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Tag Archives: WDW
A Great WDW Souvenir – Before You Even Get There
If you are a first time traveler to Walt Disney World or are going “home”, then you realize there are a ton of different WDW souvenirs to be had. T-shirts, mugs, magnets, hats, you can even order an awesome Chip and Co. shirt the list is endless and it’s so hard to choose.
One of my favorites is a customizable map. WDW has a website where you can order maps of all the Kingdoms, customize them with your favorite rides and even put your name on them. There are categories of attraction suggestions for different age groups to help you along if needed. Once you have completed your map you have the option of printing them at home or delivered right to your front door.
We love these and each year I order a set. They come printed on a heavy duty card stock in full color. The maps are big enough to read easily, but not so big they take up a lot of room in the suitcase. My kids love to look at them and they feel really special having their own personalized map. We bring them home and I have used them in scrap books, or when the kids “play” Disney World they walk around with their maps. I have also used them to surprise the kids when they didn’t know that we were going, just open the mailbox and something from Disney World is just waiting for them, a map showing everything they want to do.
They are a great help while you are there and also a great souvenir when you get home. Just remember when you order it can take up to 6 weeks for delivery, so leave yourself plenty of time for them to get to your “castle”.
Have you ever ordered a map from Walt Disney World? Did you love them as much as I did? How did you “reuse” them?
Erin is a lover all things Disney, especially Disney World. She loves to share the many things she has learned over the years of traveling to Disney World, reading about Disney and learning about everything Disney.
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Don’t forget to pack your Medicine for Walt Disney World…
Normally I would tell you to just say no to drugs, but on a Disney World Vacation I’m tellin’ you… YOU BETTA BRING SOME WITH YOU!!!
On two of my trips to WDW I got sick. Sick as a dog. Sick as in “please Jesus let me DIE before my throat explodes” kind of sick. I’m fairly sure I spent as much on medicine at the gift shops as I did on park-tickets!
People book Disney vacations months in advance, so if they, or their children get sick it is extremely likely they will go ahead and on vacation. This becomes a problem because, if your kids are like mine, you cannot stop the darlings from TOUCHING THE QUEUE (WAITING LINE) HANDRAILS. (enter scary huffing-out-of-frustration sound here). Which means germs are being spread like wildfire.
Do NOT underestimate the importance of bringing a medicine bag with you. Now be smart… if you’re flying there are all kinds of wacko regulations about how much liquid you can bring in your carry-on, so don’t get yourself into a situation that requires a pat-down, but I wanted to make sure that I told you about some medicines that you just simply SHOULD NOT go to Disney without. Obviously you’ll remember any daily meds you take regularly, so they will be excluded from the list.
1. COLD Medicines:
- Head Cold/Congestion Medicine – DAY & NIGHT. (this costs a TON at WDW and goes fast)
- Tussin – will work for both kids or adults if a cough creeps up.
- Claritin – With the ABUNDANT flora of Middle Florida and California you may discover you have an allergy to something you didn’t know you had. I would just suggest taking one every day just in case.
- Thermometer – Is your kid just acting crabby b/c they’ve had a busy/overstimulating day, or have they caught something? A thermometer will help to see.
- Ayr Nasal Spray – again, allergies or congestion can really ruin a trip. Don’t forget this kind of stuff.
The American Idol Experience at WDW Introduces New Songs for a New Season
Just as “American Idol” on television makes changes each season, The American Idol Experience has recently been updated with the addition of 14 new songs, which guests can choose to perform for their big moment on stage.
Many of the new songs, including hits from former American Idols, are titles that have been requested by guests auditioning at The American Idol Experience. Taking a cue from the television show, where country music has become more prominent, the list also adds several more songs from that genre.
Here’s the complete list of the recent additions, bringing the total number of songs available for auditions to 158. Which one would be a dream come true for you to perform on The American Idol Experience stage?
Top Five Reasons Why WDW Is The Perfect Adult Vacation Spot
There are many people out there who think of Walt Disney World as a place for kids and families, and it is true that they do cater largely to that crowd. BUT, that isn’t all they do – they work hard to make WDW a place where those of all ages can go to have fun. Personally, I love WDW even more as an adult than I did as a kid, and in case you are on the fence, here are my top 5 reasons why you should give WDW a try for your next adult vacation:
1. It’s Truly a “World” of it’s own – It’s a place where you can forget your stress and cares, and enjoy the rides, sites and characters that are around every corner at WDW. It will make you feel like a kid, and it’s truly one of the best places to have fun and enjoy yourselves!
2. The FOOD – At a lot of other theme parks, the food options range from deep fried chicken fingers and fries to ice cream and hamburgers, without a lot of variety or healthy options readily available. Disney takes Park cuisine to a whole new level – they really do have it all. There are plenty of counter service restaurants around the Parks, where you will find the standard burgers/fries/chicken, but where they also have more unique items like BBQ ribs, salads, sandwiches, soups, paninis, and delicious desserts. If you’re in the mood to relax and enjoy a sit down meal, then there are tons of sit down restaurants that range from casual to fancy with dress codes, and offer fresh seafood, delicious steaks, and plenty of other options. And if you’re more into the “all you can eat” type of cuisine, Disney has some really delicious buffets, some of which are character meals, where you can enjoy a buffet and get the chance to meet and greet your favorite characters all at the same time! We like using Disney Dining for all of our Food News & Reviews!
Take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan with these helpful tips
Many people who travel to Walt Disney World take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan (DDP). Disney dining plans are options available exclusively to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages. You can choose from quick service dining plan, dining plan, deluxe dining plan, premium package and platinum package. Once you decide which dining plan is best for your party, here are a few other things to consider:
- Kids under age three eat for free at buffets or off of a parent’s plate.
- When making reservations, give the exact number of your party even if some are under age 3 and will eat for free or if they are infants and won’t eat at all. Disney needs to count all people, not just eaters, in the restaurant for fire code capacity.
- Tip is not included in Disney Dining Plan, so bring extra cash for a tip. We like using Disney Gift Cards for our tips. A little bit easier than carrying cash.
- Alcohol purchases are not included in the plan, so if you want to drink, bring extra money or a credit card for these purchases.
- Consider making reservations at a restaurant that will give you special seating for Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios or Candlelight Processional (Christmas time) at Epcot.
- Consider making early breakfast reservations prior to the park opening. This will give your family a great opportunity to have your picture made with the park icons (Cinderella Castle, Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth or Sorcerer’s Hat) without as many other people in the background! You can also get great shots of other attractions and scenery without people clutter.
- Plan for dinner at the Fort Wilderness instead of lunch. Then you can stay after for the Sing A Long with Chip ‘N Dale and outdoor movie!
- Use Your Snack Credits. Most people forget to use them throughout the week. Chip listed out a ton of snack items you must try on his 100 Disney Foods to eat before you die challenge.
- Remember you can always call or go online and change your Advanced Dining Reservations. Most times even a few hours before you eat!
- With all the great food you’re gonna eat be sure to leave room for dessert!
Well there you have it, some great tips to go along with your Disney Dining Plan. The biggest one I think is the tipping. Most new people don’t realize they will need money for tips till that first receipt comes in, so plan to have some money onhand for those hard-working Disney Cast Members!
