New to D23 Expo - What a ride!!

So my day started at 6:45AM - Threw myself into the shower and got the little ready to go.. Knowing that I had to beat the traffic on a Saturday Morning in southern California! Gassed up and got there in about 50 minutes.. not bad!



Since this was our first time going - I was a noob or rookie. General Admission tickets are not the way to go!! The floor opened up to D23 members at 9:00am - well that was a big FAIL!!! The Anaheim Convention Center was not very organised and thank goodness the crowds did not get rowdy - lots of complaining (more on that later)



So as we waited to enter the front doors, I made acquaintances with a fellow blogger while Alexis was adamant in throwing her "BaBa" and Blankie at her. Sorry Stephanie!!



Ah yes - we are the move!! Now I am a veteran when it comes to tradeshows and exhibitions and I must admit this was little disappointing. I know "Disney Bloggers" must have media kits and exclusive interviews... but if the show floor opens at 9AM - Everyone gets on the floor at 9AM!! Not 10:30 or 11AM



Anywho on to good stuff!!





In typical tradeshow fashion you go through the fire doors and open your eyes to a whole new world of technology and imagination! Alexis is happy with her 3ft Mickey sitting next to her in her City Mini Double stroller (plug here). We do a quick walk through around the Disney Store, Corporate Pavilion, the Playroom - Wait the Play Room is where Alexis wants out!! Not soon after she hears the click release of her harness - she is off and running! Straight to pull some toys from here and there and then she darts off into the wind.






Happy camper she is! Lightning McQueen is eyeing her and she drops the toys and jumps in. (little Starsky and Hutch action here) She pulls the shifter and spins the steering column.. Meanwhile - mommy is coloring some pages to take home.. Although I love to venture and look for stuff on my own, reading your guide book really helps! I used it to find the bathrooms and food courts.



Many items were on sale from outside retailers, auctions houses and Disney themselves. Travel Agencies, Disney Forums and bloggers everywhere you look. The Carousel of Progress was a great little getaway to see a five minute presentation and current plans for new expansions, rides, parks and the Disney Fatansy Cruise ship!



Fanstayland in WDW is looking amazing - I loved looking at the model alone! There is a "Mine Ride" through where the Seven Dwarfs work.. (really cute) Belle will be have a story telling session and much more.. So much that I will have to reseach it later through my other sources. China is getting a Disneyland Shanghai, Carsland for California Adventure is HOT!!! Can not wait to get to see it in 2012!


Well I need to relax and change the diaper - so off to the Baby Care Center I go.. Up to the 2nd floor of the convention center and in a corner - What do I see a HUGE area for PLAYING!!!! Alexis wants out again and runs off to where she is free. Mary Poppins is on the big screen, private rooms for breastfeeding, a changing area with free diapers - not to bad - especially with a freebie from Disney Baby - free onesie and a teething toy. So we hung out there for about an hour and then did one more round of the show floor before heading home.


I have a new respect fo the Disney Fans that are there! Power to ya'll! If my husband thinks that I am a Disney Addict - he ain't seen nothing yet!! D23 is a great Expo to see other folks, bloggers and the overall community that shares a love for Disney!

What's in your packing list?

Vacationing is great, but packing bags for the whole family is not so fun. Use this vacation packing list to make quick work of packing up the family so you can get on to vacation, without forgetting the toothbrush.

CLOTHING
One casual outfit per day of travel per person (up to 4)
One dressy outfit
One sweater / jacket
Underwear / delicates
Socks
Shoes (athletic, sandal/boot, casual)
Pajamas
Swimwear
Belt
Coat / Hat / Gloves / Scarf

TOILETRIES
Comb / Brush
Deodorant
Shampoo / Conditioner
Hairstyling products
Soap / Face wash
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
Makeup
Razors
Shaving cream
Lotion
Glasses / Contact lens supplies
Personal hygiene supplies
Sunscreen
Nail clippers

MEDICATION
Aspirin / Pain reliever
Cold medicine
Prescriptions

ESSENTIALS
Credit / Debit cards / Cash
First aid kit (travel size)
Camera / Video camera / Charger
Pillow case
Towel
Umbrella / Poncho
Everyday bag (for carrying day items)
Sunglasses
Electrical converter
Travel alarm / Watch
Laundry bag
Cell phone / Charger
Laptop / Charger

DOCUMENTS
Tickets (airplane, train, etc)
Itinerary
Reservations for hotel / Car rental
Directions to hotel
Passport
Identification
Address book
Guidebooks
Map
Travel journal
Lightweight book or magazine to read

AMUSEMENTS
Toys
Notebook / Washable colors
Travel size magnetic board for drawing
Playing / Flash cards
Books
Handheld electronic games
Coloring / Activity books / Pencil
Snacks

Getting there!

Getting there..

Planes, Trains and Automobiles!

Well there are a few choices from California that we could have taken.

Auto was out of the question due to having to stop over very frequently for the baby and finding a hotel each night possibly. Too expensive – fuel was pushing over $4.00 a gallon…

We looked at trains but after Hurricane Katrina – there was too much damage to the train tracks after New Orleans towards Orlando,

My parents did take the train to New Orleans then rented a car to drive on to Florida. They chose a cabin with its own bathroom – which made it very convenient. But being on a train for two days just was not my style even with the amenities. When you are on your way to Walt Disney World – time is of the essence!!

So Plane here we go!!

I had racked up enough frequent flier miles to get my ticket for free.(sales and marketing in a previous life) Alexis was only 8 - 9 months at the time so she was on our lap. The husband’s ticket came out of our pocket.
We opted for non-stop due to baby on board and my husband’s inability to fly much.
After searching everywhere – Orbitz, Expedia… We went with United.

Now if you have never flown with a baby – here is the scoop for flying out of LAX

Due to the fact that we were staying 7 days – that’s a lot of supplies for a infant and even more for Mommy and Daddy trying to make the room comfortable to call home.

I was going to avoid BAGGAGE FEES as much as possible. One bag alone was to carry Alexis’ things going and chances are it was going to be empty on the way back. I decided to ship 5 days of diapers (65) a large can of formula, teething items, burp clothes, some infant clothes, shampoo and body wash, Dawn (to wash her bottles out in the sink), laundry detergent from a local Laundromat (cheaper than on WDW properties). With a baby I knew that we were going to do laundry.
You can ship up to 70Lbs through the USPS. Just under $27.00 to for two boxes! I had sent it to the Caribbean Beach Resort with a delivery confirmation so I that I could track it. Once I knew that our package arrived then I knew what to actually pack. I mailed on Monday and it arrived that Friday and we were leaving on Sunday. Heed of caution – one box was crushed but the contents were fine. I also decided to rent a rocking chair and a stroller in Orlando for Alexis.

Prior to all the packing research, I had to look into the TSA rules. I knew that my baby gear would be scanned – Now having to deal with a 9 month old and a husband who hated to fly – it was all on me to make the security check point as painless as possible. I had Chase hold Alexis and I took out all the identification necessary to pass through. I needed a copy of Alexis’ birth certificate and our driver’s licenses. Meanwhile I had a carry-on bag, diaper bag and a baby carrier.

My diaper bag was considered a carry-on bag! I almost rolled my eyes but then reconsidered – could have been as bad as saying the “B” word on a plane.

Some tips:

• Get there at LEAST 90 minutes before your plane departs
• WEAR Slip-On Shoes or Flip-Flops. Do not put shoes on a baby they will ask you to remove them as well – just keep socks on them.
• DO NOT prepare a bottle of formula before passing the X-Ray – they may test for explosive gases (found that out the hard way)
• Try to keep baby happy… Change the diaper 20 minutes before boarding.
• When changing a diaper on the plane, keep a few gallon size Ziplocs to put the used diapers in – remember the diapers do not flush and you don’t want the diaper to smell up the cabin.
• Have a bottle ready for baby during take off – Cabin Pressure build up can be painful for the little one – suckling will help pop the ears.

For other Travel Smarts – Please check out my page www.citystrollerrentals.com/TravelSmarts

We had chosen to take the Magical Express from the airport with our WDW reservation. Approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure- you will receive the ME boarding passes to and from the airport. You will also be receiving a luggage strip tag per person for your checked bags. If you decide to use them – your bags will avoid Baggage Claim completely and will arrive in your room about 2 to 3 hours after you land.

Very helpful when you land and are a little exhausted from a 5 hour flight not to mention

Knowing your Disney World Budget!

It’s been 11 or 12 years since I last was at Walt Disney World. A very long time for me considering that I was going every year for ten years. Marriage, moving, new job promotions and a baby put a lot on hold. My husband and I were not able to go on a honeymoon or even a mini vacation. Finally a breath of fresh air! I was six months pregnant and I told my boss, ”I am going on vacation in 13 months”. (Maybe it was Disney withdrawals, the hormones raging, or that I just really needed a vacation!) Without missing a beat I went to Walt Disney World’s Vacation Website and ordered the Vacation Planning DVD. I needed to see what had been built and improved over the years. This would also give me the opportunity to show my husband what he would be in store for!!! Not having met my little one yet, I knew Disney could take care of her no matter what! I had for the most part always stayed on the WDW property. Why? If Disneyworld was my only destination (why anyone would go anywhere else?), there is no reason to stay off property. The conveniences and the ease of the transportation are priceless.

Knowing your budget is where you need to start. Walt Disney has many resorts for different budgets which is great!!

To save money; Value Resorts-All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, All Star Movies and POP Century

I only recommend these if you have a large group , such as sports teams, or if you only need a place to shower and sleep. They do not have any sit down dining restaurants, (Something to think about.) and are located farthest from the 4 Parks. I stayed at All-Star Sports in 1998 and it is too small for my family for today. The rooms do not have as much closet or drawer space, and there is only one sink and mirror. Two adults and two children will be able to stay here in comfort, but more than 2 adults may be too much. There were no elevators to speak of that I remembered. So if stairs are a challenge, it is best to request a floor level room. The rooms are brightly colored and a sports theme is carried through out the resort, the room I was in had crayon marking on the walls and I could hear all the surrounding happenings. The pools were always too crowded for me. If you are new to staying on property and your budget conscious you may want to start here. There is a playground, arcade, laundry facilities and a food court with an average price 15.00 a person. Another little tid-bit ; The All Star Resorts are in a different county so they have a higher tax rate.

For those who need a little more room to breath; Moderate Resorts-Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter and Ft. Wilderness Cabins.

I have stayed at both Port Orleans French Quarter (1999) and most recently Caribbean Beach Resort (2010) The Moderate resorts will have at least one sit down dining restaurant and are not as far away from the 4 Parks as the Value Resorts. Carribean Beach or CBR has Shutters for sit down dining and a tasty food court to experience. These rooms not only have more space but a dual sink vanity. YEAH! The beds are better and the décor is just up my alley. While the All-Star Resorts and POP have three or four levels, I loved the Caribbean Beach Resort because it only had two stories and each village surrounds the bay. The pathways are wide and not cramped for walking. There are many villages named after Caribbean islands with their own bus stop. You can catch the theme park buses as well as an internal bus system to get you from village to village. This was helpful because we were in Trinidad South and the grandparents were in Aruba. I could have walked along Barefoot Bay but it was so hot and muggy that I wanted the bus with air conditioning. We opted for the Pirates of the Caribbean Themed rooms (Trinidad South only) and I loved it! The beds are not as comfortable as the normal Finding Nemo themed rooms. Why? The Pirate Ship beds are so high that the mattresses they have are about 5 inches thick and no box spring for support. The village pools were quiet and not many kids, that is because of the cool main pool at Port Royale. This is a fun pool! It is a themed old Spanish fortress, complete with towers, antique cannons (that spout water) and a water slide. So if you are looking for a more relaxing resort that has hammocks, child playgrounds and for those who walk, the stroll around Barefoot Bay is for you. Other amenities are beaches, an arcade, volleyball courts, bike rentals, marina/watercraft rentals, and laundry facilities at each village pool.

For those who have who want to experience a Deluxe Resort-Animal Kingdom Lodge, Board Walk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club and Beach Club, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

These may not be the Disney Vacation Club Villas but they are sure spectacular! The Deluxe resorts are normally located just a hop skip and a jump to the Parks. I stayed at the Grand Floridian in 1997 and it was fantastic. I love the old feel of the 1900’s Victorian. The grand atrium is overwhelmingly immaculate and if you are lucky to see the cockatiels in the lobby they are beautiful. If you can, try to stay at a Deluxe resort once. The monorail and the water taxis make it very easy to get to the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation Center. The rooms are lavish and have a balcony or porch to extend your room space. Deluxe Resorts also have more combinations of rooms to accommodate your party. A choice of sit down dining options, baby and childcare services, pool of course, spa and health club, watercraft rentals, beaches and the possibility of having the best seat in the house to see the fireworks; from your room!!

For more information and updated refurbishments at WDW and new attractions please go to www.waltdisneyworld.com

Universal and King Kong

Today we went to Universal Studios Hollywood (USH), I have always loved the view from the top!. Passing through the front gate makes you feel like a movie star. You walk along the red carpet and you enter a twilight zone. You are suddenly transported to the streets of Chicago and what comes through - Jake and Elwood singing 'I'm a Soul Man". Meanwhile every other visitor is stopped dead in their tracks to start jamming with the cast members. Thankfully my City Mini is able to maneuver quickly and smoothly through the crowds.
My daughter is happy as a clam - being able to sit up and watch all the people and colors... So we come upon Shrek's Village and Donkey is trying to sell pancakes and waffles. Alexis is intrigued so we stop for a while to listen and watch. Still trying to make our way to the famous studio tour tram ride, we see Homer Simpson and family, Fred Flintstone and what I seem to think is a sad excuse for Zorro. Sorry Antonio - you deserve better!

If you have never been to USH, be prepared to handle elevators and escalators. There is an upper level and a lower level. You are allowed to put your strollers on the escalators but you must remove your children to do so. The elevators can be a wait. Fortunately we decided to do the tour first. I took Alexis out and handed her to my husband and I folded the stroller quickly, took the escalator and we were on our way down. Too many unfolded strollers in the way when you get to the bottom of the escalator. We got around the "LOST" tourist, unfolded our stroller and parked it in "Stroller Parking". The wait was about 30 minutes, not to bad..

Got on the second tram cab and sat back and relaxed. This was only my 30th time on the tram but each ride is hardly ever repeated. With movie shoot schedules, break down and set up of facades it really is a working studio lot. Norman Bates, Desperate Housewives, Jurassic Park, Return of the Mummy, many others and of course the new thriller of them all King Kong. We snapped those 3D glasses on quick and held Alexis close.
You are transported to forest island of Kong's home, the snarl, the feel of him breathing so close.. Then we realize that you are not welcomed and so it begins a fight, the tram begins to be tossed back and forth, Kong jumps over the roof, his growling of his discontent of us invading his home! You are sprayed with water as if it was him spitting on you. You feel the wind of a branch being thrown at the tram - needless to say - it is time for us to keep moving.

So we continue with the tour and off to a Los Angeles subway station - Earthquake - shake, rattle and roll! Fast and Furious in Tokyo - you will never see German Cars, shaking their bon bons to Cuban music in Japan. Hmmm..

Alas the tour has come to an end, we are in search of our stroller. Found it in a sea of ugly strollers, tourist strollers and USH's. :) We decided to put Alexis in the stroller and ride in the elevator... Bad Idea!! 20 minutes later we are on the top level just to go to the lower lot where the Mummy and Jurassic Park the rides are.

Time to change Alexis again and this time I changed her right in her stroller. With the full recline and the expanded canopy - it was a cinch... Ok maybe not a cinch when you have a child who won't stay still, but I still tried to out do my quickest change in the west record! No real nursing stations which can be really hard when you are still breastfeeding. And who wants to do that in a public bathroom.

Our City Mini was a work horse and the hard plastic strollers that USH offers are just pitiful! Hard to move around. The walk to the parking lot is a nice stroll through City Walk - 3 Football Field Lengths and you still have to get to your parking level. With a tired child in hand, you may be the one with the meltdown!

Babes in Disneyland: Drastic discount on Babes In Disneyland book just in time for summer travel

Babes in Disneyland: Drastic discount on Babes In Disneyland book just in time for summer travel

Perfect Theme Park Stroller

I myself have had to ponder the thought of bringing our little ones stroller to Walt Disney World. Then I bought a Chicco back carrier to put her in while transitioning through LAX to MCO. About two months before our planned arrival at the World, I saw an episode of Jon and Kate Plus - you know the one where they traveled for 19 hours to WDW, Well once I heard Kate's screech of excitement over the strollers that were available -I just had to research.

Here were my results:

1. Hard plastic stroller with upright position only




2. The price to rent per day or week was over priced $15 Single and $31 Double




3. Could not be taken out of the park you originally rented in




4. No basket or cup holder




5. Strollers are on a limited, first come basis




6. Hardly any sun protection




7. Everyone else would have one!

So I thought about carrying my bulky Baby Trend Jogging stroller - Nope out of the question. The convenience of renting from an outside source was the only option.

The company we used offered The City Mini by Baby Jogger and all I can say is nothing but positive things.

This stroller was phenomenal! It exceeded both mine and my husband's expectations. The quick fold technology was the best - we just take her out of the harness and pull on the center strap and let gravity do the rest. The extra-large canopy kept her protected from the sun and when we had her in the full recline the mesh backing allowed for breezes to keep her cooler. IT has a back seat storage and a nice large under seat basket. Handling it on the buses took a time because there was hardly ever any place to sit most of the time. But once we got off at our resort we would just carry her and the stroller back to our room.

We stayed at the CBR - Disney's Caribbean Resort. My parents met up with us three days after we arrived and my mom loved it as well. Dad was pushing her as if they were at the races. Unfortunately if you look at the resort layout - it is pretty big! Grandparents were in Aruba and we were in Trinidad South(Special Pirates of the Caribbean Rooms) So glad we had the stroller - it was about 500 yards away from Port Royale and my parents were about 400 yards beyond that. The resort did have an internal bus system but i would have to take her out and hold on to her and the stroller... I chose to walk and let my husband get some rest from the humidity and heat. This stroller was a champ. I loved it so much that two months later when it went on sale I bought one and donated my stroller system to a family in need.

We walked to Universal Studios Hollywood right before the Christmas holiday (we only live about 1 mile away) and the City Mini was great on both concrete and asphalt. Walked up the great hill to get to the entrance. Seeing all the other families pushing the hard rented stroller from Universal - I saw a need to supply other vacationing families a great rental stroller for a better price!

That is when City Stroller Rentals was born. Please check us out! http://www.citystrollerrentals.com/

When you are ready to stroll, We are here ready to roll!

See you at the theme parks!!