Meet Cheryl Giardi

Cheryl Giardi first visited Disney World in 1976 and immediately became “hooked”.  Countless voyages later Cheryl enjoys navigating her family’s adventures to Disney and helping of others right down to smallest details.  When planning trips for others she knows how to make the most if ye pieces of eight. 

Cheryl docks by the sea in Cape Cod, MA.  She shares the deck with her first mate and her two adventure seeking buccaneer boys who are 8 and 10 years of age.  September through June her crew expands to a swashbuckling crew of Second Graders at the local elementary school. 

Her family sets sail to Disney World as often as often as they can and she looks forward to sharing her bounty of tips and treasures with ye hearties!

 Arrr!

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse" - plans, schedules and riddles

Disney has made it easy for all of us with the My Disney Experience app right on your mobile device!  I can't wait to use it when I am there.  However, we are still the type of family that needs a paper copy just in case.  I mean what if my phone falls out of my backpack while riding the Rock and Roll Roller Coaster?  Or perhaps a giraffe extends his long neck into my Kilimanjaro safari vehicle and nabs my iphone?  What's a gal  to do?  So we create a paper copy schedule to bring along with us just in case!  If your kids like to follow a schedule as mine do, bring your favorite Disney magnet and just put a copy of the agenda on the mini fridge.  That way your crew will know what each daily plan is!

Here is a copy of part of our schedule from a past trip as I wouldn't want any party crashers for our upcoming trip!  Each park is color coded and for the kids- easy to read!  Our new one for our upcoming trip also has our fast pass attractions and time frames.  But this doesn't seem to be enough does it? So we created GTravel Must Do's for each park.  These are lists of things we have all agreed that we want to do while we are there.  That way your kiddos can cross of stuff and not panic when they realize you just can't do it all in just one day! (would be fun to try though - Huh?)

Keep in mind these are just the personal notes we use as a family with our Must Do's - every family is different.  On our charts I put places that we  have a "FS" full service dining reservation.  I also added "QS" for quick service places where I have already checked the menu and it will satisfy my picky eaters.  The "SS" stands for where our Disney loving Nana can get her daily soft serve!  See every family have different Disney needs - Nana's just happens to be soft serve!

While we are at Disney I leave a clue card by the door for my kids for when they wake up.  Here are a few examples of the ones I have made for our upcoming trip!

                 This should have been first but hey I'm new to this - Nana is coming with us!

My favorite - who doesn't love the all you can eat buffet?

For those who wonder where I have the time to do all this - I do work full time I swear!  We only travel to Walt Disney World every two years - sniff! sniff!  We save together and then plan together.  I may go a bit overboard I admit but I want to make sure my family has the trip of a lifetime!

As I end this series on "Gearing Up to Meet the Mouse"  I notice this as I unplug my prehistoric computer!  See... the magic of Disney is everywhere!

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse" - What kids should pack?

This should be titled "Walter's First Trip".  Remember Walter that new fun loving, Kermit admiring man or muppet?  Well Walter will be joining our family for his first trip to Disney World!  Here is what my son (and Walter) have  packed for their trip! 

1. An animal magazine to brush up on all those creatures they will see at Animal Kingdom!
2. A book - even better a diary type book to read and write in
3.  Disney uno cards for the airport, room, or poolside- draw four!
4.  An autograph book and Disney pen - we got before hand so we are ready for anyone we meet!
5. A blank notebook (we take to the restaurants because" kids eat really fast and parents eat really 
    slow")
6. A wallet - with hard earned Disney cash and gift cards!
(not shown- swim goggles, diving sticks, a small football, a portable ds, a Disney pin lanyard,  one lime green magic band, gum and snacks, )

Looks like Walter is ready for Take OFF!

YEHAA BOB is a HOOT!!! By Tamela Hansen

     Nestled between the foyer and Boatwright's at Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a quiet lounge.  River Roost Lounge is a quiet place to talk and have a drink until Wednesday night rolls around!  From Wednesday to Saturday you can find Yehaa Bob rock'n his wacky piano and singing songs we all know.

     We love this resort but I think the biggest reason is because Yehaa Bob is a Hoot!  Bob will have you singing-a-long to your favorite song, doing the Hand Jive, laying in the floor kicking your feet in the air, running around the room and a lot more shout'n and hoot'n!  Bob knows how to help everyone get out of there comfort zone and ready to show your DisneySide!

     River Roost is a great place to meet up with friends and family specially when Yehaa Bob is in the house!  He provides entertainment for all ages.  We have made Bob a "must do" for every Walt Disney World trip for the last 7 years.  When our family arrives Yehaa Bob knows Alabama is IN THE HOUSE!

     Bob knows how to take our favorite Disney songs and add his own Wacky twist to them!  We also love the good ole sing-a-long piano songs Bob's way!  Bob also sells CD's of his fun loving shows and his amazing piano music.  We have enjoyed his CD's.  They make wonderful conversation pieces for background party music.  Yehaa Bob is not only an entertainer he is a spectacular pianist.

     So if you are interested in laughing, singing, and even beating your chest like Tarzan get over to the Port Orleans Riverside or where ever he is playing on Disney property. He keeps a calendar on the internet so you can find him almost any day of the week.  Don't be surprised when you find yourself front and center performing with Bob!  So when he takes his hat off and asks "How's my Hair" you will be ready to say "What hair Bob"! 

     Schedule Yehaa Bob in for your next Walt Disney World vacation.  I know it will become a family "must do" for your family also!  Just don't forget to show your DISNEYSIDE!!!!

Are You Ready to be a Part of "The Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush"

Howdy Partners! Mosey on over as I tell you the tale of the Legend of Frontierland. It seems that there’s a trouble a brewing in them there hills.  Frontierland and its neighbor, Rainbow Ridge, are in the midst of a good, ol’ fashioned land feud. Rainbow Ridge – a once-booming mining town – has dried up, and they have their eyes set on Frontierland. The steady, hardworking folk in Frontierland want to keep the town safe and free of rougharound-the-edges, opportunistic types. Rumors are spreading that gold has been discovered in mines belonging to Frontierland, and there is even a rumor that Frontierland itself sits on the motherlode! Whether or not the rumors are true, the folk in Rainbow Ridge have one thing on their minds: take over Frontierland! Thus, the struggle begins-now the only question that remains-will you be a friend of #MyFrontierland or #MyRainbowRidge. 

Welcome to the Legend of Frontierland-a new interactive game where you are immersed into the feud between the people of Frontierland and the gang from over the hill at Rainbow Ridge as you create your own persona and frontier story.  

How to Play:

   

1)    Your first stop is at any of the game locale situated in the heart of Frontierland in Disneyland where you will of course need to create your Western name and persona.  Will you be a peacekeeper or outlaw, or someone in between? It’s all up to you. 

    2)   Like any feud, you gotta pick a side partner.  Will you be either the "peaceful citizens of Frontierland" or the "opportunistic Rainbow Ridge townsfolk"?

    3)  Look up on the walls to answer a Want Ad.  The ads will let you know who needs help and who is hiring.  

   
     4)  Earn Bits-think of them as currency or points that you can redeem for more game play and of course, the ultimate, buying land.

    5)  Will you be a Deputy at the jail, or possibly making signs or working as a performer for Miss Rose at her Talent Agency located inside the Golden Horseshoe or perhaps we will find you in a high stakes game of cards-the choices are yours to make.

    6)  Once you have earned enough bits, turn them in at the Trading Depot to purchase your land or maybe even a mine.

    7)  Once you have your deed, it’s time to take it over to the Telegraph Office to file claim to you stake.

From 11:00 – 6:00 each day interactive stations located throughout Frontierland enable guests to become a part of the story-line for "Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!” Locations include the Sheriff's Office and Jail, the Hideout, the Trading Post, a Telegraph Station, a Card Table inside the Golden Horseshoe, and a Talent Agency. Players can also participate in the various locations located throughout Frontierland, interact with other "fellow citizens" wearing your town's color, and earn "bits" which will aid participants in making "land purchases". 

No need to worry about how to get around town. The colorful cast of characters and good citizens of Frontierland and Rainbow Ridge will help guide you along the way. Among the places you’ll need to go include:

Trading Post – This is the meeting place and first stop for new Frontierland citizens. This is also where citizens can keep up with the latest Frontierland news and swap plans for fending off those Rainbow Ridge ruffians.

Hideout – Like the Trading Post, the Hideout is the first stop and central meeting place for citizens of Rainbow Ridge.

Telegraph Station – The information hub of Frontierland, this is the place to send and receive important messages.

Sheriff’s Office and Jail – This is where outlaws are brought to justice and where lawmakers work to keep the peace.

Talent Agency – Based in the Golden Horseshoe, this is where new talent is discovered and showcased in Frontierland.

Card Table – Also located in the Golden Horseshoe, this ongoing card game plays host to outlaws and heroes alike. Be careful what you say here! You never know who may be listening.

Just like a high stakes hand of poker, Disney is not showing their whole hand just yet, with little bits being revealed as the game continues to be rolled out throughout the summer.  Giddy up partner-don’t be left out of the Legends of Frontierland Gold Rush. Join in the fun everyday throughout the summer in Frontierland at the Disneyland Resort.

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse- It's Magic Band Time

   

While gearing up to meet the MOUSE, make sure you accessorize! Aside from our family MICKEY shirts from the Disney store, we made our own family shirts.   Nothing says "stick together" like  everyone wearing matching Mickey's!  We created tie dye shirts using white t-shirts, elastics, and navy blue tie dye powder.  First you make a large circle and put an elastic on it.  Then create two smaller circles with elastics.   The more Mickey's the better.  After dying the shirts and removing the elastics - presto!  You can even do this with white socks! 
Aside from choosing the colors (um, why no purple?), you can also accessorize your Magic Bands!  We received a pack of Magic Bandits to use on our bands.  Although we have yet to try them, Minnie is waiting to hop on my wrist!  That is until I see an Olaf one!  T-shirt tip: Wait to tell your husband about all the matching clothing until packing day when he sees multiple shirts!  Once he gets to the magical world of Disney he will be so happy, he will wear anything!

                                                                    Ready for the trip!

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Are Ready and Waiting For You! It's Christmas In July!

Photo Disney Parks Blog

It's Christmas in July! Starting on July 8, you will be able to start booking their Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. This is great for you early planners since the event starts the night after Thanksgiving (November 28) and runs through December 30.

We also have a partial list of celebrity narrators including Candlelight veterans Whoopi Goldberg and Jodi Benson, and two fabulous new narrators – Academy-Award-winning actress Sharon Stone and Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer.

For those of you unfamiliar with the event, it’s a gorgeous re-telling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator each night and seasonal music from a massed choir and huge orchestra. The event started at Disneyland park in the 1958 with Walt Disney himself. At Walt Disney World Resort, it’s presented at the America Gardens Theater at Epcot, a beautiful venue, especially when all decked out for the holidays.

I’ve had the honor of being in the cast choir – you know the folks in the green Christmas tree robes – for six years. I thought it was a magical experience watching this program. Little did I know that being on stage, a part of it, would be even more. I’ve had a chance to sing along side actors like Neil Patrick Harris and Gary Sinise, and gospel legends like Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman, who is back again this year.

Here is a partial list of celebrity narrators:

• Jodi Benson – 11/28 – 11/29
• TBD – 11/30 – 12/2
• TBD – 12/3 – 12/4
• Whoopi Goldberg – 12/5 – 12/6
• TBD – 12/7* – 12/8
• TBD – 12/9 – 12/11
• TBD – 12/12 – 12/14
• Sharon Stone (New) – 12/15 – 12/17
• Ana Gasteyer (New) – 12/18 – 12/20
• Marlee Matlin – 12/21 – 12/23
• TBD – 12/24 – 12/25
• TBD – 12/26 – 12/27
• Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/28 – 12/30

Narrators are subject to change without notice. – Show Times are at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. each night. *Show Times on December 7 are 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. only

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, available on select days, start at $35 for lunch and $50 for dinner for adults, include a delicious meal at an Epcot restaurant and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Note: Availability is limited. Guests can call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or book online at www.disneyworld.com/holidays.

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse"- A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

                                                                       Spare some change?
How do you save for your Disney vacation?  Aside from our special savings account and our Disney Visa we have a family tradition which gets the kids involved, we collect spare change.  Each year we start collecting all the spare change we find or have and put it in large jars (we are big applesauce eaters).  We then designate what we will use the money for when we cash it in.  This year our kids chose to save for character dining (after overhearing Mom and Dad say it is more expensive this year now that our 10 year old is an "adult").  We will put our change towards dinner at Chef Mickey's and our breakfast at  The Crystal Palace.  Our kids get very excited to see a jar get filled and then to start a new one.  They are even more excited to roll the change and make the deposit at the bank.   For our upcoming trip we have $351.00 to pay for dining with our favorite "friends". Tip: encouraging your children to ask their grandparents for change every time they visit will fill the jars faster!

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse"- The Countdown Begins!

For those planning a trip to Walt Disney World, 180 is a magical milestone number.  At that time you can book all your dining reservations and who doesn't think about food on their vacation?  Mmmm, can smell those MICKEY waffles already.  But, to your young ones at home 180 days will seem like forever.   Keep a countdown in your house so your little ones can see the number going down and their excitement levels will be going up!  We have a "countdown in the kitchen" where we take turns changing the number.  You can highlight certain days like: 100 days (kids just happen to love that number) and 60 (fast pass selections - pick your favorites kids) and as the number gets smaller they will realize their magical vacation is near!  My son has a countdown app on his kindle device and our family phones have the countdown to the minute! 

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse"- Give Your Luggage that #DisneySide Touch

Of course Disney will send you fancy luggage tags for your trip.  But if your family packs like mine does  you may need additional tags.   A simple activity that we did was to create our own Mickey luggage tags.  We traced Mickey heads with chalk onto black foam.  We punched a hole in the ear and used a metallic sharpie to write the address (on the other side). Get some fancy ribbon and presto!  We attached these homemade tags to the kids backpacks, carry on luggage and camera cases!  Our luggage is ready and waiting!