The year-ending holiday season is the best time to pay a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. There are more season-specific events during this time than any other. This is great news for you if you happen to be traveling to Orlando in the upcoming month, but the number of events can be a bit overwhelming and daunting to keep up with so we have outlined the latest happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort for your convenience.
First up in November is the Festival of the Masters at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Here you will find one of the most eclectic and critically acclaimed open air art festivals in the United States. Young children may not be too excited to pay a visit here but don’t worry, just a few steps away is the World of Disney store. The largest Disney store in the country will keep the young ones entertained while teenagers and adults enjoy the art festival. The festival runs from November 11-13, 2005.
During the weekend of November 12, the biggest soap opera stars gather at the Disney-MGM Studios for ABC Super Soap Weekend. Fans of various ABC daytime dramas will be able to meet and greet dozens of popular stars in person, including Susan Lucci.
Also showing at the Disney-MGM Studios, beginning on Monday November 14, is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. This brilliant display of Christmas lights and decorations is not to be missed. Come out and marvel at the sight of over 5 million lights adorning the New York Street district of the Disney-MGM Studios. Insider fact: This event requires the use of 32 miles of extension cables and 66 snow machines!
For more holiday fun, head back to the Downtown Disney Marketplace for the Festival of the Seasons. The festive atmosphere during this event is very infectious and beams of holiday cheer. Stroll through and visit the various shops and enjoy the Disney-themed nighttime entertainment. This month-long festival runs from November 19 to December 24.
The EPCOT Center also joins in the holiday cheer with Holidays Around The World. Circle the vast World Showcase lagoon and celebrate the holiday season as you indulge in music, characters, and food from around the world. This is certainly something the entire family can enjoy. Holidays Around The World can be experienced from November 25 to December 30.
At last, towards the end of November, you will find Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This is Disney World’s cornerstone holiday celebration, so if you are visiting the resort during November 27 to December 20, you will surely not want to miss this event. The celebration is complete with a special parade, a new fireworks spectacular, and cheerful stage shows.
At Walt Disney World, the holiday season is truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Disneyland Family Reunions
Disneyland is a favorite vacation destination for kids, and those who are still kids at heart. So it only makes sense to hold your next family reunion at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Your Disneyland family reunion is easy to plan and is guaranteed to be a success.
To arrange your Disney family reunion, call the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. The service staff will help you book rooms at the resort hotels, and arrange admission tickets to the park. By purchasing in bulk, you should be able to receive discounted prices on tickets for everyone in your family.
When you call, ask to book the "Happiest Place on Earth Picnic". This joyful setting will accommodate all of your family members and includes admission to the park for your entire party. You have the choice of a selection of fully catered meals, specially created for the event. For families from 100 to 300 people, your picnic will be held at Big Thunder Ranch. Larger Disneyland family reunions, with a group of 300 to 1000 people, will take place at the Festival Arena.
If there are fewer than 100 people in your party, you may not be eligible for the catering services. This is at the sole discretion of Disneyland, so you will need to work out these details with an attendant at Guest Services or the Planning Services Department. If catering is not available, you will be offered reservations at one of Disneyland' many restaurants.
In some cases, special Disneyland family reunion discount rates may be available at Disneyland resorts. If you book well in advance, book a block of rooms and hold your event during the off-season, discounts may apply. If family members are flying to Orlando, purchase the tickets well in advance and ask about bulk savings.
Planning your Disneyland family reunion can be simple when you use a travel agent to help with flight arrangements, and consult Disneyland Vacation Planning Services to work out the rest of the details. For best results, choose one family member to work with the planning services and travel agent, and relay information back and forth between the service departments and the people in your party. Having one person collect and share information will cut down on confusion and
misinformation when you are making travel arrangements for a large group of people.
Any family reunion takes organization and work. Choosing a Disneyland family reunion can actually be easier, and it will be one party that no one will ever forget. Ask the Vacation Planning Services Department what other services are available to make the experience even more unforgettable.
Toddlers, teens, even Grandma and Granddad will love a Disneyland family reunion. Celebrate your heritage and enjoy your get together at the Happiest Place on Earth.
To arrange your Disney family reunion, call the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. The service staff will help you book rooms at the resort hotels, and arrange admission tickets to the park. By purchasing in bulk, you should be able to receive discounted prices on tickets for everyone in your family.
When you call, ask to book the "Happiest Place on Earth Picnic". This joyful setting will accommodate all of your family members and includes admission to the park for your entire party. You have the choice of a selection of fully catered meals, specially created for the event. For families from 100 to 300 people, your picnic will be held at Big Thunder Ranch. Larger Disneyland family reunions, with a group of 300 to 1000 people, will take place at the Festival Arena.
If there are fewer than 100 people in your party, you may not be eligible for the catering services. This is at the sole discretion of Disneyland, so you will need to work out these details with an attendant at Guest Services or the Planning Services Department. If catering is not available, you will be offered reservations at one of Disneyland' many restaurants.
In some cases, special Disneyland family reunion discount rates may be available at Disneyland resorts. If you book well in advance, book a block of rooms and hold your event during the off-season, discounts may apply. If family members are flying to Orlando, purchase the tickets well in advance and ask about bulk savings.
Planning your Disneyland family reunion can be simple when you use a travel agent to help with flight arrangements, and consult Disneyland Vacation Planning Services to work out the rest of the details. For best results, choose one family member to work with the planning services and travel agent, and relay information back and forth between the service departments and the people in your party. Having one person collect and share information will cut down on confusion and
misinformation when you are making travel arrangements for a large group of people.
Any family reunion takes organization and work. Choosing a Disneyland family reunion can actually be easier, and it will be one party that no one will ever forget. Ask the Vacation Planning Services Department what other services are available to make the experience even more unforgettable.
Toddlers, teens, even Grandma and Granddad will love a Disneyland family reunion. Celebrate your heritage and enjoy your get together at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Disney World Is A Great Vacation Spot
Why is Disney World such a great vacation spot? Today, there are millions of people that go here to vacation each year. When we say millions, we mean on estimates of 12 million per year as of 2005. But, what makes this place so magical and wonderful of a location to travel to? There are many things that will inspire you to make this one of your family’s travel destinations year after year. Here are some that you may not have thought about before.
• The Extras: Disney World offers plenty of extras that you will not know about until you are there. Most of the time, the parks will have a fabulous fireworks display each night to dazzle you. Sitting in the warm night air watching the fireworks explode is wonderful.
• The Lodging: It is highly recommended that you stay on the resort itself in one of the great themed hotels. Not only do these hotels dazzle you with their luxury accommodations (they don’t cost much more than a standard hotel either) they also offer many small things. You get free transportation to the parks, world class care and a wide range of various themes to choose from. Consider staying at a wilderness lodge for a campground feel. Or, go to a location where you will see Mickey and friends each day.
• Characters and More: Of course you will see all the best Disney characters on your trip. But, you will also see some of the best of the best when it comes to experiences with them. Care to have dinner with the Princess at the Castle tonight? Perhaps you would like to have breakfast with Chip and Dale? You can find all sorts of fun like experiences with these characters that are just fun.
• The People: It is said that everyone that works at Disney World is happy and really that is the case. The ‘cast members’ as they are called really do go out of their way to please you. Perhaps you can even get a special thank you in the way of a free stroller or a free ice cream, just because. Ask any of them to help you and you will have what you need.
• Something For Everyone: It is hard to believe that you can go on a vacation that really does offer something for everyone. That is what Disney World offers. Learn about the world, space, and science. Enjoy world class foods from everywhere. Go on some of the best rides on the planet. Enjoy yourself the way that you want to.
Of course, Disney World also is continuously offering a wide range of discounts including free dining plans, lowered prices on lodging and a wide range of other promotions that happen at various times of the year. These things all make this one of the best places in the world to come to spend your vacation. It takes only a few minutes to find your place at Disney World. With so much to see and do and experience, there is little time to waste!
• The Extras: Disney World offers plenty of extras that you will not know about until you are there. Most of the time, the parks will have a fabulous fireworks display each night to dazzle you. Sitting in the warm night air watching the fireworks explode is wonderful.
• The Lodging: It is highly recommended that you stay on the resort itself in one of the great themed hotels. Not only do these hotels dazzle you with their luxury accommodations (they don’t cost much more than a standard hotel either) they also offer many small things. You get free transportation to the parks, world class care and a wide range of various themes to choose from. Consider staying at a wilderness lodge for a campground feel. Or, go to a location where you will see Mickey and friends each day.
• Characters and More: Of course you will see all the best Disney characters on your trip. But, you will also see some of the best of the best when it comes to experiences with them. Care to have dinner with the Princess at the Castle tonight? Perhaps you would like to have breakfast with Chip and Dale? You can find all sorts of fun like experiences with these characters that are just fun.
• The People: It is said that everyone that works at Disney World is happy and really that is the case. The ‘cast members’ as they are called really do go out of their way to please you. Perhaps you can even get a special thank you in the way of a free stroller or a free ice cream, just because. Ask any of them to help you and you will have what you need.
• Something For Everyone: It is hard to believe that you can go on a vacation that really does offer something for everyone. That is what Disney World offers. Learn about the world, space, and science. Enjoy world class foods from everywhere. Go on some of the best rides on the planet. Enjoy yourself the way that you want to.
Of course, Disney World also is continuously offering a wide range of discounts including free dining plans, lowered prices on lodging and a wide range of other promotions that happen at various times of the year. These things all make this one of the best places in the world to come to spend your vacation. It takes only a few minutes to find your place at Disney World. With so much to see and do and experience, there is little time to waste!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Disney Pins - Have Fun Trading Pins At Walt Disney World
Disney pins have always been popular items at the Disney theme parks, but it wasn't until the millenium celebration debut of pin trading as an official park activity that the popular collectible really took off. The pin trading frenzy is still going strong, with Disney fans buying and selling pins online as well as at the Walt Disney World theme parks, Disneyland in California.
Even park-goers in the Disney parks in Hong Kong, Japan and Paris have been bitten by the pin-collecting bug and they've made it possible for collectors from all over the world to get pins from theme parks overseas that they aren't able to visit in person. And you shouldn't forget about the Disney Stores either, because they often carry their own exclusive pins that can be traded with fans who don't have a store to visit nearby.
Disney releases so many pins in their theme parks every year that it would be impossible to collect all of them so it makes sense for pin collectors to focus on particular types of pins rather than struggling in vain to get them all. Love Tinkerbell? Well, you're in luck because so does Disney and you'll find that there are hundreds of pins featuring the feisty little pixie.
Of course, that doesn't even compare to the number of pins featuring the Disney icon, Mickey Mouse. There are so many pins showcasing Mickey that you'd have a hard time just collecting all of those pins, but even here your collection can be narrowed down to certain types of Mickey Mouse pins. Some particular favorites are pins where Mickey is dressed as the Sorceror's Apprentice, one of his more lovable incarnations. There are also lots of pins pairing Mickey with his creator, Walt Disney, and these are often some of the most collectible items that the Disney company sells.
In addition to character pins featuring the most recognizable characters from Disney's animated films, there are all kinds of pins issued featuring the park attractions and resorts. Some of the most collectible park attraction pins are limited edition issues that Disney releases to coincide with major attraction refurbishments, such as the Disney World Haunted Mansion "Re-Haunting" pins that were released in 2007 when Disney debuted the updated Haunted Mansion attraction in the Magic Kingdom. Naturally, any time Disney World opens a new attraction, such as Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, you can be certain they'll release some limited edition pins showcasing the new ride.
If you decide you want to get started collecting Disney pins on your next visit to Walt Disney World, you can buy them in the parks with prices starting at around $6.95 and upwards. But don't just buy pins and bring them home with you. Half the fun of collecting Disney pins is getting to trade them. You can trade a pin with any Disney cast member wearing a pin trading lanyard and you can also trade them with other guests. Just look for other Disney visitors at the theme parks wearing pin trading lanyards of their own and go and approach them and ask them if they'd like to pin trade with you!
Even park-goers in the Disney parks in Hong Kong, Japan and Paris have been bitten by the pin-collecting bug and they've made it possible for collectors from all over the world to get pins from theme parks overseas that they aren't able to visit in person. And you shouldn't forget about the Disney Stores either, because they often carry their own exclusive pins that can be traded with fans who don't have a store to visit nearby.
Disney releases so many pins in their theme parks every year that it would be impossible to collect all of them so it makes sense for pin collectors to focus on particular types of pins rather than struggling in vain to get them all. Love Tinkerbell? Well, you're in luck because so does Disney and you'll find that there are hundreds of pins featuring the feisty little pixie.
Of course, that doesn't even compare to the number of pins featuring the Disney icon, Mickey Mouse. There are so many pins showcasing Mickey that you'd have a hard time just collecting all of those pins, but even here your collection can be narrowed down to certain types of Mickey Mouse pins. Some particular favorites are pins where Mickey is dressed as the Sorceror's Apprentice, one of his more lovable incarnations. There are also lots of pins pairing Mickey with his creator, Walt Disney, and these are often some of the most collectible items that the Disney company sells.
In addition to character pins featuring the most recognizable characters from Disney's animated films, there are all kinds of pins issued featuring the park attractions and resorts. Some of the most collectible park attraction pins are limited edition issues that Disney releases to coincide with major attraction refurbishments, such as the Disney World Haunted Mansion "Re-Haunting" pins that were released in 2007 when Disney debuted the updated Haunted Mansion attraction in the Magic Kingdom. Naturally, any time Disney World opens a new attraction, such as Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, you can be certain they'll release some limited edition pins showcasing the new ride.
If you decide you want to get started collecting Disney pins on your next visit to Walt Disney World, you can buy them in the parks with prices starting at around $6.95 and upwards. But don't just buy pins and bring them home with you. Half the fun of collecting Disney pins is getting to trade them. You can trade a pin with any Disney cast member wearing a pin trading lanyard and you can also trade them with other guests. Just look for other Disney visitors at the theme parks wearing pin trading lanyards of their own and go and approach them and ask them if they'd like to pin trade with you!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Disney Word Tips: Saving Money On Food
Disney World has become the pinnacle of all family vacation destinations. While there is no doubt that your family will have fun at Disney World, getting there and back on a tight budget is sometimes easier said than done. But like all vacation spots, there are some tips for Disney World that can save you hundreds of dollars.
One of the largest expenditures you will face on any vacation is the cost of food and beverage. Tourism areas know that you have to eat on your trip and some use this advantage to hike up prices beyond reasonable means. Disney World is no stranger to the tourism industry and you certainly aren’t going to find any $3.00 lunch specials within park boundaries. But there are ways to control your food costs at Disney. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Use the Meal Packages
If you are purchasing a Magic Your Way package, then you have probably contemplated whether or no the food options are worth it. As it turns out, they are actually a pretty good deal based on convenience and cost. Typically you have access to two sit-down meals and one concession snack with the most popular packages. There are plenty of restaurants within the park that participate in this offer, and if you plan your meal effectively, then you will find the package to be a great add-on. Purchasing in advance also helps to control your budget so that you don’t spend beyond your means.
Eat Before You Go
This is a very good strategy, especially for breakfast time. There are hundreds of convenient food outlets in the vicinity of the theme parks, and all of them offer substantial savings to what you will find inside Disney. Obviously it is difficult to exit the park solely for meals, but grabbing a bite before you enter is easy enough to plan for.
Eat Later Meals
The way that you structure your meal times can also impact how much you will spend of food and beverage. If you can eat a later lunch for instance, you will probably be able to hold off on dinner until your trip home. This will allow you to dine outside of the park where there are cheaper options. You can also consider subsidizing meals with concession snacks to get your family by until you find an option on the outside. If you plan properly, you will likely only need to have one full meal inside the park.
Utilize Children’s Portions
As the average portion size continues to increase in America, we find ourselves leaving more and more on our plate. Use this to your advantage by purchasing kids meals for adults. A simple platter of chicken tenders and fries is usually more than enough to tide over the average adult. Of course many of the sit-down restaurants have policies against this, but the food court areas do not. Thus, you can beat the system by targeting these outlets for your primary meal.
Like any tourism business, Disney World charges a premium for their food items. While this can be disappointing to first-time visitors, veteran Disney-goers know there are plenty of ways to find a cheap meal. The key is to know your options and plan ahead. A small amount of strategy can save you hundreds of dollars.
One of the largest expenditures you will face on any vacation is the cost of food and beverage. Tourism areas know that you have to eat on your trip and some use this advantage to hike up prices beyond reasonable means. Disney World is no stranger to the tourism industry and you certainly aren’t going to find any $3.00 lunch specials within park boundaries. But there are ways to control your food costs at Disney. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Use the Meal Packages
If you are purchasing a Magic Your Way package, then you have probably contemplated whether or no the food options are worth it. As it turns out, they are actually a pretty good deal based on convenience and cost. Typically you have access to two sit-down meals and one concession snack with the most popular packages. There are plenty of restaurants within the park that participate in this offer, and if you plan your meal effectively, then you will find the package to be a great add-on. Purchasing in advance also helps to control your budget so that you don’t spend beyond your means.
Eat Before You Go
This is a very good strategy, especially for breakfast time. There are hundreds of convenient food outlets in the vicinity of the theme parks, and all of them offer substantial savings to what you will find inside Disney. Obviously it is difficult to exit the park solely for meals, but grabbing a bite before you enter is easy enough to plan for.
Eat Later Meals
The way that you structure your meal times can also impact how much you will spend of food and beverage. If you can eat a later lunch for instance, you will probably be able to hold off on dinner until your trip home. This will allow you to dine outside of the park where there are cheaper options. You can also consider subsidizing meals with concession snacks to get your family by until you find an option on the outside. If you plan properly, you will likely only need to have one full meal inside the park.
Utilize Children’s Portions
As the average portion size continues to increase in America, we find ourselves leaving more and more on our plate. Use this to your advantage by purchasing kids meals for adults. A simple platter of chicken tenders and fries is usually more than enough to tide over the average adult. Of course many of the sit-down restaurants have policies against this, but the food court areas do not. Thus, you can beat the system by targeting these outlets for your primary meal.
Like any tourism business, Disney World charges a premium for their food items. While this can be disappointing to first-time visitors, veteran Disney-goers know there are plenty of ways to find a cheap meal. The key is to know your options and plan ahead. A small amount of strategy can save you hundreds of dollars.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
5 Best Packages On Disney World Vacation
For vacationers, a trip to Disney World is always enticing, but now more than ever, people are clamoring for Disney’s vacation packages. Compared to past rates, which were criticized for actually being higher than the cost of buying components of a package individually, today’s vacation deals are not only convenient – but economical too.
There are several different vacation packages to choose from for 2006. The 2006 Magic Your Way Vacation Package is the most affordable and it includes accommodations at the Disney Resort, the Magic Your Way Base Ticket (which grants entrance to one theme park per day and can be upgradeable to a “park hopper” ticket as well), and a Magic Plus option or with an extra cost, a No Expiration option.
Likewise, if you (or your travel agent) books a package online, a Disney Photopass will accompany it, and is essentially a voucher for a 5” x 7” photo of you and your fellow vacationers, snapped by a professional photographer. Other goodies that you can qualify for online include a meal voucher for Planet Hollywood Dining and Merchandize. The voucher can be exchanged for an entrée and non-alcoholic beverage from a select menu.
Another vacation deal is the 2006 Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining and it includes accommodations to Disney owned and operated hotels and the opportunity to experience several unique dining locations across the Walt Disney World Resort. Every day, at participating Walt Disney World restaurants, you can receive one table service meal with an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage, one counter service meal with entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage, and one snack (ice cream, popcorn, medium soft drinks, etc).
Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package is a fancier, deluxe package and includes just about everything: hotel accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited access to golf, miniature golf, water sports and other recreations. Also, purchasers of this package are admitted to Cirque du Soleil’s exciting La Nouba, and various park tours and the like. As well, children from four to twelve years old can participate in selected resorts at the Disney Children Activity Center.
The grandest package of all is Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package. In addition to the benefits of the premium package (like hotel stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner, recreation, and a ticket to Cirque du Soleil), you will also receive a spa treatment, extra recreational opportunities – including private golf lessons, a reserved seat to the exciting fireworks show Fantasmic!, unlimited childcare in the Child Activity Centers, a ride on the Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning services, in-room child care, the Platinum Plan keepsake, and turndown service.
For groups of eight or more, there is a special package called Grand Gatherings. There are extraordinary benefits offered here that small groups simply can’t take part in – special events can be booked, like the International Dinner and Illuminations Desert Reception, Safari Celebration Dinner, Good Morning Gathering, and Magical Fireworks Voyage.
Nevertheless, an important thing to know is that standard full-price Disney vacation packages presented by tour operators are convenient, but there are no “bargain” prices. More often, Disney World packages are to be purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company or the WDTC.
There are several different vacation packages to choose from for 2006. The 2006 Magic Your Way Vacation Package is the most affordable and it includes accommodations at the Disney Resort, the Magic Your Way Base Ticket (which grants entrance to one theme park per day and can be upgradeable to a “park hopper” ticket as well), and a Magic Plus option or with an extra cost, a No Expiration option.
Likewise, if you (or your travel agent) books a package online, a Disney Photopass will accompany it, and is essentially a voucher for a 5” x 7” photo of you and your fellow vacationers, snapped by a professional photographer. Other goodies that you can qualify for online include a meal voucher for Planet Hollywood Dining and Merchandize. The voucher can be exchanged for an entrée and non-alcoholic beverage from a select menu.
Another vacation deal is the 2006 Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining and it includes accommodations to Disney owned and operated hotels and the opportunity to experience several unique dining locations across the Walt Disney World Resort. Every day, at participating Walt Disney World restaurants, you can receive one table service meal with an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage, one counter service meal with entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage, and one snack (ice cream, popcorn, medium soft drinks, etc).
Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package is a fancier, deluxe package and includes just about everything: hotel accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited access to golf, miniature golf, water sports and other recreations. Also, purchasers of this package are admitted to Cirque du Soleil’s exciting La Nouba, and various park tours and the like. As well, children from four to twelve years old can participate in selected resorts at the Disney Children Activity Center.
The grandest package of all is Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package. In addition to the benefits of the premium package (like hotel stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner, recreation, and a ticket to Cirque du Soleil), you will also receive a spa treatment, extra recreational opportunities – including private golf lessons, a reserved seat to the exciting fireworks show Fantasmic!, unlimited childcare in the Child Activity Centers, a ride on the Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning services, in-room child care, the Platinum Plan keepsake, and turndown service.
For groups of eight or more, there is a special package called Grand Gatherings. There are extraordinary benefits offered here that small groups simply can’t take part in – special events can be booked, like the International Dinner and Illuminations Desert Reception, Safari Celebration Dinner, Good Morning Gathering, and Magical Fireworks Voyage.
Nevertheless, an important thing to know is that standard full-price Disney vacation packages presented by tour operators are convenient, but there are no “bargain” prices. More often, Disney World packages are to be purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company or the WDTC.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Disney In One Day … Is It Possible ?
As a Florida villa owner, this is one of the most commonly asked questions I receive from guests. In truth, there is no definitive answer. Various factors will affect your ability to seek out all that Disney has to offer within a limited timescale, but with a little common sense and some handy tips, you’ll certainly be on track to achieving your goal!
So here is a list of ideas to help smooth your day:
1: Ensure everyone has a hearty breakfast. The “all you can eat breakfast buffets” are very popular, or diners such as Dennys offer excellent value for money.
2: Buy your Disney tickets in advance to save valuable time standing in line at the ticket window when you arrive at your chosen park.
3: Choose which Disney Park you are going to visit. Fairly obvious ~ But you would be amazed how many families just head off to Disney, and then decide in the car ! Not conducive to good debate or safe driving !
4: Arrive early. Check the park times and arrive when the gates open. It will give you a head start on those guests who take a leisurely breakfast and arrive mid morning.
5: Pick up a couple of park maps and timetables at the park entrance. This way if any members of your party decide to split up, you can easily arrange a meeting point to find each other again, as there is no excuse for getting lost.
6: Talking of getting lost. Don’t allow members of your group to just wander off. Before anyone separates from your group for whatever reason, decide on a specific meeting point, to link up again. Many valuable minutes can be wasted looking for a “wanderer” !
7: When you enter the park, go straight to the farthest attraction, and work backwards toward the front entrance during the day.
8: If you travel in a counter clockwise direction around the parks, your journey time will be quicker, as most folks enter a park and turn right ~ it’s a right handed thing !)
9: Decide ahead of time which attractions if any you want to miss out, and any that are definite must sees.
10: Co-ordinate your travels in conjunction with the various parades and shows that are continually being performed throughout the day.
11: Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass service, which allows you to avoid the lines at the more popular attractions, by giving you a designated ride time. Details are available at the entrance to all participating rides.
12: There is usually one big afternoon parade and up to two night time parades. However, if parades are not your thing, these times are an excellent opportunity to visit other attractions, as the majority of guests will be out on the streets waving at Mickey Mouse !
13: Taking a supply of nutritional snacks and fruit will save you time and money, as opposed to waiting in restaurants.
14: Use the Tip Boards. All Disney parks have Tip Boards, showing the average wait time for each attraction. This information is updated regularly throughout the day.
15: Save any shopping until you are ready to exit the park. Shops will stay open for at least an hour after the park officially closes, and if you buy your souvenirs as you exit, it will save you having to carry them around the park all day !
So is it possible to “do Disney in a day” ? Probably not ! Although the above tips will give you a better chance than “Mr and Mrs Average”. Seasoned veterans of theme parks may be able to notch up every ride and attraction on their visit, but they have the advantage of being on familiar territory.
The good news however is that there is always something different, new and exciting to see, experience and explore in a Disney park, so even if you don’t manage to cross off everything on your theme park list, there is no better excuse for a return visit at a more leisurely pace !
So here is a list of ideas to help smooth your day:
1: Ensure everyone has a hearty breakfast. The “all you can eat breakfast buffets” are very popular, or diners such as Dennys offer excellent value for money.
2: Buy your Disney tickets in advance to save valuable time standing in line at the ticket window when you arrive at your chosen park.
3: Choose which Disney Park you are going to visit. Fairly obvious ~ But you would be amazed how many families just head off to Disney, and then decide in the car ! Not conducive to good debate or safe driving !
4: Arrive early. Check the park times and arrive when the gates open. It will give you a head start on those guests who take a leisurely breakfast and arrive mid morning.
5: Pick up a couple of park maps and timetables at the park entrance. This way if any members of your party decide to split up, you can easily arrange a meeting point to find each other again, as there is no excuse for getting lost.
6: Talking of getting lost. Don’t allow members of your group to just wander off. Before anyone separates from your group for whatever reason, decide on a specific meeting point, to link up again. Many valuable minutes can be wasted looking for a “wanderer” !
7: When you enter the park, go straight to the farthest attraction, and work backwards toward the front entrance during the day.
8: If you travel in a counter clockwise direction around the parks, your journey time will be quicker, as most folks enter a park and turn right ~ it’s a right handed thing !)
9: Decide ahead of time which attractions if any you want to miss out, and any that are definite must sees.
10: Co-ordinate your travels in conjunction with the various parades and shows that are continually being performed throughout the day.
11: Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass service, which allows you to avoid the lines at the more popular attractions, by giving you a designated ride time. Details are available at the entrance to all participating rides.
12: There is usually one big afternoon parade and up to two night time parades. However, if parades are not your thing, these times are an excellent opportunity to visit other attractions, as the majority of guests will be out on the streets waving at Mickey Mouse !
13: Taking a supply of nutritional snacks and fruit will save you time and money, as opposed to waiting in restaurants.
14: Use the Tip Boards. All Disney parks have Tip Boards, showing the average wait time for each attraction. This information is updated regularly throughout the day.
15: Save any shopping until you are ready to exit the park. Shops will stay open for at least an hour after the park officially closes, and if you buy your souvenirs as you exit, it will save you having to carry them around the park all day !
So is it possible to “do Disney in a day” ? Probably not ! Although the above tips will give you a better chance than “Mr and Mrs Average”. Seasoned veterans of theme parks may be able to notch up every ride and attraction on their visit, but they have the advantage of being on familiar territory.
The good news however is that there is always something different, new and exciting to see, experience and explore in a Disney park, so even if you don’t manage to cross off everything on your theme park list, there is no better excuse for a return visit at a more leisurely pace !
