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!

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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!!

Yes, I'm Dopey. Are you?

I’m just putting this out there now - I WILL run the Dopey Challenge at Disney World. Don’t worry about the fact that I’m planning a bit ahead. With all that we have going on raising our boys, I know it won’t happen right away. So my plan is to do this the year after Luke graduates - in January of 2027. Yeah, yeah, I know I’ll be a bit older then. So if you see me out running now, give me some encouragement - I’ll be in training for the next 7 years!

So for you non runDisney peeps, you may be asking what on earth is the Dopey Challenge?

Glad you asked - it’s running 48.6 Miles in 4 consecutive days! Day one is the 5k, day two is the 10k, day three is the half marathon and day four is the full marathon!

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Complete all 4 Walt Disney World Weekend races and earn not only the 4 individual event medals, but both Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge Medal and Dopey Challenge Medal—for a grand total of 6!

You also will receive 6 participant shirts!

I don’t know about you, but 6 medals and 6 shirts is quite a bit of incentive for me to be in a little bit of pain for 4 days.

Look at all that bling!!

Look at all that bling!!

So who’s with me? Start running now!

When the time comes, you'll need to register for the Dopey Challenge, which includes all 4 races, in order to be eligible for the Challenge Medal. And shockingly there are a lot of weirdos like me that think this sounds like a good idea so it does sell out.

Are you interested in a runDisney event? Let me know and I’ll add you to my list to keep informed of the deadlines. And of course, I’ll plan and book your trip for you for free!!

The Disney Bubble - a Very Real Phenomenon!

One of the best parts of a Disney vacation is the “Disney Bubble.” Haven’t heard of it? Well, read on!!

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The Disney Bubble is basically a complete immersion in the Magical world that is Disney. When you stay at a Disney resort, you rarely encounter anything “non-Disney.” The music on the buses, the gift shops, the Cast Members… They are all purposely geared towards Disney.

And if you’re a Disney nut like me - you never want to leave it! Here are some tips to help make sure you stay in the Bubble if you’re completely normal like I am and don’t want to leave…

  • When you get to your hotel room, don’t be tempted to turn on the TV to your regular shows. There are several channels that are Disney-related - watch those! For one, you’ll be informed of that day’s Park Hours and Entertainment Times. And there’s a channel to show you some new things in the Parks you may not have found yet! I like to turn it on Disney music and hit the sleep button when I’m back in the room for the night. So fun to fall asleep to the music from the day.

  • Don’t be tempted to go off property. I mean where are you going anyway? Target? As much as I love Target, you’re on vacation. Stay at Disney and get the most out of the money you’ve spent there. I seriously can’t think of anything to pull me away - Disney obviously has you covered for entertainment and the food is outstanding also. OK, so you’re thinking about checking out Universal. I’ll let you do that. You’ll just have to hop back in that Bubble as soon as you get back!

  • Use Disney transportation. From the beginning of your trip, make use of the Magical Express! Once you’re at the resort, you’ll have a bus, boat, monorail, or Skyliner to get you to the Parks. It really is Magical just hopping on one of those and being whisked away. You don’t need to worry about directions or parking or trekking from the parking lot!

  • Scan your MagicBand or use Disney gift cards for purchases. In the end, you’ll be paying the same amount obviously, but there’s something about not handing over your cash or normal credit card. And if you have the Dining Plan, it’s even better since it’s already paid for!

There are plenty of scoffers out there that don’t believe in the Bubble. But in all honesty, I can go an entire vacation without thinking of my normal day-to-day worries. That really only happens to me at Disney.

Let’s get you into your own Bubble! Call me!!

Some (Most Likely Unintentional) Creepy Things at Disney World

Being the Happiest Place on Earth, you might think there’s nothing creepy about it. But there are a few things!!

Obviously, attractions like The Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror are intentionally creepy. But even within those rides, there are extra creepy items. I can give myself nightmares if I hear “Hurry Back” at the end of the Haunted Mansion too late at night. After exiting the Tower of Terror, you just might notice this ventriloquist’s dummy.

Disney’s Boardwalk resort has a couple of creepy things that aren’t supposed to be creepy at all. These chairs sit on either side of the Boardwalk lobby’s fireplace. Referred to as “Nanny Chairs,” they were historically found on carousels and gave adults a place to sit while the children rode the horses. I’ll just stand, thanks.

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The other fun but creepy touch at the Boardwalk is the huge clown slide at the pool. I don’t have a clown phobia but this guy looks a bit too much like the clown from It to me. At least it spits you out - if you had to enter the slide through his head, there would probably be a lot fewer kids enjoying this slide!

Here’s something that should give you the creeps. While it is COMPLETELY AGAINST THE RULES, some guests still think it’s okay to sprinkle their deceased relative’s ashes at Disney World. The most common attempts are to sprinkle them outside of their Doom Buggy on the Haunted Mansion or outside of their boat on Pirates of the Caribbean. If caught, the ride must be stopped and cleaned. Don’t ruin it for the rest of us! *Side note - I’d want to be sprinkled in the water surrounding the Castle, but that’s just me…

Speaking of Pirates, it’s not necessarily a creepy ride. With the song that makes me bob my head and sing along, it actually seems pretty cheerful to me. But did you know that one of the skulls is an actual human skull? Yikes!

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And lastly, not many people think of “it’s a small world” in a creepy way. Some find the song annoying but that’s about it. Well, if you’d like to keep it that way, don’t read the novel Kingdom Keepers! It’s a fun book, but the dolls come to life and attack some kids. Think about that the next time you have a delay in the ride and your boat floats in one room for a while…

Want to see all of these things? Of course you do! CONTACT ME! It’s always free to use my services…

Behind-the-scenes Tour at Disney World Shows Holiday Transformation!

Want to see how Walt Disney World Resort is transformed for the holidays? Now you can during this behind-the-scenes tour!

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Explore this winter wonderland—brimming with dazzling displays, delectable treats and pure Disney magic!

During this festive and fun-filled 3-hour tour, you'll see firsthand the incredible artistry and logistics that make Walt Disney World Resort even merrier and brighter at this time of year.

You’ll:

• Discover how the Holiday Services Designers use themes to fashion the distinctive decorations that “deck the halls” throughout the Resort.
• Visit the Floral Department for an up-close look at the special displays created just for the season.
• Join a Disney Springs culinary artist to whip up a mouthwatering seasonal treat of your own.

In addition, each Guest will receive an exclusive holiday keepsake!

This tour is $149 per person. Theme Park admission isn’t required or included. If you are interested, let me know and I’ll get it booked for you!

Food! Food! Food! (From the Stomach of a Picky Eater)...

I hear people all of the time talk about the amazing food at Disney World. I agree with them - it is amazing! But my idea of amazing is pretty much what a kid would want to eat - I’m super picky. Are you a foodie? Apparently you’ll be even happier with the food selection. While I’m no expert on the gourmet options, take a look at the yummy food I had on my last trip.

Want more info on any of this food or any other options? Call me!! I LOVE to chat Disney and my planning/booking services are always FREE!

Disney Acronyms - The List is Here!

Have you ever heard a couple of true Disney nerds have a conversation? It’s filled with plenty of acronyms that the casual guest may not understand. Here’s a list to help you get in on the conversation!

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Some of these vary depending on the nerd of course, but if you’re talking to this nerd in particular, you’ll know the lingo…

ADR – Advance Dining Reservation

AK (or DAK) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

AKL – Animal Kingdom Lodge

AoA – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

AP – Annual Pass or Annual Passholder (I WISH THIS WERE ME!!!!)

ASMusic – Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

ASMovies – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

ASSports – Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

BBB – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

BCR – Beach Club Resort

BLT– Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary

BOG – Be Our Guest Restaurant

BTMR – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

BWI – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

CBJ – Country Bear Jamboree

CBR – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

CM – Cast Member

Cont – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

CoP – Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

CRT – Cinderella’s Royal Table

CSR– Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 

DAK (or AK) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

DCA – Disney California Adventure

DCL – Disney Cruise Line

DDP – Disney Dining Plan

DHS – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

DL – Disneyland

DLH – Disneyland Hotel

DLR– Disneyland Resort

DME – Disney Magical Express

DS – Disney Springs

EC – Epcot

EMH – Extra Magic Hours

F&G – Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

F&W – Epcot Food & Wine Festival

FEA – Frozen Ever After

FoP – Avatar Flight of Passage

FP – FastPass

FtW – Fort Wilderness

GF – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

GS – Guest Services

HEA – Happily Ever After Fireworks Show

HoP – The Hall of Presidents

iasw – “it’s a small world”

JC – Jungle Cruise

KJS – Kilimanjaro Safari

LBV – Lake Buena Vista

LWTL – Living with the Land

M&G – Character Meet and Greet

MB – Magic Bands

MDE – My Disney Experience

MK – Magic Kingdom

MNSSHP – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

MVMCP – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

OKW – Disney’s Old Key West

PH – Park Hopper 

PoC – Pirates of the Caribbean

POFQ – Port Orleans French Quarter

Poly – Disney’s Polynesian Resort

POP – Pop Century Resort

PORS – Port Orleans Riverside

PotC – Pirates of the Caribbean

PP - Peter Pan

QS – Quick Service (dining)

RnR – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

RoL – Rivers of Light

SDD – Slinky Dog Dash

SDMT (or 7DMT) – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

SoG – Shades of Green Resort

SSE – Spaceship Earth

SSR – Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

SWGE – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

ToT – “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror”

TS – Table Service (dining)

TSI – Tom Sawyer Island

TSL – Toy Story Land

TSM – Toy Story Mania

TT – Test Track

TTA – Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

TTC – Transportation and Ticket Center

WDTC – Walt Disney Travel Company

WDW – Walt Disney World Resort

WL – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

WoD – Disney’s World of Disney

WWoS – Disney’s Wide World of Sports

YCR – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Anything I’ve left off?? Comment and let me know!

When you’re ready to have your “let’s go to Disney” conversation with me, give me a call!! There are never any fees - you pay the same if you book with me or book on your own. Why wouldn’t you get free help?!

Jungle (or Jingle!) Cruise - a Review of this Fan-Favorite Disney Attraction

“Everyone turn around and wave goodbye to the folks back on the dock … they may never see you again. But then again, you probably never saw them before, either.” This is just one of the wonderfully bad jokes you’ll hear on the World Famous Jungle Cruise at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

I have to be honest - up until my recent trip, I had only ridden this once and thought it was a tad on the boring side. It’s a 10-minute ride through a jungle river with animatronics. The “skippers” of the boats keep you entertained with jokes throughout the ride.

That’s where my original problem with the ride happened - the jokes. I must have gotten a skipper that just wasn’t into it that day because I didn’t even chuckle once. But consistently, wait times are high for this ride and I have several clients that put it in their top 3 at Magic Kingdom!

So I decided I’d better give it another shot. I’m so glad I did! I laughed out loud many times and was truly disappointed for the ride to end. I ended up riding it several times one day and laughed each and every time. Although the skippers give the same basic speech on the tour, they ad-lib quite a bit. And yes, it’s corny but in a really fun way.

The lines do get long so I’d definitely recommend FastPass. This attraction is outdoors and the queue, while covered, can get very uncomfortable on a warm day. I wouldn’t use this one as one of your 3 pre-booked FastPasses, but as soon as you use your third one, snag one for this.

At Christmas, the attraction is transformed into the Jingle Cruise. Join the homesick skippers as they set out on a holly, jolly journey packed with shenanigans. The boathouse and beyond are decked out with merry décor that’s been mailed to the skippers or that they've created themselves. They’re even unwrapping a few holiday jokes to help everyone get in the spirit.

The murky water passengers sail through is dyed brown, dark green, or muddy blue. The coloring serves two purposes: It provides a more realistic portrayal of swampy waters, of course, but it also conceals the fact that the cruise ships are on a track in a pool that’s less than four feet deep in most areas.

Legend has it that the Jungle Cruise is what inspired Walt Disney to decide that his parks would never be complete. Walt was strolling through Disneyland when he heard a young boy asking his mom to take him on the Jungle Cruise. The mother replied something to the effect of, “No, we did that last time we were here.” Hearing that, Walt decided he had to keep changing and improving things in order to keep guests coming back.

It’s a 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that you won't soon forget! Call me and let’s get you headed to the Jungle!! It’s always free to use my trip booking and planning services!!!