Author Archives: Amber Lea

  1. Best Rides By Age Group at Magic Kingdom

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    How old were you when you first visited the Magic Kingdom?  What was your favorite ride?  Which rides did you avoid?  Of course the Magic Kingdom has something for everyone, but some rides fit better than others. Here’s a look at the best rides, by age group…

    Best First Ride for All Ages

    Perhaps the most iconic ride in the Magic Kingdom is “It’s A Small World.”  Passengers take a leisurely boat ride through the countries of the world while serenaded by the classic, mind-sticking song.  The ride is calm, joyful, and great for all ages.  It may not be the most time-efficient ride first thing in the morning (there will be longer waits for other rides later in the day, so you may be tempted to rush elsewhere first), but it will be easier to get the memorable song out of your head if you ride early.

    Best Rides for Babies (2 and under)

    Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland is technically an attraction and not a ride, but it is nonetheless a hit with the little ones due to its singing flowers, talking birds, and lively music.  There is a “scary part” with thunder that may upset some toddlers, so be prepared to give them a hug until the birds resume their melody.

    Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland is another attraction enjoyed by the younger crowd.  It involves clapping, singing, and a dog.  It also provides a good opportunity for parents to rest in air-conditioned comfort.

    Walt Disney World Railroad (with stops in Main Street, Frontierland, and new Fantasyland) gives an interesting whirl around the Magic Kingdom.  It also offers a relaxing, continuous motion that might help lull the little one into a powernap.

    The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland has horses, mirrors, sparkles, and is in the center of the magic.  Babies love it.

    The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square is perhaps the most counterintuitive ride for this age group.  Yes, it could terrify slightly older kids, but babies love the flashing lights, floating objects, and catchy song.  The darkness in the stretching room may come as a surprise to little ones, so hold them if possible.  My daughter rode it for the first time when she was nine months old and stared in wide-eyed joy the entire time.

    Best Rides for Preschoolers (3-5)

    The Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride in new Fantasyland combines one of the most popular rides with one of the best childhood pastimes: a playground.  Hidden within the queue is an indoor playground that is so fantastic, my daughters have waited in line just to play.  This ride also allows kids to control the altitude of their elephants, which could potentially be more fun for the child than for his/her adult companion.

    The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland is, like Dumbo, a spinning ride that features spitting camels and the ability to move your vehicle up and down.  You also get a fun view of Cinderella Castle.

    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland takes you through the pages of your favorite Pooh tale as little ones gaze at all of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Woods.  Just be prepared for the adorable gift shop at the exit, Hundred Acre Goods, and have some distraction on hand to avoid a possible “I want this” meltdown.

    The Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland is an attraction with singing bears and their wise-cracking friends.  Little ones may not get all of the jokes, but they will love clapping along with the toe-tapping tunes.

    Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid in new Fantasyland is an entertaining voyage under the sea that features songs and scenes from The Little Mermaid.  Your little one can also help magical crabs sort their treasures in the interactive queue.

    Best Rides for Big Kids (6-8)

    The Mad Tea Party teacups in Fantasyland are good for younger age groups, but big kids especially enjoy spinning the cups on their own.  Remember that seven year olds can ride this by themselves, so parents can accompany them through the queue and then sneak out through the exit to avoid motion sickness.

    Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland offers swashbuckling action for older kids, including buccaneers, sword fights, and a waterfall drop that is just-scary-enough.  This ride also exits into a perfectly-themed gift shop that will appeal to this age group, so offer to try out the nearby Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas scavenger hunt if you want to avoid splurging on a souvenir (Bonus: You can also earn a FastPass+ voucher for Pirates of the Caribbean if you complete three Pirate’s Adventure missions).

    The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Tomorrowland is the most underrated ride in the Magic Kingdom.  Its often overlooked entranced and unassuming name can elicit whines of “I don’t want to ride a boring ride,” but it is exciting to whizz past Cinderella Castle and through Space Mountain.  If there is no queue, you can ask politely to stay on for a second ride.

    Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland is the big kid spinning ride.  It towers above the skyline and boasts fantastic views of the park, especially after dark.

    Best Rides for Tweens (9-12)

    Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland is a live-action videogame.  Players/riders spin their vehicles and shoot targets as they battle the evil Emperor Zurg to save the galaxy.  Be prepared to ride this multiple times to beat your high score.

    The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland has animatronic animals to amaze little kids, but its true fame comes from its plethora of bad (good?) jokes.  Tweens who love puns and wordplay will enjoy jokes like, “What do you call ten giraffes on the same trail?  A giraffic jam.”

    The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square mixes fear with humor.  Younger children may balk at the ghosts and overall tone, but slightly older kids will enjoy the pun-filled tombstones and somber cast members.  Out of all of the Magic Kingdom’s attractions, the Haunted Mansion feels the most real.  If your child wants to further explore the attraction’s lore, they can find the new Tales from the Haunted Mansion book series in the nearby Momento Mori gift shop (I can never say no to a book, and these were well received by my nine year old daughter).

    Best Rides for Thrill Seekers (from youngest to oldest)

    When your child is old enough to experience thrill rides (the age can vary by child, so use your best judgment), take a spin on The Barnstormer in new Fantasyland.  This small coaster feels surprisingly fast, but it’s short enough to promise a quick escape for those who find themselves terrified at the top of the hill.

    The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in new Fantasyland is a smooth, exciting coaster that combines state of the art animatronics with swinging train cars.  The wait can often be excruciatingly long, but there are games in the queue to pass the time.  If your child is somewhat fearful of speeds, then request a seat near the front of the train because the back feels noticeably faster.

    Splash Mountain in Frontierland is a water ride, and it repeatedly warns that you WILL get wet.  It has small drops and smooth turns through the tale of Brer Rabbit and his furry friends.  It is relatively smooth sailing until you fall into the Laughing Place and then climb a hill that leads to a sudden drop into the briar patch, which always gives me a jolt of adrenaline.  Fortunately it ends in a jubilee of singing animals that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland takes riders to the wild west as it winds over and through valleys and mountains.  You will be jostled and shaken throughout the ride, so it is not as mild as other thrill rides, but it is a treat for older thrill seekers.

    Space Mountain in Fantasyland is the Magic Kingdom’s ultimate thrill ride.  It is dark, fast, unpredictable, and has single-file seats, so riders have no one to hold in the event of terror.  This is not a ride for anyone afraid of space travel (real or imagineered), so only take the launch if you can handle the biggest thrills.

    Of course, the Magic Kingdom’s rides are not just for kids.  The diverse attractions are sure to be appealing to magic-seekers of all ages!

  2. Top 3 Character Meals: Classic, Splurge, and Newbie 

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    Character meals are special experiences offered at various restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts that allow guests to enjoy a meal while interacting with characters.  Characters and food?!  What’s not to love, right?  Let’s take a closer look at three of my favorite character meals.

    The Classic: The Crystal Palace

    Overview

    When I was a child, my family loved to eat at The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom, so naturally this is where I take my own daughters.  This character meal features friends from the Hundred Acre Wood: almost always Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger.  The restaurant is located just past Main Street, and the décor is Victorian in style with vaulted ceilings and many windows overlooking Cinderella Castle and Adventureland.

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    Food

    This meal features a buffet with a wide variety of standard fare: various egg, potato, and meat dishes at breakfast, plus the famous Mickey waffles; rotisserie meats and extensive salad selections at lunch and dinner; and a wide range of desserts starting at 11:00 a.m.  Servers bring drinks to your table and clear your empty plates, but no food is delivered to your table.  This has always been an “above average” buffet when I compare it to non-Disney restaurants, but its quality seems to be slightly below average when compared to other Disney buffets, such as 1900 Park Fare or Hollywood and Vine.  Even so, everyone will find something that they like.

    Characters

    I always tell my daughters that Pooh and his friends have to save their voices for when they sing, so they can’t talk at The Crystal Palace.  That shouldn’t keep you from talking to them, though!  Tigger is especially fun because he loves to watch you bounce, and he is always grateful if you can spell his name (T-I-double-guh-er).  The characters here are in constant rotation, and they even lead a Friendship Day Parade for the little ones who have enough energy to march.  Even if you don’t have kids, these characters can make you feel young at heart, especially because this is the only place to meet all four Winnie the Pooh characters in the same location.

    Cost

    This character meal costs one Table-Service meal credit on the Disney Dining Plan, but this does not include gratuity.  If you pay out of pocket, costs will vary from $15.99 for a kid’s breakfast to $59.99 for an adult’s dinner, but this price can vary according to the meal (breakfast is cheaper) and season.  Discounts are available for Tables in Wonderland and occasionally for DVC members or Annual Passholders, so ask your server or check online before you go.

    Verdict

    This is a great restaurant for kids.  They can meet some of their favorite, most huggable characters and get to choose exactly which chicken nugget they want.  It is not as enjoyable for adults with kids because it is, in a word, exhausting.  You have to time trips to the buffet with characters coming to your table (“Let’s wait for Piglet before we get seconds!”), and you have to serve your kids and yourself.  There is little time to relax and almost no time to interact with your family.  That said, it is in a convenient location, and it offers a lot of food for the price, so it is still an appealing place to eat.

    The Splurge: Cinderella’s Royal Table

    Overview

    This has the swankiest location in all of Walt Disney World: inside Cinderella Castle!  Yes, it is as amazing as it sounds.  It also boasts real china and excellent service in an elegant, Medieval-inspired setting.  Upon entering the castle, you will be greeted by Cinderella herself before being called to the upstairs dining room.  Unlike The Crystal Palace, you can stay seated for your entire meal while four other princesses, usually some combination of Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Aurora, and Snow White (not Tiana because apparently her dress is too big to fit between the tables), greet you tableside.

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    Food

    Cinderella’s Table is fine dining, at least by character meal standards.  Each meal comes with three courses: an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, but none of them are ordinary.  My starter salad came with a poached egg over exotic greens, and my daughters both chose decorate-your-own cupcakes for dessert.  The menu changes seasonally, and there is a significant difference between the food options offered for breakfast and afternoon meals.  Even if you research a menu online in advance, there is a good chance that it will be different on the day of your reservation.  Also remember that everything is individually prepared, so the staff can more easily accommodate allergies and specific requests.

    Characters

    In the dining hall, each princess enters with a fanfare and a twirl.  The princesses spend a fair amount of time with each guest, even with honeymooners who are sometimes reluctant to enter into conversation, and they tend to spend more time with their biggest fans (like my daughters who LOVE Rapunzel).  The interaction can feel slightly rushed, but it is more personable than a traditional meet-and-greet.  There is also a special “wishing ceremony” in which guests hold up a special wishing star as lights twinkle.  Each diner is presented with a sword or wand, too (these tend to be distributed according to gender stereotypes, but my oldest daughter did ask for a sword).  This is a great place to get autographs without spending thirty or more minutes standing in line.

    Cost

    Unlike most other character meals, Cinderella’s Royal Table costs two Table-Service meal credits on the Disney Dining Plan.  Prices range from $35 for a child’s breakfast to “$$$$ (over $60 per adult),” according to the WDW website, and these prices can vary throughout the year.  The price includes gratuity, and it is also part of Tables in Wonderland.  I have never seen a DVC or AP discount and cannot find proof that one has ever been offered.  Yes, this is the most expensive character meal at Walt Disney World.

    Verdict

    If you want a fancy restaurant that boasts an incomparable dining experience in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, then this is the place to go.  If you love eating hot dogs while you watch birds outside of Casey’s Corner, then you may want to spend your Table-Service credits or money elsewhere.  This is a great opportunity to meet princesses and actually go inside Cinderella Castle, but it’s not the only place to eat with royalty.

    The Newbie: Bon Voyage Breakfast 

    Overview

    A few years ago, the only princess meals were at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.  Now, there is a third option.  The Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort opened on April 2, 2017, and it is my family’s new favorite.  The décor is simple and reminiscent of a small town Italian restaurant, and it is not in a theme park (you can walk there from the back entrance of Epcot), but it has the best combination of food and character interactions.  Not only will you meet two princesses, Ariel and Rapunzel, you also get to meet Prince Eric and Flynn Rider (aka Eugene), who are not regulars at Walt Disney World.

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    Food

    All of the food is served at your table, so you will not need to get up to get your meals.  The menu is also entirely themed according to Tangled and The Little Mermaid.   The first course consists of a frying pan (yes, a frying pan) full of pastries, plus individual bowls of fresh fruit.  Next come your entrees, which vary from a tower of fluffy pancakes to a breakfast calzone (remember that this is an Italian restaurant).  This is not your ordinary breakfast, but it is sure to delight even the pickiest children with meals like steak and eggs with the egg shaped like a fish.  By far, this was our favorite food, even though it lacked the variety and elegance of the previous restaurants.

    Characters

    My daughters expressed their disinterest in Prince Eric and Flynn Rider before the meal, but they warmed to them quite quickly.  Eric shared a long conversation with my youngest daughter, who was dressed like Ariel, in which they both expressed their love for the princess.  Flynn also got into an appropriately cynical debate with my oldest daughter about whether Pascal was a frog or a chameleon (he never agreed that it was a chameleon).  The princesses were kind, as always, but my daughters actually preferred interacting with their beaus.  This whole experience felt much less rushed, perhaps because there are only three “performances,” or rather seatings, per day; this means that the characters only make three laps around the restaurant each morning.  In addition to the table-side greetings, children can also participate in a parade around the restaurant.  Interestingly, there were quite a few child-less adults who were obviously there to meet the characters, unlike at Cinderella’s Royal Table, where many adults go only to enjoy the food and atmosphere; in other words, children are not required at this or any other character meal.

    Cost

    This will cost one Table-Service credit or $15 to $35 per meal, but I expect this price will go up based on its current popularity.  It is eligible for Tables in Wonderland, but it is not currently included in any DVC or AP discounts.  Gratuity is extra.

    Verdict

    This is, without a doubt, my family’s favorite character meal – ever.  We had plenty of time to talk with each other and relax while we enjoyed our food, and the character interactions far exceeded anything we have experienced at other restaurants.  This is a new character meal, so there are bound to be changes, but hopefully the Bon Voyage Breakfast will continue to be exceptional.

    Tips

    Both of the princess meals require reservations to be made online at the chime of 6:00 a.m. Eastern time 180 days before your trip.  I have been able to get reservations at The Crystal Palace closer to my vacation, but you may not get your most desired time if you wait too long.

    If you want dessert with your breakfast, try making a reservation at The Crystal Palace at 10:30 a.m.  If you want to walk down Main Street before the morning crowds, then try to get an early morning, pre-park opening reservation at either Magic Kingdom restaurant.  If you have a car, you can park at the Boardwalk Resort on the day of your reservation and walk into Epcot via the World Showcase entrance after your Bon Voyage Breakfast.

    Remember to bring autograph books, too!  It is also fun to get fabric markers for characters to sign T-shirts or pillowcases, but always bring a piece of cardboard or a clipboard for the characters to use when signing them.

    Also bring your camera because there are no PhotoPass photographers in any character meal dining area.

  3. Restroom Review: Where to Go in the Magic Kingdom

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    Admit it, restrooms are a big part of your life. We don’t talk about them often enough, but we should because a bad bathroom experience can ruin your day (or your clothes). Blogs about Walt Disney World regularly review everything from attractions to food to characters, but they shy away from numbers one and two. Now we’ll go where no blog has gone before…

    The newly opened Buc-ee’s restroom in Katy, Texas, which is my standard for restroom quality

    Overall, Disney restrooms are above par. I live in Texas, home to the world famous Buc-ee’s gas station restrooms, which are regularly voted the best in America, so I have high toilet standards, and Walt Disney World regularly exceeds them. Every restroom in the Magic Kingdom has baby changing tables (even the men’s!), waxed paper seat covers, and a seemingly endless supply of TP and hand towels. Even so, some bathrooms are better than others, and some are downright intolerable. You could easily spend an hour or more each day using the restroom, especially if you have little ones in tow, so it’s important to choose your throne wisely with these tips…

    Rapunzel Restroom

    The Rapunzel Restroom is the best in the Magic Kingdom

    Located at the base of Rapunzel’s tower between the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world.” This is my favorite restroom in the Magic Kingdom. It is impeccably themed with the women’s restroom decorated by Rapunzel (sun-shaped lights, painted walls and ceilings, and shelves along the back wall holding Rapunzel’s favorite things) and the men’s decorated by Flynn Rider (frying pans and the color brown).

    Pros: Lots of stalls in two rows, a long mirror along the back of women’s, convenient stroller parking just outside, low sinks, benches outside beneath floating lanterns, excellent theming, companion/family restroom (unisex), nearby drinking fountains, no lines

    Cons: Children do not want to leave. Seriously, my daughters have spent fifteen minutes examining the knick-knacks on the shelves in the women’s restroom.

    Tip: Take photos of the décor on the walls to compare the men’s and women’s restrooms, but be careful to take unobtrusive photos without other guests.

    Pirates Restroom

    Spanish style tiles adorn the Pirates Restroom

    Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop. This is a must-use for anyone who has held it while riding over waterfalls.

    Pros: Single row of stalls with a wide aisle, full-length mirror in the women’s, low sinks, good theming, benches in a covered area outside, companion/family restroom (unisex), no lines

    Cons: Stroller parking outside the gift shop, “spitting toilets” (This is a real phenomenon that has been observed on many occasions: the toilets in the women’s restroom splatter when they flush. My husband has not confirmed if this is true in the men’s. Avoid using stalls with wet seats because those are most likely the spitting toilets.)

    Dumbo Restroom

    Young children appreciate the low sinks that are available in most restrooms

    Located in the new Fantasyland by the train station. I often overlook this restroom, but my oldest daughter loves it because it is close to the splash pad.

    Pros: Single row of stalls with a wide aisle, mirrors, companion/family restroom (unisex), low sinks, close to splash pad for quick clothing changes, usually an attendant on duty, no lines

    Cons: Stroller parking farther away, minimal theming, out of the way location

    Gaston Restroom

    “Gaston smells bad.”

    Located next to Gaston’s Tavern in the new Fantasyland. My children hate this one because “Gaston smells bad.” In their defense, the restroom does have a strange odor that is most likely from the tavern next door, not because Gaston himself uses the toilet there (although he often hangs around outside).

    Pros: good theming, wide aisle, mirror, companion/family restroom (unisex)

    Cons: occasional lines for women’s, no close stroller parking, minimal outside seating, strange smell, out of the way location, narrow walkway outside of restroom, no low sink!!! (I think this is the only restroom without one, so be prepared to lift small children when they wash their hands.)

    Pinocchio Village Haus Restroom

    Always look up for restroom theming! This restroom matches the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant

    Located next to the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant with an outside entrance. This is the closest restroom to Cinderella Castle.

    Pros: convenient location, good theming, low sink, some benches outside, usually an attendant on duty, large mirror, companion/family restroom (unisex)

    Cons: almost always lines for women’s due to “bottlenecking” at the entrance, no close stroller parking, broken soap and paper towel dispensers (at least during this trip), seemingly not enough stalls, hot during summer

    Cut-Through Restroom

    Intricate tiles also adorn this Adventureland/Frontierland restroom

    Located in the cut-through between Adventureland and Frontierland, near the FastPass+ kiosk, in a covered area that is convenient for eating a Dole Whip in the shade (not IN the restroom, obviously).

    Pros: convenient location, double row of toilets, good theming, low sink, covered benches outside, usually an attendant on duty, cool in the summer

    Cons: small mirror in women’s, occasional lines for women’s (because people don’t see the second row of stalls), no stroller parking, often crowded even when there aren’t lines, no companion restroom

    Casey’s Restroom

    This decor matches the Crystal Palace restaurant next door.

    Located between Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace in the same building as the first aid station and baby care center. This is a relatively narrow, small restroom that is close to the hub and convenient during fireworks. I may just be lucky, but I rarely see other people in this restroom.

    Pros: convenient location, low sink, covered benches outside, drinking fountains nearby, sometimes an attendant on duty

    Cons: no stroller parking, no companion restroom, dated interior, narrow single row of toilets, fountain outside that might cause an accident, easy to walk past without realizing it’s there

    Cheshire Restroom

    Located just behind the Cheshire Café near a mysterious “cast members only” door through which characters like Alice and Peter Pan often pass. This restroom is almost a secret.

    Pros: almost always empty, close to covered seating of Cheshire Café, drinking fountains nearby

    Cons: no stroller parking, no companion restroom, no theming, easy to walk past without realizing it’s there

    Speedway Restroom

    A rare photo of the Speedway Restroom without a line out the door. (Seriously, I had to wait for the line to go down.)

    Located in Tomorrowland across from the Speedway. This is my most hated restroom in all of Walt Disney World. Do not go here unless you literally cannot hold it. Try to make it to the Cheshire Restroom instead!

    Pros: convenient location, usually a hard working attendant on duty trying to direct people to open stalls

    Cons: incredibly narrow restroom with stalls a few feet away from the sinks, always lines, no stroller parking, minimal outside seating, not enough stalls in women’s or men’s, no companion restroom, not enough room for wheelchairs or scooters, paper towel dispensers out of reach of children, uncomfortably warm in the summer, so crowded that you will bump into other people

    Emergency Restroom: Tony’s Restaurant

    We’ve probably all used the restroom at the front of the Magic Kingdom near City Hall, which can vary from nearly empty to incredibly crowded depending on the time of day, but sometimes that restroom is inconvenient to reach due to a parade. If you’re ever on the “wrong side” of Main Street and have a bathroom emergency, duck into Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This restroom is located next to the hosts’ podium, so you can use it without actually entering the restaurant. It’s incredibly small with only three stalls in the women’s and an awkwardly placed changing table, but it is better than nothing in a pinch. Go to the larger restroom across the street whenever possible, but keep this in mind if you have little ones who want to watch a parade from the Town Square porch.

    Other Options

    Of course I have not covered all of the restrooms in the Magic Kingdom. There are others, some popular and some more obscure, that you can discover or rediscover whenever you feel the urge to go.

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  4. A Beginner’s Guide To Disneybounding

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    According to the Walt Disney World dress code, guests over the age of 14 should not wear costumes.  So what can you do if you really want to be Ariel for the day?  Disneybound!DISNEYBOUNDING

    Disneybounding, sometimes written as Disney bounding, is a low-key form of dress-up or cosplay created by adults who are no longer young enough to wear elaborate costumes into the parks.  Think of it as costuming in street clothes.

    Disneybounding

    Why, you may ask, would otherwise rational adults do this?  Simply put, it’s fun!  Many of us remember the excitement of dressing like Cinderella or Peter Pan when we were kids, so doing the same thing now brings a welcome sense of nostalgia.  Disneybounding is also a great way to connect with other park guests and feel more immersed in the magical world.

    The first step to a successful bound is choosing a character.  It’s important to note that you should not limit yourself to a specific gender or species.  Even if a character wears a skirt, you can still wear pants or shorts when you bound.  I have seen many women bound as Gaston and men bound as Snow White; Mickey and Minnie are popular choices, too, of course.  You can choose your favorite character or the one with the best fashion sense.  Look beyond characters, too, to things like attractions and icons.  Cast member uniforms are off limits for adults, but why not make a dress to match the teacups in Fantasyland or a suit with the lines and colors of the monorail?  Use Pinterest and Google for inspiration.  Be creative, and have fun!

    Disneybounding guide

    Kids can Disneybound, too, and it is sometimes more appealing to young teens than an all-out costume.  Even if your children would still rather wear costumes than street clothes that look like a character, they can get into the creative spirit by brainstorming ideas for adults or thinking up more obscure costume choices for themselves.  Remember that kids are not limited by the same rules as adults, so they can dress like cast members or wear the most elaborate princess gown or pirate garb any time, not just during Halloween season.  If your child wants to be a pastry chef, then make a yellow dress like those worn at Main Street Confectionery.  If your child wants to work at Imagination someday, then transform a lab coat into a uniform.  Remind your kids that there is more to Disney World than the films, so encourage them to be imaginative.

    Once you have an idea, it’s time to get supplies.  Sometimes Amazon will have exactly what you need, like a vest for Flynn Rider, and sometimes a thrift store will have the perfect violet dress for Rapunzel.  Stores like Hot Topic also have Disneybounding clothes, as does Her Universe.  Even Memento Mori, the Haunted Mansion gift shop in the Magic Kingdom, sells shirts in the style of the iconic butlers and maids.  If you’re crafty, or want to give sewing a shot, try to find sheets or curtains secondhand to use as fabric, or look for clothes that could be easily altered to meet your needs.  Search for simple patterns at your local craft store, and don’t be afraid to use fabric paint or glue to get the exact look that you want.

    Disneybounding

    When you have your basic clothing, think about accessories.  It probably isn’t practical to wear a red cape if you’re bounding as Snow White, but a red cardigan over your shoulders will do the trick.  Look for a rose-shaped handbag or hairclip if you bound as Belle.  A pink bowtie would be perfect for a Marie the cat outfit, and ears are certainly appropriate for Mickey and Minnie.  Look at the character’s details, think about their wants and desires, and use those as inspiration.

    Also try to get your whole group involved.  Think of daily themes, like Marvel or Star Wars, or all go as a family like the Incredibles or a group like the Seven Dwarfs.  If someone in your party is too busy or reluctant to create a costume, then encourage her/him to bound as something simple, like Prince Eric (white shirt, red belt, and blue pants).  Odds are that you probably have at least one perfect Disneybounding outfit already, so look through your closet before your next trip!

    Disneybounding

    Finally, remember to enjoy Disneybounding when you’re in the park.  Smile or wave to other bounding guests, especially if they are the same character, and thank cast members who randomly call you by your character’s name.  You’re part of a community now, so don’t be bashful or grumpy… unless you are Bashful or Grumpy!

  5. Ready, Set, Go to Walt Disney World at the Last Minute!

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    It’s Friday afternoon, and you have work off next week.  The kids are out of school, and you’re planning a quiet staycation at home.  Well, why not go to Walt Disney World instead?  It is possible to plan and execute a DVC vacation in less than 24 hours!  Ready, set, here we go…

    1.  Realistic Expectations

    This is a last minute trip, so it will not be as glamorous as a vacation that was planned for a year or longer.  Will you secure a dinner reservation at Le Cellier Steakhouse?  Probably not.  Will you get to ride the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train?  Not with FastPass+.  Will you forget your sunscreen?  Maybe, but they do sell it in Florida; I know from experience.

    Remember not to measure this trip against past vacations.  Instead, compare it to what else you could be doing during your unexpected week off.  By any measure, going to Walt Disney World is better than mowing the lawn or alphabetizing your DVD collection, so keep calm and plan on.

    2.  Resort Accommodation

    The Disney Vacation Club website allows you to search for last minute resort availability by clicking on “Stays in the Next 60 Days” under the Plan Vacations menu tab.  This is helpful for using “hold” points and for planning with shorter notice.  The main page allows you to see availability in weekly lists, or you can search for specific dates.  When you see an available room that you want, reserve it as quickly as possible because they are sometimes taken in a matter of minutes.  If in doubt, simply call Member Services.

    Resort Availability 60 days

    Sample of some availability over the next 60 days

    Whatever method you use to make your reservation, be aware that you cannot be picky.  If you want a specific room type, like a two-bedroom villa, then you will have limited resort selections.  If you have to stay at a certain resort, then you will be limited when it comes to available rooms.

    Most likely, you will have to resort-hop and spend different nights in different DVC resorts.  This, I can say from experience, is not as intimidating as it sounds.  The resorts’ luggage services will move your suitcases from one hotel to another while you spend the day in the parks.  Plus, you can purchase a Disney Dining Plan for part of your vacation because each resort stay is technically a separate reservation.  Just make sure that each resort confirmation number is linked on your My Disney Experience account and your Magic Band to avoid getting locked out of your room (and if that happens, the front desk’s cast members will be happy to offer assistance).  Also remember to pick up your Magic Band at the front desk before you enter the parks because they will not be shipped to your house.

    3.  Park Tickets

    If you do not have an Annual Pass, buy your tickets online before you leave in order to link them to your My Disney Experience account.  This will enable you to make your FastPass+ selections as soon as possible and will ensure that your Magic Band is updated when you arrive at your resort.

    MagicBands

    4.  Transportation

    If you plan to leave within 24 hours, then driving is your best bet.  If you live too far away to drive, then budget airline carriers will be more likely to have affordable tickets.  National airlines usually charge exorbitant amounts to get you to Orlando the next day, so carefully weigh the time it will take you to drive against the cost of the flight.

    If you do fly, you will have to call Magical Express (ME) to notify them of your flight number and arrival time.  Remember to pick up your checked suitcases from the luggage carousel and bring them to your Magical Express bus because you won’t have time to receive ME luggage tags via snail mail.  Print your Magical Express confirmation email at home, and have it handy before you board the bus at the Orlando Airport.

    5.  Dining

    When you start thinking about restaurants, keep in mind that it may not be possible to purchase a Disney Dining Plan (DDP).  DVC members must purchase a DDP at least 48 hours before the start of their resort reservation, so it may not be possible to get one in a truly last minute scenario.  Many restaurants offer discounts for DVC members, so don’t forget to bring your Member ID card and your photo ID into the parks.

    Unless you have a fairy god mother, you probably won’t get an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) for Cinderella’s Royal Table, but you could get some great ADRs at the last minute.  Look for availability at character meals outside of the parks, like the Bon Voyage breakfast with Ariel, Eric, Rapunzel, and Eugene at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.  Inside the parks, try a classic restaurant like Tony’s Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern.  Some more exotic restaurants, like the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom, can even have walk-up availability.  Just don’t get frustrated if you can’t get exactly what you want.  There’s always next time!

    6.  FastPass+

    Prepare yourself for some long lines if you have to ride Frozen Ever After or anything in Pandora: The World of Avatar.  Your FastPass+ options will be incredibly limited, but it is still worth making selections even if you save thirty minutes in line at The Haunted Mansion.  If you desperately want to ride the most popular rides, try to get in line during parades or fireworks, when it is likely that the waits will be shorter.

    Magic Kingdom Parade

    7.  Packing

    In a perfect world, you saved your packing list from your last Disney vacation.  If not, then make a list now because you never know when you will need it.  In a last minute scenario, the packing pressure will be on because you will have limited time to wash clothes and buy supplies, so be as efficient as possible.  Try using packing cubes to organize your clothes, especially if you are changing resorts, and don’t forget “obvious” essentials like your purse/wallet or your child’s favorite stuffed animal.  If you do forget something, just tell yourself that you can buy it when you get there.

    Finally, remember that a vacation is fun!  Preparing for a last minute trip can be stressful and chaotic, but it will be worth it to spend time at “The Most Magical Place on Earth!”

  6. The More the Merrier: Walt Disney World Planning Tips for Groups

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    Congratulations! Your extended family/large group of friends wants to join you on a magical vacation to Walt Disney World! Here are seven tips for planning a group trip to Walt Disney World. Let the planning begin…

    1. Disney Wishes

    Encourage everyone in your group to write a Disney Wish List that includes their preferred resort amenities, any “must do” events or activities, the length of their vacation, and their available budget. Then, compare these lists. Pay attention to work and school calendars; if the kids go to different school districts, note their vacation and testing days. Communicate, compromise, and make decisions together… the earlier, the better.

    2. Resort Accommodation

    Before you book your resort, discuss your preferred amenities and location. It is okay if you choose to stay at different resorts because everyone has different needs. If your group contains a mix of DVC members and non-members, then it might be best to use your points while other people rent points from a service like David’s Vacation Rentals. Consider room options: some large groups might want separate studio rooms for privacy, and others might want to share a multi-bedroom villa. When you discuss room types and sizes, think about logistics like kids’ bedtimes and sharing bathrooms. If you book separate rooms at the same resort, call the front desk after you check in online (up to 60 days before your vacation) and request rooms that are close together. Also, if you decide to book a room for your friends or family using your DVC points, be clear about any reimbursement expectations up front. Whatever your decision, reserve your rooms as early as possible.

    OKW 2 Bedroom Unit

    The Two-Bedroom Villas at Old Key West can accommodate up to nine guests and feature 2 Queen Beds, 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Sleeper and 1 Twin Sleeper

    3. Transportation

    Transportation that works best for your immediate family might not work well for groups of eight or more people. Plus, some people might depart from different parts of the country. If you drive, discuss whether you want to caravan and quite literally follow each other to Orlando, meet at checkpoints along the way, or just meet at your WDW resort. If you fly, discuss whether you want to take the same flights, take separate flights and meet at the Orlando Airport, or meet at your WDW resort; try to time your flights accordingly. Even if you take the same flight, you might not all fit on the same Magical Express bus, and you most likely will not be able to all sit together on that bus, so be prepared. As with everything, the earlier you plan transportation, the better.

    4. Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs)

    Securing WDW restaurant reservations for large groups is, in my experience, the most challenging part of vacation planning. You will have to be online and ready to make ADRs when the clock strikes 7:00 a.m. (ET) 180 days before the start of your vacation. If someone in your group has an earlier resort reservation, then that person should be your group’s official dining reserver. If everyone’s resort reservations begin on the same day, then choose one responsible person to be your official dining reserver for the entire group. Most likely, you will not get the most sought-after reservations at restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table. Instead, look for dining experiences outside of the parks, like Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian Resort. Also try to get ADRs during non-peak times, like dinner at 3:30 instead of 6:30. If you can’t get the ADR that your group wants, you can always keep your fingers crossed and try again closer to your vacation.

    You can get quick transportation from the Magic Kingdom to many resort restaurants by using a boat or the monorail.

    5. FastPass+

    First, link all of your My Disney Experience accounts using the Friends and Family option on the WDW website. Agree on a list of preferred attractions, and then, 60 days before the start of your vacation, select one responsible person to make your entire group’s FP+ selections. Sometimes it’s impossible to get eight or more FP+s for popular rides like Frozen Ever After, so try booking overlapping times instead. For example, make four FP+ selections for 1:00 to 2:00 and another four for 1:30 to 2:30; then ride the attraction together at 1:45. It’s also sometimes possible to add individuals to existing FP+ selections, depending on availability. Trial and error can work well in this situation, so be patient, and clearly communicate your desired schedule with others in your group. Remember that you can always change your FP+ times and selections later if necessary.

    Fastpass+  FASTPASS+ for groups

    6. Navigating the Parks

    After months and months of planning, you’re finally at Walt Disney World! But the planning isn’t over yet. What will you do between your dining reservations and FastPass+ attractions? Will you always stay together in the parks, or will you sometimes split into smaller parties? Will some adults watch the kids while others enjoy quiet time? Will you go back to the resort for naps or swimming, or will you stay in the parks from open to close? Hopefully you discussed some of these questions before you left for vacation, but the best intentions could change after you arrive. The key is to communicate, always, and to be flexible. Not everyone will want to do the same thing at the same time, so it’s okay to split up. Let everyone have a voice, and keep your cell phones charged and ready in case plans change.

    7. Personal Wellness

    Most likely, everyone in your group will have different physical and emotional needs. Don’t follow a predetermined schedule so strictly that it jeopardizes the health or safety of your family and friends. If part of your group needs a sit-down to cool off, then either wait patiently or split up to do something else while others rest. Pay attention to potential health problems like dehydration and low blood sugar. Don’t neglect bathroom breaks, and enforce the “if one person goes, then everyone tries” rule for kids. If you need additional personal time, then add a few days onto the end of your resort reservation to enjoy with your immediate family. Remember that more people means more planning, more fun, and a merrier Disney vacation!

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