No visit to Disney World is complete without seeing Epcot’s spectacular fireworks display Illuminations – Reflections of Earth. But this is more than just a fireworks display. We all know that Disney is the master of entertainment and Illuminations is likely to be one of the highlights of your vacation. Illuminations features fireworks,music, pyrotechinics,lasers and a 350,000 pound globe. This really is one of the must see attractions at Disney World.

So what is the first thing that you have to think about when choosing a viewing spot for Epcot’s Illuminations? Well as the show is always run just before the park closes you have to think about how you are going to get to the exit! At busy times there may be as many as 30,000 people leaving Epcot at the same time as you are. So when you are choosing a viewing spot always remember that some places make for a quicker exit!

If you are staying at one of the Disney Epcot resort hotels or have parked in the Boarwalk parking lot then you should think about picking a viewing spot close to the World Showcase exit. The bridge between the United Kingdom and France Pavillions is good for this.

If, like most people, you are parked in the main parking lot then the further around the World Showcase Lagoon you are then the longer it will take you to get to the exit. So you might want to think about watching from somewhere between Canada and France.

The best place to watch Illuminations? In my experience probably Cantina de San Angel terrace in the Mexico Pavilion area. A table near the lagoon is an ideal spot. The disadvantage? Many people know about this and so at busy times you may find yourself having to lodge yourself at a table for up to 2 hours before the show! Only you can decide if that kind of wait is worth it. Personally I just wouldn’t sacrifice that much time in the park and devote it to getting the ‘perfect’ spot. There are plenty of other viewing places that give you a great view.

What do you look out for when choosing a viewing spot for Illuminations? Most places are good but some are blocked by trees and other structures. Viewing around the American Pavilion is not great as it is difficult to get an unobstructed view. The boat dock in Germany, the walkway between China and Germany, most places in Japan, including the balcony of the restaurant, the Rose and Crown restaurant in the United Kingdom – these are all good viewing spots for Illuminations.

Learn more details and see some great pictures of Epcot Illuminations – Reflections of Earth
Photos used under Creative Commons from Carlos

Tags: epcot, epcot illuminations

Spaceship Earth is to Disney’s Epcot as Cinderella’s Castle is to Magic Kingdom. Think of Epcot and you will most likely conjure up the image of the 180 foot tall geodesic dome. This is one of my very favorite Disney World rides although was once a part of one of my most difficult moments at Epcot, when the Spaceship Earth ride broke down and I had to climb down a lot of rather narrow stairs right down to the exit. Not one of my better moments, but I wished that I had my camera with me as at least I had a rare glimpse into the complex systems behind the ride.

Spaceship Earth takes you on a journey through time from the prehistoric era right up to the present day. The theme is learning through advancements in communication.  You all board a slow moving time machine which runs on a constant circuit. Since the 2007 refurbishment there is now an interactive touch screen in each vehicle. Now I won’t spoil the surprise of what happens with this but don’t get too excited about this element of the ride – it is I think a little disappointing and will not hold your attention for very long!

Having said that, this 13 minute journey through time is one which is well worth taking. The use of audio animatronics and the commentary by Dame Judy Dench make this one of my favorite places to spend some time in Epcot. But beware. The lines can be very long. What guests typically do is start to stand in line for the ride as soon as they arrive in the park.  At busy times this is a mistake as the line can be very long. There is no Fast Pass for Spaceship Earth so you may want to try waiting until later in the day to ride when the lines are usually much shorter.

Learn more about this Epcot ride and find out how it was designed and see some pictures of what is inside by reading my new Spaceship Earth Guide.

Tags: epcot, epcot spaceship earth

There really has never been a better time to book a Disney cruise. The latest Kids Sail Free deal was announced by Disney Cruise Lines today.

Kids age 12 and under can sail free on most 3-night cruises from January 22 to May 28, 2009, when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.

Disney’s latest offer only applies to new bookings, and for stateroom categories 4 to 12. Taxes and Government Fees are not included

To book this great offer call your Disney travel agent, book online or call (800) 951-3532 using booking code FREE.

I am very tempted by this latest offer. Just wondering when I can fit this in to my 2009 schedule as I already have 2 cruises booked! This is such a great offer though I realize I will probably spend my morning browsing available sailing dates!

The past month or so has seen some great deals on Disney Cruises. There is no longer a fuel supplement on all bookings from December 1st, there is the great deal of the second cruise for $99, and now Disney announces this special deal of kids sail free. So if you are able to take advantage of these now really is the best time to book that I have ever seen. I just wish they would start some offers for 2010 as I am ready to book!

Is a Disney cruise just for kids? A big and definite no! Disney has gone to a great deal of effort to market the cruises to adults as well as children and has several kid free areas on the Magic and the Wonder. It even has an adults only beach on Castaway Cay.

Remember that you can always combine a Disney cruise with a stay in one of my vacation homes. You can save money on your accommodation and then take advantage of one of these great Disney cruise offers. Just contact me for more details……….

Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickrized

Tags: disney cruise

There are many benefits to having an annual pass for Disney World. A 10% discount on all World of Disney merchandise in Downtown Disney. This Disney store is the largest in the world and has something to tempt every mouse fan, particularly in the Holiday season.

Disney is planning a special event for Passholders on Saturday December 13th starting at 6.30am at World of Disney. If you can get up that early then there are some very special perks for AP’s. Not only will they get their 10% discount but Disney is offering special give aways. The first 450 guests will receive a free limited-edition pin.  Plus, the first 1,000 guests at the store will receive a free silver or red Disney coil ornament.

6:30-7:30 a.m.: Complimentary coffee, hot cocoa and treat tastings

6:30 a.m.: Select plush and other items $3 each

7-9 a.m.: Meet Santa Goofy

7:30 a.m.: Select jumbo mugs, 2008 dated merchandise and other items $5 each

8:30 a.m.: Select apparel $7 each

So if you are looking for a Disney bargain this Holiday season this could be your chance.

Tags: disney annual passholders, disney store

The most luxurious Disney World hotel

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury at a Disney resort then you will find it at the Disney Grand Floridian Resort. Be transported back to the Victorian age where service is exceptional, the architecture is stunning and the location is the best in Disney World. The Grand Floridian is located just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom and can be reached by monorail, boat or even a gentle stroll.

This quality does come at a price though. Room rates for 2009 for the Grand Floridian start at $399 and can go a lot higher depending on the type of room and the season you are visiting Disney World. There are many different types of rooms available ranging from the standard room, concierge level rooms right up to the amazing Disney Suite. I think I may have to save up for that one though as prices are upwards of $2000 a night.

But if you want the very best in luxury then the Grand Floridian will deliver. But let’s not forget that this is a Disney resort. You are surrounded with elegance and luxury but will still feel at home in those Mickey Mouse ears and Disney shirt. This is not a place to stand on ceremony!

Have you met your Prince Charming or your perfect Princess? You may want to get married in the Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion. This dream wedding chapel overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Mickey can’t be a guest at your wedding but he will come to the reception – for an hourly rate of course. You can arrive in style in Cinderella’s Coach pulled by six white ponies driven by a footman. This is the stuff of which dreams are made!

Unfortunately not everyone’s budget stretches to actually staying at the Grand Floridian resort. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy some of the fabulous atmosphere and eat in the restaurants. The Floridian is home to one of the very best restaurants that Disney has to offer – Victoria and Albert’s. This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Expect to pay around $500 for a dinner for 2 with wine pairings though. If you want something a little less formal and lighter on the wallet ( but not the waistline) then try out 1900 Park Fare. This is one of my favorite Disney character dining restaurants. Have dinner with Cinderella or breakfast with Mary Poppins. The food is excellent for a buffet – expect a high energy and fun dining experience.

Or you can simply people watch in the Floridian. It is a perfect short distance from Magic Kingdom on the monorail or by boat. As soon as you enter the lobby your eyes will look upwards to the amazing 5 story atrium. Walk around to the grand staircase and find my children’s favorite spot – miniature chairs and tables in front of a TV screen showing Disney classic movies. We have spent many a happy hour relaxing there and recovering from walking around the parks.

Christmas time at the Grand Floridian is a particular treat. The huge Christmas tree in the lobby has to be seen to be believed and the edible Ginger Bread House is a favorite.

Whether you stay as a guest at Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel or simply step in for a while to look around you are sure to want to return to beautiful resort.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Kathika

Tags: disney grand floridian, disney hotels, disney resorts

What exactly is a Hidden Mickey? And how do you find them at Disney World? Rather than explain what they are it is probably easier to start by showing you a picture of one!

Hidden Mickey on the floor of the Disney Polynesian Resort Hotel

Hidden Mickeys started in the late 1970s when the Disney Imagineer’s began to leave a secret mark when they created an attraction. It was a kind of signature so they could show their family their mark on a Disney attraction that they had helped to create. At first it was a Disney inside secret but became known to guests too when an article explaining Hidden Mickey’s was published in the Disney cast member magazine. Soon the Hidden Mickey secret was out!

So what can be classed as a Hidden Mickey? Often it is the classic mouse ear trio of a black circle for his head and two circles for his ears. But it can be other things too. A Hidden Mickey can be a full silhouette drawing, a plush, his name or initials. It doesn’t even have to be Mickey Mouse – other characters are included too.

It is a lot of fun to start looking for Hidden Mickey’s in the Disney parks. It can become a little addictive once you start though! It is something that the whole family can get involved in – and can even help to pass some of the time standing in line.

How do you know if it really is a Hidden Mickey. Unfortunately there is no official list produced by Disney. Sometimes it can be a difficult call as to whether or not something you find really is a Hidden Mickey. You will get a lot better with practice though! They are located in all of the parks and even the Disney movies.

So you don’t even need to leave home to find a Hidden Mickey. Here are some that you can see right from the comfort of your own armchair!

Toy Story 2

In Andy’s room, in an early film sequence, a Mickey Mouse “watch” clock is visible on Andy’s wall.

Mulan

Shang’s Horse has four hidden mickeys, two on each side. One on each side of the neck with the others on each side of his hind flanks.

Atlantis – The Lost Empire

When Milo is talking to his grandfather’s friend, there are some fish in the background in the aquarium. On each fish, there are spots of which three of them form to make a Hidden Mickey.

If you want to find out more about Hidden Mickeys and start searching for them there is a great guide written by Steven M Barrett which has lots of details about Hidden Mickeys and scavenger hunts for all the family to enjoy.

Photo used under Creative Commons from mrkathika

Tags: hidden mickey, polynesian resort

As Walt Disney himself once said ‘It all started with a Mouse’. Well today Mickey Mouse celebrates his 80th birthday!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse actually debuted on 15th May 1928 in an animated short named Plan Crazy. But Mickey’s actual birthday is always quoted as 18th November 1928 as this is when he made his first appearance on film in the animated movie Steamboat Willie. So this makes him the ripe old age of 80 today!

Walt Disney said of Mickey Mouse:

“We felt that the public, and especially the children, like animals that are cute and little. I think we are rather indebted to Charlie Chaplin for the idea. We wanted something appealing, and we thought of a tiny bit of a mouse that would have something of the wistfulness of Chaplin — a little fellow trying to do the best he could. When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it’s because he’s so human; and that is the secret of his popularity. I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.”

So happy 80th birthday Mickey. As Minnie Mouse debuted on the same day does that mean that she is also celebrating?

Are you dreaming of a Christmas vacation at Disney World? Where better to spend the Christmas celebrations than at the most magical place on earth?

Disney's Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle at Christmas

But is is really a good idea to visit Disney World at Christmas time? Well of course it is one of the most popular times of the year and yes the parks will be crowded. But I think that it is well worth it! Just arrive prepared and you will have one of the best Christmas celebrations you have ever dreamed of.

So what makes Disney so magical at Christmas. We all know that Disney is the master of entertainment and they certainly know how to put on a great show. The Disney Christmas decorations are amazing. From the special Christmas parades and fireworks, to the edible gingerbread house displays Disney creates a wonderful family atmosphere of celebration.

Planning your Disney World vacation becomes even more important at Christmas time. You really do get more out of your vacation if you just spend some time in advance working out what you and your family want to do.

The restaurants get booked up far in advance. If you want to dine at a Disney restaurant you may make Advance Dining Reservations as far in advance as 180 days by calling 407 WDW DINE. Restaurants do get booked up well in advance so it pays to plan. Lots of the Disney restaurants have special Holiday menus.

The parking lots really do fill up quickly at Christmas time and you have to get there early. I know this from experience when I was turned away one Christmas Eve! So arrive as early as you can do and plan to spent a whole day in your chosen Disney park. This is probably not the time for park hopping as if you leave you may not be allowed back in!

But there are ways to enjoy the Christmas celebrations at Disney World without the crowds. One of my favorite times to visit is just after Thanksgiving right up to the week before Christmas. Crowds are generally light so you get to enjoy the rides without a wait, and all the Disney Christmas decorations are already in the parks. If you want to see the special parades and fireworks in Magic Kingdom then you can get a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

If you can’t make it to Disney World this Christmas then of course you can always bring the celebration home. I love to decorate our home with Disney Christmas ornaments and of course we always watch Disney movies in the build up to Christmas. On Christmas Day don’t miss the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade on ABC. This annual event with Regis and Kelly always features all the big Disney stars – Miley Cyrus and the cast from High School Musical were there last year.

One thing that I plan to do one year is a Disney Christmas Cruise. Disney really is the leader in cruise line vacations and to sail at Christmas must be a truly magical experience. They even make it snow on Castaway Cay!

If you are thinking of booking a Disney vacation home for Christmas then you really do have to plan ahead – usually a year in advance for the very best homes. I am taking bookings now for Christmas 2009 and 2010. Yes, you really do have to think this far in advance for the very best homes!

Are you looking for a last minute deal on a villa near Disney World? Well I have some great news for you. I have some dates available for my Windsor Palms 5 bed and 4 beds, and also Solana and Windsor Hills reserve resort homes.

My Windsor Palms 5 bed conservation view home really is for the guest who is looking for something very special. It has that fabulous conservation view and of course every upgrade you can think of including games room, Disney Princess and Harry Potter themed rooms, TVs in every room including a flat screen in the living area. It has over $10,000 upgraded additions for 2008.

If you are looking for something a little smaller then the 4 bed Windsor Palms home is on one of the very best plots on the whole resort. There aren’t many homes on the resort which you can truly say are not overlooked but this really is one of them. So take you chance and get a last minute deal!

You can’t get any closer to Disney World than Windsor Palms. Unless you are thinking of Windsor Hills of course! Well which is closer? To be honest there isn’t that much in it, and it depends where you are on each resort of course. What I do know is that from each resort you can get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in less than 8 minutes, Disney Hollywood Studios in 15 to 18 and EPCOT and Magic Kingdom in around 20 minutes.

I have very limited deals on Windsor Hills 4 bed and 6 bed homes for 2008. So if you are looking for a bargain then contact me and see if you are one of the lucky ones!

Last but not least I have my beautiful upgraded Solana 5 bed home. If you are looking for a wonderful resort close to Disney then this is one of my most popular homes. Relax in the huge 36′ swimming pool with spa, and chill out listening to music on the integrated surround sound system. The kids will love the Disney Princess and Disney Cars rooms. You will love the 2 King master bedrooms. And enjoy the facilities on this beautiful resort close to Disney World.

Whichever home you choose then contact me to find your perfect match at a great discount deal for the few remaining dates I have left for 2008.

Have you always wanted to sail on Disney cruise line but were just waiting for the right deal? Well there has been no better time to book a Disney cruise – there are some great special offers out there at the moment.

Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickrized

One of the best offers I have seen is Disney’s current deal. If you book a 4 or 7 night Disney cruise during select nights this winter you can take a relaxing 3-Night Bahamian Cruise fall 2009 for only $99 per person based on double occupancy. So not only can you enjoy one great Disney cruise but you get to go back again!

Disney Cruise Lines are also offering round-trip airfare of $199 per person from select airport locations east of the Mississippi when you book a 7-Night Caribbean Cruise or 7-Night Land and Sea Vacation starting in January 2009. So the cost of getting to Port Canaveral is partly taken care of for you.

So what is so great about a Disney cruise? Most people agree that Disney is one of the best cruise lines in the business and their sea vacations are very popular. Disney is even expanding their fleet with 2 new huge cruise ships on order for 2011 and 2012. We all know that whatever Disney does it does it exceptionally well and with great attention to detail. Their levels of service on their ships are second to none. Of course they have some of the very best shows on the seven seas too.

Is a Disney cruise just for kids? Well Disney has gone to great lengths to ensure that all ages are very welcome on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. Each ship has no less than 5 areas which are adults only sanctuaries including the Quiet Cove Adult Pool, Palo restaurant, a bar , lounge and even a separate beach on Castaway Cay. Whatever your age their is something for everyone on a Disney cruise.

Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island is a highlight of the cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Disney designed this as the perfect island destination – with beautiful white sand beaches and palm trees. You really can’t get much closer to paradise than this…….

Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickrized

I am very tempted by Disney’s new itineraries for 2010 which include the Mediterranean cruises and Northern European cruises.

If you would like to find out more about Disney cruises including which cabin is right for you,more about the restaurants and entertainment, and of course how to get the very best deals then I have written a comprehensive free guide – The Secrets of a Magical Disney Cruise. Here you will find lots of tips and some amazing photos so that you can dream about your next Disney Cruise!

Tags: disney cruise, disney cruise line, disney cruise specials