The Happiest Blog on Earth

Florida Drinking Water

6/8/2015 • Walt Disney World • To Drink or Not to Drink – Florida Water            Many visitors to Florida find that Florida water tastes considerably different than their water at home.  When you first try the water at a fountain or restaurant, you may find that it has an odd taste and sulfur smell.  Florida water is completely safe to ingest but it needs a little something to make it ‘drinkable’. On our first trip to Disney, my children were young and drinking water was a big part of our daily routine.  I found that by using small flavored packets in our water bottles helped tremendously to drink Florida water.  We used lemonade, Kool-Aid and Crystal lite On the Go packets.  Now there are liquid drops for water bottles.  These packets and containers fit easily in a backpack or your pocket. We had purchased our packets prior to our trip and had our children try […]

The Making of a runDisney Princess

5/22/2015 • Walt Disney World • Over 49,000 registrants and 3 days made for an amazing weekend for princes and princesses alike participating in the 2015 Princess Half Marathon weekend at Walt Disney World. From those running in their first race, those running in memory of a loved one, and many enjoying a weekend with friends and family, being a part of this weekend made for Disney memories that every Disney fan should experience at least once in their lifetime. Registration Registration for the following year’s Princess Marathon Weekend opens up 7 months in advance. To register for any Disney race, registration spots are now filling within minutes of opening. Be sure to register an account with active.com before the registration date and be online when registration opens or you may not be able to race your chosen event. Have all your information beside you at the time of registration including your credit card information, and […]

Walt Disney World Shopping Secrets!

5/14/2015 • Walt Disney World • Like most savvy shoppers, when I enter I store I head straight for the clearance rack and begin to shuffle through the sales. With a crazed look in my eye, and my creative spirit, I put together outfits and accessories, and I love to brag how much I did not pay for a particular item. Now with this kind of shopping mentality, one can imagine how put out I am at Walt Disney World. Sales and discounts seem to be an item few and far between. So, here is Disney’s dirty little shopping secret: all their sale and discount items are sold offsite! I first experienced this secret last summer when I was visiting during Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios. I was talking to lovely local couple at the Hollywood and Vine. They saw I had purchased a coffee tumbler for my husband for $30. They told me, “You […]

A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas at Magic Kingdom

5/7/2015 • Walt Disney World • Ahoy, Mateys!! Are you ready to become a ‘scurvy pirate recruit” and help Captain Jack Sparrow find some hidden treasures? Then you’ve come to the right place.  This free interactive treasure hunt lets you encounter five different pirate adventures within Adventureand.   A Pirate’s Adventure was inspired by the ever popular movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. While in Magic Kingdom, make your way to Adventureland.   You’ll pass the Pirates of the Caribbean ride on your left and head toward the Pirates Adventure Building.  When you enter the building, touch your magic band or park ticket (also known as your Talisman) on the kiosk as indicated on the Pirate Adventure screen. The screen will walk you through on how to start your pirate adventure.  A Disney cast member is never far away if you need assistance.  Be sure to take the correct map and start at the symbol indicated on your screen.  […]

Strollers at Walt Disney World

3/4/2015 • Walt Disney World • Something as simple as having a stroller while at Disney still needs your consideration to choose the best option for your needs.  There are 3 options: Bring your own stroller from home Rent a stroller from within the parks Rent from a reputable local stroller company To find the best option for you, consider the following when making your decision: 1)      Convenience:  If flying, do you need the stroller to get to and from your terminal?  If driving, will your stroller fit in the vehicle once you pack all your luggage into it? 2)      Needs:  Who and where will you need to use the stroller?  If you need to use the stroller at the resort, keep in mind that Disney park strollers cannot be taken out of the park.  What if your child doesn’t use a stroller at home?  You may think your child will not need one because of […]

Tony’s Town Square: Dining on Main Street USA

1/25/2015 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Looking for a delicious table service meal inside the Magic Kingdom?  Look no further than one our family’s favorite restaurants, Tony’s Town Square.  Inside this charming trattoria located on Main Street USA, you can enjoy your favorite Italian dishes, steaks and delicious desserts. The theming of the restaurant centers around the Disney animated classic, Lady and the Tramp.  In the lobby waiting area, children and grown-up kids can enjoy a few minutes of Lady and the Tramp, which plays constantly on the television. Kids can also color Lady and the Tramp coloring sheets while waiting for their table. The restaurant offers three distinct dining areas.  In the main dining room, guests will love the fountain of the canine couple, Lady and Tramp, which is the focal point of the room.  The main dining room offers comfortable family seating and is reminiscent of a classic New York City, family-owned, Italian eatery. […]

Star Wars Weekend

10/31/2014 • Walt Disney World • Star Wars Weekends occur at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during designated weekends in May and June, and it is extremely special time for super fans. Our young family decided to partake in one of the special dining events during SWW, at the Hollywood and Vine with Mickey and Friends. Disney’s favorite characters come together dressed as Star Wars classics. Be ready to see Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Ewok Chip and Dale, and Storm Trooper Donald.  If you have visited the Hollywood and Vine under the leadership of Disney Junior, the atmosphere is very similar. When we entered we were treated to a photo opp with Ewok Chip and Dale, with pre-signed autograph cards. We were seated and the characters began rotating around the room and signing autographs and taking pictures.  The buffet offered is VERY similar to the traditional Hollywood and Vine menu, only the menu items are […]

Rider Switch

10/29/2014 • Walt Disney World • Taking a smaller child to Disney World who might not be able to ride the rides that you want to ride? Never fear, the legendary service of Disney has come to the rescue! Introducing “Rider Switch.” What is RS exactly and how does it work? RS is an option Disney offers to families with children below height limits for rides, which allows the family to wait in line only once when taking turns babysitting the vertically-challenged family member. Here’s how it works: the entire family gets in the standby line for a ride (unless you have Fastpasses for the ride, in which case you would get in the Fastpass line). Stop and talk to the first Cast Member you see working the ride and tell them you want to do the RS. The members of the family who want to ride first go ahead, and the person who stays behind […]

Animator’s Academy

10/15/2014 • Walt Disney World • Did you know that you have an inner Disney animator hidden within you? If you have ever dreamed about creating Disney’s famous characters with your own hands Animator’s Academy is the place for you! Located in Animator’s Court in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, this unique Disney attraction is one that will be remembered forever. Arriving just 10-15 minutes early will allow you to enter the next drawing class. Each class lasts only 20 minutes and is taught by a Disney animator instructor. When you enter the class you will be told what character is to be drawn. Characters are rotated and many options are available. If you are particular about what character you would prefer to draw, ask those waiting with you if they know what drawing will be taught in the next class. Often many Disney fans will keep going into back to back animation classes and […]

Visiting Disney World While Pregnant

9/24/2014 • Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World is an amazing place to visit, no matter your age, gender or background. Some of us are even lucky enough to travel to the most magical place on earth while pregnant. I have traveled to Disney World while pregnant twice, and even though it was a different experience, I still had fun and quality family time. Here are a few quick tips to make sure your vacation (plus one!) goes as smoothly as possible.      Consult with your physician: As with most things with your doctor, tell them your vacation plans and see what advice they may give you. Some doctors will restrict travel during certain parts of your pregnancy. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water: When you’re at Disney you tend to walk and move around a lot more than your usual day-to-day. Keep a water bottle handy and keep drinking. Any dining location […]