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My Kids’ First Visit to Walt Disney World

September 19, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

As many of you know, we went on a huge family trip to Disney World a few weeks ago. It’s been a couple years of planning and saving to take the whole crew, but it was completely amazing! I’ll be sharing a lot more details of our adventures, foods, shows, rides and more in the coming while, but today I wanted to tell you the overall fun from My Kids’ First Visit to Walt Disney World. Lots of pictures included, of course!

One of the things I was most excited for with this trip was it was mostly NEW to the kids. While they’ve been to Disneyland several times, this was very different. We got to see their reactions to new rides, foods, characters, sites – even the themed hotel (All-Star Music) was new, so that started the trip off with lots of smiles and eagerness. We flew in, so they even got to experience the Magical Express!

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Since we made sure to watch several important movies to prepare us for our Disney trip, such as Avatar, the kids were really looking forward to exploring Pandora at Animal Kingdom. From the floating mountains, drum shows, beautiful glowing ‘forest’ at night, to the huge MECH, they loved every little detail. And since there’s so much, I’m sure we didn’t even catch it all this time! As you can tell from several of our photos, it was certainly hot and BRIGHT in Orlando when we went, so sometimes squinty eyes were the best pics we could do 🙂

My favorite part – SO MUCH FAMILY TIME! Yes, we all got a little annoyed or impatient with each other at some point during the trip (with that much walking, plus little sleep because so much fun, it’s bound to happen), but we were together practically every moment for the trip. We got to talk about things – not just about the rides or the vacation, but random learning opportunities (like forced perspective at Pandora, or vehicle topics at Test Track) and other fun conversations. We took many pictures together (yes, even with mom in there – yay!), and even hubby and I made sure to get some time together on some rides or pictures.

With the Epcot Food & Wine Festival going on, the kids got to try several new foods – not only there, but at the various restaurants and buffets. I was impressed with how many new things they were willing to try. For example, Thor loved clams, which I never would have thought! Plenty of desserts and treats were enjoyed by us all, of course – and we learned that on your birthday, you can get a free slushie at Club Cool in Epcot. If it’s your birthday while you’re there – go and enjoy!

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Shopping with money they’d been saving for months was a highlight for the kiddos – the boys even shared in adopting a Banshee. We learned which kids have a tendency to spend as fast as they can, and which are more reserved and wait for the item that will make them happiest. Our wonderful guide Renee got us VIP seating at The Lion King Show, so the kids got to participate in some of the dancing and fun. (we received complimentary guide services for our trip) Seeing our kiddos interact with each other during the trip was also amazing – watching as they grew closer together and really enjoyed being a family was priceless!

Other highlights included: catching Songbird’s face the very first morning in front of the castle (she’d never been to ANY theme park before) and her pure joy. Finding the exact same guy that did a fun caricature for hubby and I last year to do one of ALL the kids, and having that keepsake. Having the chance to share our FIRST experience in Toy Story Land together, remembering all those incredible films.

We walked a TON, and slept a little. There were moments we’d catch some of the family sneaking in a quick nap – like hubby on the ferry boat. And yes, we made sure we tried ALL the transportation options at Walt Disney World, such as the resort shuttle, monorail and ferry boats.

I’m still almost giddy because of how much fun, joy and memories were made during our Walt Disney World vacation. The kids even made a new friend with our ‘magical’ guide Renee, who made our trip even more incredible than we could have possibly imagined. (Thank you Renee – we love you!)

Like I said, many more details for all we did are coming up – but for now, I had to share a bunch of the happy times with y’all!

What’s YOUR favorite thing about taking kids to Walt Disney World?

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Movies to Watch Before Disney World

September 5, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

If you’re planning a Disney vacation, you may be considering watching some movies leading up to it, just for fun or perhaps to refamiliarize your kids (or yourself) with the characters. The problem is that there’s SO MANY MOVIES to choose from! If you only have time for some, here are our favorite Movies to Watch Before Disney World.

Our family loves doing little activities or things to get more excited (and to help us be patient) leading up to a Disney vacation. Whether it’s decorating our MagicBands, decorating with our printable Disney banner, or doing a cool countdown chart, it’s a lot of fun and helps us make family memories even before we leave on the trip. Watching movies is a must, as well, to get us in the mood – and this year to introduce our kids to new things, such as Pandora land at Animal Kingdom by watching Avatar!

Whether you want to just want to watch a couple top picks, or as many Disney movies as you can fit in, here are the top movies to watch before Disney World we chose before our trip this year…

1: Avatar – with the opening of Pandora land a couple of years ago, I knew we had to watch this film just to give my kids an idea of the beautiful sights they have waiting for them there. Not only that, but the Flights of Passage ride will make much more sense!

2: Toy Story – With rides like ‘Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters’ and ‘Toy Story Mania’, this was already a good pick. Now with the opening of the whole Toy Story LAND, it’s a definite must-see!

3: Beauty & the Beast – of course there’s Belle around the parks, but especially if you’re going to dine at Be Our Guest restaurant (which I highly recommend!), this will give you a sense of nostalgia when you walk into the ballroom dining room, and definitely the West Wing.

4: Star Wars – We love ‘Star Tours’ and the like, but now there’s even more experiences and shows with this awesome series! Not only that, but Star Wars Land opens in a year or so, making this even more important to refresh on.

5: The Lion King – My favorite show at Disney World is the Festival of the Lion King, so I wanted to watch this childhood favorite with my family again before we take them to see it.

6: Finding Nemo – This wasn’t one of our TOP priorities, but with a ride for this film that I know they’ll enjoy, we added this to our list.

7: The Little Mermaid – Again, the ride in Magic Kingdom is a fun reason to watch this classic – but also because Ariel is a character you can find in many areas of the parks.

8: Alice in Wonderland – Maybe it’s just me, but I love remembering the film when riding the Teacups! Plus, since this one is a bit older, your kids may not have ever seen it before.

9: Peter Pan – Tinker Bell and Peter Pan are quite popular, as is the ride, so it’s fun to compare the sights you see during the ride to the film.

10: Cinderella – With that big beautiful castle at the center of Magic Kingdom (and particularly if you’re able to nab a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table), this is ideal to watch again just for that magic.

Love this place! Follow along the next 3 days for more #waltdisneyworld fun! #bmhtravel #magickingdom #travel #disney
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11: Frozen – The Frozen ride in Epcot will be much better if you remember the songs and friends in the movie.

12: Monsters, Inc. – Kids will get a big laugh at the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, but if they’ve recently watched the film then it’ll make it that much better.

13: Aladdin – Jasmine and our favorite street rat are quite popular, plus the entire area around the Carpet ride is themed after the film.

14: Tangled – Maybe it’s just me, but the little area by the Tangled restrooms is so pretty – plus those are some of my favorite restrooms!

15: Dinosaur – If your kids will be riding Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom, it may be good idea to have them watch the movie first. Knowing ‘Aladar’ in the cute film might help them not be so afraid in this darker ride!

Now, there are plenty more that could go in this list (like Lilo & Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, Cars, etc.) – because there’s TONS of characters and experiences! These were our top for this particular year, though, and because we had to prioritize due to time (as much as I’d love to rewatch every Disney movie ever made each year, that’s just not realistic).

What’s your favorite movies to watch before Disney World?

Helpful Tips and Tricks on What to Pack for Disney World

August 29, 2018 by Danielle 2 Comments

Save yourself some stress and be as prepared as possible for your Disney vacation. By following these helpful packing tips you’ll maximize your enjoyment and avoid some common drawbacks. Not only that, but knowing better what and how to Pack for Disney may even save you some money!

Wallet

Make sure you have cash in your wallet that you can use in a pinch to tip your driver, bell service, etc. This can save you from needing to use an ATM and possibly face those fees. In addition to that, bring plenty of Disney gift cards and the credit card you purchased your reservations on.

Clothes

It’s almost always hot, though it might get a little cooler on winter nights. There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Please don’t be one of those people struggling in the parks in stilettos. To maximize comfort, wear shorts or a skirt (if you’re braver than me) and light breathable clothing. Formal wear is not a necessity if you are looking to pack light – however, for some dining reservations (like Victoria & Alberts!) you may need to get a little dressier.

Health and Beauty

Remember to bring sunscreen and use it every day – don’t forget the back of your neck if you have short hair or will wear a ponytail! Nothing zaps the fun out of a vacation in the sun like getting burned. Ya, I’ve learned that the hard way. Pain reliever is also good to have on hand, versus paying extra for it when you get there. Consider any other toiletries, ointments, or remedies you might need in advance so you can avoid the upcharge later.

You will need room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs, of course. You can create that space and save money on water by packing a whole pallet of drinking water for the trip. It’s important to stay hydrated and you can get a 24 pack of bottled water for the price of a single bottle in one of the parks. By the end of the trip, water’s gone and there is room for all the t-shirts, plushes, and other awesome stuff you buy to commemorate your trip.

Accessories

Bring a cord and adapter for charging your phone overnight in your room. If you keep up on this you will not need to purchase or pack an external charger. The parks even have charging stations in case of an emergency. Small, travel-friendly backpacks can be your best friend – I don’t go to the parks without this one that’s been fabulous for 2 years!

Don’t forget an umbrella and some disposable ponchos, especially if you are going to Disney World in the Summertime. Ponchos are one thing you don’t want to be buying last minute in the middle of a rainstorm, trust me!

And definitely don’t forget your autograph books – these are the ones I made, complete with activities for during line waits. You can nab one here or on Amazon here!

Check out our previous post on What to Pack for Disney for more specific packing tips!

Everything You Need to Know about Tipping at Disney World

August 22, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Are tips accepted in Disney World? Absolutely – but with exceptions. While some Cast members are required to not accept tips for the most part, there are some positions at Disney where customary tipping is expected. Those cast members are paid by Disney as tipped employees, which means they can earn up to $3 less than minimum wage. When you vacation in Disney World, be sure to bring enough cash to cover tips for transportation, certain hotel services, and food servers. Here’s everything you need to know about Tipping at Disney World!

Who are “Tipped Employees?”

The following job types are classified as “tipped” and will gladly accept gratuity for their services.

Drivers: Obviously, the taxi service, or ride share app you use takes tips, but don’t forget about the Mickey’s Magical Express driver. They are your first point of contact on your Walt Disney World vacation and they work hard to make the experience magical. They’ll appreciate the gratuity. Generally, have $1 or $2 handy per piece of luggage they store and retrieve for you. The drivers on the internal buses do not take tips.

Hotel Services: Bell Service cast members are also tipped employees. Generally, anyone handling your bags will accept gratuity. The usual amount is $1 to $2 per bag. Salon and spa services are also tipped. Gratuity for massage, pedicure, etc. should be between 15% and 20% depending on the quality of service.

Food Service: Servers at table service restaurants do accept tips. It is also customary to tip at buffet restaurants, but not counter service or kiosks. The average tip for food service is 18% of the bill before tax. The minimum suggested tip is 15%.

Recognizing the Exceptional Efforts of Non-Tipped Employees

Non tipped Cast members include: ride operators, custodial cast members, outdoor venders and basically anybody not mentioned above. They cannot accept tips unless they have refused up to three times. Even then, the tip is taken to management. The best way to recognize these people for doing an exemplary job is to request a Great Service Fanatic card. You can also call or email Guest Communications: 407-824-4321 wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com You can even tweet @WDWToday with #castmembercompliment to show them some extra love and recognition!

Tell us your best experience with a cast member!

Free Printable Disneyland Height Requirements

August 15, 2018 by Danielle 1 Comment

Y’all know that we’re one of those crazy, Disney-loving families that have taken our kids during all sorts of ages and heights. I was so excited when my youngest finally reached 42″, because we could then go on ALMOST every single ride! Woot woot! For those travelling with younger ones that may require extra attention to what they can and can’t go on, here’s some super fun Free Printable Disneyland Height Requirements – plus a sheet for California Adventure, as well! And yes, they’ve been updated with the changes to Pixar Pier 🙂

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As we get ready for our Disney trips, we have fun with our DIY Disney Countdown, as well as prepare our kids for what rides they can or can’t go on due to any height restrictions. I think that by being prepared, we can help avoid more meltdowns at the parks, making it the best Disney vacation ever! On these printables, you’ll find some favorite characters from each of the parks – like Mike & Sulley for the California Adventure sheet! I couldn’t resist also including Dusty, since he’s one of my boys’ absolute FAVS!

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I tried to make this as convenient as possible, with the MANY rides that don’t have any height requirement at all listed right at the top. You can pair this with our amazing ‘Unofficial’ Disney Activity Book, but even alone it’s still the perfect printable to fold into your pocket or fanny pack to use for quick reference at the parks.

You can download and print off your FREE printables here….

Download the Disneyland Height Requirements Here

Download the California Adventure Height Requirements Here

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Check out the fun changes to Pixar Pier (formerly Paradise Pier) like the Incredicoaster!

And did you know – ur ‘Unofficial’ Disney Activity Book is available as a PDF download OR you can nab a printed one from Amazon! Woot woot!

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Top Back to School Picks for Disney Fans

August 3, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

This post made possible by shopDisney. All opinions are mine alone.

Parents are in full-swing school shopping mode lately, and I have to admit that I absolutely LOVE seeing all the fun new items that come out every year – especially if they’re Disney themed! Whether you like Star Wars, Princesses, Superheroes or any of the classic characters, these Top Back to School Picks for Disney Fans list has something for practically everyone!

I could go a bit extreme here if I listed out my favorites in every single school category, so I decided to just do a handful of incredible things that I think kids of all interests and tastes would enjoy the most – and that would work well in getting them through the school year. Luckily shopDisney.com has everything we need, in the many different characters we love!

Backpacks

First of all, I couldn’t resist putting this Stitch Rolling Backpack first because – well, look at it – it’s so stinkin’ adorable!

And for my fellow moms out there who know that those cute ears Stitch has may get ruined in certain situations (airport, I’m looking at you), THEY COME OFF! It’s like the Disney backpack creators have kids of their own so know what us parents want in an awesome bag for our littles.

Not only that, but can you just picture your kiddo opening and closing Stitches mouth going ‘ack, ack, ack’ over and over? I know mine totally would!

You know I had to add some Star Wars fun in here, right? I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. Our other backpack selection is this not only Star Wars, but also fits in the theming of a classic video game, based off of the one of the originals “May the Force Be With You”.

It looks like it can hold everything your child needs for back to school, plus there’s an optional matching lunchbox you could also get – things are better in sets anyway, right?

Lunchboxes & Totes

Speaking of lunchboxes, here’s a super cute one for any child who has a love of a classic – Ariel! I remember pretending to be mermaids (in a backyard full of grass, our swimming wasn’t too graceful lol) with my friends when I was younger, so this brings back fond memories.

It’s even shimmery, making it a delight for any little princess or mermaid!

Pencil Cases

The Incredibles 2 just came out recently, so of course kids (of all ages – it’s one of hubby’s favorites, too!) are loving everything Incredibles-themed, such as ‘The Incredible Pencil Case‘! It looks just like Mr. Incredibles car, so not only is it handy for carrying pencils, sharpeners, scissors, crayons, and the like, but the kids will look SUPER cool carrying it around.

A Collection for a Princess

I’m a sucker for cute princess things, because it makes me feel like a little girl again. This beautiful & handy Disney Princess Back to School Collection has everything you could need – from bags to notebooks, water bottles to clothing, even markers and patches!

The lunch tote is my personal favorite, featuring the faces of many of the Disney Princesses. Isn’t it cute?

Whatever you’re looking for as you tackle the back to school shopping, don’t forget all the amazing items at shopDisney.com – the hard part is choosing between so many cool things!

Which Disney character would YOU want on a backpack?

Toy Story Alien Craft

August 1, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Y’all know how much our family loves Disney, right? Well, putting together a fun Disney craft for kids was a great way to celebrate the opening of the new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World. In anticipation of our visit there later this year, we made this Toy Story Alien Craft – a great activity for a lazy afternoon!

Aren’t they cute? We’re all excited to check out the new Toy Story Land during our trip – the Alien ride looks really fun, but we’re especially eager to try out Slinky Dog Dash! I’m sure y’all know how patient kids are when leading up to a vacation (note the sarcasm there), so why not give them a little Disney creating while they wait with this awesome Alien craft?

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Supplies

Directions

Take your green paper plate and cut it in half with your scissors. You will instantly have an Alien shaped head. Grab that glue stick and glue three eyes onto each Alien.
Now take another green paper plate and draw/cut out an Alien antenna. When you have two Alien antennas, take your glue stick and glue an antenna onto each Alien.
While your eyes and antennas are drying, take your black sparkle foam paper and cut out four Alien ears. Glue those ears onto your Aliens
Now for the fun part! Take your black marker and draw a mouth on each Alien. I suggest practicing on a blank piece of paper to perfect your technique before drawing on your plate.
Enjoy your two fun new Alien friends!

Told you it was super easy – and it’s likely that you have at least some of the supplies on hand already. Maybe not BIG googly eyes or green paper plates, but you can easily buy or order those. Then you’re all set for some Toy Story Alien crafting.

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Printable Disney Aulani Activity & Autograph Pages

July 18, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Y’all know how much I love everything Disney – but I’ve never yet had the privilege of visiting Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii. It’s definitely on the wish list! I do have some friends that go frequently, though, so I thought it’d be fun to make some awesome printables. Whether it’s your first trip or tenth, these Printable Disney Aulani Activity & Autograph Pages are sure to make your trip even more magical and memorable!

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Since Disney’s Aulani is more of a tropical resort – and not a theme park – this booklet doesn’t have quite as many pages as our regular Disney Activity & Autograph book, but it’s still full of colorful, themed fun! There’s a stylish cover (front and back), plus an inside page for your child to put their info from the trip.

There’s then 4 pages of activities and jokes for them to have a bit of Disney-themed fun. These can be great for giving them something to do for a few moments during the flight, waiting to travel, or just some down time at the resort.

Following the activities, there’s then 12 pages for autographs, with a wide variety to cover the types of characters that you’re more likely to see at Disney’s Aulani resort.

There’s some for the classics, like Mickey and Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale.

Then we’ve created some brand new ones for characters such as Moana and Maui, Lilo and Stitch, Ariel (she’s definitely tropical/beach-themed, so might be there!) and even one for the ‘Cucamonga’ – the little coconut-like creatures from the film!

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A total of 20 pages, sized at 6×9 to be a better fit for littler hands – plus more easily to travel with! You can print them out onto normal paper (I recommend cardstock) and staple or bind together. Or take them to professional printing center to have them printed very good quality and bound to last for a long while. The choice is yours!

These amazing Disney Aulani Printables are one of our fun subscriber-exclusives, so be sure you sign up to join our newsletter to gain access to this free printable and more!

What’s YOUR favorite character that may be at Disney’s Aulani resort?

Nab our other Disney Activity & Autograph Books here!

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Ant-Man and Wasp: 5 Reasons it’s Even Better Than the First

June 27, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

With so many great Marvel films coming out, you may be tempted to skip out on one or two. Trust me, though, you’ll regret it because the newest one – Ant-Man and Wasp – is not only hilarious, but downright touching and full of adventure. Today we’re sharing it all with you (no spoilers!)! Ant-Man and Wasp: 5 Reasons it’s Even Better than the First! And since I completely loved the first film, you know this one must be great 😉

#1: The Cast is Phenomenal

If there’s no other reason you want to see this movie, just go for the cast. Seriously! With amazing talent like Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer and more, it’d be hard NOT to turn out with a wonderful movie experience. Each character is displayed and performed so well, it’s like they were each MADE for these parts. I mean, wait until you see Paul Rudd (aka: Ant-Man) spending his time while under house arrest (his consequence from his part in Civil War) – talented guy!

#2: You Might Cry

Or at the very least, get all the feelings – from hope and despair, to excited and afraid, not to mention all the relationship-type feelings such as between Scott and Hope, Scott and his absolutely adorable daughter, or between Hope and her parents. I had tears in the first five minutes, so needless to say this pulls you in right from the start!

#3: You WILL Laugh

If you don’t, then something might be wrong. Among all the emotions and adventure, there are a TON of hilarious antics, conversations and the likes that you would expect from such an incredibly funny guy like Paul Rudd. And don’t forget his best friend Luis, you definitely brings a whole new level of humor to the screen!

#4: Adventures of Epic Proportions

Guys – there’s car chases with MINIATURE vehicles! Add to that a huge PEZ dispenser (Hello Kitty, of course) and Lang’s suit that just isn’t working quite right, and this will be one wild ride. Not only does Scott need to repair his relationship with Hope and Hank, stay out of trouble (and ‘in his house’) for 3 more days until his sentence is over, but also help them attempt a rescue for Hope’s mom, who may still be alive – but lost for the past 30 years – in the Quantum realm. Oh, and did I mention a Quantum-phasing woman with her own agenda, an eager-for-a-win FBI agent and a black market dealer eager for a big paycheck? Yup, you’re in for a crazy time with all these folks trying to beat the clock – and each other!

#5: Because ‘Peanut’ is the Coolest Kid Ever

We got a feel for Scott’s cute daughter in the first film, but she really shines in Ant-Man and Wasp so we see much more of her personality – which is AWESOME! Seriously, more kids need to be this level of fun, supportive, understanding AND unknowingly wise. Just wait until you see more of Cassie in the film, and you won’t be able to help but love her, too.

Bonus: All the ‘ANT’ Names!

Okay, so maybe this doesn’t make this one BETTER than the first film, but it sure was hilarious hearing the names Scott picks for his several ant friends. My favorite is probably ‘ANT-onio Banderas’!

Ant-Man and Wasp hits theaters July 6th, 2018 – so grab your tickets and enjoy!

Updated Walt Disney World Ride Lists

June 19, 2018 by Danielle 33 Comments

If you loved our previous Disney park checklists, you’ll be thrilled to hear that we now have our most recent Updated Walt Disney World Ride Lists available for you to print off! These free printables feature favorite characters from each of the 4 main Disney World parks and we listed height requirements to make it convenient. These printable Disney checklists will be perfect for your next trip to Orlando! (most recent version updated June 2018)

Now updated to include Toy Story Land, opening June 30th 2018!

Y’all loved our last Disney World Ride Lists, but with Toy Story Land opening at Hollywood Studios, we knew it was time for some updates. A few rides have switched up, so these are the most accurate we have at the moment. Don’t forget our popular Unofficial Disney Autograph & Activity Book for your trip!

For great prices on your magical vacation, check HERE.

We have a page for each of the 4 main Disney theme parks, sized at 8.5×11 – I highly recommend printing onto cardstock, and of course they look tons better in color! Click the links to download these free printable Disney World Ride Lists!

Since sometimes it’s a pain to carry around a full sheet of paper on your Disney trip, we also put all 4 onto one 8.5×11 sheet, making them compact and much easier to take with you. Here’s the link to download and print that one:

4 Parks on one sheet

There’s a little checkbox next to each ride/activity, and if the attraction has a height requirement, that’s listed out to the side in red so it stands out.

You not only have an easy guide to which rides there area, but can check them off to see what you have left to complete! You can even highlight ones that are your ‘absolutely cannot miss this’, so you can tell at a glance what your priorities are for that park. Don’t forget our popular Unofficial Disney Autograph & Activity Book for your trip!

Don’t forget to check here for great prices for your next vacation.

Don’t miss the biggest update – Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios!

*We are not responsible for any ride availability, hours, refurbishment schedule, closings or height requirement changes. Check the Disney website for the most up-to-date information for your trip dates.

Other Disney Fun…

Incredibles 2 Blows Away Expectations

June 13, 2018 by Danielle 2 Comments

Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible, Frozone & the whole gang are back after 14 long years (though only moments from the ending of the last film). You may be wondering why so much hype when it’s been such a long time, and I admit I had my reservations as well. But guess what – it was well worth the wait because Incredibles 2 Blows Away Expectations and as my hubby put it ‘may be one of the best animated films I’ve ever seen’! Don’t worry, no spoilers here 😉

Please Note: Disney released a seizure warning due to some scenes with flashing lights. Please use your best judgement.

Old Friends

Whether your favorite from the original film was one of the Incredible family members, ‘uncle’ Frozone, or even agent Dicker, you’ll be thrilled to see them on the big screen once again as they face new challenges.

Newcomers

Among the great originals, you’ve got some new friends AND enemies, including wealthy super-fan Winston Deavor and his brilliant inventor sister Evelyn. The cast grows with new supers being introduced, with powers from dimensional portals to ‘regurgitating’ fire.

Among the awesome crew is also a new villain, Screenslaver. Elastigirl sure has her hands full trying to figure out her new mission to bring down this mastermind.

Great Story

Incredibles 2 picks up right where the previous one left off, so be ready to learn what’s in store for the supers now that they got a taste of being out of hiding. With Mr. and Mrs. Incredible adjusting new roles – hero and stay-home parent – there’s a whole new slew of challenges for them to tackle. Being the supers they are, though, they won’t shy away from it!

Handing Over the Spotlight

In the past, Mr. Incredible was front and center, so taking over the home duties while handing that over to his equally talented wife sure isn’t going to be easy. All the parents out there fully understand that parenting is no easy mission, even for super parents, so many will relate to his struggles. Half of the laughs are because we’ve all been there, too!

Dad’s are SUPER

I’ll admit, I was concerned that the movie would portray Robert Parr as a stereotypical dad who can’t handle being a stay-at-home parent. Boy was I in for a surprise, because like any super dad out there he steps up to the task and surprises us all!

Edna is Still my Favorite

Edna Mode (aka ‘E’) was my favorite in the first film, and still is after seeing her join in the adventures with the Incredible family. Her blunt talk, confidence, and pure sass is downright hilarious and makes me love her even more now!

Jack Jack

As we saw at the end of the first Incredibles, Jack Jack isn’t your average baby – but the family never saw otherwise! Now Mr. Incredible is at home adjusting to parenting full-time, with a child that has more than a few surprises up his sleeve. Parenting isn’t easy, and Jack Jack is the EXTREME of adorable challenges!

So be ready to laugh like crazy, grip your seat from suspense, jump in a few intense parts, and be moved by this super family who handles all life’s challenges – both the superhero ones and the day-to-day ones we can all relate to – while growing closer together.

Incredibles 2 hits theaters THIS WEEK, so nab your tickets now – you won’t want to miss this amazing new film that’s worth the 14 year wait!

Everything to Know About Pixar Fest & Pixar Pier

June 11, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Exciting news for my fellow Disney-lovers! If you haven’t heard, Pixar is taking over at the Disneyland Resort this summer! From now until September 3rd, you can experience Pixar Fest when you visit The Happiest Place on Earth. Here, you’ll be able to interact with your favorite Pixar characters, enjoy dazzling entertainment and celebrate Pixar like never before. Plus – on June 23rd – you can be one of the first guests to experience the re-imagined Pixar Pier and the thrilling Incredicoaster. With so much to do, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience it all. Because of this, I’ve partnered up with my friends at Get Away Today to give you everything you need to know about Pixar coming to the Disneyland Resort this summer.

Pixar Fest

Entertainment:

At Pixar Fest, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of delightful entertainment that will take you to “Infinity and Beyond!” The first parade that you’ll want to catch is the Pixar Play Parade. This beloved parade has made a comeback for Pixar Fest, but is now in Disneyland Park for the first time ever. On Main Street U.S.A., you’ll be able to see characters from Monsters University, The Incredibles, Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and more. Plus, you can also enjoy new floats like the Pixar Lamp, Pixar Ball, UP and Inside Out. The best part? This is the perfect parade for a hot summer day. With all-new water features, that might just get you wet, you’ll be able to stay cool as you party with some of your favorite Pixar pals. You can catch the Pixar Play Parade daily at 3:30 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Another fan-favorite making its return for Pixar Fest is the Paint the Night Parade – my favorite! This nighttime show was instantly loved during Disneyland’s 60th Diamond Celebration, so I was ecstatic when I heard it was coming back for Pixar Fest. Here, you’ll be able to dance and sing along to catchy tunes with cherished Disney and Pixar characters. Each character lights up the night with thousands of LED lights on their floats, making it an unforgettable sight to see. On June 15th, you won’t want to miss your chance to see The Incredibles make their grand-entrance to the Paint The Night Parade. With new features – a little bit of magic – The Incredibles float won’t be anything short of super. This parade is enjoyable for people of all ages, so you’ll want to make sure you catch it before it speeds out on September 3rd, 2018.

To end your Disney day the perfect way, you’ll want to make time to see “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular.” With pyrotechnics, projections, music and scenes from Disney-Pixar films, you’ll be laughing – and maybe even crying – at this beautiful celebration of friendship. As a tip, you’ll want to make sure to watch this nighttime show from Main Street U.S.A., so you’re in the middle of all of the fun. “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” is a show you won’t want to miss.

Food & Fun:

Ya’ll know I’m all about the FOOD, right? Well, in addition to the entertainment, you’ll be able to enjoy over 50 food and beverage options during Pixar Fest! These Pixar-themed treats are not only delicious, but worthy of their own Instagram post! With delectable eats like Cheeseburger Pizza, Three Flavored Corn Dog and a Cocoa Churro, you’ll want to make sure you save room for it all! Plus, you’ll be able to meet your favorite Pixar pals at Paradise Gardens. Say hello to Mr. & Mrs. Incredible, Mike Wazowski, Sulley, Woody, Buzz and more! In addition to the character meet and greets, be sure to enjoy colorful décor located throughout Paradise Gardens.

Pixar Pier

Neighborhoods:

Pixar Pier will include four new neighborhoods for guests to enjoy. Each neighborhood is themed after a classic Pixar film. Enjoy Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade and Inside Out Headquarters. Each neighborhood will include attractions, food and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Incredicoaster:

While I can’t wait to see every detail of Pixar Pier, I’m most excited for the Incredicoaster. This re-imagined attraction has taken over for California Screamin’ and now features our favorite superhero family. This thrilling ride will take you on an adventure with The Incredible family as they try to rescue Jack-Jack after he escapes. With brand new effects, a renovated queue and an entire area dedicated to The Incredibles, I can’t wait to save the world the next time I visit Disney California Adventure!

Dining:

When you need a break from all of the fun, make sure you stop and explore one of the many new dining options at Pixar Pier. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, you can enjoy Poultry Palace, SeñorBuzz Churros, Angry Dogs or Adorable Snowman Treats. However if you want to have a unique dining experience, make sure to check out the Lamplight Lounge. With California gastro-pub themed food, you can dine right on the Pier. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy Pixar-themed knick-knacks, drawings and sketches located throughout the restaurant. No matter where you choose to eat, you’re in for some scrumptious grub!

If you haven’t booked your Disneyland vacation to experience the most “Incredible” summer yet, make sure you book with Get Away Today. With discount Disneyland tickets, hotel specials and a flexible Layaway Plan, Get Away Today makes vacationing more affordable than ever before!

To book, visit getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY to speak to a travel expert directly. Make sure to mention promo codeBusyMomsHelper to get an additional $10 off your next hotel and tickets vacation package.

What’s YOUR favorite thing about taking kids to Walt Disney World?

What’s your favorite movies to watch before Disney World?

Wallet

Clothes

Health and Beauty

Accessories

Check out our previous post on What to Pack for Disney for more specific packing tips!

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Recognizing the Exceptional Efforts of Non-Tipped Employees

Tell us your best experience with a cast member!

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Directions

Eager for your own Disney vacation? Check out Get Away Today for the best deals! Promo Code: BusyMomsHelper

What’s YOUR favorite character that may be at Disney’s Aulani resort?

Don’t forget to check out Get Away Today for the best vacation package deals! Promo Code: BusyMomsHelper

#1: The Cast is Phenomenal

#2: You Might Cry

#3: You WILL Laugh

#4: Adventures of Epic Proportions

#5: Because ‘Peanut’ is the Coolest Kid Ever

Bonus: All the ‘ANT’ Names!

Ant-Man and Wasp hits theaters July 6th, 2018 – so grab your tickets and enjoy!

Now updated to include Toy Story Land, opening June 30th 2018!

Old Friends

Newcomers

Great Story

Handing Over the Spotlight

Dad’s are SUPER

Edna is Still my Favorite

Jack Jack

Incredibles 2 hits theaters THIS WEEK, so nab your tickets now – you won’t want to miss this amazing new film that’s worth the 14 year wait!

Pixar Fest

Pixar Pier