Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Travel

Arriving Home from Vacation with Children…

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… at 12:30am…

… means that by the time the boys were bathed and tucked in bed, it was past 2:00am. Which is actually okay, because earlier this morning I had some assurance that they both wouldn’t be up at 6:30am as usual.

Only problem? I forgot to set my alarm – so instead of blogging away in the wee hours of morning, I’m writing a “more to come” post at 8:14am. GAH!

Anyhoo, if there was any doubt in the world, we had a spectacular vacation at Walt Disney World. It was beyond our greatest expectations! And as soon as I get my head on straight – and a few essentials unpacked – I will be back to blogging. But in the meantime – I think I’ll cuddle up with the boys for just 10 more minutes, and pretend we’re still at the most Magical Place on Earth. See ya real soon!

It All Began with an Invitation…

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… however, not just any invitation.

It was an ornate invitation, embossed with bronze and gold. It was heavy; but then I noticed the binding of a book, just peeking out from the side. And on the front – the most glorious words I’ve ever read. Words that made my hands shake with excitement. Words that have awakened the little girl inside me. 

An invitation to join in celebrating the biggest story in Magic Kingdom history. An invitation to witness the Grand Opening of the NEW Fantasyland at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Ladies and gentlemen, at 34½ years old… I can finally say: I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

This Wednesday, my family and I will head off to the land where “Once Upon a Time” always leads to “Happily Ever After”. With new attractions, two new castles, circus fun (the boys will adore this!) and more, the New Fantasyland will be unveiled before our eyes….

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Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation

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Note: The following giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents.

Today I have a splendid guest blogger, Sarah Deveau from Money Smart Mom. Sarah is the author of two financial guides – Sink or Swim: Get Your Degree Without Drowning in Debt and Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting.

In addition to being a prolific freelance writer (her work has been published in Today’s Parent, Parents Canada, Style at Home as well as most major Canadian daily newspapers) Sarah has contributed to dozens of parenting websites and blogs across Canada. She also appears regularly on radio and television shows such as Breakfast Television.

With summer break just around the corner, she has offered to share her best tips for a frugal Disneyland or Disney World vacation – one of the hotspots for summer travel. Take it away Sarah!

Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation

As the author of Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting, people sometimes get the impression that I abhor spending money, and never have any fun. That couldn’t be further from the truth! I like spending money as much as the next person – but only when it’s being spent on something I value and when I feel I’m getting the most bang for my buck.

My childhood didn’t include a Disney trip, so it’s no surprise I leapt at the chance to take my oldest when WestJet had a killer seat sale a few years back. Since then we’ve also visited Disney World, sourcing out the more exciting adventures at the best price.

Here are my top tips for saving money on a Disney trip without sacrificing any of the fun….

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