Memorial Day

Today we give thanks to all of our servicemen and women who protect us and ensure our freedom.

Next time you're in Disney today, stop by Shades of Green and thank the service men and women that are there, stop and see the Flag Retreat Ceremony at Magic Kingdom and listen to The Voices of Liberty.

All gave some... some gave all

Today, tomorrow and always, we remember and we thank you!

The Eat To The Beat Concert Series

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is no secret. For many people this festival, which is included with the price of your admission ticket, is a main reason to head to WDW in October. Along with the more than 25 countries that are represented by kiosks selling special snack size foods (many of which can be exchanged for a snack credit on your Disney Dining Plans) are free special events like lectures, presentations and The Eat To The Beat Concert Series. This morning The Orlando Sentinel posted The Eat To The Beat Concert Series lineup!! There's only one set of dates that are TBA, 10/14-10/15 but the rest are a blast from the past for many of us!!

Sept. 27-29: Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Go-Go's

Oct. 2-4: Air Supply

Oct. 5-6: Sister Hazel

Oct. 7-9: Sugar Ray

Oct. 10-11: Edwin McCain

Oct. 12-13: Manhattan Transfer

Oct. 14-15: To be announced

Oct. 16-17: The Pointer Sisters

Oct. 18-20: Night Ranger

Oct. 21-23: Boyz II Men

Oct. 24-25: Survivor

Oct. 26-27: 38 Special

Oct. 28-30: Smash Mouth

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Spin Doctors

Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross

Nov. 4-5: Hanson

Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung

Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

If you'd like to head to WDW for The International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot contact me today for your free, no obligation quote!! Don't forget when you book your Disney Vacation through me my planning services are FREE to you!! :) 

Have a MAGICAL day! 

Chrissie

NY Post Article

I don't normally post much personal information about my children on anything relating to my business. I was forwarded an article in the NY Post today by numerous people. I have to say that I am horrified on both a professional and a personal level by what I have read. I am posting my full response to both the journalist and the editor of the NY Post here for you to read after you read this article:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/disney_world_srich_kid_outrage_zTBA0xrvZRkIVc1zItXGDP

My Response, as a mom of a special needs child and a Disney travel specialist.

I have read your article numerous times over the past few hours and have tried to figure out how to word what I am going to say here quite a few times in my head. It is an understatement to say that I am utterly disgusted by what I have read. Not only disgusted by the parents that have done this but by the agency that has exploited their handicapped workers. I have been a huge fan of Disney since I was a young child. I vacationed in Disney World as a child, teenager, young adult, married woman, mom of 1, mom of 2 and now as a mom of 3. For the past 4 years I have also been traveling as the mom of a special needs child. My 7 year old son has special needs. He is on the autism spectrum, he has mobility issues, he fatigues faster than some infants, he has sensory issues and he has brain cancer. He was diagnosed in September 2008 with unclassifiable tumors coating his brain and spine. It is because of my love for Disney and their exceptional guest service that I became a Disney Vacation Specialist with Fairytale Journeys Travel Agency about a year ago.

As someone who has utilized the Guest Assistance policies at numerous amusement parks since my son's diagnosis I am horrified by both the families and 'tour company'/companies that are partaking in this behavior. The families should be grateful that their children and loved ones are able to stand on a line and experience all that these theme parks have to offer! They should spend a day in a Children's Hospital; on an oncology ward; with a disabled veteran or in a special needs school. The children that are 'waiting one minute to get on "It's A Small World"' are being taught that it's ok to exploit people with special needs to get ahead. It's teaching my children that, to some people, my son would be seen as a way to 'skip to the front of the line'. It's disgusting and sad. I hope that this article helps all amusement parks start to work on banning tour companies that use their Guest Assistance policies as a way to get paying clients to the front of the line and ensure that the policies set in place are used for legitimate special needs circumstances. 

Chrissie

Hidden Mickeys.... and not so Hidden Mickeys

We love Hidden Mickeys in my family! There are so many out there from the different silhouettes and can be found anywhere... here are some fun Hidden.. and not so Hidden... Mickeys. 

Some Hidden Mickeys are handmade...

Some are too cute for words...

Some are good enough to eat...

 Some are as big as your head...

Some you find at home and smile thinking of Disney.... 

Some are very well hidden and take some work to find... 

No matter where you find your Hidden Mickeys we hope they bring a smile to your face!! 

Have a MAGICAL Day!

Chrissie

**There's still plenty of time to book and plan a MAGICAL Disney Vacation with Pirates and Pixie Dust Vacations! My services are FREE to you with any Disney Vacation Package, Resort Reservation or Disney Park Ticket for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Adventure by Disney that you book through me! 

There are great promotions to help you SAVE on your Walt Disney World Vacation from 6/14-9/28! I would love to book and plan your MAGICAL Disney vacation with you!! 

There are some great deals out there for Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line as well!

Free Dining! Room Discounts! AMAZING SUMMER DEALS for WDW!

I've been on hold with Disney for a little over an hour now to save existing Pirates and Pixie Dust Vacations clients lots of money with the new FREE DINING and Room Discount Promotions released to the general public today!!

If you're interested in a vacation at Walt Disney World® between 9/2 and 9/25 you can benefit from the FREE DINING offer! For stays in the Value Resorts you get a FREE QUICK SERVICE Dining Plan and for stays in MODERATE/DELUXE/DELUXE VILLA RESORTS you get a FREE DISNEY DINING PLAN!!

If you aren't traveling between those September dates you can still benefit from a ROOM PROMOTION! Save up to 30% on select resorts most nights from 8/15-9/28! Check out the chart below for information regarding which resorts are available!

AVAILABILITY IS EXTREMELY LIMITED!! Please contact me TODAY to book and plan your MAGICAL Disney Vacation!! piratesandpixiedustvacations@gmail.com or 347-909-0893

There's still time to get in on the Early Summer Room Promotion as well - most nights from 6/13-8/14! This promotion must be booked by 6/14 :)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Relaxing Resorts

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort® - There is NO way you can feel anything but relaxed here!

Disney Visa Late Summer/Early Fall Discount

Disney Visa Card Holders have we got an offer for you!!! Not one but TWO offers from Disney... 

***FREE DINING dates 9/2/13 - 9/25/13. Value Resorts can upgrade from the FREEE Quick Service Plan and Moderate and Deluxe Resorts can upgrade from the FREE Disney Dining Plan! Room and Ticket packages must be booked at full price and everyone in the resort room MUST be on the same package! At least a 3 night stay and a 2 day park ticket must be purchased in order to qualify for Free Dining. Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Little Mermaid rooms in Art of Animation are excluded.

***Room Promotion for stays most nights 8/15/13 - 9/28/13. Discounts vary by resort - See the chart below to view the % off resort rooms! Yes, you can add tickets to make this a package!! 

Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Excludes 3-bedroom villas, campsites and is not valid at Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms. Deposit must be made at the time of booking with your Disney's Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Subject to availability.

AVAILABILITY IS VERY LIMITED on both of these offers!!

If you're a Disney Visa Cardholder e-mail me TODAY for your Free, no obligation quote! If you're not a Disney Visa Cardholder send me an e-mail with the details of a trip you'd like me to quote and I will quote it for you when there's a general public promotion released!

Why wait on hold for hours when I can do that for you?? E-mail me at piratesandpixiedustvacations@gmail.com or call 347-909-0893

Have a MAGICAL day! 

~~Chrissie

Breaking News from Disney Parks Blog!! 

We have several “Limited Time Magic” surprises to share with Disney Parks Blog readers today, including details for a special celebration to officially welcome Merida, into the Disney Princess Royal Court.

Merida will OFFICIALLY be named a Disney Princess on May 11th! 

As a part of “Limited Time Magic,” all 10 Disney Princesses will come together on May 11 in honor of their newest member, Merida, the heroine from Disney•Pixar’s film, “Brave” as the 11th Disney Princess character. The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park.
At the park, you’ll also be able to commemorate the occasion with a limited edition Merida-inspired T-shirt created for toddlers and youth, available at the Emporium inside Magic Kingdom Park while supplies last.Before Merida’s royal celebration, we’re kicking off a weeklong “Limited Time Magic” Fiesta at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

It’s Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Niños and all the fun of a festive Mexican celebration rolled into one at Epcot next week. 

You can meet the Three Caballeros – Panchito, Jose Carioca and el Pato Donald and join in with a variety of performances, including marionettes and folkloric dancing and other surprises.San Angel Inn and La Hacienda will be joining in the “Limited Time Magic” celebration by offering special Cinco de Mayo menus with authentic drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert options to celebrate the occasion. Plus, because it’s the Year of the Ear, as part of “Limited Time Magic,” we will feature Cinco de Mayo ear hats at the park.
Glow with the Show at Disneyland!

And at Disneyland Resort, for a limited time beginning May 5, the “Glow with the Show” ear hats will be incorporated into nightly presentations of the fireworks spectacular “Magical.”
As part of “Limited Time Magic,” you’ll also be able to find a special fireworks viewing area on Main Street, U.S.A., reserved for you when you wear your “Glow with the Show” ears. Special viewing area dates are: May 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, due to limited capacity.

Walt Disney World Special Events this fall

Attention Fall Disney World Vacationers! The dates and tickets prices have been announced for Night of Joy, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) :)

***Night of Joy is Disney’s contemporary Christian music festival. This year it will be held September 6-7, 2013 from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. If you purchase one night of tickets in advance, they are $55. The cost for both nights is $99 when purchased ahead of time. You can also purchase tickets for $65 each night the day of the event.

***Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be on the following select dates this fall:

September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29
October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

As in past years, tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party vary based on date:

-Advance sale for September dates (excluding Sept. 29): $59 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $54 plus tax for children ages 3-9
-Advance sale for September 29, October, and November dates: $62 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $57 plus tax for children ages 3-9
-Advance sale tickets are not available for October 11, 18, 25, or 31
--Same day sales for September dates (excluding September 29): Ages 10 and up $65.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9 are $60.00 plus tax.
--Same day sales for September 29 and October/November dates (excluding October 31): Ages 10 and up $67.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9 are $62.00 plus tax.
--Premium Night (October 31): Ages 10 and up $73.00 plus tax. and Children ages 3-9 are $68.00 plus tax.

This year Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of National Guard or Reservists, may purchase discounted Halloween party tickets to select event nights. They may also purchase additional tickets for up to five family members or friends. These dates are: September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, and 27. Prices are $41.30 for ages 10 and up. Children ages 3-9 are $37.80 plus tax. Military staying at Shades of Green receive the same discount, but their tickets are also tax exempt.

***Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, and 22. December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20.

Pricing for the Christmas parties is as follows:

-Advanced Sales: Ages 10 and up are $62.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9 are $57.00 plus tax.
-*-*Advance Sale prices are not available for November 22, December 6, 13, 19, or 20.
-Same day sales: ages 10 and up are $67.00. Children ages 3-9 are $62.00.
-Premium Night (December 20): ages 10 and up $71.00. Children ages 3-9 are $66.00.

There is also a military discount on select nights for the Christmas party this year! Dates are November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, and 21. Prices are $43.40 plus tax for ages 10 and up. Children ages 3-9 are $39.90. For military staying at Shades of Green the prices are the same but are tax exempt.

Contact me for information on purchasing your MNSSHP, MVMCP and/or your Night of Joy tickets with your Disney Vacation Package!!

Disney Dollars

Disney Dollars are 'Disney currency' that can be used in the Disney parks and resorts. They were really popular years ago and have been making a comeback despite the widely used Disney Gift Cards.

This year Disney Dollars are available in both Disney hero and villain themes and they come in $1 denominations. They can be purchased at Guest Services in any of the Disney theme parks, at any Walt Disney World® resort and at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney.

Many people purchase Disney Dollars for souven-ears during their Disney vacations but many parents are now purchasing them to teach kids the value of money on their Disney vacation. Disney Dollars are a great way to have your kids decide when and where they spend their vacation allowance or they can save birthday and allowances during the year to exchange for Disney Dollars to spend on their Disney vacation. If your child is old enough to take control of a purchase him/herself, have them check that they were given the correct amount of change! Once they realize that spending their Disney Dollars on souvenirs means that they are going to be limited in their purchases they will really learn to control their buying of souvenirs they might like to have vs. souvenirs that they REALLY want.

See, Disney is full of fun, MAGIC and learning ;)

Have a MAGICAL day! 

Chrissie