Thinking Happy Thoughts http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com Just think happy thoughts and you'll get there! Wed, 02 May 2012 20:48:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Vacation in Groups http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/05/02/vacation-in-groups/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/05/02/vacation-in-groups/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 18:35:19 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=427 Got a group that you want to take on vacation? Disney offers discounts on groups that book at least 10 rooms. This could be for anything from your church youth group to family reunions. All the standard benefits still apply, such as Extra Magic Hours, free parking at the resort, and complimentary Magical Express transportation. You can even add on Dining Plans. With this group rate, you’ll also have the chance to purchase discounted tickets (2-7 days) pre-arrival. With this, you’ll receive a Bonus Fun Visit (up to $70 value) which allows entrance to (only one) Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, DisneyQuest, or 9 Holes of Golf at Disney’s Oak Trail.

Your group can even have Private Events in exclusive locations located throughout the resorts. or inside of Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios. Anything from a Royal Ball (with all your favorite princesses attending) or a private Haunted House of your very own, Private (highly themed) dinner at a unique location inside of one of the parks (excludes Magic Kingdom) or even something as simple as a dessert party while watching Illuminations of Epcot. Basically, anything you can imagine, they can make happen. As imaginations vary, so does the cost on these events, which will depend on the number of guests, location, type, duration, and many other details.

If you have a group that might be interested in taking advantage of any of these opportunities, feel free to contact me for some more information that is tailored to your specific group.

Sabreya DeLancey
Glass Slipper Concierge│Disney Vacation Specialist
Toll Free (888) 601.5180 │Cell (406) 750.0011
Email: Sabreya@GlassSlipperConcierge.com

Follow me on Facebook & Twitter 
]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/05/02/vacation-in-groups/feed/ 0 Richard Petty Experience http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/18/richard-petty-experience/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/18/richard-petty-experience/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:49:51 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=424

If you’re unaware… Disney World is hope to the ESPN Wide World of Sports – so there are lots of great experiences for those “manly men” out there who think Disney is not for them. If you REALLY want to give that special guy (ok, I know there are some gals out there, too, right?) something he’ll remember…. then the Richard Petty Driving Experience is definitely something you should look at. Reach up to 140MPH in a NASCAR type experience.

You can choose to ride along, or drive yourself. There’s a pretty big range of options to choose from, and friends & family get to watch and cheer you on, also! Make sure to bring your cameras for this, you won’t want to forget the look on your face as you bank those turns on the mile long tri-oval track.

I know the first question was probably… How Much? Well, here’s what it is currently, but remember that costs may vary and are subject to change any time, make sure you check the website or contact your travel agent for a quote. Ridealongs do not require a reservation, but driving experiences do.

Ride Along – $99 (3-lap high speed Ride-Along in a NASCAR race car!)

Rookie Experience – $449.00 (Drive a 600hp NASCAR race car 8 laps)

King’s Experience – $849.00 (Drive for 18 laps)

Experience of a Lifetime – $1,299.00 (Drive for 30 laps)

Speedway Challenge – $2,099.00 (50 lap Challenge)

Racing Experience – $2,599.00 (50 Intense laps, race style)

Savings Tip: If you purchase and adult ride-along ticket, you can get a teen ride along for only $29 (ages 14-19). The Teen’s Ticket must be purchased at the track and reservations are not needed. 

Visit this link for more info or contact a travel agent today.

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/18/richard-petty-experience/feed/ 0 Ahoy! Arrrrrr ya ready fer’dis? http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/16/ahoy-arrrrrr-ya-ready-ferdis/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/16/ahoy-arrrrrr-ya-ready-ferdis/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:46:05 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=419

This one, I’ve not experienced myself at all, and don’t have kiddo’s of my own yet… but cannot wait for them (boy OR girl) to experience this! You MIGHT even want to plan on going to the Pirates League before-hand to get in costume for this one… and if you’ve been lucky enough to pass a crew of short pirates while traveling on one of Disney’s Friendship boats, you probably already know what I’m talking about.

Disney’s Pirate Adventure Cruises

Let your kids (ages 4-12) go on a Pirate Adventure of their very own. They get to go on a pirate ship (themed boat-ride) around Walt Disney World and search for pirate booty! It’s a 2-hour event leaving from select WDW Resort Hotels (see listed below). Each “pirate” on board will learn to speak like a pirate and stop at other “ports” to search out the treasures left behind there. I’ve heard two different things on refreshments, some have had a light lunch/brunch after the adventure, and some have had a snack&drink while on board, so I’m not sure which is currently going on, but surely they’ll get some little treat while they are out.

You’ll need to be there at least 15 minutes prior also. This time is allow for going over rules and learning how to act and speak like a pirate before setting sail. Even if you don’t opt to get the full costume done up at Pirates League, the cast and crew on board will fit your kids with a life vest and bandana to give everyone the “pirate look” before sailing away.

You will need to sign a waiver and won’t get to accompany the kids, but one person had a great Idea that if you do it from Grand Floridian, you can split up a boys/girls day and let the boys do the cruise, girls visit the Princesses at Grand Floridian!

You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance, let your travel agent book it for you to avoid hassle! Cost will be approximately $34.95+tax per child and credit card is required to book.

Where can you find a Pirate Adventure Cruise?

Grand Floridian Dock - Disney’s Pirate Adventure

Caribbean Beach Resort  Dock - Island of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise

Yacht and Beach Club Dock - Albatross Treasure Cruise

Port Orleans Riverside Dock - Bayou Pirate Cruise

 

***Please note: Costs may vary or change at any time.***

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/16/ahoy-arrrrrr-ya-ready-ferdis/feed/ 0 Why Walk? – Part Deux http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/13/why-walk-part-deux/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/13/why-walk-part-deux/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:44:22 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=414 Don’t want to walk OR pedal…. how about a nice relaxing horse drawn carriage ride through the wilderness? Yes, Disney has that, too… and you don’t need park admission for it. If you have some extra days to spare, or just want a break from the parks – this is such a fun thing to do. It’s especially fun for a group. Imagine scout troop, church youth group, choir, or even just a family settling down in the wagon/carriage for a ride through the trails. If you’re there for the Holidays, they even do a “Sleigh Ride” and during Halloween they have a “Haunted Ride” where they read The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow during your ride.

 

Where and how much? See below. Some can be booked up to 180 days in advance… contact me if you need more information.

Fort Wilderness & Campground:

Wagon Rides (45 mins) – $8 adult / $5 child (3-9) *No Reservations/First Come First Served Basis*

Group Wagon Rides – $300 for 30-35 people.

Carriage Rides (25 mins) – $45 (small carriage holds 2 adults + small child and large carriage holds 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children)

Holiday Sleigh Ride – December 1-31 – $60 per group (4 adults or 2 adults+3small children)

Haunted Carriage Ride – October 1-November 1 – $60 per group (4 adults or 2 adults+3 small children)

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside:

Carriage Rides - $45 (small carriage holds 2 adults + small child and large carriage holds 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children)

 
]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/13/why-walk-part-deux/feed/ 1 Why Walk? http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/12/why-walk/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/12/why-walk/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:52:47 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=411 If you’re staying at a larger resort, or have been walking around allll day, but aren’t ready to “relax” yet…. why not rent a bike to ride around while exploring? There are several places that rent bicycles (several styles) out for you to use. It’s great for an afternoon ride around with your significant other – or even for some one-on-one time with your children. It’s not expensive, and it’s something that will break up the routine a bit for you.

So, how much will it cost for you to leisurely roam around your resort on a bicycle? Not much at all…. If you’re a single rider, it’s $8 per hour. You can get Surrey Bikes by the half-hour, $20 for 2-Seater and $22 for a 4-Seater. Helmets come free with your rental – use them! No one wants an accident to ruin their vacation. **Pricing does vary, and is subject to change at any time.**

The surrey bikes have an old-fashioned feel, and a covered top (great for summer!) that give shade and a little more comfort when riding a long time/distance. I have seen families laughing hysterically trying to work together to move the 4-seater surrey up and down hills, and can’t imagine that anyone could not have a fun time in one of these!

Boardwalk is my personal preference for renting out bikes, because there is so much to see and do here… but below is a list of all the hotels that offer these rentals.

Bike Rentals available throughout Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:

*Florida law requires bicycle riders under 16 years old to wear helmets.

*Must be at least 18 years old to rent a bicycle.

 

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/12/why-walk/feed/ 0 Treat Yourself… http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/10/treat-yourself/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/10/treat-yourself/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:10:39 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=407 Who wouldn’t love a day at the spa? And trust me, your body (and mind) will thank you for it. Plus? Disney has some of the BEST spa experiences I know of. Personally, this one is probably my “preferred” activity to do outside of the parks. I have even treated my mother-in-law to a spa treatment with me – it’s really that good! (However, I am lucky with the in-laws I have, and I love them to pieces!)

Disney has 3 main spa locations – Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs, and the Mandarin Spa (at WDW’s Dolphin Resort). However, you can also get some spa treatments at one of these locations: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Wilderness Lodge, & Yacht Club Resort.

My favorite of these is the Grand Floridian Spa (which is closed for refurbishments until early 2013). Why do I love this one so much? Well, not only are you stepping off the monorail in grand style to set your mood before you even reach the spa doors… but the treatments here just “fit me” better. One of the featured treatments they offer is the Aurum Manus Massage. They were the very first spa in the U.S. to offer this specific massage.

Aurum Manus is a revolutionary treatment method based on the use of warmed organic oils and healing semi-precious stone spheres to stimulate vital points and energy meridians on the body. Created by world-renowned massage therapist Ricky Welch, Aurum Manus can effectively treat tinnitus and migraine headaches, as well as instantly alleviate symptoms of physical and mental stress. This breakthrough therapy is a comprehensive holistic treatment for total physical and mental wellbeing.

I was a little hesitant about undressing in the locker room (which was beautiful) but they had large restroom adjoining it which gave plenty of space and privacy to change clothes, and had all sorts of beauty supplies for anyone who forgot (razors!?) The staff there was all very helpful and friendly. The refreshments in the lounging area (while you’re in robes and slippers waiting for your appointment) were all fresh and plentiful, though you don’t wait long before you’re whisked away for your treatment. I had made an appointment long before finding out that I was expecting, and then didn’t know that I should have called to change my appointment. Once I arrived and mentioned it though, they were very accommodating, and changed my massage to a facial and even sent me home with some all natural skin care products that wouldn’t irritate my very sensitive skin. All in all, it’s a great experience – even for someone who doesn’t usually go to get spa treatments done.

For those that ARE familiar with spas around the U.S., you will find that the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs Spas are a part of Nikki Bryan Spas, and the Mandarin Spa at the Dolphin Resort is a part of the Steiner Spas. Look up their services and call and talk to someone if you’re not sure about what to get, or try, or even if you just aren’t sure of what exactly a service listed includes. It is so worth the price to have that little pampering that everyone needs sometimes, and no better time than your vacation to fit it into your schedule.

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/10/treat-yourself/feed/ 0 Don’t forget your flippie-floppies! http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/09/dont-forget-your-flippie-floppies/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/09/dont-forget-your-flippie-floppies/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:08:50 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=404 Have you been to the Marina? Did you know that you can rent personal watercraft? If you’re dead set on some water activity, and considering Disney Vs. Beach vacation because your family would rather be on a jet-ski rather than dumbo… then this post is for you!

Disney isn’t all about Characters and Kids – trust ME! I am 27 years old, no kids, and there’s no other vacation I would consider if it wasn’t Disney. I have never ridden on Dumbo, and very rarely “meet” the characters in the parks… but that’s how I prefer my vacations, and there is truly a vacation for anyone at Disney. One thing most guests never even consider, is that you can stay a few days before or after your park days, and just hang out and relax! Resorts on property offer great pools, not to mention all the recreational activities that don’t require park admission – so make sure you check out “other” things to do if you’re not sure if Disney is for you.

Sea Raycers, sailboats, pontoon boats, Boston Whaler Montauk boats, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes are just a few of the available options for rent at various Walt Disney World Resort hotels. For more details, or to get information on how to start planning and booking your vacation (Who else is feeling Summer already?!?) contact me, Sabreya DeLancey – Sabreya@GlassSlipperConcierge.com or (888) 601.5180

Where are marinas located? Here’s a list:

  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort (monorail access)
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (monorail access)
  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort (monorail access)
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Downtown Disney Marketplace (Check this out if you’re not staying on Disney Property!)

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/09/dont-forget-your-flippie-floppies/feed/ 0 FREE Miniature Golf? Yes Please! http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/07/free-miniature-golf-yes-please/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/07/free-miniature-golf-yes-please/#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:27:21 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=394 Yep, you read that right, but don’t get too excited – only party free and only if you’re staying on Disney property.  However, it is a nice little break and something “new” to try for all you Disney Veterans out there. When you check-in at a Disney Resort, you get a packet that is packed with goodies. One of these is a voucher for one free round of miniature golf (only one per person per room is given out). However, as a round cost of 18 holes only costs $10-12 it won’t cost much to add another player or two. Personally, I think this is a GREAT option for your arriving or departing day. You don’t need park tickets, and it might even be a good time to “split up” the family. Something along the lines of sending the girls to Downtown Disney to get hair and makeup done at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique while the boys go play some mini-golf.

Disney has two Miniature Golf Courses – Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. Same pricing for both ($10-12) and both offer 36 holes to play. Fantasia Gardens is a little more suited for adults, but both are fun to all ages and you really can’t go wrong with either. They are open from 10am-11pm, so it’s especially accommodating for anyone arriving late who doesn’t enjoy the Downtown Disney nightlife or just wants something a little more quiet and personal.

Savings Opportunity
Take advantage of a 50% discount (from the regular rate) on a second round during the same day. Proof of purchase required.

*All activities, hours and prices are subject to change without notice.

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/07/free-miniature-golf-yes-please/feed/ 0 Here’s a pool, there’s a pool, everywhere a pool pool… http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/06/heres-a-pool-theres-a-pool-everywhere-a-pool-pool/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/06/heres-a-pool-theres-a-pool-everywhere-a-pool-pool/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:01:15 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=387 If you have kids or teens, or even some lazy adults… you may want to think about spending some or most of your days at the pool! Disney has pools all over (see list below) and they definitely have the Disney Flare, even the value resorts have fantastic pools, much better than say, another hotel off property that only has some cement and old lawn chairs around it as their “fun” for the poolside. I know in my own experience, after a day of walking (avg of 5-7 miles) in the parks, my whole body is thankful for those nighttime soaks in the pool! You can be sure that kids will enjoy the break during the day, and trust me, your body will thank you, too! If someone in your party isn’t convinced, send them to the poolside bar, or the resort shops, or even back to the room for a nap! Don’t try to stay going in the parks nonstop if that isn’t what your family is used to, and especially in the summer months, the pools should not be overlooked as something else “to-do” while you’re on vacation!

Want to pick your pool? Look through the details of the list below to see what would be best for your family. It might be the difference between an okay trip, and a fantastic trip!

Pools:

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Meadow Trading Post Pool (waterslide and whirlpool to be added soon), a smaller pool, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Fantasia Pool with a Mickey the Sorcerer motif, Duck Pond Pool, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
The guitar-shaped Calypso Pool with a fountain, Grand Piano Pool, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Surfboard Bay, Grand Slam Pool with a Goofy fountain, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
11,000+-square-foot, zero-depth-entry Uzima Springs Pool with a waterslide, a kiddie pool, 2 whirlpools.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
3-acre Stormalong Bay with a 230-foot waterslide, floating lagoon, several whirlpools and a sand-bottom kiddie pool; 3 unguarded pools; 2 whirlpools.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Luna Park Pool with a 200-foot waterslide called the Keister Coaster, 2 unguarded pools, 3 whirlpools.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Large Spanish fort-themed pool with a waterslide, waterfalls and water cannons, a wading pool and a whirlpool; 6 village pools.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A large freeform pool with a waterslide, a quiet pool, 2 whirlpools.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
272,000-gallon, Mayan-themed Dig Site Pool with a 123-foot waterslide and a kiddie pool; 3 quiet pools.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
300,000-gallon Courtyard Pool, zero-depth-entry Beach Pool with a waterfall and a waterslide, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Large pool with a waterslide, a whirlpool and a kiddie pool; 3 unguarded pools.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Zero-depth-entry Nanea Volcano Pool with a waterfall and a waterslide; a larger, freeform pool.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Bowling Pin Pool, Hippy Dippy Pool, Computer Pool, a kiddie pool.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Doubloon Lagoon Pool with an alligator waterslide, a whirlpool.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Ol’ Man Island area with a pool, a waterslide, a geyser, a kiddie pool, a whirlpool and a wading pool; 5 unguarded pools.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
High Rock Spring area with a waterfall, a zero-depth-entry freeform pool and a play area with a waterslide, 2 whirlpools and a kiddie zone.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
A large, rock-themed pool, Hidden Springs Pool, a kiddie pool, 3 whirlpools

Walt Disney World Dolphin
Walt Disney World Swan
3-acre grotto pool with waterfalls and waterslides, 2 lap pools, a spring pool, a kiddie pool, 4 whirlpools.

]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/06/heres-a-pool-theres-a-pool-everywhere-a-pool-pool/feed/ 1 Arcades http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/05/arcades/ http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/05/arcades/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:00:53 +0000 Sabreya http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/?p=379 Whether you’re 5, 15, 35, or 65, you can probably find something you will enjoy at one of the many arcades located on Disney property. Many of the resorts have an arcade on site, and then there’s the “mother” of all arcades, Disney Quest, located in Downtown Disney, but we won’t cover Disney Quest in this post. (You can read more about it by clicking here for now.)

Summer months in South Florida are hot, and I mean H.O.T. !!! If you haven’t experienced it, or aren’t used to it, then spending the day outside roaming the parks might be more exhausting than you realize. Why not plan to beat the heat with some indoor time, but who wants to sit inside a hotel room (even if it is a DISNEY room!)? Use the midday heat as your excuse to teach the kids (or your husband) how to “really” play those pinball machines.

They don’t use cash or coins or even tokens anymore, as most now have converted to using a card that you purchase credits for. When checking into your resort, make sure to check the packet they give you, as a lot of times there will be a complimentary voucher or card included (this is not guaranteed) for their arcade. Most of them will open pretty early, as early as 7am, so it might even be a good “meeting place” to get your family together if you’re staying in multiple rooms, have everyone go down and play there to stay busy and out of trouble until the rest of your party is ready to go, then at the end of your trip, you can redeem your reward as an extra souvenir, too!

Arcades Throughout Walt Disney World Resort

  • Pumbaa’s Fun & Games Arcade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Lafferty Place Arcade at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Side Show Games and The Yard near Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Food ‘n Fun Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Gasparilla’s Grill & Games at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Moana Mickey’s Arcade at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Buttons & Bells Arcade at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Lafferty Place Arcade at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Goombay Games Arcade at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Jumping Beans Arcade and the Iguana Arcade at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • South Quarter Games at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Medicine Show Arcade at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Reel Fun Arcade at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Note’able Games at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Game Point Arcade at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Fast Forward Arcade at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Win Place or Show Arcade at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Electric Eel Game Room at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Davey Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
]]> http://www.thinkinghappythoughts.com/2012/04/05/arcades/feed/ 0