Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

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My Noom Life

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Twenty-seven days and counting until we head for Florida and Walt Disney World. As the days creep forward, I become more and more convinced that I have GOT to do something to prepare myself for all the walking at WDW. Even using an Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV), I will still need to walk to and from bus stops, and to and from the EVC rental locations. So…I am spurred to make sure I am walking for 15-30 minutes straight each day until we vacay.

Also to that end, I joined Noom this week. Here’s part of what they say about themselves from their Facebook page:

Mission
We help people around the world enjoy healthier lives through better nutrition and exercise.
General Information
Let’s get social!

Noom Blog:
noom.com/blog

Instagram:
http://instagram.com/noom

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/noomcoach

Pinterest: 
http://pinterest.com/noomcoach/

Intro to Noom Weight Loss Coach Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bDhsyI0qeWY&noredirect=1

Products
Noom Coach, Noom Health, Noom Walk, Noom CardioTrainer
It is a calorie based program broken into three categories: green foods, yellow foods and red foods. The categories are based on calorie density and/or highest concentrations of healthy nutrients. They are quick to explain that “red doesn’t mean bad and green doesn’t mean good. Red foods simply raise a red flag for foods that contain a lot of calories without filling you up.”
There is also an exercise portion of the program which I have been too sedentary to qualify for yet. But I am working (walking) toward qualifying.
Since my stroke a year ago last April I had lost 65+ pounds, but I have been stuck there, and had even gained 5+ pounds back. This is what prompted my choice to sign up for Noom. I really like that it is making me more aware of portion sizes, and of what I’m actually putting into my mouth. I’ve been on the program for a week now and have taken off five pounds. The absolute hardest part for me is weighing myself every day. Gosh! I hate that part! Hopefully, it is teaching me how our weight naturally fluctuates on a daily basis.
More on this as we go. Meet me at the Kingdom.
Donna
P.S. It is a glorious Fall day here in Lake Bluff today. Hooray!
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Electric Conveyance Vehicles at WDW

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Gosh! There are only 28 days until we get to vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. I continue to break in my two pairs of walking shoes, so I will be a bit more prepared for days traveling to and from the Disney Parks. Today’s featured photo is me after my walk today. It sure does poop me out! But I definitely have more energy for the rest of the day.

I will rent an EVC. Here’s some of what Disney has to say about them:

If Guests require assistance, Electric Conveyance Vehicles are available for rent at all Walt Disney World theme and water parks as well as Disney Springs.

Price

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

  • Daily: $50
  • A refundable $20 deposit is required at this location

Daily Rentals are transferable between all locations. You pay just once for the day.

When Leaving Your Location
ECVs may not be removed from the destination where they were rented. When exiting your location, simply return your ECV to the rental counter to receive your deposit. If you’re at Disney Springs, your deposit will be returned at this time. If leaving one theme park and visiting another, present your rental receipt with your deposit to secure another ECV, if available.

Know Before You Go

  • ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservations are not accepted, and quantities are limited. Please plan to arrive early.
  • Guests must be 18 years of age to rent ECVs. A photo ID is required.
  • The maximum weight is 450 pounds. ECVs are not designed to hold more than one person.
  • You are welcome to bring and use your own ECV throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Pretty straight forward, hey? The kids and Mike can walk rings around me, and an EVC helps me to keep up. Even prepping for vacation is fun. 🙂

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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Magical Mail On Its Way

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In just 29 days I will go to Walt Disney World. I’ve been working on this vacation for three years, so I can hardly believe it’s only twenty-nine days away!

Yesterday I received a very exciting email from Disney. My Magic Bands have been shipped! So one day next week I will pick up my mail to discover a lovely, Disney box with eight Magic Bands in it: three purple, three gray, one blue and one red. Be still my heart! Anticipation…anticipa-ya-tion is making wait… Thank you, Carly Simon, for that fantastic song! I’ll make sure to print a photo in my blog when they arrive.

This is getting real now, Folks! Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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Magical Mail

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Just 30 days now until we stick the bags in the car and head to Walt Disney World. One month!! Wow!

Yesterday our luggage tags arrived for Magical Express. I can’t even explain how exciting it is to receive that letter! I was over the moon, because it makes it feel so real. I have started packing. Matching family tee shirts-check. Swimsuits and beach towels for the grandbabies-check. Trays for EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival-check. And on and on.

I will be so happy to check our luggage at the airport, and not have to handle it again until it arrives at our villa at Old Key West. And climbing the steps into that Magical Express Bus is indeed a magical experience. I can just exhale. And I can revel in the sight of palm trees and Disney road signs. So fun! I love the smell of sunscreen in the morning…and in the evening, for that matter. I love the sound of the excited chatter on the bus. I love the feel of that warm, humid Florida air, so different from our Chicagoland air that I can even taste it. When that bus turns the last corner, and I see the Old Key West welcoming booth it will be pure bliss.

It’s real now. It’s on track to happen. Hooray! Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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Garden Grocer

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Just 31 days, People! A mere 31 days until we head to Walt Disney World. Today I placed our grocery order with Garden Grocer. It’s a bit expensive, but we had such great luck with them three years ago, that we want to stick with them this time.

One of the benefits of staying at a Disney Vacation Club resort is you have a full kitchen, except for in the studios, which means you can save money by eating some meals in your room. We plan to eat one meal out each day, usually lunch, and we have our other eats in the three bedroom grand villa.

Well…when I placed the grocery order, I put in the wrong date! Instead of entering October 20 as our deliver date, I put in September 20. Yup, tomorrow!! Thank the Lord, I got a call from Jose at Garden Grocer double checking my details. After I was done hyperventilating, Jose fixed my delivery date to October 20. Whew! That was a close call. And thank you, thank you, thank you to Jose and Garden Grocer for checking!

That’s it for today, friends. Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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Online Check-In

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Wow! Only 32 days until our Walt Disney World Vacation! Woo hoo! Whoopee!

That being said, I am a little bit frustrated. The Disney Vacation Club site has been not working as it should for at least three days now. This means I have not been able to complete online check-in at Disney’s Old Key West. As a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) member I am supposed to be able to check-in online up to 60 days in advance. Well, I’m only 32 days away. I have called in the last three days in a row, and so far, no luck. I will persevere, however, it is a bummer! I know I’ve been spoiled by great Disney service, so I feel like a bit of a baby about this. After all, I do still have 31 days to get this done. But geez.

Here’s what the DVC website has to say about Online Check-In:

Online Check-In service is available at select Disney Vacation Club Resorts and Walt Disney World Resort hotels in the Disney Collection. Enjoy a simplified Check-In process when you pre-register online prior to your arrival.

  • Check in 60 days prior to arrival at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
  • Check in 10 days prior to arrival at:
    • Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
    • Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
    • Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi
  • Check in is available beginning 45 days prior to arrival, up to and including the arrival date, at Disney Cruise Line.

Then, if you have opted for Online Check-In and given your cell phone number, you should be able to go directly to your room when you receive a text saying that your room is ready. Otherwise, when you arrive at your Resort hotel, simply head to the Online Check-In Desk where your Welcome Folder will be waiting. Show your valid photo I.D. and you’re on your way!

Man! I love Disney service so much! The cast members are helpful above and beyond. That has been my experience every single time. Am I just lucky, or are they just that good? Disney is known throughout the world for their customer service. So…they are just that good!

This computer problem will be solved, and I will get checked in before we arrive at the resort. So let it be written; so let it be done. Amen!

Meet me at the Kingdom!

Donna

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Initial Packing and Preparing

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Only 33 days to go and I’m flipping out on my way to seeing Mickey!

Today I’ve been digging up suggestions online for packing for Disney World (Thank you to wdwprepschool.com!). What goes into my checked luggage?  What do I need to fit in my carry on?  What will fit in my purse? Today I will put things I’ve purchased in advance into my suitcase. I’ll spend some time thinking about the logistics of what to pack where.

Carry on: swimsuit, extra underwear (always, in case my checked luggage goes missing), meds and vitamins, book for the airplane, laptop and charger, itinerary

Purse: wallet, MagicBands, all Disney cards/tickets (Disney Vacation Club Membership, Disney PhotoPass, 5-day Park Hoppers, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween), photo ID, cell phone and charger, insurance cards, taxi confirmation to the airport

Checked luggage: everything else…clothes, sunscreen, vegetarian chili, aloe, toiletries, taxi confirmation from the airport, day-by-day planner, pain medicine, blister pads, wet wipes

And on and on and on…  I will see my beautiful children and their beautiful spouses and my beautiful granddaughters AND my beautiful spouse all in the same room in just 33 days!  What a blessing that will be!

Readers, thank you so-o-o-o much for following me on this journey.  Meet you at the Kingdom!

Donna

PS: I won! Thanks to magicoftmrw for the exciting win! I won “a bag of goodies and trinkets from the Disney World Resort Parks. PLUS a surprise from this years Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!” See the website below.

GIVEAWAY

And the winner is . . . . .

September 16, 2018

Congrats Donna!! And the winner is…. DONNA!! Congrats:) 🎉🍾🎊🎈 Thank you to everyone who participated!:) Be on the look out for a random giveaways on this blog!! pic.twitter.com/PKqwOGFpY8 — magicoftomorrow (@magicoftomorro1) September 17, 2018

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My Ten Must Dos at WDW

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Only 34 days to go until we travel to Walt Disney World. It is creeping closer and closer. Yay!

Here are the 10 things I am the most excited about for our trip to Walt Disney World in October:

#10 Riding it’s a small world.  It is my favorite ride!!

#9 Celebrating our unbirthdays with “the dip” (see below) and birthday cupcakes.  Woo hoo!  Happy unbirthday to us!

#8 Exploring EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival.  Looking forward to tempting tidbits of tasty treats.

#7 Experiencing Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood and Vine, Halloween Edition for the first time ever.  I mean, Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy in their Halloween costumes! Plus the food looks yummy.

#6 Spending the better part of a day at Disney Springs exploring and shopping.

#5 Eating at Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This is by far my favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World.

#4 Experiencing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween.

#3 Spending plenty of resort time and pool time at Disney’s Old Key West Resort.  It is, seriously, my Happy Place.  When I’m chilling at Old Key West I can actually feel all stress leaving my body.  It is the ultimate in relaxation for me.

#2 Meeting and greeting Mickey at Magic Kingdom. I am so ready to shake Mickey‘s big, white-gloved hand and get a picture with him and my family.

And the #1 thing that I am excited about…Looking at the faces of my husband and children and their spouses and children and spending some quality time together in this beautiful place.  This will be a family reunion extraordinaire!

Meet you at the Kingdom.

Donna

*The dip: In a pie plate spread 8 oz. of cream cheese.  Next sprinkle 6 to 8 cut-up green onions on top.  Then spread a can of No Bean chili on top.  (We usually make a second dip with Vegetarian chili with lots of beans.)  Finally sprinkle 8 oz. of grated cheddar cheese on top.  (We prefer sharp cheddar.  The shaper the better.)  Microwave for five minutes and serve with your favorite chips.  (We usually heat it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes instead, because it seem to hold it’s heat longer.)

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Disney Vacation Club Member

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Now I have only 35 days until heading to Walt Disney World. While there I will be staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. I am a Disney Vacation Club Member, and Old Key West is my home resort. When I check in, I will be greeted, “Welcome, home!” And after all this time, it does feel like home away from home. It is so Florida-looking with palm trees and waterways every little while. It smells like citrus and suntan lotion and vacation. It feels warm and mild and, depending on the time of year, muggy. I love it!

Here’s some of what Disney has to say about Disney Vacation Club:

Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program—or timeshare—that helps you stay close to the magic. As a Member, you can enjoy a more cost-effective way of taking Disney vacations.

Membership & How It Works

To become a Member, you purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort. This is your Home Resort.

Your real estate interest is represented by an annual allotment of Vacation Points. You’ll use your Vacation Points to reserve accommodations in one of the many vacation destinations available to Members.

Vacation Destinations
As a Member, you can enjoy access to accommodations at your Home Resort or another Disney Vacation Club Resort. You can also choose from thousands of other vacation options in destinations around the world.

Home Resort Priority
At your Home Resort, you can take advantage of the Home Resort Priority Period, which allows you to make reservations 11 months in advance. Members who do not have an ownership interest at that Resort can book up to 7 months in advance. (*This is why I held out until I could purchase my points at Old Key West. It is my favorite resort. It has the largest rooms, and the most laid back atmosphere.)

Vacation Points & Booking Flexibility
With more Vacation Points, you can enjoy extra flexibility when planning vacations. If you’re thinking of becoming a Member, you’ll want to consider the number of Vacation Points that’s right for your vacation lifestyle.

Value & Savings

Disney Vacation Club offers value and potential savings on accommodations as you enjoy Disney vacations for years to come.

Value
By becoming a Member, you are locking in today’s purchase price. You can use your Membership to enjoy decades of future stays at Disney Vacation Club Resorts, which feature spacious 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas that offer many of the comforts of home.

Savings
Members can save up to 50% on future Disney Vacation Club Resort accommodations over the life of the Membership.

Why Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Heritage
Disney Vacation Club celebrates the heritage, traditions and values that began with Walt Disney himself. The Disney difference begins with a unique sales approach and continues throughout the lifetime of your Membership—whether you’re on a vacation or planning your next trip.

A Personalized Sales Experience
Enjoy a personalized experience with a knowledgeable Disney Vacation Club Guide—a helpful resource for you as you research Membership. They’re happy to answer any questions you may have about Disney Vacation Club and how it can work for your family.

Disney Vacations
As a Member, you can look forward to magical vacations in Disney destinations. Highlights include:

  • Accommodations at uniquely-themed Disney Vacation Club Resorts designed by Disney Imagineers—with spacious villas that offer many of the comforts of home
  • Convenient proximity to Disney theme parks at most Disney Vacation Club Resorts 
  • Service that exemplifies the Disney standard of excellence

Enjoy the freedom to choose when, where and how often you vacation! As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you’ll receive an annual allotment of Vacation Points (“Points”), which represent your real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort. You’ll use Points to book your accommodations—and you’re never locked in to a specific Resort, time of year, type of accommodations or length of stay.

We go every three years by banking one year’s points and borrowing one years points. That way we have three years of points to use on out vacations. It allows us a bigger space for a longer amount of time.

One of the best things about being a DVC member is you have access to Member Services. I have always had great service from them. But today I ran into a snag. I had emailed them to reserve Magical Express for Jake, Eliza and Linnie. They emailed me back saying they could only help DVC Members, and I was not a member. Imagine my surprise…I’ve been a member now since 2010. So after I calmed down, I called Member Services. The gentleman I spoke with was wonderful. He was able to straighten everything out, and assured me that all was well with my membership status. Whew! It is a 40 year membership, so I figure I have 32 years left on the contract. (I know, I know, I probably won’t live to be 94 years old, but the kids can use it.)

Anyway, I highly recommend membership in Disney Vacation Club. I love it; I use it, I recommend it!

Meet me at the Kingdom!

Donna

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Disney’s Magical Express

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Wow! There are just 36 days to go now until my next trip to Walt Disney World. I booked Disney’s Magical Express for the rest of our travel party today. I love this service! It means you enter a Disney bubble right at the airport, and we plan to stay in that bubble until that same Magical (Tragical) Bus takes us back to the airport eight days later.

I realize this is a genius idea on Disney’s part. It keeps us staying at Disney hotels, and it keeps us on property, rather than heading out to explore other area attractions. I don’t care, and I don’t feel manipulated at all. I love the convenience. In the days before this service existed, it was always a hassle and an extra expense to get from the airport to our hotel and from our hotel to the airport. Now we head for the bus, and our Disney adventure has begun.

Here’s some of what Disney has to say about it:

Start and end your stay with complimentary motorcoach transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, with complimentary luggage delivery. 

Let Us Magically Whisk You Away

Board a motorcoach at Orlando International Airport and we’ll transport you and your baggage to your Disney Resort hotel.

When you reserve Disney’s Magical Express, you can begin your vacation the moment you step off the plane. Domestic passengers can bypass baggage claim and all Guests can avoid the inconvenience and cost of driving or finding ground transportation. With this special benefit of staying at select Disney Resort hotels, you’ll get from the airport to your accommodations in comfort and have your bags delivered directly to your room. You’ll also enjoy a complimentary ride back to Orlando International Airport on the day you check out of your Disney Resort hotel.

Disney’s Magical Express Information and Luggage Tags
After you’ve made your reservation, information about Disney’s Magical Express—including luggage tags—will be mailed to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to your arrival. Please attach Disney’s Magical Express luggage tags to each bag that you plan on checking that you would like delivered to your Resort hotel room.

If you did not receive your luggage tags prior to leaving home and are scheduled to arrive in Orlando between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM, you can simply provide your baggage claim numbers upon arrival at Disney’s Magical Express, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Please Do Not Pack MagicBands in Checked Luggage
Remember not to pack your MagicBands in your checked luggage, as they will be used to check in with Disney’s Magical Express and to unlock your room when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel.

If you have not received your MagicBand, please be prepared to present your Disney’s Magical Express documents (which will be mailed separately to you) to board the motorcoach. You will receive your MagicBand upon arrival at your Disney Resort hotel.

Before leaving home we recommend you view and print a map of Orlando International Airport, including the location of Disney’s Magical Express.

Please have your MagicBand easily accessible upon your arrival at Disney’s Magical Express.

Arrival

Domestic Arrivals
Take the train from your arrival gate to the main terminal. You will be on Level 3. Between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM, head directly to Disney’s Magical Express, located in the Ground Transportation Area on Side B, Level 1. Disney will claim your checked baggage for you and deliver it directly to your Resort hotel room via our luggage delivery service. Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, you will need to claim your own baggage on Level 2.

Guests arriving on Side A of the airport are advised to cross to Side B before proceeding down to Level 1. Upon arrival at Disney’s Magical Express please let us know if you will need assistance boarding the motorcoach.

International Arrivals
Upon exiting your aircraft, you will enter the U.S. Immigration checkpoint. Please have your passport and any required documents available for inspection. After retrieving your luggage, proceed to the Customs checkpoint.

When exiting the Customs area you may keep your checked bags with you to travel on the motorcoach or—between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM—you may use Disney’s luggage delivery service. To take advantage of this complimentary service, simply return your checked luggage to the transfer carousel following the immigration and customs process. Disney will claim your baggage and deliver it to your Resort hotel.

Take the train to the main terminal building where you will arrive on Level 3. Disney’s Magical Express is located on Side B, Level 1. Guests arriving on Side A of the airport are advised to cross to Side B before proceeding down to Level 1. Upon arrival, please let us know if you will need assistance boarding the motorcoach.

Luggage Delivery Between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM

Disney’s Magical Express includes complimentary luggage delivery from Orlando International Airport to your Disney Resort hotel room between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

While you ride the Disney Magical Express motorcoach to your Resort hotel, your baggage will be transported separately and delivered directly to your room.

Be sure to keep any medications, essential items, and valuables with you. Bypass baggage claim in the main terminal and proceed directly to Disney’s Magical Express located on Side B, Level 1. Be prepared to provide your airline baggage claim numbers so Disney can collect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Resort hotel.

Be advised, your luggage will travel separately from you and may take up to 3 hours after you arrive at your hotel to be delivered to your room.

And there is so much more information available at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magical-express.
Meet me at the Kingdom.
Donna

Pilgrimage to better health to meet Mickey. A 14 month Quest.