PACKING FOR YOUR DISNEY TRIP ! “It’s vacation, not moving day”!

So your ready to finally get to Disney and your trip is fast approaching? Awesome!

Now let’s get down to business and discuss what you & your family are planning to pack ! And chat about “over-packing”!

First things first … “Write down a “Essential Only” packing list and stick to it”!

Remember, your only packing for Vacation, not a permanent move!

It’s actually kinda scary seeing a huge mound of luggage that people are lugging into the resort lobbies upon check-in , they seriously look like they need a chiropractor!

“And you darn well know , they won’t use most of what they packed, unfortunately”. ☹️

Make your vacation as easy as possible, so you can enjoy it !

In all seriousness , just stick to the essentials. And please don’t forget , your going to need room in those suitcases to bring home souvenirs, special snacks or bigger thinks like popcorn buckets and stuffed animals!

Most Disney resorts have very good gift shops that sell so many needed essentials!

Things like stomach aides, cold aides, first aide items, body washes , shampoos, conditioners and many other items too can be found in those shops!

As well, if you find you have too many dirty clothes & you still have a few days left on your Disney vacation . You can utilize washer & dryers that most of the resorts offer . (As well, you can find laundry supplies in most gift shops)

“IF” you do find you need something not sold in one of the gift shops , you can take your rental car, Uber or even a Minnie Van to the Local stores such as Walmart, Target, Wawa and other places!

Or you could just have things delivered right to your resort from places like Gardengrocer.com & turnerdrug.com

“Remember it’s vacation , not moving day”!

Here below are “several lists” to help you write out your own list for your Disney Vacation!

Many of these items however are actually sold in the resort gift shops , including baby supplies. (So you don’t have to pack everything)!

*Basic Essential Items –

• Clothing for each day

• Comfortable Shoes/Sneakers

• Cell Phones

• Portable Backup Battery

• Phone Charger w/ Cords

• Sweatshirts/hoodies (seasonal)

• Laptop/Tablet/Kindle

• Extra Memory Cards

• Park Tickets /Magic Bands

• Rain Jacket/Poncho/Umbrella

• Hand Sanitizer

• Autograph Book and Pen

• Change of Clothes

• Bag for Wet/dirty Clothes

• Camera

• Batteries

• Flip-Flops

• Hat or Visor

• Earplugs

• Backpack

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Tissues

• Gym Clothing

• Puzzle books for plane

• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

*Food and Snacks Packing List –

(This is for those who may be driving, staying in a suite or cabin. As well, those utilizing a strict food budget)

Just don’t forget , all of these items can be bought near Disney world at many stores or delivered to your resort as well.

• Bottled Water

• Juice Boxes

• Plastic Utensils

• Disposable Cups

• Nondairy Creamers

• Granola Bars

• Crackers & Chips

• Microwave Popcorn

• Instant Soup

• Dish Soap

• Paper Plates

• Cereal

• Coffee/Tea

• Napkins

• Paper Towels

*Travel Documents /Itinerary List

• Park Tickets

• Magic Bands

• Airline Tickets

• Wallet/Driver’s License/Passports

• Hotel Confirmation number

• Restaurant Information/address

• Car Rental Information

• AAA Member Card

• Credit Cards/Cash

• Magical Express Tags (If using it)

• Copy of vacation Itinerary

*Baby/Child Care items List –

• Diapers

• Swim Diapers

• Diaper Bag

• Bottles

• Baby Food

• Baby Wipes

• Pacifiers

• Rash Cream

• Stroller

• Car Seat

• Puzzle/coloring books

• Sunscreen

• Baby Hat

• Bibs

• Blankets

*Medicine Packing List –

• Ibuprofen/Tylenol

• Prescription Medications

• Cold/Allergy Medicine

• Motion Sickness Medication

• Mini First Aid Kit

• Vitamins

• Aloe Vera

• Antibiotic Gel

• Eye drops

*Road Trip Packing List – (Don’t forget change for the Tolls)

• iPad/iPods/Kindle

• Movies/DVD Players

• Chargers for Electronics

• Pillows/Blankets

• Headphones

• Games

• Cooler

• Trash Bags

*Water Park Packing List –

• Bathing Suits

• Beach Towels

• Beach Bag

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Ear Plugs/Nose Plugs

• Goggles

• Flotation Toys

• Flip Flops

• Swim Diapers

Now, go get that Essential Only List written out, get ready & go enjoy your Disney Vacation!

#magickingdom #disneysprings #epcot #hollywoodstudios #animalkingdom #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyfans #disneyresorts #magiciseverywhere #illuminations #epcotforever #disneyrumors #worldshowcase #Vacationpacking #Disneyvacations #packingessentials #dontoverpackforvacation #yournotmoving

Hollywood Studios “After Hours” Events 2019 !

Hollywood Studios “After Hours” Events : (Now until July 2019)

In my personal opinion after many visits to Walt Disney World annually , the “After Hours” Events, are worth it !

In fact , we make a point to do them every visit and can run (or stroll) the parks & hit every ride we want!

As well, enjoy the all the free snacks, drinks and meet characters as well !

All without the massive “sea” of people crammed into the park!

That’s a big plus for us right there !

(After Hours events are available at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios)

So here below is all the info for the “Hollywood Studios” After Hours Events Dates, Times & Pricing !

A limited number of Guests get to enjoy extra magic during a unique, 3-hour park event !

It will feature most of your favorite attractions, along with free ice cream. popcorn & bottled drinks (just look for the Free Snack Carts stationer throughout the park as many times as you want)!

Also Character Greetings , so be sure to grab the “After Hours Special Park Map” at the entrance gate, to know where to meet them !

Enjoying “After Hours” Events, offers cooler nighttime fun, less people , Free snacks & drinks, characters, and little-to-no wait times for the rides !

*Prices:

Admission can be purchased in advance for: $125 per adult or child (plus tax)

Can be purchased on the day of the event (if tickets still available ) for:

$129 per adult or child (plus tax)

Also, If your an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member, you can take advantage of specially priced tickets for just $95 per adult or child (plus tax)

*Rides :

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Toy Story Mania!

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

• Star Wars Launch Bay

• Character Greetings

In addition, you can purchase select menu items at several of the park’s dine-in locations to eat .

Guests with Hollywood Studios “After Hours” tickets can pre-enter the park at 7:00 PM on the night they chose & paid for.

*After Hours Event hours are :

9:30PM to 12:30AM (Paid guests can enter park early at 7PM)

*Dates available for Hollywood Studios After Hours Events :

• Friday, May 31, 2019

• Friday, June 14, 2019

• Friday, June 21, 2019

• Friday, June 28, 2019

• Friday, July 5, 2019

• Friday, July 12, 2019

• Friday, July 19, 2019

• Friday, July 26, 2019

*How to get Tickets :

Purchase your online at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events/disney-after-hours-dhs/purchase/As well , you can get tickets at any ticket window or simply by calling 407-939-7795

#magickingdom #disneysprings #epcot #hollywoodstudios #animalkingdom #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyland #disneyfans #disneyresorts #magiciseverywhere #worldshowcase #AfterHours #AfterhoursHollyStudios #AfterhoursMagicKingdom

You ”can” do a Disney vacation , if you stick to a strict budget .

Don’t think you can afford to do a Disney vacation ?

You can IF you make a point to save up for it and IF you stick to a strict budget once there .

Here’s many ways to do Disney on the cheap , so you can stick to the budget you have in place !

1.) Drive to Disney, instead of flying –

Airfare (even what’s called Cheapo air flights) is expensive!

Save a couple thousand depending on the size of your family and drive it .

2.) Go at off-peak times –

You’ll even find there are lower crowds by going during off-peak time , and you can usually save 25-30% on resort costs . (January, February, parts of March are great off-peak Times)

3.) Pass on the meal plans –

Buy food for your room for breakfast , and pack lunches for the parks ! And enjoy dinner at a more budget friendly restaurant in the parks . You’ll be saving a ton on food costs .

4.)Stay on Disney property –

You get free Disney transportation to the parks and also enjoy extra Magic Hours and other perks.

5.)Skip the Park Hopper Pass –

Hopping between parks at Walt Disney World is time-consuming and expensive. Save money by picking your park for the day and staying there . Plus, you’ll be saving a lot of money by not buying Hopper Passes !

6.)Skip the “Bings & Whistles” –

When it comes to Disney, you will be tempted to buy everything they offer to make sure your trip is “magical”. But even the most budgeted trip to Disney , is still quite “magical” !

So don’t buy the Memory Maker photo package (Take your own photos) and don’t pay extra for water parks (remember, your resort has one or many pools to use ) .

7.) Let kids pay for their own souvenirs

Set a souvenir budget before leaving for the trip, as well , they can add their allowances and gift money to that budget .

Kids are better at evaluating their options when their own money is on the line. Once you are done with purchases, make a point to quit visiting souvenir shops.

When kids understand their own spending limits up front, it works .

8.) Purchase Disney trinkets/souvenirs at home (Walmart/Target/Dollar Store) before you arrive –

Bringing souvenirs from home is a great way to give a child /kid a surprise souvenir.

Slip the souvenir/s near them while their sleeping (maybe a stuffed Mickey or Minnie) , so when they wake up in the morning , the Disney Magic gets them as they open their eyes !

You can get creative with this , and save money as well !

9.) Beverages/Souvenir Mugs –

Disney Resorts sell refillable souvenir mugs for $16.99, but the catch is that this mug can only be used at Disney resorts and not at the 4 theme parks . (Don’t get sucked into these unless you know you’ll be at the resort a lot) .

Explain and remind to your family about your budget . Maybe you could have one sugary drink a day (maybe at dinner? ) and bring your own water bottles and keep them filled with water the rest of the day .

10.) Bring rain ponchos –

Bring rain ponchos from home and DON’T leave the parks when it rains. People tend to leave the parks or hide in stores/restaurants the entire time it’s raining .

Well, if there’s no lightening, throw those ponchos on and hit the rides ! Yes, most rides are open during rain and you’ll have hardly any wait times and get to enjoy more rides !

11.) Split Snack Food –

Disney has a huge abundance of snacks , and they add up . But if you have budgeted some “splurge snacks” into your money. Here’s an idea to try for say a family of four .

Consider buying two Mickey Pretzels or Churros (instead of four) and splitting them . Which can save for snacks for another day as well !

12.) Extra Magic Hours –

Another great way to maximize your family time at Disney World is to beat the crowds by arriving early (or staying late). Guests of Disney resorts can enjoy extended Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom .

It’s a “Perk” for staying at a Disney Resort and won’t cost you anything extra! So you get more time in parks & don’t interrupt your budget.

13.) Have groceries delivered to your Resort –

If you do drive and can’t fit groceries/food in your car , you can utilize things such as Amazon Prime and Garden Grocer , Which deliver food/water/drinks/snacks right to your resort.

So you don’t have to waste vacation time by driving to try to get food for your room !

So In a nut shell, by sticking to a budget you really can do a Disney vacation, and enjoy it .

And remember, just because for this trip you don’t have the top Resort , purchase Park Hoppers or get all the Bings & Whistles , Your still experiencing all the Magic of Disney !

Disney is not going anywhere, don’t forget that ! So future trips can be planned/saved for and include a different resort or some of those “extras” then !

Sudden Disney Rules set for May 1st 2019

Disney has updated their policies on a few key items. Beginning May 1, 2019 all of these items will be prohibited at both Walt Disney World (and Disneyland):

• Strollers larger than 31″ (79 cm) wide and 52″ (132 cm) long

• Stroller wagons (like the popular Keenz variety shown below)

• Smoking & Vaping inside of all parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Disney Springs.

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• Smoking areas will be provided however outside the entrances, at this time the exact locations aren’t known as of yet .

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• Loose ice and dry ice inside of coolers

• Disney has said that “…you may continue to bring ice inside water bottles or resealable bags. The new rule applies to ice that is loose within a container such as a cooler.”

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• If you have a freezer available to you (however, most of the small fridges in the rooms do NOT) you can also use re-usable ice packs, or, you can also get cups of ice from counter service/quick locations for free.

•

A LOT of people are quite upset with these sudden changes and rightfully so.

With the amount of money it takes booking these trips , it would have been fair to those who had already been booked well in advance to give more time on these changes .

Supposedly through the grapevine all of these overnight changes may be due to the Galaxy’s Edge Opening announcement .

#magickingdom #disneysprings #epcot #hollywoodstudios #animalkingdom #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyfans #disneyresorts #magiciseverywhere #disneyrumors #newdisneyrules

Wintertime in Disney World & packing for it .

Visiting Walt Disney World during winter (From around November through end of February), has pros and cons .

“The Pro’s” have several nice things to actually consider . There is very low park attendance, which is a huge advantage for guests .

There’s hardly any wait times for the rides , abundance of fast passes , cheaper resort costs and getting into the restaurants you’ve been wanting to try are much easier to get reservations for !

“The Con’s”, Most guests picture Florida as lots of sunshine and warmth, during high peak of the day you may feel warmer , but think around the 50’s to low 70’s.

But at night however, we have felt it as low as 34 degrees in December and freezing while riding rides such as the people mover .

I had to buy Minnie Mouse gloves this past visit for Christmas it was so cold .

And we had the heat cranking in our resort verses the air conditioner at night !

Even during a nighttime ride on the people Mover at an “After Hours” Event , it was freezing! It was about 39 degrees !

And I was trying to heal up from two herniated discs in my back , but the cold was causing my back to hurt even more than it already did ! (We actually left early)

The cold weather at Walt Disney World can be good news if you hate big crowds and plan accordingly on your wardrobe.

If your from States with colder months , don’t forget to just bring those long sleeves, pants, coats and you’ll probably need gloves and scarves too ! (Seriously)

Bring a couple short sleeve shirts and shorts, but they will be good to change into in the “latter parts” of the day .

You won’t be doing much swimming most likely, however most of the resorts have heated pools if you still want to take a dip !

Just remember Florida also gets their share of Winter , minus real snow (for now )! And some days may hit mid 70’s and feel just right and comfortable .

Winter packing tips :

*Pack clothes that you can layer.

*Wear short things like short sleeve shirts with a sweater , hoodie or sweatshirt.

*Bring cold gear. Do bring hats, gloves, a scarf, and a coat.

*Bring hot gear (summer-type clothing)

*Check the weather everyday

*Do bring a swimsuit

*Know yourself, and what you can tolerate.

*Bring rain gear.

When you just get exhausted in the parks at Disney World (and you will)!

Here is a List of some places below to “rest/recharge/catch a quick nap” while in the Disney Parks !

(Because you will get tired) !

There are number of longer show-type attractions/rides that take place in dimmed, air-conditioned rooms. (Most of them anyway)

The nice part is that these shows last between 10-25 minutes long . Some of these attractions may include :

• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents

• Magic Kingdom – Country Bear Jamboree

• Magic Kingdom – Carousel of Progress

• Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland People Mover

• Magic Kingdom – The Tiki Room

• Magic Kingdom – Jungle Cruise

• Magic kingdom – The Railroad (when it opens back up)

• Magic Kingdom – River Boat

• Magic Kingdom – Mickeys Philharmagic

• Epcot – The Land Pavilion , Living with the Land Boat Ride

• Epcot – Spaceship Earth

• Epcot – Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

• Epcot World Showcase – Several of the countries have Short Films that run about 15/20 mins , find them in : Canada, France, America & China

• Hollywood Studios – Beauty & the Beast musical show

• Hollywood Studios – Voyage of the Little Mermaid

• Hollywood Studios- Indiana Jone Epic Stunt Spectacular

• Animal Kingdom – Flights of Wonder (shaded, but not air-conditioned)

• Animal Kingdom – Finding Nemo, the Musical

• Animal Kingdom – UP! A great Bird Adventure

• Animal Kingdom – Wildlife Express Train (Africa)

• Disney Springs – AMC Movie Theatre (get a longer nap for a small price)

• Disney Springs – Sassagoula Boat

Don’t forget you can ride the monorail & boats and also seek out shaded benches as well ! Just to get the re-charge you need when exhaustion hits you !

Amazing smells of Disney, did you know ?

You know how everything smells so good when your in Disney ? Here’s why below, in case you didn’t know ! 👇🏼

“Scent-Emitting System” – aka Smellitizers are used throughout all the parks & hotels in WDW . Invented by a Walt Disney World Imagineer back in 1984

So, It’s not your imagination when walking down Main Street USA or strolling through the Countries of Epcot to be overcome by intoxicating smells when in WDW .

Randomly placed throughout the parks to enhance your Disney Trip , these Smellitizer’s pump smells such as Baked goods, candy and popcorn along Main Street of Magic Kingdom. As well a Musty smell in Haunted Mansion, a sea water smell in Pirates of the Caribbean. Just to name a few there .

Head over to Epcot , you’ll smell Rome burning in Spaceship Earth and a Citrus Grove scent on Soarin , as we many other smells though out all of Disney !

So, enjoy those amazing smells when in Disney , see if you can spot the Smellitizer’s during your next visit and now you know why your Disney trip is not only appealing to the eyes…but also your nose ! 👍🏼

#disneytips #Disneyworld #smellitizers #scentemittingsystem #Mainstreetusa #confectionery #popcornstands #Mickeyfoods #Mickeyshapedfoods #disneybakedgoods #piratesofthecaribbean #Hauntedmansion #epcot #spaceshipearth #romeburning #soarin #disneyresorts #disneyhotelsmells #wdw #disneyfans #disneylife #disneyinstagram #disneyfriends #disneysmells #sensoryperception

Disney After Hours Events

We never pass up the “After Hour” events when we are in WDW . Parks are so much calmer, since there are less people and limited number of tickets are sold for these events .

We go every May & December, and never miss one ! (See pictures and videos) nice empty park !

Take a relaxing stroll through the park , get your free treats and basically walk onto the rides with no tantrums, screaming or melt downs, all of this , is a big plus for the “Adult-Only” Disney Trips !

Admission to “Disney After Hours Events” can be purchased in advance for $125 per adult or child, plus tax—or purchased on the day of the event for $129 per adult or child, plus tax. In addition to regular park price (but for adults, its worth it)!

The event takes place from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM , just be in the park before 7pm to get your special wrist bands!

Limited number of Guests can enjoy a fun & quiet 3-hour park experience !

With more than 25 popular attractions and Character Greetings, with little-to-no wait for the rides !

(Below is from this past Holiday season & it was glorious)!

Disney Treats , oh my ! 😋

TONS of treats can be found in all of the parks . And lately, it seems they’ve “upped the bar” on how many you can find around every corner in the parks !

From the “Gray Stuff” cupcake at Be Our Guest Restaurant, to warm Mickey Pretzels, Churros, Mickey Rice Krispy Treats, the “Kitchen Sink” ice cream Mickey pants bowl, Dole Whips & Floats and the massive Cinnamon Bun & LeFou’s Brew from Gaston’s Tavern .

And this is just a small list of treats you can get !

Remember, if using the Disney Dining Plan, many of the treats can be used as Snack Credits !

It’s Florida, expect and be ready for rain & just have fun 👍🏼

Some people do forget when going to Walt Disney World, your in the State of Florida!

And it rains , sometimes without warning or your entire trip .

Don’t be discouraged, most rides stay running during the rain & with the Florida heat it can be refreshing!

Your on Vacation, it’s not a beauty pageant. So pull your hair back and make the best of it & just enjoy your time in the most magical place you can be at !

Bring your ponchos & umbrellas during the heavy rain seasons !

Remember, the rain clears the crowds some ….Sooooo, less people means “walk-on rides”! 👍🏼

#NeverABadDayAtDisney