Hey Mom & Dad...It is your vacation, too!

Ok, Mom & Dad...I think you all need a little talking to.  You work so hard for very limited vacation dollars.  You work.  You save.  You are going to take your kids to Disney.  You want this vacation to be absolutely magical.  I get it - and I am on board!  But guess what?  This is your vacation, too!  So start acting like it!

I cannot tell you how many families that I have talked to when the adult coordinator (usually Mom) tells me.  "Oh, that sounds like fun!  *sigh* But little Johnny would probably not enjoy that."  That is when I step and and firmly but kindly remind mom that little Johnny is not paying for this trip!

Yes, Disney is a great place for kids and families.  Yes, most of us parents plan a trip specifically for the kids or grandkids.  We are willing to cough up a lot of money to make sure they have a great time and and experience that they will remember forever.  But this is a family vacation, and everyone should get to do something that they want to do!

I  unapologetically tell my kids, that since we have done everything that you wanted to do all day long, it is my turn to pick.  End of story.  And you know what?  It works!  In fact, I think they like the idea of letting Mom or Dad be the kid and have some fun our way. 

Disney actually is on board with this idea, and makes it easy for parents to have fun, too!

• Dining - If you want to try a nice restaurant or a more adventurous spot, Disney has you covered.  Kids are welcome anywhere, except the super-posh Victoria & Albert's.  Every restaurant has a kids menu with a sub-set of the Disney kids menu staples.  Aim for a meal time close to when you eat at home.  At dinner, your kids should be appropriately tired from a busy day that they will hopefully sit still and behave.  Try not to ask to much of the little guys by pushing a meal into the bedtime hour.  We all know that can end disastrously!  I am not ashamed to admit that I will use the next day's activities as a powerful bribery tool.  (If the gentle warning "Santa is watching." works for you for the month of December, the "Mickey is watching." works just as well at Disney!) 
• Rider Swap - If you have a kiddo that is to small to ride, or too scared to enjoy, it does not mean that you can't!  Take advantage of the Rider Swap option.  Essentially, the Rider Swap allows your family to stand in line once, but to allow each parent to ride separately.  Think of it as a fastpass for the second adult. 
• Date Night - Disney has some great kids club options.  Several of the Deluxe hotels have clubs that will allow you to drop off your kids in a safe and fun spot for the evening.  Not only will you enjoy some grown up time, but your kids will have a ball!
• Spa Day - Let your spouse enjoy the pool with the kids for the afternoon and you enjoy the spa.  A pedi for those tired feet is a great treat!
• Head out Solo - This is a frequently overlooked option!  I regularly put the children and husband to bed and then take off on my own.  I enjoy a late night shopping adventure at Downtown Disney without my kids in tow.  I can do twice the shopping in half the time, and save money!  I will also often head out to a park that is open late.  It is a great time to take some pictures, scope out / preview attractions you are not sure your kids will enjoy, eat a great snack, or just wander around on your own.  Fair is fair, though...the next night you have to stay in with the sleeping kids and let your spouse go explore.

So, on your next Disney vacation, I strongly urge you to take a little time - even if it is only a few minutes and do something just for you.  You work hard - you have earned it!  I promise that your kids will forgive you if you have some fun yourself.  A happy mom is a good mom!  You can always remind your kids that the more fun YOU have, the more likely you are to return!  'nuff said!

Marathoning with the Mouse…

The Mouse Connection Blog would like to welcome it's second guest blogger, Lindsey Porter.  Lindsey loves all things Disney and is a Travel Agent with TMC Travel.  She is also in much better shape that I am...

My husband and I have made a pact to start exercising. Well, it’s more of a challenge really. I tend to do a little better when there’s some friendly competition involved. I thought I might start running again and when I thought about finding a race to train for, I thought about Disney’s big Marathon in January. When I started researching this topic, I was surprised (and excited) that Disney offered so many races to all types of runners during this weekend, not to mention all of the other races offered throughout the year they host. Although I currently can’t run from here to my mailbox without feeling out of breath, one of the races during the Disney World Marathon Weekend might just be what I need to get me motivated. What better way to reward myself for training for a race than a trip to Disney? Complete my race, then enjoy a week in the parks with my family? It might just work.

In 2012, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend runs from Thursday, January 5th-Sunday, January 8th. The festivities begin Thursday with Disney’s Health and Wellness Expo running from 10:00 am-7:00 pm at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. Runners begin their marathon weekend here to check in and receive their packets. The Expo offers seminars on training, racing and nutrition. Runners can also pick up their marathon gear, and get information on the latest and greatest training apparel and equipment. The Expo remains open at scheduled times throughout the weekend. After participants check in on Thursday, they can head over to Epcot for the Pasta in the Park party from 6:30-8:30 pm. This includes a buffet dinner (pack those carbs on for a lot of extra energy!), a live DJ, character visits, and great reserved seating for Illuminations; Epcot’s nighttime spectacular! This marathon kick-off party requires a separate ticket and reservations.

Disney hosts the Family Fun Run 5K in Epcot on Friday, January 6th at 6:30 am (c’mon moms…you know your kids are up anyway…). This family event does include a stroller division, so if even the kiddos aren’t quite old enough to keep up the pace on their own two feet, families can still participate together. Participants receive a t-shirt, a medallion (or two if you’re pushing your little future marathoner in the stroller), a program guide, a goody bag, and refreshments throughout and after the race. Then, on Friday and Saturday at 11:00 am, at the ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex, Disney hosts the Kids’ Races. Disney has a variety of events for kids all ages. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers under 12 months old. All children under the age of 13 can participate in the Mickey Mile held on Friday. Children that participate in these events will receive a t-shirt, a goody bag, a medallion, and refreshments. Early Saturday morning (5:30 am…moms, I hope you’re not up this early everyday…) the serious runners get going in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon event. Participants in the Half Marathon will enjoy plenty of goodies such a long sleeved half marathon shirt, a Donald Duck finisher medal, refreshments, and much more including a Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and character appearances.

Just as bright and early on Sunday morning, Disney presents two opportunities to participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon. Runners can either run the magical 26.2 miles individually or they can sign up as a relay team of two people. Both races begin simultaneously in Epcot, wind through the Magic Kingdom (where the relay teams switch runners in the parking lot), continue through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and back to Epcot for a big celebratory finish with Mickey and friends. Participants of the Marathon receive many of the same goodies as the Half Marathoners, with the exception of the Marathon finisher medals which have Mickey on them.

Now, I am fully impressed by anyone who can finish any of these events. 5K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon…they’re all amazing accomplishments in my book. However, there is one final event that can only be described as downright astonishing. It’s called Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. It’s for those runners who are, well, goofy. Runners participate in the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday to complete 39.3 miles of running in two days. Not only will finishers receive the Donald Duck medal and the Mickey Mouse medal, but the Goofy finisher medal, signifying that they completed both events. Make sure to go ahead and book yourself into a spa day at the Grand Floridian Resort on Monday. You’re going to need it.

Make sure to tack on a few extra days in Disney World after your event(s). With the wide variety of resorts and the awesome Free Dining deal going on right now for resort guests, why wouldn’t you stay to relax, celebrate, and show off those medals?

So, if the wide variety of family and individual events, the free dining, and the general perks of running in one of the events on Disney Marathon Weekend hasn’t convinced you to try it out, consider the following: Where else can you run a race through multiple countries in one day, take pictures with characters at music-filled and themed water stops, watch the sun rise over Spaceship Earth, wave to crowds on the Monorail overhead as you run by, run through Cinderella’s Castle while taking in the view of crowds spilling into Main Street USA, pass the breathtaking scenery around many of Disney’s beautiful resorts, experience the views of early morning Animal Kingdom, run down Hollywood Boulevard, and finally, cross over a finish line to celebrate with a dancing Mickey and Minnie Mouse? Nowhere but Disney World. And those may be all the reasons I need to motivate myself to start training.

If you want to join me in a quest for exercise, a healthier lifestyle, personal achievement, and a great excuse to visit Disney World, please contact me at Lindsey@tmctravelonline.com. From where to stay to when to run, I can help you plan your Walt Disney world vacation, and as always, my services are free. The Walt Disney World Marathon is a great place to start, but Disney hosts many amazing running events throughout the year. Please contact me for more information on any of the events listed below. No matter which one you choose to participate in, you can plan on the same magical atmosphere and Disney perks during them all:

January 5-8, 2012-Walt Disney World Marathon

February 24-26, 2012-The Disney Princess Half Marathon (geared toward us ladies!)


March 2-4, 2012-The Champion 5K (During ESPN The Weekend. This is by far my best chance to get my husband to participate.)


May 2012-Expedition Everest Challenge (Adventure run and scavenger hunt through Animal Kingdom…for those adventurous athletes.)


Fall 2012-Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon (Most of this event is already full for Fall 2011. The slogan for this race is “The Run is a Beauty. The Party is a Beast.” Sounds like my kind of event.)

Thanks, Lindsey!  You have almost imspired me to put on my running shoes....almost! ;)

Minnie and Minnie Method Soap - a fun touch!

So, you guys know I love all things Mickey....no surprise there!  People often assume that my home is overflowing with the latest and greatest Disney collectibles and decor.  But surprise...hardly a Mickey in site.  My few items of Disney "stuff" is confined to my little corner of my office.  I display all of my trading pins on a bulletin board, and I have some photos, and posters around, but that is really the extent of it.

My girls have a bit more going on in their rooms, lanyards, trading pins, ears, plus princess and fairy stuff galore.  They are 100% on board with my Disney affection and think I am perhaps the coolest mom ever for helping people plan their Disney trips!  (My oldest is actually my best little PR person...she should probably be getting paid.)

As we were wandering the aisles of Target this week stocking up on school supplies we wandered over to the hand sanitizer (gotta send a big tub o' that stuff!)  and as I was putting a few vats of it in the shopping cart I hear squeals of delight followed by "Oh, Mommy!!!  PLEASE!!!"  It sounded odd because they never ask for things in stores - they are fanatically trying to save their money (and ours!) for a Disney Cruise this spring.  Extremely curious as to what had them so excited and willing to actually spend money, I went over to investigate.  They had found the cutest bottle of Micky and Minnie hand soap from Method.  At only $3.89 it was absolutely going home with us.

Minnie now sits proudly in their bathroom.  Preliminary studies indicate that children in my home are much more likely to wash their hands if they get to use the cute Minnie Mouse soap.  Who knew?!?  Perhaps I should make Minnie disappear until cold and flu season is in full swing.

So if you want to add some Mickey or Minnie fun to you home to get excited about your trip...or to mitigate post Disney vacation funk, head over to Target and get you a bottle!  Of course, now I am left wondering, it this the beginning of "Mouse Creep" in my home....

Free Dining Announced for Many Dates In 2011 & 2012

The free dining announcement announced this morning is even more delicious than the wildly speculated rumor circling every corner of the internet over the last week!  Disney has announced free dining dates for many travel windows through the end of the year and even into 2012.  The savings for this promotion can quickly add up, making a favorite for many guest (especially those staying in Value and Moderates.)  As an FYI, a hefty room discount is often the best promotion for those staying in Deluxe resorts (still no word on what, if any room discounts are coming.)

So here is the scoop:

2011 Travel Dates

October 2, 2011 – October 8, 2011

October 23, 2011 – November 5, 2011

November 13, 2011 – November 19, 2011
November 27, 2011 – December 3, 2011
December 11, 2011 – December 17,2011

2012 Travel Dates

January 8, 2012 to January 14, 2012
January 22, 2012 to February 4, 2012
February 12, 2012 to February 18, 2012
March 4, 2012 to March 10, 2012
March 25, 2012 to March 31, 2012

You can book this discount from August 3 - Oct 29 pending availability.  A three night minimum stay is required as is a 2 day ticket.

This will be a very popular offer, folks!  Do not delay with making your plans.  If you are still tentative about your travel plans I would recommend that you go ahead and reserve your spot.  A $200 deposit is required to do so and it is fully refundable up until 45 days prior to travel when your final payment is due.

As always, I would love to help plan your Disney vacation.  As a reminder TMC Travel never charges a fee for our services and we offer a free gift for everyone in your travel party with the purchase of a 4 or more day vacation package!

If you have already booked a trip with me, be assured that I have spent the morning on hold with the Mouse having the discount applied to your existing reservation.  I will be contacting you with some good news soon!

Christmas in July - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Well, July has managed to fly by!  I guess I had better sneak in one more Christmas in July post while I have the chance.  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party is a separate ticketed event held in the Magic Kingdom in November and December.  Tickets for this event are not part of your base or Park Hopper ticket, are purchased for a specific day and are not inexpensive, so if you are going to make a trip to Disney World for the holidays, you will want to plan ahead for the party.

The most common question  I get about the party is "Is it worth it?"  While I can say my whole family did enjoy the party, it is not something that we would necessarily do every year.  The party officially starts at 7:00 and ends at midnight, but you will be allowed entry to the Magic Kingdom beginning at 4:00.  This essentially gives you a park hop into the Magic Kingdom for the day.  We used this as such and decided to go to the party in lieu purchasing a park hopper ticket.  Even though you can get into the park beginning at 4:00, the day crowds will not be asked to leave until 7:00 and there is nothing special going on until that time.  As a result, if you have young kids who turn into pumpkins at 8:30, this might not be the event for you...wait a few more years until you can get the biggest bang for your buck.  Of course, that being said, we did the party on the last night of our vacation and allowed the 4 year old to stay up until the bitter end.  Shockingly, she was game and we drug her out of the park at midnight with a smile on her face!

So what makes Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party special than a regular night in the Magic Kingdom?

• Low Crowds - Attendance at the party is capped at a reasonable number.  Parties early in the season and on week nights have notoriously sparse crowds.  This means that most attractions are "walk-ons" for most of the night.
• Special Characters - You will find lots of favorite friends in the parks.  Last year the princesses were accompanied by their princes and we used the rare sighting of all Seven Dwarfs as our Christmas Card Photo.  You will also see many characters in spiffy holiday attire, so it is worth stopping by for another visit.
• Snow on Main Street - Ok, so the "snow" vaguely resembles Palmolive, but it is still a fun and festive touch.  Who cares if your kids belch bubbles for a few days?!?  (Kidding!)
• Cookies and Cocoa - There are several refreshment stations through out the park serving an assortment of snacks.  We splurged with Christmas Cookies and Hot Chocolate, but there were some healthier options as well.
• The Christmas Parade - The evening parade is different for the party than what you may have seen on the previous evening.  The parades are all perfectly holiday themed as are the characters riding them.  The Toy Soldiers and the Gingerbread Cookies "hot off the pan" are big hits as well.  And like any good Christmas Parade St Nick himself makes a special appearance.  Hint:  The parade runs twice a night and the second parade is always less crowded!
• Holiday Wishes - The fireworks are absolutely spectacular.  A must see.  Even if you opt not to attend the Christmas party, I recommend finding a spot outside of the Magic Kingdom. 
• Special Stage Shows

While the party is a lot of fun, there are a few things to consider:

• Cost - Tickets start at $56.95 for adults and $51.95 for children 3-9 for off peak dates if you purchase your tickets in advance.  Expect to pay a $6 premium for peak nights.  For a family of 4 that can quickly add up! 
• It is a late night.  - While I am a night owl and hanging out in the Magic Kingdom to midnight and beyond sounds fantastic to me, it is certainly not for everyone!  Make sure that you will at least be able to stay long enough to enjoy the parade and fireworks.
• Controlled Chaos from 6:45-7:45 - During the early evening hours, all daytime guest are politely but firmly asked to leave.  All Party guests are asked to obtain a wristband to indicate that you are a party guest.  I felt like I should have just walked around with my wrist in the air for the hour or so that it took to make sure everyone was where they belonged.  Also, be aware that if you choose to arrive right at 7:00, you will be like a salmon swimming up stream! 

If you would like to purchase tickets to MVMCP click here for more information.  If you have already booked your vacation with me or if you would like to, I will be happy to handle this for you.

Here are some pictures from our night of holiday fun last year...Enjoy!



Our Seven Miner Friends





My oldest getting down to some Black Eyed Peas with her favorite chipmunk! 

(Lots of missing teeth between the two of them!)

First Parade Float

The Gingerbread Men from the front...





 

And the back!



The adorable Toy Soldiers

Christmas in July - The Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is a beautiful Christmas performance showing at Epcot that is not to be missed!  The Candlelight Processional is a beautiful, reverent reading of the Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator.  In addition to the narrator, a mass choir carrying candles (hence the name!), 50 piece live orchestra, and the Voices of Liberty round out this fantastically talented group.

The show is held three times each night (5:00, 6:45, and 8:15) from late November through December at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure in Epcot.  This show is free with regular admission to Epcot.  However, because seating is very limited for this popular show, the only way to be guaranteed a seat is through the purchase of the Candlelight Processional Dining Package.  The Dining Package includes lunch or dinner at one of Epcot's fantastic table service restaurants, seats for the show, and preferred viewing for the Illuminations Fireworks show.

My family got to enjoy Susan Lucci's reading of the Christmas story last year on my husband's birthday...definitely his most original gift from me!  Here is a  quick video clip from our show:

One other note...the American Gardens theater is an outdoor venue. We ended up with shockingly cold weather during our stay. But even on pleasant December days, it can be a bit cool once the sun sets. It is wise to come armed with cooler weather gear - at least a pair of gloves. You may not find yourself chilly at all while you are "out and about" cruising around the parks, but sitting on a metal bench in an outdoor theater, perched over water is a whole other story! You will want to hear the performance, not your teeth chattering, I promise!


This years celebrity narrators include:
•11/25 - 11/27: Mira Sorvino

•11/28 - 12/01: Michael W. Smith

•12/02 - 12/03: Whoopi Goldberg
•12/04 - 12/06: TBA
•12/07 - 12/09: Isabela Rossellini
•12/10 - 12/12: Neil Patrick Harris
•12/13- 12/14: TBA
•12/16 - 12/18: TBA
•12/19 - 12/21: Trace Adkins
•12/22 - 12/24: Susan Lucci
•12/25 - 12/27: Blair Underwood
•12/28 - 12/30: Marlee Matlin (interpreter: Jack Jason)


Disney will begin taking dining reservations for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package on July 26.  The reservation will require a credit card guarantee.  You can use the dining plan (credit card guarantee still applies) to book your reservation.  This reservation will use 2 of your table service credits, but will also include an appetizer, which is not usually part of the dining plan. 

Each show will have an allotted dining window prior to the performance.  Guest viewing the 5:00 show will have a lunch reservation.  Guests at the 6:45 show, have a rather awkward late afternoon dinner.  Guests at the 8:15 show will have a more reasonable "early dinner" time, but may not have time after the show to find a good spot for Illuminations in the preferred viewing area. 

Participating restaurants include:

(Prices do not include tax or gratuity)

Biergarten Restaurant
Lunch $ 32.99 adult / $ 17.99 child
Dinner $ 50.99 / $ 25.99

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Lunch $ 38.99 / $ 12.99
Dinner $ 49.99 / $ 15.99

Le Cellier Steakhouse
Lunch $ 53.99 / $ 14.99

Garden Grill Restaurant
Dinner $ 52.99 / $ 26.99

Coral Reef
Lunch $ 51.99 / $ 13.99
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

Nine Dragons
Lunch $ 38.99 adult / $ 12.99 child
Dinner $ 49.99 / $ 15.99

Restaurant Marrakesh
Lunch $ 38.99 / $ 12.99
Dinner $ 49.99 / $ 15.99

San Angel Inn
Lunch $ 38.99 / $ 12.99
Dinner $ 49.99 / $ 15.99

Via Napoli
Lunch $ 38.99 / $ 12.99
Dinner $ 49.99 / $ 15.99

Les Chefs de France
Lunch $ 51.99 / $ 13.99
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

Tokyo Dining
Lunch $ 51.99 / $ 13.99
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

Teppan Edo
Lunch $ 51.99 / $ 13.99
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

Tutto Italia
Lunch $ 51.99 / $ 13.99
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

Hacienda de San Angel
Dinner $ 64.99 / $ 17.99

I highly recommend this beautiful show if you are headed to the World after Thanksgiving and before the New Year.  Please let me know if I can help you plan and book your trip.  I will be happy to make your Candlelight Processional Dining Reservation for you as well!

Christmas in July - Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

And a spectacle it is! No Holiday trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios

would be complete without an evening stroll down the Streets of America to enjoy this enormous display of lights.

As you wander down the street you may be surprised to know that the majority of the lights in the display were once part of a private "collection" owned by Jennings Osborne. A resident of Arkansas, Mr.. Osborne set out to fulfill his daughters Christmas wish of covering their home in lights for the holidays. Like my husband who will do anything to please his daughters a mere 1000 lights the first year was not enough. Each year, their display grew and grew. They even purchased adjacent properties to extend their Christmas passion. Over a million lights and many a traffic jam later, the neighbors (understandably!) had had enough. When the Osborne family refused to take down the lights, the local residents petitioned the courts for help. Fortunately, it was Disney to the rescue. An offer was made to move the lights to a permanent new home at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Since 1995 visitors, including the Osborne family, come from all over the world each year to wander through the streets, sip hot cocoa, enjoy the Florida "snow", and admire the spectacular display of dancing lights while Christmas music plays all around. While most of the displays are original, the teams of decorators (that begin this huge undertaking in late summer!) have started switching over to more energy efficient LED lights.

This is a magical event that must not be missed if you are headed to the World in late November or December. A few tips...learn from my photography mistakes!  Photographing this event can be a bit tricky.  If you are going to take pictures look for special nighttime settings on your camera and bring a long a tripod, or steady your camera on something stationary. Also, be sure to WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING...especially if you are pushing a stroller. This is an especially bad spot for folks to be looking up and randomly stopping...Not that I ran over my husband with the stroller or anything...;)

And I did not notice it at the time, but isn't this picture odd?  There are lights everywhere, but on the tree...which is where most people put them in the first place!  Go Figure!