How do Travel Agents Make Money??

It’s been quite some time since I talked about how the travel industry works with travel agents and how we’re paid. It’s not as straight-forward as you might think! So, here’s the lowdown on how I get paid doing this fun job…. 

The only reason I bring this up is that I talk to people often that book on their own because “they didn’t want to bother me.”  That puts both of us at a disadvantage! Booking on your own means you won’t get my expert advice (I also won’t be able to help if issues arrive on a trip that I didn’t book), and I don’t get paid!  

There are two main things that should make you want to bug me and have your friends and family bug me too!

1 - I LOVE planning trips to the destinations that I consider “my favorites”.  Every time I log in or call about a trip, I head right down memory lane.  I only book vacation spots that I love and am excited to work on.

2 - I actually make money doing this.  I know, it’s crazy that I’m paid to do something I truly love.  I would probably do this for free, but I have bills to pay just as you do!

People always get a little uncomfortable discussing money, but let me give you the basics.  You pay Disney/Universal/Sandals… the same price whether or not you go online, call it in, or have a travel agent do it for you.  The exact same price.

If a travel agent books a Disney World trip for example, Disney pays the travel agency a commission and then the agency pays the agent a portion of that commission.   So even if I did nothing but book the trip, you aren’t paying a dime more than if you did it yourself.  But on top of helping you figure out the best plans for your trip, I’m there for questions, checking for potential discounts released after booking and helping with any issues that arise during travel.

The reason Disney is willing to give a portion of their profits to a travel agent is that they know that the Guest is more likely to enjoy their vacation.  There’s a much better chance of Guests returning to Disney again and again if they are given guidance by someone with a knowledge and passion for their product. 

One little interesting nugget is that most vendors do not pay commission until AFTER the trip has ended. Then of course, there’s a bit of lag time as the agency has to get collect payments and then send out the agent portion. So it’s often a couple of months after the trip before I’m paid.

And if the Guest cancels the trip? Most likely, I’m not getting paid at all. I completely understand when circumstances change, but just keep in mind that any travel agent you use is probably doing a fair amount of work for free when it comes right down to it.

So why would you NOT want to use a travel agent?  Let me answer some of the most common reasons…

*  I want the cheapest rate and can do that myself.  —  Nope!  You just aren’t going to find it cheaper on your own.  And I will monitor and possibly find a cheaper rate as it gets closer to your trip.  I will apply it automatically and let you know!  And if time is money, I’m saving you tons of it by doing the leg work for you.

*  I love Disney too and want to plan it all myself.  — This one is totally understandable as I feel the same way!  But the cool part is, I can book it and then let you take over the planning if you like.  I will still be there for questions, will still monitor for better deals and be available if issues arise.

*  How do I know you won’t up-sell me?  —  Trust me, I am the queen of getting a good deal.  I spend way more time then I should figuring out how to save a penny or a bit of time.  I will never lead you towards spending more just to spend more.  I want you to get the absolute most out of your vacation for the least money and hassle.

So PLEASE consider contacting me when you’re thinking about a trip.  And I would be so appreciative if you would forward my information to your family and friends.  Word of mouth is the absolute best advertising I can get! I’ve got those bills to pay, you know!  :)

PS - if you refer a friend and they book a trip, your next meal is on me!  I'll contact you to find out your favorite restaurant and send you a $10 gift card to the place you choose!  Easy!!

No More FastPasses!! Welcome to Disney Genie and Disney Genie+.

Disney announced this week the the FastPass system as we know it has been retired. If you’re like me, this is part exciting and part terrifying!

While I love the idea of not having to stress about getting those 3 FastPasses, I also really enjoyed knowing that I had 3 of my favorite attractions locked in.

So what’s Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ and how will it work?

I attended a webinar this morning that gave Disney Travel Agents an overview of the new product.

First, the Disney Genie service is a FREE service. What will it do for you?

• It will give you an personalized itinerary based on preferences that you select

• You will be able to see forecasted wait times for attractions

• You will be able to Mobile Order from Quick Service locations

• You can check restaurant wait lists and check-in for your Advanced Dining Reservations

• You can enter the Virtual Queue on attractions using those (no list of those yet)

The next option is the Genie+ option which is a PAID service. The cost is $15 per person per day at Disney World and $20 per person per day at Disneyland. What are the features?

• You can choose the next available time to enter an attraction using the Lightning Lane. This is done one at a time throughout the day. (If you are familiar with MaxPass at Disneyland, this is very similar).

• You get fun PhotoPass Lenses (like snapchat filters) at Disney World and PhotoPass downloads at Disneyland. (To download your Disney World PhotoPass photos, you will still need to purchase Memory Maker!).

• You will also have access to Audio Experiences as you approach different areas of the park. I love the idea of this to learn more nerdy Disney trivia, but if you’re like me, your phone is usually on silent mode so I won’t even notice it. However, I don’t love the idea of hearing everyone’s non-silent phones near me spouting random information all of the time so we’ll see how this works!

Whether you are using Disney Genie or Disney Genie+, you’ll have the option to purchase up to 2 attractions per person per day using the Lightning Lane. No attractions were listed, but I got the impression these were attractions like Rise of the Resistance that currently use Virtual Queues. I also wonder if these attractions will be available at all if you don’t purchase them?

So how do you purchase these and how do you make selections?

Genie+ can be purchased ahead of time for those with tickets in a package or those with date-based tickets. Or you have the option to purchase a day at a time each day starting at midnight. At 7am, guests staying on-site at a Disney resort will be able to purchase the 2 Individual Attraction Lightning Lane options if desired. Off-site guests will be able to do this at the posted park opening time.

As of this posting, no date has been given on when we can add the Genie+ option to currently booked packages but I will let you know!

If you have pre-purchased Genie+, you can make your first Lightning Lane selection (not the 2 individual paid selections) starting at 7am on the day of your visit. I really wish they would give the 2 Individual Attraction purchases a separate name as this is going to confuse a lot of people!

A few important things that I still have questions about that were not answered today:

• No date has been announced as to when this will start. “Fall” is the only timeline given. I will of course keep in the loop and be communicating with my guests that are traveling this fall and beyond, and let you know if this will be available for your trip.

• The Individual Attractions available for the “pay-per-lightning-lane-use” have not been announced. No price has been given for that option either. I also wonder if there are any attractions that will be unavailable to those not willing to pay to ride?

• Not all attractions will have Lightning Lane entrances - we weren’t given a list of the ones that will remain Standby queue only.

• They did mention there is a limit to the number of Individual Attraction purchases, but no mention of if there’s a limit on how many guests can purchase Genie+ in a given day?

Whew - it’s a lot!! I know you have questions so please ask and I’ll try my best to answer. I have a feeling once I can go and use the system, it will make a lot more sense. Guess I’ll just have to head down again once they bring it online!! Who’s with me???

Give me a call and let’s get your trip booked and give you a WHOLE LOT OF HAPPINESS to look forward to!!

Great Activity and Collection to do at Disney!

For the biggest Disney nerds out there, here’s a great collection for you to get collecting!

Shockingly, I haven’t gotten into this myself.  I do have 3 pins that I got from my aunt when Disney gave them out during the inconvenience of construction at Caribbean Beach.  So I’ve got the start of a collection which makes me want to stop typing this blog post right now and get on eBay to look for pins to buy.  Someone stop me!

Collecting and trading pins is something I know I’d love but it can be expensive to get started.  So for now, I’ll just look at my 3 pins and enjoy those.

But for those of you that lack my self-control (translation - I’m cheap), here’s how to get into this fun activity…

First, you’ll want some pins to get started.  You can buy these directly from Disney, eBay, Amazon…  just be aware that unless you are buying from Disney, you could run into fake pins or worn/damaged ones.  Be sure to check the pictures and read reviews of the sellers.  To trade them at Disney with Cast Members, you’ll need to be sure they are the official Disney pins with the Disney copy-write mark on it.

When you’re at Disney, you can trade with both Cast Members and Guests.  Typically, you can tell that someone interested in trading because they’ll be wearing a lanyard with pins attached.  Cast Members will also sometimes have a board displayed at their location with pins attached.  Don’t be shy about asking if someone wants to trade - most are willing!  Rumor is that Cast Members aren’t allowed to say no, but they can only trade up to 2 pins at a time. 

There are a couple of strategies to pin trading - some people are trying to build a collection based on value of the pins.  This takes some time on your part to study the pins (lots of info on the old internet) and know by glancing if you are trading your pin for another one of greater value.  

The other strategy is to ignore the value but just look for pins that are your favorites as far as characters or attractions or movies or whatever.  This would be my strategy which is another reason for me to never get into this as I would totally be losing money with each trade.

This is a really fun activity for kids and can be a great way to get them to learn how to talk to strangers (with your permission of course!) and an intro to negotiating.  

Do you trade pins at Disney?  If so, let me know!  I’d love to get talked into doing this…

Be sure to call me when you’re thinking of planning a trip - my services are FREE!!

10 Incorrect Disney Myths

With something as large as Disney, there are bound to be countless rumors and myths. Today’s post will cover 10 of the most widely believed, yet false tales… Have you heard other myths? Put them in the comments!!! And if you haven’t been to Disney in a while (or ever), call me to get a trip planned for you. Without seeing it for yourself, who knows what you’ll believe!!

Myth: Cinderella Castle Can be Quickly Deconstructed Before a Hurricane

Walt Disney World has closed down several times due to hurricanes but the Magic Kingdom’s centerpiece can’t be taken apart to prevent it from being damaged. Despite the castle’s magical appearance, it’s a building like any other..

Myth: All of Walt Disney World is Built on Top of an Underground City

This one has a bit of truth at its core, since the Magic Kingdom is built on top of a series of underground tunnels known as Utilidors. However, outside of the area underneath Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the system wasn’t replicated in any of WDW’s other parks.

Myth: Walt Disney is Frozen

After Walt Disney succumbed to cancer in December 1966, rumors spread that he had been cryogenically frozen, with the hope being that he could be “thawed” out when a cure was discovered for cancer. In later years, this myth evolved into the idea that Disney’s frozen body was kept in various places, including underneath Epcot. However, it’s flatly untrue. While Walt did apparently show some interest in cryonics, the first human being wasn’t cryopreserved until 1967, the year after Disney died. Walt’s remains were actually cremated and interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Myth: Paramedics Will Only Declare Someone Dead Once They’re Off Disney Property

Once again, this urban legend — that medical teams won’t/aren’t allowed to declare someone dead until they’re off Disney property in order to uphold the company’s safety record — is completely untrue. In fact, in the 60-plus years since Disneyland opened, there have sadly been documented deaths on Disney property, including inside the theme parks.

Myth: Cast Members Portraying Toy Story Characters Will “Drop” to the Ground Any Time Someone Says “Andy’s Coming.”

In the past, cast members portraying Toy Story characters would drop to the ground and lay still like the film’s characters if a guest said “Andy’s coming.” However it was never an across-the-board policy that happened every time, and after an internet meme of a character laying on the ground went viral in 2013, Disney put a stop to the practice entirely for safety reasons.

Myth: There’s a Fully Constructed, Yet Unopened Boat Ride In Epcot’s Germany Pavilion 

While there were originally plans for a Rhine River cruise attraction at the back of the pavilion, the construction never began as some believe. The only physical remnant of the original plan is a foyer and mural-covered wall at the location of the planned entrance gate and loading platform near the pavilion’s Biergarten restaurant. 

Myth: Walt Disney is One of the Singing Busts in the Haunted Mansion Graveyard Scene

The busts are actually the Mellomen, a popular singing group who sang in several Disney films, as well as numerous Elvis Presley films. The specific members immortalized in the Haunted Mansion are Thurl Ravenscroft (often mistaken for Walt), Jay Meyer, Verne Rowe, Bob Ebright, and Chuck Schroeder.

Myth: The Dream Suite in Cinderella Castle Was Initially Designed for the Disney Family

Walt Disney did have an apartment above the fire station in Disneyland, and a suite was being constructed for Walt and his family in New Orleans Square prior to his death — this space went on to become the Disney Gallery and later the Disneyland Dream Suite. Walt died before proper plans of WDW had been made, however, and no lodging was ever planned for him in Orlando. The Cinderella Dream Suite was instead constructed in the mid-2000s as part of the Year of a Million Dreams promotion, carved out of a space previously used for storage and as the headquarters of the Walt Disney World phone system.

Myth: There is a “Club 21” at Walt Disney World

For years, it’s been rumored that WDW had a version of Disneyland’s famously exclusive – and expensive – Club 33 called “Club 21” which is completely untrue. However, Disney is currently constructing real Club 33 locations in all four Disney World parks, which should end the “Club 21” myth once and for all.

Myth: There’s Always a Vice President Animatronic on Standby at the Hall of Presidents in Case of Assassination

It’s unknown what, if anything, Disney would do in the case of a presidential assassination, as one has never occurred while the Hall has been open.

How Insane was Disneyland on the Opening Day of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge??

For months (or really, years) since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was announced, people have talked about the ridiculous lines that would be formed to get in and ride the attractions.

This pic is one of the many memes that people have come up with to depict how long the lines were going to be. This one’s for Disney World, but the expectation was the same for Disneyland.

But Disneyland pulled off a miracle and day one of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is likely to go down in the history books as a success. The lines worked. The land largely had the capacity for the capped number of visitors. Both the physical structure and the cast were clearly ready to bring this world to life even though the second ride wasn’t yet available. Although it wasn’t empty, there was a bit of breathing room you can see in the pics below.

The main complaints on opening day were things like not being able to even enter a line for some key experiences (such as building lightsabers or visiting Oga’s) when the line got too long. There was also period of time where there was a two-hour delay on mobile food ordering at lunch.  But compared to the expectation that you would be shoulder-to-shoulder and wait hours just to enter the land, things were much better.

When Walt Disney World opened up Frozen Ever After, a boat ride themed around the Frozen franchise in the Norway Pavilion of Epcot, on opening day the wait time reached upwards of 300 minutes. The lines for the attraction stretched all throughout the park as families queued up for literally hours.

If you think that’s bad, the next year in 2017 when Disney World opened its brand new land, Pandora: The World of Avatar, the wait to just get into the new land surpassed two hours, and then once you were inside it was still another four hour wait to ride the main attraction, Flight of Passage.

So needless to say, when it was announced that Disneyland would be opening up a Star Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge, both guests — and cast members — braced themselves for the worst. This wasn’t just a single ride, it was an entire land with a dedicated and die-hard fan base already clamoring to get inside. How would Disney be able to combat the hours-long wait times that were sure to form and stretch on endlessly?

Doing something the theme park has never done before, it decided to require guests to obtain a reservation to access Galaxy’s Edge. It’s like a FastPass, but not just for a ride, but the whole land. The reservation system opened up roughly a month before its opening, and all reservations for Galaxy’s Edge were gone in a matter of hours. However, come opening day, would this actually work?

Surprisingly, yes. In a move that is now sure to be repeated again in the future (hopefully), with this reservation system in place Disney managed to keep the wait time for the one ride in the area — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — below 45 minutes for roughly the entire day. Honestly, that’s unheard of. Opening day of new land with a brand new attraction? A 45-minute wait?

By all accounts, this opening went incredibly smooth, it’s time to turn our attention to Disney World where its own Galaxy’s Edge is set to open August 29th, 2019. Currently, there are no plans to use a reservation system to access the new land in Orlando, Florida. Will that opening go as smoothly as Anaheim? I sure hope so as I will be there that very day! If you have any pull over any big-wigs at Disney, please convince them to do the reservation system there, too. Please! :)

Do you want to get to Disney World or Disneyland to see Star Wars? Or do you want to go and avoid that area all together? Either way, contact me!! It’s always FREE to use my services!!

What are the Absolute BEST Rooms at Disney??

All of the rooms on Disney property are amazing in my opinion - I mean if you’re staying there, you’re at Disney so you’re having a pretty good day, right?! But there are a few rooms that will blow you away.

The rooms I want to show you today are Signature Suites at the Disneyland Hotel. These are all available for booking by anyone - if you are willing to pay a bit more! I can’t give you exact costs here as they change based on time of year and availability but expect thousands per night!! If you are actually interested in staying in one, let me know and I’ll give them a call for you to find out specifics!

I was able to personally visit all of these suites on my last training trip to Disneyland. Staying in all of them is now definitely at the top of my bucket list! Forgive me for my photography. There were quite a few agents on the tour and we didn’t get a lot of time to get the perfect shot.

First up is the Fairy Tale Suite. This one just has space for 2 guests but it’s the most “magical” of the suites. It has a beautiful bathroom and spectacular views of the resort!

Next up is the 2-bedroom Pirates of the Caribbean Suite. You’ll be completely immersed in a Pirate’s Life for sure… Be sure and ring the doorbell!!

Want to take the most luxurious safari ever? Then head on to the Adventureland Suite. This amazing suite even has a stone grotto that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the rain forest!

All aboard the train as we head into the wonderfully rustic Big Thunder suite. It’s the wildest suite in the wilderness for up to 6 guests.

Finally, up to the Penthouse, you’ll find the Main Mouse’s suite! It’s the Mickey Mouse suite! It’s ultra-modern and huge. Mickey definitely gives it a big thumbs up…

If you could choose your suite to stay in, which would you pick? If I had to choose, I think it would be the Adventureland Suite - there’s a grotto in it for goodness’ sake! But if you want to gift me with a week in one, I won’t be picky.

These Signature Suites are exclusive to Disneyland, but there are some really fun (and more affordable) special rooms at Disney World. I’ll tell you all about those next week!!

Want to know more about planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World? Contact me and remember there’s no charge for my trip planning services!

The Cats of Disneyland!

For years, I’ve heard rumors about the cats of Disneyland. Being a huge fan of both cats and Disney, I loved the idea of cats living there. So you can bet I was pumped to actually see one on my last trip!!

This was at the Disneyland Hotel. Unusual to see one during the day as they normally stay hidden until night, but a maintenance worker was working in the bushes where the kitty probably was trying to hide. Of course I tried to pat it since I was out of town and missing my own cats but it was a bit too quick for me.

It’s hard to know exactly when the first cats started to appear on Disneyland property, but there have been sightings going as far back as 1955. Soon after Disneyland opened, Walt decided that there should be an attraction inside of Sleeping Beauty Castle. When he brought imagineers into the castle to begin the planning process for what would eventually become the Castle Walkthrough attraction, he was greeted by quite the sight—scores of feral cats had set up a home for themselves inside the building. Not only that, but the cats had brought with them an infestation of fleas. It became clear that something needed to be done about the cats, but the Disney company knew they couldn’t exactly “eliminate” the problem without considerable uproar from guests. The immediate solution was to adopt out all the cats to cast members and ensure them good homes.

Meanwhile, being an outdoor theme park with lands meant to simulate rustic situations, Disneyland had developed a bit of a rodent problem. While the irony was lost on no one in the company, Disneyland had mice running around—and we’re not talking about Mickey and Minnie. There were also still plenty of feral cats on property who hadn’t set up shop in the castle. The cats were smart and realized they’d found a decent hunting ground on a property that was free of all the typical dangers stray cats have to face. They were able to emerge at night to a relatively empty park, and they could hunt in peace.

It was around this time that someone in the Disney company must have had a pretty brilliant idea. The cats weren’t bothering anyone—feral cats, by nature, are scared of humans—and they were doing a much better job with pest control than any human exterminators were likely to do. So the cats were put to work. More accurately, they were allowed to continue doing the work they were already doing, but now it was with Disney’s blessing, and some payment.

A relationship between the company and the Disneyland Cats was established that still operates in basically the same fashion today. Feeding stations were set up around the property where the cats could get their fill when they couldn’t subsist on hunting alone. The cats were all captured and spayed/neutered before being released back out onto the grounds so that the cat population would remain under control. The cast members at Circle D Ranch (the same cast members who look after the Main Street trolley horses and the goats at Big Thunder Ranch, etc.) help manage the cats. They give them medical treatment if necessary, keep the food refilled, and generally look after Disney’s herd.

The cats actually live a pretty mundane life, similar to most other feral cats you might have in your neighborhood. Of course, they do so in the Happiest Place on Earth. They generally stay hidden out of sight during the day and only come out at night. There are exceptions, of course, and guests have been known to spot cats sleeping in the parks or otherwise slinking around property. As a general rule, Disney doesn’t encourage guests to get too close to the cats. In addition to the simple fact that it’s never smart to try to pet a cat you don’t know, these cats are often better off remaining solitary. If cats start to appear too comfortable around humans, Disney will adopt them out to cast members. The same is true of any new litters of kittens that are accidentally born on property.

It is estimated that the current cat population on Disneyland property is about 200. Some of the feeding station locations where guests are most likely to spot a cat include ones near the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland, Taste Pilot’s Grill at Disney’s California Adventure and White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian. Cats can also often be spotted in the Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel and in the ditch that runs parallel to the path for the Mickey and Friends Tram.

There are most likely feral cats that roam Disney World also, although they don’t “officially'“ live there like at Disneyland.

Want to head to Disney to try to catch a glimpse of the cats? Call me! It’s always FREE to book with me!

**Credit for the information in this post belongs to disneylandcats.com.

Sprinkle some MAGIC into your daily lives!

Can’t make it to Disney World or Universal Studios anytime soon? When it’s a long time between trips (or really even a few days), I start to miss my Happy Places. To make it bearable, I like to sprinkle magic into my daily life. Often times you’ll see my with my Mickey hat/shirt/necklace or drinking from my awesome new Harry Potter tumbler while I’m out.

I love to listen to Disney music, watch movies, and reminisce over the pictures that I have taken from all of my Disney & Universal trips.

One of the most fun things to keep the magic alive at home is to incorporate the fun into parties that you’re having! Before my kids were too old to tell me they didn’t want these AWESOME parties, I had a great time planning and throwing some fun Disney/Universal themed parties and wearing matching Halloween costumes!

Enjoy the pics below and remember to get your own dose of magic for your next vacation, give me a call! There are NO FEES for booking and planning your trip!!

Disneyland vs. Disney World - Which One is Better? Part Two...

If you didn’t read last week’s post, be sure and do it here… So in Part Two, I’ll give you the reasons why Disney World is the best.

The most amazing feeling at Disney World is when you first enter the park and see the Castle. It’s one of my favorite views in the world. The Castle at Disneyland is pretty, but it’s quite a bit smaller and just doesn’t have the same impact. Yes, I know in these pics, I’m close to the first castle and farther away from the second. But they are significantly different in size.

Cinderella Castle - Disney World

Sleeping Beauty Castle - Disneyland

Actually, I first should have mentioned the transportation to Disney World from the airport. It’s complimentary for on-site resort guests! Disneyland Express is an extra charge. The Magical Express is one of my favorite things (on the way to Disney anyway - on the way out, it’s super sad!). At Orlando International, you can’t miss the Magical Express and you feel like you are already in the Disney Bubble as soon as you get the to boarding area. Not really the case in L.A. The Disneyland Express bus was convenient but just felt like a plain old bus ride. Magical Express shows Disney videos to get you in the Disney mood!

Disney World Magical Express - Easy to Find!

Disney World Magical Express

Disneyland Express - Small Kiosk that You Might Miss

Another perk that Disney World has which Disneyland doesn’t is the MagicBands. I’ve done a blog post on them before - check it out here for the details… I love the bling of a MagicBand but more importantly I love what it does. I can unlock my room door, get into the parks, redeem FastPasses, charge things to my room and have my PhotoPass pictures put on my account without having to carry around anything but my band! So convenient!

I mentioned on Part One that Disneyland has a couple of Lands that Disney World doesn’t. But to be fair, Disney World has 4 - count them 4 - parks!! Compared to the 2 parks of Disneyland, you’ve got a lot more options there. It’s definitely not as easy to get between the 4 parks as it is to park-hop at Disneyland but it can be done. We did all 4 in one day on our last Disney World trip and it was so much fun.

One day Four parks!

Of course, park hopping takes time and energy so consider the people in your party (small kids, elderly peeps?) before embarking on that adventure!

So which rides do I like better at Disney World? Going the time of year that I went to Disneyland, The Haunted Mansion had its holiday overlay which means it’s done in the theme of the Nightmare Before Christmas. If you like that movie, then you might prefer to see it with the overlay. For some reason, I’ve never been a fan of that movie so really didn’t like the overlay. I was sad to not see may favorite ghosts and hear my favorite song! Disney World definitely gets the win on this ride.

The monorail is probably better at Disney World also - it actually provides transportation there where at Disneyland I kind of feel like it’s a filler ride. At Disneyland it takes you from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland and back. I would much rather go in the main entrance and walk down Main Street so didn’t ride it much. At Disney World, you can get from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot and to 3 resorts - much more useful.

I felt like I would rather ride Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania at Disney World but I honestly think it’s because of the lack of a cute queue.

I prefer pretty much all of the ride queues at Disney World. A lot of them have been redone in recent years and offer hands-on entertainment while you’re waiting. Disneyland queues are just plain old rope lines.

So after all of this… do I have a winner? Honestly if money was no object, I would just go back and forth between the 2 each trip. Sadly since I don’t have unlimited funds, I would pick Disney World any chance I am able to go. There’s just so much more there. I also think people prefer the one that they know better and have an attachment to. I may have gone to Disneyland first (when I was 10), but it was so long ago I didn’t really remember it. Having been to Disney World so many times - and having been with my kids - makes it more of an emotional attachment for me.

Everyone is different and every family has different needs. Call me and let’s figure out which one would be best for you!! My services are FREE!!

Disneyland vs. Disney World - Which One is Better? Part One...

Traveling to Disneyland and Disney World both within the last year, I have found myself constantly comparing the two. So today, I want to tell you what’s the same, what’s different and which one I prefer!

First off, as I heard many times during my recent Disneyland training, picking one over the other is kind of like picking your favorite child. Can’t (or shouldn’t!) really be done. So I’ll have a hard time saying, “if you can only go to one, go here…” But I will tell you which parts of the parks are different in good and bad ways.

Something unique to Disneyland is that Walt Disney himself set foot there. To a Disnerd like myself, that’s pretty incredible. I love the fact that Walt’s apartment has been kept intact above the firehouse on Main Street. You can even go in it if you do the “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour. Sadly, I didn’t get to do the tour this time but it’s on my list to do when I return!

Me with Walt & Mickey!!

The Christmas Tree in the window is replaced with a lamp except for Christmas - always lit for Walt.

The biggie in favor of Disneyland is the transportation. Or really lack thereof. The entire 4 days I was at Disneyland, I never set foot in a bus, car or public transportation. Other than the ride from the airport to Disneyland, I walked. The 3 onsite hotels are literally onsite. Unlike Disney World where you may still be a few miles from the park you want to visit, you are within walking distance to both parks. The nearby Good Neighbor hotels are also within walking distance!

And if you want to park hop, you don’t need to factor in transportation time. It takes literally 30 seconds to walk from the exit of one park to the entrance of the other. And even better, security checkpoints are outside of this area so to go from one park to the other doesn’t require going through security again!

There are a few rides that I think are better at Disneyland:

Space Mountain - It seemed darker and more intense. I don’t tend to get butterflies on the Disney World version but I did at Disneyland! I also like that you can sit side-by-side which is nice if you have a smaller child you want to sit with. Luke was pretty nervous on the Disney World one the first time since he was in a row alone.

Juuuust a little nervous at Disney World!

it’s a small world - Disneyland puts much more emphasis on this ride. It’s in a stand-alone building here rather than mixed in with the other rides of Fantasyland. And during the holidays, they go all out and overlay it with a holiday theme. So cute and festive!! Beware though - they intersperse Jingle Bells with the Small World theme song throughout and it WILL get stuck in your head!! :)

Autopia (Tomorrowland Speedway at WDW) - This ride is certainly not a thrill ride and you can feel like you’ve gotten whiplash if you let your kid drive. But this version seemed easier to control, was a longer drive and had a lot more to see and do on it. Way better than the Disney World version which we sometimes skip.

Another plus for Disneyland is that they have a couple of lands that Disney World doesn’t. The theming and the rides in Cars Land and Pixar Pier are outstanding. Radiator Springs Racers is up there with my favorite rides ever!

So based on just these few things, can I say which one is my favorite? You know me - of course I can’t! Look for Part 2 next week on the things that I prefer at Disney World. Maybe then I’ll be able to decide…

And of course, call me and let’s chat about which one would be best for you and your family! I would love to plan and book your trip at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!!