Money Saver Monday!! Get Your Free Souvenir

Happy Monday!!! I hope that you had a relaxing time with your family and friends this holiday season.

Now that the holidays are over you may be thinking about ways to cut costs for 2011. I know one thing is for sure...we will be going to Walt Disney World in 2011....but I am always on the hunt for a deal or even a freebie!!! Did you know that kids can get a free souvenir at Epcot???

All too often I hear people say that Epcot is not a kid park. There is a ton of fun for the entire family as well as countless opportunities for children to learn. One of my favorite opportunities takes place at Kidcot Fun Stops. Kidcot is a fun way for kids to learn about the different countries from around World Showcase and Future World. In addition to learning your children will be able to take home a souvenir for free!!!

Kidcot Fun Stops can be found throughout Epcot, these are places where children can go and interact with Disney cast members and do a fun activity.  Younger travelers are encouraged to draw, write, and stamp at these locations. But the best part of it is...it’s free!!!!

My favorite part comes in at World Showcase. Each county has a Kidcot location; your child will have the opportunity to interact with a native of the country you are visiting in.  What you need to do is start your adventure in any country that you chose. Let the cast member know that you are beginning your adventure with them. The cast member will present your child with their very own mask. You can then travel around to each country, and stop at the designated Kidcot Station. Each station provides a craft-filled fun time for your child. Your child will receive a different adornment for their mask at each station. In addition to the mask you can also collect stamps at each location. This make for a sort of make-shift passport for your child.

At the end of your adventure, you child will have learned about each country and interacted with natives to each country, as well as created a free souvenir.

                                                                     

If that does not say good free fun, I don't know what does!! :0)

See you real soon!!

Kelly

Disney Vacation Connection

I feel like I am always planning a Walt Disney World vacation....and I love it!! I just love everything involved in the planning. Naturally I was so very excited when I opened my email and read my " December Disney Hello" newsletter, I quickly  stumbled upon Disney Vacation Connection.  This feature truly puts the excitement of planning your next Walt Disney World vacation right at your desktop. 

Disney Vacation Connection is a cool FREE customizable feature that you can download right to your desktop. This feature is designed to keep you in the Disney know.  With Disney Vacation Connection you are  able to:

• Stay up to date on special offers and the latest news
• Plan your next magical Disney vacation
• Answer polls and quizzes to earn points for Disney downloads
• Find out Insider information
• Download a vacation countdown clock
• Access a calendar of Special events
• Get great wallpapers and animation-all packed with pixie dust
• even check out the weather
• And much more

Some of my personal favorite features are the countdown clock....come on we all like to know how much longer until we are back in the most magical place on earth!! In addition, I love being able to quickly check the park hours. Last, it is super fun to compare the Disney World weather compared to my Chicago weather....hmmmm let me guess which one is better. :0)

Leave it to Disney to add a little magic...just click on the magic button on the front of the download for a extra treat! In short, whether you are a die hard Disney fan in need of a daily Disney fix, or are in the midst of planning your next trip...the Disney Vacation Connection is for you. 

Click here for download details. 

What are some of your favorite Disney Vacation Connection features?

See ya real soon!

Tuesday's Top Ten First Timer Tips

So you have done it....taken the plunge into the world of Disney travelers. One thing is for sure, you cannot visit Walt Disney World and not have done a little research. Even the most seasoned Disney travelers plan their trips before they go. Not only is it important to know what to pack, park hours, ride restrictions, parade times and more, but you also need to know a few tips and advice that us seasoned Disney travelers have for you. 

Enjoy!

10. Wear comfortable shoes- This is a must do...you will understand when you get there but Disney World is HUGE!!! Things are not close to one another and you will be walking. Many people, including myself, use Crocs. In fact, so many people use them that there are actually Disney Crocs. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. The great thing is, you can get them wet and dirty without any worry. Disney used to offer their Crocs in adult sizes....why oh why did they stop?

Crocs Cayman Disney Kids - Yellow/Sea Blue 2

9.  Bring a stroller- For those that are traveling with small children, bring your own stroller. The cost to rent a stroller will run you about $15 per day for a single and $31 per day for a double.  In addition, for those traveling with children that you may think are too old for a stroller, you may want to think again. We recently visited Disney with our 3 children ages 2, 5, & 13. We had the 2 year old and 5 year old both in a stroller. All we did was go to Wal-Mart and purchase an umbrella stroller for $15 for our 5 year old (we already own the Maclaren for our 2 year old). If you are looking for a higher end umbrella stroller that is just amazing....check out the Maclaren. I read about it on a Disney forum, we purchased one last year and just love it!!! 

         

              

Maclaren Quest Sport Stroller, Black/Scarlet

                                                                 
                                                      Cosco Umbrella Stroller, Giraffe

8. Do not rent a car- I will never forget the very first trip I planned to Walt Disney World on my own(without my parents). I was so well planned...but one thing I could not shake was this obsession to have a rental car. Long story, there was a problem with the reservation and in short we were not able to rent the car. This forced me to utilize Disney Transportation throughout the duration of our trip. Not only is Disney Transportation easy to use but folks it is FREE!!! You would not pass up free dining, or free park tickets so why pass up free Disney Transportation. Sit back relax and enjoy the ride as Disney takes over the driving for you....nothing says a true vacation like being carted around. :0) One thing to keep in mind is you must be staying on Disney property in order to utilize Magical Express.

7. Fastpass- Disney truly does think of everything so that you do not need to do a thing. One of the many great features that Disney invented for their parks is Fastpass. Not sure what it is? It is a time saver and folks time is money. Fastpass is a "reservation" type system you can utilize to allow for shorter wait times. The great news is, that Fastpass is available to everyone that enters the park, and it is free to use!! Check out this page for detailed information about how to use Disney's Fastpass.

6. Disney's Photopass- Disney has done it again...made it possible for you to sit back relax and smile!! Photopass is a wonderful system that allows your entire family to be in your photos.  All you need to do is look for any Disney Photographer throughout the parks. Ask the photographer for a Photopass Card. Each card has an ID number assigned to it..the card is to be used throughout your stay. Each time you see one of the Disney Photographers, simply present your card and let them do the rest. Once you get home you can view your photos online and make purchases. Click here for more information.

Quick Tip: As soon as you get your card take a picture of the ID number on the back. This way if you misplace the card while on your trip, you are still able to retrieve the photos online using the ID number.

7. Baby Swap(Rider Switch)- Need I say it again...just another reason to love Disney!! This is a feature that allows a group to ride some of the thrill rides while others that are too young, scared, or too short to ride stay off with another portion of the group. Once the first group is done then the second group can enjoy the attraction with a very limited wait time. Please click here for more information about Baby Swap.

6. Join a FREE Disney discussion forum- I cannot describe the amount of information I have learned throughout the years from some of my favorite Disney forums. There are hundereds of thousands of people out there just like me that LOVE to talk Disney...they will give you factual information all for FREE!! All you need to do it sign up and start asking questions...you will get responses right away. My personal favorite forum is Intercot.com .

5. Disney Dining Plan-It is true, Disney World vacations can be seen as an all-inclusive vacation plan if you chose to add the Disney Dining Plan(DDP) to your trip. This plan is available as an add on if you are staying on Walt Disney World property and if you have purchased a Magic Your Way Vacation Package. The DDP is a wonderful way for your family to enjoy delectable meals that are all prepaid in advance.  There is something to be said for going to a nice sit-down meal every day and allowing your family free-reign of the menu. Long gone are the talks with little Johnny and Suzie about sharing a meal to cut costs. My kids enjoy trying new things and not having to consult me on price and selection. In addition, it is great to know that the kids can try some things that they otherwise would not have the chance to. On our most recent trip we ate at the castle for dinner, my daughter ordered the duck and LOVED it!!! If you see food as part of the attraction, the DDP may be worth checking into. Visit my recent article about the dining plan.

4.  Disney Vacation Planning Book-If you are a new Walt Disney World traveler a vacation planning book is very necessary. I have always used the Birnbaum Guides because it is a fun read and very simple to navigate. In addition, you can very easily carry it along with you to the parks because it is not too clunky. My children LOVE when I get them the newest edition of the Birnbaum's Walt Disney World For Kids 2011. I would highly recommend getting a copy of this book to help enhance your planning...the books are very affordable and a new edition comes out each year.

                                                            

                      

          Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2011                                            

                   
  Birnbaum's Walt Disney World For Kids 2011                                
                                                                                

3.  Arrive Early- Arriving early to the parks is one of the best tips I feel I can give you. You will see and do more between park opening and 11:00 AM then you will all day at the parks. If you arrive 10 minutes prior to park opening you will even be in for a little treat.....each park has a special rope drop ceremony in the morning. Know the park hours and plan to be there as they open.

2. Slow down and enjoy the magic- This is the single most important tip I can give you. I have traveled to Walt Disney World over 20 times and I still see and do new things on every single trip I take. In order to fully enjoy the Walt Disney inspired details that are surrounding the entire property, you have to stop and smell the roses. If you see something that catches your fancy...stop and enjoy it. Do not be afraid to be spontaneous....some of the best things happen when we are not planned.


1. The last tip I have will be from other Disney Guru's. What are some tips you would like to share?

See ya real soon!
Kelly 

Money Saver Monday!! Pack those personal items and save more money

Happy Monday Guru readers!! I truly hope that you had a wonderful weekend!

With holiday shopping in full swing many of us are thinking about great ways we can save money for our 2011 trip(s).  By planning well ahead of time you can save yourself a TON of money. With the rising costs of air fare and luggage, many people decide to purchase their personal care items from their Walt Disney World Resort. Sure you can purchase those items from your Walt Disney World Resort, but be prepared to pay top dollar for those items. 


Here are a few items you will want to have with you to avoid paying a ridiculous amount of money at your resort:

Batteries
Disposable Cameras
Film
Camera Memory Card
Sunscreen 
Sunglasses
Lotion(They no longer supply this in your resort room)
Toiletries 
Over the counter medications
As a reminder, you cannot purchase gum anywhere on Walt Disney World property.


Then of course you always want to be prepared for things that you do not plan on. Let's face it, when you visit Florida for at least a week, especially in the summer months, plan on rain. With rain comes the need for ponchos. Sure, you can purchase those ponchos at Walt Disney World, for the hefty price of $10 per poncho. Now I don't know about you folks, but I do not want to fork over $50 on vacation for rain ponchos.  For about $4 you can purchase the same quality rain poncho from Wal-Mart or Target. 

 A must do for all of you summer month travelers, a personal fan mister. Any time we visit Walt Disney World during the summer months we are sure to bring the misters with us.  The downfall is not only do you need it, but Disney knows that. Be prepared to pay about $19 per mister....yikes!! The great news is, Wal-Mart sells the exact same misters, minus the Disney logo, for only $4.95....wow!!! Be sure you have enough batteries to power each fan throughout your stay. Another bonus is your little ones will love the mister so much that they won’t even ask for a souvenir (well at least not for a little while). 

Planning ahead for your Disney trip is not only fun, but it is a great way to save some extra money at the same time. Share your great money saving tips by commenting on this post, or visiting our Facebook page...I would just love to hear from you!!! :0)

See ya real soon!
Kelly 

Keeping Up With The Magic

I feel so blessed to have a family that loves to travel to Walt Disney World as much as I do.  The magic is never ending from trip to trip. One thing I have noticed is that the more seasoned I get as a Disney traveler, the better our trips become.  Each year I learn new things to see and do, to help enhance the magic that already exists at Walt Disney World. 

To keep the magic fresh this year we tried a few new things and of course we still had the most magical time!!

Themed T-Shirts-Ok so nothing says Disney nerd like a family wearing themed t-shirts...or does it??? A few weeks before we left for our October trip, I found that on the Disboards there are some creative individuals that will create t-shirt designs for you for FREE!! Yep I said free!!! Not only are these people very talented but man oh man are they timely. I created 8 shirts for my trip and my family had a blast wearing them!! Each shirt was similar but had a unique design just for the person wearing it. This idea was a great way to avoid purchasing expensive shirts from the parks and it was so much fun to make. The pictures we took while wearing our shirts came out very cute. Check out Disbords.com Creative DISigns to meet the creators and get started on your creative t-shirt designs. By the way...if I could get the cool guy with the sunglasses on to wear a shirt, it must not be that nerdy...lol.

Dole Whip Float- So I know this is a Disney must do snack item. Last year was my very first time trying just the Pineapple Soft serve. To be really honest, I was not too impressed...not that it was not good but it was just soft serve. Well this year I took a giant leap of faith and used my snack credit for a Pineapple Dole Whip Float and let me tell you folks...yummy!!! Not only did it quench my thirst but when I finished it left me craving some more. I am pretty sure I used half of my snack credits at Aloha Isle. :0)  We created some lasting memories enjoying our sweet treats together as a family.

Resort Browsing-We seem to always be on the go while we are at Walt Disney World...we never get to stop and smell the roses. My husband and I are considering purchasing DVC(Disney Vacation Club) and wanted to take a look at some of the resorts. We never seem to leave time to walk around and enjoy the free stuff...like the scenery...hahaha. We had the opportunity to visit Bay Lake Towers and Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was amazed at how much better these places look in person. I am not naive and know that we could never get the full value of the resort from watching the DVC video or going on the tour here in Chicago...but WOW!! They were both beautiful...which by the way, makes our choice that much harder. We truly enjoyed the sights and sounds of AKL at night and the Savannah takes your breath away. We loved the crisp, clean feel of BLT. Resort browsing is something I have never ever taken the time to do but I am so glad that I stepped out of my bubble and took the time to enjoy something new.

The Cowboy Scene in The Great Movie Ride- I finally did it!! I asked the CM at the front of the queue if we could see the cowboy scene and I LOVED it!!! It is true people there are two sides to The Great Movie Ride..we even got to sit in the front!!

Decorated my Resort Window- I know people have been doing this for years. We have never remembered to pack items to decorate our window. This time we had a blast going to Target to purchase window clings, and lights to decorate our resort window for Halloween...it was so much fun!! When we got home at night and the kids saw the lights illuminating the hallway, they were so excited...and yeah of course the adults were as well.

Just an fyi...these are not my windows. I actually forgot to take a picture of my own window...lol.

Dressed up for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party- I am all about being a kid at heart and all but I never have enjoyed dressing up for Halloween....well at least that is what I thought. My husband has begged me for years to dress up and finally I gave in. I have never seen a grown man get so excited about dressing up for Halloween. Needless to say I am hooked and will continue to keep the tradition alive. By the way my mother in law and 22 year old brother in law also go in on the action. :0)

Walked the Pop Century Grounds-We have stayed at Pop Century 5 times now and I am embarrassed to say that until this past trip I have never fully walked the grounds. We have always had the luxury of getting our room request on the first floor just outside of the Hippy Dippy Pool. This is a great location at Pop...but because it is so centralized, we never found our way around the resort. Like everything Disney, this resort is just spectacular. Everything about it is lively and vibrant. The theme stays true throughout the grounds. One thing I loved were the year plaques that were placed throughout the decades. My daughter and I were on the hunt for our birth year so that we could read what happened the year we were born.





These are just a few of the many new things I tried this year while on my travels to Walt Disney World...I know that there is no way I could ever do it all. This is how we keep the magic fresh from trip to trip. How do you keep the magic fresh?

See ya real soon!

Kelly

Tuesday's top ten signs you are a Disney geek

Chances are if you are reading this you may have a slight addiction to Disney. I know I do..I eat breath and sleep Walt Disney World. If I could live in a little bubble in the middle of Main Street USA I firmly believe that I would be the happiest woman on earth. :0)

So are you a Disney geek??



10. You have been sighted wearing Disney Crocs not only to Walt Disney World but to the local Target store.

9. Once you let people know you are going on vacation they do not even bother to ask where you are going....they automatically assume you are going to Walt Disney World.

8. You have Disney Stick Family Decals in your car window.

7.You do not need a park map at any time during your Walt Disney World vacation.

6. You order the Disney vacation planning DVD and watch it as a family movie....popcorn and all.

5. You frequent waltdisneyworld.com daily to price out vacation packages, even though you have no intention of purchasing one.

4. You belong to a Disney discussion forum and post on it daily.

3. You create Disney themed t-shirts for your family to wear during your Disney trip....come on I do it too!!! :0)

2. You have vacation planning spreadsheets (that you have created) and actually enjoy analyzing the park hours in combination with your dining reservations.

1.  You have no problem reading the following sentence. On Monday, my DH and I are starting off our day at AK and then we headed over to MK  to eat at CRT. Last we will ride BTM, and finish our day off watching fireworks while we ride TTA.

See ya real soon!!

Kelly

Sorry for the delay

Hello Guru readers....I would like to apologize for the delay in my postings. I was having some technology issues and was unable to post. Please check us tomorrow for our regular scheduled postings.

See ya real soon!!
Kelly

Just How Busy???

Friday Question of the Week.....

It is that time of year again...many people are planning to spend Christmas week at Walt Disney World. Could the holidays get any more magical than that? Now, I know there are many seasoned Walt Disney travelers...I am one of them...but I also know that there are many seasoned Walt Disney Travelers that have never been to Disney the week of Christmas....I am one of them. :0)

So my questions is, how can those of us that have never been to Walt Disney World Christmas week(seasoned or newbie’s), prepare for the crowds that we will encounter. Really...truly....honestly?????

Reply with your feedback in the comments section....I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.

Hope that everyone has a safe and magical weekend!! :0)

See ya real soon!
Kelly

Where in the World??? Answer

This picture is located in The Cinderella Castle. Check it out the next time you dine in the castle. Check back next Wednesday for another photo challenge.

Email me your pictures to use...I would love to hear from you.

 

See ya real soon!

Kelly

Where in the World??

Where in the World-Wednesday's

Here is a photo challenge for you. Where in the "World" can you find the picture below. Post your guesses in the comments I will give you the answer at the end of the night on Wednesday.

 

Have Fun!!!

 

Do you have a picture that you would like me to feature on Where in the World-Wednesday's? Email me and I will be sure to use your picture.

See ya real soon!

Kelly

 

Tuesday's Top Ten Best & Worst Times to Visit......

After reading yesterday's post, we all know that there are ways to visit Disney and save some money. But we also know that planning a Disney World vacation has many factors...some are money related and some are crowd related. Let's talk about the best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World. Between you and me I hardly believe that there is ever a bad time to visit but for the sake of information...here we go!!!!

In no particular order.....


The most magical times to go to Walt Disney World are:

1.The second week of January through mid-February- While the weather can throw you for a loop(depending on where you reside) this is by far one of the least busy times of year and you may even score a hotel deal. Be sure to keep in mind that there are several holiday weekends throughout January and February which can cause a slight increase in price and cause the crowds to go up but overall this is a great time to visit.

Con: Due to low crowds you may encounter more ride refurbishments.

2. First three weeks of May-This is a really great month for weather, crowds, and fair hotel prices.

Cons: Stay away from Memorial Day weekend. This year Easter Sunday is late; this can cause some late spring break crowds.

3.Late August through September- Expect very hot weather and possible hurricane action but the very best deal of the year happens at this time of year...FREE DINING!!! Crowds can be very low during this time...you can even sneak in the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party mid-September.

Cons: At times the crowds can pick up do to free dining. The heat can cause you to take more breaks than normal.

4. Mid-November through mid December (not the week of Thanksgiving)-The weather can be cool but comfortable...normally the humidity has subsided by this time of year. Christmas decorations are up and ready as well as the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Cons: Crowds can pick up on the weekend as many will take weekend trips to Disney to enjoy the festivities.

5. The Time you choose to go!!! Whenever your family decides to go will be the most magical time to visit Walt Disney World!!! :0)

The worst times to visit Walt Disney World:

6. Mid February through mid April (this depends on Easter) - Especially during holiday weekends like President's Day and Easter. You can expect HUGE crowds with some major lines for all attractions. You will also get slammed with higher rates for airfare and lodging.

On the plus side: Weather is gorgeous and your children may not need to be pulled out of school, if you choose to go over spring break.

7. Mid Summer (June through early August)-Very crowded and extreme heat can make this time of year for some unbearable. If you go at this time of year you will want to have a plan of attack in motion, hit the parks as early as possible to allow for afternoon breaks when then heat is at it's all time high.

On the plus side: Again children are out of school and you can take advantage of those late night park hours. I just love those late nights at Walt Disney World!!!

8. December 26-31-This is by far the most expensive time of year to travel to Walt Disney World. You can expect to see crowds get worse by the day starting from about 12/20 through the end of the year.

On the plus side: You will see Walt Disney World at its best!! December is by far, the most magical time of year to travel.

9. Holiday Weekends- Some busy holiday weekends include, Thanksgiving, and any other national holiday with a three day weekend.

10. Never a bad time!!! I know I am writing a post about the best and worst times to visit...all of the information is just that...information. Whenever you choose to visit will be magical. Use the information above to help guide you and your family to making the best choice for you. :0)

See ya real soon!
Kelly

Money Saver Monday!! What Season Saves You the Most Money??

Happy Monday Guru Readers! I truly hope that you enjoyed your time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. If you spent your weekend shopping then there is no better time to start saving money on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

If you plan to save money the key is in choosing the right time to go. There are actually seasons that are defined as a "value" time to visit...and let me tell you that "value" time is shrinking each year. Be prepared to pull the children out of school if you would like to save mucho bucks, as many of the "value" season times fall between those time periods. 

*Please note that the criteria for the seasons have changed for 2011.

Happy Planning!!!

Seasons By Resorts

Value Resorts

Value Season 1
January 1 - February 16
Peak Season
February 17 - 26
March 11 - April 30
Regular Season
February 27 - March 10
May 1 - June 2
Summer Season June 3 - August 13
Value Season 2
August 14 - September 29
Fall SeasonSeptember 30 - December 22
Holiday Season
December 23 - 31

Moderate Resorts
Value Season 1
January 1 - February 16
Peak Season
February 17 - 26
March 11 - April 30
Regular SeasonFebruary 27 - March 10
May 1 - June 2
Summer Season June 3 - August 13
Value Season 2
August 14 - September 29
Fall SeasonSeptember 30 - December 22
Holiday Season
December 23 - 31

Deluxe Resorts
Value Season 1
January 1 - February 16
August 21 - September 29
Peak Season
February 17 - 26
March 11 - April 30
Regular Season 1
February 27 - March 10
May 1 - July 16
Value Season 2
July 17 - August 20
Regular Season 2
September 30 - October 22
Fall Season
October 23 - December 23
Holiday Season
December 23 - 31

Deluxe Villa Resorts
Value Season 1
January 1 - February 16
August 21 - September 29
Peak Season
February 17 - 26
March 11 - April 30
Regular Season 1
February 27 - March 10
May 1 - July 16
Value Season 2
July 17 - August 20
Regular Season 2
September 30 - October 22
Fall SeasonOctober 23 - December 23
Holiday Season
December 23 - 31Fort Wilderness Resort Campground
Value Season
January 1 - February 20
August 7 -November 17
Peak Season
February 21 - April 30
Regular Season
May 1 - August 6
Pre-HolidayNovember 18 - December 15
Holiday Season
December 16 - 31

See ya real soon!!
Kelly

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your loyalty to my site. Please enjoy the holiday with your friends and family.  Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

See ya real soon!
Kelly :0)


Ooooops!!!!

Looks like the answer posted with the question for "Where in the World"......I deleted it. If you did not already see it feel free to take a guess at the answer!!

So sorry about that.

See ya real soon!
Kelly

Where in the World???

Where in the World-Wednesday's

Here is a photo challenge for you. Where in the "World" can you find the picture below. Post your guesses in the comments I will give you the answer at the end of the night on Wednesday.

 

Have Fun!!

 

I am looking for pictures to use for Where in the World...Email me if you would like to dontate your picture for use on our site. I will be sure to give you credit for your help.

 

See ya real soon!

Tuesday's Top Ten Things You Must Know Before You Go.......

Traveling to Walt Disney World is a working vacation from the time you book all of the way through the last day of your trip. When you are planning a trip to Disney World expect to plan if you want to have a wonderful vacation. Because there is so much to do on property, being well prepared will certainly enhance your vacation experience.

In no particular order, here are my Top 10 things you must know before you go.

1. The size of Walt Disney World- Walt Disney World is about the size of San Francisco. This means that you really should not plan to walk anywhere while vacationing there. To the contrary of many first timer vacationer beliefs, none of the parks are within walking distance to each other and most of the resorts are not within walking distance to any of the parks at all. When planning your Walt Disney World vacation you will want to plan for travel, it would be common to allow at least 30 minutes getting from your hotel to the parks.

2.  There is way too much to see and do on one trip. - The typical Walt Disney World vacation is about 7 days. My typical Disney vacation is about 10 days and even knowing the parks like the back of my hand; I still cannot do all that I intend to do on one trip. Even with a really great plan in hand, there are many things that you cannot plan for, weather, crowds, kids that may be way to tired to do anything else without a nap. Be sure to be very flexible on your travels. Know in advance that even seasoned Disney travelers cannot see and do everything all in one trip.

3. Extra Magic Hours-If you are so blessed as to be staying on Walt Disney World property, you will want to be sure to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (EMH). These hours allow the park to either open an hour early or to close up to 3 hours later. EMH can only be utilized by Walt Disney World Resort guests as you will be asked to show your room key before you get on an attraction.  When there is morning EMH, that park will open at 8:00 AM, get there by 7:45 AM so that you can see rope drop and be among the first to enter the park and ride the rides. We were able to get on Mt. Everest 8 times between 8:00-8:45 one morning....we love that ride!!  Utilize the park until about 11:15 and then take an early lunch (see this post where I discuss the advantages to early lunch) then go back to your resort for some rest and go back for dinner. Usually, there is a park offering EMH for the night, and then you are fresh and ready to enjoy the evening activities. These EMH hours allow you and your family to see and do everything that Walt Disney World has to offer with limited crowds.

*The morning EMH can be a bit crowded with families but we have found some of the thrill rides to have much lower lines than regular times throughout the day.

4. Disney Transportation- Please do your research about how to use Disney transportation. This is such an invaluable tool that Disney has created to help make your stay more enjoyable. Disney provides extensive transportation options, from buses, monorails and boats from your Disney resort to all parts of the parks. Disney also provides free Magical Express airport transportation...yes I said free!! :0) I am always shocked to hear that people are renting cars. Take a week off and let Disney do the driving...less thinking for you.

*Be sure to understand the transportation routes prior to traveling as it can be a bit intimidating to new travelers.

5.  Fast Passes- Disney hit the nail on the head when they came out with their fast pass system. Not only is Fast Pass free but it helps save you time and time is money. :0) Check out Fast Pass Information to learn more about how to use it.

6.  Have a Plan- If you were going to a new state or foreign country you would do your research...we Disney World is a world of its own...  it is HUGE!!!!! You must have a plan of action before you go; not doing so will cause you to have a less than magical experience. There are so many wonderful free options to help you get started on your research...plus it is a ton of fun to talk Disney with others that love it!!  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Find an online Disney forum to and sign up so that you can ask questions about your trip. Believe me the Disney community is HUGE and people are willing to help you for free!! Check out my favorites.. www.intercot.com or our brand new Disney Guru forum www.wdwguru.proboards.com .
2. Find a FREE Disney travel agent to help you book your trip. I love Magical Journeys . They offer personal service and are Disney fans themselves...the best part is they are free to use!!!
3. Find out park hours, Extra Magic Hours schedules and rehab closures while you are there, as well as any special events made available during your stay.
4. Make your dining reservations in advance. You cannot expect to walk up to restaurants and get in.
5. This option is not free, but get a Disney guide book and read it a few times.

Just keep in mind that with all of the planning it is still essential to be flexible with your plans. :0)

7. Staying on Property Enhances the Magic- This is my personal opinion but I feel that staying on property keeps me indulged in the Disney magic. Not only are the resorts themed to your liking but the service is top notch no matter where you stay on property. I have stayed in all categories and have always been treated like a queen. In addition, Disney gives you an ample amount of perks for staying on property:

• Disney's Magical Express(No need to rent a car)
• Disney Transportation
• Extra Magic Hours
• Disney Dining Plans
• Free Parking
• Disney Service

I know that many people stay off property and love it!! The best part about Disney is that there is something for everyone. :0)

8.  Make Dining Reservations- Many people do not know that the Disney Dining reservation system is a hot item. They take reservations starting at 180 before you arrive...if you fail to make those reservations in advance you will not get into choice locations. People, including myself, wake up at 5:00 AM 180 before they depart to insure that they get those reservations. If there is a specific dining location you would like to attend, make sure to reserve it at 407-wdw-dine. 

9. Know When You Are Going- Be sure to know all of the special events for the time of year you are traveling. It would be horrible to get there and miss out on The Halloween Party or the Christmas Party because you did not know it was taking place. Disney always has a celebration be sure to research your time of year.

10. Have Fun- Remember, Disney World is HUGE (did I say that already) and people get tired. You are there to create magical memories with your family and friends. Be sure to be planned but flexible as things do not always go as planned. Enjoy!!

See ya real soon!