Disney Blog Hop - Wordless Wednesday

Today's Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop topic is Disney Dads...

Thank you Deb of Focused on the Magic for hosting the Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!! 

Happy Father's Day to all of you Disney Dads out there!! 

Have a MAGICAL day! 

Chrissie

New Website

Hi everyone!!

I've relaunched my business website so this blog can be all about Disney fun, vacation tips, Disney news and for sharing my Disney pictures!!

If you would like to book a Disney Vacation visit www.piratesandpixiedustvacations.com and send me a quote request!! :)

Have a MAGICAL day!!

Chrissie

Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!!

For this week, the Wordless Wednesday theme is June Calendar Shots:

Looking at this picture would make me happy for the whole month of June!! 

Thank you Deb at Focused on the Magic for hosting!! :) 

WDW & DL refurbishment updates

Walt Disney World®

Magic Kingdom® Park

Main Street Bakery

01/12/13 - 06/18/13

Big Thunder Mountain

06/22/13 - 6/23/13

Pirates of the Caribbean

07/27/13 - 07/30/13

Epcot®

Epcot Character Spot

10/21/12 - TBD

Fountainview Ice Cream Shop

04/08/13 - Fall

France Ice Cream Shop

02/25/13 - June

Disney's Hollywood Studios®

American Idol

06/10/13 - 06/12/13

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

None

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

None

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

None

 Disney's All Star Sports Resort

End Zone Food Court - transportation from the porte cochere will be provided to Disney's All-Star Music Resort and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort where Guests can dine at the Intermission Food Court or World Premier Food Court

08/04/13 - 12/20/13

Arcade - closed during this time frame as it will be used as a temporary Food Court with "Grab & Go" items

08/04/13 - 12/20/13

Disney's Contemporary Resort

California Grill

02/02/13 - Late Summer 2013

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Beach Pool & Slide - The Courtyard Pool will remain open during this time

05/27/13 - 05/31/13

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

The Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort - Guests may be referred to Senses - A Disney Spa at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort for spa services.

01/16/13 - Summer 2013

Downtown Disney® Area

None

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf

None

Disneyland®

Disneyland Park

Now – Oct. 30, 2013: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for 

refurbishment. 

Now – January 2014: Starcade second floor will be closed.

Now – Jan 15, 2015: Market House / Disneyana down until further notice. Reopening to be announced. 

May 20-23, 2013: Tom Sawyer’s Island Cider Mill will remain open.

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

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 :)

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

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

A MAGICAL NEW YEAR

Hi everyone!!

I know, I know... it's been TOO long! We had quite a setback here at Pirates and Pixie Dust Vacations once Superstorm Sandy came but we've relocated until our home is back up and running and we're settled in our new digs! To celebrate not only being back up and running,  but the ringing in of the NEW YEAR, I'm hosting a giveaway!

You can enter for your chance to win a $50 Disney Gift Card from Pirates and Pixie Dust Vacations! Yep, that's right! A $50 Disney Gift Card! To win all you have to do is go HERE  (yes, click the word HERE ) and follow the directions!

 There's a lot of magic happening in Disney World this year. From the newest promotions to the year of Limited Time Magic! I'll be posting about all of it during the upcoming week but for now, don't forget to enter to WIN!!

 Happy New Year! We hope it's a MAGICAL one for everyone!

~~Chrissie

Sunday Sweets Disney Style

When we head to Disney World we always make it a point to head to Downtown Disney Marketplace! As much as we love the atmosphere of a shopping center dedicated practically JUST to Disney merchandise, there's the matter of Goofy's Candy Co. We just can't visit WDW without stopping here for a treat!

Really... where else can you get a treat coated in ANYTHING you want like this?!?!?!

And really... can you find cuter candy apples ANYWHERE?!?!?! 

~~Chrissie

Streetmosphere

In New York City we have subway singers and Naked Cowboys... in Disney we have STREETMOSPHERE!! :) They're street performers that enhance the atmosphere in the parks. This would be how the term streetmosphere was born :) 

 These performers are sometimes very funny, sometimes very groan-worthy and sometimes so entertaining you find yourself really stopping for a while just to watch! Check out some examples of the streetmosphere found in various parks... there's even a performer from the Boardwalk in the pics too! :)  

Magical Express... is it as MAGICAL as it sounds?

When you book a Disney World Vacation you have the option of adding ground transportation to your reservation. You can book a rental car though Disney, you can book a shuttle from the airport to Disney property or you can use Disney's COMPLIMENTARY Magical Express. This Magical Express Service provides door to door bus round trip transportation between Orlando International Airport & select resorts on Disney Property. Here's a list of the Disney property resorts that offer Magical Express service:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge & Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House & Kidani Village

Disney's Beach Club Resort & Disney's Beach Club Villas

Disney's Yacht Club Resort 

Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Disney's BoardWalk Villas

Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort 

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Disney's Polynesian Resort

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney's Wilderness Lodge & The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort/Disney's All-Star Music Resort/Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney's Pop Century Resort

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Here's how it works:
In the weeks before your Disney World Vacation you will receive a booklet like this:

In it will be all sorts of information including a map of MCO (Orlando International Airport) so you know where to go when you land!!

Information on what you should be doing before you leave home, your flight information and arrival bus vouchers will also be included in the book along with return flight information. DO NOT REMOVE THESE FROM THE BOOKLET!!! You will also be receiving luggage tags that look like this:

Once you get the Magical Express documents open the envelope and ensure everything is correct. Don't lose this booklet! You will need it to board a Magical Express bus at the airport. :) 

Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. If you have attached your Disney's Magical Express luggage tags to any of your checked bags... have no fear... Magical Express service will collect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 3 hours after you check in at the resort! Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach. If you're not sure you want to wait that long or if you are worried about your bags you can skip putting the luggage tags on your checked bags and retrieve them from Baggage Claim yourself and transport them to the bus. There's room in the luggage hold compartments of the buses for your bags, strollers, car seats... don't worry... everything can fit on the bus without cramming you in your seats! 


A note for any International Disney Guests flying into Orlando International Airport... you must follow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process and claim your luggage after disembarking the plane. After completing the process, proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will recollect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 4 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motorcoach. :) Just wanted to make sure any of our international readers took note of that!! :) 

Your Disney Magical Express Bus will look like this:

Yep, it's even fun on the back!! :) 

Your ride is full of fun! Your Disney Vacation has officially begun when you step onto your bus! From the Mickey head upholstered seats to the GPS played video that you watch full of Disney information and ideas starring Mickey and friends it's a great start to your trip! 

Once you reach your Resort Destination you will hop off the bus into your resort! Don't forget to collect any baggage that you had placed underneath in the luggage compartment! :)

As your Disney vacation comes to a close, you will receive an envelope like this hanging on your doorknob:

It will include a letter with your Disney's Magical Express information for your departure day. Your bus typically picks you up at your resort 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. International guests, you get picked up about 4 hours before your departure time!! Bring this letter with you to the bus stop! :)

Another feature that Disney World is now offering is airline check in for many airlines right at your resort if you're flying domestically on select airlines!! You will receive your return boarding pass and check luggage at your Walt Disney World hotel, bypassing airport check-in completely. All you have to do is visit the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located at your Walt Disney World resort up to 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. Yes, you can check your luggage at the resort as well up to a certain time of day! A valid government issued photo I.D. and your hotel room key are required to check in at your resort. Here's a list of airlines that participate in Disney Resort Airline Check-In:

AirTran Airways

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

JetBlue Airways

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

US Airways

I used both Disney's Magical Express and Disney's Airline Resort Check-In and I loved it! It was so nice to get to the airport, get on a bus and have my vacation start the minute I sat down!! :) The whole process was seamless and it was so nice not to have to read a map to get somewhere or pay $50 to share a shuttle bus with other people!! 

I will admit, I have had luggage lost by an airline a couple of times so I'm one of those nervous people who doesn't use the Magical Express luggage tags. I did collect my own bag and brought it with me to the bus. I know, some of you will think I'm crazy but at least I'm not so crazy that I packed my bag like this...

LOL Yep, this is an actual bag wrapped in Saran Wrap coming off of the flight into Orlando. It's actually one of 3 bags wrapped just like it! I couldn't not get a picture... no matter how much fun my husband makes of me that I'd trust anything Disney does so how could I not just check my bags... Honey, have no fear... I'm NOT this worried about my luggage!! :) 

Wherever you're going and however you're getting there... I hope you have a MAGICAL Day!! 

Hugs & Pixie Dust,

Chrissie

Disney Wordless Wednesdays Blog Hop

I'm participating in The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop by Focused on the Magic.com!! Every week Disney bloggers post pictures for a blog hop and the pictures are typically based on a Disney theme!! 

The theme for this week's Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop, 7/18/12, is ~Disney Weenies~

I promise you, Disney Weenies aren't pictures of hot dogs you can get at Disney and they aren't pictures of someone ducking out of the Tower of Terror or Rock n Roller Coaster ride because they're scared! Nope, a Disney Weenie is what Walt Disney and the Disney Imagineers called the iconic structures in each of the parks and lands!! :) They can all be seen from a distance and they bring you in by their amazing looks!! So... there's the obvious Cinderella's Castle, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, The Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest... just to name a few!! :) 

So this week, I'll be posting with the Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop tomorrow!! :) Can't wait for you to see the pictures I've gathered!! :) 

Disney World Free Dining Offer is here for Late Fall/Early Winter

Walt Disney World has announced a new round of the Disney Free Dining discount for the travel dates listed below. This is their Late Fall/Early Winter Free Dining Offer released on 7/12/12: 

You must check in during one of the following range of dates:

• September 30 – October 4, 2012
• October 19 – November 1, 2012
• November 9 – 15, 2012
• November 23 – 29, 2012
• December 10 – 13, 2012

Please remember, in order to qualify for the free dining offer, your must check in on one of the available dates. Your stay can extend outside of the available dates and you will still receive the free dining for your entire stay. For example, you can check in on November 15th and stay through November 22nd and still receive the Free Dining Offer for your entire stay.  

Also remember, availability is extremely limited, and not all resorts may be available. 

Guests staying at a Disney World Value resort will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for free. The Walt Disney World value resorts include All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, Pop Century and Art of Animation. Art of Animation Standard Little Mermaid rooms are NOT included in this Free Dining Offer. Guests do have the option to upgrade to either the Disney Dining plan or the Deluxe Disney Dining plan by paying the price difference.

Guests staying at a Disney World Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort will receive the Disney Dining Plan included for free. Disney World guests at moderate, deluxe and villa resorts will also have the option to book the Free Disney Dining Plan, and upgrade to the Disney Deluxe Dining for the normal price difference.

Availability is extremely limited, and vacations must be booked by September 29, 2012. All suites, campsites and 3 bedroom villas have been excluded from this offer, as well as the standard Little Mermaid rooms the new Art of Animation Resort. All other Disney resorts, including the family suites at All-Star Music and Art of Animation, as well as the other value resorts are included in the offer. 

There are a few requirements to book your stay with this offer:

• Three night minimum stay required
• Maximum stay of 14 nights is allowed per reservation
• You must also purchase a minimum 2 day basic park pass per person per reservation to qualify.
• As always, all members of the traveling party in the same room MUST be booking the same vacation tickets and dining options

To request a free quote for your Free Dining at Disney World Vacation (or any other Disney vacation!) please visit Pirates and Pixie Dust Vacations and Request a Quote today! You can also e-mail  Chrissie@piratesandpixiedustvacations.com or call 347-909-0893

Have a MAGICAL day!! 

Chrissie