Hello Everyone!

Happy New Year! Wow – I can’t believe it is 2009! The years just fly by don’t they?

Well our December Disney trip was great! The weather was all over the place and it was slightly more crowded than our previous December trip – I guess the word is out that it is a fantastic time to enjoy Disney…but nevertheless we had an awesome time and are looking forward to our next trip.

If you are a new subscriber to the Scoop, be sure to check out the Disney vacation countdown chain. You can make your very own customized countdown chain to share with your family.

Before getting to this month’s news and discounts, here’s a quick update on the Disney planning spreadsheet files. Since posting the files in a new location on an external web host, they have now been downloaded over 4000 times!

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

Starting in January 2009, guests staying at select Disney resorts will be able to check-in online up to 10 days prior to arrival.

To use the online process, you will be asked to provide a credit card (if you wish to use one for room charge privileges), your address, a phone number where you can be reached during your stay (like a cell phone), your travel information (such as arrival and departure times), and the names of all guests and any room requests you may need.

As always, standard check-in times remain in effect – you can request an early check-in but there is no guarantee that your room will be ready.

This is normal, we just checked-in at 8:00 am a few weeks ago but our room was still not available until 3:00 pm. (Although it was definitely worth the wait because we were surprised with an upgrade to a theme park view!!

When you arrive, you will need to find the online check-in area. After showing a valid photo ID, you will be given your welcome folder containing all of your Disney World information and room keys.

Utilizing the online check-in will speed up the whole process when you get there – allowing you to start enjoying your vacation a little sooner!

Changes at Coral Reef

The Coral Reef restaurant in Epcot’s Future World will no longer be offering personalized menus or diver signs. Many people have celebrated a special occasion by have a scuba diver hold up a sign during their meal wishing a Happy Birthday, Anniversary, etc. to a member of their party.

Sadly, these cut backs are probably a result of the ailing economy - and there are numerous cutbacks like this across the entire resort…

Reserved seating for the Nemo show

If you make an Advanced Dining Reservation for Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) between 1:00 pm and 1:40 pm, you will get reserved seating for the Nemo show.

The show is really quite stunning and enjoyable.

If you were planning on having lunch at Tusker House anyway – this is a great way to make sure you see the show.

Please visit the Plan a Magical Vacation Amazon Store

Looking for some after Christmas deals? Check out the Gifts and Shopping section of the website for all of your Disney guide books, music, and more.

In case you are wondering, yes the website does earn a commission when you shop through the links on our site. Thanks to all of you who show support in this way!

Find the Cheapest Airfare

If you are looking to find the best price you have got to check out Kayak.com. If you have ever booked your own airfare, you know what a pain it is to manually check all the different airlines for the best deal. Kayak is a travel tool that searches 140+ travel sites all at once and finds the cheapest fares for you – for flights, hotels, and even rental cars. After you get all of the results for your desired travel dates, you can then compare the results from all of the sites together – and there are many ways to filter and sort the results – all done instantly! Hotels searches are also offered, so check it out if you are planning to stay offsite in an Orlando area hotel. You can even buy direct from the airlines or agencies - Kayak is not a travel agent. And of course, Kayak is free!

Discounted MYW Platinum Package!

• Right now you can save 25% on the Magic Your Way Platinum Package.

• Valid most nights 1/4/09 thru 4/4/09 and 4/19/09 thru 6/30/09.

• Use code FZL when booking.

• You must book by 2/15/09.

Buy 4 Nights – get 3 FREE!

• Buy a 4 Night Disney World Package and get 3 Nights free including Magic Your Way theme park tickets. This offer is good at all Disney Resorts and is based on availability.

• Good for most dates between 1/4/2009 and 6/27/2009. In addition, if you travel between 1/4/09 thru 3/29/09 you’ll receive a $200 Disney Gift Card when you arrive!

• Use the following codes when booking:
  • RWZ: Vacation Package for dates between 1/4/09-3/29/09
  • WTY: Vacation Package with Quick Service Dining Plan
  • RXA: Vacation Package with Basic Dining Plan
  • MPL: Vacation Package with Deluxe Dining Plan

• More Info:
  
  • Disney Resorts
    
  • Disney Resort Room Size Comparison
    
  • Disney Resorts Dining
    
  • Disney Resorts Maps
    
  • Disney Ticket and Package Overview
    

This month’s tip comes directly from our last trip….

“Future World (Epcot) usually has a posted closing time of 7:00 pm. But many people don’t realize that the most popular Future World attractions stay open until Epcot’s closing time (which is usually 9:00 pm). So if you want to enjoy Soarin’, Test Track, or Mission:Space with little or no lines – ride them between 7 and 9 pm. We did these rides multiple times in no time at all! NOTE: This does not apply when Epcot has Extra Magic Hours.”

Sorry folks…..another busy month!!

To stay up-to-date with the recent additions, please visit our What’s New page. If you have a Disney or vacation-related idea that you wish to share with all of us, or if there is some topic you would like more info about, please contact me!