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They have everything from Princess and Pirate beds (shown right) to towels, bath robes and even those cute little Mickey soap and shampoo bottles.

An example of outstanding Disney customer service

"Walt Disney World is known the world over for its excellent customer service.But every now and then you hear a special story that makes you realize that the company is more than polite and courteous; that they go above and beyond people's expectations.

"The Karen and Paul Campanale, and their family were on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. While packing and straightening up their villa at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Paul Campanale threw out a cardboard bowl containing his wife's, engagement, wedding and five-year-anniversary rings. When the couple discovered what had happened, they informed the staff at the Wilderness Lodge, and headed for the airport. The staff informed them that it would be a long shot, but that they would try and find her rings.

"Drew Weaver , executive housekeeper at the Wilderness Lodge, said that he realized that they garbage from the couple's villa was not taken to the compactor yet, and along with seven other volunteers, decided to get on their protective clothing, and search for the jewelry. Remarkably, they did just that. 'That's not the first time we've gone through trash - oh, no,' Weaver said. 'We don't always find things. Many times we come up empty. But we didn't this time.'

"Weaver called the Campanale's, and personally met up with them to bring them the rings. The Campanale's were shocked but ecstatic that the rings were located."

from http://www.magicalmountain.net/WDWNewsDetail.asp?NewsID=1875

Disney looking at using Nintendo DS systems as an interactive guide map?

In January Disney ran a trial test using Nintendo DS systems as interactive guide maps for the Magic Kingdom. Some of the features of the system were getting current wait times for all attractions; current fast pass distribution for rides; shortest paths from your current location (yes, it has GPS built in) to attractions , bathrooms, restaurants, characters, etc.; restaurant menus; and games. Evidently the various games can only be unlocked while standing outside of the attraction related to the game. Thus, it gives you something to pass the time while standing in line. Pretty clever.

For more information and a first hand account see the following links:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=2687886&postcount=95
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=2687890&postcount=96
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=2687910&postcount=98

Tips for making the most of free dining at Walt Disney World

The wait is over! The question has been answered! Free dining is back! Many people speculated that Disney would not bring back their popular perennial free dining package this year due to the increased crowds and generally increased tourism levels since 9/11. However, they have, in fact, re-introduced free dining during peak hurricane season again this year.

Granted free dining isn't quite as free this year. It doesn't include gratuity (tip) and it also doesn't include an appetizer at the table service meal due to the general changes Disney made in their dining plan. One can only hope these changes will curb the hordes of people who eat at Disney, but I doubt that it will.

We took advantage of the free dining plan last September during the week of 14-22. Our impression was that it was too much food and that it dominated our trip. We had to make reservations months in advance for the good restaurants and ended up eating a odd times even then. We didn't see any of the fireworks/nighttime shows at the parks because we were eating.

Don't get me wrong, we had a blast. It was just a completely different kind of trip than normal. It revolved around food rather than the parks.

If you are planning on going, here's a couple of suggestions that I've picked up from watching the forums since last year... It appears that the week we went was by far the worst week to go. It seems everybody tried to go as late as possible. Well, as late as we thought was possible. It turns out, according to one person that as long as you arrive on the last day of the free dining you get free dining for the length of your stay. I would verify this before making any assumptions, but they claimed it worked and allowed them to essentially get free dining the week after every body else and that meant the crowds were significantly less. If that's not possible, it appears that going earlier in the offer meant lower crowds, too.

Here's a link to more information http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html

Stroller rates increased

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World has raised the price of stroller and scooter rentals.

Effective Sunday, the price of single-child strollers rose to $15 a day, from $10, and the price for two-child strollers went to $31 a day, from $18.

The price for motorized scooters, also known as electronic convenience vehicles, was raised to $45 a day, up from $35.

Disney World spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said it was the resort's first price increase in three years for those rentals. Visitors may still bring their own strollers or motorized scooters, though Segway scooters are not allowed. (Full article)

Is Hugo Chavez actually Mickey Mouse?

I saw this picture on the Yahoo News site and had to laugh. I guess it's not technically a hidden Mickey and Hugo Chavez is about as far from Mickey Mouse as you can get in many ways, but it's still funny.

Click here for the original story...