Spending Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World?

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mommy Mouseketeer and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.  This month on the Blogorail we are sharing our ideal Disney-Inspired Valentine's Day.

Spending Valentine's Day at Walt Disney World?

Surprisingly to some, Disney World can be a very romantic place which could explain why so many couples flock to WDW for marriage proposals, weddings and honeymoons.  What Disney World has going for it is “theme and mood”.  The place has the ability to transport you from the realities of life, and transport you into a fantasy land even if only for a few hours.  And isn’t that the idea of romantic outings, whether they be a movie date night or dinner at a special restaurant?  It’s the chance to spend a few precious hours or days with someone you love just enjoying the atmosphere and each other’s company.


If you are fortunate enough to be in Walt Disney World with your special someone on Valentine’s Day and are short on ideas, here’s some ways to make a special memory.

• Stroll along the beach of the Polynesian resort to watch Magic Kingdom’s nighttime Wishes fireworks display. 
• Watch cheesy horror movie clips while dining “outside at the drive-in” at Hollywood Studio’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
• Purchase a nice bottle of wine at one of the many world shops in Epcot’s World Showcase to take back to your room to enjoy on the patio.  Remember the corkscrew!  Pick up some chocolates, as well!
• Order flowers delivered to your resort room through the Disney Florist.
• Take a nighttime ride aboard the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland Transit Authority.  
• Have a photopass picture taken a just the two of you.
• Splurge on a once in a lifetime meal at the Grand Floridian’s Victoria & Albert’s.
• Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride at the Fort Wilderness Resort or Port Orleans Riverside. 
• Surprise your loved one with a spa treatment, or a couples massage.
• Dine in perpetual twilight at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.
• Order room service for two.
• Find a garden swing, rocking chair, or bench at one of the many Disney resorts and sit together in the moonlight.  
• Get “scared” and cuddle aboard your Doom Buggy in Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion.
• Share a Margarita in a cozy corner of La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.
• Instead of taking a buse or boat from Hollywood Studios to the Beach Club/Boardwalk, stroll along the waterside footpath that connects the two.  
• Enjoy a speciality cruise to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom or Illuminations at Epcot.  
• If it’s warm, take a evening dip in your resort pool.  
• Book at room at Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the Savannah.
• My personal favorite -- strolling the grounds of your resort at night with your special someone just enjoying each other’s company and the atmosphere.

I’ve only scratch the surface of ideas for a romantic day at Disney World.  Costs range from extravagant to free.  What you make of our special day is up to you!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Point.


1st Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

2nd Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

3rd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

4th Stop ~ The Disney Point

Final Stop ~ The Disney Chick

Rain, rain, rain...

It’s raining where I’m at today and it got me to thinking about rainy days in the parks.  What do you do, how to plan around it, and what happens when you are caught in it.  

It’s very rare to not experience rain on a WDW vacation, especially during the summer months.  Often called the “Rainy Season”, there is a scientific reason for these daily rain showers.  For those of you who are meteorologically challenged, here’s a brief summary that explains the weather pattern:

The timing and distribution of daily showers and lightning storms during the summer months is closely tied to the north/south migration of the "Bermuda" high pressure ridge.  The position of this ridge controls the low level wind flow and dictates where the Gulf and Atlantic sea breezes collide each day.  This collision often produces storms with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.  The regularity with which it occurs is also the main reason that the inland area between Tampa and Cape Canaveral is often called the "Lightning Capital of the United States."  

The “Rainy Season” typically ranges from June to September, when there is a noticeable return on humidity.  Once the higher humidity arrives, there is an increase of showers and lighting storms within a few days.

So, suffice to say that there’s a high probability it will rain on your vacation.  Now what do you do?  I think it’s funny to see people scramble when it rains.  Will you melt?  Do these people not take showers or swim?  I know it’s about not getting your clothes wet and I totally sympathize with that.  Walking around a theme park in wet clothes is no fun.  Your shoes are squishy, wet shorts will chafe thighs, shirts become see-through, and you end up freezing inside attractions.  Plus, you don’t want to get your camera or phones wet.  Electronics and water do not mix.  All that being said, there is still no reason to freak out over the rain.  A little preparation goes a long way.  Here are a few tips to consider:

• Wear shoes that are water resistant or dry quickly.  Neophrene sandals are a good option.  I personally despise Crocs on adults, but for kids, I adore it.  Good choice for little feet.
• Keep a hat handy to keep your head dry, or water off your glasses. 
• Don’t use an umbrella; use a poncho instead.  For one thing, these seasonal pop-up showers usually bring lightning with them.  You don’t want to be holding on to something that’s equivalent to a lightning rod.  Plus, umbrellas are annoying to those around you.  They are big and bulky, no one can see around them, and you bump people with them.  It’s just rude.  Seriously, people, bring a poncho.  

I've had these ponchos for years
and multiple Disney trips!

• Carry a pair of dry socks.
• Wear clothes that dry quickly.  Jeans and heavy jersey fabrics are not good options.  
• Carry a small hand towel or Aqua-Towel to wipe off wet seats, benches, or strollers.  An Aqua Towel is somewhat like a shammy.  Absorbs lots of water and dries quickly.  They can also serve as a cooling towel when it gets hot and sticky.  These are my favorite “must-have” for taking into the parks.

That blue scarf is not a fashion statement.  It's my aqua towel!  

• If your kids are small and need a stroller, consider using the park-rental strollers.  These strollers are made mostly of plastic and can be dried quickly using a hand towel, paper towels, or that new aqua-towel you just bought at my prompting (hint, hint...you will love it!).  Wet fabric strollers are no fun, but if you do bring your own, cover it with a poncho or large piece of plastic when it's parked.  Don’t forget to bring clothes pins or binder clips to keep the plastic over it.  Otherwise, you’ll have a big wet mess.
• Bring a light jacket or hoodie.  Even during the hottest summer months, when it rains, the inside of attractions will get extremely cold.  Even if you’re not wet, it will still seem cold.  Otherwise, you’ll end up buying a sweatshirt, beach towel, or some other item to keep you warm.  My little daughter turned into a popsicle during Festival of the Lion King, after getting wet earlier in the day.  We bought a beach towel to keep her warm.  

Rain moving into the Lights! Motor! Action! show.

Don’t let a little rain ruin your vacation.  The rain can be refreshing on those hot summer days.  The rain tends to drive the crowd levels down.  And when the rain is over, enjoy the crispness of the air and wait for that rainbow to appear.  There’s nothing more special than that!

Main Street Trolley

"Main Street, U.S.A. is America at the turn of the century - the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone's home town...the heartline of America." - Walt Disney

This picture was in my archives.  I think it's circa 1980.

An often overlooked fixture at the Magic Kingdom, is the horse drawn trolley on Main Street USA.  Guests can board these amazing vehicles at various times during the day in front of Cinderella's Castle, or in front of Main Street Station.  The trolley is also backdrop to the Main Street Trolley show, performed periodically during the day.  Performers sing and dance their way down Main Street, pausing to meet guests along the way.  It's quite cute.

The trolleys are drawn by Percherons and Belgians, both breeds are known for their strong pulling abilities.  Historically, they have been used to pull plows in Europe.  These horses weigh about 1 ton each, are between six and ten years old, and pull the trolley along Main Street about 24 times a day, 3 or 4 days a week.  The horses are shod with plastic shoes to make it easier on them.  When not working, they can be seen at their home, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, at the Fort Wilderness campground.

In addition to the horse drawn carriage, several different vehicle options are available depending on the day and the crowds.  The suite of Main Street Vehicles include a horseless carriage, a replica of an early fire engine, a jitney, and the horse-drawn trolley.  All the vehicles make stops at either end of Main Street.

The next time you are in the Magic Kingdom, take a moment to enjoy these jewels of Main Street USA.

Disney Resolutions

2012: The Year of More Magic

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mommy Mouseketeer and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.


Our Magical Blogorail topic for this month is “Disney Resolutions - what’d you’d like to see, accomplish, or do in the parks maybe that you haven't done yet, or maybe a Disney goal of some sort.”  

This topic was hard for me to write on, as 2011 was my big goal year for Disney.  I started my blog, celebrated by 40th birthday at Walt Disney World, and made a solo-trip to EPCOT in the early Fall.  It's hard to top that.  For 2012, I’m not sure I’ll even make it to Disney World, although squeezing in a trip is somewhat of a goal!  It could happen...

Since Disney has named 2012: The Year of More Magic, I think my Disney-related goal for 2012 is to do "more".  Do more with my blog and write more for others.  I like having my own blog, but I am finding that I enjoy writing for others more.  I suppose I'm not a super creative person.  Coming up with topics is not easy for me.  I have a lot of good ideas rolling around in my head, but trying to organize them is difficult.  However, I am very direct-able.  Give me a topic, I'll research it and write my little heart out.  Which is one reason I enjoy the Magical Blogorail so much.  Everyone picks such great topics!

Even though my goal for 2012 is small, it's something and that's better than nothing.  Baby steps is what I need right now.

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Point.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
1^st Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

2^nd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

3^rd Stop ~ The Disney Point

4^th Stop ~ The Disney Chick

Final Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

RFID and the future

RFID, what?!?  Yeah, I know what you are thinking, "what is is re-fid?"  Maybe's it's a new internet slang, like LOL or ROTFL or BFF.  Could be, I'm too old to understand that; however, I am a techy type and totally get RFID <insert geek moment>.   RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Technology.

I've been thinking a lot about the application of RFID technology after is was mentioned this past summer, I think it's impact on park operations could be much more than what it appears to be.  Cue, the maniacal laugh, "mwaaaahhhhh"...

At the D-23 Conference and Expo this past summer, one item that was unveiled was a new wristband embedded with an RFID chip that would replace your “Key to the World” card and could be customized and expanded to enhance the guest’s experience.  While on the surface, this seems like an innocent, benign project, the implications of RFID are huge, and ground breaking.  

RFID wristband prototype

Currently, Disney guests are issued plastic cards, affectionately called, your “Key to the World” (KTTW), which serve as your room key, and contain an assortment of information such as your park ticket, credit card information, dining plan credits, and fast pass usage.  Integrating all this data into an easy, convenient card is something that Disney has done well.  I love the idea that all I have to take to the parks with me is in one card, which I keep on a lanyard around my neck.  So easy to access!  

If Disney chooses to launch the “RFID Wristbands” to replace the current plastic in 2012, you better hold on to your seat, because you won’t believe what RFID technology can do!  

For those of you who aren't familiar with RFID, it's a Radio Frequency Identification Technology that allows a unique code to be wirelessly transmitted if under a close range.  Similar to the tags you may have in your car for Toll Roads.  You drive under or near the sensor, your tag is logged, and you are charged your toll.  Simple enough concept, huh?  

So, here’s some basics that could be implemented by replacing the plastic card with a wristband.  

• Hotel Room Key – simply hold your wristband to the door and your in.  That would be convenient!  How many times do you have to put your packages down in order to dig out your room key and open the door?  
• Park Passes – instead of digging for your card, you hold your wrist up to the turnstile.  I’m not sure if we’ll every get past that biometric reader (the finger scan thing) which is really what slows the entry process, but we can hope!  
• Disney Dining Plan – again, it’s about convenience of not having the deal with that card at all transactions.  Most people I see carry their KTTW card in their wallet, backpack or purse.  Not exactly the easiest to get to when you are at a counter or snack vendor payment station.  
• Refillable drink program – your drink is dispensed only when the RFID tag is swiped over a sensor.  A similar project was rolled out this year with RFID tags on refillable mugs at the All Star Sports Resort.  In my opinion, I believe this was a concept test for the RFID tag and sensor system, more than a roll-out of RFID on the mugs themselves.  We have yet to see it deployed at other resorts.     
• Photopass, Fast Pass, and Room Charges – same concept; the wristband will provide a convenient, easy to access solution to the card.  

But all these applications really don’t drive the technology.  It’s what is under the surface of this program that is extremely intriguing to me. 

Disney could integrate the RFID functionality into rides, character experiences and more by personalizing everything that is on that chip.  Prior to your vacation, you would upload information like your name, age, birthday, if you've been to Disney before, your likes/dislikes, etc., and integrate that into your experience.  Imagine your daughter meeting Ariel or Belle, and the character knowing her name, age, birthday, or that she’s been to Disney before.  As you ride an attraction, imagine digital screens coming alive with personnel messages to you or your favorite animated character appearing to address you by name.  And those ride photos?  They could be automatically uploaded to your photopass account.  

In the resorts, guest accommodations could be personalized.  Imagine, Cinderella coming alive in a Magic Mirror to tell your children a bedtime story.  Or Mickey Mouse wishing them a great day or their way out the door.  Food allergies?  No need to speak the chef.  He or she will know your preferences when you check-in for your reservation.

How about lost children (or lost parents)?  RFID tagged bracelets can be easily encoded with the parent’s contact information.  You would need a special sensor device to read the information on the tag, thus enabling cast members an easy way to contact the parents.  The bracelets are bright and colorful and could be customized with your child’s favorite character which will make it appealing to wear.  

In addition to the outward guest experiences, RFID could enhance theme park operations.  A long standing goal of most theme parks is to reduce or eliminate lengthy wait times at popular attractions.  Hence the development of the Fast Pass system and interactive queues, which don’t so much to eliminate wait times, but makes them more enjoyable.  One scenario with the wristband/RFID technology would be allowing guests to select preferred ride and show times and then use RFID scanners at attraction entrances to verify that they are showing up at the correct time.  RIFD tracking could also give Disney much more detailed data about its guests’ spending habits and movements in the park, which could in turn be a powerful tool.  Disney might be able to tell, for instance, that a family wandering one of its theme parks in the evening has no dinner reservations, and so could contact the family by cell phone to suggest nearby restaurants with available seats or promotions.  Even the ability to deploy more buses at park closing to accommodate the crowds would be a perk!  Long term tracking of guests’ movement in the park could enhance crowd flow, parade and event timing, and make park operations more efficient, in general.  

Before anyone jumps me on “invasion of privacy” and so forth, let me say that this program is planned to be optional in so much as you can request the same plastic card that you have today.  If you want to partake of the additions features that may be part of the wristband and embedded RFID chip, you’ll have to use the system.  Walt Disney World is private property and our expectation of what privacy we have to somewhat limited.  Just read the fine lines in park admission and resort lodging.  

If all this RFID technology sounds unrealistic, think again.  The Walt Disney Company’s theme park division has been quietly working a major technology initiative that could radically transform the theme-park experience.  Details of the project, which has been dubbed within Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as “next generation experience” or “NextGen,” are being held secret.  But there is widespread speculation among bloggers who follow the company that part of the project involves RFID technology that could be used in concepts ranging from keyless hotel-room doors to rides and shows in which the experience varies based on an individual guest’s preferences.  The budget for the program is between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, according to former Disney parks executives who have spoken to media sources only on the condition that they would not be identified.  The amount is roughly comparable to what Disney would spend to build two 4,000-passenger cruise ships.  WOW!  $1 to $1.5 Billion?!?  To spend that kind of money would definitely be a game-changer in the industry and one that I am looking forward to.  Will 2012 be the year?  Maybe so.  I’m anxiously awaiting the “NextGen”…whatever it may be, but I’m a techno-geek kind of gal.

Favorite Shopping Experience

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Black.  Enjoy the ride as we share with you our favorite shopping experiences in Disney parks. 

Just in time for Christmas shopping, I thought I would talk about a unique shopping experience hidden in one of the Walt Disney World resorts.

Located on the second level of the Grand Floridian Resort, just inside the doors that lead to the monorail station, is a bath and body products shop, Basin White.  Basin White is part of the Basin chain with products sold online and at few select locations in the United States.  There is a Basin shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. 

Basin White is a premium version of Basin with its product inventory made with higher quality ingredients, as well as unique items that can’t be found in the other locations. 

The store itself is attractive and inviting.  Styled in black and white tile, with the appearance of an upscale Victorian bathroom, the store fits in well with the Grand Floridian theme.  The layout of the store is long and skinny, and filled with an assortment of bath and body products ranging from lotions, salts/scrubs, soaps, and body bombs.  The store is accessorized with sinks, a claw foot tub, white cabinets, and marble counters. 

Basin White offers a large variety of fresh cut soaps, including the popular Mickey ears soap which is sold only at the WDW locations.  Priced at around $6.99 for a slice of approximately 100 grams, these make for inexpensive, unique and functional gifts.  The assortment of fresh cut soaps is amazing, and interesting.  In addition to milk-based and other specialty soaps, Basin White sells fresh cut glycerin soap with a variety of cute designs processed into the soap, most notably being the mickey ears. 

                                                                                                                        

Another product sold only at the Disney locations is the Mickey-ears Bath Bombs.  A Bath Bomb looks like a hardened scoop of ice cream, which when placed in a bath, bubbles and fizzes adding essential oils and aroma to your tub.  The Mickey themed bath bombs include Mickey-ear confetti throughout the product.  Another cute gift at a moderate price for yourself or your favorite cousin, dog watcher, or house-sitter. 

In addition, Basin White sells a variety of spa accessory products, salts/scrubs, lotions, and body perfumes.  Samples are provided throughout the store to “try” the products.  The body salt scrub will make your hands feel so soft and smell delicious!

All Basin White products are made in the US, with no parabens, alcohol, or mineral oils.  Also, their products are not tested on animals.    

If you are a resort guest, you can have your purchases shipped to your room; however, because Basin is not an Disney affiliated store, it will take longer.  Please be sure to ask the cashier.  If you have a concern about what can be returned home with you in your carry-on vs. checked luggage, be sure to ask.  The staff at Basin White are well versed with the TSA rules governing their products. 

I could spend a lot of time and money in Basin white.  The aroma of the store is amazing and relaxing.  If you want an at-home spa experience, Basin White is the place to go while at the WDW resort.  A great place tucked away in the corner of the Grand Floridian, it is definitely worth checking out during a day of resort-hopping on the monorail. 

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Chick.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1^st Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

2^nd Stop ~ The Disney Chick

3^rd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

4^th Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

Final Stop ~ Unknown Magic Within Walt Disney World

A Different Way of Touring

Every time we go to Disney World, it is the most wonderful experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I have to admit it’s not a “vacation” in the true sense of the word.  I plan and plan and plan to tour with the least crowds or the shortest walks, but all that walking, all the crowds, the lines, the waits, the getting up for rope drop and staying through the fireworks really doesn’t make for a restful time.

Most dictionaries define vacation as “a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday”.  How many times have we come home from our Disney trips, absolutely exhausted?  Why do we put ourselves through that?  Because we love Disney so much is really the answer, but I wonder, can you make Disney a real vacation experience?  Taking into account all the restrictions that most people have – vacation time, school schedules, airfare prices, climate, crowd levels, etc., what has to be done to make Disney a “vacation”?  I’ve been thinking and thinking and thinking some more on the subject and here’s what I’ve come up with.  I’d like feedback on if this is how you travel; or any pros/cons. 

Making Disney a vacation rather than a “touring the parks” experience.  Can it be done?   

When I think of vacation, I think of a week on the beach or poolside sipping fruity umbrella drinks, eating to my heart’s content and sleeping in.  Alas, the later is not possible with young children, so I’ll just have to make do with a pool and plenty of kids activities.  Does Disney World have that?  Yup, check one!  However, what I don’t want on my vacation is a day so full of places to go, things to do that I don’t feel rested.  Does Disney World have that?  Nope…well, maybe…here’s what I was thinking.  Is it possible to go to WDW and stay at a resort and only hit a park once or twice during the visit?  I mean, you’ve traveled all the way out there and spent all that money to be located on-property.  How do you resist the temptation to check out the latest attraction at the EPCOT, or have to ride Rock n Roller coaster once?  What if your entire day was spent at the resort poolside, enjoying the many activities offered during the day, and maybe venturing out in the evening for a dinner at another resort?  Sounds heavenly.  Sounds like the makings for a Disney Vacation Club commercial doesn’t it?  No, I’m not advocating or promoting Disney DVC in any way.  We’re not DVC members and, for our family situation, it really doesn’t work; but I like the concept of using Disney World as a “vacation resort” as oppose to a “touring destination”.

The question in my mind has always been: is spending the extra money to stay on property just to enjoy the resort and not focus on the parks really worth it?  Or doesn’t it make better sense to find a vacation destination closer to home for those vacations you just want to use for rest and relaxation?

Coming back year to year just to enjoy certain aspects of the entire WDW complex really appeals to me because, frankly, you just can’t see everything WDW has to offer on one visit.  Combine trying to squeeze everything in day after day, with crowds, heat, sometimes rain, tired kids, and sore feet, I’ve found it’s just not possible.  Focusing on one park each trip would allow a better chance of delving into those Disney details that I just adore.   So, I think taking a step back and looking at Disney in pieces may be a better option.  Just need to convince my husband of that! 

Have you ever done Disney this way?  How did it work?