I would like to thank Boarding Area, and most especially Randy, for everything they’ve done to help VeryGoodPoints grow over the last year+. I have enjoyed being a part of Boarding Area, have learned a ton from all my fellow bloggers and look forward to my next adventure.

Thank you for all your support of VeryGoodPoints on Boarding Area and I look forward to seeing you on my new site www.first2board.com

Best,

Stacey

The day before I headed to Orlando my mom told me it would be cool and I'd need a light jacket or fleece. So I packed light weight long sleeved shirts, pants and a hoodie. Arrived in Orlando, walked outside and thought – phew, it's a little steamy! Turns out the highs were around 86 degrees. So needless to say I own a whole new selection of Disney Ts.

February is one of the Florida resident months and so a few of us were able to get discounted rates. Typically, Florida resident months mean smaller crowds, however, not this time. Seems like all of New Orleans came to Disney to escape Mardi Gras.

We decided to head straight to the New Fantasy Land in hopes of avoiding some crowds. That was a smart move. There were 5 kids with us all under age 6. They really liked the new area.

The new part of Fantasyland lies just beyond the remaining part of Fantasyland just behind Cinderella Castle. The new area offers two parts, the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus. In addition there are two new castles: Beast’s Castle, representing “Beauty and the Beast,” and Prince Eric’s Castle, representing “The Little Mermaid.”

The Enchanted Forest showcases the tales of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” and has tons of Disneyesque landscape with waterfalls, greenery, grottoes, bridges and of course, the forests.

An area focused on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is under construction and will open in 2014. You can take a sneak peak into the area but all you really see is a big hole and lots of construction equipment.

The Little Mermaid ride transports guests below the ocean’s surface to see Ariel and her friends, an adventure that recreates scenes from the 1989 animated movie and includes some of its memorable songs. Fast Passes! Next door, Ariel’s Grotto offers guests the chance to meet Ariel in the flesh – and take tons of photos (there were as many grown men as kids taking photos!)

Across a stone gargoyle bridge from Ariel’s home is the Beast’s Castle, the site of Be Our Guest Restaurant. Be Our Guest offers quick-service dining for lunch and table-service dining for dinner. I wrote a review of Be Our Guest previously.

Belle’s Village has a small collection of buildings housing shops, but the focal point is a bronze statue of Gaston. You might even find Gaston in the town square, eager admirers waiting for photos with him. He left just as we arrived.

Gaston’s Tavern, decorated like a hunting lodge, has LeFou’s Brew. The no-sugar-added frozen apple juice has a hint of toasted marshmallow, and is topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam. Didn't sound or look good to me.

Storybook Circus bring the big top to Magic Kingdom and features the “Dumbo” movie characters. Storybook Circus is the new home Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, ride. The kids seemed to love it and it looked like it got a much needed renovation.

Another “Dumbo” are is a Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. The play area is based on the train from the movie, and circus animals in train cars squirt and spray water at guests. The day we visited that area it was pouring so we didn't even notice the water!

The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini, is a kiddie coaster. The ride is very short and gentle, my 3 years old nephew met the height requirement to ride it! Fast Passes!

Pete’s Silly Sideshow offers a character meet-and-greet with Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. You can meet the characters, pose for photos and receive autographs inside the air-conditioned bit top. The downside, there are no fast passes for these characters.

All in all, this was a great area for the kids, provided a little downtime for the adults and looks really great! Can't wait for the rest to open!

Part 3 of my WDW Vacation – the rest of the Magic Kingdom

On March 1st I will be moving to a new home at First2Board.com. Please come visit me there.

The benefit of the Bay Lake Towers and the Contemporary Hotel is both the proximity to the Magic Kingdom and that it's on the Magic Kingdom Monorail line.

The room type we had at the Bay Lake Towers is called the 3-bedroom Grand Villa with a theme park view. The alternative view is of Bay Lake and the pools/activity area. The first floor of the room has a full kitchen, living room, laundry room, master bedroom with master bath and a second full bath in the living area. The second floor has 2 bedrooms and each has a full bath and double beds. There's a loft area on the second floor with a sleeper sofa.

Courtesy Disney Vacation Club

The views from the room were spectacular because there were floor to ceiling windows. The view from our room looked onto the Magic Kingdom and you could see iconic figures like Cinderella's Castle and Space Mountain.

The room was really comfortable.

Living Area

Master Bedroom

One of the best parts of the room in my opinion was the perfect view of the fireworks from the park. I love fireworks, I hate crowds. From the room you could sit on the balcony and enjoy the show.

I really enjoyed the Bay Lake Towers and even as a non Disney Vacation Club member I would stay at the Contemporary Bay Lake Towers if I was visiting The Magic Kingdom.

Part 2 of my Disney Vacation review: The New Fantasy Land

During the flight we were given Thai Pajamas and a Tumi Amenity Kit.

So I'm giving away the PJs and the Tumi Amenity Kit. The kit does not have the original products inside – TSA'S made me dump them as they were 4.5 oz each. But I've refilled it with some of my favorite travel amenities from Starwood! A very similar Tumi bag sells in stores for $45! So the Tumi alone is a cool prize. The PJs are an XL size but would likely fit someone who wears med-large.

So, how can you enter? You have two chances to win.

First, comment about anything on this post here on Boarding Area. Then, for a second chance to win, follow @First2Board on twitter.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm ET on Feb 24, 2013.

• Void where prohibited by law
• You must be 21 years of age to enter
• You must comment with your real name and last initial (i.e., Stacey S)

If I were Doug Parker in Charge of the New AA world

I'd cancel US Air catering ASAP and call Guy Fieri!

I'd ban 5 am Monday Morning flights

There'd be brighter nights lights, that wouldn't look like the flight attendant light.

You would have bedtimes on overnight flight (shhhh!)

The no smoking sign would be replaced with a sign,

Don't kick the seat back one more time!

If I were Doug Parker

You wouldn't have chatty seat mates

Everyone would sit up straight

Luggage travels free

Babies? Sorry, there's a fee

If I were Doug Parker

The safety video would feature JayZ

Chocolate chip cookies would be free

And no one would dare show “Flight” in air

And a person who sometimes forgot to brush,

And sometimes forgot to flush,

Wouldn't be allowed in the cabin

If I were Doug Parker

Flight Attendants would be perfume free

And hand out deodorant when need be

The planes would be fresh and new

And you'd never have to worry about a late crew.

If I were Doug Parker in charge of the New AA World

I'd listen to frequent flyers.

I'd let AA run the social media team

I'd keep the best of both programs and put the competition to rest!

I've tried Marriott over the years, going from Platinum to Silver status. I've tried Hilton off and on without much success. I enjoyed Kimpton, but I'm international now and Kimpton isn't.

So towards the end of last year I was given Hyatt Platinum Status through the purchase of a MilePoint Premium membership. With Platinum status I thought I'd give a Hyatt a spin. Now, the key is that Hyatt's are often out of my per-diem, but the Hyatt Regency Incheon was just under my budget.

The hotel is located just off of the airport property and offers a free shuttle bus. It took about 3-4 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel. The lobby was packed with people checking in, but there were plenty of staff on hand directing people to the appropriate check-in location.

Check-in was easy and I was very quickly off to my room. I had a Club Deluxe King room which was on the floor with the Regency Club lounge. The lounge served Continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, high tea. As a Platinum member I had complimentary wifi access and late check out.

I arrived super late and so I ordered room service and it was delivered very quickly. The food was good too. When I was in my room someone came with a bottle of wine and chocolates. I don't drink, so I asked if I could get something else and they happily replace it with several bottles of sparkling water.

The room was comfortable and spacious. The bathroom had a ton of amenities including a toilet with more buttons and switches than I've ever seen.

Anytime I'm in Seoul or have a layover at Incheon Airport, I will stay at the Hyatt!

I was at the airport and struck up a conversation with a gate agent. As we were chatting (not about the merger) I noticed that he had pinned a set of AmericanAirlines wings above the USAir logo on his shirt. He was very excited about the merger, all the new routes that would open up to USAir flyers and the positive changes that were sure to come.

I heard from a pilot who was excited as well because he's based in an American Airlines hub city and the merger might mean less shuttle flights for him.

Onboard the airplane I noticed all the flight attendants were wearing a pin I hadn't seen before, or at least never paid attention to. I asked one flight attendant what the pin signified. She told me it was their union pin and they were wearing it in protest of the merger.

One particular flight attendant on my flight was none too happy about the merger and took every opportunity possible to mention it. Dear Flight Attendant, the wall between you and the customer in row 1 is not sound proof. We can hear hear you! This crew member must have said “I'm way too old for this” about 5 times. That didn't really instill a sense of security in me. If she's too old for a merger, is she too old for an emergency landing?

Once the flight took off she literally sat in her jump seat and read her Kindle the whole flight. Even when the passengers were told to turn off electronic devices. If I had been one of the other flight attendants I would have made an official complaint about her (and as a side note, I did email the Chairman Liaison with her name, flight # and other pertinent information)

There was a woman sitting next to me who was a Platinum Divedend Miles Member who was very unhappy about the merger because she hates flying through Dallas/Fort Worth. Seemed like an odd reason to dislike the merger, but ok, she's entitled to that opinion.

The gentleman sitting across the aisle from me was thrilled that the New American would be in the OneWorld Alliance.

Me, I'm mostly excited and there's only a few things I'm slightly sad about. I'm a little bummed that I'll lose out on Star Alliance awards with airlines like Singapore, Asiana, Lufthansa and Thai. But that's it. There are way more things that I'm excited about. As a US Airways Chairman, I'm happy to see the great communication from US Air and the resources online for additional information.

Later in the week I'll share a post called “If I were Doug Parker” outlining what I'd love to see happen for frequent flyers.

While there are lots of opinions and emotions running on high, I am excited to see what the future of The New American Airlines holds.

Last week I read a post by The Military Frequent Flyer and realized that I had missed one very important fact about Pre-Check. I learned that I could go through the Pre-Check lane anytime and have them scan my Global Entry Card. It doesn't matter if my boarding pass was approved or not, if I use my Global Entry card I have a 90% chance or higher of being approved.

So this week I decided to take it for a spin. I entered the Pre-Check lane (and ps there was no one else in the line), handed my Global Entry Card and boarding pass to the agent and was cleared!

If TSA determines you are eligible for expedited screening, information is embedded in the barcode of your boarding pass or in you global entry card. If you are cleared, you can:

• Keep Shoes on
• Keep 3-1-1 compliant bag in carry-on
• Keep Laptop in bag
• Wear Light outerwear/jacket
• Keep Belt on

In addition, passengers 12 and younger are allowed through TSA Pre✓™ lanes with eligible passengers. Spouses are not unless they are also qualified and cleared.

I was literally through security in about 5 minutes and on the way to my flight. What a great find! I'm so excited to know that I can just show global entry card and have a very high chance of being cleared.

Pre-Check is available at the following airports through participating airlines – don't forget, if you have Global Entry you can use any of these location.

Alaska Airlines – Chicago O’Hare International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International, George Bush Intercontinental, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, John Wayne, Logan International, Los Angeles International, Miami International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Orlando International, Portland International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Seattle-Tacoma International and Ted Stevens Anchorage International airports

American Airlines – Charlotte Douglas International, Chicago O’Hare International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Indianapolis International, John F. Kennedy International, John Wayne, LaGuardia, Lambert-St. Louis International, Las Vegas’ McCarran International, Logan International, Los Angeles International, Miami International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Orlando International, Pittsburgh International, Portland International, San Francisco International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Washington Dulles International airports

Delta Air Lines – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Charlotte Douglas International, Chicago O’Hare International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Indianapolis International, John Wayne, LaGuardia Airport, Las Vegas’ McCarran, Logan International, Los Angeles International, Luis Muñoz Marin International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Orlando International, Pittsburgh International, Portland International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Salt Lake City International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Tampa International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Washington Dulles International airports

United Airlines – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Charlotte Douglas International, Chicago O’Hare International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Denver International, George Bush Intercontinental, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Indianapolis International, John Wayne, Los Angeles International, Luis Muñoz Marin International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Newark Liberty International, Orlando International, Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Portland International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, San Francisco International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Washington Dulles International airports

US Airways – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Charlotte Douglas International, Chicago O’Hare International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Denver International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Indianapolis International, John Wayne, Lambert-St. Louis International, Luis Muñoz Marin International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Orlando International, Philadelphia International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Pittsburgh International, Portland International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Salt Lake International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Washington Dulles International airports

Option 1 – leave theme black and white

Option 2 – change to white background with 1 accent color (if you choose this option tell me what color you suggest)

Option 3 – other suggestion, you tell me what you think

Boy, was I amazed at the number of responses and how many people had such different opinions. One reader posted this comment

Scott:

If you’re planning to provide the same information as every other travel blogger, then by all means change the theme to look like them, too.

If, on the other hand, you plan to continue to provide a little different perspective, you plan to occasionally remind us to act like we all share this little blue marble floating through the Milky Way, and don’t plan to post credit card referral links, well, that’s a horse of a different color

Please keep the existing theme. It’s unique and it’s a great visual cue when I hit the site that there will be something that I want to read.

Well Scott (and everyone else who shared similar sentiments) here's a promise: I am not going to provide the same content as every other blogger. I will never post affiliate links and I will remain unique!

So, what did I decide? Well, you may have seen some tweets and buzz about my newest project, First2Board, a new travel blogger community co-founded by LufthansaFlyer, our business manager and me. While our new site officially launches on March 1, I'd love to give you, my readers a sneak peak…and you can also see the color scheme that won out in the end. Here's a little hint…

So, who won the $50 Starbucks gift card? Head over to First2Board to find out!

Please follow @First2Board on Twitter or on FaceBook

The dining rooms for dinner consist of The Ballroom and The West Wing. The Rose Gallery is only open for lunch. The attention to detail is simply amazing. It really feels that you have walked into the same castle from the film. The “snow” you see falling through the windows is the exact same animation used in the film. The faces of the angels you see flying above you in the ceiling have a special meaning. They are either the young faces of Walt Disney Imagineers themselves or of their loved ones.

Although this isn’t a character dining location, you will get to see The Beast! Approximately every thirty minutes an announcement plays as he greets the guests of his castle. He then parades himself through all of the dining rooms and into the Library. In the Library you can take photos with the Beast.

The food is hit or miss. Three people in our party ordered seafood and loved the dishes. The salmon dish and the shrimp and scallops were the best. The Cornish Hen was dry as was the chicken. The children ordered from a kids menu and enjoyed pasta with red sauce and meatloaf, in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears.

Dessert was also surprisingly hit or miss. The strawberry cream cupcake was the best. The triple chocolate cupcake was good and no one enjoyed the cream puffs.

Currently Be Our Guest is booked for dinner through August 2013. They suggest you book six months in advance. You can, of course, walk up and standby for cancellations or no-shows. There are no lunch reservations and we were told the wait can range from 10-30 minutes when the doors open to 90-150 minutes at the peak lunch period. In general, the new Fantasy Land is jammed packed so I suggest getting there as early as possible to avoid lines.

Overall, Be Our Guest is a great experience and worth a visit, if you can get in. Dinner for 5 adults and 2 kids cost $220 without any alcohol or appetizers. So be prepared to spend more than you would in any other Magic Kingdom restaurant.