Visit The Relocated Tourist Blog

http://therelocatedtourist.com/

Please visit my friend Amy Falk Petermann on her blog above!!

Amy is a really great person, and you will love to read her blog for sure!!

Awesome Minnie Mouse Cupcakes!

Seriously!  I have to try to make these!  They will be perfect for my 100 days before Disney party!!! 

Book your trip to Aulani with me!!

Get Your 6th Consecutive Night Free and Enjoy Breakfast on Us!

Say aloha to your most magical vacation yet with a special offer at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi!

For a limited time, stay 5 consecutive nights and get your 6th consecutive night free. Plus, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at The ʻŌlelo Room each day during your stay—available to Guests in your traveling party ages 3 and older. Book through February 29, 2012 for stays most nights from March 1, 2012 through March 17, 2012, and April 15, 2012 through May 31, 2012.

With an extra night in paradise, you can take more time to experience all the magic of this new, oceanfront Resort. At Aulani, island culture mingles with outstanding amenities—including:

Sparkling swimming pools
World-class entertainment
A state-of-the-art kids club
Sumptuous dining options
A luxurious, full-service spa

Beyond Aulani, Oʻahu beckons you to explore. And with Adventures by Disney, it's easy to enjoy unique experiences in this island paradise. Behold lush rainforests and sparkling waterfalls, take a surf lesson or make a meal with a local celebrity chef—all exciting experiences created exclusively for Aulani Guests.

Or, set off on your own and enjoy the island at your own pace. Tee off on championship golf courses, unwind on some of the world's best beaches or delight in the lively city of Waikiki.

Whatever vacation pleasures you seek, you'll find them all and more when you stay an extra day at Aulani!

Please note, the free night savings is distributed across total room nights and is reflected in a reduced nightly rate, as compared to the non-discounted rate listed in the chart below:
Rates for Travel April 15, 2012 through May 31, 2012 Rates for Travel March 1, 2012 through March 17, 2012
Standard $ 399.00 $ 449.00
Island Garden View $ 424.00 $ 474.00
Poolside Gardens $ 474.00 $ 524.00
Partial Ocean View $ 524.00 $ 574.00
Ocean View $ 559.00 $ 609.00

Important Details

To receive a 6th night free and complimentary breakfast, all nights must be consecutive.
The free night savings is distributed across total room nights and is reflected in a reduced nightly rate, as compared to the non-discounted rate.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Excludes Resort fees and taxes.
Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers.
Offer excludes suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.
Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room.
Offer applied once per reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms.
Check for offers for other lengths of stay.
Limit 2 rooms per reservation and subject to occupancy limitations.
Breakfast entitlements are for Guests ages 3 and older and expire upon checkout.
Advance reservations required.
Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Contact me at kris@wishesfamilytravel.com to book this extraordinary adventure to Hawai'i!!! Simply mention offer code E7D.

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining

The book focuses on start-to-finish planning and execution as well as critical details and little- known tips for how to make your Disney World dining experience as stress-free and positive as possible. With an easy, 5-step guide to dining planning, over 250 pages of information and color photographs, money-saving advice and insider tips, this book is considered a must read for anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.

DISNEY FANTASY!!!

Magic, a Dream, a Wish – and Now, a Fantasy

Do your fantasies involve tropical breezes, white-sand beaches, lavish beauty, family fun ... and time enough to enjoy it all? If so, the Disney Fantasy will soon be ready to make your own personal fantasy come true. Launching in March, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will soon set sail for seven-night Caribbean cruises, giving up to 4,000 Guests (per cruise) a chance to explore both the beautiful tropic islands she visits and the ship herself.

And the Disney Fantasy will be well worth exploring. Cruise Director Brent Davies tells us, "It's a sister ship of the Disney Dream, but there are many differences because we always like to surprise the Guests, and because we're designed for a seven-night itinerary, which gives us the opportunity to add more entertainment features. Imagineering has a done an outstanding job and it feels like a completely different ship. As soon as Guests walk on the ship, they'll notice the difference – it has an art nouveau design, while Dream is art deco." Guests will be greeted by peacock feather designs, rich vibrant colors, and the curvy elegant lines of the Belle Epoque.

Kids should be sure to explore the AquaLab water-play area, which has fantastic new interactive elements like water jets to surprise them. In fact, surprise is one of the delights of a cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy, and Brent encourages Guests to explore. "There's so much to enjoy! People come on vacation to relax, and there are many ways to do that during your cruise, but see what the ship has to offer as well. And be immersed – stand and look at the incredible design."

One fun way to discover those surprises is by playing along with the Muppets Adventure Game, exclusive to the Disney Fantasy. "You have to play detective to see what happened to Kermit's ukulele, and a key part of the story is told by interacting with digital screens around the ship – we send the Guests away from the screen and then the clues lead them back. There are elements in the décor that are pieces of the game, and you'd never guess why they were there unless you were playing!"

The Disney Fantasy does share many delights with her sister ship, the Disney Dream. For one, the revolutionary AquaDuck "water coaster" introduced on the Disney Dream can be experienced on the Disney Fantasy as well. As Brent says, "The one on the Disney Dream is open until midnight to handle the Guest volume, because people just love it!" And the onboard dining is just as lovely and luxe as on the Disney Dream. The Disney Fantasy will also feature the Enchanted Garden, Palo, Remy, and Animator's Palate, plus the Royal Court restaurant, inspired by classic Disney animated fairy tales, which is exclusive to the new ship.

Seven nights at sea give Disney Fantasy Guests seven chances to enjoy the nightlife. The night-time entertainment district, Europa, carries on the theme with trips to different cities of Europe in different venues. "You really do get the flavors of Italy, Spain, France, and the U.K.," says Brent. "There's even an Irish bar." The long itineraries also give Guests a chance to sample the shipboard entertainment – which Brent assures us is not to be missed! "I can't wait for Guests to see the new shows – we have brand-new welcome and farewell shows, plus a spectacular new show, 'Wishes,' created just for this ship. In 'Wishes,' three teenagers are about to graduate, and they're visiting Disneyland, talking about years gone by and what they want to do going forward. Then you go from reality to imagination – they go down a wishing well and they learn how to get their courage from great moments of Disney movies past. The show has many classic Disney songs and lots of great contemporary songs as well – including one from the hot band Lemonade Mouth. We haven't done this type of show before, and it really shouldn't be missed."

With the Disney Fantasy about to become a reality, Brent is seeing a long journey from the drawing board to the Caribbean finally nearing its end. "Because we've been involved in the creation of the ship from when it was just an empty shell of steel, one of the best things for me is finally having Guests onboard and seeing their reaction. You just can't wait to see it become a reality," he says. "The launching is amazing, because it's a long, gradual process seeing a ship come to life, and we celebrate every milestone. As we go from creative concept to reality, even the cutting of the first piece of steel is a milestone for those of us involved. We recently floated out from the shipwrights for the sea trials. Then we'll head across for our christening event, presenting the ship to the world, and finally the maiden voyage – it's just exciting every step of the way."

 Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule


Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available here.
Current

• Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm (Disneyland) closed through 1/18/12 to remove holiday decor.
• Haunted Mansion (Disneyland) closed through 1/23/12 for removal of holiday decor.
• Redwood Challenge Creek Trail (DCS) closed through 1/28/12 for refurbishment.
• Refreshment Corner (Disneyland) closed through 2/24/12 for refurbishment.
• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland) closed until Spring 2012 for renovation.
• Candy Palace (Disneyland) closed until Spring 2012 for renovation.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed through 6/14/12 for refurbishment.
• Carnation Cafe (Disneyland) closed until Summer 2012 for renovation/expansion.

Upcoming

• Theater A at Soarin‘ Over California (DCA) closed 1/23/12-1/27/12 for refurbishment. Theater B remains open.
• “it’s a small world” (Disneyland) closed 1/23/12-2/2/12 for removal of holiday decor.
• Sailing Ship Columbia (Disneyland) closed 1/23/12-2/17/12 for refurbishment.
• Grizzly River Run (DCA) closed 1/23/12-3/9/12 for refurbishment.
• Davy Crockett Canoes (Disneyland) closed 1/24/12 for refurbishment.
• Cafe Orleans (Disneyland) closed 1/24/12-1/26/12 for refurbishment.
• Soarin’ Over California (DCA) closed 1/30/12-2/3/12 for refurbishment.
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port (Disneyland) closed 1/30/12-2/10/12 for refurbishment.

Maple Creme Brulee from Le Cellier Recreation
Ingredients:
1 pint heavy cream
6 oz. whole milk
12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) granulated sugar
12 oz. (15 eggs) egg yolks
2 teaspoons maple extract
Method:
Heat heavy cream, whole milk and granulated sugar over double boiler until sugar is dissolved (110F). DO NOT WHIP. Stir only.
Place in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add 1/3 of cream mixture to egg yolks, stirring to temper egg yolks.
Add remaining cream mixture. Stir to blend well.
Add maple extract to previous mixture.
Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer.
Pour mixture into serving dishes that have been place into two cake pans.
Add enough water in the bottom of each cake pan to fill 1/4 the way up the serving dishes.
Bake in a low oven — 275 degrees — for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The desserts should be “set” firm but not hard,
with a little wiggle when you shake it gently.
Sprinkle cooled custards with sugar and melt with a torch.
Makes:8 portions

25 Walt Disney World Fun Facts!

25 Walt Disney World Fun Facts The Magic Kingdom was the first of the four main theme parks to open on Walt Disney World property and whether it’s your favorite or not I think we can all agree that there is something very special about this place. It is rich in history and detail so I thought I would share 25 very interesting and fun facts about the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. 1. When the Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971 the price for an adult admission was $3.50. 2. The 8 E ticket attractions located in the Magic Kingdom were: Country Bear Jamboree Hall of Presidents Haunted Mansion It’s A Small World Jungle Cruise Pirates of the Caribbean Space Mountain 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 3. The tallest building in the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s Castle at 189 feet tall. The outside walls of Cinderella’s Castle is entirely made out of fiberglass. Also, there are 18 towers and 13 gargoyles. 4. On the Jungle Cruise attraction the name of the head salesman who offers two shrunken heads for one of the passengers is Trader Sam. 5. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel once known as Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917. Disney purchased the carrousel in 1967 from Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey. The carrousel’s original name is Liberty. 6. The Astro Orbiter attraction located in Tomrrowland opened in 1974 under the name Star Jets. 7. The Tiki Room in Adventureland was originally known as the Tropical Serenade and it was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Growers. 8. The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House stands 60 feet tall and weighs 200 tons and is made of concrete and polyethylene leaves. 9. The Winnie the Pooh attraction in Fantasyland is housed in the site where Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride existed until 1998. 10. The names of the 6 trains of the Big Thunder mountain Railroad are: IB Hearty IM Brave IM Fearless UB Bold UR Courageous UR Daring 11. The swinging suspension bridge that you travel to cross Tom Sawyer island to Fort Langhorne was named after Samuel Langhorne Clemens who most of us know as Mark Twain. 12. The Liberty Bell replica found in the center of Liberty Square was built out of the same cast mold as the original Liberty Bell located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. 13. The Walt Disney World Railroad is an authentic 1928 steam-powered train. 14. The now extinct Mickey’s Toontown Fair was originally known as Birthdayland and then Mickey’s Starland. 15. To become a Galactic Hero at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin you need to score at least 900,000 points. 16. The name of the loveable audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress is Rover. 17. Stitch’s Great Escape attraction in Tomorrowland is housed in the site of the former Alien Encounter attraction that closed in 2003. 18. The Tomorrowland Speedway, an original Magic Kingdom attraction opened under the name Grand Prix Raceway and later changed to the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. In 2008 the Indy was dropped from the name. 19. The People Mover formerly known as the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (“TTA”) was originally named the WEDway People Mover. The initials WED stand for Walter Elias Disney. 20. The design of Main Street USA was inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. 21. The names of the Jungle Cruise River boats are: Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegel Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda, and Zambesi Zelda. 22. Splash Mountain in Adventureland has a five-story plunge at a 45-degree angle at a speed of 40 miles per hour. 23. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin attraction in Tomorrowland is housed at the site of the former Disney’s Take Flight attraction that closed January 1998. Disney’s Take Flight attraction was previously known as Delta Dream Flight until Delta dropped their sponsorship in June of 1996. 24. The names of the 3 talking heads who introduce the Country Bear Jamboree are Buff, Max, and Melvin. 25. The Magic Kingdom was actually built above ground. Depending on where you are in the park you may be as high as the 3rd story. The ground level (underground to guests) is a complex city of corridors called utilidors whose walls are color coded to signify the location. The utilidors function like a city below the park consisting of The Magic Kingdom was actually built above ground. Depending on where you are in the park you may be as high as the 3rd story.

Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival

Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World® guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.
Festival Highlights
Flower Power Concert Series
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
Festival Highlights
Toy Story 3 Topiary - Presented by Disney·Pixar - Main Entrance
Don't miss Buzz, Woody and Lotso as they come out of the Toy Story 3 toy box as topiaries. The newest living sculptures at the Festival and the newest Disney·Pixar movie take you to infinity and beyond.
Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden - Presented by Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games - Test Track Walkway
Take flight into the garden world of Pixie Hollow and see some of your favorite fairies presented in topiary. Play structures designed for ages 2 -5.
Bambi's Butterfly House - Presented by HGTV - Imagination Walkway
Experience a Festival favorite, now, more than double the size! Wander among hundreds of native butterflies and see some of your favorite characters from Bambi, presented in topiary. Join us as we celebrate the release of Bambi Diamond Edition, the timeless classic now for the very first time on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def.
Healthy Living Garden - Presented by Syngenta - Imagination Walkway
Experience fun activities that can help lead to improved health and well being.
Winnie the Pooh Topiary - Presented by The Pooh Movie - Coming to Theaters this Summer
Between Future World & World Showcse
Take a glimpse into the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger and Friends in a stunning display of topiary show gardens. Vibrant varieties of striking wild flower combinations make this a "must see" of the Festival.
Beauty and the Beast Topiary Gardens - Presented by Beauty & The Beast Diamond Edition
France Pavilion
Be our guest and see some of your favorite characters from Beauty & The Beast come to spectacular life in this stunning floral garden of topiaries and colorful arrays of flowers and foliage. Join the beloved Belle and Beast in a dance of manicured landscape and magical gardens.
The Art of Green Living - Adjacent to the Morocco Pavilion - Presented by FNGLA
Discover how you can create an environmentally friendly, low-input garden of your own as you explore this unique garden.

This would have been one of the most thrilling moments in my life!!  I just thought the world of President Ronald Reagan! 

New Treats at Magic Kingdom!!

Treats Sensation: Magic Kingdom’s Latest Snack Items By: Tara Smith
Had to share this bit of information from the Disney by the Numb3rs site. This looks yummy, and I will be getting it!! A couple months ago, I heard about new snack items being offered at Sleepy Hollow, a little food stand nestled in between Cinderella’s Castle and Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. I’m sure by now most people have heard about the waffle items now served, from Sweet and Sour Chicken Waffles, to Prosciutto, Ham, and Swiss Waffles, to Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffles. I finally had a chance to check out the waffles and report if they really do taste as good as they sound. I’m not much of a Chicken ‘n Waffles kind of person, mostly because I grew up in the Northeast. It’s not a major delicacy for us up there, so the thought of chicken and waffles going together sounds weird to me. What I went to go try, though, was the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle. If you haven’t tried Nutella before, it’s a spread of chocolate and hazelnut that is advertised for putting on toast for breakfast. I tried a little bit of it before, and it tasted good then. It tastes like it should be bad for you to eat a lot, but actually, it’s healthy for you. Healthy chocolate: a wonderful concept. Now, to get to the point of this article: was it worth the money? Answer: yes, yes it definitely was. The cast members at Sleepy Hollow make the Belgium waffle, spread a ton of Nutella on it, top it with freshly-cut fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, and ta-da! That’s all it takes. It’s pretty big, but worth every bite. It costs roughly around six dollars, so it’s a pretty reasonable price. If you get the chance to go to Magic Kingdom, I highly recommend trying this, along with the other waffle products they have. And, if you are on the meal plan, I believe this would fall under your quick serve meal! What a great breakfast, right????

President Obama speaks at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom

Beauty and the Beast 3D

Just got home from seeing Beauty and the Beast 3D, and I have to say it is one of the best 3D movies I have seen yet!! I thought Lion King was great, but this really topped it. I think the "Be Our Guest" scene is was did it for me!! Just beautiful was the entire movie! It's one of my favorites anyway! See it if you can!

Latest Refurbishment Schedule

Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website. Current Beach Sand Renourishment (Polynesian Resort) through 1/16/12; only portions of the beach will be closed at any one time. Pool Slide at Samawati Springs Pool (Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village) closed through 2/3/12 for refurbishment. The pool will remain open; guests can use the slide at Jambo House. Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios) will not be performed through 2/12/12. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom) closed through 2/17/12 for refurbishment and move to Storybook Circus. Pool slide (Contemporary Resort) closed through 2/17/12. The pool will remain open. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure (Hollywood Studios) closed through 3/11/12 for refurbishment. Typhoon Lagoon closed through 3/17/12 for annual refurbishment. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Magic Kingdom) closed through 3/27/12 for refurbishment. Tutto Italia Restaurant (Epcot) closed through 4/30/12 for refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/27/12 for refurbishment. Innoventions: House of Innoventions exhibit closed through May 2012 for refurbishment. Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort. Upcoming Doubloon Lagoon Pool (Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter) closed 1/17/12-1/18/12 for refurbishment. The Ol’ Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will available to guests. Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom) will not be performed 1/20/12-2/10/12. Alligator Bayou Pool near buildings 24 & 25 (Port Orleans Resort – Riverside) closed 1/23/12-1/27/12 for refurbishment. All other leisure pools and the Ol’ Man Island feature pool will be open. Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) closed 1/23/12-2/9/12 for refurbishment. Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/28/12-2/3/12 for refurbishment. Alligator Bayou Pool near buildings 16, 17 & 18 (Port Orleans Resort – Riverside) closed 1/30/12-2/3/12 for refurbishment. All other leisure pools and the Ol’ Man Island feature pool will be open. Ol’ Man Island Pool (Port Orleans Resort – Riverside) closed 2/6/12-2/8/12 for refurbishment. All leisure pool and Doubloon Lagoon feature pool at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will be available to guests. Piano Pool (All-Star Music Resort) closed 2/6/12-3/2/12 for refurbishment. The Calypso Pool will remain open. Meadow Feature Pool Slide (Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground) closed 2/6/12-3/2/12 for refurbishment. The Meadow Feature Pool will remain open. Beach Pool Slide (Grand Floridian Resort) closed 2/6/12-3/2/12 for refurbishment. The Beach Pool will remain open. Studio Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) closed 2/13/12-3/10/12 for refurbishment. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom) closed 2/26/12-3/11/12 for refurbishment. Alligator Bayou Pool near buildings 36 & 39 (Port Orleans Resort – Riverside) closed 2/27/12-3/1/12 for refurbishment. Test Track (Epcot) closed April 2012-September 2012 for update.

Backstage Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park

Backstage Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (8:30 am - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 3 Hours) Guests are invited to find out what happens behind-the-scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. During this in-depth 3 hour program they'll get an insider's look at the innovative ways that Disney Cast Members are meeting challenges in areas such as conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, animal care and behavioral studies. This program takes place entirely behind the scenes and includes visits to backstage animal housing areas. Animal viewing is extremely limited. No photography is allowed backstage. Guests must be at least 16 years old to attend this program. Guests are required to have a photo ID in their possession during the program. This is an outdoor program, including moderate walking and stair climbing. Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice. For more information and reservations call Kris Banas @ 219-201-0538 or e-mail me at kris@wishesfamilytravel.com. I will be happy to book your trip, and any special tours you would like to take!!

Just had to share this!!

Attraction Updates Upcoming Attraction and Other Refurbishments The Magic Kingdom Main Street Electrical Parade Will Not Perform 1/20/12-2/10/12 Dumbo the Flying Elephant Closed 1/9/12-2/17/12 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed 1/9/12-5/27/12 Liberty Square Riverboat Closed 1/28/11-2/3/12 Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Closed 2/1/11-3/27/11 Magic Carpets of Aladdin Closed 2/26/12-3/11/12 The Barnstormer Opens Early 2012 Fantasyland Train Station Opens Early 2012 Snow White’s Scary Adventures Closes Permanently Summer 2012 Spectromagic Parade Returns Summer 2012 New Fantasyland (Belle & Ariel Realms) Opens Fall 2012 Princess Fairytale Hall Opens 2013 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Opens Early 2014 Epcot Tutto Italia Ristorante Closed 1/8/12-4/1/12 GM Test Track Closes Summer 2012 for Multi-Month Refurbishment Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fantasmic! Will not Perform 1/5/12-2/12/12 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure Closed 2/13/12-3/10/12 Studio Backlot Tour Closed 2/13/12-3/10/12 Muppet What-Not Workshop inside Stage 1 Studio Store Opens TBA Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Kali River Rapids Closed 1/23/12-2/9/12 Avatar-inspired Land Construction Begins 2013, Opens 2016 Disney Water Parks Typhoon Lagoon Closed 12/4/11-3/17/12 Downtown Disney Basin Closed Through Mid March Marketplace Bus Loop Closed 1/16/12-1/23/12, Guests will use Pleasure Island bus stops Cirque Du Soleil: La Nouba Closed Through 1/23/12 Hyperion Wharf To Be Completed TBA

I HAD NOT A CLUE THAT MICKEY HAD A FOREST!! This is totally awesome!!!!

I believe we all suffer from this at one time or another?  Humm??  *O*

Just had to share this beautiful picture!!!

Good evening all you Disney crazed people!  I hope you all had a magical day........I had a pretty good day at work today.  Fairly quiet, which is nice after the holiday rush. 

Still working on trying to figure out which resort to stay at on our return trip to WDW after the cruise.  Animal Kingdom, or Wilderness Lodge.  My favorite all time is WL, however...as a travel agent I really want to stay at Animal Kingdom so I can give my clients good information based on personal experience.  So....we shall see!!

Ok...the narrow down!

Ok gang.....here we are. Narrowing the choices down to the following: Was thinking about Boardwalk, however...after talking to the Disney reservations person I was on the phone with, she said there are A LOT of kids at that resort. EEEEEhhhhhhhhhhh..........not happinin! Not that I have anything against kids, I don't! BUT, when you are just traveling with your dear hubby...and he has never had kids you don't want to go searching them out....or putting yourself in a position that you have to deal with them anymore than you will in the parks on a daily basis. So, that being said, I have narrowing things down to Animal Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge (my all time fav!) or spending a bit less $$, Coronado Springs. Will make the decision in the next few days! Til them......have a magical week!!

Free Disney Tickers

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment

Just a quick note....Big Thunder Mountain will be undergoing refurbishment starting end of January through May!

A return visit after the cruise!

Good morning everyone. We have made the important decision to go BACK to Walt Disney World after our cruise! Not only because we don't want to go home....but because Wishes Family Travel is going to have a day training session at WDW and I don't want to miss the opportunity to take part! So, now the question is...where do we stay. I am seriously thinking about Boardwalk. Reason being, Paul (my dear hubby) will be with me, and I think that is the kind of place that could keep him occupied for hours while I am in training. I am also thinking about reserving a spot for him to the the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Would be a surprise for him, just not sure if my wallet can handle that too! Will update in the next few days on my decision. Have a magical day!!!

Good evening all....I have made the decision to change my profile picture on my Facebook page every day until we leave on our next Disney vacation.  I think the choices all from our last trip, will help the countdown go quicker!!  

Hope you all have a magical evening, and a wonderful day on Friday.

Good Tuesday evening all!  It's really cold here in the Chicago area.  Wishing I was at WDW or Disneyland today to get away from the cold temps and bitter winds.  Sitting here looking at my vacation countdown app on my cell, it states 280 days.  Oh boy!  280 days.  Only good thing about that number is, when I started this vacation countdown, it was at 365 days.....that really seems like not that long ago, and I see how far we have come already.  So, looking at this like the glass is 1/2 full! 

WALT DISNEY WORLD REFURBISHMENTS

Current Walt Disney World Refurbishments Magic Kingdom Plaza Ice Cream Parlor 1/4/12 - 1/27/12 Dumbo the Flying Elephant 1/9/12 -2/17/12 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 1/9/12 - 5/27/12 Main Street Electrical Parade 1/20/12 -2/10/12 Liberty Square Riverboat 1/28/12 -2/3/12 The Magic Carpets of Aladdin 2/28/12 - 3/10/12 EPCOT Tutto Italia 1/8/12 - 4/1/12 Hollywood Studios Fantasmic 1/9/12 -2/12/12 Studio Backlot Tour 2/13/12 - 3/10/12 Honey I Shrunk the Audience Playground 2/13/12 - 3/10/12 Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids 1/23/12 - 2/9/12 Typhoon Lagoon Annual Refurbishment 12/4/11 - 3/17/12

Looking towards a magical year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my Disney friends!  2012 is going to prove to be a wonderful year I think!  As we are celebrating my dear husband being "cancer free", we have planned our next trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate his victory over cancer.  We will be arriving there October 9,  staying at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.  We will be staying until October 14, and departing to Cape Canaveral to sail on the Disney DREAM for a 4 night Bahama cruise!  We are very excited, and counting down the days!  I will be reporting through the next 10 months about things going on in our lives and preparing for this great trip!  After the mostly awful year we had in 2011, with cancer treatments and surgery and (thank the LORD,) recovery, we really deserve this special trip.  One other positive note in 2011, is the fact that I was hired by a wonderful travel company called WISHES FAMILY TRAVEL, and I am now a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, and specializing in Disney travel!!  I have already booked 4 trips for my clients, and am working on the 5th, and just got 2 more leads.  This is something that I have always wanted to do, and my dream has now become a reality.  I have been blessed to be a part of a Christan company like Wishes Family Travel.  

You can contact me at kris@wishesfamilytravel.com, or call my office @ 708-418-5232, or my cell @ 219-201-0538.  I will be more than happy to help your Disney dream vacation become a reality!!