Tips and Tricks Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!

The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!

It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened August 13^th to August 17^th!!!

Let’s Go!

On Monday we took a look some local sports teams. First, the Orlando Solar Bears signed three new team members. And at the Orlando City Soccer Club, Kevin Molino was named to the Trinidad team for Canada Friendly.

Aurora and I ventured out to Titanic: The Experience, and she shares her thoughts on a Visit to the Titanic.

Aurora and Shelley on the Grand Staircase in Titanic the Experience — Thelma and Louise on the Grand Staircase in Titanic the Experience

For Wordless Wednesday, we took a look through the trees at Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

8 15 2012 — Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We took a look at LEGOLAND Florida’s STEM Focused, Interactive Programs for kids.

LEGOLANDFL_Education — LEGOLAND Florida provides interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12 .

Betsy makes her way out west to Disneyland, and shares part one of her Trip Report in her California Adventure!

Me in front of the Disneyland train station — Betsy in front of the Disneyland train station

Friday, Megan took us along on her Wild Africa Trek! She has some great photos and information about this really up-close Safari Experience!

Wild Africa Trek - 057 — Megan on the Wild Africa Trek

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

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How We Like To Beat The Heat – The Latest On The Go Roundtable

What is your favorite way to take a break on a hot day while you are at the parks?

Aurora– It depends on which park you are at. Epcot seems to have the most places that you can chill! Weather it is Club Cool or The Land or Ellen’s Energy Adventure! MGM it is always a safe bet to watch an American Idol Show. Animal Kingdom we always head to Festival of The Lion King and at Magic Kingdom, my personal Favorite: Carousel of Progress!!

Betsy– You may also occasionally find me in La Cava del Tequila, Rose and Crown or Tutto Gusto in Epcot for a cool adult beverage.

Cheryl– I like to go visit a resort or get a snack at an indoor counter service.

Megan– Going back to my room, especially when I’m staying at a DVC resort. I can relax in the room or at the pool. If heading back to the room isn’t an option, I try to visit any of the indoor movies or attractions, like the movies in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Shalon– I really enjoy scheduling a long table service lunch on hot days. It’s a great way to get out of the heat and off your feet.

Shelley– I like to hang out in Innoventions and play the games, and then pop over every so often to Club Cool for some Kinley!

2. If you could go to any resort pool for the afternoon, which one would you choose and why?

Betsy– The best pool is Stormalong Bay, which is shared between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts. It is amazing with different sections with sandy bottom an an awesome water slide out of a shipwreck! My second favorite pool is the Nanea Volcano pool at the Polynesian. It has the best view of the Magic Kingdom hands down.

Cheryl– I’d choose Saratoga Springs new pool at the Paddock. It’s the newest DVC pool.

Megan– I would choose Kidani Village. In the afternoon you are more likely to see the animals in the savannah. Take a dip in the pool then head over to see who is outside.

Shalon– I would like to go to the pool at Port Orleans Riverside. It’s so well themed and quite most of the time. There are also a lot of large trees around which provide plenty of shade for relaxing.

Shelley– I really love the pool at Port Orleans French Quarter, because it’s a good size, you can watch the boats on the Sassagoula River, and most importantly you are close to beignets.

Aurora– Art of Animation! That pool is so lovely. There is a ton of space around both the Big Blue Pool and the Carsland Pool. And Mr. Ray even talks to you in the Big Blue Pool! And you have so much to look at while in the pool! Plus, they have a PRIMO pool bar! The Drop Off is awesome!!

3. When it is hot outside, what is your favorite treat to eat to cool you down?

Cheryl– Fruit or tofutti

Megan– A Dole Whip without a doubt. When it’s hot I don’t want ice cream but I definitely want something cold.

Shalon– I love the classic Mickey bar although it can be quiet the challenge to eat it on a hot day without wearing some of it!

Shelley– My answer is always the same…when all else fails, pink cotton candy and a frozen coke!!!

Aurora– I would go for a Strawberry Bar! They don’t melt right away and there isn’t a lot of sugar so you don’t feel dehydrated! Perfect snack on a hot day!!!

Betsy– This is a tossup for me between a frozen coke, Mickey bar and a dole whip. I’d say my go to is probably the frozen coke since it can get kind of warm and ice cream isn’t always the best thing in the heat and humidity.

4. What is your favorite attraction to cool off in?

Megan– I love the Carousel of Progress. I can go in there almost any time, but when it’s hot, it is especially nice since it usually has a short line.

Shalon– I love ducking into The American Adventure on hot days. It’s such an incredible show and is lengthy enough to relax and cool down.

Shelley– Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot is my favorite, because it is the world’s longest attraction!!! LOL!!!

Aurora– Philharmagic!!!! They squirt water at you 😉

Betsy– At the Magic Kingdom my go to spots to cool off are a ride on the Peoplemover or shows like Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents or Country Bears Jamboree. At Epcot my favorite is Impressions de France, followed closely by American Adventure. Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides great places to enjoy air conditioning like at the Animation Academy, One Man’s Dream, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Great Movie Ride. At Animal Kingdom I prefer Festival of the Lion King, but Finding Nemo is a slightly longer show

Cheryl– Innoventions is my favorite!!!

5. Give us your best tip for staying cool during a day in the Parks.

Shalon– My go to for hot days in parks is a small handheld fan. You can get them at many drug stores for a dollar and they run on 2 AA batteries. Many of them come with clips so they are very easy to tote along in the parks.

Shelley– Don’t overdo it! Take your time! You can duck into a store along the way to cool off, linger in a post-show area, and take another moment to talk about your day after you finish your meal!

Aurora– LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of water! You can always get those free cups of ice water at any quick service place, so make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Also you can keep the sun off your face by wearing a hat, carry a wash cloth to dampen to blot your skin, and especially take advantage of indoor attractions and save things that have little to no covering in the queue or ride for early evening late afternoon

Betsy– Definitely stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and try to alternate indoor and outdoor attractions so you don’t get overheated. Hat or visors and sunglasses can also help to keep you cool.

Cheryl– Take breaks inside the Air conditioning

Megan– You should try to drink lots of water and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Cups of ice water are free at any location that has fountain beverages.

6. What is your favorite beverage to help quench your thirst on a hot afternoon?

Shelley– After lots of water, I like to have a frozen coke! They are magical!!!

Aurora– A Peach Tea Snap from China is my MOST favorite thirst quenching cool down treat/drink!!!!!

Betsy– Water is best, but if I am in Epcot it is hard to beat a refreshing avocado margarita or a snakebite and black.

Cheryl– I enjoy the new guava fruit drinks at Animal Kingdom!

Megan– Beverly! (Just kidding) Water always works for me. Sometimes grabbing a Powerade is necessary though. Or maybe even a Grand Marnier slushie.

Shalon– Love getting a frozen Coke or other flavor!!

The Week in Review: July 23-27, 2012

Happy Sunday!!!

Here at On the Go we have been having another week of fun around Orlando, and it’s time to take a look back so we can Keep Moving Forward…So let’s go!!!

On Monday, we took at look at the new Oz: The Great and Powerful, opening March 8, 2013, trailer that was released. This looks like it is going to be an amazing movie!!!

Oz The Great and Powerful Poster — Oz: The Great and Powerful will be released March 8, 2013

Then it is almost my favorite time of year again…Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!! Aurora looked at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series line up for this year on Tuesday, and I am really excited!!! Sugar Ray, Boyz II Men, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are just a few of the bands that will be performing at this year’s series! You HAVE to check out one of these concerts if you are here for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!!

Eat To The Beat Concert Series 2012 — The 2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series is from September 28-November 12 at Epcot!!!

If your family is anything like mine, you have caught Wreck-It Ralph fever and November 2, 2012 needs to be here today! Tuesday we looked at the slew of talented actors from some of your favorite video games and movies that are lending their voices to this highly anticipated movie!

Wreck-It Ralph Hits Movie Theaters November 2, 2012

Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, were we needed to be Quiet on the Set at The Great Movie Ride!

7 25 12 — Quiet on the Set – The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The only thing cuter than a manatee is a rescued manatee that gave birth to an absolutely adorable calf! Our friends at SeaWorld rescued this momma manatee from Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, FL, because she had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by a crab pot line. Mom and Calf are doing well and are as cute as can be!

Manatee and Calf Kiss — Approximately six weeks after her rescue, rescued manatee gives birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando on the morning of July 18, 2012.

Thursday Betsy took us with us as she looked at her Happy Place at Walt Disney World where the Dole Whips flow…Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This post is filled with great photos, information, and delicious food that you can find at the Poly, and is sure to make you say Aloha to this amazing Deluxe Resort!

Congratulations! It’s a 100 Weedy Sea Dragons! Over at SeaWorld there is a rare birth about to take place, as a father Weedy Sea Dragon is taking care of 100 eggs that will hatch soon!

20120723_Weedy Sea Dragon Babies_07 — Nearly 100 small, pinkish eggs adorn a male weedy sea dragon. As with sea horses, male sea dragons are responsible for bearing young.

We closed out the week with one of the coolest things that we have done yet! The Gaylord Palms hosted a Christmas in July event where we found out about how Ice! will feature some of our favorite characters from Merry Madagascar and had a surprise performance from Vanilla Ice! We also take a peek inside this beautiful resort. How can you not love that???

Vanilla Ice killed it at the Gaylord Palms

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

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Earn Up To 30 Disney Movie Rewards Bonus Points!

I am almost obsessive about entering my Disney Movie Rewards codes once I open up a new DVD, and when I see bonus point opportunities I make sure to take advantage of them before they disappear!!!

The first one SUPER easy!!! When you visit Disney Movie Rewards , enter the following magic code V7NK93DQ5Y for 5 bonus points!!!

Then you can also link your Disney Movie Rewards site to your Facebook account with a brand new app for an additional 25 bonus points!!!

To take advantage of this you must first log into your Disney Movie Rewards account, and then look under where you ‘Enter Magic Code’ to find the ‘Connect with Facebook’ button/link.

Once you click on it, you will be taken to your Facebook account where you will need to give the app certain permissions on your account. They will ask to allow the “Disney Movie Rewards” application to access to your basic information, send you email, post to your wall, and access your data anytime (which you can later modify).

Then you will be asked to enter your Disney Movie Rewards log in information to connect your account.

And once that step is completed, your account will show a credit of 25 points! You will also then be able to enter magic codes, redeem movie ticket, and redeem CD’s points directly through the Facebook app.

Many Many Thanks to Couponing to Disney for this awesome information!!!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Primer

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, MVMCP, is an absolute blast!!! I love these hard ticket events at the Magic Kingdom, but I always feel like there is almost too much to do and take in for just a few hours!

What I am going to try to do is give you a rundown of the things that I consider MUSTS and tips to make sure that you get it all done without going wacky nu-nu! 🙂

PARTY TIME!

The party officially kicks off at 7:00 pm, but you can get your party wristbands at 4:30 from the special event labeled turnstiles at the main entrance or if you are in the parks you can get them in Tomorrowland at Stitch’s Great Escape.

I would suggest getting to the Magic Kingdom on the earlier side, as you will be able to go to rides that are not open during the party. Our favorite ride to catch before the party is the Jungle Cruise, because the experience of cruising along is definitely different and wonderful after dark! Also you will get a chance to take pictures of the holiday decorations, because as the party gets underway there will be special decorations added just for the party!

But the most important thing to do once you arrive is to look at the party map and get a lay of the land. You’ll definitely want to go in with your priorities (Entertainment, Characters, Merchandise, or Attractions), and this is the perfect time to take a moment to make a game plan everyone can agree on and follow.

ENTERTAINMENT, PARADES, AND FIREWORKS…OH MY!!!

I’ve got to be honest; this is my favorite part and major reason to attend MVMCP!!!

Zoe loves the special dance parties that are held in Liberty Square and Fantasyland! They are full of fun music and characters in their holiday finest shaking it on the dance floor with the kids (and adults)! At Woody’s Hootin’ holiday Open House at The Diamond Horseshoe, kids can dance with Woody, Jessie, and their Toy Story friends. Then at Cosmic Ray’s Jingle, Dance, and Play in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe you might get to meet some Citizens of Tomorrowland! You definitely should drop in for a few minutes to experience this fun!!!

Also on the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland is “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” Show (7:45, 8:45, 9:55, 10:50, & 11:45) featuring song and dance numbers from Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch. It is definitely a cute show to catch a peek at as you are walking through.

On the Castle Forecourt Stage “Celebrate the Seasons” show (7:45, 10:05, & 11:20) features the Princesses and your favorite Disney characters.

The two biggies, at least for me, are the parade and fireworks!!!

“Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” that steps off in Frontierland at 8:15 & 10:30 is full of festive fun! I absolutely love this parade, because the characters are decked out in their holiday finest and the music is super memorable and fun. If you aren’t bouncing around and smiling by the end of it, you might want to see if Scrooge McDuck has any positions available! 🙂 The second parade at 10:30 is a lot less crowded, but I would still suggest getting a spot for the parade at the same time as you do for the fireworks.

Speaking of which…”Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” is a fireworks SPECTACULAR that starts at 9:30. My biggest piece of advice for watching this show is to look up to make sure that you aren’t obstructed by trees and buildings!!! I love “Wishes”…but I bring 2 hankies for “Holiday Wishes”!!!

SPECIAL CHARACTERS TO VISIT

During the MVMCP there are four areas to meet special characters that are out JUST for the party.

The first area is located in front of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland. At this location you’ll find Tigger, Piglet, and Winnie the Pooh in their holiday finest in front of some greenery.

The others two areas are located in Toontown. Mickey and Minnie are in the Judges Tent, and Mickey is in a green holiday suit and Minnie is in a festive red dress. You will find the Princes have joined their Princesses in their usual Toontown Meet and Greet home.

The last Meet and Greet is located in the stroller parking area in Fantasyland (just to the left of its A Small World), and here you will find the Seven Dwarves decked out for the holidays!!!!

I would STRONGLY suggest visiting these guys during the first parade, before you scope out a spot for the fireworks and second parade.

EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE & PARTY PERKS

Spread around the Magic Kingdom, you will find five stores/kiosks selling MVMCP exclusive merchandise. The merchandise is what you would expect; pins, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there are seven areas where you can pick up free hot chocolate and cookies. The hot chocolate is actually really good, and the sugar cookies were moist and delicious!!! Our favorite spot to stop was in Adventureland, in the Adventureland Veranda, where you could meet Lilo with a Hawaiian Christmas backdrop (complete with a sandman).

WHAT CAN I RIDE?

Below you’ll find a list of the rides that are operating by land!

Adventureland:

Pirates of the Caribbean

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Swiss Family Treehouse

Frontierland:

Splash Mountain

Country Bear Jamboree

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square:

The Haunted Mansion

Hall of Presidents

Fantasyland:

Peter Pan’s Flight

Prince Charming Regal Carousel

It’s a Small World

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mad Tea Party

Snow White’s Scary Adventure

Mickey’s Toontown Fair:

The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm

Tomorrowland:

Tomorrowland Speedway

Space Mountain

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Monsters Inc. Laughing Floor – Last Showing is at 10 pm

Astro Orbiter

Stitch’s Great Escape

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

While most of the rides are open, the ones that aren’t operating are: Jungle Cruise and Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland; Walt Disneyworld Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, and Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland; Liberty Square Riverboat in Liberty Square; Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

GETTING A BITE TO EAT!

Main Street USA:

Casey’s Corner – Hot Dogs, Cracker Jacks

Main Street Sweets – Candy

Frontierland:

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn – Burgers, Salads, Wraps, etc. (closes at 10:00 pm)

Turkey Leg Cart – Turkey Legs

Westward Ho – Quick Bites

Frontierland Churros & Pretzels

Liberty Square:

Sleepy Hollow – Mickey Waffles, Funnel Cakes, Treats, Drinks

Fantasyland:

Storybook Treats – Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Drinks

Tomorrowland:

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – Cheeseburgers & Chicken

The Lunching Pad – Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Chips, Drinks (Frozen Coke here is AWESOME)

BEFORE I FORGET…

First off, this is a party for EVERYONE!!! If you are traveling solo, don’t have kids, have as many kids as the Duggars, or if you don’t celebrate Christmas you should totally feel comfortable at the party! While it is super Christmassy, it is more of a “familiar” Christmas that kind of wraps around you like a warm blanket.

Since the party starts on the earlier side and there aren’t too many places that will be open to eat (and you really don’t want to take too much time away from the party happenings), I strongly suggest eating an early lunch and then when you get there you should grab a quick bite to eat and calm any munchies with the hot chocolate & cookies. This has proven to be the most time effective way for us to move along.

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!! Don’t forget that a lot of what you will see at the party you won’t see tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom so don’t rely on coming back for a picture of that later!!! I have done this too many times and it breaks my heart just thinking about everything that I have missed!!!!

NOW THAT YOU’VE GOT ME INTERESTED, WHEN CAN I GO TO MVMCP & HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Dates*

November 2010	December 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010	Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010	Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010	Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010	Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010	Thursday, December 9, 2010
	Friday, December 10, 2010
	Sunday, December 12, 2010
	Tuesday, December 14, 201
	Thursday, December 16, 2010
	Friday, December 17, 2010
	Sunday, December 19, 2010

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 12/7, 12/10, 12/12, 12/17, 12/19. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9);

I hope that this super crazy post helps you plan your time at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!! I’ll be posting my pictures later on this weekend, and I hope that when you go that you share your pictures with me, too!!!

Don’t Let it Rain on Your 3 O’Clock Parade!

While I may sound a little crazy…I LOVE going to the parks in the rain! We’re always a bit sillier and open to going and doing different things that we would normally do in the parks.

Now while saying that, I always try to go in prepared so I can mitigate any crabbiness from others who don’t enjoy the rain as much as I do. So here are my top 7 must do rain do’s! (Sorry, I can’t resist a good Stacey reference…event though I try…):

1. Go With It!

How many of us have nervously and often checked the weather SEVERAL times to see what the chance of rain during our vacation would be? I am absolutely guilty of seeing the chance of rain increasing and getting the feeling of impending doom in the pit of my stomach! I have found the best thing to do is to let everyone know that there is a good chance that it is going rain during the visit, and then to listen to their concerns so you can be prepared for how to make them a non-issue when they arise. AND if it doesn’t rain, your rain dance will be praised as effective and not crazy! J

2. Game Plan

I like to take a look at the park maps for a few things to consider in the rain. I take into consideration the proximity of attractions, the number of attractions that are our favorites, the amount of covered spaces, our ADRs /Counter Service plan for the day, and size of the park. With all that being said, I usually opt for Hollywood Studios since there are tons of shows and options for indoor activities that you might easily skip (like the Animation Academy – http://t.co/haEsDHu ) that take up a good amount of time.

3. Rain jackets and Umbrellas

While ponchos are great, I opt for something that provides us with a little more protection! Last year we invested in folding rain jackets, and they have come in handy both in and out of the parks. After our trip in what we thought was a monsoon last May, I invested in a super compact umbrella that easily fit into our bag and opened up quickly. If you do opt for ponchos, make sure that your child is tall enough to wear the poncho without it dragging through the puddles. I have seen too many kids step on their poncho and fall in the rain.

4. Shoes

Now this one may sound weird, but just go with me on this one! You want to make sure that you bring a shoe that dries easily and has a lot of grip for traction in the rain. Sounds like common since, right? But this is more for the little princesses out there. My darling little lady, Zoe, LOVES wearing her princess shoes in the park, but we learned the hard way that they are not very safe to wear in the rain. Our compromise is a pair of sparkly tennis shoes. I have bought the majority of ours from Target, since they are rather inexpensive and easy to replace.

5. Protection

I always over plan for an abundance of craziness during our vacation, and I always pack a variety of plastic zip top bags. When I see that it may rain, I always try to put my phone and camera in a baggie. While I am the main sherpa of the trip, I give my husband one as well for his wallet and phone since he is usually the fast pass and ticket holder. He thought that I was crazy, until he had to lay the contents of his wallet out to dry and could not use his Midway Mania fast passes!

6. Kiddies

All kids are different, but I try to be especially prepared to dealing with and waiting in the rain with Zoe. I always have a jacket for her, an extra little something for her to play with in case we have to wait a little longer, and additional “special” snacks. Also be realistic about how they react to the rain. If they don’t like getting wet or there are things they MUST have to cope with the rain, be prepared! For awhile she wouldn’t go out in a sprinkle without her favorite umbrella, so that sucker went with us everywhere!

7. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Have fun! Our rule is that the only place that we can jump in a puddle is at Walt Disney World. Also duing our monsoon trip, we got “cast” for a hurrincane scene shooting later in the day by a “director” in Hollywood Studios.

Don’t let a little rain ruin your parade or vacation!!! Be prepared and have fun!!!

S&D WDW May 2009 — TSMM Ricky Bobby moment... If you ain't first, you're last!

What is your favorite tip or trick for dealing with the rain at Walt Disney World?