This week concludes our Fall Disney vacation trip reports. Hear all about Jamie’s vacation with a baby as well as Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Tara tells us all about her luxurious stay at the BoardWalk Garden Cottages. You don’t want to miss this!
Happy listening!
For the third time I found myself getting henna in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot last trip. I can not recommend something more for you or your little ones. I saw three girls ranging in ages from 5-12 getting it done in front of me and loving it.
So, first you decide what you want or what you want to spend. The first two times I 
did a “here is $25 and do something unique” type deal and loved it. This time I sifted through the book and found so many beautiful things it made it hard but I was able to do a sort of hybrid. I showed them a few I liked and also upped the ante to $40 and went with it.
It took about 10 minutes and while it was happening I was able to enjoy the music from the new band Ribab Fusion that is only there through January 2, 2016.
Once finished with the initial design (which was amazing and perfect) you get to pick which color glitter you want (pink or blue) but who can pick? There is never enough glitter so I went with both and that was my favorite part!
Henna has a long history in many cultures and is something usually done in celebration. Such as a bride before a wedding or a big party and what is more of a celebration than a trip to Disney??
I love it and I think it is a great experience and a good learning time for the kids.
On my most recent vacation to Walt Disney World I had to chance to see the “Frozen Holiday Wish” in the Magic Kingdom. It is the castle lighting ceremony hosted by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf. If you are going to Walt Disney World before the end of the year you HAVE to see it. Here is a clip to give you a taste of what it is like!
Are you planning to trip to see Disney at Christmas time?
Looking for that perfect souvenir at Disney but you don’t want to break the bank? We’re giving you the top 5 souvenirs for under $20!
1. Silhouettes – You can find these kiosks in Magic Kingdom and Epcot. They cut the silhouette right there and it’s done in just a few minutes. It costs $8 per person plus tax. A frame is an additional $7.95 plus tax.
2. Pick A Pearl – Found in the Japan pavilion of the World Showcase, this is almost a show as well as a souvenir. You pick your oyster out of a tank and a cast member opens it up to show you the prize inside. Hint: choose the ugliest, hairiest oyster in the tank for the prettiest pearl. The cost is about $17 to choose an oyster. Settings for your pearl are an additional cost.
3. Autograph books – Pick up one of these at any practically gift shop on property so you can collect signatures from all your favorite characters. My kids love to look back through their autograph books from previous trips so they can remember which characters they met and had a blast with. Books start at $7.95 plus tax.
4. First Haircut Package at Harmony Barber Shop – Commemorate your baby’s first haircut in Disney style! You can get their hair cut and styled at the barber shop right there on Main Street. The package includes a certificate, a bag to keep the lock of hair if you want, plus a set of Mickey ears embroidered with “My First Haircut”. The cost is $19 plus tax and an appointment is necessary.
5. Pressed Pennies – Looking for a small but super cool souvenir? Try making pressed pennies! These machines are everywhere around WDW and each machine has a unique design. Most of the coins cost $.51 to make: two quarters and a penny. There are some machines that press different coins and those vary in price due to the denomination being pressed.
What’s your favorite inexpensive souvenir? Leave it in the comments!
Join us as we talk about our recent Disney vacations! We talk about the new things we tried, new shows and attractions, and special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
We cover Jillian’s and Shannon’s vacations in this part 1 episode, so check back next week for Jamie’s and Tara’s reports in part 2!
Happy listening!
Magic Kingdom
Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6-November 25
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: December 7-10
Splash Mountain: January 10-14, 2016
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18-Feb 11, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 18-Feb 22, 2016
Epcot
Sum of All Thrills: November 30-December 10
Soarin’: January 4-Summer 2016
Re-imagination of Maelstrom: Opens April 30, 2016
Hollywood Studios
Jedi Training Academy: October 4-November 30
Pizza Planet: January 4-Late 2016
Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 4-January 2, 2016
Typhoon Lagoon: January 3-March 12, 2016
Resorts
Bay Lake Tower: Bay Cove Pool February 1-March 18
All Star Sports: Surfboard Bay Pool: January 25-28
Animal Kingdom Villas-Jambo House: Uzima Pool: December 14-16
BoardWalk Inn: Luma Park Pool: January 11-February 2
Flying Fish Restaurant: February 1-September 30
Exterior Painting: August 17, 2015-May 5, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Old Port Royale paths of travel November 30-December 20 and January 3-February 28
Jamaica Pool: January 6-8
Martinique Quiet Pool: January 11-13
Fuentes del Morro Pool: January 13-16
Trinidad North Quiet Pool: January 27-29
Trinidad South Quiet Pool: February 3-5
Grand Floridian: Courtyard Pool: January 16-19
Old Key West: Sandcastle Pool: January 4-6
Polynesian Village Resort: East Pool now-early 2016
General construction now-Early 2016
Pop Century Resort: Computer Pool November 30-December 3
Bowling Pin Pool: December 7-10
Port Orleans French Quarter: Kiddie Pool September 29-December 24
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool: January 11-February 29
Saratoga Springs: Grandstand Pool January 20-22
Yacht Club: Concierge Lounge now- early December
Wilderness Lodge: Resort refurbishment October 2-2017
Hidden Springs Pool: November 1-2017
Please note these are subject to change without notice. Check back to keep up to date on the latest closures.
Last week, we stayed two nights at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in a club level room. We actually reserved a garden view room but got a surprise upgrade to theme park view! We had a great time and really enjoyed this resort.
The club level food offerings were delicious. They offered a continental breakfast with pastries, oatmeal, and fruit each morning. Midday was snacks like goldfish, popcorn, and trail mix. Evenings were hot appetizers like chicken wings, sushi, fruit and cheese, and even wine and cocktails. We never did make it to the cocktail hour service, but I’m sure it was fabulous as well.
Pros:
-Location, location, location! It was so convenient to be right there on the monorail line.
-The club level rooms all being located in the Hawaii building, we were close to both the pool and the lobby.
-Our room was situated three doors down from the club level lounge so we could just pop down whenever we wanted a drink or a snack. Very easy!
-Ohana is onsite, so it’s very easy to enjoy a great character meal within the resort.
-Amazing pool! My kids just loved the water slide and the splash pad!
Cons:
-Price. The Polynesian is one of the most expensive resorts on property.
Now some photos!
2 queen beds
sofa converts to single bed
bathroom with double sinks
Our view!
Club level snacks during midday
Sodas and coffee
Tea, lemonade, and POG juice!
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: separate ticketed event that runs from 7pm to midnight. There is a special parade, fireworks, hot cocoa and cookies, stage shows, and “snow” falls on Main Street!
Nightly castle lighting. Either the fairy Godmother or Elsa (on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights) bring the castle from it’s normal appearance to completely decked in lights! It really is a sight to see.
The Jungle Cruise turns into the Jingle Cruise! The boats are renamed in holiday themes and there are some added jokes.
The Barbershop Quartet the Dapper Dans sing Christmas carols instead of their normal tunes.
Epcot
Storytellers: Late in November cast members tell stories about their country’s traditions and legends. In addition there are some special holiday treats for sale!
Candlelight Processional: November 27-December 30th, 3 shows per night each with a celebrity narrating the biblical Christmas story featuring a choir and orchestra. These shows are VERY popular, lining up at least an hour in advance, if not much more, is a good idea if you want to see this show. One way to guarantee seating is the Candlelight Dinner Package at one of many Epcot restaurants for 2 Table Service credits.
Hollywood Studios
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Disney has announced this will be the last year due to construction and expansion of Hollywood Studios. Streets of America are covered(buildings, trees, lampshades, everything) in lights that “dance” choreographed to music . You can purchase “Made with Magic” items Mickey Ear Hat, Minnie Mouse Headband, Mickey Mouse Glove and the Sorcerer Mickey Wand to add to the effect, they are programmed to light up at key points of the show (can also be used at Holiday Wishes and other shows year round).
Merry & Bright Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios is a new event this year. From November 6 through December 30, 2015, you can purchase a separate ticket at a cost of $69 per adult or $39 for children. This includes entry (you can come and go as you please) to dessert party, reserved viewing site and a keepsake stadium blanket.
Will you be able to see any of these special Holiday happenings? Which are you most excited for?
Going to Disney World to celebrate a special event is already the icing on the cake in my opinion but Disney also gives you lots of options to kick it up a notch. So, is this anniversary super special or this birthday a BIG one. For any ages and events, there is something special to help. I wanted to talk about the Super Special Big Dollar Extras that can be provided to you from Disney Floral and Gifts.
There are lots of ways to do things and Disney Floral and Gifts is by no means the least expensive option but they do have the good, special stuff and the ways and means to get it done.
For example, I spent my 40th birthday at Disney with the best of friends and my husband and they surprised me on the day by decorating the living room of our Boardwalk Villa (awesome and budget friendly – the room decorating not Boardwalk haha do not think I am living under a rock!) and then kicked it up a notch by having a cake delivered that we ate for breakfast every day. It is Disney and I said “Let them eat cake” quite a bit that trip. Then the special extra happened and we came back from a park day and there was a beautiful glitter pink rose with a wonderful special bracelet and note.
It was awesome! And the best part (or maybe?) is it broke, that week at Disney (put my hand in my purse and the heart came off). I called Disney Floral and Gifts and without question sent me a new one and never even asked for the broken one, etc. That is the Disney difference.
So, here are a few of what I think are the craziest, most over the top, super special things!
Presenting Your Royal Princess – $435.00 – so you walk up to your room and on your door is a pink banner letting her know something is up! She then gets to open a big box filled with all princess must haves (tiaras and wands), there are balloons and personalized princess capes and so much more! It is a BIG deal.
Not in the mood for princess and pink? Go Big with Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish – coming in at a modest $395.00. You can have all the fun with Mickey and his pals and keep your inner child (or outer child happy!)
Need some Super, Special Romance? A Wish Come True – a Two Day Romantic Experience is ready for you at a mere $364.95 but you get two days full of romance. There are roses and crystals and champagne for two days. Sign me up!
Is your (or your kids) dream of meeting a princess or Mickey and Friends finally coming through? Have your child proclaimed a princess at Cinderella’s Royal Table or a princess meet and greet with the My Storybook Moment – Princess (143.95) or find out they are about to meet their best pal Mickey using a storybook moment with My Storybook Moment – Mickey Mouse (87.95)
Yes, going to Disney is SUPER special and no one needs the extras but if you have a few extra dollars and want to go as over the top as possible. These are a few ideas that are easy on you to make happen!
Have you ever wondered what Disney has to offer for the holidays? Wonder no longer because we’re giving you the scoop of what you can expect at Walt Disney World for Christmas! We cover decor, shows, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and other events.
Happy listening
Dole Whipped 