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5 Experiences You’ll Regret Not Trying When Disney World Reopens

We sure are missing the Disney Parks right now, and there are some things that we really hope we’ll get to do when they reopen.

Happily Ever After

With so many wonderful ways to enjoy Walt Disney World, it’s impossible to do it all. But whether you’ve been to the World dozens of times or you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we don’t want you to finish your trip with any regrets. Here are five Walt Disney World experiences you’ll regret not trying.

Asking a Cast Member for Their Recommendation

If you’re here, then that means that you know to turn to the experts when looking for suggestions about your Disney trip. But there are some experts you might be overlooking, and their input can make a big difference to your trip. We’re talking about Cast Members!

Walt Disney World Cast Member

Who is MORE expert than the Cast Members who bring magic to Disney guests day in and day out? Not only are Cast Members a big piece of what makes Disney World go ’round, but they are also an excellent resource for recommendations once you’re on your trip!

Le Petit Cafe Cast Members

If you’re ever on the fence about something — where to eat, what to do next, etc. — ask a Cast Member! They’ll offer their personal preferences and pieces of advice that may be super surprising and can make for an awesome twist to your Disney day. We’re not just talking about the Cast Members in the lobby of your resort hotel either. Talk to your waitstaff, attractions attendants, and custodial staff for tips!

If they have that telltale oval name tag on, chances are they can offer advice on just about any question you may have!

Cast Member

Want some ideas about what to ask? Take the risk and have the Cast Member choose for you what to order when you’re dining! We do this a lot since the Cast knows the menu at their dining location better than anyone else.

We also recommend asking for their take on what you should do on your resort day (since you might get some ideas you would have missed out on) and for their favorite attractions and tips!

Click here to watch a video on some WEIRD rituals the Disney World Cast has! 

Dining with an Imagineer

If you’re like us, you’re still thinking of things you wish you would have done when you COULD go to Disney. Maybe one of those things is a super fancy dining experience? It’s probably not surprising that that’s DEFINITELY on the list for us! Though we love fancy meals like the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s, we’re thinking something a little more unique today!

Grand Floridian Lobby

Did you know you can dine with a Disney Imagineer in Disney World? These are the folks who come up with all of the crazy tech, beautiful designs, and awesome experiences that we take part in every day we’re in Disney. The Dine with an Imagineer offering allows you to sit down with one of these super bright minds, pick their brain, and enjoy a delicious meal!

Our Dine with an Imagineer Table — Our Imagineer is sitting at the middle right

This offering is usually available at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for up to 11 guests. You can typically book this experience on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30PM for $97.98 (tax and gratuity included). And you can pay an extra  $30 if you want to add the optional wine pairing. A four-course meal and a casual chat with an Imagineer? Yes, please!

You can also enjoy this experience at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios. You can typically book this version of the experience on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12PM for $89.46. Remember, park admission is required and not included in this option!

Hollywood Brown Derby

This truly is a bucket list experience and we definitely wish we could take advantage of it right now. If you’re planning a trip for when the parks reopen, you can book this experience online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Remember guests must be 14 years or older to attend.

Note that Dine with an Imagineer won’t be available immediately when the parks reopen, but we’ll let you know when it’s back!

We reviewed Dine with an Imagineer! Click here to check it out!

Getting a Professional, Personal Photopass Session

Maybe you haven’t thought of this one yet, but you definitely should have it on your radar! Photopass and Memory Maker are great ways to get photos while you’re in the parks, but did you know that you can upgrade to a professional, and personal Photopass session?

PhotoPass outside of Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios

There are even a few different options for photoshoots so that you can pick one that fits your needs and your budget! Back in February, Disney released the new Capture Your Moment photo sessions in Magic Kingdom for $50. These sessions get you and your fam a 20-minute shoot to help commemorate celebrations and milestones during regular park hours. Neat! You can book Capture Your Moment by calling 407-939-7758.

©Disney

Guests can also opt to use Disney Fine Art Photography! This service is a little bit more on the pricy side but there are more options to choose from. Depending on your package, these sessions could incorporate lighting, staging, and other techniques.

Pricing ranges from $225 for a Mini Portrait Session at a Resort to $1,999+ for a private, 5-location family portrait session in Magic Kingdom before the park opens. Book these experiences by calling (407) 934-4004.

©Disney

Making memories with the family is such a cherished thing and we’re missing Disney memories more than ever right now. When we get back to the parks, we’ll definitely be looking for the best ways to capture the memories, and these shoots are a great option!

Click here to learn all you need to know about the Capture Your Moment sessions!

Doing a Food or Drink Crawl

Our next suggestion is one that’s near and dear to our hearts. You’ve just gotta do a Disney food or drink crawl when you’re on your next trip — ESPECIALLY if you’ve never done one before! And, hey, if you have done one before, we say it’s time to embark on another!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Monorail Access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Food and drink crawls are a great way to experience some menu items and dining locations that you might otherwise miss out on. Our DFB crawls are crafted SPECIFICALLY so that you chow down on the best of the best and check out some awesome locations along the way.

Baymax Cupcake

Consider trying a transportation-based crawl like the Skyliner Pub Crawl, with tasty libations from Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Or try the Monorail Crawl for eats from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

Disney Skyliner

There are other crawls, too! One of our most FAMOUS crawls is the Cupcake Crawl and we can also recommend the Epcot Classics Snack Crawl! Whatever crawl you choose to tackle, you’re sure to have a fun time AND try some new things!

Click here to learn more about the Skyliner Pub Crawl!

Asking for the Best Seat on a Roller Coaster

Last, but certainly not least, we have a fairly simple idea that a LOT of guests have never thought about before! It’s easy, and you’ll regret NOT doing it once you know it’s a thing! You may want to request the best seat on a roller coaster!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Whatever your favorite coaster in the park — be it Space Mountain, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or Slinky Dog Dash — there’s a seat that will make the ride a little more fun for you! This is an easy trick that can seriously perfect your ride experience.

Space Mountain

Okay, here’s the tip: If you’re looking for a smoother ride with great views, request a seat in the front. Want a more thrilling and all-around WILDER ride? Ask a Cast Member to seat you in the very BACK of the coaster! Thanks to SCIENCE, the front gets the slowest, smoothest ride while the back gets whipped around from the pull of the rest of the train!

Slinky Dog in Toy Story Land

Take it from us, there’s nothing quite like a ride in the very back on Big Thunder Mountain. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this can really make the difference between a good ride and a GREAT one!

Big Thunder Mountain in Disney World

And that’s all we wrote! Avoid those regrets by trying out these Disney experiences when you get back to Disney World. Most of these are small, some don’t cost a penny, and they’re all uniquely Disney. They really are a blast! Check out our DFB Video below for even more tips for your next trip.

What’s one thing you regret not doing on a Walt Disney World vacation, and what’s your advice to help others avoid it? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Professional, Personal Photo Shoot at Magic Kingdom for $50?! WHERE Do We Sign Up?!
  2. Disney World Vacation Hacks the Pros SWEAR By
  3. 5 Souvenirs We REALLY Regret Buying in Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, capture your moment, cast member, Cast Member Recommendation, Citricos, dining with an imagineer, Disney Crawl, Disney Fine Art Photography, disney planning, disney regret, disney regrets, Disney World, Drink Crawl, Food Crawl, Hollywood Brown Derby, Memory Maker, PhotoPass, rollercoaster, Rollercoaster tips, Snack Crawl

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8 Hidden News Bombs in Disney World’s Hotel Info Drop!

When the parks re-open on July 11th and July 15th, Disney World will be making some changes to how dining, hotels, attractions, and more operate.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

And, Disney dropped some MAJOR news this past weekend about how the resorts will be operating when they open back up again soon.

While we don’t have definitive re-opening dates for many of the Disney hotels aside from Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, we do know what procedures and regulations are going to be followed when they welcome guests again!

‘Ohana Won’t Reopen With the Hotels

When the Disney Parks and Resorts re-open, character experiences will be limited. On top of character meet-and-greets being halted, character dining will also no longer be occurring during this time. One of these places includes ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (parting with that Bread Pudding is such sweet sorrow). We’ll still have to wait a bit longer for our character breakfast or dinner meat feast (including those glorious noodles) over at ‘Ohana.

Mahalo, Lilo!

However, there is one character dining event that will be open when Disney Resorts welcome guests again. So, if you really want to meet some characters while you eat some Mickey Waffles, you can go to Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a modified character dining experience.

Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters

Details concerning this new experience haven’t been shared yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we learn more.

Read about all the ways Disney dining will be changing this summer!

No More Signature Dining or Dinner Shows

Although many of the Disney Resort restaurants will be greeting guests again during their re-opening, signature dining locations will remain closed for the time being! This includes California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and 1900 Park Fare, Narcoossee’s, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

Queen Victoria Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

But, don’t worry — you can still swing by spots like Contempo Café for a cupcake or a bite (PHEW!). ? Dinner shows will also be halted at the resorts.

Strawberry Shortcake

That means no Polynesian feast at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha, no unlimited buckets of fried chicken at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (cue our tears here), and no stomping along to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!

These are all the restaurants where you will be able to dine in the Disney Resorts when they re-open!

The Best Pool in Disney World Will Be CLOSED!

Although Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club are gorgeous locations to stay in Disney World, the resorts are also home to an AWESOME sand-bottom pool — the largest resort pool on property. While Stormalong Bay is a major pull for many guests picking a Disney Resort, the pool will not be open during guests’ stay. Guests at these resorts will have access to the Beach Club’s leisure pool or the Luna Park or leisure pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Stormalong Bay

However, other pools at the other Disney resorts will be open with reduced hours, while leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day. At this time, pools will be operating with limited capacity for guests who are staying at the resorts.

You might not be thinking about these things when you book a Disney World hotel!

You’ll Have to Wait for The Next Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Series to Arrive Online ONLY

Although merchandise locations will be re-opening at the resorts, the shopping experience will be changing a bit. While we’ve loved shopping for each Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Series or the next limited edition Mickey Ear Hat, new product launches and limited-edition merchandise won’t be available for purchase at the stores.

Ears Section of World of Disney

Since these items sell out pretty quickly and guests go a bit wild for them (Enchanted Tiki Minnie is just too cute!), the resorts are most likely suspending these collections in-store as a means of social distancing guests.

Limited Releases like the Minnie Mouse Main Attraction Collection Won’t Be Released in Disney Stores Initially

Since Disney Springs saw limited edition merchandise at the World of Disney sell out extremely fast with large crowds, it’s possible they decided to forego any in-store limited releases for the time being.

Take a look at all the Disney merchandise you’re going to want to take home with our latest merchandise round-up!

Looks Like You Won’t Be Able to Eat Mickey Waffles in Bed Anymore!

Since the resorts will be using limited operations across the board, Room Service will also unavailable for the time being. 

Mickey Waffles!

Since the Disney Resorts will be using limited amounts of cleaning service during guests’ stays, Room Service would just be another way to have in-person contact that’s deemed unnecessary at the moment.

Read our full review of the AMAZING Twilight Feast you (could previously) order to your room here!

Package Delivery Is Taking a Leave of Absence

If you’re shopping around Disney World, the parks usually give you the option to send purchased items back to your hotel for you to pick up or to the front of the theme park. However, guest package deliveries from stores on property will not be happening as a safety measure.

Polynesian Lobby

According to a Cast Member we spoke with, Disney hasn’t confirmed whether this suspension would be extended to delivery for things like Amazon packages or medicine yet.

These are ways you can fix big Disney World disasters!

One of Your Favorite Nightly Shows Will Be Halted!

While Disney’s Contemporary Resort has some BOMB views of Magic Kingdom where you are able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room, entertainment will be paused for the time being. Disney World will be temporarily suspending its fireworks, parades, and character meet-and-greets in the parks when they re-open.

View from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

However, Disney has also announced that another piece of nightly entertainment will be closed as well. The Electrical Water Pageant that makes its way around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake nightly will also be stopped during the re-opening.

©Disney

Although we aren’t entirely sure why Disney World is halting this since the “parade” happens away from guests and can be witnessed from the resorts, Disney might just be starting from scratch with all entertainment.

Take a look at the full list of activities that will be halted at the Disney Resorts here!

You’ll NEED a Reservation to Dine at Table-Service Restaurants!

Now, this is a HUGE change for Disney dining that may affect how you plan your vacation to Disney World going forward! Since the parks will be implementing a new reservation system, Advance Dining Reservations and the Disney Dining Plan have been canceled.

Whispering Canyon

However, once the system is up and running, there will be new ways to book reservations for the restaurants you love (we’re coming for you, Garden Grill). But, there’s a catch — when the table-service restaurants re-open in the parks and resorts, you’ll NEED to have a reservation to visit.

Garden Grill Restaurant

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you must have a confirmed hotel reservation or dining reservation to even enter the hotel. And, if you’re wanting to eat at one of the multiple table-service locations in the resorts, only guests who have previous reservations will be allowed to dine at the restaurant.

Sanaa

The parks will be following similar guidelines — guests who want to eat at a table-service restaurant will need to have valid park admission, a reservation for park entry, and a dining reservation. Since this system hasn’t been the process at table service locations so far in Disney Springs, we’ll keep an eye on this one for more information as it’s released.

Learn more about the dining reservation information at the Disney Parks and Resorts here!

While Disney is still moving towards releasing more details about what the parks will look like in July, they are doing everything they can to keep guests and Cast Members safe with these changes. We will continue to keep you updated with more news and details about Disney World’s re-opening!

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney World’s re-opening procedures!

Will you be heading into Disney World when it re-opens in July? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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10 Disney World Tips That AREN’T in the Guidebooks

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be both an extremely exciting AND daunting task.

Hello there Mickey and Minnie!

But with the proper planning and research, you can make the most out of your time and hard-earned money spent on a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation. Even still, you might not find everything you need to know about having the most EPIC time at Disney just by reading the guidebooks! Luckily, you’ve got us by your side!

We’re going to take you through a few tips that we think are SUPER important — although you’ll rarely see them discussed anywhere except here! Let’s go for ride!

Your Disney World Resort Is a BIG Part of Your Disney World Experience!

A lot of folks think a hotel is just a place to sleep, shower, and get dressed so you can spend all your time at the parks (and for some, it can be just that!), but don’t overlook how truly important your Disney World resort hotel can be! In fact, some of our favorite vacation things aren’t at the parks at all — they’re at the resorts!

Port Orleans Riverside

Disney does an excellent job of providing a slew of resort activities all day long at all properties, from their Value resorts to their Deluxe resorts. You never know what cool new thing your family will stumble upon!

Oasis Pool at Polynesian Village Resort

Each afternoon the pools at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels offer guests a full slate of entertaining family activities including Bingo, karaoke, hula hoop contests, relay races, scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, chalk art, pin trading, and poolside challenges. No matter which Resort you call home, you can stop by the front desk and ask a cast member for the Resort Activities Schedule.

Sample Activities Board at Coronado Springs

And don’t be afraid to explore OTHER Disney World resorts either! Even if you aren’t a guest, you can still explore any hotel at Disney World! Take advantage of the Holiday season by touring the various resorts with Christmas Displays. Any guest can enjoy the annual Gingerbread house displays at Grand Floridian or sip on a specialty holiday cocktail at The Contemporary Resort!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

Lounge hopping is another great way to explore the properties. Many of these bartenders have been cast members for a long time and it’s always nice to relax and chat over cocktails and delicious bites. Some of our favorites are Crew’s Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club Resort and Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (be sure to indulge in the sinfully delicious fondue). Oh and don’t forget Trader Sam’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

Chardonnay Cheese Fondue

Don’t Miss These Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges!

Some resorts also offer character meals like those you can find in the parks. Some of these dining experiences offer more time with your favorite characters as well as a unique selection of food. In fact, let’s talk about character dining next!

Learn More About Disney World Hotel Activities For The Whole Family!

Not All Character Meals Are Created Equal

If you’re looking to spend your FastPass+ on popular attractions instead of using them to meet characters, a character dining experience is a great opportunity for you to do just that! Note that Character Meals have been suspended for now, but we know they’ll be back in the future, so it never hurts to plan ahead.

While Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is crazy popular, some character dining options are a little more off-the-beaten-path. Storybook Dining at Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of our favorite character meals with some really cool theatrical lighting, innovative food presentation, and even a private encounter with the Evil Queen herself!

Meet the Queen at Storybook Dining at Artist Point!

Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey usually make the rounds as well!

Read our FULL REVIEW of Storybook Dining at Artist Point here!

At the Walt Disney World Swan Resort, you’ll find one of the most underrated character dining experiences, Garden Grove. The weekend breakfast buffet is affordable and offers plenty of interaction with characters. This is the perfect place for photo ops with the typical cast of characters that can include Goofy, Chip & Dale, Pluto, and more.

Garden Grove ©Disney

We went to EVERY character meal so you don’t have to!

And since some of these out-of-the way, lesser-known character meals aren’t as well attended as Chef Mickey’s or 1900 Park Fare (another popular character meal, which usually has characters from Cinderella in the evening, and Pooh, Tigger, the Mad Hatter, and others in the morning!) the characters aren’t as pressed for time and can sometimes spend a little longer with you at your table!

Cinderella and Prince Charming

It’s also important to keep in mind some character meals are served buffet style (like Chef Mickey’s and Crystal Palace), while others are plated and brought to your table.

Crystal Palace Buffet

For families with smaller children, we happen to prefer the latter since it means we don’t have to worry about rushing to the buffet before a character arrives while juggling our kids at the same time!

Winnie the Pooh, Tiger, Eeyore, and Piglet normally greet at Crystal Palace! Read our full review of dinner here!

And we might just love character meal BREAKFASTS most of ALL! ‘Ohana has an amazing character breakfast (where you’ll meet Stitch, Lilo, and more!) and Trattoria al Forno‘s Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast has some of the rarest Disney characters you’ll meet, including Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Ariel (with legs!) and Prince Eric! 

Meeting Rapunzel is part of the fun!

You won’t find these princes meeting anywhere else at Disney World!

Read our FULL REVIEW of the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast here!

And don’t forget — Disney’s Riviera Resort, which just opened last winter, has a fancy new plated character breakfast too!

Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters

You’ll find this at the resort’s signature dining location, Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, and have a chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald!

Click here to see our review of breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace!

And finally, our all-time FAVORITE character meal can be found over at Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. This restaurant serves up all-you-care-to-eat platters of breakfast favorites in the morning (including plates of their incredible Chip’s Sticky Bun Bake!), and meats and veggies (grown IN the Land Pavilion!) for lunch and dinner.

Breakfast Skillet at Garden Grill

This spot is usually pretty easy to snag a last-minute table, and due to the small size of the restaurant, you often get a TON of interaction with characters like Farmer Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto! Oh yeah — and the restaurant slowly rotates while you eat, letting you look down on the Living with the Land attraction below! We seriously can not understate what a fantastic character meal AND quality food Garden Grill offers all day long.

Click here for our latest breakfast review of Garden Grill!

Disable Charging Privileges on Your Child’s MagicBand

He’s a little tip you’ll want to keep in mind as soon as you arrive at Disney World IF you’ll be staying on property with kiddos!

All of the MagicBands you’ll receive in the mail prior to your trip will already be linked to your Disney World account, including any credit card you have on file. That means you might want to deactivate this feature if you have children who might be tempted to make an unauthorized purchase! ?

Mulan MagicBand

Your kids would still need to know the 4 digit pin code to make purchases, but if you have older kids in your crew you don’t want running around Disney World with unlimited access to your money, consider disabling charging privileges for their bands. ? You can deactivate the purchase settings on your kids’ MagicBands yourself using the My Disney Experience app or just ask a friendly Cast Member at Guest Relations to deactivate it for you when you check-in!

A great solution to older kids who want the freedom to buy their own goodies? Buy a Disney Gift Card!

Flower and Garden Festival Themed Gift Card

Disney often sells themed gift cards on wristbands, making them super convenient to tote around with you. You can load more money on the card if you choose, but for your kid — when it’s gone it’s gone!

Click here for even more tips for your Disney trip with kids!

Loyalty Programs and Third Party Offers

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member or Annual Passholder, you’re probably already used to purchasing merch with your 20% discount at select locations throughout the parks, but did you know there are even greater ways to save??

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder

Tables in Wonderland is a dining discount program for eligible Florida Residents, Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders (21 and older), good for 20% off food and beverage (including booze) at a wide selection of Walt Disney World Resort hotel and theme park restaurants and lounges.

Tables in Wonderland Card

Many Disney Springs restaurants have loyalty programs where you’ll be rewarded simply for enjoying your meal! The Levy Loyalty Program gets you special deals at Paddlefish, Terralina Crafted Italian, and Wolfgang Puck branded restaurants.

Paddlefish

The Landry’s Loyalty Program comes with lots of extra perks too! At Yak & Yeti Restaurant, T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe, you’ll be treated to priority seating, rewards points, $25 for signing up, and an extra $25 during your birthday month. There is a one-time membership fee, but that sign-up reward cancels it out!

T-Rex at Disney Springs

Patina Group offers a free Subscription List where they’ll send you offers and deals –  plus $30-$50 offers for your birthday — they run several restaurants at Disney Springs and a few over in Epcot. Here’s a list of spots they offer discounts for:

How to Build the Fastest Car on Test Track

We might be known for our competitive eating practices at Epcot’s many annual food festivals (where we literally order everything on EVERY menu!). Epcot’s two largest festivals, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and the O.G. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, are some of our favorites to eat our way around!

Epcot Flower and Garden

Check out our Best of the Fest list from this year’s Flower and Garden Festival here!

But there’s ANOTHER competition we take VERY seriously at Epcot and it has a little sumptin’ to do with an attraction called Test Track. To provide a little backstory if you’re unfamiliar with this ride at Epcot, you’re responsible for building a “sim car” on a touchscreen before entering the attraction. Once inside, you’ll take the prototype for a test drive — at speeds of up to 64 miles per hour!

Test Track

To have the highest score (note: none of this will actually alter your experience in any form, but you WILL receive bragging rights, which is reward enough for us), you’ll need to build the perfect performance MACHINE!

Stations Where Guests Design Their Cars

When designing your car, you’ll want to move quickly through the basics like shape and width — but pay attention to the category point values as you make changes (you want to keep them all as high as possible). Once you get to the accessories section at the end you can pick up lots of extra points by adding hood elements and wheel upgrades. It’s tempting to focus on flash when building your car, but stick to those numbers — they’ll literally pave the way to your victory every time you ride!

Click here for more tips to maximize your scores on Disney rides!

Familiarize Yourself with the My Disney Experience App BEFORE You Go

The My Disney Experience App on your device is a key element to planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Besides providing the vitals like FastPass+ bookings, showtimes, and park hours, this is now the preferred method for booking and modifying your Advance Dining Reservations.

Access My Disney Experience on Your Computer or Your Mobile App

But don’t wait until you’re at the parks to open it up for the first time. Trust us — you’ll be using it A LOT, so play around with it before you go! Believe it or not, a lot of people don’t even realize the My Disney Experience app is completely free to use and it’s not only exclusive to resort guests. Anyone can use it!

Haunted Mansion

Make sure your whole family has tickets and is linked up on the My Disney Experience app, too! Otherwise, you won’t be able to reserve FastPasses for your entire party. It’s also super important to keep in mind when your FastPass window opens up so you can reserve your three FastPass selections for your whole group each day!

These are usually available to resort guests 60 days out from their arrival and 30 days out for everyone else. Once you use all of your FastPasses during a day in the parks, you can open the My Disney Experience app and make another FastPass selection on the fly!

Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios

Another thing to keep in mind about FastPasses — all of the parks except Magic Kingdom have FastPass tiers, meaning you can only reserve a one Tier 1 FastPass at a time. For instance, Hollywood Studios has three Tier 1 FastPasses, so you’ll have to choose between Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash!  

Remember though, right now the FastPass system has been suspended temporarily. But once it’s back up and running you should be ready!

Which Tier 1 FastPass should you choose in Hollywood Studios?

Happy Hour at Disney Springs

You’ll be hard-pressed to find Happy Hours at Walt Disney World resort hotels or in the theme parks. BUT, there is good news — Disney Springs offers a SLEW of amazing happy hours throughout the day. One of our absolute FAVORITES is the Happy Hour at The Edison. Offered from 3-6PM, this deal includes $7 Craft Cocktails and select Wines.

Happy Hour At The Edison

End the night off at the swanky STK Steakhouse, which offers an incredible deal on Sunday-Wednesday from 3-6PM and Thursdays-Saturdays 10PM-close with $2 oysters, $5-8 small bites, and half off specialty cocktails.

Discover More Happy Hour and Late Night Menus In Disney Springs!

Bring Refillable Water Bottles and Water Flavor Enhancers

We are ALL doing our part to support the environment, one (paper) straw at a time. Bringing a refillable water bottle with you to the parks is a smart way to help the Earth while saving some money by not having to buy bottled water all the time. (We love this SUPER CUTE New Skyliner Water Bottle!)

Skyliner Water Bottle

New filtered water refilling stations are now popping up in a few locations around the parks, making it easy and convenient to stay hydrated while on the go. Or, you can always ask a Cast Member at a fast food location for a cup of ice water for free.

Free Water in Disney

And if you don’t like the taste of tap water (it can be especially swampy flavored in Florida!), we recommend bringing some packets of water flavoring along! Most of these enhancers come in a powder form or small squirt bottles. You simply add some to your water bottle, give it a good shake, and you’re ready to go with a tastier beverage without having to spend extra money!

Click here for even more helpful tips for your Disney World trip!

Managing Your Expectations When Things Go Wrong

Things inevitably have a way of going wrong sometimes, and even the best of trips usually has a few disappointments.

Maleficent at Villains After Hours

But as long as you keep a cool head and an even keel, we think you’ll still walk away with a good experience, and maybe even a funny story to share later on down the road.

We’ve been stuck on Spaceship Earth for 30 minutes, gotten drenched in more torrential downpours than we can remember, and encountered all kinds of torment due to poor footwear decisions, but that hasn’t stopped us from having a ball each and every time we go to Disney World!

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

And just remember — Cast Members are there to make sure you have a magical day. If you need any assistance to help achieve that, whether you need something like a bandaid or directions, just ask. Cast Members will help you solve whatever problem you’re having. Well, almost. They can’t really help you if your family is driving you bonkers (which probably will occur at some time during your trip!). Even Disney World Cast Members aren’t miracle workers. ?

Nicest Bathrooms in Parks!

Choose your restrooms wisely. While this may sound a little off-kilter, Walt Disney World is ALL about planning and that includes choosing your restrooms wisely. You never know when your little one or even YOU are going to have an emergency!

At Epcot, the American Dream is alive and well at perhaps one of the LARGEST bathrooms in all of the parks, located at the American Adventure. There are plenty of stalls and the air conditioning is always blasting. This is an especially great location if you’re drinking and eating around World Showcase or enjoying a show at the America Gardens Theatre.

American Adventure Pavilion ©Disney

Quite possibly the most hidden bathroom in all of Walt Disney World can be found on the side of Journey Into Imagination with Figment. This is just to the right of the attraction’s main entrance and there’s rarely more than few guests ever in there at one time.

Journey Into Imagination Sign

There are a few gems at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests in route to Toy Story Land should avoid the ones located inside the land and opt for the bathrooms located just outside and across from Joffrey’s.

Toy Story Land

The bathrooms just behind the Cheshire Café at Magic Kingdom tend to never have a wait. Another solid choice are the Tangled Restrooms on the border of Fantasyland and Liberty Square. While this area tends to be a little chaotic and packed with strollers, there are plenty of stalls and rarely a wait.

Cheshire Cafe Sign

Animal Kingdom does perhaps the best job at providing strategically placed restrooms with plenty of stalls. The theming is also something to note at many of these locations as well.

Asia Bridge in Animal Kingdom

Our personal favorites are the ones at Restaurantosaurus. Speaking of bathrooms, we have a WHOLE VIDEO on some of the best bathrooms in Disney World!

Of course, there are plenty more tips and tricks to share with you! We hope we’ve helped you think of a few things you hadn’t considered for your trip and how to approach them differently. With proper planning and research, you can have a totally MAGICAL and STRESS-FREE Walt Disney World vacation (well, within reason, of course!).

6 Walt Disney World Planning Tips Everyone Always Forgets!

What are your top tips for visiting the Walt Disney World Resort?

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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If You’re Planning to Visit Disney World From One of THESE States Soon, You Need to Read THIS!

Disney has announced Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be reopening on July 11th followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th.

Magic Kingdom

Due to limited capacity, guests will be required to have valid theme park admission and a hotel booking to have priority access to the new reservation system before the parks reopen. But one of the biggest questions many would-be-guests are seeking clarity on is whether they’ll even be allowed to travel to Florida because of where they reside.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have experienced widespread community transmission during the global crisis which resulted in Florida implementing a tri-state quarantine for residents of these states. Guests entering Florida from these states were being directed to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon entry. The order was originally set to expire on May 8th, but was extended an additional 60 days to end on July 7th.

Disney Springs

While Governor DeSantis has announced most of Florida is moving into Phase 2 of his reopening plan, he still hasn’t announced another extension for the tri-state quarantine. At this point, it seems the executive order is less contingent on the actual phases of the Governor’s plan and will expire with the State of Emergency order on July 7th.

So for now, guests in these states should keep an eye on the news out of Florida concerning this rule. If it expires, they’ll be free to visit the theme parks once they reopen, but if the governor decides to extend it, this would mean guests from these states will be forced to quarantine and miss out on the parks.

Mickey Waffle at Magic Kingdom

Louisiana residents can rest easy as well — they are no longer being required to quarantine when entering Florida at this time. We’ll continue to follow this developing story and let you know if anything changes with the Governor’s tri-state order or Florida’s State of Emergency.

Disney World is launching a new perk for hotel guests starting June 22nd! Learn more here!

Are you a resident of one of the tri-states? Let us know if you’re planning on going to Disney World when the parks reopen next month in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Walt Disney World, community transmission, conneticut, Disney World, executive order, florida governor, new jersey, New York, phase two, reopening, Reopening Plan, residents, ron desantis, state of emergency, state of emergency order, tri-state order, wide spread

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The WORST Disney World Hotel FAILS and How to Get Around Them!

Do you know that Disney commercial where the kids and parents are so excited about their trip that they can’t sleep?? That’s totally us every time we have a Disney World vacation planned.

Walt Disney World

We know how much time and effort you spend on planning your visit. And, here at DFB, we think it’s essential that you know all your options — even the bad ones.

That’s why you NEED to know some of the biggest problems at Disney World resort hotels and how you can get around them before you arrive in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Where Are the Elevators?!

While most multi-level hotels have elevators, there are a few Disney resorts that don’t (and you’ll definitely want to know which ones ahead of time, especially if you have a stroller in tow!). If you’re staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, the 2-story buildings in the Alligator Bayou area don’t have elevators. BUT, the neighboring 3-story “Mansions” do, so be sure to book your room accordingly!

Port Orleans Riverside

While Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a relaxing and easy-going place to stay, it isn’t very elevator-friendly. Before you stay at the resort, call ahead of time to request a room in buildings 62, 63, or 64 since they are the only ones with elevators.

Old Key West Resort

For any guests that need wheelchair assistance, who can’t climb the stairs, or who just have a lot of luggage, you might rethink that stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. There are NO elevators in most of the buildings. 

Caribbean Beach Resort

You have no choice but to use the stairs to get to your room, which can be pretty frustrating after a long day on your feet — especially with a big ol’ stroller. However, you can note to your resort before you arrive that you would prefer or require access to a first-level room.

You are going to want to stay at these unexpected Disney Resorts in 2020!

Internal Bus Loops

You know that feeling when you hop on a bus to Magic Kingdom, and it practically stops 10 times along the way? Yeah, not so magical. The internal bus system at several Disney World resorts can be really frustrating sometimes when you’re trying to just hop on a bus to the parks and GO.

Bus Stop

We’ve been late many-a-time getting to our Disney World destination because of this situation. However, if you need to use the buses, try to give yourself extra time as a cushion for this system — meaning an extra half hour to an hour, depending on the time of day and how busy the parks will be.

Minnie Bus

You’ll also want to take into account what hotels have these internal bus loops before you book a room. The order that the buses pick up and drop off at the internal bus stops can vary as well, especially depending on the time of day or how busy it is in Disney World. The resorts that have internal bus loops include:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – 2 Internal Bus Stops
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – 8 Internal Bus Stops
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – 4 Internal Bus Stops
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort – 5 Internal Bus Stops
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – 5 Internal Bus Stops
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – 3 Internal Bus Loops
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside — 4 Internal Bus Loops

Disney’s Saratoga Springs

There are also a few resorts that share bus loops, like either side of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. There are four bus stops at the Riverside as opposed to one at the French Quarter, but they share buses. The Monorail Resorts, meaning Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, also connect together on a bus loop.

Since Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club are in close proximity, they are set together on a bus loop as well (and there are times when Swan and Dolphin is added into that loop as well).

Beach Club Resort in Disney World

When in doubt, call the resort you’re interested in to get the full rundown on their bus transportation situation so you can make an informed decision about where you stay!

This is what your favorite mode of Disney transportation says about you!

Outside Walkways

Florida weather can change in a New York minute! Whenever you’re in Disney World, it’s important to expect the unexpected — rain, cold weather, unrelenting heat, the occasional random snoap shower from time to time. ?

Snoap Malfunction

That’s why the outdoor walkways between the rooms and main buildings at the Disney resorts can be very problematic when you’re at the mercy of unpredictable weather. When it’s extremely hot outside, you’re automatically sweating seconds after walking out of your room…or when it’s pouring rain, you’re immediately soaked and you haven’t even made it to a theme park yet!

Epcot Rain Clouds

This is primarily an issue at places like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort because there are many rooms cut off from the lobby area (and you’ll have to walk unsheltered outside for a while to reach it).

general exterior

Grand Floridian Resort in Disney World

However, there are plenty of Value and Moderate Disney resorts that have this issue as well. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has all those REALLY cool photo-ops (LIGHTNING MCQUEEN, YOU GUYS), but there’s so much outdoor space to walk between buildings.

Cars Building at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach, on the other hand, has a LOT of outdoor walking since the resort is so big. It takes a long time to walk anywhere on property, which is great for getting those steps in but rough when it’s raining. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is primarily a campground and nestled in the woods, making it very exposed to the elements.

Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long Area

The outdoor walkways at resorts can be especially problematic during hurricane season when it’s dangerous to go outside and your access to the main buildings and lobby are cut off.

Rain, rain, go away!

If you’re going to be staying at the Disney World resorts during the peak of hurricane season (typically around September), we recommend considering one of Disney World’s more hurricane-ready resorts that are closer together and have indoor access to all the amenities you need. All Disney World hotels are quite safe in a hurricane, but some are more convenient than others!

You HAVE to see these awesome hotel rooms you’re going to want to visit ASAP at Disney World!

LOOOONG Resort Hallways

While staying at a big hotel can be nice since there’s a lot to do, see, and eat when you’re outside of the parks, it can also be really tough to navigate.

Disney’s Coronado Springs

Some of the WORST hallways in a Disney resort are at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you’ve been to the Kidani Village part of this resort, you’ll know that the room at the end of the hall is your worst enemy. It feels like you have to walk 5,000 miles from the lobby to your room at this hotel! At the end of a long day when you just want to get off your feet, a looooong schlep to your room can be crushing.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Room

BUT, there is a way around this. You can note on your reservation ahead of your trip that you’d like a room closer to the lobby. Often rooms in the same price category can have good and bad locations, so it never hurts to make a request for the best spot you can! Goodbye to long hallways and hello to shorter sprints back to our room!

These Disney Resort secrets are kind of strange and unusual…

Room Amenities

Fitness Centers

Although we might not actually be going to the gym during our Disney vacations (hey, we’re walking MILES per day in the parks!), it’s important for many guests to have the option to use a fitness center. But, not all the Disney World resorts have them, so if this is a dealbreaker for you, know before you go!

Fitness Center in Gran Destino Tower

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort actually happens to be the only Deluxe resort without a fitness center. Guests actually have to use the gym at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort instead. It IS just a short walk over there, but for the price you’re shelling out to stay at a Deluxe resort, this is good to know before you book.

Equipment

Value and Moderate resorts don’t have fitness centers at the hotels, aside from Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort..which has two.

You might not be thinking about this BIG factor when you’re choosing your Disney Resort!

Pool Design

When you’re staying at a hotel, it’s often a given that you’re looking for some great pool areas to kick back and relax while you’re watching the kiddos swim. However, the theme of a pool and its amenities can really make or break it, depending on where you’re staying. Some of our least favorite pool designs happen to be at some of the most popular resorts.

Paddock Pool at Saratoga Springs

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is great for many reasons — there are great food options, direct access to the Monorail, and a beautiful view of Magic Kingdom. But, the pools?? They’re a little bit lacking! At the back of the resort, the pool overlooking Bay Lake might have a nice view, but it is so plain.

Monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

There is little to no theme for what you’re paying to stay there (and we think many Value and Moderate resorts have WAY better pools for a fraction of the cost). During certain times of the year, the Contemporary’s pool has also been known to attract gnats off the neighboring lake, which is not so pleasant when you’re trying to read that new book poolside. Bleh.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is one of our FAVORITE spots in all of Disney World. The Coney Island feel is just so magical, like you’re in a theme park away from the theme parks. But, the BoardWalk Inn also has a very dark secret — its pool features the most terrifying clown in existence (he might have you beat, Pennywise). ?

Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk

Even though the roller coaster themed slide itself is nice AND the accompanying Leaping Horse Libations pool bar mixes up some great drinks, the clown IS kinda creepy. If you have a room overlooking the pool you might notice one more creepy detail — his eyes light up at night! If you weren’t afraid of clowns before, you might be now. ?

Leaping Horse Libations

While the Value resorts can be a fantastic option for different families, the pools can range from awesome to…meh. They are the only Disney resorts on property that do not have hot tubs, so you might also want to consider that if it’s a deal-breaker for you.

Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Although the Value resorts can have some pretty awesome pools, like the Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century or the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort did not hit a home run with its pools. They are just blocks of water without any interactive elements whatsoever. There’s no major theming, no waterslides, no splash zones — nada, zip, zilch.

All-Star Sports Resort

These pools might just convince to stay at these Disney World hotels!

When you’re having to consider your budget for your Disney World trip, we think it’s important you know what you’re paying for BEFORE you visit the Disney hotels! Not all Disney Resorts are created equal. While one resort may offer the perfect options for one family, another family may not like it. Look at your family’s needs and keep these considerations in mind and we’re sure you’ll pick a winner! ?

Check out what the best and worst Disney World resorts are for 2020 here!

What is your favorite place to stay in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, Disney World, fitness center, internal bus loop, low ceilings, outside walkways, pool