Hello Everyone!

It’s been a very busy month in my household, but unfortunately not so busy for the website! With three of our boys playing baseball and the littlest guy wanting to be outside for every waking moment – I am simply out of free time! Add in a weekend trip to Boston for the marathon and the month just flew by! (My husband Mike ran the marathon and I am just so proud of him! Keep an eye on his blog for a full marathon review and trip report.)

So anyway, back to Disney…..

First of all, here’s a reminder to all of you traveling to Disney World in November. Your 180 day window will open soon! Get ready to make all of your dining reservations and set your alarm for 7 am eastern time on your reservation day! If you need help figuring out your 180 day point, check out the countdown calculator.

And for those going before then, hopefully you have already made all of your desired reservations, especially if you are taking advantage of the Free Dining offer this year.

Just a quick update on the planning spreadsheet files. Last month I posted the files in a new location on an external web host. They have since been downloaded over 750 times! Hopefully they will help everyone organize all of their Disney trip information.

As always, if you have any feedback or questions, please send me a note.

2008 Holiday Party Tickets on sale May 1

No More Toll-Free Phone Number

Well, I guess it was just a matter of time. Disney has deactivated the 1-877-939-3732 toll-free phone number. They have done this before with other toll-free numbers, so I guess I’m not that surprised – just a little disappointed. Hopefully, you have an inexpensive, if not free, long distance phone service plan. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for a replacement number, but in the meantime you can still use 1-407-WDISNEY or 1-407-WDW-DINE for dining reservations.

Stroller Rental Price Increase

After not increasing the stroller rental cost for the past three years, Disney has decided to make up for lost time! The cost of renting a stroller has increased by an outrageous amount. The new rental costs are listed below:

I guess you do save a couple bucks by purchasing the length of stay rental, but the cost is just so astronomical now, I suggest that you bring your own stroller if at all possible. If you are driving to Orlando, strap it to the roof or buy an inexpensive stroller at a local store. If you are flying, check with your airline for the restrictions on the weight and amount of luggage you are allowed to bring.

The best part about having your own stroller is the fact that you can use it outside of the parks – you don’t have to wake you child up to return the stroller and then carry him or her all the way to your car or Disney transportation, not to mention around the resort itself or at Downtown Disney.

The downside to everyone bringing their own stroller is the overcrowding of the Disney buses and monorails. Some of those strollers nowadays are absolutely huge!

If you cannot bring your own stroller, please budget for the rental cost. Be prepared – it would be a shame to cut your souvenir allowance just to rent a stroller!

Ollie Johnston passes away

Ollie Johnston, the last remaining member of Walt's Nine Old Men, passed away on April 14th, 2008. Not only was he a great friend of Walt Disney, but he was a directing animator at the Disney Studios from 1935 to 1978. His contributions to such classic films as Snow White, Fantasia, Bambi and Pinocchio will ensure his legacy.

This came as sad news to me this month because I was reading a book entitled Remembering Walt. In it, there are many quotes and anecdotes from many of Walt's friends, family members, and co-workers. Ollie was included quite a bit. The book was really well done with loads of photos from the early days of Walt's career. The book, available on Amazon.com is worth a look - even if just for the photos.

CMO Update

The position of Chief Magic Official has been filled! Justin Muchoney won the “dream job” after a series of fun events held during a two-day competition at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

If you haven’t already seen the events, you can still watch the videos online. The events were very funny and tested such important skills as “Towel Buddy” construction, face painting, and a frantic stroller derby, all accompanied by a very serious commentary. (I don’t know how those two guys kept straight faces!)

Congratulations Justin! Be sure to check the CMO website in May to see some of Justin's CMO activities and duties.

Check the Discounts page for up-to-date Disney specials and discount codes.

Huge savings at Disneyshopping.com

Save 20% sitewide at Disneyshopping.com. Use code SITE20.

Free Dining Now Available

This is a great deal and I hope many of you are able to take advantage of this wonderful offer! Hurry, you must book by 6/22/2008 and the number of available rooms at each resort is limited. Also, make all of your dining reservations NOW!

To book, call 1-407-WDISNEY and use one of the following codes:

I hope you enjoy the most recent additions at the Plan a Magical Vacation website:

• October 2008 Park Hours have been added.
  
  
  • Magic Kingdom Hours
  • EPCOT Hours
  • Disney Hollywood Studios Hours
  • Animal Kingdom Hours
  • Blizzard Beach Hours
  • Typhoon Lagoon Hours
  
  
• The Extra Magic Hours were updated to include October dates.
  
  
• Disney World Scrapbook Ideas
  
• Disney Character Autograph Idea
  
• Disney World Snacks