December 2014 – threestrandswdw

Family Friendly…DCL

While I haven’t been on a Disney Cruise, yet, I can see some distinct benefits to sailing on one of these fabulous ships! Whether it’s the grandeur of the larger ships, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy, or the smaller, more intimate Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, these ships are what I would call, Family Friendly.

Most cruise ships offer gambling as an option for entertainment, I personally, don’t find this appealing for my taste. I am also a bit skiddish about exposing my children to the gambling at relatively young and impressionable ages. On Disney Cruise ships there are no casinos on board. There are casinos available at most ports of call, but I like the fact that those spaces have been used to create areas that have more benefits for the younger cruisers in your family.

On Disney Cruise ships there are club spaces for kids of all ages. This is a benefit because they have to opportunity to meet and make new friends while sailing. The benefit for the parents is that it allows for periods of adult time to relax and reconnect while the kids are under the care of Disney’s professional childcare! Edge is where kids ages 11 – 14 can play video games, watch television, or enjoy a number of other activities designed specifically for there cruise experience. Vibe is for kids 14-17 and allows older teens to make friends their age and also provides unique experiences for their onboard ship fun in the sun. Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are for younger children and pre-teens, respectively. Each provides it’s unique experiences that will build a lifetime of memories for your children.

There are also activities meant to allow the entire family to spend time together. Dining experiences are a fun way to fill the time with family memories, and the food is delicious! A little side-note here, if you have issues with diet, make sure to say something to the greeter and wait staff. They will be able to assist you with all of your needs!

Probably the biggest advantage to a Disney Cruise, is the character interactions! Some of the best opportunities to meet characters can be found on board a Disney Ship! There is also an awesome opportunity to see your artwork come to life during your rotational dining, at Animator’s Palate.

I can’t wait for my first Disney Cruise, but in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy watching my friends reports and gleaning from there experiences as I plan my trip.

Thanks for reading, my friends, and have a Blessed and Magical day!!

A WDW Christmas Greeting!! Follow the processional!

Candlelight Processional Walt Disney Word EPCOT Center America Gardens Theater — Candlelight Processional
Walt Disney Word
EPCOT Center
America Gardens Theater

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.
He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself…

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

A Cast Member Christmas Greeting

Anyone who has traveled to Walt Disney World, knows the value of good Cast Members that create magic all of the time! Today, I wanted to ask everyone to thank the Cast Members. If you are in the parks this week, take a moment to wish them a Merry Christmas! Especially those working ON Christmas Day!

I have read a number of posts, lately, ranging from rave to ruin. And, I can’t help but think that a little Christmas cheer sent their way, would be greatly appreciated! It may even be more valuable then the gratuities we leave behind!

So, if you have had an outstanding interaction with a Cast Member, would you take a moment to post it in the COMMENTS section at the BOTTOM OF THIS POST? I am working to forward some of them to Disney World Guest Relations, as a type of massive thank you!

And, may I add…A VERY Merry Christmas to all of my readers! May the blessings of this day become a miracle in your life!

What if DHS Closed for Total Refurb?

With the widespread closing of attractions, rumors of expanded areas and new lands, and complete congestion trying to get from one area to another, I couldn’t help but wonder if it might be possible that leadership at Walt Disney World might decide to close Disney’s Hollywood Studios completely in favor of a complete redesign of the space? Rumors of and expanded Pixar Place, the addition of anything Star Wars, and the need for better flow throughout the park, it may make better sense.

Being a huge Disney World fan, I am struggling to afford the once in two to three year trips with the current prices. It takes a bit of time to save up! Obviously, prices would likely increase long-term, but in the meantime, I wonder if they might actually give us a small break on the multi-day park tickets?

What would the overall benefit be if DHS were to close for a period of three to five year? Assuming the rumors are true, there would be new attractions to explore themed to the NEW Star Wars movies. There would be expanded Pixar Place with a larger version of Toy Story Midway Mania, possibly new area themed to other Pixar hits like Cars, The Incredibles, or Monsters Inc/University, upgraded eateries with improved menus, and a Fantasmic! show that makes a larger impact. And, getting around would be much simpler with an entrance area that leads you directly to the lands you want to explore, as well as connectors between lands to make the flow work more efficiently.

Of course, I’m just speculating, but I’m not opposed to this type of idea if the reward is WORTH the wait! And, I am trusting WDI and Disney Leadership to produce something worthy of park guests.

I’d love to hear what some of your ideas might be should something like this happen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Leave your comments below! Thank you for reading! May you have a Blessed and Magical day, my friends!

Polynesian Lobby Revealed

The first pictures were revealed of the refurbished Great Ceremonial House lobby at Walt Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. And, while I’m sure I’m in the minority, I don’t find it unappealing! But then, I have never spent more than a few minutes in the lobby area. I am usually running through to go to ‘Ohana, or grab a monorail.

I know that there are many avid Disney fans who aren’t completely open to change. In this case, I wonder what a first time guest might think of this lobby? The open design actually makes the lobby look large and inviting. And, make sure you keep an eye on the floor, there may be a hidden mickey or two lying around.

I know that change is difficult, but it is the one constant of life. AND, it is inevitable!

I can’t wait to see this in person, I may have a different opinion at that time, but for now, I’m open to what is presented!

Have a great Saturday!

News Tidbits From Around WDW

First up…PLAY BALL! For you sports fans who want to have an intimate experience with professional baseball, the Atlanta Braves will be returning to the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex for Spring Training, March 4 – April 4, 2015. Tickets for Braves ‘Home Games’ range from $14 for lawn seats to $54 for lower level reserved seats. Parking is FREE!

The Memory Maker Pre-purchase Package price increased as of December 3, 2014 from $129 to $169. The price paid during, or after, your visit will still be $199. It may be worth it with the enhancements that have been made to add ride pictures and videos.

Star Wars Weekends will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fridays – Sundays, May 4 – June 14, 2015. There will be a

Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast featuring some of the ‘villains’ from the Empire. Darth Vader, Bobo Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and Stormtroopers will be a part of the experience. Cost will be $49.99 for adults and $31.99 for kids ages 3 – 9. Breakfast will be offered during Star Wars Weekends at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and the hours will be 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine will be held at Hollywood and Vine, and will include the Fantasmic! Dining Package. Along with Jedi Mickey will be Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Vader Goofy, Storm Trooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip ‘n’ Dale. Cost is $57.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids ages 3 – 9, and gratuities are not included.

Advanced reservations are strongly suggested for both dining experiences, and character appearances are subject to change. Call 407-WDW-DINE for more information and reservations!

Thanks for reading, and have a blessed and magical day, my friends!!

Measuring Up At WDW

Many of the rides at Walt Disney World have minimal height requirements for safety reasons. It is one of the most asked questions we get. I will attempt to give you an accurate idea of how to measure up in the parks.

Magic Kingdom…

Space Mountain®…44″ Splash Mountain®…40″ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad®…40″ Stitch’s Great Escape…38″ Tomorrowland Indy Speedway…52″ to ride alone

EPCOT Center

Test Track®…40″ Soarin’®…40″ Mission: Space®…44″

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster®…48″ Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™…40″ Star Tours® – The Adventure Continues…40″

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest – Legend of The Forbidden Mountain®…44″ Kali River Rapids®…38″ Dinosaur…40″ Primeval Whirl®…48″

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Humunga Kowabunga…48″

Disney’s Blizzard Beach

Slush Gusher…48″ Downhill Double Dipper…48″ Summit Plummet…48″

Keep in mind that Disney Cast Members are not very forgiving for an inch or two! So, I would recommend following these guidelines very closely to avoid any issues.

Thanks for reading and have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!