Disney Vacation Planning

A Wonderful Disney Day with Grandma

Debbie Disney Vacation Planning, What to Do at Disney World , , , , , 7 Comments

Traveling to Disney with your grandparents can be a nice change of pace for those of us who have visited WDW with younger children.  Traveling with younger children entails very specific rides and areas that are specifically designed with them in mind, such as the recently closed Toon-town, Fantasy Land, and of course all the wonderful character greetings.  A lot of time is spent keeping all the kiddos happy and minimizing melt-downs.  Visiting with Grandma allowed me to slow down and enjoy her company at my favorite place.

We visited WDW with my grandmother when she was 80.   Although she had been active in her younger years, I knew she would need a wheelchair in the parks, to make it easier on her, and so she didn’t feel the need to speed-walk.  Grandma was not a “ride” person, especially with anything that went fast, had too many dips or was too scary – taking all that into account, we decided on Epcot for the day.  Grandma was able to visit the other parks, but this day was a very special day with just her and me.

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Adrift with Disney: A Plethora of Activities, Part II: In Port

Brenda Disney Cruises, Disney Vacation Planning , , , 0 Comment

In Tuesday’s post, I talked about some of the awesome activities offered onboard the Disney Dream while the ship is at sea. But, what about when the ship is in port? My family and I will be visiting Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay during our cruise vacation, so I checked into the offerings at those two locations. Trying to decide what to do when there are so many options takes a little time.

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you wish to stay on the ship, or disembark the Dream at the ports of call. Some people choose to stay onboard at Nassau, Bahamas in order to save some money for excursions at Castaway Cay. The choice is certainly yours.

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Adrift with Disney: A Plethora of Activities, Part I: At Sea

Brenda Disney Cruises, Disney Vacation Planning , , , , 0 Comment
Disney Dream Inaugural Cruise 149photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraandi/5425301419/

Once you have chosen the date for your Disney Cruise, researched the cost of your trip, and then chosen your state room, it is time to start delving into the fun stuff. I spent a good amount of time this week finding out about all the activities offered on the Disney Dream. I also discovered the plethora of excursions offered when you are visiting Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. Once you familiarize yourself with all the choices all you will need to do is decide on the best options for you and your family.

Disney provides many varied activities both “in port” and “at sea,” so I wanted to share some helpful information with you. Today I will be sharing an overview of many of the options onboard the Dream; and Thursday I will be talking about the choices of activities in the ports of Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. You can bet there is something for every type of personality and vacation plan on a Disney Cruise.
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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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Thrifty Thursday: Become Part of the Show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Brenda Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Thrifty Thursday , , , , , 0 Comment

One of my favorite things to do at the Magic Kingdom is the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club. Located in Tomorrowland, this is an audience-participation attraction and it is a lot of fun. It is a kid-focused comedy show but I am always one of the kids involved in the action. I don’t know if I have tattoo on my forehead that says “Pick Me” or what, but every time we go they put that camera on me. It is all in fun so I don’t mind so much but I am always surprised and a little embarrassed when I realize they’ve done it again.

When you enter the lobby of the theater, there are televisions on the walls. One of the opportunities to get into the act is to text your best joke to a certain number they post on the screen. If they use your joke, your name and state will be announced during the show. Once you get nearer to the auditorium doors, Roz is your hostess for some instructions and to embarrass Mike Wazowski.

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