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Healthy Disney World Snacks under $7

February 13, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

While many don’t really give it much thought, you actually CAN eat healthy at Disney World – sometimes you just need to implement a few tricks like ordering an entree without the sides, or snacking on various salads. There are all kinds of variations of salads alone that I could do a list on. While I totally recommend enjoying a variety of foods as you make your way through the parks, it’s good to look for healthy snack options occasionally, too. You can easily find them at the fruit stands and counter service locations. Here are five Healthy Disney World snacks for under $7.00.

Sweet Thai Chili Shrimp $6.99

This is the priciest snack on the list, but you’ll understand why. This cute Little Mermaid inspired dish has a gorgeous presentation and it’s perfect for shrimp lovers (like my hubby). It’s found at Prince Eric’s Village Market, where you can find other healthy snack items as well.

Chicken Corn Chowder $4.69

Sunshine Seasons in Epcot is one of the best counter service locations you can go to for healthy snacks, as well as variety! They have tons of grab and go options, and most of them are pretty good for you. If you prefer to get something hot, try the Chicken Corn Chowder. It’s under $5 and is fantastic. There’s also a black bean soup you can try if you don’t eat meat.

Carrot and Celery Sticks with Hummus $4.49

One of the most prevalent and easy to find healthy snacks in Disney World is this little pack of veggies and hummus. You can find them in fruit stands all over the parks and resorts, including Sunshine Seasons. These cost only $4.49 and are among the healthiest treats you can eat while on vacation at Disney World. They’re also a big hit with kiddos who just need something to munch on!

Good Health Veggie Chips $2.99

Sunshine Seasons is so full of healthy choices, I couldn’t help but include one more option. While the Carrot and Celery pack is available all over Disney World, I’ve only seen these chips at Sunshine seasons. This is a great substitute snack option if you are a really heavy chip eater. Fruits and veggies are great if you typically like to eat fruits and veggies, but if you want something that feels a little more indulgent while on vacation, these veggie chips are kind of like the best of both worlds.

Whole Fruit $2.29

Last, but not least, we come to fruit. It’s the lowest cost healthy snack option and you can find it almost anywhere these days. You can find easily accessible fruit stands with grapes, apples, clementines, pineapple… fruit is a healthy and sweet treat that is very convenient when you’re eating healthy on-the-go in the parks. Some fruit markets are less beneficial than others, though – Anaheim Produce at Hollywood Studios only offers beverages and pretzels on the menu, but Harambe Fruit Market is a true fruit stand with a variety of options in whole fruit and fruit servings. This fruit stand is located in the African section of Animal Kingdom Park. There are fruit stands in Magic Kingdom at Liberty Square, Epcot at (you guessed it) The Land Pavilion, and of course in the resorts as well.

What’s your favorite healthy Disney World snack?

7 Things to NEVER Bring on a Cruise Ship, plus 10 You MUST!

February 8, 2019 by Danielle 16 Comments

I received this Carnival cruise complimentary to help facilitate this post. All opinions are mine alone. #CruisingCarnival

During all the excitement leading of to you cruise vacation, it may be hard to focus on packing. I’m a bit of an obsessive packing-list-maker, but even I was struggling with what I’d need for our Carnival Cruise last month! I decided to ask the staff onboard what they thought were the have to or definitely don’t brings, from their own experiences working there. We heard some entertaining stories, that’s for sure, and they all helped us compile a list of 10 Things to NEVER Bring on a Cruise Ship, plus 7 You MUST! Some of these may seem like no-brainers, but if it’s on the list it means somebody at some point has tried it!

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Now, this is definitely not an all-inclusive packing list – do NOT only take what we tell you are ‘have to bring’ items. I’m not putting clothes on here because, really, if you can’t remember clothing then perhaps you’re already too drunk to go on a cruise. This are just some things that many people may not think to take – or may consider taking that really aren’t allowed, or even safe!

Things to NEVER Bring on a Cruise Ship

Towels
- Guys, there are plenty of towels on the ship – and you can even take it with you to port (just be sure to bring it back!), so there’s no need taking up precious suitcase space with bulky towels.
Bottled Drinks/Alcohol
- They do allow a limited amount of canned drinks – like soda – per person brought on board. Bottled drinks (like the 16/20 oz. bottles), bottled waters and any alcohol are not allowed and will be either discarded or confiscated, to be returned to you at the end of the cruise. See your cruise line for their specific rules on this.
Too Many Clothes
- One crew member told of a couple that brought FIVE huge suitcases for the two of them on just a week-long cruise. They wanted multiple outfits each day, several swimsuits, lots of shoes and everything. Every time he saw them – even on the same day – they were wearing something different. The problem was there was no free space in their room and they kept complaining about it – but it was simply because their luggage took it all up! So I guess this one is more of a ‘highly recommend not doing’, but it’s your call.
Candles/Fireworks/Fire Hazards
- Fire is one of the most dangerous things that can occur on a cruise ship, so they are VERY strict on any fire hazards. Don’t bring anything like candles, cooktops (yes, people have tried this), or especially fireworks. Instead of candles, if you’re looking for a special scent to your room, just get one of those plug-in scents.
Bad Attitude
- This will ruin not only YOUR entire trip, but risks affecting others on the ship as well – both guests and crew. The people on cruise ships are amazing, and if you have a good attitude, it’s nearly impossible to have a crappy vacation. And you never know what a good attitude may get you!
Lots of Snacks
- Yes, you may need a few for before getting on the ship, but that’s about it. There’s SO MANY places to eat at any point in the day, and room service is just a call away. From the main dining rooms, to the buffet, to other spots like a pizza or burger spot, specialty restaurants and more – you will not have a shortage of food or snacks!
Drone
- I can see the temptation, as this would be really fun – but it also causes risks so drones aren’t allowed on cruise ships. Not only can it be seen as a risk of spying into other people’s rooms, but it’s a distraction and could affect the navigation of the cruise ship. Drones are just another thing you should never bring on a cruise, or you may loose it!

Now that we’ve got those out of the way, check out this ten things that are SUPER great to bring on a cruise, that you may not have thought of to include in your packing list! We make sure to bring all of them for every cruise, since they make a huge difference for the trip.

10 Things You MUST Bring on a Cruise Ship

Power Strip
- There’s not many plugs in a cruise cabin, and since most people have multiple things needing to be plugged in (phones, tablets, etc.), it’s a good idea to have a strip with more outlets so you can utilize it better. NOTE: I’ve heard from some that while power strips are fine, be sure it’s not a surge protector type because some ships/cruise lines may not allow those.
Ziplock Baggies
- These come in handy for so many things – taking along random little things (hair elastics, seashells, etc.), packing some snacks for a shore excursion or to take back to your room, bigger ones can hold wet clothing instead of dripping it all down the hall, and to store liquids that may leak into your suitcase.
Overdoor Hanger
- While most people think these are only good for shoes (they’re great for shoes, but that’s not all), this is handy so you can put your ‘need to grab easily’ items like sunscreen, chargers, notebooks, maps, etc. You can also organize it so the next day’s outfit/shoes are there ready to grab first thing!
Waterproof Lanyards
- I first used mine in Hawaii, and now LOVE taking it on vacations with me! It was great for our excursion to Atlantis, and since many people tend to spend a lot of time at the pools on the ship, this allows you to keep your phone (and room key/cards) handy, but still safe from the water.
Clips for Towels
- It can get really windy up on the decks at sea, and you don’t want your towel or swim cover-up to blow off your chair, so bringing clips to fasten them as you lounge or swim is a great idea.
Highlighter
- Each day you’ll get the pamphlets with all the happenings and schedules for the ship, and since there’s SO MUCH to choose from, having a highlighter so you can mark things makes it much easier. You can even do different colors – like pink for ‘have to do’, yellow for ‘maybe’ or green for ‘the kids and blue for ‘the adults’.
Flat Shoes
- Crew members said how often people, particularly women, bring just fancy or nice shoes with heels, then hate how bad their feet are hurting or have a hard time walking on a moving ship. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of flats, just in case.
Clock
- There are no clocks in the cruise cabins, so if you’re like me and practically HAVE to be able to see what time it is during the night (or day), bring your own. I recommend a small, cheap one that’s easy to pack/transport.
Conditioner/Lotion/Etc.
- Our previous cruises had shampoo and body wash in the showers, but no conditioner or body lotion. If you may need those, bring your own just in case there isn’t some supplies. Also bring your own shampoo and other personal products if you’re very picky as to the brand.
Blanket/Shawl/Jacket
- In the theater, and up on deck, it can get a bit chilly at times, so it’s a good idea to have something you can wrap around yourself. I love taking one of my soft, fluffy blankets with me – especially if we plan to watch one of the movies on the big screen by the pool!

What would YOU add to this list for a cruise vacation?

Check out our other posts from our Carnival Cruise fun!

Why Shorter Cruises are Totally Worth It

5 Common Cruising Myths Debunked!

Atlantis Resort Bahamas: Our Aquaventure Day

How to Date on a Cruise Vacation

Everything You Need to Know about Disney Vacation Club

February 6, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

If you’ve been to Disney World, or at least looked into a trip there, you’ve likely heard of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). Maybe you wondered what it was, or if it was something that could be beneficial for your family. I was curious myself, because while I have rented DVC points before on my first Walt Disney World trip, I didn’t know much else about this whole thing. Luckily, today I’m sharing Everything You Need to Know about Disney Vacation Club!

Overview of Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare service that allows members long-term investment in Disney property. When you buy into DVC you choose a home resort in which you will own a real estate interest. What you are buying is points that can be used at DVC resorts across the board at fluctuating values. The point value of a span of time in a DVC resort depends on the value of the resort and time of year. You also pay a small annual maintenance fee on the points you own.

Benefits of Disney Vacation Club

DVC only buys you the accommodations for your Disney Vacation. That’s usually the largest chunk of the vacation cost, especially considering where you get to stay. However, there is more to consider in the cost of your vacation than just where you stay. The admission into the parks for one is a sizable amount, so for families it can really add up. While DVC members don’t get discounts on park tickets, they do get discounts on annual passes. As a DVC member you also qualify for a Tables in Wonderland card, which grants discounts at most restaurants in Walt Disney World.

Besides the discounts that become available, you also have access to exclusive lounges and events such as members only workshops, seminars, and fishing tournaments. Members also have access to more events that are not available to the general public.

Cost of Disney Vacation Club

Depending on how often you travel to Disney World, DVC may (or may not) be a worthwhile decision. You’ll gain access to premium accommodations and other perks, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a money saver or an investment, unless you have a proven record of frequently indulging in Disney vacations and are ready for more of a commitment. That said, there is surprising flexibility with how you can use your points. You can bank them for the following year, borrow them from the following year, and even sell them to another party.

You can buy DVC directly through Disney, or you can buy somebody else’s contract for less. The cost per point is $182. You can purchase a minimum of 100 points which comes to $18,200 plus closing costs and a monthly maintenance fee. Financing is available with a 10% down payment ($1,820) for a monthly payment of around $217. The number of nights that your points are good for vary by accommodations. You could redeem the same points for a week in a deluxe studio, or a couple of nights in a 2 bedroom villa.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

There are 15 total DVC resorts, 11 of which are located at Walt Disney World. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge each have two. Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge has a starting price of 9 points per night. Old Key West starts at 10 points. 11 points will get you a night at Saratoga Springs or Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge. These are Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs areas, so they are valued lower because of location. However Boardwalk Inn is also a 10, which is a steal.

From there it is a leap to a minimum 14 points per night at Bay Lake Tower, and 15 for Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club. One of the top resorts in Disney World, the Polynesian Village Resort, starts at 16 points per night. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, having the most luxurious accommodations according to many, has a starting price of 17 points per night.

The Grand Californian Resort and Spa at the Disneyland Resort on the west coast is also 17 points to start. Other DVC resorts outside of Disney World are Aulani in Hawaii, with rooms from 16 points per night, Hilton Head Island Resort from 6 points per night, and Vero Beach at 10 points.

As for renting points, I’ll share all about my experience with that soon 😉

Have you considered the DVC?

Top Walt Disney World Selfie Spots

January 23, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

There are plenty of instagram opportunities all around Walt Disney World. While it’s not recommended that you snap a selfie on a ride, at Disney World even the walls are a compelling backdrop! Here are some of the best Walt Disney World Selfie Spots – some are professionally selected views that make excellent backdrops, others are must do selfie walls in Magic Kingdom, Epcot and beyond!

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The Sword in the Stone

It’s hard to get more iconic than the Sword in the Stone, and yet this location, which is perfect for capturing all kinds of great memories is no wear near as photographed as it should be – it’s definitely worth a stop! You can also turn around for a less common angle of Cinderella Castle as your backdrop, which is certainly fun.

The Purple Wall

The #purplewall is so instagrammable, Disney’s even made Purple Wall merchandise. This wall marks the right side entrance to Tomorrowland. It’s still one of the best places in Disney World to take a selfie.

Rapunzel’s Bathrooms

Okay, I don’t mean actually IN that bathrooms, but outside of the Rapunzel themed bathrooms is beautiful artwork along the walls, fun theming and even hanging lanterns. We always snap a pic when we’re in this spot – located in Magic Kingdom!

Tiki Statues

Get too close and they’ll spit on you, but these Tiki statues make great a background – at a safe distance. Find them in Adventureland near Aladdin’s Flying Carpets.

The Bubblegum Wall

This is another popular wall, but not quite as famous as the Purple Wall. The #bubblegumwall is located at the exit to Spaceship Earth. While you’re at it, you should grab yourself a shot of the giant sphere from the outside, as well.

Rockin’ Roller Coaster Entrance

It’s hard to think of a more dynamic backdrop than a converted invertable… I mean, an inverted convertible. This section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the best place for a selfie – but we’ll see what happens when Galaxy’s Edge opens this year!

The Toothpaste Wall

Not to be outdone, the Toothpaste Wall at the Seas with Nemo and Friends gives of minty fresh and seafoam green instagram appeal with a hashtag of it’s own – #toothpastewall. Dress appropriately, though, as the right fashions can really pop or blend with these walls for added visual flair.

Mexico Pavilion Epcot

Another wall in Epcot that gives a more textural expression to your selfie is the wall at the top of the temple stairway, just outside the Mexico Pavilion. This is both iconic and understated.

Giant At-AT

Maybe it’s just the Star Wars fans like us, but we can’t resist getting a photo in front of the giant At-At at Star Tours ride in Hollywood Studios!

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You Are Most Beautiful Wall

Maybe the best wall in the bunch is way over in Animal Kingdom. The #YouAreMostBeautifulWall is a relatively new addition to the Disney World Instagram wall roster. This wall is to be found at the Harambe Market.

Where’s your favorite Disney World selfie spot?

Childcare at Disney World

January 16, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Childcare has always been a strong feature in a Walt Disney World vacation. After all, children are a major factor in the creation and enjoyment of the Disney Parks! Sometimes mom and dad need a date night, though, so Disney has historically made that possible through kids clubs within various resorts. Unfortunately, that all came to an end earlier last year – however, there are still ways that Disney makes it possible to enjoy some time separate from catering to the needs of you little ones. Below is some info on Childcare at Disney World to help you out!

Photos used with permission from Disney.

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Pixar Play Zone

While the kids clubs have been done away with, the Contemporary Resort now offers a very immersive and entertaining experience for children that includes character encounters, fun games and activities and dinner as well. If you’re planning a special night for two and need to make arrangements for the kids, this is probably the best thing you could do for everybody involved! If you play it right, they won’t even know you’re doing it for you! The experience is $65 plus tax and runs from 6:00p-10:30p.

In-Room Babysitting

Another option you may choose to employ, depending on the length of time you plan to be out, is in-room babysitting. This is offered through Kids Nite Out and has a starting rate of $18 per hour for the first child. There’s a raise of $2 more per hour for each additional kid and the rate increases by $2 per hour after 9:00p. There’s also a $10 transportation fee. If you’re comparing to Pixar Play Zone, under the precise circumstances In-Room babysitting is $108 for one child as opposed to $65 plus tax. Whereas the other Disney World child care options are for children 4-12, this option is available to babies as young as 6 months.

Baby Center

Every Park in Disney World has a Baby Center. These are lifesavers if you need a little extra time or space to prepare food for your baby or toddler. Baby centers are a restful place for feeding, changing and finding some quiet time. This is also the place children are taken to if, heaven forbid, they’re separated from their parents.

The Baby Center in Magic Kingdom is on the left side of the hub between Casey’s Corner and Adventureland. They have plenty of room and high chairs. There’s even a regularly playing Disney Movie and some activities for kids!

The Baby Center in Epcot is not as good, but still functional. It’s located at the halfway point between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion where Future World and World Showcase meet.

The Baby Center in Hollywood Studios is to your immediate left as you enter the park.

In Animal Kingdom park it’s located on the left side of Discovery Island near the bridge to Africa.

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In Park Assistance

Few people are aware of this, but you can even reserve a child care specialist to accompany you to the parks and provide assistance as needed! This is accomplished through Kids Nite Out. The same rates apply and are subject to change.

Treasure Hunt

Another way for the little ones to have some fun without the parents is to go on a treasure hunt. There are pirate cruises that depart in either Crescent Lake or 7 Seven Seas Lagoon. These kids-only cruises involve snacks, stories, character meet and greets, and – of course – hidden treasure. The two hour swashbuckling adventures run from $39-$49 per child.

Have you tried any of these Disney World childcare options?

5 Best Places to Rest in Magic Kingdom

January 9, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

During the course of your busy day running all around Disney Parks, you will likely need a break for at least someone in your party (such as an exhausted toddler or worn out spouse). The park gets hot and crowded, not to mention all that walking tends to wear you down. If your day is getting not so fun, consider taking a short break in one of these 5 Best Places to Rest in Magic Kingdom!

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Swiss Family Treehouse

At the base of the Swiss family Treehouse there are benches in the shade that most people are too busy to notice as they run into Adventureland. That’s alright, because that makes it a great place to take a break in Magic Kingdom. In addition to the shaded benches the area is also close to Sunshine Tree Terrace, so it’s a convenient place to enjoy a Citrus Swirl as well. There are plenty of other food kiosks in the park that have available seating, but they’re either too popular or lack the same quality scenery.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Well, next to anyway. There’s a large tent in Dumbo’s Storybook Circus that serves no other purpose right now than as a place to take a break in Magic Kingdom. The open space is completely shaded and there are plenty of chairs for sitting. This is a great location because it’s near the back of the park and more or less in the center. It’s a convenient place to catch your breath at a point where you may need the break.

On The Liberty Belle

I love this solution when I’m feeling worn out and need to take a break in Magic Kingdom. A slow scenic float around the rivers of America is great for recharging my batteries. This is just like taking a break in a bench except the scenery moves, and sometimes you can get a nice breeze. The Walt Disney World Railroad is also a relaxing choice, however, for the scenery it is not nearly as good as the riverboat. One advantage to taking the train, however is that it can drop you at the other side of the park and you don’t have to walk.

Catch a Show

Another way you can take a break in Magic Kingdom while crossing some attractions off your to do list is to take in a show. If you plot your day right you can do several shows in a short time. The shows are continuously running, which means short but relaxing waits, followed by a relaxing show in an air conditioned space. The Enchanted Tiki Room and The Country Bear Jamboree are in close proximity and not far from them is the Hall of Presidents.

“it’s a small world”

I know, not everyone’s absolute favorite (but it’s a classic, come on!), but it’s so nice to rest in a smooth boat ride full of music and fun displays to entertain you. Plus, another ride checked off the list while you rest your tired feet – bonus!

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Columbia Harbor House

If you want to grab some refreshments and have an indoor break Columbia Harbor House will serve nicely. This is a counter service restaurant near the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. If you go upstairs you will find plenty of seating. This is a relatively quiet place to enjoy a meal in comfort and regroup before heading back out to finish the rest of your day in the Magic Kingdom. There are other quick service eateries around Magic Kingdom as well, but this is the most peaceful and relaxing location for now.

Where’s your favorite place to rest in Magic Kingdom?

5 Trending Walt Disney World Souvenirs

January 2, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

What are the hottest items at Walt Disney World right now? Some souvenirs have become very popular among guests, and since Disney has taken notice of social media, they’re becoming very good at perpetuating trends involving their most popular merchandise. Disney’s obscure men’s fashion line Twenty Eight and Main has floundered, while Cherry Tree Lane dresses and Dooney and Bourke designer purses fly off the shelves. Pineapple Dole Whips can be found on nearly every form of merchandise due to their status as a Walt Disney World icon (now I’m craving one!). To give you some ideas on the current favs, here are 5 Trending Walt Disney World Souvenirs to look for on your next vacation.

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Banshees

Ever since these became available at Pandora Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, people have loved being able to ‘adopt’ their own Banshee. My boys saved up for many months before our trip to get one to share, and love it! They can roar, flap their wings and turn their head according to your controls. With all the various colors and patterns, it’s fun visiting the little Banshee nursery at the shop in Pandora to pick out your very own.

Spirit Jerseys

Spirit Jerseys have been a trend for a while, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. They’ve been popular at least as far back as the rose gold hysteria, but where rose is now staying on the rack with the rest of the merchandise, the jerseys are remaining relevant with new colors and character designs coming out all the time. This is a hot clothing item that continues to sell.

Festival and Party Merchandise

No matter when you go to Disney World, there’s a festival. It used to be a way to get more guests in during the slow season, but festivals at Epcot are so popular, they keep adding new ones throughout the year. After Hours parties are also increasingly popular, with new dates added to seasonal parties at Magic Kingdom every year. These festivals and parties are also big merchandising events with exclusive souvenirs unique to your time of stay. They’re some of the biggest trending Disney World souvenirs you’ll find! Personally, we loved the glow cubes and fun cups we got during the Food & Wine Festival.

Haunted Mansion

Attractions based merchandise isn’t a rarity in the parks – all the best rides have exits that spill directly into a gift shop. There has been a fair amount of homogenization over the last several years though, and a lot of the shops have similar product. Interestingly, the hottest trending attraction merchandise isn’t actually from one of these stores. Yes, Haunted Mansion, does have it’s own themed gift shop, Memento Mori, but it isn’t at the exit of the ride. It is, however, exclusively Haunted Mansion themed and there is a wide range of product to choose from. The popular attraction is also featured in the World of Disney Store and other general Disney themed stores.

Ears

Mickey and Minnie Ears have always been a pretty solid seller at the Disney Parks, and Minnie Ears in particular have exploded as one of the top trending Disney World souvenirs. Rose gold might be out, but guests are still flocking to pick up the newest models. Now there’s a mix and match option that makes these iconic accessories even more irresistible! The collectibility and interchangeability has them nearly approaching pin status.

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Souvenir mugs

Souvenir mugs have been a thing for as far back as I can remember, but never have they been more pervasive or more collectible – you can get different themes everywhere you go! They’re not just for kids either, as adults go crazy for the collectible souvenir cups at places like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, or even the big mug at Gaston’s Tavern.

Which Disney World souvenir is your favorite?

5 Perks to Disney World Resorts

December 26, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Staying at a Disney World resort comes with a variety of benefits. These advantages all but guarantee you won’t slip off to somewhere else during your trip. If you plan on leaving for other parks in Orlando, then you may not want to stay at a Disney resort – but the ease of staying on property will deter you from doing anything else! For the all encompassing Disney experience you can’t get anywhere else, it’s got to be a Disney World resort hotel. Here are 5 Perks to Disney World Resorts that can really make your vacation extra magical.

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Magical Express

Right out the arrivals gate, you have an immediate benefit to staying at a Disney World resort – you don’t have to go to baggage claim to pick up your luggage. It’s automatically taken to your hotel for you! You just need to go straight to the Magical Express area and check in, then they will assign you a coach that takes you straight to Disney World and drops you off at your resort free of charge. When it’s time to leave, the Magical Express coach picks you up to take you back to the airport.

Complimentary Magic Band

You will be sent a complimentary Magic Band for use during vacation. The Magic Band is like a skeleton key, used for everything from getting into your room, to park admission, to buying virtually anything on property. Every purchase you make with a magic band gets charged to your room. Those unfamiliar with magic bands express concern about how easy it is to spend money. It always comes up in conversations as a negative – however, I love the convenience, and can tell you that every time I’ve used the magic band to charge to my room throughout a trip, I wound up spending less than I thought I was. Magic bands are also used for Fastpasses and personalized greetings, which are sure to become more developed in the near future.

Free Transportation

This might be the one thing above everything else that you will absolutely love. You can get anywhere in Disney World for free by bus, boat, or monorail. The variety of options depends on where you stay, but you don’t have to rent a car, deal with traffic, or pay for parking. The bus network is extensive and very convenient. There are a lot of lakes in Disney World, so boats are quite useful in getting around in certain parts. The two monorail systems and the upcoming Skyliner system add to the convenience of getting around the most heavily trafficked areas.

Advance Reservations

When you’re a guest at a Disney World resort, you have privileges in the form of advanced reservations. You get to select Fastpasses 30 days sooner than non resort guests – meaning you have a much better chance of securing your top choices in each of the parks! You also get a 180 day advance window for dining reservations. If you are dying to eat at one of the most popular restaurants, this window can make or break your chances of getting a table.

In Room Celebrations

You can add a little magic to your stay at a Disney World resort that you could not do otherwise. Disney offers a variety of packages called ‘in room celebrations’. They come in the forms of different packages and baskets containing a variety of themed treats depending on what you want to celebrate. This is a really fun indulgence on special occasions and you can only do it at one of the Disney World resort hotels. Keep in mind they do cost extra, but can really sprinkle a bit of extra pixie dust on your trip.

Which Disney Resort is your favorite?

Disney World FastPass+ Myths People Still Believe

December 19, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

After nearly 5 years after it was initially introduced, there are still common misconceptions about Fastpass+. There is more to know now than ever before when it comes to planning a Disney World vacation, and a lot of work has to go into planning a Disney trip in order to have that seamless experience that a lot of the technology provides. It’s important to have the right information – to help, here are Disney World FastPass+ Myths People Still Believe.

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You have to pay extra for FastPass+

I can speculate where this comes from. Disneyland now has something called Maxpass that you do pay a premium for. Perhaps there is just the general assumption that the plus implies a premium? In any case, it’s not true. FastPass+ is free and any park guest can use it. Its called Fastpass+ because it is a ‘plussed up’ version of the original Fastpass concept.

FastPass+ takes away flexibility

People believe that scheduling windows of time in advance to be at a specific attraction is too inflexible. I understand the logic behind it, but when so much planning goes into a Disney World trip, there isn’t much room for that kind of flexibility – at least not the entire time. To be factual, FastPass+ offers more flexibility than Fastpass did. Under the old system you couldn’t choose when to return to the Fastpass queue. Now, you still have complete control over planning your day, you just need to plan well. If you decide not to use a FastPass, you can cancel it and make another selection (of ones that are still available), so flexibility is not a problem.

You are limited to 3 FastPasses per day

It’s true that in making your initial Fastpass selections you are allowed only three. However, after using those three, you can keep grabbing FastPasses (one at a time) to your heart’s content – or until they’ve run out for the day. You just have to use one or cancel it, before you can select a new one. The second half of your day can feel like a wild scavenger hunt as you find new attractions with availability. Otherwise, you can just take it easy and see what plays into your plans.

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Fastpass+ doesn’t allow park hopping

This myth may be tied to the belief that you only get three per day. The three you are allowed to select in advance DO have to be at one park. However, you can still park hop and you can use Fastpass+ at the other parks for your selections after those first 3 are used. It just follows the case by case system. It’s no different than if you had stayed in your original park.

You have to wear a MagicBand to use Fastpass+

This might be another reason some people think you have to pay for Fastpass+. Because MagicBand makes Fastpass+ (among other things) so convenient, people sometimes confuse the two as being the same thing. Since MagicBands are only free to Disney resort guests, park guests who stay off property might think they’ve missed out, unless they buy the band. The truth is that MagicBands aren’t the only way to use Fastpass+. If you have a park ticket, you can use that for your Fastpasses instead. If you are staying off property, you have less advance opportunity to select Fastpasses, but you do still have that capability.

What ride is your top choice for FastPass+?

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!

Sweet Thai Chili Shrimp $6.99

Chicken Corn Chowder $4.69

Carrot and Celery Sticks with Hummus $4.49

Good Health Veggie Chips $2.99

Whole Fruit $2.29

What’s your favorite healthy Disney World snack?

Things to NEVER Bring on a Cruise Ship

10 Things You MUST Bring on a Cruise Ship

What would YOU add to this list for a cruise vacation?

Overview of Disney Vacation Club

Benefits of Disney Vacation Club

Cost of Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

Have you considered the DVC?

The Sword in the Stone

The Purple Wall

Rapunzel’s Bathrooms

Tiki Statues

The Bubblegum Wall

Rockin’ Roller Coaster Entrance

The Toothpaste Wall

Mexico Pavilion Epcot

Giant At-AT

You Are Most Beautiful Wall

Where’s your favorite Disney World selfie spot?

Pixar Play Zone

In-Room Babysitting

Baby Center

In Park Assistance

Treasure Hunt

Have you tried any of these Disney World childcare options?

Swiss Family Treehouse

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

On The Liberty Belle

Catch a Show

“it’s a small world”

Columbia Harbor House

Where’s your favorite place to rest in Magic Kingdom?

Banshees

Spirit Jerseys

Festival and Party Merchandise

Haunted Mansion

Ears

Souvenir mugs

Which Disney World souvenir is your favorite?

Which Disney Resort is your favorite?

What ride is your top choice for FastPass+?

When do you prefer to visit Disney World?

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Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

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Epcot

Animal Kingdom

What’s YOUR favorite holiday thing at Disney World?

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