Free Dining and Other Disney Discount Rumors

I get asked daily if Disney's Free Dining for October-December is released yet. Disney rumors fly around on the internet and people claim to have inside sources. I've never been one to get all excited over the Disney rumor mill. There's a lot of people to claim to have "inside" information. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, I've seen some of the most popular "insider" claims to be proven false. Those people usually delete their prior prediction posts or alter their blog entries so there's no trail of how many times they were wrong.

The reality is Disney tends to release a discount close to the time a current discount is expiring. (Current discount is expiring July 31st.) I could throw a bunch of dates at you and get you excited and then pull those dates back as they come and go. The most recent rumored dates have ranged from July 1st all they way to August 1st. Clearly most of those rumors were wrong. I take a different approach. Instead what I do is check bright and early on any day I think a deal might be released. No stress for my clients-I take care of it all! They just wake up one morning with an email saying I've rebooked them and how much money I saved them. I have not missed a single discount deal release morning yet with my approach. And in the mean time I haven't gotten a lot of people hopeful for something that may or may not happen.




What has Disney told us about the upcoming discounts? Absolutely nothing. What do I know from educated research and trends? Disney is cutting back on discounts which means that I expect there to be fewer dates included and fewer rooms overall as part of the discounts. The current PIN code offers are consistent with this theory. This is normal as the economy improves, discounts and deals go down a bit. It's the same across other industries too. There might even be a different kind of discount. Will Disney visa card holders get the first dibs like the past? I honestly don't know. There's some strong indications that they won't but I certainly wouldn't count on it one way or the other.

So what can you do to make sure that you are in the know for all Disney discounts? Simple-work with a travel agent(preferably me of course) that is going to look out for YOUR reservation. When looking make sure you choose someone who is going to go that extra mile. Generally the day a discount is released I don't get my email alert from Disney until mid afternoon. I've already rebooked by clients well before lunch time and have contacted anyone that is interested in the offer with their quote and/or  a courtesy hold placed for them.  I also post the deals as soon as I can on my facebook page. My existing clients take priority over this but I get it up as soon as I possibly can.

If you like getting excited about the potential dates, by all means read the rumor mill. Around here we've found the Magic 8 ball sometimes knows the answer too. But if you want to just know someone else is taking care of it while you go about your business, email me and I've got you covered.

Keep Looking Up, Cause That's Where It All Is

I promise there is a bit if Disney in this post if you hang in there with me. If you know that phrase, you know what this post is about. Kidd Kraddick passed away this weekend. He was a DJ in Dallas but his show was heard in other cities. He was so much more than just a DJ though. I grew up listening to Kidd back when he had a show on at night. When he went to KISS FM I was in high school. I drove 30 miles to school every morning and the only show I listened to was Kidd Kraddick's. I stayed in Dallas for college and continued to listen to him, then post college he was my companion on the way to work every day until I moved to Austin. It was actually really hard not being able to listen to his show on the commutes here in Austin especially when I was so homesick. I was ecstatic when the show was syndicated and aired here though I am sure some of the Dallas humor was lost on some parts of the nation. I remember when Jocelyn White left the show and Kelly Rasberry came on board. She took some warming up to but it's hard to picture Kidd without her now. So you get it, I listened to him a huge portion of my life. I eventually stopped commuting and stopped listening but the news of him passing away struck a nerve.

I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times personally but listening to him you really got to know who he was. He loved his family, especially his daughter. He was real when he got a divorce and owned it and his mistakes. The thing that was evident though was he knew he was meant to be part of something bigger than just himself. Radio personalities have egos no doubt, and Kidd did too but he used his for good. He founded Kidd's Foundation that is the charity that sponsors Kidd's Kids. They are like a home grown Make a Wish Foundation but better in my opinion. They send terminally ill kids to Disney World. I loved hearing about the trips on the show. They would charter a plane(eventually www.southwest.com jumped on board as a sponsor) and load it up with as many families as they could and off to the most Magical Place on Earth they went! Kidd went too and he had so much fun with these kids. He gave them the opportunity to just be a kid and have fun with their families.

In his own words :

I founded Kidd's Kids in 1991 with the hope of making a difference in the lives of terminally and chronically ill children. Each year, Kidd's Kids offers five amazing days of suspended reality to children whose lives have been ravaged by disease. Kidd's Kids children and their families are given the chance to experience the exuberance of being "normal." That is the gift that you and I can offer by supporting the Kidd's Kids organization.

Signed,

Kidd Kraddick


I know Kidd touched so many lives. He helped so many children and families experience a trip of a lifetime. He also was a constant in so many lives. He was funny but not mean. He respected people and himself. Kidd really cared about his listeners. He cared about his colleagues. He was so much bigger than just a morning radio show. There are a lot of lonely people in this world and he made them less lonely. There are people hurting every day and he made them smile. His voice will be missed. I have never been so attached to a morning show in the way I was to Kidd Kraddick In The Morning.

If you share my sentiments, please consider donating to Kidd's Kids. All of the words in the world won't bring Kidd back but his charity can live on and do the big things it is intended to do. You can text KIDD to 52000 to donate $10 and the funds go straight to Kidd's Kids. The 2013 trip is going forward and the publicized plan is the foundation will continue on. I think this is the biggest way you can thank Kidd for being there in your life and making you smile.

You know I love Disney and think every trip is magical but there is really something special about the trips for kids that are dealing with so many health concerns and physical barriers. It is a real escape from reality. I feel beyond blessed that I get to help people every day make their Disney dreams come true but this organization makes dreams on a much bigger scale come true.

You can check out the actual donate site here but do know the website has been up and down today. http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/text-to-donate/   or you can also check out their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/kiddskids .

Keep looking up, cause that's where it all is.

Mama Monday : Sweet Treats Tour

 Hi Mamas,  Today I am taking you on a picture tour of my favorite treat(s) in each park. Come along and let your mouth start to drool!





First stop-Animal Kingdom. Mickey Ice Cream Bars can be found just about everywhere at Walt Disney World. But my favorite place to have one is at Animal Kingdom Park.

This was my oldest son's very first Mickey Mouse Bar that we let him have all on his own. His little cheeks are full because he couldn't believe it was ALL his! Take note of those pudgy fingers gripping the ice cream!

Next Stop is Hollywood Studios and there's just something about that place that makes me want popcorn. I am sure it is all the movie paraphernalia. I especially love the popcorn stands here.

At Epcot I couldn't choose just one, so you get a bonus. Lefse can be found in Norway. It is a cinnamon sugar potato cake that resembles a tortilla rolled up. They don't charge nearly enough! I tried to make these one time at home. 

And how can you pass up this caramel deliciousness in Germany? I will take one of each please.

My most recent favorite treat can also be found multiple places but I like having one at Magic Kingdom after seeing Wishes-a Mickey Mouse cake pop! I prefer the chocolate covered ones and not the sprinkles or sugar coated ones. The dots at the bottom of the stick let you know what flavor. My personal fave is Red Velvet!

I promise this blog post had zero calories! And when you get to taste them at Disney, you will be walking so much it won't matter. Enjoy!

What's your favorite treat at Walt Disney World? Click to share with me on my facebook page.

Mama Monday : Walt Disney World Pools

Walt Disney World Resorts have incredible pools. Take a pool day to enjoy your resort's pool! You will not regret it. If you don't want to take an entire day, then take an afternoon or two to enjoy them. Here are a few of my favorites.

Which one is your favorite?

But I don't cook on vacation....

I often get asked why I would use a grocery delivery service. I don't cook on vacation. I don't think anyone should have to personally! But I do use a grocery delivery service. I have used the same service for years. But recently that service has not been offering the best customer service so I am trying a new service(We Go Shop)  out this trip. I will let you know how it goes.

While traveling with small children, you already have so much STUFF to take. And with the weight limits and bag limits, it is just one less thing to worry about if you can have someone else shop and deliver it for you. Some people like to stop on the way to the resort. I personally don't know how they get in and out of a store they haven't been to in the 30 minutes you are given. And this is if you are taking a private car. If you are doing Magical Express, then there is no stop and you have to take a cab to the grocery store and back. No thank you!
This particular service charges a flat rate for the shopping portion and it is based on your total bill. You don't pay a markup on the grocery items. They are willing to shop the sales for you or stick to your brands if you prefer. And then they charge a delivery fee. Honestly, I am wondering what is the catch??  It seems too good to be true. Another agent swears by them so I hope she's right! The other service marked up the prices of the groceries, no sales were passed on to you, and you paid a minimal delivery fee. They always texted you to let you know the order had been delivered to Bell Services. By the way, Bell Services will keep your cold items refrigerated for you until your room is ready.

Here's a peek at what we ordered for this trip. Keep in mind we have a 1 year old and a 3 year old so there are a lot of baby items on this list. Our kids eat most things at the restaurants but I like to make sure they have breakfast in the room, snacks, and some fruit/veggie options. And we

Breakfast Items

1-      medium box of honey nut cheerios

1 box of Kashi soft cereal bars, any flavor that is fruit based

Dairy Case

2-      4 packs of Lifeway Drinkable yogurts for kids Pro Bugs Berry or Banana flavors NO orange

1 gallon organic whole milk, horizon brand if available otherwise any organic brand

1 dozen cage free eggs, prefer brown

1 small container of butter, like country crock or something that is small

Produce

10 bananas approximately-organic if possible

1 small container of frozen peas/carrots veggies. Can be the singles. Prefer organic if available if not the Green Giant brand.

Baby Items

14 Plum Organics squeezable fruits/veggies for baby or tots. variety of flavors is fine no prunes

1 can of Earth's Best Organic Formula in the red can

1 pack Earth's Best™ TenderCare Size 5 Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers (26-Count)

1 pack Pampers® Baby Dry™ Diapers - Size 5 (27 Count)

3 plum organics super puffs, variety of flavors

1 bag of yogurt bites

1 box of Earth's Best Sesame Street Bars

1 box of MumMums

Deli

1/4 lb boars' head oven roasted or smoked turkey lunch meat sliced thin

1/4 lb boars' head colby jack cheese sliced thin

Snacks

1 bag of individually boxed raisins-prefer organic if possible

1 box of Annie's cheddar bunnies or 1 bag of goldfish

2 jiffy pop stovetop popcorns

Drinks

1 case of bottled water no nestle brand, prefer ozarka

1 gallon bottled water, no nestle brand, prefer ozarka, with spout if available

1- 12 pack yuengling beer

1 bottle of Pinot Noir - $25 or less range, examples Belle Glos Meomi, Schug, King Estate, Rodney Strong. If none of those pick something from Russian River Valley or Oregon

1 bottle of Savignon Blanc - $20 or less, Oyster Bay, Kim Crawford, anything from New Zealand

2 six pack of 8 oz canned coke

 Looks like a lot but the kids will eat the snacks and we will enjoy our beverages! Plus breakfast in the room will be super easy in the mornings. 

Did I miss anything on my list??

They Will Never Remember It So We Are Waiting Until The Kids Are Older

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Disney that I hear often. Why would you ever want to wait to take your kids to THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH?? We took our oldest for his first birthday. He's three now. He certainly DOES remember his first Disney trip. There are things we did on that trip that we didn't do on other trips. He adores the Disney characters and over time who his favorite one is changes. He still remembers feeding Minnie Mouse grapes at Chef Mickey's. 

Now that he has a younger brother (who we took on his first trip when he was nine months, he's about to turn 1) he tells him about the trip. He has been to Disney multiple times and each trip was different in its own way. We took him on the Tea Cups on this trip and on his next trip he remembered going on them. He was quite concerned though on his first ride on them.

We had two couples and their kids go with us on that trip and he clearly remembers the people that were with us. He talks about H and L going to Disney with him for his birthday and he asks before every trip if they are going to go again with us. No doubt they remember this trip too. L was 4 and H was 3. 

If we followed this guideline of only doing things they will remember, we would never leave the house with our kids. They take music classes, swim lessons, sports classes, go on a variety of play dates, attend birthday parties, dinners out, etc. We create family memories together by living in the present. 

The best part about taking them when they are younger than 3 is they are FREE. That's right, FREE. Disney allows children who are under the age of three to go into all of the parks, water parks, etc for free. They can share meals with you at every restaurant which means the character meals are FREE. You can save hundreds of dollars on their first trip just by going before they turn 3. You can even celebrate their 3rd birthday there and as long as they are 2 on the day of check in, they are FREE. This is definitely a great deal.

Even if he never remembered this trip though, this look right here is one that is embedded in my memory and his daddy's memory and I know we will never forget it. This was the look on his face when he saw we were about to meet Mickey Mouse. He was not even walking yet and he wanted down on the ground and he crawled as fast as he could over to Mickey and Minnie. The pure innocent joy on his face makes every trip worth it to us to take him and to let him and now his brother experience Disney.

So when asked why take the kids if they won't remember it anyhow, I always say take the kids. YOU will remember it and they will surprise you with what they do remember. I personally could not have waited to share the Disney magic with my kids until they were older. We went to Disney often before the kids were born and have continued to go often since they arrived. We have incredible family memories from all of our trips and my kids are very lucky to have experienced these.

To Hop or Not To Hop

Prior to becoming a Disney Vacation Planner, when we went to Disney I always purchased the Park Hopper feature. It is currently approximately $61(including tax) per person to add the park hopper at Walt Disney World. Now after having planned hundreds of tips, I still feel the exact same way. It is the best $61 you will spend! 

For those of you that are not familiar with how the tickets work, Disney sells a Base Park ticket that allows you to enter one park per day. It can be any of the four parks at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom. At The Disneyland Resort it allows you to enter one of the two parks: Disneyland Park or Disney's California Adventure. If you add the Park Hopper option you can go into multiple parks in one day. This is why I think you should add it:

1) It allows you the most flexibility with your dining schedule. Not everyone actually books their dining at 180 days. If you are my client and this is an advance planned trip, sure your dining is booked at 180 days out but if not and it's a last minute trip or if you are choosing one of the most popular restaurants, it is nice to be able to take the reservation that is available and not worry about which park you should be in that day.

2) Some parks just don't take as long as others. Animal Kingdom is a prime example. I have never spent open to close in that park. This park has some of the earliest closing times so the animals can get their rest and there's not much to see after dark there. This often leaves a lot of hours left that could be spent at another park.

3) Even with the best planning, some days you just aren't feeling like a particular park. Or you didn't get to a ride you really wanted to do at another park and you want to hop over and squeeze that ride in. The year we ended up at the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas Parade taping was the time that sticks out the most when something unplanned happened to our stay. It was a makeup taping day so we weren't expecting it. The crowds were much higher than expected and the park was broken up where you couldn't get from one land to the next as easily as usual. We left and went to enjoy another less crowded park. 

4) And what about the unexpected events that can happen. You might oversleep one day and miss rope drop at a critical park or you might need to shift your plans to accommodate a late night the night before. You can't do that as easily if you don't have the park hopper. 

5) In the grand scheme of your total trip, this is a small dollar amount of an option and the return is much greater with it than without. 

Overall, I always recommend to HOP. Not everyone takes this advice and I can certainly plan a vacation without the hopper, but if it was my trip(and when it is my trip) I opt for the hopper every time for the most flexibility and best value of the tickets.