I know seems early, but the Halloween festivities have begun in the Magic Kingdom. My family will be attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this Friday 9/1, and my kids’ goal is to collect candy at the Trick-Or-Treat stations. Guess how many pounds of candy our family will collect & post your guess in the comments on my Facebook page.
The person with the closest guess, without going over, will win this 2017 limited edition, Walt Disney World Halloween bag. Perfect for your own trick-or-treating this year.
To avoid a tie, you cannot guess the same number as someone else that has already posted; be sure & get your guess in early. You can change your guess as long as another person has not already guessed that number.
HINT: Watch on Friday night for my Facebook live post at the party, & we will hold up our bags of candy for you to see. 😉
WINNER: The winner will be announced on Tuesday evening at 5:00pm during my Facebook live post. Good luck everyone and have fun playing!
Thank you for reading! My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney parks with my family. I love exploring new experiences to help my guest plan the perfect Disney vacation and the best part is that when you book your trip with me, all of my planning services are FREE. What are you waiting for? It all starts with a free quote. Visit my website or email me to get started today.
Melissa Mathies – Pixie Dust Adventures www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
Disney has just launched a new version of their “My Disney Experience” app with brand new features that add more convenience to your stay.
I’ve been hoping for years that there would be an easier way to keep track of our dining credits when we are on the Disney Dining Plan. Now when guests stay at a Disney Resort hotel They can see their remaining dining plan meals and snacks right through their “My Disney Experience” app. On top of that guests can keep track of things that they have charged to their Disney Resort hotel account.
For all my Disney coupons, who save money by using Disney gift cards, bring your Disney gift cards with you, charge purchases on your MagicBand & then use your cards to pay your Resort hotel account at guest services. You get the perks of using Disney gift cards & you don’t have to risk losing them in the parks.
The newest app update also includes features like online check-in and mobile ordering for even more restaurants.
The list of restaurants now accepting mobile orders is as follows:
Magic Kingdom® Park:
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant*
Epcot®:
Electric Umbrella
Liberty Inn
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
PizzeRizzo
*Location operates seasonally. The only form of payment currently accepted through Mobile Order is credit card
If you are interested in mobile ordering, find detailed instructions here:
Do you think these new enhancements will add greater conveniences to your next Disney vacation?
Thank you for reading. My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me in one of the Disney parks almost every weekend with my family, exploring new activities & options. I would love to help you plan your next vacation & the best part is that all of my planning services are FREE to you when you book your next vacation through me. What are you waiting for? Your dream vacation all starts with a free quote.
Melissa Mathies
Pixie Dust Adventures – Destinations by Melissa www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
Have you ever tried playing the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game in Walt Disney World? It’s a fun, interactive game & if you finish the game you will get another set of cards. These cards make a great, free souvenirs & now my kids are hooked on collecting them.
Try it the next time you are in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World!
Sign up at the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A., on the left, as soon as you enter the Magic Kingdom under the train station or at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. They will give each person a set of playing cards & a map of where to find the portholes to fight villains. You will need to choose one person to be the team captain & that person’s MagicBand will be attached to the game that you are playing. You will always need to scan that same MagicBand each time you visit a porthole to fight a villain.
You will be able to choose if you want to start playing your game in one of 4 lands in the Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Liberty Square or Main Street USA. You will also be able to select your difficulty level of the game & if you are just starting to play I suggest that you start with the easiest.
Begin your game by finding locations on the map where you can fight off the evil villains using your spell cards. Scan your MagicBand at the location, fight the villain & at the end of the battle it will direct you to the next location on the map. Depending on your level, you will need to fight several battles in at least 5 lands in order to complete the mission & get another set of cards.
You can get special holiday cards at ticketed event such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party & Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can only get the holiday cards during the special event & will be given one card for each party ticket you present.
During the Halloween & Christmas parties, they release a special edition card that you can collect. You must have a party ticket & attend the party & you can get one per person in front of the Fire Station where you sign up for the game.
Use your MagicBand to play your own game over & over. You don’t have to finish your game in a single day or even a single vacation. Just save your Magic Band that is associated with the game, & pick up where you left off the last time that you played.
You can get one free set of cards per person, per day that you spend in the Magic Kingdom. When you finish a game & foil the evil villain, you will be given a bonus set of cards for each person.
As a side note… if you return to Disney, after your initial game startup, and plan to continue where you left off, you must bring the same Magic Band with you that you previously played on. The Magic Bands to have a life span because of the battery inside, so I assume that when they die, you will not be able to continue your game unless you have switched the game to a new Magic Band.
Don’t forget to sign up to play the next time you visit the Magic Kingdom!
Let me help plan the details of your next vacation!
Which hotel is the right fit for your family? Where to dine, attractions, crowds and all that goes along with planning a vacation is a lot to think about. With a Disney-focused travel agent by your side, you can plan as much or as little as you desire. My complimentary planning assistance all comes at NO additional cost to you and is based on countless hours of education and personal experience.
Receive a welcome packet when you book, filled with information & a custom planning calendar.
• Dining reservation assistance. Let me help you make your dining reservations for those popular Disney Restaurants. *based on availability
• Fastpass+ assistance. Undeicded on which attractions are the best for your family? I’m happy to help you plan to utilize your Fastpasses to your advantage and will also provide assistance making those reservations *based on availability
• Itinerary plans and printed itinerary with added suggestions to optimize your day and your experiences.
• Complimentary Planning. All of my assistance comes at no added cost to you. When you book your trip through me, you will get all of the magical extras that Disney offers, plus the personalized service that I offer.
• Help planning visits to other area attractions outside of the Disney theme parks. If you are considering adding other Orlando attractions to your vacation, why not get assistance of someone who has personally been there? Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and nearby cruise lines all make a wonderful addition to your next Orlando vacation.
You get all of this and more when you book your Disney vacation through (me) Melissa of Pixie Dust Adventures. Click here to visit my website & get started with a no obligation quote.
Thank you for reading. My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic, I’m also a travel agent. You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney theme parks with my family exploring all of the newest things that Disney has to offer. Why not take advantage of my complementary planning services based consistent personal experience?
Melissa Mathies
Pixie Dust Adventures – Destinations by Melissa www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
Today Disney Parks Blog announced that The VOID (an entertainment company that combines the magic of illusions and advanced technology) will be bringing a groundbreaking, hyper-reality experience to Downtown Disney in Disneyland and Disney Springs in Walt Disney World.Although no official dates or locations have been announced, this holiday season these immersive social experiences will take visitors to new worlds.
Disney parks blog states that, “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport you to a galaxy far, far away where you’ll be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. It’ll even allow environmental effects to be felt using Haptic feedback – melding the physical and digital worlds together. So, you don’t just see the Star Warsuniverse, you’re part of it at Disney Parks”.
If you have ever played a video game with a remote control that vibrates, then you are no stranger to Haptic feedback that brings you right into the action.
This one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed by Star Wars fans of all ages and I will be thrilled to try this in person in just a matter of months.
Disney promised more announcments in the future, so stay tuned.
In the meantime… contact me if you would like to plan a Star Wars immersive vacation.
Thank you for reading. My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney parks with my family exploring the new experiences & attractions so that I can help my guests plan their own vacations through hours of personal experience. The best part is that all of my planning services are FREE when you book your vacation through me. That’s right, it does not cost any extra over booking directly through Disney. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to my website & get started on your dream vacation with a no obligation quote.
Melissa Mathies – Pixie Dust Adventures www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
Guests can save up to 20%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights Oct. 8-Dec. 24, 2017.
Book by Oct. 7 for stays most nights Oct. 8-Dec. 24, 2017 Book by Dec. 24, 2017 for stays most nights Dec. 8-24, 2017
When you stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you’ll enjoy benefits like first access to Disney FastPass+**planning, complimentary MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours in a Theme Park each day to enjoy select attractions (valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required), complimentary transportation and standard parking, plus more!
The following room types and Disney Resort hotels are excluded:
3-bedroom villas
Campsites
Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional adult per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms. 20% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Disney Resort hotels.
**Valid Theme Park admission and online registration required. Disney FastPass+ attractions and entertainments experiences, the number of selections you can make and available arrival windows are limited.
My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney parks with my family. Contact me for a free, no obligation quote.
Melissa – Pixie Dust Adventures www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
Will it be worth all the hype? My answer is “YES”! If Disney brings Star Wars to life in the same way that they have with Pandora, Star Wars fans everywhere are sure to swoon when they enter the park and I am not excluded.
On Thursday night Disney presented a model of the lands & attractions that are currently under construction in Disneyland & Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.
Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts stated, “All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”
photo credit: Orlando Sentinel
It seems that a lot of focus is around the Millennium Falcon and it has been known that one of the unnamed attractions will put visitors at the controls of the ship. The second attractions puts guests amid at battle of the First Order and the Resistance.
“The setting will be a previously unseen planet, a trading outpost just before “Wild Space,” as quoted by the Orlando Sentinel.
The Star Wars geek in me can hardly wait for new announcements about this highly anticipated land. You can bet that I will be there personally for the first few opening days in 2019.
Thank you for geeking out with me a little bit over these photos & this announcement!!! What do you think? Will you be visiting the new Star Wars land in 2019? I would love to hear your opinion in the comments.
My name is Melissa & I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. I’m a Florida local & you will find me in one of the Disney theme parks with my family, almost every weekend. I love helping others plan their vacations & the best part is that all of my concierge planning services are completely FREE when guests book their vacation through me. Disney is currently booking package through the end of 2018, visit my website or contact me for a free quote.
Melissa Mathies
Pixie Dust Adventures – Destinations by Melissa www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com A proud agent with Cruises & Tours Unlimited
In 2018 Disney will continue to offer three different dining package options. Quick Service, Disney Dining and Deluxe Dining.
The NEW change for 2018 packages is in the beverage section. Guests over 21 can now choose a single serve mixed cocktail, beer or wine instead of a soft-drink with their meals. Read on for more detailed information below.
* Deluxe Plan includes 3 meals: Quick Service or Table Service
Quick Service breakfast/lunch/dinner:
combo meal + soft drink
1 Quick Service Meal = 3 snack credits redeemable at one select location
Table Service breakfast/lunch/dinner = entree + soft drink
Children 3 – 9 must order from a children’s menu if available.
1 Table Service Meal = 3 snack credits redeemable at one select location
•Gratuities are not included except for participating pre-paid dining locations.
•Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay for the entire party.
•Meals are nontransferable between party members and expire at midnight on day of check-out.
•Reservations are highly recommended for table-service restaurants, dining availability may be limited or not available without advance reservations.
•1 meal credit exchanged for snacks, must be exchanged in a single transaction
•Guests under 21 can now choose a soft drink or specialty drink where offered; Guests over 21 can choose a soft drink or single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine.
NEW for 2018:
Guests under 21 can choose (1) non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests over 21 can choose either one (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one (1) single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.
A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Artisanal Milkshakes
Fresh Smoothies
Premium Hot chocolates
Soda, Coffee, or Tea
A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
Beer or Cider
Wine or Sangria
Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests must be age 21 and over and present valid ID to be served one (1) alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a quick-service or table-service meal entitlement.
There are so many options to choose from when booking a Disney World Vacation. It can often feel like you’re buying a new car. Using a travel agent is always one good way to help make the best decisions for your vacation and many travel agents do not charge you any extra for their planning services when you book your vacation through them
It costs the same to book through me as it does to book directly through Disney.
My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. I love trying the hotels, dining plans & many other options offered in the vacation packages and after moving to Florida with my family in 2016, we spend almost every weekend in the Disney parks. I’m here to help you plan your next vacation at NO added cost to you and it all starts with a free quote.
Melissa Mathies, Travel Agent – Pixie Dust Adventures www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
yIf you are planning to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this fall for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the holiday season, you might want to add a reservation for a dessert party. In order to participate in the dessert party you must already have tickets to the holiday party that night.
During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party guests can indulge in spooky treats starting with a glass of sparkling cider and moving on through a delicious buffet of treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cupcakes, seasonal fruit, cheeses and more. Various non-alcoholic drinks will also be served. End the party with perfect views of the Cinderella Castle for the Happy-Hallowishes fireworks show. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Dessert Party Takes Place select nights from Aug. 29 – Nov. 7 2017.
For an extra bit of festive entertainment during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, make a reservation for the dessert party where you will enjoy tables decked with boughs of holly & enjoy delectable, holiday themed desserts that are similar in taste to what is offered at the Halloween Party. When you have had your fill of sweet treats, sit back & relax with front row seats for the holiday fireworks. Reservations are available on select nights from Nov. 9 – Dec. 22, 2017.
These parties are one way that you can get amazing views of Cinderella’s Castle & the holiday fireworks shows without having to claim your spot hours in advance. The parties take place on the Tomorrowland Terrace and the cost is $79 + tax for adults; $47 + tax for children ages 3 – 9. You must have a valid ticket to the holiday party on the night that you plan to attend the dessert event.
Reservations for this special event fill up quickly. If you are one of my guests, let me know if you would like my assistance making a reservation.
Thank you for reading. My name is Melissa and I am a Disney fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney theme parks with my family. If you would like free planning assistance for your next Disney vacation, contact me for a free, no obligation quote.
Melissa Mathies, Travel Designer & Destination Specialist www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
The 2017 Night of Joy talent lineup looks amazing, and this year Disney has introduced a new ticket structure as this popular event returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® Resort Sept. 8-9, 2017.
Tickets will go on sale in early June; let me know if you are interested & I can email you when they are released.
Guests will be able to buy both concert-only OR theme-park-and-concert-combination tickets for either evening – or also a two-night ticket.
Ticket options include:
Single night concert only tickets will be $45 plus tax in advance
Two-night concert only tickets will be $69 plus tax in advance
Single night concert tickets plus a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $107 plus tax *
Two-night concert tickets with a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $131 plus tax **
There also will be premium seating packages available for an extra charge; and groups of 10 or more will be able to get discounted tickets, as with past events.
A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.)
Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective.
Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.
* Add-on Theme Park Ticket Option is good for use any one day September 8-30, 2017 at any one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks
**2-day Concert plus 1-day Theme Park Advanced ticket will also include (1) admission to your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for one use September 8-30, 2017. Individuals must purchase by August 8, 2017 to receive water park ticket. Groups must purchase by August 25, 2017 to receive water park ticket.
Thank you for reading,
My name is Melissa and I am a Disney Fanatic; I’m also a travel agent. You will find me in one of the Disney theme parks with my family almost every weekend. I love exploring the parks and helping people plan their own magical vacations. All of my booking and planning services are FREE. Planning your next Disney vacation all starts with a free quote. Visit my website or contact me.
Melissa Mathies, Travel Designer & Destination Specialist www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Avatar is a movie that has touched my soul. There are people that love Star Wars, Marvel, Star Trek & more. Myself, I am more of an Avatar gal. I love animals, nature & the message of this movie. Pandora in Animal Kingdom really brought all of this to life for me and I may have or may not have squeaked a tear when I rode the Flight of Passage attraction; there is no proof. Disney has done a phenomenal job of bringing this movie off of the screen & into reality. It feels like standing on another planet; the design is flawless, the sounds of the indigenous species surround you and some of the plants are interactive. If you are an Avatar fan like I am, you must not miss this new land in Animal Kingdom! Be sure to scroll all the way to the end of this article for a video of my Pandoran preview experience.
156-foot-tall “floating mountains” are the centerpiece of the Valley of Mo’araPandora Preview MapPandora preview Map inside
One of the first things that we came to as we entered Pandora was a giant plant that smoked & made sounds when you touched it. Right next to the plant was one of two brand new Wilderness Explorer stations located in Pandora.
For those of you that are not familiar with this program, you can pick up your Wilderness Explorer guide at various locations around the park and work through the (now 32) learning experiences throughout Animal Kingdom and earn badges (stickers) for each experience and a completion sticker at the end.
Wondering through the Valley of Mo’ara was visually stunning. Floating mountains, bright plants from another world, waterfalls and sounds of the Pandoran primates from all directions immersed me in this distant world.
We stopped for a few pictures before heading off to use our fastpass on the Flight of Passage attraction. On the way we encountered an Amplified Mobility Platform, which is the huge motorized suit that the soldiers drove on Pandora.
The elaborate queue design for the Flight of Passage attraction is entertaining in itself. The science lab in the queue was not operational during our visit & I look forward to seeing the Na’vi, growing in the fluid filled tube, on my next visit in a few weeks when the park opens to the public. As we passed through the queue, we were given numbers & separated into different chambers to be ‘debugged’ for our link with our avatar. Jackie Ogden appeared onscreen and took scans of our bodies and brain waves. We proceeded from one room to the next where we were instructed by Sigourney Weaver on what to do for our experience with the Banshee flight. The height restriction for Flight of Passage is a minimum of 44″
One of the preparation rooms for the Flight of Passage. You are asked to move around & as they scan you on the screen.
Once you are prepared and handed your flight glasses, you enter the room where you will link with your Avatar which is already seated on a Banshee high in the mountains. You straddle the seats’ bike style’ and the back of the seat comes up behind you to hold you in. Get ready for an amazing flight!!! You can feel the Banshee move & breath as you ride. (I’m not tearing up writing about this truly unique, amazing experience! really… I’m not)
During your unbelievable flight through the stunning landscape of Pandora, every one of your senses is engaged. The visually stunning landscapes rush past as you smell, feel and hear each and every minute of your flight.
Once your flight is over you exit into Windtraders gift shop where you will find numerous unique souvenirs. My kids could not resist adopting their own banshee from the Rookery while we were there.
Spending time in Windtraders is an experience in itself. Parents be cautioned, the Banshee Rookery will draw you in & you may just leave with a new member of the family for the bargain price of $49 + tax
I almost expect Disney to eventually release a new version of the Banshee that is interactive with the Pandora park surroundings.
Next Stop… the Na’Vi River Journey. This peaceful boat ride takes you on a journey down the sacred river where you encounter bioluminescent plans, spinning orange disks, moving silhouettes of lizards and more. Perhaps the star of this attraction is the anamatronic Na’vi Shaman singing toward the end of your journey. This is the most advanced anamoatronic I have seen so far in a theme park; the Na’vi is so real & life like that you have to wonder if it is not a person in costume. Scroll to the bottom on the article for a full ride through video of this attraction in my Pandora video on YouTube
By the time we were done with the River Journey, our time in Pandora was almost over. We wanted to be sure & stop for a few Photopass pictures to remember the night.
near the entrance / exit of the park is a musical set of trees with drums embedded in the tree stumps. Drumbeats will respond to you when you interact with these trees.
Although the restaurants were closing for the night, we took a few minutes to wander through them and look at the menus. The food is unique and something that you will not find anywhere else. You can pre-order your meal through the Disney Parks app & pick it up once you arrive to avoid the wait at the order counter. (another first in Disney tech) I guarantee I will be eating a few meals there when the park has officially opened.
As the sun set for the day, the pathways lit up with bioluminescent plant life. They were still working on the details and not all of the affects were available. Another reason for me to return in the near future.
If you would like to follow me through some of my Pandoran preview, feel free to watch the YouTube video below:
Thank you to all of my fans for reading and following as I share my adventures with you!
I am a HUGE Disney fanatic and I’m also a Travel Agent. I charge NO additional fees to help you plan your next vacation, it costs exactly the same to book through me or directly through Disney. Why not take advantage of a little free planning assistance?
My name is Melissa and you will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney parks with my family. We never run out of things to do, taste, try, experience & explore. I look forward to helping you plan your own adventure to Pandora!
Although no official dates or locations have been announced, this holiday season these immersive social experiences will take visitors to new worlds.
Guests will be able to buy both concert-only OR theme-park-and-concert-combination tickets for either evening – or also a two-night ticket.
Pixie Pointers 