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Category Archives: Tips
Staying Safe at Walt Disney World
Too many times families travel to Walt Disney World and they aren’t as safe as they are back home. Being in such a magical place often times causes people to let their guard down. Here are a few simple reminders for staying safe at Walt Disney World in your hotel and in the parks.
At the hotel:
- Always lock the doors of your room and car. Even when you are in your room, you need to keep the door locked. Too many times people use the lock to prop open their hotel door and things get swiped. Don’t let this happen to you. When your car is in the parking lot, remember to lock the doors.
- Use the safe located in each room. These are there for a reason! If you have valuables that are too big for the safe, ask the front desk if they can hold it for you. Don’t leave valuables in your suitcase or in the hotel dresser. These are the first places people will look for “stuff” if they get in your room.
Planning A Visit To Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa?
Have you been considering a visit to Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa? When you think of a trip to Hawaii what are you looking for? Warm sandy beaches with a fruity drink in your hand? Scuba or snorkeling around the islands? Sitting by the pool while the kids are entertained? Interacting with local species and natural wonders? Do you want to go Island hopping? What else are you thinking of when Planning A Visit To Disney’s Aulani?
I have some good news for everyone, Aulani is able to provide all of these options and of much more.
When you first start planning a trip to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to visit Hawaii and Aulani, you need to make some decisions, and honestly you should call a travel agent.
What’s My Budget: With all vacations, most of us have to start here. We all wish we didn’t have to of course, but this is a necessary truth. Once you’ve established your own comfort level you can begin to narrow down the rest of your trip.
Disney Attack Plan – Radiator Springs Racers
Vroom, Whoosh, Screech, Vroom… When I think of Cars and specifically Radiator Springs Racers these are the sounds I hear in my head. It’s okay if you don’t hear the same things. You might want to get it looked into though. Amongst the many attractions you’ll find in Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers is by far the most popular. You’ll need to have a plan of attack to get on this ride!
It’s not uncommon to be in line at Radiator Springs Racers for upwards of 2 1/2 hours on a slower park day. Here’s a tip though, get to the park early! When I say early, I mean before the park even opens. Head over to Buena Vista Street entrance half hour or more before park opening. You’ll be able to get into the park around 30 minutes before official opening. Once in California Adventure, send one person from your group to get the Fast Passes at Radiator Springs Racers, while the rest of you hit up the new Starbucks.
Radiator Springs Racers is the most popular attraction in Cars Land, and honestly in all of California Adventure currently, and there are days when the entire allotment of Fast Passes are gone within the first hour or so of park opening. You’ll be sorry if you don’t get those Fast Passes early!
Quick tip for those with toddlers, make sure you have them measured up first. The ride height minimum is 40 inches. In addition to the ride height requirement, know that the ride is fast, there are dips and hills, quick turns and speed. These can be scary to some kids, so know your toddlers limits. If your children are anything like mine, they will expect to be the “winner” every time they ride. This won’t happen, so prep them early to know that there is no set car that will “win” every time. You’d have as much luck figuring out how many drops and how far the Tower of Terror will have. There are a few moments of stomach drops as you experience roller coaster like “flying” and “near misses” along the way. These can be scary for most younger kids, but generally if they enjoy rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, they’ll be just fine on Radiator Springs Racers.
One last tidbit that you should know is that much like it’s cousin, Test Track, in Walt Disney World, this ride will break down and break down often. Much of the long line can be attributed to those holding out hope for the ride to be fixed and quickly return to operation. Unfortunately the ride hasn’t gotten the bugs worked out completely so be prepared to entertain the kids, and adults, in your group for possible extended periods of time.
Overall, take the time to enjoy Radiator Springs Racers and all of Cars Land. you’ll find there is plenty to do and if you can swing it, ride the racers twice. Hit it once during the day and again at night for two completely different experiences. Whatever you do, you do not want to miss Cars Land during your visit!
I hope you find this information fun, new and worthwhile.
Related articles
- Visiting Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure (chipandco.com)
- I’m Going to California Adventure. Now what do I do? (chipandco.com)
Events and Tours you don’t want to miss at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There is so much more to see and do at Walt Disney World than just four theme parks and the downtown area. We will be exploring all the “extra perks” that they have offer including tours, behinds the scenes and special little events throughout the year. Join us as we start with Animal Kingdom.
Are you Wild About Wildlife?
Have you spent time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and seen the staggering amount of animals that call it home? It’s home to more than 1,500 animals that represent 250 species to be exact, and it quite a feat to make sure they are all happy, healthy and thriving. Did you know there is a behind the scenes tour that gives an all new perspectives to the unique challenges involved with keeping that many animals?
The Backstage Safari
You start with an eye-opening tour of the facilities where the animals are cared for, then end with an exhilarating safari.
- Visit the Animal Nutrition Center and see how over 3 tons of food are prepared and distributed each day.
- Explore various backstage animal-housing areas, which may include elephant, giraffe and white rhino enclosures.
- Meet the animal keepers and get the backstory on the animals.
- Tour the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, where you may even witness animals being treated.
- Stop by the Animal Programs Administration and learn how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation and animal well-being.
At the end of your tour, enjoy light refreshments and a keepsake.
A portion of the tour proceeds is donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
Disneyland Planning Checklist
We all want to get the most out of our vacations, and with some Key Disneyland Planning you can. We’ve created a handy checklist for you to follow along with as you start the planning process. If you use a Travel Agent, then they will do most of this for you.
Here’s a highlighted checklist of what to plan before arriving:
- Plan the Best Time of Year for Your Visit – This is very personal, if you don’t like crowds, don’t go in July. If you don’t mind crowds and want full days with lots of options, July is probably your best choice.
- Contact Your Travel Agent with a list of your wants – Put them to work for you, that’s what they do and at no cost to you
- Order For Yourself Or Have Your Travel Agent Send You A Disney Vacation Planning DVD – It’s fun to watch no matter what
- Write a Vacation Budget – Share with Your Travel Agent – this should include your must do’s, food budget (then add 20%), souvenir budget and Miscellaneous items
