Happy New Year!  I love starting off the new year with something really exciting to look forward to and we are counting the days until we leave for Disney World!  We are leaving mid-January and even though this will be our 12th trip in just as many years, the excitment and anticipation is still the same as it was our first trip.  I have to say, having a little one again does add another diminsion to these feelings. This will Bailey's 3rd trip and it's so much fun to see her anticipation about our trip.  I can't wait to see Disney through her eyes!  When we took her last year, she loved it but she was only 3 and still not fully in tune with everything that was about to happen.  The first time she went, she was 2 and well, even though she does remember a couple of things, that trip was really more for us than her.  This time, she asks every morning if we are going to Disney World tomorrow.  She gets so excited when we talk about the things we will do.  I know she will be so much more aware this time around!  I can't wait to see her face and experience the wonder of Disney with her all over again.  

Bailey is 4 1/2 , and of course, we do expect that not every minute will be filled with wonder.  With little ones, you have to be careful not to over plan and you MUST be flexible!  We usually, tenatively plan each day, with a break in the middle to go back to the resort (we always stay on property) for lunch, nap and much needed quiet time.  It really helps with attitudes, whinniness and melt downs (it's also great for the 4 year old, too).  The following are some important tips for those of you with little ones who may be planning a trip to Disney.  As I said, be flexible.  You must be ready for the unexpected and don't worry too much about trying to see everything that you possibly can each day.  Remember, this is a vacation, and it will be a lot more fun and relaxing if you enjoy your resort and pool, too.  We usually fly when we go to Disney World but we have driven in the past and one time, with Bailey.  She did quite well but we had to break the trip there into 2 days, which took away from our time at Disney.  From our house, it takes about 13 hours to drive to Orlando.  Flight time is 1 1/2 hours, non-stop.  It's so worth it to us to fly.  We always plan our vacations months in advance so we can save, budget and not be strapped when our trip finally gets here.  Bailey had her first plane experience our last trip to Disney and she loved it!  We have a portable DVD player, so, we just took a few of her favorite movies and it kept her entertained most of the trip.  The juice and snacks helped, too.  Once you get to your resort, you can request a small fridge and microwave for your room; I highly encourage doing that. There is a shopping strip mall just outside the Disney World gates with a grocery store.  If your thinking, "I'll bet they see you coming a mile away", you're wrong!  They see you coming 10 miles away but it's convenient and if you plan right you will only have to make one trip.  We usually just pick up breakfast and lunch items; milk, breakfast bars, raisens, bread, lunchmeat, cheese, peanutbutter, etc.  Most of these items are fairly inexpensive and the money you save from not eating every meal in the parks far out weights the initial grocery bill.  If you decide to drive, you can just pick up some of the items at your local grocery store and get the perishables when you get there.  All of the resorts have a good many of these items in their own little "convenience store" but you will definitely pay for that convenience.  The grocery store outside the gates will be a bit more reasonable.  When we fly, we just have a taxi take us to the store.  I know what your thinking but believe me its still less expensive in the long run.  

Looking at each theme parks schedule for the days you'll be there is also a good idea.  Do this ahead of time so you can plan what nights will be your later nights.  Fireworks shows, for instance will always be later in the evening and we try to plan what night to see which show. We plan a longer morning on those days and mid afternoon we go back to the resort for a late lunch and long nap.  Then we head back out around 5:00.  We spend a few hours in the park before the show, maybe have dinner. She is refreshed from her long nap and handles the later night pretty well.  For the next day, we get a little later start so that no one feels rushed to get up early after the late night.

Depending on the age of your little one, you will probably want to have a stroller.  Last trip, we took Bailey's umbrella stroller and it worked just fine.  This time, we will wait and rent a stroller when we get there.  She's outgrown her umbrella stroller but we know she will still need to take breaks from walking and there is no way we will be able to carry her!  Each park has stroller rentals just inside the entrance  You can pay a flat fee for the days you will be there, ahead of time and just pick up your stroller each day when you enter the park.  

Over the next few weeks I will detail some very important tips and helpful suggestions for planning your Disney Vacation with preschoolers.  These are things that my family and I learned from trial and error and hopefully, will save you a few steps.  If any of you have something specific you would like to know about experiencing Disney with a preschooler, let me know and I will do my best to help you with my experiences or point you in the right direction.

Well...you're a little late for this year.

But it's NOT too late to start thinking about next year!

It's not a cheap time to go, that's for sure.  But it will definitely be a holiday that your whole family will remember.

Talk it over with your family.  If its something that you are even MILDLY interested in doing...call and book your rooms now.  Pay your one night's deposit and then think about it for a while.  As you get into the New Year and begin planning your family's 2008 itinerary, you will have a better idea if it is something you want to work toward -- and you will already have gotten your first choice of resort!  If you change your mind, just call and cancel; you will get a full refund if you cancel with 5 days' notice!

First, let me say how excited I am to be a part of the groundbreaking new service that we like to call ChaCha.  I've only been a part of it for a very short time...and already, I am psyched about what the future holds for those of us who are involved with it...and for those of you who get to use it!

I'm also excited to begin this Orlando travel blog as part of my affiliation with ChaCha.  I lived in Orlando for about three years.  I spent most of that time working for what most people consider to be the world's premier vacation destination.  (I'll give you a hint:  it all started with a mouse!)

If you think you're too old, or too cool, or your kids are too young or too old for Disney...we need to talk.  But...never fear.  I'm more than happy to talk with you about any number of other Orlando destinations including Universal Studios/Islands Of Adventure, Sea World, etc.  I don't know them as intimately as I know Walt Disney World...but...its close.  I lived less than 3 miles from Universal Studios the entire time I was in Orlando...and held an annual pass for much of that time.  (There is no feeling in the world like stopping on your way home from work just to ride Dueling Dragons a few times!)

If you need advice about accomodations, dining, attractions, travel arrangements...I can help.  Contact me with your topics and questions at allthingsorlando@gmail.com anytime.

In the meantime, look for the latest Central Florida attractions news and commentary right here.  I'll also do my best to watch out for great deals you can take advantage of...and lots of tips and trivia to make your next trip even more magical!

Stay tuned...

Wouldn't it be great to experience Christmas in different countries?  Imagine walking through Piccadilly Circus in London, or the Champs de Elysees in Paris soaking in all the Christmas lights and decorations.  You and your family experiencing the Christmas traditions of other countries! There may be some of you out there that have been fortunate enough to travel the world and do just that.  For the rest of us, however, there is a great way to sample Christmas around the world without leaving the good ole United States of America.  Epcot, World Showcase at Walt Disney World features Christmas around the world in their World Showcase.  There you will find Mexico, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Canada, just to name a few. You can walk from each "country" to the next and experience a sample of Christmas in each; Germany with its beautiful Christmas trees and Christkindle (Santa Claus). France and their Pere Noel (Santa Claus) under the Eiffel Tower, Norway with their yummy holiday goodies and festive vikings.  It's such an awesome experience and a great way to educate the kids on how different cultures celebrate and keep Christmas.  Each country has it's own storyteller, who tells of how Christmas is celebrated in their country.  The storytellers are funny, knowledgeable and entertaining.  Even Japan has a Christmas storyteller.  Who knew?  It's educational and entertaining.  The kids are learning something even though they don't realize it...pretty cool!

Another 'don't miss' is the Candlelight Processional, which has been a Disney tradition for many, many years. My family and I saw this show a few years back and I have to say it was a very moving and spiritual experience. The Candlelight Processional takes place during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre in the World Showcase at Epcot.  It is a beautifully performed presentation featuring a celebrity narrator retelling the story of Christmas, a live orchestra and amazing choir.  You can find out in advance which celebrity is performing which nights by checking schedules at www.disneyworld.com. There is not extra charge for the Candlelight Processional, however, you can purchase dinner tickets, which will give you dinner at one of the World Showcase restaurants and a ticket to a reserved seat for the performance. They do sell out and sometimes quickly. The more popular the celebrity narrator, and larger crowds (like weekends and when the kids are out for the holidays) make it more difficult to get a seat. Plan ahead! The Candlelight Processional is held outside, therefore, it is not climate controlled.  The performance is not canceled due to incliment weather. A good idea is to check the local forecast so there are no surprises.  I'd bring a rain poncho just in case, this is Florida after all. A good thing to keep in mind is, if you are not purchasing tickets for the dinner package, seats are first come first serve.  I would suggest lining up at least 45 minutes to an hour before the performance starts. Again, check www.disneyworld.com for schedules of dates and times.

Whether you get to spend some holiday time at Disney World, at home with family and friends or both. I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a healthy, happy and blessed new year!

1.  Stay on property if financially possible.  It's much easier to go back to the hotel and nap in the afternoon if it's close by.

 2.  Bring lots of water and snacks.  You'll spend a fortune going to restaraunts and snack shops every time the kids get hungry.

3.  If you're in the middle of potty training, bring plenty of extra clothes, and don't get so excited yourself that you forget to stop for bathroom breaks every hour.

4.  Stay flexible!  Don't make too many set plans, as your children may have different ideas.

5.  For some downtime, go see Playhouse Disney.  My son fell asleep in the middle of it.

6.  Character meals are always a hit.  They are usually a little pricey, but SO much fun.  At WDW, I recommend Chef Mickey's and the Playhouse Disney lunch (I can't remember the name of the restaurant.  It's at MGM and features JoJo, Goliath, and the Einsteins).

7.  Souveniers:  Allow the kids to look during your stay, but tell them that you aren't going to buy anything until the end.  This gives them the opportunity to look to see what they want, without you having to buy at every store.  If you do buy in the middle of the trip and are staying on property, the stores can deliver the items to your room.

I know that there is a whole lot more, but that's all I can come up with right now.  Anyone have anything to add?

Again, keeping in theme with my last post, here are the height requirments for all Disney World Parks. 

 Magic Kingdom Park

1. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm – 35”

2. Splash Mountain® – 40”

3. Big Thunder Mountain – 40”

4. Stitch’s Great Escape – 40”

5. Space Mountain® – 44”

6. Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – 52” to ride alone

Epcot

1. Test Track – 40”

2. Soarin’ – 40”

3. Mission: SPACE – 44”

Disney-MGM Studios

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40”

2. Star Tours – 40”

3. Rock-n-Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith – 48”

Animal Kingdom Theme Park

1. Kali River Rapids® – 38”

2. DINOSAUR – 40”

3. Expedition Everest™ – 44”

4. Primeval Whirl® – 48”

Each time we go to a Disney park, I find myself scouring the internet for the height requirements, trying to determine who can go on what rides.  While they do post them on the main park websites, they are not easy to locate.  Here they are for the DisneyLand parks.

Disneyland

 35" (89 cm) or taller

Gadget's Go Coaster, presented by Sparkle

Matterhorn Bobsleds

40" (102 cm) or taller

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Star Tours

46" (117 cm) or taller

Indiana Jones™ Adventure

52" (132 cm) or taller

Autopia, presented by Chevron

Disney's California Adventure Park

36" (91 cm) or taller

Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies

Jumpin' Jellyfish

Soarin' Over California

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Grizzly River Run

Mulholland Madness, presented by Alamo

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Featuring "The Magic of Brother Bear" show

48" (122 cm) or taller

California Screamin'

Orange Stinger

Maliboomer

54" (138 cm) or taller

Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies

When I think about Disney World, one of the first things that come to my mind is Main Street USA, with Cinderella's Castle coming in at a close second. There's only one place to find these things, The Magic Kingdom theme park. The Magic Kingdom is the cornerstone, the original, the first park at Walt Disney World in Orlando. It has gone through many renovations and changes through the years but the one thing that remains constant is its, well, magic. From the moment I walk through the gates and take in Main Street USA, hear the music and see Cinderella's Castle in the distance, I'm transformed! I feel light and happy...like a kid. When I walk through the gates at Christmas time the feelings are multiplied 10 fold. Seeing Main Street USA decked out in holiday decorations is a sight to behold. It's beautiful, not overdone, perfect. Oh yeah, the kids think it's cool, too.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is an annual event that starts in November and goes through mid December. There is an additional charge for Mickey's party and it can get a bit pricey depending on how many people are in your family. When we decided that we just couldn't miss it, we got the kids involved. We told them in order to go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the tickets would have to be part of their Christmas. They enthusiastically agreed without hesitation and we worked it into our Christmas budget. By the way, with my family, this always works. If we plan a trip around the holidays or a birthday, well, there you go, instant gift. And what a gift! Even my now 16 year old, Gunnar, had no qualms with going to Disney as part of his Christmas AND birthday gift in January.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party starts after the Magic Kingdom closes for the day. After everyone who is not staying for the party leaves when the park closes, you have the whole place to yourself! Well, you and about 20,000 other party goers. Seriously, the tickets are limited and 20,000 people in an area that can accomadate up to 100,000 people is pretty awesome. No waiting in long lines for rides, great seats/views for the performances, a better opportunity to get character autographs and pics. Along with practically having the park to yourself, you also have hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, special performances and fireworks just for the occassion.

"Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" is also part of the party. There are a series of wonderfully festive floats, dancing reindeer, toy soldiers,  and of course, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and all the rest of the popular Disney Characters along for the ride. Holiday music, new and classic plus the much talked about, "Disney snow" are all put together for a holiday experience you really shouldn't miss. If this doesn't put you in the mood to be joyful and merry, may the Grinch be with you!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins on November 12 and goes through December 21. The Hours are 7:00p.m. - midnight. Tickets prices are, $51.07, for adults (age 10+) and $42.62, for children (3-9). There are some advantages to purchasing the ticket early. First, a lot of nights will sell out and second, you can receive a discount for certain nights when you purchase the tickets in advance. Discount tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to the event. You can call, (407)939-7664, to reserve tickets and get additional information.

I hope you are able to attend this wonderful event that will thrill adults and children, alike. Once again, this is Disney in its element and sure to please even the "grinchiest" of us all.

When it comes to the holidays there are few places that offer more wonderfully enchanting experiences than Disney World. After all, what better place than, "the happiest place on earth", to spend, "the most wonderful time of the year"? It shouldn't be surprising to learn that Disney World offers tons of fun filled events, heart-warming, truly touching experiences and down right cool things to do for the holidays. I will be touching on some of the must sees over the next few weeks. For those who have never been to Disney World, the schedules can seem overwhelming. My goal is to help simplify things for you. I will highlight a specific Disney World Holiday Event every few days.

Jennings Osborne, a Little Rock, Arkansas businessman, began putting up lights over a decade ago, at the request of his young daughter. He added to the display each year until he had over 3 millions lights. Neighbors complained that when all the 3 million lights were on, it was a public nuisance. There was a court order barring Osborne's "spectacle". In 1995, Disney brought the Osborne Christmas lights to Disney Studios (formally Disney-MGM Studies) at Walt Disney World.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a breathtaking 3D and motion-based, spectacular display that begins with a brief tree lighting ceremony. It all takes place on a "hometown" street where you wind your way amid 5 million lights twinkling to music, Disney "snow" flurries, building facades, and trees. Without a doubt, it is Disney World in its element; Grandiose, beautiful, almost surreal. When my family went, we had our 9 year old, Gunnar and 14 year old, Cassie, in tow. I have to say that Cassie was just as mesmerized and excited as Gunnar (of course, I would never have let her know that we noticed). It's just one of those things that makes us all kids again, truly a sight to behold!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is located at the Disney Studios in the, "Streets of America", back-lot, starting November 12, 2007 through January 6, 2008. Disney Studios opens daily at 9:00 am and closing times vary depending on the day and time of year (check www.disneyworld.com for daily schedules). There is no extra admission charge for this attraction.

Keep in mind, the line is long, this is a popular Disney attraction. A good idea is to plan your afternoon to be spent at the Disney Studios park. Take in a couple of shows like, Beauty and the Beast (wonderful) or Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (Dads and kids really love it). Don't forget about the rides! Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller Coaster or the Great Movie Ride, to name a few. You might want to take the little ones to the, "Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure"; it's a playground with larger than life trees, insects, garden tools and grass. Let them run for a while and maybe, while you're standing in line waiting to see the Osborne lights, it won't be so bad. We also grab a bite to eat before getting in line, for obvious reasons. Then, an hour or so before the tree lighting ceremony, head on over and get in line for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It's worth the wait and the memories will stay with you for years and years to come.

Has anyone been on the ride yet?  I would love to gather feedback before my next trip to the park in March.

I absolutely LOVED the ride at Disney World, and I can only imagine it will be better this time around.  For those who don't know, Disney just transformed the old Submarine Explorer ride into Finding Nemo.  The ride uses the same subs, and they estimate it at 14 minutes long.

As a child, the submarines were my favorite.  I was hearbroken when they closed them down.  Now, my son is over the top with anticipation to go "find nemo."  He really enjoyed the version at Disneyworld, but the thought of going in a boat that goes under water has him excited.

FYI.....there used to be an old rumor that the submarine lagoon couldn't be drained or the Matterhorn would collapse.  That has been put to rest now.  The lagoon was drained for quite a while so that the imagineers could create Nemo's home.

Here is a link to DL's official page on the new attraction.  Follow the link on the left to Finding Nemo Virtual Lagoon.  It's a fun game for the kids.  We now have the characters swimming across our computer screen.

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attractions/detail?name=FindingNemoSubmarineVoyageAttractionPage

~Nicole

P.S.  In future posts, I will use DL for Disneyland and DW for Disney World.

Just a quick note to welcome everyone!  This blog will be full of my opinions on Disney theme parks, especially those in the states, Disneyland and Disney World.  I'm also part of a research group for their movies so I will be throwing in some knowledge about those as well.

I hope everyone enjoys, and please leave lots of comments!  I love to meet my readers.

Nicole