Boardwalk Inn and Villa's

Today I get to share with you my favorite Disney Resort. Every since I was a small child I've had a special place in my heart for all things nostalgic.  Disney's Boardwalk just pulls on the right heart strings and I fell in love the minute I step foot through the door.

From www.waltdisneyworld.com

Timeless elegance meets old-fashioned charm at this waterfront Resort hotel. Delight in saltwater taffy-colored cottages, private courtyards and picturesque gardens—plus the ragtime sounds and carnival pastimes of the exciting Coney Island-style boardwalk. Reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is located within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Location

One of the many reasons I love this resort is because of it's location.  It's practically right smack dab in the middle of everything! Just a short 10 minute walk to EPCOT, a boat ride or slightly longer 20 minute walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios and a quick bus ride to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom!

Plus there is so much to do and see within walking distance!! You have the entire Boardwalk area to explore PLUS Disney's Yacht and Beach Club and Disney's Swan and Dolphin resorts!

Amenities
Disney's Boardwalk offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants sure to please anyone! Located on the Boardwalk you will find:

• ESPN Club
• Boardwalk Bakery
• Kouzzina (A Cat Cora Restaurant)
• Seashore Sweets
• Flying Fish Cafe
• Big River Grille and Brewing Works
• Jelly Rolls
• Atlantic Dance Hall

You'll also find a variety of food vendors, Carnival style games and activities, bike/surrey rental and in the evening family entertainment like magicians!

I love the unique offerings here! Jelly Rolls dueling piano bar. This place is a ton of fun if you are looking for a fun, adults night out! Atlantic Dance Hall offers a variety of music as well DJ's for a more "club" type feel. Years ago this venue offered swing music as well as lessons and I loved going!

Of course in addition to these special amenities only found at Disney's Boardwalk, you will also find the regular amenities such as a pool and gift shop.

Rooms

There are a wide variety of rooms at Disney's Boardwalk Inn as well as Villa's. The standard rooms on the Inn side consist of 2 Queen beds and a split bath. I love the decor here. It's so calming!  You can also book different views such as standard, water as well as club level.

One of the unique offerings at this resort are the Garden Suites.  These suites have their own private entrance and have more of a homey feel!  

The have these adorable white picket fences too !  There is a living room on the first floor and the bedroom is on the 2nd.  In Club level there are other larger accommodations and if I ever win the lottery I'll tell you about them.

On the Villa side you will find Studio, 1, 2 and Grand Villa's.  The Studio's will offer a kitchenettes while the 1,2 and Grand Villa's will offer full kitchens.  

The Studio's are more like a standard room with a sofa instead of a 2nd bed while the larger Villa's offer as shared living room and a HUGE split bath with my favorite, a jacuzzi tub!

Themeing

I touched on it a bit but one of the reasons I love this resort is for the great balance between a quiet, relaxing resort and one that is more busy and exciting. I love staying at Disney's Beach Club but found it a bit too quiet for my liking. This resort has the colors, smells and sounds that just are reminiscent of a different time.  

I love this resort so much that my hubby and I had some of our wedding photos taken here. You just have to visit to understand the special feel this resort has!

I honestly don't have a lot of negative things to say about Disney's Boardwalk. It has far too many great things going for it! The main complaint I get about this resort is the scary pool...but to me the pro's far outweigh the one con!

Thank you!

By popular demand...I've decided to giveaway these adorable reusable bags I grabbed at the grocery store!

My clients and Facebook fans are the best, so I'm also throwing in a $25 Disney Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep Moving Forward

In any job that must be done, there is an element of fun!

I recently was watching an interview with John Lasseter where he said, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” I'm lucky that I love what I do, because that wasn't always the case.  Before you worry about me getting too mushy on you, I do have a point! I love what I do and I work hard at what I do, but there is always room to learn more and better yourself, no matter what job you have!



Ever since I found out about a training opportunity with Disney this Spring, I've been beyond excited! I've been to Walt Disney World countless times but learning from the LEADER in the industry is invaluable. It's more than just a trip to Disney, it's a learning experience that really no one could afford to pass up! My job is to do my very best every day for my clients and I feel that this training will only improve that service I strive for!

So.....do you want a little insight as to what we get to do and see? I'll be posting live on Facebook and Instragram from the training but here's a little bit about our itinerary.

Sunday
I'll be arriving the night before the training. I hate feeling rushed and the training starts Monday afternoon.  We'll be staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom so dinner will be with a few fellow Mousekeagents at Jiko!

Monday
Later today we have to meet up for the official training to start but first we are off to EPCOT for the morning. We'll hit up a few of our favorite attractions before taking on World Showcase for a whirlwind eating around the world extravaganza for lunch!  We'll meet up to kick off the training and then it's dinner and a dessert party at EPCOT.

Tuesday
After having breakfast we'll head off to check out the new Fantasyland (I can't wait!!). We will also tour a few resorts (Contemporary, and Fort Wilderness).

We will also get the opportunity to check out Splitsville before heading into the parks for the evening.

Wednesday
Wednesday we'll be spend the morning in the "classroom" before checking out the Grand Floridian , Art of Animation and Port Orleans Riverside. Then it's some fun time in the park that evening.

Thursday
For our last full day we'll start out with a fun breakfast at Cape May Cafe before...heading off to the Disney Dream! It will just be a few hours on board, but I'll take it! We'll end our night at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom to finalize our trip

Friday
A Wrap up of the training will happen today and then I'll fly home!

I love all the fun opportunities I have to learn and I'll be taking a TON of pictures and  notes to bring back to all of you, plus trying a few new restaurants to review!!

Toddlers at Disney

Good Morning and Happy Thursday!!  Today I just wanted to share with everyone a few great tools Disney provides if you are visiting Disney with kids under 5!  

Overview of traveling to Disney with little ones:
Planning Guides

Character Meet and Greet Locations

Kids Activity Centers

Magical Beginnings Map and Highlights

Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Good Morning! Today's post is a repeat of an article I wrote a while back for another blog, but it's an important one so I thought I would revive for you to read here! Enjoy!

A lot of people have the misconception that EPCOT is a boring place and that their kids won't enjoy it. It's the park I most often hear people leave off their "wish list" of parks to visit. I'd love to share with you today reasons that I think that is just NOT true!! While I think the history behind EPCOT is fascinating I think it would just fuel the fire the EPCOT is boring and not a place for kids.


I'm here to tell you, that is WRONG! I can't tell you how many clients I've tried to encourage to just give EPCOT a chance! I promise you it is NOT the EPCOT of the 80's that your parents dragged you to. This is EPCOT of the FUTURE!

As a Mom to a very curious little one, I love the EPCOT has so much to offer! Let's start at the beginning ok?

After entering through the turnstiles, keep you eyes peeled for characters, such as Daisy and Stitch! Often there are very little waits for these characters and it's a great opportunity to do a quick meet and greet (don't worry, there will be more later!!)

If you are at all familiar with Disney or EPCOT, you know of Spaceship Earth (often referred to as the Giant Golf Ball).

I want to stop here for a second. While there are MANY unique learning opportunities at EPCOT, I wouldn't necessarily describe it as such to your kids (or friends...or family). I think this is part of why EPCOT gets a bum wrap as being a boring park.

For instance, Spaceship Earth is a pretty cool, albeit slow moving ride, that takes you through the history of communication...

SNORE!!

But did you know that once you exit Spaceship Earth, Semens AG has sponsored Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future...a really cool and unique interactive area (READ VIDEO GAMES). EPCOT has a little but of something for everyone!

I don't want to go into to much detail but let's go through the rest of the attractions and what they have to offer your family!

The Land Pavilion
If you've ready any guidebooks you'll know this pavilion houses Soarin', one of Disney's most popular attractions. This is a hand glider "simulation". It's a pretty tame, but amazingly awesome experience. Remember, your little ones must be 40" to ride! Also in this pavilion you'll find Living With the Land, a slow moving boat ride through EPCOT's greenhouses and The Circle of Live, a film hosted by Timon and Pumba. This pavilion also has some amazing food at Sunshine Seasons, not your typical counter service offerings!



Imagination Pavilion
While this pavilion offers some unique things, it's not a stop you MUST make (I would leave it for last). Journey into Imagination is a silly, slow moving ride that honestly has no point. Mom and Dad you may want to stop here though to check out Captain EO. This 3D movie is Michael Jackson in all his 80's glory!! My favorite part of this pavilion though is the What If Labs. This hands on experience combines sight, sound and much more! There are lots of things for the little ones to do and play with!



The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Did you know that EPCOT was home to the World's Second Largest Aquarium? The Seas is home to a 5.7 MILLION gallon aquarium filled with fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles and more! This place is full of fun! This pavilion can take up quite a bit of time walking around and checking out all the sea life!

Plus this is home to Turtle Talk with Crush....you can't miss this one of a kind experience...trust me!



Universe of Energy
Ok let's go back to our Golden EPCOT rule....do not describe attractions as educational (no matter how true) I LOVE this ride! It's funny, witty, has DINOSAURS, is air conditioned and you get to sit down! Keep in mind that it is quite long (45 minutes!) but it's well worth it! It is hosted by Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy!



Mission Space
I think I may be on my own here, but I love this attraction. Want to know a secret? I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little! I even considered joining the air force at one point (don't laugh) so this is right up my alley. Plus for the Mom's, this ride is narrated by Gary Sinise (dreamy)!! This is a space shuttle simulator where you will fly to Mars! I love how interactive and realistic this ride is. For those with a weak stomach, be sure to choose the Green, not so intense side! This is for the big kids though! You must be 44" tall to ride!



Test Track
While I'm writing this, Test Track is currently closed. While I'll pretend to be sad, it really has had it's share of problems over the years and it needs a good updating! It's slated to be open in the Fall and sponsored by Chevrolet. I'm going to leave this for now and we'll revisit once the new Test Track opens but I have very high hopes!!



Innoventions East and West
If all else fails and you really aren't enjoying yourself (ya, right) head to Innoventions! There are two buildings, East and West. My favorite thing about these pavilions is how hands on they are! There is SO much for the kiddos to do and they are allowed to touch and play with everything...they might even LEARN something! GASP!! There is a variety of things to do including:

-The Great Piggy Bank Adventure where kids "learn" about saving in a fun and innovative way (we loved this!)



-Rockin Robots-You get to control robotic arms!
-The Sum of All Thrills where you design your own roller coaster!
-Storm Struck where you can experience the SEVERE force of Mother Nature

And much more! These two buildings could take you quite a while to experience!

What I've just described above are most of the attractions you'll find just in Future World! There is still all of World Showcase to explore (which we'll do in another post). The main point I wanted to share is EPCOT is NOT boring! There is more than enough to do here for an entire day and there is more than enough that both kids and parents alike will LOVE. Just give it a try!

So This is Love!

Good Morning and Happy Valentine's Day!!  If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! Living With the Magic is  place where I share some insight into the planning process of Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Vacations. You can find tips, hints and even my personal trip reports.  

But it's also more...it's my way of sharing the magic that exists in my own life.  People laugh when we say we love Disney, but for both my husband and I (and hopefully our daughter too) our daily life has been inspired by the ideas of Walt Disney.  One of the reasons I do what I do is because my life has been inspired and touched by Walt Disney.  My passion is with Disney and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Today I want to share a little bit of how Disney has inspired us, by sharing what I found when I woke up this morning. My husband and I work opposite schedules as he works nights and goes to school in the afternoon/evening. Today I won't see him until after 6 p.m. I was surprised to find a sweet Valentine's Day poem waiting for me when I got up.

A Disney Princess, All In One

There are so many qualities

In which you possess

Intelligent, Kind and Beautiful

like a Princess, in a long flowing dress

But who are you like?
Ariel, Snow White or Perhaps Belle

Hopefully by the clues in this poem

I will be able to tell

Are you like Rapunzel?
Is it the way she looks?

No, you don't have long blonde hair

but you both sure know how to cook!

She's adventurous and curious

That sounds a lot like you

There are more princesses to look at,
Aurora, Jasmine to name a few

Perhaps you're like Cinderella

Your're so strong willed, kind, your beauty so true

The only thing that doesn't make you here

I have yet to get you a glass shoe

Maybe you're like Belle

Why ever could this be?

Well...you have beautiful brown hair

and you both sure love to read!

Aww...I see a lot of Princess Aurora

A hopeless romantic, a passion for love, oh so deep

But one thing that separates you

Kennedy does not allow you to sleep

I got it, is it Princess Jasmine

She's honest with such a good heart

A very spiritual head strong woman

Gosh, you both are so  smart

Well let me think

You are a lot like Snow White

You see the good in everyone and everything

And you always follow your heart and do whats right

Maybe you're like Ariel

So outgoing and so fun

No that's not it, she's in the water

Unlike her, my princess can run

Last but not least

Is it Tiana you might be

Hardworking and self-motivated

I am confused can't you see?

Oh, it's so clear now

All these qualities you have I so adore

You are all the Princesses

and so much  much more!

How could I not see this

How could I be so blind and dumb

All your qualities make you just that

A Disney Princess, all wrapped into one

My husband, forever the romantic! I'm a lucky girl and have quite a few of these unique and creative poems (He proposed with one!) Our lives are not fairytales and things aren't always rainbows and butterflies, but moments like this make me cherish what I have and remind me that we all have a little bit of fairytale in our lives.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentines Day Giveaway!!

As an early Valentine's gift to you, I'm co-hosting this awesome giveaway with some fun Disney friends!! Starting on February 10th you'll hve your chance to enter! Bookmark this page and come back to enter once the contest goes live!!

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My Disney Experience

Good Morning and to those of you in the North East....BBBRRRRR!!!

Today I want to share with you a little bit about how the My Disney Experience website works.  I will be up front and say you will not find any inside information here, I don't know when you can expect Fast Pass+ or the wristbands. What I will share with you in my personal experience and use of the website. Disney is still working out the bugs so don't be surprised if you run into a bit of trouble!

The My Disney Experience page is where you can plan your entire vacation (or let me do it for you!).  You'll be able to access a ton of information and customize your Disney vacation!

First you will start off at www.waltdisneyworld.com. If you have an account, sign in. If you don't, sign up!

After you have signed in, let's explore the My Disney Experience. Hover your mouse over the My Disney Experience Logo to get the drop down menu.  Let's start out with my profile. If you have an exisiting account, you may have to update some info here!

You will have several options under the My Profile section:

About Me: Your name, the character you chose at the top, and your birthday

Family and Friends: This is my new favorite feature. If your family and friends also have an account, you can add them and they can see your reservations and depending on how you set it up, make reservations for you too! Note: Clients of mine who set up an account BEFORE I make your dining reservations will have to add me as a friend!

Payment Method:  I love that you can add in your credit card info ONCE. Every time you make a dining reservation that requires a credit card guarantee, you don't have to add it again!

Contact Information: Address, email and phone number

Account Settings: Email, password and security questions

Once you have set all of that up, let's take a look at how you can view your reservations! Go back and hover over that My Disney Experience logo again and select My Reservations! Here you will find links to add both your resort reservation and dining!! If you had a travel agent book your reservation, you can still add it! For restaurant reservations you'll need your phone number as well as the restaurant confirmation number!

It's a little time consuming and sometimes linking dining reservations doesn't work 100% but when it works, it's a very neat tool!  Now go back and click My Disney Experience!

Now you should see your Resort Reservation and dining reservations!! This is a good home page! You can also make dining reservations, explore your resort and check-in online. In the future I'm sure more options will be added here!

My next favorite feature is the My Itinerary page.  If you are working with me and HAVEN'T set up an account, I'll do all that for you. Once I get you the log-in info, you'll see everything has been completed! You'll see your resort reservation, restaurant reservation and My Itinerary done!! My Itinerary let's you choose what park you'll be at each day!! When you are at Disney and pull up the My Disney Experience App, it will tell you which park you have planned for the day and any dining reservations! Cool huh?

In the future, My Disney Experience will be where you go to access not only your resort and dining reservations but also where you will make your Fast Pass+ Reservations so that everything is linked!

Overall, minus a few bugs, I really like the website. I love the look and feel and that I can customize every day. I like being able to "friend" my clients and easily make and see their dining reservations. When Disney does complete implementation of the bracelets in conjunction with the RFID scanners it will make your Disney vacation seamless!!  Maybe I'm being a bit overly optimistic, but so far I like the direction this is headed.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Well all you're guesses were good yesterday, no one guessed correctly! The night before our training begins I'll be staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is split in half into Jambo House and Kidani Villa. The Kidani Village is part of Disney's Vacation Club resort.

From waltdisneyworld.com:
Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. 
Location
One of the very few downfalls of this gorgeous resort is it's location. Many guests complain that travel time to and from the parks take a bit longer then they would like.  It is located about 15-20 minutes from Magic Kingdom while Hollywood Studios and EPCOT are much closer. It's a little further then if you were staying in the EPCOT/Hollywood Studios area but I have never noticed a huge difference.

Themeing are looking for a resort that is quintessential Disney, Animal Kingdom Lodge is it.  The themeing and detail that was put into this resort is amazing!  The grandeur of the lobby is breath taking and around every corner you'll find something new!  The simple fact that you can stay in a room where you can wake up in the morning, pull back your curtains and walk out on your balcony to view animals grazing is pretty amazing!

Amenities
This is one of my favorite resorts for extra amenities!!  Besides the usual pools, this resort offers a Kids Club (for those special, adult only nights out),  a spa and fitness center as well as an arcade but check in at Front Desk to find out what other cool activities are being offered daily.   This resort also offers exclusive safari rides for guests, night vision goggles to view the animals on Savannah, wine tastings and much more!

The restaurants located at Animal Kingdom Lodge are also some of the most unique offerings on property! While they offer the traditional quick service location at Mara, you'll also find Boma. Boma is a buffet that serves both breakfast and dinner. It offers a mix of both traditional American fare as well as African offerngs.

At Jiko you'll find the nations LARGEST selection of African wines as well as exotic dishes.  Over at Kidani Village you can dine at Sanaa with amazing views of the savannah.

Rooms
You'll find a wide variety of rooms here at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Similar to Wilderness Lodge you'll not only find standard rooms but you'll also find Bunk Bed Rooms (some of my favorites!).

Here you'll also find a variety of views:

• Standard
• Pool (with and without Bunk Bed)
• Savannah (with and without Bunk Bed
• Arusha (main Savannah)

A lot of people ask whether or no the Savannah view rooms are worth it.  It really depends on your vacation! The Lodge has many places to see the animals from so if you are traveling with young kids and are spending the majority of your time in the parks, on the go, the Savannah view might not be worth it! If you plan to be more leisurely with your vacation, it might be nice to get up and have your cup of coffee on the verandah with a beautiful view of the Savannah, instead of the parking lot.

Besides offering these rooms, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers some amazing Club level Suites!!  Club Level rooms are available in Standard, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and Presidential Suite!!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to the Disney Vacation Club as well.  With the Vacation Club you'll find studios, 1 and 2 bedroom Villa's with varying views. Remember that since owners get first dibs, these rooms can be limited certain times of the year. On my next trip I'll be staying in a Deluxe Studio Villa in the Jambo House.  This means that I'll have a Queen bed, pull out sofa, and a small kitchenette. It's just for one night until we move over to the Contemporary so it's more than adequate.

Downfalls

I think for me, the biggest downfall is location.  This resort is one of my favorites and is pretty spectacular across the board. It has amazing rooms with updated decor, delicious food options, fun and unique activities...you name it!  This is definitely one of my top picks at Disney!

Well that's progress for you!

It might surprise you to know that the Carousel of Progress is my favorite attraction. Most people I know will say, "Oh, I slept through that ride!". For me, it's a glimpse into the past, figuratively and literally!  I'm going to let my geek flag fly for a second and then I'll get to the point of today's post.  In the early 60's Disney began preparing for the 1964 World's Fair.   Walt was hired to produce an exhibit for General Electric Progressland's Carousel Theater.  Walt threw himself into this project and truly loved it!  When the fair ended, the building was demolished  but the animatronics were moved to Disneyland where it stayed until it was moved to Walt Disney World in 1975.  Unfortunately Walt never got to see the Disneyland version as it didn't open until 1967.

It's gone through many changes over the years but the story remains true to Walt Disney's vision. Walt always was moving forward, thinking of what is next and better, always striving to improve. Walt once said,

"It's something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing...and adding to."

For me, the Carousel of Progress is my chance to connect with Walt. One of the few projects still left the he was directly involved with.  It's an attraction that embodies what he stood for, combined with his amazing story telling. Plus I'm a sucker for anything vintage so to "live" it for even just a few moments is an opportunity I wouldn't pass up.

While this information is all fun, I'm sure you're wondering, why the heck is she boring us with Disney history on a Monday morning?  When the opportunity arose for me to head to Walt Disney World for training I thought about whether or not it was a good opportunity.  Besides being a former Cast Member, we travel to Disney a few times a year.  Then I thought to myself, why pass up an opportunity to learn? To grow and to discover new things? I jumped at the chance and consider myself very lucky to go. While I'm sure there will be a lot of "refresher" info, I'm excited at the opportunity!!

Are you curious about what kind of training Walt Disney World offers for travel agents?  Here's a quick overview!!

• 4 nights at a Walt Disney World Resort! I finally get to cross Disney's Contemporary off my bucket list!

• 3 full days of training classes, resort tours and more! We even are going to head to the Disney Dream for one day!
• Special experiences, tons of information and much more!

I'm really excited about bringing you all back new information and TONS of pictures!!  I'll be talking more about my plans as they develop over the next few weeks, including where I'm staying the night before the conference, restaurants I plan on trying plus more useful vacation information as always!!