Tips for Keeping your Valuables Safe During your Disney Vacation ~ By Tamara Botzum

Published July 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Safety First ~ A Guest Post by Tamra Botzum

Upon hearing of the struggles a friend is going through after theft of some items in her hotel room in October of 2012, I feel it’s time to think about what one should and should not do when vacationing.

Don’t tell people on social networking sites where you are going or when. Having a status message like this can open your home to being robbed while you are on that fabulous Disney Cruise. If you have an enthusiastic travel agent, ask him or her nicely not to post your vacation plans. If you are polite, your agent should not take offense to maintaing your privacy. Feel free to brag about your vacation when you return home!

Posting photos online from your mobile devices can also give others a clue that you are not home. Photos are often tagged with a location. Status messages also can disclose where you are at the time, too. Remember, you are on vacation, you can leave the social networking alone for a bit.

Do you need insurance? Check with your homeowners and car insurance policy if you are covered for theft. You may be surprised what they will cover! If you rent your home, check your renters insurance. If you feel you need travelers insurance, you needn’t buy it from where you booked your vacation. Instead, try a third-party insurance company like insuremytrip.com. You may even save some money!

Oh my, your daughter wants to bring her iPad mini, your son wants to bring along his iPod, and you are just dying to use that brand-new digital camera! It is a good idea to write the serial numbers down for each device you will be taking on your trip. Take a photo of them, too. Keep that information in a safe location at home. This includes your cell phones, too.

Take only the credit cards you will use and make a copy of them before you leave on vacation. Make a copy of your drivers license, too. Keep the copies and serial number information in a secure location. My first choice is a safe deposit box at a bank. They come in a variety of sizes and the rental period is usually for a year. If you must keep this important information at home, get creative. One example, is keeping your information behind some photos hanging on your wall. Just don’t forget where you hid them.

When you are on vacation, take precautions there, too. Use the safe in your room. Sure, those room safes are not known to be spacious, but it’s far better than having that new iPad stolen. Also be sure to lock your door when you are in your room. If you don’t want housekeeping in the room, be sure to use the DO NOT DISTURB sign. You can request extra towels and toiletries from housekeeping.

If you are using public wifi, be extra careful. Try not to check your banking or shop online when using public wifi unless you are absolutely certain you are not in a public area and the wifi is secure. Chances are, that Amazon item you saw on your iPad app while lounging at the pool can wait until you get home. You can never be too certain who is watching when you are busy looking at your smartphone.

Ahh jewelry. I really love jewelry. Try to resist the temptation of wearing expensive jewelry when on vacation. Keeping your jewelry in a safe deposit box is a great place to keep them when away from home. This is the time to wear the funky and colorful jewelry you know you have! You may even find some new jewelry while on vacation.

I hope you have found this article interesting and insightful. We envision our vacations to be perfect, and with a little extra preparation and some diligence, you CAN have a perfectly stress-free vacation! Do you have any additional tips on how to stay safe? Please let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!

~Tamara

Tamara Botzum is a recent graduate of The Disney College of Knowledge and is happily selling Disney travel through CruiseDirections.com.

Tamara and husband Spencer have visited Walt Disney World over eight times so far. Their first trip together was in 2006. They have also visited Disneyland twice. When Tamara is not selling Disney vacations, she enjoys reading, interacting with Disney friends on Facebook, traveling, writing short stories and crafting.

Disney Tip to Help Customize Your Celebration

Published July 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Who says you can’t get anything at Disney for free? Disney is a great place to celebrate any occasion and make magical memories! If you are in the parks and want everyone to know what you’re celebrating – stop by a Vacation Planning Booth, or Guest Services to pick up your celebration button! The best part is – they are absolutely FREE! If you are staying at a Disney resort – just ask for a button when you check in. You may receive special treatment or surprises if you wear it proudly throughout the day. Buttons may vary – but right now they have different ones for your birthday, anniversary, family reunion, happily ever after and more!

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For lots more Disney World “Secrets” click here! Have you ever worn a celebration button at Disney? What were some fun things that happened on your special day?

World Secrets: Has a Pirate Been Here?

Published June 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

STEP UP, ME ‘EARTIES, YO HO!

Sometimes you need only to look down to see some Disney World Secrets!

When you exit many attractions throughout the Magic Kingdom, you step upon a moving walkway. Normally that there are footprints painted on the walkway to indicate which direction you should go. Next time you depart from your boat, look at the “footprints” Disney Imagineers placed on the moving walkway as you exit the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The single boot print followed by a small circle are the markings belonging to a peg-legged pirate!

Oh, by the way, have you seen the Mermaids?

New Options Available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirate’s League

Published June 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Mermaids, pirates and princesses rejoice! There’s even MORE pixie dust coming your way!
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Beginning June 24th, guests visiting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace Orlando have the opportunity try the “Sofia the First” transformation experience.

They are calling the new feature the “perfect-in-purple package”. It includes “Sofia the First” hair styling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, and an assortment of delicate accessories including a crown and hair bow that’s sure to bring out the inner “Sofia” in every girl!

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The Pirates League in Magic Kingdom has added a “Mermaid Deluxe Package” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package” to their portfolio. These deluxe style packages will include favorite elements from the ever-popular “Mermaid” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” packages (which will still be available), but with a few new additions and twists! The Mermaid Deluxe Package includes Luminous Mermaid Make-up and make-up palette, Mermaid Hairstyle with Color Changing Hair Clip, Distinctive Mermaid Necklace, Nail Polish, Mermaid Sash, plus a special mermaid costume T-shirt and tutu!

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“The Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Deluxe Package includes a Jake Bandana with faux hair, sword and sheath, The Pirates League Bag, a unique pirate coin necklace, plus a Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume T-shirt to complete the overall look!

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If you are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, I’d recommend that you book your experience today, as space will fill up fast. Click here to see our idea for an alternate plan if you can’t get in!

For Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique call:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at World of Disney inside Downtown Disney Marketplace – 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

For The Pirates League call:
The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom – 407-WDW-CREW (407-939-2739)

How to get a Princess Makeover when the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is fully booked!

Published June 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Here is an awesome World Secret I learned from Ramon at Theme Park Concierges! Have you ever tried to get your little Princess an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – only to find out that they are completely booked? It’s happened to many guests I am sure – but there IS an alternative that can be just as magical and fun – with a location that can’t be beat if you are enjoying a Princess Tea or maybe dinner with Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare! By the way, did you know 1900 Park Fare dinner is the only character meal at Walt Disney World where you can meet Prince Charming? It’s true, and now, even if the Boutique is booked…you have another option to get your little Princess all dressed up to meet him.

***Update – January 2015!! The salon is now offering Perfectly Prepared Princess packages that include crowns!***

Prices start at $50 for princess hairdo, glitter and a tiara; add a little princess glow make-up for $25 more. Option three includes hair, and a light nail polishing for $90. Kids ages 4-12 can get The Perfectly Prepared Princess Package! This is available at Ivy Trellis, Coronado Springs Casa de Belleza Beauty Salon and at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort Ship Shape Salon. Don’t forget that a 20% gratuity is added to every service. Call Ivy Trellis at 407-824-1679 for more information.

Here is the secret place!

Ivy Trellis Beauty and Barber Shop – located inside the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World! It is truly a hidden gem! As a bonus, it is even possible that your Princess will enjoy more special attention and a quieter atmosphere than she would at the Boutique. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post to see examples of the finished product.

You will find Ivy Trellis on the 2nd floor – in the main building, near the the Monorail. They have been known to take walk-ins but appointments are strongly encouraged. The hours of operation are normally 9:00AM-6:00PM.

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I stopped in and spoke to Robin McKenna – Master Cosmetologist at the salon for these tips on how you can make this appointment extra magical for your Princess.

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First give them a call at the salon at 407-824-1679 or 407-824-3000 (for the Grand Floridian) and ask for the Flower Girl Bundle plus makeup – and explain you are scheduling a Princess makeover for you little one. This will cost about $50 and they will add a 20% gratuity. Payment will be due after the service is provided.

Second, go to your local beauty supply store or website and order a hair extension if you would like. The salon will not have these available – you must bring your own if you want one to be used. Click HERE to see an example of styles and pricing on the hair pieces to give you an idea. The salon has makeup but you will need to bring your own glitter if you want your Princess to really sparkle. If you don’t have time to plan ahead, you may be able to find hair extensions, ties and hair clips at Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. They also have the means to do over-all pixie dusting at the Downtown Disney boutique (for free) after the makeover is complete. The Harmony Barbershop on Main Street inside the Magic Kingdom also may have pixie dust available to sprinkle.

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Last is taking care of attire, shoes and accessories. You can get wonderful home-made gowns from Etsy.com, or even make your own if you plan ahead. Upon arrival at Walt Disney World, you can try Hollywood Studios Character Warehouse, Downtown Disney’s World of Disney Store, Mouse Gear in Epcot, or the gift shop in the Contemporary resort. Animal Kingdom’s Island Mercantile has been know to carry some Princess attire as well – including Pocahontas!

The most simple solution however is M. Mouse Mercantile. This is the gift shop located right there across from Ivy Trellis Salon inside the Grand Floridian!

I found the cast members inside the gift shop to be VERY helpful!

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