Category: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

The most frequent question that I am asked by a person planning their first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is “Should I purchase Disney Park Hopper Tickets?”.

Believe it or not, my answer is different for each family. If you’re planning your first vacation to The Walt Disney World Resort, I have listed below three scenarios when I believe adding a Park Hopper Option to a Base Ticket is a win to achieve a perfect vacation and three reasons that I believe the cost of adding the Hopper option is a waste of money.

Reasons to Purchase the Hopper Option

(approximately an additional $60 cost per person to the base ticket price)

If your kids have entered into the tween and teenage years, have left the nest or you’re travelling without kids, go for the Hopper Option. Everyone in your family can stay up past 7pm and you’re ready to get the party started! During slower seasons, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park often close earlier than Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Once one park closes hop on over to another park.
Your time at The Walt Disney World Resort is limited to three days or less. If you’re planning on seeing all four parks, it’s not going to happen unless you have the Hopper option. I highly discourage this if you have small children.
You Really Really Really want to keep special reservations within a certain park but do not plan on allocating an extra day to that park. For an example, within the Magic Kingdom, Beast’s Castle’s “Be Our Guest” restaurant is an extremely popular place to get dining reservations, as is Cinderella’s Royal Table. You will most likely have reservations for these special dining locations on separate days, yet you may not want to spend the entire two days at Magic Kingdom. For instance you might want to spend your day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom until park closing and then go to the Magic Kingdom Park for a 7pm reservation.

Reasons to Purchase a Base Ticket Only

(Referred to as a One Park Per Day Ticket)

If your family includes small children, elementary grade school age or younger, it’s a good idea to stick to a base ticket. A Walt Disney World Vacation is TONS of fun and TONS of physical movement and mental stimuli. Most times too much to make it from park opening to park closing without meltdown consequences. My family often leaves midday for a nap and returns at dinner time. This helps us stay longer than bedtime, but not to park closing. Having said this, each park offers much more than could be experienced in a day, even if you are there from open to close. Realistically, you will need to stay put in that park or return to the same park later in the day to even come close to seeing everything on your “must see” list.
Your resort stay is longer than four days. Currently (September 2013), the cost difference between a 4 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket and a 5 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket is $10. Instead of adding the additional $60 fee for the Hopping Option, add an additional $10 instead and spend another full day in the park you intended to hop to. Even if you only do a half day in the park, it’s still very cost-effective.
Slow down a notch. Hopping from Park to Park is fun, but exhausting and you miss out on time spent in a park while you’re travelling. Reduce your vacation stress a bit by taking a moment to sit with your kids and eat a Premium Mickey Bar. Let them watch the swans in Magic Kingdom or jump in front of the Jumping Water Fountain at Epcot instead of rushing to the next attraction. You may witness the most special magical moment by sitting back, relaxing and simply watching.

The second question I’m usually asked is, “Where can I find the cheapest place to purchase tickets?”

I personally purchase my tickets through Undercover Tourist. I’m not affiliated with this company, nor am I recommending you purchase your tickets from them. I can only speak in regards to my experiences. I’ve never had any problems with this company and I’ve always found them to be the least expensive. If you’d like to visit their site, their website is listed below.

http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html

You could also purchase your theme park tickets from Disney directly. Here is their website:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets/

Most importantly, when you receive your tickets, take a close up photo of the back of them. I take the photo with my iPhone. This way I if the tickets are lost, I can have Disney reissue my families tickets very easily.

Happy Planning! And look for my latest Disney Inspired Vacation Savings Craft for Kids to hit your mailboxes this Friday!

09
Sep
2013

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation for Families with Preschoolers or Infants

categories: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to Monorails, Buses and Boats

Whether you plan on traveling by plane, train or automobile, the thought of traveling with small children for a long period of time can be a bit overwhelming. Then you throw in the fact that Walt Disney World consists of 42 square miles of fun and I’m certain most heads start to spin. Thoughts flood your mind. What should I pack? How can I prepare for all the potential issues that could arise? How will I meet all of my children’s needs and have an enjoyable vacation for the whole family?

As a mom of two young children (2 years old and 6 years old), as well as a Disney File, I find myself running the same thoughts through my mind each year. My husband and I met while we worked at Walt Disney World about 10 years ago. Since moving back to Pennsylvania in 2002, we have visited our old boss at least once every year and our son, Gavin, has been to WDW 8 times in his six big years. We’ve traveled by automobile and plane, both have had their perks. Today, I’d like to help you prepare with packing lists and tips for travel to and from WDW, as well as tips for being prepared to have FUN with your little ones in the parks. Most importantly, I promise that after all your preparations, no matter what happens along the way to Disney, once you arrive Tink’s Pixie Dust will make many moment magical and your memories will truly last a lifetime.

Below is a link that will take you directly to a page that I wrote a year and a half ago, yet it is still relevant today. On this page you’ll find my Plane Flight Packing List for Traveling with an Infant and a separate list for Traveling with a Preschooler. In addition the page includes a Children’s Packing List for Automobile Travel and a Packing List for your Daily Disney Excursions while on vacation. It’s nine pages packed with valuable packing lists and advice for travelling to Disney with small children.

http://a2zdizney.hubpages.com/hub/Planning-a-Pixie-Dust-Filled-Walt-Disney-World-Vacation-for-Families-with-Preschoolers-and-Infants

If you’re not currently planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Pin It for later.

23
Aug
2013

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

categories: Reviews, Walt Disney World Travel Tips

Have you ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort?

This week on the blog I tried to help you extend your summer vacation a little bit longer, by showing you creative ideas to remember your summer beach vacation with a touch of Disney. Today I’d like to close the week by telling you about a beautiful pearl of a Disney vacation resort, that is sandwiched between fields of orange groves and the foaming blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Well, it truly is.

The Walt Disney Resort is my family’s favorite place to vacation. So much so, that we call it our home away from home. For how much fun it is to vacation at Disney, it’s also equally exhausting. Adding a couple of days before or after our WDW vacation is a relaxing treat. The resort sincerely exemplifies all that I love about The Walt Disney Resort. The cast members are some of the most “Disney” people I have met. The resort’s cleanliness is exceptional and the beauty of the resort is breathtaking. There are even Hidden Mickeys you can find! The difference is Vero Beach is quiet. Unless you are visiting in the summer months, it’s possible that there will be times that your family may only be sharing the beach or pool with a few other people. These photos were taken in the month of April. As you can see, we were the only one’s on the beach! One of the best features of the resort is it’s literally right on the beach.

Your trip can be as relaxing as you’d like, or full of adventure with fun family activities that are organized and run by the resort’s cast members. Here are some of the resort’s amenities that your family can use during your stay.

Soccer fields
Tennis courts
Port Holes miniature golf course
Bocce ball court
Playground
Arcade
Campfire pit
Horseshoe pit

The Tiger Lily Wet Play Area was my son’s favorite place to play. I think it had something to do with the water canons!

The accommodations at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort can sleep parties as large as 12 in their beach cottages. The smallest rooms are referred to as Studios and there are two different types, an “Inn” or a “Villa” room. Although the “Villa” room is an additional 15 square feet, we prefer to stay in the “Inn” rooms, otherwise known as in the Main Building. It’s nice to be close to the store, restaurants and guest services. Since the resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club family of resorts, each room offers at kitchenette or a full size kitchen and a bunch of other features. You don’t have to be a DVC member to stay at this resort. Check out the link below to Disney’s site to learn more about the resort’s accommodation offerings.

http://www.disneybeachresorts.com/vero-beach-resort/accommodations

Here is the view from an “Inn” room. The buildings in the photo are the three bedroom cottages.

There are four different types of dining offerings at the resort and they are all delicious! They even offer a character dining experience on Saturday mornings, Goofy’s Beachfront Breakfast.

If you’re one for dining in, of course they offer in-room dining, complete with Mickey shaped butter!

If you’ve ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, what’s your favorite thing to do there?

28
Jul
2013

Disney with Kids- Pirates

categories: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

Top Ten Pirate Hot Spots at Walt Disney World

If you’re planning a trip to The Walt Disney World Resort and it’s been a while since you’ve been there, then I must warn you, there are pirates everywhere! Pirates have always been popular. However it seems that with the rise of The Pirates of the Caribbean films, now Pirates are to boys what Princesses are to girls, an obsession. My family is a slight variation of that statement, since my two-year old daughter is also obsessed with Pirates, that is Jake and the Neverland Pirates (or affectionately known by Victoria as “Ho, Ho, Ho”!). Gavin, my six-year-old fits the mold; three out of his six Halloween costumes have been either Captain Hook or a Pirate. If your little scoundrels are Pirate loving Mates, then schedule theses ten Pirate Hot Spots into your Walt Disney World vacation plan.

There are 10 great Pirating Adventures to be had at Disney, which I’ll break down into two categories, Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Adventures and Neverland Pirates Adventures (Peter Pan and Jake and the Neverland Pirates).

Neverland Pirates’ Adventures

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine: During this character dining experience, in Hollywood & Vine at The Disney Studios Theme Park, you’re little pirate can spend a few minutes, getting his autograph and taking a few pictures with Jake from Disney Junior’s Jake and the Neverland Pirates. The food is fantastic too!
Disney Junior- Live on Stage!: This preschooler friendly show is located at The Disney Studios Theme Park. Make sure to check the show times when you enter the park. You don’t want to miss this attraction if you’re kids love Disney Junior. They will also see Sophia from Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins, and The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stars.
Disney Junior Meet and Greet Area: At the Animation Courtyard in Disney Studios, several of Disney Junior’s super stars, including Jake of Jake and the Neverland Pirates, are available for autographs and photos. Make sure to check times for this meet and greet when you get to the park.
Peter Pan’s Flight: Found in the Magic Kingdom Park, tucked within Fantasyland, Peter Pan’s Flight is perfect for kids of all ages. Make sure that you utilize Disney’s Fastpass option at this attraction. Since it’s a popular attraction, the line could be long. Watch out for Captain Hook and his scoundrel pirate crew!
Pirates and Pal’s Firework Voyage: If you’re pirates love Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, this is the ultimate experience for them. Although our family has not been on this voyage yet, we have it booked for this fall and of course I’ll tell you all about it when we return. Here is what I do know, before boarding their pirate vessel, children and their parents have a private meet and greet with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee which includes snacks. The boat then launches in Bay Lake and takes its passengers on a Firework Adventure to see Wishes (Magic Kingdom’s firework show). Upon the conclusion of the show, the mates return to find Peter Pan waiting at the dock of the Contemporary Resort. The Pirates and Pal’s Firework Voyage books out months in advance, so contact Disney as soon as you are booking your trip.

Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures

Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction: Located at the Magic Kingdom Park within Adventureland, this is the ride that inspired the movies, which then inspired the current version of the attraction that you see today. If it’s been a while since you cruised on the ride, in 2006 the attraction was updated to include Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa. The adventure is perfect for kids of all ages.
Captain Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial: Across from the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction, aspiring pirates can learn from Captain Jack Sparrow official Pirate sword fighting skills and take the Pirate Oath. Once again, to make sure you don’t miss this interactive show, grab a park map for the times as soon as you get to the park.
A Pirate’s Adventure~ A Treasures of the Seven Seas: This is a brand new attraction at The Magic Kingdom and it’s perfect for the whole Pirate family to explore Adventureland. Families complete the five missions at their own pace. Each mission takes about twenty minutes, so plan on allocating over an hour and a half if you want to complete all five missions . The starting point to get your supplies is at The Crow’s Nest.
Pirate Adventure Cruises: There are four different adventures that are offered at four different Walt Disney World Resorts and they are exclusive to children 4-12 years of age. Mom and Dad, that means you drop off your pirate for two hours and you have FREE time. I’m a bit over protective and the first thing I thought was “My child on the water in a boat without me!”. Rest assured, Disney requires all pirates to wear a life jacket and there is a life guard on the boat with them at all times during their adventure. The cost for this adventure is roughly $36.00 per pirate. Check out Disney’s site for more information! https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/pirate-adventure-cruises/
The Pirate League: If you’re child wants to magically transform into an actual pirate, The Pirate League is the place were the magic happens. Your child must be at least 3 years old to join the League and adults can join in the fun too! The Pirate League is located at The Magic Kingdom Park and reservations are required. Warning- your gold doubloons will go into the Disney Pirates’ registers at this spot. The cost starts at around $30 and can be as high as $75 per pirate.

If your family loves Pirates and you’ve had any Pirate Adventures at Disney that you’d like to share, please do! I’d love to share them with Mouse Ears Mom’s readers!

19
Jul
2013

Top Three Magic Kingdom Hot Spots for Cooling Down

categories: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

“We’re walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A”…and sweat is already rolling down our faces when an oasis suddenly appears- The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

1. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, located at the end of Main Street USA, calls you in with is alluring smell of freshly made waffle bowls and a promise of a cool scoop of creamy ice cream. It’s menu is simple; offering ice cream sundaes, hand-scooped ice cream cones, a delicious ice cream cookie sandwich and ice cream floats. However, if you have special dietary needs, the Plaza does offer Tofutti and Rice Dream, also No Sugar Added Raspberry Sorbet and No Sugar Added Butter Pecan. In addition, if you are simply watching your fat intake, you could purchase their Fat-free Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl. The purchase cost per item ranges from $4.29 to $5.29 for adult portions. For little Mouseketeers, a Mickey Mouse Kid’s Cone is around $3.00. My favorite thing about the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is the outdoor setting area with stunning views of Cinderella’s Castle. It’s also a fantastic location to view The Main Street Electrical Parade and the night-time fireworks show, Wishes. Just remember to go to the ice cream parlor before the parade begins, because the seating fills up fast.

Deep in the heart of Adventureland, where there is danger lurking around every corner, you’ll find nestled quietly, golden treasures hidden behind a window at the Aloha Isle .

2. Aloha Isle. OK, so I’m being dramatic, if you simply cross the bridge from Main Street USA into Adventureland ,then walk a short distance past a small merchandise area, you’ll find the Aloha Isle Quick Service order window across from The Swiss Family Robinson’s Treehouse Attraction. This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE place to cool down with a special treat. The Aloha Isle is often referred to as the Dole Whip stand, since it is famous for its Dole Whip Pineapple products. From its Dole Whip Soft Serve Pineapple or Orange Swirl to the Pineapple Juice Float, this location is a must try once and I guarantee you will be going back for more. If you don’t enjoy pineapples or oranges, the Aloha Isle also offers Coca-Cola or Barq’s Root Beer Floats. The purchase cost per item ranges from $3.79 for the soft serve ice cream to $4.99 for the ice cream floats. This is also a great location if you are simply looking for a location to purchase Apple Juice, Orange Juice or Pineapple Juice for the kids.

Ice Cream Cart Menu — Photographer: Vanessa Mroczka
Twitter: Vanessa_rules 1
Instagram: so_truee_postss

3. Ice Cream Carts-Home to Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar. My final “Hot Spot’ for cooling down is actually found in 11 location throughout Magic Kingdom Park’s Six “Lands”. The Ice Cream Carts offer a variety of frozen treats that vary at each cart. There is one classic item that is a favorite of most Walt Disney World guests, the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. Moms and Dads, the bars are extremely yummy and enjoyed by children of all ages, but I do want you to be aware of the nutritional values on this set of Mickey Ears. One Mickey Premium Bar is 330 calories with 22 grams of fat. It’s a rather large ice cream bar and most little mousekeeters will not be able to finish one. That said, you may want to have smaller children share one or even opt for the Strawberry Fruit Bar, which is a fraction of the calories,

What is your favorite “cool” snack at The Walt Disney World Resort? I’d love to know! Please feel free to post them in the comment section below.

Category: Walt Disney World Travel Tips

The most frequent question that I am asked by a person planning their first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is “Should I purchase Disney Park Hopper Tickets?”.

Reasons to Purchase the Hopper Option

Reasons to Purchase a Base Ticket Only

The second question I’m usually asked is, “Where can I find the cheapest place to purchase tickets?”

Happy Planning! And look for my latest Disney Inspired Vacation Savings Craft for Kids to hit your mailboxes this Friday!

Share this:

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to Monorails, Buses and Boats

If you’re not currently planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Pin It for later.

Share this:

Have you ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort?

Here is the view from an “Inn” room. The buildings in the photo are the three bedroom cottages.

If you’re one for dining in, of course they offer in-room dining, complete with Mickey shaped butter!

If you’ve ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, what’s your favorite thing to do there?

Share this:

Top Ten Pirate Hot Spots at Walt Disney World

Neverland Pirates’ Adventures

Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures

If your family loves Pirates and you’ve had any Pirate Adventures at Disney that you’d like to share, please do! I’d love to share them with Mouse Ears Mom’s readers!

Share this:

“We’re walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A”…and sweat is already rolling down our faces when an oasis suddenly appears- The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

Deep in the heart of Adventureland, where there is danger lurking around every corner, you’ll find nestled quietly, golden treasures hidden behind a window at the Aloha Isle .

Share this: