Author Archives: Kelly K.

How to Get a Free Disney Vacation? Win One!

Posted on by

First, I must apologize for my absense. Overcoming being sick whilst having no health insurance should surely be a blog topic at Families.com in the near future. Luckily, I will be feeling 100% (hopefully) by September 1st when I step onto a plane and embark on my Disney vacation that I won through McDonald’s Happiest Celebration Sweepstakes. When I mention this to family and friends, the first response is usually, “People actually win those things?” Yes! Under law, someone has to win these types of sweepstakes, so why not you? The key to winning sweepstakes? You have to actually enter! … Continue reading →

Fantasmic: A Truly Fantasmic Spectacle of Disney Entertainment

Posted on by

Disney is the master of daily entertainment. Day in and day out, Walt Disney Resort areas across the globe put on show after show, entertaining thousands of guests each day. Fantasmic, a show featured at both the Walt Disney World resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is one such show. And an amazing show it is, too. Featuring pyrotechnics, fireworks, projections on water (yes, water!) and live action, this is possibly one of Disney’s best shows to date. The premise of Fantasmic hinges on dreams and nightmares. Our park mascot and hero, Mickey Mouse, once again … Continue reading →

Disney’s Magical Express Service

Posted on by

Today, I received my Magical Express package for my upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. Now, I no longer have to worry about my luggage or transportation to the resort when I arrive at the airport in Orlando. So, what is Magical Express, you ask? Realizing that a great deal of their traffic came from tourists flying into visit the Walt Disney World resort, the Orlando International Airport struck a deal with Walt Disney World. That deal allows the airport to coordinate directly with Walt Disney World Resorts in an effort to ensure their guests arrive without hassle to the … Continue reading →

Advanced Dining Reservations: Making Your Disney Stay More Efficient

Posted on by

Each time I make my way to the Walt Disney World resort, I make it a point to call the resort’s Advanced Dining Reservation hotline and make reservations for meals throughout my stay. It wasn’t always that way, however. In the past, I’d trek down to Florida, spend my day at the park and either wait an hour or so for a table at a restaurant I wanted to try or finally give up and do counter service. Until I started using Disney’s Advanced Reservation service, that is. The perks of calling 407-W-DINE either before your vacation or after you … Continue reading →

The Princess Bride: Comedy, Romance and Adventure All Rolled into One

Posted on by

“As you wish.” I can only imagine that it must have been hard to take a story such as The Princess Bride and make it come alive on screen without letting the material fall flat on its face. But Rob Reiner persevered and made what remains one of the most beloved live action fairy tales of all time. The Princess Bride is the story of Buttercup, a princess who has been kidnapped by her would-be husband, the smarmy Prince Humperdinck. Enter the peasant: Westley. Having bound himself to Buttercup, he assumes the disguise of Dread Pirate Roberts in an attempt … Continue reading →

Return to OZ: A More Literal Tale of OZ

Posted on by

If you’ve ever read L. Frank Baum’s original OZ books, you’re probably aware of the fact that the books were somewhat darker in tone than the 1939 MGM musical. While I, personally, love the musical and claim it as one of my favorite films, I am aware that the film took some liberties with the work and made it a little less dark. Well, for the most part. Those flying monkeys were still a bit ominous. In the mid-80’s, Walt Disney Pictures decided to take a chance and try a film that was closer in resemblance to Baum’s fantasy tales … Continue reading →

Finding Neverland: The Story Behind Peter Pan

Posted on by

It’s a rare instance when we get a look into the stories we loved during our childhood. Finding Neverland, albeit with some fictional revisions, provides us with a look into a childhood classic: Peter Pan. The story of J.M. Barrie, the author of the beloved classic, Peter Pan and Wendy, Finding Neverland is a beautiful, amazing piece of film that will no doubt move and amaze you. Johnny Depp stars as Barrie, bringing a tenderness to the role that some might find unexpected. When Barrie meets the widowed Sylvia Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four sons, he almost instantly becomes … Continue reading →

Annie: A Musical Gem from the 1980s

Posted on by

When I was little more than five, my mother took me to see a musical film by the name of Annie. Immediately, I fell in love with this musical that, though not perfect, still remains a nostalgic favorite of many children of the 80s and will no doubt charm a new generation on DVD. The story of an orphan, Annie, who must attempt to keep her spirits up despite the poor conditions of the orphanage in which she resides with the sinister Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett) who oversees the orphanage, Annie is a classic tale that continues to charm little … Continue reading →

Summer Movies to Help Beat the Heat

Posted on by

Well, I’m not sure how it is in your neck of the woods, but for many here in the States, the heat is sweltering. With temperatures in the triple digits and heat advisories galore, most outdoor activities are out of the question. So, here are a few films that will help you beat the heat while keeping your family entertained. The Sandlot – This sleeper hit is the story of the new kid in town who joins a neighborhood baseball team. A sweet tale, boys and girls will equally enjoy this story that brings an unexpected charm with it. As … Continue reading →

A Way to Beat the Disneyland Fastpass System?

Posted on by

Is there really a way to beat the Fastpass system at Disneyland? According to some park aficionados, there is. According to veteran Disneyland visitors, the Fastpass system at Disneyland has a few holes in the system that lets those who are willing to do a bit of leg work get a bit more out of the system than the average park-goer. First of all, according to many park veterans, not all of the kiosks are networked together, allowing the guest to obtain more than one pass at a time. For guests attempting to do one, or even two, parks in … Continue reading →