The Pool at Disney's Grand Californian

One of my favorite parts about staying at the Grand Californian at Disneyland was the amazing pool area. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time out there this trip, but trust me - I'll be back! So many great places to lounge, read, watch the kids, etc. It's a large pool area; there are three separate pools, including a waterslide, a hot tub and a shallow area for little ones who like to splash around.

You can also rent poolside cabanas for the day! I neglected to check the price but they looked awesome; a nice covered place to sit, beverages, towels, etc - perfect for a hot California day!

What Disney resort pool is your favorite?

Have a magical day!

My reivew of "The Wisdom of Walt" by Jeffrey A. Barnes

"Big dreams require big canvases."

As I started reading Jeffrey Barnes book "The Wisdom of Walt - Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth", this particular sentence on page 51 hit me upside the head. Like all good advice, it's succinct but powerful. Not only did it resonate with me, it also set the stage for the remainder of the book.

Mr. Barnes is an author, professional keynote speaker and university professor who gives a wonderfully unique and interesting perspective about using lessons from Walt Disney's life, and the creation of Disneyland, as inspirations for success.

With chapters titled "Taking Care of Your Team", Listening to your 'Walter Ego'", "Using Forced Perspective" and my personal favorite, "Telling Stories," Mr. Barnes relays how you the reader can gain leadership skills by using the lessons of Walt Disney and the creation of Disneyland.

One of my favorite sections of the book is Chapter 6, "Mastering the 4 Cs" of Curiosity, Confidence, Courage and Constancy." I've re-read this section a few times - SO many great lessons.

I also really enjoyed that Mr. Barnes gives you space within the chapters to write down your own ideas and thoughts; this was a nice surprise, something you don't see in other books. He asks questions related to the chapter material, and then encourages you to think about what you just read and apply it to your own life. I jotted down some of my own notes; it'll be very interesting to read those a year from now, 5 years, etc and see if any of the answers have changed, or what action steps I was able to put into place.

Some of you might wonder if this book is a good fit for you; I would argue that we're all working towards a goal. Maybe you're working on accomplishing a dream and are looking for some inspiration as you start your journey. Do yourself a favor, and pick up this book!

There's so much I could talk about in relation to the book but we'd be here all day (and for quite a few days, actually). If you're a Disney fan and always like learning more about the history of Disney (from Walt's life to the theme parks), this book is for you. If you're someone who's looking for a "how-to" to jumpstart moving towards your goals, this book is for you. Even the non-Disney fans (or perhaps, not as passionate fans) in your life will really enjoy "The Wisdom of Walt." I plan on sharing it with my parents, my uncle and brother, as I think there are great principles and ideas they could apply to their particular businesses.

As Mr. Barnes states, "Reading this book will change the way you see and experience Disneyland. Instead of being a place of escape, Disneyland will become for you a model of success. Learn how the Park can challenge you to live your dream, inspire you to take action, and teach you how to create your own magic so that every day for you is as fun as a day at Disneyland."

You can purchase the book through Mr. Barnes' website www.thewisdomofwalt.com or on Amazon. Please treat yourself and pick up this book - you'll be glad you did!

Have a magical day!

I was provided a complimentary copy of Mr. Barnes book for my review. All opinions are my own.

Happy 60th Birthday, Disneyland!

Today is a very special day - 60 years ago today, the gates opened at Disneyland for the first time and as the saying goes, we all lived happily ever after.

As a Disney geek, I can't imagine a world without the Disney parks. To have the vision, drive and chutzpah to create such a place is truly amazing. 

As Walt famously said on that opening day, "To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."

Thank you, Walt, and thank you to the many thousands responsible for the creation of Disneyland, as well as the many thousands of past and current cast members, who help to keep that Disney light shining. It IS still a source of joy and inspiration, 60 years later.

Here's to the next 60!

Have a magical day!

it's a small world - Disneyland style

One of the things I was most excited about seeing at Disneyland were those attractions that are also at Walt Disney World. I knew there'd be some similarities and differences, and I was looking forward to checking those out for myself.

When I arrived at Disneyland that Saturday, May 30th, I got checked into my hotel, freshened up a bit and then headed right over to Disneyland. I couldn't wait to get in my first Disneyland attraction.

So I went over to it's a small world!

The difference from Walt Disney World is apparent right away; the loading for the attraction is outside, so as you line up and step into your boat for the Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed, you're in the nice California sunshine.

The building that houses it's a small world is ADORABLE. I loved it. Similar in color scheme to its counterpart at Walt Disney World, but with enough differences to still be brand-new to me.

Riding the attraction itself was very cool - it's the small world you've come to know, but with some important differences. In the midst of the animatronic children/dolls that are familiar, you see some of the Disney characters! I didn't know about this difference beforehand, so it was cool to ride it for the first time and check out how the characters were represented. You'll see Cinderella, Nemo and Dory, Woody and Jessie, Donald Duck, Pinocchio, and so many more. When I rode later in the week with my nieces and nephews, my niece and I tried to make up a game and find as many characters as we could.

As our cruise was nearing an end, the ending was also a bit different. At Walt Disney World, you see "Goodbye" in various languages; here at Disneyland, it's post cards from all over the world, letting people know what a great time they're having at Disneyland. Super cute!

I have to say, after going on this attraction - I prefer the Disneyland version over the Walt Disney World version! Having the characters represented is a lot of fun. Next time you're on the attraction, see how many you can count.

Have a magical day!

Dining Review: World of Color Dining Package

As we were planning on June 2015 Disneyland vacation, my cousin and I knew we wanted to see World of Color, the AMAZING nighttime show at California Adventure. (Don't worry, I'll dedicate a whole post to that incredible-ness later.) In reading about the show, I knew how popular it was, and since we had three little ones with us, we wanted to avoid waiting in a line or jockeying for space in what I knew would be tight quarters.

I'd read about the World of Color dining package, and that seemed to be the best bet for us. After consulting the menus and dining options, we chose lunch at Wine Country Trattoria, located near the entrance to Cars Land in California Adventure. (You could also chose to eat dinner.)

We arrived on time for our reservation, and we seated shortly. The format for the meal is prix fixe - for about $40.00 per adult and $20.00 per child, you get your choice of soup or salad, an entree and then a desert sampler. There is also a kids menu with many standard choices - pizza, sandwiches, pasta, etc.

There were many delicious choices and we all tried to pick something different, so we could sample each other's meals.

I chose the salad and it did not disappoint. It was delicious and fresh, and the perfect meal starter. My cousin and her husband both chose soup; one getting the tomato and another the Italian wedding soup. I like the wedding soup the best - the little meatballs were delicious and it was all well-seasoned.

For the main meal, I chose the Potato Gnocchi. Oh MY this was so good - cooked perfectly and a large portion, as well. My cousin's husband chose the salad with sautéed shrimp, and once word got out how good those shrimp where, I think he only had one or two for himself!

My cousin Kim chose a special that wasn't listed on the menu; a pasta with broccoli, which she liked. In tasting the entrees, however, we agreed that my Gnocchi was perhaps the best of what we'd gotten. In the picture below, the items are: Gnocchi at top left, salad at top right, shrimp salad at bottom left and broccoli pasta at bottom right.

I didn't take pictures of the kid's meals but they enjoyed them; they each had a mini pizza and a side of vegetables.

Finally came the grand finale - the desserts! In looking at the menu, we thought we each had to choose something but they bring you a sampler platter with one of EACH of those amazing offerings listed on the menu - DROOL. We had a tiramisu, macaroons, panna cotta and a lemon creme puff. They give a full platter to each two adults, so we ended up with two platters of desserts which was more than enough. All of us, kids included, sampled a little bit of everything. As I gravitate towards fruity things, my personal favorite was the Lemon Cream Puff.

At the conclusion of the meal, our server came to our table with 6 FastPasses for the World of Color show. He told us where to go and the return time for the FastPasses.

However, here's a tip - go EARLIER than they say. On the tickets was printed a time of 8:45 PM, as the show starts at 9PM. However, lines start to form about 7:45ish and they start letting people into the WoC viewing area around 8PM. Ask the cast members where the line is forming for the dining packages, and they'll tell you where to go. This means that you'll be at the viewing area about an hour before the show starts, BUT you'll also have a better chance of standing right near the front. The WoC dining FastPasses are the very front of the viewing area and it's first come standing area only but the view cannot be beat. You will get a bit damp (as they project the images onto water) but it's so worth it.

I would do this again in a heartbeat; in fact, when I go back in November I plan on doing it again and trying another of the restaurants offered.

Have you done this dining package before? What did you think?

Have a magical day!

How to be a Considerate Theme Park Go-er (or, Be Gone, Selfie Sticks!)

Let's talk about this picture for a second. I was trying to get my nephew to laugh so I though "let's take a selfie, he'll think that's cute." Yeah, he for sure did NOT. His thought bubble is, "Lady, you are NUTS." As I don't have a selfie stick, you'll have to deal with this terrible selfie picture instead. You're welcome, America.

This week, word came down from On High (as in the Disney World powers-that-be) that starting the end of this month, selfie sticks will not be allowed at Walt Disney World. Previously they'd outlawed the sticks on rides, but now they'll be enforcing the "no selfie sticks" rule at the parks in general. RIP, selfie stick. You'll be missed (that was sarcasm, by the way).

We had a nice discussion on the Facebook group a few days ago about this topic. In addition to talking about selfie sticks, other Theme Park Pet Peeves came up and I thought, what a perfect topic to chat about on the blog this week.

So, without further ado: some ways to NOT be "that person" or "that family" at a theme park.

* Your stroller is made to carry your children through the parks, not as a battering ram.

I sympathize with stroller-users; I've pushed them through the parks and I know that sometimes it can be a pain to navigate through a store or down a crowded street after fireworks. However, that's not an excuse to use your stroller as a battering ram. Mistakes happen and if you clip someone's ankles or feet, please say you're sorry.

And in the interest of fairness - non-stroller people, please don't dash or cut in front of those with strollers. Let them into the traffic pattern. Same goes for those in wheelchairs or on scooters. WAY too many times I've seen a stroller or scooter just have to sit there because people wouldn't let them join the traffic flow. Don't be a jerk, 'k?

* If you need to have a conversation, consult the map, etc - move to the side of the pathway.

This is probably my #1 pet peeve when I tour the theme parks (although it happens in other places, as well). Let's say your group is heading towards a ride, and are unclear about its location. Instead of coming to a dead stop in the middle of the street, please move to the side and have your discussion there, not right in the middle of those who are trying to get by.

The step-sister to this pet peeve are those who walk 7 and 8 people across, taking up the whole walkway so everyone has to move at their pace. At most, you should be walking 3 side by side. Any more than that, create some rows, people.

* Your iPad needs to stay in the hotel room.

I love the iPad as much as the next person. At this point, I should give Apple instructions just to charge my credit card anytime something new comes out because there is a 98.7% chance that I will love it. But you know a place your iPad doesn't belong? At the parks, especially on the rides and during shows such as the fireworks.  It's super inconsiderate to those around you when their view is blocked because you want to take video of the fireworks.

* When looking for a parade or fireworks watching spot, don't weasel into someone else's spot at the 11th hour.

These stories are legendary among Disney park go-ers and it happens a LOT. You and your family find your parade spot and you've been sitting or standing there for a while (I've seen people at Disneyland getting their spots ready at 2PM for an 8PM parade. Not me, folks - not me. Phew that's commitment!) Then, 5 minutes before the parade starts, a group comes around to fill in the 1/4" spaces around you and pushes their way to the front.

C'mon, now; that's just craziness. Simple kindness should dictate that unless you've put in the time to get your spot, you don't get to strong arm your way into those spots. If you want a prime viewing location - get their early. (Or in the case of some of the parades at Walt Disney World - get a FastPass+. You have a special viewing area AND don't have to get there hours ahead of time to get your spot. Problem solved.)

* But in relation to the above....please don't send one or two people to save spots for 8-10 people. Not cool.

Saving a spot for 1-2 people? Completely kosher. Expecting someone to hold down the fort for the whole group? Yeah, that's an issue.

I understand that sometimes you save a space for someone because they're on a ride, or getting a snack, or in the restroom, and they'll be back to your spot in minutes. But please don't try and save dozens of spots for people who are going to show up minutes before the parade or show starts.

This should go without saying, but the same applies to rides as well. I saw more than one instance at Disneyland earlier this month where 2-3 people would be in line, and then moments before the boarding started on the attraction five or ten people would show up and have to shimmy their way through the line to get to their group. That's just insanity. Not only is it disruptive to try and get past others as they're waiting to get on, it's also super rude. Either line up with your group, or don't line up at all. Easy peasy.

And don't even get me started on people who leave their towels on pool and deck chairs for hours at a time. I could go on all day....

The takeaway from all this? Please be considerate. If we all thought about how our actions affect other park goers, trust me - things would go a LOT more smoothly.

What are some of your theme park pet peeves? Please share below in the comments and on social media!

Top 5 Reasons This Walt Disney World Veteran Fell in Love with Disneyland

I've been going to Walt Disney World pretty regularly since the last 90s. After my first trip to the World when I was in high school, I was hooked.

I always knew I wanted to visit Disneyland but I'd never made it a point to go out there. When I was deciding on my next vacation, for whatever reason Walt Disney World always won out, and I'd say to myself, "One day I'll get out to Anaheim."

As you know, that "one day" came last week and can I tell you, I CANNOT BELIEVE that I didn't make it a priority to get out here sooner.

After an incredibly fun and successful first trip to Disneyland, I wanted to do a comparison between the two. Not a "this vs that" type of post, but one that lays out the Top 5 reasons that I, a Walt Disney World veteran with approximately 30 trips under her belt, fell in love with Disneyland.


1. Disneyland was Walt's park. The nostalgia is off the charts, folks.

Disneyland can boast something that Walt Disney World can't. Although Walt was a part of the creation of WDW, he passed away before the park was completed so he was never an actual physical presence in the parks. To be able to walk down Main Street, and think, Walt walked here. To ride it's a small world and know that Walt rode it, too. To watch kids laugh on the carousel and know that he watched his own grandkids on the same one. Ladies and gents, it made my heart soar.

2. The proximity of resorts to both theme parks CAN'T BE BEAT.

I stayed at the Grand Californian and let me tell you, was SO glad I did. At most, I was a 5-10 minute walk (10 minutes if I was very slowly strolling) from my hotel to both parks. Actually, I was much closer to California Adventure because there's an entrance from the Grand Californian into that park.

Having stayed there, The Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier are also on my list. Both are also a short walk from the parks and allow you the same "close to the magic" experience.

It was incredibly nice to be that close to both theme parks. Now, you can have sort of this same experience when, for example, you stay at the Beach Club or Boardwalk resort and their proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. But there's no resort on WDW property where you can walk to all the theme parks, so that was huge.

Staying onsite can be pricier than staying at one of the myriad of hotels in the general area of Disneyland. However, for all my future trips I will plan on staying on-site for the sheer convenience of time and energy. It was amazing to watch the Disneyland Forever fireworks show on Main Street, and then be in my hotel room 10 minutes later. Not on a bus 10 minutes later, not waiting in line 10 minutes later. I was in my room. Amazing.

3. Disneyland is NOT just a two or three day vacation destination.

One opinion that I kept hearing was that Disneyland was, at most, a three day vacation. You needed to go to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm, etc in order to really make the most of a week and make your travel to Anaheim worthwhile. Now, nothing against those destinations at all but after having been at Disneyland, I could have easily stayed another day. I had an awesome time at the parks but didn't have a whole lot of time to explore my resort, or stroll around Downtown Disney. Next time (in November! Eeek!!) I'm planning on being here an entire week.

4. Three Words, people: World of Color.

I might cause a minor Disney fan revolt by saying this, but the fireworks shows and parades aren't usually on my must-do list. (dodges flying objects.) I enjoy them, but I'm not a person who will sit on a curb for two hours to get a viewing spot before a parade. They're fun, but no thanks, man. There are other things I prefer doing instead.

I knew I wanted to see World of Color at California Adventure. I'd read about it and seen clips of the show and from everything I'd heard, people raved about how awesome it was. We decided to do a WoC dining package (more on that in another post!) to get FastPasses for a special viewing area. The appointed time came, we got in our AWESOME location to watch and waited to be dazzled.

And dazzled we were. There aren't words in the English language that can adequately convey the rush of love and emotions I had when watching this show. It's been recently re-done a bit for the 60th Anniversary and it's just AMAZING. I won't tell you every single detail because A) we'd be here all day and B) I want you to experience it for yourself.

And when they played a version of the song "Forever Young? Tears, tears everywhere.

5.  Foodies - you won't be disappointed.

Disneyland is no slouch in the food department, either. On this trip I had my first churro; it was delicious! I wore most of the sugar on my shirt, but it was very yummy. I also enjoyed a Disneyland corn dog; I can only assume they put actual magic in that batter because GOOD LORD it was amazing - and I'm not really a hot dog fan. If you're a soup person, you MUST go to the Pacific Warf Cafe and enjoy their Clam Chowder or Broccoli Cheese soups. TO DIE FOR.

Needless to say, there will be many posts on this here blog solely about the food because y'all, it was stinking good. Many times we had "progressive dinners" and shared food so we could all sample a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Nom nom nom.

So there you have it - some of the many reasons I fell in deep, passionate, abiding love with Disneyland. I'll be back in November and can't wait to experience it all again!

Have a magical day!

It's Giveaway Time!

Happy Monday, everyone! To start off the week with some fun, I'm doing a giveaway on my Instagram account. I'm at @MostDelightfulPlace; the link is also at the top of this page (with my other social media links).

Be sure and follow me on Instagram so you can enter to win this AWESOME Disneyland 60th Anniversary pin! Entries will be taken until 5PM central on Tuesday, June 9th.

(Open to US residents only, entrants must please be 18 years or older.)

I share lots of fun pictures on Instagram of my Disney travels, and would love you have you follow along!

Have a magical day!

Disneyland....here I COME!

The appointed day has arrived, folks. As you're reading this, I'm on a plane to California, on my way to see Disneyland for the FIRST TIME.

To say I'm excited is a bit of an understatement.

I'll not only be seeing Disneyland and California Adventure, I will also be there during the 60th Anniversary events which look just incredible. Talk about picking a good time to go!

Factoring in transportation to the Grand Californian hotel, I estimate that I'll be walking into Disneyland around 2:00PM PST. Be sure you're following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as I'll be posting a LOT of videos and pictures during the week.

Speaking of videos, if you're not signed up with Periscope yet - do it. Not trying to be bossy but if you want to see LIVE videos from Disneyland, this is the place to see them. The app is free (and now available for Android phones as well as in the Apple App store!) and you sign in with your Twitter account, or create a new account. Couldn't be easier, and then you'll be able to walk along with me through Main Street, ride attractions, saunter around Downtown Disney, etc. You know you want to!

I can't wait to bring you all along with me!

Have a magical day!

Attention - Control Freaks and Do It Yourself-ers!

Attention Control Freaks and Do It Yourself-ers! (and I say that with love and joy in my heart, because I am one of you!)

For those of you who might not know, I am a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations. (Regular readers of this blog probably DO know that, but just in case I wanted to make sure!) I LOVE my job and enjoy nothing more than helping people experience that "Disney magic"! You might not think you need, or want, to work with a travel agent with planning your Disney vacation, but if you're thinking of booking a trip, please consider booking with me!

* Booking with me costs you NO extra, vs booking with Disney directly. Disney pays our commission and so with a room and ticket package, I will plan your Disney vacation at NO additional charge to you. I'm here to answer questions, be a sounding board for ideas, talk about touring plans, make your dining and FastPass+ reservations (so you don't have to get up early or stay up late!), etc.

* I know some of my fellow Disney fans really enjoy doing their own planning, pouring over the Disney websites, making those dining and FastPass+ reservations on their own, etc. Good news - you can work with a travel agent AND still do all of that, if you prefer! You can have total control over these items, if doing them is fun for you. You're still able to do the things you enjoy (and pass off to me the things you don't!) AND you're supporting a small business! Win/Win!

I'm always happy to do a no-obligation quote for you; please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com. (and remember - I can plan your non-Disney travel, too!)

Thank you for your support!

SO excited - Disneyland, here I come!!

I have my Disney bucket list - Disney parks and experiences around the world that I want to cross off my travel list. In June, I'll be able to cross one of those items off the list!

I'm headed to Disneyland, baby!!

Over Christmas, my cousin and her husband asked if I'd like to go to Disneyland with their family, and of course I said YES! We've been talking dates the last few weeks, and it's now decided and in the books.

I will be arriving in California on Saturday morning, May 30th, and departing on Wednesday, June 3rd. My cousin's family arrives Sunday night, so I'll have about a day and a half on my own to explore and soak it all in. Which is probably for the best, as I'll be stopping approximately every 11 seconds to take pictures and video.

There are SO many reasons I'm excited about this trip. Of course, it goes without saying I'm super excited to spend time with my cousin, and her ADORABLE kids. Kim and I are only 6 weeks apart in age and so we've always been very close. We went to Disney World together during a winter break in college, but haven't vacationed together since so this will be super fun.

In no particular order, here's what else I can't wait to experience in just a few months:

* I'll be walking where Walt walked, and riding attractions that he touched/had a part in creating.

Walt died before Disney World was completed, so although he had a hand in the location, some attractions, etc - he wasn't alive to see opening day, nor did he walk in the park. With Disneyland, I'll literally be walking in his footsteps which is incredibly exciting for me.

In addition, there are so many attractions that he had a hand in creating from the very beginning, so it'll be awesome to ride them and think, "Walt rode this years ago." Pretty cool stuff, I think.

* I'm excited for a brand-new Disney experience.

I've been fortunate to visit Disney World often over the last 15 years, and have sailed on all four Disney Cruise Line ships. I don't often have a brand-new Disney experience but will with Disneyland, which is VERY cool for me.

* There are so many similarities AND differences between Disneyland and Disney World; I can't wait to see those for myself.

There are many attractions and landmarks in both parks, but they're different at each, and I am looking forward to seeing those similarities AND differences.

* I'm staying SO CLOSE to the park entrance.

For this trip I'll be stayed at Disney's Grand Californian, one of their three on-site resort properties. Not only does it look like a super cool place...you can literally walk out the hotel door and RIGHT into Disney's California Adventure. This is something you can't do at Walt Disney World; many resorts there are very close to the parks (Grand Floridian, for example, is a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom) but none in Florida offer such close access. Pretty sweet, huh?

As always, I'll be live-posting on social media, AND I'm also thinking about doing some live videos while I'm there. Would you guys be interested in that?

I can't wait to share this new adventure with you all!

Have a magical day!

Announcing: My New Referral Program!

Today I'm announcing my brand-new customer referral program and I of course wanted to share the details with all of you!

For those who might be new to the blog - - in addition to writing The Most Delightful Place, I am also a travel agent with Mouse World Travel, specializing in Disney Destinations.

I LOVE helping families plan their magical Disney vacations - - few things bring me more joy than knowing they've had a great time and created important memories they'll cherish for years to come. It's an honor for me to have been a part of that magic!

One of the greatest compliments I receive is when someone refers me to their family and friends; I'm so happy that they were pleased with the service I provided enough to pass along my contact information to their friends, co-workers, etc who are planning Disney vacations.

I have been brainstorming ways that I could say "thank you" to those who've introduced me and my planning services to their friends, and this is what I came up with!

* From November 1st, 2014 until February 1st, 2015, for every new client you refer to me (new meaning they've never used my travel planning services) who books a Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line vacation of at least $1,500, I will send you a $20 Disney or Visa gift card upon completion of your referral's vacation!

It's super easy to be part of this referral program - simply send me an email to katie@mouseworldtravel.com, or get in touch with me via social media (links to my accounts are above) and let me know when you've passed my contact information along to your friend(s). I will let you know when they book a vacation, and when I will be sending out your gift card. You can choose either a Disney or Visa gift card, whatever works best for you!

This referral program is not limited to just those of you who've used my services before; even if we haven't planned your vacation yet, you can still refer friends to me and be part of the referral program! AND - if you've been thinking about going to Disney yourself and are looking for a no-obligation quote, please get in touch so we can get started planning YOUR Disney vacation! 2015 Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line packages are now available for booking!

Also - For a limited time (until February 1, 2015) any brand-new client who utilizes my vacation planning services for the first time will be entered into a mega-drawing for a $50 Disney or Visa gift card! Woo hoo!

(Those clients who have traveled with me or referred me to your friends in the last year - never fear - I will be reaching out to you re any applicable referral bonuses, and/or if you're entered in the mega-drawing, so you didn't miss out!)

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you again, and have a magical day!

10 Ways to Save for Your Disney Vacation

Photo courtesy of www.wondersofdisney.disneyfansites.com

As science and agriculture has not progressed to the point where we can grow money on trees, sometimes you have to get creative when putting aside dollars for your upcoming vacation.

As you're saving for your next trip (Disney or not), there are lots of little things you can do that can add up to padding that vacation savings account. Remember, every little bit helps!

Here are my Top 10 Ways to Save for Your Vacation!

1. Collect all of your loose change.

Grab a jar or container you have around the house, and put it in a place where everyone in the family can see it (kitchen, office, etc).  Every few days, place your loose change in the jar. You'd be surprised at how fast $.25 here and $.50 there adds up!

2. Set up automatic transfers through your bank.

Most online banking sites allow you to set up a transfer schedule where on a certain date each week / month, money is moved from one account to another.  If you have a set amount each month that you're putting towards your vacation, this is one way to automate that process and make it very easy.

At my bank, I also set up a transfer where every transaction I make on my debit card puts $1 in my savings account.

3. Eat out one less meal a week, and put that money in your change jar / vacation savings account.

One budget area that I personally have been working on is eating fewer meals out, and more at home. If you're making that switch as well, start small - just commit to eating out one less meal per week, and put that money in your vacation savings instead.  For a family of four, that could be as much as $30-50 per week (or more)!

4. Turn up / down the thermostat.

In the winter, turn down your thermostat a few degrees; in the summer, turn it up a few degrees. You probably won't notice the change and it can add up as decent savings on your electrical bill.

5. Have a garage sale, or sell on sites such as eBay and Craigslist.

Make the rounds of your house, garage and basement and sell those items you no longer need or use in a garage sale or online.  Not only will it pad your vacation budget, but you'll clean out clutter in the process!  Double win!

6. Put any "found money" info your vacation account.

Sometimes you get lucky, and "found money" makes its way to you.  This is money that you weren't expecting, or even forgot about.  It could be a product rebate, a refund, any money that you weren't planning on and isn't part of your normal monthly income.

7. Have fun at-home nights instead of going out.

You can have lots of fun at home for very little or no money.  Rent a movie at RedBox or watch on Netflix, do a puzzle, play a boardgame, etc.  The options are endless and not only will you be saving money vs going out to eat or to the movie theatre, you'll also be spending valuable time together.

(For ideas, take a look at this post from May about how to combat the Disney blues.)

8. Consider dropping your Cable TV package.

I can hear the groans and exasperated sighs already - "Not my cable TV!" But hear me out - most cable plans are in excess of $100/month.  That could mean $1200 / year in your Disney account! There are SO many shows you can get on Netflix, Hulu and the websites for the TV Networks.  Combine that with the network TV channels that are available for free, and 90% of the time you can watch your shows for much less than you would if you were paying for cable.

9. Utilize your credit cards rewards program.

If you don't have a credit card that pays rewards, look into getting one.  Most have 1 point per $1 of charges; some offer extra points for gas and groceries.  For example, you could charge your household expenses such as utilities, groceries, etc and then each month have monies that can be transferred into your savings account.

Of course, be sure to pay your balance each month so you don't incur interest charges!

10. Use your tax return for your vacation fund.

If you receive a tax return, put that towards your vacation fund.  If it's a lot or a little, it all helps!

How do you save for vacation?  What are your family's tips and tricks?

Have a magical day! (And remember to sign up with your e-mail as a follower of the blog!)

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!

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!

Getting Excited for Disney & The Days Before a Trip

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!  We surely did; can't believe another Christmas has come and gone!

We're just a few short days from being at Disney World again, and I'm so excited to be nearly there. As a trip is getting closer, I find myself doing some of the same "pre trip rituals" that get me excited to be at Disney!

* Listening to Disney Parks music: I confess, I listen to the Disney Parks music often but in the days before a trip, it's especially exciting.  I really like the Disney Parks compilation, as this is the music you hear on the attractions or even just walking around Disney.  When I hear a song, I'm instantly transported to that area of the parks.  (Here is a link to Amazon to the Four Parks, One World CD - I love this one!)

* Watching Disney movies: As I mentioned in an earlier post this week, this past weekend a few of my cousins and I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon watching Disney movies.  This, of course, really gets me in the mood for a trip!  I also like to put a movie on in the background as I pack for vacation; my personal favorites are Mary Poppins or Sleeping Beauty.

* Starting to pack the items I use at Disney: There are certain items I only seem to take to Disney, like a cross-body purse (perfect for park travel, keeps your hands free), my Annual Pass (couldn't leave home without it!) and my Disney tee shirts, which I could wear at home but always seem to wear only at Disney.  :)  When I take those cuties out of the drawer, I know a trip is near!

* Reading friends past trip reports and looking at past photos: Many of my friends (some of whom you'll meet in upcoming Sunday with Friends posts!) write great trip reports on the Disney fan message board, www.DISboards.com.  In the days before a trip, I often find myself reading current and past trip reports, and dreaming about being there myself in just a few days!

How do you mark the days or pass the time before your Disney trip?