Blog Posts Tagged Tips

SMUGGLER’S RUN: CHEWBACCA MODE

1/9/2021 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World • Since the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has been one of the most popular attractions. On this immersive attraction, guests can take flight on the iconic ship along with a team of five other passengers, each of which has their own designated duty (pilots, gunners, and engineers), in order to complete their smuggling mission. You and a crew of pilots, gunners, and engineers can embark on a smuggling mission through space inside Han Solo’s famous ship. While aboard, your team is assigned a mission with the help of Han Solo’s pal, Chewbacca, and pirate Hondo Ohnaka. Your goal is to acquire as much coaxium as possible and smuggle it back to the base. TRUE Star Wars fans will love a hidden “easter egg” within this attraction as you unlock “CHEWIE MODE”, which allows you to turn off Hondo Ohnaka […]

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

1/1/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort in South Carolina didn’t disappoint our family. We were there for a 4-day trip and we left wishing we had booked more time! We were traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids (17, 7, and 6) and there was something for everyone, and yes, even in December, when the highs each day were in the 50s! The rooms are spacious and comfortable with large balconies. The resort always feels pretty quiet, even when you are overlooking the pool. A beloved cast member at Hilton Head Island was Carol from NJ. Everyone knows her and loves her. At the end of our 2nd day, our kids felt like she was part of the family. If you run into her on your first trip she will happily give you a tour of the resort and you won’t regret it! It is the perfect getaway, no matter the […]

Disney PhotoPass: Super Zoom Magic Shot

12/15/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, it always seems that time just goes way too fast. Before you know it, you’re back home thinking of all of the fun and magical memories that were created. A special part of these memories is the photographs that capture these special moments. They are ones that you’ll look back on in years to come to relive the magical time you had. Disney recognized how important it is to be able to look back on these memories. This, in turn, brought about the creation of the Disney PhotoPass. A recent addition to the different Disney PhotoPass options is the Super Zoom Magic Shot. The Super Zoom Magic Shot is a great way to get everyone in the picture in front of some of Disney’s iconic structures and lands. Disney PhotoPass photographers are roaming by Cinderella’s Castle, Batuu, and the Millennium Falcon at […]

Mobile To Go – Ordering at Walt Disney World

12/4/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Disney has changed how one thinks about quick-service food in a theme park. Instead of just hamburgers, hotdogs, and pizza, their offerings reflect the many tastes and personalities of their guests which makes quick service dining an experience to look forward to. But let’s be honest, we all hate waiting in lines. When visiting Walt Disney World, lines are inevitable, but Disney’s mobile dining orders can give you some of your time back and minimize the lines you experience at the parks. Mobile ordering is available for most quick-service locations and a recent addition is some table service locations. Table service locations are listed in your app with the words “To Go” at the end of the restaurant name. To start your order, 1. Click on the “+” on the bottom of the home screen of the My Disney Experience app. 2. Then, click “Order Food”. 3. Alternatively, click on […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

12/1/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World and Aquatica. • If golf is on your agenda, you are given priority tee times and complimentary transportation to select area golf courses. • Shop, shop, shop throughout the Universal property and enjoy complimentary delivery of packages to your resort. • Being on-site also provides easy access to and from […]

Stroller Options at Walt Disney World

11/27/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • There is so much to think about when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. While your focus is probably on booking hotels, getting your hands on park tickets, and making sure everyone has enough clean clothing to last the duration of your trip, it is easy to overlook a very important part of your vacation...the stroller. Now, don’t panic! If you find yourself stroller-less as you disembark your flight, or stumble out of your car after a road trip that felt like it would never end, there are plenty of options available to you once you reach Orlando. When choosing a stroller option there are three things to consider. 1. Convenience 2. Needs 3. Price What Options are Available? Bring a stroller from home. Bringing a stroller from home can be a great option. It makes sense if you have room in your car, or don’t mind bringing an oversized […]

A Seven Year-Old’s Highlights of Walt Disney World

11/10/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Have you ever wondered what Disney World looks like through the eyes of a seven-year-old?  Do they really appreciate all the magic or do we just convince ourselves of that? Sitting down with my seven-year-old son the other night, we had a conversation that went down the Disney path (which frequently happens with our conversations) and it led me to ask him some pointed questions. Questions that might just help you as you plan your trip with a school-aged child and I thought some of his answers were great! Note: this particular seven-year-old has been to Disney over....well, a lot in his short life so far.  He knows the parks inside and out and has been on every single ride that he is able to go on due to height restrictions. Some he may never go on again because the thrill just isn't for him (i.e. Space Mountain & Everest). I had him […]

Transportation Options at Walt Disney World

10/23/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • When it comes to transportation at Disney, you may envision a flying carpet, pumpkin carriage, or a sprinkle of pixie dust with happy thoughts. The Disney Resort is quite large at 39 square miles so when it comes to transporting the thousands of guests that visit daily, Disney has many options. Making sure you know the basics of their transportation options are very important. Walt Disney World provides on-site transportation to their guests via: *Magical Express *Bus *Monorail *Ferry, water taxi, or boat *Disney’s Skyliner *Magical Express Walt Disney World Resort guests who will be flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) will enter the magic of Disney soon after exiting their flight. They will go to the main terminal and head down to Level 1, Side B, and prepare to board the “Disney’s Magical Express”. Disney’s Magical Express will transport guests to their resort from the airport and back again […]

Disney World Deluxe Villa Resort Rooms

9/29/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • If you are looking for a home away from home while visiting Walt Disney World, staying in a villa may be the right fit for you. All villas are located in Deluxe Level resorts and provide a variety of options that give you the comfort of homes including kitchens, which sets them apart from a typical resort room at Disney. The added square footage in the 1 + bedrooms also allows for a more relaxing feel and gives everyone more space, which is great on non-park days when you want to spend time at the resort and relax. The 1 + bedrooms also come with a washer/dryer, which is a great benefit, especially for longer stays. You can have grocery delivery to your resort, therefore, having the kitchen is a great option for in-room dining. Studios – sleeps up to 5 * 1 queen-size bed, 1 queen/double sleeper sofa, most […]

Our First Visit to Walt Disney World Since the Phased Re-Opening – Part 2

9/15/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • This the continued two-part blog post series, focusing on the modifications to existing procedures that were implemented upon the phased re-opening at Walt Disney World. Recap: My family and I, after careful consideration and research, made the decision to visit Walt Disney World. We observed many changes since our last visit in March. We frequently reviewed the information that Disney provides and frequently updates in the Know Before You Go and theme park updates page. We also received frequent communications via email and My Disney Experience app notifications about the safety measures and policies. Parking Changes We Observed When We Visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was the only park we chose to drive vs. taking the bus from our resort. There were signs as we approached the auto plaza recommending cashless payment. To aid in physical distancing guidelines, we noted that parking was every other space. It allowed us to […]