That Time I Went to Disneyland by MYSELF!

So last week, I did something I would've never believed I'd do...  I went to Disneyland alone.  Without my family.  All by Myself!  

Here are some pictures to prove it:


If this post seems familiar, you are likely one of my awesome readers that pays attention to my posts. Yep, I did one just like this a couple of years ago when I went to Disney World by myself! Well, I got another amazing opportunity to do some Disney training and this time, it took place in California at Disneyland. So allow me to just copy and paste a bit here…

You may be wondering how I could be so cruel as to go there without my kids.  I thought the same thing before I went.  But it's not like I just yelled, "See ya suckers!" and took off for my Happy Place.  I went for training and really, truly, had no choice in the matter.  :)

I was offered a chance to go to Disney's Agent Education Program.  Of course since it's a training program for agents, families weren't allowed.  I really did agonize over the decision and went back and forth for a bit, but let me tell you - I'm so glad I went!  

It had been a while (literally 37 years) since I had set foot in Disneyland. I don’t know about you, but my memory isn’t that good so I really don’t remember it.  Besides that, there’s just a few things that have changed at Disneyland since then!!

In the next few weeks, I will post specifics about what I learned, what's new and exciting at Disneyland and even more tips and tricks that I learned from Disney Cast Members and the other agents in attendance.  I also feel the need to talk about the differences of Disneyland vs Disney World so that’s coming up soon. Spoiler alert: I love them both!!

I can honestly say I've NEVER come back from a work conference or training feeling pumped about my job - except for that one time a couple of years ago. :)  A Magical time was had for sure - AGAIN!!!

How to Get that High Score

Want to get the high score on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin ride at Disney? Read on for a couple of tips that will help!!

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First, hold the button down on your laser shooter the ENTIRE time. It’s easier on your hand and it will shoot as fast as possible that way. You aren’t penalized for missed shots - in fact you earn points for shooting at all so just keep that button pressed!

As you are leaving a room, start lining up your shots (and shooting) into the next room. Some shots are hard to make right in front of the target as your gun doesn’t always move up or down enough. From a distance you can hit those targets with less of an angle.

As soon as you see the giant orange robot, aim for his hand!! This is a high scoring target worth 100,000 points.

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The other 100,000 point target is below Zurg. This is one where you need to be aiming for it as you enter the room. If you wait until you are directly in front of Zurg, your laser shooter won't aim down far enough to hit the target.

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The total points possible in the ride is 999,999 and it’s not that hard to get! Just hit those high value targets a few times and you’re there. Then you can brag to your family that you are a Galactic Hero!

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Bragging rights are fun but I rarely remember the score I had - if you hit the high score, take a pic quickly before the ride ends for proof!!

And don’t forget that the ride has an in-ride photo spot - pay attention and you can come home with some great pictures along with your great memories (you did the Memory Maker, didn’t you?).

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Considering a trip to Disney? Please give me a call! I love to help families plan their trip and as long as you book through me, my services are FREE! You won’t pay a penny more than if you booked your trip yourself. That’s even better than a high score!!

I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!

Got great news yesterday - I’ve been selected to go to Disneyland for an Agent Education Program!! If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you’ll remember that I was lucky enough to get to go on a similar training trip a couple of years ago to Disney World. I am ridiculously excited to get to go to Disneyland for this!

The last time I was at Disneyland was around 1980 (that’s me 2nd from the left in the Castle pic). Things have changed a bit since then! Although I keep up with Disneyland news and information via blogs, websites, podcasts… It’s amazing how seeing something in person can exponentially increase knowledge. So I’m ready to go and learn for you! Hit me up with any questions you have ahead of time (I’m going November 6) so that I can do my on-site research. I promise it will be ALL work and NO play!! :)

Very Merrytime Disney Cruises - There's Still Availability to Book for this Christmas!!

Create a new family tradition: celebrate the holidays at sea and be immersed in a winter wonderland of fun!

Have you ever considered doing something fun like a Disney Cruise over Christmas? Now is the time to book as the availability on the Very Merrytime Cruises is dwindling. I checked today and there are still a few cabins available on these cruises (in November and December). Good news for my Oklahoma peeps - there are cruises out of Galveston this time of year. So you can save yourself airfare to Florida if you’re willing to drive to Galveston!

If you don’t know what a Very Merrytime Cruise is, then here are all of the details for you!

Onboard Festivities

Delight in seasonal magic at sea and discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor.

Share in the magic with festive onboard decorations that include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, and experience numerous merriments sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including:

  • Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party
    Candy-cane limbo, dancing and games—share in the yuletide magic of the season during this jovial celebration.

  • Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
    Kick off the season during this festive gala where kids can help light the ship’s Christmas Tree.

  • Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet
    Share hugs and snap photos with the one-and-only Kris Kringle before he takes to the sky to deliver gifts to the children of the world.

  • Disney Character Greetings
    Meet some beloved Disney Characters in jolly holiday attire and take one-of-a-kind pictures to cherish throughout the year.

  • Youth Parties
    Teens and tweens can party it up with new friends during music and dance extravaganzas that fill the air with joy.

  • Storytime with Mrs. Claus
    Gather the children in the atrium to hear Mrs. Claus read well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree.

  • Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids
    Decorate stockings, create festive cards, embark on a holiday scavenger hunt and more—it’s Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart.

  • Gingerbread House
    Made completely from edible ingredients, the ship’s gingerbread house is a life-sized treat that you can photograph, but can’t eat!

  • Holiday Merchandise
    ‘Tis the season to pick up exclusive, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line gifts for family and friends—and make Christmas wishes come true.

Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy these additional treats:

  • Cookies on Christmas Eve

  • Special holiday towel animals

  • Caroling with the kids and crew

Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as on Castaway Cay! Disney's private island paradise is transformed with "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Sail dates for 2018 and 2019 are listed below. Remember prices are cheaper on a cruise the further out you book so it’s not too early at all to be thinking about booking for 2019! Also, my planning services are always FREE when you book your trip through me and it doesn’t cost a penny more than if you booked it yourself!! Need more info about a Disney Cruise? Check out my previous blog post about them here!

2018
Disney Magic

  • November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

  • November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

  • November 24, 2018 – 6-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

  • November 30, 2018 – 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

  • December 5, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 9, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • December 14, 2018 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 23, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

  • November 2, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 8, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • November 16, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 23, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 30, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 7, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • December 14, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • December 21, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

  • November 9, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 16, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (2-stops at Castaway Cay)

  • November 23, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 26, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 30, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 3, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 7, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 10, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 14, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 17, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 21, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 24, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

  • November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 24, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 1, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 8, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 15, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 22, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

2019
Disney Magic

  • November 10, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

  • November 15, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

  • November 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • November 23, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 2, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 7, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

  • December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 16, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

  • December 21, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

  • November 8, 2019 - 14-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego

  • November 22, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

  • November 29, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

  • December 6, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

  • December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

  • December 20, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

  • November 8, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 11, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 15, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 18, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 22, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 25, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 2, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 6, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 9, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 13, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 23, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

  • November 9, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 16, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 23, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • November 30, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 7, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 14, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • December 21, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

Play Disney Parks App - A Fun Way to Wait!

As if you need another reason to go to Disney World or Disneyland, here's one!  Disney has released the Play Disney Parks App - available FREE to download and play on both iOS and Android.

I normally wouldn't recommend having your nose in your phone while at Disney.  But if you're there with long lines and you've wrapped around the same part of the line a few times, you'll be tempted to distract yourself.  This would be especially helpful if you have kids that get restless while waiting.  

This app was designed for families and guests to enjoy together. With group play that enables everyone to join in on the fun, guests will turn wait time into play time with all-new interactive experiences and activities created for select attraction queues, including: “Playset Party” at Toy Story Mania! in Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Off to Neverland” at Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom, “Rocket Race” at Space Mountain at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom, and “Andy’s Boardgame Blast!” at the new Slinky Dog Dash coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And there’s even more to explore in the app!

Guests signed into their Disney account (available to guests 13 and over) can also earn, collect and share uniquely themed achievements, rewarded for playing games, answering trivia, completing challenges and experiencing select attractions across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And with the Disney trivia feature, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy as guests can discover fun facts about their favorite theme parks.

This first-of-its-kind Disney app will also allow guests to celebrate the songs of Disney in a whole new way. Access Apple Music®* from within the app to tap into a curated audio experience featuring official playlists inspired by beloved theme park lands, attractions and characters – and some favorite memories too. Apple Music subscribers will even be able to add favorite Disney tracks direct to their Apple Music library allowing them to live and re-live the magic of Disney parks music at home.

The app is intended to be used while actually at Disney.  So sadly, there's not much to do with it if you are stuck elsewhere.  But I did discover that the trivia questions work outside the parks, so pull it up and add a little Disney to your day!

Don't forget that if you book your trip with me, I'll plan it at no cost to you!!  Same price as you'd get booking yourself!!

 

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

*Some features require Apple Music subscription and are only available on iOS devices. Separate terms and conditions apply.

10 Things I Hate About Disney World

You know I love Disney so this is a hard one for me.  But I've compiled a list of 10 things I hate - some are avoidable and some aren't.  Enjoy... 

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1 - Crowds!!  There are some better times of the year than others but frankly with all that Disney has to offer, crowds are going to be big.  I think the days of finding the Magic Kingdom empty are in the past.  But I can certainly help you avoid the most crowded of days and with prior planning, you can do a lot to alleviate the problems crowds cause.

2 - Long Lines.  The main problem with the crowds is that they tend to all want to do what you want to do so your lines are long.  Again, prior planning helps.  When you book with me 6 months in advance, I can get you almost any dining reservation, so no waiting for your eats!  Also, with Mobile Ordering, you can skip the lines for Quick Service food!!  For attraction FastPasses - if I get them for you 60 days in advance, that gives you at least 3 lines a day you can skip (and more if you're smart and get a new FastPass when yours are used).  In the case where you do have a long line, Disney is wonderful with most lines being in the shade or air conditioning and a lot of them have interactive queues which are so fun!!

3 - Weather Issues (Heat/Humidity/Rain).  Here's one you can't control.  You can be prepared however!  Know that if it's summer, it will be hot and humid and don't let yourself become dehydrated.  Plan for afternoon thunderstorms by carrying cheap ponchos in your bag.  And don't be that amazing Mom that assumes it's Florida so even in January it will be warm and doesn't pack any warm clothes for your kid to run his first half-marathon!  Oops, that might have been me.  Point is - check the weather first and try to be prepared for anything!

4 - Extra Calories.  Even though you can control this, it's too fun to enjoy the amazing food and snacks.  You'll be walking a ton which helps a bit but I always come back with a souvenir of a few extra pounds.  If you know it's probable, you can get your workout program set up before you leave so you don't carry that extra weight for too long!

5 - Being Tired.  This one is like the extra calories and is totally avoidable if you make better choices than I do.  But I want to squeeze every single moment out of my Disney vacation and sleep just doesn't fit my plans.  I wouldn't suggest planning on going to work/school the very next day when you return.  Add a day or two at the end of your trip to get some actual rest!!

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6 - Missing my pets.  I know I have some sort of issue, but I really miss my pets when I'm on vacation.  I recently found an amazing house sitter that will come and keep an eye on the kitties while we're gone, so hopefully you have something good like that!  But if not, guess what?  You can bring your dog with you to Disney!  There are a few resorts on property that will allow you to bring your dog for a small fee.  They can't go into the parks but they are welcome in your hotel room.  The housekeeping staff is notified and they won't go in and accidentally let your furbaby out.  Let me know if this is one you can relate to and I'll get you more info!

7 - Buses/Public Transportation.  Ok, so I don't necessarily hate this.  I LOVE the monorail and the boats.  And you all know my love for the Magical Express (when I'm on my way to Disney - not so much on my way out).  I threw this one in here for Don since he has a sincere hate for Disney buses.  They can be crowded and uncomfortable for sure.  But the convenience of someone taking me where I want to go for FREE without the possibility of me getting lost or having to park a mile away really outweighs the negative in my opinion.

8 - Spending Money.  This one is a touchy subject because I won't lie and say Disney is an inexpensive vacation.  But there are tiers of spending and even Disney on a budget is better than a lot of vacations I've been on.  I will work with any budget - just let me know your needs up front.  

9 - Sad Families.  I hear this one a lot and it is one I really do hate.  The families that people mention seeing that are obviously not feeling like they're in the happiest place on Earth most likely didn't plan ahead.  They thought their kids could walk 10 miles and didn't get a stroller.  They didn't get dining reservations and their favorite restaurant is booked.  They didn't take a poncho and are soaking wet.  So many reasons but most could be avoided.  Read through other posts on my blog for lots of tips to help avoid the Sad Family Syndrome!

10 - LEAVING!  The hands-down absolute worst part of Disney World for me is that I can't just live there.  I swear I can tear up just thinking about walking out of Magic Kingdom on the last night of my trips.  The best cure for this - start planning another trip!  Until I can go again, let me help you.  It eases my pain just a little...  :)

Want to Spend Several Hours at Magic Kingdom with No Crowds??

Your Kingdom awaits!  When the crowds clear and the gates close, rediscover Magic Kingdom park after dark.  It sounds too good to be true, but there is a way to experience Magic Kingdom without a crowd.  

Be among a limited number of Guests to enjoy a unique, 3-hour park experience—featuring more than 25 popular attractions and Character Greetings, with little-to-no wait!   Disney After Hours gives a limited number of Guests—including you—access to dozens of unforgettable experiences in Magic Kingdom park.

For 11 select nights from June 2018 to September 2018, don’t miss your chance to skip the wait times.  Because ticket sales are extremely limited, you'll basically walk up to each attraction with practically no wait.  Times are either from 10pm to 1am or 9pm to midnight.  And you'll actually be able to enter the park at 7pm, but the regular crowd will be there until closing.

But wait - there's more!  Ice Cream, Popcorn and Select Beverages are Included!
In the midst of the laughs and thrills, be sure to chill out with ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages—included in the cost of admission—available at carts stationed throughout the park. In addition, you can also purchase select menu items at Main Street Bakery and select locations throughout the park.

One huge regret I have is not taking advantage of this event when I was at Disney World for agent training.  It was brand new and I thought the people that did it were huge suckers.  They had a ticket for the day and were going to pay extra for just 3 hours??  But the next morning they came in completely thrilled with money well-spent.  They had NO lines or waits and ate about 20 Mickey bars each.  The current price on this ticket is $119 each (purchased in advance - it's $124 the day of the event if available), so would be a large chunk of change for a family for sure.  But if I ever end up at Disney alone again, you can bet I'll be doing this.  You could also do this on a day when you don't have a regular park ticket - you only need the After Hours ticket to enter.  

Here's a review on After Hours from a Guest who has enjoyed it...  "It’s literally an empty park. And the staff is so nice.. Passing out ice cream bars and waters and sodas willy nilly.. The ride operators, just say stay on, if you want! They let us ride on thunder mountain train car as they backed it into the parking spot for the night.. and we rode seven dwarves like 7x in a row without getting off…"

Sounds amazing!!

There are also photographers on hand, so if you have a Memory Maker you'll get some awesome shots in an empty-ish park!

Last week, my blog post focused on what to do at Disney World if you only had one day.  If you did this on a day when the Disney After Dark tickets were offered, you could do even more!!  

Of course with any of these "extra" ticketed events, there's no guarantee that they'll keep doing it.  But if you're planning a trip be sure and let me know if you're interested.  I'll check the current dates and see if it's available!

 

 

Just One Day?? What to Do?!

Andrew gave me a good idea for a blog post this week...  If I had just one day to spend at Disney World, what would I do?  A normal person might just answer with their one or two favorite rides and call it good but you know I'm not normal.  I have thought and thought about this and knowing I would want to squeeze every possible second out of the day, I've come up with the following plan of what I would do!

First of all - I've preached this before - be at the parks at OPENING!!  In fact, be early.  I'd start my day at Magic Kingdom and I'd be there about an hour and a half before opening.  Yes that's early, but they open Main Street an hour before the rest of the park.  To make my one day plan work, I'd want to be through security, maybe have a snack on Main Street and be ready to head into Fantasyland as soon as the rope drops.  I'd save my FastPasses to use at my next park since I won't be at those when they opens.  

At Magic Kingdom, I'd be sure to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain as soon as possible.  Those tend to have the longest lines and although I'd want to hit my other favorites (Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan...), I could do those later without hopefully quite as long of a wait.  

Running from one ride to the other, I'd grab a Dole Whip (being sure to use Mobile Ordering to move quickly).  IF I found a character with a short wait, I'd get a couple of pictures but would probably have to skip most of those on this trip.  I'd for sure have to get a pic in front of the Castle though!

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On to Animal Kingdom next by way of Disney bus transport.  (Luckily, the bus times are on the My Disney Experience app now so I could really wait until the last second to run for the bus).  Once at Animal Kingdom, I'd need to use a FastPass since I want to ride Flight of Passage.  Waits are still ridiculous for it so this would be a perfect use of it. 

The moment I scanned my MagicBand for my Flight of Passage FastPass, I would pull up the app and look for a Slinky Dog Dash FastPass at Hollywood Studios which is where I'll head next.  I could certainly use my other 2 FastPasses at Animal Kingdom, but let's just say I'm there on a day when lines aren't overall that bad. 

After riding Flight of Passage, I'd hit Dinosaur and the Safari.  Not that I don't love the other rides but I'd head out after that.  If Everest had a short wait, I might hop on it - but honestly I wouldn't be too sad if I couldn't.  I love and hate that ride.  It's really cool but that last drop makes me question why on earth I would ride it every time.  

I'd grab lunch - using Mobile Ordering again - and eat while heading to the bus.  Next stop - Hollywood Studios!  

Now, I know at this point I would completely regret using my FastPass on Flight of Passage if I wasn't able to get one for Slinky Dog Dash.  But the wait on it is typically a little less than Flight of Passage at this point so I'm going for time-savers here.  Whatever the wait is at Slinky Dog, I would do it.  So let's hope it's short!!  

Depending on the other wait times, I would also want to hit Toy Story Mania and Rock'n'Roller Coaster (taking advantage of the Single Rider Line).  Also after each FastPass I used, I would check and see what's available for later in the day.  You never know when one will open up and I'll grab any I can.

Back to the buses - should probably grab a Mickey Bar to eat on the way - and off to Epcot.  Hopefully I was able to get a FastPass for Test Track after using my last one.  If not, there's a Single Rider Line there too which is usually quick.  And you naysayers may scoff at my other must-do there, but it's Spaceship Earth.  I could rest my surely sore feet by this point and enjoy the smell of Rome burning - isn't that one of your favorite smells, too??

I'd hit Club Cool for some free caffeine as I'm sure I'll be moving a bit slower by now.  Fueled up, it's back to Magic Kingdom by way of the Monorail.  I know, I know, I've already been to Magic Kingdom.  But I honestly can't think of a better day than starting and ending it there.  

Assuming I've made it by dinner-ish time, I'd go straight to Casey's Corner for the world's best hot dog.  I've surely been smart enough to plan this on a day when Magic Kingdom is open late and will now make my way around all that I missed in the morning.  Making sure to stop and watch the Fireworks, I'd run from ride to ride until they kick me out. 

Did you know that if you are in line before the park officially closes, they won't kick you out but will let you wait in line and ride?  I did that once on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - park closed at 11pm and I got in line at 10:45pm.  It was an hour long line at that point so I was one of the last to leave the park.  

Leaving the Magic Kingdom is always a really sad thing for me.  But being able to leisurely stroll out with very few people makes it a little better.  I feel like I can soak it all in one last time.

Now if I only had a day to test out my plan...  If this ever happens, I'll be sure and let you know!  Of course, I HIGHLY suggest taking more than one day to do Disney World.  Give me a call and I'll help you plan a much less hectic schedule.  

** Stay tuned next week for a blog post on Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom.  It's a special ticketed event that would make this day much easier to do.  I'll explain it all then!!

Disney Cruise Line!

Let me start by saying that I haven't had the good fortune YET to take a Disney Cruise.  But I was lucky enough to get to tour the Disney Dream when I was in Florida last year for an agent education program.  I took a few pics of the ship and would love to share those with you.  Based on all that I saw, I can't wait to set sail someday soon!!

We were in Port Canaveral, but Disney sails out of Galveston, San Diego, Miami, New York and many other departure ports.  The ships sail anywhere you can imagine - including Europe and Alaska!  Be sure and save some time by doing as much of your check-in as possible online before you get to the port - I can help with that!

There are 3 pools on this ship - one of them is an adult-exclusive pool.  Keep in mind that while the other pools are kid-friendly, you can't swim in them unless you are potty-trained!  Swim diapers are only allowed in the splash area (Nemo's Reef on the Dream).  The main pool has a 24-by-14-foot LED screen called Funnel Vision on which you can watch classic Disney animated features or live-action movies.  

For the thrill seekers, be sure and take a ride on the AquaDuck which is an exciting 765-foot-long water coaster that transports Guests on an exhilarating journey up, down and around 4 decks, over the side of the ship and through the Forward Funnel

Trust me when I say you won't go hungry.  There are 3 different restaurants that you rotate through each evening for dinner and you keep your same wait-staff since they rotate with you!  If you want something more casual, there are a couple of quick-service type restaurants on board.  And don't forget, there is 24-hour complimentary room service!!  If I ever do make it on a cruise, I'll be eating my weight in Mickey bars for sure.

There are a few food items that aren't included in your cost of the cruise...  Vanellope's Sweet and Treats sells ice cream, gelato and candy.  But looking at the price list, it's not that expensive.  If you want something a bit different than the standard ice cream that is compliementary, check this out.  There are also 2 adult-exclusive restaurants (Palo and Remy) that aren't included.  Might be worth it for some time alone though!

On board, you'll find all of your favorite characters for Meet and Greets!  Some require a ticket (it is free but you need a reservation) and some you'll find randomly throughout the ship.  We were lucky enough to be greeted by Mickey as we boarded the ship!

Although you want to spend your vacation with your family, it's nice to have an option if you want to do the adult-exclusive dining or other activity.  Disney Cruise Line provides Disney-themed youth clubs, areas and immersive interactive programs and activities designed to allow your child’s imagination to soar while aboard the Disney Dream.  Honestly, after seeing the youth clubs, I imagine I would have a hard time dragging my boys out of them!  

The Small World Nursery is adorable for children aged 3 months to 3 years.   It does have an additional charge though and you need reservations.

Have someone traveling with you that loves sports?  So does Goofy!  There are a lot of options for the sports-lover to enjoy.

If you're into nightclubs and dancing, you have several options!  Take advantage of the kids' clubs and hit the dance floor!!

There are 2 theaters on board - a movie theater and a theater for a Broadway caliber show.  Currently the Dream is doing Beauty and the Beast.  

There is so much more to a Disney Cruise that I haven't even touched on here.  Most itineraries sail to Disney's private island - Castaway Cay.  You also have the option to book some amazing Port Adventures in the ports that you visit (these are an additional charge).  You'll also enjoy Fireworks at sea, Deck parties, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Spa and Fitness amenities, Midship Detective Agency, Shopping...  And did I mention free Mickey bars??  

The least expensive rates on a Disney cruise are when the itineraries are first released.  So if you're thinking of taking a cruise, let me know as soon as possible so that we can get you the maximum fun for the least price.

Oh and if you're like Don and a bit of a germaphobe, you need to know about these awesome automatic hand washers that you have to use to get into the buffet line.  Now you have no excuse to not sail with Disney!!  Call me - my services are FREE to you!!

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