Author: Nancy

New for 2010: Get a Free Day at the Disney Theme Parks

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning 0 Comment

The Disney Company has announced in the past several days some great new ways to take an affordable Disney family vacation!

First, there is a new Walt Disney World vacation package offer valid for stays November 1 – December 24, 2009 and January 3 – March 27, 2010.

  •  Buy a 4-night/4 day vacation package at a MODERATE, DELUXE or DELUXE VILLA resort, get a 7-night/7-day package.
  •  Buy a 5-night/5 day vacation package at a VALUE resort, get a 7-night/7-day package. 

This package must be booked by December 20, 2009. If you have your eye on a Disney vacation, this great package deal, which includes hotel and tickets, is a great opportunity to save some serious Disney dollars!

And in other news, Disney announced today, their promotion for 2010: Give a Day, Get a Day. You can read all about it on the Disney Parks blog.

I just love this promotion that encourages community service and rewards those who volunteer, with a free day at any of the Disney parks. In today’s society, where the most obnoxious behavior and the loudest voices seem to get noticed, it is nice to see a program put into place to acknowledge the quiet selflessness of so many.

Bravo Disney!

More Good News if You Want an Affordable Disney Family Vacation

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning 0 Comment

Great news for those looking to plan an affordable Disney family vacation….right from the Mouse himself……or at least his designated spokesman. Disney went on record last week to acknowledge that there are no plans to curtail the many discount programs that have been offered this year. You can read more of what they had to say here, courtesy of Jeff Titelius at Examiner.com.

This is great news for anyone with a dream for a Disney vacation but is not sure if they can afford it! More great sources, suggestions, and ideas for ways to save money on a visit to Walt Disney World can be found at The Affordable Mouse.

Have a magical day!


More Affordable Disney Vacation News: Save at Epcot Food and Wine Seminars

Nancy Food and Wine Festival 0 Comment

Just a quick blog post today to share some interesting news I came across, regarding a great way to save some money if you have a Disney vacation planned during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. IF you are an Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club member, or member of Tables in Wonderland, this is a great deal for you! 

DVC, Passholders, Tables in Wonderland guests save on Epcot Food and Wine seminars 

I always have my eye out for additional ways to save money on your next Disney vacation, so stay tuned for more ways to plan an affordable Disney family vacation!

Have a magical day!

Affordable Disney Family Vacations: Fancy McDonald’s Adds Atmosphere to Cheap Meals

Nancy Saving Money on Food 0 Comment

Always looking for great ways to save some money on a Disney vacation, I was fascinated to come across this article today describing renovations to the McDonald’s near the All-Star Resorts. Very nice decor indeed! Who knew that a McDonald’s could provide ambiance along with a Big Mac?

Remodeled McDonald’s near Disney World’s All-Star Resort hotels resembles Contemporary Resort cafe

There are so many ideas like this that can help you achieve an affordable Disney family vacation! If you have plans to stay in one of the All-Star resorts (or even if you are not), why not make a visit to this McDonald’s: cheap meals with a 5-star atmosphere! 


How to Plan a Magical Disney World Vacation Without Really Trying.

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning 0 Comment
A recurring theme of mine, especially on this blog is:

If you are going to visit Walt Disney World, especially if it is your first trip, you have got to have a PLAN.

Yes………. if you are planning a Disney World vacation, you Really Have To Plan.

“But I am not a planner!” I know you are saying this. =)”How am I supposed to know what everyone will want to do when we get there?”

Well that little plan can be the difference between magic and misery for your group. So to help you out, here are a few very basic (and often VERY overlooked) tips to get you started in your Plan:

·         Before you leave, have the kids make a list for each park about what they absolutely, positively, can’t-go-back-home-without-seeing attractions. Make sure you make those rides and shows a priority each day. When going to a park, make sure you get to those first thing, and make full use of Disney’s FastPass for those with longer lines.

·         Look at a map before you arrive. The Disney website has maps that you can download for free. Do it. Look at them and become familiar with the various sections of each park and where your “must do’s” are located before you walk through the gates.

·         Know the park hours and take good advantage of them. Go early before the crowds arrive. You’ll be glad you did! Don’t expect to have lots of happy campers in the middle of the afternoon in July in Florida.

·         Know the weather forecast before you leave home and pack accordingly. Believe it or not, it is not always sunny in Florida and yes it can get cold enough in January to need a winter coat. Really!

·         Check to see if any rides will be closed while you are there. It happens. If one of your child’s must-sees will be out of commission, tell them ahead of time, to avoid a Magic Kingdom meltdown.

·         Take a mid-day break and go back to your hotel for a swim and/or nap. If you have little ones it is critical. It is critical for big ones too!

Planning a Disney World vacation takes time and effort. But the results will be worth it!