Sunday, September 29, 2013

Guest Author Sunday Welcome Back Amy Mullins!

Guest Author Sunday


Welcome Back Amy Mullins - 40 Never looked so Good!

Disney Gals are thrilled to welcome back Amy Mullins as she takes us all along for part of her 40th Birthday celebration. I think we can all agree, turning 40 sure looks magical on Amy!



Part Two: Celebrating The Big 4 -0 Walt Disney World Style

 

Tick-tock, tick-tock… The day is fast approaching in which I will turn the BIG 4-0 and run my first ever half marathon, 50 days to be exact.  But I suppose if I “have” to turn 40 I want to be at Walt Disney World and want to make it memorable by running the Wine and Dine Half marathon.  Then I want to top it off by celebrating at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine festival.  Yup! That’s what I am going to do with some of my closest family and friends joining me in making this a birthday to remember. 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Sail and SAVE! Special Cruise pricing


If you've been looking for a cruise that won't break the bank, look no further. Disney Cruise Line has released some fantastic prices to welcome back the newly re-imagined Magic! Check them out:

Embark on adventure aboard the recently re-imagined Disney Magic—with great rates on most sailings for select itineraries in October and November 2013:
CategoryRates Per Person
Starting From
Sail Dates
Inside Stateroom with Restrictions (Category IGT)$99 Per Day / $495 Total (5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise)October 27, November 1, November 10 and November 15, 2013
Book through October 20, 2013 to take advantage of this special rate.
Early 2014
Plan an unforgettable cruise aboard the Disney Wonder—with great rates on most sailings for select itineraries in January and February 2014:
CategoryRates Per Person
Starting From
Sail Dates
Oceanview Stateroom (Category 9C)$130 Per Day / $650 Total (5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise)January 10, 2014 and February 7, 2014
Book through October 18, 2013 to take advantage of this special rate.

To get all the details or to see all the cruises that are offered, visit the Disney Cruise Line website by clicking here, or contact our favorite Travel Agent, Dawn Gosdin, with Destinations in Florida for personalized service by clicking here.

Act fast so you don't miss the boat!

Kelly is a Disney Gal who loves finding fun and adventure on the High Seas aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Whether it's pampering, para sailing or the unlimited Diet Coke, she enjoys all the ships have to offer. She is currently wearing down Commodore Tom to allow her to blow any of the ships' musical horns. As of now, he is disinclined to acquiesce. To learn more about Kelly, click here.

Kid's Korner No Sew Costumes!

Quick & Easy Halloween Costumes


With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s that time of year when costumes are on the minds of young and old alike.  Not quite seeing what you want in the stores or looking for something just a little bit different? Here are some great ideas that can be for girls or boys that are quick and easy to create, and the best part- takes no sewing!


Meatballs and Spaghetti



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

It's A Wet and Wild Give Away!


Want to Win Two Tickets to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach?





Just because Fall is upon us doesn’t mean the water fun stops at the Walt Disney World Resort. Are you ready to escape to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park for a storm of fun in the sun! Snorkel with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish in the coral reef. Plunge down rushing rapids, sunbathe on the sandy beach and glide down the lazy river on a relaxing raft ride. After an epic typhoon hurled surfboards into palm trees and tossed boats like toys, the storm-soaked Mount Mayday became a topsy-turvy oasis of water-filled adventure! Or maybe you are ready to discover frosty fun for the whole family at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, a one-time ski resort that has melted into a watery wonderland. Zip down the slushy slopes of Mount Gushmore on one of the world’s tallest and fastest waterslides. Float down the tranquil river and sunbathe on the white-sand beach. Children under 48 inches tall can even splash around in their own water play area with a snow-castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.
If this sounds like you then look no further-Disney Gals have teamed up with Destinations in Florida to put on a wet and wild give away.  From now until this Sunday, you will have a chance to win two (2) non-expiring adult or child tickets to Disney's Blizzard Beach or Disney's Typhoon Lagoon for one day .  You know this is a give away you don’t want to miss. Just click on the Rafflecopter link below or on  the Disney Gal Facebook page and let the pixie dust fly your way! Special thanks again to Allison of Destinations in  Florida for making this possible for our Disney Gal family!



                                           Enter to Win



Let Destinations In Florida and Dawn help you plan your Orlando Florida vacation!

Book Orlando Florida packages, hotels or tickets with a Florida travel agency.  Our agency specializes in the destination where we live, Florida!  This makes us extra qualified to plan your Orlando Florida vacation! Some of our recent recognitions include 2009 & 2011 Disney Destinations Top Sales Performer and 2010, 2011, and 2012 Universal Orlando Travel Agency of the Year. All of our agents are Disney College of Knowledge Graduates and Universal Orlando Specialists. Our agents are past Disney Theme Park Cast Members (employees), past Universal Studios employees, Sea World tour guides, and even Disney travel book authors.
We truly are the best of the best in planning Orlando Florida vacations!  The best news is our services are FREE to you!  We are paid by the destinations.  Our agents will help you pick the best hotel/package, save money with discounts or future discounts, add extra magic and perks, and saving you time...all at no cost to you.
Florida Seller of Travel (Destinations to Explore, Inc) Reference Number ST36132


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - September 25, 2013

TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!
THE THEME OF THE DAY IS
DISNEY LETTER "O"!

 Disney Gal Gayle:

"OH" MY GOSH-It's My Favorite Princess



OH MY!!! It's the Real Princess Ursula-Pat Carroll

"Oh" My-Can the Food be any better than at Ohana?

Top 5 Things to Have on Hand - Debarkation

Now its time to say goodbye to all our company.
M-I-C-  Sea you real soon   K-E-Y-   Why? Because we like you.   M-O-U-S-E.


The saddest sight in the world to a Disney cruiser, seems like we were just saying hello. Time certainly does fly while you're being pampered on the High Seas, but now it's time to make room for the port full of eager cruisers waiting to take their turn.
If you have cruised on other lines before, you know what a nightmare the debarkation process can be. In my book, it is nothing short of miraculous the ease at which Disney has everything organized. In the matter of a few hours they manage to get everyone fed breakfast, pose for a few last pictures, and provide a baggage handler that will stay with you through Customs and into the parking garage! Then, seamlessly they have the boat restocked, cleaned and ready to welcome another couple thousand guests. Amazing, completely amazing!
Disney has done their part, now it's up to you to finish the process. Here are my top 5 things to have on hand to make your debarkation uneventful:
  • Camera - There will be plenty of cruise staff on board to bid you farewell. Did you get a picture of your waiters? Breakfast is the perfect time. You may even have the Captain shaking your hand as you leave, he will snap a quick photo with you. No one wants to have the regret of pictures they forgot to take. Plus, if you want a picture of the world's saddest banner pictured above, this is the time.
  • Key to the World Card - I can not stress this enough! You will need to be scanned out, please have it ready. The couple in line behind us threw theirs away in their stateroom. They were taken out of the exit line and never seen again. Seriously, they had not even come through the line by the time we cleared Customs. Not to mention the cards make a great addition to your scrapbook. Also, as an added tip - keep your family all in the same line, don't split up to race and see who gets scanned first. My husband and daughter did this on our last trip, and wouldn't you know it, our group got through and their line was stopped to allow the crowd in the luggage hall to thin out. We had no idea what happened to them so I pulled out my phone to call them. A Custom's agent told me put the phone away or they take it away (we're not in Disney anymore). My hubby & daughter finally caught up, 15 minutes later. Lesson learned.
  • Customs form - This form is used to declare souvenirs and other items you bought while cruising that you are bringing home. It will be left in your stateroom along with your luggage tags. All you need is one for your family (for all members residing at the same address). Have it filled out and ready to hand to the agent. 
  • Passport, photo ID or birth certificate - Once again, your Customs agent will need to see either a passport or valid photo ID for each adult, and passport or birth certificate per child.
  • Money - Back on dry land, cash is king once again. If you have a porter handling your luggage, I can guarantee they are working their tushes off to make this last part of your journey as easy as possible. From grabbing all your luggage off the tables, loading their carts, following you through the luggage hall, to loading your trunk like a giant Tetris game, these porters deserve every bit of the tips they get.
Whether you are cruising now or planning to in the future, keep this list in mind for smooth sailing at the end of your holiday. For all you seasoned veterans, is there anything you have done to make the end just a bit easier? I'd love to hear about it. Leave me a comment!


Kelly is a Disney Gal who loves finding fun and adventure on the High Seas aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Whether it's pampering, para sailing or the unlimited Diet Coke, she enjoys all the ships have to offer. She is currently wearing down Commodore Tom to allow her to blow any of the ships' musical horns. As of now, he is disinclined to acquiesce. To learn more about Kelly, click here.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Guest Author Sunday

Welcome Back Chuck Jones







                                   An Unforgettable Week at Disney

                    



Our trip, which included me, my wife, and our daughter and son-in-law, was two years in the making.  It included planning, reserving, and putting up enough cash to pay for the whole thing, with enough Disney Dollars from our Disney Chase Visa Card to pay for any overages and souvenirs.  In doing so, we eliminated the number one worry of most vacations-- spending too much money.    When we checked into our two rooms at the Boardwalk Inn on Saturday, September 7th, 2013, our whole trip was already paid for.  We got the free Dining Plan, so even our food was pre-paid. 
            


 
We opted for a 7-day Park-Hopper ticket, with 7 nights at The Boardwalk, with a water view.  The Boardwalk is a fantastic hotel, but unless you pay more for the water view rooms, you are defeating the whole purpose of staying there.  That purpose is to be in the middle of everything, 24 hours a day.  With our 2 rooms with balconies that overlooked the boardwalk and lagoon, we felt like we were in the action even when resting in our room.  The boardwalk is a cornucopia of activity, with the people strolling by, the boats that carry you to the Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks gliding smoothly over the lagoon, and the street performers at night entertaining the crowds.  All this can be seen from your balcony, or even your bed, if you feel the need to stretch out for an afternoon nap to re-charge for the evening’s activities. 

Happy 18th Birthday Zack!


 A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes




18 years ago today, on September 22, at 5:23 pm Zachary Alexander “Fred Astaire” Turner danced his way into this world-although a little bit early at 28 weeks. Fred, you were the miracle, the one that “could never be” but yet there you were, proof that dreams can come true when you have the power to believe in them.

The time has flown by.  We all knew from the beginning that you were brought into our lives for a reason and every second that goes by, you are living proof of just that. From the little boy that could act out the entire “Fantasmic” show on top of the coffee table in full Mickey garb to the amazing young man you are today, dancing your way through life, you touch the lives of every person you come into contact with your gentle soul and have changed us all in so many ways.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

New Changes to the Guest Assistance Card Program

As you may have already heard, the Guest Assistance Card program at the Disney Parks will be undergoing changes beginning Oct. 9.  Here is the official update on the new program from Leanne Jakubowski.


News from Disney 



Dear Disney Social Media Mom,
In our continued efforts to keep you in the loop of Disney experiences that touch families, we would like to share an upcoming change in the Guest Assistance Card.  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.
We know that you often share news from Disney with other moms so we have prepared the following questions and answers.

We appreciate your support and look forward to sending you more details as we get closer
to October 9th.

Sincerely,
Leanne Jakubowski

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.
      




Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Friday, September 20, 2013

Warren Buffet's "The Secret Millionaires Club"






What do you get when you combine fast paced animation plus the backing of Warren Buffet?  “The Secret Millionaires Club” of course. Following in the footsteps of the highly successful “Secret Millionaires Club Volume 1”, Warren Buffet has combined priceless insight and combined it with super hero characters that will capture the imagination and attention of any child, showing them the “more you learn, the more you’ll earn.”  Volume 2 contains 6 different 30-minute episodes ranging from “Down and Out in Beijing “ to “Just Say Snow”.  Each episode cleverly places our heroes in a variety of predicaments where these business savvy young entrepreneurs work together to, of course, save the day. The DVD also includes links to online webisodes where children of all ages have access to a wide variety of interactive activities all aimed at teaching them and their parents that it’s never too early to educate students how to handle their money wisely. 


Ready to check out “The Secret Millionaires Club” Volume 1 or 2?  You can pick up these entertaining and educational DVD’s on Amazon or at any major store. And while you’re at it, we sure to check out the The Secret Millionaires Club for webisodes, contests and other educational activities.  Are you a teacher or know someone that is? Teachers will be able to find free classroom materials, downloads and great curriculum ideas to help incorporate savings and investments that are a perfect fit for the new Common Core Standards. 

 In the words of Warren Buffet remember, a successful business is always diligent -- anything worth doing is worth doing well!"  Isn’t it time for you and your family to join “The Secret Millionaires Club”?





* I recieved the above mentioned DVD for review purposes and  for being a part of Entertainment New Media Network, however all opinions are my own*



Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here