7 Forgotten & Unplanned Expenses that You Should Plan For

May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Dooney and Bourke handbag (1)

By Mouze Kateerz Staff

Unplanned and forgotten expenses can totally wreck your Disney vacation or any vacation. Here are lists of things that you should plan to take or have money in reserve for.

1. Tipping: Gratuities are not included in your dining plans except for a few shows and restaurants. 18-20% is standard. You will also need to

Photo compliments of the Disney Company

Photo compliments of the Disney Company

remember to tip your valet, Magical Express Driver and housekeeping staff.

2. Reusable Mug: If you aren’t on the dining plan, you will want to consider purchasing this. It’s $13.95 + tax and you can refill it with soda & coffee the length of your stay at your home resort.

3. Something from the Drug Store: Be sure to pack medicines including ones you rarely use (allergy meds), diapers, rash cream & extra formula. These items  can be purchased through Disney or a personal shopper but they will cost you (at minimum) double of what you would pay at home. A taxi cab ride to the local walmart usually start around $20 each way depending on where you are staying.

4. SUNSCREEN: It really should go under drug store but is sooo important even if you travel in Florida.

5. Tolls: If you drive to the parks, be sure to take at least one roll of quarters to pay for them. They can add up quickly

6. New Brakes, New Tire, New Battery: Any car related expense can add up quickly be sure to have $500-$1000 on a credit card to use in case of one of these emergencies.

7. The overpriced souvenir that you had no idea that you were going to purchase but you can’t leave without:  On more than one occasion guests have been known to drop $300 on a purse that they didn’t know existed.

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Closed for Refurbishments: Walt Disney World Resort

April 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Grand Floridian construction, Grand Floridian construction photos, Grand Floridian construction on DVC villas

By Frances

The Walt Disney World Resort closes or you will have limited availability to sections and rides periodically to refurbish or reimagine it. Here is a list that was updated on April 9, 2013

Magic Kingdom® Park
Main Street Bakery
Mad Tea Party
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Pirates of the Caribbean		 01/12/13 – 06/18/13
04/10/13 – 05/21/13
05/13/13 – 05/16/13
05/13/13 – 05/15/13
06/17/13 – 06/21/13
Epcot®
Epcot Character Spot
Fountainview Ice Cream Shop
France Ice Cream Shop		 10/21/12 – TBD
04/08/13 – Fall
02/25/13 – June
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck 4/14/13 – 5/24/13

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
None
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
None

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
BoardWalk Bakery expansion – BoardWalk Bakery will be closed during this work. A coffee cart will be available on the boardwalk area during this time. 01/06/13 – 04/26/13
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
California Grill 02/02/13 – Late Summer 2013
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Beach Pool & Slide – The Courtyard Pool will remain open during this time 05/27/13 – 05/31/13
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – Guests may be referred to Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for spa services. 01/16/13 – Summer 2013

Downtown Disney® Area
None

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf
None

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Traveling to WDW from the UK Day 3

April 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment

40336300038

By Nine

Today was a 5am start as Tink woke up and declared it was now morning time, yuk! Still it meant that we got to Animal Kingdom nice and early after showers and breakfast in the room.
We headed straight through to Africa to get the Fast Pass for the Safari, for 950-1050. We quickly got some coffees and headed off to do the Pangani Forest Trail. This was great and DD really enjoyed seeing all the animals, especially the gorillas. After this it was time to head back to the Safari and with the Fast Pass we were on the ride in no time. This was FAB. All the advice to get on this nice and early is true, we saw so many animals up close – giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, monkeys, antelope and lots more. Tink loved it.
After this we hot-footed it straight to Camp Minnie-Mickey. We saw a fairly short line for Chip and Dale which was perfect as madam had been on about meeting them all morning. Again she was good as gold while waiting and it was just magical to watch her with them. She kissed and cuddled them, showed them her Mickey bag and got their autographs all while I had a few tears.
Pocahontas had just left so we headed off to our fave meal in Animal Kingdom, Pizzafari which was just up from Camp M-M. DH and I got pizzas and salads with coke hoping DD would share but she didnt want anything and suddenly announced she needed to go to bed. Now not everyone will agree with our parenting style but DD doesnt sleep in her buggy, and we didnt want her screaming as she was so tired, so we ate up fast and left AK ASAP.
She was straight to sleep at the hotel and after a nice nap/rest for us we decided to head off to The Mall at Millenia. It was about a 20 min drive from Lake Buena Vista and very impressive. We got our first Pumpkin Spice fraps from Starbucks using a gift card Id got in the UK which was great and they were really yummy!
We had a good look around and Tink enjoyed playing in Pottery Barn Kids which was all done up with Fall and Halloween decs. I got a really nice sweater in American Eagle and some cards in Hallmark. DH got some CDs then we headed back to LBV for dinner. We decided just to pop into Crossroads and went to Taco Bell as this is DHs fave fast food. I enjoyed my veg fajita, DH loved his taco pizza but DD was not too impressed with her cheese roll up but ate it in the end with the persuasion of the free toy.

Tiredness then kicked in and we had our first public total meltdown so we quickly took her back to the hotel. We intended to let her have a little play in the park but it was shut! We checked out the kids zone in the pool and she was quickly soaked and cold, a nice warm bath and early night soon sorted her out, along with some TV and milk.
Tomorrow is the big one … Magic Kingdom!

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Pets at Disney?

April 25, 2013 By 5 Comments

Best Friends Pet Care

By Amanda C. Best Friends Pet Care front

So the suitcases are packed and the family is excited to be heading to the Magic Kingdom but there’s one family member that needs alternate vacation arrangements. Many families these days have a pet (cat, dog, bird, snake, hamster). What do you do with Fifi, Fido, or Polly while you are on vacation? Some people get a neighbor or family member to watch their beloved pet. There is another option! On the Disney property tucked away near Port Orleans French Quarter Resort is Best Friends Pet Care.

Best Friends Pet Care will board your animal dog, cat, and even reptile. While you are on vacation so is your pet. Each animal gets their own suite for their stay. For dog the their suites range from 36 square feet and potty walks to a 226 square foot luxury suite with tv, web cam, bedtime stories and a bath if they are staying more then three days. That’s just shy of the size of a standard room at Pop Century! Some of the rooms have doggie door to an outside yard area. Your Fido can also have playdates while they are there. We know cats are more independent and picky so for them they have a 2 or 4 level kitty condo.

Best Friends also offers day care for your pet if you are staying maybe off property or at the Camp Sites at Fort Wilderness. They open one hour before park opening and stay open one hour after the parks close. If you start to miss your pooch or kitty while on vacation you can head over for a visit. Best Friends also sends you email photos of your pet having fun during their stay.

The pet resort accommodates up to 300 dogs and asks that if you want Fifi or small animal to have a reservation that you call ahead.  They are located at 2510 Bonnet Creek Pkwy.Walt Disney World Resort Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 phone: (407) 209-3126

Best Friends Home Page for WDWBest Friends Pet Care logo

Boarding Rates at Best Friends
Image

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Disney’s Polynesian Resort has a New Look!

April 24, 2013 By 6 Comments

poly carpet-001

By Teri S.poly linens-001

Aloha!!!! Disney’s Polynesian Resort has recently gone through a massive refurbishment. Here is my look.

Balmy breezes…. Beautiful foliage….. Volcano Pool……. sounds of children laughing….

In Disney World you can be sure you are at the Polynesian Resort. The Longhouse “Hawaii” has received

a beautiful new look!! Bright hallways……. Light and airy bed linens…… and fun bathrooms.

You are greeted with a beautiful floral printed carpet as you walk down the bright painted hallway to

your own personal oasis. No more slipping your key in the door – now… just hold your card up to

Mickey’s face on your door and you are in!!!! A bright and airy room awaits for your amazing stay at

this tropical resort!

poly bath-001poly trees-001

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How big is the Walt Disney World Resort?

April 23, 2013 By 6 Comments

Magic, Memories, and You

By FrancesEpcot Mission Space

Walt Disney World is comprised of approximately 92 miles of  theme parks, resorts, restaurants, shopping, water parks, and mini-golf. Everything is spread out, so even when you take your own car, you’re still going to do a lot of walking. Not to forget that you will do some pathways multiple times.

~ Overall WDW is approximately 47 square miles.

~ The Magic Kingdom is approximately 107 acres. You can place the Magic Kingdom into the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

~ Disney’s Animal Kingdom is approximately 500 acres.

~ EPCOT is approximately 300 acres.

~ Disney’s Hollywood Studios is approximately 135 acres.

You could very easily walk 7-10 miles per day just walking around your resort and one theme park.

With this much walking, it’s very important that you take care of your feet. Be sure to wear comfortable, well broken in shoes. Good socks are also a must. I usually take an extra set of socks with us just in case the pair I’m wearing gets wet or I feel as if they need to be changed.

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Traveling to WDW from the UK Day 2

April 20, 2013 By 2 Comments

Hollywood studios balloons, hollywood studios Christmas, Hollywood studios gifts, Disney's Hollywood studios

By Nine

Day 2 of 9/23/2012

These are the memoirs from our last trip to WDW , September 2012. It was our first trip with our then 2 year old daughter. This will be a warts and all style diary, with all the good points and the not so good of taking a pre-schooler.

Cast – me (Nine), 32, ex-cop, full time mummy and Disney-aholic. 5th time to Walt Disney World. Love Magic Kingdom and Tower of Terror.

DH (Disney Husband ~ Steve), 33, lawyer, loves Tampa Bay Rays, Animal Kingdom and Tower of Terror. 7th trip

DD (Disney Daughter ~ Felicity or Tink), 2 yrs 9mths, 1st trip to Walt Disney World, been once to Disneyland Paris. Loves It’s a Small World.

After initially waking up at 2:22am and the 4, we all finally got up at 6:30, not too bad for a first day!
Showers, baths and breakfasts occurred and we were finally out of the door at 8:30.
We headed straight to Hollywood Studios waving to Mickey and Minnie as we drove into The World. We parked in Stage 42, just 4 rows in woop woop.
We actually walked in rather than get the tram for the first time (love going out of High Season) and went straight to Will Call to get the tickets and Tink’s First Visit button.
The initial plan was to head to Toy Story Mania right away but DD saw a line with Goofy and Pluto and ran straight over. This was a major breakthrough as just a few months ago at Disneyland Paris she cried when she saw the big characters up close.
We were so glad we did this and she loved meeting them, she wasn’t scared or shy at all and loved giving them kisses, cuddles, posing for photos and getting their autographs. It was just magical and I was super glad I hadnt bothered to put any mascara on today lol.
 tink and sorcer mickey
After this success we headed over the the animation building to meet Mickey. We were a bit early so we played on the computers for a bit and did some colouring. My determination and patience paid off as we were first in line to meet The Main Mouse. I don’t really have any words to describe the moment she ran over to kiss and cuddle him and the whole crowd collectively went “awwww”. She showed him her Mickey backpack and gave him her autograph book as if she did it every day. I will never forget that moment and for me it was worth every penny we saved to get there.
 
After we left DH noticed that the Disney Junior show was due to start so we quickly got in line for that. This again was just amazing. The characters we saw (Mickey and gang, Handy Manny, Little Einstein’s and Jake) were really good and DD loved all the singing, dancing and interaction. This was by far her favourite show that we saw. The look on her face was just pure joy and excitement and yet again mama was balling her eyes out lol.
After all this excitement we decided it was time for something to eat as we’d only had a quick breakfast in the room and it was now almost dinner time back home.
We headed into Starring Rolls and got Tink the kids power pack (loved this – juice, cookie, carrot sticks, yoghurt, cheese and goldfish), I had a bagel and juice and DH decided he was starving and had a feast! A Black Forrest sandwich (which was huge! ), chips, apple, cinnamon roll and a coke. Lol, he was a hungry boy. As it was now 11:30 and getting hot and busy, we headed back out of the park and back to the hotel for a rest.
 

After a nice long nap for Tink and a rest for us, we decided to head off to Super Target for a few snack essentials and dinner, you know what I mean, sweets, chips, drinks, CDs, make-up, clothes, toys … all the things you need for a healthy start to the day? DD had a great time running around choosing cookies and Halloween things (including a treat bucket for $1 that she loved) and soon some cereal and bread became $60. We decided to get something to eat in the room as DD was quickly reaching over-tiredness already so just got some microwave pasta, TGI chicken and salad. We stopped off at Walgreen’s for magazine and newspapers and then back to the hotel for dinner. Tink was bathed and asleep by 8, we followed suit by 10.
Looking forward to AK tomorrow and meeting more characters!

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Janine Pipe, married mom of 2 year old Tink, living in Swindon in the UK.  DLP shareholder and lifelong WDW fan.  Always planning the next trip and making the most of all things Disney in England.  Has been told her house resembles a Disney Store.

 

 

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Tips to plan a Disney Vacation for a Group or Family Reunion

April 19, 2013 By 3 Comments

liberty belle boat and big thunder mountain

By FrancesContemporary Resort pool, DVC pool hopping, DVC pool

The Walt Disney World Resort & The Disneyland Resort are truly the happiest places on earth. However, that can completely turn if you plan a vacation with a large group. Here are some tips to make your Disney Family Reunion or Group of Friends a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

1. Decide who will be traveling with you: Just because you are related to someone or your best friends doesn’t mean that you should travel together. Keep in mind that everyone will be cranky, everyone’s feet will hurt and everyone will have lack of sleep at some point during the vacation. Separate rooms can help keep the peace and in some cases separate resorts also keep the peace :-)

2. Decide on one main planner: Many hands in the cookie jar can cause problems, miscommunication and problems. One person should be the main contact for everyone. Consider using a Disney Travel Specialist. They are very knowledgeable and they are a neutral party. Consider using our friends Magical Vacations by Me ~ mickeyinfo@magicalvacationsbyme.com 404-414-6198.

Disney Resorts, Disney landscaping, Disney Movies3. Decide on a month and then decide on the week to go: Narrow down by voting. Usually it’s easier to find out when people can’t go vs. when they can to start the planning process. Please keep in mind that everyone may not be able to stay the entire time due to scheduling conflicts.

4. Decide where to stay: Each family may be on a different budget and shouldn’t feel pressured to stay in a resort that doesn’t suit their budget or their wants. (This is a great reason to use a Disney travel specialist.) With Disney transportation, you can easily meet up at Downtown Disney or at a Park.

5. Touring together or Separate?: I know that when you start thinking of your family you may envision everyone skipping down main street and singing in harmony. However, that’s not reality. You can’t please everyone and everyone won’t want to ride Space Mountain 12 times. My best advice ~ Everyone go your separate ways. Make dinner reservations so everyone can meet up and share their day or plan on meeting at a pool for a nice afternoon break.

6. Plan ~ Plan ~ Plan: Plan a couple of meals together. Plan to be flexible. Plan to compromise. This will allow everyone to have a magical vacation.

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Cellular & Wireless Internet Charges on the Disney Cruise Ships

April 17, 2013 By 1 Comment

Disney cruise ship, Disney vacation planner, travel agent, Disney Dream

By Frances

I love to go on a cruise and relax. No cell phone! No computer! No worries! However the reality is that my husband & I both own our own businesses and need to stay in touch every now and then. Here are some tips to help you budget what you need to add to your vacation budget.

If you don’t want to use your phone for texts, emails or calls while on vacation, turn off your wifi connection completely and then place your phone on airplane mode. It can be found in your settings. This will allow for no communication. airplane mode

Cell Phone:

~ Add International Calling before you leave home: Depending on how much you will be talking it may be wise to add international calling. Call your carrier and see how much it cost per minute with international calling added and how much it is to talk without adding international calling in the countries that you are traveling to. Most carriers make you add for a month. Mine charges $5.95 per month and then a reduced minute rate in each of the countries. You can also get a reduced text rate. I usually get 50 international texts for $10. I’ve never gone over the 50 but it’s nice to not worry about it and it’s cheaper than a phone call. I also inform people to make texts as detailed as possible so I don’t have to ask questions about the details.

***** Cellular at Sea IS NOT PART OF INTERNATIONAL CALLING *******  If you turn on your cellcell at sea and it says Cellular at Sea or something close to that, then you will be paying $2.49 + per minute and possibly a connection fee. This is not part of international calling!

I turn my cell on Airplane Mode until I’m ready to communicate with the world :-)

 

 

 

 

Wireless InternetFor 7 night voyages, I do get wireless internet that I only use from my lap top. That way I’m not tempted to surf the web from the Donald Pool.

Here are the rates for 7 nights & less / 7 nights and longer for the Disney Cruise line.

Internet Rates

Internet/Wireless Internet Access
For sailings less than 7-nights:		 Pay as you go – $0.75 per minute
50 min for $27.50 ($.55 per minute)
100 min for $40 ($.40 per minute)
250 min for $75 ($.30 per minute)
Internet/Wireless Internet Access
For sailings 7-nights or longer:		 Pay as you go – $0.75 per minute
100 min for $55.00 ($.55 per minute)
250 min for $100 ($.40 per minute)
500 min for $150 ($.30 per minute)

Please Note: Due to the technology involved and satellite connectivity, the onboard internet service will be slower than you may be accustomed to and may at times be interrupted or unavailable. This is particularly true on Sea Days, when there are more people onboard the ship accessing the service. If you play Facebook Games, you probably won’t be able to access them via the wireless internet on board the ship.

Data Packages from your internet provider will start at $19.95 for minimal data. Don’t come home to an unexpected $3000 bill from surfing the web and talking on the phone. (I actually had a client do that.) It’s usually cheaper to use an on board package.

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Save for Disney and Make Your Trip Stress Free!

April 14, 2013 By 5 Comments

Sally and Mcqueen

By Frances

A Disney vacation can be stressful before you ever set foot in the Orlando area. It can be a very expensive trip between airfare, lodging & food. You may choose to stay off property to save a few dollars but that too can add stress with making the shuttle in time, parking, etc.

Here is how my family saves for our Disney vacations.

Side Note: We are a mostly a cash family. We only put planned things on a credit card or for an emergency. Ex: We put our Disney reservation on  our Disney Visa because it’s 6 months same as cash.Disney Small World, It's a Small World after all, Fantasyland,

1) PLAN: Plan 6-9 months in advance. If you have a year… even better. (You can still use some of these tips even if you go in 1 month.) Disney gift cards don’t expire. They can be used online, at your local Disney store, on the Disney Cruise Line or at the Parks.

2) Purchase Gift Cards: When we go to the grocery store, we will pick up a $25 Disney gift card and add to the cart. At our grocery store we can also purchase gift cards for airlines, gas stations & restaurants. So depending if we fly or drive, we are covered. Plus we get reward points to save on gas while we are home. BONUS! We rarely miss the money on the gift cards but the gift cards add up quickly.

Disney Gift Card3) Gifts: Ask for Disney Gift cards for holidays & birthdays. Give them to your kids for rewards. The tooth fairy even hands out Disney Gift Cards at our home. It’s gotten to the point that our family will buy the kids a small toy for their birthday and then hand us a $50 Disney Gift Card. My mom says that she knows the gift card will make far more memories than the toy she just bought.

4) Get a dining plan: We have gone with and without a dining plan. We like the dining plan because we get what we want rather than the cheapest thing on the menu. It’s prepaid so we don’t have to come out of pocket 3 times a day or more (except for gratuity that we pay with the gift cards). We like the PLUS Dining Plan. It includes 1 table service, 1 quick service &  1 snack per person per night. We saved the receipts from our non dining plan trips and found out that we saved less than $100 on a week long trip. Ate some of the cheaper things on the menu and were stressed about money and having enough.Disney cast members, Disney parade, Disney parade schedule. Disney vacation planning

5) Stash Extra Money: We carry very little cash but sometimes I find myself with what seems like a million 1 dollar bills. I leave $5 in ones in my wallet but will stash the extras in a special hiding spots. We use them for tipping the Magical Express Driver, Valet, House Keeping, etc

6) Save Coins: All loose change goes into our piggy bank. Before we know it, there is $75-$250 in loose change. We’ve heard of people saving much more than that as well.

Money can really make your trip stressful. We have found that we usually have gift cards left over and we use those to book our next Disney Vacation.

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