![]() With all of the attractions, shows, and experiences to enjoy at Walt Disney World, shopping might not be part of your initial vacation plans. But you should probably reconsider that! Every store offers up a different theme and story, and some have merchandise you can only find at WDW. Whether you want to walk the shops at night to wind down after a long day, beat the afternoon heat indoors, or take time to hunt down a specific souvenir to bring home, there are plenty of stores to peruse at all of the theme parks and resort hotels. Not sure which shops to visit during your vacation? Take a look at my top 10 favorite places to shop at Walt Disney World and consider making a few stops there. Shopping is always a part of my Disney vacation plans! 1. World of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace The largest Disney character store in the world, this is the Mecca for all things Disney. If you only have time to visit one gift store during your vacation, this would be the one to check out for your special souvenirs. You can find everything from stuffed animals to collectibles, apparel to accessories, and even fine home goods to car accessories. All of the merchandise is separated into different rooms, making everything fairly easy to find, and there are plenty of Cast Members around to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Plus, there's a special Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location for little princesses to get made over if the Cinderalla Castle location is booked. Just watch out for Stitch above the front door - He might have a little gift for you! 2. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, Magic Kingdom It's Christmas all year long in Liberty Square! This store is the perfect location to pick up special ornaments for your tree, stockings for your mantle, and Nutcrackers for your shelves. It's small, quaint, and there's always Christmas music playing. Plus, they offer personalization services so you can get your family name, vacation date, or special message printed on select items. The merchandise selection isn't as large as what's offered at the Christmas store at Downtown Disney (we'll get there in a minute), but I love the homy, colonial setting. 3. Once Upon a Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace A toy and game-lover's dream come true, this store is the perfect place to let your inner child out. You can find all kinds of toys, board games, video games, and books alongside interactive play stations to try out some toys before you buy! There are even some toys you can customize yourself as well, like your own Mr. Potato Head and light saber. I especially love the book selection at Once Upon a Toy, because they have a ton of titles on Disney Parks history, behind-the-scenes looks at attractions, and classic stories everyone loves. Just be prepared if you take little ones in with you - It will be hard to get them out! 4. Castle Couture, Magic Kingdom A princess' heaven! This little boutique found behind Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland is a cute spot to find princess accessories, dolls, books, and collectibles. It's here you can also find Princess Aurora's color-changing dress and get free wishing pixie dust from the shop's Cast Members. This location doesn't have the largest merchandise selection, but it's another quaint, intricately themed area that makes you feel like a part of the Fantasyland stories. Be sure to look out for Tinkerbell too! She flies through the store periodically. 5. Animation Gallery, Disney's Hollywood Studios While this shop doesn't offer as inexpensive or lower-priced merchandise compared to others, I always make sure to stop in to take a look at all of the beautiful artwork and collectibles. Nestled in the back of Animation Courtyard, it's a quiet spot where you can find framed artwork, prints, porcelain collectibles, and figurines, among other items. You more than likely won't walk out of the store with a purchase, but window shopping is just as fun, right? 6. Big Top Souvenirs, Magic Kingdom Take a trip to the circus at this new souvenir store in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland. Here you'll find classic theme park souvenirs like stuffed animals, t-shirts, and hats, and plenty of merchandise featuring Dumbo the Flying Elephant. I love all of the detail found in this location, and there are a lot of unique items to the store you cannot find anywhere else. Definitely a fun place for kids to pick out a special souvenir just for them! 7. Disney's Days of Christmas, Downtown Disney Marketplace Another store that celebrates Christmas year-round! One of the largest shopping areas at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, you can find hundreds of ornaments, unique stockings, tree toppers, and other Christmas figures. It certainly offers more merchandise than Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe at the Magic Kingdom, including a unique section entirely dedicated to the classic film, The Nightmare a Before Christmas. You can also get items personalized at this location, but be aware that crowds and lines are usually longer here, and all year long at that. Head there in the morning hours to do your shopping before the evening rush! 8. Tren-D, Downtown Disney Marketplace My favorite place at Walt Disney World for women's clothes and accessories, this boutique sells a variety of items for women and girls at both high and low price points. You can find couture princess-themed tanks, beach cover ups and sundresses, sunglasses, jewelry, and even some of the Disney Parks Dooney and Bourke printed handbags. Plus, the decor of the space is unlike any other store on property and is so much fun! 9. Emporium, Magic Kingdom A WDW vacation must-do, everyone has to make a stop in the Emporium on Main St. USA at some point. It's the largest souvenir store in the Magic Kingdom and sells classic theme parks gifts, apparel, home goods, collectibles, tech gear, and more. I recommend visiting the Emporium during parade and show times, as you'll encounter smaller crowds and lines, and definitely avoid going in to shop before the park closes. Everyone wants to buy last-minute souvenirs before they leave the park for the day at the same time, so save yourself a headache by shopping in the afternoon and utilize Disney's package pickup service if you're staying at an on-property resort hotel. 10. Mickey's Pantry, Downtown Disney Marketplace Bring some pixie dust home from your vacation with the kitchen goods offered at this speciality store. You can pick up character mugs, tumblers, dishes, and more; even Mickey-shaped pasta and ice cube trays! It's a location that normally doesn't bring in large crowds, so you can browse at your own pace and not feel rushed to make your purchases. We've gotten many unique gifts from Mickey's Pantry for a ton of occasions, as well as items for our own home, so I definitely recommend stopping by during your time at Downtown Disney. Even if you're traveling to Walt Disney World on a budget, be sure to take along some money for a few souvenirs to remember your trip by. There are countless shops to visit all around WDW, each telling their own story, so take some time to look around! All of the available merchandise can be a bit overwhelming, but you don't want to make it back home saying "I wish I would have bought that!" Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/ for a comprehensive list of all the shops, stores, and kiosks at Walt Disney World's theme parks and resorts to out together your shopping game plan. Do you have a favorite place to get a souvenir? Let me know in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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The very first time I visited Walt Disney World in May of 1998, my family and I stayed at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. A tropical paradise situated in the middle of WDW right by EPCOT and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, it's one of my favorite places to stay on property. With countless recreation options, 200 acres of beautifully landscaped greenery, and six different "islands" to stay at, Caribbean Beach is a great accommodation option for families of all sizes with kids of all ages. Considering staying here during your next WDW vacation? Let's explore the resort together!
Caribbean Beach is a Moderate Level resort hotel, and is another one that's made up of multiple buildings. The guest rooms are in buildings separated into six different islands, with six room buildings per island. There's Aruba, Jamaica, Trinidad South, Trinidad North, Martinique, and Barbados. All of the islands are scattered around Barefoot Bay, a picturesque 45-acre lake, and there's plenty of beach to comb in each island area. The islands all have a unique, tropical color scheme, as well as their own leisure pool (There's a larger, main pool for the resort - but we'll get to that in a minute). All of the rooms feature either two double beds or one King bed, with standard or water views (pool or lake). You can also request adjoining rooms if you're traveling with a larger party, as well as a Preferred Room to be closer to the main Custom House, buses, etc. Each room offers the same amenities that come with staying at a WDW resort hotel like a flat screen TV, free WiFi, a split vanity/bathroom setup, and an in-room safe, among others. Each island also has it's own WDW Transportation bus stop so you don't have to walk far to catch a bus to the parks! Perfect for getting to a bus quickly for morning Extra Magic Hours! A unique room option found only at Caribbean Beach are Disney's special Pirate Rooms. Intricately themed like the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, the beds are fashioned into ships, and rich reds and golds illuminate the space. While I've never stayed in a Pirate Room, I think it would be a great choice for families with pirate fans and young children. Definitely adds extra magic! In addition to the six islands of guest rooms, there's the main Custom House, where you'll find the check-in area, Guest Services, and the Disney's Magical Express shuttle stop. You'll really only spend time here at the very beginning and end of your stay, but it's important to know where to find it. There's also Old Port Royale Centertown (found between Trinidad North and Martinique), which is pretty the much the central activity hub of the resort. Here you'll find the main Fuentes del Morro Pool, which features water slides, hot tubs, and the Banana Cabana Pool Bar for drinks and snacks. Old Port Royale also houses the resort's two main dining options: the sit-down Shutters at Old Port Royale and the quick-service food court. Shutters is open for dinner only, and features American and Caribbean cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The food court is normally open from 6:00 AM to midnight, and has great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Perfect location to fill up before a day at the parks! Caribbean Beach also offers a ton of recreation options for families looking to spend time together away from the parks. In addition to the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Old Port Royale, there's also an arcade, beach area, bike rentals, and fishing found in the area. Plus, each island has it's own smaller pool and beach area if you want to relax in a quieter space, with beach volleyball available at Martinique. You can also run along the resort's 1.4 mile jogging trail, roast s'mores at the nightly campfire, and little buccaneers between ages 4 and 12 can set sail on a Pirate Cruise to search for treasure! Special reservations are required for this recreation option, so be sure to make yours before you leave home or visit Guest Services when you check in. Kids can also enjoy three different playgrounds found around the resort in Martinique, Jamaica, and Trinidad South. One of the biggest resort hotels found at Walt Disney World, Caribbean Beach is a great option for families looking to enjoy a tropical escape during their Disney vacation, buffer time in between park days with outdoor recreational activities, and indulge in an upscale hotel experience without breaking the bank. Plus, there are options to make your vacation more magical found only at Caribbean Beach. For more information, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/caribbean-beach-resort/ and weigh your options before settling on your vacation accommodations. Until the next post, see ya real soon! ![]() It's no secret that the Magic Kingdom is my favorite theme park at Walt Disney World, and it's also the park where you'll find the most attractions, parades, and shows. Because it has so much to offer, it's usually the most crowded park with the longest lines and wait times too. How do you decide what to ride and what to skip on crowded days or when you don't have time to experience everything? Well, take a look at my top 10 favorite attractions and consider adding them to your "must-do" list! 1. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Adventureland My all-time favorite ride at WDW and permanent number one spot on my must-do Disney vacation list! While this attraction isn't the most technologically advanced or popular ride in the park, it's fun for the whole family (there's no height requirement), nostalgic, and pure magic. Plus, who wouldn't want to fly above Agrabah in a magic carpet like Aladdin and Jasmine? Wait times are never as bad as those for surrounding attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, and there's a ton of details to look for in the queue (I wouldn't suggest using a FastPass for this one - Use it for another attraction). Just watch out for that spitting camel! 2. Space Mountain, Tomorrowland A Magic Kingdom classic that never gets old. As one of the three mountains found in the park (Big Thunder and Splash being the other two), it's one of the most popular attractions and usually has a long wait. I'd definitely suggest using a FastPass for this one, but don't feel like you can't ride if the line is long. The queue is interactive with some space-themed shooting games, and there are two tracks for riders to enjoy as compared to one that the entire line is funneled to. If you've got little ones in your party, make sure to measure them before you leave home so there's no crushed dreams when they find out they can't ride (Space Mountain has a minimum height of 44 inches). Definitely a must-do! 3. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Fantasyland One of WDW's newest attractions! This dark ride is located in the new section if Fantasyland adjacent to Storybook Circus and Belle's Village. It's another one that's fun for all ages (no height requirement) and features a ton of detail. FastPass+ is also offered at this attraction, and I would recommend reserving one during peak times of the year because it's a new offering that's on everyone's must-do lists. But if you want to use your FastPasses on other attractions don't worry -The queue also features a lot of detail and Scuttle is there to keep you company! 4. The Barnstormer, Fantasyland Often overlooked and under appreciated, the recently revamped Barnstormer in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland is another staple of my family's WDW vacations. It's a roller coaster that's on the tamer side, great for families, and normally doesn't have a long line (FastPass+ is offered for this attraction, but I'd save it for another experience). I'd suggest heading to this attraction and the others in Storybook Circus as soon as you enter the park, because most guests head to the more popular attractions elsewhere first. One morning during an August vacation (peak season!), I rode The Barnstormer three times without getting off in between! Just make note of the 35 inches height requirement. 5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland "The wildest ride in the wilderness!" Another one of the Magic Kingdom's three mountains, this runaway-train ride is a classic that can't be missed. Full of detail, it's one of my favorite attractions to ride at nighttime, and is guaranteed to make everyone in the family smile (height requirement is 40 inches for this one). Sit towards the front for a more tame experience, and sit in the back for ultimate thrills! I'd definitely suggest using a FastPass for this one, since it is one of the most popular attractions in the whole park, but don't be afraid to get in line without one either; the line usually moves fast since there are two tracks! 6. Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland A classic attraction originally overseen by Walt himself (for Disneyland, anyway). This dark boat ride takes you through the story of the original pirates that inspired the now famous stories of Jack Sparrow and his movie franchise. Fun for kids of all ages and heights, it's a great ride for the middle of the afternoon when the sun is high and temperature is stifling. It may be a bit scary for the tiniest of swashbucklers though, since it takes place in the dark and features some scary skeletons and sound effects. FastPass+ is offered for this attraction, but talk with your family and decide if you'd rather use it for something else, because this queue is also highly-detailed and part of the overall experience (in my opinion). Just remember: "Dead men tell no tales!" 7. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Fantasyland Step into a pot of Pooh Bear's honey for a spin through the Hundred Acre Wood! Fun for the whole family, this dark ride takes you through various scenes from the classic Winnie the Pooh stories and gets you up close to the characters we all know and love. It's perfect for little ones, but it's also just as fun for big kids! There's even some interactive elements to the queue that help keep everyone occupied during the wait (FastPass+ is offered, but I wouldn't use one unless my travel party had a lot of younger children). Definitely another good one to hit up during the afternoon when it's hot (and nap time!). 8. Splash Mountain, Frontierland Get ready to get wet! The last of the three Magic Kingdom mountains is the perfect solution to hot Florida days. It's a classic flume ride that incorporates the stories, characters, and songs from Disney's Song of the South, and takes you through multiple drops, turns, and caves. You definitely do get wet, especially if you sit in the front, so I wouldn't recommend riding at the beginning of the day. Save this one for early afternoon, and be sure to get a FastPass! (Be mindful of the 40 inch height requirement) 9. Peter Pan's Flight, Fantasyland "Okay everybody, here we goooooo!" Fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan in your very own pirate ship on this iconic dark ride, originally from Disneyland. It's great for the whole family, and there is no height requirement. This one usually has a long wait, no matter what time of year, so a FastPass might be a good idea if it's on your must-do list. 10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Tomorrowland Hop on the highway in the sky that takes you on a ten-minute trip all throughout Tomorrowland. We love this attraction because it serves as a great opportunity to take a little rest, do dome people-watching, and learn a little bit about all that Tomorrowland has to offer! The TTA takes you through Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space ranger Spin, and Mickey's Star Traders, among other sites, and offers great views of Cinderella Castle. It's not the most thrilling or fanciest attraction, but I love it! Honorable Mentions: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasyland The Haunted Mansion, Liberty Square Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland It's a Small World, Fantasyland Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Fantasyland (only because I have yet to ride it!!!) The Magic Kingdom is definitely my favorite theme park for many reasons, but mainly because it has the most attractions. Everybody's got their favorites, so let me know in the comments below if you have any others on your must-do list! Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/ for more info on all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer, and check back here for more info on my other favorite attractions at WDW. Until the next post, see ya real soon! My all-time favorite resort hotel at Walt Disney World has to be the beautiful Disney's Coronado Springs Resort! One of Disney's Moderate Level accommodations, it's a great place for families looking to stay at a higher-end hotel without breaking the bank and utilize all of the amenities that come with staying on property at WDW. Plus, Coronado Springs is located just minutes away from all of the theme parks, and is especially close to Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Hollywood Studios. Is this Spanish-colonial Mexico themed resort hotel the right place for you? Let's find out!
Coronado Springs is another resort hotel that is made up of multiple buildings rather than one large high-rise, and features three separate areas of guest rooms (nine buildings in total), a building just for dining, and a recreational area. There's also a convention center adjacent to the resort, which is used throughout the year for various corporate and public events. While the map of the resort makes everything look spread out and far away, all buildings are easily accessible by walking. Plus you get to look at the spectacular Lago Dorado lake at every turn! The main building of the resort, El Centro, is where you'll find the check-in desk, Guest Services, a souvenir and sundries shop, and one of the resort's four different WDW Transportation stops. The Disney's Magical Express shuttle service stop for the resort is also found here. Right next door is the dining building, which features three different options to grab a bite: the sit-down Maya Grill, and the quick service Cafe Rix and Pepper Market. The quick service locations are perfect for breakfast before hitting the parks for the day, and the Maya Grill is a great place to unwind and relax at the end of a fun-filled day. We especially love visiting Cafe Rix in the morning for pastries, coffee, and juice, while the Pepper Market offers up a larger spread that's great for when we want a bigger breakfast. The three guest room areas at Coronado Springs are Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas. The nine buildings in total feature single rooms with either two Queen beds or one King, and suites with beds and pullout sofas. Rooms offer standard or water views (pool or lake), and preferred rooms are available for those willing to pay a bit extra to guarantee a room closer to El Centro. But don't worry, each of the three guest room areas boast their own bus stop so you don't have to walk to El Centro every day to catch WDW Transportation - Buses circle the resort so you can utilize a stop that's closest to your room. For a small, always on-the-go family like mine, I suggest a standard view room with two Queen beds. You can save a little bit of money and still get to experience the resort and all WDW resort hotel amenities! Coronado Springs also offers many recreation options for families looking to enjoy extra activities during their vacation, including swimming, jogging, and volleyball, among others. The Dig Site serves as the main recreation area at the resort, with the Lost City of Cibola pool (the largest pool on site), Explorer's Playground and volleyball court, and Iguana Arcade. The pool even features a 50-foot water slide and the largest hot tub found at Walt Disney World - Enough to fit 22 people at once! Plus there's the Siestas Cantina to enjoy a beverage and light snack after a day of play, and a campfire every night to enjoy s'mores! There's also a 0.9 mile jogging trail around the resort for those who want to stretch their legs in the morning, three other pools, and La Vida Health Club to get a full workout. Clearly, Coronado Springs is a great place for active families and those looking to spend extra time at their resort during their vacation! We love Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for many reasons, but more than anything, it's an upscale accommodation offered at a reasonable price that's right in the middle of Walt Disney World. It boasts great dining and recreation options, is always clean, and has a beautiful theme unlike any other resort hotel at WDW. For more information on Coronado Springs, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/ and do your research to make sure it's the right fit for your family or travel party before booking. Have you ever stayed at Coronado Springs? Share your stories in the comments below! And don't forget to email me if you have any questions about planning your WDW vacation. Until the next post, see ya real soon! The Fall season offers up a wealth of unique experiences to be had at Walt Disney World, especially around Halloween! Visiting WDW at this time of year is great for first-timers or families looking to beat the Holiday crowds and Florida Summer heat, but I'd really recommend it to anyone. With limited time entertainment offerings, seasonal decorations, and special events, Halloween at WDW is a spook-tacular, fun time for all ages!
Here are some of my favorite things about Halloween at Walt Disney World: **Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom Easily the best part of visiting WDW during Halloween, Mickey's No-So-Scary Halloween Party is a hard-ticket event offered on select nights at the Magic Kingdom from mid-September through Halloween. Valid theme park admission is required in addition to an event ticket, and you receive a special bracelet upon entering the park to enjoy the party all night. Highlights of the event include the Boo to You Halloween parade, trick-or-treating around the park, and rare character meet and greets, among other entertainment offerings. Plus there's the Hallowishes fireworks display, which lights up the sky around Cinderella Castle, and a special appearance by the Headless Horseman before the parade. Costumes are encouraged for all guests, so don't be the only one not dressed up! And don't worry, the name of the event holds true, so little ones are sure to have just as much fun as the big kids. The party goes from 7:00 PM until midnight, so make sure to avoid the Magic Kingdom on party nights if you don't have a ticket - The normal admission hours are shorter. The party dates for 2015 have been announced! Check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/ to get your tickets NOW! **Special Halloween and Fall decorations around every corner Fall is one of my favorite seasons, and all of it's rich colors and sights can be found around WDW in the theme parks and resort hotels. My favorite decorations can be found on Main St., USA in the Magic Kingdom - The iconic area is lined with hundreds of unique jack-o-lanterns, garlands, and scarecrows, among other items. Make sure to have your camera ready wherever you go! **Seasonal food and snack options Specialty food and snack items can be found all around the resort during Halloween time, especially sweet treats! You can indulge in caramel apples, cupcakes, and rice krispie treats all themed for Fall and Halloween in the familiar shapes of the Disney villains, ghosts, and monsters. Definitely make stops at at the Candy Cauldron at Downtown Disney West Side and the Main Street Bakery at the Magic Kingdom for some of these unique treats. Plus, there's plenty of pumpkin-flavored goodies to enjoy all over the parks! **Limited time merchandise One of my favorite activities during any vacation at Walt Disney World is shopping! Tons of limited time and Halloween-specific merchandise can be found all around the theme parks and resorts during the Fall months. Things like pins, stuffed animals, t-shirts, and collectibles themed to the season are offered from September through mid-November, before Christmas and other Holiday season items are put in the shelves. Don't forget about those car antenna toppers either! **Resort hotel costs and airfare are typically lower than the Holiday season and Summer months A big advantage to vacationing at WDW during the Fall and Halloween is lower overall costs. This time of year is considered to be part of the "off-season" or non peak times, so crowds are lighter, lines are shorter, and rates are lower. If you're looking to travel on a budget, definitely consider his time of year! If you're a fan of all things spooky and want to experience a different side to Walt Disney World, then visiting during Halloween is the perfect time for you! Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for more information. Have you ever traveled to WDW during Halloween? Share your stories in the comments below and let me know what you love most! Until the next post, see ya real soon! With so many resort hotel options at Walt Disney World, it's hard to decide where's the best place to stay during your vacation. It's most important to consider your budget and the time of year you're looking travel before you start narrowing your hotel search, and then there's also the decision to either stay on Disney property or off. To offer some insight on these options, I want to share some information and reviews of my favorite Disney resort hotels in a series called WDW Resort Hotel Spotlight. First up is my favorite Value Level resort: The Pop Century!
The Pop Century resort is one of my family's favorite places to stay when we visit Walt Disney World, and I've stayed there three times. It's the perfect place for us on-the-go vacationers to rest our heads and decompress in between park days. And since it's a Value Level resort, you're saving money on your accommodations that you can then allocate for airfare, food, souvenirs, and extra fun! It's always clean, offers adjoining rooms for larger travel parties, has multiple swimming pools, and features larger-than-life icons from classic decades. The resort is made up of multiple buildings as compared to one, large high-rise, and the guest rooms are separated into ten different buildings that are grouped together by decade. There's the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's, and Classic Hall, which boasts a counter service food court, souvenir store, arcade, and check-in desk/Guest Services. Classic Hall is easily accessible from each guest room building by a short walk, and the 90's is the furthest away. Just outside of Classic Hall is the WDW transportation stop for the resort where you can hop on a bus to each theme park, water park, and Downtown Disney. I personally enjoy staying in the 50's section, which is very close to Classic Hall and not as busy or loud as the other sections, since it's close to the outer edge of the resort. The resort features three swimming pools in the 50's, 60's, and 90's areas, with the Hippy Dippy pool in the 60's being the largest. You can also visit the Petals poolside bar at the Hippy Dippy pool, which features specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cool off with. Lifeguards are present at each pool during most operating hours, and there are plenty of chairs and tables available if you prefer to stay out of the water and relax. Pop Century also offers a jogging trail around the resort and a playground in the 60's area as additional recreation options, and Disney movie nights on the grounds are offered on select nights, free of charge. The Everything Pop food court inside Classic Hall is the main dining option available at the resort, which is usually open between 6 AM and midnight each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu changes for each meal and normally includes waffles, pancakes, omelets, and cereals for breakfast, and pastas, pizzas, burgers, and salads for dinner, among other options. There's also a full service beverage station where you can fill up your refillable mugs during your stay, get coffee, and purchase bottled drinks. It's the perfect place to get a quick bite before heading out for a day at the parks. You can also visit the main resort souvenir store inside Everything Pop, which sells classic Disney items like stuffed animals, t-shirts, and pins, among others. There are a couple of different room options available at the Pop Century which all sleep up to four people. Each room has the option of two double beds or one King bed, and you can even request which type of view you'd like (pool view vs. standard view, etc.). Each room offers free WiFi and quick in-room pizza delivery if you ever get a late-night craving. You can also request adjoining guest rooms if your family requires two rooms during your stay, so you can make sure everyone is nearby. Other resort amenities include free parking if you're bringing your vehicle in your vacation, an ATM, laundry services, locker rentals. I'd definitely recommend the Pop Century resort to any family traveling to Walt Disney World, but especially to those on a budget, planning to spend most of their time on the go, or are coming for a quick stay. For more information on all of Disney's on-property resort hotels, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/ and check back for more WDW Resort Hotel Spotlight posts right here! Until the next post, see ya real soon! Disney is always trying to make enjoying family time together even more magical at their theme parks. Their latest innovation, FastPass+, does just that and so much more! A service available to all Walt Disney World guests with valid theme park admission, FastPass+ allows you to actually pick and reserve FastPasses for select attractions, parades, shows, and character meet and greets before you arrive at WDW. Haven't heard of FastPass+ or are unsure of how to use it? It's really quite easy!
Before making any FastPass+ selections, there are a couple of things you have to do. First and foremost, you'll want to download the free My Disney Experience app, available on the App Store, and create a Disney account. You'll be able to link your hotel reservations to your account to see a snapshot of your vacation and have important information and numbers at your fingertips. You'll also be able to connect with your family members and the rest of travel party once they set up individual accounts. You each can put in personal information like your birthdays, favorite attractions, and favorite characters so the app can make suggestions for fun during your vacation. If you're the designated vacation planner or family leader, you'll also want to have access to all of your travel party's accounts so you can add everyone to the vacation plans, including on your FastPass+ plans! My Disney Experience also offers a wealth of other info and capabilities, so stay tuned for a post dedicated entirely to My Disney Experience, Magic Bands, and more! After you've added your vacation reservation to your account and connected with your family, you'll want to link your park tickets to your reservation if you did not initially purchase them with your vacation package. Make sure your number of days and type of ticket are correct (park hopper, water park fun and more, etc.), because you'll be reserving your FastPass+ choices to those tickets. Once your reservation and tickets are linked to your account, you're ready to make your FastPass+ selections! If you're staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you'll be able to reserve your FastPasses 60 days in advance of your park days. If you're staying off-property, you can make your selections 30 days in advance of your park days. But just remember it's 60 or 30 days from each individual park day, not check-in day, so you'll want to have a schedule in place for when you want to visit each park (i.e. Magic Kingdom day 1, Hollywood Studios day 2, etc.). But don't worry about getting on your app exactly 60 days out to start making FastPass+ selections, because you can actually make your choices and modify them right up until your experience time. But we'll get to that in a minute! Guests are currently allowed to reserve 3 FastPass+ selections per park day in advance. Those 3 can include any of the attractions or experiences where FastPass+ is offered (click here to see a complete list of those attractions, character experiences, and entertainment offerings). Previously, you could only make your selections from different "tiers" of offerings, making it a little harder to use FastPass+ on all of the most popular attractions, but that's since been changed. Just search for your date, pick a park, and then make your selections. When you choose an experience, you'll be given 3 times to choose from and schedule in your plans. Just click the time you want, add the guests who also want that time, and you're set! Easy as that. You'll then be able to see your FastPass+ selections in your vacation plans, which are right on the home screen when you log into the My Disney Experience app. Your selections will be loaded onto your Magic Bands and ready for use when you head to the parks. But what happens if you want to change your FastPass+ times or change attractions entirely? You can modify your selections whenever you want, even right up until your already scheduled experiences. Just open your app and make the changes you want. Something that's relatively new to FastPass+ is the ability to add more selections to your plans each day after your first 3 are up. Just pay a visit to any of the FastPass+ kiosks found around all of the theme parks with your Magic Band to add more fun. Be aware that you'll only be able to add those additional experiences to your plans in the corresponding park (so no, you can't add a FastPass for the Tower of a Terror to your plans while you're in the Magic Kingdom - you'll have to make it to Hollywood Studios first). All you'll need when it's time to use your FastPasses is your Magic Band! Just walk up to the appropriate attraction, show area, etc., and tap your band to the Mickey icon under the FastPass+ entrance. If Mickey lights up green, you're in! If he lights up blue, you might still have time until your FastPass+ window opens, or you might be at the wrong attraction. If you ever forget a time or don't remember where to head next, just pull out your smart phone and open your app for a reminder. So get out there and start adding more magic to your vacation! I'd definitely recommend utilizing FastPass+ when applicable during your vacation, as it makes experiencing your favorite parts of the parks even easier than before. When making plans, definitely consider your family's "must-dos" and take a look at what the most popular attractions are to utilize FastPass+ to its full ability. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com for comprehensive information about FastPass+, and check out the FAQ page. Don't forget to send me an email through my Contact Me page if you've got questions! Until the next post, see ya real soon! ![]() A large part of planning a trip to Walt Disney World is determining a budget and trying to stay within that budget. It's important before you make any plans or reservations to first determine a total amount of money you're willing to spend, and what your priorities are (level of hotel opulence, number of park days, recreation options, etc.). When you have that budget set, it might feel overwhelming trying to adhere to that number. Here are a couple of money saving ideas to help your family stay on budget and head to WDW with a little more cash. **Create a "Saving for Disney" jar I know I already included this tip on my list of things to make your pre-trip more magical, but a savings jar, box, stash, etc. can really help towards adding to your vacation budget. Whether you want to have a savings jar just for extra souvenir spending money, or you want to heavily save towards your hotel accommodations, having an extra outlet for saving some cash can really add up. Plus, it's a great way to get children involved in the vacation planning and saving process and count down to your trip. Make sure to put your jar somewhere in your home that everyone in the family regularly visits so you can watch the progress! **Keep an eye on airfare rates, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays The airline industry is always adjusting rates, adding fees, and making other policy changes, so it's important to monitor flight rates and schedules before you purchase your seats if you're flying to WDW. Airfare typically goes down a bit on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so be especially sure to check costs on those two days of the week. Take a look at all of your options on different vacation planning sites like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline, among others, and definitely consider adding your flights and hotel together in a vacation package if there are discounts offered. You don't want to wait too long to book your travel party's flights, especially if you're traveling with a large group, but don't jump the gun too quickly to book either. **Consult with local travel agents or travel providers for discounted theme park tickets Tickets for your theme park days are definitely a large expense to consider in your vacation budget, so don't be afraid to look for discounts outside of Disney's main vacation booking services. AAA often offers discounted theme park tickets for members or families booking a vacation package, and there are many runDisney travel providers who offer discounted tickets to runners and spectators participating in a runDisney event. More info on runDisney to come in a future posts! Don't immediately assume that you have to purchase your tickets through Disney, but beware of scams or unofficial travel providers/websites who are selling faux tickets. Thoroughly research the seller before making any purchases. **Consider buying some souvenirs before actually arriving in Walt Disney World This is an especially good idea to consider if you're traveling with young or a lot of children, as souvenir costs quickly add up with each purchase during your Disney vacation. Little things here and there quickly turn into a large haul, and Disney souvenirs are by no means cheap. It's important to remember to save up and purchase some items to remember your trip by when you come back home, but there are some things that can be bought at home before you leave to save a few dollars. Take a trip to your local Disney store for t-shirts, sweatshirts, and stuffed animals, among other items, or megastores like WalMart and Target that sell licensed Disney merchandise. You can surprise your kids with a gift in the morning before heading the parks, or even put together a "Disney Survival Kit" before you travel filled with coloring books, snacks, etc. **Make sure to pack all of your preferred toiletries before arriving Disney is very good at having many resources available to you at every turn, including toiletries and personal items, but the packaging sizes tend to be smaller than what's offered at your local drugstore, and at an equal or higher cost. Every single WDW resort hotel will offer personal items for sale including sunscreen, band aids, antacids, etc., but make sure to pack for your family accordingly with your preferred brands before you leave home. Buying little items here and there during your trip will add up faster than you think. **Plan out your meals and consider the Disney Dining Plan, among other options Disney offers various dining plan options that many families swear by for all of their vacations. But sometimes the dining plans might cost you more than you actually need to spend on meals and snacks. Take some time to roughly plan out your meals with your travel party so you can estimate your overall cost and decide if a dining plan is right for you. Sometimes Disney will offer a "free" dining plan with your vacation package, but free is never really free. I'd definitely suggest taking a look at the husband-wife duo behind YouTube's See Ya Reel Soon and their free online dining plan calculator. Definitely a great resource for budgeting your meal costs and determining what the best dining plan, if any, is a good fit for your trip. It's important to set a budget for your vacation, but know that it costs a lot to visit Walt Disney World. There are many things you can do to save some money and cut costs, but always be aware of your finances and recognize that you're going to be spending money on your trip, no matter what. Don't jump in on a vacation deal too quickly, evaluate all of your options, and take advantage of the many resources available with and outside of Disney. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com for complete and comprehensive vacation information, and check out other vacation planning sites. Do you have any money-saving tips or things you do to save money on your Disney vacations? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email! Until the next post, see ya real soon! ![]() Whether you're still planning your trip to Walt Disney World, or have the bases filled and are ironing out details, getting ready for a Disney vacation and traveling to Orlando can be just as fun as the destination! Taking time at home to get everyone involved in the planning process before you leave really sets the stage for an extra magical vacation. Here are a couple of fun tips to make getting ready for your WDW vacation even more special: **Create an interactive countdown, no matter how far away your trip may be Counting down to your Disney trip just makes everything more exciting! Whether you decide to keep a countdown on your phone, use refrigerator magnets, or with a customized calendar, there are many ways to keep track of the days leading up to your vacation. Keeping a countdown is a great way to get little ones involved and excited too. Maybe they want to be the one in charge of crossing off another day every morning before school or tearing off a number before bed. Plus, you can also add special activities or crafts to your countdown festivities, like watching your favorite Disney animated classics before you leave or making a special photo frame for a picture from your trip when you return. Be creative! **Keep a "Saving for Disney" jar Another pre-trip activity that's fun for the whole family! Put together a special jar or box to stash some extra cash before your trip in a part of your house that everyone visits on a daily basis (kitchen counter, living room mantle, etc.). This can also be a really special activity for kids that makes them feel like a big part of the trip planning and financing. Whether you want to start a jar before booking a trip or as part of your countdown, it's perfect for saving up a little souvenir or treat money. **Take plenty of time to pack and plan special outfits/moments ahead of time Be sure to pack some extra magic into your trip before you arrive! I like to pick out fun outfits themed for park days, special dinners, etc., especially if we're traveling during the Holidays or around Halloween. Know you're headed to Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner at the Magic Kingdom? Pack your shiniest tiara! Planning on watching Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Don't forget your favorite Simba t-shirt! I'm a huge fan of Magical Ribbons, where you can find custom, hand-made hair bows and bow ties themed to your favorite Disney characters, films, theme parks, and attractions that add an extra special touch to themed outfits. If you're traveling to WDW with kids and on a budget, it's not a bad idea to buy some souvenirs before you leave home to save a few bucks. Hit up your local Disney Store for stuffed animals, t-shirts, and dolls to surprise your child with when you arrive that they can use during the trip. **Put together your travel party's "must-do" list During your countdown, get the whole gang together to plan out the things you definitely want to do at Walt Disney World. Make a list of attractions, shows, parades, and other experiences that everyone agrees on, make your FastPass+ selections, even add special dining reservations. Getting everyone involved in the planning ahead of time will only help build excitement and anticipation. You could even host a planning night with themed snacks, music, and a movie! **Put together Disney-themed travel activities for your carry-on bag or car trip Remember that it takes time to get to WDW, whether your flying or driving, so be prepared for your travel days with fun activities. For kids, you can't go wrong with Disney coloring books, activity books, or hand-held games. For adults, Disney literature and games are fun too (Check out one of my favorite Disney history books Dream It! Do It! by Marty Sklar on Amazon). Everyone always loves Disney snacks too! Put it all together in a Disney backpack or tote, throw in your favorite stuffed animal, and be sure to wear a Disney-themed outfit so everyone knows where you're headed. Trust me, other travelers will take notice! **Put together a killer playlist for travel days Listening to Disney music on the plane or in the car is definitely a travel day "must-do" for all of my Disney trips. Whether you choose to listen with your phone, iPod, or car CD player, take some time before you leave to put your favorite Disney tunes on one playlist. If you have a Spotify account, check out my Disney Travel Playlist and save it for your next trip! There are some parts of the Walt Disney World vacation planning process that can seem overwhelming, but adding a little bit of extra magic to the days before your trip really gets the whole family excited and makes everything worth it. Do you have any pre-trip or travel day rituals? Be sure to share them with me in the comments below! As always, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ before your trip for more information, and keep checking back here for more planning tips, advice, and recommendations. Until the next post, see ya real soon! Whether you have a sophisticated palate or are a finicky eater, there are plenty of snack options to choose from at Walt Disney World! There's everything from baked goods to cold treats, and even concoctions unique to WDW! With so many choices, you're sure to find something yummy to fill your tummy around every corner, all throughout the day. Here's a breakdown of my top 10 snack picks to chow down on in the parks:
#1 - Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar A classic sweet treat that's sure to satisfy kids of all ages. I always make sure to indulge in at least one Mickey's Premium Bar during a Disney vacation, even while sailing with Disney Cruise Line! These little babies can be found at various carts and quick service locations all around the resort, and even at your WDW resort hotel. While the recipe is simple (vanilla ice cream coated in a chocolate shell), I'm 99% sure it tastes as good as it does purely because it's shaped like Mickey. Definitely a perfect snack to nibble on while watching the parade! #2 - Turkey Legs Another classic Disney snack! Perfect for sharing, these delectable mini-meals can be found at various locations around the parks, and are a great lunch option for those who don't need a large entrée to fuel up for the rest of the day. My family and I particularly like to share one while in Frontierland inside the Magic Kingdom, right in the area that connects to Liberty Square. Another snack on my "must-taste" list for every Disney vacation. #3 - Dole Whips This popular confection is one not to miss when visiting Walt Disney World. Why? Well you can only get one at WDW, Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, and the Dole Plantation in Hawaii. It's a perfect blend of pineapple and ice cream that's a great treat to help you beat the Florida heat. You can find this snack at a few locations around WDW, most notably at Aloha Isle in Adventureland inside the Magic Kingdom. #4 - Classic Popcorn Who doesn't love popcorn? A snack that the whole family can enjoy, you can find popcorn around almost ever corner at WDW. Plus, they usually offer souvenir buckets at popcorn-serving locations that are unique to the time of year, holiday season, etc. We've got a pretty extensive collection of them at our house! My preferred locations for this snack are on Main St. USA in the Magic Kingdom, or on Sunset Boulevard in Disney's Hollywood Studios before heading to see Fantasmic! #5 - Caramel Corn Another theme park classic snack, Disney's caramel corn is perfect to enjoy during parades, shows, and while people-watching. You can also purchase a souvenir bucket for your caramel corn, and they can be found in all of the theme parks in various locations. #6 - Eggrolls and Spring Rolls I'm a big fan of Asian food, and Disney has many different Asian cuisine options and offerings available all around Walt Disney World. I especially love their eggrolls and spring rolls, which are bite-sized delights that are perfect for snacking. My family enjoys those found at the Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion inside EPCOT, as well as those found at a small cart in Advertureland by The Magic Carpets of Aladdin inside the Magic Kingdom. Crispy and delicious! #7 - Mickey Soft Pretzels Another classic snack that just tastes better shaped like Mickey! A great choice that's big enough to share between two people and can be found all around the parks. Simple and never disappoints! #8 - Rice Krispy Treats This sweet treat is a perfect choice for dessert, and can be found at various bakeries and dessert-specific locations around the resort. Whether they're shaped like Mickey, turkey legs, or Easter eggs, you're sure to be satisfied. You can even create your own rice krispy treat at Goofy's Candy Company at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, with M&Ms, peanut butter sauce, Oreo crumble, and more! #9 - Frozen Bananas Not into ice cream but still want a treat to cool off with in the afternoon? Well a frozen banana is the perfect choice for you! These chocolate-dipped creations, with our without nuts, can be found at numerous locations in each theme park, including ice cream carts and stands. Plus, this treat can't be bad for you, right? I mean, it's a fruit! #10 - Oversized Pickles Rounding out my top 10 picks is a snack that's perfect for the always-on-the-move park goers that don't have time to stop and sit for a bite. These beauties can be found at multiple stands and marketplace locations around the parks, and my favorite place to get one is at the produce market in the heart of Liberty Square outside The Hall of Presidents. Definitely on my "must taste" list for each trip! There are many, many more quick bites available all around Walt Disney World, but these are my top 10 favorites! Did I miss something you love to snack on while visiting the parks? Let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to also visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ for more information on these offerings, as well as other dining locations, and check out my previous post on my top 10 favorite places to eat at Walt Disney World. Until the next post, see ya real soon! ![]() Meeting characters and taking in the parks' different parades and shows are definitely on my "must-do" list when I visit Walt Disney World. Each theme park offers various character meet and greet opportunities, character dining opportunities, and interactive character dance parties to fit the theme and story of the respective area/land, and some even offer Disney's Fastpass+ service to bring down your wait time. As a former Character Performer at Walt Disney World, here are some tips and advice to help make your character meet and greets even more magical: #1 - Make sure your camera/phone is ready and autograph book is open before your turn Disney is all about keeping lines moving, so for your sanity and courtesy to Cast Members and other guests, make sure you and your accompanying guests are prepped and ready before it's your turn to meet the characters. This includes having the cap off of your autograph pen! Plus, you'll be able to capture every magical moment with your camera turned on right from the beginning. Some of the best character meet and greet photos are those reaction shots when kids of all ages get a first glimpse of their favorite characters. Extra special tips for parents: If you're traveling with more than one adult in your party, have one stand in line with your child to get them ready for their meet and greet and have the other adult position themselves to get a reaction shot from the side or behind the character (if the location permits). Getting your little princess' big grin as she runs to meet Cinderella for the first time will be a priceless shot! #2 - If you want to get a character's autograph, bring a chunky pen or Sharpie Most of the characters you'll meet at WDW have paws, claws, or wear gloves, so help them out by giving them a nice, big pen to sign your autograph book. This will both help them see where you want them to sign and get a firm grip on the writing utensil. Avoid handing them pencils of any size, gel pens, or crayons. Sharpies are definitely your best bet, and they can really snazz up your autograph book if you assign certain colors for characters based on their attire (i.e. green for Peter Pan, orange for Tigger, brown for Chip & Dale). #3 - Characters can sign many things, but not everything Do you have a favorite Disney ball cap or t-shirt you'd like a character to sign? Maybe a special pillow case you purchased just for your Walt Disney World vacation? Characters can sign most Disney items you give them, but there are a couple of restrictions. For one, you cannot be wearing the item you'd like the character to sign. Take off that hat and keep your special t-shirt in your park day bag. Two, they cannot sign anything that is adult-themed (i.e. anything with alcohol or smoking logos and icons). And they cannot sign any Disney park tickets, currency, checks, or flags. Autograph books, purchased or homemade, are your best, easiest option. #4 - Put your beer down before posing for photos with characters If you choose to sip on a adult beverage while in the theme parks that sell them, do not try to sneak it into any of your character meet and greet photos. The characters, their attendants, or Photopass photographers will ask you to put it down on the ground so it is out of the frame. If any of your family members are sitting out of a character meet and greet, have them hold it for you. #5 - Make sure little guests are prepared for what's about to happen Some young guests aren't exactly sure of what to do when they come nose to nose with Mickey Mouse, so be sure to talk with them while waiting in line and get them ready for their meet and greet. If they are uneasy about getting close to the character, but you really want that magical photo, carry them on your side and position yourself so you're always between them and the character. Engage in the interaction with them to know that the characters are nice and they're safe to get close to. #6 - No, the characters cannot and will not hold your baby! You wouldn't imagine how many times guests ask if a character can hold their baby or toddler. It's not going to happen, ever, so don't ask. Characters are certainly able to get down to the level of small guests, offer a shoulder to lean on or lap to sit in, but they cannot pick up and hold children of any size. This is for the safety of both the guest and character. #7 - Dress the part for your character interaction If you're planning on going to a themed character meal, character dance party, of visiting a certain character meet and greet, dress for the occasion! Characters love to see you dressed up like them or to fit the experience. If you're taking a little princess to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, make sure she wears her shiniest tiara and prettiest dress. If you're planning on going to the Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Street Party to dance with Minnie Mouse, be sure to wear your favorite pair of ears so she can find you. This often serves as a great conversation starter with characters, and makes for great photos. #8 - Utilize FastPass+ for more popular character experiences, if it's offered Disney characters are popular, so make sure to have a plan if you're hoping to meet a lot of them during your Walt Disney World vacation. Some of the newer meet and greet locations are treated like attractions and even offer FastPass+, which allows you to pick a time for your meet and greet and load your FastPass right onto your Magic Band. Two of the most popular girls at WDW right now are Anna and Elsa from Frozen, and they're meeting guests at the new Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. If you want to meet them, be sure to reserve your FastPass before you go! You can also get a FastPass to meet Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at EPCOT Character Spot in Future World. among others. Check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/#/character-experiences/ to see where else FastPass+ is offered to meet your favorite Disney friends. #9 - Don't wait until the last minute to get your parade/show viewing spot Even if you don't want to stand in line to meet any Disney characters, the various parades and stage shows allow you to get up close and see them in action. But don't wait until right before show time to get your viewing spot. Be sure to plan ahead and know when you'd like to watch a parade or show so you can claim your spot within ample time. For all Magic Kingdom parades and shows (where you can see the most characters), I suggest getting your spot within 30 minutes, depending on how many people are visiting the park that day and how many performances there are. Also be sure to have your cameras ready. You never know who you might see! Check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/#/Parades,stage-shows/ for a full list of these offerings, including which ones offer preferred FastPass+ seating. #10 - Don't be shy and have fun! Make sure to bring your biggest smile and energy when meeting the characters. They're just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them! Talk with them, tell them how your day is going, and give them hugs and high fives. Treat them with respect and be gentle and courteous, or else their attendants will have to escort you from the meet and greet area. If you plan on taking time to meet any characters during your Walt Disney World vacation, keep these tips in mind, and you're sure to make magical memories to bring back home. Be prepared before you head to the parks and check out which characters are meeting where and when, and don't forget to pick up a park map and times guide to help you find meet and greet locations. Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/#/character-experiences/ for more information. Until the next post, see ya real soon! When night falls on Walt Disney World, there's even more magic to behold! From spectacular shows to unique ride experiences to fabulous fireworks, there's plenty more to do when the sun goes down. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite nighttime fun picks to see, do, and experience at WDW (in no particular order):
#1 - Wishes fireworks spectacular A staple of any WDW vacation, the sky over Cinderella Castle comes alive each night in the Magic Kingdom with amazing fireworks and classic Disney music during Wishes. Narrated by Jiminy Cricket himself, Wishes celebrates the wishes and dreams we all have, and why it's important to always believe in them with all your heart. Plus, Tinkerbell takes flight high above the Magic Kingdom to kick things off, spreading extra pixie dust over the park. Definitely a must-do for guests of all ages and families of all sizes! Be sure to secure your viewing spot within plenty of time before the show is set to begin, as the prime areas in front of the castle and on Main St. USA fill up quickly! #2 - Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade Originally from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade now marches through the Magic Kingdom each night amongst thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to some of Disney's most iconic music. Featuring the famous Disney characters including Alice, Pinocchio, and Cinderella, among others, this parade will get your hands clapping and toes tapping along to the music, and is sure to leave a smile on your face. This is one of my favorite parts of the day at the Magic Kingdom, and one parade I will never get tired of seeing! Prime parade viewing locations are on Main St. USA and within the castle hub, so be sure to get your spot well before step-off. You can also snag a great spot along the route in Frontierland, which usually draws a smaller crowd. #3 - Celebrate the Magic castle projection show This one-of-a-kind show is truly one you have to see to believe. Cinderella Castle literally comes to life right before your eyes as it changes color, shape, and texture, in a 10-minute experience celebrating the magic of Disney animation, song, and story. Featuring scenes and songs from some of the classics like Dumbo and The Lion King, as well as newer stories like Wreck It Ralph and Frozen, this show will really make you believe in magic. Plus, some segments in the show change throughout the year based on the seasons, holidays, and events, so there's something new to see each time you watch! Celebrate the Magic normally takes place between the Electrical Parade and Wishes, so I recommend picking a spot for the parade that will also give you a good vantage point for both the projection show and fireworks. The ideal viewing spots are in the castle hub by the Partners Statue or on Main St. USA. You will not be able to view Celebrate the Magic behind Cinderella Castle. #4 - Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios Easily my favorite stage show on WDW property, Fantasmic! takes place in the outdoor Hollywood Hills amphitheater inside Disney's Hollywood Studios on most nights. The show takes you on a journey through Mickey's powerful imagination, featuring giant water fans, pyrotechnic effects, fireworks, floats, and a giant dragon. You'll be able to see your favorite characters and hear their iconic songs, including those from Beauty & The Beast, Pocahontas, Fantasia, and more. Be sure to get your seats early for this one, especially if you take in the early show on double-show nights. Also be aware that since this is an outdoor production with many performers and technical effects, inclement weather can cause delays or cancellations. #5 - Electrical Water Pageant An often unnoticed or forgotten entertainment offering, the Electrical Water Pageant lights up Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom on most nights between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. It can be viewed from multiple locations around the lagoon, including from the exit to the Magic Kingdom and the WDW resort hotel bus stops. We always like to take a second and watch the floating parade go by as we leave the Magic Kingdom for the day for one last dose of nighttime magic. #6 - Illuminations: Reflections of Earth World Showcase lagoon in EPCOT comes to life during this 12-minute firework, fountain, and pyrotechnic display celebrating our earth. Featuring an original score, Illuminations reminds us all of our past, cultures of the present, and the hope for a prosperous future together. This spectacular show can be seen from many vantage points around World Showcase, and we especially like to enjoy it between the France and UK pavilions toward the back of the park, where there is a small seating/private party area that is close to one of EPCOT's two exits. Be sure to secure your spot well in advance of show time, though! #7 - Glow with the Show specialty ear hats Want to become a part of the nighttime entertainment? Well be sure to pick up a pair of the innovative Glow with the Show Mickey ears! These special ears sync up with the music and colors of various nighttime shows and spectaculars, including Wishes and Fantasmic! to put you right in the middle of the show. Ears can be purchased all around Walt Disney World for only $25 (see link above for participating shops), and serve as a great souvenir to bring back home in memory of your vacation. Plus, you can bring them back to WDW again and again! Now for some attractions that become a little more magical at night... #8 - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom Get a whole new perspective on "the wildest ride in the wilderness" when you board the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night! Not only will you experience a shorter wait time while Wishes is going on, but you'll actually get to see the fireworks while riding! Plus, it's a great time to catch some of those intricate Disney details under the nighttime lighting. #9 - Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Already one of Disney's most intricate and ornate attractions ever developed, you get an entirely different experience riding Expedition Everest at night. While Disney's Animal Kingdom park typically closes earlier than the other theme parks, you can usually get an hour or so of darker time depending on when you choose to visit WDW. When you reach the top peak, you can see for miles, and might even be able to see some of the other theme park icons like EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. #10 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios This is a nighttime must-do! Riding the Tower of Terror at night really puts you in the attraction's story during the fateful night back in 1939 when five people mysteriously disappeared from an elevator inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel during a storm. You also get a unique view of Disney's Hollywood Studios as the elevator doors open during your free fall. Plus, wait times are shorter during Fantasmic! showings. There are countless other things to see and do when night falls on Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to stay up a little late and enjoy the fun. You are on vacation, remember? Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for more information on these entertainment offerings and attractions, including seasonal nighttime offerings. Check back for more posts on Holidays at Walt Disney World and those experiences. Until the next post, see ya real soon! When you visit Walt Disney World, do you immediately head to the parks for big thrills, or do you prefer to take things a little slower? Are you a detailed planner, or do you like to wing it? Do you stay in the parks from rope-drop until fireworks, or does your family like to take mid-day breaks and park hop? There are a lot of ways to tackle the theme parks during your WDW vacation, and a lot of things to consider before you head out for the day. Here are some of my personal tips and tricks to help you plan your park days and get the most out of your time at Walt Disney World:
**Put your sunscreen on before you leave your hotel, and eat a hearty breakfast How you prepare for the day will have a stronger impact than you think. Be sure to put on a good amount of sunscreen no matter what time of year you're visiting, and fill your tummy before the fun starts. Even if you're not partaking in an advanced-reservation breakfast in a special dining location, there are many ways to fuel up at the start of the day. Every WDW resort hotel offers at least a couple of breakfast options, ranging from counter-service food courts to table service buffets. Make sure to scope out a breakfast location the night before. **If you're staying on Disney property, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours! This is an exclusive offering only available to Walt Disney World resort hotel guests, so take advantage of it if you're staying on property! Each day, some of the theme parks open up early or remain open later, allowing you to enjoy your favorite attractions at a more leisurely pace. Be sure to check out the park hours for your vacation days before you make a plan so you don't miss out on extra time to play! **Save your souvenir shopping until the afternoon, and take advantage of Disney's package pickup and delivery services There are tons of shops to explore at WDW, including inside the theme parks. Don't immediately start making purchases when you get inside the gates at the start of the day though, as you'll quickly blow your souvenir budget. Take a gander at everything before you make your decisions and head to the shops in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest and your feet start to get tired. Plus, you can also utilize Disney's package pickup and delivery services so you don't have to cart your purchases around while you explore the parks. There are a couple of different options, so be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/package-pickup-and-delivery/ for more information and consult with your merchandise Cast Member during checkout. **Download the My Disney Experience app to take advantage of Disney's FastPass+ service Disney is constantly coming up with ways to make planning your vacation and park days easier, and My Disney Experience is a must-use resource! You can keep track of all your vacation reservation numbers, make dining reservations, and even select FastPass times for your favorite attractions and shows before you arrive to WDW with FastPass+. Plus, My Disney Experience allows you to log in more information about yourself and your travel party to then suggest entertainment and experiences for your family, as well as keep track of wait times LIVE! Check back later for a post entirely dedicated to more information and how to fully utilize My Disney Experience, FastPass+, and MyMagic+. **Have a flexible plan for each day I'm definitely a planner, but I also know it's important to have a malleable, flexible plan for your theme park days and have realistic expectations. You definitely want to decide which attractions you want to get FastPasses for, what parades and shows to see, and when to start your day, but know that you're not going to fit everything into your park days that you're expecting to. Sometimes, you just need to go with the flow and deviate from your initial plan. I usually suggest that each member of a family/travel party pick three things they consider a "must-do" for the day, so any other rides, shows, or experiences feel like bonuses! **Grab a times guide as you walk into the park, and research seasonal offerings before you arrive All of Disney's vacation-planning technology is great, but a foldable paper park map and times guide never fails. You can find these just inside the gates at each theme park after you enter, so be sure to grab one for your bag or pocket. The map and times guide will show you where to meet your favorite characters, when and where the parades will step off, etc. You may see something listed on the times guide you didn't see or hear about before! Plus, be sure to research all of the seasonal entertainment offerings before you hit the parks so you don't miss out on those limited time happenings! **Don't wait until the last minute to find a viewing spot for parades, shows, and fireworks I can't stress this one enough! I could write a novel of personal stories from meltdowns and fights my family has witnessed right before parades, shows, and fireworks have started. Save yourself the aggravation and find a spot to enjoy all entertainment within plenty of time. We like to stake our claim for the daily 3:00 parade in the Magic Kingdom between 2:00 and 2:15, and even earlier during the holidays. It may seem like you'll be sitting and waiting for more time than necessary, but it isn't. Disney also does a great job of entertaining guests before performances with games for children and refreshments readily accessible from your viewing spot, among others (R.I.P. PUSH). Then when showtime comes, you're settled in and ready to enjoy! **Drink plenty of water and know it's okay to take breaks You're going to be doing a lot of walking around the theme parks, and the Florida heat is not going to help with curbing your exhaustion. Be sure to take frequent water breaks and recognize when it's time to sit and rest for a minute. You can get free cups of ice water at any dining location inside the theme parks, including at most of your favorite snack stands, so no worries about not being able to carry tons of water bottles. Drinking fountains can also be readily found around all of the parks, and they're always clean! **Pack your park day bag/purse lightly! While it's important to plan ahead and bring the essentials in your park day bag/purse (see my previous post!), don't bog yourself down with tons of luggage either. Try to pack as lightly as possible to avoid the hassle of carrying big bags all day long, as well as the ever-popular bag security check before you enter any of the theme parks. You can always rent a locker for the day at the front of each park if you want to bring some extra stuff with you, but I like to think simpler and lighter is better for enjoying a full day at the parks. **Don't immediately head for the exit if it starts to rain No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you're more than likely going to experience some rain while on vacation at WDW. Plan ahead and pack ponchos from home so you're ready whenever mother nature strikes. If it ever starts to rain while you're enjoying at day at the parks, watch and see just how many people run for the exit right away. Don't be like those guests! Waiting it out and going into a shop or indoor attraction while the rain comes down allows you to enjoy other aspects of the park that might not be parts of your initial plan, and you might encounter some shorter wait times as well! **Remember where your hotel transportation spot is When you get off the bus to start your day at the parks, take a quick look back. Be sure to familiarize yourself where your bus, boat, or monorail stop is that takes you back to your resort hotel at the end of the day. This goes for guests staying off-property as well! You don't want to be panicking at the end of a long day trying to figure out where to go amongst a crowd and getting lost. I'd suggest even taking a picture of your stop number or general location so you have something literally in your back pocket if your memory fails you at the end of the day. **Take TONS of photos and utilize Disney's Photopass service when you can! Don't forget to document all of the magic and memories you make each day! After many vacations we get home only to realize we never got a photo of that chance encounter with a character or funny food moment. Be sure your camera/phone is fully charged before heading out for the day so you can capture every memory. Plus, Disney's Photopass photographers can be found literally around almost every corner in all of the theme parks, so don't be wary of asking them to take your photo for you. They're the pros! Check back later for a post dedicated to Disney's Photopass service, Memory Maker, and how to take advantage of these offerings. **Know that there are going to be lines, even if you have a FastPass Walt Disney World is known for a couple of things, and one of those things is definitely crowds. No matter what time of the year you decide to visit WDW, you're going to be visiting at the same time as countless other guests, and there are going to be lines. Certain times of the year do draw in more guests, like the Summer months and Holiday season, but you're always going to encounter wait times at the top attractions and at the park entry gates. Just be realistic in your thinking, prepare your younger guests, and go with the flow! **Smile, laugh, and HAVE FUN! Remember, you're at the most magical place on earth with the people you love! Know that things can go wrong, the weather is out of your control, and rides can break down. Don't sweat the small stuff, just have the time of your life! Every family and Disney vacation is different, so be sure to plan appropriately for your travel party, know your limits, and enjoy every second of your time in the parks! For more information on all of the Walt Disney World theme parks, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ and check out the My Disney Experience app to start planning your vacation! Until the next post, see ya real soon! Whether you're a first-time visitor to Walt Disney World or are a veteran vacationer, there always seems to be something you forget to pack. Sometimes you need things you didn't even think to pack in the first place! Now you know to pack clothing, shoes, and underwear, but what about the other stuff? Well here's a quick list of the top 10 special items I always pack for my Disney vacations, including some things you may not think you'll need, but will:
#1 - Rain Ponchos I cannot stress this one enough! Florida is known for frequent rain and daily squalls in the Summer, so plan ahead. Get you and your family rain ponchos before heading to WDW to save a little extra cash and time once you're in the parks. Disney does sell their own ponchos and umbrellas, but they are also Disney-priced, and many guests will up and leave the parks once it starts to rain. If you bring your own ponchos, you're one step ahead of the game and don't have to forfeit your theme park time. Check out your local Target, WalMart, Dollar Tree, etc. for cheaper ponchos, and make sure to only buy those with hoods! #2 - Sunscreen A given on any Disney packing list. But more people forget to pack sunscreen than you'd think. Make sure to pack enough for all members of your family, at least two applications a day (a larger family may need two bottles), and put it in a bag you're planning to check through your airline. Nothing's worse that getting to security at the airport and having to throw things out of your carry-on that aren't allowed on the plane like liquids, gels, or aerosols. You can find ample amounts of sunscreen all over WDW property at various sundries shops, but just like the ponchos, the price may be higher than you normally pay at your local drugstore. Don't forget the sunscreen lip balm either! #3 - Extra camera memory cards/batteries You want to document all of the magic on your Disney vacation, right? Well don't get caught with a filled-up memory card or drained battery while meeting your favorite character or at your favorite photo spot. Plan ahead and make sure to bring along completely empty/cleaned-out memory cards, as well as fully-charged batteries. Your camera/phone charger is another easy one to forget during the rush to the airport, so charge your devices up the night before and put those chargers in your carry-on before you head to bed. While everyone in my family has the same phone, we all bring a charger if disaster strikes! #4 - Tums/antacids Even if you plan on "eating clean" at Disney or only giving into a treat every so often, it's inevitable that you'll break that plan, and you'll break it every day (let's be real). You don't want to miss out on all of the yummy food Disney has to offer! From sandwiches, to pasta, to ice cream, there are a lot of options. But with all of that eating comes repercussions, including upset tummies, so be prepared with your antacid of choice in your arsenal before indigestion strikes. This is another item you can find at any sundries shop in Disney, even in the parks, but it will be priced higher for a smaller dosage. And don't just put in your suitcase as a "what-if" item, take it in your park day bag/purse! #5 - Chewing gum If you're a gum-chewer, or have one in your family, you better stock up on your favorite stuff before making it to WDW. You will not find gum for sale in any store on Disney property. This is done to help prevent gum from being stuck everywhere and keep everything clean and hygienic. It's not prohibited to bring into parks, but it isn't sold anywhere either. If you absolutely need to chew a piece after a meal for whatever personal reason, pack your favorite in your park day bag/purse before heading out for the day, and make sure to dispose of it properly. #6 - Extra pair of sunglasses Florida is nicknamed "The Sunshine State" for a reason. Everybody has their go-to pair of sunglasses, but what happens if they break or get lost? Disney sells thousands of pairs of sunglasses each day and can be found in all of the theme park and resort hotel shops, but again, they're priced a little bit higher. Be sure to bring an extra pair of sunglasses for each member of your family if you're not willing to use some of your allocated spending money while on vacation on sunglasses. Or you can always bring along your favorite sunglass/eyeglass straps to help keep your specs on you at all times. Either option is better than having to buy a new pair! #7 - Band-Aids You're going to be doing a lot of walking while at Walt Disney World, and even if you plan accordingly and pack comfortable, worn-in shoes, blisters and accidents are bound to happen. Grab a box of your go-to brand and pack them in your park day bag/purse in case of emergencies so you don't have to scourer around for a sundries shop and waste valuable vacation time. Be sure that box also includes various sizes, so you're not trying to put a tiny finger bandage on a tough heel-blister. #8 - Hand sanitizer/wipes A lot of people visit the WDW theme parks everyday. Those people are touching the same handrails, door handles, and ride seatbelts as you are, so make sure to keep your hands clean throughout the day with the hand sanitizer or wipes of your choice. Disney always make sure to have their bathroom sinks stocked with plenty of hand soap, but it's nice to have the convenience of your favorite cleanser right in your park day bag/purse. I'm partial to the Wet Ones travel packs, which are also allowed in carry-on bags and can go through airport security! #9 - Collapsible tote bag Even if you're not planning on bringing back a lot of Disney souvenirs, you will still more than likely purchase a few to bring back home. Pack a collapsible tote bag or duffle bag that can lay flat in the bottom of your luggage so you can fill it up with your goodies on the way home and carry it on the plane. If your souvenirs won't squeeze into your bag or send it over your chosen airline's weight limit, you might be paying for new luggage or an extra fee. An extra tote is great if you purchase stuffed animals, breakable items (Christmas ornaments, mugs), or specialty snacks (Mickey rice crispy treats, coconut patties, etc.). Some Disney gift shops even sell grocery/tote bags or offer them at a discounted price with a purchase, so you can always pick one up if you forget or think you'll need another one with the amount of shopping you're doing. #10 - Disney-themed clothing and accessories Don't forget to have fun with your outfits each day on vacation! I personally like to plan my outfits ahead based on what theme park I'm going to visit each day, special dining reservations, events, etc. Characters love to see themselves on your t-shirts and hats, and the princesses especially love to see fellow royalty if you choose to sport a tiara. You'll find a ton of park-exclusive apparel and accessories all over property, but don't forget to bring the special items you already have, including your favorite Mickey ears! There are so many other things to remember to bring on your Walt Disney World vacation, especially if you're traveling with little ones, family members with special needs, or anybody with dietary restrictions (among others), so make sure to do your homework and make a list of your own to fit your family's needs. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/help/ for many valuable trip planning resources and more information, including helpful tips from Disney's Moms Panel. Check back later for more posts on packing tips, park outfit ideas, and what to leave at home. Until the next post, see ya real soon! While planning your Walt Disney World vacation, there are a lot of things to consider, options to choose from, and decisions to make. One thing you don't have to worry about though is transportation around Walt Disney World, including getting from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort hotel. How does this happen? Well, that's when the aptly-named Disney's Magical Express comes in!
Disney's Magical Express is a luxury motor coach transportation service available exclusively for Walt Disney World resort hotel guests that really takes a lot of stress off your shoulders while on vacation. How does it work exactly? Well, the magic and convenience begins when you first make your hotel reservation in the vacation planning process. When you reserve your WDW vacation, you will be prompted with the option to add-on Disney's Magical Express service if you are flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO). I highly recommend adding on this perk to anybody staying on property at WDW, as you are guaranteed worry-tree travel from the airport directly to your resort hotel, return to the airport from your resort hotel at the end of your stay, and convenient, hands-off luggage transfers both ways. You simply submit your incoming flight information to let Disney know when to expect you, your return flight information for a pickup time and location at the end of your trip, and after a small, additional charge to your vacation package, you're in! With booking this ground transportation service, you'll receive a handful of things in the mail to bring along on your trip. The first, and one of the most important things, are your luggage tags, which will be delivered to your home approximately 2-3 weeks before your check-in date. Remember that part about "convenient, hands-off luggage transfers?" Well with Disney's Magical Express, you don't have to worry about getting your suitcases from baggage claim when you arrive in Orlando. Why? Because Disney takes care of getting your bags for you and transferring them directly to your assigned hotel room. No having to wait endlessly for your family's luggage at baggage claim, no hauling your suitcase up and down stairs or escalators, and most importantly, no worries (Hakuna Matata, if you will). Instead, you'll receive bright yellow luggage tags that include a bar code linked to your hotel reservation information and a Mickey silhouette with letters indicating your resort hotel. Each guest in your party will receive two tags assigned to them, and all you have to do is tag your bags at the very beginning of your journey when you first check in at the airport. The next time you see them, they'll be sitting in your hotel room! Pretty cool, huh? Your luggage may not arrive in your hotel room for a couple of hours after you land in Orlando, so it's extremely important to pack all travel documents, prescription medications, and other family essentials in your carry-on bag. This includes your family's Magic Bands, which I'll get to in a just a minute. My family also likes to pack flip fops and sunglasses in our carry-on bags so we can get right to the fun when we arrive in Orlando. And don't forget to leave your camera, phone, and chargers in your carry-on too! It is important to note that if you're arriving to Orlando International Airport before 5:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, you will be responsible for claiming your luggage before boarding Disney's Magical Express. Another important item you'll receive in the mail before your trip are your Disney's Magical Express boarding vouchers. These also include your hotel reservation information and serve as your boarding passes to get on the motor coach. It's extremely important that you or your family's "travel leader" brings these along in their carry-on bag. When you arrive in Orlando, you'll have to make your way to baggage claim B using the airport shuttle (or the "first ride of the trip" as my family calls it!) and proceed to level one where the Disney's Magical Express check-in counter and boarding area are located. Your return vouchers to take you from your WDW resort hotel back to the airport will also be sent to your home, so be sure to hang on to them until the end of your trip. The night before you are scheduled to check out of your resort hotel and head home, you will receive a pickup time and location to return to the airport and information about Disney's airline check-in service. More information on that service to come in another post! If you book your vacation package through Disney (as compared to travel sites like Expedia, Priceline, etc.), you will receive customizable Magic Bands that will serve as your boarding passes for Disney's Magical Express. Each member of your family will receive a band assigned to them, and all you have to do is scan your band at the Magical Express check-in to proceed to the motor coach for your hotel. You can't get any easier than that! Your Magic Bands will also serve other important functions while on your trip, so be sure to check back for a post dedicated to how they work and all they can do. So once you've checked in and provided the essentials, you're ready to board and start your vacation! I think using Disney's Magical Express is really a no-brainer if you're on staying on WDW property, and it really kicks off your vacation in a special way. The buses are plush and adorned with familiar Disney character silhouettes, the drivers are a pleasure, and you can enjoy Disney cartoons and trivia during the short drive to Walt Disney World. It really is a magical journey on Disney's Magical Express! For more information on Disney's Magical Express, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magical-express/ or call (407) 939-1936. Until the next post, see ya real soon! |
About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
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