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!!

A Few BIG Disney Announcements You May Have Missed

With the excitement of the announcement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a few other BIG announcements from Disney have been missed by a lot of us!

Two New Nighttime Shows

Beginning May 1, the date of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Wonderful World of Animation will make its grand premiere. This excitement-packed projection show will take you on an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.

Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed—displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Coco and many more.

Of course, since we can never lose sight of the fact that it was all started with a mouse, the show fittingly begins and ends with the one-and-only Mickey.

Over at Epcot, a new nighttime spectacular, called “A Celebration of Disney Music,” will show how Disney music inspires people around the globe, and will feature large floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, kites with special effects, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. The current Illuminations show will end this summer. Until the new show starts in 2020, there will be a limited-time experience, called “Epcot Forever,” which will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic Epcot tunes.

Two New (Non-Star Wars) Experiences to Open at Hollywood Studios

The first new experience is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and it officially opened yesterday! In this interactive show, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.

With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious? Speed on over to find out.

Also opening soon at Hollywood Studios is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - the attraction replacing The Great Movie Ride inside of the replica of the Chinese Theater. No official opening date has been released yet by Disney, but according to insiders, it’s expected to be some time this summer.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-along to Debut at Epcot’s France Pavilion

A new guest offering will soon debut at the France pavilion at World Showcase (in addition to “Impressions de France”) – a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films.

Space-Themed Restaurant at Epcot

A one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth. This restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.

Once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

Disney Skyliner

The new Disney Skyliner gondola system will begin transporting guests in Fall 2019, connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property. Select gondolas will have Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design. After much speculation, it was confirmed earlier this year that the gondolas won’t have air conditioning.

Disney loves to keep things new and exciting so that guests always have a reason to return!! Keep your eyes on the blog here at Trips by Mouse to keep up with all of the fun! And, of course, if you’re thinking of traveling to the Mouse’s House, give me a call! It’s always free to book with me!

Here's Why You Should Book a Disney Trip REAL SOON!!

I know I say this all of the time, but now is one of the absolute best times to book a trip to Disney World. In anticipation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening in the fall, a lot of people are opting not to travel to Disney this summer. Makes sense if you are a die-hard Star Wars fan and think you may only make it to Disney once. Why would you go before it opens?

But if you are more into the other Disney characters and attractions, or think you might be able to go again in a couple of years, you should definitely take advantage of the crowds and deals for the summer.
Disney recently released some room specials and even free dining in some cases for the summer months which is unheard of. Typically that’s a peak time for Disney World travel and they don’t need to offer discounts. But with a lot of people putting off a trip until Star Wars opens, the crowds are expected to be down this summer.

Now don’t get me wrong - it’s still summer and there will be crowds but it will be much less than when Star Wars opens. And getting a discount always helps put up with a bit of a crowd, right?

The current specials run through September 30 and if you were able to travel in September, you’d have even smaller crowds.

And if you’re able to get a room with a discount, the price may be good enough that you could go before and after Star Wars opens! Maybe wait a couple of years for your repeat trip and the crowds should level off a bit.

You may not think you need multiple trips but honestly, EVERY SINGLE TIME we go to Disney, I find new wonderful things. One trip is never enough in my opinion. Plus, how else are you going to get adorable time-lapse pics of your family with Mickey if you don’t go visit him every now and again?? On a side note - why does Mickey never age like we do?! :)

Call me to get your trip planned and booked. For late summer and early fall trips, you’d still have time to take advantage of me getting your Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days in advance. And of course, 60 days for FastPasses.

Disney World - What Will it Cost??

Want to know how much moolah it will take to get you to Disney World?  Well, read on!

It's been over a year since I gave an example price of a family trip to Disney World.  Prices change all of the time, so I thought I'd update you on the most recent costs today!  

The main reason that people tell me they aren't traveling to Disney World is the cost.  While I admit it can be pricey, you can make a couple of choices that will lower the cost.

It sounds great to stay in a Moderate or Deluxe resort (and I highly recommend you do if you're able!).  But if cost is stopping you, consider a Value resort.  They are still on Disney property so you don't lose any of the perks of staying on-site.  Disney customer service is the highest standard no matter which resort you choose.  Cleanliness and safety are top-notch across the board.

Here is an example of affordability...  I pulled up a quote for the following:

•  A family of four - 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 4 and 6
• February 24 - March 1 (5 nights lodging)
• All-Star Music
• 4-day base Theme Park Ticket
• Complimentary Magical Express
• MagicBands
• My support and knowledge to enhance your experience

The cost of this family's trip would be $2325 at today's prices for everything listed above.  My family has taken a quick trip to Dallas or Kansas City that has set us back nearly that amount.  

I can't guarantee at the time that you wish to travel that there will be a special, but this price is not based on any of the current Disney specials.  It's the current standard rate for a vacation at the end of February 2019.  You might get lucky and travel during a time of a special rate - always check my Specials page for current dates.

You can always upgrade to a Moderate or Deluxe resort, and depending on the special available, it may not be much more.  You can also spend a little more if you want a Park Hopper ticket, but if you don't plan to do more than one park per day, then the base ticket is a great deal.

If you drive, be aware that Disney is now charging a parking fee at the resorts.  If you fly, then of course, you'll also be paying for flights.  We usually fly on Southwest with points so if you plan far enough ahead, you can do the same!  

You will also need to plan food, photos, stroller rental and souvenir costs. I have lots of tips to help keep these prices down so be sure to ask!!

Planning ahead has tons of perks - dining reservations and FastPasses are available.  You'll also be able to save up and possibly pay for the entire trip before traveling.  Nothing is better than a vacation where you know it's already paid off and you can just enjoy yourself!

Give me a call or shoot me an email.  I'd love to check prices for your situation!!  Remember - I don't charge anything extra for helping you.  As long as I book your vacation, Disney pays me and it costs you the exact same thing if you booked it yourself.

I Hate to Brag But...

Talking up my skills is something I find difficult in the marketing of my business.  I always feel like I'm bragging or pretending like I know everything when we all know that NOBODY knows EVERYTHING!  

But today I just want to remind you why you should give me a call when you're planning a trip to Disney or Universal.  Or if you're even remotely considering a trip - I'd love to try to talk you into it!  :)

First and most important - I LOVE what I do.  I love everything about Disney and Universal travel.  I love the research, I love the planning, I love the parks!  So when I say I want to help you, I truly mean it.  Yes, it's a job and if you book through me, I'll get paid which is an amazing perk - but I honestly love doing it.  

Even if you are an expert on these types of vacations, you would be helping to support my small business!  Giving me the chance to help you doesn't mean that I just take over and you are out of the loop.  Some of my favorite clients are experts themselves and just use me to verify their plans or answer a question about something they may have forgotten or aren't familiar with. Plus, I'm the one point of contact rather than having to call Disney or Universal and talk to a different agent every single time.  And don't forget about the long wait times to call in sometimes - I'll help as quickly as I can every time and you don't have to tell your whole vacation story when you call in.

What are the other benefits of using a certified travel agent like myself?  

• I work for FREE!!  Ok, so not really.  Disney and Universal both pay me a commission.  But that commission is NOT added on top of your vacation cost.  You will pay the EXACT same thing to Disney or Universal regardless of if you book through me or do it yourself.  
• I research the best dates for the best value/best crowd level/best weather for your time frame.
• I monitor the specials that Disney releases.  Doesn't happen often, but if a special comes out after you've booked that can be applied to your trip, I will do that for you!
• I will get up before sunrise on the day of your FastPass and Advanced Dining Reservation windows.  I will talk with you before that day to find out what you'd prefer so that you get as close to what you want as possible!
• I am available anytime to chat about your trip.  It's really hard to say "here's what to do on your trip" as all families are different.  I love getting to know my clients and helping them decide on a plan.
• I am also available at any time for questions - and if I don't know the answer (it happens!), I have a direct line to Disney and Universal.  I also have relationships with a large number of other travel agents that may have ideas to help us in an unusual situation.  
• Have a problem on your trip?  Call me!  It's a nice feeling knowing you aren't in it alone if a problem arises.

Again, I don't want to brag but I do have these awesome pins that speak for themselves when they say I'm a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge!

Please give me a call and let's talk about your vacation needs.  And I'd appreciate it immensley if you would give my information to anyone you know considering a trip.  THANK YOU!!

Time's Ticking... How Long is This Ride???

Ever wonder how long the actual attraction is at Disney World?  You may be waiting for close to an hour - or two hours if we’re talking Flight of Passage!  So how long are you actually enjoying the ride?

Check out the list below…   These ride times don't include pre-shows which are on some rides - like Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Flight of Passage… It also doesn’t include the walk to actually get on the rides. Some rides like Space Mountain or Pirates have a bit of a walk if you’re going through the Standby Line.  These are the times from when you're seated, buckled or harnessed in.

This list can be helpful if you’re trying to squeeze in a ride before you need to be at a Dining Reservation or you’re nearing the end of your FastPass window for a different attraction.  Even though the ride may have no wait, factor in the time below before getting on the ride - there isn't always a way to leave in the middle of the experience.

I know there will be some of you that say well why would you wait for an hour for a 3 minute ride?  But I can honestly say it’s worth it on almost all of these.  If you’d like to know which ones I’d skip, just let me know!  When I book and plan your trip (for FREE!), I’ll be sure to help you decide which ones to wait for and which ones to skip.  

Magic Kingdom

• Astro Orbiter: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Barnstormer: 1 minute 3 seconds
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: 3 minutes 25 seconds
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: 4 minutes 3 seconds
• Carousel of Progress: 20 minutes 45 seconds
• Country Bear Jamboree: 12 minutes
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Enchanted Tiki Room: 10 minutes
• Enchanted Tales with Belle: 25 minutes
• The Hall of Presidents: 21 minutes 35 seconds
• Haunted Mansion: 7 minutes 30 seconds
• "it's a small world": 10 minutes 30 seconds
• Jungle Cruise: 9 minutes 5 seconds
• Liberty Square Riverboat: 12 minutes 45 seconds
• Mad Tea Party: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: 3 minutes 8 seconds
• Mickey's PhilharMagic: 12 minutes
• Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor: 11 minutes
• Peter Pan's Flight: 2 minutes 45 seconds
• Pirates of the Caribbean: 8 minutes 30 seconds
• Prince Charminng's Royal Carrousel: 2 minutes
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: 2 minutes 30 seconds
• Space Mountain: 2 minutes 30 seconds
• Splash Mountain: 11 minutes
• Stitch's Great Escape (when open!): 15 minutes
• Swiss Family Treehouse: 13 minutes 5 seconds
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway: 4 minutes 45 seconds
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: 10 minutes 4 seconds
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid: 6 minutes 15 seconds
• Walt Disney Railroad: 20 minutes

Epcot

• American Adventure: 28 minutes 30 seconds
• Circle of Life: 19 minutes 20 seconds
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival: 18 minutes
• Frozen Ever After: 5 minutes
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: 8 minutes 7 seconds
• Impressions de France: 18 minutes
• Journey into Imagination with Figment: 11 minutes
• Living with the Land: 13 minutes 50 seconds
• Mission: SPACE: 5 minutes 38 seconds
• O Canada!: 18 minutes
• Reflections of China: 12 minutes 30 seconds
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends: 4 minutes
• Soarin': 5 minutes
• Spaceship Earth: 15 minutes
• Test Track: 4 minutes
• Turtle Talk with Crush: 15 minutes

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers: to be announced
• Beauty and the Beast Stage Show: 30 minutes
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: 30 minutes
• Muppet Vision 3-D: 17 minutes
• Disney Junior - Live on Stage (soon to become Disney Junior Dance Party): 20 minutes
• Rock 'N' Roller Coaster: 1 minute 22 seconds
• Slinky Dog Dash: to be announced
• Star Tours: 5 minutes
• Toy Story Midway Mania: 8 minutes
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 5 minutes
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: 14 minutes 30 seconds

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage: 5 minutes
• Dinosaur: 3 minutes 10 seconds
• Expedition Everest: 2 minutes 51 seconds
• Festival of the Lion King: 30 minutes
• Finding Nemo - The Musical: 30 minutes
• It's Tough to be a Bug: 8 minutes
• Kali River Rapids: 3 minutes 30 seconds
• Kilimanjaro Safari: 18 minutes 30 seconds
• Na'vi River Journey: 5 minutes
• Primeval Whirl: 1 minute 10 seconds
• TriceraTop Spin: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Wildlife Express Train: 12 minutes round trip 

Love Disney Customer Service, but You're Not Into Theme Parks or Cruises?

I know there are some of you crazy people out there that don't feel like Theme Parks or Cruises are your dream vacation.  If that's you, then listen up!  Disney has a service that would be of interest to you.  Discover exciting destinations on a hassle-free Adventures by Disney guided group vacation where your family becomes part of the story as you are immersed in the people, places and cultures of wherever your adventures take you - wherever that may be.

Wherever you want to go - Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, Central America, South America and many destinations in North America - there’s an Adventure by Disney trip waiting for you!  Want a private tour of the Vatican Museum?  How about a private screening at Lucasfilm Headquarters?  Those are available tours!

Adventure Guides - Whenever you travel with Adventures by Disney, two Adventure Guides will guarantee that every detail of your trip is attended to. Along with local experts, they'll ensure that you feel a connection to the people, culture and traditions of each destination visited.

Family Fun - Explore the world in ways that every member of your family will enjoy. Each Adventures by Disney trip offers unique itinerary items—from more sophisticated experiences for adults to special Junior Adventurer activities tailored to kids. Thanks to Disney's impeccable attention to detail, you'll discover plenty of special opportunities to create and share unforgettable memories your family will treasure forever.

Insider Access - Go where visitors are seldom allowed for unique behind-the-scenes glimpses into exotic locales and select events around the globe. Adventures by Disney tours offer Guests access to extraordinary opportunities that aren't available to the general public—it's like having a "backstage pass" to the world!

Included in your Adventures by Disney vacation are:

• The services of two Adventure Guides
• Accommodations
• Local experts
• Scheduled meals, activities, and entertainment* 
• National & Regional Park entrance fees (where applicable)
• Luggage service
• Transportation within your adventure*
• Transfers are only available from the specified arrival and departure airport/train station for each departure*
• Gratuities for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local experts, and dining room staff for meals included in the adventure 
• Taxes, including airport departure taxes (where applicable)

What is not included in your Adventures by Disney Vacation:

• Transportation between residence and airport from which you are departing
• Round-trip air (or other) transportation between home airport and vacation destination
• Arrival/Departure transfers to/from airports and hotels, train stations, or other locations not specifically described for each departure*
• Meals, activities and transportation not specifically set forth in the applicable itinerary
• Gratuities for Adventure Guides
• Customs and immigration fees
• Passport and visa fees
• Travel protection insurance
• Baggage fees, excess baggage fees, and other airport/airline fees
• Laundry, telephone, alcohol (unless noted as included), and all other items of a personal nature
• Additional taxes may apply which are not included in the vacation package  

I know you’re wondering about cost.  It’s not cheap.  But considering the service that is provided, it’s not unreasonable either.  I’d love to get you a no-obligation quote for one of these Adventures and let you decide if it’s something you’d like to do!!  Give me a call today!!

How to Save Money and Time at Disney with Grocery Delivery

When we go to Disney, we always order groceries ahead of time and have them waiting for us at our resort.  This is a super simple and convenient way to save money and time at Disney World.  First of all, we can eat breakfast in our room before we head out (except for the day we do Tusker House breakfast which is a must!).  

We also buy snacks and bottled water to take into the parks with us.  Disney will allow food and drink to be brought in and it's way cheaper to take in your own water than it is to buy drinks at the parks.  I have a slight caffeine addiction so I buy flavor drink packets that include caffeine.  My family appreciates that as they don't want to be around me when I get a caffeine headache!!  I also bring non-caffeinated ones for the kids since they haven't become addicted yet.  :)

I also pack a sharpie to bring with us and each morning, I put the boys' initials on a bottle.  That way we're not all sharing germs.  Don't forget your backpack to carry the water and snacks!!

If you're in a villa or Fort Wilderness Cabin, you'll have a full-sized fridge so order all the groceries you'd like!  In standard resort rooms, you'll have a small dorm-sized fridge so think about what you really need to refrigerate.  And I wouldn't do anything that needs to stay frozen as it may or may not have small freezer section in your fridge.  

Each night when we returned from the parks, I would put in the water for the next morning.  Of course, I had a few Diet Cokes in there and some milk for the boys.  So you don't have a ton of room but if you plan ahead a bit, it's great.

Here are the things we ordered for our trip just to give you an idea:

Keep in mind these prices were from last year so probably not still valid.  This is from Garden Grocer - a grocery delivery service that takes the items directly to your hotel at Walt Disney World, leaving them with bell services (which refrigerates perishable items). I highly recommended them and most do as they are the most popular with Walt Disney World guests by far.

The process is simple:  You go to Gardengrocer.com and click on "Create Your Account" and fill out the form to register your account.  Browse through over 5,000 products and add them to your cart. Shop by brand, category, or use the search toolbar to find the products you want.  Click on the shopping cart at the top of the page to begin the checkout process. Fill out the form with your billing information & let them know what resort you're staying at and what time frame you'd like your groceries to be delivered in.  

So other than the cost of the groceries, are there any delivery fees?  Yes.  Disney charges a flat $5 to recieve the order.  Garden Grocer charges a $14.00 delivery fee but if you spend over $200, the delivery fee is waived.  You need to plan ahead though - if you need same day delivery, the fee is $30 and next day delivery is $20.  Keep in mind that there are limited delivery time slots so if you wait until the last minute to order, there may not be availability for delivery. I tend to order several months in advance - you can add on to your order later if you think of something else you need.   They also usually offer a discount for ordering early - this is the current discount and it was the same when we traveled last year:

Besides the cost savings of eating breakfast in the room, taking your own water and snacks, having groceries delivered saves time too.  We can eat while getting ready or while on our way to the parks so the minute we get there, we're ready to get on our favorite attractions while the lines are still small.  Even getting a quick service breakfast can take what feels like forever when you want to be on Space Mountain!

Same thing goes for standing in line for drinks and snacks.  Don't get me wrong, an apple won't replace Dole Whip but it does limit the lines to stand in.  (FYI, don't forget about Mobile Ordering to also limit those lines).

A couple of other things to consider - beside bringing along your own sharpie, I pack a bunch of ziploc bags.  It's nice to have those when you want to have individual snacks in your bag or you want to save that last bit of candy.  

Please give me a call if you have any questions!  I would love to help you plan and book your Disney or Universal vacation!  And even better - there's NO fees for my services!!

Quiz - What do Sonic, Chick-fil-A and Disney Parks Have in Common??

Besides being three of my favorite places, they all offer something I've realized I can't live without. You might be thinking the answer is excellent customer service.  That's usually true although Sonic needs to step up their game to be in the same category.  

The one thing they all now offer is Mobile Ordering.  If you haven't gotten on this bandwagon yet, you are truly missing out.  In all of these cases, you get on the company's app on your phone and order your food/drink.

You can customize it to your liking in most cases.  Then when you are near the location of your food, you let the app know and your food is ready for you.  No more waiting in lines!!!  

I won't go into details on how the Sonic and Chick-fil-A apps work (I do love them but I'm not trying to sell their products).  But for details on the Disney app, click this link to a blog post I did in the past:

http://www.tripsbymouse.com/blog/2017/11/6/mobile-ordering-at-disney-world-parks

The changes to keep in mind from that blog post are that you can now use Disney Dining Plans to pay for your food.  AND Disneyland now offers mobile ordering at the following locations:

Disneyland park locations – Bengal Barbecue, Galactic Grill, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Red Rose Taverne.

Disney California Adventure park locations – Award Wieners, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Corn Dog Castle, Flo’s V8 Café, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Pacific Wharf Café, Paradise Garden Grill and Smokejumpers Grill. 

Obviously, this is on the Disneyland app (Disney World has a separate app). 

Call me to plan and book your Disney trip today!!  Remember my services are always free.  And if you want my recommendations for Sonic and Chick-fil-A, feel free to ask about those too.  :)

All 4 Parks in 1 Day at Disney World?? YES!!

Think you can't do all 4 parks in one day at Disney World?  Well, think again - you can!!  The pic above is proof that we did just that on our recent trip.  Today's post will give you tips and tricks on how to hit all of the parks in one day!

First - start EARLY.  Don't start at 10am and expect to get everything in.  Be at the first park at rope drop (when they open).  Actually be there before they open.  Our first park was Animal Kingdom and with Pandora still being hugely popular, there was already a large crowd headed to the Avatar rides.  Be early enough to get a jump on the line for any ride that typically has a long line that you didn't get a FastPass for.  In our case, we had our Flight of Passage FP but wanted to check out Na'Vi River Journey.  Even being there before the park opened, the line was still over an hour long!  Of course it got longer as the day went on so be early!!

Even at "rope drop" crowds were huge heading into Pandora...

Being early helps you to enjoy the park you're at and not rush through everything just to get to the next park.  I actually didn't intend this to be a 4-park-day, but planning ahead and not wasting time helped me to accomplish it!  But do still take the time to get those great PhotoPass pics and enjoy a delicious Mickey Bar!!

Take the time to get your pic with Everest!

There's ALWAYS time for a Mickey Bar!

One way to make sure you're not wasting time is to take advantage of Mobile Ordering for Quick Service locations (more on this here), or be sure to have made Dining Reservations.  Remember I can get those for you 6 months before you travel so don't waste time waiting for an open table!!

Along the lines of Mobile Ordering or Dining Reservations, be sure you have FastPasses for as early in the day as possible.  When your first 3 are gone, you can get one more at the next park you're heading to (if still available).  Be sure and ask me how this process works as it can save you time and make sure you hit your favorite rides!

After we did all we wanted to do at Animal Kingdom, 3 of us went on to Hollywood Studios.  Don and Ryan were more interested in a rest time than getting in all of the parks and although I don't understand it, it works for them!  So if you have a group of people, be okay with some doing one thing and others doing another.  

I was only interested in riding Rock 'n' Roller coaster as we didn't get a chance to earlier in the trip.  So our stop at Hollywood Studios was only for one ride.  (Thanks to Luke and Andrew for waiting with me in line even though they didn't want to ride!)  I'd say it was totally worth it as that's one awesome ride!!

Next on to Magic Kingdom!  I had actually planned on just ending the day at MK.  But then looking at the fireworks schedule, I realized that MK fireworks were at 8pm and EPCOT's fireworks were at 9pm. That's when it hit me that we could do all 4 parks!  We had to compromise a bit and watch MK's fireworks from the train station rather than closer to the Castle.  That meant we could get out quickly and head to the monorail to get to EPCOT in time for their show.  But from that point, we couldn't see the Castle due to the Christmas tree.  Other times of year, this wouldn't be a problem.  Still loved the show though!

Don't wait until fireworks are completely over to hit the exit or you'll never make it as everyone will leave at the same time.  We had seen the show from our balcony a few times so knew about when to leave.  But even if you hadn't, just watch about 10 minutes and head out as the show is around 15 minutes.  

We got to EPCOT with time to spare and enjoyed the fireworks show.  After the fireworks, we still had some time before the park closed so we rode Test Track.  In the end I rode at least one ride at each park and ate (at least) one snack.  Success!!

Just don't be in such a hurry to "do all the parks" that you forget to enjoy yourself.  Have fun like us goofballs in these pics below...  We got back to the room exhausted but happy from a wonderful day!!

Call me to help you plan your trip - if you do 1 park a day or try for all 4, I can help!!