Works For Me Wednesday

I don't know about you but I haven't done any holiday shopping and I'm feeling the push to get some things crossed off my list. Plus, I'm grumpy about the the idea of adding even more "stuff" to my already full house.

If you are anything like me you are looking for creative, easy, clutter-free holiday gift ideas. Well, I have one for you. My WFMW is this great holiday offer from Disney:

Book your 2008 Walt Disney World Vacation between November 23rd- December 23rd and receive a very special phone call from Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day to surprise your family with the good news.

With the extention of "The Year of a Million Dreams" promotion and a special rate of $58 per person per day*, there has never been a better time to visit Walt Disney World.

Guests who book before December 15th will be able to take advantage of a very special discount and FREE ticket upgrades.**

Click here to learn more and book this very special offer.

Check out other great other great ideas at Shannon's blog!

Thursday Thirteen--13 Fun Things To Do With Kids in NYC

We took our kids to New York City for the first time this June. We took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, visited Times Square and Toys R Us, had fun in Central Park, ate dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner and made a quick stop at the World of Disney Story. We had a fun, but exhausting day. The kids liked Central Park the best and we definitely plan on spending the day there when we come back to visit again.

Here is a list of my top recommendations for things to do with kids in NYC plus some pics from our trip:

1. Central Park

2. Bronx Zoo

3. Empire States Building

4. FAO Schwartz

5. World of Disney Store

6. Children's Museum of Manhattan

7. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

8. American Girl Store

9. Times Square (especially Toys R Us)

10. American Museum of Natural History (Think "Night at the Museum")

11. Southstreet Seaport

12. Sony IMAX 3D

13. Ellen's Stardust Diner

14. See a Broadway show such as Lion King or Mary Poppins.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

A dream is a wish your heart makes

To see more of Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom

Happy Birthday--Disney Style!!

What better place to celebrate your birthday than Walt Disney World!! Obviously not everyone is able to get this opportunity, so I have a birthday tip that you can use at home to make you next birthday magical.

Schedule a call from Disney's Enchanted Calls from a favorite character. For just a few bucks your child can receive a special birthday greeting from one of the princesses, Mickey, Pooh or Tigger.

Thinking of spending the big day in Disney World itself?

Here are a few tips to make your birthday at WDW more magical:

Before you go:

-When making your reservations, make sure to tell everyone that you talk to (travel agent, reservationist, etc..) that there will be family member celebrating his/her birthday. There is a possibility that they will acknowledge it at the resort or restaurant that you will be visiting. You can also remind them when checking in at the resort or restaurant.

-Make a special tee-shirt or hat that says "It's My Birthday" You can even add on the age of the child (or adult if they don't mind--lol!!) Cast members usually go out of their way to make the birthday boy or girl feel special. Characters will also give special attention to those celebrating a birthday.

-Make a reservation for Chef Mickey's. It is a great place to celebrate a birthday in WDW. It is a character meal with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. If you let them know you are celebrating a birthday, they will usually bring around cupcake and the characters to sing "Happy Birthday" to your child.

-Let your child plan their entire birthday itinerary from which park you will go to and where you will eat. They will have fun making the plans.

-For an additional cost, book a birthday Illuminations cruise.

-Purchase some Disney themed gifts at the Disney Store or www.disneyshopping.com to be given out during the trip. Sometimes you can run into some really good sales and it will save you money from purchasing expensive souvenirs during your trip.


Once you arrive:

-Make sure to stop by Guest Relations at any of the four theme parks and tell them it's your birthday. You will receive a special "Today's My Birthday" button to wear!

-Dial the operator at your resort and ask for Goofy's special birthday message.

-For older children, visit the countries in Epcot's World Showcase. Let them know it is a birthday and they will write "Happy Birthday" in different languages in the passport.

-If you would like a cake with your child's name on it, call the restaurant you will be eating at on the special day and you may order one at an additional charge. Most restaurants will do a complimentary cupcake, though.

-Let the parade attendants know that it is your child's birthday. You never know--they may be included in the parade!!

For more great birthday ideas, visit Rocks in My Dryer today.

Contact me to begin planning your next birthday celebration at Walt Disney World.

Thursday Thirteen

Since we are on the subject of packing tips I thought I would share my list of "must have" items to pack for a trip with the kids. After packing up all the essential items (clothing, toiletries, prescriptions, etc...) you may want to add the items on this list. Obviously it is not a comprehensive list of everything you need on your next family vacation--just some of the items that I have found came in handy:

1. Ziploc Baggies-- I put these first because they really come in handy. They are great for storing items that leak, soiled clothing, snacks and so much more.

2. Binoculars-Kids love to get a better view of things. Pack a miniature pair to save space.

3. Wet wipes-Even if your kids are out of diapers these will most likely come in handy to wipe sticky hands and faces.

4. Floatation Devices -If you are staying somewhere with a pool and your little ones don't swim you will be glad you packed them.

5. Sunscreen--We prefer the spray on variety. Don't forget protective lip balm while your at it. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a bad sunburn.

6. Snacks - Pack enough non-perishable snacks for the entire trip. Avoid anything that can be easily squished or messy.

7. Rain Ponchos and travel sized umbrellas-Why let a little rain spoil your plans?

8. Stainstick or other stain remover-Stains are bound to happen--why let them set in until the end of your trip?

9. Wrinkle Release Spray- Your clothes are going to wrinkle. This may save you from having to iron.

10.Small toys or travel games-Keep the kids busy. I may do a separate 13 on ideas for this. Stay tuned...

11.Favorite blanket or stuffed animal (for bedtime)-It is hard to sleep in a strange place. This familiar item will relieve some of the anxiety associated with traveling.

12. Medical kit: -Thermometer, Neosporin, Band Aids, Children's Tylenol, any prescription medication

13. Cereal or Breakfast bars--This is a great money and time saver. Plan on eating in your hotel room. Don't forget the plastic spoons.

Have anymore great items that I forgot to include on this packing list? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Works For Me Wednesday

Here is my travel tip for today:

When taking a vacation that involves the potential for lost luggage (such as flying or cruising), make sure to pack a little bit of everyone's clothes in each suitcase. If someone's bag gets lost, there will at least be a few outfits in the other suitcases.

This tip may be something that everyone already does, but it never really occured to me until I had read it online a few years ago before one of our vacations. Although it felt a little odd at first, it is now a MUST for us.

No lost luggage yet, but if it were to happen we will be prepared.

To see more WFMW tips, visit Rocks in my Dryer.

Rumor Has It...

Disney may be planning a new theme park in Branson, Missouri.

Read this article for more details