Author Archives: Dave Terrill

1. WDW Theme Park Challenge – 4 in 1 Day

   March 19, 2020 12:37 pm 1 Comment

   Park-hopping can be a fun way to spread out your day and experience more of WDW Resort, however, have you tried to do ALL 4 Theme Parks in 1 day. We did during December 2019, and here is a guide on how you can.

   

   Planning

   Every WDW expert knows, planning is key to every WDW trip –booking hotels, dining reservations, FP+ rides, etc, but you can experience this challenge without too much planning, as follows: 

   • Main Objective: Attend all 4 main theme parks (MK – Magic Kingdom, AK – Animal Kingdom, HS – Hollywood Studios and EP – Epcot), then decide on extra challenges e.g. – including number of rides/attractions/food/photos/etc per park – key note each will add time to your day.
   • Set Date: Choosing a day where you have ‘free time’ – i.e. allowing for time contingency planned, not clashing with extravagant ‘time consuming’ dining reservations, when parks are ‘less busy’.
   • Logistical Planning: Knowing where your resort is, types of transportation you can ride from your resort to theme parks and to other theme parks – key to review to reduce time spent traveling to and from each park.
   • Theme Park Booking: To ensure any of your objectives that require booking are booked within the specific time frame, e.g. dining reservations are booked within 180 days. Most importantly ensure your WDW tickets include park-hopping and secondly, FP+ booking use wisely. Tip: Use FP+ selection ONCE in your 1^st/2^nd choice park and after riding rebook your next FP+ ‘available’ choice to your next theme park destination using MDE, but carefully select the time when you are expecting to be there.
   • Challenge Day: The magical day where you have a fun packed day trying to complete the challenge and all your objectives. Tip: Take photos/videos as evidence.

   Our Plan/Guide

   Objective 

   Minimum 1 ride/attraction in each park, least 4 different modes of transportation, 1 photo (as evidence) in each park, and 1 quick service/1 snack throughout the day.

   Date

   As we had a split stay vacation, we were staying at Bay Lake Tower (BLT) and went to Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) therefore the challenge was set on the day we moved from BLT to AKL. Reason as we had no other dining plans for this day, and due to luggage service provided by Bell services, we were able to do this.

   Logistics

   Our trip was laid out as below, noting that we looked at the efficient way of traveling (i.e. which parks were closed to each other), and were planning on using 5 different types of transportation.

   Theme Park Booking

   We decided to use Animal Kingdom with our first FP+ (with the intention of using the rest of our FP+ selections throughout the day).

   Challenge Day

   Here is our days event. Wish us luck.

   

    

    

    

    

    

    

   Park 1 – Animal Kingdom

   Animal Kingdom has EMH (extra hour helpful) and we arrived for rope drop 07:45, our FP+ was Flight Of Passage at 09:25, so we headed to Pandora (safely) and managed to get onto Na’Vi River Journey, which was a lovely relaxing way to start the day.

    

   We explored Pandora land.

    

   and viewed some animals before our FP+ time.

    

   Harrison excitedly waiting before his first time ever on Flight Of Passage.

   

   After Flight Of Passage, we walked to our bus stop back to Bay Lake Towers. We left approx. 10:00 but en route we secured our next FP+ at Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland Speedway. Tip: Flight of Passage is a must, so try and get FP+ early (20 mins wait instead of 2 hours)

   Park 2 – Magic Kingdom

   Arrived back at Bay Lake Towers within 20 minutes and checked out around 11:00 and walked over to Magic Kingdom (just 5 min walk). Photos of the Christmas Tree and Castle are always a must at Magic Kingdom.

    

   After photos, we managed to get on Tomorrowland Speedway, for a nice relaxing ride (unless your child is driving).

   

   For lunch we ate Casey’s Corner (nearest quick service to MK exit), whilst eating we luckily found our next FP+ (Test Track at Epcot).

   

   Tip: Use mobile order service on MyDisneyExperience to save time, plus find space to eat at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.

   We left Magic Kingdom around 12:45.

   Park 3 – Epcot

   From Magic Kingdom we took Ferry Boat to TTC and then the monorail to Epcot.

   Beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon on the ferry,

   

   or Epcot Future World on the monorail.

   

   Tip: Ferry Boat is emptier traveling to TTC from Magic Kingdom during midday.

   We arrived at Epcot within 20 minutes and with time to spare before our next FP+ we managed to magic shot photos outside Spaceship Earth before venturing upon the Test Track.

   

   Harrison was keen on designing the most powerful car, although I need to work on my photogenic skills.

    

   We enjoyed a swift stroll through World Showcase, stopping to see Germany (model trains and Holiday Season singers)

   

   and grabbing snacks in France – they were yummy. Our time was now just only 14:45.

   

   Tip: Skyliner is located just outside International Gateway (between France & UK)

   The skyliner was another relaxing and scenic mode of transport to get to another park and can be considered as an attraction itself.

   

   The skyliner journey took approx. 20 mins, although stopping once at Riviera to get a different line to Hollywood Studios.

   

   Park 4 – Hollywood Studios

   Once at Hollywood Studios, we took in a little entertainment with sensational Galaxy Far, Far Away.

   

   We then headed over to Toy Story Land to queue up for Alien Swirling Saucers.

   Tip: You can use more than 3 FP+ selections in a day but this ride only had 30 min wait time.

   

   Celebration

   

   Time 16:30 and CHALLENGE COMPLETED so before heading to Animal Kingdom Lodge (via WDW Bus transportation) celebration photos were a must.

   It was the loveliest memorable day, and our next visit we will be doing something similar – maybe add in a water park, or an extra ride, a dining reservation, a firework show, etc. Maybe you can give us some ideas.

   So, try the challenge, and HAVE A MAGICAL DAY when you do.

2. Animal Kingdom Lodge v Bay Lake Tower

   October 16, 2017 10:37 am Comments Off on Animal Kingdom Lodge v Bay Lake Tower

   Facing a hotel decision: Which DVC resort shall we book this vacation? Now obviously all DVC resorts are Magical, but at times you just need a comparison. We (family of 3 including 6-year old son) were fortunate enough to experience a split stay at Bay Lake Tower (use/access to Contemporary), and Animal Kingdom Lodge staying at Jambo House (use/access to Kidani Village). Therefore, in this article I will be providing a comparison of the resorts to help you with that choice.

   

   I’ll be covering following areas; Deluxe Studio Rooms, Swimming Pools, Shopping, Dining & Amenities, Logistics, CM service & Overall ambience (i.e. hotel views, themes), using Mickey Ears points scoring system  (out of 5 ears) on each area as a (subjective) guide to assist you, plus providing you with pics to give you that sense of touch/feel to each resort.

   Please note that Animal Kingdom Lodge will be referred to as AKL and Bay Lake Tower as BLT for the remainder of the article.

   Deluxe Studio Rooms

   AKL: 365 sq. ft. (Est): Lovely themed room, generally spacious and extremely relaxing. 

   

   AKL Deluxe Studio and Balcony View

   BLT: 300 sq. ft. (Est): Quite compact but lots of storage space and separate rooms for kitchen. 

   

   BLT Deluxe Studio and Balcony View

   Overall: The more space at AKL made the room feel more ‘homely’, although for longer stays, extra storage space at BLT comes in handy.

   Swimming Pools

   AKL: Uzima Springs pool is large (over 11,000 sq. ft.) and Kidani Village’s swimming pool, Samawati Springs, has a great children play area. Both pools offered good water slides, shade and vacation feel with ‘Jungle’ surroundings. 

   

   BLT: Bay Cove is a good size pool and thrilling water slides, and close access to Contemporary pools with both pools close to Bay Lake for water activities and great open view surroundings. 

   

   Overall: Both pools were excellent, for thrills on slides go for BLT but younger families will have a better time at AKL. For those relaxing, I found AKL offers more relaxing areas (with enclosed SPAs). Both offered great Pool fun activities and Disney music.

   Shopping, Dining & Amenities

   

   Dining options at AKL, Fitness Center

   AKL: Lovely choice of dining options. Boma is famed for exquisite variety of African/Caribbean style cuisine. Quick Service location Mara also offers a broad and affordable menu. Shopping is extremely focused around beautifully African cultured hand-crafted gifts. Also, two fitness centres to choose from, plus a chance to view animals on savannah (Zebra/Giraffes) during day/night. 

   

   California Grill, Fitness Center and Movie Under the Stars

   BLT: Magical dining options with California Grill being one of WDW ‘best’ restaurants with stunning views of MK. Chef Mickeys is also Character Dining fan favourite. Shopping facilities were more conventional Disney gifts. A modern fitness centre, great location for movie under the stars plus for DVC members the Top of the World lounge giving great private viewing of MK Fireworks. 

   

   Fireworks Views, Top of the World Lounge

   Overall: We were extremely blessed and lucky enough to have Harrison chosen to open the restaurant at Chef Mickey’s, along with an evening meal at California Grill (best food eaten at WDW) plus chance to see fireworks in Epcot, HS and MK at one time, so these experiences may have biased my score (I would have given more). AKL offered lovely authentic themed dining but the views and Disney experience at BLT were second to none.

   

   Harrison as Chef Mickey family of the day experience

   Logistics

   AKL: AKL is quite close to Animal Kingdom theme park and Blizzard Beach, and quite a long bus ride to all other theme parks. 

   BLT: Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, close to Epcot (via Monorail transportation). You can gain access to Monorail at Contemporary resort, through a walkway ‘Sky Bridge’ on 5th floor of BLT. 

   

   Sky Bridge Walkway and Monorail lines into the Contemporary

   Overall: When you have Magic Kingdom literally on your doorstep and the image of the castle then Disney Magic fills you instantly. Plus, BLT is generally closer to other theme parks.

   Cast Member Service/Activities

   AKL: Extremely friendly, and offered wide range of cultural experiences in addition to information on animals on the savannah views. 

   

   Cultural Experiences at AKL

   BLT: Extremely formal and friendly service. Besides pool activities and general front desk, offered little other extra services. 

   

   BLT lobby and Peter Pan at the Contemporary

   Overall: The cultural services were extremely educational and fun at AKL. You could easily stay in AKL resort without venturing out to Theme Parks. At BLT we found ourselves more actively going to theme parks.

   Overall Ambience

   AKL: The African vibe was everywhere, and with the wildlife on your doorstep/balcony (even with Bats flying around in the evening). 

   

   Marvelous Lobby at AKL

   BLT: Every day you have the Disney Magical feeling overwhelm you with views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom, especially coming back after Theme Parks and seeing the Water pageant. However, the hotel maybe lacked a theme and was more ‘quality hotel’ then specifically themed. 

   

   Stunning Views from BLT

   Overall: AKL experience gives you that unique wildlife adventure within a Disney experience. BLT gave you stunning views around but the hotel inside slightly lacked to support the surroundings.

   Conclusion

   Mickey Ears even in points with both resorts getting 27 of maximum 30, however if you’re wanting vacation with an adventure, cultural education and relaxation with a Disney twist thrown in then Animal Kingdom Lodge is for you. If you are Disney through and through and want to be immersed in Disney then Bay Lake Tower is for you. We loved both experiences, and having both experiences gave us an all rounded Disney & Vacation experience.

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3. Star Wars Intergalactic Guide – Walt Disney World

   October 2, 2017 12:28 pm Comments Off on Star Wars Intergalactic Guide – Walt Disney World

   

   There is a disturbance in the force at Walt Disney World, have you felt it? For Padawans & Younglings, Jedi & Sith, Rebels & Imperials, Aliens & Bounty Hunters, Star Wars at Disney is expanding. Therefore, I’m extremely excited about this article: Your intergalactic guide to Star Wars at Disney World, and future events happening.

   Star Wars Land ‘Galaxy’s Edge’

   Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2019, Star Wars Land aka ‘Galaxy’s Edge’ will be opened, ‘there is no bad feeling about this.’ Expect to be transferred to ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away’, with two main attractions planned; a chance to fly in a Millennium Falcon and an e-ticket space battle adventure between First Order and The Resistance. There are also plans for a Star Wars themed interactive hotel to allow guests the chance to feel / live the SW experience during their stay.

   However, before we get too excited about what’s to come, let’s talk about now. The main Star Wars attractions are all immersed into Hollywood Studios, therefore if you can’t wait for 2019, then here is my definitive guide to Star Wars at Walt Disney Word.

   Hollywood Studios Star Wars “It’s a Map”

   Below is the latest map (Summer 2017) and I have highlighted the main SW attractions with this symbol: 

   

   Rides/Attractions

   Star Tours (#13 on map): The Adventure Continues –  Located in Echo Bay, a great 3D simulation ride led by C-3PO and R2-D2 transporting you in the middle of a SW adventure, there is a height restriction (40”) and use your FastPass+ for this ride.

   Force Tip — The area around Star Tours offers some lovely Star Wars views, PS – listen to the Ewok Village at night.

   Launch Bay (#35 on map): Located in Animation Courtyard, Launch Bay gives you several different SW experiences.

   • Character Experiences: Where you can meet the sinister Kylo Ren, Cuddle Chewie or see BB-8 , just watch out for First Order Stormtroopers roaming around. Force Tip – The characters and CMs will remain in Character.
   • Theatre Show: Watch a 10 minute show celebrating the extraordinary creation of SW.
   • Movie Props: Host of SW movie props, costumers, scenery and artwork to view and take photos.
   • Merchandise : Launch Bay Cargo – Purchase SW collectibles, memorabilia, movie prop replicas, sculptures and other merchandise.

   Force Tip – Use your memory maker for Character meets & greets.

   [envira-gallery id=”30204″]

   Shows

   Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular: Located Centre Stage in DHS, an extravagant movie, light & musical firewords display that lasts approximately 14 minutes. See times guide for fireworks.

   Force Tip — Arrive 20/30 mins early, and do (as there is no try) get a spot in the middle, 15m back from the stage to experience all, closer if with children.

   Or if you would like to do fireworks in style, you can have a SW dessert party – treats and alcohol with VIP viewing area.  Here is the link for more details https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_GB/dining/hollywood-studios/galactic-dessert-party/

    

   Jedi Training Trials of the Temple (#12 on map): Located in Echo Lake, Younglings experience jedi lightsaber training, and battle Darth Vader/Seventh Sister. Watch the show or if you have children aged 4-12 yrs, then they can become part of the show. See times guide for show times.

   Force Tip — Here is a step by step guide to enable your child(ren) being part of the show:

   1. Arrive at DHS close to Rope drop (20 mins before)
   2. Once park opens, head to Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost (#20 on Map) for signing your child(ren) up.
   3. Look for the below signs and start queuing (ensure your child(ren) is with you).
   4. Wait on the ‘Jedi Spot’ and head to next available Cast Member (CM).
   5. CM will ask your child(ren) age/name, can they follow directions whilst they’re on stage, preferred time slot, etc. Force Tip – Choose time slot based on your daily schedule, accountng for weather conditions as shows are subject to extreme weather.
   6. You will be given a slip (receipt) indicating time of check in.
   7. Return to the check-in desk (where you signed in) at designated time.
   8. Request your child(ren) to stay on a Blue spot until CM directs, children will be ordered into height and given Jedi robes and CMs will lead Younlings to the stage (#12 on map next to Star Tours). Force Tip — A Photo Pass CM will give you a card as they will be taking professional photos of the show.
   9. Enjoy the show: Our son Harrison managed to battle both Darth Vader and Seventh Sister. Force Tip — Ensure your child(ren) are hydrated/visited restroom prior to show.   

   [envira-gallery id=”30217″]

   SW Shows Centre Stage: Subject to change, located Centre stage on map two shows from morning til late afternoon (see time guide for show times):

   • March of The First Order: Watch on as Captain Plasma and Stormtroopers show their strength and obedience with a dautning demonstration.
   • A Galaxy Far, Far, Away : A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Many SW iconic characters take the stage for a live action 20 minute show.

   Force Tip — Arrive slightly earlier for good viewing. Central and close to the stage is the best location.

   [envira-gallery id=”30234″]

   SW: Path of The Jedi (#9 on Map): Located in Echo Lake, a 10 minute moving film highlightng Jedi paths.

   Force Tip — Watch this if raining or you have 25 minutes to spare.

   Dining

   Backlot Express (#19 on Map): Located in Echo Lake, Experience a Star Wares themed menu at efficient prices.

   Force Tip — Try the delicious infamous Darth Vader Peanut Butter Cupcake

   

   Shopping

   Tattooine Traders (#22 on Map): Located in Echo Bay, this quirky-themed shop sells many SW merchandise, and enables you to custom build your own lightsaber/droid.

   Force Tip — If staying on WDW property you can have any purchases delivered to your resort with no charge.

   Please note there are many other shopping location across DHS and WDW that sell SW merchandise, e.g Galactic Outpost, The Landing, Disney Springs.

   

   With more changes expected, I can’t wait to experience all what Star Wars and Walt Disney World has to offer. With this in mind, May The Force Be With You!

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4. A Split Stay Decision for DVC Members at WDW

   September 1, 2017 1:52 pm Comments Off on A Split Stay Decision for DVC Members at WDW

   Ever fancied two WDW vacations rolled into one? But you only have one DVC home resort membership plan! Surely, you’re thinking ‘of course but how?’ With precise planning, you can stay at two DVC resorts, ‘what a feeling’. We were fortunate enough to experience a split stay at Bay Lake Tower and Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL is our home resort).

   

   Outside Bay Lake Tower (Left) and Animal Kingdom Lodge (Right)

   In this article, I will explain the process of planning this split stay at WDW using 2 DVC resorts, which will have you asking and answering the question ‘To split stay or not to split stay’.

   Why would you split stay?

   Imagine that dark feeling leaving your DVC hotel, saying byes, feeling Disney Blues, but wait, an hour later experience that ‘Welcome Home’ all over again.

   

   Sad leaving Bay Lake Tower but then… at Animal Kingdom Lodge!

   Not only that, you can experience a completely different themed DVC hotel. First, take an African adventure at Animal Kingdom Lodge onto that Hawaiian Aloha at Polynesian.  Furthermore, you can tailor your theme park days around the DVC hotels e.g. stay at Boardwalk Villas for close access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and then stay at Wilderness Lodge for close access to Magic Kingdom.

   Maybe you’re working on the DVC bucket list, and ticking off each resort as you stay in them?

   Excited, thought so, but how, how, how, well….

   How to plan and book a Split Stay

   Research what time of year and what DVC resort/rooms to stay in: Use a DVC points calculator like the one below. Times of year, resort and rooms will have an impact on DVC points used and room availability. Consider creating different scenarios or a “Top 5” list budgeted in line with your DVC points, example below.

   

   11 months to go (to the start of your vacation): Start booking time at your home resort for the FULL duration of your vacation. If your vacation is greater than 7 nights, then book first 7 nights online, and then contact DVC directly each day thereafter to extend your initial booking (ensures your vacation is fully booked).

   Between 7 – 11 months to go: Check the resort availability on DVC website using Resort Availability Tool (example below). Perform weekly checks and then move to daily checks when you are 2 weeks before 7 months to go. Check the availability against your ideal selection i.e. “Top 5” – please note if there are Partial Availability / No Availability appearing you may have to ‘tweak’ your list.

   7 months to go: Contact DVC directly and inform them to amend your booking to include other stays (mentioning your hotel requirements). You should receive e-mail confirmation in the usual manner outlining the new hotel accommodation. If your “Top 5 list” has No Availability/Partial Availability you can ask to be on the waiting list or request if there are other hotels that have full availability.

   Assuming you have your hotels booked and are happy, then it’s over to planning those specific days for that Dream Holiday. If you are flying in/out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) you can instruct Disney’s Magical Express to drop you off at your first hotel and pick you up at your second hotel.

   DVC Tips & Advice

   For DVC Members, please note other items to be aware of that can have an impact to your overall vacation:

   Dining Plan — Currently you can only book a dining plan based on one booking so split stays result in two bookings. Although, this brings more flexibility around your budget/dining needs – i.e. book quick service with first stay and second stay table service plan. We opted for no dining plan with first stay and quick service for second stay.

   Checking In/Out – Check-Out: 11:00, Check-In: 16:00 (4pm). Moving from one DVC hotel to another and 5 hours between Check In/Out can be time out of theme parks or tiresome. Although, take this time for an adventure. Tour either of your resort hotels, relax by the resort pools, go to a theme park for lunch, or do a few rides until you are ready to check in. We decided to have a late check-out, visit a Theme Park for lunch and then arrive at our new resort (AKL) at 4pm.

   Transportation – Moving from one DVC resort to the next could be another time-delaying factor. Although if you are driving then all WDW resorts are within a 5-10 minute drive. If you’re not driving then remember you are able to either hire a Taxi, Uber or use the WDW transportation system, however I would suggest the following:

   On the morning of Check Out, contact Bell Services who will come and collect your luggage and transport them to your next hotel resort, complimentary. We did this without any delay to our vacation.

   Housekeeping – As per DVC housekeeping information below, your stay may limit the service you could potentially receive, e.g. 3-night stay at two DVC resorts each will mean no service provided. However, you will have a fresh new room to enter on your second stay. Tailor your room stays in accordance with your vacation days, e.g.10-night vacation can be split into two 5-night stays meaning you get two full cleaning services provided.

   

   DVC Resort Availability – You may not get your chosen ‘dream’ split stay vacation. Please try and be as flexible as you can, you may even find a 1-night stay at your dream DVC resort! Hopefully you will be fortunate but if not, I’m sure your home resort will still bring that Disney Magic.

   

   Our magical time experienced during our split stay with Talking Mickey

   Our split stay was magical, and our next trip I will be using the above planning tool again to find other DVC resorts to stay and experience that split stay feeling. Have I tempted you too? I thought so, and Good Luck!