An Honest Account of the Amazing Highs (and a few lows) From Our Disney Vacation

I tend to only talk about the positive aspects of a Disney Vacation.  I am, after all, hoping you'll book a trip through me and have an amazing time!  But I know that no trip is ever perfect from beginning to end.  You'll hit some bumps along the way - but after reading this, I hope you'll see that the highs completely outweigh the lows.  

The HIGHS!

This kid.  This kid right here made my whole week with one amazing morning.  We ran the runDisney Half Marathon together.  It could have been a disaster.  He had a broken toe and a hurt arm in the weeks leading up to the race.  With that and his school/sports schedule, he didn't get in many long runs.  

And then the worst happened and 2 days prior to the trip, we all got the nastiest stomach bug I've ever encountered.  I wasn't sure he'd be able to stand up on Saturday, much less run 13.1 miles.  On the monorail to the race, I kept looking at him thinking he looked pale and tired and it was never going to happen.  

We hadn't slept much the night before (you have to be on the monorail by 3:30am) and then we had to walk 1.5 miles to get to the start line.  As if that wasn't enough, we stood in frigid temperatures (34 degrees) with shorts on (I'm Mom of the Year and didn't think we'd need tights) for a couple of hours waiting for the race to start.

Having also not eaten much for days, it's a wonder we made it to the race.  But when we crossed the start line, Ryan ran his heart out.  We only stopped for a restroom break once and we'd walk while we took a sip of water.  Other than that, we ran the entire race.  

I'm still amazed at him.  I KNOW he was tired and hurting but he never complained.  And with a half mile to go, he actually said, "Mom, I'll let you cross the finish line first if you want to beat me."  

I felt like crying - and you know I'd already gotten teary-eyed running through the castle!  I didn't let him let me win - how embarrassing for your 46-year-old mother to beat you.  But it was so sweet that he was willing to do that!  

There may have been a bit of complaining in the next couple of days about sore feet but that was a tiny little low compared to the high of him running his first half marathon with me!!  I'd had dreams of running a race at Disney and thanks to him, I did it. 

Kid #2!!

I always feel a little guilty taking Andrew to amusement parks.  He goes and he says he has a good time, but he just doesn't like to ride most of the rides.  So he stands in line for quite some time with us and then goes out the exit when we get on the rides. 

A lot of people - scratch that - MOST people would complain about the waits or about standing in line for a ride they're not interested in, but he really doesn't.  He willingly holds all of my stuff - my heavy backpack and camera.  And he'll even try to get a pic of us on the ride - like this awesome one here:

He was such a trooper this trip.  I wanted to hit 4 parks in one day and he was up for it.  I wanted to stop a take a picture with Peter Pan.  Fine by him.  I wanted to ride Small World one last time.  No complaints.  So thankful for the good attitude and sweet spirit in this boy!

Kid #3!

When we started planning this trip, I mentioned to the boys how much I'd like to go to eat in the Castle.  With all boys, I'd never considered eating a meal where 5 different princesses come by your table.  Luke went through the "Rapunzel love" phase when he was 2, but he's 10 now.  (Do yourself a favor and look at his Rapunzel phase here!)  I suggested they go play golf and I would just be that weirdo eating by myself in the castle. 

But Luke offered to go with me.  I know he wasn't a huge fan of it.  This pic of him with Cinderella is quite different than his past pics with Rapunzel.

When the princesses came around during breakfast, I told them he was my photographer so he took all of the pics of us.  I think he enjoyed that much more than being fawned on by pretty girls!  Again, there was no complaining!  He was happy to take the pictures and I'll forever appreciate his company on our Castle date!!

Kid #4!  Ok, so I don't have 4 kids.  But I do have to give credit to the guy who took us to Disney.  This may shock you but Don isn't the Disney fan that I am.  He really doesn't like crowds or standing in line or public transportation which doesn't help.  I know he'd rather go on a camping/fishing/skiiing/lake/anything else trip so I appreciate him going on this trip with us!  Not only did he pay for it, he had to take off work to go on his not-so-favorite trip.  And did I mention the stomach bug? Yep, he also got to fly on a very queasy stomach.  Maybe a bit of eye-rolling that he didn't think I saw, but there wasn't much outward complaining. 

I'm thankful to have a husband that gets that I'm a super Disney nerd and puts up with me!

The LOWS...

All-in-all, I don't have much to put here.  The crowds last week were much higher than historically encountered this time of year.  So lines were longer and people were just everywhere.  I think in the past, we had been lucky to be at off-peak times and were a bit spoiled.  One thing I learned this trip is that it's ok if we all aren't together all the time.  

A few times Don and one or two of the boys went back to the hotel for down-time.  Although I want to spend every second in the parks, I get that they needed to do that.  I think that made our time together ever better.  

We had sore feet for sure.  The day of the race, I got in more than 50,000 steps!  But if you go in knowing that you'll be walking and prepare for it, it's not such a big deal.  

Also with the crowds so high, it helped that I had planned ahead and made dining reservations and secured FastPasses.  You'll have plenty of Lows if you have to wait in line at each and every turn.  

The sore feet and eye-rolling will not be what I think of when I think back on this trip.  The fun memories and great pictures will be all that I remember - and I will remember it often!!

I'd love to help you plan a trip with a bunch of HIGHS and a few tiny LOWS.  Call me and let's talk about it!!

Disney World MagicBands FAQ

One of the most exciting days before traveling to Disney is the day the MagicBands arrive in the mail!  As soon as I see the box, the trip becomes even more of a reality!  (And just to embarrass my boys, I usually scream and do a Happy Dance).

For those of you that haven’t been to Disney World, or haven’t been in many years, here’s some helpful information about those Magical Bands and how to use them.

What is a MagicBand?

This colorful wristband is actually an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects you to all the vacation choices you made with My Disney Experience.

Your MagicBand enables you to travel lighter throughout your vacation. Use it to enter the parks, unlock your Disney Resort hotel room and buy food and merchandise. Plus, your MagicBand gives you FastPass+ access to all the experiences you’ve selected online.

** Be sure to NOT pack your MagicBands in your checked luggage.  You will use them right off the bat to board Disney’s Magical Express at the airport.  And if you’ve checked in online prior to your trip, you can go straight to your room using your MagicBand to unlock your door.  So put them on when you head out to start your trip!

Your MagicBand also is used by Disney PhotoPass Service. The photographer will scan your band after taking your photos.  You’ll also have your ride photos automatically linked to your account while wearing your band on rides that offer in-ride pics.  If you’ve purchased the Memory Maker, all you have to do is go to your PhotoPass account to see all the memories captured and created for you.

 How do I use my MagicBand?

Most of the time, all you need to do is touch your MagicBand against a sensor called a touch point. It’s that easy!

MagicBands can also be read by long-range readers to deliver amazing personalized experiences, as well as provide information that helps Disney improve their overall experience.

In addition to touching your MagicBand to a touch point, you will be required to enter a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself when making purchases. 

To enter the parks, you will be required to provide biometric identification (fingerprint) or show a photo ID that matches the name identified with your ticket. This process helps to ensure that you, and only you, have access to the entitlements linked to your MagicBand.

MagicBands are always operational. They don’t have an on/off switch. If you lose a MagicBand, you can deactivate it on My Disney Experience, and it will no longer be linked to your tickets and other entitlements.  You can visit Guest Relations for help with a replacement - occasionally they will replace without a charge depending on the circumstances.

MagicBands use Radio Frequency (RF) technology and can be read by short and long-range readers located at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you prefer to use a card—which cannot be detected by long-range readers—you can request a card at your Disney Resort hotel.

In addition, any Guest who wishes to use their MagicBand to purchase an alcoholic beverage at Walt Disney World Resort must also present a valid form of identification.

How can I get a MagicBand?

MagicBands are available at no cost to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Guests staying off-site receive a card with the purchase of park admission. Those guests are welcome to purchase a MagicBand online before their trip or at many locations throughout Disney World.

When is the deadline for customizing my MagicBand?

Customize your MagicBand with your name and favorite color as soon as possible after making your Disney Resort hotel reservation!  I'd be happy to do this for you!

• If you customize your MagicBand at least 11 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, it will be shipped to your home.
• If you customize your MagicBand between 10 days and 6 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, you will receive it when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel.
• If you do not customize your MagicBand until 5 days or less before your arrival, you will receive a non-customized MagicBand when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel - these are boring grey bands so don’t wait too long!  (Sorry to those of you that love the color grey!)

When you customize your MagicBand, the printed name appears on the inside for your privacy.  I like to have our nicknames printed just for fun.  You can also write your cell phone number in sharpie on these before you go for a small child’s band.  Peace of mind just in case they get lost.

Customization doesn’t stop there. Disney sells a number of special edition MagicBands: everything from Star Wars to Mickey Mouse is available to purchase. Most of these special bands are about $20 and can be purchased from DisneyStore.com in advance of your trip or in theme park stores on-site.

For even more customization, guests can add accessories like character images and jewels called MagicBandits. These decorations pop into the adjustable holes on the MagicBand.

With the introduction of MagicBand 2 in early 2017, the customization options are even more robust. MagicBand 2 has a center disc Disney is calling the “icon” that can be removed with a small screwdriver. Creative Disney types are mixing and matching the icon with different color bands. If you don’t want to wear a band, you can even remove the icon entirely and put it in new accessories Disney is selling called MagicKeepers to turn them into keychains, lanyards, and more.

You’ll see Guests that have gone to extremes while decorating their bands.  I purchased “skins” from sellers on etsy to place on our bands.  Here are a few pics of the packaging and the bands, including the before and after pictures of a couple of our bands.

Comes in plain packaging so you can still surprise your kids!

Ahhhhhhhh!!

Our Bands!! (Ryan chose boring gray...)

Luggage tags are in the lid.

Cute luggage tags that match the Bands.

This is where your name is printed.

Luke's Band before we put the skin on.

The skins for our Bands (purchased separately).

Luke's Band after skin.

My Band after skin.

Make yours stand out and be prepared for Cast Members to admire them!

How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?

When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point - so easy!

Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.

How do I make purchases using my MagicBand?

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can charge purchases to your room by touching your MagicBand or card against a sensor called a touch point and entering a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself. You self-select your PIN upon check-in at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Hungry for a snack? Want a souvenir? Use your MagicBand to charge these purchases at a Walt Disney World theme park to your Disney Resort hotel room. Are MagicBands waterproof?

You can select which MagicBands are able to charge - might be a good idea to not give charge privileges to your kids! 

Are MagicBands waterproof?

Yes. MagicBands are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about protecting them from water exposure when you visit the Disney water parks, enjoy water attractions at the Disney theme parks, swim at the pool at your Disney Resort hotel or get caught outside in the rain.

Have other questions??  Contact me or comment below!!

Please Support Small Business Saturday!

***  FREE STUFF for sharing this post - Be sure and read to the bottom of this!

Disney is no small business.   But when you book your trip through an authorized Disney travel agent (like myself!) you are supporting a local business.  Doesn’t cost you a penny more and in fact may save you money in the long run.  

The best benefit for you is that you have access to my expertise and one-on-one planning.  I am your direct link to Disney or Universal!  If you book yourself and need to make changes, have a question or just want to get some advice, you can call Disney/Universal.  But you’ll have a different agent every time that doesn’t know you or your situation.  And be prepared for a long wait on the phone. 

With me, I get to know what you want out of your trip and work to make it the best possible.  If there’s any need to call Disney/Universal, I will do that for you.

For more info on my services and that touchy subject of how I get paid (and how you support this local business) - click here:  An Uncomfortable Subject... How Do I Get Paid?

*** Please share this post to spread the word and support my business! I really, really appreciate your support!  So on Saturday, I will draw a name from the list of people that share this for a fun prize!

Want to Know the BEST Christmas Gift? A Trip to Disney!!

Take it from me, the best gift in the world is travel.  You make tons of memories that will last a lifetime.  I can hear some of you saying, "Yeah, but memories fade or I like to give a gift they can hold in their little hands...."

Well, I have a couple of solutions to those hesitations - pictures and souvenirs.  

I love reliving our past vacations by looking through old photo albums.  And I still have some souvenirs from family trips taken many, many years ago.

And the fun thing about Disney is that you can give them a Disney item that lets them know that a trip is the gift while still having something fun to open.  Check out my past blog post (click here!) about Christmas surprise ideas - and do yourself a favor and watch the video there for a great laugh!

I am able to book trips to Disney through 2018, so even if you're not planning on traveling until late next year, you can have your trip booked and ready to give as a gift.  I'd love to put together a package for you to give to your loved ones on Christmas morning!

Don't forget - trips are able to be booked with only a $200 deposit (on Magic Your Way Packages) and are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to travel.  So if you book now and your plans change, it would be easy to cancel or modify them. 

Also, check out the current specials here.  If you don't see a special that applies to you, I will always monitor and let you know if a new special becomes available and I would apply it to your trip if that happens.  

So booking early only has benefits - you have your pick of resorts and you're booked in time to allow me to get your Advanced Dining Reservations 6 months in advance!

Contact me and let me get started on the gift of a lifetime!!

Mobile Ordering at Disney World Parks

I love how Disney World is always improving their product.  As you know, I LOVE Disney World and typically see it in a positive light even when something might not be exactly perfect. 

Others might have an issue at Disney World (or truly, amusement parks in general) with the crowd and the lines that can become long due to the crowd.

Disney has taken steps in the past to help alleviate this problem with the FastPass+ system, Extra Magic Hours for on-site resort guests and Advanced Dining Reservations.  I also love the fact that they have made many of the attraction queues interactive so that even if you missed out on the FastPass, you have something fun to keep you occupied while you wait in the standby line.

Well, their newest innovation to help guests avoid waiting in lines is one I can’t wait to try out - Mobile Ordering for Quick Service food locations.

This new service saves you time by allowing you to order on demand, pay in advance and skip the line. 

I tend to go more for Quick Service locations at Disney since I’d rather spend my time on rides and enjoying the park rather than sitting down at a Table Service location for a longer meal.  But it’s frustrating to do that only to end up standing in a long line at Casey’s Corner for a hot dog.  (Although I do love those dogs and always think it’s worth the wait!)

Now you can order food for your entire family while you are out enjoying other parts of the park.   Rather than standing in line at a counter service restaurant, you’re able to place your order on the go from your phone, bypassing the ordering line and picking up your food directly at the counter when you arrive at the restaurant.

It’s easy to use - just sign in to the My Disney Experience app and tap the “Order Food” button, which lists restaurants that offer the service. Browse restaurant menus, select items, customize your order and prepay, all right through the app. 

When you arrive at the restaurant, just tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare your meal. When it’s ready, a notification will alert you to pick up your meal from the “Mobile Order Pick Up” area in the restaurant. Here are the restaurants that currently offer Mobile Order with more expected to be added:

ANIMAL KINGDOM

-- Flame Tree Barbecue Discovery Island

-- Harambe Market Africa

-- Restaurantosaurus Dinoland USA

-- Pizzafari Discovery Island

-- Satu'li Canteen in Pandora The World of Avatar

DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

-- ABC Commissary

-- Backlot Express

-- Fairfax Fare

-- PizzeRizzo

-- Rosie's All-American Cafe

DISNEY SPRINGS

-- D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs

MAGIC KINGDOM

-- Aloha Isle - Adventureland ***They made it EASIER to get DOLE WHIP!!!!  Yes!!!***

-- Casey's Corner - Main Street U.S.A.

-- Columbia Harbour House- Liberty Square

-- Cosmic Ray's - Tomorrowland

-- Lunching Pad - Tomorrowland

-- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe - Frontierland

-- Pinocchio Village Haus - Fantasyland

-- Tomorrowland Terrace - SEASONAL Tomorrowland

EPCOT

-- Electric Umbrella - Future World

-- Liberty Inn - American Adventure World Showcase

-- Sunshine Seasons - The Land Future World

While Mobile Ordering certainly will not save you 60 minutes (or more) of time like a FastPass for Avatar Flight of Passage or Frozen Ever After, it will save you anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, and also eliminate the stress of having to deal with potentially crowded ordering bays.

** One thing to remember is that the only form of payment currently accepted through Mobile Order is credit card, but they’re working on adding more payment options soon. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you the Happiest of Halloweens from Trips by Mouse!

Cinderella's Castle!  You might need to use your imagination a bit to see it!  :)

I'd love to give you Treats with No Tricks by planning and booking a trip for you for FREE!

Disney World FastPass+ FAQs

Something that tends to overwhelm first time visitors to Disney World is the FastPass+ situation.  In short, everyone that has a ticket to Disney World is allowed 3 FastPasses to start their day.  Those allow you to basically skip the standard line and go ahead of most people by using the FastPass+ line.  You are able to choose an hour window in which to use your pass.  Once all of your selected FastPasses have been used, you’re able to get another one (based on availability) and you can continue to do that for the rest of the day.

Clear as mud?

Here are some common FAQs about FastPasses that might help explain it a bit more:

Q.  How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation?

A.  Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability).

Use the First 3, Then Get More - Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time).

If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections.

Q. Is FastPass+ service like a restaurant reservation? Do I have to show up at a specific time for an attraction?

A. No—it’s better! For extra convenience, you are assigned an arrival window—usually one hour long—for each attraction you select. Show up any time that you wish during this window. Don’t worry about rushing to finish up a meal or getting delayed at another show or attraction.

When it is within your designated arrival window time and you are ready to visit an attraction, all you need to do is proceed to the attraction, go to the FastPass+ entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to the touch point.

You can even use the FastPass+ if you arrive 5 minutes before the window starts and up to 15 minutes after it closes.

While attractions usually offer a one-hour arrival window, other experiences like shows and parades may require you to arrive during a more specific timeframe.

Q. Is there a charge for FastPass+ service?

A. Disney FastPass+ service is included at no extra charge with the price of your ticket.

Q.  How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?

A. It’s so easy that you’ll think it’s magic!

When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point.

That’s it!

Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.

Q. Can I cancel or change a FastPass+ selection?

A. Yes. You will be able to update or cancel your selections up to the start of the arrival window at an in-park FastPass+ kiosk or using your mobile device. Because availability is limited, we recommend you make selections early.

Q. I have a child who is less than 3 years old. Do I need to make FastPass+ selections for my child?

A. No. Children under 3 years of age do not need FastPass+ selections—if you have a FastPass+ selection, your little ones may join you at the FastPass+ entrance for the selected attraction or entertainment experience. Children 3 years of age or older who wish to use the FastPass+ entrance do require a FastPass+ selection and valid theme park admission.

Anything else I need to know to make the most of my FastPasses?

For a greater range of choices, it’s recommended that you make FastPass+ selections early. If you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you can decide as you go.

One reason to stay on site at a Walt Disney World Resort is that you can request FastPasses 60 days in advance.  If you don’t stay on site, you can request them 30 days in advance.  Some of the more popular ones may be gone by that 30 day mark.  If you book with me, one of the services I provide is to get up at 6am and get those FastPasses for you the moment they are available!

Once you book your trip, I will send you a list of the FastPass attractions and some info on each.  You just have to let me know your favorites and I’ll take care of it for you!

Still have questions?  Ask them in the comments and I'll get back with you right away!

Did You Know?

This year, Epcot celebrates its 35th birthday!  Opening date was October 1, 1982.  Here are 4 fun facts about the park.

It’s huge - Epcot covers 305 acres.

It is divided into 2 major sections - Future World and World Showcase.  Future World focuses on technology and innovations that make the world a better place.  You’ll find Test Track there as well as Soarin’.

World Showcase brings to life Walt’s belief that our cultural differences enrich us.  Be sure and explore all of the different countries and enjoy the shopping and food that they offer.

The American Adventure is the Host Nation of the World Showcase.

Imagineers were inspired by colonial American architecture when designing The American Adventure.  Inside, the mulit-media theatrical experience uses a projection screen which is 28-feet-tall by 155-feet-wide.  That’s the largest projection screen ever built!

Spaceship Earth is an iconic landmark.

It houses an attraction about the history of human communication.  It's 180-fee-tall and is covered with 11.324 alucobond tiles.  Inside, there's a hidden network of backstage corridors for maintenance workers.  It’s so complex that the workers sometimes draw pencil lines on the walls to find their way back from where they came.

Don’t pass this attraction by - it’s a slow moving ride which some people equate to boring.  But I love it - especially the actual smell of smoke when you pass by a burning Rome!

The Living Seas is an amazing aquarium.

It debuted in 1986 and features a 5.7 million gallon aquarium that is home to over 2,000 sea creatures!  A fun show for guests of all ages is Turtle Talk with Crush.  Be sure and participate in the interactive show if possible!

Want to discover Epcot for yourself?  Give me a call!  I’d love to help you make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.

I LOVE my job!!!

I LOVE my job!  How many of you can seriously say that?  I’ve never been able to honestly say that until I started planning Disney vacations for others.  I’ve had several jobs that I enjoyed due to my co-workers or environment, but never really loved the job itself.

Now, when a new client contacts me, I’m excited - actually thrilled - to log in and start researching their request.  I used to look forward to the end of a work day and now I can’t wait to get started when someone needs my help.

So I hope you will remember me when you’re thinking about checking into a Disney vacation.  I will help because I want to - not because I get paid to do it.  Although that in itself is a great incentive to make clients happy who then refer me to others!  Also keep in mind that you will never pay me for my services.  Disney does that and it doesn’t cost you a cent more than if you did it yourself.  (For details on how I get paid, take a look at this past post).

I want each and every person that visits a Disney Park to have the same Magical, welcoming, heart-warming, fuzzy feeling that I get when I visit.  If I can do anything at all to help your Dreams come true, I will do it.  

So please, if you have just a second, consider sharing my information with friends.  It’s as simple as mentioning me to someone, sharing my post on Facebook or forwarding my newsletter.  Or hey - rent out a skywriter and do it that way.  I would probably double up on the referral bonus for you if I gained a client via skywriting!  

Which Disney World Resort is Right for YOU?

It’s always hard to pick a favorite - especially for me when it comes to Disney - but here I’ll do just that.  Well, maybe not just one, but one in each Resort category.

Disney has 4 types of resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villa.  In today’s post, I’ll explain the categories and tell you my favorite in each one along with the pros and cons for them.

Value - This category is typically the least expensive (except in the case of a family suite which can be more expensive than a standard room in the moderate category).  This is a great option for a family on a budget or one that truly only wants a bed to sleep in without caring about the resort amenities.  

Keep in mind that while you may not care about the room, the value resorts are typically the furthest from the parks.  So if you plan to go back to your room at all during the day or just want to avoid a longer commute each morning and evening, the value may be further away than you like.  

The value resorts all have pools with themed elements but don’t have slides.

All transportation within Disney is via bus.

Most rooms are accessed by an external doorway instead of opening to an interior hallway.

These resorts are very family friendly and offer the same cleanliness and safety as all Disney resorts.  You’ll just be giving up a few amenities, luxuries and transportation options.  However, you can get a great deal and save some money for Dole Whip!

My favorite value resort is the Art of Animation.  It has standard rooms and family suites.  This is the newest of the Disney resorts and is at capacity most of the time, so don’t expect a large discount here.  The food court is great and the Big Blue Pool is wonderful - the biggest at Disney.  And I love that music is pumped under water.  Once in a while you can even hear your favorite characters from Nemo while you’re submerged.

The main con to this resort is that it is quite large and spread out.  You could have a long walk back to your room from the bus stop after a tiring day at the park.  It’s also the furthest from Magic Kingdom.  The good news is that the Art of Animation buses are dedicated to the resort so you won’t be making multiple resort stops on your way to and from the parks.

The table turns into a bed!!

The outdoor elements are HUGE and really cool!

Moderate - This category is the middle of the road price-wise.  The standard rooms are slightly larger than the value standards.  Some rooms can sleep 5 guests plus a baby where most values are 4 plus a baby.

Most have 2 sinks which are separated from the main room with a curtain or other partition. For dining, they have at least one table service option which is missing in the values. Transportation to the parks is by bus but some have boat service to Disney Springs.

Most have themed pools and “quiet” pools and also medium-sized water slides. Guest rooms open to external area like the values.

I find the location of the moderates to be much more convenient than the values.

My favorite moderate resort is Port Orleans Riverside.  The theming in this one is wonderful if you choose the Royal rooms.  The great thing about them is that even though they’re “princess” they aren’t too girly for boys to enjoy also.  It’s a beautiful and relaxing resort in a great location also.

The view from the rooms - boats head to Disney Springs.

A Royal Room - the headboard lights up with fireworks!

Deluxe & Villas - I lump these 2 together because the villas are just another room type but not their own resort.  For example, Grand Floridian has standard rooms and villas but the resort itself (pool, dining…) is shared among both.  There are tons of options of room types so if you need more than just a 4 person room, this may be the way to go.  Prices are higher typically, but if you travel when discounts are offered, you just may be able to go to these resorts for the same price as non-discounted moderates!

Deluxe resorts also offer unique views like theme park/fireworks views or animal views (in the case of Animal Kingdom Lodge).

Spa services are available at some of the villas.

Deluxe resorts have more dining options than the other types - and some include character dining!  The larger villas may have a kitchenette.

They offer multiple transportation options to the parks - bus, boat, monorail and some are within walking distance.

The pools are amazing at deluxe resorts - all have large slides and some have sand play areas and waterfalls.  All of these have hot tubs.

My current favorite deluxe is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  I say current because I’m heading in January to stay at the Contemporary and since it’s walking distance to Magic Kingdom, I just might change my mind!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is wonderful - it’s like you’ve stepped into a whole other world when you stay there.  Super relaxing and the animals are right there!  We had a family of deer that slept under our balcony each night.

Balconies overlook the Savannah in a lot of Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms.

Nighttime animal viewing! Night vision goggles are free to use!

There are a lot of reasons to pick each of these categories.  Some depend on budget, some on circumstances.  I’d love to chat with you and help you figure out which one would fit your family and your vacation the best - give me a call!!