What to Watch Before You Visit A Disney Park: Hollywood Studios

Incredible detail has gone into each of these attractions. The que itself for Toy Story Mania! has me entertained for the entire wait with all the attention to detail and creativity. It is so imaginative. From the board games to the animatronic Mr. Potato head - it's amazing.  Visiting Disney is so memorable and the parks are so incredible that watching the movies associated with the attractions, shows and even meet & greets makes each moment even sweeter. You notice the tiny details from the movies they have brought to life. The magic is endless.

It is almost impossible to narrow it down to just 5 movies that you should see before visiting Hollywood Studios because this whole park is celebrating creativity and the movies we all love, but I had to try.

Top 5 Movies to see Before Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios:
1) Toy Story (1996)
2) Star Wars Series (1977-2017)
3) Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
4) Frozen (2013)
5) Fantasia (1999)

For those of you who love the movies, be sure to check these out as well and personalize it for your plan of attack on your next trip to Hollywood Studios.

Echo Lake Area
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration; Meet Olaf - Frozen (2013)
Hollywood & Vine Character Meal -  Doc McStuffins (2012+); Handy Manny (2006-2013); Jake & the Neverland Pirates (2011-2016); Sofia the First (2013+)
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Meet Chip & Dale - Chip & Dales Excellent Adventures (1989)
Meet Mickey - Fantasia (1999)
Meet Minnie; Meet Goofy; Meet Donald; Meet Daisy - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006+)
Muppet Vision 3D - The Muppet Movie (1979)
Path of the Jedi; Star Tours; - Star Wars Series (1977-2017)

Pixar Place
Meet Cruz Ramirez - Cars 3 (2017)
Toy Story Mania!; Meet Buzz; Meet Woody - Toy Story (1996), Toy Story 2 (1999)

Animation Courtyard
BB-8 Astromech on Duty; Meet Chewbacca; Meet Kylo Ren - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Disney Junior Live on Stage!; Hollywood & Vine Character Meal; Meet Doc McStuffins; Meet Jake; Meet Sofia; Meet Pluto; - Doc McStuffins (2012+); Jake & the Neverland Pirates (2011-2016); Sofia the First (2013+); Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006+)
Voyage of The Little Mermaid - The Little Mermaid (1989)

Sunset Blvd
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - The Twilight Zone TV Series (1959-1964)
Beauty & the Beast Live On Stage - Beauty & the Beast (1991) 
Fantasmic - Fantasia (1999),  The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), Sleeping Beauty (1959), Steamboat Willie (1928),(and MANY others)

What to Watch Before You Visit A Disney Park: EPCOT

I just love EPCOT. I love all the science, the educational stuff & don't get me started on how much I appreciate the detail of the World Showcase. While it isn't the most Disney movie themed park, there are still a handful that you would find helpful - especially if you are into meeting characters.

You've just gotta be prepared at Walt Disney World. From fast passes to dining reservations there is so much to do to get ready. If there is one park you can appreciate without having ever seen a Disney movie - it's EPCOT. But seeing these movies I've listed will help enhance the attractions and meet & greets with the characters.

The "fab five" of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto are dispersed throughout the park. They appear in Mickey's Roadsters currently, but since they are classics, there are countless movies & shows they appear in. Watching anything from the classic or latest Mickey cartoons, movies, etc will have your kids hugging these characters with ease.

Introducing kids - especially vital for the littlest of travelers - will make the Meet & Greets & Character Meals much less intimidating when they are familiar with the characters. Consider brushing up and even re-watching these movies to enhance your next visit to the happiest place on earth.

Top 5 Disney Movies to see before visiting EPCOT:
1) Frozen (2013)
2) Finding Nemo (2003)
3) Beauty and the Beast (1991)
4) Sleeping Beauty (1959)
5) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

To personalized your experience, consider watching these movies ahead of your next visit depending on which attractions you are planning to visit. I appreciate the details, inside jokes, and decor even more when I have recently seen the films. I hope these tips enhance your next trip!

Future World
The Seas with Nemo & Friends - Finding Nemo (2003)
Turtle Talk with Crush - Finding Nemo (2003) & Finding Dory (2016)
Meet Baymax - Big Hero 6 (2014)
Meet Joy & Sadness - Inside Out (2015)

World Showcase
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Character Dining) - Beauty and the Beast (1991); Cinderella (1950); The Little Mermaid (1989); Sleeping Beauty (1959); Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros - The Three Caballeros (1944) 
Meet Aladdin & Jasmine in Morocco - Aladdin (1992)
Meet Anna & Elsa in Norway; Frozen Ever After - Frozen (2013)
Meet Belle in France - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Meet Alice in United Kingdom - Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Meet Mary Poppins - Mary Poppins (1964)
Meet Mulan in China - Mulan (1998)
Meet Princess Aurora - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Meet Snow White in Germany - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

What to Watch Before You Visit A Disney Park: Animal Kingdom

When visiting Walt Disney World, you have to come prepared. From fast passes to dining reservations there is so much to do to get ready. In order to appreciate all the characters, details and attractions, it helps if you are familiar with these movies!

The "fab five" of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto - and Daisy of course as well, can be seen at Tusker House (which has amazing food as well) & around the park. They appear in Mickey's Roadsters currently, but since they are classics, there are countless movies & shows they appear in. Watching anything from the classic or latest Mickey cartoons, movies, etc will have your kids hugging these with ease.

Introducing kids - especially vital for the littlest of travelers - will make the Meet & Greets & Character Meals much less intimidating when they are familiar with the characters. Consider brushing up and even re-watching these movies to enhance your next visit to the happiest place on earth.

Before your next trip to Animal Kingdom, check out the top 5 movies I would see before visiting Animal Kingdom:

1) Avatar (2009)
2) The Lion King (1994)
3) Finding Nemo (2003)
4) Up (2009)
5) A Bug's Life (1998)

Each experience at Animal Kingdom is incredible, knowing which movie they come from and seeing the details come alive makes them spectacular. Here are each of the attractions/entertainment and the best movies to watch associated with it.

Discovery Island
Wilderness Explorers - Up (2009)
It's Tough to be a Bug; Meet Flik - A Bug's Life (1998)
Meet Pocahontas - Pocahontas (1995)
Meet Russell - Up (2009)

Pandora: World of Avatar
Flight of Passage; Na'vi River Journey - Avatar (2009); Avatar 2 (Coming in 2020)

Africa 
Festival of the Lion King; Rafiki's Planet Watch: Meet Rafiki - The Lion King (1994)
Rafiki's Planet Watch: Meet Doc McStuffins - (Disney Channel "Doc McStuffins" - 2012-present)

Asia
Meet Baloo & King Louie - The Jungle Book (1967)

Dinoland
Finding Nemo - The Musical - Finding Nemo (2003)

Are there any other movies or shows you are sure to see before visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World?

The Ultimate WDW Family PackiNg List

I may like packing as much as I like the actual vacation I am going on. I love considering everything we will need, packing it and fitting all we need into the least amount of bags possible. Packing 8 people into 3 or 4 checked bags is a skill I am proud to have.

So what do I pack for our 7-8 day Walt Disney World Vacation?

We always do laundry at least once, more if needed. Usually on day 3 or 4. Remember since you are wearing an outfit too, you can wear the shirt you traveled in one day at the parks! All the hotels have laundry, so its easy to take a few loads down at once and get it done. It also makes the room so much less crowded! I like to live simply - especially in a hotel!

Clothes & Accessories - per person (We do WASH at least once)
- Ears. (Obviously.)
- 4 pairs of shorts
- 5-6 shirts (we spill a lot, ok?!)
- 4 pairs of underwear/tank tops
- 4 pairs of socks
- 1 extra sweatshirt (wear one on the plane)
- 2 sets of pajamas
- backup comfortable shoes for walking
- swimsuit/goggles
- sandals for the pool
- hat/sunglasses
- princess dresses/costumes for the kids

Toiletries to share
- shampoo/conditioner (kids use hotel soap)
- body wash & loofah
- face wash
- razor/shaving cream
- hair cream, ties and brush
- baby wipes for the parks
- diapers/pull ups
- hand sanitizer
- neosporin
- band-aids (Disney ones from Target usually!)
- prescription medications
- tylonol
- benedryl
- anti-itch cream
- toilet paper (I hate Disney's)
- body glide/friction block for chafing/blister protection
- chapstick
- foam hand soap (we are fancy)

Electronics
- cellphone charger
- ipad/tablet/charger
- power stick/charger
- DS/game system/charger
- power strip to keep chargers organized

Other
- Magic Bands - IN CARRY ON!
- small scissors to cut off tags/packaging
- 1-2 laundry packs & dryer sheets for each member of your family
- snacks to carry in - especially for littles
- backpack/fanny pack for parks
- colorful, lightweight towel to spread on stroller to find in sea of strollers/sit on/wipe up a spill
- light up toys/glow sticks for night shows/fireworks
- gallon/quart ziplock bags
- over the door pocket organizer - keeps things sorted!
- collapsible laundry basket
- stuffed animal for each kid
- coloring/sticker books & crayons
- books for bedtime - extra credit if they are Disney!
- postcards with stamps to send to grandma, unless you are lucky and she is with you!
- collapsible duffel bag in case you buy too much stuff

While it's great to stay organized and have less things, remember items at Disney are expensive, so you want to think through what you will need. Consider normal medications that may be overpriced in the hotel lobby or something that can't be replaced inside the WDW Bubble. There is always Uber if needed, so you can always plan to take a trip to Walmart even if you didn't rent a car!

Hopefully this helps you pack light, but thoughtfully for your next trip! Have a magical time!

My Fast Pass Dream List

While every Walt Disney World attraction and show is incredible (well, most of them), there are some that we just would be devastated to miss. With 5 kids, waiting in line for hours is just not an option. So, it is relatively easy for me to list my favorite Fast Passes - the ones that I love and don't want to miss!

Because not all of the Fast Passes are ideal for every family, I'll post my personal top 5 at each park in order of importance to me and what my kids like. Remember - no one's plans are perfect for other families, so please look at each thing before you pick it for your family!

Each person gets three Fast Passes per day at the park they can pick ahead of time. Once you've used your 3 FPs you can always book extra ones while you are there! You can use the My Disney Experience App/website to book them and then add them in the parks on your phone or

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Tier 1: (Pick 1)
1. Pandora: The World of Avatar's Flight of Passage (must be 48") OR
2. Pandora: The World of Avatar's Na'vi River Journey
Tier 2: (Pick 2) 
3. Expedition Everest (must be 44", but scary)
4. Kilimajaro Safari
5. Kali River Rapids (must be 38", you will get wet)
6. Primeval Whirl (must be 48")

The Animal Kingdom's Fast Passes are on a tier system which means you can only pick one Pandora Fast Pass and then two others. The best shows at AK don't typically need Fast Passes, so we typically focus on other things.

EPCOT
Tier 1: (Pick 1) 
1. Frozen Ever After
2. Soarin' (must be 40")
3. Test Track (must be 40")
Tier 2: (Pick 2) 
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Turtle Talk or The Seas w/Nemo & Friends


Hollywood Studios
Tier 1: (Pick 1) 
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Star Tours (must be 40")
3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (must be 48")
4. Fantasmic Reserved Seating
Tier 2: (Pick 2) 
4. Indiana Jones Stunt Show?
5. Tower of Terror? (I will never go on this - haha)

Magic Kingdom
(No Tiers) 
1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (must be 38")
2. Peter Pan's Flight
3. Big Thunder Railroad (must be 40")
4. Enchanted Tales with Belle
5. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

The great thing about WDW is that all the attractions and entertainment appeals to someone, so make sure you make your priority list!  I made sure to consider typical wait times and rides my kids didn't want to miss that I don't want to wait for! Hope this helps you book the Fast Passes that are perfect for your Disney going tribe!

A Wild Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Each time we walk into to Disney's Animal Kingdom, I am immediately filled with joy. I just love everything about this park. The plants, the animals, the music, the cultures - it is such a wonderful place to be & I will often plan a second day at this park if our trip allows.

From Africa and Asia to Dinoland and Pandora, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Here are some of my favorite things about each area in Animal Kingdom.

Discovery Island

While each step is a new adventure, the front of the park always blows me away. The walk through the paths up to the Tree of Life is just so intricate and beautiful. You feel like you have just been dropped by helicopter into a remote area of jungle.

My kids just loved the Wilderness Explorer's experience in Discovery Island (and across the park). Each of them got their own booklet and spent the day looking for the Explorer's Adventure stations. The kids could earn a badge (sticker) for their book by learning something about the animal or plant associated with that spot. It was so fun and something they want to spend more time doing on our next trip.

We may circle back to do the It's Tough to be a Bug show if there is time. Thankfully they have made it less scary over the years so the kids liked it, but it is not a priority for us.

Pandora: The World of Avatar

While we used to always spend the first moments of our trip booking it straight back to Africa, straight to the Safari, things have changed. Pandora, Animal Kingdom's newest area has now opened and is incredible. The detail and creative touches inside the Na'vi River Journey and Flights of Passage are amazing. We loved our experience there - even the food in Pongu Pongu was great. This will have to be our first priority from now on.

Africa

After exploring the World of Avatar, we will certainly head straight to Africa. The Festival of the Lion King is a classic show for the whole family. Everyone will be amazed, clapping, dancing and singing along with the Lion King's characters and stunning performers.

The immersion into African culture only begins there. Tusker House's buffet was delicious. We had a reservation when they were turning over their buffet from breakfast to lunch, so we got to enjoy both menus and were blown away. Everyone in our family found something different that we were obsessed with - from curry to marmalade - it was SO GOOD. Our favorite character meal food for sure.

And we are ALWAYS sure to hit the Kilimanjaro Safaris at least once in the morning and always before we head home especially now that the park is open later. It is an incredible way to end the day and the animals are so active as it cools off a bit.

Dinoland

After Africa, we tend to head to the other side of the park to enjoy Dinoland. We love the carnival type environment and rides. Primeval Whirl is one of my favorites, but the kids aren't quite tall enough yet - I can't wait to drag them on it with me on our next trip! The kids were also loving the TriceraTop Spin which is similar to Dumbo, but can fit 4-6 people instead of two which makes it fun! My kids love controlling the TriceraTop's movement and riding together.

We have skipped Dinosaur with the littles, but it is a fun (slightly terrifying ride). It is dark and very bumpy, but a fun adventure if you dare. The Boneyard is also another thing we missed this trip, but I am sure the kids would've loved. Its a bone digging playground for kids of all ages - looks so fun.

We are always sure not to miss Finding Nemo the Musical. All of us are fascinated by all the costumes, talent and creativity in the show. We just love the music too and listen to the CD we got on our last trip all. the. time. Be sure not to miss it.

Asia

Asia has so much to offer. My favorite roller coaster in all of Disney World is Expedition Everest. It is terrifyingly fun and so smooth! When I was there with some friends we rode it 3-4 times straight in the morning! It is so fun but beware (spoiler alert) the legend of the forbidden mountain involves a giant Yeti, so may be scary for little ones.

The kids were insistent about not missing the Flights of Wonder bird show in Asia OR the meet and greet with Baloo & King Louie from Jungle book.  They were hilarious. We were bummed we missed Kali River Rapids due to it being refurbished during our last trip with the kids.

We always are sure to eat dinner over in Asia at Yak & Yeti - which has both a Table Service and a Quick Service restaurant that will satisfy adventurous and picky eaters alike. We like to eat right before we head over to the Rivers of Light to wait for the show to begin. There is a perfectly placed ice cream cart on the way that made for a fun 20 minute wait with the kids devouring their ice cream. The show is nice and good, but not worth planning your day around, so make it if you can.

We love to end the day by revisiting Africa for one more Safari. It is such a fun way to end the day. We will be adding Pandora to the must check out before heading to the bus since we haven't had a chance to see the beautiful glowing plants they created.

But however you end your day at the Animal Kingdom, you are sure to leave with an appreciation for nature, other cultures and creatures. It is guaranteed to be a wild day.

Hollywood Studios: How to make all the stinking shows!

If there is one park that was made for the creative, artistic side of me it is Hollywood Studios. When I think of Hollywood Studios - which used to be MGM, I remember dreaming as a child about how movies were made during the golden age of Hollywood. But since I was a kid, Hollywood Studios has had an overhaul. Hollywood Studios is evolving and changing the way Hollywood has over the years.

Hollywood Studios is usually a laid back day for us - one with lots of shows, a few rides and some fun food. It a park we usually find time to have a Table Service meal mid afternoon to break up the day.  We like Mama Melrose Ristorante the best with the family, but the kids also loved the Hollywood & Vine character meal we did.

Hollywood Blvd

Every time we walk through the gates of Hollywood Studios I am filled with nostalgia as we walk down Hollywood Blvd and pass all the adorable classic shops and street corners. I love to pop into the shops later in the day, find the Starbucks for a pick me up or eat at 50's Prime Time Diner or Hollywood & Vine with the family.

Pixar Place

After hurrying down Hollywood Blvd, around center stage, we always try to book it to Pixar place to be the first (hundred) people on Toy Story Mania! We almost always ride it twice because the line moves so much faster now that they opened a second track!  We also like to take time to see Buzz & Woody and my kids always LOVE seeing the army men roaming the streets - they are so fun.

My nerdy side comes out when I get gitty about One Man's Dream - Walt's story that has been the same for years, but I never seem to get sick of it. I love the models in there, the classic antique Disney historical items and photos. They often also have a preview of the most exciting upcoming movies and sometimes even special characters like Guardians of the Galaxy or Moana.

Animation Courtyard

We often head from Pixar Place (which will be tripling in size next summer) to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. It is a show the whole family loves. When anyone in our party is interested, we swing into Star Wars Launch Bay - Chewbacca is the best hugger! Some friends of ours recently took a animation class there too!

If you have a toddler or preschooler, make sure to plan to see Disney Junior Live on Stage which is adorable, but not the most comfortable as everyone (yes - even adults) are sitting on the floor for the 25 minute show. Cute, but I am not completely bummed that my kids are probably over this phase by our next trip!

Echo Lake

My boys were so glad that I planned to stop for snacks at the Backlot Express so we could watch the adorable Jedi Training Academy. That may be something we'll need to sign them up for next time we come. After we got a few minutes to rest, we went to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. It ended up being one of my boy's favorite things our whole trip! They loved the explosions, stage fighting and incredible set.

Then we typically head over to Star Tours and then Muppet Vision 3D. It always makes me laugh more than I remember - the kids loved both. Sometimes we stop for a late lunch/early dinner at Mama Melrose Ristorante. It was a wonderful experience, the kids loved all the options - I think all 5 ordered something different. The pasta and dessert included in our Fantasmic Dining Package was delicious and made us glad we weren't heading to any roller coasters with our full stomachs.

Sunset Drive

It seems fitting that at sunset we tend to head over to Sunset Blvd! We typically catch the final show of Beauty & the Beast, grab some dinner or snacks and head up to Fantasmic. For us, Fantasmic is one of the top 5 trip to-dos. We love this spectacular. It takes my breath away and always gives me goosebumps. It is the best way to end a WDW vacation or any day of your trip.

While post people obsess over the Rockin Roller Coaster, which is pretty great, my kids aren't tall enough so that's out of the question.  We could get creative and take turns going (hello Rider Switch), but my husband is getting to old for those rides anyways. (Haha - sorry babe - its true.)  The other ride others love, but I skip every time is the Tower of Terror. I'm not someone who appreciates feeling afraid, likes creepy things or enjoys riding a randomly falling elevator, but if those things appeal to you, Sunset Blvd has you covered!

There is no perfect trip to a Disney Park that works for everyone, so be sure to explore what appeals to you. While I'm no Star Wars fan, I did love meeting Chewbacca & Kylo Ren when I went with friends. You'll be surprised at how you may like something at Hollywood Studios that you've never tried, so go for it! Enjoy being immersed in Hollywood.

EPCOT: To the Future & Around the World

So, because I am a Disney nerd and aware that EPCOT stands for the Experiential Prototype Community of Tomorrow, I am slightly disappointed that this park hasn't turned into a community where people can actually live as Walt intended, but I still love the park.

We love to spend time in the two areas: Future World & the World Showcase. We always start in Future World because sadly the World Showcase doesn't open until 11am.

While I usually suggest people go left, we always go to the right at rope drop & head straight for Soarin in The Land. This may be my favorite WDW ride. Yes. More than Flights of Passage at Animal Kingdom which is also great. It is so good, so smooth and always takes my breath away. Even if we have a fast pass, I still hurry there because I could just ride it over and over. I may have even bribed one of my 4 year olds with ice cream to go a second time so I could go again because he didn't want to go again. I will stoop down to that level for Soarin.

After Soarin we typically do the Living with the Lands tour, head to the Seas building to The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk and to explore the beautiful aquarium. The kids love some characters that are exclusive to EPCOT like Baymax, Joy and Sadness, so we had to spend time there, but it wasn't hard to fit all that we wanted to fit in. If there isn't more than a 10 minute wait we'll pop over The Imagination! to see my daughter's favorite dragon: Figment. I don't understand her obsession, but we still roll with it.

Another ride we never wait for is Spaceship Earth. It is usually under a 10-15 minute wait at some point throughout the day - usually at night, so we catch it when we can. This one I love more than I'd care to admit - its a classic.

One ride we will wait for is Test Track. The kids love it and so if we can't get a Fast Pass for Test Track, we try to wait for the early evening when the ride wait typically gets manageable. While I don't eat before it, I always enjoy the wild ride.

The rest of the day, we explore the World Showcase. Whenever we get there we ride the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros which the kids always get a kick out of. The environment in Mexico is magical. I always feel transported into a beautiful night in the streets of Mexico.

If we can't get a Fast Pass for Frozen Ever After located in Norway, we have to skip it because two hours or more is an unrealistic amount of time for the kids to wait. But, it is fun if you get the chance. Sadly it closes quite often and still the wait is always dreadfully long. Worth the wait? I don't think so, but your little Elsa & Anna obsessed girls may think it is.

Wandering the World Showcase is always fun and we enjoy snacks from around the World. We had the pleasure of meeting some friends for pizza in Italy at Via Napoli on our last trip and we were blown away. We've also loved meals in Canada at Le Cellier and Japan at Tappan Edo over the years. The World Showcase is such a fun place to sit down at a Table Service restaurant.

We fill every moment we are not in lines or with Fast Passes exploring the shops, tastes and architecture from around the world. We are always amazed by the attention to detail, beautiful artistic performances we see in each country. And who wouldn't love the Illuminations fireworks display in the middle of the world each night.

My husband and I can't wait for our upcoming trip to WDW this winter where we plan to spend much more time in the World Showcase and I am sure we will find some fun favorites. While EPCOT isn't exactly what Walt intended, it is always a more laid back and nice break from the bustle of the other parks. I love how there is so much to do and see, we always leave EPCOT with excitement of coming back to explore more.

My Adventure Guide to Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a wonderful place. There is no feeling like seeing Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street at rope drop (when the park opens). Watching the show that opens the park gets my kids all excited for all the characters they will see and the adventures we will have. You already know: its going to be a great day.

So, how to do you get through a day at Magic Kingdom without falling apart?! Here are my favorite things to do at Magic Kingdom & the general plan I like to have when I'm in the most magical place on earth.

The Magic Kingdom is made up of 6 areas: Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Storybook Circus & Tomorrowland. Let's Start with my favorite place to start.

Main Street

I love that Magic Kingdom now opens Main Street typically an hour before the actual park opens so you can enjoy moments like seeing Cinderella Castle for the first time without being trampled by jogging strollers. It is so nice to stop at Starbucks while the kids are admiring their "First Visit" or "I'm Celebrating" pins we picked up at the Guest Relations in City Hall as we walked past.

While Tony's Town Square (a Table Service Restaurant) may have the best Pistachio Creme Brule I've ever had, Main Street's main attraction is a Character Spot with the big cheese himself: Mickey Mouse. If we have a couple days at Magic Kingdom, we try to meet the Mouse that started it all right away one day. We have found early or during the fireworks to have the shortest wait times. Its a great way to start the day off well. Other times, leaving it for the end of an MK day, leaves me with a happy memory at the end of the long park day.

We tend to do our shopping on non-park days at Disney Springs, but there is something special about taking a minute before the park opens to search Main Street's huge stores for fun things to take home. We typically get ears, picture frames or pressed pennies, but the options are endless.

Fantasyland

Almost all of my priorities are in Fantasyland for our family with little kids. We spend all morning and into the afternoon making sure we hit all of our favorites. We love all the rides, but especially Peter Pan's Flight, Under the Sea: Journey with the Little Mermaid and the kids' unanimous favorite: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We try to get Fast Passes at 11, 12 & 1pm for those major ones (SDMT & ETWB especially) if we can.

The others we must hit with the kids include Enchanted Tales with Belle , The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh & It's A Small World. One of my personal favorites is Mickey's Philharmagic. Gets me all Disney emotional every time. I'm such a nerd.

My favorite place over there for food is Gaston's Tavern - the cinnamon rolls and Lafu's Brew are pretty awesome. It feels like you have been thrown into a Disney movie in the best way. For another magical experience check out Be Our Guest Restaurant. The food is fine, but the environment is incredible. Such an amazing experience.

Storybook Circus

After we hit up the classics & newest Fantasyland rides, we like to head over to the Storybook Circus. For some reason I always have to get a giant pretzel & popcorn to share with the kids. It must be the smells or the carnival theme, but it is so perfect to eat those yummy snacks over there.

We try to prioritize Dumbo the Flying Elephant in SBC. I love taking the snacks into the line where the kids can play in the circus themed play area. It is nice and enclosed and the kids (ages 4-8 last trip) LOVED it. I have never been so thankful for a 40 minute wait!  My mom & I made plans for the afternoon on the benches munching on our carnival snacks and my husband had a little too much fun chasing the kids around. It is such a fun, playful environment - such a nice break in the day.

If the line is short enough (15-20 min) we will hit up the Barnstormer before taking the train over to Frontierland. It is a fun ride, but I think the loading takes longer than the entire ride & since the ride only has one set of cars, the line doesn't fly by like some of the others...

Frontierland 

One of the most under used, fun things for kids is the WDW Railroad! We love that it goes from Storybook Circus over to Frontierland and gives us a minute to snuggle, check in with the kids and hear about their favorite things so far. I love sitting in the part of the train that has seats that face each other so I can see their faces and maybe even put my feet up for a moment.

We all absolutely adore the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but nothing else over there really is a big seller. We do LOVE to eat at Peco's Bills - tacos/nachos with the toppings bar is SO GOOD. I think its the best food at Magic Kingdom - I haven't eaten everywhere, but it is so delicious and always hits the spot. Salsa & guac?! Don't mind if I do.

So depending on how quickly things are moving, we either head to Adventurland or find a spot for the Parade. We LOVE the Festival of Fantasy Parade each afternoon. It is so well done and every detail is so beautiful. My kids love the dancing & characters, but I am always amazed at the details and creativity of the floats. It is just beautiful and such a magical experience every time.

We love to watch the parade in Frontierland or Liberty Square because it starts there and so the waiting time is significantly less and you can get there 20-30 minutes before the parade and feel like you have a great spot. If you didn't over do it at Peco's Bills Quick Service for lunch - head over the Sleepy Hollow Refreshments for a nutella & fruit filled waffle or a funnel cake. Yum. Trust me. You won't regret it.

Liberty Square

My husbands favorite MK food is in Liberty Square - the lobster rolls & clam chowder in Columbia Harbor House. We typically don't prioritize it because he'll eat anything, but he is always happy when I work it in. While we rarely spend much time over there, many people love the Haunted Mansion & Hall of Presidents, but we usually just skip 'em.

Adventureland

Every time we are at the Magic Kingdom, I am always surprised at how much I forgot I love Adventureland. While the Jungle Cruise basically reminds you of how horrible your dad's jokes are, I always have a good time. My kids were a little uneasy and didn't get most of the jokes, so we probably should've skipped it this time. But, Aladdin & Jasmine's Meet & Greet followed by the spitting camels at the Magic Carpet ride were crowd pleasers. They loved the feel and my husband always loves an excuse for a dole whip. He's mildly obsessed.

Since Grandma was with us last trip, we did the Swiss Family Treehouse & the Enchanted Tiki Room (which hasn't been the same since they took Iago & Zazu out of it - I'm not bitter, but mourning). She loved those classic ones and my active kids loved them, too.

With the little kids we usually skip Pirates even though my husband & I love that one. It's always in the back of my mind we may see Johnny Depp in there - sometimes he sneaks onto the ride (mostly in CA I think), but still - there is always a chance.

Tomorrowland

We try to cross Cinderella Castle's plaza sometime in the late afternoon to catch the Move It & Shake It dance party. The kids love to dance with the characters and the videos I take are always special memories. After we hit that, we sometimes grab some mini corndogs at Casey's Corner and head over to Tomorrowland.

We are always sure to prioritize Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (although my husband & I were spoiled by Disneyland's superior equivalent). One of my top 5 MK attractions is the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. I always am trying to get my hilarious joke in. THEY NEVER PICK IT. So now that I have an audience, here it goes: What do you get when you have two thousand, three hundred and eighteen monsters and one human child? A 2319! I'm hilarious. You're welcome. If you didn't get it, just move on. It's probably not worth it.

Another one of Grandma's favorites that I forget I love is the People Mover. It is so relaxing and nice to do when the crowds are getting old. Also a great place to enjoy a snack - I think they still let you eat on those.

My favorite thing to do on the way to the fireworks (despite my husbands consistent eye rolling & judgment) is the Carousel of Progress. No matter how many times I go to WDW, I always love that and imagine Walt sitting next to me, enjoying it every time. I told you I was a nerd - at least I'm consistent.

The newest fireworks display - Happily Ever After - is just incredible. We will often get a snack or meal and take it up to the front quite a while 30-40 min before the show and try to watch it from there. The closer to the castle the more we like it because the projections on the castle are just spectacular. There is nothing like them. We usually walk back towards the entrance and either try to see Mickey if the park is still open or head back to the buses to get the kids in bed. Carrying five tired kids is impossible. Thank God for strollers - we barely use it before 9pm, but never regret bringing it!

While no Magic Kingdom trip is flawless, our general plan usually gets us to see the must-dos on our list. When we have multiple days to visit Magic Kingdom if we have a longer stay, we like to take more time, include sit down meals and enjoy things I didn't list. But, these are my favorite things - my priorities for Magic Kingdom.

Where in the (Walt Disney) World are the Characters?!

There is so much to consider when planning your ultimate Walt Disney World vacation. One topic that is polarizing is Characters. So, I want to take a moment to help you decide if that is something you want to focus on during your next trip! It is so helpful to know where they are and when to prioritize them. We missed Woody on our last trip (which was a big deal to my youngest son) because I didn't realize he had been moved from Magic Kingdom to exclusively to Hollywood Studios. It's just nice to be prepared!

So, where in the World is Carmen Sandiago the Characters?! Haha - childhood reference there...

Photo Pass 

A lot of my friends who love to see the characters prioritize the Photo Pass which allows you to capture all the wonderful Meet & Greet experiences. We loved this on our last trip, but it is not always worth the extra cost. If you aren't going to see a lot of characters, it isn't going to be worth. All of the Photo Pass Photographers are happy to take a picture with your phone/camera as well. While the rides and a couple character meals come with photos, you can always purchase them separately! 

Autographs 

When my husband and I go to WDW we rarely ever see any characters. We may stop in to see Mickey Mouse in Town Square on Main Street (sometimes he talks!). It feels nostalgic and fun, but otherwise we do the characters for the kids. Consider packing a brand new pack of fabric or permanent markers to have the characters sign something fun!  Maybe a hat, shirt, backpack, book or even an Autograph/Photo book! As long as no one is wearing it, they can sign it! I have even seen creative ideas like photo frame mats and (unbreakable) ornaments. There are endless possibilities to make a keepsake for your kids. 

We love the pillowcases my mom made for the kids for our most recent trips. With characters being a high priority, they were perfect. Grandmas are the best! The kids love them and it is a constant reminder of the wonderful memories associated with our trip. 

Where in the World are the Characters?! 

There are so many Characters in Walt Disney World and they are constantly changing. I will try to keep this up to date as best as I can, but they frequently move characters to keep the park flow.  The locations each character is at the park tend to change too, so make sure you confirm times and location on your times guide when you enter the park each day.

So, where in the (Walt Disney) World is Carmen Sandiago are the Characters?! (Haha - childhood reference there...)

Characters in Alphabetical Order

• Aladdin & Jasmine
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Morocco
• Magic Kingdom: Adventureland
• Alice
• EPCOT: World Showcase - United Kingdom
• Anastasia & Drizella
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Anna
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Norway
• Ariel
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Aurora 
• EPCOT: World Showcase - France
• Baloo
• Animal Kingdom: Asia
• Baymax (Rumored to return soon!) 
• EPCOT: Future World - Character Spot
• BB-8 (Launch Bay) 
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard - Launch Bay
• Belle 
• EPCOT: World Showcase - France
• Buzz Lightyear 
• Hollywood Studios: Pixar Place
• Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland
• Cars' Cruz Ramirez
• Hollywood Studios: Pixar Place
• Chewbacca 
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard - Launch Bay
• Chip & Dale
• Hollywood Studios: Commissionary Lane
• Magic Kingdom: Main Street
• Cinderella
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Daisy Duck 
• Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Blvd
• Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
• Doc McStuffins
• Animal Kingdom: Rafiki's Planet Watch
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard
• Donald Duck
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Mexico
• Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Blvd
• Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
• Elena
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Elsa 
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Norway
• Fairy Godmother
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Flik
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island
• Guardian's of the Galaxy 
• Hollywood Studios: One Man's Dream
• Gaston
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Goofy
• Animal Kingdom: Dinoland
• EPCOT: Future World - Character Spot 
• Hollywood Studios: Commissionary Lane
• Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
• Jake (Never Land Pirates) 
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard
• Joy & Sadness (Inside Out)
• EPCOT: Future World - Character Spot
• King Louie
• Animal Kingdom: Asia
• Kylo Ren (Launch Bay) 
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard - Launch Bay
• Mary Poppins
• EPCOT: World Showcase - United Kingdom
• Magic Kingdom: Liberty Square
• Merida
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Mickey Mouse
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island - Outpost
• EPCOT: Future World - Character Spot
• Hollywood Studios: Commissionary Lane
• Magic Kingdom: Main Street - Town Square
• Minnie Mouse
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island - Outpost
• EPCOT: Future World - Character Spot
• Hollywood Studios: Commissionary Lane
• Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
• Mulan
• EPCOT: World Showcase - China
• Olaf
• Hollywood Studios: Commissionary Lane
• Peter Pan
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Pluto
• Animal Kingdom: Dinoland
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Entrance
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard
• Magic Kingdom: Main Street
• Pocahontas
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island (near Dinoland)
• Rafiki
• Animal Kingdom: Rafiki's Planet Watch
• Rapunzel
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Russell
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island
• Sofia the First
• Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard
• Snow White
• EPCOT: World Showcase - Germany
• Magic Kingdom: Main Street
• Stitch
• Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland
• Tiana
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Tigger
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Timon
• Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island
• Tinkerbell
• Magic Kingdom: Main Street - Town Square
• Winnie the Pooh
• Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland
• Woody 
• Hollywood Studios: Pixar Place

Hopefully this will help you find the characters of your or your kids' dreams! It is nice to know which Characters overlap in multiple parks. If we can, we tend to spend an extra morning at a park if the characters are important to the kids - especially at Magic Kingdom. There are SO MANY characters there. Also consider checking out my post Character Meals Superlatives to see some of the meals that have characters in them! Saved us lots of time and energy searching for the characters in the parks!  Please let me know if I missed any - comment below! 

(updated 11/1/17)

Organized by park:

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Blvd 

• Daisy Duck
• Donald Duck

Pixar Place

• Buzz Lightyear
• Woody 
• Cars' Cruz Ramirez
• Guardians of the Galaxy (One Man's Dream) 

Animation Courtyard

• Doc McStuffins
• Jake (Never Land Pirates) 
• Pluto
• Sofia the First
• BB-8 (Launch Bay) 
• Chewbacca (Launch Bay) 
• Kylo Ren (Launch Bay) 

Echo Lake/Commissionary Lane

• Olaf
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Chip & Dale
• Goofy

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Rafiki's Planet Watch

• Rafiki
• Doc McStuffins

Discovery Island

• Timon
• Flik
• Russell 
• Pocahontas (near Dinoland)
• Mickey Mouse (Outpost)
• Minnie Mouse (Outpost) 

Asia

• Baloo 
• King Louie 

Dinoland 

• Goofy
• Pluto

EPCOT

World Showcase

• Alice (United Kingdom)
• Mary Poppins (United Kingdom)
• Princess Aurora (France)
• Belle (France)
• Aladdin & Jasmine (Morocco)
• Snow White (Germany)
• Mulan (China) 
• Anna (Norway)
• Elsa (Norway)
• Donald Duck (Mexico)
• Pluto (Entrance to World Showcase)

Future World: Character Spot

• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Goofy
• Joy 
• Sadness
• Baymax (rumored to return soon) 

Magic Kingdom

Main Street 

• Mickey Mouse
• Tinkerbell
• Pluto
• Chip & Dale
• Snow White

Adventureland

• Aladdin
• Jasmine

Liberty Square

• Mary Poppins

Fantasyland

• Peter Pan
• Cinderella
• Elena
• Tiana
• Rapunzel
• Tigger
• Winnie the Pooh
• Gaston
• Fairy Godmother
• Anastasia & Drizilla
• Ariel
• Merida

Storybook Circus

• Minnie Mouse
• Daisy Duck
• Donald Duck
• Goofy 

Tomorrowland

• Stitch
• Buzz Lightyear

Character Meals Superlatives

On our trip last trip to Walt Disney World we did 7 character meals. Yes. SEVEN. All in one week! . It was intense, but my kids were into meeting the characters and we decided having sit down meals with characters would be worth the money vs spending the whole day waiting in line for them. And since we were doing the meal plan, it was the most cost effective way to get our money's worth.

As a result, I have lots of opinions on which meals were my favorite and which were just fine; Your Character Meal Superlatives:

Hollywood & Vine @ Hollywood Studios (Breakfast: Disney Jr Characters)
Typically Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake & Handy Manny

Our Hollywood & Vine breakfast with the former cast of Disney Jr was the "Most Little Kid Friendly." The kids loved the laid back environment - no need to feel proper in the diner. The food was fine - the kids were happy and were probably the silliest because we got a spot at breakfast before the park opened which was perfect. If you are doing this one with your preschoolers, try to grab that 8am slot!

Tusker House @ Disney's Animal Kingdom
Typically Donald, Daisy, Goofy & Mickey in Safari Gear

Tusker House won "Best Food" by a landslide. We had a reservation at 10:30 which was perfect because our first plates were breakfast buffet and when we went back for seconds they had lunch! It was delicious and the most variety. The characters were great too. Overall a great experience.

1900 Park Fare: Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner @ The Grand Floridian 
Typically Cinderella, Prince Charming, Anastasia, Drizella & Lady Tremaine

Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner was by far the "Most Romantic." It was adorable how Prince Charming was oogling over his bride and the step sisters were silly & Lady Tremaine was stoic in the best way. The step sisters were funny, but went above the kids heads a bit. I think older kids would appreaciate this experience the best. The food was also very good and had good variety - it had the healthiest food I think at any of them. It was overall a nice experience.

Chef Mickey's @ The Contemporary 
Typically Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald & Goofy

By far, Chef Mickey's had the "Best Character Interactions" or "Most Hilarious." The characters were silly, fun and kind. They spent a lot of time with us and kept swinging back and making everyone laugh. I was almost on the floor laughing when Goofy did a Jimmy Fallon Thank You Notes  impression (the arm thing)...I was dying and I think he was too (they are mute). The food wasn't my favorite and the place we sat wasn't the best, but the characters were just SO. GOOD. And I am not that into the whole character thing and I had a blast. Probably the most fun I had. It was just so fun.


The Crystal Palace @ Magic Kingdom 
Typically with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet come around

The Crystal Palace wins my "Happiest Experience." It was laid back, the kids had fun with the characters and the space is convenient and beautiful. For the kid that loves Winnie the Pooh, this is a must do. I think this was Grandma Jan's favorite on our trip. Food was good and characters were fun. Good overall.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall @ EPCOT
Typically photo with Belle; Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel & Mary Poppins may come around

Akershus wins "Most Royal." How can you not feel royal eating in a Norwegian Castle, being visited by Disney Princesses and having an appetizer bar to munch on while your dinner is getting ready?! While the environments was beautiful and the appetizer was good, the entrees and Princesses left quite a bit to be desired. When we were here 5 years ago we had a much better experience. We felt the quality was less than ideal and don't plan to return.

Best Friends Breakfast - Ohana @ The Polynesian (Breakfast only) 
Typically photopass photo with Stitch; Lilo, Pluto & Mickey come around

Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast was probably our "Best Overall Experience." The kids had a blast parading with the characters around the restaurant mid meal. We all loved it not being a buffet and having everything brought out to the table. There wasn't a ton of variety, but the food we had was good. We loved the environment, the character interactions and overall had a great time.

While there is no perfect character meal and they are rather expensive, they can really be a great, unique experience to make your trip special. Since quite a few of the character meals are not in the parks, we liked doing them on our non-park days. Made them way more relaxing and fun.

While I can figure Cinderella's Royal Table would be "Best Location," it is also "Most Expensive" since it's inside the castle, I am not sure what the other experiences are like. I am sure they all have their advantages and disadvantages as well. Check out other Character Meals/Experiences here. Hope my experiences help you decide if you will do one or a handful of character meals on your next WDW trip!

What is YOUR favorite or least favorite character meal? Why?! I'd love to hear your experiences!

Top 10 things I avoid at WDW

There are quite a few things I try to avoid at Walt Disney World. Some are for a great reason, some are silly. Whatever you do, take them as a grain of salt. Hopefully if you love something I don't, you can prove me wrong! (That is welcomed!)  Everyone has different favorites!

But, here are the things I try to avoid at ALL COSTS:

10. Wasting Fast Passes on shows.

While there are times of the year where any Fast Pass is worth it, we try to skip wasting Fast Passes on shows because you only have to get to a show about 15-30 minutes ahead of time to get a seat. We have realized that every seat in the shows are just fine! We tend to try to get closer to the 15 minute mark, but have missed a few that way.  Maybe grab a snack or make plans for your next move.

I would recommend getting to night shows/fireworks more like 30-40 minutes before the show due to the amount of people getting in at once. We grab food and camp out at the shows to eat in there so we don't waste that time. But, because of time you wait, Fast Passes can be helpful for those shows.

9. Waiting in a million lines. 

While it is inevitable to wait in a lot of lines at WDW, many are avoidable. Typically the lines in the middle are the longest, so consider heading to lines on the far right or far left as there will likely be much shorter lines, or sometimes none at all. Other ways to avoid long lines is to book the right Fast Passes early & to get to the parks early in the morning, which leads to my next point...

8. Getting the kids "Kids Meals." 

This is especially true if you have the meal plans because they allow kids (over age 2) to get adult meals in place of kids meals at quick service meals. Why is this a big deal? Because my kids can easily share with me or each other a regular meal for the same price and most of the kids meals weren't filling enough for them. Then we could also use less meal credits which would turn into more meals included.

So, consider the prices before just getting the kids their own kids meals. That may be the best route to go, but very well may not. We love to share in our house, so we would order 3-4 meals and then order more if we needed it. Usually we found ourselves eating more small meals and snacks which meant we got to try more food around the park and that was fun and kept things interesting!

7. Sleeping in. 

I love to sleep in. Some of my favorite things to do on vacation (or any day for that matter) are sleeping in, taking naps and going to bed early. But, NONE of these happen when I am at Disney. Just ask my family! So many amazing things happen in the morning. We typically can get through 5-6 attractions before 11am when Magic Kingdom opens before we even start using our Fast Passes! This is because the lines are SO MUCH shorter - sometimes saving over an hour PER RIDE. It is so nice to avoid the lines and enjoy so much in such a short period of time.

If you love to sleep in on vacation, consider adding a few extra days/nights to your trip so you can have some early mornings and sleep in some too!  Or, consider going to the parks in the morning, heading back for a nap/swim and returning around dinner time to finish the night!  This is especially ideal during high volume seasons when the parks are open until Midnight or later.

6. Winging it. 

I love laid back vacations where you can show up, relax and go with the flow. Due to the popularity of WDW, you will likely not get to do much without a plan. There are barely any walk in restaurant reservations most places - especially for parties larger than two. Fast Passes can feel limiting, but not jumping to the head of the lines with them may frustrate you. The reason the long lines aren't as bad is because you can jump to the front of other lines with Fast Passes.

It is totally fine to wing it if you don't have a very long priority lists, but I have had countless families miss so much they wanted to do because they didn't want to plan ahead.

5. Table Service Meals. 

There is a time and place for sit down meals. For crazy people (like us) who stay at the park from open to close, it is nice to sit in a restaurant for 1 1/2-2 hours to get a meal in air conditioning and maybe sneak in meeting characters with the character meals.

For our last trip (with 5 little kids) we did the standard Disney Dining Plan for the 8 of us so we could do character meals every day. We knew that each of the kids had 10 or more characters they wanted to meet, so this was a way to put a dent in that list. While it was best for our trip this time, it isn't always ideal.

If you decide to either sleep in or take a nap mid-day, the table service meals really eat into your time at the parks. (Pun intended - I'm hilarious.) Consider doing table service meals in hotels/Disney Springs on days you aren't hitting the parks - just feels like wasting cash when you spend money on park tickets and the crazy expensive meals on park days. One or two on your park days is great, but consider taking it easy if you want to get your money's worth.

4. Impulse shopping in the parks. 

Micky Ears. Princess Dresses. Pirate Hats. Bracelets. Pandora Charms. Avatars. Pet Dragons. You name it, they got it. Disney has So. Much. Merchandise.

To avoid impulse shopping in the parks, we typically do our souvenir shopping before our trip. We typically buy the kids hoodies (we typically travel in winter) or Disney shirts. Let's be real - we get them hoodies AND shirts. I frequently shop the clearance at Target, the local Disney Store/Outlet/website. I shop for months leading up to the trip - its my Disney prep therapy. The prices are much better honestly and mostly I just love avoiding wanting to buy ALL. THE. THINGS. in the parks. It is incredibly tempting.

Ironically when it is just my husband and I, we tend to browse more and often get something for the family. Last trip we got the Finding Nemo the Musical CD (disney nerd alert) which has made the drive to school on snowy days much more pleasant. Also helps me go to my happy place of remembering Disney memories amidst the chaos of real life.

3. Buying water. 

I LOVE water. With the exception of as many Iced Vanilla Chais from Starbucks as I can justify and the occasional Sangria, water is all I drink. With free water at all the parks - drinking fountains if you have your own cup or Quick Service pick up windows - there is no reason to spend a penny of your spending money on water. Any Quick Service pick up window will also give you a glass of ice water even if you didn't order anything. As many as you'd like! There is no reason to spend a penny on water. Don't do it!

Also, with the meal plans, remember if you get a free glass of water instead of a drink, you can replace your drink in a combo with an extra side or dessert item! Gotta make the most of that meal plan!

2. Wasting time/wandering. 

Consider planning ahead whenever you have time to spare. Waiting in line is a perfect time to browse the restaurant menu for your meal. Waiting at the parade provides you an opportunity to figure out how to get to your next Fast Pass and what other rides you want to go to on the way. Use your time to plan ahead so you can avoid wandering. It's the worst.

1. Annoying rides (such as Tomorrowland Speedway). 

Can you say outdated?! I am SHOCKED that the Tomorrowland speedway is not disappearing when the new Tron coaster is heading into the Magic Kingdom in the next couple years. This ride is horrible - so uncomfortable, jerky & gas emissions you can taste. It. Is. Torture.

My kids beg for it and so I allow someone else to take them or just tell them it's a bummer we couldn't get a Fast Pass for that one. There are so many better places to ride a go cart (outside of WDW) that would far surpass this experience. Avoid it at all costs.  You have been warned. You're welcome.

I also find water rides (Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapid, etc.) annoying because I hate walking around the park wet. I'm not sure why, but it really bothers me. I have learned that over time. That may not be the truth for you, but whatever you know makes you uncomfortable, know it's ok to skip it.


So, hopefully you can avoid a few of these things at least - all of them if you are lucky. Whatever I can do to make sure your vacation suits your family - please don't judge how high maintenance I am!

Who wants to waste their time on annoying things on vacation?! Not. Me.

A Timeline: PlanniNg your Disney Trip

So, you want to plan a trip to Disney?!  Great. You found a great place to start!  Before your trip, there are so many things to do, so here are the lists of things I like to do & when I do them before my trip: 

Where to begin?!

As soon as you know you want to go on a Walt Disney World vacation, you need to start saving!  It can take at least a year or two for most of us to save up. You'll want to pick your budget and then pick out your dates! 

Immediately you'll start dreaming about which hotel you may stay in, who you are bringing with you & how long your adventure will be. Getting a general budget is key. The average family probably spends about $5-10 thousand a week on hotels, park tickets, dining plans & flights. You could easily spend less or so incredibly much more, you just have to be intentional and aware of how things add up. 

12 months+

Don't panic - you may be wanting to go to WDW next month and you usually can find great deals and such, I just prefer to plan & save ahead. So, if you have less time, just make sure you look at all the things.

• Come up with a preliminary budget. 
• Make sure you have the My Disney Experience (MDE) App & Account 
• Price out resorts/make a short list of the hotels you'd like to stay in. 
• Consider how long you'd like to stay/price out length. 
• Decide what package you will want: just resort, just tickets to stay off property, or a package with a dining plan. 
• Make sure you check out Special Offers, too. I LOVED getting free dining a few years back, but you have to be on top of things to get those perks. 
• DVC Members: Book out your "Home Resort" at 11 months out - you want to be sure you have a back up plan if you don't get the resort you want!

9 months+

So, its been a few months or years of dreaming and your trip is getting closer! It's time to get down to business and get a general plan on lock down. You'll want to get a good picture of when you're going, where you are staying and all of that starts with that final budget. Then you can start to get booked! 

• Finalize the budget. 
• Decide how long you'll be staying at WDW. (I prefer 8-12 day trips) 
• Decide where you'd like to stay - not only which WDW Resort, but what kind of room. 
• Look at the many crowd calendars you'd like to use to decide which park you will be at on which days. I like to use the Undercover Tourist OR Touring Plans. We like to spend 2-3 days in Magic Kingdom, 1 in Hollywood Studios and 1-2 in EPCOT and 1-2 in Animal Kingdom. Having a day or two off in the middle of your trip is awesome too. 
• BOOK IT! If you are sure of your plans and you have the down payment, book it!  The cancellation policy is not the best, so make sure you are aware & read the fine print. 
• DVC Members: Book out other DVC Resorts 7 months out, so mark your calendars & decide on your wait list requests.

7 months +

As your trip gets closer, there are less big decisions to make and more fun planning to do! I like to have a plan so I don't end up walking aimlessly around the parks and waste time or energy. My preference is to have a plan that is detailed that I am comfortable throwing out the window if things change.

• Decide on your final plan of which park you will go each day (unless you spring for hoppers!). 
• Decide on meal plans/where you'd like to eat
• Consider eating at the park you will be at. You have to pay for park tickets to eat at a restaurant inside a park. 
• Make a reservation list of where you'd like to eat Table Service meals & the ideal time range you would want to eat there. 
• I tend to only plan one meal a day because they can take 1 1/2-2 hours. 
• I also rarely do sit down meals since you can bring your own food into the parks. 

180 days (about 6 months) 

Make dining reservations in MDE. Start with the most important at 7am EST 180 days out. 


Remember you can adjust your dining reservations at anytime and cancel them up to 24 hours before the reservation without penalty. 
You do NOT have to have a trip booked in order to book a dining reservation, so if you aren't sure if you will actually be going, go ahead and book meals. You can always cancel them. Just beware of the 24 or less penalty.

4 months

• Make a wishlist of top 5 attractions/entertainment options for Fast Passes for each park 
• Make a general (or specific) plan for each day at the park. 
• Reserve a stroller/scooters online. Don't wait to long. Trust me, I had to buy one to bring because I waited too long!
• Keep an eye out for flight deals online. Consider booking flights.
• Once you book your flights, make sure to call that info into your travel agent/Disney directly so they can reserve your spot on the Magical Express and send you luggage tags so your bags can magically appear in your room! It's an amazing feature. 

60 days

• Book Fast Passes on MDE! 
• Early Check-in at your WDW Resort on MDE. Remember to make any special requests! 
• Book your flight/rental car as needed. I always find the best deals 6-8 weeks out. 

30 days

• Final days to pick out your Magic Bands if staying onsite on MDE. 
• Start gathering clothes and shoes for the whole family. Consider the weather! 
• This is especially important for off-season travel. 
• Be sure to consider doing laundry at the hotel to cut down on packing! 
• Finalize your day plans. Make sure you have a transportation plan to get to your dining reservations. There are so many ways to get there - buses, monorail, boats, etc. 
• Order anything you'll need online - groceries to be delivered, cute matching shirts, etc. 
• I always make a trip a few weeks (or months) before our trip to a Disney Store Outlet near our home so we can save some and the kids can have a few cute shirts for the trip (without breaking the bank at the parks!) 

1 week

• Make sure you've received your Magic Bands! (Tracking available on MDE) 
• Make sure you've received your luggage tags if taking the Magical Express. 
• Finish Packing! 
• Consider sending yourself a package at the hotel with things as needed. 

Night before 

• Pack your Magic Bands in your carry on. 
• Double check your packing list. 
• Make a list of things to throw in your bag before you leave the house! 
• Try to sleep! 

While there are so many things you don't want to forget to do, you need to be sure you are paying attention to the dates that things open so you don't miss the chance to do or have the things on your priority list. Hope this helps you have a magical vacation!