Blog Posts by Nancy Wideman

The Benefits of Staying On Property at the Walt Disney World Resort

10/24/2023 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Trying to figure out where to stay when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit. There are significant benefits that come with staying on-property at a Disney resort hotel, and there are definite disadvantages when staying off-site at an area hotel or Airbnb. Understanding the differences early on will help you jump that hurdle quickly so you can get to the fun of planning! Walt Disney World offers more than 25 on-property resort hotels including popping your tent and camping, Value resorts with basic amenities and comforts, Moderate resorts with upgraded amenities like table service restaurants on property, Deluxe resorts with upgraded amenities like great transportation options to the parks, and fantastic table service restaurants, and Deluxe Villa resorts with lots of room to stretch out for larger families or those looking for more upscale accommodations. There is something for every […]

Go Behind the Scenes at the Disneyland Resort with Unique Tours and VIP Access!

9/22/2023 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events • Taking part in a tour at the Disneyland Resort can provide new guests with background and history of the park and attractions, entertain and inform seasoned guests with behind-the-scenes exploration, and also offer VIP treatment and front-of-the-line access for guests visiting for the first time or simply the first time this month! There is always something new to learn or experience and tours can be a fun way for anyone to go off the beaten track and indulge their curiosity. The following tours are currently offered at the Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Resort VIP Tours - Roll out the red carpet for your family with our customizable VIP experience—and get ready for your most magical day ever! This private tour accommodates up to 10 guests per guide and offers: *Your own "personal concierge" traveling with you throughout the day and sharing fun behind-the-scenes stories. *Hassle-free planning and concierge booking. *Expedited access […]

Choosing the Best Time to Visit: Experiencing the Four Seasons of the Disneyland Resort!

9/18/2023 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events • The Disneyland Resort has so much to see and do throughout the year, and Southern California weather is always ready to welcome you! Whether you want to escape the cold temps at home, want to experience Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival, are looking for fun seasonal treats and attractions, or simply want to enjoy all the classic attractions of the parks after the big crowds have gone home, there is a season for you! SPRING (Mid-March – May 31) Crowd Levels: Spring is a wildly popular time to visit Disneyland. Spring Break crowds usually begin arriving around March 15 and remain fairly consistent through the end of April with a few weeks mixed in here and there with lighter crowds. Easter week, which falls in different weeks (and months) each year is often the busiest. May tends to be a good time to visit before the high temps hit and […]

Live Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort!

9/15/2023 • Blog, Disneyland • The Disneyland Resort is full of exciting live entertainment throughout Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure with something to delight fans of all ages. Disneyland Park Fantasyland - Storytelling at the Royal Theatre: enjoy a reenactment some of your favorite scenes from Beauty and the Beast or Tangled with your witty hosts. Daytime Parade - "Magic Happens" Parade - this daily parade showcases several favorite films and characters along with a great soundtrack! Nighttime Entertainment - Fireworks and projections on Sleeping Beauty's Castle: On select nights, enjoy the dazzle of fireworks or special projections on the castle and in other areas of the park where magic lights up the night sky! - Fantasmic: This epic battle of Mickey vs the villains will be returning to Disneyland Park in the Spring 2025. Characters Classic characters can be found throughout the Disneyland Park, including Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, […]

Choosing the Best Time to Visit: Experiencing the Four Seasons of Walt Disney World!

8/22/2023 • Blog, Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World has so many exciting events throughout the year, but coordinating your schedule with the holidays and festivals, milder weather, and around peak season crowds can be tricky. This guide can help you choose the best time for your family to visit Walt Disney World. SPRING (March 1 – May 31) Crowd Levels: Spring is a hugely popular time to visit Walt Disney World. Spring Break crowds usually begin arriving around March 15 and remain fairly consistent through the end of April with a few weeks mixed in here and there with lighter crowds. Easter week, which falls in different weeks (and months) each year is often the busiest. May tends to be a good time to visit before the high temps hit and schools are out for the summer. Weather: Warm but manageable. Avg high 72°. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival When? Early March to early […]

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 […]