Pick-A-Pearl

For our recent trip to Walt Disney World my 15 year old daughter knew that she wanted to do something she'd never done before (there's always something new to try at Disney!) and that she wanted to bring home a unique souvenir that would do more than collect dust once she got home.

                                   

  

She did a bit of research and decided that she wanted to Pick-A-Pearl from the station at the Mitsukoshi store in the Japan Pavillion of EPCOT's World Showcase.

This store is quite large but the pearl station is easy to spot, front and center. When we approached the counter we weren't sure at first what to do but quickly figured out that we'd need to purchase a ticket to get our place in line. The ticket, good for choosing one oyster, cost $17 plus tax. Once we'd paid we were given a receipt with a number on it that we waited to hear called. It wasn't a busy day so we only had to wait about 10 minutes until it was my daughter's turn. The cast member gave her an enthusiastic welcome and then asked my daughter to choose her oyster from the shallow display case.

         

Once the oyster had been selected the cast member made a very big show of opening it to reveal the pearl inside and then measure (sizes vary) and clean it. The cast member then made a production (with drums!) of congratulating my daughter before presenting her with the pearl in a small plastic bag with the size marked.

                                      

                                      

                                      

At that time she had the option to move on and choose a setting for an additional fee. There are many, MANY options for settings at a variety of prices. But my daughter had done her research and knew what she wanted, a Cinderella carriage cage charm that opens to hold the pearl inside.

                                     

Overall she was happy with both the experience and with her extra special souvenir. We'd both highly recommend this experience!

Hope is ready to help you find the one of kind experience you're looking for on your next vacation. Contact her at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com or find her on Facebook. You can also follow her on Instagram; sghope12. 

Your First Day at Walt Disney World

Most people arrive at the Walt Disney World resort in the middle of the day. They've been traveling, sometimes very long distances, and may be tired or hungry. But somehow, when you see this sight...

all the rest melts away and you're ready for some MAGIC! You may still be tired or hungry but it has become secondary to your excitement. So the question then arises; what can you do with just a few hours when you may be a bit run-down but want a little Disney magic to start your trip with? Well, after you've checked in to your resort you might try...

Exploring your resort:

Disney takes the time to put magical details into each and every resort on their property. We're often so busy enjoying the parks that we may miss these so taking some time on your arrival day to see all your resort has to offer is a great way to start your trip. From restaurants to shopping to pools every resort is unique so go explore!

Swim:

Speaking of pools, every Walt Disney World resort has fabulous pools for you to enjoy. There's usually a main pool full of activity and fun and a quiet pool for simply relaxing and soaking in the moments. Whatever your mood a dip in the pool can be the perfect end to a long day of travelling. 

Visit a Waterpark:

Maybe the pool is a little too understated for you but you still like the idea of some fun in the water. Why not visit one of Disney's two waterparks? Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are a great destination whether your looking for a few thrills to jumpstart your trip or just want to float around the lazy river to gear up for the next day. 

Disney Springs:

Disney Springs (the recently reimagined Downtown Disney) has something for everyone. If you're in the mood for shopping, having a meal, or just taking in the sights and sounds there will be something for you at Disney Springs. 

Special Meal:

With so many one-of-a-kind dining experiences to choose from on Disney property why not get started right away? Disney Springs and many resorts offer a variety of dining experiences from character buffets to dinner shows that you don't need a park ticket to enjoy. Or if you don't mind using a park ticket there are dozens of in park restaurants to choose from as well.

Explore OTHER Resorts:

As stated above, every Walt Disney World resort is unique and has much to see and do. From animal viewing with night vision goggles at Animal Kingdom Lodge to viewing Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian there's something for every one. Just be aware that exploring other resorts is encouraged but pool hopping is NOT.

Plan A Special Activity:

Much of the fun is included at Walt Disney World- resort, park tickets, perhaps even dining depending on your package. But there are still a few magical extras you may enjoy. Boat rentals, fireworks cruises, spa treatments, golf courses, and balloon rides are just a few of the options waiting to welcome you to the magic. 

Visit a Park:

Of course often you just want to get to your favorite theme park as soon as possible. It doesn't matter that you missed rope drop, arrive at a particularly crowded time of day, or will only have a few hours before the park closes- you just want the magic to begin ASAP! Because it's relatively inexpensive to add an extra day to a multi-day ticket this option is perfect for those who just can't wait. Another reason to visit the parks right away might be because of refurbishments. Several years ago we knew that the Mad Tea Party, arguably one of the most iconic rides at Walt Disney World, would be closing for refurbishment the day after we arrived. So, we went to the Magic Kingdom to ride on our arrival day before we headed to Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs). I think this smile says it was worth it!

Hope is ready to help you plan the first day of your trip as well as the last and everything in between! Contact her at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com or find her on Facebook. 

Holidays at the Disney World Resorts

With so much to do at the parks during the Christmas season, many people forget, the atmosphere at the resorts the is just as magical. Many have special displays like gingerbread houses or giant Christmas trees. Here is a rundown of where to go when taking some time away from the parks.

SPECIAL DISPLAYS
The deluxe resorts have the most elaborate displays and are worth a trip on the monorail or bus to check out. Below are what the resorts have offered in the past but who knows if they may surprise us this year so check with your hotel concierge before you head out.

• The Grand Floridian boasts a life-sized gingerbread house which they actually use as a Bake Shop. Visitors can purchase Christmas Delights and watch Gingerbread House Demonstrations. The Victorian charm of their decorations brings one back to a more elegant time.
• The Contemporary Resort offers a 17 foot tall Gingerbread Christmas Tree and a huge lighted wreath (Mickey shaped of course), visible as you take the monorail through the resort. We did Chef Mickey’s for dinner here on Christmas Day.  
• Beach Club has a working gingerbread carousel with white chocolate horses and Yacht Club features a miniature train set running through a candy and sugar-coated landscape. The decor here is light, airy and most decidedly nautical.
• The Boardwalk has a gingerbread and chocolate gazebo display and a gingerbread bake shop. Don’t miss the chocolate seaside amusement park display in the Lobby!
• The Polynesian is decorated throughout and has small gingerbread displays in the Ceremonial House.  They do a great job working with their tropical atmosphere so it doesn’t seem tacky.
• Wilderness Lodge boasts homey decor and a cozy, rustic feel the Christmas traditionalist will love.  There is a huge tree in the center lobby with plenty of pine cones. Fireplaces grace the main areas and make you want to curl up in front with a hot cocoa and a copy of The Night Before Christmas.

All the resorts boast beautiful trees and decorations throughout. Always in line with the theme of the hotel. Some also have gingerbread displays or train setups, but nothing as elaborate or consistent as the Deluxe Resorts. If staying at a Value or Moderate Resort, check out your lobby none the less, you will be surprised at what you find.




Gingerbread Tree Assembly at Contemporary Resort

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Contemporary Resort holds all religious services in their Fantasia Ballroom on Christmas Day.  Catholic Services are held at 8 am and 10:15 am. Protestant Services are held on 9am. The resort will usually limit parking on that day to their guests only, so you must take resort transportation. Leave extra time if taking the bus system from your resort to the Magic Kingdom,, hoping to catch the monorail. Magic Kingdom is so popular that it will take several full buses before you catch one. Ask your resort concierge for an alternate way if possible, depending on your resort.

THINGS TO DO

• Ft. Wilderness Sleigh Ride-Ft. Wilderness offers a 25 minute, horse-drawn, holiday “sleigh” ride throughout the woods of the campground. The rides leave on the half hour and cost $60 per ride. Each sleigh can hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (under 9). The rides begin at 5:30 am to 9:30 pm and reservations can be made at 1-407-WDW-PLAY.
• Children's Activities-Many of the resorts have activities available in the lobby for the kids to do. Often a craft or coloring page. Let them color and watch a little Vintage Mickey as you admire the Christmas displays.
• Dining-Some restaurants will have special Christmas menus they announce as the holiday time nears. I'll be sure to post an update when they are announced.  Some will offer cocoa and cookies on certain nights. Check in your lobby when you arrive.
• Visits with Santa-Most of the resorts will have Santa set up in the lobby on Christmas Eve. Traditionally he is available from 5pm to 8pm. There are schedules at each hotel with other days is “available”. He was there for several days before when we stayed at Coronado Springs. Reminder: Santa is also available at the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney.

I hope this article gives you a taste of what to find during the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World. Keep in mind that the exhibits can change at any time and I’m only representing what was available in years past. If you are interested in planning a holiday trip to Walt Disney World, contact me at maria@snapshotgetaways.com.  

Calling All Wilderness Explorers...

So, you want to be a Wilderness Explorer? Great!! You’ll need to go to Disney’s California Adventure and get ready to have fun and explore.

In this park within a park, you and your little ones will have a chance to learn Wilderness Explorer skills. If you’re unsure about the time schedule, you can ask the Cast Member as you enter the Wilderness Explorer area. S/He can assist you with a schedule of times when the characters will be available.

As you complete your Wilderness Explorer skills, you have a checklist to mark off. Once you’ve completed all the skills, you can go to the Camp at the designated time(s), and earn your Wilderness Explorer Badge (it’s a sticker). You’ll have the chance to learn your Totem Spirit Guide, and ride a tire zip line, as well as explore the rope cages, play areas, etc. It’s a lot of fun and a good way for your little one to burn off some energy.

Don’t be surprised if along the way, you find yourself face to face with none other than Dug (the dog from UP). He’s there for a photo op. There will be a Photo Pass Photographer present to assist in capturing those magical memories.

You meet another Camp Explorer (Cast Member) by the Campground, who asks for help in locating Kevin (remember the large bird in UP). You will also be asked to learn the Wilderness Explorer Call, in order to help lead Russell (the character from UP) to Camp. With your “Call”, he makes it to the camp successfully, and engages the other “Explorers” in dialogue. He then asks if you’ve completed your skills. After the “Yes” replies, he then asks everyone to stand and take the Wilderness Explorer Oath.

(Yes, his little paw is up and he's citing the oath)

After citing the Oath, he leads the group to a photo op with him. This is a Photo Pass opportunity. So have your cards ready, or get a new card from the photographer. Once you get your photos, you can safely leave the area, unless your little one wants to play some more (and burn off some of that excess energy).

This is one area you should definitely check out. It’s a lot of fun for the kids, and a nice respite for the adults. Also, don’t forget to take lots of pictures (Photo Pass or otherwise).

Frank grew up in South Florida, and as such, has been to WDW many times as a child.  The trips stopped when he went to college in Texas (his current residence).  He visited Disneyland in Cali while living there for a few years.  Fast forward to 2005, when he was once again living in TX, and decided that it was past time to return.  Since then he’s been to the parks approximately every 12-18 months, including Disneyland.  He has recently decided to join the Snapshot Getaways team as an affiliate agent, and enjoys assisting families plan their magical memories. He can be reached at:  frank@osomagical.com