Movie Review: Maleficent

Tonight I headed to the theatre to see Disney's new live-action film, Maleficent. Starring Angelina Jolie, the film tells the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, but in a new way.

I want to talk more a bit about specifics of the film, and we will, but first lets start with the obvious question. How was the movie? Did I like it? In a word, it was --

Magnificent.

Gorgeous.

Majestic.

Thrilling.

Poignant.

Phenomenal.

Ok so that's more that just one word but I can't help myself! I loved loved loved it, from start to finish. Sleeping Beauty is my all-time, #1 favorite Disney movie and so I went into it with big expectations.

And this film delivered.

The story begins by giving the audience some background about Maleficent; her history, her narrative & why she took a turn towards the dark side.  I won't give away any spoilers but I loved the way this first part of the movie layed the ground work for the rest of the film.

We meet Aurora, played at various ages by a few actresses. We see a toddler Aurora, played adorably by the cherubic & darling Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Angelina's daughter in real life. She was so precious! (And looks JUST like her daddy, Brad Pitt. That kid's got some gene pool.)

Elle Fanning (younger sister of Dakota Fanning) plays the teenage Aurora. She was sweet yet strong, everything you want in Sleeping Beauty. I thought she was a marvelous choice and was a spot-on Aurora.

I won't spoil the story line for you - I want you to see it for yourself! Suffice it to say, the story takes twists & turns with the classic fairy tale. You see new story arcs from beloved & familiar characters. You might even leave the theatre feeling different about Ms. Maleficent.

I can't say this strongly enough. GO GO GO see this movie. You won't be disappointed.

Have a magical day!

Single Gal's Guide: Why Go Solo to Disney World?

A Walt Disney World vacation is a blast, and just because you don't have a spouse, significant other or a travel buddy doesn't mean you can't go to Orlando and enjoy the magic!

There are a few uniquely wonderful things about traveling solo; here are a few of my favorites:

1) You do what YOU like, on your own timeline.

Do you like sleeping in late, and then lounging at the pool during the day?  Or are you a rope drop person who likes to hit the parks first thing in morning and go, go, go?  One of the best parts about traveling solo is you're not worried about anyone else's schedule, or to-do list.  Your day is completely up to you! 

2) Three words: Single Rider Line.

Some of the most popular rides and attractions have a Single Rider Line, which is a separate queue that often moves MUCH faster than the regular line.   You are placed into a group to make an even number of riders on attractions and will ride with groups of strangers (or as I prefer to think of them, new friends!).  This is a GREAT way to bypass the lines and quickly get on some of the most popular rides.

(Note that at peak times, some Single Rider Lines are shut down!)

3) In general, you are able to see more and do more.

Since you're traveling around as a Party of One, in general it's much easier to do and see a lot.  You can see more attractions, get on and off rides quicker, and since you're not waiting around for anyone, you can spend more of your time seeing and doing! 

For those of your who have traveled solo (to Disney or anywhere else), what's YOUR favorite part about vacationing?

Have a magical day! 

I Can't Wait!! Maleficent - coming to theaters THIS FRIDAY!

It's almost here, everyone.

Malificent come out on Friday!!

I will be headed to the theatre on Friday night, and can't wait to share my thoughts with you on Saturday morning.

In the meantime, here's a clip.



Have a magical day!

Touring the Vibe on the Disney Dream

During the Agent Education program I attended in March, we were bussed over to Port Canaveral to tour the Disney Dream.  I have been on the Dream but it had been a few years, and as I didn't have any teenagers with me, didn't get to see the teen clubs.

And holy crap, people.  It *almost* made me want to be 14 years old again.

The Vibe is a teen-exclusive club on the Disney Dream, and is for cruisers ages 14-17.   There are activities and events especially for them, their own lounge and smoothie bar as well as their own SUPER cool pool.

Don't be surprised if you hardly ever see your teens while on the Disney Dream - they'll be too busy having fun and hanging out with their new friends!

Check out the short video that I put together of some images from Vibe!

My View of the Magic Kingdom Rope Drop Opening Ceremony

A few weeks ago, I was at the Magic Kingdom as the park was opening and was able to capture part of the exciting and magical opening ceremony.

If you get a chance on your next trip to Walt Disney World, be sure and get to the Magic Kingdom about 15-20 minutes before the park opens, so you can catch their daily opening ceremony.  You'll get a chance to see some of your favorite characters, and a Family of the Day who've been chosen to open the park.




It's a pretty great way to start your day!

Have a magical day!

15 Ways to Combat the "I Want to be at Disney" Blues!

You know the feeling - you don't have a Disney vacation in the plans, or your Disney vacation seems SO far in the future.  You catch yourself daydreaming, and you wish you could just teleport yourself right to Orlando, Anaheim and/or Port Canaveral.

You want to be here.

Or here.

Or here.

Sigh.  I understand, friend.  So pull up a chair, and let's talk about ways we can fight those Disney Vacation Blues, shall we?

15 Ways YOU can combat the Disney Vacation Blues

1. Have a Disney Movie night.

Choose your favorite Disney film, pop some popcorn and snuggle on the couch.  There's something about watching the Little Mermaid or Sleeping Beauty that always gives me the "Disney warm fuzzy" feelings!  :)

2. Invite friends over for a Disney game night.

Many boardgames and card games have Disney counterparts (such as Apples to Apples and Monopoly).  Organize a game night where everyone has fun together!  You could even have a prize for the winner, such as a Disney gift card or a Disney BluRay movie.

3. Make a Disney recipe.

A quick Google search or a look on Pinterest will yield TONS of awesome Disney-themed recipes.  You can even find the recipes for some of your favorite dishes that they serve in the parks and on the cruise line.  Been dreaming about that tie-dyed cheesecake at Pop Century?  Make it at home!

(bonus tip - have a potluck meal where everyone brings a Disney-inspired item!)

4. Listen to music from the parks.

Listening to Disney music always transports me to the parks.  One of my favorite complications is the Four Parks, One World CD.  You can buy this on Amazon, or also download it on iTunes.  There's something about listening to the music from Soarin' and Haunted Mansion that just takes me right there.

5.  Throw a Disney-themed party.

My friend Caren throws awesome Disney themed parties where she uses Disney decor, recipes and even Disney dish ware to create super fun parties for her friends and family.  Throw a soiree and invite your friends & family to share in the fun!

Here are some pictures from Caren's parties - she does a great job!

6. Wear a Disney tee shirt and/or accessory.

Anyone else like me, and have about 20+ Disney tee shirts, sweaters, etc?  A sure-fire way to get in the Disney spirit is to proudly don that Mickey Mouse tee and share your love of Disney with the world.

7. Look at pictures or watch home movies from past Disney trips.

Many photo programs (like iPhoto) have a Slideshow feature where you can watch a montage of your vacation pictures, and you can even add songs to your show!  Enjoy reliving those memories and talking about what fun you had on your vacation.

8.  Make a countdown calendar for your upcoming trip.

A fun way to mark the time until your vacation is to make a countdown calendar.  I've seen people make rings out of construction paper (remember doing those in school?) or do an Advent-style calendar where each day you tear off a piece of paper to reveal a trivia question, small prize, etc.  Get creative, the possibilities are endless!

9. Watch YouTube videos about rides, attractions, etc.

YouTube is a great place to go when you need a Disney fix.  There are millions of videos posted by Disney as well as Disney fans.  You can take a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or relive that day on Castaway Cay, all from the comfort of your home!  (Speaking of YouTube, keep an eye out for my brand-new video blogs - coming this summer!!)

10. Do a Disney craft project.

Here's another shout-out to Pinterest; there are so many fun and crafty Disney projects that you can do at home, with the whole family!  Also, check out the Disney Family website (link here); they are always posting TONS of awesome craft projects, recipes, printables, etc.

11. Read one of the Walt Disney biographies.

If you're like me and love history, be sure to check out one of the many books written about Walt Disney.  My favorite is Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas.  There are also great books about the theme parks with in-depth information about their creation, design, etc.

12. Follow Disney Company and Disney fan pages on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

There are so many great social media pages out there, both from the Walt Disney Company as well as Disney fans.  I follow quite a few and they're always posting fun facts, videos, sneak peeks at new attractions, etc.

13. Bring little touches of Disney into your everyday life.

In 2014, we're encouraged to show our #DisneySide.  This has so many meanings, as every one shows their #DisneySide differently.  It could mean having Disney items at your home and/or office, having Disney stickers on your car - even Disney tattoos!  There are so many ways to bring a little Disney into your life and remind you of the magic every day!  (Stay tuned for another blog post in the coming weeks about how I show MY #DisneySide!

14. Attend a Disney on Ice or Disney play in your area.

There are traveling Broadway stage shows you can attend, such as the Lion King; Disney on Ice tours pretty extensively, as well, and I would bet you there's a show near you!  Keep your ears open for local news about these events coming to your town, get a group of like-minded Disney fans together and have fun!

15.  Visit your local Disney Store or Disney Store Outlet.

If you're lucky enough to live close to a Disney Store and/or Outlet, going there can give you a dose of the magic!  Window shop for free, or find something fun to take home. 

How do you combat the Disney blues?

Have a Magical Day!

Single Gal's Guide: My Favorite Solo Traveler Activities at Disney World

Are you looking to do a solo trip to Disney World, but wondering how you'll fill up your days?

Here are some of my favorite activities to do while touring solo at Walt Disney World:

1) Grab a treat, kick back and watch the world go by.

A super relaxing and enjoyable activity at Disney World is to grab your favorite treat, find a comfy place to sit, relax, and watch the world go by.  Some of my favorite places to kick back are anywhere around the World Showcase in Epcot, on the boardwalk at the Boardwalk Resort, or near Main Street at the Magic Kingdom.  There are always benches or other places to enjoy a soda, Mickey Bar, Dole Whip or whatever your favorite treat is!

Mmmmm, the Dole Whip - can you believe I JUST had one of these back in March?!  I know, I know, take away my Disney World fan card!

2) Try that restaurant / food / drink that no one else wanted to.

God Bless them, we all have friends and family that when they travel, like to stick to "safe" dining choices.  Have you always wanted to try the hibachi-style dining at Teppan Edo at the World Showcase, or enjoy a fancy meal at Citricos at The Grand Floridian?  Here's your chance! 

3) Visit one of the spas on Disney property.

If you're in the mood for some hard-core relaxation and pampering, be sure to make a spa appointment during your Disney World trip.  There are spas available at the Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs and also the Dolphin hotel.  There are a variety of spa services available and you don't have to be staying at one of the resorts listed in order to visit their spa.

4) Chat with the friendly cast members.

The Cast Members are one of the best things about Disney World and by in large are friendly, kind people.  I have met some great cast members by chatting at the bus stops, restaurants, at the attractions, etc.  (And kindness goes a LONG way - I've also gotten some great tips and park touring ideas from cast members!)

5) Tour the various resorts, from Value to Deluxe.

One of my favorite things to do at Disney World, especially during the holidays, is to resort hop and see as many of the resorts as I can.  They all have such a unique style and decor, it's fun to walk around and explore.  Bring your camera and your walking shoes, and enjoy a few hours checking out the various hotel properties.  A side bonus?  You just might get an idea for where you'd like to stay on your next trip!

What are YOUR favorite solo vacation activities?

Have a magical day!

Get your Glass Slippers ready....Cinderella is coming to the Big Screen!

I am not going to lie - when I heard this news today, I literally squealed with joy.

I know that "literally" is thrown around a lot, but I am not kidding you.  The noise that came out of my mouth rivaled that of a 12 year old at a One Direction concert.

Because....guess what y'all:

Cinderella is going to be a live-action Disney movie, coming March 2015!!  AHHH!

(I'll pause for a minute while you jump up and down.)

Check out the trailer below; it's just a tease but oh goodness!

So far, the stars that have been announced are Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine (GENIUS), Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother and Lily James (for those Downton Abbey watchers, Lily plays Lady Rose MacClare).

I'll keep you posted as I hear more about the cast and as they release new trailers.

This news got me thinking - what other Disney animated classics would YOU like to see made into live action for the big screen?  We'll have Maleficent this year, and Cinderella in 2015.  If you had your wish, what film would you like to see?

I have a (not so) short list of movies that I would LOVE to see recreated in live action, ranked in no particular order:

* Little Mermaid:  I say we cast Theo James as Prince Eric (Theo was the male lead in Divergent).  And can you IMAGINE Ursula?! How cool would that be?!

* The Lion King:  It has already been made into an amazing Broadway play - let's translate that magic to the big screen! And of course, it goes without saying, James Earl Jones HAS to play Mufasa.

* The Sword in the Stone: This is one of my favorite classic Disney films.   I can just see this as a big budget, sweeping, epic film.

Leave a comment here or on Facebook - let me know what animated film you'd love to see in live-action at your local theatre!

Have a magical day!

Single Gal's Guide: Common Questions for Disney World Solo Travelers

Are you wondering if solo traveling at Disney World is for you?  Here are some common questions about solo traveling, and my answers, based on my personal experience.

* Aren't you scared about being alone at the resort / parks / etc?  Is it safe for a single person to be there alone?

I have never been nervous or worried about my safety while traveling solo at Disney.  Disney World (and all the Disney parks and the Cruise Line) do a GREAT job of protecting the guests; safety is their #1 priority.  However, that being said, I am smart and I never do things solo that I wouldn't do at home or in any other place I was traveling.  I don't broadcast that I am there alone, I stick to well-lit and well-traveled places at night, etc.  Use common sense where safety is concerned.

If you're going back to your hotel room late in the evening and are nervous about walking by yourself, you can always ask a cast member to accompany you.  They are happy to do so and is a great option if you don't want to walk back alone.

* Don't you get lonely?  Do you mind going to eat and going on the rides by yourself?

I honestly don't get lonely when I am at Disney World.  There is so much to see and do, if you're bored it's your own fault!  When I have solo days at Disney, I fill them up with park touring, time at the pool, shopping, going to movies, etc.  There's always something to do!

I have also never minded going on the rides and eating by myself.  When I tour solo, I can get SO many more rides in vs when I am with a group, so that's always fun.  In terms of dining, I have not felt awkward eating solo; I have my smart phone with me for reading the news or my e-mail, if I want to look busy.  I have also brought my Kindle in my purse for reading before my meal comes.

* How much is there REALLY for a single adult to do at Disney World?  Why do you go to Disney, vs other vacation destinations?

I choose Disney time and time again for a few reasons.  The main reason is because of the Disney Difference: the attention to detail in the parks, the cleanliness, and the service that the cast members provide is impeccable and so I know I am going to have an enjoyable vacation experience.

I also continue to go back to Disney World because as someone traveling alone, I feel very safe at Disney (see above) and since I know there is no shortage of things to do, it's a vacation choice that I know I will really enjoy.

Can't you just envision yourself here, enjoying the sunshine and palm trees?!

What are questions you've encountered as a solo traveler?

Have a magical day!

NEW section on Most Delightful Place - A Single Gal's Guide to Disney

Those of you who are astute might have already noticed that I have added another page to the blog: A Single Gal's Guide to Disney.  This section will be the place to single gals (and guys!) who are looking to navigate Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line as a solo traveler.  If you're single, or just traveling solo, this will be YOUR place!

I'll share tips, articles and more, designed with the solo traveler in mind.  If you're a solo traveler, and have ideas for future posts and/or want to be a guest poster and share your experiences, please e-mail me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com.  I would love to hear from you!

Stay tuned!  And have a magical day!

Free Dining Offer for Fall 2014!!!

Good morning, everyone!  Today, the fall Free Dining promotion was released.  This is one of the MOST popular offers that Disney World offers and is a great way to save money on your trip!

Here are the details:

Offer valid for arrival dates between: 8/31/14 – 10/3/14, 10/26/14 – 11/1/14, 11/9/14 – 11/20/14 and 12/12/14 – 12/23/14. Certain resort restrictions apply; offer valid with at least 3 nights in a participating resort and a 2 day park ticket.

Resorts that are excluded from the offer are All-Star Movies, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Grand Floridian Villas, Fort Wilderness Campsites, Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms and all 3 bedroom villas.

The offer is available with bookings made my August 8th, 2014 - availability is limited!

Please get in touch with me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com for a quote ~ I'd love to help you plan your Fall trip to Walt Disney World, and help you save some money too!

Have a magical day!

Happy Birthday, Hollywood Studios!

Today is a special day in Disney World history.  On May 1, 1989, Disney's Hollywood Studios opened!  (For those of you who've been going to Disney World for many years, you'll remember that it was first name MGM Studios.)

I thought I'd share some pictures and memories from one of my favorite parks at Disney World!

Oh, Tower of Terror.....you make for a great picture, but this gal is still too scared to ride again!

The Lights, Motor, Action! show is fun, and if you have a car aficionado in your group, it's a must-do!

One Man's Dream is a walk-thorough attraction that tells the story of Walt's life, and the history of Disney.  If you like museums, exhibits and history, this attraction is for you!

No post about Hollywood Studios is complete without the Toy Story Midway Mania!  What's been YOUR highest score?

Hollywood Studios is also home to my FAVORITE nighttime show, Fantasmic.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Happy 25th Birthday, Hollywood Studios!