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