Disney Travel Tips

Everything you need to know for the best Disney vacation! Disney travel tips and insider tricks so you can make the most of your Disney vacation!

The International Food & Wine Festival 2013

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00October 2nd, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

It is that time of year again – The International Food and Wine Festival has begun at Epcot®.  This year marks the 18th anniversary of this 46 day festival.  The International Food and Wine Festival runs Sept 27 – Nov 11, 2013.  With Food and Wine available from 30 different kiosks, this festival is a food and wine lovers dream come true!  There are also many seminars, classes and demonstrations throughout the festival First let’s talk food!  Last year’s most popular offering was Canada’s “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce.  They served up more than 80,000 servings of this dish.  It is returning this year at the Canada Kiosk, along with the Canadian Beer Cheese Soup, another very popular dish.  Each Kiosk has multiple choices of food and beverages, many of the food Items are eligible for the Snack Credits on the Disney Dining Plan – for instance – the Lobster Roll or Grilled Lobster Tail at the Hops and Barley Kiosk – they would be $7.50 out of pocket – or 1 Snack Credit on the DDP. Besides browsing your way around the “World” at the Kiosks, there are many seminars and events available, at [...]

The Ultimate Field Trip

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00September 23rd, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Tabitha|

Summer is over and you still haven't made it to Walt Disney World® Resort?  No worries!  Vacationing at Disney during the school year is an excellent time to go.  While everyone may not agree with taking kids out of school for vacation,  Walt Disney World® is not just a vacation.  It is also and educational experience!  Instead of thinking of it as taking your kids out of school, think of it as taking your children on an incredible, multi-day field trip! In this post, we will take a look at each park and see what educational experiences we can find.  First, we'll start with Magic Kingdom® Park.  One big thing here that you can spend a lot of time on before you ever leave for your vacation is Fairy Tales. The Magic Kingdom® Park is full of Fairy Tales!  Most children know all about the Disney versions that are represented in the Magic Kingdom® Park, but what about the original versions of these fairy tales?  This is a great opportunity to find the original versions of a few of the stories and read them together as a family. (Parents, please read the story first to make sure it is appropriate for the age of your child/children.) See there?  You haven't even [...]

The World of Disney

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00September 14th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Janice|

With all the fabulous choices, it can be difficult to choose what to bring home from your Walt Disney World vacation as your family’s special souvenir.  The one thing that shouldn’t be hard to decide is where to buy those souvenirs, you have to check out The World of Disney at Downtown Disney.   From the fun, interactive spitting Stitch outside the store to the pirates rattling their cages inside, you won’t know what to look at first.  There’s even a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your little princesses to be made over into their favorite Disney princess inside the store.  Be sure to have your agent book your appointment if you are planning to enjoy the boutique. Whatever you are looking to bring home to remember your wonderful trip is at this store.  There’s a kitchen section, a jewelry and handbag section, toys galore, a huge men’s section, including golf attire and accessories.   My children could spend hours in this store.  There is so much to see and do inside.  So many fun characters and colors to view.  They even have the giant crocodile from Peter Pan in the watch section.  Tons of great photo opportunities to be had [...]

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00September 10th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

On select dates, usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, in September and October, the Magic Kingdom® Park closes down early for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  This Party is the ONLY time adults are allowed to wear costumes inside the Parks.  Magic Kingdom® Park is decorated in seasonal finery all day long, but at night, the decorations come alive.  The Mickey-O-Lanterns glow and the fun and slightly spooky music begins to flow.  All non-ticketed guests are required to leave at the regularly scheduled closing time.  Those who have purchased tickets to the party are given special wristbands.  The wristbands must be shown to get onto rides, and after a certain hour, even to purchase things at the shops!  Special “party only” merchandise is available once the party is in full swing.  Pins and other items that cannot be purchased during the day will be available at certain stores.  These stores are also marked on the event map. Not only are adults allowed – even encouraged to wear costumes at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but on party nights, some of the characters come in their Halloween costumes too!  Special characters are also available on party nights, such as Snow White and [...]

A New Kind of Magic

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00August 30th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

Every few years, Disney implements a new system.  Set to debut by the beginning of 2014 is Disney's MyMagic+.  Part of this new system is Disney’s newest technology – MagicBands!  It is currently in the testing phase.  Selected Guests from several resorts are being chosen to try out the new MagicBands. If you are going to the Walt Disney World® Resort soon, make sure to sign up for My Disney Experience .  That is where you will get to customize your MagicBands if you are chosen for testing. Guests may customize bands for each member of their party.  There are several different colors to choose from! Once you have customized your MagicBands, which you must do a certain number of days prior to your trip, or they will choose the color for you, Disney will send out your colorful bands by mail. This can take up to 10 days.  MagicBands are one size fits all – there are instructions inside the box on how to make the bands smaller for little arms.  MagicBands can be re-used on future trips to the Walt Disney World® Resort The MagicBands are free, but just in case you want to add a personal touch to your MagicBand [...]

Postcard Pen Pals

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00August 27th, 2013|Angie, Disney Travel Tips|

The digital age has some wonderful advantages, but something that appears to be coming more and more of a lost art is letter writing. I remember rushing to the mailbox often as a child, hoping that this would be the day that there would be something in that box addressed to me.  If your child has a similar habit and a favorite Disney character, then I have a project for you that will make your child's day! Have your child sit down and write a simple letter to their favorite Disney character.  Make sure the closing includes your child's name and address information.  You can send your child's letter to either park for this program.  Here is the address information for both.  Walt Disney World CommunicationsP.O. Box 10040Lake Buena Vista, FL  32830-0040  Walt Disney CompanyAttn: Fan Mail Department500 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA  91521 Not only is this a fun thing to do with your child, but this is a great learning opportunity to teach them about how to properly structure a letter and address an envelope!  Your child will likely receive a postcard from their favorite character within 3 weeks!   And who wouldn't love a Disney pen pal? Angie has [...]

Unleash The Villains

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00August 19th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

If you are like me, a huge fan of the Disney Villains, then you're in for some exciting news! On Friday, September 13th, Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ will be hosting "Unleash the Villains" as part of the 2013 "Limited Time Magic".  This celebration of villains will host a number of Disney Villains allowing for many unique character meet & greets.  Guests will be able to dance the night away with their favorite villains at a special dance party.  There will also be limited-edition, collectible merchandise available for purchase.   Some of the devious villains expected to make an appearance at the party are Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar, and more! There is also the promise of some additional nighttime mischief.What’s even better is this event is included with your park admission.  Are you ready to party with the bad guys?  If so contact your Wishing Well Travel agent today for more information or to plan your vacation to include this Limited Time Magic special event!   Aly has been a Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Aly at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on Facebook or Request a Quote from her online.      

Resort Options ~ Which Will You Choose?

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00August 7th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

One of the biggest decisions when making reservations for a trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort is where to stay.  Value, Moderate, or Deluxe?  Budget may decide for you, but if you have a little wiggle room in the budget how do you decide?  There are so many perks for each level of hotels how do you choose? I highly recommend staying on Disney Property, the perks for staying on property are phenomenal.  The Extra Magic Hours benefit at the parks, FREE parking if you have your own vehicle, FREE transportation to and from the airport, and to the parks if you do not have your own vehicle. and extraordinary customer service are just a few of the many reasons!  When staying at one of onsite Disney resorts you have the option of purchasing a Magic Your Way® Package Plus Dining to save money on food.   All of the resorts have pools, many have waterslides and hot tubs.  Each resort also has pool games and activities, an arcade, laundry facilities and much, much more. One of the options on Disney property are the Value resorts.   Disney's All Star Music, Disney's All Star Movies, Disney's All Star Sports, Disney's Art of Animation and [...]

Epcot’s Annual Candlelight Processional

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 25th, 2013|Angie, Disney Travel Tips|

Disney’s Epcot® has a history of hosting many wonderful events, but one in particular that you should try to take advantage of attending is the annual Candlelight Processional. The Candlelight Processional is a feast of sights and sounds as it begins with the music of a full orchestra and choir who set the tone as a celebrity guest narrator joins the stage.  Narrators this year include Amy Grant, Ashley Judd & Edward James Olmos! The narrator then reads the text that outlines the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem.  The reading is supported by festive and inspiring holiday music provided by the choir and orchestra.  An interpreter is provided for hearing impaired guests, which is wonderful because they want as many guests as possible to be a part of this event! This has become a holiday tradition for many families because the performance is highlighted by the beautiful scenery and decorations around every corner in Epcot's® World Showcase and Future World! This celebration of the season occurs each evening from November 29th through December 30th, in the America Gardens Theatre.  Performances occur at 5pm, 6:45pm & 8:15pm, every night.   Attendance is filled on a [...]

Mini Fridge Replacement

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 18th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Erika|

“No, no, no!!  Tell me it isn’t true!!  What am I going to do?”  This panicked question has been bantered around Disney fan sites for a couple of days now.  So what’s the hubbub about?   “Hold onto your hats”, as they say on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad®, because this is definitely unexpected news;  effective immediately, all mini refrigerators will be removed from Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa!  The exceptions to this removal policy are the refrigerators in Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Suites, Disney’s Art of Animation Suites, Disney Vacation Club accommodations, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins which all utilize a larger model.  The affected refrigerators are being pulled out of the rooms AFTER vacationers have left for home so if you are staying in a Disney resort currently, you don’t need to worry about your refrigerator disappearing while you are out of your room.  It is expected to take at least 4 months to replace all of the refrigerators in the resorts.  In light of this stunning revelation, affected vacationers are left with this burning question…WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO??????  First, don’t panic.   There will be a limited number of refrigerators available [...]

Celebrate the Seasons at Sea

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 17th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

This year, Disney Cruise Line® is celebrating the seasons at sea with festive themed sailings.   Halloween on the High Seas Cruises For Halloween, guests will have a scream aboard the Disney Dream. From Sept. 22 – Oct. 31, they can enjoy spooky special events and trick-or-treating throughout the ship. They’ll experience: • Special Halloween décor – including a massive pumpkin tree in the atrium that sprouts overnight! • Kids will love trick or treating with their favorite Disney characters and marching in the Costume parade • Adults can enter a costume contest and dance the night away with a villainous take over in Evolution Night Club • The whole family can enjoy a Mousequerade deck party and scream along with Jack and Sally at the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream show!     Very MerryTime Cruises And from Nov. 12 – Jan. 6, all four Disney Cruise Line ships transform into a winter wonderland. On these cruises guests will enjoy: • Every ship themed to a holiday wonderland with nautical flair • Kids will be invited to help launch the holiday celebrations at King Triton’s tree lighting ceremony • The entire family can play games, dance, and celebrate with favorite Disney friends at a tropical holiday deck [...]

Magical Makeover

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 15th, 2013|Angie, Disney Travel Tips|

Has your daughter ever dreamt about becoming a Disney Princess?  If so, I have 3 words for you…Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! This wonderful experience includes locations at Downtown Disney® and within Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom® Park.  Girls, ages 3-12, are whisked away by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-Training into this magical beauty salon, where their princess experience begins.  On our trip, we chose The Crown Package, which starts at $59.95 plus tax. Girls begin by choosing one of four hairstyles.  On this day, my oldest chose the “Pop Princess”, which kind of surprised me, because she typically doesn’t choose the more lively fashions.  What surprised me even further was that my daughter didn’t make a sound as her Fairy Godmother-in-Training brushed, tugged and pinned her hair into place.  This place truly is magical!            After her hair was perfected, she chose a beautiful glittery blue nail polish to have her nails painted.  Then it was time for the soft eye shadow and face gem to round out her rock star look!  She was adorned with her princess sash and then showered with a little pixie dust, as her Fairy Godmother-in-Training officially announced her transformation as complete!  My daughter [...]

Rapid Fill Refillable Mug

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 11th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

Try saying that 5 times fast!  According to the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World® Resort is poised to roll out a new refillable mug program at its resorts called Rapid Fill.  This program will be rolled out in phases beginning with Disney's All Star Resorts self-service beverage stations in July with other Disney resorts following soon thereafter.  The Rapid Fill refillable mugs will be imbedded with RFID(Radio Frequency Identification) chips that will enable the user to use the mugs at any resort for a defined period of time during their resort stay.        So how much will it cost? 1 day stay:  $8.99 2 day stay: $11.99 3 day stay: $14.99                    4 day to length of stay: $18.99   Currently, a refillable mug is available in one of Disney’s resorts is approximately $15.49 for length of stay making the new Rapid Fill mug system a clear winner for those with shorter stays at Disney resorts. Users of these new mugs will be able to see how many days they have left on their mugs on an LCD screen when they fill their mugs.   The day ends at 11:59pm no matter what time you activate your mug.  So if you [...]

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 8th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Janice|

If you’ve got a Pirate fan in your traveling party and you are looking for a super fun way of viewing the fireworks at the Walt Disney World® Resort, you have to check out the Pirate & Pals Fireworks Voyage! This amazing night starts out with a private party at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Upon arrival at the party before the fireworks cruise, you are greeted with a special pirate bandana and all the yummy snacks you can eat.  There are Mickey ice cream bars, cotton candy, fresh fruit, popsicles, popcorn, drinks and cake, just to name some of the treats.  During the party Captain Hook and Mr. Smee drop by for a special pirate visit and to take pictures with all the guests.  The party is also captained by two very special pirates that will later captain your fireworks cruise.  They lead the way to the boats and play fun games and sing songs on your way to viewing the fireworks. Once aboard the ships, there is music, trivia games, fun sing a-longs with the pirate captain, even a change to win a cool pirate prize.  The captain positions your ship into the perfect viewing area for the nightly fireworks [...]

Tips for Helping Kids on Dark or Scary Rides

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 5th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

Children can be funny little creatures. At two and four, both of my children loved  the Haunted Mansion® Attraction. A year later the oldest was terrified and the youngest was still in love. Next year both were terrified. By the time we were planning our next trip I knew we needed to start planning coping tactics. Here are a few tricks and tips I’ve discovered. 1.       Check the potentially scary rides out before you go YouTube is great for this. You can bring up almost any ride and let your child see what the ride entails before you go. It will also give you a good idea so that you can judge which rides are going to be too scary. Once you are in the parks you can remind the child that they saw these rides on the computer and that there is no reason to be afraid. This doesn’t just apply to the large rides. I’ve met kids afraid to go into some of the dark rides in Fantasyland®, and a video beforehand can help them know it will be okay. 2.       Glow bracelets Many of the rides at Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Park are indoors and some [...]

Yachtsman….YUM!

By |2016-12-16T14:56:06-05:00July 1st, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

If I HAD to choose my favorite restaurant at the Walt Disney World® Resort, it would have to be the Yachtsman Steak House!  I have been there twice now, and have had excellent service and food both times.   The Yachtsman Steak House is a Signature  Dining restaurant.  That means that if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, it will take 2 table service credits.   If you are not on the dining plan, the entrees run anywhere from $32 - $65.   They are worth it!  Of the top five steaks I have EVER had in my life – two were here!   One of the unique things about the Yachtsman is that they age their steaks right on site.  When you enter the restaurant, you can see the aging room. Frequently, there is a chef in the room, hand cutting the steaks.  This means that if you decide you want a 3 inch thick NY Strip – they can do that for you.  The décor of the restaurant is not too heavily themed, nice warm woods, and good white linens abound.  Being a signature restaurant, the Yachtsman does have a dress code, but you will see people in everything from evening wear, to [...]

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