History of Portage Park Chicago, IL

 Ethnolography Project: Portage Park Chicago

  

10 Ways to Save Money at Disney

Disney on the Cheap: Saving Money at Walt Disney World

I consistently travel to Disney on the cheap.

1. Do not use a travel agent! 

Some travel agents charge you $75 a person to book your vacation. I only stay at Disney hotels. You can easily cancel any Disney hotel reservation through Disney or rebook your hotel with Disney. If you need to cancel, you have 5 days to do it before you go if you plans change. You don't need a travel agent to do that for you. On the Disney website, you can also ask questions to a representative. There are enough blogs out there with information that you can research regarding hotels and dining on your own. Only use a travel agent if you do not have time for your own research. For instance, review sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Disney Food Blog, Micechat and several other websites.

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.

2. Keep looking for better prices on airline miles using Southwest.

I have not paid for my Southwest Flight using Southwest Airlines in the last few years as I have been using points from earning miles through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Account, Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, etc. In fact, I get my family to sign up for the cards and we book flights for each other.

 If you are from the states, you can easily use Southwest Airlines to get to Disney and change or rebook your flight with ease. In fact, I can change my reservation with Southwest Airlines for less money or points. I recently did this with my August 2015 flight reservation. Instead of about 8k miles each way, it was only 3k saving me about 10k miles on Southwest. Also, I have rebooked Disney hotel reservation based on specials that Disney offers through their web site. Having an annual pass, DVC membership or summer specials can help decrease the cost. Sometimes even Disney will send you snail mail with special codes.

3. Don't use the dining plan and don't do the dessert parties

Unless you have teenage boys with you, do no use the dining plan. I don't use the dining plan because I bring a bag with snacks with me such as granola bars, pretzels and popcorn. It also helps that my two bags are free on Southwest Airlines. I usually check a bag with clothes and snacks and bring a small carry on with a change of clothes, basic toiletries and swimsuit. These are good for breakfast and snacks throughout your day. Also, the dining plan is too much food. For instance, a counter service meal includes a drink and dessert. When was the last time you had dessert for every meal? There is also a snack daily. For $41.99 a day per person for the two quick service meals and one snack, you can pay less (meals $10-13 each without drink and dessert) and snacks ($5 each) without using the plan. I bring Crystal Light packets with me and my own water bottle to create my own lemonade in the parks. You can get free water and ice at any Quick Service food location and put in your Crystal Light for a cheap drink and meal.

Do not do the dessert parties. It is a waste of money for $75+ a person for just dessert.

4. Use Magical Express

Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be expensive per person. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you get free transportation to your hotel from MCO (Orlando, FL airport) to your resort. Make sure you set up the transportation with your reservation or call Disney's Magical Express (also known as Mears) before your vacation. I recently screwed up and ended up calling the morning of my hotel reservation and made the transportation arrangements.  However, I was one person and not a big deal. For families and large groups, please call weeks beforehand. If you call weeks beforehand, you will also receive luggage tags for your trip meaning you can let Disney deal with your checked luggage and bring it to your room. If you do need other transportation, Uber is now in Florida and are often cheaper than Taxis or Cabs in the city. Need and Uber code for free rides, please email me.

6. Bring your own detergent.

Laundry is $2.50 to wash and dry (total $5.00). You can buy detergent for $1.00. However, I bring my own with me in my bag saving the price for detergent. If you are trying to save money and only bringing on bag on your flight, bring less clothes and do laundry. A box of feminine products at the hotel are more expensive than a load of laundry.

Individual Laundry Detergent

7. Bring an extra pair of shoes

It rains in Florida alot. That means you are likely to have at least one day with wet shoes. Bring an extra pair of athletic shoes with you. Since they are heavy, wear one to the airport. Bring also a pair of flip flops for the pool or in an emergency in the park. Disney does have flip flops available at merchandise stores such as The Emporium at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street, or MouseGears at Epcot, but it is cheaper to bring your own from home. Those $2 flip flops at Old Navy from home are cheap and you can easily toss them away if they get ruined during your trip.

8. Get free things from First Aid in the Parks

You can get free band-aids, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen from the nurse at the theme parks if you forgot them in your hotel room (or at home). You can also get collagen jell (that has Benadryll) for things like bug bites. I always bring my own things from home, but it is nice that I can get something in a pinch in the parks. First Aid in Magic Kingdom is between Casey's and Crystal Palace. At Epcot it is near the Odyssey by the Mexican Pavilion. At HollywoodStudios, at the entrance of the park on the left near Guest Services. At Animal Kingdom, it is on the left side near the new Starbucks or Pizza Planet. Check your guide map if you are having trouble with your headache or blisters finding the First Aid office.

9. Check out buying tickets at Undercover Tourist or another discount ticket website.

10. Sign up for the Disney Visa Card.

Currently, there is a free $200 statement credit after you spend $500 in three months with the Disney Visa Card. Also, the card does not quality for 5/24 according to Doctor of Credit. This card has a $0 annual fee. This card also gets you a free photo session at Epcot with a character. It gives you discounts at some of the restaurants and you earn Disney Rewards by using the card. Sign up below:

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.

Links:
Trip Advisor
Yelp
Disney Food Blog
Also read, 5 Hacks for Saving on Your Disney Vacation from the Huffington Post

Disney on the Cheap

Disney on the Cheap: Saving Money at Walt Disney World

I consistently travel to Disney on the cheap.

1. Do not use a travel agent! 

Some travel agents charge you $75 a person to book your vacation. I only stay at Disney hotels. You can easily cancel any Disney hotel reservation through Disney or rebook your hotel with Disney. You don't need a travel agent to do that for you. On the Disney website, you can also ask questions to a representative. There are enough blogs out there with information that you can research regarding hotels and dining on your own. Only use a travel agent if you do not have time for your own research. For instance, review sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Disney Food Blog, Micechat and several other websites.

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.

2. Keep looking for better prices.l

If you are from the states, you can easily use Southwest Airlines to get to Disney and change or rebook your flight with ease. In fact, I can change my reservation with Southwest Airlines for less money or points. I recently did this with my August 2015 flight reservation. Instead of about 8k miles each way, it was only 3k saving me about 10k miles on Southwest. Also, I have rebooked Disney hotel reservation based on specials that Disney offers through their web site. Sometimes even Disney will send you snail mail with special codes.

3. Don't use the dining plan

Unless you have teenage boys with you, do no use the dining plan. I don't use the dining plan because I bring a bag with snacks with me such as granola bars, pretzels and popcorn. It also helps that my two bags are free on Southwest Airlines. I usually check a bag with clothes and snacks and bring a small carry on with a change of clothes, basic toiletries and swimsuit. These are good for breakfast and snacks throughout your day. Also, the dining plan is too much food. For instance, a counter service meal includes a drink and dessert. When was the last time you had dessert for every meal? There is also a snack daily. For $41.99 a day per person for the two quick service meals and one snack, you can pay less (meals $10-13 each without drink and dessert) and snacks ($5 each) without using the plan. I bring Crystal Light packets with me and my own water bottle to create my own lemonade in the parks. You can get free water and ice at any Quick Service food location and put in your Crystal Light for a cheap drink and meal.

4. Use Magical Express

Transportation from the airport to your hotel can be expensive per person. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you get free transportation to your hotel from MCO (Orlando, FL airport) to your resort. Make sure you set up the transportation with your reservation or call Disney's Magical Express (also known as Mears) before your vacation. I recently screwed up and ended up calling the morning of my hotel reservation and made the transportation arrangements.  However, I was one person and not a big deal. For families and large groups, please call weeks beforehand. If you call weeks beforehand, you will also receive luggage tags for your trip meaning you can let Disney deal with your checked luggage and bring it to your room. If you do need other transportation, Uber is now in Florida and are often cheaper than Taxis or Cabs in the city. Need and Uber code for free rides, please email me.

6. Bring your own detergent.

Laundry is $2.50 to wash and dry (total $5.00). You can buy detergent for $1.00. However, I bring my own with me in my bag saving the price for detergent. If you are trying to save money and only bringing on bag on your flight, bring less clothes and do laundry. A box of feminine products at the hotel are more expensive than a load of laundry.

Individual Laundry Detergent

7. Bring an extra pair of shoes

It rains in Florida alot. That means you are likely to have at least one day with wet shoes. Bring an extra pair of athletic shoes with you. Since they are heavy, wear one to the airport. Bring also a pair of flip flops for the pool or in an emergency in the park. Disney does have flip flops available at merchandise stores such as The Emporium at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street, or MouseGears at Epcot, but it is cheaper to bring your own from home. Those $2 flip flops at Old Navy from home are cheap and you can easily toss them away if they get ruined during your trip.

8. Get free things from First Aid in the Parks

You can get free band-aids, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen from the nurse at the theme parks if you forgot them in your hotel room (or at home). You can also get collagen jell (that has Benadryll) for things like bug bites. I always bring my own things from home, but it is nice that I can get something in a pinch in the parks. First Aid in Magic Kingdom is between Casey's and Crystal Palace. At Epcot it is near the Odyssey by the Mexican Pavilion. At HollywoodStudios, at the entrance of the park on the left near Guest Services. At Animal Kingdom, it is on the left side near the new Starbucks or Pizza Planet. Check your guide map if you are having trouble with your headache or blisters finding the First Aid office.

9. Check out buying tickets at Undercover Tourist or another discount ticket website.

10. Sign up for the Disney Visa Card.

Currently, there is a free $200 statement credit after you spend $500 in three months with the Disney Visa Card. Also, the card does not quality for 5/24 according to Doctor of Credit. This card has a $0 annual fee. This card also gets you a free photo session at Epcot with a character. It gives you discounts at some of the restaurants and you earn Disney Rewards by using the card. Sign up below:

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.

Links:
Trip Advisor
Yelp
Disney Food Blog
Also read, 5 Hacks for Saving on Your Disney Vacation from the Huffington Post

Magic Kingdom - Phone Chargers at Cosmic Rays in Tomorrowland

Update: As of Summer of 2015, these phone chargers are gone from Disney.

So, don't we love Disney. The MyMagicBand+ is a great invention. However, to change your FastPass+ times or attractions, you need to either wait in a long line or use your cell phone. Also, I did not travel all the way from Chicago to wait somewhere to charge my phone so that I can take pictures with Mickey and Minnie and upload them to Facebook. I am on vacation. That power strip at Space Mountain Arcade does not work for me. Since my phone is an HTC Sensation 4G from Summer 2011, my phone does not hold its power for very long. In fact, I carry an extra battery. I was *hoping* to use the cell phone chargers at Tomorrow's Cosmic Ray's restaurant. However, I always found them full.

Phone Chargers for Android and IPhone users at Cosmic Ray's in  Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland

All red = all full of phones

These machines are made by Brightbox. The red light means that one of the outlets is being used. The green shows that it is empty and the blue shows that your phone has been charged. I know that the top picture shows a green or open space, but it was for IPhone and I have an Android device. In fact, every time I would visit the phone charging station, they would have room for an IPhone. I do not know if it is because IPhones are less popular or hold more battery power. To open the door, you use your credit card and use the credit card again to pick it up later. Disney, we need MORE of these around the parks. If you require us to use the MyDisneyApp, I need a safe place to charge my phone. These would be great for around the park while people are eating or at a show.

I think Disney needs some suggestions of charging stations:
Epcot
American Pavilion - Epcot
You would be able to listen to the acapella group and then see the half hour show while your phone is charging. I think they could find a place or create an overlay on this with white to match the decor.
Electric Umbrella - Epcot
This cool purple color might even go with the decor.
Universe of Energy - Epcot
Maybe this would help make Ellen's Energy Crisis more popular as I might actually go to that area of the park.
Innoventions - Epcot
What says new technology like being able to charge your cell phone for free?

Test Track

Put some stations in the Chevrolet section then people will keep coming back to see the cars.

Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Rays
I know there are already two machines, but they were always full. How about adding more near the hallway where the bathrooms are located?

Space Mountain Arcade
Get rid of that long power strip and install these. It would be so much better.

Columbia Harbour House
Put them upstairs in the corner in the carpeted area. I used to work here. No one would go up there unless they knew it was there. This would be a great area for Disney diehards.

Hollywood Studios
Rock N' Roll Roller Coaster
Similarly to Space Mountain, this would be good in the exit area.

Pizza Planet

this also has a futuristic theme. The arcade setting is perfect and you could even put them upstairs to make people work for it.

Animal Kingdom
Lion King
Since they are redoing this area anyways, might as well put some African themed machines in to charge the phone while at the show.

Hotels
Coronado Springs Convention Center
Nothing says a convention or Professional Development like needing your phone.

Star Wars Weekend - My favorite pictures

Fifty Shades

A friend is repainting her new condo. She is painting many of her walls gray. She joked that it was fifty shades of gray. She recently bought the book Fifty Shades of Grey and allowed me to borrow it this spring break. I have some PG views on the book:
-I read the first 75 pages the first night, all of these pages are PG
-The rest of the book gets a little interesting
-There are several vocabulary words that I do not know or use in my vernacular though Mr. Grey and Anastasia do (I should look them up or maybe someone else has these words somewhere)



After reading book #1, I moved onto book #2 (Fifty Shades Darker). Here are the views on the new book:
We meet Leila. She is more screwed up than Mr. Grey.
-Anastasia impressed me and Mr. Grey by donating the money from the sale of her bug to charity
page 300, things get a little interesting

My new bathroom

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.


I was inspired by Pinterest this summer to redo my bathroom. (My pinterest: iillini24). Every summer, since I am a teacher, I seem to  tackle another room in my house. I really wanted to incorporate Chevron (or zig zag) into a new bathroom.

It was great timing because in the summer of 2013, West Elm's catalog had a Chevron shower curtain in it for a reasonable price, $39. Luckily, I have a West Elm in Lincoln Park in Chicago that has parking so I would be able to check it out. I actually went twice until it actually came in stock.

West Elm Gray ZigZag

I was inspired by Pinterest and 320 Sycamore.

320 Sycamore Master Bathroom 

I found this inspiration also from Target, but decided that I wanted to go with more bold colors for accessories so that I could change them without changing the wall color. I did not want teal walls.

Target Shower Curtain

I found out that HGTV's Kevin Grace was going to be at West Elm Lincoln Park giving out some design advice. Yeah! Help!! 

I attended the morning session with my towels in hand that I found from Home Goods that was the same ones as 320 Sycamore. I had already bought the shelves at Home Depot.com and had them delivered. He confirmed my great choice with the towels. He also told me to go to my local Sherwin Williams on Halsted in Chicago as the manager John would be fantastic to help me. 

Kevin asked me what color I would want in the bathroom besides the gray. I told him that I did not want yellow (my childhood house for my first 9 years was yellow and the bathroom was a 60s yellow). He suggested teal such as one of the trays in the store. I asked him if I could go brighter, because I already purchased the Target teal lockers. He confirmed it was a great idea. 

Bathroom Before

This is my bathroom before I decided to do anything. I moved into my place in 2008 and purchased this lovely Crocill shower curtain from Bed Bath and Beyond. I did this because I had creme towels that would match.

Here is the bathroom in progress.

Bathroom Before

Some paint samples from Sherwin William's 40% off weekend meaning that they were still $5 per sample (At Home Depot, usually $3). I didn't like the color on the right. This is the area in back of the toilet that was  blank with no shelves. I had a picture up before on the right wall, but took it down to try some paint colors.

Choosing bathroom colors

Here is it up close, the color on the right that I did not like.

Bathroom color again

These were too dark for what I wanted. My mother said it looked like cement. This is above the toilet where I had to add the shelves. I put 3 pieces of tape to shower where I might want the three shelves to get an idea. 

French Gray by Sherwin Williams - too dark, looked like cement

Bathroom After

I bought the exact same exact shelves that 320 Sycamore bought along with the towels. Here are a list of items bought and their costs
-Sherwin Williams paint in Passive, brushes, supples, etc. about $100
-24" Floating Shelves from Home Depot $65 for all 3 ($19.99 each, but with Chicago Taxes..)
-Consultation with Kevin Grace from HGTV (free)
-West Elm gray ZigZag shower curtain $39 + 10% off coupon, + Chicago taxes
-Home Good Large Towels $7.99 X 4
-Home Good Hand Towels $5.99 X 2
-Marshall's Teal Bath Rug $12.99
-Target teal metal lockers, two for $7 (they were on clearance, no longer available)
-Home Goods Q-tip container $5
-Softsoap container (already had in my bathroom)
-Container store jars $8-$10each
-Puff Plus tissue box $1  (I bought a ton of them so that when they change the design, I will have plenty to spare.)

Update: December 2013
I found this rug at Target. Though it isn't appropriate for a wet environment like a bathroom, I am going to put it in the hallway outside the bathroom. It is 9 degrees here in Chicago, so I am keeping the old rug down also since the floor is so cold.

Target Rug, gray

Earn a $200 Disney Gift Card with the Disney® Visa® Card. No annual fee.