Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a steel roller coaster that is coming soon to Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. It is part of a major expansion of Fantasyland and is based upon the classic story of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first animated feature film.

Fantasyland is currently undergoing a large expansion and renovation. "The New Fantasyland will be constructed in phases with most new experiences open by 2013."

Recent conceptual artwork for the expansion shows several new additions and changes. Snow White's Scary Adventures will be removed and an area themed to Disney's 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be built. It will feature Snow White's cottage and The Seven Dwarfs mine train roller coaster ride. Princess Fairytale Hall, a new Disney Princess meet and greet will be established where Snow White's Scary Adventures currently exists.

The ride will travel both indoors and outdoors. Unlike some other Disney roller coasters, including California Screamin' and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, this attraction will be less intense and more family-friendly. It will feature a new ride system which simulates the swaying and tipping one would expect to experience in a mine cart.

Disney Refillable Mugs

I guess it is a slow week in Disney news when the world is a buzz about mugs, but the resort refillable mugs have been a hot topic for years and now it seems that Disney may be putting an end to the questionable practices.

Reports: Disney World to test software to limit refillable mugs

A soda machine at Disney's All Star Sports Resort is outfitted with new levers for an upcoming change to the refillable mug program. (MouseSteps.com)

UPDATE: A Walt Disney World spokesperson said that the test, which is only in its early stages, is limited to Disney’s All Star Sports Resort.

Walt Disney World is testing technology that would limit guests’ use of the refillable resort mugs, StitchKingdom.com reported via MiceChat.com this week. Although Disney had not officially confirmed the trial before it started, passionate fans have taken to their websites and Twitter to discuss the change.

The issue centers on mugs that are for sale at each resort. Guests pay a one-time fee in exchange for unlimited refills at soda fountains in their hotel food courts during their length of stay. Now, it seems, Disney is trying to close the loopholes for guests who are flaunting the rules by not purchasing new cups each time they visit, using one mug and pouring the refills into other cups for members of their party, or using personal containers at the fountains.

Beginning Monday, the mugs at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort will have RFID chips that the soda machines recognize, MouseSteps.com reports. The new embedded software will allow guests to fill their mugs for one minute every five minutes, the site reports, and the mugs will be programmed to only work for a certain length of time, so guests will be unable to use them on future vacations.

MouseSteps.com also reports that a similar trial is scheduled for one of the Disney World theme parks. 

If this last report is true, it makes one wonder if the refillable mugs might be usable in both the parks and resorts, which I personally think would be a great improvement on the current plan.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Family Cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line

Adventures by Disney Named No. 1 for Families by Travel + Leisure Readers

Adventures by Disney® recently earned the distinction of being ranked the No.1 tour and safari operator for families by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Adventures by Disney received a staggering 99 point ranking out of 100, making it the clear leader in family travel, while also ranking among the top tour operators overall.

On the same survey, Disney Cruise Line® upheld its esteemed position as the leader in family cruising, with readers ranking it as the No. 1 large-ship cruise line for families. In addition, Disney Cruise Line took the No. 4 spot in the magazine's overall large-ship category.

The rankings also honored Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World® Resort, with readers ranking it as the No. 1 family hotel. Several other Walt Disney World Resort hotels made the list as well, with Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Beach Club Resort all ranking among the best of the best. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland® Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort also took home honors.

Holy Land and Transatlantic Cruise Last Call!

Holy Land Cruise on Royal Caribbean October 14, 2011 out of Rome, Italy starting at $749 per person based on inside room and double occupancy.

Here is the itinerary:

14-Oct Rome (civitavecchia), Italy 5:00 PM (Arrive a day or two early for Rome Tours including GUIDED VATICAN AND ST. PETER'S BASILICA!)

15-Oct Naples/capri, Italy 7:00 AM 6:30 PM Docked (Visit Pompeii or Capri)
16-Oct Cruising Cruising
17-Oct Cruising Cruising

18-Oct Jerusalem (ashdod), Israel 8:00 AM 11:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • Mount of Olives or City of David • Panoramic view of city • Garden of Gethsemane • Church of Holy Sepulchre • Via Dolorosa / Ways (stations) of the Cross • Bethlehem)

19-Oct Haifa, Israel 7:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • Jesus Trail • Nazareth • Tiberius • Tabgha • Capernaum • Mount of Beatitudes)

20-Oct Cruising Cruising
21-Oct Rhodes, Greece 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked
22-Oct Ephesus (kusadasi), Turkey 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • House of Virgin Mary • Ephesus • Basilica of St. John • Temple of Artemis
23-Oct Athens (piraeus), Greece 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked
24-Oct Chania (souda),crete, Greece 7:00 AM 2:00 PM Docked
25-Oct Cruising Cruising
26-Oct Rome (civitavecchia), Italy 5:00 AM


Highlights

Like other Voyager-class ships, Mariner of the Seas is filled with a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, golf simulators, two Centrums, an ice-skating rink, a basketball court, theme bars and restaurants. Mariner of the Seas also features the Royal Promenade, a bustling boulevard four decks high and the length of two football fields, where you'll find charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers, and lively street fairs.

Interior $749.00
Ocean View $849.00
Balcony$1,049.00

The Mariner Of The Seas goes to Galveston after the Holy Land Cruise - so if you want to cruise home you can stay on for another 16 nights for an additional $1,000! Basically, you could cruise on Royal Caribbean's Mariner (A great ship - voyager class) for 28 nights for around $2,000!!!

Here are details on the Transatlantic Cruise:
Wed 26 Oct 2011 "Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy"
Thu 27 Oct 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Fri 28 Oct 2011 "Palma De Mallorca, Spain"
Sat 29 Oct 2011 "Cartagena, Spain"
Sun 30 Oct 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Mon 31 Oct 2011 "Funchal (Madeira), Portugal"
Tue 01 Nov 2011 "La Palma, Canary Islands"
Wed 02 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Thu 03 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Fri 04 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Sat 05 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Sun 06 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Mon 07 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Tue 08 Nov 2011 "Nassau, Bahamas"
Wed 09 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Thu 10 Nov 2011 Cruising   Cruising
Fri 11 Nov 2011 "Galveston, Texas"

The flight prices I am seeing to Rome round trip are a little over $1,000. I found a few one way tickets for around $600 - that makes that return cruise even more appealing - basically a few hundred dollars more than flying plus food, entertainment, and the whole transatlantic cruise experience.

I reserved 16 cabins for the Holy Land Cruise - the transatlantic did not have group space, but there was good availability. I was able to get $100 per room on board credit too for the Holy Land Cruise as long as I can book at least 8 cabins!

I am putting together some group tours that will be an additional cost - I will have that information when we get the final head count - excursions are also available through Royal Caribbean.

Let me know if you are interested soon! I need to have payments in by July 31st to hold the cabins!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

The event is held on select nights September - November 2011.

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:


•Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
•Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
•Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.

•Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

The tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary", and is appropriate for children of all ages.

The hours are 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, but you can get in before the party starts!

Don't forget - this party overlaps with the current offer:

Now through Aug. 27, 2011, book the new Memories Vacation Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort for arrivals most nights Aug. 28 – Sept. 24 and get the Disney Dining Plan** FREE!**

Offer Details:
The New Memories Vacation Package Includes:

•Accommodations
•Magic Your Way Base Ticket for each member of the traveling party
•One 20-page Disney's PhotoPass® Photo Book***
Great fares may be available on AirTran Airways when you include air in this Memories Vacation Package Plus Free Dine for travel on select dates. Click here to view available markets.

Booking Window:
May 2 – Aug. 27, 2011

Travel Window:
Aug. 28 – Sept. 24, 2011

Sample Pricing:
Book 5 Nights and 6 Days with FREE Disney Dining Plan for $86* per person, per day, for a family of 4, at a Select Disney Moderate Resort in a Standard Room (valid for stays most nights Aug. 28 – Sept. 24, 2011). That’s a total package price of $2,047.

Ask about packages in other resort categories and for other lengths of stay.

Port Canaveral Arrival Times and Parking

Effective Aug. 2, 2011, the cruise terminal and parking facility at Port Canaveral, Fla., will open at 11 a.m. for embarking Guests.

Select a port arrival time by going to "My Online Check-In" on disneycruise.com. You should arrive as close to your scheduled time as possible in order to avoid a wait. Guests who do not pre-select an arrival time online may be delayed entry until those with assigned times are accommodated.

If your traveling party has chosen two different times, please advise them to arrive at the later time so the group can board together.

If you were previously scheduled to arrive earlier, you will automatically be placed in the 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. time slot.

Information on Cruise Parking:
Cruise Terminal 8
Homeported ships using this facility: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder

1,000 foot docking space, 50-foot wide with -35 feet MLW; 70,000 square-foot embarkation/baggage handling facility; 1,100 parking spaces

The first terminal in the U.S. built to a specific cruise line's specifications and for its exclusive use, Cruise Terminal 8 was custom-designed for Disney. The $27 million terminal boasts a 90-foot high glass tower. Two escalators carry guests to the second floor where they step onto a 13,000 square-foot terrazzo map of Florida's East Coast and the Bahamas, and view original murals depicting the Disney Cruise Line experience. Facilities include a play area and café.

Parking at Your Cruise Terminal

Parking at Port Canaveral's cruise terminals is paved, gated and under 24-hour surveillance. Passengers at Cruise Terminal 10 can choose between an outdoor parking area and a six-level parking garage.

Parking Fees

$15/night for vehicles up to 20 feet in length ($60 for a four night cruise.)

$26/night for vehicles over 20 feet

The total fee for the time the vehicle will be parked is due on entry. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard and Traveler's Checks issued in U.S. dollars.

Several hotels offer parking packages with shuttles to the ship.  We have stayed at the Radisson several times and used this service.  We find it easy and cost effective!

Cruising with the Boys and Rick!

December 2-5, 2011- Carnival Imagination- Leaving Miami to Nassau

Join Rose Tours on the 2nd annual Backstreet Boys Cruise on Dec 2-5, 2011.

Sailing on the majestic Carnival Imagination, fans get an unparalleled vacation experience with their favorite band, the Backstreet Boys. This intimate and exclusive cruise provides access to the Boys in ways you've never even imagined. Whether it is singing with Brian; challenging Nick to a game of volleyball; beating Howie to the buzzer in an interactive game show; or dancing the night away with AJ, every BSB fan will walk away with cherished memories that no other concert experience could ever provide.

ALL Backstreet Boys Cruise Passengers will receive:

• A full ship dedicated to the BSB fans
• Access to BSB Events on the Imagination
• Private Beach Party including Buffet with BSB and DJ
• Full Access to all of Carnival's activities and facilities!
• Concerts, Photo Sessions and more…
• VIP Concierge at your service

Rick Springfield and Friends Cruise 2011  

November 5-10, 2011- Carnival Destiny- Leaving Miami to Ocho Rios & Grand Cayman Islands

The 4th annual Rick Springfield & Friends Sun Dazed & Star Filled Nights cruise is November 5th – 10th 2011! We will once again be onboard the gorgeous Carnival Cruise Ship Destiny departing from Miami, Fl. This year, we will stop in the incredible ports of Ocho Rios & Grand Cayman. It will be another unforgettable voyage as we cruise the beautiful seas, enjoy the clear star filled nights and rock out to some amazing concerts!

Special Guests include Rick's first band and old friends ZOOT; renowned actor and musician Jack Wagner; Mark Goodman & Doug Davidson (Of Young & The Restless)

Some of the events during the cruise will consist of:

• Full Concerts with Rick Springfield, Zoot & Jack Wagner
• Intimate unplugged concerts with Rick Springfield
• Personal Q&A sessions with Rick Springfield, Doug Davidson (Paul Williams, Young & the Restless), Jack Wagner & Mark Goodman (MTV,Sirius/XM Radio)
• Hosted by Mark Goodman (MTV, Sirius/XM Radio)
• Photograph and Autograph opportunities with all special guests
• Five nights’ accommodations aboard Carnival’s Destiny Cruise Ship
• Special Gift Bag with Cruise Event Souvenirs
• Cocktail Parties
• Chances to enter onboard exclusive Rick Springfield Event Opportunities
• Full schedule of activities including movies, dancing, deck activities & more
• Gourmet dining experiences
• VIP Concierge at your service

Splash Mountain opened July 17th, 1989 in Disneyland

Splash Mountain, a popular flume ride at Magic Kingdom theme park, offers big thrills to big kids, teens and adults.

On Splash Mountain, Gotta Be Movin' On Say goodbye to Br'er Rabbit; he's leaving his home in search of a little more adventure, a bit of fortune and his laughing place—where he can live the life that suits him best. Watch as he outwits Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox, escapes their clutches and slips out of sticky situations. Plummet into dark caves and tumble over gentle waterfalls… until Br'er Rabbit's taunting catches up to him—and he's finally caught! From the confines of Br'er Fox's cave at the top of Chickapin Hill on Splash Mountain, Br'er Rabbit tricks Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox one more time. Don't throw me down, down, down into the briar-brimmed pond, he pleads. Anyplace but there! Of course, this is exactly what they do. Follow him as he plummets over the mountain peak on a 5-story (52.5 feet) fall that ends in a massive splashdown into the refreshing pond: Br'er Rabbit's home, his laughing place. After this ultimate plunge, drift past more southern critters aboard a lively Mississippi riverboat. Sing along with them, for it's a zip-a-dee-doo-dah day! Everyone has a Laughing Place—maybe Splash Mountain is yours.

The Backstory

The wise Br'er Frog has a premonition: if Br'er Rabbit leaves his comfortable briar-patch home on Splash Mountain—protected by the prickly plants and dense, thorny vines—he'll be caught by Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox for sure! Br'er Frog's words don't stop Br'er Rabbit from movin' on. Join him on his journey around and through Splash Mountain.

Will You Get Wet?

The twists, turns and 3 dips that lead to the grand drop down 5 stories of rushing water will either get you damp or drenched. If soaked is your goal, request a seat in the front or sit on the right side of the hollowed-out log. Other Disney Mountains One of 3 Magic Kingdom "mountain" attractions, Splash Mountain shares its big thrill classification with Space Mountain and its location in the Frontierland area with the mild but wild Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Splash Mountain is a themed log flume attraction at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Magic Kingdom, based on the characters, stories and songs from the 1946 Disney film Song of the South. Although there are variations in the story and features between the three locations, each installation of Splash Mountain begins with a peaceful outdoor float-through that leads to indoor dark ride segments, with a climactic steep drop into a "briar patch" followed by an indoor finale.

Story

The different versions of Splash Mountain feature similar stories, albeit with small differences. Each ride presents scenes taken from the animated segments of Song of the South. It tells the story of the adventures of Br'er Rabbit, a mischievous rabbit that leaves his home in the briar patch to look for his "laughing place." Unfortunately for him, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear, the antagonists of this story, are determined to catch and eat him.

History

At the time it was built, Splash Mountain was one of the most expensive projects created by Walt Disney Imagineering ($75 million). Imagineer Tony Baxter wanted to attract guests to the often empty Bear Country land and make use of the audio-animatronics from America Sings, which was receiving poor attendance. According to Alice Davis (wife of the late Marc Davis), when America Sings closed in April 1988, production of Disneyland's Splash Mountain had gone way over budget. The only way to recover was to close down America Sings and use the characters from that attraction. Baxter and his team developed the concept of Zip-a-Dee River Run, which would incorporate scenes from Song of the South. The name was later changed to Splash Mountain after then-CEO Michael Eisner's mostly-ignored suggestion that the attraction be used to help market the film Splash. The characters from America Sings were used in many scenes, though all of the main characters were specifically designed for Splash Mountain. Dave Feiten was then brought in to animate and fix story and staging problems. Feiten then moved nearly all of the animatronics to new locations and then took out 10 animatronic figures and removed them from the ride completely to improve the show. A version of the popular attraction was planned for Disneyland Paris but scrapped due to budget reasons and the cold weather in Europe.

Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park Frontierland

Height Requirement:40 inches (102cm) or taller

Category:Water Rides Thrill Rides Indoor

FASTPASS Service

Rider Swap

Pal Mickey Wheelchair Accessible - must transfer from wheelchair

Fairy Tale Engagements, Weddings, Honeymoons and Vow Renewals

Available at the Walt Disney World® Resort and aboard the Disney Cruise Line®, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons can provide the wedding, vow renewal, or honeymoon of your dreams!

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings

******************

Where in the World can you have the storybook wedding of your dreams? Right here, in a fairy tale setting that you select. Disney's Escape Collection offers some of the most scenic backdrops for the perfect ceremony. Arrive in Cinderella's Glass Coach, invite Mickey Mouse to your cake cutting or keep it a simple celebration. You can even combine your Walt Disney World® Resort celebration with a romantic cruise aboard the Disney Cruise Line®. Whatever you choose, it's destined to be your dream come true.

The 2010 Escape Collection includes the following magical amenities:

• Telephone planning consultations with a Disney Wedding Coordinator prior to your wedding.
• An on-site Wedding Coordinator the day of your wedding.
• A fresh flower bouquet for the Bride and fresh flower boutonniere for the Groom.
• An elegant two-tier wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and one bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee for your champagne toast. (Pours approximately 6 glasses per bottle)
• Outdoor Deluxe locations include a Violinist for the ceremony and cake cutting celebration.
• Indoor Premium locations (Disney's Wedding Pavilion) include an Organist and a Violinist for the ceremony and a Violinist for the cake cutting celebration at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• Four (4) hour consecutive limousine charter for transportation to and from your wedding ceremony.
• A professional Disney photographer to provide up to two (2) hours of photography coverage including an album of twenty (20) images.
• A personalized wedding website highlighting your special event.
• Two (2) Walt Disney World® Theme Park Annual Passes.

Booking Guidelines:

• Escape Celebrations may be requested eight (8) months prior to the date of the event.
• Escape Celebrations at the Walt Disney World® Resort require a reservation number for a four (4) night consecutive stay, at a Disney owned and operated resort.
• Check–in at your Disney Resort is requested at least one day prior to your celebration.
• Escape Weddings are designed for the wedding couple only. You are welcome to invite up to four (4) additional guests to be part of your magical celebration, at no additional cost. Escape events for over four (4) guests, plus the bride and groom, will be required to purchase additional beverages. You can extend your guest count to a total of eighteen (18) guests, plus the bride and groom. Additional transportation is also recommended. Please contact your Wedding Consultant for details.

Weddings in the 2010 Escape Collection start at $4,750*.

* This package price does not include resort accommodations. All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice. Ask about rates, resorts and dates available throughout the year. Ceremony locations are subject to availability. Advance reservations required and subject to availability.

 

Disney’s Fairy Tale Engagements

******************
Planning to "pop the question" during a Disney vacation? If so, please call (407) 824-5130 for information on how to arrange a special Fairy Tale Engagement.

Disney's Fairy Tale Honeymoons

******************

After the dream wedding, discover that the fairy tale has just begun. A Walt Disney World® Resort honeymoon surrounds couples with an entire world of magic and an endless array of enchanting possibilities. Like waking up to discover giraffes wandering outside your window or the two of you sitting in a French bistro enjoying a delicious brunch. Maybe spend the afternoon melting cares away with a soothing massage or enjoying a relaxing nap in a hammock on the beach. If adventure is more your style, envision parasailing high above the Seven Seas Lagoon or taking a safari in Africa. Picture a honeymoon as memorable as it is magical. Where seven lands of fantasy hold countless romantic opportunities, and where the fireworks in the sky burn as brightly as newfound romance. This is the place where marriage and magic walk hand-in-hand.

Booking a dream honeymoon is simple. Disney package options let you create Magic Your Way. A Disney honeymoon is sure to be an experience that will be remembered forever.

Disney’s Honeymoon Registry

******************

Disney makes it easier than ever to pay for honeymoon expenses. Disney’s Honeymoon Registry allows couples to create a gift registry for components of an all-inclusive honeymoon to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or aboard a Disney Cruise Line® ship. Couples simply plan their getaway, and family and friends can contribute monetary gifts toward the couple’s honeymoon. The gifted funds are credited to a special Disney Gift Card for Honeymoons, which the couple uses to pay for their expenses both before and during their honeymoon.

Couples can register for special experiences such as dinners, spa treatments, recreational activities, Disney merchandise, tours, and in some cases, even their Disney resort stay and Theme Park tickets.

For more information about Disney’s Honeymoon Registry or to sign-up, please visit www.disneyhoneymoonregistry.com. A reservation number at a Disney Resort or for the Disney Cruise Line® is all that is needed to get started.

After all, a Disney honeymoon is unlike any other. Where else can you conquer four mountains in one day, watch giraffes and zebras from your balcony, soak up the Florida sun atop an iceberg, or travel around the world by foot? A Disney honeymoon offers endless possibilities for fun, adventure, relaxation, luxury and exotic experiences to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Disney World Reducing Monorail Hours of Operation

Disney World Reducing Monorail Hours of Operation

Published 07/12/2011 by PassPorter News

Filed in Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World monorail service to the evening Extra Magic Hours park (Magic Kingdom or Epcot) will no longer operate during the last two hours of evening Extra Magic Hours. Monorail service will end at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot one hour after each park's regularly scheduled close. This change has already taken place for Epcot and will begin at the Magic Kingdom on August 1, 2011. The extra time will be used to conduct maintenance on the monorail system and to allow the trains more down-time. Bus and/or boat service will be provided in lieu of the monorail.

This news bulletin updates page 120 of PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2011.

http://www.passporter.com/disney-world-reducing-monorail-hours-of-operation-news1542.html

Mickey's Backyard BBQ

Mickey's Backyard BBQ Dinner Show is an all-you-care-to-eat Disney Character dance party with live entertainment at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Frolic with Mickey, Minnie and Friends at this neighborly outdoor picnic in the middle of the covered, open-air Pavilion at Fort Wilderness. With foot-stomping music from a country-western band, line dancing, rope tricks and kid-friendly fun, you won't sit still for a second. Little ones can even dance a jig with their favorite Disney Characters on the dance floor!

Enjoy a delectable buffet featuring all your beloved country vittles: barbeque smoked ribs, smoked chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs with all the trimmings, corn on the cob, watermelon and more. It's a mouth-watering, knee-slapping good time!

Mickey's Backyard BBQ Dinner Show is an all-you-care-to-eat Disney Character dance party with Mickey, Minnie and Friends at this neighborly outdoor picnic in the middle of the covered, open-air Pavilion at Fort Wilderness. With music from a country-western band, line dancing, rope tricks and kid-friendly fun.

DATES:

Thursdays and Saturdays

Seasonal

TIME:
6:30 to 8 p.m.

PLACE:

The Outdoor Pavilion at Fort Wilderness

PRICE:
$50.99 Guest ages 10 and up

$20.99 Guest ages 3-9

Full payment is required for Mickey's Backyard BBQ at the time of booking. As long as you cancel up to 48 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet:
Tossed Garden Salad

Fresh Herb Potato Salad

Creamy Cole Slaw

Cornbreads

Smoked BBQ Chicken

Barbeque Pork Ribs

Hot Dogs

Hamburgers

Cowboy Beans

Macaroni and Cheese

Corn on the Cob

Fixin's

Watermelon

Ice Cream Bars

Itzakadoozie Bars

Strawberry Bars

Lemonade, Ice Tea, Beer, and Wine

Reservations Available through (407) WDW-DINE, (407) 939-3463

Booked by seats, not tables. No seat assignments, guests are seated as they arrive.

Characters appear for dancing. They don't go to each table.

QR Codes

This is not my typical Travel Blog. I just wanted to introduce you to a new marketing tool. It interacts with smart phones and is really great! It is called a QR Code. They are big in Japan and going to be taking over the market here as well! Download the free app on our smart phone to read QR codes and then check this out!

These were created on http://www.qrstuff.com/ and it was free!  I hope you enjoyed learning about the codes and feel free to share mine!

Royal 16 Night Transatlantic Cruise on Mariner Of The Seas

So, if you were interested in the Holy Land Cruise - here is some more information that would make this a trip of a lifetime! The Mariner Of The Seas goes to Galveston after the Holy Land Cruise - so if you want to cruise home you can stay on for another 16 nights for an additional $1,000! Basically, you could cruise on Royal Caribbean's Mariner (A great ship - voyager class)for 28 nights for around $2,000!!!

The flight prices I am seeing to Rome roundtrip are a little over $1,000. I found a few one way tickets for around $600 - that makes that return cruise even more appealing - basically a few hundred dollars more than flying plus food, entertainment, and the whole transatlantic cruise experience.

I reserved 16 cabins for the Holy Land Cruise - the transatlantic did not have group space, but there was good availability. I was able to get $100 per room onboard credit too for the Holy Land Cruise!

I am putting together some group tours that will be an additional cost - I will have that information soon.

Let me know if you are interested soon! We don't have much time to put this together!

Royal 12 Night Mediterranean Holy Land Cruise on Mariner Of The Seas

I am playing around with the idea of putting together a group for a Holy Land Cruise on Royal Caribbean. They have a sailing on October 14, 2011 with some good rates out of Rome, Italy. Here is the itinerary:

14-Oct Rome (civitavecchia), Italy 5:00 PM (Arrive a day or two early for Rome Tours including GUIDED VATICAN AND ST. PETER'S BASILICA!)

15-Oct Naples/capri, Italy 7:00 AM 6:30 PM Docked (Visit Pompeii or Capri)
16-Oct Cruising Cruising
17-Oct Cruising Cruising

18-Oct Jerusalem (ashdod), Israel 8:00 AM 11:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • Mount of Olives or City of David • Panoramic view of city • Garden of Gethsemane • Church of Holy Sepulchre • Via Dolorosa / Ways (stations) of the Cross • Bethlehem)

19-Oct Haifa, Israel 7:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • Jesus Trail • Nazareth • Tiberius • Tabgha • Capernaum • Mount of Beatitudes)

20-Oct Cruising Cruising
21-Oct Rhodes, Greece 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked
22-Oct Ephesus (kusadasi), Turkey 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked (Christian Tour • House of Virgin Mary • Ephesus • Basilica of St. John • Temple of Artemis
23-Oct Athens (piraeus), Greece 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked
24-Oct Chania (souda),crete, Greece 7:00 AM 2:00 PM Docked
25-Oct Cruising Cruising
26-Oct Rome (civitavecchia), Italy 5:00 AM


Highlights

Like other Voyager-class ships, Mariner of the Seas is filled with a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, golf simulators, two Centrums, an ice-skating rink, a basketball court, theme bars and restaurants. Mariner of the Seas also features the Royal Promenade, a bustling boulevard four decks high and the length of two football fields, where you'll find charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers, and lively street fairs.

Interior $959.00 USD
Outside $1,009.00 USD
Balcony $1,419.00 USD

Let me know if this would be of interest and if people want to go I will put it together!

Renee@TravelNeverland.com