There is a Storm coming..... why are you standing there!

One thing I try to cover with all my Clients before they arrive in Central Florida is the weather they may encounter. July 3rd and 4th brought some typical weather situations for the Wet Summer Season  in Central Florida... Daily Severe Thunderstorms.  The skies darkened and was filled with lightning. Tourist and Locals stood in front of Cinderella's Castle Hub and snapped photos of the castle being struck by lightning.  While it may have gained some their 15 minutes of fame on the internet, it sure wasn't the brightest move. That picture or even staying in that spot to get the "best" view for fireworks sure isn't worth your life.
 
Florida is the Lightning Strike Capitol of the United States. While the number fluctuate every year, the numbers are the usually the highest in Florida for people struck by lighting. On our 2011 trip in August, we were across the street at SeaWorld when 8 people were injured at Discovery Cove by a Lightning strike. These people were "lucky" they weren't killed, but less than a month later at Adventure Island in Tampa, an employee evacuating a slide was killed by a lightning strike. Lightning is not something to mess with, so take cover when lightning is in the area.

Here are some really good tips about what to do during the storms that hit the parks and this applies to all parks.
1) Don't stand out in the open! Get indoors!!!!
2) Don't Rush for the exit.
3) Head into a shop and let the storm pass
4) Go to an indoor ride that has an indoor queue
5)Check out an indoor show
6) Don't wait at an entrance to be first in line for a ride to reopen.
7) Don't get on a boat
8) Don't take shelter under a tree
9) Get out of and away from pools
10) Don't hang out on your balcony

You are not Doc Brown trying to send Marty McFly Back to the Future. You aren't going to save the day with that awesome picture. When you get hit by lighting, your vacations is over, you won't get to see that amazing fireworks display or selfie with Mickey.  Be Smart and stay alive!

Top 11 Reasons to use my Services and Some Frequently Asked Questions.

Top 11 Reasons You should use my Services

11)   I do not add cost to your vacations. My planning services are FREE! That's right FREE!

Firehousefamilyvacations.com

10)    I make it easy to get a hold of me! You can always reach me via Email, phone, text message, or Facebook message. Sometimes I even Skype or Google Hang out with people.  I try my hardest to get back with people within 24 hours! My promise to you is, if I say that I will get you something by a certain time, I will get it to you on time, or sooner!

9)   I’m constantly monitoring for discounts that would apply to your Vacation. I put in a great deal of time researching promotions to see if you are really getting a discount or if it is just some marketing ploy to try to get you to book. That's right sometimes that big flashy promo is really no deal or savings. If you already have booked with me and a promotion with savings comes out that you qualify for, I will apply it to your Vacation. Once I get it applied to your Vacation, I will send you an email telling you how much money you’ve saved.(Please remember sometimes if you book a vacation, there can be restrictions that make changes unavailable or the new promotions may have restrictions you may not qualify for the promotion or discount. I will do my best to let you know if that would be the case when you book your vacation.)

8)   I’ll provide you with detailed assistance that you deserve and again that assistance is FREE! That includes everything from booking, monitoring for discounts, determining the best time year for you to travel, parks hours and refurbishments, to helping you determine which theme parks to visit on which days. I can also provide touring plans to maximize your time enjoying attractions, rides and shows, helping minimize your time standing in line.

7)  I have experience traveling with kids, large groups, adults only trips, and alone at various different times of the year. I also have been to theme parks with peak crowd levels that cause closures due to capacity and in the "off season" lighter crowds. Let me put that experience to work for you!


6)    Advanced Dining Reservations(ADRs) at Disney can be confusing and time consuming. We can discuss what you are looking for in meals and make a plan. Then you can sleep in and I will get up early when you hit your 180 day mark and Advanced Dining Reservations become available to make those reservations for you. Once they are complete, I will send you an email with the list of dining experiences that have been booked for you. If at any time you wish to make changes up, until your arrival, I can assist in making any changes that you  prefer along the way based on availability.

5)    If you are considering a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens vacation; there’s so much to do between the resort hotels and the theme parks than anyone could possibly experience all in one vacation. I have a vast first hand experience with all the theme parks in Central Florida and other theme parks across the country and will help you weigh your options and prioritize your choices so that your vacation fits your needs and wants.

4)    I love Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and all of Central Florida.I will always provide a  honest, and direct opinion of particular resorts, attractions, restaurants, and add on experiences. If I think something is a waste of your money or time, I will let you know.

3)    There are always "urban legends" about what Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or the cruise lines offer. I will give you the facts and research any questions you may have to get you the right answer. Not only do I have an expansive knowledge of the the theme parks and resorts, I also have vast network of resources to assist me that many other agencies don't have!

2)   There are many Vacation options that can be confusing or even missed, with that, I understand that vacation budgets can be tight. I also understand that sometimes you might be in the beginning stages of making a vacation budget.  I can work with you to see what you want out of a vacation so that budget can be established and/or try to stay with in your established budget. If it is a spontaneous trip, large group/family reunion, or a trip that is years in the making, I will work with you to help you find what is right for you!

1)   Unlike many agencies, I don't look at you as a client or commission check. I view you and treat you as a friend or family. I enjoy hearing about your vacation, experiences, and want you to enjoy your vacation!

The Current Hogwarts Express...Stay tuned something wickedly new is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I see many other agencies posting or bragging about the number of Clients they are booking and when they are going on Facebook or their personal websites, Why don't you?
A: I respect the privacy of the people I book vacations for. I believe it is up to the person traveling to post if they are going on vacation and whom they have booked through. I also do this for the safety of those that are on Vacations. Unfortunately there are opportunists out there that do scour Facebook to find vacant homes to break into and posting that someone is on vacation could give them that information. I will only post what my clients give me permission to post and then I will not identify them by full name.



Q: Other agencies have a testimonial page, why don't you.
A: I am in the process of constructing a testimonial page to add to my website and will not post fake testimonials to try to entice people to book with me or use my services. Until I do get this page added to my website, I would be more than willing to contact my previous clients to see if they would give me a recommendation to you.

Q: Other agencies post deals and promotions before you do, why is that?
A: Posting a promotion before it is officially announced can is just asking for trouble. The people that are posting may not have the information correct and/or be completely wrong about the promotion that is coming out. Many Agencies lose their partnerships for jumping the gun on posting before an official announcement.


Q: Why did you get into the business and why do you specialize in what you do?
A: A couple of years back, I booked through a large national company that will stay unnamed  and was given extremely poor service. I walked in and told them what I wanted. They gladly took my money and gave me wrong information. They had no experience with the dining plan and the agent was confused when I asked if they could help with dining reservations. They got on the phone to see if they could do that and their answer was that they think they could, but it would cost extra. The agent was also telling my girls about attractions they could experience at Disney that were actually part of Universal. This left a bad taste in my mouth. So after several discussions with my wife, we  decided it was time to open up shop and to give it some personal character based on my profession of being a firefighter. I specialize in Central Florida and the Theme Parks because they have something for everyone. I love traveling there and some day hope to live there. I knew I could help people plan their vacations and have been successful at doing so.


Q: Why don't you post more cruise deals on your Facebook page or web page?
A: There are so many promotions that run with cruise lines and many times the promotions have very small windows for booking or a lot of restrictions to them.

Q: I emailed you but never heard back from you?
A: Sometimes my Emails end up in spam folders based on your email providers settings. Please make sure you add Matt@Firehousefamilyvacations.com to your safe list so it doesn't end up there. Make sure you check your spam folder at least 24 hours after you contact me to make sure the email has not end up there. If you prefer to be contacted by means other than email, please let me know.

Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations  Epcot 2013

The Disney Dining plan! 2013's Plan in action!

One of the most common questions I get when booking a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Package for a client is, "Is the dining plan worth it?"  To be honest with you, there really is no simple answer  because every family eats differently. Disney recognizes this and has come up with some cookie cutter plans that try to appeal to a broad audience. This is great for some families and not so good for other families. I am not going to debate the the pro and cons of the plans in this post because I did that  a while back in another post that you can access by clicking here.  While the plans have changed slightly over the years, the pros and cons have pretty much stayed the same.

Can the Dining Plans save you Money? Yes! Can a Dining plan waste your Money? Yes!


So that we are all on the same page, here are the current prices and a little video Disney has put together to tell you the benefits you get with a dining plan.(price can change at anytime and dining plans can be changed at anytime by Disney) I have also included short break down of what each plan includes for 2013! The breakdown below can be found just about every where you look when looking for information on the dining plans, but not many sites actually put the plan in action for you.

Quick-Service Plan
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $37.58
Child (Ages 3-9) $14.32

The Quick Service includes the following for each resort guest:
2 Quick Service Meals per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage
1 Snack Option per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay

Standard Plan- This plan is suggested by Disney and Myself
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $55.59
Child (Ages 3-9) $17.16
***During Peak Season (typically summer and holidays), prices increase for the Basic Standard Plan to $56.94/night for Adults 10+ and $18.16/night for Children ages 3 to 9****

The Standard Plan includes the following for each resort guest:
1 Quick Service Meal per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage.

1 Table Service Meal per night stayed
Each meal includes an entrée, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage, or, if eating at a buffet, the full buffet.
1 Snack Option per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay

Deluxe Plan
Price Per Night 2013
Adult (Ages 10+) $99.97
Child (Ages 3-9) $26.84
****During Peak Season, prices increase for Deluxe Dining Plans.to $102.27/night for Adults 10+ and $28.91/night for Children ages 3 to 9.****

The Deluxe Plan includes the following for each resort guest:
3 Meals per night stayed, which can be any combination of Table Service Meals and Quick Service Meals
Quick Service Meals include an entrée or complete combo meal, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage.
Table Service meals include an appetizer (lunch and dinner only), entrée, dessert (lunch and dinner only), and non-alcoholic beverage, or, if eating at a buffet, the full buffet.
2 Snack Options per night stayed
1 Resort Refillable Mug for the length of stay


Now that we have the details down, it is time to put the standard Dining plan into action!

Here is a good tip: While there are some exceptions to the rule, Table Service meals used for lunch are a waste of money. You get more bang for your table service meals during breakfast or dinner. 

I am going to use the dining plan I have set up for my family to show how you can use the standard dining plan.
Being the outstanding planner that I am, for our trip at the end of March through first week of April, I made our table service reservations right at the 180 day mark when they became available to get the times and restaurants we wanted. This is the peak season and the longer I would have waited, the less likelihood I would have gotten restaurants or time we wanted. The wild cards in our dining plan here will be our daily snacks and quick service meals. Since we are only getting 2 meals a day, we are going to supplement our dining plan with some items in our room to get those of us in our family that want 3 meals a day that "extra" meal. We are using a personal shopper that will deliver things to our room from the grocery store, beating the high cost of the onsite gift shop. We prefer to use Orlando Theme Park Shoppers. For about $35, they are delivering us groceries  that will supplement that extra meal for our 8 night/9 day visit. Their delivery will consist of  some snack items but mostly breakfast items. It will save us money and time in the mornings.

Day 1 is going to be a quick service meal for us based on our arrival time. So lets say because of our arrival time we are going to eat dinner at the food court of our resort.
Hypothetically, 2 from our family will get Carved Roast Turkey served with two sides that would cost out of pocket  $10.19 a meal. Another family member decides to get an Angus Bacon Cheese burger with Fries for $9.39 and then the final member(who is a child) decides to get a pepperoni pizza for $5.99.All meals come with a drink and desert. This meal would cost right around $36 out of pocket if we were not on the dining plan. Today we opted out of a Table Service meal because we are going to use a 2 table service meal credit dining experience later in the week.

Day 2 For breakfast, those that choose to, will be having bagels with cream cheese, granola bars and some bananas that have been delivered to us by Orlando Theme Park Shoppers.
Today hypothetically we are starting the day at the Animal Kingdom and will be using a quick Service meal at Flame Tree Barbecue (Great quick service meal highly suggest this place) for lunch.  1 adult choose the Rib and Chicken combo for $11.99.  Adult #2 orders The Pulled Pork Sandwich for$8.99 and Adult # 3 gets the 1/2 Slab of Ribs for $11.69. The child gets the Hot Dog for $5.99(the hot dog is enough for an adult) all meals  include a drink and desert. Lunch out of pocket would cost roughly $39, but we are on the dining plan and it already paid for!

Two Quick Service meals from Flame Tree barbecue

For dinner we are going to the very popular O'hana's at the Polynesian and this is a table service meal. This is family style all you care to eat meal is offering carved meat and other goodies brought to our table. This will run $59.99 per adult and slightly cheaper for children. This meal will be about $220 out of pocket but since we are on the dining plan, I will be responsible for the tip and any alcohol we may decide to purchase. We will be leaving stuffed.

Day 3 Today we are going to do breakfast in the room again and then another quick service meal for lunch that  will cost us about $40. Dinner is going to be a Character Dining Experience at Chef Mickey's which is a table service meal. This a buffet style meal all you care to eat. Again this meal will cost us $59.99 per adult and slightly less again for the child, putting us back at $220 for the meal. Again since we are on the Dining plan, I will only be responsible for the tip.

So you get the idea here that things are expensive out of pocket and paying for the dining plan in advance can lessen the burden on you paying out pocket while on vacation. The only thing you have to really worry about is choosing how you want to spend your dining credits for each category(a vacation planner like myself can help you choose really good meals), the tips, alcohol, and anything you may went to add to the meal i.e appetizers. For the rest of the post, I am going to skip putting in projected cost out of pocket. 

Day 4 We are going to shake thing up a little. Not only are we doing a table service meal for breakfast. We are doing a table service meal that will cost us 2 table service meal credits per person. We are having the Signature Dining experience/Character Dining at Cinderellas Royal Table! This plated meal, NOT all you care to eat.This a great location plus we get some one on one time with the Princesses when they come to our table for autographs and photo ops. Our princesses might not be so charming with the early morning wake up call to get here.
Later in the day will probably use a snack credit for something to munch on then have an early quick service dinner at which ever park we end up at for the evening. We love to park hop.

Day 5 Tonight we are dining at EPCOT for another great Character Dining experience table service meal at the Garden Grill Restaurant in the Land Pavilion  It is another all you care to eat family style meal and character meal with the added bonus of a restaurant that slowly turns while you dine! We will probably grab a quick service meal in the World Showcase for lunch and use a snack credit for Churros to watch Illuminations.

Intergalatic tunes from Sonny Eclipse

Day 6  Our table service meal will be at The Crystal Palace for dinner, another all you care to eat Character Dining experience. Again this morning, breakfast will be in the room and we may opt for an early quick service lunch at the the Magic Kingdom. One my Favorites is Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland  Not only is there a decent selection of quick service meals here, there is a great topping bar and you get entertained while you eat from Sonny Eclipse!

Day 7  We will be experiencing  the brand new Be our Guest Restaurant for dinner for our table service meal. We aren't sure what to expect here, but hear great things about it. During the day, if you want brave long lines, this restaurant is quick service meal. I hear it is great and maybe one of the days we are in the Magic Kingdom, we may try out the quick service offerings. This morning we be opting for a quick service meal at the food court of our resort.

Day 8 Tonight we will be dining at the Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano with and it will include the Fantasmic! package for our table service meal. What is the Fantasmic package? Well you will get your normal table service meal with reserved seating later in the evening at Fantasmic! We will probably have a quick service meal for lunch at  Typhoon lagoon today. We will also probably use some snack credits here for some treats while we wait for Fantasmic! to start.

Day 9 is our departure day. If we have any quick service meals left or snack credits left, before we head to the airport we will use them up at our resort. If we don't use them, we lose them. This is one way the dining plan can "lose" you  money.

So if you are keeping score, here is summary of the highlights of our Standard Dining Plan.
4 Character  meals
1 Fantasmic! Dining package meal
1 Signature Dining Experience that takes 2 table service meals.
Half of our Table Service meals are all you care to eat.
We haven't used many of our snacks or maybe we will along the way.  

Here is a tip: if you have snack credits at the end of your trip, stay away from bottles of pop and bottled water. Why you ask. You can't get past security with them at the airports and they will end up being put in the trash!

In my opinion, this is a lot of food to consume and more food than I normally would consume while at home, but then again, We are on Vacation.

While this is not an all-star line up for the dining plan, it more than meets my families needs and we save money and time in the mornings by using Orlando Theme Park Shoppers for breakfast items.

I hope that sheds a little more light on the value you can get with a dining plan and may help you choose one way or the other if you want to use it during your vacation. No matter how you look at it, using a Dining Plan or not using the Dining Plan will make Disney money no matter what, so ultimately it is your choice as to when they get your money.

I choose to promote Orlando Theme Park Shoppers because they offer excellent service at an affordable price. Orlando Theme Park Shoppers does not offer me any incentive to promote their business. I gladly promote businesses I believe in and never seek anything from them in return and believe word of mouth is one of best forms of advertisements. 

Tell us your experience with your dining plans at Disney.

Disney's "New" Technology to Enhance your Vacation!

This will be an important Icon
for your Next Disney Vacation

Updated Monday 1/7/2013 at the bottom of the post
This new program has been officially named MyMagic+ Experience.

There are many benefits to using a travel agent when you go on any vacation. Disney in the near future will introduce some "New" Technology to enhance your vacation that maybe confusing. A travel agent, like myself, will help you understand and help you utilize this technology to get the most out of your Disney vacation(for free even).Disney has been quietly working for a number of years on "new" technology to make your vacation extremely unforgettable. How quiet you ask? Unless you are directly involved in the project, the project doesn't exist. The only idea that something was going on was/is the massive dollar amount that has been spent on "something" keeping profits down in the year end reports to stockholders. How big of a dollar amount? It has been estimated that Disney has spent close to $1.5 billion dollars on this project  nicknamed by insiders as NextGen. My personal speculation is that NextGen has been in the works since before My Pal Mickey made his debut(click here to learn more). It appears as 2013 approaches, we are inching closer to the big reveal of what NextGen is and how it will enhance your vacation experience.

Pieces of NextGen began to emerge from secrecy and were installed around the Walt Disney World resort in the spring of 2012. While not ground breaking, these first pieces of technology came in the form of WiFi.  People in the resorts that it began to pop up in were overjoyed that they now had FREE  wireless connections for their laptops, tablets, and Smart Phones. Of course there were others that grumbled that it was about time. Then with the opening of the Arts of Animation Resort, a larger piece of the mystery of NextGen came to light. All of the locks at the Arts of Animation Resort were RFID locks. Those locks began to spread to every resort  and every guest room, one resort at a time. This process is still ongoing.

What is RFID? 

This is the quick and dirty look at  RFID. RFID or Radio-frequency identification is a wireless non-contact system that uses radio-frequency(RF) to transfer data from a tag to a sensor. This RF allows for automatic identification and tracking. It is speculated that Disney's RFID tags require no battery and are read at short ranges. The tag contains SECURED electronically stored information which can be read from up to several  yards away from a DISNEY sensor. Disney will be able to personalize RFID tags with specific information. This technology is not new, it has just become more affordable. It was invented in 1945 and began to have larger uses in the 1970's. 

Why it is important?

Disney's Point of Sale RFID Scanner

Disney is not stopping at door locks that use RFID technology. Test began at EPCOT using RFID Tickets. Disney removed a section of Turnstiles at EPCOT, gave a certain amount of test subjects RFID stickers to place on their tickets and told them when you go to EPCOT, walk near a specific entrance point to enter. It was virtually a barrier free entrance staffed by Cast Members that could rectify any problems that could occur. This meant no hold ups from  strollers being manipulated through gates and tickets having to be re scanned over and over causing lines to form.  Disney says it went off without a hitch. Since this original test,they have successfully tested at The Hollywood Studios and The Magic Kingdom.  So if you are keeping track, with RFID you can open your resort door and get into the theme parks with it. It doesn't stop there! A while back Disney did a small test with a certain mouse at his Town hall Meet-n-Greet. That test included a Talking Mickey Mouse......that could identify children by name.....Kid's and adults alike light up when they meet the mouse, but imagine their surprise when he knows your name without you telling him. Of course, the information on your RFID device is doing that seamlessly. Other aspects of RFID appear to incorporate payment options, pre-ordered meals, and FastPass+. More to come on those at a later time.

Disney's FastPass+  RFID Reader

 Wait a second, I thought you this was a quiet project that didn't exist how do you know so much?? 

I have been following this for a while, because it intrigues me. The possibilities seem endless on how RFID could be used with other technologies and the personalization that can come from them. Disney began to unveil how some of the technology will be used in a place most people over look. I guess you can say hidden in plain site.
   Over the summer, Disney released a new phone app called My Disney Experience. With that app, in the terms of agreement that many people don't read, there were many features of Disney's NextGen Technology that you had to agree to. Yes, you should read the terms of agreements! I was able to get some hands on experience with the app on my vacation to Walt Disney World in September. It worked wonderfully when connected to Disney's FAST WiFi network. Once off  WiFi, it was sluggish and not worth a damn to be bluntly honest. So as you can gather the WiFi is important.

When it came to RFID, Cast members and test subjects began to relay their experiences online in forums and videos( yes there were some hoaxes out there but there is also solid evidence). I also had my own experience with RFID in September when I wanted to check out the Big Blue pool area at the Arts of Animation Resort. Well, since I was not a guest at the resort and had no RFID "key", the only view I got of the Big Blue was from the fence surrounding the pool. Simple, yet effective. Think of the safety measure that has for kids that may sneak away from their parents! No Key, No Entry! I know its not a novel idea here, but most pools around the Disney Resorts aren't fenced in and pool hopping used to be a favorite past time.

A" Blogosphere" controversy arose over another test that Disney attempted with the use of RFID. This test involved limiting guest of abuse of refillable mugs and pop purchases at one of the All-Star resorts. Lets face it, many return visitors bring back their refillable mugs from trip to trip. Some people even take them into parks or keep their other cups through out the day hitting unmanned soda fountains and getting free refills. Clearly when a refillable mug is purchased, it is noted that it is to be used for your length of stay at the resort you are checked-in to. Disney came up with this crazy idea of keeping guest honest by placing an RFID tag in the Refillable Resort mugs and cups purchased at the All-Star Resort. The soda fountain would only activate when the RFID tag was recognized. The Tag would expire in x amount of days, meaning if you came back months later, you had to buy a new refillable mug like the original program intended. CURSE YOU DISNEY for making people follow the rules! As you might suspect, if every soda fountain had this technology across the resort, it could save Disney money in the long run and "virtually" stop theft or bending of the rules.

I will take Blue....

Personalized "Magic Band"

The biggest piece of information to date fell into place in October when Disney filed with the FCC to be able to use RF devices and Wall Street wanting some answers from Disney's CEO Robert Iger. To appease Wall Street, Mr.Iger gave out just enough information to get them off the companies back. From that information surfaced pictures of the "magic band". It is a wristband that looks to be your room key, credit card, theme park ticket, FastPass+, dining plan, and identification. Then Last weekend, Disney selectively rolled out a new website for Walt Disney World(go ahead check to see if you were lucky enough to get it) that you had to have an account for called My Disney Experience....Yep Same name as the app. Right there in the Terms and Conditions again, that most people probably skipped over, Disney displayed what technology they will use and how it will work for you and them!

The big reveal date has not been announced by Disney yet. More than likely it will be a gradual roll out like the RFID locks at the resorts. Many details are still under lock and key but will leak out when more testing is done. A big detail still be determined is if any of the NextGen initiative will cost anything extra for you or if it would be included in your vacation packages. There is some speculation that some resort levels(moderate and deluxe) may have some perks added to entice you to stay there. Then there is that pesky wording in the terms of agreement that state "Depending on the Experience benefits you have purchased..." which opens the door to speculation that you will have to purchase certain items on top of your package or ticket.

Disney is not the only resort in Orlando eyeing RFID, Wifi, and other Technology to enhance your vacations. Last week Universal Orlando introduced an RFID refillable mug for their Coke Freestyle Machines. Darn you Disney for making Universal Orlando return visitors honest!!!! Universal Orlando also is currently looking to expand WiFi throughout their parks and resorts. There are even rumblings RFID technology might show up in a game or experience for the Harry Potter Expansion. That could give some interesting interactivity with those nice expensive wands people purchase!

As with any new program there will be a learning curve and growing pains.Some people that wear tinfoil on their heads and produce conspiracy therories will make up hoaxes and urban legends about what is to come. There are even those that are already making plans to break the system.( I prefere to enjoy my vacation, not get banned from Disney) Things will change and be tweaked. As for me, I am glad Disney's NextGen is ready to break out and enhance Vacations!
What are your thoughts on the enhancements on the way?

Officially announced enhancements by Disney 

• Hidden sensors will read MagicBand data, providing information needed for a personalized greeting: “Hi, Angie,” the character might say without prompting. “I understand it’s your birthday.”

• The Under the Sea attraction features a robotic version of Scuttle the sea gull from “The Little Mermaid” that will be able to chitchat with MagicBand wearers.

• An online options menu will offer various controls: Do you want park employees to know your name? Do you want Disney to send you special offers when you get home? What about during your stay?

• MyMagic+ will allow users of a new Web site and app — called My Disney Experience — to preselect three FastPasses before they leave home for rides or V.I.P. seating for parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets.

* Disney plans to introduce collectible sets of MagicBand accessories and charms.

The  system will be available at no additional cost. The basic MagicBand RFID bracelet can be upgraded to a customized band, such as a Princess band, for an additional fee. This is only a cosmetic change however, and does impact the actual experience.

Guests will be able to use kiosks inside the parks to choose FASTPASS+ experiences as well as using smartphones or websites.

The system is opt in, and is not required. However, if you do not use 'MyMagic+' you will not be able to use FASTPASS+.

Stay tuned right here and I will get you the latest and greatest information on the new experience!

Disney's Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run: The lessons I Learned

It seems like every where you look, there appears to be a new Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5k popping up across the country. Some are just standard runs while others have unique themes or obstacle courses added to them. They generally support a good cause and can be fun for those who run in them. Like many others who have wondered what a 5K or Half-Marathon is all about, I set myself a goal to get in shape and attempt a 5k. My goal wasn't just to do any hometown run, I set my goal high and to run an event at one of the Disney Parks. While working to get in shape and watching some of the local running events, I hit roadblocks along the way but never lost sight of my goal. I was overjoyed when runDisney announced an event at Disney World at a time I already had a trip planned. I immediately signed up, ran it, and survived! I am hear to tell you that NOBODY puts on a running event like runDisney!

It is 5am and I am here now what?

Annually runDisney hosts several events throughout the year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disneyland's events usually include The Tinker Bell Half Marathon and The Disneyland Half Marathon. Events hosted at Disney World include The Walt Disney World Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, Disney's Princess Half Marathon, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and Expedition Everest Challenge(an obstacle course). With each of these events there is usually some sort of 5k ,runDisney Kid's races, Health Expo, and after-party associated with the headlining event making it a weekend long extravaganza. This year runDisney added The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler to its growing list of events and with it came Disney's Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run.

The Health Expo there are a couple people here.

Disney's Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run became my first official 5k and runDisney event that also happened to  benefit  Autism Speaks, a great organization.  Just like other runDisney events, there was the opportunity to see an area of Disney most people don't get to see which included some unique photo opportunities. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler weekend was kicked off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex  with the waiver drop off/ bib pickup which was associated with a Health Expo.This was an extremely efficient process considering the hundreds of people that had arrived to take part in the 5k and 10 miler.Once you dropped your waiver off and got your bib, you were directed by one the many of the hundreds of volunteers, to another table to get your goody bag and commemorative t-shirt based on which event you were participating in. But wait there is more!  This Expo provided ample opportunity for the novice and expert runners to attend key note addresses from several sports trainers and nutritionist for FREE. Of course, there were several vendors on the show floor selling the the newest, greatest, and gimmickiest sports gear to all those willing shell out  massive amounts of dollars. For  hefty prices, there were also official souvenirs  available, most of which were limited edition of course. Picking up a few pins and couple t-shirts separated me from close to $200 easily! One could easily spend hours at this event as many did! We on the other hand, had a date with the mouse at his Not So Scary Halloween Party, another great event!

It is early and we are all corralled up

After a long night at the Magic Kingdom getting our sugar fix from trick or treating and Dole Whips, we made the short trip from our resort at roughly 5 am (this was important) to make it into our corral for the race.Knowing how large the crowd at the expo were and the time it took to find a place to park, we decided it was best to get to the race site early. It paid off for us because shortly after we got there, the photo op that was available with Mickey had line that grew to about 1.5 hour long!  We were rounded up into 5 corrals of runners with about 250- 300 people in each corral, some in very unique and classy costumes(something  that makes runDisney events different than other events).  It was a very humid and dew covered morning and by the time the race started with the Elite Runners at 7 am, the corrals were overflowing with people and the temps were easily in the 80's already.While we waited for our corral to be escorted to the starting line,w e were kept entertained by a DJ and family-friendly MC that kept the runners and spectators pumped up.

BUGS!!!

As participants of this event, we got to see a smaller portion of the headlining The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler course and unique look at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This run was a nice trek around the sports complex and into the Floridan wilderness. Along the way we encountered larger than life Bugs, Br'er Bear, Br'er Fox, a shipwreck(in the woods no less), Gravediggers, and Mickey Mouse! The run was fun and there were many stations along the way to keep people hydrated and places to use the restroom. One the things that was really amazing was seeing 2 Bald Eagles fly over the finish line as we crossed it(that wasn't even planned by Disney). Also as we crossed the finish line, Mickey gave us a high 5 and a Volunteer gave us our Medal for participating in the event. From there it was on to another Photo op and goody table with a box of recovery foods, bananas, and sports drinks. So after watching a few families and other participants cross the finish line with huge smiles as they got their medals, we made it back to the car by 10:30 am and headed back to the room to recoup before we attempted to attack the parks for the rest of the day. Now that I have my first runDisney 5k under my belt, I have set myself the goal of doing the Expedition Everest Challenge!

While the entire event from start to finish was blast I learned some valuable things about runDisney events and 5ks in general.

These are only suggestions and are not medical advice! Always seek advice from Medical Professionals or Sports Professionals.

1.  Before you attempt a 5k,Half-Marathon, Marathon, or Obstacle course; See your doctor first! Running can be both good and hazardous for your heath.
2. Set your goals! Make sure you set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements!
3. There are waivers involved with the races. A travel agent CANNOT sign waivers for you!
4. IF at anytime during a race or while training you experience chest pain, Stop immediately and contact EMS ASAP!
5. Get your Family, Spouse, or Significant other on board with you. If they aren't going to run, they can provide moral support when you hit road blocks or even volunteer to help at the event!
6.  Grab a running partner or join a running group. They can help you keep on track and could make great traveling companions for events. There are many running groups out there, some are even sponsored by Sporting goods stores and have programs in place to prepare people for lengthy runs. It is always safer to work out with someone, especially if medical emergencies should arise.
7.  Make the investment in shoes. Shin Splints suck as do sore backs. Check with the pros about what kind of shoe would be best for you. You can buy all the pretty clothes and outfits you want but if you don't have happy feet, shins, or back; those outfits may just end up in the closet.
8. Be prepared to put the work in to get in shape. Not many of us can hop off the couch and straight into a 5k. I really don't suggest doing that at all! No matter how you look at it, a 5k is 3.1 miles! Once again make sure you check with your Doctor and follow their recommendations!
9. Be prepared for Road Blocks, they are going to happen! Work with someone to help get you over them! Again going back to a central theme here, make sure your check with your Doctor and follow their recommendations.
10. Understand the pacing requirements! Many runs have pacing requirements and if you fall behind pace, the race officials will end your race! If you want to take part in the photo ops at runDisney event, Train so you are faster than the minimum pace to allow for longer waits that can occur at one of these stops.
11. Running on treadmill in a controlled environment is much different than running a course outdoors. Treadmills will help with your training but include the outdoors in your training. That said, training in dry 50 degree temps is much different than running in humid 80 degree temps! No matter what the weather, ALWAYS stay Hydrated! During the 5k and 10 miler there were many protein spills and heat related illness that occurred  Some were caused by the weather conditions others from lack of proper training! Once again if you not feeling well during an event, stop and have someone let EMS that at the event know!
12.  Sign up early for runDisney Events, they sell out fast. I would even suggest Signing up for the event first, then worry about lodging and transportation later. If you can't make the event, your entry is nonrefundable and nontransferable, consider it a charity donation that is helping a good cause.
13.  Check with a travel agent, like myself, to see if a runDisney Vacation Package is better than other Packages that are available. Lets face it most people come to the resort for the specific event and once the event is over leave, runDisney is going to take advantage of that and try to make some coin off ya while your there. Let us do the "Disney Math" for you to see if you are getting a good deal.
14.  Arrive early!! You are going to be running with hundreds of your closest friends. You might  all be vying for the same transportation. Our event started at 7 am . The parking lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports was full by 5:20 am.
15. Bring your Camera! There will be photo ops and professional photographers along the run. The professional photographers do a great job and pictures become available fairly quickfor you online. THIS IS NOT A PHOTOPASS OPTION, if you want your pictures from the professional photogs, they are gonna cost you. Many of the volunteers along the trail will be more than willing to take your picture with your camera at no cost to you!
16. IF this is your first event or your not a strong runner, stay to the back of your corral. Once the Fireworks pop and the race begins, it becomes a wildebeest stampede and you don't want to end up trampled like Mufasa!
17. Running in a costume can be fun but hazardous to your health. Along the way there were many people that were shedding their costumes(no there was no nudity) because they were over heating, only replacing them when they were at the photo ops. Make sure you read the guidelines when it comes to costumes!
18.  Don't think you can run an event? Volunteer at event. It can be just as rewarding volunteering as it is running. Volunteers are the back bones of these events.
19. Be Prepared for a good time at the After-Party! Sometimes these are included with your event registration, sometimes they are an up-charge event. For this years Twilight Zone of Terror 10 miler, those actually running the 10 miler got into the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash with their race registration. There were Bash tickets available to spectators and those in the 5k for an additional charge. This event was a Family Friendly Event that took place from 10 pm until 4 am at the Hollywood studios. Lines for the attractions were minimal since tickets were limited!
20. If you can't run a race and don't want to volunteer, be a spectator and cheer on the runners. Make sure you go to the designated spectating areas though!

While this year's Walt Disney World Marathon and The Tinker Bell Half Marathon are SOLD OUT, there are a very few spots left for the Disney's Princess Half Marathon and those will fill very quickly! Registration will start soon for the Expedition Everest Challenge and will sell out quickly also. If any runDisney event interests you give me a shout and I will be more than willing to help you figure out the event and book a package for you ! In the meantime enjoy the pictures and share your runDisney stories!

The Mouse Himself came to the run!

Non-Professional shot, Professional shot to follow.

Let the Stampede begin!

Into the woods we go!

It was only suppose to be a 3.1 mile tour!

Just in case the run was too much they had the Gravediggers on hand.

THE FINISH LINE!!!!

This was taken by a professional, you would think they could line the shot up better

Adam TheWoo

Want a unique look at DisneyWorld or Universal Orlando? Have you ever wondered what happened to old attractions like River Country or maybe the Nickelodeon Studios? Were you able to capture your 24 hour marathon at the Magic Kingdom on February 29th,2012? Maybe you wish you could find locations that some classic movies were filmed? One such man is doing that this very moment and you can share in his  adventures. Adam TheWoo is the adventurer that does things most of us only dream of and Youtube is his current venue!

Wonder what Adam TheWoo is filming today...another amazing video

First let me warn you his videos are awesome, but what Adam does is not necessarily authorized and you probably should not try them on your own. It is also important to note that from his own bio on his webpage  he makes it very clear "I will NEVER break into a place, steal anything, spray paint walls or destroy anything. I am completely opposed to all these things!"

Adam has amassed over 11,000 Youtube followers and that number is climbing everyday! The adventures he embarks on gives some really cool perspectives on some great locations and abandoned places.

Adam TheWoo on Location at Universal Studios
taking time chat and pose for a picture with Me

I was fortunate enough to happen upon Adam's Youtube channel about a year and half ago and even more fortunate to run into him in September when he was preparing to make a new video at Universal Studios. Occasionally in his videos you can see him wearing one of our Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations t-shirts.:) It was great to meet him in person and see how he films his adventures. The day I was able to meet him, he was able to capture an experience with his camera that many people's pictures(including mine) can't do justice. You can check out that experience by clicking here, then check out some of these great videos. 

EPCOT 30th adventure

River Country

24 Hours at the Magic Kingdom

Nickelodeon Studios

Jurassic Park Triceratops Attraction

These are just a sampling of the videos that  Adam does and there are more to come. Adam is currently on road filming more amazing videos and could use your support. Follow him on twitter, and like him on Facebook to see where he is going next.

The View Has Changed.....2012

In 13 months the view from the Contemporary Resort Hotel's roof has changed once again 

This is how it looked in August of 2011

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This is the same view from September 2012. Slightly different angle and zoom.

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The New FantasyLand has grown and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster has risen.

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The view is sure to be different in March of 2013. With the California Grill closing for an overhaul we hope we are able to get up there and get some more pictures.

Want to see this view  looked in 2003 click here

EPCOT...30 Years of Memories

EPCOT has evolved from Walt Disney's first vision of the Experimental Community of Tomorrow. EPCOT today is much different than it was on the day it opened October 1st, 1982.  Have you seen this timeline when you were are at EPCOT?

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What are your memories of EPCOT? 

What do you look forward to in the next 30 years at EPCOT? 

What do you miss from EPCOT?