Running with Disney: A “New” Kind of Vacation

If I had to pick one word to describe our recent trip to Walt Disney World, it would be “new”. We stayed in a new resort, ate in new restaurants, and had new experiences. And this is probably one of the things I love about visiting Disney World: no matter how many times you go, there are numerous things that make the magic new and special.

We truly had a wonderful time and I am looking forward to sharing some of the details of our trip with you in the coming weeks! In the meantime, here are some of the highlights:

Disney Marathon Weekend

The main reason we chose this weekend to visit was because our daughter was participating in Marathon Weekend. Despite a change of plans a few months ago, she was able to run in the 5-K and what an amazing experience it was! In fact, the entire weekend was inspiring!

Kidani Village

One of the things I was most excited about was the chance to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village….and what an absolutely beautiful resort it was. I just couldn’t believe at times that we were at Walt Disney World!

New Restaurants

We had a number of new dining experiences on this trip and really enjoyed them! Among our favorites: La Hacienda de San Angel, and Via Napoli. Both were delicious and are highly recommended!

New Experiences

We have done several Disney tours in previous trips and we did another new one this time: Wild by Design at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This was a fascinating tour, providing tons of details about this park….and gave us all a new appreciation for Animal Kingdom.

New Construction

We also had the chance to get some glimpses of the Fantasyland construction, and I have to say it was exciting to see what is going on! I just can’t wait to see it all when completed!

In fact, seeing that construction makes me want to plan another trip to see the results….which would be the perfect cure for my Post-Disney Depression! 🙂

So stay tuned in coming weeks for details on some of the “new” things we did. And stay tuned as well, because I’ve got a little giveaway coming soon….because you know I never take a Disney vacation without bringing you home souvenirs!

Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple…and for a limited time, get a FREE Disney gift card when you book your trip with me! ($2000 minimum package cost)

Running with Disney: Heading Towards the Finish Line

So we’re going to Disney World….in 3 days. 🙂 As you read this, suitcases and clothes and assorted Disney vacation necessities are being gathered into piles…..and the pre-trip stress on my part is starting to set in. As is the excitement! Read more

What Would You Do With One More Disney Day?

Take a full 24 hours to create as many memories as you can — because on Leap Day, 2012, Disney Parks are celebrating like never before!

For the first time ever, both Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park will be open for 24 hours of wonder, imagination and magic starting February 29 at 6:00 a.m.

Plus, beginning January 1, 2012, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29, 2012 and has an exciting special offer! Read more

Merry Christmas from All of us at The Affordable Mouse

As today is Christmas Eve, we decided to take a break from our regular blog schedule in order to share our own little Christmas card with all of you, our wonderful Disney Friends. From all of us at The Affordable Mouse, we send you our warmest Holiday Greetings: Merry Christmas from my family and from Captain Mickey and all the crew here on the Disney Dream!!! Enjoy this special time with your family! ~ Brenda

Wishing all of The Affordable Mouse fans a very magical holiday and a pixie dusted New Year! I am looking forward to chatting Disney with all of you in 2012. ~ Kelly

Wishing all our Affordable Mouse family a Very Special and Magical Holiday with unlimited pixie dust! ~ Debbie

May the peace of this holiday season rest on you & yours. Merry Christmas & a Mickey New Year! ~ DeAnna

Wishing you and yours the most magical and Disney-filled holiday Season and may your New Year be filled with Disney dreams come true! ~ Belinda

Magical Merry Christmas!!! ~ Shannan

I hope you all have a fun Christmas and enjoy the time spent with family & friends! ~ Karen

Wishing everyone a magical Christmas and Happy New Year! ~ Rachel

Wishing everyone a Christmas of beautiful memories that will last a lifetime and may 2012 bring you a year of magical moments. Blessings to all! ~ Lisa

In this Season of Light and Joy, may all of you have the chance to celebrate with those you hold near and dear, and may the New Year be filled with an abundance of peace, health, happiness and magical memories for you and your families.  ~ Nancy

Running With Disney: Less Than a Month to Go!

So my Disney trip countdown says 23 days! 🙂 It’s hard to believe that by the time we actually get to Walt Disney World for our January trip, it will have been 367 days since we left…but who’s counting….. It’s been a crazy year for us, with trips planned and cancelled multiple times, but it looks like this one is actually going to happen!

After our last trip that had so many changes, I must say that I have really learned flexibility when it comes to Disney vacation planning. Which is a good thing, because with less than a month to go….and Christmas thrown in there…..I still have quite a few things to do before we leave! Read more