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!

Fun At EPCOT
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Fun At EPCOT

Disney Travel Tips, Noelle

Fun At EPCOT

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00January 18th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

There are so many things to do in EPCOT I couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are a few hidden or overlooked things that I personally have had a blast with! One of the things I have enjoyed the most are the live entertainment bits here and there in the World Showcase, from the Ziti Sisters, to the drummers in Japan, to the Mariachi Band in Mexico, there is something for everyone. Many of the acts, like the Ziti Sisters, are very interactive by including willing audience members to take part in their skits. I just happened upon the end of the Ziti Sisters act and liked it so much I had to come back at their next scheduled time to see the entire show. Another fun thing to do is hidden inside the Japan pavilion. The "choose your own pearl" counter is a blast. The cast members behind the counter are so fun and friendly, and they turn the entire thing into a lovely little production, complete with a drum roll for the presentation of your particular pearl. For me, it was a fun and relatively inexpensive way to spend a few moments out of the heat and get a [...]

Test Track’s New Look
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Test Track’s New Look

Disney Travel Tips

Test Track’s New Look

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00January 12th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

As of December 6th one of my all time favorite rides reopened to the public after some major reimagining. Test Track, located in Future World at Epcot is now being presented by Chevrolet. Here, guests will get to experience the fun world of automotive design. If you have had the opportunity to ride Test Track before then you are in for some major changes visually. Before jumping into the seat of a six person SimCar ride vehicle, you will get to create your own custom car in the Chevrolet Design Center. Here you will be able to control the capability, responsiveness, efficiency, and power of your vehicle. You then get to run your design through the Test Track course and see how it fares by viewing easy to read visual charts. The yellow and red test cars are a thing of the past and have been transformed; a brand new cool blue futuristic theme that can be seen all over the new ride. Both in the new signage and now on the test cars themselves, each one sporting blue futuristic paint jobs. At the conclusion of the almost mile long ride you will be able to get a look at some of the new vehicles from Chevrolet [...]

Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level
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Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level

Disney Travel Tips

Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00January 11th, 2013|Disney Travel Tips|

Recently, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, released a statement on how Disney plans to enhance the Guest experience. We wanted to share this information with you, our valued clients. "At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we continually push the boundaries of creativity and innovation to deliver the best possible experience for our Guests. We’re always looking for ways to take what we do and do it even better. Over the past few years, we’ve devoted considerable time and resources to create a more immersive, more seamless and more personal experience for each and every Guest who spends time with us. I know there’s been significant speculation about these efforts among our fans, so we’re pleased to give you a glimpse into the work we are doing to take the entire Disney Guest experience to the next level. Some of these initiatives are more apparent and can already be seen by our Guests – like our interactive queues at Walt Disney World® Resort and the Enchanted Art on our cruise ships – while others are more behind-the-scenes and are focused on “how” visitors plan, access and enjoy their experiences with us. Over the next several months, we’ll be rolling out a [...]

Limited Time Magic

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 29th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips|

In 2013, "Limited Time Magic" at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort will surprise and delight you in fanciful and unexpected ways. New entertainment and imaginative events will pop up and then disappear – so be sure to take advantage of these opportunities while they last! "Limited Time Magic" kicks off at the Walt Disney World Resort in Magic Kingdom® Park with the first ever "Bling in the New Year" dance party in Tomorrowland®. Guests will be able to watch live entertainment on Rockettower Plaza Stage, dance to great music and celebrate with some of their favorite Disney characters – all dressed in their New Year’s best. And, if you can’t stay up until midnight, there will be a New Year’s countdown every hour leading up to midnight. The celebration begins on Dec. 30, 2012 and runs through Jan.5, 2013. At Disneyland Park, you can enjoy "A Salute to the Golden Horseshow Revue" – the renowned Frontierland® show enjoyed by Walt Disney himself. Guests can join Miss Lily and her Saloon Girls for a fun-filled show with plenty of family-friendly comedy, singing and dancing. Performances are Thursday through Monday from Jan. 10 – Feb. 4, 2013. Plus, as part of "Limited [...]

Citricos Signature Experience

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 27th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

Looking for a great place to dine? Look no further than Citricos in the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World. Citricos is one of Disney’s Signature restaurants and features American Cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very warm, and hues of yellow and orange along with wrought iron details help cement the Mediterranean feel. On one side of the restaurant, there is an open kitchen. On the other side of the restaurant the windows over look the garden terrace at the resort. I have been fortunate enough to go to Citricos more than once, and each time the service and food has been fantastic. The contemporary menu features flavors from Provençe, Tuscany and the Spanish Riviera, with one of their signature dishes being the Braised Veal shank. Pork Belly, Steaks, pastas, and risottos are also on the menu. While Citrocos’ menu changes seasonally, you can count on the food being delicious. I loved the detail the chefs put into each course, from the specialized mustard on the pork belly plate, to the chocolate decorations on the dessert. They also have a lounge and bar area and a good wine list as well. [...]

Christmas Around the World

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 21st, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the beauty of the lights and decorations, the smell of the tree and holiday treats, the sounds of singing and laughter. I even enjoy the hustle & bustle of it all, although it is much easier to enjoy once I’m done with my shopping! I can think of no better place to experience all of this than Walt Disney World. A couple of years ago my family was fortunate enough to visit during this time of the year. Disney goes to great lengths to “deck the halls”! Everywhere you look you see signs of the holidays. There are trees at every resort, lights and wreaths adorn Main Street at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey and Minnie are decked out in their Christmas duds, and there are sweet treats at every turn. Several of the resorts display the most amazing Gingerbread houses you’ve ever seen. The Osborne Family Lights at Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite sights to experience and it is included with park admission. It is a light show like no other, absolutely gorgeous. You can read more about it in this post by Wishing Well Travel Agent, Autumn. Other unique activities include [...]

Say Cheese…For Disney's Photopass +

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 17th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

I have always loved the Disney PhotoPass system, and now they have made it even better! Before you even arrive, you can add Disney PhotoPass + to your vacation package. This package addition includes a Disney Photo Pass+ voucher for a special PhotoPass card once you get to the parks, a voucher for a PhotoCD, and Disney’s Photo Gallery Cd. On my recent trip to Disney World I pre-purchased the PhotoPass+. I am so glad I did! You need to purchase the package at least 14 days in advance of your arrival at your Disney resort. A few days after I ordered the package, I received it in the mail. The Photo Gallery CD contains over 400 beautiful high-resolution photos from the Disney World Resort. These would be great for printing, scrapbooking and crafting. They are stunning, Also included was a voucher to turn in once you got to the resort, to receive your special photo pass. The special photo pass came on its own lanyard and was very convenient. There was also a code to type in on the website to receive your PhotoPass CD after your vacation. I really loved the ability to just get my ride photos added to [...]

Behind the Seeds

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 10th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

Love to garden? Love the Living with the Land Ride? Interested in going “green”? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider the “Behind the Seeds” tour at Epcot. Behind the Seeds is an hour long walking tour – sometimes a little longer depending on the questions people have, for instance the tour I was on took an hour and 15 minutes. The tour takes you through the greenhouses you see during the Living with the Land boat ride in a little more depth. We started out by talking about how the researchers at Disney are working to create “green” methods of pest control, such as controlling one type of pest with a “good” bug, instead of using chemicals. We were given the opportunity to release some “Lady bugs” as we went along as well. A stop outside one of the labs where they are growing little mini plants that are sold out in EPCOT was also very interesting. The tour moves along through the four different green houses, and each method of growing is discussed, with much emphasis on hydroponics. I am not a gardener and I found it all very [...]

Fun In Fantasyland

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:08-05:00December 6th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

My daughter is 5. She loves dresses, anything pink or purple, and of course Princesses. I knew she would be so excited about the New Fantasyland expansion opening today at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. While we were there in October, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they were holding previews for this new area! So off we went with our little Princess in tow. Our first stop was Maurice’s cottage for Enchanted Tales with Belle. Upon entering the cottage you will experience a room that mimics where Belle grew up with her father Maurice. There are photos of her as a child, treasured books and even a growth chart. It is homey and simple. Guests are then escorted into the workshop for a glimpse of the Magic Mirror given to Belle by the beast. Then the real magic begins! I don’t want to spoil anything so I will withhold further details, but I will say this fantastic experience allows for some personal face time with Belle herself. It was definitely a highlight of the trip for my daughter and our family! Next we headed over to Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. This ride takes you [...]

Check This Out: Healthier Options at Disney Parks

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 26th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Tabitha|

Your much awaited trip to Disney is drawing near and you start thinking, "how am I going to make sure the kids do not fill full of junk food the entire time we are on vacation?" Disney has that answer for you! Recently, the Mickey check debuted on the kids menu at Be Our Guest restaurant in Walt Disney World. The Mickey check will quickly become a recognizable symbol at quick service restaurants in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and in January 2013 it will appear on Disney table service menus as well. The Mickey Check is part of the Disney Magic of Healthy Living initiative. It was created as a way to make it easier for parents to identify healthier choices for their children. Mickey Check items must meet the Disney Nutrition guidelines which also follow the U. S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Mickey Check meals encourage kid appropriate portions and limit things such as, sodium, trans fat, sugar and saturated fat. Kids meals with the Mickey Check must contain at least three of the following items: fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein (including beans, eggs, and nuts). There can be no substitutions made to the [...]

Disney’s Day of Giving

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 21st, 2012|Disney Travel Tips|

As an East Coast seaboard resident I can honestly say nor’easters and hurricanes are a part of our lives. Here in Virginia when I hear of a tropical storm brewing down in the Caribbean I start making sure our emergency kit is prepared. As the storm starts getting closer to Florida I start stocking the cabinets, and by the time it’s at the South Carolina border the yard is being secured because it’s not that the wind is blowing, it’s WHAT the wind is blowing that matters. The last few years I have also added, “translating the weather man and the scare tactic hype” to the military wives I know that are from the mid-west and have never been in a hurricane/tropical storm/nor’easter. I have lived through 30+ hurricane seasons, which include some that seriously affected the Hampton Roads region like Floyd and Isabelle. However, to be perfectly honest, other than Katrina, I have NEVER seen such a destructive hurricane as Sandy was this October. As images of the Northeast started to show up on Facebook that weekend, I was in awe of the power of this storm, and scared for the people in the North who usually don’t see [...]

Party For The Senses

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 19th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips|

Each year the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival adds and expands its booths and special events. One of my all time favorite events is the Party for the Senses! Each Saturday of the Food and Wine Festival Chefs from the Walt Disney World Resort grounds and around the world come together to host an amazing evening. With over 20 individual dishes to sample and well over 20 different wine and beers to try, it is a food and wine lovers paradise. When you enter the event you are given a commemorative Food and Wine Festival etched wine glass and a painters pallet style plate. This allows you to carry you food and drink in one hand while mingling from booth to booth. Depending on what weekend you attend you may even have the opportunity to meet a celebrity chef or two. On this occasion Robert Irvine was hosting a booth, pouring wine, taking photos, and even signing menus for guest. Not only is there wonderful food and drink but also entertainment from a few of the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba performers. Both acrobats and vocalist were performing intermittently throughout [...]

Main Street's Newest "Star"

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 15th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Corporate sponsorships are nothing new to Disney, they have used them for years. Some examples are: Kodak sponsors Muppet*Vision 3-D and Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hanes sponsors the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Siemens – Mission Space, and the list goes on and on. For the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney used sponsors for his attractions, each of which were used at Disneyland at one time or another. The announcement of a partnership between Starbuck’s and Disney seems like a logical one to me. However, when Disney announced last week that they would be turning the beloved Main Street Bakery into a Starbuck’s, fans started percolating! The announcement that the coffee chain would be coming to Walt Disney World did not come as a surprise. Earlier this year, Disney announced plans to integrate Starbuck’s locations into several of their parks. In June, the first location opened at Disney California Adventure Park. It is located in the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Café. Any changes to the restaurant were quite subtle. There is a separate menu for Starbuck’s signature items. The theming and general tone of the restaurant remain the same. After word got out that Disney planned to “replace the [...]

The Bears Are Back In Town

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 12th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Since it’s opening in 1971, the Magic Kingdom has been home to some of the most beloved bears in the world. The Country Bear Jamboree is a classic Disney World attraction that has been seen by millions since its inception. The show features audio-animatronic bears that sing and play country music. The show is also known for its silly country-themed songs, down home country rhythm, and witty banter between the characters. After 40 years, Disney decided that the show needed a little TLC with a bit of a makeover.There were several rumors circulating as to what changes may happen while the Bears were under refurbishment. Some were speculating that songs and dialogue might be omitted to make the show a bit more “politically correct”. Others thought the changes would be a bit more subtle, possibly shortening the show, updating of sound equipment, etc. I was fortunate to be able to see it in October 2012 just a few days after it re-opened. The first thing I noticed was that the bears themselves, although very similar in design to the originals, look much improved, like a house with a fresh coat of paint. The show is basically the same too, but [...]

A Walk on the Wild Side

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00November 2nd, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

Looking for something off the beaten path at Disney World? One of my favorite things to do is take one of Disney’s behind the scenes tours, and the Wild Africa Trek is one amazing option. I took the trek at 8 am one morning last September. It was one of the best experiences I have had, by far, at Disney! The trek begins by everyone getting “outfitted” in their vests and harnesses; it is very easy and moves pretty quickly. You also receive your souvenir water bottle filled with cold water at this point. There are also various spots along the trail with cool water to refill your bottle. The space is quite limited for each trek, so the group stays small and fun! Then, you move on to the “practice bridge” where you practice walking on a bridge suspended about 4 ft. off the ground. They have some delicious Jungle Juice available at the practice bridge. Keep in mind though that it will be about 2 hrs before you get to a bathroom, so drink at your own risk! Once everyone has crossed the practice bridge, they go over some safety information and off you go! The group walks through some of the public areas and part [...]

New “Limited Time Magic” Experiences Coming to Disney Parks in 2013

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00October 22nd, 2012|Disney Travel Tips|

Disney Parks have 52 weeks of magical surprises planned for you in 2013! “Limited Time Magic” features unexpected experiences, with an extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust, at Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort that’ll appear, and then disappear when the next debuts. Ranging from Park-wide events to special culinary treats, to limited edition merchandise to special moments of surprise and delight, and more, this new celebration will begin in the new year. So, what can you expect with “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks when it begins in January? Here’s an idea: True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet Park Guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the week. Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and Guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs. Long Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney [...]