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!

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.

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.

Works For Me Wednesday

Yet another post about food. I'm starting to see a pattern here. :)

I'm not sure where I read this tip, but I think it was on a Disney message board or email group. I would love to give credit to whomever came up with this awesome money saving idea, but I just don't remember where I read it.

To save money on food, try ordering a double cheeseburger and then ask for an extra bun. They may charge you an extra dollar or two for the bun, but it will be a lot cheaper than buying two burgers.

This tip is a way to save money on food at WDW, but I'm sure this could be applied to eating out in other places.

I love burgers and I love saving money so this tip works for me!!

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

Works For Me Wednesday

Many of my friends have asked my opinion about what I think is the "perfect" age to visit Walt Disney World for the first time. This is really hard to answer because every child is different and of course what may work for one child may not for another. (I learn this lesson every day when dealing with my 5 and 7 year old--they are SO different!)

With that said, there is a specific age that really does come to mind for me as the absolute best time to take a child to Disney World for the first time. That age is right before the child's 3rd birthday.

The main reason that I say to do it before the child turns 3 is because they will be FREE to get into the parks up until that point! If you really want to make it memorable, you could plan the trip a few days before the birthday so that your child will be able to celebrate in the "happiest place on earth". There is no better place to have a birthday!

Other reasons why waiting until about 3 is recommended:

• Most kids are potty trained by that age (not all, but most) so you will not have to deal with changing diapers and carrying around all the gear that it entails.
• Kids who are around 1 or 2 can sometimes be afraid of the characters, but by around 3 they really begin to warm up to them and enjoy interacting with them.
• On the same note, this age group will be completely caught up in all of the magic of Disney. Let me just tell you--to see the look on your child's face when they see their favorite princess or character in "real" life is something that you will never forget.
• They will be more likely to try the rides. And there are so many for them to ride at this age. The best part is that parents and children ride together. It is fun for all ages.
• Although they will still need time to rest/nap, they will have the stamina to go longer than toddlers a few years younger.

So that is my Works for me Wednesday Tip. To see more tips, visit Shannon's blog.

For more information on a trip to Disney World