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Tag Archives: Disney’s Days of Christmas
Should you visit Downtown Disney?
When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the parks, rides, and attractions. When you’re on Disney property, you might feel like you’re “missing out” on what’s going on inside one of the parks if you’re not in them. You can’t help but think “I could be on Space Mountain right now!” or “I wonder if there’s a lot of people watching Illuminations tonight?” Maybe you feel guilty for leisurely strolling the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at Downtown Disney, but the days of feeling guilty are over!
I love Downtown Disney. I find it’s a great place to go to escape the chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes be present in the parks. It’s also free! I like to visit Downtown Disney on my travel days, so I don’t have to worry about wasting half of a ticket day. It’s also a great way bookend to a vacation — a great place to start to prep for the parks, and a great place to end your trip and purchase last-minute souvenirs.
Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to make the trip downtown and explore? Here are some of my favorite places you’ll find at Downtown Disney that just might convince you:
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!
Quick Tips – Holiday Room Decorating
- Dreaming of a Disney Christmas
Another Christmas in July article for the Disney Holiday traveler. 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.
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!
To Downtown Disney or Not?
That is the question!
When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the parks, rides, and attractions. When you’re on Disney property, you might feel like you’re “missing out” on what’s going on inside one of the parks if you’re not in them. You can’t help but think “I could be on Space Mountain right now!” or “I wonder if there’s a lot of people watching Illuminations tonight?” Maybe you feel guilty for leisurely strolling the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at Downtown Disney, but the days of feeling guilty are over!
I love Downtown Disney. I find it’s a great place to go to escape the chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes be present in the parks. It’s also free! I like to visit Downtown Disney on my travel days, so I don’t have to worry about wasting half of a ticket day. It’s also a great way bookend to a vacation — a great place to start to prep for the parks, and a great place to end your trip and purchase last-minute souvenirs.
Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to make the trip downtown and explore? Here are some of my favorite places you’ll find at Downtown Disney that just might convince you:
The World of Disney
This is by far the largest souvenir store you’ll find on Disney property! It’s pretty much a Disney department store. The World of Disney is broken up into twelve different themed rooms, each featuring select merchandise. Any kind of souvenir that you could possibly get in Disney, you can find here! From home goods and plush toys to jewelry and apparel — it’s here. A few years ago, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was built right in the World of Disney store. If you’re having trouble booking an appointment for your princess in the Magic Kingdom, try this location!
Disney’s Days of Christmas
One of my favorite things to bring home from any vacation is a Christmas ornament. This store is filled with tinsel, holly, lights, trees, and ornaments. From the second you walk into the door, you’re transported to a winter wonderland, any time of the year. You can even get ornaments personalized with your name or the year of your trip.
Eateries
Forget the shopping. If I’m going to be completely honest, I come to Downtown Disney for the food! A couple of my favorite places to eat and snack are found here. If you’re on the dining plan, don’t miss Wolfgang Puck Express — it is probably one of the best values on property for a counter service meal. The portions are huge and the food is gourmet! My favorite place to grab a sandwich can also be found here: Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are warm, savory, and bursting with flavor.
The final place I recommend is a place I dream about when I’m not in Disney: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. The sundaes are to die for!
If you have a few hours to spare on your next trip, stop by Downtown Disney. There is so much to do and see that it’s worth your time. And don’t forget — stop for some ice cream!
Related articles
- New Resturants added to the 2012 Disney Dining Plan (chipandco.com)
- BabyCakes NYC Bakery Now Taking Cake Orders from Disney Dining Guests (disneyfoodblog.com)
WDW Veteran Visitors: It’s a Given
My family and I are what is known as Veteran Visitors to Walt Disney World. During our annual trips, there are traditional practices we always tend to follow even though we don’t plan it that way. Some things are just “givens” when we visit.
Here are some examples:
It’s a given that we will be visiting the Magic Kingdom as our first park.
It’s a given that we will immediately head to Asia whenever we enter the Animal Kingdom park, so we can enjoy Everest first thing.
It’s a given that when we visit the Hollywood Studios, my daughter and I will at some time during the day enjoy “The Voyage of the Little Mermaid” while our macho males in the family enjoy the Stunt Spectacular or Indiana Jones.
It’s a given that if we stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we will get a drink from the Mara and sit out by the pool on our first night there.
It’s a given that we will have Family Pasta Night with the create-your-own-pasta at the Riverside Mill if we stay at the Port Orleans Riverside.
It’s a given that we will never ride single rider on Test Track because my kids have never been willing to split up the family.
It’s a given that we will enjoy a Monorail Mania Meal on one of the nights during our trip.
It’s a given that we will ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at least twice during the 3:00 parade at MK.
It’s a given that we will visit ‘Ohana on the last night of our trip.
It’s a given that we will be at Downtown Disney on the day we leave to purchase souvenirs at the World of Disney and a new Christmas ornament for each of us at Days of Christmas.
That’s just the way it is. Those “givens” are what makes visiting Walt Disney World just like home for us as veteran visitors. What are your family’s givens? Share them with us.
