Disney World--Days In The Parks

Once you actually make it to the park, here are a few tips:

Magic Kingdom

* Rides- must do some of the better known rides – Pirates of the Caribbean / Small World / Peter Pan / The Haunted Mansion / Jungle Cruise

* It is best to go straight to Fantasy Land and ride those rides early
* The Barnstormer is a good "first roller coaster" ride for the kids
* Buzz Lightyear is a get on early or get a fast pass ride
* Monsters Inc is a cute show that uses video/pictures of people from the audience. It can be really funny if they ham it up for the camera!

* Older kids like – Space Mountain (coaster in the dark....if you like to be able to see where you are going, this one is not for you) / Thunder Mountain (mild roller coaster) / Splash Mountain (You will get wet!)

* For relaxation you can do (air conditioned with seats) Mickey’s Philharmagic (3D show with special effects),  Country Bear Jamboree (old but cute), Hall of Presidents (not too exciting for the kids) 

* Have to see Main Street Electrical Parade and fireworks (they are great). You usually have to find a place to sit at least an hour before it starts.

Animal Kingdom

* Must ride the Dinosaur ride (can be scary for little ones-its dark, loud, and bumpy) and the Kilimanjaro Safari (real animals)

* Expedition Everest is a must for roller coaster riders

* The Nemo show is good but you need to line up early for better seats  

* Festival of the Lion king is one of my favorite shows in all of the parks!

* Its Tough to Be a Bug is a 3-D movie with effects...good stuff!

* If you ride Kali River Rapids – you will get soaking wet!

Hollywood Studios

* When you go into the park, get a schedule of the day's events. Hollywood Studios has several shows you will want to see and they are at certain times throughout the day.

* Rockin' Roller Coaster ride (Aerosmith) is great

* Tower of terror is excellent (not for the weak)

* Great Movie Ride and Back-Lot Tour are fun

* MUST do Toy Story – however go to the ride when you first walk in – ride or get fast pass (fast passes run out early for this one)
* Indiana Jones show is a good action packed show. The boys loved it!

* Little Mermaid and Beauty & The Beast shows are great for relaxing (and air conditioned!)

* Disney Junior is a must do with little ones! It changes a little based on which shows are currently popular on Disney Jr. Channel. Be ready to sit on the floor in this one though.

* American Idol is fun for older kids
* Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area will let the kids get a little energy out!
* Star Tours is fun especially for Star Wars fans. It is 3-D motion simulated so a little scary for some kids
* Fantasmic is the night time fireworks/laser light/water show. Great seating everywhere here so no rush to get there early!
* If you go during November or December you have to see the Osborne Family Lights!!

Epcot 

* Meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen in Norway

* Rides – must do – Test Track and Soaring- always long lines for these. Either go here first or get fast passes
* Mission Space has 2 versions of the ride. I have never done the "lower intensity" level. The full blown version is not for the weak! It is a shuttle simulator and very close quarters. Gotta do if you are not claustrophobic and you are a ride lover!

* While in Soarin’ ride area you can also do the boat ride on the other side (Listen to the Land) 

* Nemo & Friends is a cute ride
* Advanced Training Lab is interactive hands on activities for the kids

* Spaceship Earth (big ball) is also interesting and has funny pictures at the end

* Universe of Energy has animated dinosaurs but not nearly as scary as Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom

* In the countries..........all have a ride or a movie in their pavilion. They also have restaurant with authentic food.

* Journey Into Imagination ride is cute for little ones

* Innovations is also fun for the kids – lots of hands on things to do

Downtown Disney 

* Always fun to walk around. In the evenings they have entertainers out on the sidewalks.  Good places to eat and fun shops!

* The Rain Forest Café (same at Animal kingdom) and T-rex (dinosaur) restaurants are here
* Boys love the Lego Store and Build a Dino (like Build a Bear)

Read past post: Disney World--Planning The Basics, Disney World--Where To Stay, Disney World--Dining Decisions, and Disney World--Planning The Extras.

Disney World--Planning the Extras

There are SOOOO many extras that you can add in to your days. There is no way I can cover them all but I will touch on some that we are familiar with! Remember that most of these WILL cost you extra money.

RESORTS

* Check the calendar for your resort during your stay!!

* Several have "Movie Under the Stars" nights out by the pool (this is a good way to end your pool day or good for the day you come to Disney and don't want to waste a park ticket on a half day). No Cost!

* There are campfire and marshmallow roasts at some resorts in the evenings. No cost!
* Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage from the Contemporary Resort (beverage and snack before loading of boat to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks.  Book 1-407-939-7529

* Animal Kingdom Lodge Night or Sunrise Safari. Book 1-407-938-4755
* Pirate Adventure Cruises (4-12 year olds). Daily from 9:30-11:30. There are 4 adventures to choose from that leave from various resorts. Book 1-407-939-0754.
* Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf at the Swan Hotel
* Guided Fishing Excursions at various resorts. There are 2 and 4 hours excursions available. Book 1-407-WDW-BASS
* Fort Wilderness Archery Experience at Fort Wilderness Resort is a 90 minute archery lesson. 
* Parasailing, watercraft rental, wake boarding, water skiing and tubing at Contemporary Resort.  Book 1-407-939-0754
* Bicycle and Surrey Bicycle rentals at several locations.
* Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort. Horseback trail riding, wagon rides, and carriage rides available. Book 1-407-939-0754.

MAGIC KINGDOM
* Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (September/October). The kids can wear Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat in the park!
* Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (November/December). Meet and greet characters, watch special holiday shows in each land, watch a special holiday parade and fireworks, and see it snow on Main Street!
* Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (one is in the Magic Kingdom and the other at Downtown Disney) is where they get hair and make-up done with glitter, tiaras, and several options for dress. Save some money and surprise your daughter with a new princess costume brought from home. They are the same thing and waaaaaaay cheaper! There is a "Cool Dudes" package for colored hair with confetti. Book 1-407-939-7895

* The Barber Shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom will put glitter and Mickey confetti in their hair. You can also get real haircuts here.

* The Pirate League in the Magic Kingdom has different packages for the whole family to be made up like pirates. Of course, the boys love this one too!  Book 1-407-939-2739
* Richard Petty Driving Experience. There are several 2.5-4 hours packages to choose from. Book 1-407-939-0754

EPCOT
* Dive Quest (must be SCUBA certified). Swim with over 6000 sea creatures!
* Dolphins in Depth. 3 hour dolphin experience
* Seas Aqua Tour. Snorkeling adventure!
* Behind the Seeds.  One hour walking tour looking at plants, insects, and fish

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
* Star Wars Weekends (mid May through mid June). Many special shows, presentations, autographs, and entertainment! The boys will love this one!

ANIMAL KINGDOM
* Wild Africa Trek. 3 hr tour of animals in their natural habitats
* Wild By Design. 3 hour walking tour discussing the planning and design of the park.

Read other Disney posts: Disney World--Planning The Basics, Disney World--Where To Stay, Disney World--Dining Decisions, and Disney World--Days In The Parks

Disney World--Dining Decisions

Dining at Disney

Dining reservations are made at 1-407-939-3463

We always do the dining plan and end up saving TONS of money.....if you are going to eat in the parks, this is the way to go.  ALSO, you can bring coolers of food and drink into the park if you don’t plan to buy food there. I have been surprised by the number of people who do not know this before going!

Refillable Mugs are now included with the standard Dining Plan. If you don’t have the dining plan, you can still buy a mug for about $15. You can refill it at your hotel only as much as you like during your stay. Good for coffee in the mornings, and drinks when you come back in the evenings (soda, lemonade, or even hot chocolate!). Definitely good money spent if you are planning a resort pool day.

To find character dining......Go Disney World website, click on places to eat, select character dining and select the dinner with characters your family likes best! During your meal, characters will come to your table and take pictures and sign autographs.  Much better than standing in long character lines in the park.

Some of our favorite dinner places:

In the Resorts/Downtown Disney:

-- Ohana at Polynesian Resort is my favorite place to eat in Disney!!!  GREAT food. Book early!

-- Spirit of Aloha show at Polynesian Resort. Luau, fire twirling, the whole deal! Fun show for the whole family. 

-- Hoop-Dee Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness 

-- Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge has a fantastic breakfast buffet!

-- Beach Club also has a good breakfast buffet with the Mickey characters

-- Chef Mickey at Contemporary Resort.  The food is not great, but you get to see the main Disney characters (Mickey,Minnie,Goofy, Donald, Pluto) so we go almost every time

--T-Rex at Downtown Disney is a must do for boys!

Magic Kingdom

-- There are 2 princess meals (Akershus in Norway, Epcot and the other in Cinderella’s castle) Akershus is the least expensive and a little less crowded from what I have heard

-- Crystal Palace has Pooh characters......who doesn’t love Tigger?!

-- Be Our Guest recently opened and is the new place to go-have not been but have heard great things about it!

-- The Plaza Restaurant-good food and the cheapest casual dining (not counter service) you will find

Hollywood Studios

-- Sci-Fi Diner is like a drive in movie.....you sit in cars, and old sci-fi films play on the screen. The kids loved this one too!

-- Fantasmic Dinner package – choose from 3 restaurants and get seating pass for fireworks and water show at Hollywood Studios

-- 50’s Prime Time Cafe-like an old 50s diner with great atmosphere

Epcot

-- Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot is a really good restaurant (steak) but we had the youngest children (by far!!) in there with our 1 and 3 year olds during lunch!

--The Garden Grill restaurant has good food and revolves and has characters who come to your table for pictures

Animal Kingdom

-- Yak & Yeti--good Asian food

-- Rainforest Cafe (also at Downtown Disney).  Get the blinking drink glasses and the volcano for dessert

So many great places to choose from, and in true Disney form, there is PLENTY of atmosphere and fun to mix in with your meals!!

Read other Disney posts: Disney World--Planning The Basics, Disney World--Where To Stay, Disney World--Planning The Extras, and Disney World--Days In The Parks

Disney World--Where To Stay

Of course there a MANY lodging options at Disney World. Where you stay can depend on price and the time of year of your visit. Here are the places we have stayed recently and a few things about each one!

Animal Kingdom Lodge 
* Savanna View rooms are amazing!  Just walk out to your balcony to see the animals!
* Great on-site restaurants (we really love Boma....great breakfast buffet!)
* Good pool
* Small rooms
* Not within walking distance of any parks and can feel far out of the way

Beach Club Resort
* 5-10 minute walk to Epcot, can take boat to Hollywood Studios
* Awesome pool! Don't waste a cold month stay here.....go when it's warm and plan a pool day for sure!

Boardwalk Inn and Villas
* 10-15 walk to Epcot, can take boat or walk to Hollywood Studios
* Rooms with views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
* Boardwalk with restaurants and shops is a nice place to walk around

Contemporary and Bay Lake Towers
* Easiest walk to Magic Kingdom....super convenient with little ones!
* Rooms and outdoor areas with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant
* On the main Monorail loop
* OK pool

Polynesian Resort
* On main Monorail loop, near Epcot Monorail loop, can take boat to Magic Kingdom
* View of Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant
* Fabulous on-site restaurants!

Wilderness Lodge and Villas
* Pretty grounds and great Christmas decorations
* Can take boat to Magic Kingdom
* View of Magic Kingdom fireworks from higher up rooms and can View Electrical Water Pageant

Old Key West Resort
* Large rooms
* Lots of fun on-site activities
* Far away and longer bus rides

I love them all for different reasons, so it would be really difficult to pick a favorite! Think about what you want to do on your trip and where you want to go, to help narrow down your choices.......you can't go wrong!

Read other Disney posts: Disney World--Planning The Basics, Disney World--Dining Decisions, Disney World--Planning The Extras, and Disney World--Days In The Parks

Disney World--Planning the Basics

We go to Disney World once or twice a year. Friends are always asking me for tips, so here are a few we have come up with over the years!

Lodging at Disney

Stay ON Disney property!!  There are pros and cons to staying on or off property, but I think the benefits of staying at Disney are the best.  You get:

-- Longer park hours for free (morning/evening Extra Magic Hours) one park either opens 1 hr early or stays open up to 3 hrs late!

-- Ability to do Disney Dining Plan

-- If you fly, the Magical Express can pick you up  at the airport and take you to your Disney resort.  Book ahead of time. You can pick up your luggage at the airport or they can bring it for you to your room within 3 hours. When you are flying out, you can do your airport check-in AT YOUR RESORT!! How wonderful is that?!  Magical Express  (407) 939-6244

-- Free use of Disney transportation between parks and resorts.  This is a big time saver in the long run.  No need to worry about driving or parking!

-- Free shopping delivery.....if you buy something while you are in the parks, they will deliver it to your hotel room so no need to lug it around the park all day.
** I will discuss some of our favorite places to stay in a later post!**

Days at Disney

* Next thing is to decide where you want to be each day. We look at the calendar on Disney's website to see the hours of each park. You can pick based on which park is open longest or which park has extra magic hours.

* As for tickets, we only get day passes. The park hopper option doesn't make sense for us. I feel that with little ones, it is easiest to spend the whole day in one park, and plan around that.

* We have found that planning a resort pool/Downtown Disney day is good for when you have younger kids.  Disney days can be long, and this is a good breakup in the middle of the week.

Packing
* Get rain ponchos before you get into the parks. It rains almost every day in Florida even for brief periods of time. These are also good when you want to ride a water ride at the park, but you don't want to walk around soaked for the rest of the day. For a family of 4 you can spend about $4 at Wal-Mart or a dollar store before you leave or you can drop about $40 once in Disney World!
* Bring single serving drink powder drink packs. I only let the kids have a limited number of sodas a day, and they easily tire of water. The drink packs add a little flavor to your bottled water.
* Your kids will want some light up toys to have during the parade and fireworks. While getting your ponchos, get some light up toys and pack them without the kids knowing. Pull them out at parade time, and they won't know the difference (and it saves you money!).
* Bring your own character shirts and princess dresses. This is another great money saver, and they can be worn in the park each day! If your daughter is doing the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, choose a cheaper package and bring a princess dress from home!


Read other Disney posts: Disney World--Where To Stay, Disney World--Dining Decisions, Disney World--Planning The Extras, and Disney World--Days In The Parks

KIDS EAT FREE (OR CHEAP!) Jackson, MS

Monday

*  Izzo’s Illegal Burrito

*  Pizza Inn (Madison): 10 and under after 5pm

*  Sombra Mexican Kitchen: 4-9pm

Tuesday

* Backyard Burger (Flowood): After 5pm

* Chick-Fil-A (Madison, County Line): 5-8pm

* Fernando’s (Spillway): 10 and under

* Kristos: 5:30-8:30pm 

* Lonestar (Pearl, Jackson)

* Mazzio’s (Madison): 10 and under

* MS Legends Grill

* Primos (Flowood,Ridgeland): 12 and under after 3pm

* Shoney’s (Ridgeland):Under 10

Wednesday

* Applebee’s (Flowood,Madison,Ridgeland,Brandon): After 5pm for $1.99

Thursday

* Captain D’s

* Jackson Country Club (members)

* Steakout (I-55)

* Picadilly: .99 cents 11am-4pm

Friday

* Mazzio’s (Castlewoods,Brandon): 10 and under

Saturday

* Broad Street: 12 and under from 5-8:30pm

* Bruster’s Ice Cream: Free baby cones to kids under 40 inches and .99 cent kids dirt sundae

* Fernando’s (Spillway): 10 and under 

* Mazzio’s (Castlewoods): 10 and under

* McAlisters (River Oaks)

* Picadilly: .99 cents all day

Sunday

* Babalu Tacos and Tapas: All day

* Dickey’s BBQ (Flowood,Madison): All day

* Islander: All day

* Lenny’s

* Mazzio’s (Castlewoods): 10 and under

* McAlister’s (River Oaks,Brandon,Pear Orchard,Clinton): All day

Everyday!

* CiCi’s Pizza: Under 3 years free

* Dickey’s BBQ (Flowood,Madison): Free ice cream

* Golden Corral (Flowood): Under 3 years free buffet

* Ichiban Buffet: Under 3 years free

* IHop (Jackson): 4-10pm daily

Fresh start

Easter is here! Easter and spring always remind me of new beginnings. Strategically placed after the gluttonous and materialistic holiday season. Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. It is a time to start fresh! Rather than giving up an item/thing for lent, I have starting giving up a behavior in my life that I feel needs to be changed or improved. I am not saying giving up something more concrete is bad. But for me, giving up chocolate does nothing for my faith. Using my usual chocolate eating time for devotion might makes more sense, in that it would enrich my faith, but I want something that helps me focus on not just myself, but others around me as well.
My Lenten sacrifice and a daily time of solitude (which can be very difficult in my house!), it is my way of turning focus back where it needs to be in my life. My daily solitude might be before I wake the kids up in the morning or after everyone else in the house goes to bed. Some days neither of these happen and my only peace might be in the shower! You know you have those days too :) As long as I get a few minutes to myself to pray, read or reflect. I also try to be a bright point in someone's life daily.  Whether it be a simple act of kindness at the grocery store or something for my family. This can be easy to forget as we go through our busy days, but the benefits for myself and the others around me is easy to see.
My challenge to you is to use this time to refocus your priorities, to walk closer to your family, and to walk closer to God. Even after Easter, remember why you picked your Lenten sacrifice, and don't let it block the way of you getting closer to others or keep you from furthering your faith. Even if we falter, I hope that each of us will continue to refocus our daily lives and use spring as a time of readjustment to improve ourselves and life for those around us!

The 1960s Called, and Mississippi Lawmakers Answered

Through much debate over the last few months, Mississippi quickly passed it's version of the "Religious Freedom Bill" (SB2681) after its recent resurrection.
Like many others, I worry that this legislation could be the start of a slippery slope in the state of Mississippi, as it opens the door for discrimination of ANY group of people.  Many worry that the LGBT community will be the most impacted, and this could be very true.

This bill will allow discrimination throughout the public sector to LGBT patrons and to pretty much anyone else.  ANY business owner can say "I refuse to serve you because _________ goes against my beliefs."  This blank could include:
your sexuality,
your interracial marriage,
you are a female wearing pants,
your divorce,
your job at a casino,
you eat pork,
you are not wearing a head covering........
This list could go on and on.

What's even more disturbing is this bill was pushed by a leader of the Mississippi Baptist Convention. His letter to Representatives even threatened retaliation for voting against the bill. Other religious leaders in our state publicly opposed this bill. Unfortunately, I think our lawmakers caved to pressure and will be on the wrong side of history with this decision.
We as Christians are called to love, not to judge, and definitely not to decide which groups of people are allowed to be discriminated against or refused services. Hate is loud, but love is louder ya'll.....Love always wins!
#facethesun

Respect the Bubble

I had a little drama yesterday with kindergarten registration, so I started the day with this as my motto:

Of course it did not end that way!! (it never does when you go in with expectations)

There are things that I expect from adults that I don't think are asking too much. 

We all have bad days.  We all have times when we don't handle things in the best possible way. We all make mistakes. It's how you handle yourself afterwards that shows your integrity, your leadership abilities, and your willingness to be a team player. 

That being said, here are a few idea for when you screw something up:

1. Don't blame the problem on someone else. This is just going to really piss people off and quickly make you a few enemies! Luckily I work in a field that isn't considered "cut throat" on a daily basis. In fact, things run smoother when we work together as a team, so you should have no plans turn people against you.

2. Covering your butt takes a lot of time and energy. I am sure, actually I KNOW, there are better ways to spend both!

3. Admit your mistake! And do it fast. Like ripping off a bandage, get it over with. Plus if you work in an office like mine, you might win yourself the "gorilla award" for doing something ridiculously stupid! (We show how much we care about each other by making fun.....it can make the day go by faster!)

4. Fix the problem. Or at least provide some ideas of how to fix it. You jacked it up so it only makes sense that you should be a part of the solution. 

Now I'm no leadership or team building guru, but I would think that these would be common sense. I would think so........

But alas, my bubble was popped today. Tomorrow is a new day and tomorrow WILL be better. 

And there better be some respecting of the bubble people!!!

Spray Tanned and Photoshopped

Let me start by saying that I don't subscribe to fitness magazines.  I don't follow fitness sites on Facebook, and I don't have any sort of "fitness inspiration" board on Pinterest. Why? Because most of them focus on image. It's not exercising for better health (lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of diabetes and heart disease for example).  It's not exercising to feel better (boosting energy, better sleep, improved mood).  It's not exercising for self-confidence. It's about exercising for image. It's all about wearing "the right" clothes, doing the newest exercises, and continually striving for the image of the "ideal body" that is plastered throughout magazines....striving for images that have been spray tanned and photoshopped. And there definitely are people out there who exercise for image. I see them going to the gym in full make-up, with their hair down and fixed. They have fallen for the exercise image hook, line, and sinker.
I am sure that some of you will think by reading this that I am overweight, out of shape, and wanting everyone to be like me. Well, no I am not any of those. Am I overweight? No, I wear a size 2. Am I out of shape? I admit I'm not as in shape as I once was, but I work out a few times a week and stay active with my family. I grew up in a world obsessed with and focused on body. I was a dancer and eventually a teacher with several ballet schools.  We grew up wearing plastic shorts to make us sweat more in ballet classes. We slept with Saran Wrap around our thighs because, god forbid, thighs touch in our leotards and tights.  I heard teachers tell girls to lose a few pounds. I saw the most talented girls in the class not get parts because they were a couple of inches bigger around the middle. I left one school because of it.
Recently, SELF Magazine solidified my dislike of fitness magazines. They posted a picture of a woman running a marathon on their BS Meter page and made fun of her for wearing a tutu. On SELF's website, they say this "SELF is passionate about women supporting each other, learning from each other and respecting each other." Yes, SELF, ideally this is what you should be. However, your hypocrisy is alarming.
A fitness magazine making fun of two women running 26.2 miles is ridiculous.
A fitness magazine making fun of the clothes that the women wear while running A MARATHON!! is ridiculous.
A magazine that misleads a woman to get permission to use her picture is ridiculous.
A magazine that does no research on a photo before posting it, and that later finds out that the woman is a brain cancer survivor who owns Glam Runner tutus and donates half of her proceeds to charity is ridiculous.
I am glad to see the backlash that SELF is enduring. To those of you who actually subscribe to their magazine, ditch the subscriptions and unfollow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This magazine isn't improving you in any way. This magazine is a bully in a spray tanned, photoshopped body.