Fall has arrived at the Walt Disney World resort and that means new and exciting things to see! The Magic Kingdom is decked out in Fall decor including pumpkins and scarecrows. There weather will start to cool slightly, and the crowds are (for the moment) pretty light. It is my favorite time to visit Disney.
There are also some great events to look forward to! EPCOT's annual Food and Wine Festival will begin in about a month, offering amazing tasting opportunities from countries around the world. Also, starting very shortly is Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. It is an amazing party where your family can dress up, trick or treat, see special fireworks and parades and last but not least, ride all your favorite attractions!
Disney has a ton planned for this Fall, so get out there and have so
me fun!
September 8, 2011
July 16, 2011
Top Walt Disney World Resort Pools
Everyone loves to take a nice cool dip in a pool after a long hot day. Disney has some of the most beautiful resort hotels in the world, and along with them are amazing pools. Here is a list of my top five favorite Disney resort hotel pools:
1. Disney's Polynesian Resort - There's something about this pool that is perfect for me. It has white sand beaches, lush tropical plants, a water slide, zero-depth entry and an amazing view of Cinderella's castle.
2. Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs - Known as Stormalong Bay, the pool at Yacht and Beach is different than any other pool at Disney. It has a one-of-a-king sand bottom pool, which feels great on your tired feet! It also has a lazy river, and a large water slide. Please note: This pool area is only accessible to guests who are staying at Yacht and Beach. All swimmers must have a wristband in order to enjoy the pool area.
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Disney's Grand Floridan Resort and Spa
5. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
1. Disney's Polynesian Resort - There's something about this pool that is perfect for me. It has white sand beaches, lush tropical plants, a water slide, zero-depth entry and an amazing view of Cinderella's castle.
2. Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs - Known as Stormalong Bay, the pool at Yacht and Beach is different than any other pool at Disney. It has a one-of-a-king sand bottom pool, which feels great on your tired feet! It also has a lazy river, and a large water slide. Please note: This pool area is only accessible to guests who are staying at Yacht and Beach. All swimmers must have a wristband in order to enjoy the pool area.
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Disney's Grand Floridan Resort and Spa
5. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
July 11, 2011
Viewing Locations for Illuminations
Illuminations at EPCOT is one of Disney's most memorable nighttime events. It is truly the perfect way to end a day at the park! One thing that many guests don't consider is that with so many fireworks, there is going to be a lot of smoke. My number one tip for watching Illuminations is to check the wind direction! It is so much more enjoyable when you do not have to look through the cloud of smoke to see the fireworks. That said, here are a few of my favorite places to view Illuminations:
-Along the railing between Mexico and China
-On the bridge between France and the International Gateway
-Along the water at the Rose and Crown (this requires dinner reservations and good planning)
-Along the railing between Mexico and China
-On the bridge between France and the International Gateway
-Along the water at the Rose and Crown (this requires dinner reservations and good planning)
Tips for Beating the Florida Heat!
If you've ever been to Florida in the summer, you know that it can be HOT. It is very typical for it to be in the 90's everyday during the summer. Add that to the extremely high humidity, and you will be begging for some relief from the heat. Here are few tips that I use when visiting the parks to stay cool:
- Bring a hand-held water mister/fan: These can be bought at Disney for around $18 but are much cheaper at Walmart
- Wear clothes that dry quickly: Try to avoid wearing any kind of denim or heavy material. There is nothing worse than walking around in wet jean shorts all day.
- Take breaks by visiting indoor attractions or having an indoor snack when your family gets too overheated (Also, many of the indoor quick service restaurants will let guests sit at the tables just to relax without buying anything)
- One of my favorite things to do is to grab a few cubes of ice from the street vendor soda carts when passing by. There is nothing better than the feeling of cold ice when your out in the sun all day. (Just remember to keep this to a minimum and not grab handfuls!)
- There are also a ton of great places to cool off in water around the parks. Below are some of the great places or attractions that offer a break from the heat:
~Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
~Kali River Rapids (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
~Studio Backlot Tour (Disney's Hollywood Studios, make sure to sit on the left side of the vehicle to get wet)
~The spitting camel at Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
~The squirting tikis/totem poles near Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
~Play fountains near Mission Space and Test Track (Epcot)
~Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground (Hollywood Studios)
~The bridge over Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
~Play fountains (Downtown Disney)
- Bring a hand-held water mister/fan: These can be bought at Disney for around $18 but are much cheaper at Walmart
- Wear clothes that dry quickly: Try to avoid wearing any kind of denim or heavy material. There is nothing worse than walking around in wet jean shorts all day.
- Take breaks by visiting indoor attractions or having an indoor snack when your family gets too overheated (Also, many of the indoor quick service restaurants will let guests sit at the tables just to relax without buying anything)
- One of my favorite things to do is to grab a few cubes of ice from the street vendor soda carts when passing by. There is nothing better than the feeling of cold ice when your out in the sun all day. (Just remember to keep this to a minimum and not grab handfuls!)
- There are also a ton of great places to cool off in water around the parks. Below are some of the great places or attractions that offer a break from the heat:
~Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
~Kali River Rapids (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
~Studio Backlot Tour (Disney's Hollywood Studios, make sure to sit on the left side of the vehicle to get wet)
~The spitting camel at Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
~The squirting tikis/totem poles near Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
~Play fountains near Mission Space and Test Track (Epcot)
~Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground (Hollywood Studios)
~The bridge over Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
~Play fountains (Downtown Disney)
June 16, 2011
Adult Fun at Disney
If you find yourself looking for a way to cool off from the hot sun, Disney has some great bar locations to visit. My two favorite places to get a drink are:
- The Rose and Crown (England in EPCOT)
- The Tune-In Lounge (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
EPCOT offers endless options for drinks in the countries of the World Showcase. There are many outdoor carts that offer delicious drinks from their part of the world. My favorites are strawberry margaritas in Mexico and the Grand Marnier Lemon Slush in France.
In addition to the bars at the two water parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, all of the Disney resorts also have wonderful lounges or pool bars. There is nothing more relaxing than a nice cold drink at the pool after a hot day in the park.
Downtown Disney also offers a lot of fun opportunities for adults, with tons of choices such as a tequila bar, Irish pub and a margarita stand. You are sure to find endless choices for how to end your evening!
- The Rose and Crown (England in EPCOT)
- The Tune-In Lounge (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
EPCOT offers endless options for drinks in the countries of the World Showcase. There are many outdoor carts that offer delicious drinks from their part of the world. My favorites are strawberry margaritas in Mexico and the Grand Marnier Lemon Slush in France.
In addition to the bars at the two water parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, all of the Disney resorts also have wonderful lounges or pool bars. There is nothing more relaxing than a nice cold drink at the pool after a hot day in the park.
Downtown Disney also offers a lot of fun opportunities for adults, with tons of choices such as a tequila bar, Irish pub and a margarita stand. You are sure to find endless choices for how to end your evening!
June 12, 2011
Tips for visiting Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a wonderful way to spend one of those hot Florida summer days. Similar to the theme parks, there are a few simple tips that will make your day at the park much more enjoyable.
- Be sure to arrive early. Although the park does not get near as busy as say the Magic Kingdom, it does still get long lines and crowds. By arriving early, you will be able to visit a few of the more popular attractions, and get a good lounge area, before it gets too crowded.
- If it seems like most of the lounge chairs are taken, try to find a spot on the beach near Crush 'n' Gusher, it is always fairly quiet over there and there are a ton of extra chairs.
- Be sure to rent a locker when you enter the park. Its great to not worry about your valuables, clothes and money while you are out enjoying the park. Also, when you return your key at the end of the day, you get part of your deposit back!
- If you want to keep your money with you, purchase one of Disney's water park money holders. They keep your money and credit cards dry, and you can just wear it around your neck on all of the slides.
- It is very common for it to thunderstorm in early afternoon in Florida, even on a perfectly sunny day. If you are at the water park when it starts to storm, you have a few options. If the storm looks like it will be over with shortly, it can be a good idea to remain in the park and take cover. Many guests leave as soon as it starts to rain, and then when the storm clears the lines for the slides are almost empty. If you want to leave the park when it rains, remember that you can get a rain ticket that allows you to visit Typhoon Lagoon on another day. This only works if you have been in the park for less than three hours.
- Some simple tips for enjoying the weather: Make sure to drink lots of water, apply sunscreen frequently and wear flip flops around the park to avoid burning the bottoms of your feet.
- Be sure to arrive early. Although the park does not get near as busy as say the Magic Kingdom, it does still get long lines and crowds. By arriving early, you will be able to visit a few of the more popular attractions, and get a good lounge area, before it gets too crowded.
- If it seems like most of the lounge chairs are taken, try to find a spot on the beach near Crush 'n' Gusher, it is always fairly quiet over there and there are a ton of extra chairs.
- Be sure to rent a locker when you enter the park. Its great to not worry about your valuables, clothes and money while you are out enjoying the park. Also, when you return your key at the end of the day, you get part of your deposit back!
- If you want to keep your money with you, purchase one of Disney's water park money holders. They keep your money and credit cards dry, and you can just wear it around your neck on all of the slides.
- It is very common for it to thunderstorm in early afternoon in Florida, even on a perfectly sunny day. If you are at the water park when it starts to storm, you have a few options. If the storm looks like it will be over with shortly, it can be a good idea to remain in the park and take cover. Many guests leave as soon as it starts to rain, and then when the storm clears the lines for the slides are almost empty. If you want to leave the park when it rains, remember that you can get a rain ticket that allows you to visit Typhoon Lagoon on another day. This only works if you have been in the park for less than three hours.
- Some simple tips for enjoying the weather: Make sure to drink lots of water, apply sunscreen frequently and wear flip flops around the park to avoid burning the bottoms of your feet.
The Shark Reef at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
One of my favorite experiences is located at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, called Shark Reef. It allows guests to snorkel with live tropical fish, and even sharks! The Shark Reef is located in the back right corner of the water park and upon arriving you will be given a mask, snorkel and life jacket (optional). You will then wait in a short line, waiting to be briefed with safety information. The cast members will show you how to use your mask and snorkel, as well as give a few facts about the tank you will be snorkeling in.
Some of the most important facts to note about swimming in the Shark Reef is that you are not allowed to kick your feet when swimming to prevent harm to the fish. Make sure that you are very comfortable with floating and using just your arms to swim before you begin. I prefer to use a life jacket just because it is so easy to relax and float around.
Also note that the water is very cold in comparison to the rest of water at the park, and it is also salt water.
There are lifeguards on duty, but please make sure that your children or anyone else, is very confident with swimming, breathing through the snorkel and with seeing live animals underwater. I have frequently seen kids start screaming underwater when they see the sharks, so make sure they are prepared. It is an amazing thing to see, if you know what to expect.
My number one tip for visiting the Shark Reef is to take your time! Many people feel they have to just paddle right through the tank and miss a lot of opportunities to interact with the fish. You do need to keep swimming somewhat in a forward direction, but you can stop and look at fish and explore a little. Look around you while you are swimming and follow the fish, because sometimes they are all in a huge group on one side, and you don't want to miss that!
Some of the most important facts to note about swimming in the Shark Reef is that you are not allowed to kick your feet when swimming to prevent harm to the fish. Make sure that you are very comfortable with floating and using just your arms to swim before you begin. I prefer to use a life jacket just because it is so easy to relax and float around.
Also note that the water is very cold in comparison to the rest of water at the park, and it is also salt water.
There are lifeguards on duty, but please make sure that your children or anyone else, is very confident with swimming, breathing through the snorkel and with seeing live animals underwater. I have frequently seen kids start screaming underwater when they see the sharks, so make sure they are prepared. It is an amazing thing to see, if you know what to expect.
My number one tip for visiting the Shark Reef is to take your time! Many people feel they have to just paddle right through the tank and miss a lot of opportunities to interact with the fish. You do need to keep swimming somewhat in a forward direction, but you can stop and look at fish and explore a little. Look around you while you are swimming and follow the fish, because sometimes they are all in a huge group on one side, and you don't want to miss that!
September 23, 2010
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Take a wild adventure into the savannahs of Africa in Disney's Animal Kingdom's premier attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests board a open air truck, where their tour guide takes them on an exciting trip down the backroads of the Harmabe Wildlife Reserve. You will witness Giraffes, Hippos, and African Lions that are free-roaming and close enough to you for some amazing photos. There is also more to this ride than just the animals, there is an important message. Guests help track down horrible poachers, which have captured a baby Elephant from the reserve. This attraction will leave you with a love of the Earth's animals and a desire to protect them.
Families should plan to enjoy this attraction very early in the morning. The animals are most active while it is still cool, so make sure to visit before 11 am. If you plan to ride Expedition Everest, visit it first, and then head straight over to the safari. It is a good idea to ride it before the line gets long, as it can easily be over an hour wait in the afternoon. If you want to ride it more than once, grab a FASTPASS after you ride in the morning.
Make sure not to forget your camera on this attraction! In the savannah section, Giraffes, Zebras and Gazellas run freely and are frequently close enough to the vehicles to touch! It is sure to be a photo opportunity that you will not want to miss.
Families should plan to enjoy this attraction very early in the morning. The animals are most active while it is still cool, so make sure to visit before 11 am. If you plan to ride Expedition Everest, visit it first, and then head straight over to the safari. It is a good idea to ride it before the line gets long, as it can easily be over an hour wait in the afternoon. If you want to ride it more than once, grab a FASTPASS after you ride in the morning.
Make sure not to forget your camera on this attraction! In the savannah section, Giraffes, Zebras and Gazellas run freely and are frequently close enough to the vehicles to touch! It is sure to be a photo opportunity that you will not want to miss.
September 19, 2010
Dinosaur
Dinosaur : Revealed
Located within Dinoland of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a thrilling blast to the past. Dinosaur takes riders on a thrilling journey back to the Cretaceous period with the help of a crazy scientist and his newly created "Time Rovers". Your mission: To find the extinct Iguanodon dinosaur and bring it back to present day for research. But watch out! The Cretaceous period is famous for the meteorite storm that killed off the dinosaurs. Needless to say, the trip doesn't go exactly as planned.
My suggestion is to visit the Dinosaur attraction after you have experienced Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line is usually fairly short, and can be done after riding the two most popular attractions. If the line is longer than about 30 minutes, perhaps it would be a good idea to grab a FASTPASS for this ride.
Once you are inside the attraction, you view a short movie explaining instructions for your mission to the age of the Dinosaurs. You then enter the loading area, where guests are loaded in groups of four (each Time Rover holds 12 people). Then it is off to the Cretaceous period!
Everything starts out fine, there are different dinosaurs throughout the landscape that you can observe from your safe vehicle. However, shortly into the ride there starts to be signs of the upcoming meteor shower. Your team needs to pick up speed in order to find the Iguanodon in time. The bad luck continues, when you run into a very hungry Carnitaurous. He chases your Time Rover through the dark jungle, each time barely missing you. At the last second, you find the Iguanodon and are zapped back to present times just before being eatten by a giant TRex. Sounds like a good time right?
This ride is one of the more intense attractions at Walt Disney World, and families with small children should read the posted warning before riding. The ride is very dark, and very bumpy. Also, the dinosaurs are loud, scary and realistic, which often scares young children.
Dinosaur is personally my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World. It is sure to make every member of your family laugh, and is not to be missed on your next visit.
Located within Dinoland of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a thrilling blast to the past. Dinosaur takes riders on a thrilling journey back to the Cretaceous period with the help of a crazy scientist and his newly created "Time Rovers". Your mission: To find the extinct Iguanodon dinosaur and bring it back to present day for research. But watch out! The Cretaceous period is famous for the meteorite storm that killed off the dinosaurs. Needless to say, the trip doesn't go exactly as planned.
My suggestion is to visit the Dinosaur attraction after you have experienced Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line is usually fairly short, and can be done after riding the two most popular attractions. If the line is longer than about 30 minutes, perhaps it would be a good idea to grab a FASTPASS for this ride.
Once you are inside the attraction, you view a short movie explaining instructions for your mission to the age of the Dinosaurs. You then enter the loading area, where guests are loaded in groups of four (each Time Rover holds 12 people). Then it is off to the Cretaceous period!
Everything starts out fine, there are different dinosaurs throughout the landscape that you can observe from your safe vehicle. However, shortly into the ride there starts to be signs of the upcoming meteor shower. Your team needs to pick up speed in order to find the Iguanodon in time. The bad luck continues, when you run into a very hungry Carnitaurous. He chases your Time Rover through the dark jungle, each time barely missing you. At the last second, you find the Iguanodon and are zapped back to present times just before being eatten by a giant TRex. Sounds like a good time right?
This ride is one of the more intense attractions at Walt Disney World, and families with small children should read the posted warning before riding. The ride is very dark, and very bumpy. Also, the dinosaurs are loud, scary and realistic, which often scares young children.
Dinosaur is personally my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World. It is sure to make every member of your family laugh, and is not to be missed on your next visit.
The Tree of Life - It's Tough to be a Bug!
Without a doubt the first thing anyone notices when entering Disney's Animal Kingdom, is the Tree of Life. Standing high above all surrounding trees, it is the main focal point, and the icon that represents Disney's Animal Kingdom. The tree is intricately carved with the faces of many of the Earth's animals. How many can you identify?
Deep within the roots of the Tree of Life is one of Disney's premier 3D shows, called It's Tough to be a Bug. The show is a halarious look into the life of insects, hosted by Flick from "A Bug's Life". Flick attempts to explain how insects should be appreciated, however things go seriously wrong when a giant spider starts shooting quills, a termite covers the audience in acid, and hornets woop in to attack.
This show is fun, upbeat and will be enjoyed by the entire family. Many children love this show, however children that are afraid of the dark or loud noises may be frightened during a few quick segments of this show.
It's Tough to be a Bug does offer FASTPASS service, however it is rarely needed. The wait should not be over 15 minutes, and it is great to take advantage of this attraction mid-day because it is air-conditioned.
This is a halarious, must-see show that cannot be missed at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
Deep within the roots of the Tree of Life is one of Disney's premier 3D shows, called It's Tough to be a Bug. The show is a halarious look into the life of insects, hosted by Flick from "A Bug's Life". Flick attempts to explain how insects should be appreciated, however things go seriously wrong when a giant spider starts shooting quills, a termite covers the audience in acid, and hornets woop in to attack.
This show is fun, upbeat and will be enjoyed by the entire family. Many children love this show, however children that are afraid of the dark or loud noises may be frightened during a few quick segments of this show.
It's Tough to be a Bug does offer FASTPASS service, however it is rarely needed. The wait should not be over 15 minutes, and it is great to take advantage of this attraction mid-day because it is air-conditioned.
This is a halarious, must-see show that cannot be missed at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
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