Free Shipping at ShopDisney.com!

  

It's been a while (life has been busy), but here's a great reason to return to posting again!

Shopdisney.com has free shipping sitewide today.  Just use the code FREESHIP to receive discounted (i.e., free) shipping on your order.

Don't forget to check cash back sites like Rakuten and Mr. Rebates for additional cash refunds on your purchase and other items like your Disney Visa or D23 membership for discounts as well.

Happy shopping at the happiest website on earth!

Disney On Ice to Play State Farm Arena THIS WEEK!

Good morning Disney fans (or maybe that should read fanatics...)

This is THE week!  Are we all ready with tickets in hand?  Disney's newest Disney On Ice ("DOI") production, "Road Trip Adventures," rolls into Atlanta's State Farm Arena beginning Wednesday night (9/25) and will be in town until Sunday, September 29th.

I am so excited to see my friends from Orlando again.  I always love Disney On Ice because (1) I don't have to get on a plane or in my car and travel to meet them and (2) because the DOI shows are always so amazing and fun.

I love seeing the array of characters each show brings and I love hearing the arena fill with thousands of Disney fans singing all the Disney classics together.

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, here is some additional information to help you get them in hand:

• Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments!
  
  
• Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience will visit State Farm Arena from Wednesday, September 25 – Sunday, September 29 for nine performances.
  
  
• Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.
  
  
• Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.

Have questions?  Message me, e-mail us, or leave a comment below!  If you're going, what Mickey ears will you be sporting?  I think I'm wearing my purple sparkly ones!

Disney Cruise Line - Cyber Week Sale - Save Up to 25% on Select Sailings!

Think a Disney Cruise is out of your budget?

Take a peek at this sale on a limited sailing!

 * * * * *

Save up to 25%

on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for select

7-Night Caribbean Cruises

For Verandah staterooms with Restrictions (Category VGT) on the 7-night sailing on Disney Fantasy on 3/17/18. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of approx. $106 per person not included. Other savings also available for different sail dates. Valid for new bookings only. Full payment is required at time of booking for all Guests and is nonrefundable. Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed. Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time,  based on availability. Book through 12/1/17 *Click on any of the Contact Us buttons for a **FREE** Magical Vacation Quote!

Disney-Up Your Pet

I love spreading Disney Pixie Dust to all areas of our home, and I know so many of you do too.

That's why I love when PetSmart has a sale because I know I will always get an opportunity to spread some of that Dust to my pets.

Over the years, I've gotten some pretty neat Disney stuff for my pets at PetSmart - toys, collars, etc.  In fact, the last time I was there, I found these Disney-themed pet beds:

Too bad they only came in a small size.  My two big dogs would never fit in them.  But, I really wanted to buy them!

But, thank goodness I did find this on their website, and I could definitely use this with my bigger pups:

What makes PetSmart even more enticing is when they have sale, and right now, you can get $10 off purchases of $30 or more.  (Sale is good through 1/29/17.)

I'm in, and I'll be surfing on over to their website as soon as I hit the PUBLISH button on this post!

Click on any of the images above or click here to visit PetSmart's website to start your own shopping cart full of Disney magic.

Happy shopping!




*Affiliate Disclosure:  I am grateful to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases, I will receive a referral commission.  Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my blog publishing with less worry and less hassle. Thank you!

ABC Commissary Offers New Fast Casual Dinner Menu!

The ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios has been a long-time Guest favorite.  You can always take a break and grab something to eat while viewing ABC television show props.  Now, the Commissary will be offering a more upscale dinner menu, with elevated items and delivery to your table!

Appetizers will include jalapeno poppers and pita chips with hummus; fast-casual entrees will include Chimichurri Steak with fire-roasted corn medley, hearty BBQ chicken and ribs with coleslaw, and a Southwest burger with Pepper Jack cheese, bacon, guacamole, and jalapeno poppers.

Lighter options will include Lemon Pepper Salmon and a Mediterranean Salad.  Kids can enjoy entrees such as BBQ chicken, salmon, or burgers.

You will now place your order at the counter as usual and then receive a pager.  A Cast Member will then deliver your order to your table!  (I like this!)

Check it out the next time you visit Hollywood Studios!  It sounds delicious!

Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Disneyland!

The Main Street Electrical Parade ("MSEP") is headed back to the place where it first began - Disneyland.  But only for a limited time, beginning January 20th.

This encore performance will only last until June 18th (45 years after it first lit up in 1972)!  During this limited-time run, you can also enjoy special merchandise and food offerings.

...AND, on January 19th, you can experience the return of this beloved parade during a special, after-hours premiere event.  After the Park closes, premiere ticket holders will enjoy a night of exclusive access to Disneyland select attractions and restaurants, including a special viewing of the MSEP before it debuts to the public!

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on December 13th (Annual Passholders today - December 6th).

New Star Wars-Themed Additions Come to Hollywood Studios!

Beginning this month, Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will have even more to celebrate as favorite Star Wars experiences are updated and new experiences begin in 2017:

• Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away:  AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut during a new scene in the existing Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away daytime show.  AWR Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam.
  
  
• Star Wars Launch Bay:  This location will feature new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Making-of footage can be seen in the attraction’s behind-the-scenes film, “Meet the Makers.”  Similar updates can also be found at Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland® Park in California.
  
  
• Star Tours - The Adventures Continue:  Voyage changes are coming starting in mid-December, switching back to randomized beginnings (instead of starting each journey on the planet of Jakku) and final destinations.
  
  
• Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular:  This spectacular show will return nightly beginning December 16, 2016 in celebration of the theatrical release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, joining “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park through Dec. 31, 2016.
  
  
• Star Wars Guided Tour:  Beginning in 2017, this seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide. You will blast off on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, get an in-depth, insider’s tour around Launch Bay, and enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items at Backlot Express.  Plus, Guests age 4-12 will have an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.  And, the finale of this unforgettable day includes themed sweets and specialty beverages at Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which also includes reserved viewing for the show.
  
  

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 16, 2016.

Atlanta Braves - Announce 20th Annual Spring Training Schedule!

For the 20th straight season, the Atlanta Braves will hold spring training at  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex  at Walt Disney World® Resort.


The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28), and the New York Mets (March 10, 25, and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year.

On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World Resort in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25.  Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Dates Announced for 2017!

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort August 31 through November 13, 2017.

This year’s festival will be a record 75 days of global culinary creations, celebrity chefs, premium events, Eat to the Beat concerts, and more.



Ready to plan your trip?  Let's go!  Disney and eating...two of my favorite things!

The Disney Store - Magical Friday Sale Live!

The Disney Store's Magical Friday sale is now live to the general public.

Take an extra 20% off sitewide and clearance items are now an additional 50% off!  Use the code THANKS when checking out.

*Don't forget to shop through a cash back site and check for other possible discounts (i.e., D23 members, Disney Visa cardholders, etc.)!

New Disney Store Sale Codes!

The Disney Store has released some new discount codes.  Combine these with **FREE** shipping codes, D23 membership codes, and Disney Visa codes to snag some good prices for the holiday season:

• $20 off purchases of $100 or more - Use code DRVCCHEER  
• $15 off purchases of $75 or more - Use code DRVCJOY
• $10 off purchses of $50 or more - Use code DRVCMAGIC

 *All codes expire 11/23.

*Make sure you shop through a cash back site to save even more on your purchase.

Atlanta Braves Announce 20th Season at ESPN

From the Disney Parks Blog today:

"The World Series just ended a few weeks ago, but it’s never too early to start thinking about baseball spring training and dreaming about the promise of a new season.

For Braves fans, that time is now because the team just revealed its 2017 spring training schedule. And for the 20th straight season, the team will hold spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28) and the New York Mets (March 10, 25 and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year.

On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25.  Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

If you want more information, visit espnwwos.com/braves."

La Nouba Special Tickets Prices for This Weekend Only!

My family has never seen Disney Springs' La Nouba.  If I lived close enough or was a local, I'd definitely take Disney up on this great offer.  From Disney:

"As we previously shared, there are two additional performances of La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® taking place this Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016.

And now, you can take advantage of a special limited time offer – any seat (excluding Golden Circle) for one low price of $49 for the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows only*.

Tickets for these two shows are available to book through your travel agent. You can enjoy the vibrant music and whimsical characters with daring acrobatics and dazzling choreography.   Plus, catch the newest acts including aerial bamboo artists and break dancers.

Reserve tickets today!

*Guests may purchase discounted Front & Center, Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4 Adult and Child tickets for themselves and up to five (5) Guests per show.  Sales are valid from 11/11/16 through 11/20/16 for both show performances on Sunday, 11/20/16 (both performances).  Tickets must be purchased at the Box Office, Disney Reservation Center, or online."

Disney Cruise Line - Comes Out on Top Again!

From the Disney Parks Blog:
 
Disney Cruise Line has sailed its way to the top once again in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cruise Lines rankings!

Disney Cruise Line was awarded the coveted Gold Badge in both the Best Cruise Line for Families and Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean categories.

These titles also mark the fourth consecutive year that Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as one of the top cruise lines in the industry since the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cruise Lines rankings began in 2013.

The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cruise Lines are based off of a variety of categories including ship quality, reputation among travelers, itinerary offerings, and more.

We are absolutely thrilled to receive these honors, as they represent the spectacular one-of-a-kind memories our dedicated cast and crew members create at sea!

Since we first set sail in 1998, we’re proud to share that Disney Cruise Line has received more than 250 awards recognizing everything from dining to entertainment. Here are some of our latest awards:

• Disney Cruise Line Wins Big in 2016 Cruise Critic US Editors’ Picks Awards
• Parks & Resorts Receive Top Honors in 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Disney Store - **FREE** Shipping

I love when they do this offer because it's always so easy to find something you just have to have...

And with the Disney Store's free shipping minimum of $75, this is a welcome change from having to spend so much.

Use the code PARKFREE when checking out, and remember to shop through a cash back site and check for other possible Disney Store discounts (such as Disney Visa and D23 membership discounts) as well.

If you aren't familiar with cash back sites, visit our cash back page to learn more.

Happy shopping!

Disney Releases Trailer for New Beauty & The Beast Live Action Film

I'm not ashamed to say that I got chills watching this.  This is going to awake every romantic notion in young girls heads... I can't wait for March to get here...

The Art of Gingerbread Across Walt Disney World

From the Disney Parks Blog.  I think you will enjoy seeing (and wishing we could SMELL) the wonderful gingerbread creations at the Walt Disney World resort:

"You can smell the gingerbread as pastry chefs all across Walt Disney World Resort crank up the ovens to bake thousands of pieces of gingerbread to craft spectacular holiday creations.  From a Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, here’s what you’ll find beginning Nov. 23:

 

• Already on display is the Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, nestled in the Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor, inspired by Disney’s blockbuster “Frozen” and a touch of Disney artist Mary Blair’sit’s a small world.  Adorned with sugar snowflakes, gingerbread shingles, and chocolate-coated trees, guests can spot Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more. (Look for the 16 Hidden Olafs.)
  

• Starting Nov. 16, the biggest creation is the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, made with a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria.  And every day, except Sunday, there are gingerbread house decorating demonstrations in the lobby (and a gingerbread house collectible pin featuring “Alice in Wonderland“).   This gargantuan creation is 16 feet high and uses 1,050 pounds of honey, 800 pounds of flour – and it takes more than 400 hours just to bake the gingerbread!
  
  
• The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot is an intricate re-creation of the United States Capitol Building debuting November 25 – and, new this year, the Lincoln Memorial joins the vignette.  Look for five Hidden Mickeys in the 50 pounds of gingerbread and 20 pounds of icing.
  
  
• New at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is the “Gingerbread Academy” that lets guests build gingerbread houses to take home, along with complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider for sipping.  Cost is $125 for up to four guests.  If you prefer to decorate a gingerbread cookie, cost is $8.95 per ornament, with proceeds to benefit Give Kids the World.  And a chance to work with one of the pastry chefs to create holiday cupcakes is $10.95 per person.  Make sure to walk through the lobby to take in the beauty – and delicious scent of gingerbread houses decorated by the pastry chefs of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.
  
  
• A 3-foot-long African-inspired Marketplace graces the lobby starting November 23 at Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, a creation made with 23 pounds of flour, 8 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of dark chocolate, and 5 pounds of white chocolate, just for starters.

 

• The Holiday Carousel is back at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the “Beach-side” lobby. Again this year, the team of chefs has crafted a life-size spinning carousel with 36 pounds of honey, 96 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of icing and more. Look for 17 Hidden Mickeys. The limited-edition collectible pin features Minnie Mouse and the carousel, and there’s also a Disney’s Beach Club Resort holiday pin featuring Donald Duck. Over on the Yacht side, check out the Holiday Village with Miniature Train surrounded by rock candy mountains.
  
  

• The Holiday Carousel is back at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the “Beach-side” lobby.  Again this year, the team of chefs has crafted a life-size spinning carousel with 36 pounds of honey, 96 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of icing, and more.  Look for 17 Hidden Mickeys.  The limited-edition collectible pin features Minnie Mouse and the carousel, and there’s also a Disney’s Beach Club Resort holiday pin featuring Donald Duck.  Over on the Yacht side, check out the Holiday Village with Miniature Train surrounded by rock candy mountains.

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I swear, I don't know HOW we are only going to Disney World for a quick weekend trip...it may be impossible to see and taste all the deliciousness!

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Disney Springs!

Disney Springs™ is the place to be throughout the holidays.

During this festive celebration from November 11 through Jan. 8, 2017, you can say hello to an entire winter “wanderland” of over 80 stores, including unique boutiques and name-brand shops

You can also indulge in more than ten delicious new eateries with mouthwatering cuisine from celebrity chefs and get in the holiday spirit with a spectacular variety of live entertainment with surprises around every corner -- including a sleigh full of festivities, a brand-new Christmas tree trail, and so much more!

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Have you been to the new Disney Springs yet?  I have to say that we just visited the completed area this Fall, and I am in love.

Through all my years of traveling to Walt Disney World, I have found that refurbishments and new additions never fail to amaze me!  I can't wait to visit for a quick weekend trip this December to see all the holiday "attire!"

Disney Reveals New MagicBand Packaging This Week

At Walt Disney World® Resort, they are always looking for ways to improve your experience while ensuring their products continue to support The Walt Disney Company’s environmental initiatives.

Beginning Nov. 11, 2016, Guests who receive MagicBands at home before their resort stay will have their MagicBands fulfilled in new packaging.  The new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper, in response to Guests' requests.

This packaging will include the same grey MagicBand holder that’s provided to Guests and at the resort front desk.  It will also contain the same collateral information on how to wear the MagicBand, how to use it in the parks and resorts, and RFID technology.

The new packaging includes a sleeve on its left side, which is where the Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tags will now be located.  The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder.

I always love seeing the new changes that Disney comes up with.  I can't wait to get our next MagicBands in this packaging!

Disney Unveils New Money-Saving Ticket Option!

Discover Endless Magic at All Four
Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks with a New Special Ticket

With so many new attractions and experiences to discover at each of the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, now is the perfect time to start planning your stay – and Disney has a new special ticket offer to experience the distinctive magic in each Walt Disney World Theme Park.

The new 4 Park Magic Ticket is only $70 per day for a limited time and gives you one admission to each of the four theme parks on four separate days starting tomorrow, Nov. 15, 2016 through May 26, 2017.  (That is a savings of over $60 when compared to a four-day base Magic Your Way ticket!)

The 4 Park Magic Ticket is valid for a total of four admissions to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and can be used to enter each Theme Park only once.

Tickets are valid for one day of admission to Magic Kingdom® Park, one day of admission to Epcot®, one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® on four separate days and may not be used to enter the same Park more than once.

This special ticket is the perfect way for you to stay at nearby at Walt Disney World Resort area hotels and experience all of this magic and more at each of the theme parks, but it won’t be available for long.

You can only purchase the 4 Park Magic Ticket between Nov. 15, 2016 and March 5, 2017*.  Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use or by May 26, 2017, and the following block-out dates apply:  Dec. 17, 2016 through Jan. 2, 2017 and April 10-21, 2017.

*Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and exclude activities/events separately priced.  Admission is subject to capacity closures and other restrictions.