Free Dining, the most popular Disney discount is back! Guests can now take advantage of this great offer for most travel through December of 2015!
Disney has released their free dining promotion for the fall and winter months. This is a great way to save even more money on your future vacation. Availability and resorts are limited. As always value resorts get free basic Disney Dining Plan (2 quick service meals and 1 snack per person, per day), moderate and deluxe resorts get free Disney Plus Dining (1 quick service, 1 table service and 1 snacker per person, per day). You can upgrade your Free Dining from Basic to Plus or Plus to Deluxe if you would like, by only paying the difference between the two plans. You can book through July 10th, 2015.
Here is the breakdown:
August 28th – October 2nd, 2015
October 25th – October 31st, 2015
November 8th – 19th, 2015
December 15th – December 21st, 2015
Excluded Resorts:
Disney’s Art of Animation – Little Mermaid Rooms
Disney’s All-Star Movies
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian and Bay Lake Tower
Villas and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian
All 3 bedroom Villas
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside After September 27th
Important Details:
You must have a Park Hopper or Water Park, Fun and More Option on your ticket
Everyone in the room must be on the same plan
Advance reservations required
The number of rooms allocated for this offer are limited
Tickets and Options must be used within in 14 days of first use
Exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
Some table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase
There is a minimum of 3 night length of stay and 2 day My Way Ticket (and maximum 14 night stay)
Disney has also released a room discount this morning. For travel dates between August 15th and October 3rd, 2015 you can save up to 30% on select Walt Disney World Resorts.
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She is ready to help your family make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line at no cost to you! Contact her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 to book your next Disney vacation!
Disney has released a new discount available for summer travel! Are you ready to enjoy the Frozen Summer of Fun? Or how about enjoying Star Wars Weekends and the new restaurants and shopping at the Downtown Disney area?
You can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015 when you book March 23 – June 12, 2015.
With special benefits and legendary service, Disney Resort hotels are filled with wonder and excitement. Plus, you can add Theme Park tickets to make the most of the magic!
From “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to new restaurants and shopping at Downtown Disney® and thrills and chills at four theme parks and two water parks, guests of the Walt Disney World Resort can get their cool on all summer long during “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
Booking Window: March 23 – June 12, 2015 Travel Window: June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and is not valid at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resort hotels.
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She is ready to help your family make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line at no cost to you! Contact her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 to book your next Disney vacation!
Whether you want to engage on an African safari, or enjoy a week in the south seas, Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts will give you an amazing experience on your next vacation. Many ears go closed when they hear “deluxe”, because to them, that means “out of my price range”. One thing to remember about Walt Disney travel, is that your resort is part of your experience.
Disney has Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts, all meant to target families of various budgets and vacation experiences. Take my family for example. We do not fly to Florida! No, in fact, we make the 16 hour trip in the car, just so we can save that money on airfare so we can stay in a Deluxe Resort.
Having enjoyed moderate and deluxe tier resorts on our past trips, we continuously are booking at Deluxe resorts for our trips. But why? Why do families love these? Well, today I am going to give you the inside scoop on these fantastically magical resorts at Walt Disney World!
There are fourteen resorts in Disney’s Deluxe and Deluxe Villa categories. They are Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, located near Animal Kingdom Park. Then in the Epcot area, you have Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, Yacht & Beach Club, and the Beach Club Villas. In the Bay Lake area, right across from Magic Kingdom, you have Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Bungalows, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, and the Grand Floridian. Then, in the Downtown Disney area you have Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resorts.
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are built with larger families in mind. Most of these have two queen beds, as well as a day bed or they will bring you a rollaway bed. All of these can fit 5 guests in a standard rooms the exception of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge. For larger families, these two properties offer villas that will house more than 4 guests. The Villas are equipped as studios, one, or two bedrooms. The one and two bedrooms have a full washer and dryer, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
Location, location, location is a huge perk of these resorts. The draw of the Deluxe Resorts is location for many people. When we were at the Grand Floridian, it was FANTASTIC to board the monorail each day to get to and from the Magic Kingdom. We spend 3 of our 5 park days usually at Magic Kingdom….so being close to that is important to us. Also, when you want to return for a break in the afternoon with little ones before heading back to the park in the evening, the less time you spend getting back to the resort the better! At the Beach & Yacht Club, as well as the Boardwalk Inn, you are walking distance to Epcot AND Hollywood Studios! Double win! Another great aspect of the location is you are in prime dining location. There are so many great restaurants around the Bay Lake and in the Boardwalk area. When you stay at resorts in these locations, you are in the midst of most of your dining experiences!
The theming of these resorts is calm, with special Disney touches. For example, the Grand Floridian is Victorian themed. In your room, you will find soft blues and silhouettes of Alice in Wonderland on your room coasters. Or at the pool, there is a new Alice and Mary Poppins themed child play area. At the Wilderness Lodge is a huge totem pole in the lobby, with faces of Disney characters. The main pool at the Contemporary is a Mickey head. The theming is there, but it is understated and still very magical!
There are multiple pools at the Deluxe Resorts, as well as quiet pools. Like the Moderate Resorts, the Deluxe resorts have both a main pool, as well as several quiet pools. The main pool has a water slide, with the Beach Club Resort’s Stormalong Bay being the best on Disney property in this category. The quiet pools are meant for families or couples who prefer a quieter atmosphere, with no water slide and often not a lot of children around. Not only do they offer multiple pools, but at the main pool, the CastMembers will often lead guests in games and fun poolside entertainment.
Dining options are very plentiful at the Deluxe Resorts. Not only do the resorts themselves have plentiful dining options, but the Deluxe resorts are situated close enough to each other, that you can easily visit a neighboring resort for a great meal. For example, if you stat at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you have the Contemporary Resort to enjoy California Grille or Chef Mickey’s and the Grand Floridian for 1900 Park Fare, Narcoosee’s, or Citricos both a monorail ride away. In that same area, but via boat, you have the Wilderness Lodge with Artist’s Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe to enjoy. The Deluxe Resorts are also home to Signature Dining, Table Service Dining, Quick Service, and often a bar or lounge as well.
Concierge level rooms are available at the Deluxe Resorts. If you are looking for a very personalized, family friendly, extra special vacation experience, consider booking a room at the Concierge Level at one of these resorts. Concierge Level is a separate keyed off area of the resort. In this area, are guest rooms, as well as a personal concierge desk to meet all your needs.
You will also find a lounge, accessible only to guests on this floor. They serve a full breakfast in the morning, snacks and appetizers throughout the day, dessert, and cordials in the evening. You also have access to the lounge all day, to enjoy as much water, soda, and later in the day alcohol as you would like. They will also make dining reservations for you, etc.
So why choose a Deluxe Resort? You want more space in the room, your budget is flexible, you prefer to be closer to the parks, themed pools with great slides and entertainment for your family, and an all around Disney magical experience!
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She is ready to help your family make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line at no cost to you! Contact her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 to book your next Disney vacation!
Walt Disney World offers three tiers of resorts. They range from Value, to Moderate, to Deluxe. All of these tiers have their up sides and down sides, and choosing which resort is right for your vacation is an important first step!
I’m excited to be here on Family Friendly Frugality today to share some tips with you about Disney’s Moderate Resorts. Personally, my family has enjoyed two of these moderately priced resorts on our stays.
We’ve enjoyed Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside on two of our 8 stays at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s Coronado Springs as well. But, those are not the only moderately priced resorts that Walt Disney World offers. Nope! There are 5 Moderate Resorts total. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Coronado Springs, and Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Cabins.
I feel that the moderate resorts are fantastic for families who are on a budget, yet want to experience a resort that is closer to the parks, has more amenities, and queen size beds. So let’s take a look at the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World!
As I mentioned, there are 5 resorts in the Moderate Category. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter are “sister resorts”. This means you can share the pools between them if you are a guest at one or the other. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has a deluxe feel to it, at a moderate price.
The pool here is fantastic~my children loved it! Disney’s Caribbean Beach is in the Epcot area of the Walt Disney World Resort, and recently under went a huge renovation. All the rooms, with the exception of the Pirate Themed Rooms, now have queen beds and some accommodate families of 5. Finally, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness are cozy, tucked away in the campgrounds.
They offer a full kitchen, a living area, and plenty of space for everyone. My personal favorite in these is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. I love the quaint beauty of this resort. I also love that it is small in comparison to many of the other Moderate and Value Resorts. Finally, the boat to Downtown Disney from the Port Orleans resorts is great!
All the Moderate Resorts rely on the Disney motor coach system to transport you to the parks. You cannot walk to any of the parks from these resorts. Disney’s Caribbean Beach is very close to Epcot Park. The Port Orleans are in the Downtown Disney area. The Fort Wilderness Cabins are actually in the Magic Kingdom area. They are also serviced by a boat to the Magic Kingdom. This is a GREAT moderate resort if you’d like to be close to the Magic Kingdom.
Theming at the Moderate Resorts is calm and relaxing. With the Value Resorts being very cartoon themed and bright colors, the moderate resorts are not. They each have their own unique theme, however. The Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are themed after the Louisiana bayou and Mardi Gras atmosphere.
Caribbean Beach is reminiscent of the Caribbean, with bright colors, white sand beaches, and hammocks galore. Coronado Springs has a Southwest, almost Mayan feel to it. And the Cabins are cabins :).
They all have entrances from the outside, and no guest rooms are in the main building. Also, the guest rooms may be a long walk from the main building. This is especially true at Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs. If at all possible, try to book a preferred room at these resorts. You’ll be glad you did.
The Moderate Resorts offer both themed pools and quiet pools. I feel this is one main amenity that sets them apart from the Values. The main theme pool is awesome at all of these. It has a water slide, some have a small water play are for younger children, and they are well themed. Then, in other areas of the resort, you will find quiet pools. These only have a pool, no slide or anything. These are great for adults, or if you have younger children who want a fun experience without all the stimulation from the main pool.
The Moderate Resorts offer a table service dining option. Along with the extra pools, the Moderate Resorts have a table service dining, quick service dining, and in some cases a lounge to enjoy some drinks. This is a great way to use some of your Disney Dining credits. With the table service option available at those resorts, you can schedule a meal for your arrival night or departure morning. They do NOT have character dining experiences, however.
I absolutely love the moderate resort category at Walt Disney World. It’s wonderful for families who are budget conscious, yet want to enjoy a nicer resort atmosphere than the Value Resorts may offer. They are often included in special offers from Disney, as well. Will your family be staying at a Moderate Resort on your upcoming trip?
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She is ready to help your family make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line at no cost to you! Contact her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 to book your next Disney vacation!
When you are traveling to Walt Disney World, it’s important to know what type of accommodations you are going to be making as your home during your stay. Any seasoned Disney traveler will tell you that the Disney resort is more than a place to sleep~it’s part of the whole vacation experience. Disney wouldn’t offer over 20 resorts to choose from on their property if they didn’t agree! For some families, the value resort category is their option for their stay. While it is an affordable and often fun way to do a Disney vacation, there are some pros and cons to this category and the resorts themselves. Today, I am going to share some facts and tips to make your stay at Disney’s Value Resorts more magical!
Disney’s Value Resorts consist of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. If you have a hard time choosing, I highly recommend either Pop Century or Art of Animation. There is one main benefit to these. They run their own buses to the parks. The All Stars share amongst the three of them. This makes for longer wait times when you want to get to the parks. And, getting home at night can take longer as well.
Two of Disney’s Value Resorts will accommodate more than 4 guests. Disney’s All Star Music and Disney’s Art of Animation have Family Suites that accommodate up to 6 and have a small kitchenette and two bathrooms in them. If you want to stay at a Value with a family of 5, your other option would be to get two rooms.
Disney’s Value Resorts have small rooms. The standard rooms for 4 guests have two double beds, or one king size bed in them. The rooms measure about 260 square feet. They will accommodate a family of 5, if one child is under the age of 3. However, it will be a tight fit with a pack and play set up, as well as a stroller and other necessities you need for a young child.
Disney’s Value Resorts only offer Quick Service Dining locations. There are no table service meals at the Value Resorts. So, if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you will need to travel to another resort, Downtown Disney, or the parks for your table service meals.
Disney’s Value Resorts are farther from the parks than the Deluxe or Moderate. This is NOT a bad thing by any means. Many guests will pay the extra room rate to be closer to the parks or Downtown Disney. To be honest, my family is one of them. I share this with you because the Value resorts only offer views of a pool, the parking lot, or woods. No theme park views at the values.
The Value Resorts are heavily themed. If you want to feel like you are at Disney, or smack in a Disney movie, then a Value Resort is for you. All Star Movies has a Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Mighty Ducks, and Herbie the Love Bug. Art of Animation is themed after Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. Sports and Music have huge replicas of sports gear, musical intstruments, etc. And Pop Century ranges from the 1950s-1980s in its theming. The Values are brightly colored and really give you a great themed experience. The rooms are cartoony, as is the rest of the resort decor.
The Value Resorts offer themed pools, no quiet pools. They each have several large themed pools. For some guests with small children, the quiet pools at the moderate and deluxe are nice.
All Value Resorts participate in some great amenities and activities. You can enjoy movies under the stars, poolside games and entertainment, and playgrounds. You can also enjoy Disney’s Magical Express free when staying at a Value Resort, as well as Extra Magic Hours and package delivery.
Overall, Disney’s Value Resorts have great options for families or couples who want to enjoy all the perks of staying on Disney property without breaking the bank. Have you enjoyed a value resort? Which is your favorite?
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She is ready to help your family make magical vacation memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line at no cost to you! Contact her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 to book your next Disney vacation!
Are you looking forward to Spring Break? Have you decided to visit Walt Disney World, or maybe enjoy Disney Cruise for some family time? If not, it’s not too late to plan a trip to Walt Disney World over Spring Break….but it may take a bit of planning. Aside from Christmas and Easter, Spring Break is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World. Besides the obvious that schools are out for a week, many people from the Midwest and Northern parts of the United States are tired of being cold, under snow, and ready for some sun! I’m excited to share with you Ten Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World over Spring Break.
1. Arrive at the parks before they open. This in “Disney” language is known as Rope Drop. Arriving at the parks about 45 minutes before they open is key. In the first hour you are in the parks, you can enjoy a lot of great attractions! Concentrate on one area of the park at a time as well. This will save you a lot of time running from one attraction at one end of the park to another!
2.Schedule your FastPass Plus times for later in the afternoon or evening. If you can follow the first step, and arrive at Rope Drop, your day will be off to a great start! And you can relax, knowing you have some FastPass Plus return times to look forward to while others are waiting in lines in the afternoon!
3. Make your ADRs for “off” meal times. Plan on enjoying many attractions during the prime dinner and lunch times. Then, you can take a break from the heat of the day while you enjoy a nice meal and character interaction after getting in several attractions in the morning and while everyone else is eating!
4. Plan on taking a break from the parks. If you made it to park opening in the morning, chances are shortly after lunch, you and your kids will be ready for a rest. This is the perfect time to return to your resort and recharge during the afternoon. Then, you can return to the park in the evening for some more fun.
5. Visit the popular attractions during parades and fireworks shows. I’m not saying to miss out on the parades. But, I can also tell you from experience, that being in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland during the 3PM parade is fabulous! The wait times are low since the majority of the crowds are hanging out along the parade route!
6. Watch Wishes from outside the Magic Kingdom. Everyone knows the little known secrets of watching Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian or the boat dock at the Grand Floridian. Perfect! Why? Well, they pipe the soundtrack to these areas, so you aren’t missing out on the magic of the narration and the crowds are low.
7. Choose a counter service location with ample seating. This will cut down on your waits, and you’ll easily find a place to sit. Also, if possible, have one adult get the meals while the other sits with the kids. Perfect! Cosmic Ray’s at Magic Kingdom, Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT, and ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios come to mind as great examples.
8. Consider buying park hoppers instead of base tickets. There are some wonderful benefits to Park Hopper tickets, and during peak travel times park hoppers will be worth it. With it being a more crowded time in general, it’s a good idea to have the flexibility to go from park to park.
9. Be patient with your family and with others. If there is one crucial thing to pack for a Spring Break trip to Disney, it is your patience. Be patient and be prepared for others to “be in your way”. Also, your children will need a little extra patience from you. Waiting in line is difficult. Be sure to have bubbles, gum, snacks, and maybe even some portable gaming systems.
10. Visit the park that does NOT have Extra Magic Hours. Why? Because EMH are a privilege that come with staying in a Disney resort. That means that the majority of on site guests will be at THAT park on that day. So head to a different one, at least in the morning. Evening EMH are a bit different of a story. Our family has found, personally, the crowds are fairly manageable in the late evening. This is of course after our family has returned to our resort for a mid day break and relaxed.
Are you ready to plan your spring break trip to Walt Disney World? There is currently a new special offer on rooms, and enjoy an extra FREE day in the parks! Contact Carrie at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com for more information! When you book your trip with Carrie, you receive free itinerary planning, helpful hints, and more~all for FREE! Request your quote today, and get your family memories underway!
Disney Travel has two great discounts for Spring and Summer! Our family always travels to Disney in early June, and often at a great price! I’m ready to help you book and plan your spring or summer Disney vacation!
Families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $889 most Sunday through Thursday nights April 12-May 21, 2015 and May 25-28, 2015 when they book Dec. 29, 2014-Feb. 16, 2015.
Or, families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $909 when they book for travel Feb. 17-March 28, 2015.
Great rates are also available for stays most nights Feb. 22-June 15, 2015.
Travel Window:
April 12-May 21, 2015
May 25-28, 2015
Sample package price is based on a family of 3; 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9). The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Tickets are valid for 1 theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas and campsites.
OR
You can save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels when you book between Dec. 29, 2014 and Feb. 16, 2015 for stays most nights March 2-June 15, 2015.
Or, you can save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when you book between Feb. 17-March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2-June 15, 2015.
Great rates are also available for stays most nights Feb. 22-March 1, 2015.
Guests can receive also 1 more ticket day FREE when they upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resorts.
Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? If so, contact Carrie Hurst at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 for a FREE, no obligation quote and to get your vacation planning started. All her planning services are FREE, and every reader of Family Friendly Frugality who books with Carrie receives a FREE gift!
A Walt Disney World vacation is more than autograph books, character meals, and a spin around Space Mountain or Toy Store Midway Mania. Did you know that Walt Disney World is brimming with unique activities to make your family vacation even more special?
And the best thing, is they are either FREE or fairly inexpensive. On our annual trips to Walt Disney World, our family tries to enjoy something unique each time. Maybe eating at a different restaurant, taking in a new show or even trying a new snack.
Plus, when you book a Magic Your Way Package for 2015, there are SO many great discount vouchers included in your travel packet~which makes trying some of the activities outside the parks even more affordable! So, today I am going to share with you 10 Unique Activities at Walt Disney World.
A Pirates Adventure~Treasure of the Seven Seas. You can embark on this pirate themed scavenger hunt around Adventureland any time of day. And the fun part, you can do it over and over again! You enter the kiosk and are given a magic talisman.
The Castmember scans it, you choose a pirate guide map, and you are off! Your magic talisman is scanned at various shops and props around Adventureland until you come to the end of the hunt. When you are finished, you return your talisman to the CastMember and you can do another adventure. This is a GREAT activity when your kids need a break from waiting in line, or your little on is napping and the older ones need something to enjoy. Plus, the Pirate Maps make a fun, FREE souvenir.
Have your family picture taken. Disney Event Photography will meet you at one of several resorts, or inside Magic Kingdom or EPCOT for a family photo session. For $150, you can enjoy a photo session, as well as a CD of your photos.
This is a GREAT way to get some professional family photos taken, particularly when traveling with extended family. They do offer other photo packages as well as a photo book. The great thing, is you get the CD of your retouched photos to use for photo gifts, books, etc.
Learn to draw your favorite Disney character. The Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the best kept secrets at Disney World. I guess it’s not a secret anymore~I just told you about it! Anyway, this FREE activity leads you through a drawing session of a Disney character.
It is led by an actual Imagineer at Walt Disney World! Each person gets his/her own drawing backlit desk, pencils, and paper. You vote as a group which character to draw. I suggest taking a cardboard mailing tube to roll up your creation to tote around the parks, and bring it home safely to frame!
Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. This is a unique way to enjoy some great desserts and the Wishes Fireworks at Magic Kingdom. One hour prior to the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, you are seated at the Tomorrowland Terrace for a desert buffet. You’ll want to make reservations for the Dessert Party as soon as they are available for your dates.
Enjoy an outdoor movie. Almost ALL of the Disney resorts offer Movies Under the Stars. Since you are paying to stay at the resort, you might as well enjoy the free activities they offer! Even if you aren’t staying at that particular resort, you can still visit there to enjoy the movie. My personal favorite for Movies Under the Stars is the Beach Club Resort. They show the movie on the beach, and sometimes even have a campfire with s’mores!
Play miniature golf. Did you know Disney World is home to two fun miniature golf courses? Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are the mini golf courses on Disney property. Included with your Magic Your Way Package for 2015 is two vouchers, valid for a round of miniature golf! This makes a great activity for your arrival day or a “no park” day.
Take a ride on a horse. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, you can enjoy a horse ride! They offer trail rides, as well as horse drawn carriage rides. Not only that, but there are hay rides and seasonal wagon rides. In the fall, they offer a Haunted Carriage Ride, and at Christmas a Sleigh Ride. How fun!
Agent Ps World Showcase Adventure. Your favorite Agent P from Phineas and Ferb leads you through the World Showcase at EPCOT to unveil clues and solve a mystery. This interactive game is great for kids who want something to enjoy, while the parents want to enjoy the World Showcase. Agent Ps World Showcase Adventure leads you through several pavilions in the World Showcase, and once you solve the mystery, you turn in your transmitter. Like the Pirates Adventure at Magic Kingdom, you can do it more than once!
Enjoy some time at the spa. This is a fun alternative for moms and daughters to enjoy some time together. Sure, your little girl would likely enjoy a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and get a makeover like her favorite princess. But, a nice alternative to that is a visit to one of the spas on property. Senses at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc. They even have a Kids Spa Menu, including a manicure or pedicure for children ages 4-12.
Pirate Cruises. Your whole family can embark on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise, departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You’ll enjoy time with Mr. Smee, Captain Hook, snacks, and a great view of Wishes.
Your children can also embark on a fun Pirate Adventure from one of several Disney Resorts. These are for kids only, and give the parents some nice time together. You have four to choose from. They depart from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? If so, contact Carrie Hurst at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 for a FREE, no obligation quote and to get your vacation planning started. All her planning services are FREE, and every reader of Family Friendly Frugality who books with Carrie receives a FREE gift!
Are you ready for Black Friday? Would you rather shop from home and give your family a gift to remember~a fun trip to make memories and enjoy time together? Perhaps you need a change of scenery or will need a winter getaway? If so, then check out these Black Friday Travel Deals!
Universal Orlando: Book November 28-December 1. Enjoy a Family Suite at Unversal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for as little as $119 per night, a $50 Resort Dining Credit, and when you buy 2-Day Park to Park Tickets, you get the 3rd day FREE!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: Cruising has never been more affordable! Enjoy a 50% reduced deposit, 50% off the second adult in the room, and enjoy up to a $300 ship credit! Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is an affordable, family friendly cruise line! Valid for most sailings and destinations in 2015.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Book your Norwegian Cruise Line voyage November 26-December 2. Enjoy a reduced deposit and up to a $250 ship credit! Valid for 3 day or longer sailings to all destinations in 2015.
Walt Disney World Stay, Play, and Dine OR up to 30% off Resort Rooms for travel through March 28, 2015. Book by December 29, 2014. It isn’t too late to book a fun family getaway for Christmas or early winter with this great discount!
Sea World Orlando: Book a room at a Sea World Neighbor hotel, and enjoy the Sea World All Day Dining Plan for FREE.
Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? If so, contact Carrie Hurst at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or at 937.209.9473 for a FREE, no obligation quote and to get your vacation planning started. All her planning services are FREE, and every reader of Family Friendly Frugality who books with Carrie receives a FREE gift!
