In case you forgot, the time has changed! All clocks moved FORWARD an hour at Midnight. While usually we sigh over the lost sleep, this year I'm trying to put a positive thought on it! this means you are one whole hour closer to vacation!! Where are you going this year? I hope it's to the House of Mouse! 

There's a new Disney Dining Plan option, and it might be a good fit for some families. 

This new plan is a happy medium between the Standard Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe. If you'd like a little more flexibility in your dining options, and a little less food, this might be for you! 

Whereas the Deluxe plan is three meals a day, and the Standard one table service and one quick service meal a day, the new Disney Dining Plan Plus, is two meals a day, your choice of quick service or table service.  

Like the other plans, two snacks a day and your refillable resort mug are included. Priced in the middle, this new plan is $94.61 for ages 10 and up per night, and $35.01 for ages 3-9. 

With several new quick services opening with an above average menu, like the Regal Eagle in Epcot, you might might this a good fit for your family. With two meals a day it's easier to space out so you don't feel so full and sluggish, but you can still enjoy two table service meals a day if you like, including the perks that some may have, like meeting characters or special show seating. 

​What do you think? Is this a plan you might try? 

Though our hearts belong to Pop Century, no trip is complete without a stroll through Art of Animation's Radiator Springs! From the cute signs, to the Cozy Cones and of course, Lighting McQueen and all of his friends, you truly do feel like you've stepped right onto Route 66. 

Grab your Disney mug, fill it with something refreshing, and join us on a mini tour! No sneakers required! 

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Are you ready to buy a few postcards to send to your friends? Both Cars and Humans are welcome here at the Cozy Cone as long as there's a vacancy! (Sadly, the postcards aren't really for sale) 

Do you have a favorite Car? We love Mater, and of course, Lightening! 

If you've ever looked down while walking around in the the Dumbo area of Magic Kingdom, chances are you've seen the above picture. Those aren't real peanuts (whew, for us food allergy folks! and a heads up so you don't get a shock your first visit) but a clever detail and a bit of Imagineering. You'll also find animal tracks, hidden mickeys and more hidden in the concrete at Disney World! All created with intent! 

 

A few years back, we tracked down a secret portal inside of a fire place. As soon as my youngest touched his magic key to it, a Disney villain appeared, and started casting magic spells at us. Other guests, who had been sitting at various tables with their lunch gasped, and started shouting in excitement. They had not learned what secrets were hidden thoughtout Disney's Magic Kingdom, when you know where to look! 

​Disney's Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is a fun game, totally free because it's included in your park tickets. Here's how to play. 

​To start your adventure, you'll need to visit the fire station on Main Street. Each person who wishes to play will tap their magic band on a key shaped device, and a Cast member will give you a quick tutorial. Each person will be given 1 package of cards, for free. You can get a package of cards each, once per day at Magic Kingdom, at either the fire station, or near Liberty Square, there is a Cast Member there with the packages of cards. 

You'll also be given a map, and sent on your way to battle across all of the Magic Kingdom! You'll follow your map, looking for the seemingly ordinary places around the Magic Kingdom, but as soon as you spy one of these, the magic begins! 

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​The only bad thing about this game, is sometimes you will have a few people in front of you wanting to play. In addition, it can be tough for siblings to take turns, because it's so much fun, they don't want to share.

​We usually just play as we go, and there are multiple adventures you can do, it's random, but all together they lead up to one big story if you want to do it. We've never done more than two parts, we just don't have the time to spend on it, but on a long trip, it's something that might be really fun to do. 

The artwork on the cards is beautiful, and they are a fun and free souvenir and keepsake! Accessories for the game used to be sold in Frontierland, but last time we were there, they didn't have anything but binders for the cards. 

Give this game a try next time you go! It's fun for all ages!!