How to make a wedding newsletter in MS Word! Added one I made 10-21-10

[jtanddolly]

There are some really great newsletters that I have seen on the Boards and I have seen even more Disney Brides mention they wish they had a program and were talented enough to make one of their own. Well I am here to help out, and tell you that you can make one yourself and it will look professional!

You don't have to have a fancy program to design a wonderful newsletter. You can do it very simply if you have MS Word, and here is how...first make sure your interent is on then...

1. Open up a Word document. On the right side of the screen you should see a section for "getting started" and half way down you should see "search for" and a block directly below that where you can type a search. Type "newsletter" and hit the "enter" button on your keyboard.

If you don't see the "getting started" go to "file" at the top of the screen and click on "new" in the drop down menu and then a new document will open up and it should have the "getting started" section on the right side of the screen.

After you have typed your search for a "newsletter". The right side of your screen should have a list of search results. There will probably be about 30 results and you want to look for the ones that say "template" in gray...you will have to scroll down to find these. Look through the different templates until you find one that you like.

There are a limited number of newsletters if you search this way...I like the layout for the "holiday newsletter" (with santa's sleigh and reindeer...don't worry there are directions for changing the image and colors if you keep reading!)

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:9|ai:TC001012801|

and I like the "technology business newsletter".

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:9|ai:TC010258029|

Click on the link then click on download and it will open it up in Word for you to decide if you want to save it or not.


OR a way to find even more...

2. Open up a new word document and below the search bar click on the "templates on office online". This will pull up your internet to a microsoft office page. Scroll down and look on the left side of the screen for "newsletters" and double click on it. There are 159 templates that you can pick from. Some of them are not newsletters...but keep scrolling through the pages as there are plenty and you are bound to find a style that you like.

If you search this way...You will need to find a document that your computer can host. For example...it will need to be a Word file and it will need to be able to be read by your version of Word. There are several that are Word2010 and I don't have that version so I can't use them. There are also lots that are publisher files and I don't have that program...so I can't use them. Take some time to look through them all...there are several on the first page that are Word2003 version and more in templates 145-168. There are also some for Word2007 and 2003 in templates 169 through the last page. There are some that are two pages only and some that have six pages if you have a lot of information that you want to send your guests on Disney, Dining, Hotels, Reservations, tips and tricks, etc.

Here is a link to a four page template in Word 2003:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:9|ai:TC001012800|

Here is a link to two longer ones (six pages) and they are both Word 2003 so most everyone's version of MS Word should be able to open and edit it:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:7|ai:TC001071189|

OR

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:7|ai:TC001047863|


If your computer can not support one of these documents...when you go to download you will get this error and you won't be able to use it without upgrading your version of Word, adding publisher, etc.:
"Your file(s) cannot be downloaded automatically. This can happen if there is an issue installing or using the Office.com ActiveX control, if you are using an operating system other than Microsoft Windows, if you are using a browser other than Internet Explorer 7.0 or later, or for other reasons."

HOW TO EDIT THE TEMPLATE:
ALL OF THE TEMPLATES GIVE DIRECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE TEMPLATE FOR HOW TO EDIT THEM TO CHANGE THE WORDING, PICTURES, ETC!

Here are a few of my directions:

The templates are already set up with blocks of information, places for pictures and headers.
When you are looking through the templates...you are really just looking for a format that you like. You can change everything! The colors, wording, pictures, clipart, etc. All you have to do is click once on top of the area/wording/picture/clipart that you want to change. If it is wording you can delete and retype what you want.

If it is a picture...click on the image then go to "insert" at the top of word and "picture" in the drop down menu and "from file". Find the picture you want to insert, click on it and then click on "insert". Next you will need to resize your picture and move it around on the screen. To resize the image you can point your mouse at one of the corners of the picture...then hold the left button of the mouse and drag the picture in or out to make it smaller or bigger.

You will also need to play with the text wrapping tool to move the picture around the screen and "in front of" and "behind" other images and wording. You can play with the text wrapping tool by clicking once on the picture to open it up for editing. Then look for the picture toolbar that should pop up somewhere on your screen and will let you know the picture is able to be edited. On the picture toolbar look for the image of the dog with lines behind it. If you wave your mouse over this image it will say "text wrapping". Click on the icon and then you can click on "behind text" and "in front of text" to move the image around and in front of and behind other images and/or wording. You can also use the "crop" tool on the picture toolbar to crop the bottom or sides of the picture so that it will fit the area more easily where you are trying to move the image.

You can change the color of an area by clicking on the area...make sure that you didn't click on wording or picture. Once you have clicked on an area so that it is open for editing...go to "format" at the top of Word and in the drop down menu click on "borders and shading". Next, click on the "shading" tab and change the color to whatever color you want.

Once you have added your pictures and wording and changed the colors and are perfectly happy with your Disney Wedding Newsletter...it is time to print! Go to an office supply store and buy glossy brochure paper if you want it to look professional. It is a little more expensive, but will really give it that professional look and feel. Everyone will think you hired a company to make it for you!


PLACES TO FIND EXAMPLES OF OTHER DISNEY BRIDE NEWSLETTERS:

Erin W.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2412269&page=4 POST #49

Sapphire Ag:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2419083&page=3

Steph77:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2095296&page=14 POST #202

daisygirl902:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138836&highlight=newsletters&page=3 POST #34

dr.cinderella
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2415866&page=10
POST #139

Lots of pics for newsletters on this page including...
examples from acwinsett (with a link to download hers as a pdf)
auntpunkin
figmentfan814 (will send you a template set up in word and if you pm her with your email address)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138836&highlight=newsletters

Another thread with lots of pictures for different newsletters:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2459562&highlight=newsletter

If you don't know how to do a search on the DISBoards to find even more...here is a thread for a search I did when I wanted to find examples for newsletters. There are lots of threads that you can search through to find ideas:
http://www.disboards.com/search.php?searchid=12837651

That is my wedding tutorial for the day! Hope it helps a bride or two!

 

[pixie921]

Awesome, Dolly! You were very kind to take the time to share all that!

 

[chryscrazy]

Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I think it should be in a sticky. I kinda hate to see another sticky, but a "how to" or "helpful hints" sticky would be nice with links to this thread and other helpful info.

 

[girli565]

Wow I wish this was out before my wedding lol. I used Publisher for my newsletters and it was such a hassle because I'm not familiar with the program. I'm very familiar with Word so it would have been so much easier.

 

[Deb loves Disney]

Wow....thank you

I wanted to make a newsletter but thought that I couldn't because I didn't have a fancy program. But....I do have MS Word!!!!

 

[jtanddolly]

Thanks for the comments...glad I cold help! If you attempt to use MS Word...come back to the thread and let others know how it worked out for you! You may consider having your newsletter printed at a print shop like Kinkos or Staples. You may have a hard time getting them to print it with Disney images, but it is worth trying.

Wow....thank you

I wanted to make a newsletter but thought that I couldn't because I didn't have a fancy program. But....I do have MS Word!!!!

Let me know how it works out for you.

 

[jtanddolly]

PLACES TO FIND EXAMPLES OF OTHER DISNEY BRIDE NEWSLETTERS:

Erin W.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2412269&page=4 POST #49

Sapphire Ag:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2419083&page=3

Steph77:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2095296&page=14 POST #202

daisygirl902:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138836&highlight=newsletters&page=3 POST #34

Lots of pics for newsletters on this page including...
examples from acwinsett (with a link to download hers as a pdf)
auntpunkin
figmentfan814 (will send you a template set up in word and if you pm her with your email address)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138836&highlight=newsletters

Another thread with lots of pictures for different newsletters:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2459562&highlight=newsletter

If you don't know how to do a search on the DISBoards to find even more...here is a thread for a search I did when I wanted to find examples for newsletters. There are lots of threads that you can search through to find ideas:
http://www.disboards.com/search.php?searchid=12837651

 

[jtanddolly]

NEW TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR OWN TEMPLATE

If you don't find a template that you like...you can still make your own newsletters using MS Word. Here are a few helpful hints on how to add things to your newsletter:

Borders:
• Go to the top of word, right click on "format" and in the drop down box click on "borders and shading".
• Then click on the "borders" tab and it will allow you to add a border around an image and will let you choose the style color and width of the line. Play around with this to see the different styles of lines, colors and widths. You can add dotted lines, double lines, zigzags, etc.
• The "page border" tab will let you add a border to an entire page. Again play around with the styles of lines, colors and widths.

SHADING - COLORING THE BACKGROUND OF A PAGE OR SECTION:
• The "shading" tab will allow you to color the background if you don't want a white background.
• First type your header and whatever you want on the page. Then you will need to select the area that you want shaded/colored. Do this by going to the left side of the screen and holding down the left mouse button and highlight the section you want shaded.
• Go to the top of word and right clicking on "format" and in the drop down box click on "borders, and shading". Next, Click on the "shading" tab.
• Once you have opened up the "shading" tab...Click on the color that you would like to use. If you don't see a color you like on the first screen click on the "more colors..." button to see additional colors.
• Then click "okay". This will take you back to the Word document, and the section that you highlighted should be shaded the color you choose.

COLUMNS:
• Most newsletters have columns similar to newspapers. To set a section of your newsletter up for columns, highlight the section or highlight the new line. If you don't it will set everything up on the page in columns and will mess up your header.
• Next go to the top of word and click on "format" and in the drop down menu click on "columns". If you don't see "columns" click on the double arrow at the bottom of the drop down menu and it will expand your list.
• Now choose how many columns. When you become a pro at working with columns you can play around with the column #, width and spacing.

HOW TO INSERT A PICTURE:
• Go to the top of Word and click on "insert" then in the drop down menu click on "picture" and from file.
• Then find the image you want to insert and click "insert". This will take you back to your document with the new picture.

HOW TO DOWN SIZE A LARGE IMAGE
• What you need to do when you insert a picture into MS Word and it shows up really large is to click on the image (where ever it may show up on page 1 or 2).
• Now that the image is highlighted…go to "format" at the top of Word and in the drop down menu click on "picture".
• Then go to the "size" tab. I'm sure the image will be really large like 14 by 20 inches. Look for the “height” size and change the number to 8 and hit your "tab" key. Then it will automatically reformat the width for you.
• Then click okay.
• Now look at it in your word document and see if you like the size. IF NOT keep playing with the height until you get it the size you want by left clicking on the corners of the image and dragging them in or out to make them smaller or larger.

HOW TO CROP AN IMAGE:
• Click once on the image to open it up for editing. You will know it is open as you should see a "picture toolbar" pop up on the screen.
• Look for an icon that looks like two plus signs together. Wave your mouse over it and if you have the correct icon...it will say "crop".
• Left click on the "crop" icon and now your mouse will have the crop symbol under the arrow. Point your mouse at the side, top or bottom of the picture that you want to crop. Then click and hold down the left mouse button while you drag the image towards the center until you are happy with what you have cropped. If you crop too much...you can always go back up to the top of Word and click on "edit" and "undo" in the drop down menu.

HOW TO MOVE AN IMAGE AROUND:
• Make sure your image is open and ready to be edited.
• On the picture toolbar...look for an image of a dog with lines behind it. When you wave your mouse over the correct icon it will say "text wrapping". Click on the "text wrapping" icon.
• To get your picture to show up inbetween wording, click on "square".
• To get your picture to show up over something or to move it around , click on "in front of text".
• To get your picture to show up under wording or to move it around , click on "behind text".
Take some time to play around with this tool so that you are comfortable with it and how it works.


HOW TO DOWNLOAD "WALTOGRAPH" THE DISNEY FONT:
• Go online to www.dafont.com
• Search, find and open a font called “Waltograph”
• Click on the “Download” button
• Then click on “Open”
• Next you will need to unzip the file. In most computers, a screen will pop up with a box on the left that says “folder tasks” and in the box click on “extract files” Follow the prompts by clicking “next” and “finish” making sure that the final box has a check mark next to “show files”
• A new box will pop up. In this box, copy “Waltograph42” and “WaltographUI”. Do this by holding down your “control” button on the bottom left corner of your keyboard and click each file. Then on the top of the screen click on “edit” and in the drop down box click on “copy”.
• Next click on your computers “Start” button
• Then click on “Settings”
• Then click “Control Panel”
• Then open the file that says “Fonts”
• At the top of the font screen click on “Edit” and then in the drop down menu click on “Paste”
Now the correct font will show up when you want to use the "disney font" in your newsletter.


Once you have learned the basics...you can play around with "autoshapes" and "wordart" at the bottom of the MS Word screen.

 

[jtanddolly]

If you get a chance...post pics of your final product to show other Disney Brides what you made using MS Word. Also give some helpful hints for making one, or a link to a template that you found.

Here is a link to a whole set of MS Word documents using the same style if you have MSWORD2010...which I don't:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CL101844773.aspx?CTT=3

 

[donald&daisy]

Wow, thank you SO much for taking the time to post this! I'm nowhere close to ready to make a newsletter, but I will be in a few months. This is so nice of you!!!

 

[Deb loves Disney]

[/QUOTE]Let me know how it works out for you.[/QUOTE]

I definitely will! I am planning on sending them out with our invitations in a few weeks, so I need to get working on it ASAP.

And thank you so much for the new tips.

 

[jtanddolly]

Deb loves Disney I can't wait to hear/see how it works out for you!!!

A FEW MORE TIPS!

Here is as newsletter that is a Word 2003 document and should work for most:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/templates/CT010104328.aspx?av=ZWD#pg:7|ai:TC001047863|

This newsletter has dots along the left side. If you want to change the color of the dots...here is how:

First, you may have to move the textbox out of the way so that you can edit the dot. To do this click once on the wording over the dot. This will open up the textbox for editing. Then place your mouse over the top line of the box and you will see 4 arrows appear under the arrow.

Now click once on the dot to open it up for editing. Then go to the top of the screen to "format" and in the drop down menu click on "borders and shading". Make sure you are on the "colors and lines" tab, and change the color to match your wedding colors or disney colors. You can see a few set of colors by clicking on on the down arrow next to the color on the screen.

If you don't see a color that you like on the first screen click on the "more colors..." at the bottom of the screen. Start first with the "standard" tab and then if you want even more options click on the "custom" tab.

You can also play around with "fill effect" at the bottom of the first drop down colors menu which will give you textures and patterns...but that is a little more advance and if you are going to put wording over the dot...you probably want to go with a solid color as a pattern will make the wording harder to read. Definitely something to play around with if you have the time.

Once you are happy with the color...click "okay". Then make sure you move your textbox back over!


WORD ART:
If you have already mastered the "textbox" this will be easy for you!!!! Word Art will help the names or words you want to add to an image POP. With Word Art you can rotate the word so that it can be angled if you don't want the lettering in a straight line, it will allow you to have multiple colors for each letter for example a blue letter with a black border, you can make the letters wavy...there is so much you can do with Word Art!

• At the bottom of the Word screen there is a drawing toolbar...look for a blue slanted A. When you hold your mouse over the A it will say "Insert Word Art"
Note: If you don't see the Drawing toolbar in the lower left corner of the program window, click on the "View" menu at the top of the screen and point to "Toolbars" and then click "Drawing".
• Click on the A and a new screen will pop up. In this screen pick the word art style that you want to use for your lettering.
• Then a new box will open up and you will need to type the name or words that you want to appear over the image. Then click "okay".
• Now the word will appear above or below the picture depending on where the cursor was. Just like with a text box...you will need to change the text wrapping to "in front of text".
Note: You can do this by clicking on the word you typed. Then a new popup will appear. Look for the picture of the dog with lines behind it. This is the "text wrapping" tool. After you click on the dog a drop down menu will appear and you will need to click on "in front of text".
• Now click and hold your left mouse button on the word and drag it to where you want it.

Playing with Word Art:
• The great thing about word art is that you can drag out the corners to make it bigger or smaller.
• You can click on "format" then "word art" and change the colors and lines to get a different color combination. and you can change the thickness of the line.
• You can also rotate your image so that it is slanted by pointing at the green dot just above the word. When you see the circled arrow, hold your left button down and rotate the word in the direction you want it to slant.

 

[jtanddolly]

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER:

You will want to put lots of good information in your newsletter like travel (ways to get to get to Disney), accomodations, park tickets, dining, special events, park information, tips and tricks and of course things specific to your wedding. Here are a few websites for information to include:


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/wdw.shtml

http://www.wdwinfo.com/

http://www.intercot.com/

http://www.mouseplanet.com/


ALLEARS.NET:
http://allears.net/pl/planning.htm

http://allears.net/acc/faq_hot.htm

http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

http://allears.net/btp/beyond.htm

You can also put fun tips and tricks, hidden mickey information, WDW facts, etc.

If you are looking for images...the best place to find them is www.google.com then click on the "images" tab, type in your search and you will find lots of images. If you want clipart of fun disney characters...I love www.disneyclips.com

 

[EllieBride]

Does anyone have a template or stencil they can share for the shape of Mickey's head (something that I can trace out to make gift tags)? We leave for our DFTW in 3 days and I am running out of time for these DIY projects, so please forgive me for not doing a more exhaustive search before asking. But time is running out... thank you!

 

[jtanddolly]

Does anyone have a template or stencil they can share for the shape of Mickey's head (something that I can trace out to make gift tags)? We leave for our DFTW in 3 days and I am running out of time for these DIY projects, so please forgive me for not doing a more exhaustive search before asking. But time is running out... thank you!

I put one in my 4shared for you. Click on the link in my signature, then go to the "mickey head DISigns" file and there is an outline of the mickey head. It is very large so you will probably have to make it smaller. You can save it as a jpeg and insert it into MS Word and then insert a textbox over it, if you want to personalize it.


HOW TO INSERT A TEXT BOX OVER AN IMAGE:

• First copy and paste the image you want to add a name, word or words to into MS Word.
• Next make sure that your cursor is below the image that you want to insert a text box over by hitting return twice.
• Then look for the tab at the top of word that says "insert", click on it and scroll down and click on "text box".
• Next, a big box will show up on the screen that says text box...ignore this box but look for your mouse that will show up as an +. Move the +/mouse to where you want your text box to go then left click and drag the mouse to make the size box you want for the area you want the wording to go.
• Then go back up to the top of word and click on "format" and click on "text box" in the drop down menu.
• Look for the tab that says "colors and lines". In the fill section make sure the color box says "no color". In the line section make sure the color says "no line". Then the background will show through behind whatever text you type in the box and there won't be a line around the text box.
• Now you can type whatever you want inside the box by clicking inside the box and choosing font and size.
• If the box isn't the right size you can drag the corners and sides to make it the right size.

 

[EllieBride]

Thank you, Dolly!

 

[jtanddolly]

A fun section if you are looking for a filler for your newsletter is to add "free and inexpensive things to do at Disney". The following is a very lengthy list...so you will have to trim it down to things that might interest your guests! Or if you don't have a lot of room...you can provide the following link for them to look it up: http://www.mousesavers.com/freestuff.html

After all the money spent on travel, accomodations, park tickets and food...it is so nice to know about free things to do. Here is one free thing you can add...and several brides have used it as a fun way to gather their guests together that have traveled all the way to Disney for their wedding. If you do this bring smore packets for all your guests and then for the cost of smores...you can provide a great event for 10-40 people for as little as $10-30:

Campfire Sing-Along (and movie) with Chip & Dale at the WDW Fort Wilderness Campground
There is a free Campfire Sing-Along with Chip & Dale at the WDW Fort Wilderness Campground. It generally begins around 7 p.m. during the fall/winter season and 8 p.m. beginning sometime in April through the summer. It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney cast member - if you've seen "Barney", you know these songs - and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes.

After the sing-along , a Disney movie is shown on a large outdoor screen. Seating is available in bleachers or on benches. There is also plenty of room to lay out a blanket or set up your own camp chairs. We try to post all of the resort movie schedules on our website at the beginning of the month. The current movie schedule is posted at all comfort stations. In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post.

You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuckwagon Snack Bar (roasting sticks - $0.49 each, Marshmallow Bag -$3.99, Hershey's Chocolate Bars - $1.99 each, or a whole s'mores kit is around $8.99; prices accurate as of May 2010). You may also buy pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuckwagon Snack Bar.

The campground also has a free petting zoo and pony rides (about $5 each) that close earlier in the afternoon. These are in the "Settlement Trading Post" area - take the Ft. Wilderness internal bus. The Trail's End Restaurant is considered one of WDW's best buffet values. The Trail's End also has a carry-out window called “Trails-To-Go” 16-inch pizzas and fried chicken meals – both individually sized and family sized. If you have a free day (or your arrival day), you can go early and see the petting zoo, have a nice dinner, and then head over to the Sing-Along.

It is one of Disney's least expensive Character Meet and Greet experiences and a great low-key activity when you find yourself a little over-stimulated from the theme parks.

Here are some pictures:
http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-campfire.php


Here is a list of free and inexpensive things from www.mousesavers.com:
http://www.mousesavers.com/freestuff.html

Here's a list of fun things you can do at Walt Disney World (and nearby) that don't require park admission. All of them can be accomplished for about $10 per person or less -- and many of them are FREE! These activities are ideal if you're arriving late in the day or leaving mid-day and don't want to use up a whole day on your tickets.

Be sure to check the Walt Disney World Special Events page as well. It lists seasonal experiences you may want to consider. Some do not require park admission, and some are also FREE.


Disney's Boardwalk

Disney's Boardwalk is built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s. It's fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere! If you are staying on Disney property, you can use Disney transportation to get to the Boardwalk. If you drive to the Boardwalk, you can get a FREE 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant. While some of the restaurants are open at lunchtime, the best time to visit the Boardwalk is after sunset. It's beautifully lit up.

Some of the FREE and inexpensive things you can do at Disney's Boardwalk:

Often there are street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.) -- stroll around and watch them!

There are lots of vendors selling inexpensive food treats.

You can try your luck at a carnival-style game (small cost).

Sit and watch the Friendship Boats come and go.

For a small cover charge you can visit Jellyroll's (a dueling piano bar featuring sing-a-longs to your favorite pop tunes).

Check out Atlantic Dance Hall, which has dancing to DJ-spun Top 40, usually with no cover charge.

Downtown Disney

If you like to shop (or window shop), you'll enjoy this attractive shopping and restaurant zone, which also offers some great FREE entertainment. If you are staying on Disney property, you can use Disney transportation to get to Downtown Disney. If you are staying at a Downtown Disney hotel, you can take the bus or walk. Otherwise you'll probably need to drive or take a taxi. Parking is FREE.

Some of the FREE and inexpensive things you can do at Downtown Disney:

Check out the wonderful interactive fountains where children (and adults who have the guts) may enjoy playing and getting wet.

The Lego Imagination Center has a FREE 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of LEGO blocks, plus some absolutely amazing and huge Lego sculptures for you to admire!

Check out the FREE magic demonstrations at the Magic Masters shop -- learn a card trick!

Most of the restaurants are quite expensive, but you can get a meal (sandwich, side and drink) at Earl of Sandwich for under $10 per person.

Visit the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and enjoy a sundae (about $6.25) or shake (about $3.95).

Disney's Resort Hotels

Every one of the Disney hotels is themed and some of them are literally breathtaking. All of the Moderate and Deluxe resorts, especially, have extraordinary theming and are well worth a visit. You can take Disney transportation from any of the four theme parks to any of the resort hotels. If you drive to one of the resorts, you can get a FREE 3-hour parking permit from the gate attendant.

The pools are amazing: at Coronado Springs the pool looks like a Mayan ruin; the Stormalong Bay pool at the Yacht/Beach Club includes a huge "shipwreck" that contains a slide; the pool at the Wilderness Lodge starts as a "spring" in the lobby, passes under a bridge, then cascades down a waterfall into the pool and ends in a geyser that goes off once an hour! (Note that use of the pools is for the hotel's guests only, but you can certainly walk around and "ooh and ahh" for a few minutes.)

The Deluxe resort lobbies also have amazing elements and displays that fit with the theme, and a few (including the Grand Floridian) sometimes have a pianist performing.

If you're looking for a fun photo opportunity, consider visiting the All Star resorts or Pop Century. These hotels feature enormous "pop culture" icons. Take a family photo in front of a 35-foot Buzz Lightyear!

Several of the resorts, including Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Yacht Club, offer FREE tours that are open to any Disney resort guest (whether you are staying at that particular hotel or not). Some of the tours require a reservation, so inquire in advance.

See the Activities section below for many more Disney resort ideas.

Celebration

Just a ten-minute drive from Disney World you can travel back in time to find the town of Celebration, a planned community developed by the Walt Disney Company. This is a pedestrian-friendly, wonderful small town (think Mayberry!) You can have a great time exploring the old-fashioned downtown area called Market Street. Here are some ideas to take advantage of during your tour, that will cost you little or nothing (as well as a couple of splurges to consider)!

Tour the Celebration Hotel. Sit in one of the oversized wicker chairs, people-watch, and have a drink or coffee at the lobby bar.

Explore the Lakeside Promenade or the miles of walking paths and nature trails.

Window-shop on Market Street, which has wonderful specialty stores, boutiques and galleries.

Market Street often has different events scheduled each month, such as craft festivals, antique car shows, etc. During the winter holidays, Market Street hosts an event called "Now Snowing Nightly" -- it "snows" on Celebration's main street four times a night and the town provides entertainment and a visit to Santa in his lakeside chalet, all for FREE! Click here to see what's going on at Market Street.

Catch a movie at AMC Celebration, a state-of-the-art cinema complex with stadium seating.

Tour the model homes.

Take a peek at the Celebration Fitness Centre & Day Spa or Celebration Golf Club.

Have an appetizer or dessert at one of the varied restaurants including award-winning Spanish and Cuban cuisine!

Pick up some picnic items and head over to the Interactive Fountain to let the kids (or you) have a splash!

Treat yourself to an ice-cream or lemonade from Herman's Ice Cream and then enjoy it relaxing in one of the rocking chairs by the lake.

Scenic tour Carriage Rides are offered every weekend, September - June, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 - 10 pm. Call (407) 414-1981 for information. Depending on the size of your party, this can work out to less than $10 per person.

Rent a bicycle from NEVrland and cruise around town for around $10 per half-day. Call (407) 566-0911 for info.

The Disney Wilderness Preserve

About 20 miles south of Orlando, at the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem, is The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve. Here you can observe native plants and animals by hiking a 3-mile trail or taking an offroad buggy tour.

The Preserve is open year-round from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, but closed on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer (June through September). Admission is $3/adult, $2/youth (ages 6-17). Buggy tours are offered on Sundays at 1:30 pm from October-May for $12/adult, $6/youth (ages 6-17).

Transportation Fun

Ride the Monorail

Take the "inner" Monorail that circles the three Monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian). This is a great way to orient yourself and get a look at the resorts and an overview of the Magic Kingdom. You can get off and explore each resort, or just enjoy the ride and the view. Cost to ride the Monorail: FREE.

Take a Boat Ride

This is enjoyable any time of day, but particularly beautiful and romantic at night.

Cruise the loop around Crescent Lake, which visits Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Disney's Hollywood Studios without going into the parks.

Take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, or the boat that visits the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom (and you can get off at the Magic Kingdom and wander along the lake outside the gates, or hop on the monorail).

Cruise from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney and back, along the Sassagoula River.

Cost for any of the above: FREE.

Take an Evening Carriage Ride

You can take a 25-minute carriage ride at certain resorts for $35. The rides are offered nightly between 6:00 and 9:30 pm. Carriages can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 children (9 and under). Call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) to reserve. Resorts offering the carriage rides:

Port Orleans Riverside (departs in front of Boatwright's Dining Hall)

Fort Wilderness (departs in front of Crockett's Tavern at Pioneer Hall)

Saratoga Springs Resort

See the Celebration section for information about carriage rides in the town of Celebration.

Take an Evening Wagon Ride

You can take a 45-minute wagon ride around Fort Wilderness Campground certain resorts for $8/adult, $5/child (ages 3-9). The rides are offered nightly at 7:00 and 9:30 pm and depart from in front of Pioneer Hall. No reservations taken -- just show up and pay cash.

Food and Drink
Eat at an inexpensive but well-themed restaurant. At many of the Disney World resort hotels it's possible to have a light meal or snack for about $10 per person (plus tax & tip at the sit-down locations) while soaking up the atmosphere. (Don't forget, most of the bars and lounges also serve snacks.) Here are the dining locations where you get the most theming or entertainment for the lowest cost:

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Mara

Boardwalk Inn - Boardwalk Bakery, Seashore Sweets, Spoodles (tapas, flatbreads), Spoodles Pizza Window, Big River Grille & Brewing Works (appetizers, light entrees)

Contemporary - Food and Fun Center (best arcade games)

Coronado Springs - Pepper Market, Rix Lounge, Siesta's Pool Bar & Grill (pool bar open to guests of the resort only)

Dolphin - Dolphin Fountain and Snack Shop (live 50s entertainment)

Grand Floridian - Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea (order a pot of tea and one or two items a la carte)

Old Key West - Olivia's Cafe (lunch only)

Polynesian - Kona Cafe (lunch only), Captain Cook's Snack & Ice Cream Company

Port Orleans French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (try the beignets and/or the gumbo!)

Port Orleans Riverside - Riverside Mill

Wilderness Lodge - Whispering Canyon Cafe (light lunch only)

Yacht & Beach Club - Crews Cup, Beaches and Cream, Hurricane Hanna's Grill (at Stormalong Bay pool - open to guests of the resort only)

Have a drink at one of the wonderful themed bars and lounges in the Moderate and Deluxe resort hotels. Remember, you don't have to drink alcoholic beverages to enjoy the atmosphere -- order a coffee, mineral water, soda or virgin drink if you want!

Most of the bars and lounges also serve snacks or light meals, some of which are excellent quality for the money. For instance, the snacks at the Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge come out of the Artist Point kitchen, while Crews Cup at Yacht Club serves an inexpensive but substantial menu including burgers. The River Roost at Port Orleans Riverside has appetizers and steak sandwiches, not to mention an excellent sing-along pianist performing several nights a week.

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Victoria Falls

Boardwalk Inn - Belle Vue Room

Contemporary - California Grill Lounge (great place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks)

Coronado Springs - Francisco's

Dolphin - Lobby Lounge (live pianist in the evenings)

Ft. Wilderness - Crockett's Tavern

Grand Floridian - Mizner's Lounge, Summerhouse

Old Key West - The Gurgling Suitcase

Polynesian - Tambu Lounge

Port Orleans French Quarter - Scat Cat's Club

Port Orleans Riverside - River Roost (live sing-along pianist some evenings)

Swan - Kimono's Sushi Bar (karaoke in the evenings)

Wilderness Lodge - Territory Lounge

Yacht & Beach Club - Crews Cup Lounge, Martha's Vineyard

Other Activities
Go swimming! Virtually all Orlando-area hotels will have an outdoor pool. All of the Moderate and Deluxe Disney resort hotels include wonderful themed elements, water slides or other features. Some non-Disney hotels, such as Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, Swan/Dolphin and Caribe Royale, also have elaborate waterfall pools and slides. Cost: FREE to guests of the hotel.

Play miniature golf. There are two courses: Fantasia Gardens, near Disney's Hollywood Studios; and Winter Summerland, near Blizzard Beach Water Park. Cost: $12.52 adults, $10.39 children (tax included), but there are discounts available.

Go fishing. This is strictly "catch and release." There are two places to rent cane poles (worms also provided): Port Orleans Riverside (near Ol' Man Island) or Ft. Wilderness (at the Bike Barn). Cost: about $4 per half-hour per pole, or $9 for a full day per pole. There is a family special of around $14 per half-hour for 4-6 poles.

Rent a boat! Most of Disney's Moderate, Deluxe and DVC resorts have a marina where you can rent various types of watercraft. A kayak, canoe or pedal boat will set you back less than $7 for a half-hour rental. A 12-foot sailboat that can be shared by two people will cost you $21.30 an hour.

Visit Tri-Circle D Ranch (home of the draft horses used to pull the trolleys down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom) at Ft. Wilderness. There are a few farm animals to see and pony rides for very small children from 10 am to 5 pm for $4. There is FREE day parking at Ft. Wilderness and you can get from the day guest parking to the farm area by special buses that run only in the "Settlement."

Sing around the campfire and watch a FREE Disney movie. The campfire program at Ft. Wilderness is open to all Walt Disney World resort guests. It is held every evening, at about 7:00 pm in fall and winter and about 8:00 pm in spring and summer, near the Meadow Trading Post. The program starts with a sing-a-long and marshmallow roast. You can bring your own food or buy it from the Chuckwagon, which sells S'more kits for about $9 (makes enough for about 4 people) and also offers other food such as pizza and hot dogs. Chip and Dale meet the guests and sign autographs. Then a Disney movie is shown on a large outdoor screen. There is some seating on bleachers and benches, or you can lay out a blanket. No reservations necessary -- just show up. Cost: FREE to all Disney resort guests.

A similar outdoor campfire and movie program is offered at Beach Club Resort and at the Grand Floridian Resort. There is a campfire sing-along on the beach, followed by a Disney movie. (No characters attend.) Ask at the front desk for a schedule. S'more kits that make enough for about 4 people are sold for about $9. No reservations necessary -- just show up. Cost: FREE to all Disney resort guests.

Port Orleans-Riverside offers a seasonal "Campfire on de' Bayou" with stories and sing-alongs around a fire at the Ol' Man Island Fishin' Hole. (No characters attend.) It usually runs in the winter, from Halloween through sometime in March, and only a couple of nights a week (most recently, Sunday and Thursday), weather permitting. Ask at the front desk for a schedule. S'more kits that make enough for about 4 people are sold for about $9. No reservations necessary -- just show up. Cost: FREE to all Disney resort guests.

Take a stroll. There are lovely walkways or nature trails around almost all of the resorts.

At night you can wander along the Polynesian's beach and watch the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. Walk through the tiki-torchlit gardens between the Great Ceremonial House and the beach. It's all very romantic. (Please keep in mind that the beach is primarily intended for guests of the Polynesian, though there is nothing to prevent the general public from visiting.)

Watch the Wishes Fireworks from the Grand Floridian boat dock. Narcoossees restaurant is nearby and receives the audio soundtrack from the Magic Kingdom, so you can enjoy the fireworks synchronized to the music. There's a little bit of delay due to the distance, but it still works. Seeing the fireworks reflect off of the lake is beautiful.

From the Boardwalk, meander up to the back gate of Epcot, or over to Disney's Hollywood Studios around closing time and enjoy the music and perhaps a glimpse of IllumiNations or Fantasmic!. The bridge that goes over to the Swan and Dolphin sometimes has nice views at that time.

At Wilderness Lodge, a geyser (kind of a mini version of Old Faithful) spouts on the hour from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. The geyser is located at the back of the property, past the pool.

During the day, explore the woods from Wilderness Lodge to Ft. Wilderness.

Stroll from the Grand Floridian to the Wedding Pavilion and poke your head in. (Unless there's a wedding in progress, of course!)

At Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can walk out to the viewing areas and see the exotic African animals roaming free. Note that the animals come out around dusk -- you won't see any during the day. (Please keep in mind that hotel guests' rooms open right out onto the viewing areas, so quiet is very much appreciated.)

Visit a Butterfly Garden (a patch of land planted to create a habitat that attracts butterflies) at one of the resorts. There are currently two that I know about: at Contemporary Resort, the garden is located on the left side as you walk out the back of the lobby towards the pool and lake; and at Ft. Wilderness, there is a garden outside the Outpost. You can call the Gardening Hotline at (407) 938-3900 for more information regarding butterfly gardens.

Cost for all of the above ideas: FREE.

Rent a bike and explore the trails around one of the resorts. Every Disney resort hotel has some kind of trail, but the trails around Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness are especially nice. Cost: $9.59 an hour.

Rent an old-fashioned fringe-topped surrey at Disney's BoardWalk. Bicycle around the pier and visit Disney's Yacht and Beach Club resorts and the Swan and Dolphin. Also available for rent at Old Key West. Surreys can accomodate two to four people. Cost: $21.30-$23.43 per hour, depending on location.

Watch the Electrical Water Pageant. This floating parade is visible nightly, usually starting at 9:00, from Disney's Magic Kingdom-area resort hotel docks and beaches. The pageant takes about an hour to move slowly around the lake, stopping at each resort in order: Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness and Contemporary. Cost: FREE.

Make the rounds of the Disney resorts and collect something! You can make your own scavenger hunt for little or nothing:

Make a list of every Hidden Mickey you can find

Get a pressed penny (.50 - $1.50) or a pin (about $6) for each resort.

Have a drink in the lounges and save the swizzle sticks (some of them have fun themed designs).

Go on a bargain hunt. Most of the resort hotel shops have at least one shelf or table of marked-down items. You might find a great deal.

Investigate special kids' programs at your Disney resort hotel. The Deluxe resorts usually have kids' recreation programs such as coloring, crafts, pool games, Hidden Mickey searches, and storytelling at various times. Cost: FREE to guests of the hotel.

 

[jtanddolly]

A few other fun things to include in a newsletter...or if you enjoyed making one...you could have monthly newsletters leading up to your big event! If you do that you will definitely need some fun fillers!

1. You could have a section on hidden mickeys:
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/HiddenMickeyDisney.html

2. You could have a section on pressed pennies:
http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/pennylist.htm this websites list all of the pressed penny machines at WDW and what they press. Once at Disney you can buy “Pressed Penny Passports” to collect all of your pressed pennies in. They are $6.95 and hold 48+ Pennies, 9 pressed quarters and they are available with different characters on them.

3. You can point them to the DISBoards...specifically to the "Creative Boards" if they are crafty and want to make things like T-shirts, Kids Journals, Pressed Penny Holders, Activity Books, Travel Games, etc.:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

4. You can also list websites for those not so crafty that would like to purchase some Disney t-shirts and items before the trip. Here is Disney's shopping website: www.disneyshopping.go.com

Or a specific link for special offers and sales items:
http://www.disneystore.com/special-offers/c/13735/


Look at Disney’s online shopping to find good deals. When I looked recently I found tons of sale item things, but specificall I found two great Mickey t-shirts for $4.99. This is about the same price it will cost you to make t-shirts and they will last longer! If you purchase $85 worth of t-shirts for your family, you can get shipping for $5 when you put in the code: SHIPTODAY

Also, look for specials. There was an additional 25% off already reduced prices the day that I looked with code: EXTRA25 this made the shirts with tax and free shipping $4.06 per shirt. At the parks for around $100 you will probably get 5-7 t-shirts but by purchasing them early you can get 15-20 t-shirts for under $100.


5. http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads.shtml is another great website to point your guests to for lots of free downloads that they can print out and have for their trips. Here is a list of things they can find:

Calendars
• Desktop Calendar - Disney Themed
• Desktop Wallpaper - Disney themed
• Photo Calendars - Disney Themed - Printable

For The Kids
• Disney Homework Pages
• School Excuse Letter
• Kids Travel ID
• Chainlink Countdown
• Kids Travel Journal
• Word Search Puzzles
• Trivia Questions
• Walt Disney World Character Find List
• Autograph Pages
• Autograph Book

For Your Trip
• Cast Member Appreciation Certificates
• Character List - Walt Disney World
• Disney Luggage Tags
• Freebies to collect/do on your trip
• Gratuity Envelopes
• MFL Community Information Card
• MFL Pocket Guides
• Mousekeeping Envelopes
• Pin Pixies
• Planning Kit - Walt Disney World
• Stroller Tags
• Travel Journal - Adult Trivia Questions - Walt Disney World
• Trivia Questions - Disneyland
• Ultimate Packing List
• Ultimate Packing List for Cruises
• Word Search Puzzles

Just For Fun
• MFL Logo Transfers
• Learning All About Disney

5. You could do another section for Book Recommendations:

Here are some of my recommendations for books that I (or my family and friends) have purchased and read...

Walt Disney World with Kids this is the book that I had and loved it!

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World my sister and good friend have this book and love it! If you are interested in rides more than anything else…this is the book for you! It gives you times to get in lines for the best rides or when to get fast passes for them so that you never have to wait in long lines. It also gives a lot of other great information including how to save money. ($10.69 on Amazon)

The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide http://www.*********.com/guide.html?hop=bayoudes
This book is supposed to help you save thousands of dollars at Disney. I didn’t find this until after I went so I haven’t purchased it and can’t personally recommend…but the “www.momsminivan.com” website does. What one family spent $5,500 on…with the author’s advice another spent $2,700 for the exact same trip. (this is an online ebook $29.95 that you can read online or print out yourself.) It was written by a former employee of Disney World.

Hidden Mickeys, 2nd Edition : A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets (Paperback) I haven’t read this book but it is recommended on several websites ($4.79 on Amazon)

DO NOT BUY Frommer’s Walt Disney World & Orlando with Kids I bought this book and didn’t like it.

 

[jtanddolly]

Jessica (Boston Disney Bride)...one of the wonderful DISBrides was kind enough to share some of her documents with me. Here is a "did you know" page from her welcome packet:


Did You Know?

It's Not a Small World, After All . . . Covering 47 square miles; Walt Disney World is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 30,000 acres, less than one-fourth has been developed with another quarter designated as a wilderness preserve.

A Cast of Thousands . . . Close to 45,000 to be more precise. That's how many people it takes to create the magic here at the Vacation Kingdom. Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World is the largest employer in Central Florida.

What the Well-Dressed Mouse Will Be Wearing . . . depends entirely on the occasion. Mickey Mouse himself has 175 different sets of duds, ranging from a scuba suit to a tuxedo. Minnie Mouse's wardrobe contains some 200 outfits, including everything from a cheerleader ensemble to evening gowns.

Suds 'R Us . . . If you were to wash and dry one load of laundry every day for 33 years, you'd clean as much as the folks at the Walt Disney World Laundry do in a single day. The 550 workers there launder an average of 120,000 pounds each day. In addition, between 30,000 and 32,000 garments are dry-cleaned daily.

Smile! . . . Kodak estimates that approximately 4 percent of all the amateur photographs taken in the United States are snapped at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland.

Who's Still Thirsty? . . . More than 46 million Cokes are consumed each year at Walt Disney World Resort. That goes with 7 million hamburgers, 5 million hot dogs, 5 million pounds of French fries and 265,000 pounds of popcorn.

Ears To You . . . There are enough of the famous "Mouse Ear" hats sold each year to cover the head of every man, woman and child in Pittsburgh and enough Disney character T-shirts strike the fancy of Walt Disney World guests each year to put Mickey Mouse's smiling face on the chest of every Chicagoan.

Busman's Holiday . . . Nearly 165 Walt Disney World buses cover almost 9 million miles every year. That's enough to drive around the earth (at the equator) more than six times each week!

Gone But Not Forgotten . . . Walt Disney World Lost and Found is one busy place. Everyday an average of 100 pairs of sunglasses are turned in at the Magic Kingdom alone. There have been enough "shades" submitted each year in the Vacation Kingdom to outfit every resident of Sun City, Arizona, Sun City, California and Sun City, Florida. Since 1971, an estimated 1.5 million pairs of glasses have found their way into the "lost" bin.

Boulder Builder . . . Here's one to stump your friends with. How many stones are there in Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom? NONE. The whole shell of the building is fiberglass.

A Mountain Range? . . . Walt Disney World is home to Florida's two highest "mountains!" In the Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain rises 197 feet above Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland is 183 feet tall

Salad Shooter . . . If you're enjoying fresh vegetables at Epcot's Garden Grill, Sunshine Season Food Fair or Coral Reef restaurants, chances are they were grown right in the theme park. Last year, more than 30 tons of fruits and veggies were harvested from The Land pavilion's greenhouses.

Spaced Out . . . Spaceship Earth, the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot, weighs 16 million pounds -- more than three times that of a Space Shuttle fully fueled and ready for launch. The outer "skin" of Spaceship Earth is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic-alloy triangles. Also, did you know that rainwater never falls off the sphere? It's absorbed into the ball, and funneled into World Showcase Lagoon.

Water, Water Everywhere . . . If you emptied the water from The Living Seas in Epcot into one-gallon milk jugs and laid them side by side, they would stretch from here to New Orleans, Knoxville or Raleigh -- 540 miles. And the recipe for the artificial sea water called for 27 truckloads of sodium chloride, or common table salt.

Ready, Aim . . . The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza can shoot water 150 feet in the air -- within 30 feet of the top of Spaceship Earth. If all of the shooters were fired at once, there would be 2,000 gallons of water in the air.

IllumiNations . . . More than 26,000 feet of lights outlines the Epcot World Showcase pavilions -- a string long enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times.

Height of Fright . . . At 199 feet tall, The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror™ at the Disney Hollywood Studios is the highest attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. It tops the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle (185 feet), Epcot's Spaceship Earth (180 feet) and Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom (198 feet). So how is it that the Tower of Terror contains only 13 "floors?" Imagineers say it's because the place is full of so many "tall stories."

Biggest Ever . . . Disney's Animal Kingdom encompasses 500 acres, the company's biggest theme park. The centerpiece is The Tree of Life, 14 stories high and 50 feet wide at its trunk. On opening day, there were more than 1,000 live animals.

 

[jtanddolly]

www.disney-stationary.com is another website with fun printables