Plan the Magic - Disney Planning Resource

It’s That Time of Year Again

It’s that time of year again when the kids head back to school, the weather gets cooler, and of course, Disney pulls out some deep discounts. You wonder why Disney the most “kid friendly” place on earth offers great deals when the kids are in school. (I have wondered this for years) These discounts are so tempting – do you pull the kids out of school and head for the most magical place on earth? Well, here is an option that may allow you to do just that. Did you know that most school districts will approve an educational leave for a trip to see the Big Cheese? Yes, you read correctly. You can take the kids to see Mickey and get a discount too!!!

I bet you never thought of Mickey Mouse and Cinderella as educational. But, Walt Disney World has educational opportunities beyond belief – hands on learning that could never take place in a classroom. Let’s look at this in a more in depth perspective:

The Magic Kingdom: This is the world where make believe and storytelling comes to life. This where children can use their imagination to transform them into the story books that they have read prior to their arrival such as Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Pinocchio, and Dumbo. I don’t think any classroom can allow a child to become a part of a story quite like a trip to Walt Disney World. Don’t forget the hall of presidents. This is an exhibit like none other. Where else can you see all of our presidents in one place?

Epcot: WOW!! The education prospects here are endless. Let’s start with a trip to The World Showcase. Can you imagine touring 11 countries in one day? It can be done here! You can visit and dine with natives of the countries, buy merchandise exclusive to the particular country, and see special shows related to each country. Now, tell me that’s not educational! Another part of Epcot is Future World. I think the name says it all. Here a child can see what concepts are out there for the future, whether it is a future automobile, a new way to grow plants, or exciting futuristic communicational devices.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Here children can learn the magic of movie making, the lights, the sounds, and the stunts. They can also learn how their favorite cartoons come to life through animation. This is the perfect place for an aspiring little actress or actor. Where else can you see the Hollywood lights without traveling to Hollywood?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Imagine a 500 acre animal sanctuary. This has got to be the most educational experience of all that Disney has to offer. Here children can learn about hundreds of different species of animals. How they are cared for and where they are native to. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also boasts two countries much like Epcot where you can have one on one experiences unique to each country. If you have a dinosaur fanatic you can also visit Dino Land to explore these enormous creatures of the past.

So, you may ask, if I have personally taken advantage of the deep discounts and taken my children to Walt Disney World during the school year? Well, I am for the first time this September. Not only taking my daughter who is in kindergarten, I am taking my two nieces who are 15 and 11. I have contacted the schools principals and am in the process of completing the paperwork. The paperwork in my district consists of a letter outlining what we will be doing each day and what role it will play in the educational experience. Also, ways that they can share their Disney experiences with their classmates. Yes, it will require some extra effort on your part. But, it will pay off in the end when you see your child light up at the sight of Mickey Mouse and his/her classmates when he/she shares the magical experience. Not to mention the little extra cash the discounts will leave in your pocket!


Natalie is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. She would be more than happy to guide you to deep Disney discounts and assist you with an educational leave for your children. You may contact her at Natalie@PixieVacations.com, 304-784-5705, or find her on facebook – Natalie Pixie Vacations.

Pin trading is a fun activity the whole family can participate in. For our family it has added a new dimension of fun to our Disney World vacation both at the parks and beyond! Never done it? Here are some tips from my personal experience to help you get started.

You’ll need a lanyard to get you started. Lanyards can be bought ahead of time online at the Disney Store or they can be bought at most stores gift shops and stores on Walt Disney World Property. If you are looking for a unique or a hard to find lanyard buying on Ebay can be an option too. Starter lanyards can be purchased with pins already attached and this is an easy way to get started.



Now that you have some pins and a lanyard to wear them on where can you trade for pins? Any cast member wearing pins are happy to trade with you. This includes the parks as well as resorts, restaurants and Downtown Disney. Kids have a few extra opportunities to trade as cast members wearing green lanyards at Walt Disney World and those wearing teal lanyards at Disneyland only trade with the littlest guests between ages 3-12. Remember not to interrupt a cast member when they are doing their job to trade pins, wait your turn and they are always happy to let you look at their pins.

Pin etiquette is something you should be aware of before trading but most of this is common sense, if you forget what to do just ask the cast member.
1. Always ask the cast member to see their pins, never reach for or grab their pin pouch or lanyard.
2. You can’t trade a cast member for a pin they already have.
3. You can’t trade more than 2 pins with one cast member.
4. You can’t buy a pin from a cast member you can only trade for the pin you want.

Now that you’ve got all these pins what do you do with them when you get home? My family purchased a pin binder when we first got into pin trading. This book is a great way to keep all your pins together and in a book where you can easily store it and share it with friends and family. If you have some really special pins you can display them in a shadow box and hang it on the wall. Another neat idea is displaying your pins on a framed cork board. Just hang the board up and stick your pins on it. You can get as creative as you want with this and it’s all personal preference. We love pin trading at Disney and although it can become an expensive habit the thrill of finding the pin you’re looking for can be magical!

Angela is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Pixie Vacations
Contact: Angela@PixieVacations.com or 865-247-5462
Follow: Facebook "Angela's Pixie Vacations"

Christmas at Disney World 2010 (Dec 19 event open to everyone)

What's better than some Christmas cheer? Christmas at Walt Disney World, that's what's better! Come join us to say hello to your fellow Facebook, Blog and Disney fans and enjoy the Holiday decorations at the Happiest Place on Earth. We would love to meet everyone and talk Disney, and we will be planning some fun surprises.

Date: Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
...
Location: Contempo Cafe, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World (4th Floor of the resort)

We will be keeping a name / contact list. So please RSVP here on Facebook or by email to Steve@PixieVacations.com

Check back here for updates and some fun surprises.

The first person to write a review of the New Via Napoli, Restaurant in Epcot's Italy will win a personalized monogrammed Disney Beach Tote from Pixie Vacations. You must include photos of the restaurant, you eating there, and photos of the food items you ordered in your review. If it was great or horrible, please tell us.

The first person to Email their full and complete review with photos to Steve@PixieVacations.com will win and their review will be posted at http://planthemagic.blogspot.com/ and sent to Chip and Co.

Like WDW Vacations on Facebook and you will be automatically entered into the August Giveaway.

Tell your friends to join their Facebook page!
If they get 2,000 fans total by Aug. 31 they will give one of the fans a $25 Disney Gift Card.
If 2,500 fans join they will giveaway a $50 Disney Gift Card
3,000 fans and they giveaway a $75 Disney Gift Card.
Over 3,500 fans and they will giveaway a $100 Disney Gift Card.

If you are already a fan you are already entered.

http://www.facebook.com/WDWVacations

WDWVacations on Facebook has the latest Disney Discounts, News and Disney Tips brought to you by Pixie Vacations.

There is nothing more magical than a Disney vacation. Except maybe for a Disney Wedding! Did you know that you can get married at the most magical place on earth? Just like with everything else Disney goes the extra mile to make your special day more magical. From rehearsal dinners to honeymoons, Disney Fairytale Weddings and Honeymoons offers everything from small intimate affairs to over the top extravaganzas.

There are three packages to choose from to make all of you Disney wedding wishes come true!

First off is the Escape collection which is the most intimate option meant for just the two of you or up to 18 guests. You can chose from dozens of locations around the property with the most popular being the Wedding Pavilion. This chapel located on Bay Lake Adjacent to the Grand Floridian Resort offers breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle as you say your vows. After your Magical Ceremony you and your guest will enjoy a champagne toast and wedding cake. Follow up the wedding with a magical Disney Honeymoon.

Next on the list is the Wishes package meant to fulfill your Wedding desires. Be whisked to your wedding destination by limo, or is horse drawn carriage more your style?

Have you ever wanted to be married in front of Cinderella Castle? That can be arranged. How about at sunrise in Epcot? Underneath a firework filled sky? All of these options can be attained with this very customizable option. Afterward party into the night surrounded with all of your special guests. Minnie and Mickey could even show up for a visit. Keep in mind however that there is a minimum spending limit in order to book a Wishes Package.

And Last but not least there is the Couture package. Meant to be whatever your heart desires the Couture package is just that, the ultimate in customization. Fine tune all the details from what location to have the ceremony to the design of your wedding cake. This is the epitome of luxury where you will be assigned a wedding team trained by wedding planner David Tutera in order to make sure that your every wish is fulfilled. They give you the options you decide what is right for you!

Whether you have the most lavish wedding surrounded by 500 of your nearest and dearest or want an intimate ceremony with just you and your loved one Walt Disney world can make it happen and make sure you have the magical wedding that you have always dreamed of For more information on Disney Weddings call the Disney Wedding Team at 321-939-4610 and request a Brochure.

For help planning you Disney Honeymoon or any Disney World Vacation Contact- Kari Boyle at 484-415-0373 or Email me at Kari@PixieVacations.com

When we arrived at WDW, we weren't sure what to expect from this resort. I have only ever stayed at Moderate resorts. I was worried that this hotel would not live up to my expectations. I changed my mind as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.

As we drove through the Resort area we could see All Star Music and Sports first, the Movies resort was in the back. We arrived at Cinema Hall at about 2pm, check in only took about 15 minutes. We grabbed our welcome packet and went directly to our hotel room. As we came to our area of the Resort, I realized we were lucky enough to get the Toy Story section. My son Gavin was in awe over the massive Buzz Lightyear and the green army men on top of the building.

Once we arrived in our room, i noticed it was a little small. The room had double beds, a dresser/tv stand, a vanity area outside the bathroom, and a small bathroom with a shower/tub. The room was decorated with star lights mounted on the wall above the beds, the bedding was in theme with the resort donning the Mighty Ducks, Cruella De vil, and much more.

We went exploring the area once we were done putting our clothes away. There was a playground area near our room, a laundry mat was by the Fantasia pool, near Cinema Hall there was Silver Screen Spirits Bar,we checked out the other themed areas and took many pictures.

We ate many times at the World Premier Food Court, and the food was delicious. We had the Dining plan so we took advantage of having a close Counter service meal. One time we bought ice cream sundaes from there for our snack. These were well worth the money. They were huge!! None of us could finish them and you could add pretty much whatever you pleased on them.

Transportation time for the buses was rather slow. Because we had to stop at All Star Music and Sports to pick up those guests it took a longer time than some of the other resorts. One good thing is that these resorts are very close to the Animal Kingdom so you won't be spending as much time on the bus to go there.

Overall, this resort was wonderful. It fit our needs and didn't break the bank. The rooms were on the small side, but we really didn't spend that much time in the room, so it didn't bother me. A major plus to staying at a Value Resort is being on property and experiencing the magic the whole vacation. We will most likely stay at this resort again and I highly recommend it to anyone with small children!

Angelica Hawkins
Phone: 812-604-1618
Email: Angelica@PixieVacations.com