The Excitement Is Real!

With all of the news coming out yesterday at the D23 Expo in Anaheim this mama got super excited. Our family loves Disney World the way it is now, but change is inevitable and should be welcomed. Disney fans grow and change, and they want new rides and areas to enjoy while still having some of the nostalgia to fall back on. And personally I think that they're on the right track. Also, as a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) family, we look forward to seeing the changes.

 

Photo Cred: Inside the Magic

First...the change for DVC. We will welcome a new resort to Disney Vacation Club: Disney's Riviera Resort. The resort is to be between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I believe the area this resort will sit on is right next to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Based on the location, there will be no walkway access to Epcot or Studios, but there will be a new Disney Skyline gondola station at the resort which will give Riviera Resort guests access to International Gateway at Epcot (along with Disney busses, of course). And speaking of the new Disney Skyline....

There were two new forms of transportation introduced at yesterday's panel...the Disney Skyline (a gondola system that will give guests a bird's eye view of Walt Disney World), and Disney's Uber-like service - "Minnie Vans" (a fleet of Chevy Traverse vehicles [which seat 8 passengers] painted to evoke Minnie Mouse's traditional white polka dotted red dress).

Now...onto the parks. This was epic. 

Hollywood Studios: 

- Star Wars Land has a name! It will be known as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

- Toy Story Land is scheduled to open Summer 2018 (which makes this family super happy as we will be there towards the end of that summer).

- The Great Movie Ride will be closing August 13, 2017 to make way for a new Mickey Mouse themed ride (based on the new Disney Shorts style of animation).

Epcot:

- The Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Epcot! This new ride will be located where Universe of Energy is now (and it will have a larger footprint).

- Ratatouille (the hit ride at Disneyland Paris) will be making it's way to France in the World Showcase. The ride will be located in the space behind the Eiffel Tower so no changes will be coming to the France Pavilion.

- The China Pavilion will be getting a new CircleVision movie.

- Nothing was announced in regards to a possible new pavilion addition to World Showcase, but we can only hope.

Animal Kingdom:

- There were no announcements made in regards to Animal Kingdom, but that was to be expected since Pandora: The World of Avatar just opened Memorial Day weekend.

Magic Kingdom:

- There will be a new E-Ticket attraction coming just in time for the Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary Celebration: TRON Lightcycle Power Run. This extremely popular ride at Shanghai Disneyland is heading over to our favorite place. The ride will not be replacing the Speedway (as was rumored), but will be located behind the Speedway and next to Space Mountain.

WOW....just Wow. We were out to dinner when all of this news broke, and I was literally freaking out. 

Resort News:

Besides the new DVC resort, it was announced that a new, fully immersive Star Wars resort would also be coming to Walt Disney World.

A lot of fun things are also happening in Disneyland and at California Adventure, even at the New York hotel in Disneyland Paris...but this Disney Mum's knowledge of those locations is limited to what I read and see online, and I have no personal experience there.  At Walt Disney World we love to get fully involved in the magic...and let our inner child be free - along with parenting our own little children. We can't wait for all that is to come!

Life Getting in the Way of Blogging...Who Knew?!

So my sincerest apologies to those who follow the blog...but I have been trying to get it together and find some rhythm after becoming a mom. After having my son six years ago I thought it wouldn't take too long to get back into a routine where I could blog regularly...and that didn't happen. Then I got my first tenure track teaching assignment and that definitely ate up any time I had. Fast-forward to 2015 and we welcomed our family's princess. Now that time I didn't have didn't have time either!

I think I finally found some rhythm after just throwing my hands up and declaring that we'll just live and learn. Parenting the crap out of life...I guess.  So the blog is evolving. Now it will be a Disney mum's personal insight on Disney World, the resorts, Disney Vacation Club, and vacation planning...along with this mama bear's stories about life. This should fun...and I hope you enjoy the ride along with me!

Disney Mum is a Mom of Two Now!

Hello Everyone! I have been neglecting the blog recently and I feel absolutely terrible about it!! Since my last blog post a lot of things have happened in my personal life and at Disney World. I am now a mom of two beautiful little mouseketeers. My son will be turning five in a few weeks and my daughter will be turning one in a few months! I'm so excited that I now have a Disney Prince and Princess of my very own. We actually just got back from Walt Disney World a couple of weeks ago, and there is a lot going on at our magical place. I also recently got a new teaching position (which I am super happy about), so I have been trying to keep up with grading and lesson planning.

In the next blog post we'll break down the changes that we experienced during our most recent visit, and we will take a look at what else will be changing.

Pardon My Absence....

It's been a long time since I've posted - almost a year since my last post. For that I sincerely apologize. I finally got my very own classroom for this past school year, and I had no time for posting. With that said...I hope to post a few times this summer, and hopefully a few during the next school year...lol.

Alot has happened in my Disney life since last summer. We went to Walt Disney World for Thanksgiving week 2012, and loved every minute of staying at Port Orleans - Riverside. The room was a remodeled one in the Alligator Bayou. The location was perfect, and the room was beautiful. In May of this year we closed on our first Disney Vacation Club purchase. My DH was fantastic, and as part of my birthday and Mother's Day gift we purchased 175 points at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.

I can't wait to stay at our home resort...but that will have to wait until December 2015. We will instead be staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village this August for a quick, adults-only long weekend away. I will post about then when we return. In the meantime...stay cool my friends - it's been a scorcher in the mid-Atlantic.

Disney's Polynesian Resort

When we visit Walt Disney World this year we will be staying at Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. We are extremely excited to stay there since we have only stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort on our previous visits. POR has been completely refurbished and it has a charming Southern-style atmosphere. That being said, we have always wanted to stay on the Monorail loop, at one of the Deluxe Magic Kingdom area resorts. More specifically, at the Polynesian Resort. After discussing this with my DH, we have decided to stay at the Poly, as the Polynesian is commonly known, for our 2015 visit to my magical place. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I need to push this thought out of my head so I can enjoy our stay at POR, and then I can allow myself to think about staying at the Poly.

Disney's Polynesian Resort has a South Seas feel to it. Entering into the resort you are transported to a South Pacific island. It is decidedly lush with tropical gardens, luaus and sandy shores. It has Torch-lit walkways, a cascading indoor waterfall and the soothing sounds of distant drums. The resort buildings have thatched roofs, and you are surrounded by 75 varieties of tropical and subtropical plants in the 3-story atrium of the Grand Ceremonial House. The Polynesian also has a volcano themed main pool, called the Nanea Volcano Pool, and a quiet pool for the enjoyment of guests. One of the biggest appeals of the Polynesian Resort is its location on the Monorail track. The resort features 847 luxurious room which are decorated with rich tropical colors, and is furnished in traditional bamboo and rattan. 

The Polynesian offers Character Dining ('Ohana), Quick Service (Capt. Cook's, Kona Island), Casual Dining (Kona Cafe), Dinner Show (Diney's Spirit of Aloha) and a Lounge (Tambu).

The history of the Polynesian Resort is enough to entice guests to book a stay. The resort was one of the original resorts to open at Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971 as Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The "Village" part of the name was dropped in the 1980s, and it became known as Disney's Polynesian Resort. Guests can choose to stay in rooms with Lagoon views, Magic Kingdom views and Garden Views. Since the Polynesian falls in the "Deluxe" resort category, rooms are some of the most expensive beginning at $329/night, but price varies on the season and the view you choose.

More information on this resort can be found:

www.tikimanpages.com

www.allears.net

Key To The World Cards Getting Upgraded

The incredibly awesome Key To The World cards (KTTW) are getting an upgrade. Your KTTW card has multiple uses: room key, park ticket, dining plan credit counter, FASTPASS collector, Extra Magic Hours verification and charge card (should guests choose to link it to a major credit card). On-property resorts at WDW will be changing to a wireless door lock system using RFID technology. This change is scheduled to be rolled-out throughtout 2012 and 2013. The cards will basically look the same but instead of inserting the cards to open the door, guests will simply tap the lock for the door to open. This new technology is already in place at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, BoardWalk Resort, Contemporary Resort and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/New_Key_to_the_World_cards_coming_to_Disney_World_resorts.htm

Abandoned Disney: Disney's River Country

Disney's River Country was Walt Disney World's first water park. It opened to guests in the summer of 1976, and closed in the fall of 2001. River Country has been left abandoned, but is still located on the banks of Bay Lake. Nearby is the also now abandoned Discovery Island. River Country is adjacent to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. 

As recently as 2010, there have been some improvements in a very small area of River Country. This area is adjacent to Mickey's Backyard BBQ held at Ford Wilderness. Guests seem to be able to use the restrooms and the small area directly behind the BBQ area. There seems to be other things going on in the area right next to the construction wall separating River Country from Fort Wilderness, but it's anybody's guess. 

It would be nice to see River Country turned either into a DVC property or an extension of Fort Wilderness. If they also did something with Discovery Island it would be great. I think that even if the abandoned areas were just simply cleaned up, and all of the garbage removed, then people wouldn't find it so enticing to sneak into the off-limit areas. It is never advisable to go into areas closed to resort guests.

The links below have information and pictures relating to River Country. The last two links are the most recent...having been posted in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/vintage-walt-disney-world-looking-back-at-river-country/

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/river-country-water-park-looking-back

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/abandoned-disney-disneys-river-country

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2449157

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHpyJvFjHWQ

Update: Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Photo courtesy of allears.net

Walt Disney World's newest resort - Disney's Art of Animation - opened on May 31, 2012, where guests were able to stay in the Finding Nemo wing, the first phase of the new resort. The most recent phase of the resort, Cars, opened to guests on June 18.

Disney's Art of Animation is a Disney Pixar inspired resort. It has four themed wings. Three of the wings will be family suites, and one wing will be standard guest rooms. The Finding Nemo wing has 320 suites and Cars 480 suites. The Lion King wing will feature 320 family suites, with The Little Mermaid wing housing the 864 standard guest rooms. The Lion King phase is scheduled to open to guests on August 10, and The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase, on September 15.

Situated adjacent from Disney's Pop Century Resort, just across the Legendary Years bridge and Hour Glass lake, Disney's Art of Animation is a beautifully detail oriented resort which immerses you in the classical stories it is themed around. The family suites, which total 1,120, include three separate sleeping areas, two bathrooms and a kitchenette. The suites can sleep up to six guests. The standard rooms sleep up to four. The resort falls under the value category of Disney property resorts.

Dining options at Disney's Art of Animation include a poolside snack bar, pizza delivery and the Landscape of Flavors food court. The food court is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features Mongolian barbecue.

As is customary, guests staying at Disney's Art of Animation resort receive complimentary transportation, Extra Magic Hours and all the other benefits of being a Disney Resort hotel guest.

Reservations can be made by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or through a travel agent.

New Fantasyland Opening Dates

Disney Parks Blog recently shared some news on the opening dates for the attractions and restaurants planned for Magic Kingdom Park's New Fantasyland. The next phase of Storybook Circus, featuring the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station, will open July 2012.

Some of the attractions I can't wait to see - Under The Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston's Tavern and Ariel's Grotto - will be opening this holiday season. Unfortunately nothing more definitive has been announced. There's no mention if holiday season includes Thanksgiving week, which is when the holiday season officially starts. I would hope it does since that is when our family will be visiting.

I will be sure to pass along more information once it becomes available!

WDW Rehabs and Closings

We all know how excited we get when planning our trips to Walt Disney World, at least I get really excited! One of the things I love to do is plan out which rides I am eager to go on. Before I get my heart set on going on particular rides I like to know which are being rehabbed or have closed. So in order to help you plan your visit here is an updated list of current Disney World Rehabs and Closings.

Magic Kingdom

Snow White's Scary Adventures will close May 31, 2012 and will become the new Princess Fairytale Hall meet and greet location. The Seven Dwarves Mine Train will open in the new Fantasyland area in 2013.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is currently in dry dock as it is being refurbished. It will return to service May 21, 2012.

Fairytale Garden is closed as it is being made over to host Merida, of the upcoming "Brave". Merida is scheduled to begin appearing in mid-May. Rapunzel, who had been appearing in Fairytale Garden, is currently next to City Hall on Main Street USA.

Epcot

Test Track closed for refurbishment on April 16, 2012. It is scheduled to reopen in fall 2012.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is closed for refurbishment April 29 - May 2.


More information on Rehabs and Closings can be found at www.allears.net

Epcot: Calling the Red Phone Booth

Everyone has seen the Red Phone Booths located in the UK Pavilion and Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Many of us have even taken pictures inside the iconic booths (as I did in the booth located in the Canada Pavilion on our May 2010 visit). The little known fact is that the phones in those booths actually work! You can even call the booths and speak to guests in the park that day. Many guests enjoying picking up the ringing phones and speaking to the callers from all over the world...you never know who will be on the line. People usually speak of the weather, what's going on in the park that day and a lot of other interesting things. If you're feeling nostalgic and are missing Disney World just pick up the phone and call a Red Phone Booth.

UK Pavilion:
(407) 827-9861
(407) 827-9862
(407) 827-9863

Canada Pavilion:
(407) 827-9884

Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Celebrates 20 Years!

On February 2, 2012, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside celebrated 20 years. In 1992 the brand new section of Dixie Landings resort, now the 1,024 rooms of the Alligator Bayou lodges, opened to the public, the first of two distinct areas which would include the Magnolia Bend mansions. The resort underwent a name change and merged with its sister hotel, Port Orleans, in 2001. The original Port Orleans Resort became what we now know as Port Orleans French Quarter and Dixie Landings became what we now know as Port Orleans Riverside.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney World's newest resort - Art of Animation - is currently taking reservations and will be opening in phases for guests beginning May 2012. Disney's Art of Animation is a value category resort that lets you become part of some of your favorite animated films...Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

The resort is adjacent to Disney's Pop Century. It is a part of the Disney Hollywood Studios area of WDW. Art of Animation features 1,120 suites designed after Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King. It has an additional 864 rooms inspired by The Little Mermaid. The suites are scheduled to begin opening in May 2012 with the Finding Nemo wing, followed by the Cars wing in late July, the Lion King wing in late September, and the final phase has the standard rooms, the Little Mermaid wing, scheduled to open on December 31, 2012. There are three swimming pools and four courtyards - one for each film.

More information can be found on http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/

MVMCP 2011

The holiday celebrations have started in the Magic Kingdom and the "The Magic, The Memories and You!" gets in the spirit of the holiday season. The nightly light show on Cinderella Castle has a special segment which wraps the castle in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes, multi-colored strands of lights and gingerbread! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has been in full swing since 8 November 2011. The dates for this year's party are November: 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, 2011 and December: 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 2011. Also, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios will run most nights from November 10, 2011 - January 7, 2012. Our family is especially excited that all of the celebrations have begun because it means that we are now only a year away from our first family vacation at Disney World!

Refurbishments for 2012

Refurbishment plans for 2012 have been announced. The following attractions will be closed for refurbishment on the following days:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Closed for Refurbishment January 9 - March 31

Dumbo The Flying Elephant - Closed for Refurbishment January 9 - February 17

Liberty Square Riverboat - Closed for Refurbishment January 28 - February 3

Swiss Family Treehouse - Closed for Refurbishment October 1 - October 31

Walt Disney World Celebrates 40 Years of Magic

This past Saturday, October 1, 2011, Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th anniversary. The Magic Kingdom opened that day in 1971. To celebrate there was a parade down Main Street led by Mickey and pals, and a sing-along of "When You Wish Upon A Star" at Cinderella Castle. Commemorative merchandise was also issued for the celebratory event.

Disney's AVATAR Announcement

Today it was announced that construction on the AVATAR Land project at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park is slated to begin in 2013. The project is in it's beginning design stage, and a project of such dimension and scope takes about roughly five years to complete. DAK was chosen as the location for this land because the park "gives visitors the opportunity to experience the worlds of animals and nature - real and mythical - in whole new ways". AVATAR is one of the most extraordinary and mesmerizing mythical worlds ever conceived. The Animal Kingdom also celebrates adventure and living in harmony with nature, themes which are deeply rooted in the story of AVATAR.

If the estimate of 5 years from design to completion is accurate, the new AVATAR Land should be completed in the Fall of 2016. This would be wonderful for our family as we go to Disney World every two years - this would fit into our visits timeline...2012, 2014 and 2016!! The Cernadas Family is extremely excited and looking forward to this magical, mythical experience!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/

MNSSHP 2011

The ghosts have come out to play! Walt Disney World's annual Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has kicked off. This year's spooktacular event will run from 13 September 2011 thru 1 November 2011. The schedule of events consists of Trick-or-Treating, "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade", Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, Halloween Dance Parties and Disney Villains Mix & Mingle. In addition, you can find various events at select WDW resorts. What will you dress up as?

More information on MNSSHP and ticket prices can be found at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/

Moms Panel 2012

Attention all Disney Moms, Dads, Aunts and Uncles! The application for the 2012 Moms Panel began today, Sept 12th and can be submitted until 11.59pm on Sept 16th.

"Mousekeeper" Gratuity Envelopes

When staying at any of the great Walt Disney World Resorts you will have housekeeping service, which is the Disney universe as mousekeeping. Your wonderful "mousekeepers" will make beds daily, resupply towels and toiletries (soap, shampoos), and leave behind cute little towel animals which you will love. It is customary to leave a gratuity for your mousekeeper. Gratuity amounts are always at the guests' discretion, but a gratuity of US$1 per person, per day is typical. One way to be prepared is to have Mousekeeper Tip Envelopes ready before your trip. You would have an envelope for each day of your stay and you wouldn't have to search for the exact gratuity amount each morning. Also, if you have children they will enjoy decorating the gratuity envelopes for their mousekeeper!