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Tips for Traveling with Kids

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Traveling with kids can be an amazing bonding experience, or it can be a complete nightmare. When we become parents, we need to accept that we are going to make significant changes in our lives. Kids become the biggest priority and your Sunday sleep-ins will be exchanged with early morning breakfasts and play sessions. This is why traveling with kids will sometimes be a daunting task. The key to making these travels an enriching and wonderful experience is to be prepared. Today I am going to share with you my top four best tips for traveling with kids.

1. Picking the right destination

Even though you probably traveled a lot and you know how to pick the most amazing traveling destinations, things change once you have kids. You will now need to consider your new travel “companions” when making plans. While traveling through Europe and visiting old churches may seem like a dream vacation, this is not a very good idea if you are bringing your kids with you. They will not get the same satisfaction from architecture and to be honest with you, they don’t really care about it either.

You may be wondering if visiting “must-see” locations from all over the world is a bad idea when traveling with kids, then what is a good idea instead? The best thing that you can do is to take them to parks. Your kids will love Disneyland or Sea World! Although, this doesn’t mean that you need to spend all your precious vacation time in theme parks. You can spend one day in a theme park and the other visiting the local nature or top sightseeing spots.

2. Don’t run a tight schedule!

One of the first lessons that moms learn the hard way when traveling with their kids is that you should never run a tight schedule. Even though you might think that fifteen minutes is more than enough time for you and the little ones to get through airport security and walk to the gate, your kids might have different plans. Make sure to always get to the airport at least one hour earlier than the scheduled time!

This tip is great to keep in mind during the entire vacation. Having an extra half an hour will give you enough time to push the strollers, fill the bottles and take care all the other needs that your kids might have. Not only that, but kids don’t like to be rushed. My babysitting days have taught me that kids are the grumpiest when they are tired!

3. What to pack for babies and toddlers?

Finding out what to pack for babies and toddlers is the biggest problem that every mom has to face when it is time start packing. Here is where I come in! I have talked with dozens of busy moms and asked them what are their essentials for traveling with kids so that you don’t have to find out by trial and error.

  • Sunshade

The one thing that should never miss from your bags is protection from the sun. Using sun protection lotion on your kids will save you lots of trouble and, more importantly, they will not have to deal with the pain of being sun kissed. Additionally, sunshade will make babies and toddlers fall asleep in an instant!

  • Buggy

Even if your kids like to walk everywhere, it’s not a bad idea to bring a buggy with you. Traveling can be difficult at times and the buggy will be there to save the day. Otherwise, you and your husband will have to carry the kids once their get tired. I should also mention that most buggy models can be folded to fit a regular bag.

  • iPad

What better way to keep kids busy other than with an iPad? Download and install some fun games on your iPad so that the kids have what to do when traveling gets boring such as sitting in the airplane for hours. You can also install educational games that will prepare your kids for school.

4. Dealing with jet lag

The most annoying thing about traveling long distances is dealing with jet lag. Adjusting to the new time zone is never easy and kids usually have an even more difficult time. Be prepared because you will not be able to put them to sleep at bed time! The best way to deal with this problem is to spend the first day staying up late. My advice is to go out the hotel room and visit a playground or a park. This will get the kids tired and they will want nothing else but to fall asleep.

Another great idea of what to do in order to keep everyone active so that they can adjust with the new time zone is to do some groceries shopping. Even though the hotel might have room service, it will not hurt to have everything you need to prepare a sandwich when your kids start feeling hungry. You will also end up saving a good amount of money.

Harry Potter Christmas 2019: Universal’s Wizarding World Celebration

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In only its second year Orlando’s Wizarding World will celebrate the season with Harry Potter Christmas 2019 festivities in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decorated to the hilt in an extra thematic element during the holiday, so check out all you need to know about Harry Potter Christmas 2019: Universal’s Wizarding World Celebration!

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It’s such an exciting thing to see during the holidays, and if you have never been there before, there really is a lot to do. The two Wizarding Worlds are in separate parks and connected by the Hogwarts Express. So, bring your park hopper pass, so you can fully explore the Wizarding World and join the festivities.

Window Shopping

The first thing you must do to capture the holiday spirit is see how the windows are dressed and how Christmas decor has adorned every corner of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The festive surroundings make visiting this whole immersive land so much more fun. There is a lot of fun shopping in the Wizarding World to begin with, but at Christmas time you can find some festive additions, such as ornaments and even the perfect Christmas gift.

Return of Hot Butterbeer

Last year was the first time The Wizarding World did anything for the holidays. When it did, the massive success was due in part to a new type of popular beverage, the hot Butterbeer. This tasty non alcoholic drink is perfect for the cold winter months and it is going to be back for Harry Potter Christmas 2019. In addition to the warm beverage, be on the lookout for all new food offerings on the menus as well.

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Snowfall in Hogsmeade

Last year there was regular snowfall in Hogsmeade throughout the evening. This is a really fun moment to capture as you pass through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at night. The snow adds one more really fun element of illusion to the magical area and seeing the magnificent fantastic structures bathed in a flurry of white is a really special way for Harry Potter lovers to enjoy the holiday spirit.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

One very big part of celebrating Harry Potter Christmas 2019 at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding Worlds is the projection show on Hogwarts in Hogsmeade. You have to stay late for this transformative event. The show is very beautiful and moving as gorgeous Christmas decorations adorn the walls, roof and spires of the castle.

Acapella Frog Choir & More

Besides the food and the ambiance, which includes snow and a lit castle, the biggest offering entertainment wise will be the live singing that is equally immersive in this land. The Acapela Frog Choir makes an entrance. If you are uninitiated, this is exactly how it sounds. This show takes place in Hogsmeade. If you head over to Diagon Alley, you will find other entertainment in the form of a Jazz band named Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. This is a special show that happens in Universal Studios, just for the occasion. Also in Diagon Alley buskers will be singing traditional holiday tunes in the street.

Disney Character Meet & Greets You May Not Know About

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As one of the major draws for families all over the world, many characters meet and greets at Walt Disney World involve Fastpasses and long lines. Disney commonly advertises popular character locations, which never used to be the case. You can plan your trip around meeting characters just as you can around dining plans and other park attractions. Several restaurants even offer a character experience. However, there are still some character meet and greets that aren’t as widely known. Here are a few Disney character meet and greets that you might not know about at Walt Disney World.

Pocahontas
You can find Pocahontas at the Animal Kingdom. She has a meet and greets location on Discovery Island near the bridge to Pandora. The choice of location for Pocahontas fits nicely since the films Avatar and Pocahontas have so many similarities. Discovery Island is a meet and greets location for other characters as well, but Pocahontas is an especially rare find at Walt Disney World.

Donald’s Dino-Bash
Unless you were paying attention at the moment when this character event rolled out, you might not have any idea about this whatsoever. Dinoland USA is home to Donald Duck and his feathered friends. The backstory for the several meets and greets in the area is that Donald organized the bash after learning that ducks are descendants from dinosaurs. In this setting, Donald and other characters dress like dinosaurs. Launchpad McQuack and Scrooge McDuck celebrate here as well.

Ralph and Vanelope
Epcot has plenty of Disney character meet and greets in the most likely places. You can expect to find some in the Character Spot. The pavilions of the World Showcase feature princesses native to the countries found there. Mulan has a place in China, and Snow White has a location in Germany. One far less obvious spot among Epcot character meet and greets is ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion. This is the place where you can meet Wreck-it-Ralph and Vanelope.

Darth Vader
Star Wars Launch Bay will continue after Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge finally opens. The attraction features character meet and greets among other opportunities for fans of the franchise. Darth Vader used to be part of the attraction, but Disney now often removes and replaces him with Kylo Ren. While other characters have meet and greets in this location, Darth Vader’s presence is very unexpected. However, his return to the attraction may bring balance to the franchise after the opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge on the other side of the park.

Merida
Finally, you can meet Merida from Brave in the Magic Kingdom. As the only princess from Pixar, Merida gets overlooked. There is even a joke about how she doesn’t fit in with the other princesses in Wreck-it-Ralph 2. The meet and greet location is tucked away but easy to find on the East end of Cinderella Castle. At this location, you can meet with Merida and learn a little bit about archery from her. People recognize Merida’s photo location the least of all.

Which Disney character is your favorite?

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Free Disney World Upgrades: Extra Magic

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Walt Disney World vacations are full of magic, and they cost a pretty penny. However, there are ways to get extra magic through free Disney World upgrades. While some upgrades are worth the added expense to make your time at Disney even more exceptional, you should never neglect to try and get a little extra pixie dust for free. These are some of the best ways to get Free Disney World Upgrades for Extra Magic!

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My Disney Experience

The first thing you need to do is download the official app – do this before any other planning of your Walt Disney World vacation. It’s a free download, so no added expense! Plus, it lets you do everything from access your room to order quick service meals in advance (great feature with kiddos, saves time in line when they’re hungry). The My Disney Experience app manages your itinerary, holds your Fastpasses and reservations, and provides real time information in interactive park maps, so you’re never in the dark about what’s happening in the parks. This app alone enhances your Walt Disney World experience with every aspect of your vacation it touches.

Register in Person

Mobile check-in is a My Disney Experience feature that can be wonderful. However, the best chance you get at free Disney World upgrades is to talk with an actual person. Check-in at your hotel and ask if there are any upgrades available for your room. Disney Cast Members are looking to enhance guest experiences and add extra magic, so they will usually be happy to help if they can. If you are celebrating anything special, make sure they know about it and ask about a celebration button. Those buttons clue in other Cast Members and they will try to make your experience more enjoyable, too.

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Make Reservations on the phone

As with your hotel check-in, it’s always better to deal with a Disney Castmember than an automated service. Cast Members will go the extra mile to try and service your requests and can often arrange things that a computer can’t. Doing this is helpful for last-minute reservations, as well as special seating requests such as fireworks viewing. Once again, it helps if you are celebrating something, so be sure to note that in your reservation and request as well.

Free Resort Activities

You can easily enhance your resort experience by taking advantage of the several free activities that are offered. Each resort has different opportunities, but you can have free experiences that range from culinary tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge to drawing classes at Art of Animation. Guided tours, scavenger hunts, and more are excellent ways to get more value out of your stay at a Disney resort hotel. S’mores around a camfire or movies by the pool? Yes, please!

Free Dining and other Promotions

Another straightforward way to enhance your vacation without paying a dime is to look for special deals and promotions, which you can do when you book your stay. If a promotion is announced after you’ve booked, you can call to have your trip rebooked to use the promotion (we’ve done this with free dining twice now). One of the most popular promotions is free Disney Dining, which occurs during the off-season and is usually announced in March or April (thought this past year was in January). Other promotions may save you even more money on your room, but the Free Dining Plan is an excellent enhancement that lets you get even more value from Disney Dining credits.

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Planning for Disneyland in 2020

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Next year is the perfect time for a Disney trip! If you’re planning for Disneyland in 2020, there’s so much to look forward to. The second phase of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will finally open on January 17 – the new attraction, Rise of the Resistance is going to be an epic ride!

In addition to making time for Galaxy’s Edge, here’s a Disneyland 2020 guide to help you plan your next vacation correctly.

Park Guide

Disneyland has two entrances. Besides the main entrance, you can get in from Downtown Disney via the monorail, which will have you entering the park at Tomorrowland. Since Disneyland has a hub and spoke layout, it’s easy to get to any side of the park through the Main Street Plaza.

There are also pathways around the park that you can use to avoid doubling back on previously visited territory (you want to see it all, of course). Although it used to be that you had to turn around at Critter Country and walk back, you can now continue into Resistance Forest in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and come out on the other end. That layout loops Frontierland/Fantasyland with Critter Country.

The Train, which has stations at Tomorrowland, Main Street USA, New Orleans Square and Mickey’s Toontown is another means of traveling the park. Don’t miss the leg from Tomorrowland to Main Street for dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World.

Hotel Stay

The hotel rooms you can choose between when visiting the Disneyland Resort don’t have to be extraordinarily expensive. Although the three official Disney hotels are costly every night, there are plenty of good neighbor hotels that partner with Disney.

These hotels are family-friendly and most are within walking distance from the resort (some even right across the entrance street!). When you look for a hotel that isn’t Disney, be sure to get the location and route to Disneyland park.

Hotels located on Harbor Blvd. between Katella and Disney Way are the best. Another option is renting a house – this one we stayed in nearby was incredible, even had a lazy river!

Our Disneyland Rental House / by Busy Mom's Helper

Dining

There are some excellent places to dine in the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney. In Disneyland park, The Blue Bayou is the best table service restaurant (we always try to eat here), followed by Cafe Orleans, which features an old Espresso machine (for you coffee drinkers) used by Walt Disney himself.

Carthay Circle Theater in Disney’s California Adventure is a luxurious restaurant and lounge themed to Walt Disney’s early days as a Hollywood producer with a focus on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel, Napa Rose at the Grand Californian and Naples in Downtown Disney are all excellent restaurants to make reservations for.

When it comes to dining, you want to structure your day around a reservation or choose your quick service restaurant based on your location and navigation.

If you want lunch on the Rivers of America, plan to be near Critter Country in the middle of the day and stop at the Hungry Bear Restaurant – that way you don’t waste valuable time walking from one end of the park to the other. There’s excellent themed dining in all areas of the park, but if there’s one land to be avoided for food, it’s Tomorrowland (in my opinion).

Characters

If you’re visiting Disneyland for the characters, there are some key places to go and some other characters you might find along the way. Town Square typically has some classic characters running around, as does Toontown, which uses more fixed photo locations.

Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore can be found in the back of Critter Country. Star Wars Characters, such as Vader and Chewie, still entertain at Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. In the Main Street Plaza, on the westside of Sleeping Beauty Castle is where you’ll meet with Disney princesses.

Character Dining is available at each of the Disney hotels and at the Plaza Inn. These restaurants include buffet service and character interaction for breakfast only. The exception is Goofy’s Kitchen, which is also open for dinner service – this one is our absolute must-visit every time!

Top Disney Attractions 2020

Although Galaxy’s Edge will be completed in January of 2020, the new Marvel Land in Disney’s California Adventure will be just beginning it’s phase one.

That means much of the land will be open, just as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge was back in May. The major attractions to look forward to in 2020 are Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland and the Spider-Man ride in Disney’s California Adventure.

What are you most excited about for Disneyland 2020?

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Best Universal Orlando Quick Service Restaurants for Kids

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One of the difficult things about planning a Universal Orlando vacation has got to be planning your meals. You may be tempted to skip it, because all places to get food are probably the same right? Actually, this line of thinking can get you in trouble and lead you to some pretty unpleasant surprises. The food, in most cases, is not going to be stunning, but there’s some high rated places with great theming kids will love. To help you chose and plan ahead, here’s our choices of the Best Universal Orlando Quick Service Restaurants for Kids!

There’s nothing worse than having to settle for whatever’s nearby just because you’re hungry. If it’s bad, you may feel ripped off and won’t have a very good time. On the other hand, if you know where you want to eat before hand, you can plan where to go in advance. That’s where this list of great Universal Orlando quick service options comes in handy.

Mel’s Drive In

You might not think of this one as an obvious choice, but Mel’s is a really fun themed restaurant for kids. The classic cars and American Graffiti references may strike a nostalgic chord for the older audience, but kids love anything out of place and unusual, and that’s where Mel’s is a big win for the little ones. They serve traditional theme park quick service food which appeals to a wide audience as well.

Cafe 4

Sure it’s a little bit silly and dated by current Marvel Standards – however, the little ones really love this place! The cafe serves healthy options, which is a plus. The restaurant turns to Character Dining on select nights and the charge for the All You Can Eat dinner is $50 pus tax for adults and $25 plus tax for children under 10. The food served here includes pizzas, pastas and a variety of other common theme park diner foods.

Be sure to check out our free printable Universal height requirements

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo Pendous

If ever there was a quick service location at Universal Orlando made just for kids, this is it. This is a Dr. Seuss themed counter service restaurant in Islands of Adventure. The place has a very whimsical feel that perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Seuss under the Big Top with silly Seuss-inspired circus acts among the atmosphere. This restaurant is also one of the highest rated among guests.

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Best Universal Orlando Quick Service Restaurants for Kids #universalorlando #universalstudios #travel #kidtravel #familytravel

Three Broomsticks

This intricately themed Harry Potter themed quick service restaurant amazes and entertains fans both young and old. This is a really great place to dine where you can go and feel part of the story. This restaurant is in Hogsmeade – but the Leaky Cauldron is in Diagon Alley is also a good choice if you’re going for the Harry Potter idea. The former is in Islands of Adventure and the latter is in Universal Studios. The food at both is traditional English food, which is great for kids because it’s not too exotic, but it isn’t mundane either. Plus you can grab a butterbeer or – my favorite – pumpkin juice!

Read about our first Harry Potter World experience here!

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The Burger Digs

Nothing captures a child’s imagination like dinosaurs, and this quick service restaurant in Islands of Adventure will be a terrific place to take your little paleontologist for a bite to eat. The Burger Digs doesn’t exclusively sell burgers, but they are the primary focus of the restaurant and pretty good. This place has a great view of the Discovery Center and a towering T-Rex skeleton. The menu also features plant based items, in case anyone is a veggie-saurus.

What’s your favorite place to eat at Universal Orlando?

Disney World Tips for an Incredible Disney Vacation

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Before you book your resort, make sure you check the bottom of Disney World’s website and click the link for deals and promotions. If you book a stay and find out later on your dates, qualify for a promotional discount, call and have your trip canceled and rebooked under the promotion.

Picking Your Hotel

Your choice in a hotel will be based on a variety of factors, including theming and price. Consider the value your choice resort presents and whether it makes sense to downgrade. For us, saving the money staying somewhere like All-Star Movies is worth it to help us afford a longer trip. Moderate Resorts often present a much better value than deluxe resorts. However, most deluxe resorts offer convenience and proximity to parks.

Walt Disney World All-Star Movies Resort Review
Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort

Stay for More Than Four Days

There are four theme parks and a lot more to do, so give yourself time.

Avoid Park Hopper Tickets

For the most part, there is quite a bit of distance between parks. It rarely makes sense to park hop, and when you buy multi-day tickets, you are paying a premium on each day, just for the option.

Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours

As you plan which parks to visit each day, consider what days each park has Extra Magic Hours. Prioritize Morning Howers to take advantage of the parks before they get busy.

Plan a Day Off

You walk a lot at Walt Disney World, and there is usually quite a bit of heat to contend with. So, work some time to relax into your vacation schedule.

Make Time For Disney Springs

Disney Springs has some of the best food in Walt Disney World and a whole lot of entertainment. Don’t just squeeze in one visit. Give yourself a chance to go on two or three nights during your trip.

Mark Your Calendar for Dining Reservations

You can make reservations at 7:00 AM EST (4:00 AM PST) 180 days in advance of check-in. Be prepared to act fast for popular restaurants during peak season.

Walt Disney World California Grill Restaurant / a wonderful, delicious & romantic dining experience

Call for Reservations

If booking online doesn’t work out try calling and speaking to a Cast Member. Dealing with a person is sometimes helpful as they might be inclined to go the extra mile for you, whereas a machine will not.

Celebrate Something

You can enjoy various perks throughout your stay if Cast Members know you are celebrating something. Ask for a button at registration or any Guest Relations booth. Note it in dining and room reservations as well.

Study Wait Times in MDE

Download My Disney Experience as soon as you can and learn it features. Study the park maps and get an idea of all of the wait times by checking regularly.

Schedule Late Morning Fastpasses

Don’t make Fastpasses for too early in the morning. That is when you can walk on. Schedule for a little later when the park is filling in more.

Bring Your Own Bottled Water

Stay hydrated without paying too much for a bottle of water. You can bring your water. Twenty-four bottles of Dasani costs roughly what one bottle costs inside a Disney park.

Essentials to Pack for a Disney Trip - a successful Disney trip! #disney #waltdisneyworld #disneytips #disneyparks #travel

Pack Convenience Items

OTC remedies, sunscreen, and other conveniences are way overpriced at the hotels. Pack what you need, so you don’t have to pay the price out of desperation.

Wear comfortable Shoes

Break in a pair of walking or running shoes a couple of weeks before your trip.

Don’t Use Mobile Check-In

You can use the My Disney Experience app to check into your room remotely. While this is a convenient feature and your phone can also act as a room key, Checking in with a live Cast Member is always best if you have any special requests or want to ask for an upgrade.

Use Uber for expediency

Lyft is the app behind the official Disney Minnie Van, but Uber usually has very good promotions that can save you a lot and get you around much quicker than the Disney buses.

Fastpass Opportunities

To get a Fastpass for a popular ride, refresh your screen often until you find availability and snag it.

Take a Midday Break

Use the busiest time of day to have dining reservations so you can take a breather and cool down during peak hours.

What’s your best Disney World tips?

Disney World Halloween Celebrations

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As the fall season approaches, it’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to start celebrating Halloween. That is if you are visiting Disney World any time between August 16th and November 1st! Halloween Season at Walt Disney World now stretches well past the two months that Christmas gets at the end of the year. The one big way you can celebrate Halloween during your visit to the Magic Kingdom is by participating in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. However, we have some other ideas for you as well that won’t require an extra park ticket. Here’s how you can celebrate a Disney World Halloween!

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

If Halloween Horror Nights are too intense for you (definitely are for me!), Mickey’s Not So Scary after-hours event is the answer. This fun family-friendly party features live shows, a parade, new fireworks, rare character meet and greets and trick or treat trails around the park. On select nights, the Magic Kingdom will close early for a nighttime event full of costumed fun. Some attractions will feature seasonal overlays, and because of the limited attendance, wait times will be super low. We rode Big Thunder Mountain over and over, with only the time it took to get back into the ride! It’s one of the best special events of the year at Walt Disney World.

Dress Up

If you can’t be there for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but you still want to get into the spirit of Halloween, it’s easy! There are so many great ways you and your kids can dress up. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess makeovers for kids, while the Pirates League is another fun costume opportunity. Soon Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will offer costumes at the Black Spire Trading Post (yay!). If you’re an adult, don’t be afraid to show your Disney side, too! Disney has fully embraced Disneybounding and even sells some helpful merchandise to get you started.

Candy

Nothing says Halloween quite like candy, and for the price of admission to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you can afford a lot of it. Candy stores are all over the Walt Disney World property. Goofy’s Candy Co and Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs are just a starting point for your sweet tooth. Every Disney theme park features a candy store full of tantalizing treats.

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Villains

Keep on the lookout for Disney villains roaming the parks and character restaurants. You might see Cruella, Gaston, Lady Tremaine, Darth Vader, or the Evil Queen. Try to track down as many villains as you can while you park and resort hop around Walt Disney World.

Spooky Fun

You can get your thrills with spooky attractions like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Haunted Mansion. Then shop for souvenirs from Memento Mori or take home a Tower of Terror Lenticular photo. Continue the fun with a Halloween themed in-room celebration featuring themed candy and other treats from Disney Floral and Gifts. The Halloween themed arrangements are a new addition to in-room celebrations that offer various kids and romantic themes.

Whether you go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or not, you don’t have to wait till October to celebrate Halloween with your family and friends at Walt Disney World. When is your favorite time to celebrate a Disney World Halloween?

Walt Disney World Activities While in Line

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So you’re on vacation at Disney World and you find yourself stuck in a long Disney queue without a Fastpass. Relax – it’s not the worst thing that can happen! As a matter of fact, long waits at Disney attractions have gotten better, not worse, since the invention of the Fastpass. Even though the technology lets you skip the majority of lines in most big attractions, Imagineers have increased their efforts to make the standby lines as fun and engaging as possible. Here are some really fun Walt Disney World Activities to do While in Line and make the wait for your favorite attractions more enjoyable.

Don’t forget our Free Printable Disney World ride lists (with height requirements)!

Spot Hidden Mickeys

This is an oldie but a goodie. It’s so much fun to look around and see what you can find hidden in the Disney queues. Some hidden Mickeys are more elaborate than others, like the Steamboat Willie hidden mickey made out of rock formations in the Little Mermaid queue in Magic Kingdom. Some ‘Hidden Mickeys’ are questionable, which can raise some fun discussion and lively debate while you fight off boredom.

‘Unofficial’ Disney Autograph & Activity Book

Of course we have to mention our popular ‘unofficial’ book that’s chock full of not just incredibly designed autograph pages, but also several fun activities – from connect the dots and mazes, to designing your own superhero or jokes!

Find a Game

There are all kinds of games you can play to keep yourself – and your group – entertained. Think about road trip games like eye spy. This can be very fun to play in a Disney park! Paying attention to the details around you also has its rewards. As I mentioned before, Imagineers put extra effort into their queues. They often include key story elements and exposition to prepare you for the story of the attraction (Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest). Other queues literally include games you can play and interactive features Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train).

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Use the Disney Play App

If you don’t already have the Disney Play app downloaded, you’ve really got to! The Disney Play app is a totally new way to experience the parks on your phone. It specifically has play features that are designed to keep you entertained while waiting in line. It’s a lot of fun, so if you’ve taken in enough of the details around you, this is a great way to submit to your electronics while still keeping it Disney. With the opening of Star Wars land, it has a special mode for this area alone to REALLY bring you into the story of Batuu!

Disney World Activities while in Line #disneyworld #disney #disneyparks #themeparks #travel

Get Fastpasses

For a more practical – yet fun – use of your time, you can try snagging those elusive Fastpasses for other popular attractions. That way you don’t have to wait so long at the next ride! If the attraction you want is unavailable for Fastpass, this is the perfect opportunity to keep refreshing until a Fastpass opens up – you never know what you may be able to get.

Picture Time!

While you’re on your phone, why don’t you take some fun selfies, or pictures of the queue? Many times these environments make for a really unique backdrop for your pictures. Snap a shot of those hidden mickeys, or any other really cool scenes you would like to capture. Edit your photos and air drop them to your friends; or post your photos online and add to your Instagram Story. Go through your favorite photos from your trip and share some laughs. Bonus points if a cast member photobombs your selfie!

What are your favorite Disney World activities to do while in line?

5 Items you MUST Pack for a Disney Cruise

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Packing for a Disney Cruise isn’t too different from planning for any other travel. You’ll want to make sure you pack essential items like toiletries and also make sure you pack suitable attire. Most restaurants on a Disney Cruise will accept any attire other than tank tops or swimsuits…but you should still pack tank tops and swim suits. If you plan to dine at Remy or Palo, you should pack formal wear. Outside of your basic travel advice, here are some key items you may want to add to you list of what you MUST pack for a Disney cruise.

Also see our 7 Things to NEVER Bring on a Cruise, and 10 you MUST for more tips!

Obviously you know to bring your ID, swimsuit, charger, etc – so here’s just some things that many people don’t think about for their upcoming Disney cruise. If you’re ready to make your cruising dream a reality, contact my friends at Get Away Today with Promo Code: Busymomshelper

5 Items to Pack for a Disney Cruise you may not think of #disney #cruise #travel

Reusable Water Bottle

Some people like to bring water onto the ship – but that isn’t really necessary as you’ll have access to clean water throughout the cruise. I do recommend bringing an empty reusable water bottle on board to fill and refill at your discretion. It’s important to stay hydrated so this becomes a very handy sidekick, whether you’re on the pool deck or out on a port adventure. Plus you can bring water flavoring to add to it if you’re not a fan of the taste of water. This one is our favorite, and has lasted us many trips for several years!

Good Shoes

As with any Disney vacation, good comfortable shoes are important – but on a cruise, you should bring back ups that are suitable for the different adventures you’ll have because it can really vary. Hiking boots for excursions, sandals for the beach or pool and dress shoes for formal night are all important to different facets of your cruise. Make sure if you buy new shoes, you take the time to break them in for a couple of weeks before departure. And try not to pack TOO many, because storage can be an issue on cruises. This sandal is one of my favorites – so comfy! We also rave about these water shoes we found, because they work great for swimming, water parks or river rafting.

5 Items to Pack for a Disney Cruise you may not think of #disney #cruise #travel

Check out this post All About Disney Cruise Line for your next trip!

Sunscreen

Okay, time to be practical. Don’t forget to protect yourself from those UV rays. It seems common sense, but you’d be amazed at how many still end up fried or paying a ton purchasing sunscreen from the cruise gift shop. Whether you’re out for a swim or on a port excursion, make sure to apply sunscreen before you go outdoors. Be prepared for other weather, too, but sunscreen is most important. It’s not fun to have a sunburn on vacation and it’s so easily preventable – pack it and use it!

Themed Attire

One thing about a Disney Cruise is the themed days and parties they have on board. Whatever sector of Disney fandom you are from, there’s a day to celebrate. Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea are two major themed events that may happen during your cruise. Participation isn’t required, but if you want to get in on the fun, you’re encouraged to dress for the occasion. There are character meet and greets as well as themed dining menus and deck parties. There are also seasonal themed events for Christmas, Halloween and New Year. So fun!

Door Decorations

I’ve heard so many people rave about decorating their doors on their Disney cruise, and apparently it’s a big thing! Not only can it make your room easy to spot when walking down the hall with door after similar door, but it’s a fun way to get excited (making decorations beforehand, etc.) and celebrate your trip in a unique manner. Just be sure to check Disney Cruise Line’s policies for what is or isn’t allowed.

What’s the item you MUST pack for a Disney cruise?

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Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy’s Edge

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If you loved our previous Disney park checklists, you’ll be thrilled to hear that we now have our most recent printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with the new Galaxy’s Edge 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!

Updated for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge!

Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld

Y’all loved our last Disney World Ride Lists, and these ones with the Toy Story Land update. With Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening, plus a few rides switching up, we knew it needed an update for those planning a Disney World trip. Oh, and don’t forget our popular Unofficial Disney Autograph & Activity Book for your trip!

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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!

Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld
Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld
Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld
Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld

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:

Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld

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.

Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld

You not only have an easy guide to which rides there are, 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 to our Disney World ride lists – Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios!

Free Printable Walt Disney World Ride Lists with Galaxy's Edge Update!!! Includes height requirements #waltdisneyworld #familytravel #disney #disneyparks #printables #disneyprintables #disneyworld

*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.

Check out Get Away Today
Disneyland Resort Southern California Residents Spring Promo!
Availability is limited so make sure you get yours quick!

Save BIG at the Disneyland Resort.
Grab a geat discount as much as $86 per person on all 3-Day Disneyland Resort!



Disney Dining Plan Tips

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The Disney Dining Plan is a way to enjoy meals during your vacation without having to think about price. Instead of paying the dollar amount each time you eat, you use meal credits which you purchase in advance – or get with free dining. We got to try out the dining plan on our trip last year, and learned some very important tips that will help us do better next time – and today I’m sharing with you those Disney Dining Plan Tips.

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Basics

The plan you get is based on the resort in which you stay, or you can pay to upgrade to a higher tier. So, if you stay in a deluxe resort your plan will be the deluxe plan. There is also a value plan (Quick Service), and of course, the regular plan. We stayed at an All-Star Resort so for the free promotion got the Quick Service, but paid the difference to upgrade to the regular Disney Dining Plan so we could enjoy some table service meals.

The plans reflect the dining opportunities at your resort. Since value resorts have no table service, meal credits are only good for quick service. However – all guests, on all dining plans are allowed to use their credits almost anywhere on property.

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Value Quick Service Plan: 2 quick service meals (QS) + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

Regular Dining Plan: 1 table service (TS), 1 quick service + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

Deluxe Plan: 3 meals of any type (QS or TS) + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

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What’s Included in The Disney Dining Plan

Snacks are a big part of sweetening the Disney Dining Plan deal. You get two snack credits per day which are good for use at vending carts and kiosks as well as select quick service locations. They’re valued at roughly $5, so to get the most value for your dollar pick snacks that are at least that cost. You can also use snack credits on candy store items, or bagged candy in your hotel convenience store.

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Meals are obviously included in the plan, but be aware that not every meal is accounted for under the plan. The number of credits you buy with the plan amounts to two meals per night of your stay (or 3 with the deluxe). The quick service dining plan covers an entree and a beverage with each meal credit. Table service credits include entree, dessert and beverage, including alcohol – or a full buffet. There are some restaurants/meals that are ‘fine dining’ or ‘signature dining’ that actually require 2 meal credits, so keep an eye out for that.

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Another perk of the Disney Dining Plan is the refillable resort mug. Normally you have to pay for this, but with the plan it’s included. There’s a time limit prohibiting you from getting too many refills at once, but there’s technically no limit on how many times you can get a refill with your cup. Just keep in mind it only works for refills at resorts.

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Disney Dining Plan Secret Tips

Stay away from 2 credit restaurants if you want to make your meal credits last throughout your trip. Some restaurants are worth the extra credit, but they are not the best use of the dining plan – especially with so many wonderful, 1-credit table service options.

Use your snack credits each day to spread them out and seek out best values. Don’t leave money on the table or settle for cheap bags of candy just to recoup some of the value at the last moment. Or save a bunch for the Epcot Festivals and enjoy many high-value snacks at the food booths!

Disney Dining Plan Tips #waltdisneyworld #disneyfood #disneydining #disneyparks #travel #familytravel

You can use your credits all at once, if you choose. They’re not doled out nightly – you and your party get access to all credits at once on the day you check in until midnight the day you check out. This means more freedom, but you also have to be careful that nobody in your group is over using credits. Along with that, don’t save them until the very end or you may end up with a bunch of extra and just waste them on packaged candy to take home.

Stretch your credits with buffets. The best way to make sure you don’t use up your credits too fast is to load up at buffets, especially for breakfast. Then you may get by on snack credits until dinner time. My favorite is doing a late breakfast/early lunch buffet, then snacking until a later dinner.

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You can trade one Quick Service credit for three Snack Credits, as long as it’s in the same transaction. At some places/meals you can exchange your drink for another side or dessert – but not every place allows that.

Bonus Thought: If you have a bunch of picky eaters, I recommend Sunshine Seasons near Soarin’ in Epcot. They have several different stations with a large variety of meals, snacks, drinks and desserts!

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What are your best Disney Dining Plan tips?