Drop that Rope!!!

Every now and again, I mention “Rope Drop” to someone and I get a blank look back. I’ve gotten so used to the term that I assume everyone knows what I mean. If you’re one of the people looking at me like I’m crazy, please read on! (And even if you know what it means, keep reading. You might have some comments to add below!)

Rope Drop refers to the park opening. It’s when the “rope drops” and you’re allowed to enter the park.

Through the years, Rope Drop has looked different at the parks. Currently, Magic Kingdom is the only park that has a ceremony/show welcoming you to the park.

Guests are actually allowed to enter Magic Kingdom one hour before official park opening time. If the park is scheduled t open at 9:00 a.m., then Guests will be allowed to make their way in starting at 8:00 a.m. Guests are welcome to take a stroll along Main Street U.S.A., grab a cup of coffee at Main Street Bakery and make their way to Cinderella Castle to watch the morning welcome show. The shows starts about 5 minutes before park opening, so you can watch the show and make your way to the land you want to start in. The bridges to the individual lands are blocked off by Cast Members until the opening ceremony is officially over.

Animal Kingdom theme park is another park that does a nice early morning welcome.  The park typically starts letting guests in somewhere between 8 – 8:30 depending on the season and visitors are able to congregate in front of the Tree of Life on Discovery Island.  Just before the park officially opens at 9am, the many feathered friends that call Animal Kingdom home, will give Disney visitors a morning welcome.

At the other parks, it’s a rather unceremonial opening of the line by Cast Members and entry through the scanners. But hey, even without the ceremony, it’s exciting to be heading into any Disney park bright and early in the morning!!

Sometimes, the parks are opened anywhere from 15 - 30 minutes prior to the posted opening time, so it’s best to be at the park an hour before open if you’re driving and parking, and 30-45 minutes before the posted open if you’re using Disney transportation.

I know you’ll want to get to Frozen Ever After, Toy Story Land, Flight of Passage or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to avoid a long line, bu you won’t actually be allowed to take off running.  At Magic Kingdom, it’s become more of a graduated opening, with Cast Members leading the way into the Town Square, the Hub, and then allowing guests into the various lands from that point. They sometimes lead the way in other parks as well, just to make sure everyone stays safe and orderly. Once you’re allowed into all the parts of the park, you’re free to go to your favorite attraction. Just keep in mind that the attractions aren’t necessarily open right at Rope Drop, so even if you’re first in line, you may have to wait a few minutes to get on an attraction.

So, why would you start at Rope Drop? Being among the first in the parks has certain advantages. You can head straight to a popular attraction with little to no wait and save your FastPass selections for later in the day. You can hit several attractions before lines get long and start your fun before the day gets too warm. If you have little ones that take an afternoon nap, you can also get plenty of fun under your belt before naptime.

As crazy as it seems to me, some people prefer not to be at the parks for Rope Drop. I personally think Disney isn’t the type of vacation to get a lot of relaxing done. You’re paying a premium to be there and sleep ranks low on my list compared to anything at Disney. Just be sure you add and extra day off of work on your return to rest up!!

This is the kind of people-less pic you can get if you show up early!!!

Do make your family/friends aware of your plans, though. Springing an early morning on everyone after an exhausting day can make some a bit annoyed. And like I’ve said before, don’t be afraid to break up your group a bit. If you have a few peeps that just can’t stand the thought of getting up so early, let them sleep in! You can have your fun and catch up with them once they get in. Feel free to brag about your lack of crowds and lines, though! :)

Please contact me if you’re even remotely considering a trip to Disney or Universal. I have tons of tips to help you maximize your fun and minimize your frustrations!!

So What's in the Backpack??

If you look at our pics from Disney (there are a few), there’s always a big backpack hanging around. Doesn’t always look great in pictures but we couldn’t travel without it. So what do we carry in it? Glad you asked…

Camera - I took my big camera with the zoom lens but honestly with the advancement in phone cameras, you could probably get away with just your phone!

Phone - Obviously you need your phone! Don’t forget to download the MyDisneyExperience app before you go. Have any questions on how to use the app - ask me!

Battery Charger and Cord - With a full day at the parks using your phone and camera, you will most likely drain your battery. We invested in a battery charger that will charge 3 batteries at once which helps when you have kids with phones. Don’t forget your cord to plug in to your phone!!

Water - You can get free water at Quick Service locations but you’ll have to wait in line to do so. And it’s just a cup with no lid so if you don’t finish it, you can’t really save it for later. Take bottles with lids so that if you need to hop on a ride you can put it in your bag for later.

Flavor Packets - My kids aren’t fond of the taste of Florida water, so I bring flavor packets to help the taste. And you can get them with caffeine which helps a caffeine addict like myself!!

Sunglasses/Glasses - It’s typically sunny in Florida and although most of the rides/lines are indoors or in the shade, you may find yourself out in the sun for more than you expected.

Eye Drops/Contact Case - I wear contacts and nothing is quite as bad as a speck of dirt under your lens. Be prepared with the drops so you’re not miserable!

Wallet - Although you can charge everything to your MagicBand if you’re staying on site, I always like to have a credit card with me just in case. I always want to have my ID on me and a few dollars for emergencies.

Ponchos - Grab a few cheap ones at the dollar store. I usually get enough for us to each have one per day. That way if a rainstorm hits (which is typical in Florida), we can use them and throw them away without worrying about folding up wet ponchos and putting them back in our bag.

Gum - Are my kids the only ones that chew gum nonstop? Disney doesn’t sell gum in an effort to keep their parks clean and the animals safe. PLEASE be kind and discard only in the trashcans if you bring your own!

Ibuprofen - Along with a lot of walking comes sore feet. This is an easy one to bring that will be much cheaper than buying at the parks.

Chapstick - My family has a chapstick addiction. Don’t leave home without it.

Kleenex/Wet Wipes/Hand Sanitizer - You can always run in a restroom if you need to clean up a bit but sometimes you don’t want to walk those extra steps! And we all know Don is a germaphobe so having hand sanitizer is a must for us.

I also carry a few empty ziploc bags - they can be handy for a half-finished snack (which rarely actually happens). Or if you think the rain might return, you can shove those ponchos in there without getting the rest of your bag wet. I also like to have them to put our phones in if it’s particularly wet or we’re going on a wet ride.

A good idea is to put all of this in one bag (unless you plan to split up for a good portion of the day). That way you only have one person in your party go through bag check and everyone else can get on in the park which makes it faster for all. Don’t be a martyr though - take turns carrying the bag. I usually like to carry it since I’m always needing something out of it. And I call it my “workout” since I try not to actually work out on vacation. But if your kids are older, let them help!

Also, a backpack with side pockets for bottles really helps in that you don’t have to constantly take off the bag to root around for drinks. Keep a couple on the outside and you’re always ready.

Want more tips and tricks to help your vacation be as Magical as it can be? Call me! I’d love to plan and book your Disney Destination or Universal Vacation with absolutely NO FEES!!

Be One of the First to Enjoy Disney World's Toy Story Land!

This Summer, Get Ready to Play Big in a New Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Toy Story Land opens in just 95 days people!!  Want to be one of the first to check it out?  Call me!  I'll get you set up with reservations and tickets.  And if you want to be one of the first to enjoy the new rides in the new land, you'll definitely want a FastPass.  The new attractions will be the most popular at the parks this summer and you don't want to waste your time standing in line! Disney hasn't released information yet on when FastPasses will be available, but based on past new attractions, I'd expect them at the 60-day out mark.  So you've got about 35 days to get booked and then we'll be able to get that FastPass!

Here's a glimpse at all of the fun to be had in the new land...

Attractions:

Slinky Dog Dash - 

Andy’s assembled his Mega Coaster Play Kit—and Slinky Dog is gonna take you on a wild, toy-filled adventure as you stretch Slinky Dog’s coils to the limit across Andy’s backyard! Come along for a roller-coaster-style ride as he bends and twists and stretches his way all throughout this new land.  Make no mistake, it’s one wacky attraction… and fun for the entire family!

Alien Swirling Saucers - 

Blast off on an interstellar romp, set to an out-of-this-world beat!  Inside a play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet, the Aliens have powered up their flying saucers—and they’re ready to spin you on a wild ride into space! Hold on for some wild fun as your toy rocket takes off, all while electronic space music provides an intergalactic soundtrack.  And if you’re really lucky, you might just get “chosen” by the claw. Oooooo!

Toy Story Midway Mania - 

Step inside Andy’s room and wind your way through a toy treasure chest of classic playthings. Pass a Candyland® game box, Viewmaster® discs, crayon drawings and a Scrabble board before picking up a pair of special 3D glasses for the fun to come.  Climb aboard an early 20th-century-inspired Carnival Ride Tram and grab your spring-action shooter. With 3D glasses on, glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at stationary and moving 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games.  This popular ride may not be new but it never gets old!

Food:

Woody's Lunch Box - 

Lasso your hunger with a meal from Woody’s Lunch Box!  During your upcoming Toy Story Land adventures, be sure to drop by this food stop for a toy-riffic meal! Dishing out all sorts of tasty treats for “honorary toys,” Woody’s Lunch Box features classic American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties.

Character Encounters:

Inside this new land, you’ll have the chance to encounter some of your favorite characters from the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films, including Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl!  And keep an eye out for the Green Army Men - one of the most fun character encounters out there!

Thinking of going to Disney World later in the summer or even this fall/winter?  Now's the time to firm up your plans so that you can have me get the dining reservations you'd like.  Remember those are available 6 months out.  Contact me today!!!

runDisney Races - Should You Do One?

Yes, Yes and Yes!  I guess I might say no if you were opposed to running a race in general but you could walk one and still have a great time!  You should definitely sign up for the most magical race weekend on Earth at Walt Disney World® Resort where your favorite classic Disney characters are the hosts! With race distances for all skill levels, including Kids Races, a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, participants will enjoy special Disney entertainment on course and earn one-of-a-kind Disney finisher medals. Plus, runners can take on race challenges to earn even more bling. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran runner, everyone can experience the magic of running through Walt Disney World® Resort!

Registration for the 2019 Disney World Marathon Weekend opens up on April 17 at noon (ET) or 11am (CST).  You need to plan ahead and know what you want to do because it sells out QUICK and is non-refundable.  So only sign up if you're sure you want to do it but be sure to sign up that day!  

For Race Weekend:

The Expo - you must pick up your packet YOURSELF.  I know a lot of races allow you to pick up other people's packets but not this one.  So plan to be in Orlando the evening before the race with enough time to pick up your packet before the expo closes.  I heard the the expo was quite crowded the evenings before the 5K and 10K but on the evening before the Half, it was practically empty.  Here are some pics of the expo that evening:

The Expo is at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Disney property.

Packet Pickup - NO lines when we went!

T-shirt pickup - also no lines!

TRUE Story!!

Race Morning - We stayed at the Contemporary which was AMAZING for convenience.  Monorail resorts are perfect since the start line is at Epcot and you are taken right there.  Each Disney resort has buses dedicated that morning for the race so even if you don't stay on the monorail, you'll be good to go.

Plan on getting there EARLY.  Our race start time was 5:30am.  The latest they recommended being on the monorail was 3:30am.  I hate to cut things close so we headed out of the room by 3am.  It's a long walk from the monorail or bus drop-off to the corrals so you want to leave plenty of time!  Yes, we did have to stand in the corral for years it seemed before the race started but at least we didn't miss it!  We were in one of the last corrals so we didn't cross the start line until close to 6:30am.  You do have to be a little bit careful on food and drink that morning.  Don't drink so much that you have to leave the corral to use the restroom but of course don't let yourself become dehydrated!

The best parts of the race?  Running through the parks, of course!!  If you're like me, prepare for a few tears as you hit the parks.  The Half goes through Magic Kingdom and ends at Epcot.  The Full goes through all four parks (which is enough to make me plan to do this some day even though I had promised myself a few years ago to never run a full marathon again)!  I didn't stop for PhotoPass photographers but I tried to look like running is easy for every photographer that I saw! I also snapped some shots as we ran with my phone - wish I had done more of that.

Almost to the Magic Kingdom!

Running down MAIN STREET!! Yes, it's crowded...

Woody & Bullseye! Next time I'll stop for the actual pic!

THE Castle and a Cheeseball

My fav pic of my running buddies - Ryan and our cousin Muriel.

Geez - how did I miss the camera this bad? Too excited over running thru the Castle, I guess!

Murn's much better at smiling at the right camera!

Cheeseball Part 2. I really did have THE BEST TIME!

Costumes - you've really got to dress up!  But there are rules.  Check out runDisney's website for the full set but basically you can do whatever won't get in your way or anyone else's way and no masks.  We saw some great ones but it was an off year since it was so cold.  I think a lot of the best ones were covered up with layers!  The easiest is to dress as a character but still in running gear like Ryan (Yoda) and I (Rapunzel) did.

Finish line pic!

We did it!!

Medals - Wear them in the parks the following days!  You'll enjoy the glory as everyone congratulates you and makes you feel like the rock star that you are...

Yeah I was a bit proud of my medal.

Use your lanyard for character signatures!

My Best Pal Mickey adding his signature!

Post Race - I would recommend planning an easy day on race day.  I was pumped to go eat my favorite breakfast at Tusker House post race so had made reservations for our entire family.  We made it on time but it did put a bit of stress on me to make sure we got there.  The race takes longer than you think due to stopping for pics, crowds and busy transportation.  I skipped a lot of the set up photo ops with characters since I knew we were on a time crunch.  Next time I won't have a set schedule after the race and I'll stop for all of those pics!  

My only other advice is to be prepared for the unexpected.  Yeah, I know - how can you prepare for that?  Well for one, plan on any type of weather.  We FROZE before the race since we were expecting to have warmer temps.  Mid 30s is pretty miserable when you're wearing shorts and standing hours before you reach the start line.  I would wear layers that you can toss if you warm up.  Discarded clothing is collected and given to charity after the race so you can feel good about tossing it aside.  

For the best race possible...  Train!  Even though it's the most fun race I've ever run, it is still a long distance and you can get hurt if you're not ready.  Enjoy yourself - you most likely won't set a personal record on a Disney race.  But I can tell you that you won't care.  So. Much. Fun.  Just be forewarned that this race will ruin you for any other races you plan to run!!  Nothing compares.

Check out how much fun these people had when we watched the Full race at Epcot.  They had stopped for drinks near the finish line.  We saw a ton of people doing this - don't worry about finishing quickly and enjoy yourself!!  Also, be sure and wear your MagicBand so that you can just charge food/drinks without carrying money.  Of course, you'll have to wait until the parks open to be able to do this but on the Full race you'll be running well after the parks open.

Here are some tips to help you on registration day.  PLEASE give me a shout if you think you might want to register and I can be available that day for info or help...

Before registration day - sign up for an account on Active.com - the registration system that runDisney uses. This way, you will save time entering basic information.

Be at your computer a few minutes BEFORE registration opens and open your browser window to Active.com and make sure you’re logged in.

Once the time arrives, the registration link will appear on the runDisney page (may need to refresh a few times).  Click on it and you will be taken to Active.com. By having logged into your account earlier, you should already be logged in and ready to go. Select which race you are registering for. Here’s when a few different things could happen:

• You might be instantly directed to the registration page.
• You might be sent to a virtual waiting queue. If so, do not hit back or close your window! This is what I saw when I registered last year - the wait time was only a few minutes for me.
• You might see ON HOLD by the race you want to sign up for. If this happens, DON’T PANIC, just keep hitting refresh and trying again since there’s a good chance it will reopen.
• You might see SOLD OUT.  Don't let this happen to you!  Be on time to register!

I would love to visit with you about your personal situation and talk about the races in more depth.  Of course, along with race information, I can plan and book your entire trip for FREE!  Give me a call!!

Disney World MagicBands FAQ

One of the most exciting days before traveling to Disney is the day the MagicBands arrive in the mail!  As soon as I see the box, the trip becomes even more of a reality!  (And just to embarrass my boys, I usually scream and do a Happy Dance).

For those of you that haven’t been to Disney World, or haven’t been in many years, here’s some helpful information about those Magical Bands and how to use them.

What is a MagicBand?

This colorful wristband is actually an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects you to all the vacation choices you made with My Disney Experience.

Your MagicBand enables you to travel lighter throughout your vacation. Use it to enter the parks, unlock your Disney Resort hotel room and buy food and merchandise. Plus, your MagicBand gives you FastPass+ access to all the experiences you’ve selected online.

** Be sure to NOT pack your MagicBands in your checked luggage.  You will use them right off the bat to board Disney’s Magical Express at the airport.  And if you’ve checked in online prior to your trip, you can go straight to your room using your MagicBand to unlock your door.  So put them on when you head out to start your trip!

Your MagicBand also is used by Disney PhotoPass Service. The photographer will scan your band after taking your photos.  You’ll also have your ride photos automatically linked to your account while wearing your band on rides that offer in-ride pics.  If you’ve purchased the Memory Maker, all you have to do is go to your PhotoPass account to see all the memories captured and created for you.

 How do I use my MagicBand?

Most of the time, all you need to do is touch your MagicBand against a sensor called a touch point. It’s that easy!

MagicBands can also be read by long-range readers to deliver amazing personalized experiences, as well as provide information that helps Disney improve their overall experience.

In addition to touching your MagicBand to a touch point, you will be required to enter a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself when making purchases. 

To enter the parks, you will be required to provide biometric identification (fingerprint) or show a photo ID that matches the name identified with your ticket. This process helps to ensure that you, and only you, have access to the entitlements linked to your MagicBand.

MagicBands are always operational. They don’t have an on/off switch. If you lose a MagicBand, you can deactivate it on My Disney Experience, and it will no longer be linked to your tickets and other entitlements.  You can visit Guest Relations for help with a replacement - occasionally they will replace without a charge depending on the circumstances.

MagicBands use Radio Frequency (RF) technology and can be read by short and long-range readers located at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you prefer to use a card—which cannot be detected by long-range readers—you can request a card at your Disney Resort hotel.

In addition, any Guest who wishes to use their MagicBand to purchase an alcoholic beverage at Walt Disney World Resort must also present a valid form of identification.

How can I get a MagicBand?

MagicBands are available at no cost to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Guests staying off-site receive a card with the purchase of park admission. Those guests are welcome to purchase a MagicBand online before their trip or at many locations throughout Disney World.

When is the deadline for customizing my MagicBand?

Customize your MagicBand with your name and favorite color as soon as possible after making your Disney Resort hotel reservation!  I'd be happy to do this for you!

• If you customize your MagicBand at least 11 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, it will be shipped to your home.
• If you customize your MagicBand between 10 days and 6 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, you will receive it when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel.
• If you do not customize your MagicBand until 5 days or less before your arrival, you will receive a non-customized MagicBand when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel - these are boring grey bands so don’t wait too long!  (Sorry to those of you that love the color grey!)

When you customize your MagicBand, the printed name appears on the inside for your privacy.  I like to have our nicknames printed just for fun.  You can also write your cell phone number in sharpie on these before you go for a small child’s band.  Peace of mind just in case they get lost.

Customization doesn’t stop there. Disney sells a number of special edition MagicBands: everything from Star Wars to Mickey Mouse is available to purchase. Most of these special bands are about $20 and can be purchased from DisneyStore.com in advance of your trip or in theme park stores on-site.

For even more customization, guests can add accessories like character images and jewels called MagicBandits. These decorations pop into the adjustable holes on the MagicBand.

With the introduction of MagicBand 2 in early 2017, the customization options are even more robust. MagicBand 2 has a center disc Disney is calling the “icon” that can be removed with a small screwdriver. Creative Disney types are mixing and matching the icon with different color bands. If you don’t want to wear a band, you can even remove the icon entirely and put it in new accessories Disney is selling called MagicKeepers to turn them into keychains, lanyards, and more.

You’ll see Guests that have gone to extremes while decorating their bands.  I purchased “skins” from sellers on etsy to place on our bands.  Here are a few pics of the packaging and the bands, including the before and after pictures of a couple of our bands.

Comes in plain packaging so you can still surprise your kids!

Ahhhhhhhh!!

Our Bands!! (Ryan chose boring gray...)

Luggage tags are in the lid.

Cute luggage tags that match the Bands.

This is where your name is printed.

Luke's Band before we put the skin on.

The skins for our Bands (purchased separately).

Luke's Band after skin.

My Band after skin.

Make yours stand out and be prepared for Cast Members to admire them!

How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?

When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point - so easy!

Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.

How do I make purchases using my MagicBand?

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can charge purchases to your room by touching your MagicBand or card against a sensor called a touch point and entering a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself. You self-select your PIN upon check-in at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Hungry for a snack? Want a souvenir? Use your MagicBand to charge these purchases at a Walt Disney World theme park to your Disney Resort hotel room. Are MagicBands waterproof?

You can select which MagicBands are able to charge - might be a good idea to not give charge privileges to your kids! 

Are MagicBands waterproof?

Yes. MagicBands are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about protecting them from water exposure when you visit the Disney water parks, enjoy water attractions at the Disney theme parks, swim at the pool at your Disney Resort hotel or get caught outside in the rain.

Have other questions??  Contact me or comment below!!

Mobile Ordering at Disney World Parks

I love how Disney World is always improving their product.  As you know, I LOVE Disney World and typically see it in a positive light even when something might not be exactly perfect. 

Others might have an issue at Disney World (or truly, amusement parks in general) with the crowd and the lines that can become long due to the crowd.

Disney has taken steps in the past to help alleviate this problem with the FastPass+ system, Extra Magic Hours for on-site resort guests and Advanced Dining Reservations.  I also love the fact that they have made many of the attraction queues interactive so that even if you missed out on the FastPass, you have something fun to keep you occupied while you wait in the standby line.

Well, their newest innovation to help guests avoid waiting in lines is one I can’t wait to try out - Mobile Ordering for Quick Service food locations.

This new service saves you time by allowing you to order on demand, pay in advance and skip the line. 

I tend to go more for Quick Service locations at Disney since I’d rather spend my time on rides and enjoying the park rather than sitting down at a Table Service location for a longer meal.  But it’s frustrating to do that only to end up standing in a long line at Casey’s Corner for a hot dog.  (Although I do love those dogs and always think it’s worth the wait!)

Now you can order food for your entire family while you are out enjoying other parts of the park.   Rather than standing in line at a counter service restaurant, you’re able to place your order on the go from your phone, bypassing the ordering line and picking up your food directly at the counter when you arrive at the restaurant.

It’s easy to use - just sign in to the My Disney Experience app and tap the “Order Food” button, which lists restaurants that offer the service. Browse restaurant menus, select items, customize your order and prepay, all right through the app. 

When you arrive at the restaurant, just tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare your meal. When it’s ready, a notification will alert you to pick up your meal from the “Mobile Order Pick Up” area in the restaurant. Here are the restaurants that currently offer Mobile Order with more expected to be added:

ANIMAL KINGDOM

-- Flame Tree Barbecue Discovery Island

-- Harambe Market Africa

-- Restaurantosaurus Dinoland USA

-- Pizzafari Discovery Island

-- Satu'li Canteen in Pandora The World of Avatar

DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

-- ABC Commissary

-- Backlot Express

-- Fairfax Fare

-- PizzeRizzo

-- Rosie's All-American Cafe

DISNEY SPRINGS

-- D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs

MAGIC KINGDOM

-- Aloha Isle - Adventureland ***They made it EASIER to get DOLE WHIP!!!!  Yes!!!***

-- Casey's Corner - Main Street U.S.A.

-- Columbia Harbour House- Liberty Square

-- Cosmic Ray's - Tomorrowland

-- Lunching Pad - Tomorrowland

-- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe - Frontierland

-- Pinocchio Village Haus - Fantasyland

-- Tomorrowland Terrace - SEASONAL Tomorrowland

EPCOT

-- Electric Umbrella - Future World

-- Liberty Inn - American Adventure World Showcase

-- Sunshine Seasons - The Land Future World

While Mobile Ordering certainly will not save you 60 minutes (or more) of time like a FastPass for Avatar Flight of Passage or Frozen Ever After, it will save you anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, and also eliminate the stress of having to deal with potentially crowded ordering bays.

** One thing to remember is that the only form of payment currently accepted through Mobile Order is credit card, but they’re working on adding more payment options soon. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.

Disney World FastPass+ FAQs

Something that tends to overwhelm first time visitors to Disney World is the FastPass+ situation.  In short, everyone that has a ticket to Disney World is allowed 3 FastPasses to start their day.  Those allow you to basically skip the standard line and go ahead of most people by using the FastPass+ line.  You are able to choose an hour window in which to use your pass.  Once all of your selected FastPasses have been used, you’re able to get another one (based on availability) and you can continue to do that for the rest of the day.

Clear as mud?

Here are some common FAQs about FastPasses that might help explain it a bit more:

Q.  How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation?

A.  Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability).

Use the First 3, Then Get More - Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time).

If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections.

Q. Is FastPass+ service like a restaurant reservation? Do I have to show up at a specific time for an attraction?

A. No—it’s better! For extra convenience, you are assigned an arrival window—usually one hour long—for each attraction you select. Show up any time that you wish during this window. Don’t worry about rushing to finish up a meal or getting delayed at another show or attraction.

When it is within your designated arrival window time and you are ready to visit an attraction, all you need to do is proceed to the attraction, go to the FastPass+ entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to the touch point.

You can even use the FastPass+ if you arrive 5 minutes before the window starts and up to 15 minutes after it closes.

While attractions usually offer a one-hour arrival window, other experiences like shows and parades may require you to arrive during a more specific timeframe.

Q. Is there a charge for FastPass+ service?

A. Disney FastPass+ service is included at no extra charge with the price of your ticket.

Q.  How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?

A. It’s so easy that you’ll think it’s magic!

When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point.

That’s it!

Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.

Q. Can I cancel or change a FastPass+ selection?

A. Yes. You will be able to update or cancel your selections up to the start of the arrival window at an in-park FastPass+ kiosk or using your mobile device. Because availability is limited, we recommend you make selections early.

Q. I have a child who is less than 3 years old. Do I need to make FastPass+ selections for my child?

A. No. Children under 3 years of age do not need FastPass+ selections—if you have a FastPass+ selection, your little ones may join you at the FastPass+ entrance for the selected attraction or entertainment experience. Children 3 years of age or older who wish to use the FastPass+ entrance do require a FastPass+ selection and valid theme park admission.

Anything else I need to know to make the most of my FastPasses?

For a greater range of choices, it’s recommended that you make FastPass+ selections early. If you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you can decide as you go.

One reason to stay on site at a Walt Disney World Resort is that you can request FastPasses 60 days in advance.  If you don’t stay on site, you can request them 30 days in advance.  Some of the more popular ones may be gone by that 30 day mark.  If you book with me, one of the services I provide is to get up at 6am and get those FastPasses for you the moment they are available!

Once you book your trip, I will send you a list of the FastPass attractions and some info on each.  You just have to let me know your favorites and I’ll take care of it for you!

Still have questions?  Ask them in the comments and I'll get back with you right away!

Magical Honeymoons

This weekend I had a great time manning a booth at a local bridal show.  My intent was to offer my services to book honeymoons for the visiting brides.

I know that Disney isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when considering a honeymoon trip, but I was surprised that most of the brides I spoke to hadn’t even considered it.  Reasons varied, but it mainly came down to it being a “kid’s vacation” and cost.

So this post is intended to show you that it can be affordable and it’s certainly an appropriate destination whether you have kids or not.

First, the cost…  The beauty of a honeymoon trip is that you’re only paying for 2 people!  So instead of paying for a whole family for plane tickets, hotel, park tickets, food and souvenirs, you’re already cutting costs by it just being the 2 of you.  May not seem like a big deal now, but when you’ve got 3 kids like I do, you realize just how much those little rugrats cost!  

Of course, you’ll want to return to Disney when you have kids since the experience is completely different and wonderful with them, but enjoy the cost savings without kids at this point in your life.

So for an example, here are some prices for a Disney World vacation coming up this Spring.  These prices include 5-night accommodations and 4-day Park Hopper Tickets:

All-Star Movies - $1700

Coronado Springs - $2200

Animal Kingdom Lodge - $3000

Compared to a lot of honeymoon destinations, those prices are downright cheap.  

So the other reason people hadn’t considered Disney is due to there being a lot of kids around which may make it a bit less romantic than a trip to an adults only beach resort.  OK, so yes, there will be kids around.  But if you know where to go, you can find your own romantic spots and really not notice the kids.  I can help you find out about those spots!!

There are so many AMAZING restaurants at Disney World, I can’t begin to list them all.  Here are a few of the most romantic though.  

Le Cellier

Jiko - The Cooking Place

Monsieur Paul

Victoria & Albert’s

All of these restaurants are what my kids would call “fancy” and they have no interest in eating there.  Granted you might run into a family that takes their kids there but they would be expected to sit quietly and eat and I doubt you’d even notice them.

These are just a few of the restaurants - there are tons more.  There are also great night-life spots on Disney’s Boardwalk like a dance hall and a dueling piano bar.

Sure, Disney can be exhausting if you are like me and run from attraction to attraction.  But it doesn’t have to be that way if you’re looking for more ways to relax after a busy season leading up to your wedding.  Check out this previous post about ways to relax at Disney and do some of them.  The resort pool is a great place to relax during the day.  It’s basically kid-free since they’re all at the Parks!

Be sure and announce the fact that you are on a honeymoon - wear cute shirts or hats.  At the very least, you've got to stop by Guest Services for a Just Married button.  You’ll feel like a celebrity with all of the special attention you get from Cast Members!!

I’d love to help you plan your Magical trip - with or without kids.  I promise I’ll make it stress-free and remember, my services are always free!!  Give me a call!

What NOT to Buy on a Disney Trip

Disney vacations are magical, wonderful, memorable...  and cheap?  No, you've never heard anyone say that I'm sure.  To be honest, trips to Disney are expensive.  You can save money here and there, but as a whole, it does cost a bit more than an average family vacation.  Totally worth it I believe!  

But since the upfront cost of the vacation is a bit higher than other places, it's always wise to look for areas in which you can save money.  I've blogged about saving money before, but in this case I want to specifically talk about items you're better off buying before seeing the "Welcome to Disney" sign, both for cost and convenience.

Ponchos - you may think of California or Florida as always sunny and warm but it does rain.  In Florida, we usually get rained on often.  When the rain starts is not the time to go searching for a poncho.  Besides the ridiculous costs of them at the parks, you don't have them right with you.  I go to the dollar store and buy one per person per day and throw one for each of us in our backpack each morning.  They're lightweight so it's not a pain to carry them around.  And they're cheap enough to be considered a "one-time-use" item so I don't try to fold them up and carry them after it's rained.  We just toss them in the trash and go.  

Sunscreen - along the same lines as ponchos, the cost of sunscreen is crazy.  Besides, I like to put it on before we even leave the room in the morning so that we're set for a while.  And if you have anyone in your group that is sensitive to some ingredients, it's nice to have your own brand that you know works for them.  

Water Bottles and Flavor Packets - I always carry a water bottle for each family member to save us time as well as money.  No waiting in a line for drinks - we can just grab the water from the backpack at any time.  (I bring a sharpie with us to put our initials on the bottles - you might want to do this if you don't relish the thought of sharing your germs.)  The flavor packets come in super handy for kids who may not like the way the water tastes - I don't think it's bad but it may not be what you're used to.  I also have a Diet Coke addiction so need my caffeine fix fairly often.  Did you know they make flavor packets with caffeine?  You're welcome.  Just don't mix yours up with the kids' packets!

Hand Sanitizer - We have a certain germaphobe in our family that won't touch anything that anyone else may have touched.  He doesn't hold the bar on the bus, won't touch handrails...  But at an amusement park, sometimes you do have to pull down on a safety bar or just hang on!  Disney does a good job of providing hand sanitizer throughout the parks but it's just more convenient to carry a little bottle of it in your bag.

Medications and First Aid - Disney also has first aid stations but pretty much just one per park.  If you have a blister, the last thing you want to do is walk back a mile from where you are to get a band-aid.  Carry a few in your bag along with over-the-counter pain medication and you'll save yourself from buying them at sky-high prices in the closest gift shop that is within limping range.  

Souvenirs/Disney Merch - While you are going to want to make a purchase of a few Disney souvenirs, you can make your kids happy by sneaking in a few you buy ahead of time.  Just hide them in your suitcase and once they go to sleep at night, put them out and say Mickey left them.  Won't stop every meltdown but if you tell them there might be a prize that next morning, it might curb some of the greedy gimmies.  One thing I never miss out on, though is the Disney candy from Goofy's Candy Co.  Goofy makes the best licorice of all time!  

If you're going to Disney, you'd make me the happiest travel agent of all time if you pick me up a bag of this.  Can't get it elsewhere.  Do yourself a favor and get one for you too!!  :)

Want to plan a trip to Disney to get me some licorice?  Call me and I'll give you a free quote!!

Help!! I've lost my child!!

Losing your child in the grocery store or other smallish area is terrifying.  Now imagine losing them at Disney World with a million people and acres of land.  Not a spot you want to be in.  I've got a few tips to help you avoid this disaster and information on what to do if it does occur.

Prepare ahead of time by purchasing ID tags that the kids can wear.  Especially for younger kids (and even older ones when they're stressed about being lost), this is important as they may not know their parents' full names or phone numbers.  I bought some for our boys that attached to their shoes and the info was written in permanent marker.  I put them on before the trip and we didn't have to worry about remembering it each morning or trying to keep them dry.  It worked out perfectly.  And with MagicBands now, I know a lot of people print their cell phone numbers inside of them.

Have your kids wear the same shirts if possible and wear bright or unique colors so they are easily spotted.  We had a minor scare during a parade when I lost sight of Andrew.  As I was frantically calling his name and spinning in circles, another guest pointed at my other two and said, "If he's dressed like those guys, he's behind that mailbox."  Sure enough, he had gotten scared from the noise of the parade and sat down to cover his ears.  I imagine I would have spotted him in another second but seconds are a lifetime when you're missing your child!

Consider the backpack leash.  I know, I know, most people are against them and I've never actually done it myself.  But the people who use them say their kids are happier since they aren't stuck holding a sweaty hand and feel like they have a little more freedom to roam.

When you first arrive at the parks, show them a Cast Member and have them pay attention to the fact that they are wearing a name tag.  If they get lost, they can ask a Cast Member for help.

Take a picture each morning on your phone of your kids before heading out.  That way, if they do get lost, you have a current picture including what they are wearing.  

Have a talk about staying together.  There's so much to see and do that there are times when it's a must to hold hands.  If they know going into the day that they may need to hold hands, you might avoid a meltdown when that time comes.

If you have older kids with phones, talk to them about a meeting spot if you get separated.  Sometimes phone batteries die or you just can't get reception.  Just don't pick Cinderella's Castle as your meeting spot.  Something that large makes it impossible to find someone.  Be specific - meet at the FastPass entrance to Peter Pan's Flight for instance.  Also consider downloading an App such as Find My Friends to keep track of older kids if they are exploring the park alone.

If you do happen to lose a child, don't panic.  Contact the first Cast Member you see.  As per usual Disney standards, they have procedures in place and will help you.  Just remind your child to stay put - no searching for you as you are probably going in circles.  And if they can't locate a Cast Member then have them ask a Mom with a child to help them get to a Cast Member.  

If you have other ideas to keep track of your kids, post them in the comments!!