 minute animatronic show to give yourself a nice, cool break in your day
-Carousel of Progress (Tomorrowland)-another animatronic theater, also air-conditioned with a show just over 20 minutes long
-Walt Disney Railroad (stations on Main Street, USA; Frontierland; New Fantasyland)-take a 20 minute round-trip journey around the entire Magic Kingdom park...also a great way to get from one area of the park to another without a lot of walking.

Epcot
-Ellen's Energy Adventure (Future World)-hands down the longest attraction at the Walt Disney World theme parks at 45 minutes...and also a great way to escape an afternoon downpour.  Not so good for napping though-the movie portions can get quite loud.
-Circle of Life (Future World, The Land pavilion)-just under 20 minutes long, air-conditioned theater
-Impressions de France (World Showcase, France pavilion)-18 minute movie in a huge air-conditioned theater...DH and I stop here almost every trip-fantastic music as well!
-American Adventure (World Showcase, America pavilion)-just over 28 minutes, animatronic show in yes--another air-conditioned theater

Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Indiana Jones' Epic Stunt Show Spectacular (30 minutes)-outdoor theater, no air-conditioning
-Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (35 minutes)-outdoor theater, no air-conditioning
-Great Movie Ride (just over 18 minutes)-indoors, air-conditioned with live action and animatronics
-Muppet Vision 3-D (just over 17 minutes)-indoor theater, air-conditioned 3-D short movie (one of my favorites, it's just so cute!)

Animal Kingdom
-Festival of the Lion King (live stage show)-30 minutes-indoor, air-conditioned theater
-Finding Nemo-The Musical (live stage show)-30 minutes-indoor, air-conditioned theater
-Flights of Wonder-outdoor show with live birds, not air-conditioned-25 minutes

Which is your favorite way to take a load off while storming the parks?

Don't forget to head over to enter the $100 Disney Gift Card giveaway I'm co-sponsoring!  If you're a fan of my independent travel agent page Magical Moments Vacations by Carra Saigh, you can get two entries in the giveaway!

An Alternative Activity Idea for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

When you think of a Walt Disney World vacation, what comes to mind?  Theme parks?  Of course!  Water parks, character dining, Downtown Disney?  Sure thing!  Drinking or Desserts Around the World?  Most definitely!  Volunteering at a sports event?  That's right!  Wait, what?

What do I mean, volunteering...you're on vacation to relax and have fun, right?  What's this volunteering thing have to do with that?

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World plays hosts to lots of sporting events, from the hugely popular runDisney endurance races like the Disney Marathon to track & field, soccer, Special Olympics and even field hockey events.  And the one thing all these events have in common is the need for hundreds of volunteers to help out so all the games, races and other activities can occur without a hitch.  Sure, there's lots of locals that like to volunteer for these events, but there's always plenty of room for visitors as well.

My sister-in-law and I volunteering at the bag check station for last January's 5K

My personal experience volunteering while at WDW is during the various runDisney race events.  There's lots of positions available, like packet pickup (where runners pick up their race number, shirt and goody bag), water stops along the race course, bag check and the finish line (make a runner's day by draping a finisher's medal around their neck!).  They even have spots available for those that are certified/licensed in different medical areas for the medical tents.  I've tried a little of everything and I'll tell you, it's not hard and doesn't even need to take a lot of your time.  For the races, shifts are usually anywhere from 5-7 hours depending on the type of event and what you'll be doing.

Here I am volunteering at the Expedition Everest Challenge Family Edition event-I helped set up the medal racks, then worked the food table handing out snacks for participants once they finished the race

Think this sounds interesting but don't want to spend your time without getting something in return?  Depending on the event, you'll normally receive a shirt or jacket that you get to keep, a snack box for your shift (usually a sandwich, chips or fruit-sometimes both, maybe a bag of nuts or trail mix plus bottled water), plus as you work, the hours you put in accumulate and once you hit 16 hours, Disney Sports will mail you a one-day, one-park ticket good at any of the four WDW theme parks.  The ticket usually expires a year from it's issue date.  If you are volunteering at one of the longer endurance races like a half marathon or the marathon and work a shift on race day, you'll actually get a free one-day one-park ticket just for working that shift!

Wouldn't you love to get a free park ticket just for volunteering your time?

But more importantly, you'll have a feeling of accomplishment, and of giving back to the community by helping others.  Plus, you're going to have fun.  You can cheer on participants, help encourage them while they compete, and be there to witness their emotional and physical triumphs on the course or field.

My friends on the Running of the Ears website/forum (a group of really fun people who like to run Disney races and support each other while doing so) know I love to head to WDW for their races, but you know--I'm actually getting more addicted to volunteering while I'm there!  Want to check out the volunteer opportunities?  Click here to see the Disney Sports Volunteer page for a listing of events and to register.  But be sure to keep checking back on their page-many events will fill up fast, some even on the day they open for registration!  It is possible to get put on a wait list if you don't get in, and quite often those on the wait list are needed to fill in last minute spots, call-outs and no-shows.  Be aware though, there is a minimum age to volunteer...and you can't bring younger children along with you.  The youngest age I've seen is 12 to be able to volunteer.

So if you're looking for a different kind of experience while at Walt Disney World, be sure to check out the volunteer opportunities with Disney Sports to see if there are any events going on while you're there...you'll be glad you did!

Have you ever volunteered at an event while at WDW?  How was your experience?

**Feedback requested-I'm an Annual Passholder, so since I don't need the park ticket for myself, I'm thinking of making part of the August giveaway.  So what do you think, would you want to win a one-day, one-park ticket?  It is not upgradable since it is a comp ticket.  I'll be announcing the August giveaway within the next week, so any feedback would be appreciated!**

Tuesday Tip-Saving Money at Places Off Walt Disney World Property

Many of you either drive your own car or fly in and get a rental car while staying at Walt Disney World.  This puts you in the position of being able to head off property to check out the surrounding areas.  Want to add some fun extras to your trip?  There are plenty of attractions and restaurants off Disney property that are really great and certainly worth a visit (though I certainly understand staying in that Disney "bubble" to keep the magic going).

Here's a money-saving tip to help you enjoy the rest of the Orlando area: check out all those "coupon" type sites.  Groupon.com will often have area restaurants and/or attractions listed where you can snag attraction tickets or meals for up to half off or even more.  Recently the Pirates Dinner Adventure and Old Town have both posted deals on Groupon.  Living Social is another great site to look for local Orlando area deals-this year they've had deals on tickets for Medieval Times (who doesn't like to watch a good joust with their meal?) and even for Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney.  One cool thing about Living Social is that you can usually share the deal you buy with others, and if at least three others purchase the deal from your link, your deal is free.

Another favorite is Restaurant.com where you can purchase restaurant gift certificates for a fraction of their dollar value, like a $10 certificate for $4 or a $25 one for $10...and even if you don't want to go off property, you'll sometimes see certificates for Crossroads at House of Blues in Downtown Disney (usually a $50 certificate for around $20) or the restaurants in the hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd near Downtown Disney.  And restaurant.com almost always has a discount code out-anywhere from about 30 all the way up to 90% off-to sweeten the deal even more (yes, you read that right-up to 90% off!).

Be sure to check the fine print to see if there are any date restrictions or spending requirements--for example, the House of Blues $50 restaurant certificate usually says you need to spend at least $100, not including alcoholic beverages or tax/tip...but still, if that $50 certificate only costs you $20, you're still saving $30 on that meal (and a great meal at that).  Want to save even more?  If you're a My Coke Rewards member, you can redeem your points for restaurant.com certificates.  Right now, a $50 certificate costs 600 My Coke Rewards points...and that just saved you another $20.

So if you have the ability to head off property, be sure to check out the major deal sites for specials like these to add a little extra fun to your trip.  Even if you're not able to head off property, you may be able to score a great deal on La Nouba or a meal at the House of Blues for an amazing price.

Have you ever used a deal site for specials for your vacation at WDW?  What did you think?  I personally have done many restaurant.com certificates (including House of Blues) and it's always worked out great!

Staying within the "Disney bubble" is always fantastic-but don't overlook the fun deals available off property!

Tuesday Tip-Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort

Want to totally immerse yourselves in the Disney experience?  Staying on Disney property is one of the best ways to keep yourselves in that "Disney bubble".  While staying off property might be cheaper, a Disney resort will make you feel like you're still in the magic.

Disney offers resorts in the Value, Moderate and Deluxe categories so there is a price range for everyone.  While you won't find a free continental breakfast in the lobby (though if you stay club level at a Deluxe resort, there are munchies available to you), all Disney resorts now have at least a mini-fridge, plus Moderate and Deluxe resorts have coffee makers...so if you want to buy your own snacks and drinks to have in the room, you'll have a place to put them.  All rooms now also have free Wi-Fi Internet access.

Staying at a Disney resort means you also have multiple free transportation options to get from your hotel to the parks and/or Downtown Disney.  Every resort will have at least bus transportation, and some also have boats (I highly recommend taking boats during your trip-a very relaxing option).  If you decide to splurge on the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian resorts, you'll also have the monorail available to take you right from your hotel directly to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.  Plus, if you did drive to WDW and stay at an on-property resort, you'll get a parking pass which lets you park at all four theme parks at no cost.

Stay on the monorail line for easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Need to take a break in the middle of your day?  Staying on property means it's a quick trip back to your room for a nap or a nice, cool swimming pool break.  And speaking of those pools, Moderate and Deluxe resorts even have a water slide with their pools.  Many of the on-property hotels also show Disney movies at the main pools at night, as well as games by the pools during the day.

Staying for several days or more?  Refillable mugs are for sale at the resorts (about $15)...purchase one and you can use it at your hotel for the length of your stay.  *Note, if you are using the Dining Plan, one of these mugs will come with your plan*

You can also have any items you purchase in the parks or at Downtown Disney delivered to your hotel for free.  So, no lugging heavy packages around all day!

The best thing about the Disney hotels is their theming.  The Value resorts are a favorite for the kids, with enormous figures like 3-story footballs, Rubik's cubes, musical instruments and characters from Disney movies.  The Moderate and Deluxe resorts have themes like the Victorian era, American Southwest, the beach or Frontier America.  The smallest of details are not forgotten, making you feel like you've stepped into a different time period or geographic location just by returning to your hotel room.

While you may save on your hotel room by staying off property, splurge just a bit for just one WDW trip to see what you're missing.  The convenience, atmosphere and legendary Disney guest service really makes staying on property a great value.

Have you stayed at an on-property Disney resort?  Which is your favorite?  Do you think it increases the overall value of your vacation?

Don't forget-today's the last day to enter the giveaway for the Buzz and Woody Vinylmation figures!  The winner will receive both Buzz and Woody Color Block Vinylmations...whether you're a Toy Story fanatic, Vinylmation collector, or just love all things Disney, be sure to enter the giveaway and share it with others...the more the merrier-after all, the more you share, the more giveaways I can do.  And stay tuned for the August giveaway-lots of fun stuff for TDWF readers!        

Tuesday Tip-The Monorail to Epcot

The monorail...a ride itself!

Most of you are probably aware that there is a monorail at Walt Disney World that takes you from the Magic Kingdom Transportation & Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom itself.  You may also be aware of the Epcot monorail which will take you from the Magic Kingdom's Transportation & Ticket Center to Epcot and back.  This makes it really easy to hop from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot or vice versa during the day without having to board the buses or take your car if you drove.

But don't look at the monorail solely as just a way to get from point A to point B...WDW veterans know the monorail is a ride too!  Hopping on the monorail, especially the Epcot monorail-which takes about 8-10 minutes one-way, 16-20 minutes round-trip-can be a relaxing ride in itself.  It's an air-conditioned, smooth ride, plus you get to see some nice scenery along the way.  It's a great way to take a break from your day, especially if you're about to end your vacation and want to do just one more thing to prolong it ;-)  I like to take one or even two trips around to help cool off and relax a bit before my drive home once vacation time is over.

So your Tuesday tip...take a round-trip monorail ride on the Epcot line, just for the heck of it.  Hey, you (or your spouse...or kids) may even catch a short nap to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Do you ever take the monorail just because?

Don't forget to check out my giveaway for a Toy Story Buzz & Woody pair of Vinylmation figures!  Odds are really good right now...make sure you get yourself entered and share the giveaway with friends and family too!

Tuesday Tip-Catching the Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

I love the fireworks shows that Walt Disney World puts on.  They do a fantastic job, syncing to the music and setting off some really cool shapes.  Other than the holiday fireworks shows which go many steps beyond amazing (New Years Eve, 4th of July, Happy Hallowishes and Holiday Wishes), my favorite is the Wishes fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom, with Illuminations my second choice (sorry Fantasmic, though you're pretty cool too).

I used to be one of those people who would park myself smack in front of the castle in that little circle by the statue of Walt and Mickey...until one night I just didn't make it there in time and was stuck in an area to the right as you are looking at the castle.  And I haven't sat in that circle since.  Why?  Because sitting right in front of the castle means a bunch of those cool fireworks will wind up being blocked by the castle itself!  So here's your tip:

When choosing a viewing spot for Wishes while inside of the park (or any other fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom), try a spot off to the side if you want to be close to the castle.  Better yet, if you'd really like that full castle-facing view, back up to right near Casey's Corner or the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor...then you'll be able to see those lower-hanging fireworks and get a full view of the castle as well.  A great option is to get snacks or a meal from one of those places, grab one of the tables that are right there and enjoy your food while watching.  Some people will go as far back as the 2nd floor of the train station for an even wider view of the show.

Wherever you decide to watch, enjoy the show--WDW puts on some of the best fireworks displays you'll ever see...sprinkled with some extra pixie dust of course!

Don't forget...the latest giveaway for a Toy Story Buzz and Woody pair of Vinylmation figures is now open!  Be sure to check out the giveaway blog post and enter using the Rafflecopter form at the end of the post...and of course, please share with friends and family!  Good luck all!

Tuesday Tip-Meeting Characters Without Wasting a Lot of Time

I love getting pictures taken with the characters when I'm at Walt Disney World.  What I don't love is waiting in a long line...outside...in the blazing sun and sweltering heat...just to meet them to get those coveted pictures.  Not only does that result in me getting hot and sweaty, but it wastes a lot of valuable time standing in line-usually to see just one character per line.  So here's today's Tuesday Tip...

Try a character meal.  Character meals typically feature several characters that you are guaranteed to see  at least once while you're there.  While a character meal might be a bit more expensive than a regular meal (you are paying for premium time with the characters after all), but some things to remember are:

-No waiting in a line outside in that blazing sun just to see a single character (whew!)

-You'll see multiple characters throughout your meal-for example, at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom, you'll usually see Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.

-The characters make the rounds through the dining room so they actually come to your table...that's right, they come to YOU!

-Many character meals are buffets, so even if you have to pay more for the meal, you can eat as much as you want.  A great way to use this to the fullest is by having your meal a lot earlier or a lot later than the traditional mealtime (example-a 10:30am breakfast) and eating a big meal so it will last you quite a while.  With the 10:30am breakfast example, you could have one or two small, filling snacks (instead of lunch) later that afternoon, then have an earlier dinner...even though you pay more for than breakfast, you have one less meal to pay for overall.

So next time you're at WDW, try a character meal (and yes, most character meals are still just one table service credit on the Dining Plan if you're using it!)...you'll find that you can save time and energy while getting to see many characters at once in a relaxed, indoor, air-conditioned setting.  

Have you done a character meal before?  Which one is your favorite?

Tuesday Tip-The Disney Dining Plan and ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations)

Have you heard these before?  “I don’t need reservations for dining, I have the dining plan” or “You don’t need reservations for table service restaurants, you can always just walk up and get seated”?  Yup, I hear these quite a lot actually.  The reality?  The total opposite is quite often true.

Do you have the Dining Plan?  Make sure you get to use your credits!

First-what’s the difference between Quick Service and Table Service restaurants?  Think of it like this...Quick Service is like a fast food restaurant-you place your order, pick it up at a counter, then seat yourself and clean up after yourself.  Table service is like a casual dining restaurant-a host seats you, you have a server that takes your order, brings your food and clears your table.  Quick Service is just that-meant to be fast to get you in and get you back out again as speedily as possible.  Table service allows you time to sit back and relax, allowing you to dine at a more leisurely pace.

The very nature of Table Service (taking longer to have your meal than Quick Service) means there are less available seatings for these types of restaurants.  And with thousands of guests on the dining plan...and thousands more who aren’t but still want to eat at WDW’s yummy and very popular Tables Service locations, making Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) has gone from a “just in case” idea to a necessity.  Especially when those Free Dining promotions are running!

Character meals get booked up pretty quickly-make your ADR early!

Here’s your tip...you can make your ADRs up to 180 days in advance of your visit.  The most popular restaurants and prime meal times will fill up quickly like Be Our Guest, Le Cellier and any character meals, so if eating at a particular restaurant or during a particular time of day is important to you, be ready to go online (6am disneyworld.com/dining) or call in (7am 407-WDW-DINE) to make your reservations.  There are a handful of restaurants that don’t take ADRs such as the ESPN Club, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Kouzzina by Cat Cora and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop...but for the most part, if it’s a Table Service restaurant at WDW, you should be able to make an ADR.

Some Table Service locations don't take ADRs-be sure to plan ahead

After all, you don’t want to let those Table Service credits go to waste, right? While you could use a Table Service credit for a Quick Service meal if there was absolutely no Table Service restaurant available, you’d be wasting the value of that Table Service meal.  So, do a little pre-vacation planning to choose where and when you’d like to spend those Table Service credits and be sure to make those ADRs as soon as the 180 day point hits.

Did you know...if you book your trip through me, I’d be glad to help you with those ADRs too!  

Tuesday Tip-Epcot's Germany-It's the Little Things...

If you've been to Epcot and checked out the Germany pavilion in the World Showcase, you may have noticed the amazing model train landscape they have set up there.  There's a little village, trees and landscaping, a little farm...all in miniature.  There's usually three trains running, though sometimes you may only see one or two chugging along.

Now for the fun tip...

You know how Disney is known for its amazing attention to even the smallest of details, right?  If you're lucky enough to be able to visit Walt Disney World more than once, especially if it's at different times of the year, be sure to carefully scrutinize the display.  The setup will change depending on the time of year.  During the winter, the little town is decorated for the holidays, and during Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival, you'll see miniature food booths just like the food booths around the World Showcase!  There's even people standing around tall tables enjoying what they got at the booths and a mini-cranberry bog, just like the real-life cranberry bog they had for the festival!

Miniature Food & Wine Festival Booths in the train set

So, on your next trip to Epcot, be sure to check out the trains in Germany and see what setup they have going on.  My favorite?  Many years ago in the farm section, there was a crop circle in the middle of the farmer's field and they had the farmer standing next to it with his head tilted back staring up at the sky as if he was looking for the aliens who did it.  The best part?  The crop circle was in the shape of a Mickey head!

Do you check out the trains whenever you visit?  What different setups have you seen?

Here's a wider view of the above set...see the walkway at the top?  That's where you can walk thru, so it will help with the perspective of the size of the setup (and yes, there's more of the model trains on the other side of the walkway-there's a tunnel that takes the trains thru to the other side!)

Don't forget while you're here to check out the giveaway I'm doing for a cute Disney Vinylmation figure!  Only a couple days left to enter and right now the odds are really good for anyone entered!  Click HERE to check it out, then check back again on the blog next month for another Vinylmation giveaway!

Tuesday Tip-Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris

One of the most popular attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa section of the park.  There's the hope of seeing real wild animals close up and personal and it can be a fantastic opportunity for photographs.  Today's tip?  Don't ride just once-try to fit in multiple rides at different times of the day or even on multiple days across your whole trip.  Most guests report seeing the most activity from the animals in the morning hours before the heat and humidity of the Florida day start to really take hold, but don't forget-these are live animals that roam around freely in their areas so you never know what you'll see from ride to ride.  And don't forget to keep your camera ready-you never know when or where a cool animal will pop up!

Almost close enough to touch-the beige-colored pole on the right side of the picture is part of our vehicle, that's how close this one was!

Don't forget-there's still time left to enter my giveaway for a Color Block Goofy Vinylmation figure!  Stop on by-there's several options to gain entries-and please share with others!  Thanks all!

Tuesday Tip-Epcot's Spaceship Earth

The moment you enter Epcot this is the sight that dominates-Spaceship Earth.  A relaxing ride through the history of communication, crowds of people head directly for it the moment they open the gates.  Tip for the day?  Wait until later in the day to ride instead.  The crowds will be significantly lower and in many cases you should be able to just walk right on...so save it for your last ride on the way out instead of your first ride on the way in, especially first thing in the morning.

Tuesday Tip-A Little Extra Magic for Those Celebrating While at Walt Disney World

Will you be celebrating something during your Walt Disney World Trip?  Maybe a birthday, an anniversary, engagement, marriage or a personal triumph?  Make sure you have your travel agent note this on your reservation (or you can do this yourself if you prefer making the reservation on your own). Normally when you check in to your WDW resort, the Cast Member will see the notation and offer you a pin to wear to show what you are celebrating:

For the birthday one, the Cast Member will write your name on the button (or have you write it) and when you're wearing it other Cast Members will tell you Happy Birthday.  You could actually write things on any of the buttons-like for the Personal Triumph--maybe you're running your first half or full marathon at WDW, you could put that on the button; or you and your spouse's names on the anniversary, engaged or just married buttons, etc.  Cast Members will congratulate you when they see it.

If it's not offered at check-in (for example, if it was listed on your reservation too close to your trip so the resort didn't receive the information), be sure to let the Cast Member who is checking you in know you are celebrating something and if the buttons aren't offered, just ask for them--they'll be happy to provide them.

Just another way Disney likes to add a little magic to your vacation!

Have you ever gotten a celebration button while at WDW?  I've gotten the birthday, anniversary and "I'm Celebrating!" ones before :-)

Tuesday Tip-Wake-Up Calls at Walt Disney World Resorts

For a much more fun start to your day when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, request a wake-up call instead of using an alarm clock or your cell phone.  When the call comes, it will be a Disney character on the other end of the line!

Miscellaneous Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks Part 2-Money-Saving Tips

Continuing on with some more miscellaneous Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks...this time, some money-saving tips:

-Want to save a day on your park tickets?  If you’re going to WDW during the Fall or Holiday seasons, consider attending either Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  Tickets for the parties run between $60-$70 depending on the date of the party and whether you are a Passholder or DVC member.  A single-day ticket for the theme parks runs $89 plus tax.  Save one of the days on your park passes by using one of the parties to visit the Magic Kingdom instead.  Cast members usually start letting party-goers enter the park at 4pm (even though the parties technically don’t begin until 7pm), then the parties last until midnight.  So you have 8 hours of time in the park, plus some fantastic extras...during the Halloween party you get to trick-or-treat throughout the park, during the Christmas party you get free cookies and hot cocoa...plus at both parties, you’ll see characters out that are not normally seen in the parks-like all seven dwarfs at once and together!  Both parties have special fireworks shows and parades.  The Boo To You Halloween parade can only be seen at the party and is a real treat!  Check out my post about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for more information.

-In Epcot and thirsty?  Want some free soda?  Head over to Club Cool (to the right of the fountain as you head toward World Showcase).  Here you can try Coca-Cola products from different countries around the world-as much as you want and all for free!

-Save money on your counter service meal by ordering the entree without the side.  For example, at Pizza Planet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, when you order a personal pizza, it comes with a side salad.  You can tell them you don’t want the salad and your meal will be cheaper.  Same thing with bags of chips (and sometimes fries) with many of the sandwiches.

-You can ask for a cup of ice water at any counter service or snack location and they will give it to you for free.  Don’t like the taste of the water?  Bring along a container of Mio water flavoring or individual packets of Crystal Light to add to the water.  Much cheaper than getting a bottle of soda and healthier as well.

-If you are an Annual Passholder, you get many discounts as a perk.  One of the great discounts is 15% off the tours they offer.  A great way to save some $$$ if you were wanting to try out one of those behind-the-scenes tours!

-To help you get the most out of your meals (especially if you are on the Disney Dining Plan), try keeping small breakfast snacks in your hotel room like breakfast bars/granola bars so you can eat something light before starting your day in the park.  You could also use a snack credit for breakfast if you’re on the dining plan by getting something like a cinnamon roll (they’re pretty big!).   Then have a late breakfast/early lunch around 10:30-11:00 to fill yourselves up (a buffet meal works good for this since you can go back for more).  Then have your regular dinner in the evening.  This way, you’re only paying for 2 full meals instead of 3 each day and can still feel full throughout the day.  Don't forget-all WDW resorts now have small refrigerators/beverage coolers in the rooms!

-Whenever possible, travel to WDW in the off-season for lower hotel prices.  Avoid crowded periods such as Summer vacation, Spring Break, holiday weekends and the week between Christmas and New Years.  You can also check out my blog post on The Best Times of the Year for a Walt Disney World Visit.  And while staying off-property will most likely be cheaper, there are many perks when you stay on-property that make it a better deal, such as free parking at the theme parks if you have a car and Disney’s free Magical Express bus service to and from the Orlando airport if you flew in.  For a more in-depth look at the advantages to staying on-property, take a look at my blog post on Staying on Disney property vs staying off property.

-Don’t assume booking a family suite will automatically be cheaper than two individual rooms.  Many times you can get two regular rooms for less than the cost of a family suite.  You can request connecting rooms-whenever possible WDW will try to honor those requests...be sure your travel agent logs that request when booking your trip.

I hope some of these tips help you save money on your WDW trip!  Need help planning and booking your next trip?  Give me a shout, I can help you plan and book your Disney vacation for the best price and I'll continually monitor your reservation for any new discounts that come out.  

What tips and tricks do you use to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation?  Have you ever tried any of those listed here?

Miscellaneous Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks Part 1-General Tips

This is the first part of a multiple part series of tips and tricks for your Walt Disney World Resort visit.

-All Walt Disney World Resorts now offer free Wi-Fi access and at least a beverage cooler (kind of like a mini-fridge but with no freezer compartment and not quite as cold).

-Want to stay connected but don’t want to lug your laptop on your WDW vacation?  Bring your iPad or other tablet instead.  Since all WDW Resorts now have free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected without all the extra stuff to bring.  Plus, your tablet will fit in the free in-room wall safe with room to spare for other valuables you may have brought.

-Are you flying in to WDW?  Getting from the airport to your WDW Resort and back again is a snap when you use Disney’s Magical Express service.  They’ll even take care of getting your luggage to your room for you (even if your room isn’t ready when you arrive).  The best part?  The service is complimentary so there’s no extra strain on your vacation budget!

-Don’t feel like lugging all those souvenirs you’ve purchased around the parks or while you check out Downtown Disney?  Just have them all sent back to your resort and you can pick them up at your resort’s gift shop or front desk.  Not staying on property?  No problem- park purchases can be sent to a package pickup point at the front of the park, then on your way out for the day you can just pick them up.  The cost for this service?  Nothing-another helpful freebie Disney provides.  Don’t think you’ll have space to take everything on your trip home?  No problem-you can arrange to have your packages shipped home instead, however there will be a fee for the shipping.

-Not interested in parades or fireworks?  Use that time to get in a lot of ride time.  With so many people watching the parades (especially the Main Street Electrical Parade) and fireworks shows, the lines for the rides during those times are much shorter.

-Have you ever parked your car at one of the WDW theme parks, then at the end of the night forgot the lot name and row number?  After you park, take a picture of the lot name/row number with your phone or digital camera (if your camera has a picture viewing screen) and you can just check it at the end of the day.

-WDW Resort Guests have the perk of Extra Magic Hours where they can either get into one of the parks earlier than guests staying off-property or staying at one of the parks later.  Once you find out which parks have those Extra Magic Hours, plan your days around that.  If you stay off-property you’ll want to avoid the Extra Magic Hours park(s) since they are normally the busiest park(s) of the day.  If you are staying on-property, you may want to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours until an hour or so after the park opens, then hop over to a different park (if your tickets are park hoppers) for the rest of the day.  For evening Extra Magic Hours, take advantage of one of the other parks during the day, then you can hop over to enjoy the extra hours after the off-site guests have left.  I’ve found that taking advantage of the morning Extra Magic Hours is usually more productive than the evening ones.

-Want to relax for more than just one trip around Tomorrowland on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (the Peoplemover)?  If there is not a huge line of guests waiting to board when you get back to the station, ask the cast member at the exit station if you can remain on... but DO NOT get out of the car until you ask. Once you exit the car, you’ll have to exit the attraction and then go thru the entrance again to get back on.  Usually if it’s not too busy, when you ask they’ll shut the door of your car and you can go back around again.

Stay tuned for the next installment...