Blog Posts Tagged Animal

Meeting a Disney Legend at the Grand Floridian!

6/29/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • What makes Disney so magical? The Cast Members! While Disney would still be an amazing place to visit, it’s the cast members who spread the magic to all the millions of guests who visit the parks every year. For our family, we enjoy meeting cast members and getting to know a little about them and where they come from. These special encounters happen spontaneously throughout the parks and at the resorts and often start with a simple “hello.” My most favorite cast member of all is Mr. Richard who greets guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I’d seen lots of posts on Facebook of photos with guests, so when I pulled up to the Grand Floridian and saw him standing there, I had to meet him. He is quite literally a Disney celebrity or legend! We had a wonderful conversation about his life and where he’s been. Here […]

Disney Resort with the Best View!

5/9/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • During my time as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World, I had a role that allowed me to work in a different resort or park each day. It was great for many reasons, but I especially enjoyed my days at the resorts. I was able to become incredibly familiar with each resort and talk to the guests that visited and stayed at them. I can truly say I think they all have great features in their own way. However, there is one resort that I can say is my favorite: Animal Kingdom Lodge! The resort has many features that I absolutely love, but today, I will tell you three things that I separate it from any other resort on property. Here is why Animal Kingdom Lodge is the top of my list.   Location  Some people will say it’s far away from the other parks, and I respond to that with […]

Resort Spotlight: All-Star Music

4/17/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you are a family dreaming of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort but have a limited budget, Disney’s All-Star Music resort is a value level resort you should consider for your next magical vacation. With a red carpet and backdrop to pose for pictures, your check-in experience at the All-Star Music resort turns into your debut as the newest music sensation. Walk outside and the fun starts for all. Pose for pictures in the Calypso section with the giant xylophone or bongos. Stop by the Jazz section to see the biggest drum set of your life. Are you more into country music? The banjo or harmonica might be calling your name. There isn’t anywhere you can turn outside without being reminded of the powerful influence music has on all our lives. All-Star Music features 2 different styles of rooms. The standard style room features 2 […]

Baby Care Stations

3/30/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • {& Why These Cast Members Will Be Some of Your Favorite Faces!}   I have done what so many other moms like me have done and what so many others have thought me crazy for.  I have taken my very young children to enjoy the Disney parks. My kids were both under 1 year when we started taking them to the Disney parks regularly. I understand how we want to share our love of Disney and all the magic that that entails with our children, and I also understand how tiring that can be. Disney has created a place even for the smallest guests (and for those caring for them). It is called (*the sounds of angels descending* and cue the spotlight) the Baby Care Station. With one Baby Care Station located centrally in each of the Disney theme parks (both at Walt Disney World and at the Disneyland Resort), […]

Rider Switch Pass

3/27/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Ever wonder if you’ll miss out on riding an attraction at Disney World because you’re traveling with someone either not tall enough or who does not want to ride? No worries! Disney offers a Rider Switch pass for guests in this situation.   What is Rider Switch? Rider Switch (aka child swap/rider swap) allows an adult who has waited off the attraction with a child or guest unable to ride, the ability to enjoy the ride after the remainder of his/her party returns from the line.   Reasons for not riding Height restrictions Guests with disabilities Child chooses not to ride    How does it work? The entire party goes to the front of the line of the attraction they wish to ride (either the stand-by line or FastPass line, if they have one). Let the Cast Member at the front of the line know you need a Rider Switch […]

Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

2/21/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a one-of-kind destination at Walt Disney World.  Its views of exotic animals grazing on nearby savannas, guests will feel as if they have escaped on an authentic Safari adventure! This deluxe resort property is located near Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.  The African-inspired resort gives guests the opportunity to view grazing exotic wildlife outside their rooms and public areas within the resort. This leaves guests feeling as if they are staying on the African savanna. The rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3. They are available with either a king-size bed, two queen-size beds, or one queen-size bed and bunk beds. Amenities include room service, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffee makers and refrigerators.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also has guest suites and Concierge Level accommodations. This offer access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge, robes, turndown service and the opportunity to participate in two unique […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Day Activities

2/17/2017 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Are you looking for a new way to experience Walt Disney World on your next vacation? I’d like to recommend spending a day at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is a destination unto itself with most activities are available to all guests and activities are available from morning until after sunset. You can view the animals on the savanna throughout the day and into the evening hours. There are multiple overlooks of the savannas at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Guides will teach you about wildlife and the African culture. After sunset, night vision googles will allow you to see the animals from a new perspective. The String of Memories is a favorite activity of children {and parents} that teaches them about African culture and wildlife conservation in a fun and memorable way. You will receive a unique bead as your reward for completing each activity. If you choose to […]

How to Tackle a Rainy Disney Day

1/10/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Rain, Rain go away come back on a non-Disney day… Not much can damper your spirits on a Disney vacation like drops of rain.  If you’re like me you’ve envisioned sunshine and fun and have no room in your vacation for rain showers.  One good lesson I learned while working at Disney in Florida is that, “typically” the rain shower doesn’t last long and the sunshine is out and drying everything up again!  If you have a day like I had on our last trip where it was constant showers these following tips will help your family to still enjoy your vacation as the “rain, rain, rain comes down, down, down”.  The rainy season in Florida is defined as May – October.  The rain during this time tends to be short rain bursts and the rest of the day is beautiful.  So if you are traveling to Disney during this […]

Don’t Get Overwhelmed!

12/20/2016 • Tips, Walt Disney World • A former Cast Members guide for first time Disney guest After working for Walt Disney World for nearly five years I’ve seen a lot of overwhelmed faces from first time Disney guests. So the question is how not get overwhelmed by all that Disney World has to offer. I’ve compiled my list of things that may help a first time guest to vacation capital of the world. Much of what will help keep you from getting overwhelmed can be done before you even get on the plane.   Tips for First Time Disney Guest Get familiar with what Disney World has to offer ahead of time. Disney has many resources to help families prepare for their first visit. Research Disney World’s website and explore the 27,000 acres the resort covers. What I found helpful before I ever worked at Disney was talk with someone who knows the lay of the […]

Being Picture Perfect Ready on Attractions

11/28/2016 • Tips, Walt Disney World • 1...2...3...Say Cheese! As a huge fan of the Memory Maker photo package, I want to be sure to get some fun pictures from the rides that offer PhotoPass at Walt Disney World. Pictures are great memories of a vacation and these rides will give you enjoyable moments to look back on. Be prepared for that picture perfect moment! Magic Kingdom Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – the room right before this picture is near the end of the ride and has a video of Zurg’s ship moving from side to side as you gather your last points. Your vehicle locks into a forward facing direction and then the picture is taken. Be sure that little faces are between the two blasters or their faces might be hidden in the picture.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – not one but two pictures are taken on this ride. The first picture is taken […]