37 FREE things to do/see at Walt Disney World- No park ticket needed!

I posted this list a while ago, so I wanted to go back through and update it.  As a single mom, I love that there is so much to do at Disney World for FREE, so I can make our trip even more magical!! Planning a Walt Disney World vacation on a budget? I can help!! Here's a list of 37 FREE things to get/do at WDW (no park entry required- great for a non-park day!) 

* Order the Disney Vacation Planning DVD
* Check out Yeehaw Bob Jackson @ Port Orleans Riverside's River Roost (Wed-Sat night)
* Resort Hop- visit each of the resorts and take pictures at each one
* Take the kitchen tour @ Animal Kingdom Lodge (4pm daily)
* Get a chocolate sample @ Ghiradelli at Disney Springs
* Join Chip n Dale for a campfire sing-a-long @ Ft. Wilderness
* Watch an outdoor movie at most resorts
* Watch the Wishes fireworks from the beach @ The Polynesian
* Check out all the entertainment @ The Boardwalk
* Ride the Monorail
* Get hula lessons @ The Polynesian
* Nighttime animal viewing w/ night vision goggles @ Animal Kingdom Lodge
* Get a celebration button at any resort
* Take a boat or ferry ride
* Watch the "Old Faithful" geyser @ Wilderness Lodge
* Play with Lego's @ the Lego store in Downtown Disney
* Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian's beach
* Visit the petting zoo @ Ft. Wilderness
* Look for hidden Mickeys everywhere
* Go to Story time at the fire-pit @ Animal Kingdom Lodge
* Take the Sanaa Cultural Tour @ Animal Kingdom Villas
* Get mardi gras beads @ Port Orleans French Quarter
* Do The Hustle with cast members @ Pop Century
* Play in the splash area @ Disney Springs
* Take the Wonders of Wilderness Lodge Tour
* Get a Lei @ The Polynesian
* Visit Tri-Circle-D ranch to see the Disney horses @ Ft Wilderness
* Watch the pianist play @ the Grand Floridian
* Ask for a wake up call, and be woken by one of your favorite Disney characters
*Enjoy poolside games and dancing
* Play on the playground (Most resorts have a playground)
* Take your resort shampoos and soaps home as a souvenir
* Visit the butterfly garden @ The Contemporary resort
* Bring your fishing pole and go fishing (catch and release only)
* Take The Wonders of Wilderness Lodge tour @ Wilderness Lodge (Wed-Sat @ 9am)
* Ask your bus driver if they have any transportation trading cards 
* Pin trading!  Bring your pins, and trade with cast members at the resorts.

And as a bonus: It's not free, but each resort has a pressed penny machine. For just $.51 you can get a great souvenir!

Adding a little Disney to your Halloween

Each year, I try to incorporate a little Disney into my holidays.  Halloween is no exception.  Last year, I tried my hand at carving a Maleficent pumpkin....

Obviously, that kind of bombed LOL  I never claimed to be crafty!!  Anyway, I wanted some easier options this year.  Here are some fun things I found around the web:

Get some fun FREE printable coloring pages at Mom Junction 

Create some yummy, spooky treats!  Disney Family has some awesome recipe ideas, sure to please. 

I admit, when it comes to costumes, I am not very creative.  Maybe next year.  If you've got that creative gene, here are some fun Disney inspired halloween costumes for the whole family.

Need some halloween music to get you in the spirit? Click on this link to get a playlist of 20 Disney halloween songs! I have this on repeat right now.

Or maybe you want to give the pumpkin carving a try? Here are some really awesome patterns from The farm girl gabs.

Posted by Jennifer Scolforo, Disney Vacation Planner with Gateway Travel. Email me for your Disney vacation quote jenscolforo@aol.com  

Top 5 from D23

I don't know about you, but I am over the top excited about all the announcements that came out of D23 this past weekend!  I'm going to highlight my personal Top 5 announcements!  To see everything that was announced, check out the D23 website.

#5- Pandora- The World of AVATAR: Coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom, is this exciting new AVATAR themed area!  You can soar on a banshee over an alien world in a brand new attraction, AVATAR flight of passage.

#4- Nighttime fun at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Another big announcement for Animal Kingdom will make this park a definite full day experience for guests of all ages.  With a new show, Rivers of Light and Sunset Kilimanjaro Safari (including TWO new animals), you'll want to stay until the sun goes down.

#3- Soarin' Around the World: This new update to this popular attraction at Disney's EPCOT theme park will take guests on a journey over some of the world's most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders! Check out this video:

#2- Star Wars lands coming to BOTH Disneyland and Walt Disney World: Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, and Disneyland Park in California, there will be new scenes from the new Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens added to Star Tours, the ride.  Star Wars Launch Bay, opening later this year, is an interactive experience that will take you into all 7 Star Wars films.  Another Star Wars addition is Season of the Force- Beginning in early 2016, this new seasonal event will include a new fireworks spectacular, set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies, on weekend nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  For those on the west coast, Disneyland park will be getting Hyperspace Mountain- a reimagined version of Space Mountain. 

#1- My FAVORITE announcement out of D23 this weekend was definitely Toy Story Land!!! This new 11 acre expansion at Disney's Hollywood Studios will include two brand new rides- a family friendly coaster, and an alien saucer ride, as well as an expansion on the favorite Toy Story Midway Mania!

What's your favorite new addition, announced at D23?

Disney Q&A Event!

You're invited to my very first Disney Q&A event on Facebook!  Between now and August 18th, come join the event HERE and ask any Disney related questions you have.  Then, come back on the 19th to see all the answers!  I will also be choosing a few random people who have asked questions to WIN a Disney prize pack! The more questions you ask, the more chance you have of winning one of these awesome prize packs.

*Note: This giveaway is NOT sponsored by Disney in any way. 

Resort Spotlight: Art of Animation

I haven't done one of these in a while, and since the Disney Travel Professionals FB page decided to feature the Art of Animation resort this week, I thought I would, too!  After all, this resort is right next to my personal favorite value resort, and it's the newest value resort on Disney property!  I think it deserves some attention.

ROOMS:

The Art of Animation resort boasts four unique themed areas- The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Cars.  The Little Mermaid section has all of the standard rooms, while the other three sections all have family suites, perfect for families of 6!

The Little Mermaid standard room

Cars family suite

 Lion King family suite

Finding Nemo family suite

DINING:

Landscape of Flavors is a bright, fun quick service dining area, located inside Art of Animation's main building. 

RECREATION:

Take the plunge in the Largest Resort Pool in Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie Finding Nemo, the pool features state-of-the-art underwater speakers—a first for Disney Resort hotels. Additionally, an interactive water play area for little ones is located nearby. 

Two more pools- Cozy Cone Pool, inspired by the Disney/Pixar film Cars, and Flippin’ Fins Pool, featuring the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian from The Little Mermaid—are also available to Guests looking to cool off.  

There's also a jogging trail, a kids playground (in the Finding Nemo section), an arcade, and movies under the stars!

Halloween aboard Disney Cruise Line

When you sail on a Disney Cruise Line vacation this fall, you’ll enjoy a wickedly good time as the Disney ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland. Several spooky events are planned to celebrate Halloween including a costume contest for adult guests and a special costume parade for children.  From spellbinding storytelling, to fun-filled family entertainment and yummy treats, the Halloween on the High Seas voyages are truly special. 

You can join the special Halloween celebration by bringing along your own costumes. When considering costume options, please refrain from bringing toys or props that resemble guns, knives or other related implements, as these items will not be allowed onboard.

Halloween on the High Seas will be offered on cruises that depart in the following time periods:

• Disney Magic – Oct. 4-28, 2015
• Disney Wonder – Oct. 1-23, 2015
• Disney Dream – Sept. 7-Oct. 30, 2015
• Disney Fantasy – Sept. 5-Oct. 31, 2015

When you book one of these cruises, you will be sent an email notification advising of these ghoulishly fun activities. 

Book your Halloween cruise today!! Email me at Jenscolforo@aol.com

Enjoy Special Savings at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

You can save 30% on stays of 5 nights or more, or 25% on 4-night stays when you book by Feb. 8, 2016 for stays most nights Jan. 4 – March 17, 2016.*

And, if you book between Aug. 10 – Sept. 28, 2015, you'll receive a free meal at Ulu Cafe per person each day of your stay.**

Offer Details:
Broad Booking Window: Aug. 10, 2015 – Feb. 8, 2016
Early Booking Offer Window: Aug. 10 – Sept. 28, 2015
Travel Window: Jan. 4 – March 17, 2016

Booking Information:
To book, email me at jenscolforo@aol.com

*Stays must be consecutive nights. Savings based on the non-discounted rate for same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Savings excludes Resort fees. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3- bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.
**Stays must be consecutive nights. Savings based on the non-discounted rate for same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Package includes one (1) daily meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) for all Guests (ages 3+) booked per room, per night of your package stay. Meal is only redeemable at Ulu Cafe during normal operating hours and includes one (1) entree and one (1) nonspecialty beverage. Meal entitlements may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part, sold separately, transferred or refunded. All entitlements will expire at midnight on package departure date. Savings excludes Resort fees. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3- bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Advance reservations required.

NEW holiday themed dinner at Hollywood & Vine!

Are you headed to Disney World this holiday season? Check this out!! If you've booked your vacation with me, and want to book this, send me an email ASAP!

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Dinner, which takes place select nights Nov.7, 2015-Jan. 3, 2016, features Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Santa Goofy. (Characters are subject to change). 

With holiday-themed décor, food, music and activities this offering is the perfect spot for you to deck the halls with family and friends.

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Dinner is $46.99 for adults and $27.99 for children and is included on the Disney Dining Plan as one table-service entitlement.

You can also enjoy reserved seating at Fantasmic! when you book Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine as part of the Fantasmic! Dining Package. The cost for the Fantasmic! Dining Package is $52.99 for adults and $31.99 for children, plus tax and gratuity.

Please note Disney Junor Play ‘n Dine will still take place during breakfast and lunch at Hollywood & Vine.

Only ONE day to spend in the parks? What you should do vs skip.

I've been having several clients who are going to be in Orlando for one day, and they want to visit a Disney park.  Here's what I'd do, if I had ONE day at Disney!

Families: Definitely make the Magic Kingdom your one day park!  With all the rides, attractions, and character meet & greets geared toward all ages, this park will have something for everyone in the family! Schedule your fastpasses starting about an hour or so after the park opens.  Why? Because you can get some of the popular rides out of the way using the standby line during the first hour, with little to no wait.  Get to the park about 30 minutes before it opens for "rope drop".  They have a fun opening show, then you can go in and head straight for Fantasyland.  You will be able to do several attractions there before your first fastpass, since the park just opened, and lines will be shorter. After Fantasyland and your fastpasses, grab a quick lunch, and enjoy the rest of the park!  With only one day, I would skip the parade, and character meet & greets (unless there's someone you just HAVE to meet)! Those things take a lot of time, and there's so much more to do.  At the end of the night, watch Wishes, then see the second Main Street Electrical Parade before you leave. 

(About 20 minutes after rope drop during spring break- no lines!)

For adults: No kids with you? You should definitely make EPCOT your one day park!  From park opening until 11am, explore Future World (Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, and more).  Get your fastpasses for Future World, because once you're in World Showcase, you don't want to be watching the clock!  When World Showcase opens at 11am, start on one side (doesn't matter which!) and have fun eating, drinking, and exploring around the world!  Again, I would skip character meet & greets, unless you absolutely have to see someone. You want to spend your time watching the performers in each country, grabbing a snack and drink in each country, and seeing the shows/ riding the rides in each country. 

What would YOU do if you only had ONE day at Disney?

Fall Promotion and Gift Card Offer!

Sorry I've been MIA here on the blog!  I've been busy working with clients, so this blog had to take a back seat for a bit.  Check out Disney's fall promotion, then read below for my special GIFT CARD offer!!

When you book your 2015 Disney vacation with me now through August 31st, 2015, you will receive a DISNEY GIFT CARD!  The gift card value depends on the cost of your vacation package:

$3,000 or below = $25 gift card

$3,001- $5,000 = $50 gift card

$5,001 and up = $75 gift card

Email me at Jenscolforo@aol.com to request a quote, or to book! 

Character conversation starters

Not sure what to say when you meet a character? Here are some good (sometimes funny) conversation starters (even for the non-speaking characters)!

Mickey- Tell him you like Donald better

Donald Duck- Tell him you like Mickey better

Chip n Dale- Mix up their names, or ask which one is Simon

Tinkerbell- Tell her she looks like a butterfly (my 4 year old told her this, and she was so excited to be

 compared to a beautiful butterfly)

Tigger- Ask him to bounce with you

Rapunzel- Ask her where Pascal is hiding

Belle- Ask her what her favorite book is

Anna & Elsa- Ask “Do you wanna build a snowman?”

Peter Pan- ask him how old he is

Captain Hook- Walk up to him and say “Tick tock”

Tiana- Ask what her favorite dish to make is

Baloo- Ask where the bananas are

Let's hear YOUR ideas! Comment with some ways you get the characters to interact with you. 

Disney meets Thirty-One

I recently became an Independent Consultant with Thirty-One gifts. I found some really cute Disney ideas that I just had to share with you!

Which is your favorite? 

If you'd like to order these, or any other Thirty-One items, you can shop from my website. 

If you'd like to get these bags for FREE or HALF PRICE, send me an email at jenscolforo@gmail.com to schedule an online or catalog party!

Holidays at Disney World

If you haven't experienced the holiday season at the most magical place on earth, you should do it at least once!  Disney is magical all year long, but during November and December it gets even MORE magical. With all the holiday decorations, both in the parks and at the resorts, Disney really knows how to go all out. Here's my top 5 list of things to at Disney World during the Christmas season.

1. Go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!! This does require a special ticket, but it's 100% worth it. This year, the party is being held Nov. 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 AND Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18.  The party runs from 7pm- midnight, and you can enjoy special parade and fireworks, as well as FREE cookies and hot chocolate, a Tomorrowland dance party, and special character meet and greets!

2. See the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This is a beautiful can't miss display of lights that will take your breath away.

3. Visit the resorts! The Disney resorts have some really beautiful holiday decor this time of the year. It makes for some awesome photo ops!

4. Going along with number 3, be sure to pay a visit to the Grand Floridian resort to see their HUGE gingerbread house!!

5. Decorate your room! If you will be at Disney World on Christmas day (or if you just want to be festive!) bring some small decorations to decorate your room! A small tabletop tree, some ornaments, and window clings will put you in the Christmas spirit!

If you're interested in spending the holidays at Disney World, let's plan your vacation!  I am even offering a $50 Disney gift card to anyone who books a Disney vacation by July 31st for travel through Dec 31st 2015!  Email me to book your trip today!  jenscolforo@aol.com

Happy Independence Day!!

Watch 4th of July fireworks LIVE from the Magic Kingdom!

(Photo Credit: Disney parks blog)

If you are staying in for the 4th, be sure to check this out!!  Disney will be showing 4th of July fireworks LIVE from the Magic Kingdom.  The live feed will begin at 8:50pm, with the fireworks show starting at 9pm. They have two different views for you to watch- from in front of Cinderella castle and/or from the Polynesian beach.  Go to the Disney Parks blog to see the show on July 4th.  

Changes...

The Magic of Disney Animation, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, is closing July 12th.  Also DisneyQuest, located in Downtown Disney, will be closing sometime next year to make way for the new NBA Experience (NBA themed attraction that will include a restaurant and store as well).

Are you going to miss these?

Disney fun for the fourth

Heading to WDW for the 4th of July?  Here are some things you can expect to enjoy:

(Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog)

You can check out a special fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom on both July 3rd and 4th at 9:00 pm.  In EPCOT, be sure to listen the Voices of Liberty, doing a special performance in the American Gardens (shows at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 pm).  While you're there, you can see Chip n Dale in their patriotic attire outside the American Adventure.  IllumiNations will also feature a special patriotic finale. Or, if you really want to party, head over to Hollywood Studios for a Rockin' 4th of July Celebration from 5:45- 10:15 pm. 

Not going to be at WDW for the fourth?  Here are a few ideas on how you can put a little Disney in your own July 4th celebration!

Make Rapunzel's Independence Day crown

(Photo credit: Disney Family)

For the sweet tooth, try your hand at Woody's Independence Day badge cookies! 

(Photo credit: Disney Family)

Make this Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty craft!

(Photo Credit: Disney Family)

And here's a fun coloring page.

(Photo Credit: Disney Family)

No matter where you are, you can put a little Disney into your holiday!

No more selfie sticks

Disney announced this week, that due to safety concerns, selfie sticks will no longer be permitted in any Disney parks, as of June 30th, 2015. They are also not allowed at Disney's two water parks, or at DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney.  So, if you were planning on taking it with you, save the room in your suitcase, and leave it at home!