7 Things to Know Before Your Walt Disney World Vacation

  1. You will walk and be on your feet a lot. Walt Disney World is big and even getting from the transportation to the turnstiles will be a walk. Of course while in line you will also be on your feet.  The best help for this is to wear comfortable broken in shoes and socks and make sure to take breaks!  Check out Shannon’s article on prepping to walk.
  2. You cannot avoid the lines. You can use FastPass, but you will still be standing in lines for your FastPasses. You’ll definitely spend time waiting in the standby lines and if you need food, chances are good you will wait in line for a little bit there as well.  Just go in knowing that you will stand in some lines just about everywhere at Walt Disney World.
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  3. FastPass is free and easy to use. FastPass is included with your park ticket, so use them! And they are indeed easy to use.  You get to choose an initial 3 but after that you can make more, one at a time.  FastPass gives you a lot of flexibility to change plans on the go using the My Disney Experience app.

 

  1. There are a few ticket options. Choosing the best ticket option for your party can require some planning, but knowing what options are available are important. There is the base ticket which is 1 park per day, or the Park Hopper which allows you into multiple parks per day.  Then there is the Water Parks, Fun, and More ticket which allows you entrance into the two Disney water parks as well as mini golf, Disney Quest and other extras.  Knowing what you will use on a vacation can save you a lot of money.

 

  1. Check the park hours and know about special events. You will want to do some research on these events as they can have an effect on hours and closures. For instance starting in September and October Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and in November and December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will cause the Magic Kingdom to close at 7pm.  This can really change your plans if the park closes much earlier than expected and you will be unable to see fireworks during your visit.  Other special event such as Food and Wine, and Flower and Garden can have an effect on crowds as well.

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  1. Don’t overlook attractions. It is easy to judge an attraction but a spin on the People Mover can be relaxing and fun. These smaller attractions can end up becoming favorites if you give them a chance.

 

  1. You can and should enjoy your resort. The resorts are so well themed, they have amazing pools and some cool amenities. Many resorts have multiple restaurants and bars so there are great places to get bite to eat or drink.    It is very tempting to spend all your time in the parks, but the resorts have great activities such as movies under the stars, campfires with s’mores, and fun games around the pool that you should make the time to check out.

 

 

 

Disney News Round-Up April 2015

Here is the latest Disney news round-up!

Captain Eo is leaving again to make way for an exclusive sneak peek at the new Tomorrowland film starring George Clooney. This will take place in the Imagination Pavilion from April 18- May 24th.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/its-almost-time-for-an-exclusive-sneak-peek-of-disneys-tomorrowland-only-in-disneyparks/

Brand new Dooney and Bourke handbags coming April 25. And boy are they ever adorable. Of the two I am loving the Beach themed bag!
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/new-dooney-bourke-collections-coming-to-marketplace-co-op-at-walt-disney-world-resort-on-april-25/

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

If you are more interested in some Disneyland themed Dooney and Bourke bags there are also some new ones for the Diamond Celebration!http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/disneyland-resort-diamond-celebration-dooney-bourke-collection-coming-soon/

A fatal accident was reported at the Richard Petty Driving Experience outside of the Magic Kingdom on April 12, 2015. A 36 year old male passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was taken to the hospital. Richard Petty Driving Experience is slated to close on August 8th.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-richard-petty-fatality-20150412-story.html

According to a report from WDW News Today, using Selfie Sticks while on attractions at Walt Disney World has been banned. This use of these have gotten very popular so it is unsurprising that Disney has decided to ban the use of them for the safety of everyone on an attraction.

Tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are now on sale. If you are planning to go it is a great idea to purchase in advance. Not only do they sell out but tickets are also more expensive at the gate.

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

Additionally, Night of Joy tickets are also now for sale. This hard ticket even takes place on September 11 and 12, 2015 in the Magic Kingdom. Night of Joy is two nights of Christian music and family fun from 7pm-1am and features these performers

September 11, 2015

  • TobyMac
  • MercyME
  • Jeremy Camp
  • Colton Dixon
  • Big Daddy Weave
  • Francesca Battistelli
  • Rend Collective
  • I Am They
  • Josh Wilson

September 12, 2015

  • Skillet
  • Lecrae
  • For King & Country
  • Mandisa
  • Matt Maher
  • Jamie Grace
  • 7eventh Time Down
  • Veridia

The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs (Downtown Disney) will be opening on April 12, 2015 but reservations are now available! The menu looks pretty delicious, especially if you like seafood!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney/boathouse-restaurant/

Photo via Disney.com

Photo via Disney.com

As always things change quickly so be sure to check back for more news!