Disney speaks...and the world listens!  :)

New cruise ship, new Orlando resort, new Hawaii resort...what next?
Walt Disney World's New Value Resort:  'The Art of Animation' Coming Soon
 
 
The Disney Dining Plan is a good deal even if you have to pay for it.  When you get it FREE--of course that's even better!

Disney just released this promotion today:  book at least 3 nights in a Disney Moderate Resort (e.g. Port Orleans, Coronado Springs) and receive the Disney Dining Plan FREE for all guests!  Travel between August 15th and October 2nd, 2010.

The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 Quick Service Meal, 1 Table Service Meal, and 1 Snack for each guest in your room.  The Table Service Meal can even be used for a ton of different Character Dining options, such as Chef Mickey's Buffet. 

Interested in a quote?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll get back to you right away!  See my contact info to the right.

BTW, did you notice my latest work in progress-the Disney Helpful Hints page?  I'm adding new stuff to it EVERY DAY, so keep checking back for new Disney info!
 
 
Great marketing job, Disney Cruise Line.  Your first new ship in 11 years, the Disney Dream, doesn't set sail until January 2011 and you keep releasing these delightful little tidbits to keep us intrigued and wanting more.

If you have a 30", HD virtual porthole in your Inside Stateroom, expect to have real-time outside views AND catch a glimpse of Mickey, the balloon house from the movie Up, and Finding Nemo's Peach the starish popping in!  These staterooms are actually selling out faster than Oceanview Staterooms and I want one too!

Some may find this shocking, but sometimes parents want to occasionally spend time away from their children while on vacation.  It happens (frequently to me...).  And you may think a Disney ship is one of the LAST places you might find such a kid-free oasis.  Thoughtfully, Disney has provided multiple places to escape Disney on the Dream.  For example, Skyline is an adults-only cocktail bar featuring views of some of the world's most amazing skylines (think Tokyo, Paris, & London) on 'window' screens.  One moment you're looking over the Eiffel Tower, the next you're in Hong Kong! 

Ah, but what to DO with the kiddos while you're sipping champagne in Paris?  As it turns out, the kids will be even more interested in ditching YOU for the Oceaneer's Club, where they can play in Andy's Room from Toy Story, study at the Monster's Academy, or chat with a virtual Crush from Finding Nemo. 

True, the Dream isn't finished yet, but don't let that stop you from booking a stateroom through me now.  It will be taking over the Wonder's route in the Bahamas on 3, 4, or a new 5 night (2 stops at Castaway Cay!) cruise. Interested in how much this adventure would cost you?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I can let you know!
 
 
I simply HAVE to start off by apologizing for the quality of the pictures in the Photo Gallery for this one!  Important lesson learned-don't leave your digital camera at home!  A $50 replacement digital camera from Walgreen's-well, let's just say that you definitely get what you pay for!  :) I suspect that a disposable camera might have given us better quality... 

We didn't make it to all the holiday festivities in Chicago BEFORE Christmas, so we took advantage of the time in between Christmas & New Year's (when the holiday festivities are still going strong, but about to wrap up!) to spend 2 nights in the Windy City! 

Waiting until the last-minute (literally the day before!) you travel can be rewarding-we paid $104.00 a night for a 1-bedroom suite with 2 double beds at the Comfort Inn Suites Downtown Chicago at 15 E. Ohio.  We chose a suite so we didn't have to go to bed at the same time as our 2 & 4 year old!  :) 

Some great benefits to staying at this hotel (other than the incredible price in downtown Chicago!!!):
  • FREE Continental Breakfast--and this was not your typical continental breakfast, as we had make-your-own waffles, muffins, bagels, 4 kinds of juice, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit! 
  • Great Chicago (River North) Location--we were within walking distance to Navy Pier (although there was also a free trolley offered!), Michigan Avenue, State Street, Rainforest Cafe, Weber Grill, Uno's Pizzeria, Rock n' Roll McDonald's, and more! 
  • Reasonable (for Chicago, anyway...) Self-Parking--$25.00 a day with full in & out privileges.  And the parking is literally next door to the hotel.
Picture
We did a LOT over 3 jam-packed days in Chicago.  I think I feel comfortable saying good-bye to the holidays now... :)  Day 1 we hit the Museum of Science & Industry to see the Christmas Trees from Around the World (we have a membership and it is well worth it to not have to stand in line!).  Apparently this is one of the museum's busiest weeks of the year!  The evening of Day 1 was spent trying to get our 2 year old daughter, Victoria, to sleep.  Or stay in bed.  Or stop screaming.  Lather, rinse, repeat for a few hours...

Day 2 was all about Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest and trust me, you need to have a very patient, very long day to devote to that particular event!  We stood in line probably an average of 20-30 minutes (sometimes more, occasionally less!) for each ride (carousel, slide, train, ferris wheels)--thankfully everything was inside.  Activity wrist bands were $16.00 per person (adults or kids), but we had a coupon from their website for $13.00 per person (too bad the coupon never made it out of the van... ;)  ).  For another $3.00 per person, you can stand in line to ice skate too!  We finished off the day with a (free) trolley ride back to the hotel and dinner at the nearby Rainforest Cafe.

Day 3 wrapped up our Chicago Holiday Adventure with a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, where we also have a membership (do you see a trend here?).  If you haven't been to the Shedd recently, the renovations made to their dolphin & beluga show (Fantasea) and lower level with the Polar Play Zone for the kids are really amazing!  We always bring our lunch and eat downstairs by the belugas & dolphins to save some money and more waiting in line.

I can help your family plan even a quick local getaway--but sadly, I can't offer much advice on getting a 2-year old to sleep...
 
 
Well, I'd have to say this is a pretty darn good deal.  Essentially you're getting TWO very different (yet still very Disney!) family vacations for the price of one!

Receive a FREE Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamas cruise with the purchase of select Adventures by Disney departures!  Book by 1/15/2010 for travel with Adventures by Disney through 10/2/2010 and Disney Cruise through 12/15/2011.

Never heard of Adventures by Disney?  Well, that's probably why they are offering such a great promotion! :)  Here are just some of the eligible vacations available through this offer:

-Italy
-China
-Australia
-Alaska
-Grand Canyon
-Germany
-Costa Rica
-Canadian Rockies

Why travel with Adventures by Disney?  Click here to find out!
The 3-night Disney Cruise Line Bahamas Cruise is fabulous as well considering all of this is included:

-All meals
-Most non-alcoholic beverages (bottled water is additional)
-All entertainment, including movies, shows, the Oceaneer Club for the kids, pools, & parties
-A visit to & meal on Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay-the characters visit you on the island as well!
-Port fees

Our family is going on a Disney Cruise in January, so stay tuned for lots of details from that experience! :)