How Long is Too Long?

Many times I am asked how many days would I suggest to see and do everything Disney World has to offer.  The answer to this question has one quick answer and one that is more complex than this blog has time to answer.  The quick responses that you will never experience all of Disney World.  There will always be a restaurant, attraction or show that you didn't have time to get to, and will thus be saved for your return trip.  The long answer is that it truly depends on the kind of Disney vacation you are looking for.  

The One-Day/One-Park Vacationers

If your family wants to experience as much Disney magic as possible on your vacation, you will want to consider multiple days to spend within the parks, time to explore your resort and Downtown Disney.  For years, my family did a one-day/one-park trip, which was enough for us, since our vacation encompassed just Magic Kingdom and an off-site hotel.  We would add a day at Universal and/or Sea World, the occasional Gatorland and Space Coast visits along with a few night at the beach.  This works great for a week-long "Florida" trip, but clearly lacks focus.  If you knew my family, you would need no further explanation!  While we experienced many of the highlights of Florida tourism, we didn't have a true fulfilling Disney immersion with our one day.

Most of this is due to the fact that when we were making our annual trek to the Sunshine State, Disney had two parks, and my parents weren't convinced that EPCOT Center would ever live up to their expectations (nor could their pocketbooks take such a hit).  Nowadays with four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses and 27 themed resorts, Disney World is a destination that deserves your undivided attention. Having said that, memories can be made with a one day/one park ticket - so don't count it out!  A full day at Magic Kingdom park is a great option for families with limited budgets, those who have limited time, as well as those who are hesitant to jump into Disney Destinations with both feet.

Multiple Day Vacationers    

For many families, a week-long Disney vacation is typical, while some opt for 3-5 days.  Each of these allows for multiple days within the theme parks and time to enjoy the resort.  A popular ticket option is a multiple day base ticket, which allows a visit to a specified park once per day.  Guests are permitted to come and go throughout the day within the specified park.  Many guests chose a 4-day base ticket which allows them to devote one day to each of the four theme parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

Other families choose to add the Park Hopper option, which allows guests to enter any number of the theme parks each day.  Adding the Park Hopper is a great way to create flexibility during your vacation.  Families with Park Hopper tickets can hop from park to park to experience various attractions throughout the day.  You could begin your day at Animal Kingdom and take in several attractions before heading to Epcot for a phenomenal lunch in the World Showcase, then head to Magic Kingdom for an evening of thrills and fireworks.

The Walt Disney Travel Company is no dummy when it comes to pricing.  Theme park tickets are reduced the more days that are purchased, the Dining Plan must be applied to each night of your stay, and Water Parks can be added on for the length of your ticket.  It is important to look at all the elements of ticket pricing before making your final decision.  

Disney World vacations are not "one size fits all."  Each family must choose a package that works best fits their vacation needs.  More time in the parks?  Water parks included? Downtime by the resort pool?  Shows at Downtown Disney/Disney Springs?  Character dining?  There are many things to factor!

The Dork's Plan

As our family has changed, our travel planning has also changed. For my family of 5, with young kids ages 7, 5, and 18 months, we typically stay 7 nights at a Disney resort (our most recent two have been at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, with our upcoming being at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa) with a 7-day Park Hopper ticket and the Disney Dining Plan.  We have found that this amount of time works best for us so we don't feel rushed.  It is enough time to see most of what we hope to see and do the majority of the things we hope to do without feeling disappointed for not getting to everything on our list - which will inevitably happen.     

What is your favorite way to experience Disney World?  Leave your comments below.  As always, speak with a Disney Destination Specialist for ways to get the most out of your Disney vacation.  

Dining at the World - Our Favorites

This is the time of year that my family develops our annual case of Disney Fever.  Call it holiday spirit, call it a change in the weather, but I know exactly what to attribute this Disney-inspired longing to.  

We are nearly 180 days out from our travel dates!

Historically speaking, this is the McDowell's sixth (or seventh) trip together and more than I can count as an individual.  Needless to say, we have experienced many of the dining experiences available within the Walt Disney World Resort.  Over the years our favorites have changed, and we have racked up some that we don't care to experience again for one reason or another.  Let me share some of our favorites in no particular order!

1900 Park Fare - Dinner 
We love to visit Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa any time to experience the ambiance of the Victoria Era of Florida.  Dining with Cinderella and her prince is an added bonus!  We are always treated like royalty from the characters (Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drisella, and occasionally Fairy Godmother - all subject to change).  The food is basic buffet fare, but  our experience has always found well cooked, hot food with decent service from cast members.  The number of characters rotating to the table keeps the kids engaged - and offers a great incentive for finishing their food!  
Our Best Memory: Cinderella plucked a 2-year-old mesmerized Maggie from her high chair, pulled her to the floor and into her princess lap for a snuggle session.  When the Prince arrived, Cinderella and Maggie were still gazing into each others eyes, when he decided to join them on the floor for more cuddles, ending with a Cinderella kiss - where we could not wash away the lipstick from Maggie's cheek!

Cinderella's Kiss!

Whispering Canyon Cafe
This spirited, rustic BBQ restaurant has gotten some mixed reviews on several message boards lately, but we still consider it one of our favorites.  We love the Canyon Skillet, which arrives family style to your table, and offers all-you-can-eat BBQ irk, ribs, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and baked beans.  Cornbread completes the meal all within the wild atmosphere of the restaurant, which is adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge lobby.  Early on, we weren't as excited with the antics of the cast members - making a mockery of guests by placing napkin-hats on their heads, bringing pitchers of beverages to the table instead of the typical mason jar, screeching when folks ask for ketchup, and announcing celebrations, like birthdays to the patrons at the top of their lungs - however, the food won us! The truth is that anyplace that offers unlimited milkshakes will always win for us!
Our Best Memory: Our youngest was making a mess on the floor - as toddlers do - and our server brought a converted trash bag and tied it around her neck.  As it draped to the floor, we laughed hysterically at our child covered in the world's largest bib!

Maggie's Giant Bib

Unlimited Milkshakes!

Ohana
While this restaurant offers characters at breakfast, we typically spend our table service time at dinner, as to maximize our morning energy within the parks.  Ohana is located within Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and transports its guests to lands with volcanoes and seaside landscapes.  While you can no longer see Magic Kingdom from most areas of the restaurant, the food at this restaurant keeps us coming back!  We love the family style entrees served from large skewers, and friendly staff!  While I am not a huge meat eater, I love the atmosphere with ukulele playing, coconut races with the kids, and limbo and hula hoop contests.  
Our Best Memory: Everyone is treated like family, with the servers introducing themselves as Cousins.  This sparked our oldest to call everyone cousin for the rest of the trip.  

Ohana 

Garden Grill
This restaurant is often overlooked at Epcot's Future World.  Nestled within the Land pavilion, Garden Grill offers a few unique experiences that we absolutely love!  Offering another family-style meal, this restaurant rotates to display views of the Living with the Land attraction on the first floor below.  On this attraction, guests learn of Epcot's hydroponic gardens, and the research that is taking place on site.  It is from these gardens that much of the produce served at Garden Grill is harvested.  I love farm-to-table dining, and am amazed even more that it can take place within the Walt Disney World Resort!  Characters spend time at each table and include Farmer Mickey, Farmer Pluto, Chip and Dale.  The food here is always fresh, and includes salad, beef filet, turkey breast, stuffing, fish of the day, mashed potatoes and vegetables.  Garden Grill also offers a fantastic hidden Mickey in the foliage paintings on the wall!
Our Best Memory: Chip came to our table for photos and autographs and tried to strike up a conversation with me.  He was obviously trying to tell me something important, but I was having difficulty understanding what his hand gestures meant.  He grabbed my son's autograph book and wrote under his signature, "I saw you today in Adventureland!" We laughed for a long time after that!  How fun for the characters to recognize and remember us across theme parks! 


Wherever you decide to make your danced Dining Reservations, remember to take advice with a grain of salt.  Well meaning friends may try to deter you from a restaurant that your family may absolutely love!  Read the restaurant descriptions through official Disney websites and make your own decisions!  As always, a Disney Destination Specialist is a great resource when trying to weed through information!  Happy dining! 

Table Service Dining for Families with Young Children

"We've decided to add the Dining Plan to our Disney vacation."  

On the heels of this announcement comes the ever-popular planning question, "
What is the best way to use my credits?

While there are virtually thousands of options and opinions on this topic, I have my list of favorite places to utilize Table Service Dining Plan credits within The World.   

Most table service restaurants are delightful and offer tasty food.  In fact, I have not eaten at a table service Establishment within WDW and been overly disappointed.  These are my current favorites for families with young children:

• Whispering Canyon Cafe
• Location: Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• My Favorite Dish:  Canyon Skillet (all you can eat): mixed greens with apple vinigrette, cornbread, smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, oven-roasted chicken, pork sausage, masked potatoes, coleslaw, beans, and corn on the cob. 
• Thoughts: Bottomless milkshakes!  Need I say more?  Mid-dining activities for kids.  Witty servers. Ask for ketchup!
• Garden Grill
• Location: Epcot Future World/ The Land
  
• My Favorite Dish:  Garden fresh vegetables, smashed potatoes, turkey and dressing on the Family style Dinner
• Thoughts: This restaurant rotates! Farmer Mickey, Farmer Pluto, Chip and Dale greet you during dinner with ever-changing views of the Living with the Land attraction. 
• Ohana
• Location: Disney's Polynesian Resort
  
• My Favorite Dish: Mesquite Grilled Turkey Skewers (prepared over an oak fire) dipped in chimichurri sauce
• Thoughts: Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney's Polynesian Resort, the Hawaiian entertainment includes singing, ukulele playing, limbo contests and coconut races to complete the Polynesian atmosphere.  
• Chef Mickey's Buffet
• Location: Disney's Contemporary Resort
  
• My Favorite Dish: The fabulous sundae and dessert bar!  
• Thoughts: The Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donals, Goofy, Pluto) greet you as you dine.  Monorails zoom above through the Contemporary Resort atrium.  Picture windows of Bay Lake capture attention as you wait.  

• Trails' End
• Location: Disney's Fort Wilderness
• My Favorite Dish: Breakfast! The buffet has all the country fixin's, but I love the biscuits and gravy best.  
• Thoughts: while this location is one table serivce credit, I suggest paying for this one out of pocket.  The less-than-$20 per adult price is certainly a bargain for a Disney meal!  The quiet ambiance will help you recharge your Disney-overloaded batteries.  

• 1900 Park Fare
• Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• My Favorite Dish: Chicken Marsala on the dinner buffet, and The Kid's Station
• Thoughts: Laid-back dining with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella and The Fairy Godmother (characters subject to change).
  
  

Prolonging the Excitement of the Big Trip

It's tax season, which can only mean two things in our household.  First, spring is around the corner!  The extra-snowy winter this year has really contributed to our spring fever.  I'm not sure I have ever been more ready to change over to warmer temperatures and sunshine!  The second is that our tax refund is on its way and we can finally book our summer Disney vacation!  

We are not the family that can keep secrets well.  When we are excited about something we tend to tell the world!  As soon as our taxes were filed, we shared the news with our kids -- it's time to start planning our vacation!!  Per usual, we are all in a deep state of Disney-Fever.  

So, what to do with our unbridled excitement with nearly 3 months  still left until we depart?  The only antidote for true Disney-Fever is, of course, a visit to see The Mouse.  In the meantime, one can only treat the symptoms.  

Here's our top ten ways to treat the symptoms of Disney-Fever.

10: Disney themed dinner-time conversations.  We chat our mealtimes away dreaming about all that we will see and do on our vacation.  My children will talk of rides and pool time at the resort, while my husband and I get giddy about seeing the joy on our children's faces as they catch a glimpse of their favorite "friends" in the parks.  We each tell our favorite parts of each park and our resort, and what we are most looking forward to.

9: Movies! We pull out our extensive Disney movie collection and have a few extra family-movie nights.  Our van is stocked with our favorites so the kids begin to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney long before we begin packing our bags.  My husband is sure to set our DVR to record showings on TV of movies that we do not own.  

8:  Disney Store shopping.  Our local mall has a small, yet adequate Disney store, where my children think they are part owners.  We rarely purchase items, but frequent the store after church many weekends to let them play with the toys, squeeze their favorite stuffed characters, and give high-fives to the cast members.  Oh, those poor, unsuspecting cast members never see my crew coming.  They burst into the store with huge smiles on their faces and bound to the back to take in the entire place - dripping with the "Fever."  I step back and let them infect others as my daughter belts out "Let it Go" with Idina Menzel's voice ringing through the tiny store.  I collect my Disney-rabid children, and politely tell the cast members that we are planning our next Disney trip, and they give me an understanding smile and nod.  I think it is part recognition, part pity.  

7: Sorcerer Radio Station.  I often quip to my husband that I wish my life had a soundtrack playing on little speakers hidden in the bushes everywhere I went, just like at Disney.  I make this dream a reality with Sorcerer Radio.  Found at live365.com, Sorcerer Radio plays all of the music from Disney parks and resorts.  I turn it on and let it play throughout my day, allowing me to beckon Disney memories and plan new ones!

6: Mickey-inspired Food.  Mickey pancakes are our favorite, and easy to create, but other Mickey-inspired food is fun too!  We put popcorn in paper bags, and pretend its from our favorite popcorn stand in Hollywood Studios - near Toys Story Midway Mania.  Mickey-shaped cookies, and ice cream sandwiches are easy to create and devour, although they are not at all as good as the parks versions!  A little soft-serve ice cream in pineapple juice gives a similar, albeit sub-par, taste to our favorite Dole-Whip, and a concoction of juices sends our memories to Tusker house Restaurant's Jambo Juice.

5:  We practice our Spanish.  "Please stand clear of the doors.  Por favor, alejado de las puertas."

4:  We start a countdown chain.  Most families begin their chains when the countdown to vacation time is within site on the calendar - 30 days or less.  Ours is more non-traditional when it comes to this tradition. When our trip has been booked, we start the countdown.  We typically book about 80 days in advance, having already booked all of our dining reservations safely ahead of schedule at 180 days, so it is not uncommon to see an 80-link chain hanging in the chandelier of our dining room.  Each link has a different Disney Parks experience that we are looking forward to, so when we snip off a link each day, we reminisce and dream!   

3: Hidden Mickey Hunt: My son is the best at spotting Hidden Mickey's both at Disney World, and off property.  I tell you, he has pointed out Hidden Mickey's at the grocery store, arranged in the food on his plate, and even on the patterned fabric on the inside lining of my purse.  To a Disney family, one need not be at The most Magical Place on Earth to experience Disney magic.  You'll be surprised how they begin to pop out to you in the most mundane situations.  Just this morning, my daughter and I noticed that the flowers on her jacket were 3 concentric circles - Hidden Mickey! 

2: YouTube Videos.  There are fantastic videos that families have loaded on YouTube.  Many attractions from WDW can be experienced through these family videos.  My children take turns choosing a favorite ride and cuing up the video to "ride" along via the Internet.  Ah, the power of technology!  I am secretly using it as a way to show them that Splash Mountain, a ride that they have not been brave enough to try, is not scary!
 
1: Pretend, pretend, pretend!  Every dinner eaten out, or car-ride becomes an opportunity to pretend that we are on our way to Disney World.  Our family drives to Disney World each year, instead of flying and we typically enjoy the journey.  The drive in itself is another way to prolong the excitement!  While in restaurants in our hometown, we have found ourselves telling the kids, "We only have 2 more hours until we are there!"  This imagination game will send the kids into a giggle fest while we remind them of the first things we will do when we get there.  Of course, it's a bit of a let down when we load up the van after lunch and head home. 

There are many ways to begin planning your vacation to Disney World, and most families will find themselves in some variation of Disney-Fever once they make the decision to travel to central Florida.  For my family, that planning takes on a life of its own, once the parents say that, indeed, we will be visiting Disney World.  We have found that beginning the journey earlier rather than later is a great way to prolong the excitement.  

99 Days.  We'd better start the paper chain! 

My Favorite...Place at Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park - the crux of Walt Disney World Resort.  It is no secret that for most guests, Magic Kingdom Park is the favorite of the four theme parks.  I tend to agree, if for no other reason than the intense magic that is present.  With it's six distinct lands - Main Street U.S.A, Adventurland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland - there are attractions that are sure to please even the most lackluster traveler.

I appreciate and enjoy each of the unique lands within Magic Kingdom Park and have a favorite location within each one, but when it comes to an overall favorite location with the park itself, Main Street U.S.A. takes the cake.  

There is little to compare to the splendor and magic of entering Magic Kingdom Park.  I get goosebumps simply typing the words!  Walt Disney World has a knack for entrances - the "Welcome Home" greetings at the resort entrances, the one-on-one interaction with the cast members at the theme park turnstiles, the theming of the resort lobbies - and the entrance to Walt's Magic Kingdom Park is no exception.  As guests pass underneath the Walt Disney Railroad Station they begin to glimpse the marvel that is Main Street U.S.A.  Lined with souvenir shops, a real working barber shop, and restaurants, Main Street U.S.A is decorated in turn of the century, small-town America style.  This grand entrance to Magic Kingdom Park is filled with Walt Disney history, which is the number one reason that this area of the park is my favorite.  I am a sucker for Disney trivia, and this street is littered with it!  

The symbolism along this American main street is great, as Main Street U.S.A. represents Magic Kingdom Park's opening credits.  The names of key personnel and contributors to the park's opening are visible in the building's upper floors.  Many of the storefront windows bear fictitious business names that represent a tribute to a significant individual who played a key role in the development of the park.       

The buildings here use a technique called forced perspective, which allows the relatively short buildings, at only 189 feet tall, seem large scale.  The second and third stories of the buildings decrease in height, leaving the buildings to appear to be larger and taller than the actually are.        

It may seem strange to some that my favorite place in the entire park is a street with no thrill rides, or any rides at all for that matter!  The truth is that I could plop myself along the curb and sit for hours.  I get lost in the horse-drawn carts that burst forth with frolicking, singing and dancing cast members in their turn of the century garb, vendors wrangling seemingly hundreds of Mickey Mouse shaped balloons, PhotoPass photographers taking a family's first Disney World photo, the Main Street pianist tickling the ivories outside of Casey's Corner, the smell of Main Street Bakery's fresh cinnamon rolls, the Dapper Dans Barber Shop Quartet entertaining the crowds, characters meeting guests in front of the Town Square Theater, little ones getting their first haircuts at The Harmony Barber Shop, stroller wheels getting stuck in the train track along the street, and the breathtaking view of Cinderella Castle.  There are tears in my eyes.  

Without fail, I linger in this place a little longer each time I visit.  The sheer exuberance on my children's faces as they take in the excitement of the hustle and bustle of Main Street U.S.A. is worth ten-fold the joy they get from riding Dumbo or seeing the fireworks.  Main Street U.S.A, as the first glimpse of "The Most Magical Place on Earth," was designed to transport the guest into a place like no other.  After a few steps into this enchanted place, I begin to hum along: 

I'm walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.

It's the heart of America.
The heartbeat of a holiday.
The place was made with a magical plan
And just around the corner is a Fantasyland.
I'm walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.

My Favorite Things

Folks ask me all the time, "What is your favorite thing at Walt Disney World?"  I usually look perplexed, as though I couldn't possibly choose a FAVORITE aspect of Walt Disney World, but in truth, there are so many favorites, that it would take a long afternoon chat (preferably over a Dole Whip float)  to articulate my favorite Walt Disney World list.  

To that end, I present to you: My Favorite Things - Walt Disney World.

Value Resort

I supposed the best way to begin this lengthily list of posts is to start where most Disney travelers start - where should I stay?  There are all types of vacationers out there, and I have found that most, if not all, are trying to maximize every dollar that is spent on said vacation.  The Disney vacationer is no exception.  For those who have chosen to stretch their dollar the farthest, Disney has resort options that offer a standard hotel room, with an added bonus of Disney magic.

While Disney has added the Art of Animation as a "Value Plus" resort option that I absolutely recommend for larger parties needing larger accommodations in their family suites, my favorite traditional Value Resort is Pop Century.  

This resort takes guests on a time warp trip through the decades.  Iconic themes from the 50's through the 90's litter the landscape of each section of the resort.  Guests will revel in the discovery of each of the ten buildings as they spy Big Wheels, bowling pins, Rubik's cubes, and 8 track tapes.  This resort certainly takes guests back in time.  

Three pools are available for guests in the 90's section and 50's section, as well as the most popular "Hippie Dippie" pool located in the 60's section near the main lobby and food court.  It is exactly what you'd expect of a hippie pool, complete with flower showers on the pool deck, and a temporary tattoo station.      

Rooms at Pop Century are decorated in the style of the decade in which they are located.  Each has two double beds or one king sized bed, nightstand, telephone, small table and chairs, armoire, TV, mirror, clock radio, and open closet area.  A beverage cooler is also provided.  The single sink vanity area has a mirror and is separate from the tub and toilet area.      

Pop Century is the newer of the Value resorts, in comparison to the All-Star resorts in this category, and has less wear-and-tear that comes along with well used resorts.  It is for this reason that many guests choose again and again to stay on this property.  Folks who stay at Pop Century fall in love with the ambiance, and come back for the value!  It is a great resort option offering value accommodations at a value price that will help stretch your dollar and make magical memories with your family.   

 

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Of all of the questions I field from possible Disney travelers, the one that I most often hear refers to crowd levels.  There are a couple of simple truths regarding Walt Disney World and the number of people inside the theme parks each day.  

Truth #1: Disney is a Crowded Place

While it is true that some times of the year are less crowded than others, WDW remains a crowded place by nature.  With over 17 million people visiting annually, any given park could see upwards of 75,000 people on a day during a peak season.  The resort itself covers 40 square miles - roughly the size of San Francisco.  While the majority of the 25,000 acres is undeveloped, that still leaves a massive amount of space to fit Disney enthusiasts all wanting to catch a glimpse of a certain Mr. Mouse.  

Truth #2: You Will Have to Wait

With crowds come wait times, and simply put you will most likely experience a wait for the more popular attractions and shows.  It is for this reason the Disney began the use of its FastPass system, helping guests bypass the longer wait times of the popular attractions so they can make better use of their time in the parks.  While no one wants to wait a long time for an attraction, it is inevitable during most seasons.  If you are visiting during a peak season, then cherish those 20 minute wait times!  

Truth #3: Some Seasons are Better than Others

Disney has a pretty decent business model.  They know when guests are most likely to travel, and when their theme park attendance wanes.  It is for this reason that they categorize the year into "seasons."  These seasons are broken along holiday weekends, summer breaks, spring & fall breaks, and festivals offered at the parks.  While the actual dates vary, it is a good rule of thumb to remember that a value season is most likely to occur when most children are in school, no major holiday is pressing, and the typical traveller is at work.  I typically recommend February, September, and the early weeks of December as good travel times.  Of course, if you are traveling with school-aged children, this could pose a problem with teachers and administrators!  

Whenever you decide to move forward in your travel planning for your family, keep in mind that a good bit of patience will be required with regards to crowds and waiting.  You may be surprised and find that you are able to ride and re-ride your favorite attraction multiple times without a hiccup in wait time.  I have even experienced this during the peak summer season.  Prepare yourself for the inevitable, and focus on the sheer joy on your family's' faces.