Blog Posts by Nancy Wideman

A Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Cheat Sheet

5/3/2023 • Cruises • It’s almost here! You have been dreaming of setting sail on your Disney cruise for months and months, and the time has finally come! Soon you will be able to complete your online check-in. To keep you from being one of those frustrated sailors in your Facebook group, we are going to prepare you for smooth sailing through the online check-in process by making sure you are armed and ready with everything you need! Check-In dates vary by your Castaway Cay level or if you are sailing Concierge: - Pearl / Concierge Level = 40 days prior to sailing - Platinum Level = 38 days prior to sailing - Gold Level = 35 days prior to sailing - Silver Level = 33 days prior to sailing - First time Disney Cruise Line cruisers = 30 days prior to sailing Before Your Online Check-In Date: - Confirm the exact spelling and […]

How to Get Your Family Excited about a Visit to Walt Disney World!

2/28/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience for the whole family, but it can also be stressful if you have family members who are not as enthusiastic about the trip as you are. Here are some tips on how to get everyone excited about your upcoming Walt Disney World adventure and make it a truly magical experience for everyone. Include everyone in the Planning Process Research Together Download the My Disney Experience app and view park maps, attractions, dining menus, and character meet and greets. Watch YouTube Videos Talk About Favorite Disney / Pixar / Star Wars characters and films! Is there a favorite character someone would LOVE to meet or see in a parade? If you have Star Wars fans, you’ll want to be sure to take a closer look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and plan for extra activities. Wish […]

Why the Winter Season at Walt Disney World Is a GREAT Time to Visit!

11/29/2022 • Holidays & Events, Tips, Walt Disney World • I have loved visiting Walt Disney World in all four seasons. I especially love Fall when I can experience Halloween or Christmas in the parks. However, my absolute favorite time of the year to visit the parks is that sweet spot in January and February – the holidays are over and you can finally breathe again, life quiets down a little, and you can enjoy a little “you” time again. That’s what this time of the year feels like for me at Walt Disney World. Crowds have calmed down, allowing you to enjoy the parks with a little more wiggle room between you and fellow guests The weather is no longer hot and humid. January thru March see average temps in the mid-70s. As is always the case in Florida, there is some rain, but it’s well past hurricane season. Starting around mid-January, it’s no longer peak season, and you’ll […]

How to Best Prepare for Travel and Leave the Worries at Home…a Checklist!

11/15/2022 • Tips • As your departure day quickly approaches, here are some helpful tips for preparing for your next vacation!   Preparing Your Work: Tie up loose ends at work so you can better avoid calls while you are on vacation. Set your voicemail and email to alert colleagues and customers of your days away from the office.   Preparing Your Home: Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your daily mail and news flyers and hold them for your return. Ask a friend or neighbor to water your lawn, if needed. For winter months, ask them to plow your driveway if it snows and drive up your driveway to create tire marks in the snow. If you are kenneling your animals, remember most boarding services require up to date health care for your dogs and cats. Set timers on lights in your house. For exterior lights, use automatic lights around entrances. […]

A Trip-of-a-Lifetime to Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney

11/1/2022 • Adventures by Disney, Reviews • When you hear the name Disney, you probably think of Mickey Mouse and theme parks. In addition to many other experiences and destinations, Disney also offers organized land tours across the U.S. and around the globe. Adventures by Disney allows families, friends, and even solo guests to explore amazing destinations together knowing that they will receive the same level of entertainment, service, accommodations, safety and VIP access that comes with the Disney name. Adventures by Disney’s Costa Rican itinerary is geared towards adventurers and thrill seekers excited to navigate the waters and rainforests of Costa Rica while enjoying the culture, traditions, food, and the beautiful scenery and wildlife that make up this gorgeous part of the world. This is a very active adventure with highlights including white water rafting, zip lining above the canopy, and snorkeling.  There is always a secondary option for guests who are unwilling or unable to […]

How Young is Too Young for a Visit to Disney?

10/4/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World • We all want to share that special Disney magic with our children, but determining when is the right time to start visiting the Happiest Place on Earth can prove more complicated than a simple visit to meet Mickey Mouse. Here are some tips to help you decide if your child is ready to experience all the magic that the World of Disney has to offer! When is the right time? Everyone around you will offer differing opinions, but no one knows your child like you do. When determining if your child is ready, there are several things you should factor in: Does your little one require a nap? Do you have a schedule that is hard to stray from without major meltdowns? Does your child have any special requirements that will require extra planning or assistance? You can plan half days for playtime in the park which would accommodate naps back at the resort, or you […]

An Out of This World Journey Aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser!

9/13/2022 • Walt Disney World • (Don’t worry – no spoilers here!) You’ve seen the movies, fallen in love with Chewbacca and Grogu, and maybe you’ve even visited the planet of Batuu (at Star Wars; Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios). Did you ever think it would be possible to actually be a PART of the Star Wars story? Now is your chance! The brand new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser lets you do just that. Immerse yourself in the story by interacting with characters and crew members aboard the Halcyon, an MPO-1400 model starcruiser from the Chandrila Charter Company. Complete missions aboard the starcruiser as well as on your excursion to Batuu to help the Resistance or serve the First Order, or simply enjoy watching other passengers as all the storylines play out. This is a highly immersive experience, so the more you play along, the further into the story you will go. What’s […]

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips • Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Safe Passage - 15 days prior to sailing, all guests must create their own Safe Passage profiles which will confirm your vaccination status and approve you for sailing. *Pre-Cruise Covid Test - View the Know Before You Go guide for complete details: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us/ * Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof […]

Resting Spots For the Whole Family at Walt Disney World

6/7/2022 • Walt Disney World • Whether it’s a hot day, someone needs a quiet place to relax, or a little one needs a short nap, here are some great spots in the Disney parks for the whole family to sit and unwind. Magic Kingdom • The area outside the Tangled bathrooms in Fantasyland. Not only does this area provide shade, but there are also charging ports in the faux tree stumps. • The Carousel of Progress – although this is an attraction, it is indoors, air-conditioned, and is about 20 minutes long! Be warned, though – because this attraction is in a revolving theater, once this show begins, you may not leave the theater until the show is over. • Tomorrowland Terrace • Tom Sawyer Island • Liberty Belle Riverboat – enjoy a scenic 12-minute ride around the Rivers of America EPCOT • American Heritage Gallery inside the American Adventure Pavilion • The Living Seas […]

Scooter and ECV Rentals at the Walt Disney World Resort

1/21/2022 • Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World guests can expect to walk a minimum of 7,000 steps per day in the parks. For guests who would be more comfortable using a scooter or ECV, here are some quick tips for using a mobility device in the parks. Where to Rent: Rent directly at the parks - If you only want a scooter for the day, you can rent one at the front of each of the four theme parks. Downside - Rentals are first come, first served. You cannot take the scooter back to your resort hotel or on resort transportation. $50 per day, plus a $20 refundable deposit. If you are park hopping, be sure to keep your receipt. You will need to return your rental before leaving the park. When you arrive at the next park, pending availability, you will be able to show your receipt for that day to rent another […]