My Favorite "Disney Magic" Stories

I subscribe to several Disney websites/blogs/newsletters written for and by Disney nerds like myself.  My favorite articles are always the ones in which people tell of their stories of "Disney Magic."  It's a real thing, people!  And it always warms my heart to hear their tales of a bad day made better by a great cast member, a surprise in their hotel room, a free treat or a FastPass given to them that they weren't expecting.

Here are a few of my personal favorite Magical Moments:

We happened to walk by a Character Greeting area for Belle and noticed that she would be there in five minutes and no one was in line yet.  We got in line to wait and right as she was walking up, it started to rain.  She asked Luke if he would mind walking with her to an inside area since she didn't want him to get rained on.  They walked together for several minutes while he chatted with her nonstop.   I have to admit I enjoyed the jealous looks on others' faces as we walked along!

I've mentioned this one before, but it still boggles my mind that we waited less than 30 minutes for Santa at Disney World!  We would've waited an hour minimum at the mall at home.  More Disney Magic as we just happened to get in line the second before they closed it.

More character Magic...  Mary Poppins is one of my favorite characters but I've never seen her in the parks.  On our last day, we had just a few minutes and I insisted we go into Magic Kingdom for the time we had left.  Right as we walked in, I saw Mary with not a single person around her.  I grabbed Luke and headed over to visit with her.  He was wearing his "Happy Birthday, Sharkey" button and Mary noticed it.  When we explained to her that Sharkey is a nickname, she clapped and yelled, "Brilliant!"  Luke (and I!) loved it!

Gaston, of course, is one of the most rude characters in the parks and we were lucky to get to visit with him for a while.  So rude to me, but so nice to Luke.  Luke laughed for ages when Gaston told me to "Smile like you're making me a sandwich."  

Do you have a Disney Magic story?  If so, please comment below and warm my heart with your memories!  

 

 

Take a Look Inside my Pensieve

Harry Potter: "What is it?"

Albus Dumbledore: "This? It is called a Pensieve. I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind."

I always have that feeling!  But some of the best memories that I won't ever forget are the times I've spent at Universal Studios in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It takes something pretty amazing to make me want to leave Disney, and Harry Potter does just that.  

Universal is really an exciting and thrilling theme park, but I'm not a huge fan of big roller coasters.  I like the idea of them until I'm heading down the first hill and then I have tons of regret.  So Universal was always a place I just couldn't think about leaving Disney for - they do have great roller coasters, but that's just not for me.

Then they built the Wizarding World and if you haven't been, trust me, you should.  If you are any sort of Harry Potter fan, you will be blown away by the attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere of it.  

The rides are great - in fact, Escape from Gringotts may be may favorite ride of all time (sorry, Disney!).  But even more than the rides, the fun comes from actually being in Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley...  I could spend hours looking at wands in Ollivanders, picking out candy in Honeydukes and being creeped out by the items on display in Borgin and Burkes.

The food is also a step up from normal theme park meals.  The Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks both serve traditional English food that is delicious.  I've never been to London, so can't verify the authenticity, but I thoroughly enjoyed it (and I'm known as a bit of a picky eater!).  And the Butterbeer!  You can buy it cold, hot or frozen and all are amazing.  I might have had more than a dozen servings the last time I was there.  

If you've never been, I'd definitely recommend doing the park-to-park ticket so you can ride The Hogwarts Express.  Hogwarts and Hogmeade are at Universal's Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is at Universal Studios.  The train goes between the parks which is the reason for the park-to-park pass.  Once again, it's a totally immersive experience and not to be missed.  

If you really only are interested in Harry Potter, you can do both parks in a day.  If you're into all of the other thrill rides and attractions Universal has to offer (there's quite a bit!), plan on doing at least two days.  

Harry Potter does offer it's own thrills so the roller-coaster fan in your group can get their fix.  I was forced into riding the Dragon Challenge coaster on my last trip and I heard it was fun - I'm pretty sure I blacked out!  

As much as I would love to have a Pensieve to show you my memories of this great place, I'm sadly just a Muggle so these pics below will have to do.  Check them out and when you're ready to apparate to the Wizarding World, give me a call.  I have tons of information and advice and it's all free!  I can book you a trip if you're a Muggle like me and need to buy a ticket rather than apparate...

17 REASONS TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2017

With an amazing land set to debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2017, a new festival, a multitude of dining locations and popular returning events, 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year at the Walt Disney World Resort!

Check out the 17 reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2017 …

1)    “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This “out of this world” fireworks spectacular, which returned a few weeks ago to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, uses the latest projections effects, lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics to light up the sky, Star Wars style.

2)    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Inspired additions to Star Wars Launch Bay

You can celebrate the newest cinematic addition to Star Wars, courtesy of an assortment of props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

3)    MagicBand 2 Rolls Out

MagicBand 2, the next iteration of bands that offer the same helpful functions as the original bands, have just made their way to select Disney Parks merchandise locations and the Shop Disney Parks app.

4)    Exclusive New Star Wars Tour Now Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This seven-hour experience, led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide, allows you to experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; get an insider’s tour and meet characters at Star Wars Launch Bay; screen “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” and enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items at Backlot Express. The tour wraps at the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing for the show.  Younglings ages 4-12 on the Guided Tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. The price is $129 per Guest.

5)    Disney After Hours Events Return January-March

Disney After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom Park on Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2 and 9, 2017. This 3-hour event takes place after the park closes and is only open to a limited number of Guests, which means much shorter lines at 25 attractions, character greetings and more. The cost is $119 per adult or child (tax not included).

6)    More Dining to Debut at Disney Springs

Dozens of shopping and dining locations made their debut at Disney Springs in 2016 – and even more are set to open in 2017! Stay tuned for news and opening dates for Planet Hollywood Observatory, Paddlefish, The Polite Pig, The Edison and Wine Bar George.

7)    Milestone Races for runDisney

It’s the 20th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. And to celebrate, they’ve made Donald Duck their mascot. Also, in anticipation of the release of “Beauty & The Beast” this spring, runDisney has themed this year’s Princess Half Marathon after the film.

8)    First-Ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts Begins January 13 

Epcot will start 2017 off with a bang, offering a brand new art festival for you to experience. This new offering will run weekends between Jan 13-Feb. 20, 2017 and will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts.

9)    Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Begins March 1

This year’s spring festival will run March 1-May 29, 2017. Festival “firsts” include brand-new topiaries of Belle and Figment, two new outdoor kitchens (bringing the total to 15), and a “Cars” interactive play garden for kids in honor of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film, “Cars 3.”

10) New Garden Rocks Dining Packages to debut at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

During the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, dining packages will be available on select days at a number of Epcot restaurants, combining dinner and reserved seating for performances of the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

11) New Family Raft Ride at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Coming this spring, you can enjoy a new family-style raft attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Planned to be one of the longest Disney water park attractions, this experience will immerse you in the story of treasure hunter, Captain Mary Oceaneer. Guests will gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they may encounter some of Mary’s legendary treasure.

12) Boulder Ridge Cove, Geyser Point Bar & Grill Opening Summer 2017

Scheduled to open at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove pool will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry. Geyser Point Bar & Grill, a new quick-service eatery, will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

13) Pandora – The World of AVATAR Opening Summer 2017

This new land will open its doors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in summer 2017 with exciting new offerings – including AVATAR Flight of Passage, the Na’vi River Journey, the Satu’li Canteen Restaurant, Pongu Pongu drink location and Windtraders merchandise shop.

14) Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Returns for a Record 75 Days

This year’s festival will kick off on August 31 and run through November 13 – for a record 75 days!

15) 35th Anniversary of Epcot

The second theme park to be built at the Walt Disney World Resort will mark its 35th anniversary on Oct. 1, 2017.

16) More Updates to Star Wars-Inspired Land

A Star Wars-inspired land is currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Measuring 14-acres, this new land will transport you to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.

17) Return of Holiday Favorites

Stay tuned for updates on next year’s Candlelight Processional narrators, the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and more!

Should You Take Your Grandkids to Disney?

Of course!  You surely knew I was going to suggest that's exactly what you do.  Unless you're my childrens' grandparents.  If you take them without me, I won't survive.  But I'd be open to tagging along with you on the trip!  :)

One of my favorite memories of childhood is when my grandparents took my sisters and my cousin to California to Disneyland when I was around 10 years old.  I can still hear my Memaw squealing and can see her smiling on the Matterhorn.  Before that trip, I would've never believed she would get on a roller coaster, much less have that much fun.  

Here are some pics of that trip - wish I had more of them!

Here are some tips to help you if you decide to take your grandkids on a Magical vacation!

Plan Ahead!!  This is important in any vacation with kids, but with Disney, you can plan almost everything ahead of time.  Spontaneity is fun, but if you are a little older and a little less mobile, you want to minimize standing in line or backtracking all over the park because you didn't realize someone's favorite ride was half a mile the other way.  

Even with careful planning, I've walked over 13 miles in one day at Disney.  If this seems like an impossible task, consider renting a motorized scooter.  There are tons of them being used all over the parks and Disney is very helpful to guests using them.  Just keep in mind that they don't move very quickly so you'll need to come up with a plan to keep excited little ones with you if it's crowded.  Make them have a hand on the scooter at all times or some other rule to keep them with you.  I always recommend putting your information on a tag on their shoes that they can show to guest services if they get lost!

Have dinner or lunch at the Prime Time Cafe if you are at Disney World.  It's a restaurant stuck in the 1950's and it's just like eating at Grandma's house.  Would be fun to take your grandkids there and reminisce about the "good old days!"

Don't try to cram too much into a few days.  Consider adding a day or two that are "non-park" days where you can hang out at the pool, see some of the surrounding area or do some shopping.  I personally want to spend all of my time in the parks from open to close but I've been told (by my own family) that doing that can be exhausting.  I don't believe it, but to each his own!

If you take your grandkids and their parents, you can take turns with the kids.  Nice way to spend time with everyone but you could trade off one or two days of the trip and have some time alone and let the parents have an evening to themselves.  And a cost saver  - when you travel in a group and purchase the Memory Maker (photos) at Disney World, you can buy just one Memory Maker and everyone in the group can use it to print and download photos - you don't need one for each person. 

Please give me call or email me if you want more information about planning this type of trip.  I can really help with the pre-planning and make sure you get the most out of your vacation!

What’s Happening at Disneyland this Spring?

Thinking of going to Disneyland sometime soon?  There’s a lot going on there this Spring!

Valentine's Day

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Restaurants around the Disneyland Resort and in the Parks will offer special menus for Valentine's Day.  Also, special Valentine's Day cotton candy will be available.

Easter

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Beginning in March:  Egg-stravaganza!

Search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters and record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased at the parks.

Return your map to a redemption location in the parks or in the Downtown Disney District to pick up a surprise!

Disneyland Resort Hotel restaurants also offer special Easter dinners. 

Star Wars Day

Disneyland Park celebrates May the 4th with special events and merchandise. 

Disneyland park is the place to be on this special day as we celebrate Star Wars! Tomorrowland is filled with galactic experiences like Star Wars Launch Bay and Hyperspace Mountain, and on May 4, fans can join in even more special celebrations!

Jedi and Sith alike can find special commemorative merchandise and all-new Star Wars collector glasses. And be sure to capture your memories from the day at a unique, themed photo location.

Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with special menus at Tortilla Jo’s.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend - Registration available NOW!

May 11 - 14, 2017

It's the stuff dreams are made of – sprinkled with a whimsical dose of pixie dust! The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by Never Land's very own pixie, Tinker Bell, and Peter Pan, is 13.1 miles of amazing sights, sounds, and experiences. You can run, you can run, you can run, to "earn" your wings on this extraordinary adventure that takes you through Never Land and the spectacular Disneyland® Resort and continues along the historic and colorful streets of Anaheim. Then get set for an incredible storybook finish and your very own Tinker Bell inspired finisher medal. 

Mother’s Day at the Disneyland Resort

May 14, 2017 - Mother’s Day is a special day at the Disneyland Resort. Along with flowers for all Moms, Disney also offers special Mother’s Day dining options - reservations recommended.

Here's an Easy Way to Earn Money Towards Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Disney, consider applying for a Disney Visa credit card.  The more time you have between opening the card and your trip, the more Disney rewards you’ll be able to earn.  

There are two types of cards - one with no annual fee and one with a $49 annual fee.  Take a look below, compare the perks and see if it makes sense for your family to open an account.  

Disney Rewards® Visa® Card - Get a $50 statement credit after first purchase.  No Annual Fee. 

  • Earn 1% in reward dollars on card purchases
  • There’s no limit to the number of reward dollars you can earn
  • Redeem rewards toward most everything Disney, including Disney movie tickets, DVDs, toys, costumes and more
  • Redeem while on vacation toward Disney Theme Park tickets, Resort stays, dining at Disney restaurants and more
  • No block-out dates when redeeming toward rewards
  • Disney Character Experience at our private Cardmember location at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. You'll receive downloads of your photos, too!
  • 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, the Disneyland® Resort, Disney's Beach Resort Destinations and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i
  • 10% off select dining locations most days at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts
  • 10% off the non-discounted price of select recreation experiences at Walt Disney World® Resort 
  • 15% off the non-discounted price of select guided tours at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts
  • 15% off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort 
  • Starting January 1, 2017, Cardmembers receive special perks aboard Disney Cruise Line
  • 10% off on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com 
  • Access to exclusive Disney Visa Cardmember events at Disney Store 
  • Exclusive VIP Package with the purchase of premium tickets to Aladdin or The Lion King on Broadway
  • Star Wars Character Experience at our private Cardmember location at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. You’ll receive downloads of your photos to mark your visit to the dark side!

Disney Premier Visa® Card - Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.  $49 Annual Fee.  Includes all of the perks of the regular card plus these additional perks:

  • Earn an additional 1% in reward dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations for a total of 2% in these categories
  • Redeem reward dollars for a statement credit toward airline travel. Just purchase airline tickets with your card on any airline to any destination, and then pay yourself back by redeeming your reward dollars for a statement credit

Both cards allow you to choose from 10 different card designs.  For more info or to apply for a card, go to www.disneyrewards.com.

IMPORTANT: You should request your Disney Rewards Redemption Card at least three weeks before your vacation.

How to Redeem Toward Disney Rewards

  1. Earn Disney Dream Reward Dollars® on purchases made with your Disney Visa Card.
  2. Request a Disney Rewards Redemption Card as soon as you have at least 20 Disney Dream Reward Dollars.
  3. Use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card to get things at Disney. Your Disney Rewards Redemption Card is accepted at most Disney locations. Only instead of paying with U.S. dollars, you’re redeeming the Disney Dream Reward Dollars you’ve earned.

Contact me with questions or for more information on how to get the most out of your Disney Destination Vacation!

Christmas is an Especially Magical Time at Disney

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  I promise you though, it's even more Magical at Disney!  From the over-the-top decorations and lights to the most mouth-watering treats you've ever had, Disney doesn't disappoint if you're looking for a perfect way to celebrate the season.

The crowds can be crazy the closer you get to Christmas Day (do NOT go on Christmas Day unless you love wall-to-wall people!), but if you go the first couple of weeks of December, it's amazing.  Crowds are low and the weather is pretty close to perfect.  

Magic Kingdom at Disney World has a Christmas party that is an extra ticketed event and I hear that it's great but I've always been too cheap to pay for an additional ticket over the cost of normal admission.  But if you end up in the back of the park at closing time, they can't really kick you out. Ryan and I very slowly made our way out the night of the party and got to see great entertainment, amazing lights and it even snowed on Main Street.  You can't ride any attractions or shop in the stores but you can soak in as much atmosphere as possible without any extra cost!

We had a wonderful and completely Magical trip when we visited over Christmas.  Besides the free ambience, we had a great visit with Santa.  And now, he's over at Disney Springs and they'll text you when it's your turn to visit.  You can check in and go eat dinner instead of standing in line.

Visiting the World Showcase at Epcot is really great because they have authentic Christmas decorations and traditions for each of the countries.  I try not to make vacations educational, but I think we all learned something about Christmas around the world!

Be sure and check out the resorts - they are all decorated in unique ways.  The life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian is definitely worth seeing!

And save some of your souvenir money for special Christmas items.  My light necklace is one of my favorite possessions and lets me relive our trip each year while I wear it and embarrass my kids!

Celebrating Christmas isn't just for Disney World, of course.  I haven't personally visited any other Disney Destinations during the Holidays but I guarantee they are just as wonderful!  Sleeping Beauty Castle is transformed at Disneyland and even The Haunted Mansion gets in the spirit.  

Let me know how I can help you plan and book your Disney Vacation!!!

 

 

 

 

How to AVOID Spending Your Life Savings on Your Trip

The first option sounds crazy but you can do it!  Drive to Disney rather than fly.  I know this sounds nuts if you're not close to a Disney Destination, but we live in Oklahoma - which is SADLY nowhere near Disney - and we survived the road trip.  You may get sick of being in the car together but there are lots of memories to be made along the way!  Here are a few pics from our road trip.  Whatever your path to Disney, there are sure to be some sights to see.

Besides saving money on the travel portion, you'll have your vehicle with you.  This saves you on taxis or shuttles if you're planning to head over to Universal for a day.  You'll also have everything you need with you.  I tend to overpack, but I hate buying something on vacation that I already own just because I couldn't fit it in my luggage.  If you're in your own car, you can take tons more than on a flight.

It's not for everyone and as my kids get older and need less equipment, I have to admit that flying is preferable (especially now that Andrew is okay with flying - if you missed that video, click here!).  But if saving money is a priority, the travel portion of a trip to Disney is a huge cost that can be cut.

The second place to save money is on your food bill.  If you eat out each and every meal, you're going to come home with a huge bill.  First, try to find a time when Disney is offering free dining.  I will always post on my website when that deal comes out!  

If you're going at a time free dining isn't offered, you can still save big bucks.  We order breakfast items, snacks and drinks from gardengrocer.com and have it all delivered to our room on the day of our arrival.  Disney will hold your cold items in cold storage so order anything you'd like - it will be kept until you check in.  Except for the one morning of our trip that we head to the best breakfast in the world at Tusker House Restaurant, we eat in our room before heading out.  For a family of 5, that's a big savings.  

We also take water bottles into the park along with flavor packets.  You can always go to Quick-Service food locations for free cups of water if you don't want to carry your own.  But you'll most likely have to wait in line and I like having a bottle that I can drink from whenever I want, seal back up and hop on a ride.  I also take granola bars and easy snacks with us.  Don't get me wrong, I have to have my Dole Whip and Mickey ice cream bars but can get away with only buying one snack a day.  You'll walk a lot and get pretty hungry.  Hungy = grumpy in our family so snacks really help.  Having some in our bag saves money, time and sanity!

If your family eats several big meals a day and you don't want to have to carry your own food around, do look into the dining plans.  It sometimes works out a bit cheaper than buying meals individually.  And it's always nice to have pre-paid for your food and not be facing a large bill after you're home.  Please let me know if you want more info about the dining plans and I'll help you decide if it's right for your trip!

I'm not suggesting you lie, but if you're celebrating ANY occasion near your trip, let me know.  In the pics above, I had mentioned it was my birthday when making dining reservations and each restaurant made a big deal of it, with confetti, cards and FREE dessert.  Free is good.

The third cost savings tip is to buy souvenirs before leaving home.  I know it doesn't sound as fun as purchasing authentic Disney Parks items, but trust me, it's a whole lot cheaper.  Dollar Tree and Target have a lot of Disney items that are super cheap.  Be sneaky and buy them without your kids.  Hide them in your luggage and each morning before heading out to the parks, give them one of the gifts.  

Another way we kept our kids from begging for EVERYTHING in every gift shop (there are hundreds), was to give them each their own Disney gift card before travel.  You can put just a few dollars or as much as you want on the card, but the point is that there's a set limit.  Once the money is gone, it's gone.  My kids knew the amount before we left and were amazingly careful with how they spent the money.  There wasn't a single meltdown over wanting something they couldn't have.  It can even be a great incentive pre-trip - offer to add money to the card based on behavior.  They can also add their own money to it if they're savers like I hear some kids can be!  :)

Get your Disney shirts, hats, and autograph books before you go.  I even made shirts for Luke and I on our last trip and it was fun to have Cast Members point them out.  There are a few things you just can't get anywhere else, so save a little in the budget for those fun items (specifically for me - Mickey shaped licorice from Goofy Candy Company!). 

There are so many ways to save so don't let the cost be a deterrent from checking into a trip.  It can be as affordable or once-in-a-lifetime as you want.  Please request a quote today to find out!

 

 

 

Christmas is the Perfect Time to Surprise Your Family with a Trip!

I LOVE surprising my kids and can't think of anything more fun than surprising them with a trip to Disney World.  The first time we went, they were too young to get it and I just told them with no fanfare.  Without having a clue about Disney World, they were excited about a trip but it wasn't a huge thing.  

The next time we went, I planned it out and set up the video camera to capture the moment.  No big fanfare again - although I feel like I missed an opportunity there - but at least I got it on video.  It was the best/worst reaction in the world.  Watch this video to see why...

 

Obviously, it wasn't the destination that caused the meltdown at the end, but the means of travel.  He'd never flown before and he was none too excited about the idea.  Thankfully, I had surprised them with this news months before we were going so we had plenty of time to prepare him.  In the end, he did fine, but I think if we had tried to leave that next day, he would still be screaming in the airport.

Some things to keep in mind while deciding how or when to surprise your family:

1)  Plan your surprise based on the reaction you expect from your kids.  Some will need to know far in advance to mentally prepare themselves for a flight or just a trip in general.  And some will be agonized over a long wait time.  Obviously hard to really know ahead of time, but be ready for either reaction.

2)  Don't mislead them about the destination.  If you've got a kid that loves skiing more than anything else, they might be disappointed when it's revealed that the trip is heading in the opposite direction.  

3)  If they are older, surprise them well in advance.  Then let them do research with you as to what dining reservations they'd like, FastPasses they want or even give their input on which resort to stay at.  As much as I would love someone to put me on a plane and send me to Disney, I'd be a little disappointed if I didn't have a hand in the planning.  That's part of the fun for me!

Below are just a few ideas I've found around the internet from others that have surprised their kids.  Give one a try and let me know in the comments how well it was received!  And if you've done something similar, comment below to share.

* Scavenger hunt with clues leading around the house to various hidden Disney items (great use for dollar store items), with the end clue telling them they're going to Disney.

* Print up colorful tickets for Disney showing dates of trip and wrap up.  Most fun to put in small box, then in bigger boxes for a bunch of unwrapping!

* Send your kids mail from Mickey and Friends telling them they can't wait for them to visit, and give details in the letter about the trip.

* If you've already booked a trip and have your MagicBands, wrap those up and put under the tree.

* Print pictures of the Castle and also print pictures of your kids.  Cut out the kid's pics and attach them to the front of the castle to where it looks like they are there.  Put a note with it saying it will happen soon!

* Get Mickey shirts for the whole family and let them know they'll be wearing them while meeting Mickey!

* If your kids are younger, you might enlist Santa's help or their Elf on the Shelf.  I know some elves show up in Mickey ears.

* Make pancakes for breakfast and pour the batter into the shape of Mickey ears.

 

How to Travel to Disney with Babies or Young Kids

It's no secret that babies can make the worst travelers.  But I'm here to tell you that we successfully took Luke to Disney World when he was 9 months old.  Going into the trip, I would have said that just surviving it would be a success but it was so much easier than I expected.  And I'm shocked when I think back on it, because not only did we take this trip with a baby, we had 2 preschoolers also.  Surely you didn't think I left Ryan and Andrew home!

To make the trip even more exciting, we decided to drive.  And we don't live anywhere near Florida.  We began our trip in Oklahoma.  Disney World is over 1200 miles from here - if you drove straight through, it would take around 19 hours.  

We're not that crazy though.  We did stop overnight in Memphis and Atlanta.  

So before you say you'd be crazy to take little kids to Disney, it can be done and it can be an amazing time with some of the best memories of your life!  

Tips from past trips with little ones:

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There are a lot of excellent places to rest and nurse or give a bottle.  There are nursing stations at each park.  I found that the People Mover at Magic Kingdom is one of the best places to relax out of the sun and give a bottle.

Take a small flashlight for young kids to use in the evenings if they are afraid of the dark.  My kids wore a small one around their necks on a lanyard.

Make use of the playground areas for crawlers.  Sitting in a stroller or being held all day leads to a lot of pent-up energy!

Order diapers and groceries you may need ahead of time from GardenGrocer.com.  They will deliver it to your resort and have it waiting for you when you arrive.  You can even order refrigerated items and the resorts will hold those items in cold storage for you.

 

 

If you have kids that are bothered by loud noises, consider taking headphones or some sort of noise canceling item.  Andrew was not a fan of a lot of the fireworks shows and parades due to noise.

Order tags ahead of time that you can attach to kids' shoes with your contact info in case they get lost.  

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!  And hats!  If you go in the summer, you're going to be hot and a hot baby is an unhappy baby for sure.

Take advantage of the free water cups offered at Quick-Service locations.  I always pack a backpack of water bottles and flavor packets and that helps reduce the amount of drinks you have to buy.  Since you can reseal and place back in backpack, you can always hydrate while waiting in line for a ride.

 

 

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Strollers are a must with small kids.  A few things will make it easier:  1) Mark your stroller in some way to distinguish it from others and be easily spotted.  Cast members move them out of the way often and it's not always where you left it.  2) Take a poncho or something to keep it dry in a rain storm.  3) Take your own stroller instead of a rental.  The rentals don't lay flat and you want to be able to let baby nap in it while you shop or stop for a meal.  4) Make sure it folds up.  You can take the open stroller on the monorail but the buses between parks and resorts require them to be folded.  

There are only a handful of rides that small children aren't allowed to ride so plan on taking them on all that you can.  

Take advantage of the baby care centers in the parks.  In a pinch, you can purchase diapers, wipes and formula.  It's at a premium price though so pack as much as you can to take in with you.  I always carry a large backpack with food and drinks with a small ice pack - Disney allows you to bring all of that in.

 

Take plenty of pictures - one thing is true about a baby at Disney - they won't remember it.  But trust me when I say that as parents, you will never forget the first time your baby smiles at Mickey Mouse!