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!!

So What's in the Backpack??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


To Stroller or Not to Stroller - the Burning Question of the Theme Park Visitor

So you’ve decided to take your family to Disney or Universal - YAY!! You’ve got some important decisions to make. One of the most difficult to decide is if you are going to take a stroller or not. Sounds simple but there are a lot of factors that go into the decision. Today, I’ll help you decide.

Your kids’ ages will play a lot into your decision. If you have an infant that you’re fine carrying in a sling, then you might get away with not pushing a stroller. If you have a toddler that has a hard time following the rules of holding hands then you may need the stroller just to make sure they stay with you at all times. An older child may be great at walking on their own and staying with you, but may lack the stamina to walk many miles in a day. If you think you’ll skip the stroller, be sure to do long walks ahead of time to get those little legs ready!

Here are my pros and cons for using a stroller:

Pros for Using Stroller:

  • Gives your child a ride and you can move quickly through the parks rather than dragging them along

  • You have a place to store your bag/food/drinks/souvenirs in the stroller storage

  • If you rent one outside the parks or bring your own, you can use it to get to the bus and to your hotel (you do have to fold it up on the bus)

  • Gives your child a place to nap while you shop/dine/wander the parks

  • If you have a kid that tends to dart off into crowds, the stroller can keep them right where you want them

  • When it’s hot, it’s nice to not have to carry a hot little body up against you

Pros for Going Without Stroller:

  • You don’t have to navigate the stroller through crowds

  • You can’t take strollers into most attractions so you have to take it to the parking area and find it when done with attraction - without it you can just jump in line for the attraction

  • You have to fold the stroller up when boarding Disney bus transportation - if your child is sound asleep, you may have to do this with one hand while holding your child so make sure it’s easy to fold!

  • Florida is notorious for thunderstorms that sneak up on you - you will probably need a rain cover if you have a stroller

  • Just one more thing to keep up with

  • You may not have a place to store your packages but remember if you stay on site, you can always have them sent straight to your resort

  • You’ll need to bring a bag (I’d suggest a backpack) to carry anything you might need. If it’s a hot day, you’ll want to bring lots of water!

  • Stroller rentals aren’t free - you’ll save a few bucks that you could use for a Dole Whip!

Don’t be afraid to call an audible and change your game plan when you’re there. If you get a few hours into your day and know that your child just won’t make it, go to the stroller rental!! It may cost you a few dollars more than if you reserved it ahead of time, but may save your sanity if you’ve got a toddler in meltdown mode.

I LOVED the last few trips we went on with no stroller. My kids are obviously older now and we didn’t need one but there’s something thrilling about graduating from the stroller days. Ask me tomorrow though and I may cry at the thought of not needing a stroller while I watch my oldest drive an actual car…

All families are different and have different circumstances. Call me and we can chat about your specifics and I can help you with your choice!

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...  :)

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!  

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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.

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!