Thrifty Thursday: Rainy Days Create Lasting Memories

You are finally in the most magical place on earth. You are awoken by the sweet voice of Mickey Mouse himself on your wake up call. You are up and excited about spending a wonderful day in the park. You open your door to go grab some coffee in your refillable mug and, wouldn’t you know it, it is raining! What will you do now? Will you hang out in your room all day? Will you go to the video arcade and spend even more money when you’ve already paid for your park tickets? The answer is an emphatic NO!

A little rain never hurt anyone, as long as there is no lightning and no sound of thunder. Throw on one of those 50 cent ponchos you bought at the discount store back home and head to the Animal Kingdom! The Kilimanjaro Safari is the very best when it is raining because more animals come out in the early morning and while raining than any other time. And, since you’re there and wet already, ride the Kali River Rapids next.

Did you know that Expedition Everest also operates during rain showers? Well it does. In fact, last year we rode it three times in a row, in our ponchos, in pouring rain and laughed the whole time at the ridiculousness of it all. My kids talk about that memorable ride all the time!

If you’re not crazy about riding in the rain, head to one of the shows like “Festival of the Lion King” or “Finding Nemo, The Musical.” Both of these are excellent, dynamic shows and provide a great pick-me-up on a gloomy day. Even better than that, they are held inside large amphitheaters. Another indoor choice is the 4D show, “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” held inside the Tree of Life (caution: please read warnings before taking very young children into this show as it can be pretty intense for them).

When other people are zigging and you are zagging, it makes for a day of short lines and no waits. You can even rent a locker to store dry socks and shoes in for later; maybe even an extra change of clothes if you plan to stay all day.

Once the weather clears up and the crowds start flooding in it will be a great time to head back to your resort, armed with fun pictures and stories, and wonderful memories of the time you rode in the rain. Above everything else, never let anything get you down when you’re at Disney World – that’s not the way Walt would have wanted it. There is always a great idea for a backup plan!

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Brenda is a native Texan born and raised on the Gulf Coast. She visited Disney World twice as a teenager and always dreamed of growing her family Disney. She took her first-timer husband and their three children to Disney World in 2000 and they now spend every Thanksgiving there. Brenda writes with a comedic twist on various Disney topics. She will be sharing tips she has learned during her travels and also hopes to enlighten people on little-known freebies that Disney has to offer. She wishes she could have met Walt Disney and considers herself to be a student of Walt. In parallel to his dream it is her wish that everyone would take at least one trip to Disney World in order to share in its magic with their families.

Disney Fun From Around the World: Week of October 17, 2011

Howdy Disney Friends and Happy Weekend! It’s that time you have been waiting for all week: our Disney blog round-up! And Rachel found some great posts this week: some news, some rumors, and lots of fun! So here we go! Take it away Rachel!

Disney Confidential on Chip and Co has some news: It looks like the Polynesian will get a make-over in 2013. What do you think about this? Read more

Dining at Walt Disney World: Columbia Harbour House

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathika/2600651433

Tucked away in a little corner of Liberty Square located inside the magical walls of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, is a quaint counter service location known for ambiance and seafood. Columbia Harbour House (CHH) is a wonderful counter service location, especially for those that are on the Disney Dining Plan. You will find an array of meal options from chicken to seafood. On the whole most of the food is fried but not to fear it does not lose its flavorful taste. Read more

Thrifty Thursday: A Disney Castle Wonder

Have you ever spent time inside the corridor of Cinderella Castle  — the one that connects Main Street to Fantasyland?  The marvelously detailed mosaic mural displayed inside is really something to see. Each time I walk through it and look at the ornate artwork on the walls, I feel like I am in a beautiful museum. Read more

Tuesday Disney Tips: Choosing the Right Dining Plan for Your Trip

I have found the Disney Dining Plans to be hassle-free and easy to use. For several years we have been very thankful to enjoy free dining, but we have also purchased both the Quick Service and Plus Dining plans during some of our trips. Having experience with both plans, I thought I would talk to you guys today about some basic differences in these plans. I hope it might help you to choose the plan that will work best for you during your next trip to “the world.” Obviously there is a great deal of information regarding pricing, etc. but my point today is about choosing the right plan based on the type of trip you will be taking. The considerations I used are flexibility, dining offerings and trip expenses (during the trip). Read more