Disneyland AEP {Day 1}

Let me just start out by saying that I was slightly excited about this trip....flying on a plane by myself, having some time to myself and a trip to Disneyland....count me in!

I caught a super early plane out of Memphis, switched planes in Houston and then flew to LA.  I loved looking out the window and seeing the mountains.

I landed at 9:30 am so I had the whole day ahead of me. I had a little time before my bus came so I ended up chatting with another agent and made a good friend (Hi Tammy!). We rode the bus to our hotel (Grand Californian). 

The lobby was so pretty and definitely reminded me of Wilderness Lodge.

Our rooms were not ready so we grabbed a bite to eat at the quick service restaurant there (chicken nuggets for me)

I was so excited to check out my room and was excited to find out that I had a room by myself.  I had a few minutes before our first event so I took some pictures before I messed everything up. 

Bathroom vanity area

bathtub/shower combo

Door to the toilet/tub area

Nice big closet with ironing board/iron, bath robes and a luggage holder. There were plenty of hangers, a pack and play and also some extra blankets. 

My two queen beds. I used one for sleeping and one for throwing my stuff on. 

Tv area with mini fridge

Little sitting area

My balcony opened up to a courtyard and the monorail went right under my room

Next it was time to meet up with the group. We had a whole meeting room to ourselves. I loved all the swag they had for us at our tables.  We had an ice breaker and takes about the heritage of Disneyland. Next it was time for the fun part...

DISNEYLAND!!

They showed us Walt's apartment on Main Street. They never turn off the lamp. 

We also got to go into the VERY exclusive "Dream Suite". The only way to stay here is to win  contest. 

Elevator to the Dream Suite. 

I want to let the pictures do the talking but I will tell you that in almost every room, there was a special button that you can push to make something very magical happen. 

One of the buttons for the bedroom. 

View from the balcony of the Dream Suite.

One of our instructors showed us a hidden secret of Disneyland. If you go near the wishing well next to the castle. There is a tree with Wendy Darling and Peter Pan's initials carved into it. Those little touches make Disney so, so special!

Next we headed across the courtyard to California Adventure. It reminded me a lot of Hollywood Studios. 

We had a special welcome dinner at Carthay Circle. It was super yummy!

After dinner, we had a special roped off place to stand to watch World of Color. It was so neat and I highly recommend it!! They had a dessert party going on that also included special seating. That seems like it would be a great option for excellent viewing. 

We headed back into Magic Kingdom to ride a few rides and passed a guy sweeping leaves into the shape of Mickey...Disney magic once again!

We didnt back to our room until about midnight (2am Memphis time). I loved finding turnout service with chocolate on my pillow!

Day 2 coming up!!

Packing the Perfect Bag for a Baby at Disney

I have learned (after several trips to Disney with kids), that although its good to be prepared, you don't need to bring everything you own to the parks. In 2 weeks, we leave for Disney with our new 4 month old baby.....yes you read that right. I am taking a 4 month old to Disney. Some of you may think I am crazy, but I have been told taking a new baby to Disney is quite easy...I mean they sleep all the time. I have done a lot of research and feel confident that I have the perfect bag packed to bring to the parks. We all know babies need a lot of stuff, but I have condensed the list down and here is what I am including.  You will see links to purchase these items underneath the pictures. Make sure to tell them that you heard about them from my blog!!

First of all, how cute is this backpack. Its the perfect size and lightweight to hold all the essential baby items. It's also very comfy to carry. 

{Sealed with a Stitch}

These bags are perfect for holding all the small things (this is where all those sample sizes come in handy). I plan on adding a small thing of baby powder, some diaper rash cream, sunscreen, band aids and extra paci's. 

{Murphy Made It}

I love these personalized baby bottles! The seller was super sweet and even sent me a sip cup for my 4 year old! I will also be adding packets of formula. Don't forget you can get free cups of water all over the park to mix your formula with...no need to carry around water bottles. Make sure to pack a bottle brush and a small bottle of dish soap so you can wash the bottles and nipples in the hotel room. 

{Hundred Acre Treasures}

Of course we need a paci clip and bib. These are so cute!! The fabric is soft and yes, you can even wash that paci clip. They match perfectly with all our cute Disney outfits!

{Shop Apple Jax}

Burp cloths are important for all that fun baby stuff (ha!). These three are just the perfect size and colors.  They also have terry cloth on one side so they are very absorbent. 

{Robyns Wonders}

Of course I'm bringing lots of diapers (that goes without saying). Wipes are a must too. How cute is this wipes case?! It looks like Mickey Mouse!

{Little Blue Daisy Shop}

I'm also adding in a clip on fan that we got on the last trip. You can usually buy these online and at a few local big box stores too. They are really nice to have to keep your baby cool on a hot day.  Don't forget extra batteries!

Don't forget a change of clothes...who knows what could happen? Spit up, blow outs, etc. Good times. Put it all in a big Ziplock bag so that you have a place for the dirty stuff.  Add in a small bottle of hand sanitizer. 

What else do you think are must have's?

Disney Photo Sessions with Fasion Anne Photography

I am so very excited to announce that one of my favorite photographers is not only moving to Orlando, but she is taking her fabulous photography business with her. As you know, taking pictures at Disney is a rite of passage. Although Disney has their Memory Maker program, sometimes its nice to get more candid and personal shots. That is where Faison comes in. She will follow your family around the park capturing all the special moments that happen... at character meet and greets, on rides, in front of the castle, at the parades.....anywhere and everywhere. I may have already scheduled her for our September trip!!

 

Read what Faison has to say below and please contact het to schedule your session soon!

Walt Disney World has always been such a special place full of memories made with my family, and I am so happy to offer portrait sessions to capture your family’s excitement and new memories made at the happiest place on earth!

Why should you hire me? 

Walt Disney World photographers do not retouch or edit their photos, so every Photo Pass image comes straight from the camera; and some of the time, the Walt Disney World photographer might not have their camera properly set up for the current lighting situation (see images below). My job is to capture your smiles, ensure that the lighting is perfect, and eliminate any minor imperfections if needed in processing.

session pricing

Each session includes all edited images posted in a password-protected online gallery with downloading privileges, a beautiful skeleton key USB drive with all of your photos and memories uploaded onto it, and a print release. There are no packages to purchase- everything is included in the session price. A deposit of 50% is required for booking, and the remaining balance due is paid at the time of the session.

two hours of coverage at $450

This portrait session is for those who would like photos in the park in the morning or late afternoon, and is ideally suited for character meals. If you’d like to have portraits taken in front of Cinderella’s castle before the park gets too crowded, book an early morning character breakfast in Magic Kingdom! This portrait session includes all edited images uploaded onto an online gallery with downloading privileges, a beautiful skeleton key USB drive with your photos uploaded onto it, and a print release. 

four hours of coverage at $650

For four hours, I will follow your family around the park(s) of your choice, and I’m there for every special moment. Want to take family photos with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger? I’ll be there to catch that special princess hug, capture every smile, every epic dance move at the Street Dance Party, and everything in between. Family photos will be taken, and surrounding detail shots will be taken as well. This portrait session includes all edited images uploaded onto an online gallery with downloading privileges, a beautiful skeleton key USB drive with your photos uploaded onto it, and a print release. 

six hours of coverage at $750

The full day session is just like the half-day session, but with six hours of coverage time. If you are wanting to do two parks in one day, this is the session for you! This portrait session includes all edited images uploaded onto an online gallery with downloading privileges, a beautiful skeleton key USB drive with your photos uploaded onto it, and a print release. 

For more information on Walt Disney World portrait sessions, please visit www.faisonannephotography.com. I hope to see you at Disney soon!

Faison Weiss |  www.faisonannephotography.com  |  faisonannephotography@gmail.com  |  662.542.1553

Eat To The Beat Line Up Announced

Enjoy musical evenings during the Food & Wine Festival with the “Eat to the Beat!” concerts scheduled daily at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Please note: lineup is subject to change.

You can make FastPass+ reservations for the Eat to the Beat concert series. 

2016 Eat to the Beat! Concert Lineup

• September 14-15 – Wang Chung
• September 16-18 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• September 19-20 – Air Supply
• September 21-23 – BoDeans
• September 24-25 – Fuel
• September 26-28 – Sugar Ray
• September 29-30 – Los Lobos
• October 1-2 – David Cook
• October 3-4 – Wilson Phillips
• October 5-6 – Blues Traveler
• October 7-9 – Plain White T’s
• October 10-11 – 38 Special
• October 12-13 – Jeffrey Osborne
• October 14-16 – Tiffany
• October 17-19 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx
• October 20-21 – Christopher Cross
• October 22-23 – Toad The Wet Sprocket
• October 24-25 – Chaka Khan
• October 26-27 – Billy Ocean
• October 28-29 – Living Colour
• October 30 – November 1 – Hanson
• November 2-3 – Soul Asylum
• November 4-6 – Delta Rae
• November 7-9 – Boyz II Men
• November 10-11 – Sister Hazel
• November 12-14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Getting A First Hair Cut At Disney

Did you know you can get your baby's first haircut at Disney World inside the Magic Kingdom?

Yup! You can!!

You have probably never even noticed Harmony Barber Shop (located on Main Street). Its tucked away between City Hall and The Emporium. It's one of those places you wouldn't even know existed unless you were looking for it. 

For just $25, it's one of the things at Disney that is actually a pretty good deal!

The package comes with the haircut, a set of Mickey ears with "First Haircut" on the back, a certificate and a little bag with a lock of you little ones hair.

Sally was 2 years old when we got this done. She was so excited!!  Just to note...they do take walk ups but are often totally booked up so I highly recommend a reservation. If I book your trip, I would be happy to get you a spot reserved. 

We arrived at our reserved time and Sally was in a chair in no time at all.  They gave her a bunch of stickers and a spinning and light up Minnie toy to play with. 

Just a quick snip snip and she was all done. 

Sally did awesome and was so excited to put on her Mickey ears. 

A Few Tips

• Call and get a reservation if you can (call 407-939-7529 up to 180 days ahead). If no reservations are available, don’t let that scare you off. It is definitely worth trying to walk-in even if they tell you otherwise on the phone.
• If you do walk-in and have to wait your turn, you can go and play in the park while you “wait.”
• Don’t worry about your child being too little for a haircut. As long as they have hair to cut, go for it. They are wonderful with even the littlest of children.
• If you do the first haircut package, it will come with Mickey ears, so you can save the cost of buying other ones in the park.
• They will dampen hair with water if needed, but they do not shampoo prior to clipping, so make sure to show up with clean hair.
• The appointment itself is quick - probably 15-30 minutes in total. It is not going to take a huge portion of your day.
• Don’t forget the camera and to take before and after pictures.

How We Get Paid

On occasion, I will get questions about how we travel agents (TAs) make money, and how we get paid for our services. If you've not worked with a TA before, you might wonder how we earn our living. Well it's your lucky day because I am here to share that top-secret information with you!

(It's not at ALL top-secret, but that just sounded more fun to say.)


* We don't get paid unless we're your travel agent. We're happy to do no-obligation quotes and answer questions if you're considering a vacation, but if a trip is not booked by us, we don't get paid.

One common misconception is that our agencies and/or the suppliers (such as Disney) employ us and pay a salary. There might be some agencies out there who do (such as brick-and-mortar travel offices that might pay a salary instead of commission) but in general, the vast majority of travel agents are commission only.

We also get paid after your trip is over, so we might work with you for months or even a year, and we're paid after your vacation is done.

Think of travel agents as you would your realtor. If you decide to sell your home, they'll spend time with you taking pictures, listing the house, getting it ready to sell, running open houses, etc - but he/she doesn't get paid unless they sell your home.  

We're always happy to do quotes for you, truly; but if you get quotes and then book the vacation yourself, we won't get commission for that vacation. Deciding not to work with a TA is absolutely fine, but please keep this in mind if you're asking for multiple quotes, special information, etc.

* We are not able to give advice, help you plan, take care of your vacation without you booking the vacation through us as your travel agent.

Often, I've quoted travel options and I've not ended up booking the vacation. Which happens, and is no big deal. Sometimes plans change, or people can't take a vacation right now, etc. I never mind doing quotes for people, even if a trip doesn't work out for them right now.

However, on a rare occasion I've also heard back from people who didn't using me as their TA or pay an ala-carte planning fee but still wanted me to give advice about their vacation and help them plan. This is something that I am not able to do. 

What most people don't realize (I didn't know this before I became a TA) is that in addition to it not being a great business decision to answer questions for non-clients, it's also a liability issue. Many agencies carry Errors and Omissions Insurance but the insurance only covers clients who we've booked.  If, God forbid, there's a big enough problem that a possible E and O claim would need to be filed, that could hurt the travel agent personally and result in a judgement against them, vs being filed with the agency's E and O insurance.

*I LOVE what I do, and I have fun doing it - but this is still a job.

As I've said 1,000 times here on this blog - I LOVE Disney. Obsessed. I am on some sort of Disney vacation (parks or cruise) at least 3 times a year. But - I still have bills that need to be paid. If I could pay my mortgage and keep the lights on via a money tree in my backyard, perhaps that would be a different story. But until that money tree sprouts, I need to have income from my job.

Think about a friend or relative who's an accountant. You might ask one or two quick questions but you wouldn't ask them to prepare your taxes for you each year, for free. Their time is valuable and they need to be compensated for doing your taxes.



Hopefully this was helpful information and gave you some insight on how travel agents work and are compensated.


Have a magical day!

Girls Trip {Day 5}

Our last day we checked out of the hotel, dropped off our bags in the lobby and headed to Animal Kingdom. The rest of the week had been hot but today it was COLD!! I mean really chilly!! Sally was complaining the whole time and even though she had on pants and a sweater, I still felt guilty. 

The first thing we did was wait in line to meet Pocahontas. We had never met her before so Sally was pretty excited!

We also did the Safari ride, It's a Bugs Life and the Nemo show. 

Once we got into the Nemo theater she was warm and happy!

We ate lunch at Yak and Yeti (quick service) and then headed back to the hotel. It was time to go to the airport. 

We had a great trip!! I am so glad that I got to do a girls trip with Sally before Henry gets here. It did make me realize how much Joe helps when we are there. It was exhausting getting her ready, pushing the stroller, holding her hand on the bus, carrying her places, etc. It would be tiring for anyone, but being 6 months pregnant, it was even worse for me. I didn't complain at all when we were there but when we finally got home, I was TIRED!!!

Our next trip to Disney is in September and Henry will be 4 months old!!