Disney MGM Christmas

The Most Miserly Mom knows that it is only September 30th, but I can't help continuing to write about all of the events coming up for Christmas-time in Orlando. (This way it gets you excited to come visit our Sunshine State, Right???????)

Well, one super neat thing at Disney MGM Studios is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Basically this is a light display of over A MILLION CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! It all started from the actual Osborne family in Arkansas who had this incredible Christmas light display on their home (their 22,000 foot home!) But as their light display grew, the dismay of the Arkansas Supreme Court grew, and finally they were ordered to withdraw their lighted Christmas cheer.

So now, much to the delight of The Most Miserly Mom, and millions of Merry Tourists alike, the Osborne Spectacle of Lights is at Disney's MGM Studios for us at Christmas time. It is truly beautiful.

The display runs from November 13th through January 7th.

For more travel tips as well as Miserly Money saving tips check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

ICE in Orlando? The Gaylord Palms!

The Miserly Mom sees everything in Orlando! We have everything from talking mice to talking trees to snowing Mount Everest to Mission Space to Dr. Seuss to performing killer Whales - I mean really - We have Everything!!!!!!!!!

And even though we are in Central Florida, and we have awesome Sunshine, which is one of the many reasons I love living here, one of our major Resort Hotels The Gaylord Palms brings us an incredibly awesome event - "ICE." And yes, I mean real ice. TWO MILLION POUNDS OF Cold ice. Freezing ice. The kind that makes your fingers hurt. The kind that makes you feel numb. The kind that made you leave where you came from and come to Florida in the first place. Just kidding. But it is truly a spectacular event. It is an ice carving expedition of sorts that you can walk through. It is kept at 9 degrees! I am going to attach a picture on my blog so you can see it. This year's theme is "A Season of Wishes." And there are ice slides and trains and it truly brings the season in full throttle.

This ice show runs from November 18th - January 2nd. For more information you can check out the Gaylord Palms web site http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/things_to_do/IcePalms.cfm,

For more travel tips you can check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net
and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Universal Studios New Annual Pass with Extras!

The Most Miserly Mom found out about a new Annual Pass Plus Upgrades that Universal Studios is offering. What is so cool about this annual pass is that it gives a lot of awesome extras. These extras are things any person would really, really use.

• Free bottled water
• Free valet parking
• Unlimited Express Plus at the Parks after 4pm (this is like Fastpass at Disney)
• A free club pass for you and a guest at Universal City walk

I think what The Most Miserly Mom likes most about the annual pass is that ANYONE can by the pass. At Disney only Florida Residents have an annual pass, and I like the fact that Universal has one for anyone because this Miserly Mom knows that some of you come back quite a few times during the year to visit this Magical Land!

Oh! The Price? You probably want to know that don't you? The annual price is $279.00. If you think about that, it averages out to less than a $1 a day! Or if we stay in reality, if you just went 35 times, which is more than possible in a year down here it would be less than $8 a day. Or if we look at it from a tourist stand point and you went 10 times it would clearly be $28 a day, but that includes all that water and parking and the express pass and all of that is worth money!

This Miserly Mom Likes it! Rock On Universal!!!!!!!!

For more Miserly Tips check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!

Disney World - Planning For Christmas?

The Most Miserly Mom will have tons to write about Christmas in Orlando, but one of the things I am looking forward to this year is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot Center. It is such a beautiful, inspirational evening with music, lights and celebrity narrators. It's something this Miserly Mom looks forward to all year long. This year Epcot will welcome celbrities like Rita Moreno, Gary Sinise, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Kirk Cameron.

If you have ever loved a Candle Lighting Service at your home during the Christmas Season then your eyes will light up during the Epcot Candlight Processional. It's an awesome sight.

Check out more Holiday Information at my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Disney's MGM Studios - An Adult Beverage?

Even The Most Miserly Mom likes to have a glass of Chardonnay sometimes, I must admit. And I found just the place for it! Right next to The Prime Time Cafe at MGM Studios there is a little bar/cafe area that has a full bar/liquor area And food service. The bar is set up like a 1950's living room - no kidding. You can sit on a vinyl couch and chat with the nicest barkeeper ever - Joanna - from Scotland - she is wonderful - and you can order in air-conditioned comfort. And you can even order your drink to go!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it????

This bar is the only , and I mean the only full service bar at MGM studios. You can get beer elsewhere in the park, but if you want a glass of wine or any type of mixed drink this is the place you need to be.... So if you want an adult beverage at MGM Studios, then you need to go say hi to Joanna at the Prime Time Cafe bar!

And if you would like more travel tips or money saving tips then go to my web site at www.cheaporlando.net to check out my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Disney's MGM Studios - Best Bargain of the Day!

The Most Miserly Mom had a blast at MGM Studios yesterday. It was a little busier than I thought it would be, and a little warmer than I thought it would be, but fun anyway. The screams were heard from the Tower of Terror, and the laughter from The Muppets 3D, and the smiles were broad at the Beauty and The Beast Show, and me The Most Miserly Mom was hunting for bargains as usual (while enjoying myself of course).

The first thing I decided I wanted to find yesterday was a souvenir under $5. Is it possible at the actual Disney theme park? Could it be? Would it be? In between Indiana Jones and The Little Mermaid and Narnia and Hollywood & Vine I searched and I searched and I searched as I sweated and toiled and oh it was hard, tiresome work for a Miserly mom. Woe is me. (Do I sound wretched or what?) Anyway back to reality. I FOUND IT! A Mickey or Pluto or Minnie or any Disney character Pez dispenser! That's it! An actual Disney souvenir for under $5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually it costs $1.95. And it comes with the usual 2 packs of Pez candy. What a bargain! And your little munchkin can reuse the candy container at home as you refill it with Pez time and time again.

The other bargain I found was at the Planet Hollywood store. T-shirts for $12. I thought that was a pretty darn good deal. Yep! The Miserly Mom was on a hunt yesterday for bargains, and I found them. (In between enjoying Rock'nRoller Coaster and Star Tours of course)

Don't forget to check out my web site for money saving tips

Disney's MGM Studios - Prime Time Cafe

Do you like meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Root beer floats? T.V. shows from the 50's? Vinyl chairs? Mustard colored or avocado colored tables? How about waitresses that remember your name and even your children's names?

Well, even though The Most Miserly Mom doesn't find the prices at The Prime Time Cafe miserly, she sure loves the atmosphere at the Prime Time Cafe at Disney's MGM STudios. You can find all of the above and then some. The food is great and the service is awesome! The waitress will call out "Joan's kids" so that your family will come to the table. Your portion will be HUGE! You will have a home cooked meatloaf meal and onion rings and it is absolutely yummy and you will eat this surrounded by an atmosphere out of the 1950's.

So, if you decide to absolutely splurge one day and not be Miserly, then head to the Prime Time Cafe at Disney's MGM Studios for Lunch!

Later, you can save on dinner and check out my site for money saving tips www.cheaporlando.net and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Bush Gardens Howl-O-Scream!

As October looms around the corner and we prepare to don our scary masks and costumes, Busch Gardens has decided to launch its Howl-O-Scream night over in Tampa. Designed to rival Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, this scary fright night should give visitors to Florida another tortuous treat to encounter.
The Most Miserly Mom is probably a bit wimpy to be "freaked by fiends like Dr. Freakenstein" and control.ed by a "deceased deranged deathly departed," but I know lots of teenagers who would love to be followed and feel their hearts beating and adrenaline pumping after dark in the "3rd dementia."

Bush Gardens is located over in Tampa which is about 1 and 1/2 hours from Orlando. The prices are pretty darn good over at Busch Gardens which is one reason why The Most Miserly Mom likes the park - In fact Sea World and Bush Gardens have Passport prices for both parks in one. You can call them direct 888-800-5547.

Check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book a Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!
for more info and Disney and Theme Park information

Love is in the Air at the Florida Theme Parks!

The Most Miserly Mom needed to help some tourists out at Blizzard Beach and Animal Kingdom last week. Were they in love? Maybe... But that wasn't the problem.... Love was in the air all right... It was Love Bug Fever!

If you aren't a local, and you have never been to Central Florida, then you might not know what I am talking about. A couple times a year we have "love bug season." Harmless insects called love bugs come out and simply fly around and well, they just fly around and mate. Hence the name "love bugs."

The tourists that don't know about them couldn't help but be afraid however, thinking that they might be biting insects with diseases and such. They were spraying bug spray all over themselves and running away from them and squealing. The Most Miserly Mom came to the rescue! I calmed their fears, explained the harmless nature of the love bugs to as many tourists as I could, and let them go on their way to enjoy the Theme Parks and all that there was to offer.

So spread the word! Love bugs don't hurt! They just love.
For more Florida tips and great money saving advice check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net and my book A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Souvenir Shopping at Disney??

What does the Most Miserly Mom have to say about souvenir shopping at the Disney Theme Parks? Well, for the most part I say Don't! If you want to save money that is.

This mom doesn't anyway, because although I absolutely love browsing in the shops at the theme parks, I cannot stomach the thought of paying the prices - I just can't. I can't pay $20 for a Donald Duck t-shirt or $40 for a Mickey stroller or $59 for a Sweat shirt. It isn't in my Miserly blood. The Most Miserly Mom buys souvenirs at the shops that have things for $10 and under! Those are my kinds of shops! Most of the parks have one of those shops these days. You need to check my blogs and my book at www.cheaporlando.net for where to find them.

I also shop on International Drive for bargains. There are many super cheap stores on this strip that have great deals. It's definitely worth it. Take it from The Most Miserly Mom.

Blizzard Beach Blast!

Well, The Most Miserly Mom, me had a blast at Blizzard Beach yesterday. It really is a fabulous park. The weather was beautiful. I know it was getting cold in other parts of the country, but down here in Orlando it was about 87 degrees and sunny and wonderful. The humidity is dropping, the lines weren't too long and it was a perfect day for a water park.

The great thing about Disney's Blizzard Beach is that it can be such a wonderful day for the entire family. There is something for everyone from toddlers to teens to seniors. And there are definitely ways to be Miserly!

Parking is free at Blizzard Beach.
You can bring coolers to Blizzard Beach.
You can play all day at Blizzard Beach.

There is an area just for little kids where they won't even let bigger kids in, so the little ones won't get splashed and jumped on. Isn't that great?

There is another area where moms & dads can relax and sunbathe while there little ones can frolich in the water and go down slides and climb and splash and jump and have a complete blast. It can be relaxing and fun for all.

At the same time teens can completely challenge themselves to fearsome slides and and shutes and boblseds and flumes.

Then the family can go together on a family flume ride or on the lazy river. All the while you can sing songs together and splish/splash too.

As for me? I did all of the above except the complete challenge of the Summit Plummet! I just couldn't do it yesterday.

Check out my book for more info on Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Disney, and Money Saving
Tips.
www.cheaporlando.net. A Mom's Miserly Guide: Disney, Universal, Orlando, How to Vacation on $25 a Day!

Blizzard Beach in September?

The Most Miserly Mom is heading to Blizzard Beach today. I decided to hit the happy water trails today when the crowds are miniscule and the sun is shining. So let me go pack my cooler (because that is always one of my money saving tips!) Disney lets you bring coolers into their water parks, and that saves you tons of money on food and drinks. When I return I will have pictures and incites and travel tips too!
For more Disney & Orlando info go to www.cheaporlando.net to read A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a Day!

Universal Studios-Closing Back to the Future Ride!

Just a quick note from The Most Miserly Mom. Universal Studios is definitely closing their "Back to the Future Ride." I just had to share the sad news. It disappoints me because it is somewhat nostalgic - "Back to the Future" has entertained me for years!

On an exciting note I wonder, What will the folks at Universal replace this notalgic relic with hmmmm? Don't worry, The Most Miserly Mom of www.cheaporlando.net will keep you posted!

Disney's Animal Kingdom - I went on Expedition Everest!

The Most Miserly Mom had a wonderful day at Disney's Animal Kingdom today! I just love this time of year - no lines - great weather - and great bargains - I love it!

One of my money saving tips is to come visit Disney at this time of year. September is a super time to visit Orlando and the theme parks. You can get discounted hotel rooms and discounted tickets virtually everywhere. There are no crowds and no lines. Today at Animal Kingdom was no exception.

Animal Kingdom opened at 9:00am and I arrived just about that time. I parked in the Unicorn parking lot. (There weren't any unicorns at Animal Kingdom by the way) And I headed to the park. There were no lines to enter into the park, and since I have a Florida Resident Seasonal Pass I just headed right on in.

The main thing I wanted to mention in my blog is that I went on Expedition Everest today! It is the newest attraction at Animal Kingdom. It was awesome! I didn't know exactly what to expect - which made it all the better - It is a roller coaster inside "a mountain guarded by the abominable snowman." I Highly Recommend it! I don't want to totally give the ride away, but let me tell you that it is GRRREAT! You get twists and turns you don't expect, and you really wonder what will happen next. Definitely DO NOT MISS THIS RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are so many other attractions that just capture adults and children alike at this theme park. DinoSaur, Kali River Rapids, The Safari of course, It's Tough to be a Bug, not to mention the shows - The Lion King, Flights of Wonder, and all of the wildlife and natural habitat. This theme park combines the best of natural wonder and created magic for our hearts and souls and minds to enjoy simultaneously for hours on end.

And that's just what I did today - enjoyed myself to no end. And I did it cheaply, as I always do, since I am The Most Miserly Mom. I rarely ever eat food at the parks, I bring a lunch and listen to the entertainment provided in the parks while I do this. For instance, today in Africa the drums were beating and the AFrican musicians were singing and I enjoyed my own sandwich, fruit, water and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Animal Kingdom provides many sitting areas to enjoy the music, a beverage and a meal, so I enjoyed the one I brought from home in my backpack. This way I save money, enjoy the park, and have a marvelously Miserly Day!

For more information on Animal Kingdom go to: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkLanding?id=AKLandingPage

And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book: A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day

Universal Studios Price Deals!

As The Most Miserly Mom, I love reading about deals. And this is why I couldn't wait to write about the price break that Universal Studios announced recently!

First of all, Universal announced a week-long park pass for $85 that allows guests to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. What you have to do is buy this ticket one day in advance or over the internet or from your AAA agent. Universal is basically competing with Disney in a big way here, showing the value in what $85 can get you. In fact, Florida residents can get the same deal for $67!!!!!!! Amazing! I must say. This Most Miserly Mom loves Universal's deal.

And Universal Studios has awesome rides and attractions. The "Mummy" is one of my favorite roller coasters. The Hulk is "Incredible"! The movie attractions are killer too. "Twister" and "Shrek" and "Jimmy Newtron" are will really amaze you, not to mention your kids. You can have fun for days at Universal and Islands of Adventure.

And at night you can hit City Walk.
For more information about tips and tricks, check out my book and my web site at www.cheaporlando.net.

EPCOT Specials!

Yesterday I had the best time at Epcot ever! I mean it was the best time I have ever had at Epcot - from the minute I got there (9:10am) until I left (3:00pm). Everything was spectacular.
Let me explain.
I arrived right when Future World opens, at 9:00am. This is the section where Spaceship Earth, Soarin', Honey I Shrank the Kids, Mission Space, Test Track, The Living Seas, and Innovations are. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO LINES ANYWHERE! The most I waited was 4 minutes. I went on every attractin by 11am! This is the best time of year for no lines. As I say in my audios, and I write in my book that you can buy at www.cheaporlando.net September is one of the best times to travel to Orlando and the theme parks for the least amount of crowds. One of the best things about getting through Future World so quickly was that I made it to the World Showcase by 11:00am when it opened!

Before I talk about the World Showcase I just want to tell you a couple of things about Future World that might be new. First is about Mission Space. I am one of those wimpy ones who has been scared to go on Mission Space. I don't really like being spun around out of control and I get kind of sick on simulators, so I have been leery of it. But leave it to Disney to help me out with their new "Less Intense Training." I chose the Green Team line which means I didn't have all the spinning and I didn't get sick and I got to enjoy Mission space. It really is not too intense and even if you are a wimpy one like me, I think you can take it! If you are claustrophobic though, don't even bother. They warn you at least 30 gazillion times not to ride if you are fearful of dark enclosed spaces, because basically they are trying to simulate a dark space capsule that is sending you to Mars. They do this pretty well. I liked that part. If you aren't claustrophobic, definitely go for it. And if you like to spin, then go for hte Orange Team!!

The other thing I tried out yesterday was the new ride, Soarin' It is a free-flying hang gliding adventure. It is also part -ride, part-simulator, but it is really awesome. I really felt like I could almost touch my toes in the ocean as we were flying. I highly recommend it. I don't want to say too much because it will give it away, but you sit in a pseudo hang-glider and go on your own personal flight through nature and then some.

Okay, on to the World Showcase. However, I must tell you that on the way I had to stop at my favorite store. And what would that be????? Well, since I am cheap (www.cheaporlando.net) That would be the souvenier shop that sells everything for $10 and under of course! If you make a right as you exit Future World it is up on your left. You must check it out!

The World Showcase was also free of crowds and I had a blast checking out all of the Countries and their wares and goodies. I checked it all out yesterday - Mexico, Norway, Germany, Italy, America, China, Morocco, and on and on and on - it is so cool checking out culture and cool stuff. You have to check out my book for my favorites, but I want to tell you now in my blog a couple things. Did you know that you can actually get Chinese take-out that is not that expensive? Did you know that the ride in Norway is absolutely phenomenal? Did you know that you can sit in the courtyard in Italy and drink a glass of wine listening to music as if you were actually sitting in Venice? Did you know you can feed two people for $8 on a platter of food from Mexico? Do you know you can wander around Epcot and listen to live Mexican Music, German Music, American bands, watch Jugglers, listen to comics, watch mimes, parades, glass blowers and all kinds of other entertainment.

I guess what I am getting at is that you can get a lot of bang for your buck at Epcot.
I had a blast. Look for more info in my book at www.cheaporlando.net

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

Are you afraid of the dark? Or do you like scary movies? Is Halloween one of your favorite holidays?

If you like fiends and ghouls and you like to be scared, you need to visit Universal Studios Orlando for their Halloween Horror Nights event. It is unlike any Halloween Party you have ever attended. You could be chased with a chainsaw, see a psycho clown killer, witches, fiends, ghosts, goblins, any scary sight might pop up around the corner you are walking! The fog envelops you, your skin prickles as you enter the "scare zones" not knowing what cold clammy fingers might encircle your neck............"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH"


There are seven different haunted houses to roam through as well as all of the normal awesome attractions Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure has already. The Mummy is my favorite ride by the way. Universal is calling this year's event their Sweet 16 horror-filled homecoming because this is their 16th year running the Halloween Horror Nights event.

The dates of Halloween Horror Nights are September 29,30 & October 6-8, 11-15, 19-22, 26-29, and 31st.

For more information on Universal Studios packages, deals, theme parks and Orlando Vacations and travel tips you can check out my web site www.cheaporlando.net

Disney Dreaming

If you had a Disney Dream to come true what would it be?
As a child mine would probably have been to come to life as Tinker Bell, and to tell you the truth it still might be! Tinker Bell has to be the best Disney character out there in my opinion in the last 30 years. She is spunky, has magical powers, is a cute pixey, and can disapper when there is trouble. What more can one ask for?

Now of course I have much opposition to my favorite character choice. One of my closest friends chooses Belle. Another chooses Cinderella. Another chooses Lady from Lady & The Tramp. (Might I add that all of these friends are 30 something!) Yes, we are all Disney Dreamers.

But I believe we are Disney Dreamers from the time we are toddlers. I know that my boys just loved "Lion King" and "Toy Story" and "PooH" from the time they were two year's old. They knew the songs and the stories and the morals and the characters and in fact, when we went to the Magic Kingdom for the first time it was absolutely Magical when they hugged Winnie the Pooh and Tigger for the first time! If you have ever grabbed a snapshot of your babies hugging these characters, I know you grasp the exact meaning that I am talking about - It is just so incredibly sweet. Our children bond with these silly characters the same way I said I bonded with sassy Tinker Bell. And when they raise their plump little hands and wave and say "Tiggah" or "Pooh" and hug them we never forget it do we?

Maybe we are always the dreamers.
Oh darn it, now I am teary! :-) if you want to check out my discounts check out my book at: www.cheaporlando.net.

Free Fun! Disney Village Market Place!

Yesterday I rediscovered Disney Village Market Place. I just love this area of Disney so much! The sights the smells the sounds - just the whole works! It is a great place for kids and teens and grown ups alike. Every single time I stroll around Disney Village I enjoy myself.

The first thing I like is that parking is FREE! The second thing I like is that there is no admission to get in! Disney Village Market Place is basically a big area of shops set up on the waterfront, but just like everything Disney, it isn't Just shops. For instance, The Lego store has a GIANT Lego dinasaurs made of legos and lego people and lego creature and legos everywhere. The toy store is made of lincoln logs and tinker toys and you have Buzz Light Year & Mr. Potato Head ( I love Mr. Potatoe Head) out side. Another store has Fitch of Lilo ant Fitch spitting at you (yes really spitting at you). There is a huge Christmas store with everything you could want for Christmas in Disney, and another store with Halloween and fall stuff too. There is even a Disney Pet attire store.

And of course there are Candy stores and Ice cream shops and yummy treats everywhere and trinkets and key chains and collector pins and there is even a Margarita Shack and Oh! there is face painting and a Kiddy Train (for only $2) and a Carousel and a Surf Shop and a Sports Shop and flowers everywhere and benches to sit on and music playing to sing to and even McDonalds and the RainForest Cafe and Wofgang Pucks.

And believe it or not at Disney, there is even an "Everything is $10 and under Souvenier store." This store is of course my favorite since I write a book on saving money! www.cheaporlando.net

I guess the thing I like best about Disney Village Market Place is that you can go there and enjoy yourself and spend virtually no money at all - have an ice cream with your kids and walk around humming songs, looking at legos, all the beautifuly flowers, maybe a little train ride, enjoy the sights OR you can also shop till you drop and buy art, toys, souveniers, drinks, a marvelous dinner, anything you want.

It's all there at the Marketplace.

Do you Get the Picture? Everything is there!

Is Disney Just For Kids?

Although the name of my Blog is Florida Family Vacations, and although I absolutely LOVE taking my boys to Disney, and although I have virtually THOUSANDS of tips for families for traveling to the theme parks with their families, I can't help but notice all the honeymooners and grown-ups traveling to see Mickey these days. And yes, even my husband and I visit the parks alone while our boys are in school. (We sneak off - yes we do!) We hold hands, we eat ice cream, we go on Space Mountain, we have a real date, and we enjoy ourselves immensely.

Truly Disney is not just for kids, and there are many special events designed to draw adults in to the parks to enjoy their "adult" selves.

For instance, The "Super Soap Weekend" will be at Disney-MGM Studios Novmember 11 & 12. All the big Soap Opera stars will be there. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will begin September 29 throug November 12th. And as that goes on there will be concerts - The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, Loverboy, Gloria Gaynor, all kinds of other bands too.

Pleasure Island is always a great place for adults to play, with comedy clubs, dancing clubs, jazz clubs and all kinds of places to let loose.

There is also a Night of Joy on September 8th and 9th where over 110 top Christian music artists will be singing in the Magic Kingdom.

I guess my point is that although us adults can always have fun with our kids at all the parks, we can also have fun as grown ups acting like kids too! :-)

Cruising..........Disney Cruising?

Cruising the Caribbean.....AAAAHHH! That's what I think. Just AAAAH! Rest and relaxation. Not to mention Pina Coladas, snorkeling, palm trees, exotic destinations, eating to the max, and bonding with my husband. Cruising can just be the best way to combine the resting we need with the Caribbean visits we want. We love to visit the islands. We love Disney. Do we Cruise Disney? Not usually. But that doesn't mean that You shouldn't.

Disney World does the best at everything. Their products and services are always awesome, and that definitely does not stop with their cruise ships. Their cruise ships are magnificent. They are top notch. Their food is wonderful, their accommodations are beautiful, their children's programs are far superior, and their ports of call are expanding. I have enjoyed their cruises and their services and would do it again. And I would recommend their ships to you and your family as well. But why wouldn't I ALWAYS cruise on them you ask?

Well, the very reason that makes them different from the other cruise lines. Sometimes I do want to get away with just my husband for grown up time. Some times I do want to gamble a little bit, and the Disney ships don't have casinos. And folks, sometimes I really want a BARGAIN, and the Disney Cruise lines rarely have bargains. They do not have bargains because they normally do not have to have bargains. They have a different product than anyone else. No one else has Mickey Mouse on their ships. So they can charge more and people will pay. As much as I love Mickey (and boy do I love Mickey) sometimes I do want to sail away into the sunset for $299 without Mickey and just my husband and a pina colada. Do you know what I mean? ;-)

Free Tickets to Disney World?

People always want to know if they can really get free tickets to Disney World. Of course they do! They cost an arm and a leg. And if you have a family of four and you are trying to plan a week's long vacation, then you are looking at a BIG ticket price. Usually you want to visit more than just Mickey Mouse when you visit Orlando though, right? You might want to visit Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World or maybe even GatorLand! (Actually Islands of Adventure and Gator Land are two of my personal favorites).

There are ways to get discounts to the parks and even free tickets to the parks, but you have to do your research (or buy my book of course) smile smile smile.

There are many different web sites that have discounts to the smaller parks like GatorLand and Cypress Gardens and many of the different dinner theatres and miniature golf places and other entertainment venues in Orlando. And I mean many web sites. I list over 50 of them in my book. There are free coupons and 2 for 1 coupons and all sorts of different deals. The competition is just so fierce that it is pretty darn easy to save money on that sort of thing. The coupons are worth it, and getting them in advance is definitly worth it!

Getting free tickets to Universal and Sea World and Disney is a bit trickier, but it can be done. Check out my audio post to hear more about that or check out my book for more information about that too. You really need to avoid the scams - and I tell you how to avoid them - but if you are careful you can definitely save yourself tons of money on your next family vacation to Orlando. It can be done! And I do have some reputable companies listed with downloadable links.

Here's to saving money!
Kelly Goode

Best Times to Visit Orlando & Disney World

It always amazes me to see the thousands of people smiling and skipping through the theme parks day after day, whether its a Tuesday in August, a Saturday in December or a Thursday in April. There are always people lined up for a balloon in the Magic Kingdom or a ride on Space Mountain or a glimpse of Mickey Mouse. It's continuous. It just is.

But I know that people want to know when to save money, and when it's less crowded, and when the hotels have deals, and when the weather is best for them in Florida. Right?

The best time to come to Disney/Orlando is September - after Labor Day through mid December - with the exception of holidays and school vacation periods (not during Thanksgiving or Columbus Day weekend!)
Late January-Early February is usually the least busy time of the year for Orlando. (Before President’s Day weekend) The crowds are quite small, and the time waiting in line is quite short – sometimes only five to ten minutes!

During Christmas Holidays and school breaks are, of course, the busiest times. The parking lots are packed during the weeks before and after Christmas, and summer brings a double whammy: Crowds are very large and the weather is oppressively hot and humid for some travelers. Keep in mind that people from around the world come at this time, as well as local Floridians with their children.

I know it's hard, but try and take your kids out of school a few days before a weekend or a few days after a weekend to get a full week vacation and avoid an actual school break. Ask their teacher if they can do a travel report to supplement their school work to allow them to take their vacation. Sometimes it works!

Check out my audio blog for more information!