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Posts from ‘August, 2009’

8 tips for parents on how to cope when your child leaves for college

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When millions of teenagers leave home for college this fall, it can be an exciting, but anxiety-provoking time for not only the student, but also the parents. Here are some tips to help with a smooth transition:

  1. Talk about credit cards and finances before school begins.

    Things to consider are whether the student will have a credit card and whether or not parents should be the co-signer. Credit card debts and problems financing are common among college students.

  2. Resist the urge to decorate your child’s new dorm room.

    This is one of the great ways that students can “break the ice” with their roommates.

8 more tips for students on how to survive your first year of college.

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This is continued from Tuesday’s blog on tips for students on how to survive first year of college. Here are 8 more tips.

  1. Be safe.

    It is important to stay safe on college campus. Find well-lit safe paths, avoid walking alone at night, avoid drinking alcohol heavily.

  2. Eat right.

    Eating a healthy well-balanced diet can prevent the dreaded “Freshman 15.” Many campuses offer a variety of food options.

  3. Be proactive.

    Unlike high school, college is all about independence. There is no body telling you what to do and making sure you get things done. It is your responsibility as an adult to choose your path to success.

8 Tips for students on how to survive your first year of college

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The start of college is a huge transition for students. It can be the beginning of a wonderful 4 year experience and growth. Here are some tips to help with the successful transition and making the most out of college years.

  1. Go to orientations.

    This is one way to find your way around campus effectively. It is important not only to attend general orientations, but those for your major as well.

  2. Get to know your roommate and others in your residence hall.

    These will be people you will live with it. Many of my life-long friends are my college roommates. We began our relationship during the summer before move-in and before the stresses of college.

Disneyland: A walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour: A General Description and Review (with spoilers)

General Description:(no spoilers)

  • Offered twice daily and at around 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m

  • Tour is held rain or shine.

  • 3.5 hour tour (lunch included)

  • Requires park admission and is $59 for all ages (but not recommended for small children). Deluxe and premium annual passholders or Disney Visa Cardholders receive 20% discount.

  • To book this tour you must call (714) 781-4400. You can call up to 30 days in advance.

  • This is walking facts and trivia tour through Disneyland Park. The tour paints a picture of Walt Disney’s vision, challenges, and hard work that went into creating this remarkable park.

Top Marriage Proposal Ideas at Walt Disney World’s Epcot

From Drop Box

Where my boyfriend proposed the night before

This is a blog continued from Top Marriage Proposal Ideas at Walt Disney World. This blog focuses on Epcot, which has a special connection for me.

Epcot Future World:

  • The Seas Aqua Tour allows Guests to swim on the surface of the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank inside the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion at Epcot Theme Park. Guests use a supplied-air snorkel system and do not need to be scuba certified.

Top Marriage Proposal Ideas at Walt Disney World

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Every little girl dreams of the day when their “Prince Charming” gets down a one knee to propose. One imagines the day as being special and romantic. What better place to propose than at the magical Walt Disney World. Here is a list of “magical” spots at Walt Disney World that would be a perfect place to propose:

Magic Kingdom:

7 Proposal Ideas at Disneyland

Why not propose at the happiest place on earth? Disneyland is filled with magic and there are many great ways to propose. Here are some ideas to help:

  • Magical Proposal

    The natural popular spot with lots of magic. There are also Photopass Disney Castmembers that can take a picture of your special moment.

  • Snowy Proposal

    During Christmas seasons, “snow” falls along mainstreet. You can pick a spot and propose there.

  • Firing Proposal

    Time your proposal with fireworks.

5 Things I learned from Disney cast members about customer service

Disney cast members demonstrate many levels of customer service. There are 5 things that caught my eye.

  1. Adding “special touches.”

    I was impressed by how the hotel cast members left towels folded into various symbols. It was nice to come back after a long day and see the special decorations. I also noticed that many of the cast members offer unprompted suggestions and ideas. Tips include recommendations for dining and attractions.

  2. Keeping the “magic.”

    Cast members work hard to preserve the Disney magic. For example, tours are restricted to 16 years of age above. Also cast members from different locations don’t walk into neighboring lands. It would be odd to see a Jungle Cruise skipper in Tomorrowland.

Review of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

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This past trip was the first time I played golf outside of Southern California. The Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course was a great course. It’s long-distances, rough, and Bermuda grass greens provided fun challenges. The highlight was of course the 6th hole which has the Mickey Mouse bunker. It was also fun riding the cart (which is required) which has the GPS system and also a system to keep score.

Best Season to play: January through April, to beat crowds play Monday or Tuesday. On weekends, it is often closed for professional tour players to practice.

My Top 7 quick serve restaurant picks at Walt Disney World

There are so many places to eat at Walt Disney World. I tried to eat at least once at the different parks within Walt Disney World. These are the quick serve restaurants I ate at during the last trip.

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Lotus Blossom Cafe
Location:Epcot World Showcase China: (next to Yong Feng Shagdian shopping gallery)
Cuisine: Chinese
Meal Served: Lunch, Dinner
Hours: 11am-closing
Atmosphere: The decor was enjoyable as well with a view of the China Circle of Vision theater and lily pond.
Personal Experience: I had a meal with orange chicken and steamed rice and ice cream. It was simple, but good.