15 Tips to know before your first Walt Disney World Vacation

 

You’ve made your reservation, the magical trip is booked, congratulation’s the hard part is over- BREATH! I’ve compiled a list of fifteen tips; I think are important components when visiting the most magical place on earth. Here we gooooooooo…….

1. Have a strategic plan before your trip; Disney is not the place to wing it. Research the attractions, layout & meet & greets ahead of time. I promise the proactive approach is the only way to see WDW efficiently & will cause less headaches & aggravation. Trust me….
2. Do not park hop on your first trip, try to concentrate on one park a day. Disney World is too large & getting to & fro is more time consuming than you might think.
3. Make your advance dining reservations (ADR’S) before you leave home. Especially if you attend during peak season. Dining Reservations-(407) 939-1947, 0800 16 90 748 (UK)
4. Walt Disney World restaurants, resort hotels, shops & theme parks are smoke-free environments, except for designated smoking areas.
5. Nursing mothers or parents of small children; WDW has baby care centers available at all four theme parks. Open during regular park hours, each full-service facility is complimentary to use. Also a comfortable setting for a child who’s misplaced his parents, lost children will be looked after until a parent arrives.
6. Theme park parking-Depends on your vehicle, but each theme park lot charges the same rate per day. Automobile, taxi, limo or motorcycle: $17, Camper, trailer or RV: $18, Bus or tractor trailer: $21. Once you pay for the day, you may park at any of the theme parks. If you are a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you receive complimentary parking at Disney theme parks for the length of your Resort stay. 
7. You can have a wake-up call from a character- If you’re staying on-site, you can request a wake-up call and most the time- it will be a character. 
8. Adults can ride big rides even if the kids can’t- Disney has a system called “Rider Switch” that will allow the older members of your family to ride while the younger riders wait. You simply tell the Cast Member at any ride that has a height requirement that you’d like to do a Rider Switch. They’ll give you a Rider Switch pass (which works like a FastPass) so that after you ride, you can hand it to the other half of your party and they can ride without waiting in line. 
9. Free Disney world maps are available in advance of your trip. WDW provides interactive online maps or if you prefer, they can mail you customized maps (U.S. only.)
10. Walt Disney World Transportation makes it convenient to visit; Magical Express (Courtesy airport transportation to & from Orlando International, if staying at a WDW Resort Hotel) to the plethora of buses, boats & monorail that can take you between the Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks and shopping venues. 
11. You are allowed to bring food items; such as light snacks or foods that do not require heating into Disney theme parks. Don’t go crazy peeps no giant watermelon, or three meals worth of entrée’s- or they will rule it out entirely. The Security Cast Member at the initial bag check will allow or disallow your food items when you enter the park. I’m sure they’ve seen it all, lol.
12. Restricted items from the theme parks: Wagons, Skateboards, Inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm), coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations. Alcoholic beverages, weapons of any kind, Folding chairs, Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles),Pets (unless they are service animals) Balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for the safety of our animals. Tripod stands or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack (per the WDW website)
13. Walt Disney World provides Guests with disabilities -the Disability Access Service Card. It helps the guest and a number of people from his or her party—to schedule a return time at a specific attraction. For more information-guests should visit the Guest Relations Lobby located at the entrance of each theme park.  
14. Use your Fastpass + whenever possible. You can book in advance by linking your park tickets to your resort reservation by using “My Disney Experience.” You can book up to 30 days in advance. Bonus- If you’re a WDW resort guest you can book up to 60 days in advance.
15. Plan your park day appropriately- according to least busiest day of the week, calendar of special events, coincide with Extra Magic Hours (view online or at your resort) & even the direction in which you manage (walk) each theme park. All of the factors will aid in an overall magical experience.

 

I hope these hints were helpful and will encourage you to plan ahead without being overly structured. Have fun and enjoy “The Most Magical place on Earth!” This article was previously published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/ Check out my blog http://dawnsdorkydiary.com/

Tips for Parents and Little Ones Visiting Walt Disney World

Tips for Parents visiting Walt Disney World with little ones

• Have a strategic plan before your trip; Disney is not the place to wing it, as I’ve often said. Research the attractions, layout & meet & greets ahead of time. I promise the proactive approach is the only way to see WDW efficiently & will cause less headaches & aggravation. Trust me….
• Minimize those meltdowns by NOT Park hopping on your first trip. Try to concentrate on one park a day. Disney World is too large & getting to & fro is more time consuming than you might think. Take breaks & rest. Keep your routine as close to normal even on vacay.
• Adults can ride big rides, even if the little kids can’t- Disney has a system called “Rider Switch” that will allow the older members of your family to ride while the younger riders wait. You simply tell the Cast Member at any ride that has a height requirement that you’d like to do a Rider Switch. They’ll give you a Rider Switch pass (which works like a FastPass) so that after you ride, you can hand it to the other half of your party and they can ride without waiting in line.
• Nursing mothers or parents of small children; WDW has baby care centers available at all four theme parks. Open during regular park hours, each full-service facility is complimentary to use. Also a comfortable setting for a child who’s misplaced his parents, lost children will be looked after until a parent arrives.
• Bring snacks that they can snack on such as fruit snacks, apples or gold fish to keep their energy going or NOT, lol. You are allowed to bring food items; such as light snacks or foods that do not require heating into Disney theme parks. The Security Cast Member at the initial bag check will allow or disallow your food items when you enter the park. I’m sure they’ve seen it all, I bet it would be quite funny to hear all of the things peeps thought they could bring into the parks & a little scary too.

• Waterproof Sunscreen & please reapply.
• Make sure if your child has disabilities you have proper identification Walt Disney World provides Guests with disabilities -the Disability Access Service Card. It helps the guest and a number of people from his or her party—to schedule a return time at a specific attraction. For more information-guests should visit the Guest Relations Lobby located at the entrance of each theme park. 
• Safety, please watch your children closely. It’s a new exciting environment & they’re more prone to venture off- check into http://www.safetytat.com/or a dog-tag type necklace with parents name & number for security.
• Make sure you have proper medicines & prescriptions with doctor’s name & phone numbers with you while traveling.

• Be patient & enjoy your kids at their very age~ soon, very soon, they’ll be at a new stage in life & might not have the same likes & dislikes as before, so enjoy them in the moment. Originally published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/.

Check out this information and much, much more on http://dawnsdorkydiary.com/ & http://www.mqpodcast.com/.

Looking for the Best in Dining? Don't Miss the "Flavors of Summer" Menu now at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

A Feast Fit for Papa Himself

Last month I was lucky enough to be treated to a feast fit for a king or queen when I was given a preview and special tasting of the brand new Flavors of Summer Menu that is now being served at the upscale 

Hemingway’s located inside the luxurious Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in the heart of Orlando Florida.  From the moment you enter the spacious and open atrium lobby of this deluxe hotel, with expansive views and grounds, you know what you are about to experience is nothing less than first class all the way. Walking into Hemingway’s you are immediately transported into the days of Hemingway's fishing expeditions from “Cayo Hueso” to the coast of Cuba.   

The open and airy seating, whether you are alone or with a group, lends itself perfectly to the culture and cuisine of these areas are where the inspiration of this restaurant comes from.  Add to that their new Flavors of Summer Menu and you have the perfect ending to any day or the perfect way to celebrate that occasion. 

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This new fixe prix menu, which you can also order with a wine pairing, is served by their top notched and ever attentive wait staff that go out of their way to make you feel more like long lost family then first time guests.  

Appetizers range from a Key Lime Caser Salad or the Key Wester Salad to a smooth and rich Florida Rock Shrimp Chowder.  Entrees ranged from Hemingway’s “Cayo Hueso” Crab Cakes, Duvall Street Shrimp Scampi and the incredible Crispy Black Fin Snapper to the Cuban Criollo Chicken that literally melted in your mouth.  Every dish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by a wide variety of vegetables and plated in such a way that made you feel that you were looking at a work of art. 

Even though it is easier said than done, make sure, whatever you do, that you save room for dessert because they truly save the best for last. 

Whether you choose the Key Lime Tart or the delectable Peanut Butter Bombe, it is absolutely the perfect end to a first class meal. The Flavors of Summer Menu is only being offered for July and August but if you in search of fine dining at its best, search no further than Hemingway’s located in the beautiful Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in the heart of Orlando Florida.

Splitsville, a Great Disney Hangout!

     Splitsville is one of our favorite places to get together as a family or with friends!  If you have not been it is a definite Walt Disney World must do!  We have thoroughly enjoyed Splitsville as a family and meeting up with friends that are staying in the Orlando area. 

     Splitsville is a Downtown Disney attraction on the Westside.  Splitsville takes bowling, playing pool and just plain old fun to new levels.  You will be welcomed to a two story retro styled adventure that offers 30 bowling lanes, first class food, dancing and entertainment.  The billiard tables are awesome and of course who doesn't like a gift shop and much much more.

     Some people come to Splitsville for the bowling or the billiard tables and some just go for the fun!  Our family has really enjoyed all of it. It is an awesome place for families to get together while the adults sit and talking and have a few drinks the kids can play pool or go bowling.  With the hot summer days at Walt Disney World this provides a perfect option for daytime or evening entertainment.

     The food at Splitsville is amazing!  They offer food such as fresh hand rolled sushi rolls, hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, and of course who doesn't like a big plate of fries!  The pizzas are amazing, a definite must do for our family! They also offer a wide selection of draft beer to go along with your pizza or other adult beverages.  I mean, what is pizza without beer, Right! 

     This is the perfect hang out for the family or meeting up with friends.   So during these hot days this summer if you find yourself needing a cool place to have fun check out Splitsville!  You can schedule all kinds of parties for Splitsville.  Make sure you reserve a lane as soon as possible.  The billiard tables are on a first come basis.  Let the food, games, and dancing begin and don't forget to Show your DisneySide! 

Have you Conquered Disney Quest? by Tamela Hansen

     Yeah, it's summer and it's time for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation!  It's Orlando, Florida and it can get Hot and it can get Rainy but Walt Disney World offers many options for the entire family to have an amazing adventure every single day, no matter what the weather is!  I love the water parks but what about those rainy days?  Well, Disney offers several great activities to do.  I'm not a gamer at All but Disney Quest is awesome to me!

     Many people may walk past this big teal building with squiggly lines on it, at Downtown Disney, wondering what is that place!  Well give me a few moments and I will show you how your family can make special memories at Disney Quest.

     We have thoroughly enjoyed Disney quest with our toddlers and family members in their later years.  There are so many fun interactive games to play that include the entire group or family.  One of our favorites is Pirates of the Caribbean, Battle for Buccaneer Gold.  On this interactive game one person guides the ship as the rest use their cannons to destroy the pirate ships and gain the gold!  It is so fun because it is in 3-D and you feel like you are moving!  Pirate ships are attacking you from all directions and it really requires team effort. 

     Another one of our favorites is the Virtual Jungle Cruise.  This ride is based on the Jungle Cruise.  You will ride an inflatable raft down a prehistoric river and try to avoid volcanoes, cliffs, and dinosaurs.  Be careful you might get wet!

     On Cyber Space Mountain Bill Nye the Coaster guy will help you design your own roller coaster, then it is your turn to ride your coaster!  Make sure you don't miss Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride!  On this ride you're on a search to find the magic lamp and save the genie.   While wearing your 3-D headgear you can look at your friends to your right and left and see one another as monkeys! 

     Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters is a must do!  This ride is so much fun! One person drives and one person loads the asteroids. This is so funny because it requires so much team effort and you have to hit your opponent on the star to gain points and send their Astro Blaster into a spin!  Be careful because you may be the one spinning!  It's just so much fun I have enjoyed this with my kids for years and ones of all ages!  You will find yourself laughing so much it is hard to drive your Astro blaster or load your asteroids!

     My family has enjoyed Mighty Ducks pinball.  In this game you are a human pinball and you are slamming into walls and other pinballs.  Even if you are someone like myself that deals with mobility issue, watching your friends or family members participate in this game is an amazing experience!  The facial expressions they will make will keep you in stitches!

     My favorite thing to do while my hubby and sons play the vintage and newer video games is Animation Academy.  With various sessions through the day, an artist will come out and display in a big screen how you can draw your favorite Disney character.  You have a light pen and a computer screen for you to follow along as the artist gives you directions.  FYI Donald Duck is the easiest!

     Of course, as with the entire Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Quest dining is delightful.  They even offer cool comfortable seating with interactive games at your table.  Also, following Disney's rule of thumb there's a gift shop as you exit Disney Quest.  Everyone will want to pick up some small memorabilia from the special memories that you have made!  Ya Gotta Love Gift Shops!

     So this summer when you're at the Walt Disney World Resort and maybe it's a little to hot or too rainy or you want to take it a little bit easier.  Don't forget to check out that big building with the squiggly lines at Downtown Disney you won't regret Disney Quest!  It may just become your newest must do!

 MAKE SURE YOU SHOW YOUR DISNEYSIDE!