Thrifty Thursday: Refreshing, Allergy-Free Disney Snack Option

What’s red, orange, yellow, green, and loved by kids all over? Well, Itzakadoozie!

This cold and refreshing treat is one of the snack offerings at the Disney parks and resorts. An Itzakadoozie is a 10-inch long popsicle with different flavors intermixed. Despite the fact that it is not chocolate, which I won’t hold against it, it is a great snack for kids and adults alike. All the kids seem to really like them, and I enjoy them myself; mainly because I cannot get them at home.

These treats are part of the Disney Dining Plan Snack List, and are sold at almost all the ice cream carts at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I have not seen them at the Animal Kingdom Park, however. At Epcot, you can also find them at Princess Storybook (Norway), the Garden Grill and Sunshine Seasons (The Land). They are sold at the ice cream cart at Downtown Disney (which is where this picture was taken), as well as many of the Disney resorts. At Blizzard Beach you can find them at the Warming Hut, Frostbite Freddies, and Expeditions.

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Thrifty Thursday: Tips for Making Your Disney Dream Come True

As you read on Tuesday, I have recently been reminiscing about my family’s trips to Walt Disney World while preparing the board for my son’s upcoming graduation party. In remembering all of our wonderful times, it became increasingly important to me to make sure that I have done my part to try to make a Disney vacation seem attainable to everyone – even those who think there is no way to visit without spending a fortune.

Walt always said, “if you can dream it you can do it.” Today, I am going to give you the insight on every tried and true money-saving tip that my family has used throughout the years. I am hoping that by incorporating any or all of these ideas, you can make your dream of taking a Disney vacation a reality for you and your family. Read more

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Thrifty Thursday: Voyage of the Little Mermaid

One of my favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We used to enjoy this show as a family but now my macho big boys have outgrown it for more thrills. So, it has evolved into one of the special mother-daughter activities that Kristen and I share at the parks. This indoor show is Disney at its best!

This 17-minute show is presented every 20 minutes beginning at 9:45am. Located in Animation Courtyard, which is typically a high-traffic area, the crowds start to develop after the first or second showing. So, try to see the show before lunch as the crowds get bigger as the day goes on. VOLM does have Fast Pass service, but you will notice that, unlike most FP attractions that have 1-hour windows, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid has a 10 minute return window. Be sure to look at your FP ticket closely so you will not miss your return time. Read more

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Thrifty Thursday: Become Part of the Show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

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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Thrifty Thursday: Lost in the (Disney) World

picture perfectphoto via http://www.flickr.com/photos/jewellshoots/3858698368/

Like so many other parents, I know what it is like to be walking down the sidewalk at a Disney park only to realize that a member of your family is missing. I have felt that utter panic and paralyzing fear that is associated with losing a child at Walt Disney World. During our trip in 2000, when my youngest son was only 6, he got separated from us. Those five minutes was the longest time of my entire life. In fact, that event is when I started to go gray.

Lost children are a very serious matter — not only to us as parents but to the Disney cast members as well. First, I am sure you have heard that at Walt Disney World there is no such thing as a lost child, only lost parents. The cast members are excellent at taking care of your precious little prince or princess until you can be found. I hope that your child is never lost, but we all know it does happen, so I am going to share some tips for hopefully making your reunion a lot quicker.

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