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!

Sweet Sunday's at the Food and Wine Festival

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

The 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is upon us! This is one of my favorite times of the year, especially since it is a tradition for my Mom and I to attend a seminar at the Food and Wine Festival to celebrate her birthday. This year was extra special since we were celebrating her 50th birthday. The seminar we attended this year was a Sweet Sunday with guest lecturer Jacques Torres, a world famous pastry chef and chocolatier. This event was amazing to say the least! We arrive at the Festival center and checked in for the event. They led us to one of the many tables arranged in front of the stage. Once at our seat we found beautiful a place setting for each of us with a parfait of honey flavored Greek yogurt that was topped with a light granola and berries. Also at our seats was a glass of orange juice with a splash of pomegranate in it and a goodie bag from Martini the event sponsor. We started the event with a delicious breakfast buffet. My favorite item served was the Kerry Gold Cheddar quiche and the French toast, which I was able to [...]

Walt Disney Worlds' Jiko

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00October 18th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

I have a confession to make. I am one of those people who plans their trip to Disney World around the food. Yup, I am a foodie. Unfortunately for me, very few of my friends and family are as adventurous as I am when it comes to food. However, one of the things I LOVE about Disney is their ability to please everyone, from picky eaters to foodies! Jiko is one of my favorite restaurants. Jiko is one of the Signature restaurants at Disney World, located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. The first time I went, I was accompanied by my cousin, who is not an adventurous eater. We both found something to rave about at the restaurant! My cousin had the chicken and she asked for a different side item then what was on the menu. She was VERY happy with her dish! I went a little more adventurous – and had some of the more exotic items on the menu! The appetizers range from the delectable Bobotie rolls (left) The complex Taste of Africa Platter (center) to the sweet corn soup (right) In the few times I have been to Jiko, I have been very [...]

Agent Tabitha Shares a Special Memory from Epcot

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00October 11th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Tabitha|

My family has always loved Illuminations and on our most recent trip that love for it only grew stronger. It was our daughter's first time seeing Illuminations and it was the first night time show for that trip. I really didn't know if she would like it, be scared by the fireworks, or just not pay any attention at all. You see our daughter is 6 years old and she has special needs. She is significantly delayed in all areas of her development. Often times she doesn't notice things going on or it just doesn't interest her. Well, this night we were hopeful that she was going to love Illuminations as much as we did. We found a spot to sit where we could enjoy the show and even had some time to just relax before it started. Our daughter was playing on her iPad and her older brother was playing a game on the phone. It was time for Illuminations to start and I wanted to put the iPad away but was afraid it would make her cry. I really didn't think she would even notice the show if she had her iPad to play with. I decided to [...]

Agent Noelle Shares Her Favorite Memories of Epcot

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00October 5th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

EPCOT was the first park I ever visited so it has a special place in my heart. One of my favorite things about EPCOT is the different shows in the World Showcase, from the Fife and Drum Corps to the Japanese Drummers to the Mariachi Band, they are so entertaining! Every “country” in the world showcase has their own entertainers. Some of them are even interactive, pulling people from the audience! My friend was pulled into this amazing comedy and balancing act just outside of the French pavillion. One of my favorites is Miyuki – the candy artist. She makes the most amazing candy animals. She asks the audience for requests and then makes the animal requested. All candy is donated to a local children's hospital. Many of the shops and restaurants also have entertainment andshows. For instance, the Japanese store has a counter where you can choose an oyster and get a pearl and they turn it into a very entertaining little show. The Restaurant Marakesh has a belly dancer. EPCOT is a place full of entertainment at every turn! Noelle has been a Disney Travel Specialist with [...]

Epcot Turns 30!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00October 1st, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Epcot is celebrating its 30th anniversary today! It’s hard to believe, I know. Although I will be aging myself, I admit that I remember when it opened. I will also admit, I was one of those kids who thought it would be boring due to its educational value. Now 30 years later, it has become one of my favorite parks and a must do on every trip. Initially, the park was called EPCOT Center. The “center” was dropped in 1996 and it is now just referred to as Epcot. It is the third most visited park in the United States with approximately 10.5 million visitors each year. Epcot, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was actually the vision of Walt Disney himself. Prior to building the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Walt was interested in creating a Utopian community of the future. However, he was not granted permission to build it until after the Magic Kingdom was completed. As you may know, Walt Disney died prior to the completion of the Magic Kingdom and the Walt Disney Company halted plans for EPCOT for several years. The park consists of two sections, Future World and World Showcase. [...]

Disney's Art of Animation's Little Mermaid Rooms!

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

Do you have a little Princess who has dreamed of sleeping in a Princess room? Well, Disney's Art of Animation has just opened their Little Mermaid rooms and they are exactly what your Princess is dreaming of! The Little Mermaid rooms located in the Little Mermaid wing are the only standard rooms available at Art of Animation. This makes staying at this new resort that much easier for the family that does not need a suite. The Little Mermaid wing opened on September 15th and includes the "Flippin' Fins" pool and larger than life characters from The Little Mermaid. Among those characters are Ariel, King Triton, Ursula, Prince Eric, Flounder and Sebastian. You can also find some of Ariel's treasures including Whozits and Whatsits galore. These rooms start at $100 per night in the value season. The Little Mermaid rooms accommodate up to 4 guests and feature 2 double beds with touches of Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian and Flounder all over the room. You will be immersed in a magical underwater world. This is every little girls dream room and what better place to lay your head at night after a magical day in the parks than this [...]

My First Haircut With Mickey

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

One thing the males on my husband’s side of the family are known for is their hair. Not because they have an amazing abundance of it, but rather the lack of hair that graces their shiny chrome domes. Our son was not passed over of this genetic trait. Even at birth hair was not something he had a lot of. So when that faithful day came for my son to get his first haircut he was already 2 and half years old. Since we knew one day haircuts would be a thing of the past, we wanted to make this a memorable one. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than a trip to Disney world! Of course it did not take a whole lot of convincing to get my husband on board with this plan. His love for all things Disney is equal to my own. We made a reservation in advance to get my son a date and time for his first haircut at the Main Street Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom. You can find this little gem in the far left corner of Main Street USA, just after you enter the park. It is between [...]

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00September 20th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Tabitha|

Halloween is so much fun! You get to wear a costume and get candy. What could make Halloween more fun? How about spending it with Mickey at his Halloween party! We did just that a few years back! The kids, dressed as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, received a lot of compliments, loaded up their candy bags, took lots of pictures with characters, watched the parade and fireworks show, and had a most magical time. If you are going to be in Walt Disney World during this event, you should definitely consider going. It is a fun party with a special parade, shows, and fireworks you will not see at any other time. When we went, my son loved that the Pirates from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion were in the parade. He looked at us and said, "So if the ghosts are in the parade, is the ride closed?" I love that the magic of Disney was so real to him! This Halloween party is on select nights from September 11 - November 2. So what are the special things at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Well, let me tell you! There is [...]

Making Fast Faster

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00September 8th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Though it’s not something I am particularly proud of, I will admit I am NOT a patient person! I do not like to wait for Dr. appointments, I do not like waiting in traffic, I do not like waiting in line at the grocery store and I most definitely DO NOT like waiting while I’m on vacation! Which is why I love the FastPass system at Disney parks. If you are not familiar with this service let me give you a quick overview. FastPasses allow you to bypass the regular line (and regular wait time) by collecting a pass to return at a designated time to visit the attraction later with a minimal wait. Most of the popular rides and attractions have them. It is a wonderful way to make the most of your time in the parks. Of course your Wishing Well Travel Agent can help you figure out the best way to use them too!! In an effort to always keep things new & fresh Disney will be testing an upgrade to the current FastPass system. From September 18-24, select guests will be given the opportunity to try FastPass Plus. Guests will be invited to go online [...]

Rev It Up!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00August 31st, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines, new Disney rumors have been speeding around the track! As many of you know, the addition of Cars Land recently opened up at Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim, CA. It has been reported that the themed land has been hugely popular, even more than executives had originally expected. Fans are flocking to visit at a lightning fast pace (pun intended). So the question comes, will Disney try to duplicate this new land at some of the other parks worldwide? Some are saying YES! Many believe, or want to believe, that Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World resort in Florida is the next to have this super speedy land towed in. The supposed addition will replace the area presently occupied by the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Another reason Disney may be looking to revamp Hollywood Studios is because of the competition! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has boosted attendance at Universal Studios. In order to stay ahead in the race, Disney must look at what they can add that will keep fans returning again and again. Hollywood Studios could definitely use a makeover! Some of the attractions are quite [...]

T-Rex Restaurant! Eating with Dinosaurs!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00August 30th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Tabitha|

What kid (or adult for that matter) wouldn't want to eat in a restaurant with dinosaurs everywhere?! T-Rex is a table service restaurant located in Downtown Disney, next to the Lego Imagination Center. Their entree prices range from $15 to $36, and they do accept the Disney Dining Plan. They offer a variety of American cuisine, including a great kids menu with the classics and more. Scrumptious dessert offerings round out this menu that is sure to please everyone in your party. My family and I were so excited about trying out this restaurant. My son loves Dinosaurs, and from the pictures we had seen, it just looked like so much fun! We had an early dinner ADR for 4pm. When we arrived they were able to seat us right away. We ended up sitting at a table by the aquarium. It was a great location! We all loved what we ordered and the atmosphere was very intense and exciting! The kids loved all the Dinosaurs. Every 10 or 15 minutes they would all roar and there would be a meteor shower! We enjoyed it tremendously! However, that part of the experience may not be for everyone. It is very loud! [...]

Finding Nemo – The Musical!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:09-05:00August 29th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Noelle|

Sometimes you just need a break from the rides. After riding Expedition Everest 5 times (yes FIVE) in a row, my family needed a rest from the adrenaline rush! One of the greatest ways to take a little break in Animal Kingdom is with “Finding Nemo, The Musical” This musical takes place in a darkened Air-conditioned theater, which is super important during much of the year in Florida! Typically you wait about 15-20 minutes inside the theater, before the show starts, then the show is about 30 minutes long. This Broadway-style, quality musical is great fun for all ages! Finding Nemo, The Musical, captures the fun and delightful spirit of the movie. The puppeteers are fantastically fun to watch, and no matter where you sit in the auditorium you have a great seat. The puppeteers run through the aisles with some of the characters, so be prepared to see Bruce the shark up close, or perhaps Dorie and Marlin right in front of you! I really enjoyed “Finding Nemo, The Musical”. The puppets and stage sets were stunningly beautiful, and the talent is truly Broadway caliber. I have seen this show several times and enjoy it every time. [...]

Rumor Has It…

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:10-05:00July 3rd, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

With the addition of Cars Land and the relaunching of Disney's California adventure last month, it goes without saying that the Disneyland Resort has been pretty popular! It should come as no surprise then that executives are already looking at ways to increase and continue its popularity. And oh how the rumor mill has started churning! Some rumors have recently surfaced that Tomorrowland in Disneyland park will be the next on the list for an overhaul. Attractions on the chopping block are said to be Autopia, Innoventions and quite possibly even Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. It seems that these attractions take up space that may be utilized for something a little more modern and exciting. As you may well know, Autopia was an original attraction at the park on opening day in 1955. Although it has gone through changes over the years, the ride for the most part has remained the same. It is most certain to be missed due to it's nostalgic factor. For year parents have enjoyed sharing the same ride that they loved so much as kids with their own children. Insiders say however, that the removal of this classic attraction does not come as a surprise. [...]

Extreme Makeover Princess Edition

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:10-05:00May 30th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Haley|

All good things must come to an end... or get a makeover! On May 31, Walt Disney World will say goodbye to Snow White's Scary Adventures. It will become Princess Fairytale Hall. Here little Princesses and Princes will line up to meet Disney's newest royal characters. The character experience will be located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland. Resembling a castle with stone walls and stained glass windows, guests will enter to find elegant decor and portraits of Disney most beloved Princesses. Princess Fairytale Hall is scheduled to open in late 2013. With the Fantasyland Expansion still underway, Snow White fans (and thrill seekers) need not be disappointed. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is set to debut in 2014. In this new attraction guests board mine train cars and set off for an adventure through the dwarfs diamond mine. It is a unique ride in which each mine car swings back & forth individually as the train makes it's way along the track. It is unlike anything currently at the parks and should be a fun voyage! http://youtu.be/SvLExG8CAQE So while we bid a fond farewell to Snow White's Scary Adventures we can look ahead to the new [...]

The Best Tip Ever!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:10-05:00May 29th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips, Tips and Tricks|

When I travel with kids, especially little kids, I like to travel light. That means I am taking as little in to the park as possible and packing items into as tight of space as possible. Because of this, Gallon sized ziplock bags are my friends. I love them because they automatically flat pack themselves and can fit nicely in the bottom of a stroller or nicely packed into a backpack or diaper bag. I will take a Ziplocs and place baby wipes in one side, and diapers on the other. That way, if I have to change a diaper I can take just that bag into the bathroom and not try to finagle a whole backpack. I will also put nursing or bottle supplies into a Ziploc, for the same reason. But best of all is the clothes trick. I am sure I am not the only person who does this, but I defiantly don’t hear enough people talk about it. There are a lot of rides and interactive fountains that call to your kids to let them get soaking wet. And if your kids are anything like mine, they like to get wet – but hate to stay [...]

Come Meet the new Monorails at the Disneyland Resort!

By HHardesty|2016-12-16T14:56:10-05:00May 17th, 2012|Disney Travel Tips|

The grand opening to cars land is a little under a month away and Disney has begun pulling out all the stops to welcome this newest all immersive experience to the parks. Earlier this week Manny, Mandy and Mona Monorails pulled out to not only give guests an all new monorail experience, but to welcome Cars Land in style! According to Disney: "Each Monorail has its own personality, which Disneyland Resort guests will certainly hear when riding. Manny, Mandy and Mona Monorails are taking charge of the overhead announcements themselves – providing a new experience along the “Highway in the Sky.”... You can tell each by their colors: Mandy Monorail is blue, Mona Monorail is orange and Manny Monorail will be red." This is an exciting addition that is sure to create fuel some of the excitement that Cars Land is sure to get. Rebecca is the founder of Wishing Well Travel, and is obsessed with all things Disney. Her passion for all things Disney and helping and serving others is what makes Wishing Well Travel what it is. You can contact Rebecca here.