And don't forget to head on over to enter the $100 Disney Gift Card giveaway that I'm co-sponsoring! Liking my business page, Magical Moments Vacations by Carra Saigh, is worth two entries!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Where in Walt Disney World Am I Wednesday
Another one that shouldn't be too hard. Okay all...where can you find this awesome golf cart at Walt Disney World?
And don't forget to head on over to enter the $100 Disney Gift Card giveaway that I'm co-sponsoring! Liking my business page, Magical Moments Vacations by Carra Saigh, is worth two entries!
And don't forget to head on over to enter the $100 Disney Gift Card giveaway that I'm co-sponsoring! Liking my business page, Magical Moments Vacations by Carra Saigh, is worth two entries!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
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!
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.
-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!
Monday, August 12, 2013
$100 Disney Gift Card Giveaway! And another giveaway to come this month!
In addition to the gift card giveaway, in celebration of my one-year anniversary as an independent travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations I'm going to expand my August Vinylmation giveaway that I'll be posting next week to include extra prizes. I've got some fun stuff rounded up, so stay tuned for more info next week!
Speaking of giveaways, congratulations to Nicole M on winning my July Vinylmation giveaway of the Toy Story Buzz and Woody pair! I've confirmed with her and Buzz and Woody are taking flight on their way to her :-)
So, stop on by to enter the $100 Disney Gift Card giveaway (be sure to show some love for all of the sponsoring pages!) and keep an eye out here for my August giveaway coming next week.
What would you do with the $100 Disney Gift Card if you are the winner?
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
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 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.
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!
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?
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.
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| My sister-in-law and I volunteering at the bag check station for last January's 5K |
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| 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 |
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| Wouldn't you love to get a free park ticket just for volunteering your time? |
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!**
Where in Walt Disney World Am I Wednesday-Flying Balloons
Okay, since the last couple seemed to be a bit tough, here's an easy one...where in Walt Disney World am I?
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
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!
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!
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| Staying within the "Disney bubble" is always fantastic-but don't overlook the fun deals available off property! |
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Walt Disney World-Fall Free Dining and Fall Room-Only Discounts Now Available!
You heard that right, the Fall promotions have now been released! Here's the information...be sure to contact me if you'd like a free quote or to book your trip. You can fill out the quote form on my website, contact me on Facebook (be sure to "like" my page while you're there!) or use the contact me tab at the top of the page here.
Fall Free Dining has been released at Walt Disney World:
Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package (includes room and theme park tickets) at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer can be booked through September 15, 2013 and is valid for arrivals most nights:
September 29 to October 2, 2013
October 18 to November 2, 2013
November 11 to November 23, 2013
December 12 to December 22, 2013
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
Offer excludes:
Campsites
3-Bedroom Villas
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Don't need a dining plan while at WDW? Fall room-only discounts have been released too!
Save up to 30% on stays at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights:
Sept 29 thru Nov 9, 2013—book by Sept 15, 2013
Nov 10 thru Nov 22, 2013* and Nov 30 through Dec 23, 2013—book by Nov 3, 2013
* In addition to the dates above, this offer is also valid for stays Nov 23 to Nov 25, 2013 at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.
** Offer valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites for stays the following nights: Sept 29 to Oct 5, 2013, Oct 20 to Nov 2, 2013, Nov 10 to Nov 22, 2013 and Dec 15 to Dec 23, 2013.
Value Resorts-save 15%
Moderate Resorts-save 20%
Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts-save 30%
Note: Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Moderate and Deluxe Resort suites may be available at a lower discount; please call for information. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas and The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Will you be taking advantage of free dining this Fall?
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