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Best & Worst Months to Visit Disney World in 2019

December 12, 2018 by Danielle 2 Comments

If you look ahead for the best times to plan your Disney World vacation, there are definitely considerations you need to make because some months are going to turn out better for you than others. Unfortunately, in many cases, the most practical times to visit Disney World are also the most crowded. If you don’t have much room within your schedule, then please don’t worry about going at the wrong time of the year because you’ll still have a great time, just maybe more waits and crowds. But if you have a fair amount of options, some months will do better for you than others. Looking at everything going on, here’s our thoughts on the Best & Worst Months to Visit Disney World in 2019.

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When to Visit Disney World 2019- Best Months

In terms of lower attendance, the best months for visiting Disney World are January, February and March. Things get busy after that until late august. September and October are also good months for beating attendance (we usually aim for early September because school just started – one of the benefits to homeschooling. November and December are usually good too, if you stay away from the holiday weeks.

However, during those times there is more to offer in terms of Holiday entertainment and festive decoration. There will also be additional tickets sold for holiday parties, which are limited in attendance. That could make November and December two of the best – or at least most exciting and magical – months as you determine when visit Disney World 2019.

The biggest draw to Disney World in 2019 will be Star Wars Land which is set to open in late fall 2019 (eeeeek, can’t wait!). That’s one more reason to plan your trip for November or December. Although, if this is not a draw for you, you can beat the crowds by visiting in late summer instead.

When Not to Visit Disney World 2019 – Worst Months

In terms of crowds alone, you will do best to avoid any major holidays and months where children are out of school. The end of 2019 will be exceptionally crowded because of the new Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios. Also, from May to Mid August there is going to be higher attendance due to school letting out and more vacationing families. On the other hand, with the new attractions coming out, you may not want to miss upcoming opportunities and be more willing to wait in longer lines (here’s our tips for avoiding more lines!).

In addition to the late fall 2019 opening of Star Wars Land, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is opening in May 2019. If you don’t want to miss out on this major attraction, you should avoid planning your trip for January through May.

If weather is a factor for you, you must remember how hot and how humid central Florida gets in the summer, as well. The summer months can have brutal heat, and are also notorious for stormy weather. While you can certainly prepare beforehand, this may be a poor example of when to visit Disney World 2019. After summer, the season for thunderstorms gives way to hurricane season, which usually does not affect the parks in terms of operations, but occasionally it does. You may prefer to avoid September or October if there is a serious threat or you don’t want the risk of interrupted travel and vacation time. On the other hand, if you already live nearby and there is a hurricane warning in your area, Disney World is actually a very safe place to evacuate to.

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When do you prefer to visit Disney World?

Christmas Holidays at Walt Disney World

December 5, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Remember how I said I was thrilled to make a visit to Orlando to experience all four Disney parks last week? Well, it may have been a super-rushed trip, but I was determined to fit in as much as I could – and today I’m sharing all the fun, festive happenings (and treat-enings – get it?) that occur during the Christmas Holidays at Walt Disney World!

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I’ll divide it up by park, so you can see what each one has to offer in terms of the special ‘extras’ for this time of year. Let’s start with the one most people think of first…

Magic Kingdom

When people look to visit Disney World during Christmastime, they often only think about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (you can read my recap of that HERE). It’s very similar in idea as the Not-So-Scary Halloween party, with complimentary treats (cookies, chocolates, pretzels) and drinks (eggnog, cider, cocoa, sno-cones) instead of trick-or-treating, and of course more holiday themed. While I admit this is a HUGE draw for guests, and definitely worth going to if you can swing the price tag, it’s not the only reason you should experience the Christmas holidays at Walt Disney World.

Outside of the party, there’s tons of decorations everywhere – from the garlands, bows and lights that adorn most entries and poles, to the red and white poinsettias adorning gardens and baskets. There’s even lights, wreaths and bells adding to the atmosphere, and even many of the snack carts are feeling that holiday cheer.

Once you get through the ticket entrance, the area right before the train station is a giant red poinsettia Mickey ornament – perfect for a holiday family photo! Go to the right or left and through the entry archways, and you’ll emerge to see a GINORMOUS Christmas tree, surrounded by large gifts and toy soldiers!

At night, Cinderella’s Castle is light up with sparkly, twinkling lights that take it to a whole new level of magical. It was my favorite thing, and I admit I took ‘more than a few’ photos of this delightful sight 😉

Many of the cast members wear holiday-themed outfits and/or Santa hats, and you can even see some of your favorite characters dressed up with a little more Christmas/winter to their outfits, which makes for some extra special meet-and-greet photos.

There’s also an area for Santa – check out the schedule for times when you’re there!

Don’t forget to make a stop by the ‘Jingle Cruise’ as well – even the boats are fun holiday-themed names, the skippers wear Santa hats, and the whole que & ride are dressed up for the occasion!

Some snack locations have seasonal treats that are definitely worth a try, so either check your program or – even better – ask a cast member and they can lead you the right direction! Be sure to contact Michael’s VIPs for their wonderful tour guide services, especially as the holidays can be extra crowded & you want the best trip possible!

Hollywood Studios

With the exception of a few spots (near Star Tours), Hollywood Studios was decorated as much as – or perhaps a little more – than Magic Kingdom. Bright stars from Christmas lights that changed color, wreaths, bells and classic-looking signs featuring Santa, reindeer and more, plus Echo Lake had HUGE ornaments floating in it! The dinosaur even had on a fun Santa hat, and some displays of statue deer and such helped add to the whole feel.

In the evening, there’s the Seasons Greetings show (that may repeat a couple of times, I wasn’t quite sure exactly) over by the Tower of Terror. Along the street leading up to that area are two screens that show a mini video clip, then a great display is projected onto the Tower of Terror with music to match the little clip you just saw. They had the Muppet Chef Guy (I know, I should remember his name, but I can’t) that built a Gingerbread house on the movie clip, then the Tower showed a huge creation out of gingerbread to playful music.

Olaf’s clip was finding a holiday tradition, then the song played along with images of traditions and such.

Even Toy Story got in on the fun, making it the Hollywood Toyland Hotel! I thought this show was INCREDIBLE, and would’ve loved to show my kids! The lights along that street switch around depending on which clip is playing, and ‘snow’ is pumped out, so it’s like a magical snowfall all down the street. That snow continued almost the entire evening it seemed!

On the Chinese Theater was the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show that I’ve heard several people rave about – but personally, I was a little disappointed by it. Yes, it’s fun with the Elves and rescuing Santa, and it does have fun montages and music. But overall, there was too much to look at with all the different screens it was playing on, plus fireworks, plus laser light show. I even saw several people watch a bit, then decide to leave before it was done. It wasn’t bad by any means, and there were plenty of folks who loved it – it just wasn’t my cup of tea, I suppose. If you’ve seen it – let us know what you thought in the comments!

One thing I really loved was this fun window display, full of dancing ornaments!

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Loved these dancing Minnie ornaments in a shop window at Hollywood Studios at #waltdisneyworld #bmhtravel #hollywoodstudios #Disney #Christmas #holidays
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I believe that at the Hollywood & Vine, they have a special Minnie Mouse Holiday buffet meal, but I didn’t personally go check this out. That’s one drawback to a solo trip – less excuse to take time for real dining!

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Epcot

I was most excited to see Epcot during the holidays (other than Magic Kingdom, of course) because I’d heard of the amazing ‘holidays around the world’ displays and such. Perhaps it was just that I was there earlier in the day, but it seemed a big let-down. There was a lot of decor – ginormous tree, plenty of garlands and lights and fun garden characters for the holidays. There was a stage where one of the shows would be (again, I was there earlier in the day – since this was a quick trip I couldn’t fit in everything unfortunately – so I missed the shows).

I did see several kiosks that were ‘holiday kitchen’ – featuring some seasonal snacks and drinks. Most of them weren’t open when I was there, though, despite being there until about 2pm. I did enjoy the displays in the various areas, telling a bit about that country’s traditions.

Keep in mind that I was there EARLIER in the day, only until early afternoon, so perhaps all the main holiday happenings occur after that – so don’t write off Epcot just yet. And if YOU have experienced some of the festivities at Epcot, please share in the comments!

Animal Kingdom

Guys, this is my favorite park (because it has TWO of my FOUR favorite rides – Flights of Passage & Everest)! That being said, it was very limited in the holiday-theming department. And maybe that was intentional, so they could keep the different lands more accurate and true to themselves. There was some decor around, but not much at all compared to the other parks, and just normal (yet still good) music playing. Again, this could be in keeping with the different ‘continents’ and areas, so this isn’t a complaint at all – just giving you a heads up that there’s not a lot of holiday-ness at Animal Kingdom. The main exception seemed to be the entrance, where they had the wreaths, garlands, and large Christmas tree up for plenty of photo opps. It was still great and lots of fun!

In ALL FOUR of the parks, you can find special holiday-themed merchandise in the stores – from ornaments and decor, to seasonal snacks and clothing, and much more. They even had a stuffed Stitch with a Santa hat that I wanted so badly to get for hubby, but stuck to my budget. I *did* get two candy apples though to bring home for the family to share – one decorated as a Mickey Mouse Santa. They also had a holiday Jack Skellington (Sandy Claws), Blue Snowflake and others to choose from. The lady at the counter asked if I was planning to take them on a plane, and when I said yes she popped out a sturdy box and packed them extra carefully – so grateful, and they made it home perfectly!

Most of the parks were also playing fun Christmas/Holiday music, which really helped put everyone in the spirit of the season! Overall, I absolutely LOVED experiencing the holidays at Walt Disney World, and can’t wait to take my kids there during this season sometime in the future! We’ll, of course, be using Michael’s VIPs for our guides since they’re absolutely AMAZING!

What’s YOUR favorite holiday thing at Disney World?

How to Avoid Lines at Walt Disney World

November 28, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Let’s be honest, a trip to any Disney park isn’t exactly ‘cheap’. Yes, there’s plenty of ways to make it more affordable, but it’s not chump change. Take that into account with how much there is to see and do, and it’s obvious that you’ll want to waste as little time as possible standing in long lines. Luckily on our big family trip to Orlando this past fall, my kids were in awe with how much time we actually spent in lines and our family was able to check so much off of our list! You can take advantage of this ‘secret’, too, because I’m sharing How to Avoid Lines at Walt Disney World to make your trip as magical as ours was!

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Hubby and I tried to keep track of our line time, and we realized that the longest wait time we had the entire trip was 15 minutes – and part of that was because we were willing to wait longer for the back on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Other than that, most of our times were simply as long as it took to get from the entrance to where you get on the ride – with an average ride line of 5-10 minutes total. Needless to say, we were thrilled and never had to hear the kids complain about any long lines! We were able to fit in so much on our trip, plus had plenty of down time to just chill and enjoy our family. It was super magical, and it’s all thanks to our friends at Michael’s VIPs with their amazing tour guides who make your trip truly unforgettable and stress-free!

You probably remember us praise them before when we shared our experience using their tour guides for a couples-only trip last year, as well as what our kiddos thought of having a guide for a large family vacation. I still don’t know how we loved our Disney trips so much before I met Adam and his team at Michael’s VIPs two years ago, because they not only take so much stress out of tackling reservations, juggling fast passes and knowing where to be when, but they also save so much time in the parks by helping us avoid lines! Seriously, they’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to getting the most out of your vacation. Since they save you so much waiting time by avoiding long lines, we got to relax more and enjoy fun things like photo opportunities, checking out the decor and entertainment, as well as loving tasty snacks.

We had Renee – who is about the sweetest, most lovable person you may ever meet – who was phenomenal, but all of the team at Michael’s VIPs knows Walt Disney World inside and out! Because of this, they save you so much time by:

Taking the fastest/least crowded routes and walkways
Knowing when/where to avoid parades or other shows
Understanding which rides are busiest when, so you know when to hit which ride next for the shortest wait
Managing fast passes like a magician (seriously, my kids asked if Renee was MAGIC because we had so few waits!)
Organizing your day to fit in bathroom stops, snack breaks & such to fit naturally into your path – no needing to go out of your way
Nabbing snacks or drinks while you ride, saving a trip or wait for the snack cart
Being amazing in so many other ways, too!

Since you can only make THREE fast pass+ reservations at first, then you can do one at a time for whatever may be left, relying solely on those will only save you so much time. These guys and gals know the rides and schedules so well, they can utilize the system to its full potential which saves you a TON of time. Not just for rides, either, but also getting you incredible seats for shows like The Lion King and more!

Other than their immense knowledge and quick app-using skills to make the most of the fast pass+ system, they know the park routes like the back of their hand. Renee jokes that they’re ‘walking talking maps’ – and it’s so true! From rides, bathrooms and snacks, to knowing the schedule so you can easily bypass the crowds for a parade or show, they truly help you make the most of your time in the parks to get as much seen and done as you’d like. Go fast or go slow, it’s up to you – they make it work so your trip is as magical as possible! We’d done Disney so many times before on our own, and dreaded standing in line – but this time, the kids had no complaints at all because there was barely ever any wait for us, IF any wait. Honestly, the only time we really had to deal with lines was for Disney World transportation (which Michael’s VIPs can help you with, as well, we just opted to tackle it ourselves).

If you’re wanting to avoid lines at Walt Disney World, these guys know all the magic to make that possible. It’s so worth it to have 10 minute or less waits for the rides, amazing seats for shows, plus a super-friendly (I think the kids would’ve taken Renee home if we’d let them) guide to help with every aspect of your trip to really give you the magical Disney vacation you dream of!

Not Convinced? Here’s 10 Reasons to Choose Michael’s VIPs!

Star Wars Printable Cupcake Toppers

November 21, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Star Wars was a huge part of my childhood, and marrying a fellow fan resulted in our kids being raised this way as well. Of course, instead of just the originals, our kids get to enjoy the newer films AND side stories like Star Wars Rebels, expanding that world even further. I love sharing this with my family, so it’s only natural we’d love having themed parties or cupcake decorations just for the heck of it! Now you can join in with these Free Star Wars Printable Cupcake Toppers – and they’re not just great for cupcakes, but also for dangly decor, stickers and so much more!

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If you’ve enjoyed our previous Star Wars printables – such as stick puppets or the soda bottle gift set – then these are probably right up your alley! I love how these ones are not only colorful and adorable, but have a little spunk to each of the characters.

There’s quite a variety of your favorite CLASSIC characters – Yoda, Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Darth Vader, C3P0 and R2D2. There’s even one with my favorite couple in the galaxy, Han and Leia together!

To use as a cupcake topper, just cut out and tape to either lollipop sticks or toothpicks then stick into your cupcakes. Easy peasy!

They print nicely onto 8.5×11 size paper (I recommend printing onto cardstock for durability), making them roughly 1.5-2″ (ish) in diameter. You can print into a smaller size if you’re looking for tinier circles, of course.

Another idea is to tape them to streamers or gift wrap ribbon to hang around for decorations. Maybe as a backdrop for a ‘photo booth’ spot during a party?

Another unique idea is to print of two of the sheets, cut them out – then do a Star Wars themed memory game. It’s a great way to keep littles entertained for a bit, plus work on their memory AND fine motor (flipping over little circles) skills!

These Star Wars printables are free as part of our subscriber-exclusive printables, so if you’re not already on our weekly newsletter list then be sure to sign up below for access to this fun printable and many others!

Who’s your favorite Star Wars character?

Nonstop Laughs when Ralph Breaks the Internet

November 14, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Guys, you know that I love Disney movies – the classics, live action remakes, Marvel, Star Wars, newer Pixar ones, all of them – so it goes without saying that I’ve been eager to see Ralph & Vanellope’s newest adventure. Knowing how well Disney typically does with sequels, I was expecting it to be as good as the first – but I was wrong. It was even better!!! No kidding, I loved this film so much, and consider it one of the funniest animated films I’ve ever seen – if not THE funniest! You’ve got to run out and see this new movie (hitting theaters November 21st) if for no other reason that it’s Nonstop Laughs when Ralph Breaks the Internet!

As my usual with reviews, I don’t want to spoil a single thing – especially any of the hilarious, laugh-so-hard-your-face-hurts moments – so I’m just gonna really quick say a few reasons you NEED to see Ralph Breaks the Internet with your family (or by yourself, it’s still amazing). Hubby walked out of the theater saying ‘that’s the best animated movie ever’ at least a handful of times. Even before the two funny mid-and-post credit bits our faces already hurt from laughing!

So beyond the humor – which had some that was more adult and plenty that was for the kids, too – here’s why seeing Ralph Breaks the Internet in theaters this season should be on your must-do list:

New Adventure Full of Surprises

Ralph and Vanellope hit the internet to try and save Sugar Rush, but along the way there’s plenty of obstacles – some that will even test their amazing friendship. I couldn’t guess the ending, but loved the way it played out even though it wasn’t what I was expecting. Since we’re all really into being online lately, tons of the animation, little blips, and scenes will be totally relatable and make you think a new way next time you’re online!

Super Cool Characters

Along with many of your favorite faces from the original Wreck it Ralph, there’s plenty of new characters along for the ride. ‘Yes’ from ‘BuzzTube’ has so much spunk and sass, you instantly want in to her circle. Spamly may not be the most ‘professional’ guy, but at least he tries to help out and I kind of found him sweet. My absolutely favorite, though, had to be Shank – a fearless and charismatic woman in the game Slaughter Race who’s voiced by the lovely (and equally amazing) Gal Gadot (wonder woman)! You know her and Vanellope are gonna hit it off, both being up for adventure and excitement as well as their love of racing. The whole lot of Disney princesses also shine in their own way, offering plenty of quotes worthy of repeat.

Hard Truths

While I don’t want to give anything away, there’s plenty of scenes in this film that may be a hard reality for some – pointing out how the internet doesn’t always bring out the best in people, how much time or nonsense of our lives we can waste there, and so much more. I was reminded of a few things I should check about myself when choosing how to spend my time online, and perhaps it’ll do the same with some of you. A movie that can possibly make us better as a person is surely worth a look (or three!).

There’s so many more reasons that Ralph Breaks the Internet is one of my absolute FAVORITE animated movies, and why I think it’s even better than the first – but you’ll have to see it for yourself to know it all. Every now and then a movie comes along that my family will go see multiple times before it hits DVD and this is definitely one of them!

Go see Ralph Breaks the Internet ASAP, then tell me your favorite part!

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Disney Fans

November 13, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Where are my fellow Disney-lovers? Disney is a huge part of my life – maybe it’s how I was raised – but I love sharing the magic and fun with my family! As such, we often have several great Disney type gifts either given or received each year. If you’re also looking for some magical gifts (whether for yourself or to give someone else) here’s a new Holiday Gift Guide full of wonderful Gifts for Disney Fans!

There’s seriously SO MANY incredible Disney gift ideas out there, so this is in no way covering everything. To sort the many suggestions, though, we separated it into some topics:

Collectibles, Home & Decor
Toys, Games & Plush
Clothing, Costumes, Jewelry & Accessories
Park Items for your Disney Trip

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Collectibles, Home & Decor

Limited Edition Disney Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Figurine “Mickey The True Original”

Just in production for one year to celebrate Mickey’s 90th Anniversary, this adorable cold-cast resin piece features several version of Mickey throughout the years as well as a film reel with some of his films! Sized at approximately 10.5H x 8W x 7D inches, it’s the perfect collectors piece for the Disney fan in your life!

Thor Ragnarok Framed Art

Millennium Falcon Micro-USB Charging Cable

I Love You / I Know Stemless Flute Glasses

Mary Poppins Hat Hair Clip

Death Star Waffle Maker

”Castle Ballroom Interior” Limited Edition – Beauty and the Beast

Mickey Mouse and Friends Character Bowl Set

Mary Poppins Doll – Barbie Signature

Lilo and Stitch ”Goodbye Sun”

Mickey Mouse Silicone Breakfast Mold Set

BB-8 Bath Rug

Mickey Mouse Love Pillow

Tinker Bell Framed Wall Decor

Mickey Mouse Constellation Accent Lamp

Star Wars Shelf

Mickey Mouse Mug Set

Finding Nemo Seagulls Beach Towel

Mickey Mouse Toy Organizer

Mickey Mouse Gummy Treat Maker

Pua Fleece Throw

Mickey Mouse Bandana Dish for Pets

Disneyland ”While Everyone Sleeps”

Mickey Mouse Measuring Cup Set

Descendants Journal

Mickey Mouse Hooded Towel for Baby

Minnie Mouse Bow Paper Clips

Belle Ball Gown Apron for Kids

Star Wars Stormtrooper Sketch Tin Wall Decor

Toys, Games & Plush

Groot 30″ Inflate-A-Hero

Disney Aladdin Genie Costume for Build-A-Bear

Millennium Falcon Play Set

Minnie Mouse Farmer’s Market Stand

Jackson Storm Remote Control Vehicle

Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Play Tent

Mack Friction Motor Hauler Truck Plus Six Pullback Cars Set

Mary Poppins Jolly Holiday Plush Doll

Vampirina Recording Microphone

Groot Mini Magnetic Shoulder Plush

Zurg Glow-in-the-Dark Blaster

Vampirina Bat Plush Doll

Disney Junior Mega Figurine Set

Rapunzel Deluxe Styling Head

Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy

Spider-Man Electric Ride-On Trike

Jack-Jack and Raccoon Boxing Puppet Set

First Order Star Destroyer by LEGO

Star-Lord Element Blasters

Clothing, Costumes, Jewelry & Accessories

Mickey Mouse Icon Braided Metallic Leather Bracelet – Personalizable

Stitch Baseball Cap for Kids

Fantasyland Castle Ring

Loki Horned Slippers

Mickey Mouse Blanket Sleeper for Baby

Snow White Costume Collection for Baby

Darth Vader ”#1 Dad” T-Shirt for Adults

Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm Button Shirt for Boys

101 Dalmatians Patch Jacket for Baby

Minnie Mouse Holiday Costume Dress for Kids

Jack Skellington Hoodie for Men

Rapunzel Tunic and Leggings Set for Girls

Holiday Family Sleepwear Collection

Belle Simulated Leather Jacket for Girls

Minnie Mouse Holiday Fancy Dress for Girls

Stitch Sleep Set for Girls

Maui T-Shirt for Men

Cinderella Fancy Dress for Girls

Eeyore PJ Set for Women

Black Panther Costume PJ PALS for Boys

Minnie Mouse Dress Shop Collection for Women

Stitch Lounge Pants for Women

Stitch ”Misbehaved” T-Shirt for Kids

Lightning McQueen Faux Leather Jacket for Boys

Mary Poppins Pajama Set for Women

Dug T-Shirt for Men

Disney Villains Ear Hat Wristlet

Captain America Costume Pet Harness

Darth Vader and Stormtroopers Holiday T-Shirt for Adults

Park Items for your Disney Trip

Autograph & Activity Books

Maleficent Ear Headband

Star Wars Porg Back Buddy

Stitch Luggage Tag

I Am Mickey Mouse Ear Hat for Kids

Toy Story Alien Light-Up Headband

Minnie Mouse Bow Satchel

PIXAR Emoji MagicBand 2

Star Wars Light-Up Mouse Ears Headband

Pineapple Swirl Crossbody Bag

What’s your favorite Disney gift idea?

The Secret to Early Entry at Walt Disney World

November 7, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Want to load up on the most important meal of the day AND get a head start on enjoying the most popular Disney attractions before the crowds hit? You gain early entry into the parks by booking a dining reservation for early character meals. Some restaurants in Disney World even allow you to book reservation times for before the park opens. This is the best Secret to Early Entry at Walt Disney World, and here’s how to do it!

Where You Can Score Early Entry

All the parks are doing it. You can get early entry to any of the parks just by scheduling your breakfast reservation at the right place and time. The most popular place to do this is, of course, Magic Kingdom, but early entry to Epcot can be leveraged to gain quick access to Frozen Ever After, and Animal Kingdom has it’s advantages too, with access to Pandora. Not to be outdone, Hollywood Studios has a character dining experience of its own. This one features Disney Junior characters. With so many rides and not a lot for small children, this breakfast makes a more balanced day for the whole family.

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Magic Kingdom: Magic Kingdom has two types of character meals. You can enjoy a multiple course feast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, where princesses will greet you as you dine. Also, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet at Crystal Palace and meet Pooh and his friends from the 100 Acre Wood. My personal favorite pre-park-opening breakfast to do isn’t a character, but still gets you into the park early – Be Our Guest restaurant!

Epcot: Epcot has two early entry dining opportunities as well. Farmer Mickey and his friends will meet with you as you dig in on a family style breakfast in the rotating restaurant Garden Grill over at the Land Pavilion in Future World. Akershus is a princess experience, similar to Cinderella’s Royal Table, but they feature more Scandinavian style cuisine and a buffet format. One of my favorite memories from our recent trip was here…

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If I had to pick my favorite moment from our trip, this was it! He told princess Aurora he knew how to waltz, so she asked him to dance with her. Love it!!! ❤️😍 #WaltDisneyWorld #akershusroyalbanquethall #epcot #princessaurora #bmhtravels #familytravel #waltz #ballroomdance #travel #disneylife
A post shared by Danielle (@busymomshelper) on Sep 20, 2018 at 11:20am PDT

Hollywood Studios: There is only one early entry restaurant available here, and I haven’t tried it myself. Hollywood and Vine is a character buffet that features Disney Junior characters. The food is meh from what I’ve heard, but kids love it for the characters and it gives you a chance to hit up some of the thrills early in the day.

Animal Kingdom: The character experience at Tusker House is headlined by Donald in safari gear, and it’s a must-do every time I visit. You’ll also find Goofy bouncing from table to table. The buffet features traditional breakfast foods for the general audience, plus some African options for a little cultural flare. The juice is AMAZING, too!

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How to Book

Book your reservations as early as possible – as early as 180 days, if you can. Make sure at that time, you have a very solid idea on paper of what parks you plan to visit and when. Securing these meals will be the next step in solidifying the path of your itinerary. By taking this step, you open up opportunities by having access to big attractions during the parks opening hours. You can then structure your day to benefit you as the park becomes busier.

What to Do Then

There will be a specific gate for early entry that you will need to go to. I’ve learned this is often to your LEFT as you face the gates. They will let you in as early as 7:30 so you can be at the restaurant by 8:00. I don’t recommend relying on the bus to get you there at the earliest. Depending on where you are staying it may be best to use Uber or Lyft, just to ensure you don’t arrive late. Save yourself some time by having them take you to the contemporary rather than the Ticket and Transportation Center, if Magic Kingdom is your destination. From there it is just a short walk, rather than waiting for a ferry or monorail.

What’s your favorite Walt Disney World breakfast?

Why Shopping Before the Holiday Is Smart

November 6, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

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

It’s so tempting to wait until the holiday is full-swing before doing our gift shopping. Perhaps it’s all the colors, sites and sounds while you’re checking things off your list. Or maybe those special sales pull you in. While those are great things, don’t be fooled – there are so many reasons Why Shopping Before the Holiday is Smart and saves so much time, stress and even money!

Yes, if you wait then there’s the holiday music and decor to enjoy – plus just something about the atmosphere that time of year that makes it extra special. But guess what? Stores roll out the holiday decorations and supplies earlier every year, and you can still go and feel that happy excitement but without the stress of a rush or shopping to-dos by hitting up great sales now. Then just head to the stores later on simply for the joy of it – it can be a whole new experience for this wonderful season by having the hassle of shopping already off your mind!

As for the special holiday sales – why not take advantage of great sales NOW? Seriously, stores know that people get more and more hurried and desperate as the season goes on, so you can actually save a ton of money by taking advantage of current sales – like 25% off your purchase at shopDisney and Disney store!

Friends and Family Sale: 25% off Sitewide at shopDisney! Code: DISNEYPAL. Valid 11/8/16-11/11/18. Some Restrictions Apply.

That’s right, you can get a jumpstart to the holidays with Disney, Pixar, Star Wars AND Marvel favorites with their awesome sale! Not only can you get 25% off your purchase at both shopDisney and the Disney store, but their top holiday toys are available at incredible prices anyway. Let’s take a look at some of the top picks – and the thing sure to be a huge hit this year, so better act now for the best price AND get them before they’re all gone!

For my fellow Star Wars fans:

Rey Lightsaber

Any little princesses out there will love:

Those seeking more adventure will be thrilled with:

Woody Talking Action Figure

Imagine how much better you’ll be able to really enjoy the holiday season – and those special people you share it with – if you’re not rushing around trying to tackle all that shopping later on. You can relax more, breathe it all in, and truly appreciate the memories you’ll be making.

What would the Disney fan in your life love to receive?

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, a New Holiday Tradition

November 2, 2018 by Danielle 4 Comments

Everyone’s been abuzz with anticipation at the newest movie release, and eager to see how Disney brings this beautiful old tale to a new life. After seeing the beauty, adventure and mystery brought to the screen with incredible acting and affects, our family has decided that The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be a New Holiday Tradition to enjoy year after year! I don’t want to ruin a single moment of this amazing new film, so we’ll avoid any spoilers. Here’s a few things to help convince even the most skeptical to rush out and see it in theaters asap!

Visit a Breathtaking World

No passport needed to experience this beautiful, colorful world that Clara visits during a Christmas Eve party at her Godfather’s house. Each of the Realms has its own special theme, bringing to life the Land of Snow, Land of Flowers, Land of Sweets – and even the Land of Amusements – with their own characteristics.

The Ballet a Whole New Way

The Nutcracker wouldn’t be complete without at least some of the lovely dancing, and they don’t dissapoint! The beautiful and talented Misty Copeland pulls you in with every movement as the ballet tells an important piece of the story. Also, be sure to watch some of the dancing during the credits, because you’ll see some awesome moves not normally associated with the classic song!

Finding Yourself

It seems like so many people in today’s society need help finding themselves, their own identity, talents, and – especially – confidence. Often times, people look outside for answers to problems, instead of at their own selves. Due to events in her life, young Clara is struggling with this herself, and you may be gripping your seat as you hope she can figure it out in time to help save the day.

Seeing How Grief Can Affect Us

After losing a loved one, people react in so many different ways as they deal with the grief. For some, pretending things are the same helps them cope. Others feel guilt about moving on or finding any joy without the person. Some may feel anger or abandonment or resentment. Others simply sorry and acceptance. Grief is intense, but it’s how we handle it that can matter – as some in the story will learn.

Adventure & Mystery for All

Along with graceful dancing and touching story, we have a plot full of adventure, declarations of war and a fate of the realms to tackle. As Clara tries to find her way, and maybe peak a bit into her mother’s past, she’ll need a lot of courage, intelligence – and, of course, her trusty Nutcracker to help.

A Female Hero with a Great Mind

I’m a big fan of movies with female heroes, and absolutely LOVE that they not only created Clara as such – but she’s such a brilliant young lady, as well. She uses her mind to get through many obstacles, and her heart to go further.

Nothing is as it Seems

Be ready for some surprises along the way, because no story would be quite complete without a twist or two!

Run see The Nutcracker and the Four Realms in Theaters NOW!

The Best Resort Swimming Pools in Walt Disney World

October 31, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Of all the amenities provided in a Disney World resort, perhaps the most utilized are the resort swimming pools. Not all of the resorts have a pool that is super awesome, but lots of the Disney resort swimming pools have cool themes. There are few that are extra special, though, and today we’re sharing the Best Resort Swimming Pools in Walt Disney World with these five most awesome pools on property.

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Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation

This very large resort swimming pool, themed to Finding Nemo, is a big hit with kids. The primary feature of this pool is the underwater speakers – everybody should try it out! It’s also enormous and has other nearby water pods and splash areas for the kids. The Big Blue Pool is one of Art of Animations biggest selling points.

Beach Pool at Grand Floridian

The main pool at the Grand Floridian 1-ups the original main pool, which is now the courtyard pool. This pool features a beach inspired zero-depth entry and views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The theme here is natural springs, and waterfalls add to the rocky landscape around the 181 foot long water slide.

Ol’ Man Island Resort Swimming Pool at Port Orleans Riverside

Not the biggest pool, but a popular favorite. This pool has so much character and reinforces the laid back charm of Port Orleans Riverside. The abandoned saw mill theme is worked into the pool’s water slide and centerpiece, which add some mystery and character to the pool.

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Lava Pool at Polynesian Village

One of the best themed resort swimming pools, the Lava Pool is similar to the Beach Pool at the Grand Floridian, with zero-depth entry and a waterslide. This beautiful pool area features a towering volcano and is right on the marina overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.

Stormalong Bay at Beach Club

The best of the best, according to many – Stormalong Bay has no competition when it comes to the best resort swimming pools. The sand bottom pool offers fun that the other pools don’t. With one of the highest water slides amid a life-size shipwreck replica, an elevated tanning deck and a lazy river, there is a reason for every guest to stop by and cool down!

What’s your favorite pool at Walt Disney World?

Guide to Walt Disney World VS Universal Orlando

October 24, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Central Florida is one of the prime vacation spots for theme park lovers. Two titans of the entertainment industry have been bringing in families from around the globe for decades. As each company releases its new developments, the public anxiously awaits the answer of the next. As the two begin following similar trends, there are more comparisons than ever before. How they are the same, and – more interestingly – how they are different can be explored a number of ways. To get the general idea, we should look at their relative size and audience, as well as the type of vacation experiences they provide and their most recent developments. This Comparison Guide to Walt Disney World VS Universal Orlando will help you choose which to visit (or be like us, and try to do both!)

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Disney World VS Universal Orlando Size

When comparing the sizes of the two resorts it’s better to compare Universal Orlando with one of the other Disney destinations. Not only is it a more fair comparison, it’s more accurate. Walt Disney World is a unique vacation spot with certain liberties and a level of control nobody enjoys anywhere else in the world. Size doesn’t always mean better, but do keep in mind that the FOUR theme parks at Disney World have a sheer vastness that Universal can’t compare to.

CityWalk Vs. Disney Springs

Like Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Orlando is a two theme park resort. Like Disneyland they also have a shopping and entertainment district. The Universal CityWalk is like Downtown Disney, or better yet, the original Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. This is a dynamic outdoor shopping mall with a lot of things to do and explore. Walt Disney World has Disney Springs. It used to be Downtown Disney and before that Pleasure Island. Like Pleasure Island before it, Disney Springs came with a re-imagined back story. It can be enjoyed as another outdoor shopping mall, or observed in detail from a story perspective. Both City Walk and Disney Springs have very unique and fun dining experiences.

Theme Parks

The parks at Universal are Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. While things are trending more toward the immersive in-world experiences for both parks, Islands of Adventure was first conceived for those types of attractions. The park features several “Islands” where guests can be part of the Marvel Universe or Jurassic Park – among other things. Walt Disney World has four theme parks. Magic Kingdom is the one that resembles Disneyland and – like the other 5 Disneyland parks around the world – Magic Kingdom follows the basic model, but is totally unique. Epcot was Disney’s second park in Disney World, but the parks are much farther away than in other resort destinations. That is because Disney has 30,000 acres of space. Walt Disney was able to buy most of the land in secret when it was cheap. Only a small fraction of the land has been developed to this day. Next to Epcot is Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It opened in 1989 just one year before Universal Studios Florida. Disney’s Animal Kingdom was Disney’s last park in Disney World. It opened in 1998, just one year before Islands of Adventure.

Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World also have water parks. Universal’s Volcano Bay is the most recent with some high-tech bands that make waiting in line almost a thing of the past. Walt Disney World has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

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Audience

For the most part the audiences for both resorts are the same. Universal is expected to be more popular with teens due to the number of thrill rides, but Universal has a variety of attractions themed to cartoon characters for whacky mayhem and silly fun kids love. Disney didn’t really start to get into thrills until the 90’s so it’s understandable that they would have a reputation, especially since the main purpose for Disneyland was to create a place where parents can have fun with their children. Universal is able to go further with scares than audiences will allow from Disney. The prompt removal of Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom is a good example of the impact of such an adverse response.

So, both places are great for adults with or without kids – but guests looking for edgier attractions might find more of what they are looking for at Universal. However, the real difference in audience is what intellectual property is showing up where. Universal, of course has the Universal branded entertainment to work with as well as NBC and licensed property like Dr. Seuss, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Disney has been on a spending spree for the last 20 years, snatching up Marvel, Pixar, Muppets, and Star Wars. Soon, Fox will be entering the arena.

Vacation Type

Because of the way Walt Disney World is set up, guests are really discouraged from ever leaving. Some guests rent a car and will leave Disney World for other attractions like Universal Orlando, but most people just find everything in Disney World so convenient that they don’t want to leave. There is a wide range of free transportation and over two dozen resorts to visit. Plus, sports and recreation. That’s after getting your fill of four theme parks. Walt Disney World is a much larger undertaking from a guest perspective and it can be overwhelming. Universal Orlando is a much more direct and straightforward experience. If you have less time for leisure and can only get away for two or three days, Universal Orlando is the more ideal choice. For a vacation of a week or longer, Walt Disney World is more equipped to support a vacation that size.

If you don’t mind splitting up hotels, two to five nights at Disney and two or three nights at Universal will get you the best of both worlds. I like this solution, because driving in and out of Disney World takes up too much precious vacation time.

Top Attractions

Universal has done something really unique and it’s so exciting to fans who want to see more and are interested in what’s next: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not only brilliantly and elaborately themed., it’s actually two lands. Hogsmeade was the first one in Islands of Adventure. The new one that opened in 2016 is Diagon Alley and it is even more amazing. The really fun, really fantastic thing is that both Harry Potter worlds are connected by a Hogwarts Express train. So, guests with park hopper passes can board from the Wizarding World in one
park and disembark at the other. Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally opened the long anticipated Pandora addition last year. The Avatar themed world had less fans excited about the lands arrival, but that did nothing to hold back guests from arriving in droves for opening day. The park had to close its gates after just hours. The guests really love the food and the theming, particularly in the queue leading to the ride Flight of Passage, which is one of the most technologically advanced rides to date. Disney Studios also opened a Toy Story Land with two new attractions perfect for kids and plenty of detail to amuse adults. The most anticipated development is the still under construction – Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – which is supposed to take guest immersion to a whole new level.

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We absolutely love BOTH Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, and try to visit both whenever possible – that being said, we do realize that each has their benefits or the areas they excel in, so depending on your vacation situation (budget, age groups, time, etc) may lead to deciding one over the other.

Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Give them both a try!

Five of the Most Inspiring Walt Disney Quotes for Dreamers and Doers

October 17, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

As a company that builds dreams and makes it their business to turn those dreams into reality, Disney is one of the most inspirational forces in the world. Walt Disney said “…it was all started by a mouse” which is true in one sense and a total misdirect in another. The truth is that Walt Disney himself made magic happen long before Mickey, and his dreams and pursuits grew larger in scale long after he created the iconic character. In his relatively short life, he continually succeeded in pushing boundaries and doing the impossible. He achieved more than people realize and continues to influence the world. These are just a few of the Most Inspiring Walt Disney Quotes for Dreamers and Doers, from the man who started the mouse.

The value of trials and tribulation

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

It’s a good thing to remember. Times of opposition and failure build character and shape your life through the lessons you learn. When an obstacle gets in your way, you have to deal with it. Don’t say “No, because…”, say “Yes, if…”. That ability comes from the experience of getting knocked around a few times.

Formula and faith lead to achievement

“Somehow I can’t believe there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C’s. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy, and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way … implicitly and unquestionably.”

I love how this single Walt Disney quote covers two such powerful messages. This simple idea is the basis for a lifetime of achievement.

Dare to dream

“Never get bored or cynical. Yesterday is a thing of the past.”

Savoring the challenge and the promise of tomorrow is what makes a better future possible.

Take action

“The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

Making dreams come true and doing the impossible all starts with “making” and “doing”

Be persistent

“The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.”

Another guy once said “70 percent of success in life is showing up.” Not quitting is just showing up again, and again, and again…