Magic Kingdom's New Costumes!

Disney World's Newest Costumes

Disney World shows off their new parade costumes! I am so ready!!

Are you with me? Let's go!!!

Mia

www.mackeymousetravel.com

Refillable Mug Changes at WDW Might Be Coming!

Disney's Rapid Fill 

Last weekend we took a long weekend and headed to our favorite place on Earth! You Guessed it Orlando! I did some research and photos while Steve took the kids to Blizzard Beach (look for a blog soon!). He mentioned something to me that might be coming true at the resorts at Disney World sooner rather than later.

In my weekly reading of all things Disney I ran across an article about Disney's Rapid Fill coming to the resorts. What does that mean? When you are at the water parks you can purchase a refillable mug for a set price. It has a bar code on it that you have to scan each time you refill before the machine allows you to refill your mug. This cuts down on guests bringing their mugs from 1992, which irritate me to death!! But I digress!

Apparently plans may be in motion for this system to be installed at all of the resorts on Disney property. All Star Sports Resort has

been the test resort and it must be working well for Disney! Taking away the opportunity for entire family's to bring their mugs from
their visit 5 years ago and cheating the system. So be mindful before you pack those mugs with the intention of getting free soft drinks that Disney may be one step ahead of you ;)

Mia
MackeyMouse Travel

Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level

Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level

As a valued partner we’re always excited to share information with you. We’d like you to be among the first to hear from Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, on how we plan to enhance the Guest experience. Our efforts are driven by a fundamental desire to exceed our Guests’ expectations, and we aim to make your job, as one of our valuable travel professional partners, better as well.

At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we continually push the boundaries of creativity and innovation to deliver the best possible experience for our Guests. We’re always looking for ways to take what we do and do it even better. Over the past few years, we’ve devoted considerable time and resources to create a more immersive, more seamless and more personal experience for each and every Guest who spends time with us. I know there’s been significant speculation about these efforts among our fans, so we’re pleased to give you a glimpse into the work we are doing to take the entire Disney Guest experience to the next level. Some of these initiatives are more apparent and can already be seen by our Guests – like our interactive queues at Walt Disney World® Resort and the Enchanted Art on our cruise ships – while others are more behind-the-scenes and are focused on “how” visitors plan, access and enjoy their experiences with us. Over the next several months, we’ll be rolling out a collection of tools at the Walt Disney World Resort called MyMagic+ that will give Guests more opportunities to customize and personalize their entire visit. Like most people who visit Walt Disney World Resort, my family and I have our “must-do” attractions, and as the father of three boys, those attractions often end with the word “mountain.” Now, rather than dashing as a group, or even splitting up to gather FastPasses, imagine booking guaranteed ride times for your favorite shows and attractions even before setting foot in the park. With MyMagic+, Guests will be able to do that and more, enabling them to spend more time together and creating an experience that’s better for everyone. A major component of MyMagic+ is the new My Disney Experience website and mobile app, which gives Guests planning their trip the latest information on all Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. We know that some people like to plan every aspect of their Disney vacation in advance while others like to plan very little, letting their day unfold spontaneously. No matter where Guests fall in that spectrum, My Disney Experience gives them the flexibility to plan as much or as little as they’d like to create the exact Disney experience they want. They can book dining and other experiences and reserve times for their favorite attractions, shows and more through an enhanced FastPass system, FastPass+. Once they arrive, they can use their smart phones to spontaneously change their plans in the moment, exploring our parks at their own pace and getting the most out of their visit. This collection of tools is another step forward in the ongoing evolution of our Guest experience, giving us even more ways to help friends and family create the unforgettable Disney memories that they want most. We’ll be testing, adjusting and adding features to MyMagic+ and My Disney Experience over time and will continue to make improvements based on our Guests’ feedback. We look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead! Linking the entire MyMagic+ experience together is an innovative piece of technology we developed called the MagicBand. Worn on the wrist, it will serve as a Guest’s room key, theme park ticket, access to FastPass+ selections, PhotoPass card and optional payment account all rolled into one. We’ve began testing certain aspects of MyMagic+ in Florida last month and the early reactions we’ve gotten have been fantastic. MackeyMouse Travel is a partner with Walt Disney Resort. We work closely with our clients to make their vacation the best it can be. The only way we can do that is to have clients who entrust us with their vacation plans. Give us a try!! Contact Mia or Steve today to find out more, ask us any questions and let's get the Planning Started!!!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party TIPS

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Party Tips

Copyright Disney

Make sure you and your family eat a good meal before you get to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party because many of the restaurants in the MK close before the party begins, and the ones that are open are packed with people trying to eat and change their little ones into costumes before the magic of trick or treating begins! Last year, which was our first time at the Halloween party, my family and I entered the MK before the party began, hoping to eat a nice meal before the festivities. Unfortunately, many of the restaurants were closing early. We ended up at the Pecos Bill counter service restaurant as a last resort, and it was very crowded and noisy. It took a long time to order and get our food. Next time, we'll eat somewhere outside of the park, so we won't miss a minute of the fun!

Be sure to get there in advance and get the best seating, which is on the curb right in front of the Castle. From here you will be able to see the dance show on stage, then turn right around for the parade, which will follow immediately after. Once it is complete you can go toward Tomorrowland easily across the bridge, then head up toward Fantasyland, which is the most popular for children to trick-or-treat! Be sure to stop by the Haunted Mansion for a unique queue experience and ride! Once here you can go back down the bridge toward the castle to get a great view of the fireworks and pictures along Main Street!

Schedule some "down time" the afternoon of the party so everyone is well rested. 

Don't try to be there right when the party starts, either go early or go a little later so as to avoid the back-ups on the buses and any crowds leaving the parks that are NOT attending the party. 

If you have younger children, try hitting the characters/ trick-or-treat early and shoot for watching the second parade. That way they can trick-or-treat before getting too tired to walk and can just relax and watch the fireworks/parade before heading out (best of both worlds)!  

My best tip for attending MNSSHP pertains to costumes. If you are attending in September or even early October, it is still very warm at night. I always feel bad for all the kids dressed up with layers of costumes in that heat. In order to combat the heat along with staying in the Halloween spirit, I have been making family t-shirt costumes for the past 8 years. I buy t-shirts for the whole family in Halloween colors (orange, green etc.) and I decorate them with puffy paint, decals, stickers, glitter, etc. The front always says the "Horan Family Halloween Costume". Not only does it make it easier to spot your family, but everyone stays cooler during the party while being in "costume". We've gotten many compliments from other guests as well as cast members, plus we have a souvenir from each year!

If you're a fan of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs don't miss out on seeing and taking pictures with all of the Dwarfs! Get there early as this is a very rare occurrence (usually only at MNSSHP) and therefore the line forms rather early. Last year they were located next to the queue near Splash Mountain (near the restrooms), but check your MNSSHP map for their exact location.

A Great Night of Christian Fellowship

Night of Joy

Copyright: Disney

At the Magic Kingdom Sept. 7 and 8

Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to Magic Kingdom theme park. During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including:

Performing Friday, September 7, 2012:

• Casting Crowns
• Chris Tomlin
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Red
• Francesca Battistelli
• Brandon Heath
• Royal Tailor
• Disciple

Performing Saturday, September 8, 2012: 

• MercyMe
• Third Day
• Kutless
• Thousand Foot Krutch
• Lecrae
• Chris August

From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Join the Community
Get the latest concert news, browse artist photos and share your excitement for the ultimate Christian music festival at the official Night of Joy Facebook page!

Contact us today for your tickets, they are going fast!

Be Our Guest Reservations in Late August!

Copyright: Disney Park Blog

Braised pork for lunch and a grilled strip steak for dinner – Chef Michael Deardorff had a hard time choosing, but says those are two of his favorites from the new menu for Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.



Chef Deardorff has been at the helm in Disney kitchens for 25 years, most recently as part of the opening of the restaurants at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. Now he’s back to open Be Our Guest, inspired by “Beauty and the Beast,” with three dining rooms and seats for over 500 guests.


“Lunch is quick service, but not traditional counter service,” says Deardorff. Guest-activated terminals make ordering a snap (there also will be traditional cashiers for cash orders and special dietary requests). You order, take a seat and lunch is delivered to your table – on china, not paper.

Back to the menu. “It’s all about simple, fresh ingredients,” says Deardorff. “Just like your favorite quick-service restaurants across Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll be able to enjoy sandwiches and salads at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch, but all with a twist that transports you to the French setting of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”

There’s a little French bistro flavor with tuna Niçoise salad and a Croque Monsieur sandwich with carved ham, Gruyere cheese, béchamel and pommes frites (a fancy term for French fries). Or go for the carved turkey on a warm baguette with Dijon mayonnaise, or the grilled steak sandwich with garlic butter spread, both with pommes frites. Heartier fare includes braised pork that’s cooked for eight hours, and for vegetarians, there’s a loaded vegetable quiche or quinoa, shallot and chive salad.

Dinner is table service, with diverse starters such as a charcuterie plate with cured meats and sausages, mussels steamed in white wine, French onion or potato leek soup, and a salad with champagne vinaigrette. We’re intrigued by the salad trio with three mini tastes of roasted beet, raisins and orange; green beans, tomatoes and roasted shallots; and watermelon, radish and mint.

Entrées include a thyme-scented pork rack chop with au gratin pasta, rotisserie rock hen with roasted fingerling potatoes, pan-seared salmon in leek fondue, grilled strip steak with pommes frites, sautéed shrimp and scallops with veggies in puff pastry with creamy lobster sauce, and an oven-baked ratatouille.

Oh, and dessert – we vote for the cupcakes, strawberry cream cheese or triple chocolate. If cupcakes aren’t your favorite sweet ending, there’s a chocolate cream puff and a passion fruit cream puff.

For kids 9 and under, the lunch entrées include a carved turkey sandwich, roasted pulled pork, Mickey meatloaf, seared mahi mahi, or whole-grain macaroni topped with marinara and mozzarella. For dinner, it’s grilled steak, grilled fish of the day, whole-grain macaroni or grilled chicken breast.

Copyright: Disney Park Blog

Copyright: Disney Park Blog

The Harmony Barber Shop

1st Hair Cut at Walt Disney World?

I wish I had thought of this for my children!! A few years ago, my sister took my niece to our favorite place for her first visit. This was the visit my sister found this fabulous barber shop in the Magic Kingdom!

The Harmony Barber Shop is located on the left as you enter the Magic Kingdom, past City Hall, tucked in between the "car barn" and the Emporium.You sit in the chair and get stickered up and get an old fashioned hair cut! They will cut hair on anyone male or female from 1 to 101 so next time you are there, give it a try!!

at 7 months they can be a bit squirmy!

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Cost for a haircut is $19 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Colored hair gel, $5. Beard and mustache trims are $10. "First Haircuts" is the establishment's specialty. Young Walt Disney World guests who receive their first haircut at the Magic Kingdom barbershop are treated to many delightful surprises, from "pixie dust" and bubbles to Mickey Mouse stickers, and an extra-special "My 1st Haircut" set of Mouse Ears and certificate.The "My 1st Haircut" special is priced at $18.

Super proud of her new ears!!

 Now not to be out done, my dad decided it was time for his usual Jar Head cut.....they gave him a little more :)

Night of Joy 2012!

Night of Joy 

Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to Magic Kingdom® Park. During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.

Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including:

Performing Friday, September 7, 2012: Casting Crowns Chris Tomlin NEEDTOBREATHE RED Francesca Battistelli Brandon Heath Royal Tailor Disciple Performing Saturday, September 8, 2012: MercyMe Third Day Kutless Chris August Lecrae Yolanda Adams Thousand Foot Krutch Dara Maclean

From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that's sure to lift your spirits.

Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
This is a special event which requires a separately priced event Theme Park ticket.

 Let us help you plan this event for your family or your church! Email us at mackeymousetravel@yahoo.com for more information.

How to Prepare for a Vacation at a Disney Park pt 2

New Series: How to Prepare for a Vacation at a Disney Park

What Tickets Do You Need?! 

Copyright: Disney Travel Company

The Magic Your Way ticket system lets guests decide what ticket features best fit their Disney vacation plans … and that’s what they buy.  Guests decide the number of days and whether optional features – park hopping, visits to Disney attractions outside the theme parks and “non-expiration” of tickets – are important.  Some price and value considerations…

♦ Per-day ticket costs decrease for longer stays.  A seven-day ticket without optional features brings down the per-day cost to less than half the price, per day, compared to seven individual one-day Base Tickets.  And the per-day cost of a 10-day ticket is less than one-third the price, per day, compared to 10 individual one-day Base Tickets.

♦ Kids under age 3 are provided free admission to all Walt Disney World theme parks.

♦ The Water Park Fun & More option can produce significant savings for recreation and entertainment outside the theme parks. Here’s what you need to know about the option:

• It provides admissions to the guest’s choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• The number of admissions it provides varies depending upon the number of days of the Base Ticket (the option added to a one- or two-day Base Ticket provides two visits to the guest’s choice from among the listed attractions; added to a seven-day Base Ticket, it provides seven visits).
• It costs $57.  Considering that one-day admission to a water park is $52 or to DisneyQuest is $44, substantial savings are possible.

♦ The Park Hopper option can enhance the value of the vacation by allowing a guest to take advantage of special fun offered at different times of day at different Disney theme parks.  Other potential Park Hopper benefits:

• If the vacation stay is longer, “hopping” is perfect for repeating favorite attractions at the various parks.
• If the guest is staying “on property,” park-hopping can be the ticket to extra time in the parks (more about this under “Making the best use of time”). 

MackeyMouse Travel can help you decide which ticket is perfect for your family and your vacation. Contact us today to discuss your options: mackeymousetravel@yahoo.com 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey and the gang invite guests to this all-ages celebration of fun frights held on multiple nights each October.

The clouds added to our ominous night!

 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.
In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

The tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary", and is appropriate for children of all ages.

One of the parties! Chip and Dale partied with us!

Hair Wraps at Walt Disney World

Hair Wraps at Walt Disney World

 

You have seen these I’m sure, they are everywhere! From the beach to theme parks to cruise ships you can get your hair wrapped just about anywhere now. Disney is no exception! This has become as much a tradition as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for our daughter! This year we decided to get hers done at the Magic Kingdom and I am so glad we did. The cast member went above and beyond (as usual!) taking great pride in her work!!

 Hair wraps are quite simply string that is wrapped around a strand of hair. I suppose you could go nuts and get a ton of them to look like the braids you get in some areas, but that could be pricey!! Fortunately my daughter’s hair is short, but the price still sneaks up there because she has to get tons of embellishments. You can find Hair Wrap stations at all of the resorts (generally near the pool), at the theme parks (this one was in Adventureland outside of Pirates), Downtown Disney and the water parks.

Ours was cheaper this year versus last but I think it was a matter of where the cast member put the wrap. This year we spent $25 and last year it was $33. Not a cheap souvenir but certainly one she takes home and keeps for 2-3 weeks! We do nothing special to wash around it, we just wash her hair like normal and it turns out fine. A great treat that can withstand the heat, the water and the test of kids!

Beads and Embellishments

String color options

away we twist