The picture on the left was featured in the recent round of emails that went out.  That pin code offer is for free Disney dining into December 2013.  Do you remember seeing that in an email you got?  I wonder how many people are looking at this picture and realizing they got that  email and deleted it by mistake.  Is your heart sinking because you know the email is long gone?  You might be able to find that pin code.

Disney Pin Code ~ How To Retrieve a Lost Pin

Did you accidentally delete that email with the Disney pin code?  Maybe you saw it, but did not realize what it was.  Or, it could have gotten caught up in your email program’s spam filter.  There might  be a way for you to retrieve that pin without the email.  I have spoken with a few folks who actually called Disney at (407) 939-5277  and asked about their personal pin code.  They have been successful in getting that pin code.  Disney asked for very specific information in order to verify who the person was.  It seems fair enough to me because emails can easily get caught up in junk folders and get deleted.  It never hurts to call and ask nicely, right?  There might be a really good deal waiting for you.

Disney Pin Code ~ Email Spam Filters

You can’t be too careful today.  People use security programs to protect their computers from spam emails that can give your computer a virus.  I just upgraded my system and have new security.  After one day, I found three emails from Disney in my spam filter.  I added them to my safe senders list.   Disney is never spam!   If my junk mail box had been set to automatically delete emails at start up, I would never have seen those emails.  So, always check your junk mail folders before you shut down your computer.  When you do get any emails from Disney, always right click on them and add them to your safe senders list.  That way you can get the good deals, spend less and still eat at the fine Disney restaurants.

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Disney Party ~ 24 Hours Magic Kingdom Fun!

The monstrous Disney party at Magic Kingdom will have some monstrous entertainment featuring Mike and Sully. You will see them at the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party.  They  are also scheduled to be Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade that takes place just before the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade.  It will be a real college theme complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and marching band.  You will get to hear the MU Fight Song!

The Tomorrowland Rockettower Plaza Stage will host two events.  The Monster Mania DJ Dance Party will take place from 4 to 9 pm.  It will be a dancing Disney party that will have you moving and shaking.  The action changes to a college movie night from 11 pm until 5 am.  That is when Monsters University Movie Night takes place.  It will feature back to back showing of the movie Monsters, Inc.  Mike and Sully will be stopping in at the movie event.

There is also a Disney party at Cinderella’s Castle!  Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party will be held there from 2 until 5:45 am.

Disney Party ~ 24 Hours of California Adventure Fun!

California Adventure has some fun plans for the 24 hour Disney party.  Mike and Sully  will be hanging around with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade.  It will pop up at different place during the day.  This will be a fun meet and greet opportunity.

There will be a Hollywood Viewing Party inside the Muppets Theatre.  The Monsters Inc. movie will be shown continuously.  There will also be a special Mad T Party in Hollywood Land.  Both of these parties start at 9:00 pm and run all night.

Disney Party ~ 24 Hours of Disneyland Fun!

The Disneyland theme park has some special events planned for the all night party. The Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire will host the Royal Swing Ball.  The Ball starts at 10:00 pm and lasts until 1:40 am.  There will be a live band playing.

The Disney Character Pajama Party takes place at the Disneyland theme park.  The overnight Disney party starts at midnight in Mickey’s Toontown.  It will feature classic Disney cartoons.  There will be a fun Mickey Mouse Party Zone.  The Party Zone will feature a DJ and dancing.  This area will have activities for the children.  You can purchase goodies such as hot cocoa and milk and cookies.  There will be other fun treats, too.

Tomorrowland will have Star Wars characters you can meet and take photographs with.  The Tomorrowland Terrrace will have the Montsrous Dance Club Disney party starting at midnight.  You can dance until 5:30 am.

24 hours of Disney fun!  Don’t miss out!

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Psychology of the Deal VS. Psychology of the Dining

If your Disney dining plans are crucial to your vacation’s magic make sure you plan ahead.  Are you looking for the more popular dining locations?  Is Le Cellier in Epcot on your list of dining wishes?   Their cheddar cheese soup is the best I have ever tasted.  The newest and most popular Disney dining experience is Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom.    Be Our Guest sells out 2 minutes into the 180 day booking window.  If you wait for the much sought after discount to come out to book your resort don’t expect to enjoy dinner at Be Our Guest.  Le Cellier uses two dining credits and won’t sell out as fast.  It will sell out though.   If you know your travel dates, book your resort early and enjoy your dream vacation with the exact dining you want.  That is the psychology behind a stress free planning process.

Psychology of FREE Dining VS Psychology of the Room Discount

The psychology of Disney FREE dining is very interesting.  You are paying full price for your resort stay.  You are also paying full price for your Disney theme park tickets.  The idea of eating for free can be very appealing.  Disney is using that appeal to lure people to book their vacations.  In fact new personal pin codes were just sent out this week.  Disney is offering FREE dining via a pin code all the way through December of 2013.   Free dining is not always the best deal Disney offers.  If your travel party is small enough your best deal might be a room discount at a Disney resort.  Two adults staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with a 30% discount off of their room are better off with the room deal.  A FREE dining offer will not take as much off of their package.  If you are active or retired military it is always a good idea to check the military deal against a free dining offer.  Military deals are so good.  The ticket discounts are really deep.  Disney even allows dining to be added to room only stays that are military reservations.

The best plan you can have is to let an experienced Disney vacation planner help you.  Find someone who will keep looking for deals even after they have found a deal.  The pin code you get tomorrow might be tomorrow’s best deal.  In two months Disney might release a general public discount that is even better.

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Here are all of the yummy details:

Now through July 31, 2013, buy a non-discounted 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts for arrivals most nights Sept. 2-25, 2013, and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!

Or, buy a non-discounted 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts for arrivals most nights Sept. 2-25, 2013, and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Booking Window: May 9 – July 31, 2013

Travel Window: For arrivals most nights Sept. 2-25, 2013

Free dining plan – When staying at a Value Resort, enjoy the Disney
Quick-Service Dining Plan, which includes meals and snacks at over 50 select
Walt Disney World^® Resort quick service restaurants. When staying at a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, enjoy the Disney Dining Plan, which includes meals and snacks at
over 100 select Walt Disney World^® Resort restaurants.

Dining plans can be upgraded at an additional cost. This discount must be booked by 7/31/13. Deposit must be made at time of booking. Blackout dates may apply. Excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and Art of Animation Little Mermaid standard rooms. All discounts are subject to availability, certain restrictions apply.

If you are a seasoned Disney guest and travel during Free dining dates you may have noticed the shorter Free Dining dates. I have a feeling that the parks will be full of hungry guests during these couple of weeks in September. I highly recommend making your advance dining reservations.

One of my favorite places to dine with my Free dining credits is Cinderella’s Royal Table. If you click that link you can read all about dinner there. Where’s your favorite place to dine while at Walt Disney World?

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Three Meat Meatball at California Grill 

This really looks delicious!  The Disney chefs have been creating new recipes centered around using the wood fired oven at California Grill.  This recipe takes a classic meatball and makes it a culinary event.  It is cooked and served in the same pan.  The three meats used are beef, pork and veal.  They use a spice called harissa. Each meatball is dredged in Meyer-lemon scented chimichurri.  The meatballs are served with a side of  marinated picholine olives.  They are also served with a small amount of orzo.  This is the perfect dish to share with someone.

Seafood Specialties at California Grill

The new California Grill will feature delicious seafood dishes.  It is always preferable to find local sources for fish.  Cap Canaveral prawns are used for a fresh dish.  They arrive alive.  They are roasted in the wood fired oven.   The entrée is served with oven roasted tomatoes, charred lemon and a small amount off baby arugula.  This is a true example of contemporary cooking.

There will be a new halibut entrée featured on the menu.  This will be a unique dish.  It will feature beets roasted three ways.  The halibut is pan seared.  The beets and the halibut are featured on the same plate.  It is salt crusted and has beet syrup and beet greens.  This dish is served with a silky parsnip side dish.  There is also a rich macadamia nut vinaigrette served with it.  This looks like a colorful and healthy dish.

California Grill ~ Cast Iron Planchas and New Sushi Area

The kitchen in the California Grill will use a special method for cooking fish.  Pictured here is a Plancha.  This is an example of a flat griddle.  Disney has had special planchas designed just for their use.  The concept allows for two cooking temperatures.  You can sear the fish at a higher temperature.  After it is seared you slide it over to the lower temperature to finish cooking.

There will be a brand new sushi area in the California Grill kitchen.  Sushi can be very amazing to look at.  There will be a glass case that will present the sushi in a beautiful way.  A menu item called omakase will be available to order.  This is a twelve course menu that allows the chef to present different sushi options.  You will taste some amazing sushi in this way.

It sounds like Disney is creating an amazing dining experience for us!

Share the Magic~*~*~*

If you are staying at one of the Walt Disney Resorts then Disney has transportation pretty much covered from the time you arrive at the Orlando International Airport until you return back to the airport, and guess what?  It’s all FREE of charge!  So, if you are planning on staying on Disney property using their transportation system, then the answer is no, you do not need a car.

If you are staying at a hotel off Disney property you still may not need a car if you arrange for transportation such as a private car service or a shuttle to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel for a fee.  Most hotels offer free transportation to/from the parks, but check first with the hotel to make sure their bus schedules fit your needs.  Buses may only run to each park a limited amount of times per day.  If you need to get back to the hotel or make it to a park in time for dining reservations this busing system may not work in your favor.  So, make sure to check out the details with the hotel you are staying before making a decision.

Once you are on Disney property, you can take advantage of  Disney transportation system.  Buses, Boats and Monorails.  Check out the Transportation Wizard App, to see the best way to get around Walt Disney World from “the palm of your hand.

What if you need groceries or medication while you are at Walt Disney World?  Don’t worry — they can deliver right to your resort.   The Garden Grocer offers more than 4,800 products and features the largest selection of groceries delivered in the Orlando and Disney World areas.  Accidentally left your prescription medicine or a beauty item at home?  Turner Drugs provides prescription & non-prescription items, baby formula, diapers & wipes, drinking water & soft drinks, sundries, snacks, reading glasses, medical equipment sales & rentals and much more.

If you do decide to rent a car, parking is free at the Walt Disney World Resorts as well as at the theme parks, though if staying off property, you’ll want to make sure on the parking is free or if you are required to pay a fee.

With so many delivery services and complimentary Disney travel options, why do people decide to rent a car?  They may be visiting other attractions in the area or they prefer to drive to the parks themselves rather than relying on the Disney transportation.  Having your own car can get you to your destination in most circumstances in less time, and you go at your own leisure — not having to depend on someone else or a timetable.  I know many families that love having a car just for dining reservations alone.  They do not need to allow 90 minutes of travel time for transfers and waiting on transportation.  In this case… yes, you would want a car to spend less time commuting.

If you do not want to rent a car for your entire stay, National and Alamo Car Rentals have a car care center on property.  So, if you need a car for a day or two you could always rent right on property.

As you can see, it really depends on your personal travel style to determine whether to rent a car while at Walt Disney.   Disney does think of just about everything to make your vacation magical… but the choice is up to you.  Isn’t it great to have choices?  At Disney World you have lots of them!

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Where to Purchase a Disney Gift of 14K Jewelry

If you are looking for 14K gold, don’t expect too many choices at the theme parks.  I noticed on my last trip that the nice jewelry counters got smaller.  A cast member told me that Disney has cut back on the 14K gold available for sale at the parks.  You will find more 14K and 18K gold options online for purchase than in the theme parks.  The online store also carries the Chamilia beads.  You won’t find the newly released Chamilia options online, but there are some really cute beads.

Other Disney Gift Ideas – Fashionable Bracelets

Disney offers such a wide array of Disney jewelry options.  You will definitely find something Mom will like.  If she collects watches, you are in luck!  Disney has so many gorgeous watches.  The price range varies quite a bit.  I love my Disney watches!  You can be creative, too.  A Disney watch does not have to be a wristband style watch.  I love the bracelet watches Disney offers.  They take the concept of a watch being jewelry to a new level.  It is both a charm bracelet and a watch.  You can find these online or in the theme parks.  The World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney areas of Disneyland and Walt Disney World have a large selection.

Does Mom collect Alex and Ani bracelets?  You could buy her a Disney Alex and Ani bracelet for Mother’s day.  This is another fashionable Disney jewelry option.  The bracelets are very light.  You can wear several at the same time.  Each bracelet has it’s own look.  Disney has them in the theme parks and online.  I found some cute styles while shopping on Main Street U.S.A in Magic Kingdom.  Mom will love this!

No matter what gift you choose for Mom, she will be happy.  If it is a Disney jewelry gift, she will be even happier!

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Upon arrival, we were charmed by the lovely exterior of the resort as well as all the surrounding foliage.  We were met by a friendly cast member who gave us a warm welcome and walked with us to the check in counter.  After receiving our keys to the world, we immediately went to check out our rooms which were ready and waiting for us.  Since we were meeting up with my mother and father in law, brother in law, and nephew, we had requested adjoining rooms.  That request was granted, and we were thrilled.  The room was beautiful and very clean.  The beds were really comfortable, even the daybed.  The decor was wonderful!  Now, while I loved our room, there were a couple of things I feel I should mention to anyone who is considering this resort.  First, our room was A LONG WAYS from the elevator.  It was down a hall, across a very large sitting area, and down to almost the end of another hall.  For me, this wasn’t a major thing b/c I’m in good physical condition.  But for someone who wasn’t, or if you are carrying a small child, it would be quite inconvenient.  If you have mobility issues, I would recommend requesting a room closer to the elevators.  The second thing to mention is the view.  We stayed in a standard view room.  When they say you may have a view of rooftops, they aren’t kidding.  Directly below our half balcony was the roof of a lower building.  Again, this wasn’t a big deal to me because I enjoyed watching the squirrels run from the trees to the rooftop in the mornings, but if you are at all concerned with having a nice view, I would recommend upgrading your reservation to a garden view room.

Now on to a few of things I would have to say TOTALLY make this resort worth spending the extra money.  First, is the awesome pool.  Stormalong Bay really does live up to its reputation.  I don’t typically spend a lot of time at the pool, but I found that I was disappointed that I didn’t have more time to spend in this one.  The lazy river is wonderful after a long day in the parks.  The sand bottom of the pool really makes it feel more like a beach than a resort pool.  And the slide is awesome!  Oh, and let’s not forget the two cozy hot tubs.  A great way to sooth sore muscles.  The second thing that makes this resort great is the proximity to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  A short five minute walk takes you to the International Gateway in EPCOT.  It’s WONDERFUL!  And you can either take a boat or walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Either way, it’s about 20 minutes.  I absolutely LOVED this perk.   The third thing that I love about this resort is the proximity to the Boardwalk.  Taking a stroll down the boardwalk in the evening was wonderful.  The fun foods and street performers were great. 

And lastly, I want to touch on the food at this resort.  Cape May Cafe offers a character breakfast as well as a clam bake in the evenings.  Both are delicious.  My only complaint was that during the breakfast, there were two large groups.  The characters spent so much time over there that they really didn’t make their way over to our area.  I had to ask our waitress if it was possible for us to see the characters before we left (we were there about an hour).  She was very nice and accommodated us, but had I not asked, we would have never had any character interaction.  That was rather disappointing.  If I’d had small children who were really looking forward to time with the characters, I confess that I would have been angry — not quite the magical feeling one wants to explore at Disney World, right?

Now on to the Marketplace where you can get snacks, counter service meals, and refill your mugs.  I was very happy with this.  The breakfast was good (especially the potato casserole!), and the flatbread pizzas at lunch and dinner were quite yummy.  However, the selections are very limited.  If you’ve enjoyed the variety of offerings at the food courts in the moderate and value resorts, you will probably be disappointed.  But for us, it was great since we aren’t people who really enjoy the food court atmosphere.  If you have a hunger for a hamburger and milkshake, then Beaches and Cream is the place for you.  With a fun, soda shop style atmosphere, you’re going to feel right at home!

And there you have it!  That about sums up my review of Disney’s Beach Club Resort.  I would definitely give this resort two thumbs up and will look forward to staying there again.  The beautiful environment and the comfy atmosphere combined with very friendly cast members make this fantastic place to stay.

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Monstrous Summer Fun – Monsters University

The monstrous summer fun will be centered around the new Disney Pixar movie Monsters University.  The stars of the movie are Mike Wazowski and Sulley.  The concept of the monstrous summer event is that Mike and Sulley take the summer off.  You will see the monstrous signs around the Disney theme parks.  There will be collegiate settings set up for meeting Mike and Sulley.  At Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will find a special setting in the Back Lot.  It is called the Monsters University Student Union.  Hey, every college has a student union!  The setting will have a complete view of the campus.  If you are visiting California Adventure theme park you will find another interesting collegiate setting.  Disney created a university dorm setting in Hollywood Land.  California Adventure will also have a special lead in to the daily Pixar Play Parade.  Mike and Sulley will show their Monsters University spirit.

Monstrous Summer Magic Kingdom News ~ Festival of Fantasy Parade!

There is a new parade coming to Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World!  It will be called the Festival of Fantasy Parade.  The creative process is happening now.  The parade will march into Magic Kingdom in the Spring of 2014.  This new parade will highlight The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Dumbo,” “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “Tangled” and the Disney Pixar film “Brave” among others.  The parade celebrates the new fantasyland.  It will being that celebration to Main Street U.S.A.  The floats will be bright and colorful.  The music will feature some original sound tracks from the featured movies.  There will also be new music written for the parade.  I am so excited to see it!

Monstrous Summer Disney Cruise News ~ Fun On Deck!

I saved the best for last!  Disney Cruise Line made a big announcement this morning.  They are giving the Disney Magic a big makeover!  This is super exciting news!  The ship will have new features to everyone to enjoy.  The ship will be in dry dock from September 7, 2013 through October 1o, 2013.  The makeover will not just be to the staterooms.   Disney is creating new water play areas.  They are adding a water coaster similar to the AquaDuck on the Disney Dream and Fantasy.  It will be called AquaDunk.  It will start with a near vertical launch.  You will go through a translucent tube 20 feet over the side of the ship!  Woah!  They are also creating an AquaLab water playground for families.  It will have a Twist n’ Spout slide and Nephews’ Splash Zone for toddlers.  It sure looks like fun!

Monstrous Summer Disney Cruise News ~ New Restaurant and Atrium!

Disney Cruise Line took center stage with their monstrous summer announcement.  Disney is creating a brand new atrium for the Disney Magic.  The artist rendering is so pretty.  They will be working on all of the public areas on the Disney Magic.  There will be a brand new line up of clubs in the After Hours nighttime district on the ship.  The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab will have new features.  It’s a Small World Nursery will also be revamped.  For the first time super heroes from the Marvel Universe will be introduced on a Disney Cruise Ship.  Their area will be known as Marvel’s Avengers Academy.  There will be a new area called The Disney Magic is getting a new dining room, too!  The theme will be based on Rio de Janeiro.  The dining room will be called Carioca’s.  The ship will be like brand new when it is finished.

Lots of exciting news from Disney today!

Share the Magic~*~*~*

Disney Monorail Photos – Be Quick!!

One of my favorite Disney monorail pictures is the one pictured here.  I took it in September of 2007.  The sun is so pretty going behind the clouds.  I was looking at how pretty the sky was when along came the Year of a Million Dreams monorail.  I remember catching the picture and wondering how it came out.  Taking monorail pictures means being quick and hoping for the best.  The nicest part about this is remembering the Disney moment.

Disney Monorail Photos – Be Creative!

Epcot is filled with monorail photo opportunities.    I have a few favorite places as shown here.  The Flower and Garden Show always presents interesting photo options.  I love to stand and watch for the Disney monorail to go by the Imagination pavilion.  The photo here had such great clouds in it, too.  If you stand by the Living Seas Pavilion you can get some really good pictures with Spaceship Earth behind the monorail.  Sometimes the best pictures of all are just the monorail with nothing behind it.  Be creative!  You might be surprised at some of the fun Disney monorail pictures you can take.

Share the Magic~*~*~*