Night of Joy 2014

Lots of great additions to the calendar for Night of Joy, 2014.

The most noteable addition is Hillsong United for Friday night.

The lineup is stellar, so call us today, to make plans to attend a Night of Worship in the Happiest Place on Earth!

Friday, September 5, 2014:

Hillsong United
Chris Tomlin
Matthew West
For King & Country
Mandisa
Building 429
Matt Maher
The Neverclaim
Saturday, September 6, 2014:

Skillet
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Israel Houghton & New Breed
Britt Nicole
Colton Dixon
Rhett Walker
We As Human
1 Girl Nation

June 2014 Calendar of Events

June 2014

This year's dates for Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios will continue into June.
Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014

Stay tuned for updates as they are released.

June 2014

Orlando Gay Days - This is event is NOT affiliated with the Disney Company in any way. It has been happening in the Orlando area since 1991. Although Main Street Memories is not affiliated with this event, we do post the calendar of events, so that you will be well informed.
Thursday, June 5 - Animal Kingdom
Friday, June 6- Hollywood Studios
Saturday, June 7 - Magic Kingdom Park
Sunday, June 8 - EPCOT

For more info, visit: 
 http://www.gaydays.com

Star Wars Weekend 2014

The dates are official!

Contact us today to book your trip for the Star Wars Fan in your life!

Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014

Disney's Gingerbread Wonderland

Have you seen Disney's Gingerbread Wonderland.

For a short time (December 2-December 30,2013) you can visit The Land Pavillion in EPCOT and take a look----or um, more like drool!!!

Featuring a Disney Cruise Line ship

Along with a couple of our most beloved Castles!

The attention to detail is just amazing!

If you get a chance to stop in, and take a look....let us know what you think!

Memory Maker Photo Service at Walt Disney World

Another addition to Disney's MyMagic+ has arrived. Disney's Memory Maker replaces the Photopass+ that was introduced just over a year ago!

So....let's get the skinny on this new product:

What DOES it include:

It includes the Digital Download of allllll of your photos taken while you are at Walt Disney World.
(the ONLY exception to this, is that it has a 3 day window. So you *really* need to order it before you leave home!)

It includes your attraction photos (Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, etc)
your dining photos (Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, etc)
 and all of your Photopass Photographer photos during your Walt Disney World vacation.

How much is it:
 $149.00

What does it NOT include:
 This is the important thing to note:
 It does NOT include a CD.
It DOES include the digital download, but if you want the CD, you will need to add that to your My Disney Experience account, as the CD add-on. ($9.95)

It does NOT include the photo gallery/stock images.
That will be an additional $30 charge.

 So, if you want the CD, you will need to add that.
If you want the photo gallery/stock images, you will need to add those.

Otherwise, the $149 will just about cover all of your Disney Photopass needs.

Gluten free Mickey waffles

  Don't spend all of your time searching for a Gluten-Free/Allergen Free Mickey Waffle...take this list with you!

Here's a list a places you can get Gluten/Allergen Free Mickey Waffles :)


RESORTS

Animal Kingdom Lodge: 
Boma: Flavors of Africa
Mara

Art of Animation
Landscape of Flavors (they have Nemo waffles, not Mickey shaped waffles, but they are still fun!)
 

Beach Club:
Cape May Café
 

Boardwalk:
Kouzzina
 

Contemporary:
Chef Mickey’s
Contempo Cafe
 

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:
1900 Park Fare
Grand Floridian Café
 

Old Key West
Olivia's
 

Polynesian:
Captain Cook’s
Kona Cafe
Ohana
 

Pop Century:
Everything Pop Food Court
 

Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter:
Riverside Mill Food Court
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory
 

Wilderness Lodge:
Roaring Forks
 

Yacht Club:
Captain’s Grille

PARKS

Animal Kingdom:
Tusker House

Flavored Churros?! Yes, please!

Some fabulous Churro goodness has landed in Disneyland in Downtown Disney!

Wildly popular, The California Churros cart, has delivered goodness, yet again!

They are now offering churro goodness in 8 new flavors!!!

Here's what you have to swoon over...I mean, choose from:

Pineapple Whip (really?! Bring it on!)
Cinnamon Sugar
Salted Caramel
Apple Cinnamon (for the non-risk takers!)
Milk Chocolate
Red Mango
Strawberry Cream
Toasted Coconut.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Map

Adventures by Disney - Scotland

If you are thinking of, dreaming of, or even considering a Vacation of a Lifetime Experience...well, look no further.

The Guides at Adventures by Disney leave no detail undone.

Take a look into the Scotland Adventure! Amazing!

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Map

Just announced: Nikon is now the official camera of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World

In a press release just issued Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Operations says: “Our Disney Parks are among some of the most photographed locations in the world, so it is only natural for us to further develop our relationship with Nikon, who shares our commitment to capturing magical moments and making memories"

This partnership looks to be a very welcomed partnership, as many of the Disney Photopass photographers already sport Nikon cameras.

I am a Nikon owner myself, and I can't tell you the number of times that a Disney Photopass Photographer has taken my camera from me, flipped a setting or two and made magic out of my "typically on auto" camera! 

I am personally thrilled with this announcement.

You will also begin to notice the transformation of the old "Kodak photo spots" as they now take new labels from Nikon.

This partnership also brings Nikon equipment to all Disney Photopass Photographers as well as the Disney Fine Arts Photography department. I think it is a great combo!

Press release here:

MELVILLE, N.Y. – Nikon Inc. and Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts today announced a multi-year strategic alliance naming Nikon the official camera of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. Bringing together a global leader in imaging and the world’s leading family vacation destinations, this relationship continues the longstanding commitment to help guests capture every moment of their vacation.

“The alliance between Nikon and Disney allows us to connect with millions of passionate Disney guests who want to tell their stories through the capture of amazing imagery,” said Nobuyoshi Gokyu, president, Nikon Inc. “Through this agreement, Nikon will play an integral role in helping Disney guests to preserve and share every unforgettable moment.”

As the “Official Camera of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts,” Nikon will have branded Picture Spots throughout the theme parks at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, providing guests and their families with the opportunity to document their journey at ideal locations throughout the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, as well as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

“Our Disney Parks are among some of the most photographed locations in the world, so it is only natural for us to further develop our relationship with Nikon, who shares our commitment to capturing magical moments and making memories,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, US and France.

Nikon will also be integrated into the Disney PhotoPass Service, the perfect way for guests to capture their vacation memories in great photos—and get everyone in the shot. Disney PhotoPass Photographers will now be exclusively equipped with Nikon cameras and accessories, ensuring each memory is preserved with the quality that consumers have come to expect from Nikon.

Disney Fine Art Photographers at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons, as well as Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney, will also be outfitted with Nikon cameras.

 
 

Disney's All Star Movies Resort

Disney's Pop Century Resort Map

Thanksgiving Day at Walt Disney World

The Disney Parks Blog did a great recap of the offerings on Thanksgiving Day at Walt Disney World;

Posted: 12 Nov 2013 12:00 PM PST
There’s a feast of dining options for the upcoming holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting with Thanksgiving Day (November 28), special menus include all the classics – turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes and seasonal vegetables.


In the theme parks, Thanksgiving specials are on the menu for lunch and dinner:

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant is offering lunch and dinner feasts.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both 50’s Prime Time Café and Hollywood & Vine will include traditional Thanksgiving fare for lunch and dinner.
Epcot World Showcase restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, Biergarten Restaurant in Germany, Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom has a Thanksgiving lunch and dinner. In Future World, Coral Reef Restaurant in The Seas with Nemo & Friends is offering lunch and dinner feasts, and Sunshine Seasons is offering a special Thanksgiving menu throughout the day. The Italy Pavilion will also have special selections at Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria.
In Magic Kingdom Park, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is including Thanksgiving fare with their regular lunch and dinner options. And, of course, Liberty Tree Tavern will have a traditional Thanksgiving offering!
At Downtown Disney, Raglan Road will have a special Thanksgiving menu of Bunratty Mead glazed Turkey with butter whipped potatoes, apple, sage and sweet onion stuffing, braised Brussels sprouts, cranberry & plum chutney and traditional gravy for $27.95. This menu is available from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on November 28. Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello, and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café will also offer special prix fixe menus.
In the resorts, special dining for Thanksgiving Day is planned at:

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground — Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving Feast at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ show located at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion. Four show times: noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. (Trail’s End Restaurant is also offering lunch and dinner options.)
Disney’s All-Star Resorts — Intermission Food Court and World Premiere Food Court (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jiko – The Cooking Place (dinner), Sanaa (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s BoardWalk — Flying Fish Café, Kouzzina by Cat Cora (dinner).
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort — Shutters at Old Port Royale (dinner).
Disney’s Contemporary Resort — California Grill, Chef Mickey’s (Dinner); The Wave … of American Flavors (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — Cítricos has three seatings for dinner; Grand Floridian Café (lunch and dinner), Narcoossee’s (dinner).
Disney’s Old Key West Resort — Olivia’s Café (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Polynesian Resort — ‘Ohana (Dinner), Kona Café (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Boatwright’s Dining Hall (dinner).
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa — The Turf Club Bar and Grill (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — Artist Point (dinner), Whispering Canyon Café (lunch and dinner).
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts — Cape May Café (dinner), Captain’s Grille (lunch and dinner), Yachtsman Steakhouse (dinner).

Oceaneer Bands are introduced to Disney Cruise Line

The new Oceaneer Bands are introduced to Disney Cruise Line Oceaneer Clubs and Oceaneer Labs.

Take a look at how they work:

Take a tour with us...Cars Family Suite

You can runDisney with Main Street Memories!

Land and Sea - Disney Cruise & Walt Disney World

Call us today!
New Land & Sea packages released for early 2014
Enjoy Walt Disney World, and the newly re-imagined Disney Magic for as little as $789 per person!

Disney's Guest Access Card (GAC) / DAS update and FAQ

 

 

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card Questions

Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

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What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The Disability Access Service Card is designed to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer Guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney's FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

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What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the Disability Access Service Card doesn't meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with Guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

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Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks' goal is to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

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How will Guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

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Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the Guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience Guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

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Does the Disability Access Service Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the Disability Access Service Cardholder's travel party may obtain a return time but the Disability Access Service Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.

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Where do Disability Access Service Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Walt Disney World® Resort, Guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.

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Does a Disability Access Service Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the Disability Access Service Cardholder.

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How long is a Disability Access Service Card valid?
A Disability Access Service Card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a Guest's ticket entitlement.

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Is a Disability Access Service Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

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Why doesn't Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor's note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

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Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to Guests with disabilities, such as Disney's Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a "Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities." This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

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Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a Disability Access Service Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a Disability Access Service Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

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Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

And as always, feel free to contact us, for all of your planning needs for your Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation!

Disney's Guest Access Card (GAC) / DAS update

Changes coming to Disney Dining Plan's cancellation policy

 (Mama Melrose's Italiano in Hollywood Studios)

Many of the Table Service restaurants at Walt Disney World already have the 24 hour cancellation policy in place.
If you do NOT cancel your reservation, 1 day in advance, you will pay a $10 per person penalty, for each reservation, that is not cancelled.

However, some of the Table Service Meals, such as locations like Mama Melrose's, or Kona Cafe, do NOT currently have a cancellation policy in place.

Well, that's all about to change.

October 31,2013 - Walt Disney World will now have a 24 hour cancellation policy for ALL Table Service and Signature Dining locations.

(the policy for Signature dining experience remains the same: full payment is due in full at the time of the reservation if you are NOT on the dining plan, and even if you ARE on the dining plan, a no-show will result in the FULL price of the dining experience to be applied to the credit card you have on file)

Beginning on October 31, with this new change, all Table Service meals will have atleast a $10 per person cancellation fee for all no-show reservations.

This is much in hopes to eliminate lots and lots of guests making multiple reservations each day, and failing to cancel them.

If you wish to avoid this penalty, you may call 1.407.WDW.CNCL to cancel your dining reservation at any time.

Or of course, if you have booked your Walt Disney World vacation with Main Street Memories..well, then we are happy to handle that for you :)

My Magic+ and Magic Bands

Walt Disney World Resort has released an updated schedule for MyMagic+ and Magic Bands at the resorts.
 It will continue to occur in waves, until October 23rd, when The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa officially open.
All guests with a checkin date on or after the dates listed, will be able to customize Magic Bands to enhance their MyMagic+ experience.

Starting today, September 30, and each Monday following, new resorts will be "officially" added to the list. Then, on October 23rd, it will go "live" at all resorts.

Now...keep in mind, this program, MyMagic+, will still be considered in the "testing" phase, so, it may not be fully functional at select times.

Again, testing phase.

And then, on December 1st, 2013, it is set to be in full swing!

Arrival dates (on or after):
September 30, 2013:
Disney's Bay Lake Tower
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa
Disney's All Star Movies

October 7, 2013:
Disney's All Star Sports
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Disney's Boardwalk Villas
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

October 14, 2013:
Disney's All Star Music
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

October 21, 2013:
The Campgrounds at Disney's Fort Wilderness
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

October 23, 2013: The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridan Hotel & Spa

Show us your Disney Side

I could not be any more in love with the 2014 plan for Disney Parks...Show us your Disney Side

My family and I have been finding our "Disney Side" for years, as a matter of fact, we think it is our BEST side, and that's why we keep coming back for more...more laughs, more memories, more fun!

More of our Disney Side!

So, take a look and see what you think...

Disney's Frozen Movie Trailer

In Theaters November 27,2013

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind "Tangled" and "Wreck-It Ralph," presents "Frozen," a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
The film is directed by Chris Buck ("Tarzan," "Surf's Up") and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, "Wreck-It Ralph"), and produced by Peter Del Vecho ("Winnie the Pooh," "The Princess and the Frog"). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez ("The Book of Mormon," "Avenue Q") and Kristen Anderson-Lopez ("In Transit"), "Frozen" is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013.

Disability Access Service Card at Walt Disney World resort

      Disney has an unwavering commitment to making our experiences accessible to all Guests. After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities. Until Oct. 9, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. We look forward to sharing more information about the Disability Access Service Card as we get closer to implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
How will the new Disney program work?
The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.

Did Disney receive assistance in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
Yes, Disney is engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.

Why is Disney making these changes?
Given the increasing volume of requests Disney receives for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).

Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.

What should Guests do if they have concerns?
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

New information regarding the New Disability Access Service Card from Disney via Leanne Jakubowski (Disney Parks) 

#pressrelease

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Magic Bands testing phase update...

Along with My Disney Experience, the Magic Bands are the newest phase in Disney's My Magic+.

The Walt Disney World resorts are testing them, one phase at a time, and this is most recent schedule.

If you have questions, email us! We are more than happy to help!

Attraction photos for the Photopass+

So, another reason to purchase the Photopass+ ?!

Yes...the attraction photos!

They are the BEST!

If you want to purchase JUST the attraction photos, it is $49.95.

If you pre-order the Photopass+ it is $149.95.


So, for the additional $100, you will receive your dining photos and allllll of your park photos too!

Just another $$ saving tip :)

Princess Fairytale Hall opens September 18th---take a peek!

Take a look into the Imagineering behind Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.

I absolutely love the attention to the tiniest of details, and I am not sure why it even surprises me that so much detail has been put into everything, including the bookends!

What a fabulous experience this will be as guests are treated to an encounter with the charming Cinderella, or the adorable Rapunzel.

I just can't wait to visit this spot...only a few more days :)

2013 Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

Christmas at Walt Disney World is one of my most favorite times of year!

Full of lights, and sounds and smells of Christmas, makes my happy place, even more happier!

I just love it.

And the Candlelight processional is just one more event that takes place, that I just can't get enough of.

When the sound of the choir takes over the World Showcase, it makes me stop in my tracks.

Even if we don't have a seat for that night, we will stand in the back, and watch. And almost always, in silence, with all of the other guests as they watch in amazement as well.

It's a reverent time. It's a peaceful time. It's a joyous time!

And I love it.

2013 has a fabulous line-up of Celebrity Narrators, incuding Trace Adkins, Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris.

If you have the opportunity, do NOT miss this event!

New Rapid Fill Resort Mugs at Walt Disney World

As we speak, the new Rapid Fill refillable mug system is making it's mark at Walt Disney World resorts, one resort at a time.


The new refillable mug stations at the resorts are in transition to the new Rapid Fill system. This system allows guests to purchase a specific number of days of refills.

The RFID chips embedded in the mugs will only allow usage of the fountains for only the purchased number of days.

At the end of the purchased period, the mug will deactivate itself.
Regardless of where it was originally purchased, the new mugs, with the Rapid Fill chip, will be able to be used at any Walt Disney World resort  quick service fountain.

The Rapid Fill will use a tiered pricing structure.
Each pricing is counted on a calendar day scale...NOT a 24 hour period.
The days will use Eastern time, and when the clock strikes midnight, a new day begins.

 The tiered pricing structure is as follows:


$8.99 for 1 day
$11.99 for 2 days
$14.99 for 3 days
$17.99 for length of stay

Just like the original refillable resort mug, this Rapid Fill mugWILL be included in some of the Disney Dining Plans.

However, keep in mind, with this new chip embedded in the drink fountains, mugs from a previous trip/purchase will NOT be usable. The fountains will NOT activate without the Rapid Fill ID chip.

 At the beginning of August, the Walt Disney World resorts began the transition. So, although they may not all be using the Rapid Fill system just yet, it should be in place by the end of the month.

The mugs come in a range of colors: yellow, teal, purple, pink, green, black and orange.
At this time, they are not resort specific, and will all feature the Fab 5  at the Disney Pool Scene (a mug that has been previously featured at the resorts and water parks)

Castaway Club Offer

Find a Photopass Photographer

Yes, we know how to have a good time, and take TONS of photos...even when we do NOT have our kids with us!

However, I know that sometimes, you worry, how will I *find* the Photopass guy?

Will I take enough pictures to make the CD purchase worth it?!

Well, the quick answer, is...yes you will!

Disney's Photopass Photographers are scattered throughout the parks! And if you look for them, you will find yourself taking TONS of pictures, and at the end of the vacation, they will be some of your favorite photos!

(bhamblonde found his stash of Photopass cards!)

And don't worry...if you don't have a Photopass Card yet, they keep them in their handy dandy bag, ready for you!

 (bamagirlRUNS posing for a Magic Photo with Dave, Photopass Photographer extraordinaire!)

You can even take a few "Magic" photos...and you will have a fun surprise when your vacation is over, and you are home viewing our pics!


But, never fear! If you want to be VERY prepared for your Photopass adventure at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, then you can find all of the Photopass Photographer locations here!

The Disney Magic

When I tell you that I can hardly wait to set sail on the Disney Magic, it truly does not tell you how excited I am for the "re-imagining" of this ship! My very first cruise was on the Disney Wonder and with the Disney Magic being her sister ship, I love this one very much. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, too, with all of the new bells and whistles, however, the Magic and the Wonder have a very dear spot in my heart. I often tell people that the Magic and the Wonder are intimate and cozy, while the Dream and Fantasy have "all of the features of the Magic and Wonder that you didn't even know needed to be improved upon" Truly, I am a Disney Cruise Line advocate. Period. The end. So, let's talk updates:

In keeping with the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream most favored features, the Disney Buffet Stations will be featured in Cabanas. Trying to move from a buffet line, to more of a "buffet station" so that you can choose, at each station, what appeals to you.


Animator's Palate will keep it's original Black and white color scheme, however, with the updates that only technology and Disney Imagineering  can offer, we can add the Animation Magic Show, that has become a crowd favorite on the Disney Dream and  Disney Fantasy.



Then, check out the new Oceaneer's Club and Lab on the Disney Magic.


If this doesn't make you want to stay and play, well, then I just don't know what will.

So, all in all, have I said that I cannot wait! This ship just gets better every day!

Muppets Most Wanted..in theaters March 21

 

Ok, is it just me, or does it seem like there are 8,263 Disney Movies that I cannot wait to see, on the way to theaters, I mean....Disney's Planes, Saving Mr. Banks, and now Muppets, Most Wanted!

Really!

Check out this trailer!

The Muppets find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper in Muppets Most Wanted. In theaters Spring 2014.

Muppets Most Wanted Teaser Trailer on Disney Video

Lowe's hosts Disney's Planes Build and Grow

 

What a super fun way to spend a some time with the littles, and let them build...rather than having the face in the "blue screen"

But, don't wait too long, registration spots at these events fill up quickly!

You will love these activities, and your kiddos will love having the finished product of something they "made" from a movie!

Disney's Planes lands in theaters August 9th, so go see the movie, and then come build with us!
So fun!

Here are the dates and details for each:

 

Dusty

Saturday, August 10 (10:00 AM)

Bring your kids to Lowe’s for some high flying fun this weekend! Your child will love building Dusty from Disney’s Planes-In Theaters in 3D August 9th.

Dusty

Sunday, August 11 (02:00 PM)

Bring your kids to Lowe’s for some high flying fun this weekend! Your child will love building Dusty from Disney’s Planes-In Theaters in 3D August 9th.

El Chupacabra

Saturday, August 24 (10:00 AM)

The fun continues this weekend at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build El Chupacabra from Disney’s Planes- In Theaters in 3D August 9th.

El Chupacabra

Sunday, August 25 (02:00 PM)

The fun continues this weekend at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build El Chupacabra from Disney’s Planes- In Theaters in 3D August 9th.

Free Disney Dining Plans Fall 2013

Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package (includes room and theme park tickets) at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer can be booked through September 15, 2013 and is valid for arrivals most nights:

• September 29 to October 2, 2013
• October 18 to November 2, 2013
• November 11 to November 23, 2013
• December 12 to December 22, 2013

Free Quick Service Dining Plan at select Value Resorts

Free Plus Dining Plan at select Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

• Offer excludes
• Campsites
• 3-Bedroom Villas 
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Discover 2 great dining plans that include meals and snacks!

*many exclusions apply! 

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Oh no! My FASTPASS+ Attraction is closed!

Let's talk about how this is going to work!

Old FASTPASS System:
When you have a FASTPASS in your possession (ex: 3:15pm), you wait all day, and then return to the ride, only to find that it is now "closed for enhancement" or something magical like that:)

Your mind immediately ques "Holiday Road", and you wonder for just a moment what they would do if you went Clark Griswold on them!

Not any more my friends :)

With the new FASTPASS+ system, you will automatically receive a notification via My Disney Experience. The existing FASTPASS+ will be expired, and you will have 2 options:

Option 1: (and these options may be determined by the time of day in which the attraction closed)

If the attraction closes early in the day, you will be offered a new FASTPASS+ opportunity, for the original attraction, later in the day when it reopens.
OR---
You may select from an alternate listing of 8 FASTPASS+ attractions at that same park, on that same day.

Option 2:

If the attraction closes later in the day, you will be offered the opportunity to choose ANY FASTPASS+ attraction at any of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, on the next day.

Note: You will be notified of the FASTPASS+ attraction closure via My Disney Experience.
It is very important to have access to this during your visit, while inside the parks, via your smart phone, ipad, etc
It is also important to remember to turn those "push notifications" on.

Remember: MyMagic+ is still in the testing phase, and has not been released "live" to all guests. The expected release for MyMagic+ is Fall 2013.
FASTPASS+ is just one feature of MyMagic+ and is a fabulous addition to your Walt Disney World Theme Park experience!

We will be featuring more updates as we have them. All updates can be found here: MyMagic+ info

My Magic Bands tshirts

Hot off of the press, these Magic Band tshirts are starting to surface in Walt Disney World gift shops!

Long ride to Walt Disney World.....

Love this Disney Bingo, found over on the Disney Parks blog! Print a few copies of it...you can use it on the way to Orlando, with signs and billboards, or use it in the park!

Travel tip: earrings

I pinned this the other night, but thought it was worthy of blogging, so I could refer back to it.

Love this travel tip: keep small delicate earrings together. Put them in a button. Together. Todd them in your jewelry bag, and tada! They don't fall into those pesky little corners of the bag :)

Disney Vacation Information

Trick or Treat with Disney Cruise Line

Trick or treat with Disney Cruise Line!

Character parades, mask making, pumpkin carving and more! This was, by far, one of our most favorite cruises!

Old Navy loves Mickey

How cute is this shirt!
Old Navy just unloaded a ton of Mickey/Minnie cuteness in their stores!

Go now!

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2013 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

2013 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas Now Open at Magic Kingdom Park

Inspired by the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, this interactive quest allows guests to turn into one of Captain Jack’s pirate recruits, arms them with magic talismans and treasure maps, and lets them embark on one of five different pirate raids throughout Adventureland. You can prove your pirate worth by collecting valuable treasures while fending off some of Captain Jack’s enemies, including the Royal Navy and Captain Barbossa.

The quest is included in Theme Park admission and guests can embark on more than one raid if they wish.