Walt Disney World: It's Not Just for Kids

Wordless Wednesday: May 16, 2012

Hedy — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:01:19 +0000

Happy mother’s day

Hedy — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:10:03 +0000

WDW Not Just for Kids Review: Newsies!

Hedy — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:25:18 +0000

This past Sunday, I went to the Macaroni Kid Expo (and had the privilege of meeting Dana of The Dragyn’s Lair). I finished up earlier than I thought, so I decided to see if I could see a show. (click to cut to the review and skip my rambling) I walked down to Times Square and went to the TKTS booth. Newsies, which was high on my to see list, especially as I had listened to Dana’s review on the train, was listed as being 40% off. However, it started at 1pm, and it was 12:45. The dude at the TKTS booth doubted I would make it, so I decided to walk and if I made it, would just pay full price rather than losing my ticket. I walked the 8 blocks to the Nederlander Theatre. I asked the guy at the ticket booth if I could get a ticket, and I got an orchestra ticket discounted :). Solo for the win. I sat down and watched the show.

Review time. My first reaction was that a set made of scaffolding at the Nederlander…really? However, I got over it. I really liked Newsies, and I think it will do well (read: it’s neither Tarzan nor Little Mermaid). It is different from the movie in some pretty big ways. My main complaint is that it takes away Sarah as Jack’s love interested, and replaces her with Katherine Pulitzer, who did not even exist. I predict that both Jack and Katherine will be played by some Disney star in the future. I was really impressed that they skipped the opportunity to get too “current events” with the plot.

The dance was incredible. The Newsies cast dances incredibly well. (I feel the need to point out that there is some fan service in the form of shirtess/under-shirted newsboys and show girls.) Dana commented that the cast feels a little bare-bones, which I agree with: Billy Elliot is able to create much better strike/crowd scenes.

The plot is based on a Disney movie, so it’s pretty predictable. That said, I felt like it’s closer to a Beauty and the Beast than the Lion King in terms of staying power. Did you know that MGM used to have Newsies> I remember them from our trip in 1993.

You can use your Disney Visa rewards from either your traditional or Disney Premier Visa to buy your ticket and merch at the show. Check out Broadway Box for discounted tickets-my favorite source for buying tickets ahead of time.

Disney Discount: Teacher, Nurse and Government rates at the Swan and Dolphin

Hedy — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:40:10 +0000

This week is both Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses’ Week. If you or somebody in your family are a nurse or teacher, did you know that your vocation could equate to savings on your Disney World vacation? The Swan and Dolphin hotels have discount program for both nurses (you can book online or via phone using the code NURSE) and teachers/support workers (you can book online or via phone using the code TEACH). There are also discounts at the Swolphin available for government workers (The mom was both a Commonwealth employee and a high school teacher) and members of the military (who include nurses).

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Hedy — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:43:21 +0000

WDW Not Just for Kids Review: The Ultimate Discount Disney Vacation

Hedy — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:00:55 +0000

I saw The Ultimate Discount Disney Vacation advertised on Couponing to Disney. On that day it was free, so I figured I’d pick it up and review it, much like I did earlier this year with Disney World Cash Hacks.

You know that scene in Billy Madison where the guy says he is dumber for having heard the answer? That is pretty much how I felt reading this book: my two largest beefs were with the fact that what she writes is pretty limited, and that I find some of her suggestions unethical. For the author, Callie Everett, she found that the best way to have an economical Disney World vacation was to stay offsite in a vacation home. While I can certainly see the appeal of this option, especially if you are traveling with a large group, it doesn’t work for me. Although Everett makes a strong argument for this choice financially, I feel that she missed out on the chance to point out that in Disney, time is money, and saving money can mean bleeding time. Similarly, she pushes the idea of bringing your own sandwiches into the park, which is not something which appeals to me.

I was bugged that she suggests that you save on parking fees by parking at a hotel and going to the park via Disney transport. In my opinion, this suggestion is outright unethical. It’s not funny, it’s not cute (as she seems to suggest is is by saying the security guard will wink at you). Is $14 a lot to park, well yeah, but try going to New York City sometime.

Did you read this book? What did you think?

Wordless Wednesday: May 1, 2012

Hedy — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:48:46 +0000

Restaurant.com in Downtown Disney

Hedy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:41:24 +0000

I was exploring Restaurant.com one day Giraffe Cafe at Royal Plaza Hotel. Now, if you’ve never been to the Downtown Disney hotel area, it’s walkable from Downtown Disney. They also feature the Outback Restaurant and Kook Sports Bar (both at Buena Vista Palace) and Andiamo Italian Bistro. Restaurant.com features Tradewinds at CocoKey Water Resort as well , which is close to the edge of WDW property.

Every month, new certificates go up on Restaurant.com. on the first of the month (they are also re-stocked, so you can pick up any which may have been sold out in the previous month.

Between now and May 1 (meaning you can get the new ones when they go up!), save 70% at restaurant.com using the code FAMILY.

Disney Mother’s Day Jewelry

Hedy — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:38:16 +0000

I know I already covered Disney jewelry for adults, but as it’s one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, I figured I’d hit upon it again. If your Mom has a bracelet that uses these beads, how cute is this Love You Hunny Pot to the left?

My mom is more of a gold fan, if yours is as well, this Pavé Mickey Mouse Ear Hat Necklace is nice and ships free for the rest of April. If she doesn’t already have it, the Ultimate Disney Classic Charm Bracelet Featuring 37 Disney Characters by The Bradford Exchange is festive.

For a mom who is about to go on a Disney trip and doesn’t want to bring her good jewelry with her, this pair of Disney Sterling Silver Diamonique Mickey Stud Earrings.

Anything jumping out at you? Let me know in a comment, on Twitter, Google Plus, or Facebook.

Guest Post: Disney Port Orleans Riverside – Adults Will Become Children Again

Hedy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:36:35 +0000

Although the Walt Disney World Resort is equally enjoyable for children and adults, many guests are families try to create the ultimate Disney experience for their children. The Disney Resort boasts several hotels for visitors to the park including the world famous Disney Port Orleans Riverside. The Port Orleans Riverside Hotel is designed to evoke images of rural Louisiana and is a truly enjoyable place to stay. Here are just a few of the reasons that children will have the time of their lives will staying at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside.

Themed Dining

Eating meals at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside is a wonderful experience for children. The Riverside Mill Food Court has all the family favourites that kids will love like pizza, fish and fries. The real attraction to the restaurant is the giant water wheel that guests can admire as they eat. Children will also enjoy dining at the Boatwright’s Dinning Hall which is also located along the Sassagoula River. Dig into traditional Louisiana fare and classic Southern specialties while the water flows by this ship themed dining establishment.

Onsite Recreation

It should come as no surprise that the recreation most guests look forward to most is the fun in the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney within the Walt Disney World Park. Those staying at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside will also have plenty of fun attractions right onsite at the hotel. Rent bikes as a family from the front desk, go fishing on an attractive wooden bridge, head to the private Ol’ Man Island just for guests or enjoy some fun games at the Medicine Show Arcade located just adjacent to the hotel.

Water Attractions

With the ideal location right on the Sassagoula River, the Disney Port Orleans Riverside Hotel boasts several fun water attractions. Right on the dock is the Colonel’s Cotton Mill where watercraft can be rented. Choose from pedal boats, kayaks or even canoes. You can also book boat cruises for a chance to see the nightly Disney fireworks display from the water.

Fun Transport

In order to get to and from the nearby Disney World attractions within the park guests can take several different forms of transport. Children will love not needing to hop in the car thanks to convenient themed buses that depart every few minutes to destinations like the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or Typhoon Lagoon. It is even possible to take a fun boat ride right from the dock outside the Disney Port Orleans Riverside to the centre of Downtown Disney. Children truly enjoy having this fun way of getting around and it is a real convenience for parents to have the amenities of the Disney Resort right at your fingertips.

You can book a variety of holidays with Virgin Holidays, click here to find out more!

A Note from Heather: All the reasons listed are why I love staying at POR! I stayed there on my first adult solo trip.