Here I am...back from an unintended hiatus. My kids go back to school in 10 days and in the last two weeks, we've started all the high school sports practices. Unfortunately, up until 3 days ago, swimming practiced in the morning and soccer in the afternoon. I've been in the car A LOT! So, I've had to use all my free time to work and haven't been able to stay current on my postings! First some news and then my main article.
NEWS:
Well, Candlelight Processional Packages went on sale yesterday. Odd setup this year; Disney claims to not have a tiered system, but when you look at restaurants and pricing, it certainly seems tiered to me. That, and the week after Thanksgiving still doesn't have any narrators lined up.
After all the hubbub that's been running the online community gamut on whether Disney will let you into MNSSHP or MVMCP at 4pm or make you wait until 7pm like the ticket says, an email from someone at Guest Relations has come out that party ticket holders will indeed be allowed in as early as 4pm.
I got my official mailing from DVC about Aulani taking reservations (and the accompanying teaser to bu points there) earlier this week. I'll have more to say on that front later, but let's just say for now that it's not high on my priority list.
MAIN EVENT: Stuff for Boys at WDW!
Doesn't it seem like there are SO many things for girls at WDW? I mean, there's Princess and Fairy "stuff" galore. And I'm saying this as a parent of a daughter. And a son.
If you have a son, I'm sure there's only so much "princess stuff" that he can hack. Heck, if you have a non-princessy daughter like I do, you might be thinking, "What can I do?"
Mary to the rescue!
Top 7 Things for Boys to do at WDW
1. The Pirate Cruise
This wonderfully fun activity is available at several marina locations including the Grand Floridian, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans and the Yacht&Beach Club. Kids 4-12 join a pirate crew (Disney lifeguard and recreation staff) on a pontoon boat and travel around the lake looking for clues and eventually finding the pirate treasure! Each location has its own schedule. The Pirate Cruise lasts a couple of hours ~ long enough for some leisurely parent time!
2. Jedi Training Academy at MGM Studios
Who wouldn't get a kick out of learning from a Jedi Master and then getting to lightsaber battle Darth Vader? This activity takes place several times a day on most days out of the year. Head towards Star Tours to get signed up.
3. Hoop Dee Do Revue
It's the type of corny comedy that boys just love.
4. Frontierland Shooting Arcade
My Boy Scout is 14 and still loves going here to "hone his skills." ;-)
5. SeaRaycers
These fun little boats can be rented at the on-site resort marinas
6. Swimming in the pool
Make time for some downtime!
7. The Pirate League!
The answer to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! I'll have to post on my family's adventure here! It was fantastic!
Well, I hope that gives you some new ideas, besides rides, on what you can steer your boys towards on your next trip to WDW!
Mary
Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Disney Releases Discounts Through 2011
This is some interesting stuff to talk about.
Disney has never released so many discounts over a long period of time all at once. There are discounts out now through October 2011.
Typically, Disney has released discounts in 2-3 month spurts, usually a few months or so in advance of the opening date. The company probably has wanted to see how much they can eek out before offering a discount at all.
So perhaps future bookings are looking a bit softer than expected? Who knows?
Here's the scoop:
Here are the dates that this deal is available:
For 2010:
Disney has never released so many discounts over a long period of time all at once. There are discounts out now through October 2011.
Typically, Disney has released discounts in 2-3 month spurts, usually a few months or so in advance of the opening date. The company probably has wanted to see how much they can eek out before offering a discount at all.
So perhaps future bookings are looking a bit softer than expected? Who knows?
Here's the scoop:
- It's not available every day for the next year. It's a hodge-podge of dates here and there. Look to the bottom of my post of the dates or head over to Mousesavers for a more detailed skinny.
- You have to book by December 20. So you have a lot of time to think it over
- You have to pay for a non-discounted room and ticket package and then you get a FREE dining plan. Stay at a Value Resort, you get the Quick Serve Plan for free; stay at a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, get the regular Dining Plan for free.
Here are the dates that this deal is available:
For 2010:
- 10/1-10/7
- 10/22-10/28
- 11/12-11/18
- 11/27-12/2
- 12/10-12/21
- 1/1-1/5
- 1/9-1/13
- 1/21-2/3
- 2/11-2/17
- 2/25-3/3
- 5/27-6/2
- 8/19-9/29
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Rumor - New Theme Rooms at Port Orleans?
How flipping exciting is this!?!?!?!?
First, Disney gives us Pirate themed rooms at Caribbean Beach:
Now, Disney is sending out surveys asking people who've recently stayed at Disney World what they would think about staying a "Royal" themed room or a "Haunted Mansion" themed room.
Here's the concept art:
Haunted Mansion room concept art - rumored to be going into some renovated rooms at Port Orleans Riverside.
The Disney survey apparently asks how likely the respondent is to pay an extra $30 per night to stay in one of these themed rooms.
This seems to be a trend for Disney to charge for preferred views or themes. The 2011 room and package rates were recently released. Disney added a new category at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Arusha Savannah View - and it's $30 more per night for that specific view.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the Haunted Mansion. It's just not my thing. But I LOVE the Royal Room concept. Talk about feeling like royalty, even in a Moderate resort. Some people felt it might be too girly or princessy...until they saw the art. I LOVE this concept.
Is it worth an additional $30 per night? My opinion - No. For a week's stay, that's an additional $230+ after you tack on the hotel taxes just for an uber-themed room. Now, if it was more like an extra $100+ tax, I'd consider it for the experience. But if you think about it...$30 is the cost of a counter service meal for a family of four. And you'd have to pay that much extra each day to have that theme.
I have to say that I do love themes and being immersed in the magic can definitely be worth it. There will be those who would pay it no matter what. For me, I'd have to wait for just the right occasion or just the right deal.
What do you think?
~Mary
First, Disney gives us Pirate themed rooms at Caribbean Beach:
Now, Disney is sending out surveys asking people who've recently stayed at Disney World what they would think about staying a "Royal" themed room or a "Haunted Mansion" themed room.
Here's the concept art:
Royal Room - rumored to be going into some renovated rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter.
The Disney survey apparently asks how likely the respondent is to pay an extra $30 per night to stay in one of these themed rooms.
This seems to be a trend for Disney to charge for preferred views or themes. The 2011 room and package rates were recently released. Disney added a new category at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Arusha Savannah View - and it's $30 more per night for that specific view.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the Haunted Mansion. It's just not my thing. But I LOVE the Royal Room concept. Talk about feeling like royalty, even in a Moderate resort. Some people felt it might be too girly or princessy...until they saw the art. I LOVE this concept.
Is it worth an additional $30 per night? My opinion - No. For a week's stay, that's an additional $230+ after you tack on the hotel taxes just for an uber-themed room. Now, if it was more like an extra $100+ tax, I'd consider it for the experience. But if you think about it...$30 is the cost of a counter service meal for a family of four. And you'd have to pay that much extra each day to have that theme.
I have to say that I do love themes and being immersed in the magic can definitely be worth it. There will be those who would pay it no matter what. For me, I'd have to wait for just the right occasion or just the right deal.
What do you think?
~Mary
Monday, August 9, 2010
New Kids Menu at Garden Grill
It's the Picky Eaters vs. the Healthy Horde.
Well, maybe not that drastic. But there are some interesting changes afoot at the Garden Grill in Epcot.
Disney has a pretty standard kids menu and chicken nuggets and fries take center stage in most places. I mean, come on; chicken nuggets are something even the pickiest eater will chow down on, right? That way, Mom and Dad can feast on the regular menu that Garden Grill offers (which rocks, by the way).
But now, the Garden Grill has changed things up a bit. The standard kids menu is refreshed and includes the following:
* Oven Roasted Chicken Drumstick
* Sweet Potato Sticks
* Baked Macaroni & Cheese
* Broccoli
* Mickey "Mousse" Cookies and Cream
Now it seems that there are some elements that are upset that chicken nuggets have been swapped for a drumstick.
Really? My kids have always loved drumsticks! Are we the odd ones?
And while I can see where a kid would turn up his nose at orange French fries, seriously have you tasted sweet potato fries? Yumatrocious!
Broccoli...I get this one. A lot of adults don't like broccoli. But the beauty of the Garden Grill is its all family-style so you don't have to take it if you don't want to.
And the Mickey Mousse...it's like good old fashioned worms-and-dirt, baby. My teens would rather eat that then the fruit cobbler dessert any day of the week.
By the way, the kids can still eat off the adult offerings at the Garden Grill:
* Roasted Turkey Breast
*Sustainable Fresh Fish of the Day
*Beef Strip Loin
* Farmer's Market Salad - seriously, this is eat-the-whole-bowl yummy
* Bread and Maple Butter
* Vegies, potatoes, dressing, dessert!
So what are your thoughts on the new kids offerings from the Garden Grill?
Hey, if they bring me some of that stuff, I know I'll be eating some of it.
Mary
Well, maybe not that drastic. But there are some interesting changes afoot at the Garden Grill in Epcot.
Disney has a pretty standard kids menu and chicken nuggets and fries take center stage in most places. I mean, come on; chicken nuggets are something even the pickiest eater will chow down on, right? That way, Mom and Dad can feast on the regular menu that Garden Grill offers (which rocks, by the way).
But now, the Garden Grill has changed things up a bit. The standard kids menu is refreshed and includes the following:
* Oven Roasted Chicken Drumstick
* Sweet Potato Sticks
* Baked Macaroni & Cheese
* Broccoli
* Mickey "Mousse" Cookies and Cream
Now it seems that there are some elements that are upset that chicken nuggets have been swapped for a drumstick.
Really? My kids have always loved drumsticks! Are we the odd ones?
And while I can see where a kid would turn up his nose at orange French fries, seriously have you tasted sweet potato fries? Yumatrocious!
Broccoli...I get this one. A lot of adults don't like broccoli. But the beauty of the Garden Grill is its all family-style so you don't have to take it if you don't want to.
And the Mickey Mousse...it's like good old fashioned worms-and-dirt, baby. My teens would rather eat that then the fruit cobbler dessert any day of the week.
By the way, the kids can still eat off the adult offerings at the Garden Grill:
* Roasted Turkey Breast
*Sustainable Fresh Fish of the Day
*Beef Strip Loin
* Farmer's Market Salad - seriously, this is eat-the-whole-bowl yummy
* Bread and Maple Butter
* Vegies, potatoes, dressing, dessert!
So what are your thoughts on the new kids offerings from the Garden Grill?
Hey, if they bring me some of that stuff, I know I'll be eating some of it.
Mary
Saturday, August 7, 2010
New Knight Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
I have to tell you, Disney really needs to get on the bandwagon and have more stuff geared toward boys or non-princessy girls.
We all know that there are princess meets galore, several different dining options to eat with princesses and more.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a bit progressive is having a "Cool Dude" package available for boys. But seriously...how can you compare that to a Princess package.
Now, granted, boys in general are usually not that hyped about getting "dolled up" (figuratively speaking, of course), but hey, at least they have an option.
Well now, the "Cool Dude" package is making way for the "Knight" package. Boys get hair styling plus a sword and shield.
That's more like it!
While my "little boy" is 14 years old and aged of something like this, I'm excited that younger boys have this new option that fits with the Fantasyland persona that goes with Bibbid Bobbidi Boutique.
Mary
We all know that there are princess meets galore, several different dining options to eat with princesses and more.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a bit progressive is having a "Cool Dude" package available for boys. But seriously...how can you compare that to a Princess package.
Now, granted, boys in general are usually not that hyped about getting "dolled up" (figuratively speaking, of course), but hey, at least they have an option.
Well now, the "Cool Dude" package is making way for the "Knight" package. Boys get hair styling plus a sword and shield.
That's more like it!
While my "little boy" is 14 years old and aged of something like this, I'm excited that younger boys have this new option that fits with the Fantasyland persona that goes with Bibbid Bobbidi Boutique.
Mary
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