People often ask how to maximize their Disney trips and avoid the common pitfalls that could make or break a vacation. My response is often fairly simple. Do plenty enough research ahead of time and you'll be just fine! Don't have the time to sit down and read countless guidebooks and a zillion Disney forums? No problem! I've got my basic tips right here.
The Power Of... A Nap
This is one you all have got to trust me on. I don't care if you have kids or if you don't... we all need a little down time. Even if you aren't very good at sleeping during the day, at least have some quiet time around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Relax by the pool, enjoy a long meal, go to the spa.... anything that gets your away from the hustle and bustle of the parks for at least an hour. It's so much easier to stay up late and enjoy the evening activities. Take my word for it. Your body and mind will thank you.
The Power Of... Touring Plans
If you're not aware, I'm a huge fan of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. The authors stress the importance of having a game plan and I totally agree with them 100%.
I've heard of people coming back from a vacation to WDW and saying they barely got to ride anything. Not only that, but their trip was in January. Okay, that's during the slow season. The only thing I could come up with is that they entered the parks at 11 a.m. and went to attractions like the TTA first. *shakes head*
I'm not saying that you need a printed touring plan because if you've been to WDW before, you probably can do without. All I'm saying is having a game plan going into your vacation. At each park, know what attractions you should hit first thing. Also, I've said it before and I'll say it again... get to the parks at opening! You may need a break mid-afternoon but that's okay. Isn't that where that awesome nap could come in handy? ;)
The Power Of... Good Shoes
Everyone has their own idea of "good park shoes" but it might be wise to take a good look at your options. I personally am a fan of Crocs. I personally do not like the basic "Beach" style but I do like the "Mary Janes" and the basic flats. Crocs are well cushioned and provide nice support. They also breathe well if you get them a size bigger. Crocs should not be tight anywhere but also should not be falling off. Make sure to try them on before you just order them.
If you like tennis shoes, make sure you're taking them properly broken in. Don't buy a pair 2 days before you leave and then assume they will feel alright on your feet. You're going to need some good Moleskin at that point. Boy will you be sorry.
Okay folks, you got it?! Take naps, have a plan of attack, and wear good shoes. Geez, you'd think you were going in the Army, huh?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
WDW Mama Wannabe
This morning I was doing my usual Disney website browsing and saw a little banner for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. They are looking for new recruits for 2011. Out of curiosity I clicked on the banner. Then I used the power of Goggle to find out what qualifies you suitable for the Moms Panel. To my surprise, I found out that you don't HAVE to be a parent in order to be a member of the panel.
With much hope of some pixie dust I filled out the 3 part applications and clicked send.
There have not been any women or men (yes, men) chosen as of yet that are not parents. But, there is always a first and I am a firm believer that if you can dream it you can do it.
I would seriously be an awesome candidate for the Moms Panel. For those of you who aren't in the know, the Moms Panel is a Disney operated group of people who are experts on all things Disney. The panel members are chosen at the end of every year and not many people make it out of 20,000 applicants. These chosen folks don't work for the Disney company but they do, in a way, represent it. They answer questions on the Moms Panel website that folks all around the world ask in preperation for their upcoming trips to WDW. Obviously the members of the panel need to be very factual, personable, and have a decent writing style. It's an honor to be chosen.
The deadline for applications is tonight right before midnight and then there are a few more rounds before they choose the 2011 panelists.
Maybe nothing will come of it but I think it would be awesome for me to be the first non-mom on the Moms Panel!
With much hope of some pixie dust I filled out the 3 part applications and clicked send.
There have not been any women or men (yes, men) chosen as of yet that are not parents. But, there is always a first and I am a firm believer that if you can dream it you can do it.
I would seriously be an awesome candidate for the Moms Panel. For those of you who aren't in the know, the Moms Panel is a Disney operated group of people who are experts on all things Disney. The panel members are chosen at the end of every year and not many people make it out of 20,000 applicants. These chosen folks don't work for the Disney company but they do, in a way, represent it. They answer questions on the Moms Panel website that folks all around the world ask in preperation for their upcoming trips to WDW. Obviously the members of the panel need to be very factual, personable, and have a decent writing style. It's an honor to be chosen.
The deadline for applications is tonight right before midnight and then there are a few more rounds before they choose the 2011 panelists.
Maybe nothing will come of it but I think it would be awesome for me to be the first non-mom on the Moms Panel!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Grub
I asked a friend today to inspire me for my blog. He told me that I should write about my top 3 favorite places to eat at each park. I decided to take that idea and expand it. Not only am I covering all 4 main theme parks but also Downtown Disney and the WDW resorts. Since we all know that some theme parks don't have many table service restaurants to shout about *cough* Magic Kingdom *cough* ...my list also includes counter service restaurants and eateries that specialize in snacks and sweets.
Magic Kingdom
1. Aloha Isle
2. Columbia Harbour House
3. Main Street Bakery
If any one of my readers has had a dole whip float you will know why I put Aloha Isle at the top of my MK list. It's simply the best snack on Disney property. I LOVE Columbia Harbour House for their more health concious options. The Lighthouse Sandwich is magical. There is a special place in my heart for Main Street Bakery as well. Lots of goodies for breakfast and for a sweet treat.
Epcot
1. Le Cellier
2. Tangerine Cafe
3. Biergarten
Le Cellier is not a place that is just hype. They back up that hype with amazing food and great service. Both meals I've had there were probably two of the best meals I've had in all of my 22 years. Of all of the counter service in Walt Disney World I find Tangerine Cafe to be the most outstanding. It's a great value and the unique food provides a nice break from the typical burger and fries. Placing a restaurant in the number 3 spot was hard. I happen to love dining at Epcot and a few others places (Coral Reef, Sunshine Seasons) fought hard but in the end Biergarten beat them out. My first visit to Biergarten was quite unremarkable back in 2005. Luckily I gave it another shot last October and I'm SO glad that I did! It's an experience that provides entertainment and unique a unique meal.
Hollywood Studios
1. Mama Melrose
2. Starring Rolls
3. Studio Catering Company
The Studios isn't known for their fantastic food. It's obvious. My theme of my list seems to be, "Do I have to pick?" I've had one great meal at Mama Melrose and one not so wonderful meal. Still, it's the most appetizing table service I've had at DHS so I went with that. Starring Rolls is amazing for it's dessert variety. If you're a sweet tooth, check out the selection online so you can see if something there peaks your interest. Lastly, Studio Catering Company has a really delicious salad and vegetable sandwich that I enjoy. It's hot as sin to have to sit outside in no A/C though.
Animal Kingdom
1. Tusker House (dinner)
2. Yak & Yeti (counter service)
3. Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
Being a vegetarian, Animal Kingdom isn't the best park for me to find delicious eats. Still, Tusker House takes the cake as one of my favorite vegetarian friendly meals in all of WDW. The lunch/dinner buffet is outstanding and has the best selection. I'm not so sure that Yak & Yeti still has the Shrimp Lo Mein but two years ago they did and I loved it. It was so much that I could have taken the rest back to the room and ate it for dinner. Great value! Kusafiri Coffee Shop isn't a place I've actually been to but I ran out of places I've eaten at so I decided on it simply because of the snack selection. A white elephant cupcake?! Yes, please!
Resorts
1. 'Ohana
2. Cape May Cafe
3. Kona Cafe
For years I have shouted to the rooftops about 'Ohana. It's a really fun meal and is great for couples and families. Tons of food and while the quality may lack here or there in general it's wonderful. Sadly, my man Chef TJ is gone so I can't speak for how the food is going to be now. Cape May Cafe was one of the first places I ever ate at in WDW. While the atmosphere isn't anything special, the food is really good for someone who doesn't get seafood a lot. I can't speak for Kona Cafe's dinner but I LOVE their breakfast. I love me some Tonga Toast!
Downtown Disney
1. Earl of Sandwich
2. Raglan Road
3. Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
Earl of Sandwich is one of my favorite counter service restaurants! You have such a variety to choose from and it is more healthy than most other counter service restaurants. I personally love the Caprese wrap! I'm a fan of Raglan Road because it's a very large restaurant and has great entertainment. The food is also really authentic Irish grub and it is YUMMY! Now, I have to admit I've never been to the Ghiradelli place in DTD but I have been to the one in Chicago and it's awesome. If you're an ice cream fan then Ghiradelli is a must-do.
Now that I've shared with you my favorite places to eat in WDW, what are yours?!
Magic Kingdom
1. Aloha Isle
2. Columbia Harbour House
3. Main Street Bakery
If any one of my readers has had a dole whip float you will know why I put Aloha Isle at the top of my MK list. It's simply the best snack on Disney property. I LOVE Columbia Harbour House for their more health concious options. The Lighthouse Sandwich is magical. There is a special place in my heart for Main Street Bakery as well. Lots of goodies for breakfast and for a sweet treat.
Epcot
1. Le Cellier
2. Tangerine Cafe
3. Biergarten
Le Cellier is not a place that is just hype. They back up that hype with amazing food and great service. Both meals I've had there were probably two of the best meals I've had in all of my 22 years. Of all of the counter service in Walt Disney World I find Tangerine Cafe to be the most outstanding. It's a great value and the unique food provides a nice break from the typical burger and fries. Placing a restaurant in the number 3 spot was hard. I happen to love dining at Epcot and a few others places (Coral Reef, Sunshine Seasons) fought hard but in the end Biergarten beat them out. My first visit to Biergarten was quite unremarkable back in 2005. Luckily I gave it another shot last October and I'm SO glad that I did! It's an experience that provides entertainment and unique a unique meal.
Hollywood Studios
1. Mama Melrose
2. Starring Rolls
3. Studio Catering Company
The Studios isn't known for their fantastic food. It's obvious. My theme of my list seems to be, "Do I have to pick?" I've had one great meal at Mama Melrose and one not so wonderful meal. Still, it's the most appetizing table service I've had at DHS so I went with that. Starring Rolls is amazing for it's dessert variety. If you're a sweet tooth, check out the selection online so you can see if something there peaks your interest. Lastly, Studio Catering Company has a really delicious salad and vegetable sandwich that I enjoy. It's hot as sin to have to sit outside in no A/C though.
Animal Kingdom
1. Tusker House (dinner)
2. Yak & Yeti (counter service)
3. Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
Being a vegetarian, Animal Kingdom isn't the best park for me to find delicious eats. Still, Tusker House takes the cake as one of my favorite vegetarian friendly meals in all of WDW. The lunch/dinner buffet is outstanding and has the best selection. I'm not so sure that Yak & Yeti still has the Shrimp Lo Mein but two years ago they did and I loved it. It was so much that I could have taken the rest back to the room and ate it for dinner. Great value! Kusafiri Coffee Shop isn't a place I've actually been to but I ran out of places I've eaten at so I decided on it simply because of the snack selection. A white elephant cupcake?! Yes, please!
Resorts
1. 'Ohana
2. Cape May Cafe
3. Kona Cafe
For years I have shouted to the rooftops about 'Ohana. It's a really fun meal and is great for couples and families. Tons of food and while the quality may lack here or there in general it's wonderful. Sadly, my man Chef TJ is gone so I can't speak for how the food is going to be now. Cape May Cafe was one of the first places I ever ate at in WDW. While the atmosphere isn't anything special, the food is really good for someone who doesn't get seafood a lot. I can't speak for Kona Cafe's dinner but I LOVE their breakfast. I love me some Tonga Toast!
Downtown Disney
1. Earl of Sandwich
2. Raglan Road
3. Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
Earl of Sandwich is one of my favorite counter service restaurants! You have such a variety to choose from and it is more healthy than most other counter service restaurants. I personally love the Caprese wrap! I'm a fan of Raglan Road because it's a very large restaurant and has great entertainment. The food is also really authentic Irish grub and it is YUMMY! Now, I have to admit I've never been to the Ghiradelli place in DTD but I have been to the one in Chicago and it's awesome. If you're an ice cream fan then Ghiradelli is a must-do.
Now that I've shared with you my favorite places to eat in WDW, what are yours?!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
La Hacienda de San Angel
Epcot has a new restaurant that opens this week called La Hacienda de San Angel. As you might guess it's located in the Mexico pavillion in the World Showcase. The restaurant sits right beside the water and provides a great view to watch Illuminations while dining outdoors or indoors. During lunch the restaurant is open for counter service meals and for dinner it's transformed into a table service eatery.
Reservations can be made as of today for dates October 15 and on. I was able to snag an October 15th reservation at 8:15 p.m. Just in time for Illuminations! Hopefully we keep this reservation and enjoy our visit there. I've wanted to try La Hacienda since I first heard about it.
Here is the link to photos of the restaurant and a few menu items from Orlando Sentinel.
In other Disney trip news... my mom got a new camera! Almost two weeks ago she asked me to come over and help her pick out a new digital camera. Her old one is a Fuji and is a true piece of junk. It shuts off on it's own and has a terrible battery life. After doing some searching for deals I found a good bundle on a Canon. It is fairly basic (which is all she needs) but with more bells and whistles than what she is used to. She got a memory card, camera bag, and a small tripod in the bundle. I'm sure i'll end up using the tripod more than she will. : )
Reservations can be made as of today for dates October 15 and on. I was able to snag an October 15th reservation at 8:15 p.m. Just in time for Illuminations! Hopefully we keep this reservation and enjoy our visit there. I've wanted to try La Hacienda since I first heard about it.
Here is the link to photos of the restaurant and a few menu items from Orlando Sentinel.
In other Disney trip news... my mom got a new camera! Almost two weeks ago she asked me to come over and help her pick out a new digital camera. Her old one is a Fuji and is a true piece of junk. It shuts off on it's own and has a terrible battery life. After doing some searching for deals I found a good bundle on a Canon. It is fairly basic (which is all she needs) but with more bells and whistles than what she is used to. She got a memory card, camera bag, and a small tripod in the bundle. I'm sure i'll end up using the tripod more than she will. : )
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
25 Days To Go!
The date is slowly creeping closer. It's all setting in more and more every day. Focusing at work is becoming difficult. :)
I got an e-mail from Erin from Orbitz and she was able to snag our reservation number. After looking our reservation up on Disney World's website I saw that we have a lagoon view at the Polynesian Resort! Yay! There is a chance that with any given lagoon view that you can see part of the Magic Kingdom (Space Mountain, Cindy's Castle) but with a slightly obstructed view. Maybe a tree in the way or something like that. Either way, we'll be seeing water and probably one of the other resorts out our window.
Since we know for sure now that we aren't Club Level we're going to go ahead and use Garden Grocer to get some snacks and water. I'll probably start making out the list in a few weeks and place my order shortly thereafter. I'm thinking that I will inquire with the front desk about the availability in Club Level when we check-in. The difference a night will be around $40 which comes out to be $320 for eight nights. They often can give you a special discounted rate for upgrading. I'd lose my lagoon view and go garden view just to have access to the Club Level lounge. Those additional snacks and drinks would save us some money on breakfast and possibly lunch or dinner.
Walgreens sells Disney gift cards and I am thinking of loading one up with a couple of hundred bucks before we leave. It would be nice to not have to keep paying with cash or our debit card for everything. Dealing with balancing all of that would be a headache for me and I'd like to make it as stress-free as possible.
I've also decided to cancel our Cape May Cafe reservation. The price of the buffet as gone up to $35 per person and I just don't see us wanting to spend that (especially when they got rid of the oysters). Sure, they added crab legs to the buffet but that doesn't justify the cost in my book. We may replace that reservation with dinner at the new restaurant in Mexico that opens this week. Once I look at the full menu I will decide.
If you follow me on Twitter (Stacey87) you may have seen my tweet the other night that I had picked my American Idol Experience song. I did! That is, up until I realized that the song that I chose isn't the song that I was thinking it was. When I read the list the first time I saw that "Love Song" was listed under "Pop/Rock." I assumed it was "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. After looking at the list again I noticed that it was listed under "Pop/Rock Ballads" and not "Up Tempo." It couldn't possibly be the same song since Sara's song is fast. Bummer. Now I am back to square one. Let me just say... The AIE list sucks. : )
I got an e-mail from Erin from Orbitz and she was able to snag our reservation number. After looking our reservation up on Disney World's website I saw that we have a lagoon view at the Polynesian Resort! Yay! There is a chance that with any given lagoon view that you can see part of the Magic Kingdom (Space Mountain, Cindy's Castle) but with a slightly obstructed view. Maybe a tree in the way or something like that. Either way, we'll be seeing water and probably one of the other resorts out our window.
Since we know for sure now that we aren't Club Level we're going to go ahead and use Garden Grocer to get some snacks and water. I'll probably start making out the list in a few weeks and place my order shortly thereafter. I'm thinking that I will inquire with the front desk about the availability in Club Level when we check-in. The difference a night will be around $40 which comes out to be $320 for eight nights. They often can give you a special discounted rate for upgrading. I'd lose my lagoon view and go garden view just to have access to the Club Level lounge. Those additional snacks and drinks would save us some money on breakfast and possibly lunch or dinner.
Walgreens sells Disney gift cards and I am thinking of loading one up with a couple of hundred bucks before we leave. It would be nice to not have to keep paying with cash or our debit card for everything. Dealing with balancing all of that would be a headache for me and I'd like to make it as stress-free as possible.
I've also decided to cancel our Cape May Cafe reservation. The price of the buffet as gone up to $35 per person and I just don't see us wanting to spend that (especially when they got rid of the oysters). Sure, they added crab legs to the buffet but that doesn't justify the cost in my book. We may replace that reservation with dinner at the new restaurant in Mexico that opens this week. Once I look at the full menu I will decide.
If you follow me on Twitter (Stacey87) you may have seen my tweet the other night that I had picked my American Idol Experience song. I did! That is, up until I realized that the song that I chose isn't the song that I was thinking it was. When I read the list the first time I saw that "Love Song" was listed under "Pop/Rock." I assumed it was "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. After looking at the list again I noticed that it was listed under "Pop/Rock Ballads" and not "Up Tempo." It couldn't possibly be the same song since Sara's song is fast. Bummer. Now I am back to square one. Let me just say... The AIE list sucks. : )
Monday, September 6, 2010
How It All Started
Everyone seems to have a different story when it comes to how they got into the Disney parks. My story dates back to when I was a young child.
As many young kids, I grew up watching Disney films. My 4th birthday was The Little Mermaid based. I had a cake with Ariel and Flounder! By the time I was 8 I was really into Pochohantas. My birthday present was my whole room being decorated with my new favorite Disney girl. Fast forward to me being 11 years old and I took a strong liking to Pooh and friends. It seemed to be the trend. So, again, my bed spread changed and I slept with Pooh by my side.
My dad got cancer when I was 5. I remember that he always said he wanted two things for me.... to get me a pony and get me to Walt Disney World. I have very few memories of my dad but this wish of my dads stuck in my head. My dad passed away right before I turned 7... before he ever got to take me to Disney World.
My mom saved up money for the next 3 years and when I was in the 4th grade we took the trip of a lifetime. I couldn't believe I was actually seeing THE CASTLE ... IN PERSON! The whole trip was so memorable and made such an impression on me. On the plane ride home I remember holding my moms hand crying saying that my wish finally came true and that I was sure that I would die on the plane (no, I'm not kidding... I whole heartedly believed this). For some reason I was just convinced that God was like, "Your dream came true. Time to die." Totally morbid, I know. But, luckily, the plane didn't crash and we made it home in one piece.
Since those high school trips I've been to WDW every single year at least once. I've expanded on my knowledge of the parks and of the company. It has given me so much joy to learn so much. I'll probably never find a hobby that I love as much as Disney. It gives me a feeling that no other place or person can come close to. When I am at Disney World it's like I am the person that I want to be all of the time. Even the worst things imagineable somehow don't seem so bad. It really is the place where dreams can come true.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Special Delivery!!
Today while I was at work Matt called me to let me know that we got our Disney's Magical Express packet in the mail!
He brought it out to me and I can't even tell you how excited I was to see the papers in person. Seeing the luggage tags that read "Polynesian" with all of our names on them just made me the happiest person in the world. It's finally setting in. Really really. We're actually going in 34 days!
He brought it out to me and I can't even tell you how excited I was to see the papers in person. Seeing the luggage tags that read "Polynesian" with all of our names on them just made me the happiest person in the world. It's finally setting in. Really really. We're actually going in 34 days!
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