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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Kerry O'Shea Gorgone's Disney Travel Tips

I'm looking into a trip to Orlando and Disney. My friend, and marketing and social media law expert, Kerry O'Shea Gorgone shared her tips her tips with me:


Okay, here's what I've got for Disney Travel tips.

Disney Experience App

First, download the Disney Experience app

You want that. You can link up your companions' passes and yours, so you can book FastPasses for rides, dining reservations, and stuff like that for everyone.

The scoop on FastPasses

Speaking of which, here's the scoop on FastPasses

They let you come back at a pre-set time so you don't have to wait in the standby line for rides. If you plan these right, they can save you a ton of time.

Are you staying on Disney property?
If so, you can book dining at the sit-down restaurants up to 6 months in advance (and you totally should, because the sit-down restaurants book up fast). You also get to book FastPasses for rides up to 60 days in advance. Again, definitely do it, because those go, too.

Magic Bands

People staying at a Disney hotel also get a Magic Band (awesome RFID bracelet you can link to your passes. It even links to your credit card for in-park purchases.

Extra magic hours
Guests also enjoy "extra magic hours," when they get to enter the parks early or leave late, so you get more park time than the plebes.

All the perks of staying "on property" at Walt Disney World are here

Attraction Tips
The Animal Kingdom's gotten much better over the years, with a roller coaster now. The Kilamanjaro Safari's the most popular ride, so hit it first thing in
the a.m., when it's faster to get on. Cooler temperatures mean you'll see more animals, too. I like to go on twice, because it's different every time! Take a Fast Pass for it, then go on through the regular line. By the time your first safari's over, you'll be able to use your FastPass!

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania is probably the most popular attraction, go straight for a "Fast Pass." That way, you can get on without too much of a wait later, although Fast Passes run out for that one pretty early.

It's a fun ride, but not worth waiting 90 minutes, which some families do! At Epcot, "Soarin'," a gentle ride that simulates a gliding experience, is the family-friendly ride that books up fastest. That's the Fast Pass to grab on your way in there.

For Magic Kingdom, the latest ride is the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. The wait is always insane. If you'er staying on property, this should DEFINITELY be one of the FastPasses you book in advance. Otherwise, decide how important it is to you, because it's a long-ass wait.

About Kerry O’Shea Gorgone, J.D./M.B.A.

Kerry is a lawyer, podcaster and speaker. former college professor, Kerry develops training programs for MarketingProfs, and has addressed audiences at industry conferences including the B2B Marketing Forum, the Social Brand Forum, Vocus Demand Success, and FLBlogCon. She has also spoken at specialty conferences including Bloggy Boot Camp and the Type-A Parent Conference, and frequently conducts private workshops for clients.

Listen to her Markerting Profs podcast.

JetBlue Airways Best Fare Finder

JetBlue Airways Best Fare Finder.
Have you ever clicked "My Dates are flexible" when looking for a flight on JetBlue? I usually don't, but today I did and found this.



It's a cool calendar showing fares for the whole month. Very nice user interface.

Monday, December 28, 2015

4 Tips for Great Webcam Video

4 Tips for Great Webcam Video



1. Get to the Point.
Don't rehash 'last week's show' or get sidetracked.

2. Listen for Great Sound.
Sound is the most important part of video. Use an external mic if you have one. It makes a difference.

3. Look for the Light.
Additional light is good. Light up the background too. Don't sit with a window behind you, have the window behind the camera, shedding light on the subject, you!

4. Position the Camera at Eye Level.
Look me in the eye. When recording yourself talking, or live streaming an interview or broadcast, raise the camera to eye level. If you have a laptop with an inbuilt camera, don't leave it sitting on your desk, raise it up with something like a stack of books.


4 Tips for Great Webcam Video 1. Get to the Point. Don't rehash 'last week's show' or get sidetracked.2. Listen for...

Posted by Steve Garfield on Tuesday, December 22, 2015

I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector

It's December 26, 2015 and I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector. They ate my payment. They took my money (11/12) and my insurance provider has not seen the payment (12/26).



Today, I paid my new insurance provider directly.
I'm going to just have to wait and see what happens to that payment that got eaten by the Mass Health Connector.
Happy New Year.
cc Charlie Baker

UPDATE:
Within minutes of making this payment DIRECTLY to my new health insurance provider, I got an email confirmation from them. That's how you do it.

UPDATE 12/28:
My DIRECT credit card payment to my insurance provider was received on 12/26 and posted to my account on 12/27. My Balance Due is now $0.00.


It's December 26, 2015 and I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector. They ate my payment. They took my money...

Posted by Steve Garfield on Saturday, December 26, 2015

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset Includes the Rey You Were Looking For

Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset includes: Flametrooper, Captain Phasma, Kylo Ren, Rey, BB-8, Finn



Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset (Affiliate Link)