Can you believe it is just over one week until Dad and I leave? The rest of you won't be far behind!!! Hope the last minute planning and packing prep is going well. If you haven't started to accumulate things in a plastic bin or box, it would be a good idea to start now. You can toss in things you aren't using now, but are afraid you might forget, such as swim gear, ponchos for water rides, cameras/chargers, etc. Ours is completely full and may require it's own suitcase! (Of course we've been filling it since July!)
I have posted some pictures of the pocket cards I made. The top picture is my ADR (Advance Dining Reservation) cards - just in case they try to tell me I don't have a reservation again! I can whip out the card that has all the info printed on in from the Disney website and shove it down their magical throats!! Was that a little bitter? Sorry. I also wanted to show you the Sharpies I got at Office Depot. One is a marker and one is a highlighter. They are great for marking off things you've already done, making notes on the pocket cards, marking on park maps, etc. I also attached a mini penlight for whatif's. The Sharpies come in packs of 4 and have the little rings on the end that attach to the big ring perfectly!
I got the last of the Magical Express info yesterday from Jamie. It has the sticky luggage tags (like the airlines use) and your "Magical Express Vouchers". Jamie said none of this is actually required, but you do need to present your airline-issued baggage claim tickets at the Magical Express counter in order for them to retrieve your luggage. Be sure to put those claim tickets somewhere safe and easily accessible when you check your luggage!
This is probably my last pre-trip post, so get back to planning and packing and we will see you at Walt Disney World!!!!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Disney's Magical Express
So what's the big hype about Disney's Magical Express and how does it work? Disney's Magical Express (DME) was introduced a few years ago, and provides free bus transportation between Orlando International Airport and Disney's resorts at Walt Disney World. At first, most Disney fans thought it was a nice free promotion that would soon turn into another way for Disney to snag up a few bucks. But, fortunately, and let's hope permanently, this service continues to be offered free to all guests staying at Disney's on-site resorts. If you think this just means you get a ride on a bus to your hotel, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Not only will you get a ride, but you won't have to deal with your baggage at the Orlando airport, it will be whisked away to your hotel for you. This is an incredible convenience and a great way to start off a magical trip. So let's walk through a typical trip with Magical Express.
As soon as possible -- during or after booking your hotel reservations, you will need to provide Disney with your flight information.
About 45 days before you leave a nice little packet will arrive with your Magical Express vouchers and large yellow tags, complete with Mickey ears, to attach to your luggage. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and stick to the airlines baggage guidelines, so that you are not charged an additional fee.
Now here's the key to Magical Express success - make sure to carry all paperwork, tickets, medication, and anything you will need for at least one full day including swim suits, pajamas, and a change of clothes. We have always had great success with our bags arriving to the room within a few hours after us. One time they were even there before us. But, be prepared, Disney warns that it may take up to 6 hours and if you arrive late this may mean tomorrow morning. Make sure to call the bell hop if you have any trouble or questions once you arrive. (Editor's note: DME now asks that any guests arriving after 10:00 pm retrieve their own luggage at baggage claim at Orlando Airport and bring it with them to the DME desk.)
At the airport you will check in as normal. Your baggage will now have an airline tag as well as the Magical Express tag.
In Orlando, upon exiting the plane, you will head towards baggage claim but no need to claim your luggage. There will be signs for Disney's Magical Express bus service. There are also directions in the Magical Express voucher book that you received. You will follow signs to the DME counter on Level 1, check in, and cross the aisle to the line designated for your hotel. It's all timing here—buses run frequently, but you may have just missed one. I would estimate about a 15- to 20-minute wait inside and 10–15 minutes on the bus before it departs. Don't worry if the line is long, this is your first introduction to the fine efficiency of Disney World.
The bus is clean and comfortable. On the way, the excitement will grow, with a video highlighting the parks and features of Walt Disney World. The ride to Disney is about 40 minutes, and your bus will most likely need to make two to three short stops at different resorts, so be patient and enjoy the scenery.
The Magical Express bus will drop you off at the entrance of your hotel. When you arrive I recommend sending an adult ahead to check in, while someone hangs behind to deal with carry-on luggage and kids. The lobbies are comfortable—there is usually a spot where weary kids can relax and watch Disney movies, nice bathrooms to change into appropriate clothing, and a gift shop or dining area nearby if you need anything. (From passporter.com)
As soon as possible -- during or after booking your hotel reservations, you will need to provide Disney with your flight information.
About 45 days before you leave a nice little packet will arrive with your Magical Express vouchers and large yellow tags, complete with Mickey ears, to attach to your luggage. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and stick to the airlines baggage guidelines, so that you are not charged an additional fee.
Now here's the key to Magical Express success - make sure to carry all paperwork, tickets, medication, and anything you will need for at least one full day including swim suits, pajamas, and a change of clothes. We have always had great success with our bags arriving to the room within a few hours after us. One time they were even there before us. But, be prepared, Disney warns that it may take up to 6 hours and if you arrive late this may mean tomorrow morning. Make sure to call the bell hop if you have any trouble or questions once you arrive. (Editor's note: DME now asks that any guests arriving after 10:00 pm retrieve their own luggage at baggage claim at Orlando Airport and bring it with them to the DME desk.)
At the airport you will check in as normal. Your baggage will now have an airline tag as well as the Magical Express tag.
In Orlando, upon exiting the plane, you will head towards baggage claim but no need to claim your luggage. There will be signs for Disney's Magical Express bus service. There are also directions in the Magical Express voucher book that you received. You will follow signs to the DME counter on Level 1, check in, and cross the aisle to the line designated for your hotel. It's all timing here—buses run frequently, but you may have just missed one. I would estimate about a 15- to 20-minute wait inside and 10–15 minutes on the bus before it departs. Don't worry if the line is long, this is your first introduction to the fine efficiency of Disney World.
The bus is clean and comfortable. On the way, the excitement will grow, with a video highlighting the parks and features of Walt Disney World. The ride to Disney is about 40 minutes, and your bus will most likely need to make two to three short stops at different resorts, so be patient and enjoy the scenery.
The Magical Express bus will drop you off at the entrance of your hotel. When you arrive I recommend sending an adult ahead to check in, while someone hangs behind to deal with carry-on luggage and kids. The lobbies are comfortable—there is usually a spot where weary kids can relax and watch Disney movies, nice bathrooms to change into appropriate clothing, and a gift shop or dining area nearby if you need anything. (From passporter.com)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Candlelight Processional
"Held every year at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is not to be missed. A mass choir, joined by a 50-piece live orchestra and a celebrity narrator, tell the story of Christmas in words and music, in a very moving performance. Performances are held at the America Gardens Theatre." (From wdwinfo.com)
We are planning on attending the Candlelight Processional on Sunday night of our Disney Vacation. While we have heard great things about this event, we have never attended. We are really excited to experience it with everyone. It should be a nice way to end our Sunday since we aren't able to attend church that day.
Disney App for Verizon
FYI to those with Verizon - this may (or may not) be something you are interested in....
It’s here. Our first official Disney Parks mobile application is now available and you’re invited to check it out.
Trying Mobile Magic is simple. Verizon Wireless customers can download the application for $9.99 for 180 days. Just go to the Media Center to “Browse & Download,” then “Get New Applications.” You’ll then find Mobile Magic in the “Travel & Navigation” folder. The app can also be found by texting Magic to 2777 later today.
You should know that there’s a 24-hour free trial available for a limited time if you’d like to test it out. In either case, download and message charges may apply. Airtime or megabyte data charges may also apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. You can access the Disney Parks mobile web site by going to either m.disneyland.com or m.disneyworld.com on your mobile web browser.
Planning....
How is the planning going? We now have all reservations made!!! Time to start serious logistical planning! Check out the website touringplans.com - call me for loggin & password (it's my usual). It can be a very helpful tool for planning agendas.
Hope you are having fun with your planning!
Blog more later - love ya!!!!
We are planning on attending the Candlelight Processional on Sunday night of our Disney Vacation. While we have heard great things about this event, we have never attended. We are really excited to experience it with everyone. It should be a nice way to end our Sunday since we aren't able to attend church that day.
Disney App for Verizon
FYI to those with Verizon - this may (or may not) be something you are interested in....
It’s here. Our first official Disney Parks mobile application is now available and you’re invited to check it out.
Trying Mobile Magic is simple. Verizon Wireless customers can download the application for $9.99 for 180 days. Just go to the Media Center to “Browse & Download,” then “Get New Applications.” You’ll then find Mobile Magic in the “Travel & Navigation” folder. The app can also be found by texting Magic to 2777 later today.
You should know that there’s a 24-hour free trial available for a limited time if you’d like to test it out. In either case, download and message charges may apply. Airtime or megabyte data charges may also apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. You can access the Disney Parks mobile web site by going to either m.disneyland.com or m.disneyworld.com on your mobile web browser.
Planning....
How is the planning going? We now have all reservations made!!! Time to start serious logistical planning! Check out the website touringplans.com - call me for loggin & password (it's my usual). It can be a very helpful tool for planning agendas.
Hope you are having fun with your planning!
Blog more later - love ya!!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
More tips - hope they help!
Here are some more tips to help you plan. I can't guarantee that all of these tips will work as described - some we've tried, some I've only read about. But having followed many tips on previous trips, they are usually pretty reliable. We've even come up with a few of our own!
1. Pack outfits together (even in gallon-sized zip-lock bags). This is especially helpful for children. When you get ready each day, each person's outfit is all together (socks, undies, hairbows, etc.) and you don't have to rummage through an entire suitcase to find a pair of socks! This also helps assure you haven't forgotten anything BEFORE you leave home.
2. At the end of each day, put dirty clothes back into your empty suitcase (we always put our clothes in the drawers and closet when we travel). This saves a lot of time when you are ready to load up.
3. A great place to view the Wishes fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom is the area between Mickey's Philharmagic and the Carousel. The view is apparently terrific if you like fireworks exploding almost directly over your head.
4. If you watch the Spectromagic parade from near its starting point (near Town Hall), you can then easily get to Adventureland and Frontierland when the parade finishes. That way, you can see the parade and still catch some rides while most people are still watching along the parade route!
5. When you are leaving the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks, instead of taking the monorail directly to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), try taking the monorail to the Resorts. The first stop is the Contemporary Resort and the second stop is the TTC! The line is usually much shorter and you can often get there faster than people standing in the other line. (Note: My experience has been that, even though the crowds and the lines are intimidating, the monorails come by frequently and the lines move pretty quickly. You just have to have a little patience and a good attitude - everyone is tired and anxious to get back to their resort.)
6. Also, regarding park closings, most people assume that the park closes ater the fireworks are over. This isn't always the case. There are nights when the park stays open a little later. It you want to avoid the biggest crowds, if the park isn't closing yet, head back to the attractions while most people are making the big push to the exit!
7. There is a "hidden" exit near the Plaza Restaurant - they open a portion of fencing that goes behind Main Street USA and let crowds exit after the fireworks. It is MUCH less crowded and, I think, a few steps closer to the front. We have done this more than once and highly recommend this exit.
8. Take advantage of the baby care centers. There is one located in each of the four parks. They are air-conditioned areas for parents with infants and toddlers. There are rocking chairs, changing stations and toddler-sized potty chairs. You can also get diapers and other necessities you may have run out of or forgotten. It sounds like a great place to take a break with a little one (or big one) who has hit the wall. Sometimes just a short break away from the stimulation can recharge everybody!
9. Don't forget to go to Guest Services at the front of any park and get your FREE button if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary during the trip, or if it is your first trip to Disney World. Wearing one of these buttons gets you a little extra attention from cast members!
10. Monday is historically a TERRIBLE day to visit the Magic Kingdom. It is one of the busiest days there, regardless of the season. I have also read to consider saving the Magic Kingdom as the last park to visit. After seeing the MK, nothing else seems quite as "magical".
I hope you are enjoying the anticipation of our big trip. It's so much fun planning, and trying to get things "just right" so we all have a wonderful time. I've got a couple of special things I'm working on - hopefully I can pull them off!!!
1. Pack outfits together (even in gallon-sized zip-lock bags). This is especially helpful for children. When you get ready each day, each person's outfit is all together (socks, undies, hairbows, etc.) and you don't have to rummage through an entire suitcase to find a pair of socks! This also helps assure you haven't forgotten anything BEFORE you leave home.
2. At the end of each day, put dirty clothes back into your empty suitcase (we always put our clothes in the drawers and closet when we travel). This saves a lot of time when you are ready to load up.
3. A great place to view the Wishes fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom is the area between Mickey's Philharmagic and the Carousel. The view is apparently terrific if you like fireworks exploding almost directly over your head.
4. If you watch the Spectromagic parade from near its starting point (near Town Hall), you can then easily get to Adventureland and Frontierland when the parade finishes. That way, you can see the parade and still catch some rides while most people are still watching along the parade route!
5. When you are leaving the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks, instead of taking the monorail directly to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), try taking the monorail to the Resorts. The first stop is the Contemporary Resort and the second stop is the TTC! The line is usually much shorter and you can often get there faster than people standing in the other line. (Note: My experience has been that, even though the crowds and the lines are intimidating, the monorails come by frequently and the lines move pretty quickly. You just have to have a little patience and a good attitude - everyone is tired and anxious to get back to their resort.)
6. Also, regarding park closings, most people assume that the park closes ater the fireworks are over. This isn't always the case. There are nights when the park stays open a little later. It you want to avoid the biggest crowds, if the park isn't closing yet, head back to the attractions while most people are making the big push to the exit!
7. There is a "hidden" exit near the Plaza Restaurant - they open a portion of fencing that goes behind Main Street USA and let crowds exit after the fireworks. It is MUCH less crowded and, I think, a few steps closer to the front. We have done this more than once and highly recommend this exit.
8. Take advantage of the baby care centers. There is one located in each of the four parks. They are air-conditioned areas for parents with infants and toddlers. There are rocking chairs, changing stations and toddler-sized potty chairs. You can also get diapers and other necessities you may have run out of or forgotten. It sounds like a great place to take a break with a little one (or big one) who has hit the wall. Sometimes just a short break away from the stimulation can recharge everybody!
9. Don't forget to go to Guest Services at the front of any park and get your FREE button if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary during the trip, or if it is your first trip to Disney World. Wearing one of these buttons gets you a little extra attention from cast members!
10. Monday is historically a TERRIBLE day to visit the Magic Kingdom. It is one of the busiest days there, regardless of the season. I have also read to consider saving the Magic Kingdom as the last park to visit. After seeing the MK, nothing else seems quite as "magical".
I hope you are enjoying the anticipation of our big trip. It's so much fun planning, and trying to get things "just right" so we all have a wonderful time. I've got a couple of special things I'm working on - hopefully I can pull them off!!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hot Tips
Thanks, Amanda, for sending your Attraction Priorities list and your dining list. I will soon get started sorting through schedules! A lot of detailed scheduling will have to wait until we have access to park hours. These come out 6 months in advance. This is also the time we can begin making Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's). We can make the first one on May 29th!
Here are some tips - maybe some you haven't run across yet....
1. Save money at counter service restaurants by ordering entrees without the sides. By ordering a sandwich without the fries, you can often save over $2.00!
2. Get a Fastpass for Toy Story Midway Mania as soon as you arrive at DHS. This attraction is very popular and can run out of Fastpasses by 12pm.
3. Unlike other counter service locations, drink refills are free at the Backlot Express Restaurant at DHS.
4. All WDW purchases can be sent to the resort gift shop for free. Just go to the gift shop and pack it up!
5. While staying at a WDW resort, be sure to request a wake-up call. You will receive a special start to your day from a very special WDW dignitary! Just be sure to let your little one answer the phone!!
6. Everyone talks about how expensive the food is at WDW, but the servings are HUGE! Two people can easily share one meal.
7. Another dining tip, a good time for your dinner reservation is actually a late lunch. Menus are similar, but prices are generally less.
8. A good way to save time is to start your day at the back of the park and work your way forward. It can also help to start your day by going to the left - most people are naturally drawn to the right (plus Space Mountain is to the right).
9. You may find it better to avoid any Extra Magic Hours park (even when staying at a WDW resort) to miss the big crowds.
10. Lines to many rides get shorter about an hour before a parade as people start lining up for the parade. If you've already seen the parade (or don't really care), this is good time to ride the more popular rides.
11. Shops at the Magic Kingdom and DHS stay open one hour after the last attraction has closed, so you can save your last minute shopping until the very last minute and not miss any late night rides!
Hope some of these are helpful. I'll post more later. Let me know if you come across any tips that you really like and want to share with everyone. Hope you are all having fun planning your trip!!!!
Here are some tips - maybe some you haven't run across yet....
1. Save money at counter service restaurants by ordering entrees without the sides. By ordering a sandwich without the fries, you can often save over $2.00!
2. Get a Fastpass for Toy Story Midway Mania as soon as you arrive at DHS. This attraction is very popular and can run out of Fastpasses by 12pm.
3. Unlike other counter service locations, drink refills are free at the Backlot Express Restaurant at DHS.
4. All WDW purchases can be sent to the resort gift shop for free. Just go to the gift shop and pack it up!
5. While staying at a WDW resort, be sure to request a wake-up call. You will receive a special start to your day from a very special WDW dignitary! Just be sure to let your little one answer the phone!!
6. Everyone talks about how expensive the food is at WDW, but the servings are HUGE! Two people can easily share one meal.
7. Another dining tip, a good time for your dinner reservation is actually a late lunch. Menus are similar, but prices are generally less.
8. A good way to save time is to start your day at the back of the park and work your way forward. It can also help to start your day by going to the left - most people are naturally drawn to the right (plus Space Mountain is to the right).
9. You may find it better to avoid any Extra Magic Hours park (even when staying at a WDW resort) to miss the big crowds.
10. Lines to many rides get shorter about an hour before a parade as people start lining up for the parade. If you've already seen the parade (or don't really care), this is good time to ride the more popular rides.
11. Shops at the Magic Kingdom and DHS stay open one hour after the last attraction has closed, so you can save your last minute shopping until the very last minute and not miss any late night rides!
Hope some of these are helpful. I'll post more later. Let me know if you come across any tips that you really like and want to share with everyone. Hope you are all having fun planning your trip!!!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Duh....
Okay, so I've been fighting with my blog for weeks trying to figure out why I can't get my posts to publish. I just figured out that my font had switched to white for some reason.... I will get an update out soon. Sorry about my technical deficiencies....!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wicked?
Yea, just so we're all clear about it, I know Wicked is not Disney, but Lily is driving me Wicked-crazy! Hopefully this will help until we can take to girls to see it in May!
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