A trip down Memory Lane.

A dear friend is going to Disney World with her family.  These are for you, Robin!

This was from the Cinderella dinner at the Grand Floridian.

These are from our 2007 trip.  The 2010 trip was great, but I haven't downloaded the pictures to photobucket.

One more week! Pre-trip planning post

We are leaving in one week for the Happiest Place on Earth!  In exactly one week we will be on Interstate 10, heading West.  I can't wait!  

Finally, all the work is done, money is saved, and reservations made.  We will be staying at two Good Neighbor hotels, the Jolly Roger, and the Castle Inn.  I have never stayed at either, so I will review them as a newbie.  Already, I am irked at the Jolly Roger, because they want to charge us 20 dollars a night for our second vehicle (my mom is coming too).  I don't know if this is common, but I don't like it. Especially when you consider that we are going at low season, and the place probably will not be anywhere near full.

Also, neither hotels offer breakfast.  Even the cheapo Super 8 offered a breakfast.  I am considering taking my electric griddle and making some awesome hot breakfasts.  I thought about pancake mix and pre-cooked bacon.  These hotels also do not have refrigerators or microwaves as standard amenities.  Of course they can be rented for a price.  At some point, however, you just don't want to pay One Penny More. Normally we just eat cereal, but Disney makes us hungry.  I have budgeted out our meals, and there's not much left for breakfast in the parks.   The great thing is that when you travel off-season, the parks open later.  That way, you get a good night's sleep, a good breakfast, and you still make it to the Parks before opening.

Below is a link to a post about the earliest days of ideas about Disneyland.  It wasn't even called "Disneyland"at this time!   This is fascinating to me!



Disneyland History

Adventures by Disney, An amazing way to see the world!

I would love to go on each and every one of these trips!  Check out this video and see what adventure is out there for you and your family.

Saving money for Disney

I am always open to suggestions about saving money for my next Disney get-away.  This week, we are pet-sitting.   This is interesting because the only person in the house that is interested in a pet is my four-year-old.  And, quite noticeably, the person the dog likes the least in the family is the four-year-old.

At any rate, the dog is quite well-behaved.  So, we are making some money that will go directly to this month's trip to Disneyland.

 I am always looking for new ways to fund my Disney habit.

Adventures by Disney

So, you've already been to a theme park this year.  How about the adventure of a lifetime?

Time is Money

There are those who really don't want to spend money going to any Disney destination. That is their choice and that's OK.  They wouldn't enjoy it.  There are other amusement parks that are probably a lot of fun. But you and I both know that there is no place like a Disney park. I am telling you, I could write ads for Disney!  Wait, I think I just did.

I know that it is going to cost you.  I know that better than anyone.  Truth be told, I don't really know any real money-saving tricks either.  What I do know, and will tell anyone who cares to listen, that the best possible thing to do is to get your money's worth out of your vacation.  Live it to the fullest.  Prepare so that there are no time wasters.  Make sure that you are rested.  Hey,  I even recommend training.  Break your sneakers in ahead of time.  Budget your money so that there are no surprises.

On that note, I like to study the menus at All ears.net, so that I will have an idea of what we want, and know upfront how much its going to cost.  Same goes for snacks.   I like to bring some snacks, and then budget in a sundae or two to share.   We also bring drinks.

I cannot stress enough what a blessing a trip like this can be to you and your family, if you are prepared!

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom is a great website for true home economists.  I have been following Crystal since she and her husband were living in a basement apartment, together getting her husband through law school with no debt.  Now they have three kids, a home they paid cash for, and a thriving law practice.  Oh yeah, and no debt.

She just posted a question for her readers about going to Disney on the cheap.   I can't today, but tomorrow I will give my own humble opinion, right here, on Tour Guide Rhonda.

Memory Lane

I just love internet searches.  You can learn about anything you need to know.  I know that there is a lot of evil on the internet, but I am having a blast!

One of the Disney events that I will probably never be able to attend is D23, the official Disney fan convention. If you have a chance, you should go. 

However, a few who did make it, did me the great favor of recording and posting to youtube.  I just watched a great presentation about the construction of Disneyland.  There was a lot of footage I had never seen before.   I enjoy seeing how things used to be.  And it amazes me how excited people were about Disneyland, when it had half the attractions that it used to have.  

Right now, I am watching a special presentation with all the people who are the Disney park announcers.  Its weird because now, when I go to Disneyland, I hear their voices and I can see their faces in my mind.

Get a Quote!

Great news!   I am now listed on the mickeyvacations.com website as one of their specialists.  


If you, or someone you know is even thinking about a Disney vacation, I would love to help!   But, if doing it yourself is more your style, then just head on over to mickeyvacations.com, and go to the quote page and fill out all details.  Then, just find my name (Rhonda Arias) on the drop down menu, and you're set!

Walt Disney said that during the opening day speech at Disneyland, 1995
Personally, this quote is special to me because it is what I want my home to always be, a happy, welcoming place. There are a lot of things that a home should be. But I think that if God is the head and everyone loves Him, home should be a joyful, happy place.

Now would be a great time...

........To plan a Disney trip in December!  Going to Disney (on either coast) in December is amazing!   I love, love, love Christmas, and there is nothing like Christmas at a Disney Park.  Honestly, one of the best Christmas programs I have ever seen in my life was at Epcot.  The Candlelight Processional was beautiful and honestly spiritually moving for me.  The Christmas decorations start going up in early November.

Now is a great time to start planning and saving.  Call for a quote.  You'll be surprised at the wide range of prices available.

Follow this link to an interactive Disneyland brochure.  It has photos, information and videos.



tourguiderhonda@gmail.com
520-309 5377

Reader question. Why is Disney so expensive?

A Facebook reader responded to my last post with the question "Why is Disney so expensive?"  So I thought about it for a while.  I thought about comparable experiences, like other theme parks and fairs (because they have rides).
    I went to the LA county fair a few years back.  I looked up current prices, and was surprised to find out that parking, on the weekend at the fair, was 15 dollars.  Its 16 at Disneyland.  When I park at the Mickey and Friends parking structure, more than likely, I have covered parking.  There are large, clean restrooms and a tram to take me to the entrance.  If memory serves, the parking lot at the fair had no tram, and there were a few porta-potties. Gross.  So, parking-wise, I don't mind paying the extra buck

At the fair, we had to pay separately for entrance fees and rides.  Some of the rides are thrilling.(Too thrilling for me!)  Some were tame kiddie rides.  None were charming nor had a story line.  The entrance fee is 12 dollars, and the Midway rides cost an average of 4 dollars each.  An unlimited-rides wristband would cost about 35 dollars.

Bathrooms were OK, but not great nor plentiful.

Food prices were comparable.  I was surprised because I thought they would be less.  They weren't.

Now when I go to Disneyland I am paying for:
Rides    (Themed, with a story)
Cleanliness ( this cannot be ignored)
Beautiful gardens.  As I grow older, I appreciate these so much more!
Entertainment
        1 Shows
        2  Characters  (this is priceless if you have little girls)
        3 Parades
        4 Pyrotechnic displays
        5 Street performers
Security
Maintenance.      Everything is painted, neat, pretty.
Themed queues to keep the little ones busy
Good-humored Cast Members. (this is usually the case)
Nice restaurants.


I don't know about you,  but I think that this is really a good deal.

Questions People Ask. Can I afford to go to Disney?

In a nutshell, YES!

There are so many options!  You can indulge in the Vacation of a Lifetime, or you can plan a trip on the cheap.  Either way, you are going to have fun, and more importantly, you will be able to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.  True Story.  I have a TON of really special memories that I truly cherish.  I will bore you with them some other time.

Disney World in Florida has many, many options for lodging.  For budget-conscious travelers, they offer the Value Resorts.  These are your basic hotels, and they are quite affordable.  Also, they are the ones that offer Family Suites, that sleep up to six.  These Value Resorts have great food courts and whimsical decor.  It has also been said that the Value Resorts have the best bus service for the whole resort.

The next level up are the Moderate Resorts.  These are really lovely.  They also have food courts, but they will also have a nice table-service restaurant.  Also, the pools at these resorts and themed an gorgeous.  Most, if not all, have slides.

My best budget advice is more about time than money.  But, if you get your money's worth, then you will be happy, happy, happy.   Once, a friend remarked that he would never go take his family and spend hours in line at a Disney theme park.  Good.  I hate that too.   And I don't.  I know my way around those pesky lines.  As your travel consultant, I can give you my best advice about making the most of your Disney vacation.

Contact me at tourguiderhonda@gmail.com  or 520-309-5377

The spirit of Disneyland Past

I love finding old Disneyland photos.  One of our favorite places to eat has always been the Mexican restaurant in Frontierland.  (I use the term "Mexican" lightly, the food didn't even remotely resemble the awesome food my Mexican friends make!)

.Here is an article from the Yesterland site.   I love Yesterland and I it was great seeing the old Casa de Fritos.  We used to come to Disneyland once a year and I always remember eaten at Casa de Fritos until it became Casa Mexicana.  Now, it is the lovely Rancho del Zocalo.   We still eat here when we can, but the prices can't compare to these below.

I wonder what my friends would think of a Tacup?

Are you ready to cruise?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls........

Your Disney Cruise Line stateroom awaits you.

Going back to Disney

I have heard people say "Yeah, we've been to Disney" as if that were that.  If you were satisfied with one trip, let me tell you, my friend, you missed something!  There is always something new!  I can't wait to get back.  Our dates are set, and the hotel has been booked and paid for.  The ticket money has been saved and set aside.  Now I only have to start saving for food and souvenirs.  OK, more food than souvenirs.

This year's DoNotMiss@Disney list.
Radiator Springs Racers.(Think Test Track, just better)
Star Tours
Tower of Terror
Turtle Talk with Crush.
Billy Hill and the Hillbilllies
Grizzly River Run
Towmater's tractors



I am really looking forward to spending some time appreciating the details of both Cars Land and Buena Vista street.  There is so much there.  The architecture and design of Buena Vista Street is so different from Main Street USA, yet Walt Disney experienced both periods.  First, Main Street evokes the Turn of the Century.  Walt was born in 1901.  The Buena Vista design is reminiscent of the 1920's, when Walt first arrived in California.   Even though they represent the same era, I prefer Buena Vista street to Hollywood Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios in FL.

If you've just been once, trust me, you need to go again.  Give me a call, or send me an email.
tourguiderhonda@gmail.com

Here is my contact info.  If you are even thinking about  a Disney vacation, give me a call, or send an email.
I would love to talk about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.

This is what Paul Chappell has to say about the Happiest Place on Earth.  Can't say that I disagree!

Vacation Bible School costumes plus some Disney touches by Eileen.  Love it!

This is where it starts

Maybe you've never been to Disneyworld.  Maybe your last trip was less than magical.  Check out this interactive brochure, and see whats happening!
http://disneybrochures.com/s1wf






I can give you a quote!
tourguiderhonda@gmail.com

See what happens...

When you arrive early, you get this!  A practically empty park.

Dinner at PCH Grill

Cute place to eat.  The food was OK.  I know that they have a Character breakfast here, but we came for dinner.  Nice place to try, but we probably won't be coming back.  However, I did have a lovely time with my kids!

Check out this...
    Aulani Brochure


Aloha!

I have never been to Hawaii.  True story.  And a sad one at that.
until today, I have never had the desire to go to Hawaii, because it was either Hawaii or Disney.  So, obviously, I chose Disney.
Now, there is another choice.  Disney and Hawaii in a paradise known as Aulani.   This beautiful resort was specifically designed for multigenerational Family Fun.  There is something for everyone, lovely pools and fun waterslides, beaches and spas.  Add to that several different restaurants.   I can't wait to go to Aulani with my Ohana.


Are you ready to book your Hawaiian holiday?  Drop me a line, and we'll chat.

Rhonda
tourguiderhonda@gmail.com

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My first WDW trip, part 2

Part 2

Our trip went off without a hitch.  The hotel was nice.  The WDW property is huge, and I loved driving all over it.  Everything was eerily familiar, and yet new to me.  The Magic Kingdom was the hardest to reconcile because it was so like DLR, yet so different. Everything was bigger, yet not necessarily better. That was the year of the Cake Castle, so that might have added to the surrealism!  I had a hard time finding my favorite rides.  It’s a Small World was unrecognizable.  Then, there were new rides and attractions, like the Hall of Presidents, that were wonderful for me.  We ate at the Crystal Palace, which was grand.

Epcot was wonderful, but I was totally unprepared for it. I left if feeling that I had somehow missed it.  WE did get some great souvenirs that exist to this day.  Disney-MGM, as it was called back then was terrific.  I knew enough to know that if we wanted to see Beauty and the Beast, we had to get there early.  Our traveling companions went off by themselves, and missed it!  They were so disappointed.   We saw the Toy Story parade.   Our hotel was across the street from Downtown Disney, so I spent quite a bit of money and time there.

The trip was overwhelming to me, in a good way.  Everything was new, yet so very familiar.  I truly felt like I had just touched the tip of the iceberg.  My next  Walt Disney World vacation would not take place for another 10 years.  By that time, I had the internet!  Trip 2 was the Trip of a lifetime.

Crazy Disney lady

So, how crazy is this Disney Vacation Specialist?  She's the one who gets there over hour early just so she could be first in line.   Note: it was worth it!

My first Trip to Walt Disney World, part 1

Disneyland Resort  vs  Walt Disney World,   part one

If you have been going to Disneyland all your life, but this is your first trip to Walt Disney World, this article is for you!  I grew up going to Disneyland once a year.  My Aunt, who worked at the Disneyland Hotel, gave us ticket books.  I hated it when the E and D tickets ran out!  Later, I was thrilled with the tickets that could get you into any attraction, as many times as I wanted.  Then, I was blown away by my first Annual Pass. I paid 99.00 dollars for my first Southern California pass.  That was a great year.  The way we visited Disneyland changed forever.  Now, we could just run over to Disneyland for an afternoon.  Stay all day, or just an hour, it didn’t matter.  I was a little afraid that I might grow tired of it, but that never happened. My love for Disneyland has only grown.

Then, in 1997, my husband’s nephew told us that they were going to Disneyworld.  My husband suggested that we might like to go with them.  They were happy to have us. So began my preparations for our first WDW trip.  Now, these were the days before the internet, and I was living in South America. (It’s like America, but south!)  My research was limited to books I saw at the travel agent’s office.  I decided that we would stay on-site, at the All Stars.  We would get 4-day passes, and go twice to the Magic Kingdom, because Animal Kingdom had not yet opened.

Right before we left, my agent informed me that, for the same price, he got us a lovely room at the Grosvenor.  I was appalled!  I wanted to be at a Disney resort!  He told me that this hotel was much nicer than the All Stars.  I didn’t care that it was nicer, but it was too late to change.