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!

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!!

Location, Location, Location: Where to Stay at Disney World Based on Your Favorite Park

If you've read any of my previous posts, you know that the Magic Kingdom is far and away my favorite Disney World park (also my favorite place anywhere).  But some of you probably have a different favorite and you're wondering where to stay if you plan to spend most of your time at your favorite spot.

You're in luck - you'll find the answer here today!  Below are the resorts I would stay in for each park.  It's mostly based on location but in the case there's more than one resort to choose from, I picked the one I like best.  I've also included a runner-up to stay in if you prefer something different due to cost or decor or whatever floats your boat.

Magic Kingdom

Contemporary

Contemporary

Polynesian

The Contemporary is the perfect location to stay if you are spending a lot of your time at Magic Kingdom.  Also, we should be friends if that's the case...  You have 2 great options to get to the park - you can walk or ride the monorail.  The Polynesian is beautiful and has the monorail, but you can't walk to MK from there.  Bonus though - they have Dole Whip on site!

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Coronado Springs

It only makes sense that the Animal Kingdom Lodge would be a great place to stay if Animal Kingdom is your favorite park.  It's close to the park PLUS if you love animals, you'll see a bunch at your resort!!  Both of these locations use bus transportation to get to the park, but it's not a long drive.

Epcot

Beach Club

Yacht Club

You can walk to Epcot from both the Beach Club and the Yacht Club.  They also share an amazing pool area.  I would choose the Beach Club mainly because the Yacht Club seems more like a "conference" hotel and less Disney.  But both are in a great location for Epcot!

Hollywood Studios

Boardwalk Inn

Pop Century

The Boardwalk Inn is in a perfect location - you can actually walk to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot from here.  They also have boats or buses if you'd rather.  I love the Boardwalk because they have a fun boardwalk area with lots of restaurants and entertainment.  Pop Century is a really fun resort for kids - tons of great photo ops.  

Future Stays

If you're planning to stay after mid-2019 I would add into this list Art of Animation and Caribbean Beach for enjoying Epcot or Hollywood Studios.  Disney is currently in the process of the construction of the Skyliner.  This will be a gondola system that will connect those 2 resorts (along with Pop Century) to those 2 parks.  Construction is rumored to be done sometime before Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens in the Fall of 2019 at Hollywood Studios.

PLEASE give me a call if you'd like more info on any of these resorts - or any others!  I love finding the perfect fit for each guest's situation.  And my services are FREE!!

runDisney 2019 Race Registrations Coming Up

Remember that one time that I lived out my dream of running a race at Disney World?  Best.  Day.  Ever!  Well it's your turn now!  

Race registrations for 2019 events have been on hold while runDisney implemented a new race registration system. But they are scheduled now!  Under the new system guests will be able to register for races using their Disney account. Guests will also be able to register multiple participants at the same time and use payment options such as Disney gift cards. Registration dates are as follows:

-- 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 9-13.
Registration begins at 11am CST on July 19, 2018.

-- 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 21-24.
Registration begins at 11am CST on August 7, 2018.

-- 2019 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 4-7.
Registration begins at 11am CST on August 28, 2018.

Take a look at my previous blog post about my experiences at a runDisney event by clicking here!  Remember that my planning services are completely FREE if you book your trip through me.  And having done a race here myself, I have lots of tips to help you.

Keep in mind that on my previous blog post, I mention to sign up for an active.com account to make registration day smoother - that's no longer the process.  Just use your Disney sign on!!  If you're thinking of registering and want to chat before you do or want me to be available if you need help that day, just give me a shout.  It's non-refundable so make sure you want to do it before signing up!

Let me help you make a bunch of wonderful memories with very few blisters...  Call me today and let's get you an awesome medal!!

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 

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.  :)

So Be Honest... Will I Need a Barf Bag??

In today's post, I'll take a look at one of the newer attractions at Disney World's Animal Kingdom - Avatar's Flight of Passage.  

It's basically a virtual ride (similar to Soarin' if you've ridden that one).  A lot of people - including several in my family - have issues with these types of rides that make them nauseous.  With ridiculous wait times if you don't have a FastPass, I wanted to let you know my thoughts on the ride before you stand in that line.  The pic below is the Standby line (240 MINUTES) when we were there in January.  Today on a quite slow day at the park the wait time is currently at 90 minutes so you may never just hop on this ride.  But come on, you should have a FastPass if you've ever listened to me!!

Waiting can take an eternity.

Wait Time - 240 MINUTES!!!

So let's say that you don't have the FastPass...  Before you wait in line, be sure to test out the seat out front.  Not all body types fit in this ride.  And if you wait in line, get on the ride, and then the seat won't engage behind you, you will be asked to leave the ride.  That would be pretty cruel after waiting in line!!  

The white part locks you in from behind.

Test seat outside of the attraction.

So after you've gone through the line (and tested your seat), you are taken through a cave filled with old paintings from Na’vi history, before discovering the remains of an old abandoned building from RDA, the mining company from the film that caused so much havoc in the first place.  I loved how they made a new attraction look so old and authentic - I really wish I were an Imagineer!!  

After snaking through the labs, a few video introductions lay out how audience members will be linked to their avatars, and then they’re led into the ride itself. Avatar technology has evolved to the point where the process can be performed with nothing more than a “link chair” — basically a bicycle-like apparatus with haptic feedback — and a pair of “flight goggles” that serve as 3D glasses.  And don't worry - if you don't want to ride but want to stay with your group, you can leave at the point the ride starts.

So how is the actual ride?  You REALLY feel like you're flying!! You feel the banshee breathe and the wind in your hair.  I LOVED it.  And how about that barf bag??  I didn't need it.  The flight was around 5 minutes (which is a long ride in theme park terms!) and I only felt a little queasy once.  I just closed my eyes for a moment and all was well.  

The ride itself doesn't move much - you lean and dip a bit.  But you truly do feel like you're flying.  

Call me and let's get you to Pandora to check it out!!

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!!