Mickeys not so scared Halloween party

One definite up-sell I would recommend is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. This is a pre-ticketed event that was worth every penny when I saw my sons face as I told him we were trick-or-treating the Magic Kingdom. First off everyone gets to dress in costume if they want (mom and dad too although we didn't this time). You are greeted at the gate and given a special bracelet to show that you are indeed with the party. You are also outfitted with a candy bag for each member of your party. Then the fun really begins.

There are special meet spots for Disney characters in their own Halloween costumes where you can have your pictures taken and autographs signed. Special shows featuring Villains at their best happen in between trick or treat candy stops.

When you are ready to take a break there are special treats only sold during the Not So Scary Halloween Party that you and your family will love. My favorite was the spider cupcake. You can sit and enjoy a snack while watching all the people walking around in their costumes (some of these people take this super serious folks, almost better than the costumes that are park made).

There is a special parade and fireworks display designed specifically for this event, and as true to form are breathtaking. Although my son managed to sleep through the fireworks my wife and I were mesmerized (like we were 12 years old). The cast members seem to have a pretty good time being at the event which always makes a big difference. The really nice thing about the MNSSHP is that there are a limited number of people in the park so you can get on the rides without the three hour long lines. Yes it is expensive but it is also something you and your family will remember for a long time.

DCL Disney Dream

The Disney Dream is the third ship in Disney Cruise Lines 4 ship fleet. It entered service in 2011 and is currently sailing mostly 3 and 4 day Bahamian cruises. All the amenities that you have come to expect from DCL are included in this ship, and because the Dream and her sister ship, Fantasy, also have some things that the Magic and Wonder don't. Along with water slides the Dream has a Disney first, the Aquaduck. The Aquaduck it a water roller coaster which has a portion go over the side of the ship (this is also clear so you can look down, although I am not a fan of heights...so no                            thanks). 

It's Oceaneer's kids club has a space for every type of kid from those who like to do arts and crafts, dress in costume, play computer games, dance and move, or hang out in Andy's Room or Monsters Inc. play areas. I am not going to lie, I was quite jealous that my son got to go there because it looked like a ton of fun. The kiddos even get to enjoy meals there if they choose to dine away from mom and dad. There is also a tween, and a teens club that offer both those are brackets the newest tech areas to hangout in and make some new friends.I am excited about this because it means we can cruise Disney for a long time to come without my son getting bored.

Just because this is Disney don't think that they forgot about the adults. There are adult only areas on the ship that are secluded away from the hustle and bustle of family life. There is an adults only pool complete with bar and snack service, the Vista Spa (which is wonderful and a total splurge), and an area called the District that is full of night clubs, bars, restaurants, and other entertainment that would have children yawning with boredom or embarrassed because dad and mom are busting a move on the dance floor (that's right I said bust a move, what is your point). My point is even if you are child free you will have a blast on this ship (and most of the time you will not even realize how many kids are on this ship).  

The food choices are wonderful. Along with the three main restaurants Animators Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Palace. There are two more that you must pay a nominal fee Palo, and  Remy that have exquisite gourmet food prepared lovingly by master chefs. If it is a quick service you are looking for they have that covered too with Flo's Cafe, and Cabanas to get your craving for a slice of pizza after a swim. Add that to all the ice cream self serve areas and drink stations and the glutton or the foodie in you will be sated.

Do yourself a favor and don't miss the night time shows. My wife and I hit two of the three and were pleasantly rewarded with wonderful singing and choreography that challenges anything you will see on Broadway. I am not normally a musical kind of guy but this was fun and didn't take itself to seriously, in essence brain candy. We also managed to see a special showing of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" on 3-D that had some, surprises, that I won't spoil for you. If you like movies they have you covered with first run movies in a state of the art theater, or sit by the pool and watch sports or Disney classics on the funnel-vision (like I said they have you covered).

Basically what I have described above just scratches the surface and doesn't even count your stops, excursions, Castaway Cay day, or cruise demonstrations (they had a cooking one when we went), also during the holiday times they have special events then too. Is a Disney Cruise more expensive? Yes, it is. Is it worth the extra money? Yes it is. They have the largest standard rooms at sea, and with only four ships in the fleet I would say they are better maintained than the larger cruise lines. My only complaint was that I wish that Disney restricted one of their elevators for mobility impaired folks as a convenience because it can take some time to get where you are going. Try it out, I think you will like it.

3000 Page Views

Hello Everyone,


I just reviewed my blog and noticed that I have just hit 3000 page views. I know that this may not seem like a lot to some people but it is huge for me and I just wanted to thank my worldwide readers. Keep checking in with me, I have some more great Disneyworld information coming soon. Until them here is a little vacation moment for all who are suffering from cold temperatures, snow, extensive heat, or just being at work!

Stay Tuned.......

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

The Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater was some of the best food my family had while staying at the Walt Disney Resort. The main theming for the restaurant is based on a 1950s drive-in movie theater. You sit in replicas of classic cars that are your booths, and  face a movie screen that shows old B movies, trailers, and cartoon shorts. AWESOME!!  As you look around you see lighted buildings, and a twilight landscape painted and light on the walls. One of the greatest touches I thought was that the kitchen was made to look like a concession stand.  These little touches made it fun for any of us who may have ever been to a drive in (maybe not in their golden age but before they started to close them down), the only thing missing was the occasional honk of a horn.
I had little in the way of expectations for the food. I believed it was a gimmick restaurant and like most the food would be boring, bland, or just plain bad. I was wrong. The food was delicious. You could get yourself an old stand by like a burger and waffle fries made with incredible ingredients, they also had other dining fare that you would never have been able to get at the drive-in theater. I myself had to get the Memphis style ribs after being told thy had a smoker on site (really how can you not order fresh smoked ribs? YUM!). They came with a side of baked beans and coleslaw it made for a great and filling meal. I topped this off with what they called a shake ( I called it soft-serve with a straw but it was very good soft-serve ice cream).

You must make reservations for this restaurant as soon as you can or you will not be able to get in. They don't offer walk in service. The front staff was friendly and courteous. They got us a table fast and gave us options on what we would like to sit in. The server was great as well. Knowledgeable about the food, funny, and showed up only as you were about to need him. It was definitely a difference from some of the other places we the at.

Basically I am saying if you can get a reservation you would be very foolish not to, take the family to this establishment for some fun. It is a definite memory maker that your family will talk about (my 4 year old was telling his best friend about it). If you can't tell I definitely recommend this place!

Castaway Cay

Like almost every cruise line that sails in the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line has it's own private island it stops at on most cruises over three days.Unlike most cruise lines the Bahamian island called Castaway Cay has undergone a magical Disney transformation. When Disney went looking for a spot for Castaway Cay it had some specifics in mind. It needed to be within a certain mileage from Port Canaveral (at the time the main port of departure for DCL in Florida). They also wanted to be able to dock the ship to the island so passengers would not be subject to tenders like some other cruise lines are.

Once they found this tropical island they started sprinkling pixey dust. This doesn't mean they made a Disneyland in the Caribbean. They worked with the nature of the island they created a lagoon that passengers could snorkel, jet ski, aqua-bike, and sail in. Along with the great tropical fish they added some wonderful extras to their snorkel park. At one point you could even see The Flying Dutchman from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies anchored there. While that has moved on to haunt sailors there still a ton to do and see on island, or on an excursion you can book.

Now if you are like most people, you are there to hang at the beaches on the island. These have been conveniently broken into separate beaches for families, adults (Serenity Bay), and families teens (as well as a sports beach for all you beach athletes (volleyball, or tether ball anyone?). Each of these beautiful white sand beaches are furnished with lounges and most have shade. They have a limited number of beach cabanas on the family and adult beaches (one of the family beach cabanas is wheelchair accessible) which at first glance are a bit pricey but it includes bike and snorkel gear rentals, beach toys, a semi-private beach, beverages and snacks already in place, AND you don't have to fight for a shady place to lay out. It is actually quite reasonable. You MUST book these early if you want one because they go fast. Also if the mood strikes, you can book an in-cabana massage in the Serenity Cove (go ahead, splurge a little). Bliss!

This island may now be home to a well known mouse now, but at one point is was used for some unsavory business dealings that left its mark on the island. The airstrip was there before DC, and was used in themeing quite well. It is the main path to get to the adults only beach Serenity Cove and is criss-crossed by bike trails that will take you around the island. Do not worry about the bikes they have an on-site rental which my wife and son will be taking full advantage of. Bike riding not adventurous enough for you? Book a para-sailing session, glass bottom boat, or personal watercraft for the afternoon. More of the relax and have a snack traveler? They have you covered there too, with restaurants serving food and drinks at each of the three main beaches. This leaves you the ability to read, nap or just sun bake yourself.

Disney Cruise Line has also considered the plight of the people who may need a wheelchair to get around. They have quite a few sand wheelchairs that you may use while on island. Picture a reclining beach chair on wheels. These are great when you are on the sand with their big bouncy tires, but can prove a little tricky when you are on pavement. My advise, bring someone strong to push. There are also paved and hard packed walkways that a person using a mobility device can use to explore and take in the wonderful surroundings and don't worry, if you get all the way to Serenity Cove and cant walk back. There's a tram that you can ride.

On the whole this was one of my favorite spots on the eastern Caribbean cruise we took, and most likely will be on this up coming Nassau one also. It is like you have been invited to a giant party on a private island with tons of food, sun and fun. There really is a magic to the place and I recommend anyone thinking about taking a cruise on DCL to make sure they have a Castaway day.. More to come later.

FastPass+

Walt Disney World is taking several major technological leaps forward this fall.. Along with MyDisneyExperience, and Disney's MagicBands, they have added the FastPass+ program. FastPass+ gives you the ability to log into your MyDisneyExperience account and pick three FastPass+ eligible rides in advance of your visit. This is very exciting for those travelers who have a touring plan, There are however some major restrictions such as limiting you to only three FastPass+ a day, and only for one of the parks even if you have a park hopper ticket. This differs for the paper FastPasses in that you can have one paper FastPass for multiple parks during a single day (but if you lose it or miss your time it is gone for good).

With FastPass+, it is loaded to your MagicBand so when your FP time comes up you scan the MagicBand at the kiosk and queue up in the FastPass line. This may also be a great way for those who have used the DAC (Disability Assistance Card) or GAC (Guest Assistance Card) for disability accommodations to avoid the hassles of standing in long standby lines without needing to sign up for the new program (although you will probably want to sign up so you can do more than three rides a day).

There are many things I love about this program, but one of the best in my opinion is that you don't have to be in the park at opening to get a FastPass+. This was one of my major complaints I had when the paper FastPass program started (mostly because if you wanted a relaxing morning you were likely to be shut out of the FastPasses due to limited numbers issued). I also like the convenience of not needing to fish around for the FP slip, or be out of luck if you lost it while doing another activity, brilliant!

So far the only drawback we have come across is that you need to have time and an idea of where you want to be and when you want to be there. Good if you like preplanning, which my wife does. Then translate all that into the MyDisneyExperience FastPass+ area. This can be a hassle because if you make changes to times or rides it bounces you back to the main page. It makes editing tedious but I am sure that this will be addressed after the beta testing is complete.

Overall organization is the key with FastPass+. You need to to have a plan, but if you are going to WDW and don't have some kind of plan of attack, I personally think you are crazy. This is not Disneyland, it is MUCH larger with many more parks and resorts. With the amount of apps and websites that can assist you with a touring plan it will only take a few hours to create a decent touring plan.that will save your sanity. We all know a sane traveler is a happy traveler. More to come.

Disney's new MyDisneyExperience vacation platform.

MyDisneyExperience is the Disney Resorts newest way to plan and organize your vacation. It gives you one location to make, change, or cancel hotel or advance dining reservations (ADR), choose FastPass+ ride times, and save special event registrations. This is an amazing tool if you have time set aside before your trip to figure out which park you will be in, what time you might want to eat, and what rides you may want to ride. Once you have your trip information in the MyDisneyExperience website it can be tweaked from your smart phone, laptop, or tablet. I am fortunate as my wife is very much a planner and even though there are some things that could vastly be improved on, we now have our trip in hand (via our smartphone apps).

For the moment this information will be used at the Walt Disney World Parks and resorts as your room key, park admission, event tickets, FastPasses, and charge things to your room through the Magicbands (see earlier post on Magicbands). This will probably expand to the other parks as the technology is proven reliable. I will welcome the day when I can go from cruise ship to park and only have one account. 

All your trip information will be stored and accessible so you can go back to review (for things you loved or hated) when planning your next trip. I definitely feel this will be a valuable tool as a person with a small child, and also a mobility impaired person, because it will be easier to notate something that we just didn't care for or had difficulty doing. Tell me how you might feel about this new tool.