Disney World's "hidden" gems

If you're looking for something unique to do on your next Disney World vacation, here are some "hidden", or at least not well advertised, things to do and see in each park.

• Watch the flag retreat.  This happens in the Magic Kingdom, right near the front entrance, every evening at 5:00.  For me, it can get pretty emotional, so be sure to have some tissues on hand.  
• Participate in the Kidcot stations in EPCOT.  My kids had so much fun with these.  It's like a scavenger hunt/ arts & crafts combined.  It's FREE!

• Keep an eye out for the Citizens of Hollywood, while you're in Hollywood Studios.  These ladies and gentlemen are hilarious! 

• Become a Wilderness Explorer at Animal Kingdom.  My kids have so much fun doing this!  You get a booklet, and find the cast members with the orange bag (you can kind of see it in the first picture).  They will have an activity for you to complete.  Once you finish the activity, you get a sticker for your book. 

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Where to save and where to splurge?

There are so many ways to add on to your Disney vacation that you could easily break the bank!  As a budget traveler, I like to save money where I can, so that I can afford to splurge in other areas.  Here are some of my tips.

• Room view:  SAVE!  Unless you plan on sitting in your hotel room, staring out the window, you really don't need to upgrade to a better view (unless you are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge- then DEFINITELY get the Savannah view).  This alone could save you over $1,000 for a 7 night stay (based on rates at a Disney Deluxe resort garden view vs lake view)!!  
• Room location: SAVE!  This actually depends on a few things.  If you have small children, older adults, or someone who has trouble getting around in your group, you will probably want to go ahead and splurge.  But, if none of those situations apply to your group, save the money.  It's not THAT far to walk to the farthest rooms, and you will get a chance to really explore your resort.  This could save you around $150 for a 7 night stay (based on rates at a Disney Moderate resort).
• Park Hopper: SAVE!  For me, I prefer to stick to one park a day.  This is personal preference, but you will see why I save my money on the park hopper, when I get to my splurges.  If your trip is shorter, and you're worried about getting around to all your "must dos", then get the park hopper. 
• Souvenirs: SAVE!  Buy some cheaper items at home, or even in the local stores, outside of WDW.  You can find the same or very similar items for a lot less!!  If your kids are anything like mine, they will break (or outgrow) anything you get them, so save your money.  I do recommend getting a little something for everyone, but don't go crazy with it!
• Tours: SPLURGE!  If you haven't already, be sure to check out my post on WDW tours HERE.  These can be really fun, educational experiences for the whole family that will add to your trip.  Especially if you've been to Disney World a few times, and are looking to do something a little different.  For what you saved on your room location, or not getting park hoppers, you can add a tour or two!
• Pirate's League & Bibbidi, Bobbidi Boutique: SPLURGE!  While I wouldn't do this EVERY time, I do think every little girl (and boy) deserves this royal treatment at least once! Save a big chunk of money by bringing your own dress, though!
• Pirate & Pals Fireworks voyage:  SPLURGE!  This was the best money I've ever spent on something "extra" at Disney World.  The food, the laughs, the view of the Electric Water Pageant and Wishes Fireworks were all absolutely amazing!!  This is a MUST DO for our family every time now.  We did this on our arrival night, which is perfect, because you can save a day's park ticket and use your arrival day exploring your resort or hitting Downtown Disney then doing the P&P Fireworks voyage. 
• Disney Dining Plan: SPLURGE!  While this will possibly even end up SAVING you money, I still put this here.  By getting the Disney dining plan, you can relax and not worry about who's ordering what, and how much that dessert costs.  

So what do you tend to SAVE on or SPLURGE on while at Disney?

What to remember to pack for your Disney vacation

Packing for Disney? Me too...my family of four leave in just 7 short days for a 14 day trip to Florida, 7 of which will be spent at the most amazing place on the planet...for me – DISNEY WORLD!!! So, what should you pack? That's a tough question, especially with the airlines making it cost SO much to travel with “checked” luggage. 

One great idea is to put everything you do take, in a plastic zip lock bag; pack outfits together for the kids – makes it easy! Each bag can have a full day's cloths, undies, shorts, socks, shirt and hair ties. For the adults, pack like thing's together (IE undies in one, socks in another). THEN, and this is the cool part, and why you used a zip lock bag! Zip it nearly closed, leaving only enough room for the flat piece to your vacuum – insert vacuum a small way into the bag, and turn on vacuum. Only leave it in for a second, and remove making sure to not let much air back into the bag. This is/can be a HUGE space savor, AND can save your sanity when trying to get everyone dressed! 

Now, onto packing for Disney...make sure you bring any medicines you need, or medicines you take. I always pack Motrin, Excedrin, any prescriptions, and stomach medicine. 

Next, remember the accessories. My husband has forgotten his belt (if you do, shoe laces make a quick and cheap fix), but you want to try to remember these items. Belts, hair ties, hats and don't forget about phone accessories, including plugs, and video cards. 

Third, sunscreen. It's a MUST!  Pack it, and use it. The sun in Florida, and the temps get HOT, especially from June to August. 

Another good thing to bring is a backpack. We put essentials in it including medicine, cell phone, map, and camera. We don't bring along water, because you can go up to just about any food place, and ask for a cup of water, or ice! (For us ice worked best, as it stayed cold longer.) 

We didn't really bring a wallet or cash with us...we used our Magic Band most of the time, for purchases. It's easy and quick – and it's also linked to you with a pass code! 

Bathroom items are also a must. Things like shampoo, body wash, lip balm, razors, brushes, tooth brush, tooth paste and even lotion – which can really help if you get sunburned. Also, if you wear contacts make sure you bring those items! 

Trash bags, and zip closed bags are also nice things to have. I always seem to find something to put inside them! Bathing suits and goggles are wonderful additions! 

Most of the Disney pools have their own towels, but a bathing suit is a must! 

Other things to remember that are essential – Your Patience and Your Smile! Disney is crowded, people push into you, people/children butt in front of you in line, EVERYTHING will not go and be perfect! We are all human, BUT with a lot of patience, you can have the experience of a life time...it's worth it, I promise!

Guest writer, Jenn Canfield, is a Photographer and avid Disney fan. You can read her blog HERE, or check out her website.

Remembering WHY we celebrate Memorial Day

Remember to send up a THANK YOU to all the fallen soldiers this weekend, while you are having a cookout, going to the pool, or just hanging out with friends and family.  

Why I choose to drive 15 hours instead of fly

My family lives about 15 hours from Walt Disney World.  We still choose to drive.  Here's why:

1. I have a family of 4, so it's about half the cost to drive than it is to fly.  Because my family has to vacation on a budget, that's a HUGE savings for me.  
2. I like having our car while we're there.  We usually use Disney transportation, but once in a while it's much easier to just drive.  Especially at night, when everyone is exhausted, and we want to just get back to the hotel and go to bed. 
3. The trip to Florida and home is a mini vacation in itself!  We stop at fun tourist places along the way to break up the trip a little bit and stretch our legs.  On our most recent trip, we stopped at South of the Border, and a couple beaches.  

For some tips on road trips with kids, see this post.

When's the BEST time to visit Walt Disney World?

I think the number one question I get asked is "When's the best time to go to Disney World?".  My answer depends on each family, but here are some general tips.

When factoring in cost, crowds, and weather, the best times are January (except for New Year's), followed by August- mid December (excluding holiday weeks).  You can also usually get FREE DINING during some of these times.

If you don't want to take the kids out of school for too long, try to go for a week, where they have teacher work days or something else scheduled (but not around a major holiday).  

If you have to go during a holiday week, or in the busy summers, there are still some ways to make the best of the crowds and weather.  For ways to help keep your costs down, check out this post, or this one.

• Wake up early, and make rope drop!  I know, I know.. you're on vacation.  But, if you want to avoid hour long lines, you need to get up early.   Here's the difference between 7am rope drop and 1pm in the afternoon during spring break.

• Take a midday break.  Since you've been in the park since it opened, your kids (or you) will probably want a break midday especially if you go during the summer when it's so hot. You will also be getting away from all those people who slept in and are now filling up the park. Take a nap, have lunch, swim in the resort pool, etc.  Then, head back to the park in the evening.

Remember, you're in Disney World!!! A bad day at Disney beats a good day at work!

Star Wars Weekends

This weekend kicks off Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World.  For Star Wars fans, it doesn't get much better than this!  Hollywood Studios is taken over by Star Wars characters, entertainment, and special fireworks on weekends from May 15th- June 14th, 2015.  

Meet Star Wars characters that are only here for Star Wars weekends.

You can even meet the real life Star Wars celebrities!  Here's the schedule for those:

Weekend 1: May 15 to 17, 2015

• Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Tiya Sircar (Voice of Sabine Wren – Star Wars Rebels)
• Amy Allen (Aayla Secura – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)

Weekend 2: May 22 to 24, 2015

• Warwick Davis (Wald – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; and Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Vanessa Marshall (Voice of Hera Syndulla – Star Wars Rebels)
• Silas Carson (Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)

Weekend 3: May 29 to 31, 2015

• Warwick Davis (Wald – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; and Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ahsoka Tano – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Steve Blum (Voice of Zeb Orrelios – Star Wars Rebels)
• Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Voice of Boba Fett – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend 4: June 5 to 7, 2015

• Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Ashley Eckstein (Voice of Ashoka Tano – Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend 5: June 12 to 14, 2015

• Frank Oz (Voice of Yoda - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; and Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
• Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Taylor Gray (Voice of Ezra – Star Wars Rebels)

(NOTE: A Fastpass is required for celebrity autographs)

Of course, you can't have a complete Disney experience without food!  Disney has set up some fun Star Wars character dining this year.  Join Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and Stormtroopers for breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In restaurant.  Or, if dinner's what you're looking for, you don't want to miss Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Chip n Dale in their Star Wars costumes at Hollywood & Vine! 

What better way to end your night, then with a special fireworks show?  

(All photos are from the Walt Disney World website)

Have you been to Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World?  What was your favorite part?

NEW Indiana Jones themed bar coming to Downtown Disney

I'm so excited about this new addition to Downtown Disney (AKA Disney Springs)!  Scheduled to open this fall, this Indiana Jones inspired bar will be called Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.  They will feature special drinks, such as the "Hovito Majito", and will serve small dishes as well.  The bar will seat 150, and Disney is making sure to get all the details right!  Check out these concept art images.

I'm a huge Indiana Jones fan.  I cannot wait to see this when it's open!!

10 Things Every First Time Visitor Needs to Know

While there is so much you should know when visiting Walt Disney World for the first time, I've narrowed it down to my personal top 10 things every first time visitor needs to know.  Most of these I've learned my lesson from the hard way- these aren't just random things!!

1. Bring comfortable shoes! You will be doing a LOT of walking.  Unless you wear flip flops 24/7 at home, you will want to bring comfy walking shoes.  
2. You can get FREE water at any counter service restaurant.  Bottled water is great, but it won't stay cold all day. Save yourself the hassle of carrying around a bunch of water bottles, and just ask for some free ice water when you stop for a break, or to eat.  
3. Download park maps from Disney before your trip.  You can find out where your favorite rides and character meets are, so you aren't randomly walking in circles trying to find Dumbo! 
4. Get your souvenirs off Disney property.  You can get the exact same t-shirt you saw in the Magic Kingdom for about half the price, just by driving a few miles off Disney property.  If you're on a budget, this is a HUGE money saver (and nobody will know the difference!)
5. Interact with the characters!!  When you meet the characters, don't just walk up, get an autograph, and walk away.  Actually talk to them.  Tell a joke, ask them questions, anything.  Even the costume characters, who can't talk, can have some pretty fun interactions.  
6. Be patient.  You will be spending several hours per day with thousands of strangers.  Odds are someone will annoy you.  Just remember the golden rule, and show people kindness and patience.  You never know what they are going through, and a kind word from you could make their entire day. 
7. Book your dining reservations 6 months ahead.  This is a big one! You can book your dining reservations 180 days prior to checking into your hotel.  You need to do this if you plan on eating at any Table Service restaurants.  While you may get lucky, and be able to walk in to certain places, there are many that fill up.  You don't want to be scrambling to find somewhere to eat with cranky kids and tired parents!
8. Schedule your Fastpasses 60 days in advance.  I know, I know- how do you know what day and time you will want to ride Expedition Everest?!  Here's the thing... it's better to have a Fastpass, and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  You will probably know what parks you will visit on which days, so schedule your Fastpasses around that.  
9. Take a stroller (or rent one).  Even if your child has been walking for years, they aren't used to walking 10-15 miles a day, and their little legs will give up on them (probably at the most inconvenient time).  My 7 year old and 3 year old took turns riding in our stroller, so I was able to get away with just a single stroller.  My 9 year old did fine walking all day.  
10. My last tip for this post is to have fun, and know that you cannot possibly see or do everything there is to do at Walt Disney World.  There are people who have gone dozens of times, and still haven't done everything.  So, don't even try.  It's supposed to be a fun vacation, after all!!

Should I stay on Disney property? (Onsite VS Offsite)

Every time I talk to someone planning a Walt Disney World vacation, this is one of the biggest decisions they have to make.  It really depends on each individual situation, but for the most part, I recommend staying on Disney property.  Let's take a look at the differences between staying in a Disney resort hotel, versus staying in a nearby hotel.

Staying in a Disney resort hotel has several benefits:

• Free transportation to and from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort hotel
• Free transportation to and from the 4 parks, 2 water parks, Downtown Disney, and all Disney resort hotels
• Access to the Disney dining plan
• Extra Magic hours (When certain parks open early or stay open later just for Disney resort guests)
• Free parking at the parks, if you drive your own vehicle
• Ability to have in park purchases sent to your resort hotel, instead of having to carry them all day
• Excellent Disney customer service 24/7

While you might save a little money by staying in a non-Disney hotel, you will have to add transportation to/from the airport, a rental car to get to and from the parks, money to pay for parking each day, full price for Disney dining.  You won't be able to stay for extra magic hours, and you'll have to drag all your purchases with you all day long.  It's also much more difficult to take a midday break if you have family members who need to rest. The only time I would really recommend staying offsite would be if you have a large group, and can rent a house (and cook most meals, rather than eat out).

Jedi Training Academy

If you have a Star Wars fan in your family, the Jedi Training Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a must do!  This is a free activity, but you have to sign up for it, and it fills up fast.  Children ages 4-12 are able to participate- just make sure your child won't run away from Darth Vader.  He can be pretty scary to younger kids!  You will want to make it to Hollywood Studios prior to park opening, and be one of the first people in the park.  At least one adult, and any kids who will be participating, will need to go straight to the ABC sound stage to sign up for a spot to fight Darth Vader.  (Note: Participants MUST be present at sign up)  

Participants are given a brown Jedi robe and a light saber, then take the stage to begin their training.  Jedi masters are on hand to show the children how to use their light sabers.  

Once the training is complete, the kids go to the side of the stage, because there is an evil force arriving.

(Note:  The day we were there, Darth Maul was also there)

Darth Vader then tries to turn the children to the dark side.  He didn't recruit a single child this day!

Once all participants have a chance to fight off Darth Vader, they are rewarded with a certificate.  

This is definitely one of the highlights for us.  My older kids love Star Wars, so they were excited to participate in this.  Remember to show up about 20-30 minutes prior to your childs' time slot.  We were running late, and arrived about 8 minutes prior, and they almost didn't let my kids do it.  Luckily, a really nice CM ran back to grab two more Jedi robes, so they could participate.

Let's talk TOURS!

Whether you're a Disney World newbie, or someone who's been dozens of times, there's always something new to see and do at Walt Disney World.  Today, I'm going to highlight just a few of the fun tours offered that you may, or may not know about.

Animal Kingdom:

Do you enjoy the safari, but like me, wish it was a little longer?  If you answered "Yes" then the Wild Africa Trek might be for you!  It's a 3 hour long private Safari, including lunch, lots of photos of your journey, and a special souvenir.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney World website)

Price varies from $189- $249 per person.  Participants must be at least 8 years old, and 48" tall.  *** From April 19- October 17th, 2015 get $50 OFF the cost of your tour!!! ***

Epcot:

Learning never goes out of style at Disney's EPCOT.  Let's take a look at the Behind the Seeds tour.  This is a 1 hour tour where you'll get to visit the fish farm during feeding time, see some alligators, check out some huge fruits and vegetables, learn about the latest agricultural advances (like hydroponics), and get some pointers on taking care of your own garden at home.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney World website)

Price is $16 for children and $20 for adults.  All ages are welcome, but I would recommend leaving the little ones with someone else while you enjoy this tour.  Otherwise, you might miss some good info!

Hollywood Studios:

While not a tour, I feel like this is something every child needs to do at least once!  I will be writing a blog post with more info about this soon, but for now, I will keep it short and sweet.  Hollywood Studios' Jedi Training Academy is so much fun!  Just for kids, ages 4-12.  Your child will become a padawan for about 20-30 minutes, while they get the chance to fight Darth Vader. The spots for this fill up quickly, so you will want to go straight to the sign up area at rope drop.  When we did it, we walked over to the sign up area as soon as the park opened, and we ended up at a 12:30 show. (Note: Your child MUST be present at the sign up)

This is FREE!  Just remember to get there early to reserve your child's spot!!

Magic Kingdom:

I haven't done this one, but it's at the top of my Disney bucket list!!  The Keys to the Kingdom tour at Disney's Magic Kingdom park is one of their most popular tours.  This 5 hour tour will take you all over the Magic Kingdom, where you will learn park secrets, visit the famous underground Utilidors, learn park facts and trivia, have lunch, and get a fun souvenir!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney World website)

The price for this tour is $79 per person.  All participants must be 16 years or older.



Call (407) WDW-TOUR to schedule any of these tours!  If you go on any of these, please send send me an email. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.

Singing and Dancing with Cinderella

Princess Birthday Party!

We just celebrated my daughter's 8th birthday this weekend.  What better way, than to invite a Disney princess to celebrate with us?!  I first met Jennifer, owner of The Kingdom of Azuria in 2011, and my daughter fell in love with her. 

I had originally planned a cookout birthday party, but changed my mind to do a princess party just a few days before.  I emailed Jennifer, and crossed my fingers that she'd be able to send us a princess for my daughter's special day.  Not only was my daughter's favorite princess (Cinderella) available, but Jennifer herself was going to be our princess!!! I couldn't have been happier.  I decided to keep Cinderella a surprise from the party guests, and my daughter.  I wanted a genuine reaction at the party. 

Check out this YouTube video of Cinderella surprising the kids!

After Cinderella surprised the girls, they went over to sit on a blanket that had  been laid out for them.  Cinderella told them all about her Kingdom, and even had some fun goodies to show them!  

After learning all about her Kingdom, the kids were taught how to bow and curtsy like real princes and princesses!  They really enjoyed this part.  It was fun to watch them focus on doing it correctly. 

Of course, you can't have a fancy princess party without some dancing!

At the end of the party, Cinderella posed for a few photos, then helped with the cake and ice cream!

My four year old is now asking for a princess party.  After seeing how much fun this one was, I have a feeling we might be seeing more princesses at our house in the future!!  If you're local to Northern Virginia, I HIGHLY recommend The Kingdom of Azuria for your princess parties!  You can also find them on Facebook.