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Category Archives: Tips and Tricks
Disney Quick Tips – Holiday Room Decorating
- Dreaming of a Disney Christmas
Disney does an amazing job decorating their resorts and parks during the holidays. No detail is left undone. Except your own room! This is where you come in. Below are some tips for making your resort room special during the holiday season. Many Disney visitors decorate for Halloween, birthdays or just because. Same tips apply!
THE WINDOW
- Best place to start is your window. Before you head out, buy items at local dollar stores or Christmas Tree Shops.
- LED string lights are best as they don’t get hot. Bring some suction cup hooks to help display them.
- Window clings are cheap, lightweight, and available in Disney themes. I find mine at the Dollar Store.
- Depending on how you pack you can go as nuts here as you like. Most rooms have a ledge under the window to place any other decorations you like.
- Fake snow spray is a cute idea, but be nice and clean it off before you leave!
- A small wreath will look great on your window or door. If you have the time make something custom with the kids before you leave. A stop at the craft store should get you a wood or felt crafting kit.
TIP: Make sure you have all the tools you need for setting up your decorations. Extension cords, tape, wreath hangers, suction cup hooks etc. Avoid nails or push pins, after all you are visiting!
Top 10 Free or Cheap things to do outside of Disney World
Many people think that Disney World is just the 4 parks, but there are many things to do outside of the parks that do not cost a lot and some are even free !
Here is a list of a few of my recommendations of some free or cheap things to do outside of the parks, in no certain order.
1) Visiting the many Disney resorts. Disney has over 20 resorts and each of them has a different theme, You can make a day of just going around and checking out all the different resorts. They are all beautifully decorated and worth seeing. Keep in mind that all Disney resorts, just like the parks, sell different merchandise and some merchandise is only sold at certain resorts. Check out Chip’s Series Resort Hopping 101 here.
2) Riding the monorail. I know that most of us already know this so this tip is directed more to the first time visitor. The monorail loop circles The Magic Kingdom, The Polynesian Resort, The Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. I recommend getting off the monorail and the resort stops and taking a walk around. These resorts are some of Disney’s top resorts and of course that means they are some of the most expensive resorts, so for those of us who can not afford to stay there we can always go and dream.
Saving on Souvenirs at Walt Disney World
For many of us the trips we plan to Disney are about making memories, family time and good old-fashioned fun. For our kids it’s about all that…and the souvenirs. Let’s face it Disney is pretty good at tempting us adults too! They have exclusive Park Only merchandise and the cutest little sweatshirts, stuffed toys, trading pins…OH MY! I could go on and on. They have not been in business for this long without knowing how to merchandise. Here are a few tips to keep your wallet happy as well as your kids (and you).
1. Buy Before You Go. Check out the Disney Store or Disneystore.com for small gifts you know your kids will enjoy. The key here is small as you are going to bring them with you on your trip. Little princess cell phones, McQueen bouncy balls, stuffed Tiggers are all good ideas. Looking for these items on sale is the objective. Even other stores like Target, Kohl’s or Toys R Us carry Disney items. Pick up what you can and put it aside. Tip: If you are flying and have so much of this stuff that you require an extra piece of luggage, you probably aren’t saving money. If it makes sense you can also mail packages to your resort ahead of time. Again weigh the cost here of shipping.
Flying Your Family to Disney Without Going Crazy! Part Two: Getting There
After months of planning you are now on your way to Disney. No time to slack…you’ve got to get through the plane ride! Here are some helpful hints that you and your plane mates will appreciate. Did you miss Flying Your Family to Disney without Going Crazy! Part One: Planning Ahead? Click here.
At the Airport
- Get there Early: Arrive with plenty of time to get through the process with your children. Its stressful enough without being rushed.
- Look for the Family Line at Security: Most airports have them and it’s meant to give families a little breathing room getting through security. This is not an excuse to be unprepared. Have your toiletries ready, pockets emptied, belts off etc. The family behind you will appreciate it.
- Dress appropriately: Hopefully you’ve worn comfortable clothes and shoes! At the time of this article children are no longer required to remove their shoes for security screening.
- It all goes in: You will need to put just about everything through the security belt. Including your stroller and car seat. Remember to take your child out of the car seat if they are in it. If you’ve ever gone through this process you will understand how it happens!
- Tire them out: Once you are through, you need to look for ways to keep your child entertained. Avoid the goodies you packed, if at all possible until the plane ride. Many airports have children’s play areas, but if not a child can be easily entertained at a busy airport.
- Everybody goes: Get some beverages and a potty break in so you are ready to go when the time comes. Not all airplane bathrooms have a changing table, so get a fresh diaper in at the last-minute.
Finding the best viewing spot for IllumiNations
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s fireworks spectacular, is more than just bursts of color in the nighttime sky. It, like other Walt Disney World attractions, not only entertains—and wows—but also tells a story.
Utilizing pyrotechnics, a revolving globe and laser projections all synced to a booming symphonic score, this 14-minute show integrates fire, earth and water (and wind on a breezy night) to celebrate our planet and its people. The story is “told” in three acts:
- Act 1: Chaos —The Inferno Barge launches balls of fire 60 feet into the air depicting the dawn of time and the creation of Earth.
- Act 2: Order —Earth Globe glides to the center of the lagoon, glowing with great people and achievements throughout time.
- Act 3: Meaning —Earth Globe opens to reveal a torch; fireworks begin and laser lights fill the sky, propelling us into the future.
The stage is set in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon and is visible from pretty much any vantage point in the park. However, one of the best viewing spots is the patio of the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room. Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion, Rose & Crown sits right on the water and is designed in three different architectural styles—one reflecting pubs of the late 19th century, one modeled after pubs from the 17th century and one modeled after contemporary country pubs.
