Author: Guest

My Favorite Disney Things: Kelly’s Favorites

Guest My Favorite Disney Things, What to Do at Disney World , , , , 4 Comments

We are focusing on our favorite things here at The Affordable Mouse. While I really do love everything at Walt Disney World there are those things that I could not do without on any trip to Disney. You know…those things that even though how small they are you simply need to see, smell, touch or ride them in order to feel fulfilled at Disney.

Sit back relax and grab an ice cold beverage as I share my very favorite things about Walt Disney World. Oh yeah, after you read my favorite things…I would love to know some of your favorite things too. 🙂 Read more

Smart Snacking Around the Magic Kingdom

Guest Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food , , , , 0 Comment

I absolutely love the Disney Dining Plan (DDP)! I find dining to be an attraction at Walt Disney World…can you tell I like to eat? One of my favorite things to do when we are on the DDP is to be on the hunt for fabulous snack options.  We see our snack options as more of a meal rather than a snack.  Magic Kingdom is my favorite park so I want to share the best ways to use your Disney Dining Plan snack credit at Magic Kingdom.

Before we begin, you are looking for items that are labeled with the DDP symbol. (shown here…)

First stop….Main Street USA!! Read more

Minnie Minus Mickey: A Single Mom Plans for Disney—Planning Your Parks, Day 1

Guest Disney Vacation Planning, Minnie Minus Mickey, Saving Money at Disney World , , , , , , , , 2 Comments
WDW Sept 2008 - Eating at Chef Mickey'sphoto via http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterpanfan1953/2988432838/

Happy Friday, Disney-lovin’ friends!  One thing that is on my mind when planning a Disney trip is which park I’ll be in which day.  So, I check out the calendar for school, flight schedules, and, of course, the Disney Parks calendars.

Since I booked over six months out, I had to wait (and wait, and wait) for the events calendar to come out on the Disney site.  I’m not a big fan of waiting for information I want it NOW, so I checked out historic crowd levels for certain days (all of them were low, due to the time of year we’re going), as well as expected dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party, which we are so excited about!  The dates for that still haven’t been officially announced, but that is a separate ticketed event, and we can get in even if we end up in a different park that day.  Whew! Read more

Say “Aloha” to Disney Deluxe Savings

Guest Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , , 3 Comments
photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneyworldsecets/2789030079/

Aloha!!! Just in case you missed my post last month, I talked about staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts on a Budget. I also expressed all of the things that needed to change for my family in order to be able to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

My Disney Travel Philosophy

First and foremost I believe that every family in the world has the right to take their family on a Disney vacation. Each person deserves to have a little bit of pixie dust spread their way at least once in their life. Disney has made it very attainable for all families to travel to Disney World because they have created resort categories. I know that with time and the proper planning, every family can plan Disney on their budget.  For those of us that make Disney World our regular vacation destination staying at a Disney Deluxe resort may not be as attainable as for someone that travels once in a lifetime.  Whether you are a frequent Disney traveler, or someone that goes once in a lifetime, I believe that staying at a Disney Deluxe resort at least once should be something that you try.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

This resort is truly two vacations in one. Not only do you get the magic of being at Walt Disney World and on the monorail but you are also fully immersed in the ambiance of Hawaii. What could be better than that? As soon as you walk into the lobby of the Polynesian you are greeted with a friendly Aloha and have a splendid view of a 2-story lobby and waterfall.  The lobby area in the Polynesian is very lively with sounds and smells of Hawaii.  The hospitality is amazing at this resort location. Immediately after checking in you are able to go and receive your lei with a more formal Aloha!! From there your Island Guide and cart is waiting to take you and your luggage on a tour of the grounds.  Do not fret though, this ride is a two in one, your Island Guide is actually taking you to your longhouse.

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Minnie Minus Mickey: A Single Mom Plans for Disney – Booking my Trip!

Guest Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Minnie Minus Mickey, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Happy Friday, Disney-lovin’ friends!  It’s been a whirlwind of planning fun this past month here in South Louisiana, and I am enjoying every minute!

I was so nervous, clicking the “send” button on my payment, until a thought occurred to me; the lightbulb in my head turned on…I have a travel agent.  If there is a better deal (because, come on, we’re all reading this because we want the best deal!), she will be as happy as I am about re-booking me to save some hard-earned cash.  The decision to use an agent was probably the easiest I made in my plans.  Ask her.  I go around and around weighing every option like my life depended on it…dining plan or no, which one, value resort or moderate or splurge on a deluxe, vacation club rental points, park hopper, water parks, Disney Quest, Disney transportation or a car…the options are ENDLESS!  I swear, I could go on a Disney vacation once a month (wow, wouldn’t that be a dream come true!) and not have the same experience twice!  As a single mom, especially, having someone to bounce ideas around with was invaluable.  And it’s not costing me a single extra penny.  In fact, it’s SAVING me money.  Wow.

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