#DisneySide is Disney’s current promotional campaign. It encourages Guests to send in Disney photos and stories of how they celebrate all things Disney. I haven’t written much about this because I can’t visit the parks as much as I want to and I don’t spend much time on social media. However, that might change. I love seeing the stick families on the back of cars and of course my favorite ones are Disney stick figures. Now, with #DisneySide, anyone can create their own Disney stick figures. I had to try this out.
This was fun! I enjoyed designing my figures. If you want a locked item just click on a lock. They ask you for a little more information, but it was information they already had so I didn’t care and all the locks unlocked at once. When I was done I got to download my picture. I love it. I couldn’t order a decal (apparently lots of people have this problem) but I’m going to check back later to see if they have fixed it.
If you like doing fun creative Disney stuff for free I would check out this website. #DisneySide looks like a fun way to celebrate Disney every day. Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: If you want more Disney window decals you can buy them in the parks or at disneystore.com. The ordinary ones are fine but I like the fun ones like this Haunted Mansion decal. It really shows your #DisneySide.
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Image from Oh My Disney
If you are in the northern realms you may be noticing that winter is waiting impatiently to take over from fall. The temperature is dropping and it is harder to stay warm. Gloves, scarves, and hot cocoa can help but if you want to warm your insides take a look at these heartwarming Disney pictures. Some of them make me laugh, some of them make me cry, but all of them make me go “awwww.”
Go a step further this weekend. Don’t just admire the picture, watch the movie. If you want something really emotional I suggest WALL-E or Up. If you prefer more humor than try Hercules or the Incredibles. And if you want to see an adorable snowman you’ll have to wait for Thanksgiving, when Frozen comes to theaters. Whatever you choose these movies will keep you warm inside as the temperature drops outside. Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: If you want more than a movie to keep you warm check out disneystore.com for some fun Disney coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. They have lots of characters to choose from and something for every member of the family.
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One of the most common complaints about visiting the Disney parks is that it is so expensive. I think you get more than you pay for, but if you visit without a plan, or if you don’t plan ahead you may find you are paying more than you need to. I have learned that I save money if I start my planning as early as possible. If you take time to research discounts and pay for your trip as discounts appear you not only save money but your trip will be paid for when you are ready to go. How cool is that?
5 ways that planning ahead saves money:
1) You can use discounts. If you know you are visiting in June and you start planning in January than when Disney announces a discount, like 30% off resort rooms, or a free dining plan, you’ll be prepared to use these discounts. If you wait to plan until just before you leave you’ll have missed a lot of savings.
2) You can save money when buying gift cards. A great place to buy Disney gift cards and park hopper passes is at the major grocery stores. I wait and buy these when they are having fuel sales. If I can save 40 cents or more for each gallon of gas I pump (that I would have bought anyway) and get cards I will use in the parks this is a win/win for me.
3) You can save at Disneystore.com. Throughout the year Disneystore.com has sales. They just finished having one on official Disney park merchandise. These items don’t tend to go on sale in the parks so a great way to save money is to buy them online. If you plan to buy your group matching t-shirts to wear in the parks the discount can be all the more valuable.
4) You can sign up for an event. One great way to save a lot of money on resort and ticket costs is to do a RunDisney event. There are races at most of the parks throughout the year of varying lengths, but they tend to fill up quickly. The 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon, that is happening on Labor Day Weekend, is already full. It you want to have fun running through the parks and save a lot on your trip then plan ahead and sign up as soon as the event opens.
5) You can get discounts on your photos. A great deal any time is to sign up for PhotoPass+. You get unlimited photos taken by Disney photographers and all your attraction photos for one price. With this package you can save over a hundred dollars on photos. If you buy this package at Disneyland it is $99. If you buy it at least two weeks ahead of time online it is only $69. Plan ahead and save $30.
There are lots of ways that planning ahead can save you money. Feel free to leave a comment with your ideas. Together we can all have a low-cost stress-free vacation. Why not start today? Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: I am not connected to this company and I get nothing for suggesting this, but I have a Disney credit card through Chase so I know how good the savings can be. I earn points that I trade in for Disney gift cards. I pay this card off every month so these points are free. If you are going to have a credit card anyway why not have a card that allows you to buy free stuff on your Disney trip.
For great tips that you can take with you on your tablet or smart phone download the Kindle app and buy a copy of Goofy Tips for a Happy Disney Vacation
Today’s question comes from my friend, Arlene. We are planning a trip to Walt Disney World and she asked if there was a way to check out the park merchandise before she arrived at the parks. What a great Goofy Question!!! If she could look at merchandise beforehand she would be more prepared to shop at the parks and could even buy something ahead of time, thus saving time while in the parks. Happiness squared!
And the answer is yes. While not all the merchandise from the parks is online (except maybe on eBay, but then you should know what you are looking for), the Disney Store has a tab called Theme Park Products. This is where you can go to find official Disney Parks merchandise. I love to browse this website because they always have new products and great holiday ideas.
Thanks for the question. Keep them coming and we’ll help everyone have a happy trip, together.
Goofy Tip: Here’s another advantage to staying on property. Anything you buy in the parks can be sent to your room. That means you don’t have to wait to buy items as you’re leaving the park or carry bags around all day. So convienent.
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