Disney Resources

The internet is a goldmine of travel resources for planning a Disney Vacation ~

Here are some great links to help ~

http://www.themouseforless.com/  ~ good ideas & free downloads for kids journal pages

http://www.crayola.com/  ~ has a Disney section for Free coloring pages of characters

http://wdwprepschool.com/  ~ great tips for packing, reservations, etc.

http://www.disneyinsidertips.com/  ~ insider information is always helpful

http://www.couponingtodisney.com/  ~ from what I glean from this gal, she saves her coupon savings in a special Disney account to pay for their vacations...what a neat idea!

Even being a Disney Veteran ~ its fun to read what works and doesn't work for other people.  I was on a site yesterday and a gal suggested packing a towel in your park tote bag ~ to lay on the sidewalk and claim your spot for a parade.  Sounds great if you have never been ~ but it absolutely will not work in reality ~ even if your backside was sitting on the towel, 7,000 others will want to claim your spot (that's not too much of an exaggeration!)!  I will let any child in front of me to see the characters ~ but not their parents, a majority of whom are taller than me.  MainStreet seems to be the worst location for the crowd during the parades...maybe because everyone thinks they can get out of the park fast as the parade ends. 

We were excited when Disney announced the Quick Service Dining Plan was free to most who stay on property during certain times in the fall ~ our week qualified.  It was advertised that you could upgrade to table service for about $19 a person ~ silly me, I thought they meant for the whole time...not each day.  Needless to say, the 5 of us (Granny is going) did not pay the extra per day per person.  But the exciting thing is...other than carrying water bottles and some snacks, we won't be toting a picnic lunch bag everyday!  The fact that is was free is awesome!

Tips for visiting the Parks
*Know where you want to stay and specify the standard room ~ or they will assume you want to upgrade
*Know how many days you want park tickets for ~ we got 5 and are not counting the day we get there or the day we leave
*What kind of tickets?  We like the non-hopper tickets.  We've done the hopper tickets but that is a more expensive option now.
*Ask for specials ~ even Disney does deals, you just have to ask
*Do your homework ~ know what you want to do ahead of going so you don't get home and suddenly remember you forgot to ride something you planned on
*Don't discount Epcot from your plans because you are traveling with small children ~ mine have always loved it
*Have fun ~ enjoy yourself ~ take pictures ~ hug a mouse ~ eat a cupcake for breakfast or ice cream for lunch ~ let your inner child come out

And don't forget about pinterest ~ such a plethora of goodies ~

Amy has a glittery princess decal we are ironing on a shirt ~ I need to make Greg a shirt that says Princess Protector!