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12/3/2019 • Disneyland •
Hiding at the back of Disneyland Park, tucked behind the impressive facade of "it’s a small world," is a little gem that will delight all the littles in your family! Mickey’s Toontown is a colorful area brimming with whimsy and interactive play. The ever-spinning welcome sign as it “counts” guests entering the park gives you a glimpse of what to expect as you walk through and find yourself in a cartoon land with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway center-stage. Attractions in this area include: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (Hitch a ride on Engineer Goofy's train and be ready for some crazy antics!) Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (a playful twist on the classic dark ride) Chip 'N' Dale's GADGETcoaster (35” height requirement to ride this family-friendly roller coaster) Donald’s Duck Pond(interactive) Goofy’s How-to-Play Yard (interactive) CenTOONial Park (interactive) Minnie’s House Mickey's House and Meet Mickey Be sure to wander […]
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11/19/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
There is a lot to see and do on any Disney vacation. Between the rides, the shows, the meals, how can you do it all? While there’s not enough time to get everything done on any single trip, there are tips to make the most out of each day at any Disney destination so you can see and do more than other guests. Here are 5 tips to make the most of each park day. 1. Start your day early and start it with an attraction. The days are long and filled with fun but sleeping in will only minimize the fun you can do. The shortest lines are at the opening of each park day so get up early and “rope drop” when the park opens. In order to be ready for all that fun though, you’ll need to have energy. Eat before the park opens so you can […]
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10/29/2019 • Tips, Universal Studios •
Time to set that alarm! Yes, I know, you’re on vacation but trust me, you do not want to miss a minute of Universal Orlando Resorts early park admission. This awesome perk is for Universal resort guests and other select groups to access either Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay one hour before the scheduled opening. During extra busy times, it could be both parks but remember valid theme park admission is required. When checking in, be sure to ask a team member which park has early hours as it does change often. With early park admission, you’ll not only get the chance to walk around and take pictures in an almost empty theme park, you can also ride some of your favorite attractions without any wait time or in some cases without anyone else on the ride. During a recent stay at Universal Orlando, I was able […]
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10/8/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Dining in Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is something that is not to be missed! At Oga’s Cantina in the heart of Batuu- you can experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the land! Dining reservations are highly recommended for Oga’s Cantina, but you can always inquire about walk-in seating. There is both a standing-room-only bar as well as some booths with seating along the periphery of the cantina. It’s hard to escape the upbeat atmosphere of Oga’s! With a deejay robot spinning the hits of the galactic airwaves- it’s hard not to get swept up into the excitement and energy of the cantina! And while the atmosphere alone is reason to visit Oga’s- I was pleasantly surprised by the food and drink I ordered! While looking at the menu- you will notice that there are a number of different options throughout the day- and several options for alcoholic […]
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9/17/2019 • Walt Disney World •
The Disney company is known worldwide for its amazing entertainment. During your stay at Walt Disney World, you have many options to experience some amazing stage shows and they are all included in your ticket admission. You can find out showtimes on either the My Disney Experience account or the Visitor’s Guides that you can pick up at either the resorts or theme parks. Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Join both classic and royal Disney characters as they set to stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Hollywood Studios Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage In this musical version of Beauty and the Beast, you will enjoy the popular songs and characters of this tale as old as time. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along This not-to-miss show brings your favorite Arendale characters to life as they lead you in song and laughter! Indiana […]
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9/13/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
For families with little girls, booking a princess meal at Disney World is high on the must-do list but with multiple princess meal options – which one is best suited for your family? Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella’s Castle. Hosted by Cinderella, you will have your family picture taken with her as you wait to be seated. After heading upstairs, other Disney princesses stop by your table to visit, allowing for pictures and autographs. For those with a dining package, this meal will cost two table service credits per person. Without a dining package, the cost per person will be one of the more expensive meals on property. As this restaurant is small in seating capacity, you may need to be flexible with your preferred dining time. Located in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a wonderful choice. This meal features multiple princesses that visit your table. At […]
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9/6/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Sometimes, when you hear “We’re going to Disney World”, all you see are dollar signs. As with everything at Disney, great planning can help you to save money and stay right on budget! One of my favorite, not-so-little secrets, is to save some serious cash and go shopping for souvenirs at Disney’s Character Warehouse. When park merchandise isn’t sold, some of it is shipped to one of the two Character Warehouse outlet stores to be sold at heavily discounted prices. You can find anything from keychains, stuffed animals and shirts, to name brand designer bags. Both stores are located at a premium outlet mall, a short off-property drive. The mall names are very similar, but they are in different locations around Orlando. The nearest to Disney’s property is just to the east at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet and the other location is northeast and closer to Universals property at Orlando […]
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8/23/2019 • Walt Disney World •
Epcot is full of nostalgia from the moment you walk in. So many things remind me of my early visits in the 80s…from jumping fountains, to the memorable design of The Land, to the iconic Figment, structures, and soundtracks…all are still reminiscent of when it first opened in 1982. Throughout the years, we’ve seen updates, closures, and reimagination. But after 35+ years, Epcot is finally getting a major face lift! So, if you don’t like change, hold on to your black Debbie Gibson hat because there’s a lot coming down the pike. Although some updates have begun, the major renovation that’ll bring us into the land of construction walls is set to begin early September with additional changes later in the year. No one likes construction walls on vacation, however, knowing it’s for the progression of the park keeps us excited for what’s on the horizon(s). Permanently closing on September […]
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8/6/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Hollywood Studios has always been one of my favorite Disney Parks, in part due to the nod to old Hollywood. It makes perfect sense that The Hollywood Brown Derby is my favorite restaurant in Hollywood Studios. Walking into the lobby you will find a guest book filled with signatures, you might even find one from a Disney star or two. Once checked in, the host or hostess will take you to the dining room which is filled with that old Hollywood glamour. You will find caricatures of some familiar famous faces on the walls, rounded booths on the outside of the room, and tables in the center. This signature dining experience will cost you two table service credit at both lunch and dinner. This restaurant also offers a Fantasmic Dining package, which is a great way to get the best value for your 2 credits. With the Fantasmic Package, you […]
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7/30/2019 • Walt Disney World •
If you are looking for a tropical adventure, look no further. The Disney property is filled with so many new experiences and dining, here is no exception. Venturing into a tropical rainforest while on Disney property is easy with two convenient Rainforest Cafe locations found at the Disney Springs Marketplace and outside the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Neither location requires a theme park admission. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at both locations. Reservations are recommended and can be made 180 days prior to your travel start date. As this experience attracts a large number of explorers, wait times can be rather extensive. You may want to apply to join the Landry’s Select Club in advance to receive priority seating without a reservation. There is a $25 cost to join, but you will get a $25 welcome reward applied to your account which can be used as a credit to […]
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