“It all started with a mouse.”  Walt Disney had a dream, and along came Disneyland.  That is where our journey began as we took a look at the family bonding options that different Disney vacation destinations provide.  Adventures by Disney is the final Disney vacation ‘destination’ I will look at in this series.  Destination is used loosely here, as Adventures by Disney allows you to choose from world wide vacation destinations; the Disney theme park idea is where it started and as the concept of family time was combined with the special Disney way of imagining vacation destinations, the Disney vacation destination concept went global!  Disney took destinations all around the world and turned them into Disney vacation experiences that provide a very broad range of family bonding options along with the Disney differences that make each itinerary special.

Adventures by Disney has put together vacation experiences in 32 different locations all around the world!  Each destination offers its own special Disney touches to make the daily itineraries absolutely unique.  From the very heart and soul of the United States of America, Washington DC, where your family can experience through Disney’s eyes, a look at the history of our great country.

Or you can go to the other side of the world and cruise down the Nile River in Egypt and see some of the great pyramids.  Certainly, you will find the time choosing where to go will start the family bonding that will be a true theme of your Adventures by Disney vacation.  Disney has a way of pointing you in the direction of discovering new things about your family and yourself!  The planning is part of the Adventure as you discover what excitement awaits your family.

One key to a good family bonding experience with this type of vacation is that it has a broad reach.  Families are not always mom, dad, and the children.  Families can also be just couples with no children.  With that concept in mind, Adventures by Disney provides itineraries that are adult only!  Yes, your family can be a family free of children if that is what you choose.  Adventures by Disney offers 15 different itineraries that have adult only dates available.  The Once Upon A Fairytale Package has adult only dates.  Imagine staying in a castle?  I am sure for many it would be a fantasy come true.

Once your family has decided where you will go, you can be assured that Disney will provide the perfect recipe for the perfect family bonding experience on your Adventures by Disney vacation.  They will pick the best hotels and the best tours for you to experience, and you will experience fine cuisine and service as expected for each location.  You will be totally immersed in your Adventures by Disney vacation.  The photo on the left shows you where you would stay if you experience the Peru Adventures by Disney.  Talk about a sweet retreat, right?

Everything is special through Disney, and all your tours will be private; the tour of Mont St Michel, on the Esprit de France Adventures by Disney vacation is one such tour. Disney describes it like this, “The silhouette of this formidable island fortress looms on the horizon as your coach approaches. Surrounded by a venerable town, this medieval Benedictine abbey was built in honor of the Archangel Michael who, according to medieval legend, will slay the dragon at the Apocalypse. With a local guide, explore rooms such as the ancient scriptorium, ossuary, chapel and crypt. Feel the island’s enchantment as you wander down winding cobblestone streets on your own trek through town.”

Your Adventures by Disney vacation will be a once in a lifetime experience that you will want to repeat again and again!  Disney provides Adventure Guides and local experts and they are there to provide a seamless, magical Disney style vacation, centered around the culture of the area you are visiting.  Your only job is to have fun and be a family and the family bonding will be natural.  Every detail is covered by Disney.

That is the theme of this series, I think.  Disney has you covered.  They are providing us with many perfect destinations for us to get away to, and just be together as a family.  Read the entire series starting with the first article in this series is ‘A Disney Vacation makes Magic For Family Bonding’.   Put your family first, which means you need to put you first, too, and look to Disney for the perfect family bonding experience, no matter which Disney destination you choose.

Walt Disney World Resort may be one of the world’s most popular family attractions but it’s also home to some very romantic spots that are ideal for a marriage proposal. If you are looking to sweep your sweetheart off their feet, you can do it in true Disney style with a wedding proposal that’s staged around Cinderella’s Castle or at one of the upscale restaurants on the property. But, the romantic locations don’t stop there! Walt Disney World is also home to many other locations that can serve as a picture perfect setting for that magical moment.

When you’re ready to pop the question to someone special or maybe drop some hints for someone to pop the question TO you, Disney’s got you covered. Here are 10 places in Walt Disney World Resort that I find to be romantic venues for a marriage proposal or even to simply capture a romantic moment in your busy life with your better half.

Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant – This is one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants I know of. Most people immediately think of dining in private at the Chef’s Table, but, I prefer the dining room. There you’ll dine amongst gentle harp strains and the sparkle of imported crystal in a gorgeous Victorian dining room. You can arrange with a Cast Member to have the ring carried in on a silver covered tray with dessert or maybe even placed inside a red rose.

California Grill – With sweeping views overlooking the Magic Kingdom, this signature dining restaurant is the perfect location to pop the question. You can even watch the fireworks from here. Talk to a Cast Member ahead of time to set up a “Will You Marry Me” platter where the ring is set upon an engraved slipper.

On a Boat -  Reserve seats on a luxury watercraft for a VIP boating experience onboard one of two spectacular fireworks cruises. Whether you prefer IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth or Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, their jaws are sure to drop like an anchor when the  question is popped.

Characters in Flight Balloon Ride - This tethered hot air balloon is a popular attraction for couples at Downtown Disney. Plan on boarding the balloon right around the fireworks show at Epcot so you can see the fireworks when you reach 400 feet, then propose to your sweetheart.

Rose Garden at the Cinderella Castle – If you are planning a proposal during daylight hours, set the stage at the beautiful rose garden in front of Cinderella Castle. It’s a picture-perfect setting and you can arrange to have a Cast Member take your pictures right after your sweetie says yes.

The Equestrian Way- Your special someone will know you’re not “horsing around when you propose during a horseback ride through the beautiful paths of Central Florida’s lovely and natural wilderness at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. If a horse-drawn carriage is more your style, you can reserve one of those either here as well or at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

On the Beach – Sunset Pointe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a paradise hot spot surrounded by palm trees and a phenomenal view of Cinderella Castle. Plan your proposal at night during the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular or the Electrical Water Parade. You might even be able to arrange to have the ukulele player to play your favorite song and introduce your wedding proposal.

Staircase at The Grand Floridian – One of the most photographed staircases on property is the Grand Staircase at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s beautiful and elegant, and with a full band playing in the evenings, this makes the perfect venue for popping the question.

Animal Kingdom – If your sweetheart likes a bit of adventure, propose on a Sunrise Safari. This semi-private safari gives an in-depth look at the animals that graze the African savannah of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Cinderella’s Royal Table - For the classic romantic, true blue Disney fan, Cinderella Castle is always the favorite. Proposals are so popular here, the restaurant offers an engagement package for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They’ve got it all worked out for you:

• Preferred seating overlooking the Carousel
• A delicious meal including a white chocolate slipper filled with chocolate mousse on an angel food cake pillow for dessert (served with lunch and dinner only)
• A personal photographer
• A crystal slipper with your names and date engraved
• The engagement ring presented in a glass slipper, lying on a bed of fresh rose petals enclosed in a decorative platter with a dome lid.

You and your sweetheart will truly feel like a royal couple.

My romantic mind was running rampant on this article. So, I just had to add a few more ideas for that magical Disney proposal day:

• At sunset on a bench on Sunset Boulevard at Disney Hollywood Studios
• Any theme park restaurant special to you
• Character dining with your sweeties favorite character (other than yourself!)
• At the Wishing Well next to the Castle in Magic Kingdom
• At any of the other resort beaches including Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach
• In the France or Italy courtyards in Epcot’s World Showcase, at night, (maybe just before IllumiNations)
• Simply strolling through any Disney Deluxe Resort grounds (They are all gorgeous)

So, there you have it, some of the most romantic places to pop the question in Walt Disney World. I would have been happy with any one of them over the Mexican restaurant my husband chose! But, at least he made up for it and took me to Disney World for our honeymoon. And, 29 years of “Happily Ever After” later, I’d still say yes to him again. Even if he proposed to me at Taco Bell.

The five year expansion at Disneyland Resort is almost completed!  Disney has created vacation experiences for us to enjoy.  One experience is a new behind the scenes style tour.  It is called The Cultivating The Magic Guided Tour.  You will learn about the historical background of the horticulture in Disneyland.  Disney says, “It’s not just pointing out plants – you discover how horticulture is used to tell a story and how it helped achieve Walt Disney’s vision for his original Magic Kingdom.”  What else is Disney news this week in Disneyland?

A new dance party at California Adventure Theme Park, The Mad T Party, will have you dancing and singing along to their fun sound.   Disney says, “Starting June 15, 2012, travel “this way” and “that way” and “which way” to enter the Mad T Party — a high-energy, glowing wonderland of live music, exotic tastes and fun-filled games at Hollywood Pictures Backlot.”  Don’t miss it!!

The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction has been extensively renovated this year.  This mainstay in Disneyland opened in 1959.  It was Walt’s idea to have climbers on the mountain, and now those climbers are seen with fresh snow!  This famous attraction re-opens in June of this year.

Look for an exclusive addition to California Adventure; 1901, a private lounge located in the Carthay Circle Theatre, and only available to Club 33 members.  Club 33 in Disneyland celebrated its 45th anniversary this month!  Disney is celebrating, as Disney loves to do.  For a limited time they are offering new memberships into Club 33.  If you were on the waiting list, you might be one of the lucky ones to get in.  Walt Disney was inspired by the executive lounges at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 when he created Club 33.

Speaking of the Carthay Circle Theatre – quick mention that the Carthay Circle Restaurant is re-opening on June 15 after an extensive renovation.  You can make dining arrangements there now.  I love how Disney intertwines venues around each other.

Moving on to Walt Disney World, there is exciting Disney news if you are a Cirque Du Soleil fan; a dinner show!  Starting on June 1 you can reserve a Dinner and A Show Package.  You will receive dinner at the House of Blues, in Downtown Disney, and Category 2 seating for La Nouba at Cirque Du Soleil.  The package costs $99 plus tax, per guest age 10 and older, and $85 plus tax for guests age 3-9; saving you about 25%.  This is a limited time offer right now; I am hoping Disney is trying it out and will implement it permanently.

Star Wars Weekends are just around the corner at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World and the merchandise options are growing!  How would you like to create your own droid?  Choose from 71 different pieces to create your own 3 1/2 inch droid!  Want to make it more personal?  Create a Carbonite Figurine in your own likeness this year!  This new experience starts May 18 and promises to be very exciting!  You can make reservations for this now by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324).

Some more Disney news from Hollywood Studios; a nod to how Disney re-imagines existing experiences.  Disney has now introduced Phineas, Ferb and Agent P to the list of characters you can learn how to draw at the Studios; The Magic of Disney Animation attraction.  With this interactive self tour you will get a glimpse at what being an imagineer means.  Learn how to draw different characters!

Disney Cruise Line has some Disney news, too!

• The Disney Wonder made her first visit to Hawaii last week!   The celebrations were fun at every port of call.  Disney Cruise Line has another itinerary sailing to Hawaii in October.
• Are you planning on trying a Disney Cruise out of New York City this summer?  If you are arriving a day or two early, or staying a day or two after your cruise, Disney has some wonderful New York City shore excursions tours you can try.  See the city through the amazing imaginative eyes of Disney!

See you next week for more Disney News Reviews from Our Laughing Place Travel!

Disney Cruise Line!  This is an innovative vacation experience that gives families the ultimate way to enjoy their time together.  “I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things.”  Walt Disney had big dreams that involved creating happy places for families to play, and I think Disney Cruise Line truly provides the ultimate immersive vacation experience.   With four beautiful ships, The Wonder, The Magic, The Dream and The Fantasy, itineraries that will take you to destinations all over the world, and activities and experiences on-board that will appeal to every type of family; your family will want to make cruising a tradition.  Let’s explore a little of what awaits your family on a Disney ship.  Disney takes the theme parks and the Disney resorts “Welcome Home!” feeling out to sea!

The Disney cruise vacation is really centered entirely around families.  Their staterooms are very roomy, the largest in the cruise industry.  Even the inside staterooms feel open and comfortable; particularly the one pictured here from the Disney Dream.  Some of the inside staterooms will fit families of 5, too.

The photo on the left is stateroom 7056 on the Disney Fantasy.  No matter which category stateroom you are in, you will find them all to be cozy feeling, with just the right amount of decorations to give it that homey feel.

Don’t forget to make decorations for your stateroom door, to personalize it .  Make sure each decoration is on a magnet, because that will keep it on the door.  The vacation’s family bonding feel can start with the creation of your personalized door.

The very first thing you will do when you board the ship is EAT!  Head right up to the top deck, no matter which Disney ship you are sailing on.  That is where you will find the buffet; a casual fun family dining experience.  After your first delicious cruise meal prepare to party, because Disney wants to welcome you on-board in a very grand way; the Disney Cruise Sailaway party!  Disney’s energy is amazing.  Your family will love the sailaway party; lots of dancing and singing and fun, with Disney characters to make it even more festive.

A Disney cruise will provide you just the right balance of time together as a family.  On the ship, or at ports of call, everyone will find something to do.   They have activities for children that will keep them busy for the entire cruise and you might hear the details when you all meet for dinner.  While the children are busy, mom and dad can be enjoying the adult pool area or spa.  There is a marvelous balance because you can use the activities as much, or as little as you want.

Disney Cruise Line wants you to enjoy your cruise.  They provide you with all kinds of options for that.  If your idea of the perfect vacation is sitting in a comfy lounge chair reading, while the kids frolic in the pool, or enjoy the famous AquaDuck water slide, you will certainly find that option available.  On the Disney Fantasy there is the Donald Duck pool and the Mickey Mouse pool.

Whatever style you want for your cruise vacation, it is available.  That is the perfect part about it.  There is time to relax and there is time to party; do either, or do both!  The most important thing is that your family is together, and you are enjoying each other.  You are laughing together and creating cruise memories that will last forever.   No one has to cook, or drive anywhere.  You have servers at dinner and stewards to keep your stateroom perfect.  You will be pampered and spoiled.  Take all that home with you in the form of Disney vacation memories.  Those smiles and happy feelings will be there in the photos to remind you of the special family time you had.  Minnie Mouse hopes you will hurry back!

Next in my series I am going to look at Disney’s newest family vacation experience in ‘Adventures by Disney Makes Magic for Family Bonding’.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney World Resort for a whirlwind conference trip. My companions and I had just spent a good part of the day traveling from the west, north and east United States. Arriving mid-afternoon, we chose to spend the second half of our arrival day in Epcot. Spaceship Earth, Soarin! and food were the only things on our mind and time was of the essence! After the traditional photo with Spaceship Earth in the background, we paused a moment to ponder our next move. Lunch, then Soarin!? Yepp we had a plan! Just then, a woman stopped and asked, “Are the three of you together?” We looked at one another, wondering if it was our glazed eyes or the matching pink tees we wore that gave us away. Either way, the moment was about to be imprinted in our minds as one of many Magical Disney Moments we were to experience on this day’s adventure. “I have a FASTPASS for Soarin’ in 45 minutes. But, we really need to leave and can’t use it. Would you like it?” It was as if we were given the golden ticket. A FASTPASS would allow us to enjoy our meal in a leisurely manner and them make our way over to Soarin’ where our FASTPASS assigned us a timed window of admission to the attraction without the lengthy wait in line.

That is the beauty of a FASTPASS. A complimentary service for Disney guests that saves your place in line for an attraction while you enjoy the rest of the theme park. FASTPASS is available for most of the popular rides and attractions at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Essentially, FASTPASS is a “virtual” queuing system -  guests who obtain a FASTPASS are entered into a virtual queue in the computer which saves their space in line and then (based upon how many guests are in front of them in the virtual queue) calculates the time it would take to come to the front of the line – this becomes their return time for the attraction of their choice.

The Park Guide Maps will indicate which attractions are FASTPASS attractions. You can also ask any Cast Member or inquire at Lobby Concierge in your Disney resort hotel. Once you have decided which attractions you wish to take in, head over to that attraction and locate the FASTPASS Distribution machines near the attraction entrance. You’ll see two time postings. One will tell you how long the Standby Entrance wait time will be, if you got in line right at that moment. The other, tells you what time you will need to return if you get a FASTPASS ticket at that time. If the return time is one that works for you, just insert your admission ticket into Disney’s FASTPASS machine. (You may use your Walt Disney World Resort admission ticket, readmission ticket, Disney Resort Hotel keycard or Annual Passport.) A FASTPASS ticket will emerge with your return time printed on it. Now you’re free to go and enjoy the rest of the theme park! When your ticket return time rolls around, you’ll have a one-hour window to arrive back at the FASTPASS ticketholder entrance. When you get there, show your ticket to the Cast Member and enjoy the attraction with a minimal wait.

Please keep in mind:

FASTPASS tickets are only valid on the day of issue.

Everyone in your party using the FASTPASS ticketholder entrance must have a FASTPASS ticket.

There is a limit to the number of FASTPASS tickets you may have at one time. On your ticket will be printed the time at which you can get your next one. Disney’s FASTPASS Service machines won’t issue another ticket until the time stated on your current one. Don’t plan on going from one FASTPASS attraction to another to collect tickets all at once. These machines are pretty smart and won’t issue another until your current pass allows it. However, since your FASTPASS ticket has a one hour window, it is possible to get another ticket one minute after your assigned time has passed on your first ticket. Some attractions, like The Little Mermaid Show, have only a 10 – 15 minute window. Theater attractions will have a specific performance time. You are also allowed to get another FASTPASS ticket 2 hours from the time you actually got your previous one. If you arrive at the attraction after your assigned FASTPASS window has expired, most Cast Members will allow you to use your FASTPASS up to 15 minutes past your assigned time. This is a new policy as of March of 2012. Previously, FASTPASSes were honored any time after the window “close” date on the day of issue.

FASTPASS tips:

• The most important tip is the same as before FASTPASS: plan ahead and get to the parks early. You’ll be able to get FASTPASSes with quick return times for most of the popular attractions right away.

• To save time and energy, give the quickest one or two people in your group all of your admission passes and have them get the FASTPASSes. You can take care of other business while they collect the passes.

• Look at the posted standby line time. If it’s just a few minutes, it’s probably not worth wasting a FASTPASS. Just wait for the regular line and use FASTPASS later for a more crowded attraction.

• Look at the posted FASTPASS return time. If it’s much later in the day and you’re planning to go somewhere else, you may want to skip the FASTPASS because you can’t get another FASTPASS until it’s time for you to return for the first attraction or two hours have passed.

• Look at the posted FASTPASS return time and standby time. If it looks close, you may be able to get a FASTPASS, wait in the standby line, then get back in FASTPASS line for an immediate re-ride.

• FASTPASS tickets are not issued all day long. Often the FASTPASS ticket machines may be shut down a couple hours before closing time. During off-peak times, FASTPASS machines will often be shut down when the standby wait time is under 30 minutes. Also, when all available return times have been issued, FASTPASS is closed for the rest of the day. At some popular attractions, this can happen as early as 1 p.m.

Waiting in lines is the number-one guest complaint in the Disney Resort Parks. Disney’s FASTPASS system has gone a long way in helping to alleviate this stress in our Disney vacations. The FASTPASS system reduces the amount of time you spend in line – helping you to maximize your time in your favorite Disney theme park! You’ll know exactly how much time you have to eat that Dole Whip before boarding Splash Mountain!

Once again Disney is making it even easier to plan your next vacation adventure. For a limited time, Disney is offering the availability to book an Adventures By Disney vacation while you are on board the Disney Fantasy. And, in true Disney style, they are even offering a 10% discount when you book your vacation while on the Fantasy. What does this mean to you? It means before you even end one vacation, you already have a future one in the works! Right now this is in the test phase and will be ending shortly, however, it’s entirely possible that this will become a regular option on the Fantasy as well as on Disney Cruise Line’s other ships.

This new option for booking an Adventure’s By Disney vacation reminds me of the bounce back offers Disney traditionally offers at their resorts where a guest can book a future vacation at a special discounted rate. Historically, that has been something Disney guests love. With this new offer, you get to plan a whole new kind of vacation!

Right about now, you may be asking, ‘what IS Adventures By Disney anyway?’. Well, let me tell you, it’s unlike anything else out there. On an Adventures By Disney trip, you can visit your choice of destinations from exotic to tropical to locations right here in the US. But you aren’t visiting like a common tourist. You are treated to amazing dining, fantastic accommodations, and VIP access to all the top visitor destinations, as well as visiting areas that really help you ‘feel’ the culture and become a part of it. Plus, you always have Disney’s signature service with 2 adventure guides who are there to help with anything and everything you can possibly imagine. And if you LOVE cruising, you can even take an Adventures By Disney trip that includes time aboard the Disney Cruise Line! How’s that for having your cake and eating it, too? Keep your ears open for more news of this great offer soon!

I’ll be interested to see how well this new offer is received by guests on board the Fantasy. I can see this being a whole new way for Disney to introduce their guests to the world!

Disneyland was the first theme park Disney opened, and Walt Disney was the driving force behind that theme park’s family feel.  His dream was to build a place that catered to the idea of family bonding; a place for families to be together and have fun.  Disneyland did not fully fulfill Walt’s dream, though.  He saw the need for more space, and a second theme park and found what he envisioned in Florida.  “Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland…the blessing of size. There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine.”  The initial idea Walt had, for families to fully escape the outside world and be immersed in a vacation, was about to expand into the future.

The immersive vacation experience is the key to family bonding in Walt Disney World.  It is a feeling that stays with you, even when you are not there; each family vacation adding to the tradition and memories being created.  The quality time, shared experiences and laughter can all begin with the planning process.  Once you choose a resort you will start feeling immersed in the magic.

What are the resort options in Walt Disney World?  There are 25 Disney owned resorts to choose from; quite varied in amenities and themes offered.  Immerse yourself into the exact type of resort your family wants.  Satisfy your budgetary needs and enjoy larger than life icons at All Star Movies Resort; feel like you are in an animated Disney film.  The Disney resort options from Value, to Moderate, to Deluxe and Villa resorts offer an array of immersive experiences.  Did you ever build a tree house when you were a kid?  How about staying in a tree house in Walt Disney World?   Saratoga Springs offers an amazing tree house villa that will truly be an immersive family bonding experience while offering you a home away from home feel.  The tree houses offer full kitchens, and other amenities that will create a homey feel during your family vacation.

Click on map for Larger Version

In Walt Disney World there are four theme parks and two water parks to choose from; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.  Downtown Disney area offers shopping, a movie theatre, and DisneyQuest; a state of the art indoor theme park where you can create interactive theme park rides.  Cirque du Soleil La Nouba is located in the West Side of Downtown Disney.  Add the hundreds of different restaurants, each themed in its own unique way, and the many other family fun options; horseback riding, boat and bicycle rentals, kids centers, hot air balloon rides, etc., and you have total immersion with the ability to pick and choose experiences that work for your family.

My first Disney vacation experience took place in Walt Disney World!  The family bonding that happened took a very natural course, from the moment the idea surfaced to travel to Walt Disney World for the first time, to ultimately the present time.  Walt Disney World resonates with my family as the magical place where everything is about fun and family.  The phrase, “I wish I was in Disney.” is heard regularly around here.  Everyone gathers around an old photo album of Disney vacation pictures happily and are always ready to enjoy vacation videos.  There are always lots of comments about remembering each moment again as we relive it on the screen of our TV.

Join me in my next article!  I am going to explore the family bonding opportunities you can expect on a Disney Cruise in ‘Disney Cruise Line makes Magic for Family Bonding’.

Every day is magical at Walt Disney World Resorts. But, there is a special time of year when the Disney company pulls out all the stops and sprinkles extra pixie dust all over the “World.” Christmas time at Walt Disney Resorts is something everyone truly needs to experience for themselves. It will squash the Scrooge in any duck!

The Magic Kingdom is the setting for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Once again, the Mouse himself plays host to one of the biggest parties in the “World.” I don’t know how he does it year after year! But, I am SO glad he does! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a sure way to kick your own holiday spirit into high gear.

Starting in early November, on selected nights, Mickey Mouse keeps the Magic Kingdom open for several hours after closing just for guests attending his Very Merry Christmas Party. He decks the halls with holiday cheer planning special shows and fun for everyone. Even Scrooge! Snow falls on Main Street, fireworks and music fill the air, and the big rides are still open to guests as well. The castle lighting ceremony is something to behold. It will take your breath away! Holiday-themed entertainment, parades, strolling carolers, and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will warm your heart and soul.

Just like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this party is held after the regular closing of the Magic Kingdom and requires a separate admission. (You won’t need a paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) the party starts at 7:00 pm and runs until midnight on selected nights. Guests with Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are admitted as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park when the party begins.

Make your dining plans in such a way that you are already in the park and ready to go right when the festivities begin. Restaurants book up early, so make reservations as early as possible. (180 days in advance

General Information on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on the following dates:

November 9, 12, 15, 16*, 25, 27, 29 and 30*

December 2, 4, 6, 7*, 9, 11, 13, 14*, 16, 18, 20* and 21**

* Advance Sale pricing is not available for these dates. Even when purchased in advance, “Day Of” pricing is in effect.

Advance Sales $58.95 Adult / $53.95 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)

Day of Event Sales $64.95/$59.95

** Premium Night Dec 21 $67.95/$62.95

DVC and Pass Holder Discounts 2012 MVMCP – Official Information

——————————————————————————–

There is special discount pricing for DVC Members and all levels of Annual Passholders (except water parks and DQ APs)

Valid the following nights only:

November 9, 12, 15, 25, 27, 29,December 2, 4, 6, and 11

$54.95 Adult / $49.95 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)

These must be purchased in advance and will not be available the day of the event.

A Passholder may purchase up to four tickets and a DVC Member up to six tickets.

All tickets must be set up for will-call and either a valid AP or DVC Membership must be shown at that time.

————————————————————————–

There is special discount pricing for persons eligible For Armed Forces Salute Tickets.

Valid the following nights only:

November 9, 12, 15, 25 and 29, Dec 2

$41.27 Adult / $37.77 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)

These must be purchased in person at any Park (including water parks, TTC 0or DTD) Ticket or Guest Relations window. They are not available at SoG/MWR/ITT, by phone or Internet.

The limit is the service member plus five Guests for any party. Purchases may be made for multiple nights.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is only one event that is going on in the Walt Disney World Resorts during Christmas season. The entire Resort from hotels to parks are fully decorated and there are countless ways to enjoy the season. At Epcot the Candlelight Processional runs two to three times nightly. A celebrity narrator, chorus, and orchestra present the Christmas story. No extra admission is required, but a special dinner package offers reserved seating. Be sure to check out the resort decorations (try the Yuletide tour) and enjoy all the merriment in Downtown Disney. the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights sparkles throughout the Streets of America Set at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

So, if you are already planning to be at The Walt Disney Resorts during this time, be sure to take part in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and get your tickets early before they sell out. If don’t have plans, I suggest you put on your thinking cap (the pointy one with the Mickey Ears and a plush ball dangling on it) and start planning!

Today was a busy day for Walt Disney World Resorts! After announcing a new Late Summer Offer, they went on to open the sale of tickets for BOTH Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Whew! That Mouse loves himself a party! I can hardly plan one at a time, much less two at once!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, or MNSSHP as Disney fans refer to it, is exactly as the name implies! A Halloween party, hosted by Mickey Mouse that is not so scary.

It’s held on selected nights starting in October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of the Magic Kingdom, and requires a separate admission. (However, you don’t have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Guests with Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets are admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins.

Admission to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids, costume parades for little ones, character meet-and-greets, fortune tellers, a Halloween riverboat ride, two performances of a unique holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety and appropriateness). As a bonus, most of the attractions are open!

It’s fun to have dinner at Tony’s Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. That way you’ll be in the park right when the festivities begin. Both restaurants book up quickly, so make your reservations as early as possible.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be offered from 7:00 pm to midnight on:

September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 30

October 4, 5*, 8, 11, 12*, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 26*, 28, 30, 31* and November 2

*Advance Sale pricing is not available for these dates. Even when purchased in advance, “Day Of” pricing is in effect.

Advance Sales – September (except 30) $55.95 Adult / $50.95 Ages 3 – 9 (plus tax)

Advance Sales – September 30, October and November – $58.95 / $53.95

Day of Event Sales – September (except 30) $62.95 / $57.95

Day of Event sales – September 30, October, November – $64.95 / $59.95

Premium Night – October 31 – $69.95 / $64.95:

Disney Vacation Club and Pass Holder Discounts 2012 MNSSHP – Official Information

There is special discount pricing for DVC Members and all levels of Annual Passholders (except water parks and Disney Quest Annual Passholders)

Valid the following nights only:

Sept 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 30
Oct 4, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23 and 25
September (except 30) $52.95 Adult / $47.95 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)
September 30, October $54.95/$49.95

These must be purchased in advance and will not be available the day of the event.
A Passholder may purchase up to four tickets and a DVC Member up to six tickets.
All tickets must be set up for will-call and either a valid AP or DVC Membership must be shown at that time.

There is special discount pricing for persons eligible For Armed Forces Salute Tickets.
Valid the following nights only:
September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28
$37.77 Adult / $36.37 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)

These must be purchased in person at any Park (including water parks, TTC 0or DTD) Ticket or Guest Relations window. They are not available at SoG/MWR/ITT, by phone or Internet. The limit is the service member plus five Guests for any party. Purchases may be made for multiple nights. If you’re already planning to be at the Walt Disney World Resort on any of these dates, be sure to purchase your tickets to MNSSHP ASAP! (Don’t you love acronyms?) If you’re not YET planning to be there, maybe it’s time to start thinking about going! And don’t forget to pack your costume!

Seems here in the Midwest we went from winter to summer to spring. A bit mixed up in my opinion. In fact, I hear we are going to have summer here again later this week for a few days this spring! Confusing? Well, the folks at Walt Disney Resorts aren’t confused! They’ve been ready for summer for quite some time. And, today, they released some new room only discounts and invited all of us down there to enjoy some summer fun with them!

Disney is really doing their best to entice guests to visit the Walt Disney World Resort during the summer vacation months. They started with the Free Dining to Disney Visa Cardholders at the very end of February. This was immediately followed by a Free Dining Offer for the general public. Although, not exactly the same offer it is a similar plan. Guests still have through May 18, 2012 to buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE! Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Base Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Value Resorts for arrivals most nights Aug. 25 – Sept. 29 and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan. You can read more details about this offer here: FREE Dining in Disney World! Late Summer Dates in 2012!

Then we saw the Summer Room Only Discount Offer announced in early April with another way to beat the heat this summer! Stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and you can save up to 25% for stays most nights June 15 – August 14, 2012. Just be sure to book this offer by June 14, 2012. Details of this offer can be found here: Walt Disney World Summer 2012 Room Only Discount!

Now, Disney has released the Late Summer Offer, making the discount a little hotter and taking the summer savings all the way through the season! With this room only discount, you can save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels during the late summer period. Book now, May 1, 2012 through August 14, 2012, for stays most nights August 15 – September 29, 2012.

Here are the details of the Late Summer Offer:

For stays most nights Aug. 15 – Sept. 29, 2012:

• Save up to 20% at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort
• Save up to 25% at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins
• Save up to 30% at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort (standard view), Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Don’t forget, this offer must be reserved with a deposit by August 14, 2012.

Only the nights within the travel dates will be discounted. You must check in during the travel dates listed above. However, your reservation can extend beyond the end date into October, but only the nights during the available period will be discounted. Rates may not be available all nights, and weekend nights may be higher priced.

Offer excludes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, all suites and 3 bedrooms. Some room categories, dates and resorts may not be included in this offer. A limited number of discounted rooms are available. Minimum stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.

Just add Theme Park tickets and you can take advantage of all the late summer fun. And still get home in time for school!