DGTG Guest Review: Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage at Walt Disney World

Please enjoy this guest post by new DGTG contributor Carin V.

Our 2012 Disney Trip was the year of new adventures. After countless trips to the “Happiest Place on Earth” I decided to make this trip the one where we try all new things!! No matter how many times or how many days you go to Disney you NEVER get to see & do it all! 

For months I secretly planned our adventures. I would have made Julie the Cruise Director so proud!  As the days got closer I didn’t think I would be able to keep the surprise from my family, but somehow I did.  As the clock inched closer I finally did the big reveal … Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage!

As if I don’t love fireworks enough, having a daughter born on the 4^th of July just puts me in a league of my own. There is no better fireworks display then seeing Tinkerbell flying down to start the show high atop Magic Kingdom. How could Disney top that...haa silly question it’s Disney!

The launch is from the beautiful Contemporary Resort. Before you set sail, there is bountiful treasure to make it even more special! Candy gold coins, cake, cookies with lots of tasty matey drinks. Once you get your share of the loot you make your way over to a special photo shoot with Captain Hook & Mister Smee! Then its time to “walk the plank” to your pirate ship. As you head over to the Seven Seas Lagoon to anchor up, your Captain will help everyone get to know their crew mates in your best pirate voice! Before you know it’s time for the show! This is truly an experience that words cannot describe.  From the perfect view to the accompanying music piped in, you feel closer then ever to the show. It is a moment in time that I looked around at my husband & daughters and made sure to make a mental image and lock it down into the vault as a memory I will have a lifetime. 

Once the finale knocks your socks off, it’s time to head back to shore...Is it a quiet boring ride back?? Oh not at all!  The fun continues. The Captain will test his crew’s Disney trivia that would make Walt himself have to think a minute! For every fact you get right a pirate prize for you!!!

You are just about to dock when all of a sudden the Electrical Water Pageant appears.  If you have never had the good fortune to see this it is a MUST! I had not seen this spectacle since 1976. It definitely lived up to the magical memory I had of it as a child!

So now you think all the fun is done… you are docking. And of course one last surprise! Who is there to greet you… no one other then Peter Pan himself!!!! As you walk the plank back to the safety of shore it is time for you to have your photo shoot with Peter!!!

I can not say enough great things about this once in a lifetime adventure except I am planning on making it a TWICE in a lifetime experience!

Carin V. is "Mom" to 2 beautiful daughters, Nicole (23) and Meadow (10) and this June she will celebrate 25 years of marriage to her husband, Frank.  She is originally from South Jersey, but relocated to the Virginia Beach area for work in 2000 and since then, her Mom, Sister, and Sister and law and their families have also moved to the area and they all work together at the same firm!  Carin enjoys Pinterest and of course ANYTHING Disney!

Save Big This Spring at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

It's no secret that I have absolutely LOVE the Disneyland Resort Hotels.  To me, nothing beats staying RIGHT in the middle of the magic not to mention the exclusive guest perks, intricate theming, over the top pools, and unparalleled service that only Disney can provide!

Disneyland Hotel (Courtesy of Disneyland News)

Well, as of today, guests booking a 2-night stay at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels can Spring into Savings with an incredible offer.  You can begin booking today for stays between April 7th and May 22nd (booking window for this offer ends April 27th) to receive up to 20% off most Sundays through Thursdays and up to 15% off most Fridays and Saturdays.

This SPRING is the PERFECT time to visit the Disneyland Resort, and with this incredible offer, you and yours can enjoy a multi-day stay which will enable you really take in all of the magical offerings available at the Happiest Place on Earth.

While you're there, be sure to check out the all new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park where you can meet your favorite Princesses in an immersive experience unlike any other, and of course, you won't wanna miss Cars Land and Radiator Springs over at Disney California Adventure!

Offer Details

Save 20% on a 2-night stay — most Sunday through Thursday nights 

Save 15% on a 2-night stay — most Friday and Saturday nights

Booking Dates: March 12 through April 27, 2013

Arrival Dates: April 7 through May 22, 2013

Additional Information

Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for a two (2) night stay between April 7, 2013 and May 22, 2013 when booked from March 12, 2013 through April 27, 2013; 20% savings based on most Sunday through Thursday nights and 15% savings based on most Friday and Saturday nights. Travel must be completed by May 24, 2013. Offer is not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Advance reservations required. Check for offers on different lengths of stay. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

DGTG Traveling in Style: My "Go To" Luggage Picks for your next #Disney Vacation

This Polyvore creation was inspired by the Disney Social Media Moms Conference
which will be taking place this May at the Walt Disney World Resort.
I thought this would be the perfect time to share my favorite Disney-inspired
 luggage options since I, along with many other luck bloggers, be packing up
and heading to the conference in a few short months.

I have included pieces from Disney Store, Heys Luggage, Dooney and Bourke,
and Le Sportsac and can personally testify to the quality of each brand since I own
 at least one piece from each.  I actually purchased the Mickey Block Heys set below
 just before the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in 2011 and I still use this
luggage for every trip! It's holding up great!  I also own the Dooney and Bourke
Weekender, a carry-on sized wheelie from Disney, and a Le Sportsac "it's a small
world" cosmetic bag.  It's fun to travel in Disney fashion and these pieces are all
conversation starters as well.

Which pieces are on your GO TO luggage list?

Disney Go To Girl: Traveling in Style 

It's Gonna Be a Runner's Night Out at This Year's #runDisney Wine and Dine Half Weekend

Registration is now open for RunDisney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend which is slated to take place November 8-9, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Resort. This year promises to be the ULTIMATE Runner's Night Out with several special events taking place both before and after the main event.

As you may have noticed, I have definitely caught the RunDisney bug (Tinkerbell Half Marathon Recap...anxiously awaiting the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland and my second Tower of Terror 10 miler at Walt Disney World this Fall) and this race weekend, which features a nighttime Half Marathon passing through three theme parks followed by a finish line party at Epcot where racers and their guests can sample food and wine from around the world while enjoying select attractions, sound like the perfect mix to me... Food, Wine, Running, and Disney... can't beat that can you?

Photo Courtesy of Disney Sports News

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Highlights:

• 13.1-mile course through Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World® Guests staying at Event Host Resorts
• Family Reunion Area with entertainment and characters
• Exclusive after hours Finish Line Party at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival for participants

Not quite ready for a 13.1 mile Half Marathon?  Hakuna Matata! Mickey's Jungle Jingle 5K is the perfect  speed for runners and walkers alike who wish to join in the runDisney fun at a more fun and relaxing pace!

Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K Highlights:

• 5K course through Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
• Disney Characters and entertainment on-course
• Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

And don't forget about the little runners in your group!  There's even the perfect race for the smallest Mousekerunners with the runDisney Kid's Races of Wine and Dine weekend:

runDisney Kids Dashes Age Groups

• 12 months and under - Diaper Dash for crawlers
• 1-3 years old - 100m dash
• 4-6 years old - 200m dash
• 7-8 years old - 400m dash
• One Mile Run - Open to all children 13 years old & under

Disney Parks Moms Panelist Lori L.
(Photo Courtesy of Disney World News)

Planning to attend runDisney's Wine and Dine weekend, or any other runDisney event, but not sure where to begin planning?  Be sure to visit my friend (fellow panelist) and runDisney specialist on the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Lori!  She's always there to provide the best insider info around and can help you tailor a magical runDisney weekend.

It seems like there's a runDisney race for everyone!  Which is your favorite!?

Official Press Release via Disney Sports News:

Runners can now register for this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, Nov. 8 -9, by going to www.rundisney.com.

More than 20,500 runners are expected to register for weekend races, including 14,000 for the nighttime half marathon, increasing the number of registered runners for runDisney races in 2013 to more than 175,000 – a single-year record for runDisney, which has seven event weekends. Last year more than 125,000 runners competed in runDisney’s seven event weekends at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The 13.1-mile Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon course takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. After crossing the finish line runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 am (friends and family must purchase party ticket for entry). The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’. New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters.

In addition, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend features therunDisney Kids Races, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and the half marathon which starts at 10 pm at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

There’s also Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such as runDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus. Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.

To register for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot,visit www.runDisney.com.

Theme Park Threads Thursday: Disney Rock Star (Better late than Never)

I know I promised you guys a Theme Park Threads post each Thursday, but I was down at Disneyland for a special Fantasy Faire Media Preview and just made it home today!

This week's look has lots of bling so I'll call it Disney Rock Star!  It features a cute, custom rhinestone tank from Etsy, a flowy maxi skirt from Target, and the most AMAZING sandals EVER:  The new Yoga Slings from Sanuk!  I have also thrown in a few of my favorite accessories including Electric Sunglasses, and a Disney themed LeSportsac Bag.  Enjoy!

DGTG's Theme Park Threads: Disney Rock Star 

LeSportsac cross body handbag
disneystore.com

Dangle hoop earrings
disneystore.com

Hair accessory
disneystore.com

Sanuk Yoga Sling Flip Flops for Women | Sanuk
sanuk.com

maxi skirt at Target
target.com

Disney Rocks Bling T Shirt Custom Team School and by andriabrooke
etsy.com

Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins Join in the Fun at Disney California Adventure and Hollywood Studios

Well, as Mommy to a 5 year old you can bet that Disney Channel is our favorite television station and it is, in fact, one of the few channels that we ever watch.  While my little one absolutely LOVES all of the Disney Junior programming, I must admit that my husband and I can often be caught watching the likes of Good Luck Charlie, Shake it Up, and Austin and Alley... ahem... with our daughter of course ;).

Photo Courtesy of Disneyland News

My daughter is completely captivated by two of the newer Disney Junior shows, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the first and we are so excited that both of these leading ladies will be taking a place in the Disney Junior Live on Stage! show at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort!  Both Doc and Sofia will be joining other Disney Junior "stars" including Jake the Neverland Pirate and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang and we couldn't be more excited.  The show was also updated at Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort and reopened on February 15th so guests there can already enjoy the new show!

Guests will be able to experience the all new Disney Junior-Live on Stage! show at California Adventure beginning March 22nd and I know my daughter is extremely excited to see all of her favorite Disney Junior characters take the stage in this colorful and entertaining show featuring fun music and lively puppets!  This show is a must do for all families with younger children and you can usually find a few Disney Junior characters along Hollywood Boulevard prior to showtime so have those autograph books and cameras handy!

A First Look Inside Disneyland's Fantasy Faire Before the Grand Opening

The Happiest Place on Earth just KEEPS getting Happier! Today, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend a special Media Preview of Disneyland's brand new Fantasy Faire which opens to the public on March 12th.  If you haven't heard, Fantasy Faire is an enchanted storybook village situated in the shadow of Sleeping Beauty Castle.  This enchanted new area will serve as the new meet and greet home for Disney's Princesses including Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Belle.

Guests of Fantasy Faire will not only have the chance to meet with the princesses in the charming and magical environmental of Royal Hall, but will also be able to enjoy two exciting and hilarious stage shows in Royal Theatre.  The tales of Rapunzel and Belle are retold throughout the day by the comical duo Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style storytellers similar to those from Renaissance days.  Rapunzel and Belle join the talented cast during their prospective shows and will remain in the audience to meet with guests following the performances.

One of the first things you'll notice as you enter Fantasy Faire is the amount of great detail that has gone into the design.  Today I truly felt as if I'd walked into a fairy tale village like those from my childhood storybooks.  After walking a gorgeous, winding path leading up to the entrance of Royal Hall, you'll notice those magical little touches that the Imagineers added to help enhance this amazing and immersive experience.

Look closely and you might just catch a glimpse of Geppetto's cat Figaro as he snoozes on window ledge.  Watch for a while as he is awakened and comes to life which is a great surprise for unsuspecting guests.  Another beautiful enhancement is Clopin's Music Box, an interactive mechanical toy which represents the Feast of Fools from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  The beautiful artwork inside of the music box moves to and fro as you turn the crank.  Be sure to listen for the beautiful tune. Finally, serving as the centerpiece of the Fantasy Fair Courtyard is the Tangled Tower which is a beautiful and ornate stone sculpture inspired by Disney's Tangled.  You can even see Rapunzel, herself looking out over the village and at night her hair, which twists around the tower, comes to life with twinkling lights.

And a royal day at Fantasy Faire could not be complete without a sweet drink or Pastry Twist from Maurice's Treats.  Today we had a chance to sample the Boysen Apple Freeze and the Chocolate Twist, and let's just say there wasn't a bite or drop leftover!  There's a great view of Sleeping Beauty Castle from Maurice's Treats cart, so be sure to savor the view before your savor your goodies!

Lovely view from within the walls of Fantasy Faire.

And on the way out, don't forget to stop into Fairy Tale Treasures for the finest goods in all the land!  From Princess gowns to tiaras and autograph books, this is your one stop shop for all things "royal."  Today my little one entered as a typical 5 year old and left a PRINCESS!

Princess Fantasy Faire is a truly magical and immersive experience for Disneyland guests of all ages.  The village itself is intricate and beautiful, the shows are perfect for the little ones but will keep the young at heart entertained as well, the princess interaction is priceless, Maurice's snacks are super tasty, and there's something for every prince and princess at Fairy Tale Treasures!  Be sure to visit Disneyland and Fantasy Faire soon to experience the enchantment for yourself!  Fantasy Faire opens March 12th.



**Disclosure: I attended this behalf as part of my Disney parks Moms Panel position. All opinions are my own.

It's ON! Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration, The Happiest Conference on Earth #DisneySMMoms

Today was the most pixie dusted day imaginable!  I woke up to a beautiful SoCal morning in my bed at the Grand Californian and then prepared to head to Disneyland for a special preview of the all new Fantasy Faire attraction!  As I was sitting in Royal Hall enjoying the fantastic Belle stage show, I saw it!!!  THIS:

This totally surprising invite means that I will be headed to the Walt Disney World Resort for a special Social Media Conference in May... wait... who am I kidding?  This is the MOST Magical conference of them all!  This year's conference will take place May 9-12th over Mother's Day weekend and I can't think of a better way to celebrate!  This year, Disney's Contemporary Resort will play host to the conference and attendees are in for a weekend of sessions with some of the most influential members of the social media community as well as special events, yummy food, and lots of fun set amidst the backdrop of Walt Disney World! Is it May yet?

Follow Me as I Preview Disneyland's Fantasy Faire

Photo Courtesy of Disneyland

Today is a GREAT Day!  I am in Disneyland preparing for TODAY'S special preview of Disneyland's brand new Fantasy Faire attraction which opens to the public March 12th and I'm taking you with me.  Please follow along on this very exciting day by checking out my DisneyGoToGirl Instagram Feed as well as my Facebook Page, then check back for a recap and videos here in DisneyGoToGirl.com.  I will also be tweeting to the #FantasyFaire hashtag on Twitter so please join in the conversation!

I know many of you will be in town next week for the premier and official grand opening, so please feel free to send me comments and pictures of your experience!  I will be posting them to the Disney Go To Girl Facebook page!

Disneyland Annual Passholders Can Catch Exclusive First Glimpse of Fantasy Faire Before the March 12th Opening

Princess Fantasy Faire will open to Disneyland on March 12th, but thanks to Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic, Disneyland Annual Passholders will have the opportunity to experience this brand new attraction before it opens to the public.

Photo by Disney™

Previews will take place March 7, 8, and 9th between the hours of noon and 6 pm but each registered passholder will be limited to a two hour window to enjoy the new offerings of this Fairy Tale Village.  Registration for this special event will begin at 10:30 am on the day of the event and will involve wristband distribution.  You must register in person at the entrance to Frontierland and each member of your group must be a valid Annual Passholder.  Please have your Annual Pass and ID out and available for the assisting Cast Members to expedite the process!  Space for this event is limited, so I advise arriving early to increase your chance of being admitted to the preview of Fantasy Faire.

Once you have registered, you'll need to return to Fantasy Faire during your assigned time slot.  No accommodations will be made for those who miss their window.

This is just one of the many perks of becoming a Disneyland Annual Passholder and with Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic going on this year, there's never been a better time to buy and Annual Pass!  Take a few moments to browse the available Annual Pass options. With several options to choose from, you might find the perfect fit for your family!