Disney's FREE DINING Offer - Just the facts! (and a little speculation). No hype, just what you need to know.

What is the Free Dining Offer?
Disney's Free Dining Offer is the most buzzed about promotion. If you qualify, you can get the Quick Service Dining Plan (Value Resorts) or the Plus Dining Plan (Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts) for free!

Is Free Dining the best offer for my family?
For many families the Free Dining offer is the best or one of the best promotions. However, it isn't the best for everyone. When you're booked or booking with me I will compare all offers. For many guests staying in Deluxe resorts or Deluxe Villa resorts a Room only percent off discount will result in more savings.

How do I qualify?
1)You must check in on a qualifying date. So if free dining starts on September 5 and your trip is September 4-11 you are not eligible, but if it ends on the 5th and you check in on the 4th, you're golden.

2) You must stay at least 3 nights and you must purchase at least a 2 day ticket with your package.

3) You must stay at a qualifying resort. The following resorts are most likely to be excluded: Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Rooms, Grand Floridian Villas, All 3 bedroom villas, All-Star Movies, Port Orleans French Quarter, and possibly Port Orleans Riverside.

4) There must be availability for your dates. In prior years some popular weeks and resorts have sold out within hours of the announcement.

5) You cannot combine offers. In order to get Free Dining you will pay full price for the room and tickets.

If I do all that will I definitely get Free Dining?
It's never guaranteed. Disney can always make a change and provide a different offer or no offer at all. Also, availability is strictly limited. Disney has a certain number of rooms or each type at each resort so even if there are still rooms available at the resort, there may not be rooms available under Free Dining.

What if I am already booked?
If you are already booked, you can be put under the Free Dining offer subject to availability. Just because you are booked in a room at the Contemporary doesn't mean you are in a Free Dining room so you will need to be changed over. I will change over all of my clients as soon as the discount is released. Since availability is so limited, you may have to change resorts or room types. We can discuss your choices. Many times it's possible to upgrade your resort or room type and still save money!

When is Free Dining typically offered?
Free Dining is typically offered in the fall season from Late August to mid-December. Most of October is usually excluded as is "Jersey Week", which is the first week of November, Thanksgiving week, and the first week of December.

Can I get Free Dining for Christmas week?
Maybe. In past years it has been possible to check in a few days before Christmas and have Free Dining over Christmas.

What if I'm at a Value Resort and I want Plus Dining or I'm at a Moderate or Deluxe and I want Deluxe Dining?
You simply pay the difference to upgrade. You still get the benefits of Free Dining

When is Free Dining coming out?
Despite any rumors you may have read online. We don't know exactly IF or WHEN Free Dining will come out. IF it does, based on past years and this year's release schedule, I expect it to be very soon, probably the last week of April or the first week of May. There may be an advance booking window for Disney Visa members or there may not be.

What's the best way to get Free Dining?
Request your quote today. We'll get you booked and we will discuss your first, second and third choices. If Free Dining is announced, I will make the change for you and let you know about your savings by email!

How do I get a quote?
Use this link. Be sure to choose Jennifer Kern as your agent!
http://www.magicalmomentsvacations.com/#!request-a-quote/c21r1

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Just a tip! A guide to gratuities on your Disney vacation.

"How much should I tip?" "Whom should I tip?" "When should I tip?"

These are questions that come up very frequently when it comes to planning any vacation. Many of the rules here apply to any US destination.

Restaurant Servers:  These hard working folks are probably the first to come to mind when you think about tipping. The standard in most of the United States is 15%+ with many people tipping 20-25% for exceptional service. I recommend that you plan to tip this way for both sit down table service meals, and for buffets. You will likely find your buffet servers are just as hard at work clearing plates and refilling drinks, as they would be at a traditional restaurant.

Note: Tips are not included in the dining plan, so you must factor this into your vacation budget. Note that for parties of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will be automatically included in the bill. If you want to add to it you certainly can, and if the service ends up being unfortunately poor, you may speak to a manager about lowering this amount. A similar rule applies to those using the Tables in Wonderland card for parties of any size.

"Mousekeeping":  Daily housekeeping will clean your room, make the beds, replenish towels and supplies and pick up after you on a daily basis. A customary tip is $1-2 per person per night. Some people max this out at $5/night. 

My recommendation is to leave this in a conspicuous place, such as on the vanity in an envelope or under the tent card which says who has cleaned your room. I also recommending tipping nightly instead of at the end since there is no guarantee that the same person will clean your room each time.

Be careful to NOT leave other money laying around on the top of dressers or nightstands. This could be mistaken for a tip. Crime is hardly rampant at WDW Resorts but it's always better to keep extra money and valuables in the in room safe anyway.

Magical Express, Bell Services, etc:  Anyone who handles your bags should get $1-2 per bag. You may wish to tip the Magical Express driver extra for the ride, but minimally you should tip for bags.

Other:  Sometimes you will be in need of special services, . Concierge may help you get a dining reservation or help solve a problem for you. Customary tip is $5 and up depending on the complexity of the request. If you take a taxi while onsite, a customary tip is 15-20%. If someone calls the taxi for you, you may give him or her $1-2.

Whom to not tip:  Fairy Godmothers-in-training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, group tour guides such as for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and many many Cast members you meet are not allowed to accept tips. Instead, you may acknowledge exceptional service by filling out a comment card at Guest Services.

Tipping is discretionary, but note that some positions, particularly restaurant servers, are paid a lower wage and depend on tips to make up the difference. We all expect Disney magic while we're on vacation, so we should expect to give some in return. From my many, many experiences at Walt Disney World, I find that the staff goes above and beyond and I am more than happy to tip them. You should always factor tips into your overall vacation budget.

Some ways to save on tips: Choose more quick service meals instead of sit down meals.

Carry your own bags to and from your room rather than enlisting bell services. Put the "do not disturb" sign on your door and refuse maid service.  Although you can use any of these tip reduction strategies, I recommend using other savings strategies and letting the Disney cast members do what they do best  - create magic for you and your family. Once you've experienced this magic, you'll definitely want to thank these wonderful pixie dusting cast members!

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to follow me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dreamsdocometruetravel

Or message me for a vacation quote today: dreamsdocometruetravel@gmail.com

Monday Morning Snack Attack: Tigger Tails!

On my recent trip to Disneyland Resort, I made it a pont to try all as much of the West coast only food as I could. On my list was the famous Tigger Tail.

Tigger Tails can be bought at Pooh's Corner in Critter Country only at Disneyland Park!

Made from marshmallows, caramel, white chocolate, milk chocolate and lots of orange sugar, these sweet treats will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. I mean, marshmallow, chocolate, caramel, how can you go wrong, am I right?

Anything covered in sugar and served in the perfect theme park way -on a stick- is fun to eat, and very convenient. I will say that the first bite of this Tigger Tail (pictured) was delicious, but it's definitely toothachingly sweet.

The verdict: Tigger tail is a snack to share. It's delicious but very sweet, so I can't imagine eating the whole thing in one sitting.

If you want all of my vacation tips including the best snacks from coast to coast, follow me on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/dreamsdocometruetravel

Fall Free Dining at Walt Disney World? Here's how to snag the best offer if and when it comes out!

By now many of you may have heard rumors that Disney's popular Free Dining Promotion will be back for fall. The rumors have not yet been confirmed, but you can still put yourself in the best position to grab that discount the moment it is released.

There's no guarantee that Free Dining will be offered this fall. Free Dining has not been offered yet as a public offer in 2013. If it is offered, availability will be limited. Here's how to give yourself the best chance of snagging a deal.

1) Decide on your dates: The current rumor is that if Free Dining is offered, it will be for September. When any promotion comes out, you don't want to have to delay booking the offer because you haven't looked at the family calendar yet.

2) Get a price quote: Get a quote for what your preferred dates are like with and without dining. This gives you an idea of which resort and room category will fit into your budget. Pricing out your package without dining added won't be exact, but it can give you an idea of what your Free Dining package may look like.

3) Book NOW: Yes, you heard me. Book now. Why? Once your dates and room type are in the Disney system, it's MUCH easier to modify that reservation than to start from scratch. If you're working with me as your agent, it also means I'll be automatically modifying your reservation to include the promotion the minute it's available. This is usually well before it is advertised, so you will get a head start. It also means that on that day all I have to do is make a phone call, and save you money. We don't have to go back and forth with quotes and credit card information. The last time a Free Dining promotion came out, the hold times were over 4 hours and some categories were sold out by noon. We don't want to waste ANY time. Remember that your $200 deposit is completely refundable up to 45 days before your vacation so you can get the best access to the promotion with no risk

4) If you have one, make your deposit with a Disney Visa: Disney Visa holders often get an advance booking window to get promotions several days before they are available to the public. Booking with the Disney Visa means that you can get that discount with no fuss or muss, no swapping of credit cards. Just an email saying how much you saved.

5: Make a wish: We're still waiting for an official announcement on this, so let's hope Tink sprinkles some Pixie Dust on us.

To get a quote, or to get started booking your Magical vacation, email me at dreamsdocometruetravel@gmail.com

Some Smart Ways to Save for Your Disney Vacation

We all want to go on vacation, am I right? But we don't all have extra money sitting around to pay for the fabulous trips we envision. Some people save lots of money with extreme couponing. I personally don't have the time and patience for that, but here are some simple steps anyone can follow to save some money to make your Disney Dreams Come True

1) Start a Disney Fund
With so many other things going on, it's hard to set aside money for Disney. I know I find that if I leave money in my checking account, it will somehow get used up, but if I actually put it aside, I magically get by without it. Set aside a savings account, an envelope, a Mickey cookie jar, a mattress, whatever works and physically put your Disney fund $$ into it.

2) Put money into the fund every week
It can be as little as the extra change in your pocket, or as much as an unexpected bonus or birthday gift. If you planned to go out to dinner but decide you would rather use that money for a special meal at Disney World, actually take the money you would have spent and put it in the envelope/jar/mattress. If you got a $10 gas card from a shopping rewards program like I just did, take $10 out of your gas budget and put it in that envelope. The savings add up. If you're worried you might spend the cash in a moment of weakness, buy Disney gift cards and put them into the envelope, which brings us to #3.

3) Buy Disney gift cards using a Target Credit/Debit card to save 5% on your vacation!
Disney accepts Disney gift cards anywhere credit cards are accepted. This includes paying for your actual vacation, but they can also be used for food and souvenirs in the park. Where does Target come in? Well if you have a Target Credit or Debit card you automatically get 5% off all purchases on your statement.(Target Redcard Rewards). If you use your Target card to buy Disney gift cards at Target stores, you'll automatically save 5% on your vacation! Be sure to pay off the balance immediately to avoid interest.

If you have a Kroger where you live, you can also purchase the gift cards there and get fuel points to save big on gas purchases. Put that savings into your Disney fund and buy even more gift cards!

4) Consider getting a Disney Rewards Visa or other rewards credit card.
Depending on which level you get, whether it's the regular fee-free Disney Rewards Visa, or the $49 a year Premier card, you can earn 1-2% back on your qualifying purchases on the Disney Visa. Your rewards can be put on a Disney rewards card, which like a Disney gift card, can be used to pay toward your vacation or to buy anything you need onsite or at the Disney Store. There are other credit cards with higher percentages on rewards, but the Disney Rewards Visa has some other key benefits such as 0% interest for 6 months on qualifying vacation packages, savings on tours, and Disney merchandise purchases, advance booking opportunity for some promotions and more. Many Disney fans put all of the household bills on the Disney Visa and then pay it off each month to rake in the maximum points.

5) Be a savvy online shopper.
Many people shop online for convenience and savings. With just a few extra clicks, you can be on your way to BIG savings without much effort.

ALWAYS go through a cash back site like EBATES when you're doing your shopping. Not only can you get a percentage of cash back from online retailers, but there are also coupons available exclusively for ebates members. I've gotten over $800 in cash just for buying exactly what I'd already planned to buy. All I had to do was click through ebates.

You should also ALWAYS search for coupon codes when shopping online. Sites like Retailmenot.com have many coupon codes. You can also just do a google search for the site you want to shop and "coupon code" or "promotional code". This is another way I've managed to save hundreds of dollars with just a few clicks.

Where have you found ways to save for your Disney vacations? Is there an online site or shopper rewards program that has fed your Disney fund? Let me know in the comments!

For more information about how to get the most for your Disney dollars, email me at dreamsdocometruetravel@gmail.com or visit my page  at http://www.facebook.com/dreamsdocometruetravel
or Request a FREE no obligation Quote. Select Jennifer Kern as your agent.

Five Disney Tips That Also Apply to Life

Photo by Tom Bricker at Disney Tourist Blog

1) If everyone is going to the right, you should go left. Veer away from the crowd and you may get to your destination faster.

At Disney World there are often two queues for each cash register, two ways to go for each ride. It may feel safer to follow the herd (usually going to the right), but if you dare to break from the crowd, you'll be rewarded with a shorter wait time.

Similarly, in life, it may seem like the way everyone is doing things is the right way. Don't be afraid to take your own path. It's probably the better one for you.

2) Get Up Early

At Disney World, you'll miss out on hours of riding your favorite rides with short lines if you don't get there in time for park opening, or rope drop. How about your life? How many opportunities are missed by hesitating? When you know you want something, get up, go for it, and be first in line.

3) Take Small Children by the Hand

And as the jokes goes, they don't even have to be YOUR children. Just like taking your children's hands at Disney World keeps them close and safe, so you don't lose them, every day we need to remember the little ones in our lives who look up to us, who need to be kept close and safe. Think of all we can gain every day by pointing out the wonders of the world to little ones and experiencing them again through a child's eyes.

4) Stop and smell the roses

Discussing Disney World with many people over many years I always hear that people can have taken several trips to Disney World, even dozens, and have missed all of the small details. At Disney World, stop to pull Indy's Rope, take a stroll through the English garden at EPCOT, or just sit on a bench enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and all of the joy around you. Just like a Disney vacation seems to go by in an exhausting whirlwind, how many of our weeks seem to go by as a blur? Spend some time each day appreciating the season, the color of the sky, the scent of clean laundry, your spouse's smile, or the precise age your child is. He'll never be this age again, and neither will you. Enjoy it!

5) You can't do it all

I've been to Disney World many, many times and I have seen many things, but I have not seen every attraction, beaten every mini golf hole, nor eaten at every restaurant, nor will I, and that's ok.

Your vacation is most enjoyable when it's not a long checklist, and so is life. Both are best enjoyed when you appreciate the moment you're in. Maybe I'll never ride Astro Orbiter, or be an Astronaut, but I'm very happy enjoying the rollercoaster I'm on and the company along for the ride.

Live in the moment

For more information about planning memories to last a lifetime, email me at dreamsdocometruetravel@gmail.com or visit my page a thttp://www.facebook.com/dreamsdocometruetravel