Podcast Episode 283: What We’re Thankful For in 2020

It’s holiday time again here in the States and we’d like to take this time to talk about what we’re thankful for this year and what we’re looking forward to in 2021, be it travel or otherwise. We also have some info for you on how you can help out furloughed Disney Cast Members during this time.

Happy listening!

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Top 5 Reasons To Go To Disney Without Kids

In November I was really excited to take an adults only trip with my favorite Dole Whippies to Walt Disney World.  You would not believe the amount of people who were incredulous about the idea of going to Disney without my child, with other adults!  But let me tell you, it was an amazing choice!  Here are some great reasons why you should take a kid free trip to Walt Disney World.


5. No sharing! Unless you want to!  You know how your child will order ice cream that is  blue just because it is blue, and you order a delicious mint chocolate chip scoop?  Except yours always looks more appealing once it shows up.  Well no sharing required, you get that Dole Whip to your self!

4. Explore the World Showcase!  This is one place it is hard to appreciate with kids who are just looking for their next snack or attraction.  You can really soak in the atmosphere of the different pavilions and experience all there is to do at your own pace!

3.You don’t have to get the light up toy.  You know, the kind on the cart that comes out at dusk and they are so bright and flashy and your kid MUST have it and you have to figure out how to get it home.  Not this time! You can stroll smugly by and keep your wallet in your purse or pocket.


2. Sleep in and stay out late.  Both of these things can be very hard to accomplish with kids of any ages, they get tired or grumpy or both.  Well this happens with adults too, but it is generally a little easier to handle.  You can take advantage of nighttime extra magic hours and enjoy really low crowds.  No reason to get up early with the little ones, just close the curtain and hit snooze!

1. Freedom, sweet freedom.  You get to choose which attraction you want to do, which character to meet.  You can push lunch back by and hour and not have too many melt downs.  Or maybe you decide to linger over a drink or dessert.  Or you can try on all the tiaras in the shop in Germany and accomplish nothing else that day.  But that is ok because you do what you want.photopass_visiting_mk_393054706674

I can’t recommend enough how much fun it is to feel like a kid at Walt Disney World by going without kids. It is good for the soul and trust me, you will be a better parent for it when you return home!

 

Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line?

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If you are thinking of a Disney vacation but aren’t sure where you should go, you aren’t alone! Plenty of people struggle with this issue since they are two very different types of vacations yet they still overlap in some aspects. So, let’s dig in and see which one might be right for you!

If you have been to Walt Disney World frequently and often you might find yourself wanting to avoid the crowds, heat, or construction. This is the perfect time to consider a Disney Cruise. You won’t see cranes or walls in ‘go away green”, a drained moat or attractions under refurbishment.

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A big perk is that a Disney Cruise vacation is pretty all inclusive, your food and some of the drinks, child care (unless they are under 3) all part of it. There are some things you have to pay extra, but you don’t have to budget for food or pay for the dining plan or even for a pop. You don’t have to do an excursion, as the ship offers plenty of activities even while in port! In fact this is a great time to swim as you will have the pool to yourself.

The lack of lines and crowds is also a huge point to Disney Cruise Line! Sure you might stand in line for the AquaDuck or AquaDunk but you don’t have to stand in line for EVERYTHING! You go right on in at dinner time, and food lines move very quickly because of all the choices.

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No construction or closed attractions! Yes we all know that attractions need to be maintained and repaired and changes are being made to Downtown Disney, and every single park to make things better but in the meantime there is no need to look at the construction walls, a half dismantled hat, or a gorgeous statue covered in a box.

New experiences and places! If you have never traveled abroad or want to visit a new country, a cruise is the perfect option! You can show your sweetie or your children new places with the Disney difference. This can also show you where you might want to take your next vacation, a place you never thought to go to before getting a taste while visiting on a cruise.

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You can have adult time! Of course we all love our little precious bundles of joy whether they are still a bundle or a teenager, but it is lovely to have a break as well. If you followed along with my recent Disney Cruise Line trip report you will see a common thread: my daughter LOVED the youth clubs! She spent a lot of time in them having fun with new friends and Disney friends. She played games, did crafts, had lunch, played in the play areas, had a pajama party and even performed on stage. This really makes is possible to have a relaxing vacation while you all have fun.

So now that we have covered Disney Cruise Line let’s look at a Walt Disney World Vacation!
If you have never been you should correct that ASAP. It is never too late or too early for a first visit. The parks are jam-packed with things to do! If you love rollercoasters, boat rides, stage shows, character meets, delicious food and fireworks you will love it! Food it a big deal at Disney! You can do so many character meals and meet princesses, Pooh and friends, Mickey and gang, the Disney Junior crew and even special events to meet Star Wars characters or Disney Villains! Sure you can get burgers and fries, (delicious ones at that) but you can also get 5 star dining, buffets and everything in between. Plus this doesn’t even touch on snacks *coughDOLEWHIPcough*. Just get that dining plan, you won’t regret it!

The whole family can get in on the fun! Walt Disney created his original park, Disneyland, out of a desire to be able to enjoy his Sunday with his daughters, a place where the whole family can have fun. This means the height restrictions are few and low. So that a tall 4 year old can get on the rollercoasters and enjoy themselves. The characters have come right out of your favorite movie or show and everyone loves to meet their favorite mouse!

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Special events, no one does them like Disney. Granted they are usually at an extra cost but if you use that as your park day you won’t regret going to the Halloween or Christmas parties! The parks are completely decked out and so are the characters and guests.   You can seem amazing Christmas lights, parades and firework shows, sure to bring delight to all!

Disney Resorts are all pretty grand too! They have a hotel for all budgets and the perks of staying there are many. No need to rent a car, let Disney do all the driving! And get more hours in the parks with smaller crowds! Of if you don’t want to leave your resort you have amazingly well themed pools and some have waterslides. During the day many will have activities for kids at the pool and resorts. Most have some delicious food offerings too! Or if you want to be active you can rent a bike, water craft, fishing poles, go for a walk, and take a trip to Downtown Disney. And then that evening you can watch a movie outside or roast marshmallows over a fire!

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There are 4 parks and 2 water parks! Which means there is so much to do! You can choose to stay at your resort or Downtown Disney for a day but if the parks are open that is where I want to be! You can see animals on safari, watch a veterinary procedure and ride a rollercoaster all in one park. They are so diverse and entertaining that you will have plenty of things to fill your day at each park.

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So now it is up to you to decide! You can put the question to your travelling party and see what they are interested in doing while on vacation. No matter which you choose you really cannot go wrong!

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