Wordless Wednesday: World Of Color

Part One

Part Two

Lots of Pictures:

Photos and videos are from Amanda and Frankie's trips to Disneyland's California Adventure.

They are both Destination Specialists for the Snapshot Getaways team and would love to chat with you.

Special Offer On Disney Cruise Line

October 6th -13th, 2014 is CLIA National Cruise Week! Each year during cruise week, the major cruise lines off extra incentives to book your cruise vacation during this time. Disney Cruise Lines is taking part by offering a $100 onboard credit per stateroom on select 7 Night Caribbean Cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy or the Disney Magic. That's $100 in onboard credits to enjoy on your already FABULOUS Disney Cruise!!

For travel departing from Port Canaveral:

January 3rd-March 28th, 2015 on 7 Night Western Caribbean sailings on the Disney Fantasy

January 4th-March 29, 2015 on 7 Night Eastern sailings on the Disney Magic

And now the rules and fine print:

*The offer must be booked through a CLIA member agency
*Valid only on new bookings made Oct. 6th-13th, 2014
*Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts
*One onboard credit per stateroom
*Onboard credit is non-refundable and non-transferable
*Offer subject to availability

Click to contact Snapshot Getaways or email us at Info@SnapshotGetaways.com to book your magical Disney cruise and take advantage of the $100 onboard credit! Remember, this is a VERY limited offer-get it before it sails away!!

Do I need a Disney Visa Rewards Card?

If you are anything like me the answer is a resounding NO! In fact I don’t need any more credit cards!   That doesn’t stop every credit card company on earth from sending me a pre-approved credit application once a week.  Even Disney Rewards Visa was relentless. The photo of Mickey on the card, designed to draw any Disney Addict in.  Oh wait, I can choose from multiple designs?  I can even pick a Tinkerbell card!  Nope, don’t need it.  They can’t make me, I’ve paid off all my cards.  I will not repeat the mistakes of my early 20’s.

I remained firm for a year.  Shredding every application that came.  Mickey’s smiling face cut into a thousand pieces.  UNTIL…What?  A $50 statement credit if I sign up?  How did they know I had a trip planned in 3 months?   That will come in handy for sure.  I will use it towards my trip.  That did it, I was done.  Now I had to open the envelope and see what was involved.  Within a few minutes I had my card design picked out (Where Dreams Come True) and the card was on its way.

Why did I give in?  The Disney Rewards Visa has great perks and no annual fee.  Here’s the scoop:

• $50 Statement Credit – Earn a $50 Disney statement credit when you first use your credit card upon account approval. Consider it you’re welcome gift, available exclusively with the Disney Rewards Visa Card. *Chase Offer as of press time, this offer may vary.
• 0% Introductory APR – Pay no interest with a special 0% Introductory APR that lasts 6 months on select Disney vacation packages. A variable APR will apply thereafter.
• Disney Parks Vacation Promotions-Available first to Disney Visa Rewards Cardholders.  Get first pick of availability for upcoming promotions at the resorts.
• Earn Rewards Everyday – Earn rewards on your everyday purchases by receiving 1%. You can redeem toward Disney goodies such as DVDs and toys. Or, you can embark on your Disney trip, and enjoy redeeming for Theme Park tickets, resort stays and much more.
• Save on merchandise – With the Disney Rewards Visa Card, you can enjoy additional savings with a 10% discount on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney Store locations or at the Disney Store online.  This includes 10% discounts at select Disney Parks restaurants and 15% discounts on select Disney Parks Tours and Events.
• More Card Perks – At both Disneyland and Disney World, say hello to Mickey Mouse with Disney Theme Park Character Meet ‘N’ Greet at a private card member location. You can also select from 8 fun card designs to personalize your Disney Rewards Visa® Card, plus enjoy no annual fee.
• Disney Cruise Line On Board Credit-You must ask for this when making your reservation, but your credit can be applied towards non alcoholic beverages.

What did I do?
First I made a initial purchase in order to receive the Disney Gift Card.
I then credited the money toward my balance due on my upcoming trip.  You could always save for some guilt free shopping at home or at the parks. I used my Disney Visa to pay for the trip.   Please note, I paid off the card at the first statement to avoid interest.  Then as my trip neared I applied online for my Rewards Gift Card.  Which I turned around and spent on souvenirs at Disney World.

Disney Devoted Disclaimer:  I don’t work for Visa.  I don’t get anything if I’ve convinced you to get a Disney Visa.  Just because the voice in my head told me to get one, it doesn’t mean you should.  If you are in financial trouble, do not get another credit card.  Do not buy a ton of stuff just to get Disney Rewards.  Do not blame me if you overspend.  Blame Disney Merchandising.

P.S. – Chase also offers a  Disney’s Premier Visa Card which gives you 2% in reward dollars on certain card purchases, and a $100 statement credit!

Mickey Mom aka Maria is mom to two boys and loves the photo meet and greet she gets with her Disney Visa Reward card!  Contact her for help with your upcoming vacations at maria@snapshotgetaways.com or her Facebook Page.

To Stroller or Not to Stroller?

That is the question!  The question I get most from clients and friends traveling to Disney World.  Especially if your little pirate or princess has ditched their stroller while at home.  But Disney is not a trip to the mall, it's miles and miles of walking.  In my opinion the answer is a resounding YES, if your child is 5 or under.  After that, it's a personal decision based on you and your situation.  So that gives you the "Who", and I'm also here to provide you with the What, Why, When and How.

WHAT?

What kind of stroller is best for Disney?  Well, it depends on your family situation.  There are sit and stands, frames for infant carriers, umbrella strollers, SUV strollers, double strollers, etc.  If you are bringing your own stroller, I suggest a cross between an umbrella stroller and a deluxe stroller.  We bring one that folds several times and has a carrying strap.  Ideally if it reclines and folds up neat, that is a Disney Stroller.  The strollers that are able to be rented in the parks are not appropriate for infants, but the average toddler is comfortable.  The stroller is hard plastic with a brake and sun canopy and some have small storage baskets.

WHY?

Walking makes for a healthy child, right?  Why confine them to a stroller?  Well, because an average day at Disney is MILES of walking.  Walking from the resort room to the bus stop, the bus stop to the entrance, etc.  All that walking is tough on little legs and short fuses.  Why you want a stroller for your little one is to avoid this:

• Carrying Them-As well as your backpack, with your own tired feet.   You will have no control over when or where this happens.  I can pretty much guarantee it will not be at a good time. So be prepared for #2.
• Negotiating-You will offer treats, another ride on Buzz Lightyear, a trip to Mars.  Anything to keep them moving and off your aching back.  Now you are either doing more walking or carrying more stuff.
• The Shut Down-As you will have no control over #1 and #2 this is inevitable.  If you are lucky this will just involve a “stop and drop” near a quiet, shaded bench.  More than likely it will be in the middle of the tight walkway around Cinderella Castle...or so I've heard.  The Shut Down  can also turn into The Complete Meltdown, carrying them out of the park kicking and screaming. The number to cancel your Advanced Dining Reservation, that your agent made 180 days ago, is 1-407-WDW-DINE.

WHEN?

Again, you know your child best. There is no prize given for being a hero and carrying your child around all day.  So here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Infants-They will almost always need a stroller.  Even if you bring the best carrier in the world, Florida's heat will require a break for both you and baby. Maybe you will even get a nap in the stroller?  Sit back with your Mickey Premium ice cream bar and put your own feet up for an hour or so.  Stay tuned for articles on my favorite nap spots in the Parks.
• Toddlers-This age group will need a stroller as well. You might get away without it if you are returning to the parks for dinner after a nap, that's up to you. But during the day at the parks those little legs will need a break.  At this age, the stroller is also a nice measure of control as you maneuver around the crowds.
• Preschoolers-This is where your decision becomes difficult.  You probably haven't used a stroller for a while at home. Maybe it's still stored in the garage from your last Disney trip. If you decide on a stroller, plan on using it at the end of the day and more so towards the end of the trip. The rest of the time it will be a place to store stuff while on the rides.  Disclaimer:  When I say stuff, I do not mean cameras, iPads or purses. Disney is not that magical.

HOW?

• Bring Your Stroller from Home-Easy choice if you are driving.  If you are flying you can check your stroller at the gate and it will be waiting for you outside the airplane when you disembark.  This does not count against your luggage limits and there is no charge.  Same goes for car seats.  This option gives you a stroller at all times; airport, resort, and the parks.
• Rent a Stroller from Disney Guest Services-Single ($15 a Day) or Double ($31 a Day) strollers are available to rent as you enter the parks. There are discounts for multiple days and you will need to leave a deposit on your credit card or resort room. They put your name on the stroller and it is yours for the day inside that park. Plan ahead and bring a ribbon or towel to wrap around the handle of your stroller to make it easier to spot in the sea of strollers. The downside to this choice is that you don't have a stroller upon leaving the parks. The upside is that you don't have a stroller to carry and lug around after leaving the parks. Strollers are welcome, but not available for rent at the water parks. Double strollers are not available for rent at Downtown Disney. 
•  Rent a Stroller from an Outside Vendor-This is rapidly becoming a popular option. There are many companies in the Orlando area which provide this service. Orlando Strollers and Kingdom Strollers are two popular companies. The procedures vary, but basically a company will deliver your stroller selection to your Disney Resort or off site rental. This means you will have your stroller at the resort and in the parks, but don't have to haul it on the plane. Also, there are  Special Needs strollers for older, disabled children. FYI-They will offer you stroller insurance which covers the stroller if it is lost or stolen. This is a personal decision, I am not up to date on the current crime rate statistics for Disney Stroller Theft.

The most important thing to remember is that you know your child best, so ultimately you have to decide what's best for your family. Being prepared with your options and planning ahead of time will make your Disney trip Magical.

Maria, AKA Mickey Mom is a Travel Planner for Snapshot Getaways. When she is not planning trips for others, she is dreaming of going to Disney.  Check out her MickeyMom Facebook Page

Friday Freebie-Disneyland Recipes

For many of us, a trip to Disney is not complete without a particular food item.  You can find many recipes online, but the best place to go is the Disney Insider.  They provide the recipe direct from the chef!  Subscribe to their newsfeed for the newest updates at the park as well.  Here are a
few of our favorites from Disneyland:


Maurice's Treats Strawberry Twists

Cheesy Enchilada Soup

Club 33's Pumpkin Beignets

Steakhouse 55's Lump Crabcakes

Please share any recipes or photos from your special Disney Parks food creations!

Maria aka MickeyMom is a mom to 2, loves to eat at Disney and is a travel planner for Snapshot Getaways.  Follow her Facebook Page or contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com

Rev Up Your Engines...

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, then there’s no way you should miss a visit to Radiator Springs.  The Cars Land area of Disney’s California Adventure park is extremely well themed.  You enter the area, and are immediately immersed in the heart of the movie.  There are many rides in this area, as well as shops and even Flo’s V8 Restaurant.  Of course the showcase here is Radiator Springs Racers.  Think of it as the equivalent of Test Track, but with much better theming. 

While most people rush to get to the ride, I highly encourage you to take time to enjoy all the little nuances in the area.  The details are amazing.

The racers sit 2 rows deep, and 3 wide (6 passengers per racer).  After strapping in, your car moves up for a final seat belt check.  After that, you’re off on a fun ride through Radiator Springs.  Finally, you’re prepared to race against another car.  The ride is short, but quite fun, and more fun than Test Track at WDW.

The attraction does have a ride photo, so if you have a Photo Pass, make sure to get the picture on your card before you leave the ride area.

Be warned, this is the major pull for California Adventure.  It gets busy.  If you don’t want to deal with the rush to get on the ride first thing in the morning, then get a Fast Pass near Bugs Land.  They do run out fast during peak periods at the parks.  Also be advised that they require one adult per child riding the ride.  And yes, they do adhere to the height requirement, quite stringently.  So plan accordingly.

For a 1^st person perspective, watch the video.  It starts at the final seat belt check point.  Have fun, and may you always win your race(s).  If you’d like to plan a trip to Disneyland, please feel free to contact us.

  

 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

Wordless Wednesday-An Adventure by Disney Part 1

Adventures By Disney

Southern California

Disney Backstage / Hollywood

Disneyland Trip 

Part 1

Enjoy the adventure through the lens of my camera.  It was the most amazing experience this Disneyphile has had to date! 

 

 

Our Hollywood Hotel

View from our Hollywood Hotel. Hi John Ritter!

 

A driving tour of Hollywood

 

Tam O'Shanter, the restaurant frequently visited by Walt Disney!

A special moment for me sitting at "Walt's Booth" at Tam O'Shanter

Places visited in this blog:
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The Jim Henson Company Studio Lot
The Tam O'Shanter
Walt's Barn Carlwood Pacific
Disney Ice Cream Shop and Studio Store


Written by  Chelle Tolliver, Travel Momma a Snapshot Getaways Travel

 Agent