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30 Days of Disney ~ Disney Magic


I have decided to end my 30 Days of Disney series with the posts I wrote several months ago when we were visiting the parks. I wrote a post per park, so tonight it is all about The Magic Kingdom.

There is something special about the Magic Kingdom, from the minute you walk under the railroad and on to Main Street a feeling of happiness comes over you. From the ice cream vendor to the monorail driver to Sleeping Beauty, each cast member goes out of their way to make your day magical.

Day 3 started early as we left the house at 7:45 am for the Magic Kingdom. We purchased our Armed Forces Salute tickets and were pleasantly surprised when they sold us all six tickets for $99 each. The promotion allows for five $99 tickets, but they sold us the sixth one for $99 too.

We arrived in the park a few minutes after nine. My first Disney tip is to get there early. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded the park. We were able to ride Snow White, Pooh, Teacups, and the Tomorrowland Speedway before 10 am.

We then headed to Toontown to visit the Princesses. If you want to see the fairies, get there right when it opens at 10 am before it opens. By the time we got there at 10:15 the line was already 60 minutes long. My girls were not interested in the fairies so we waited about 5 minutes to visit Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella.

Second Disney tip: Get a Fast Pass! This saved us so much time. We ended up getting fast passes for Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain (which is now under renovation), Thunder Mountain, and Peter Pan. The longest we waited with the fast pass was about 10 minutes, but the people without the fast past were waiting an hour.

Third Disney tip: Eat a huge breakfast before you get to the park and pack snacks and water. I am not sure what Disney’s food policy is, but we took some granola bars and cheerios for snacks in our backpack and when they checked it they didn’t say anything. Eating a large breakfast allows you to delay lunch. Lunchtime and parade times are the best time to go on rides.

We ate lunch at a place called the Harbor House. It is between Fantasyland and Liberty Square. It is one of the few places you can eat a semi-healthy lunch at the park. It is also less crowded than a lot of the more well known places and has ample seating. The kids had macaroni and cheese, apple slices and grapes. I had a tuna salad on wheat and it was as good as Panera. The total cost for our family of 8 was $50. Now I realize that is not cheap, but the kids ate fruit, drank milk (not soda) and everyone was full. We ate lunch late enough so that we didn’t have to eat dinner at the park, so I thought we got a good deal. On the park map is restaurant is listed as serving fish baskets and soups, but there is more to choose from on the menu. It is worth checking out.

About 7:30 pm we were all pretty tired so we decided to skip the fireworks (we can see them from my in-laws backyard anyway) and crowds and leave before the park closed at 8pm. This was a great idea for our family because we made it from Tomorrowland to our car in about 25 minutes.

We have Epcot and Animal Kingdom coming up next. We have only been to Animal Kingdom twice so I am excited to check it out.

Teacups

The Step Sisters and Mother

One of the step sisters went to go visit our son, who did not want to have his picture taken with her.

Tomorrowland Speedway- where you don’t need a license to drive.

Warming up to Cinderella

A family favorite- Buzz!

You are never too old for Mr. Lightyear….

Our relaxing lunch at the Harbor House, overlooking Thunder Mountain.

Where’s Jack Sparrow when you need him?

Magic Carpets (this ride was a favorite!)

Winding down on the carousel.

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30 Days of Disney ~ Something for Free?

Photo courtesy of Brian Wilson

If you want the Disney “experience” but don’t want to pay Disney prices consider stopping by Downtown Disney. This area, located on Disney property does not charge admission and is filled with fun shops, restaurants, a movie theatre (not free), and entertainment.

There is a Lego Imagination store, which is sure to keep your kids busy for hours, as well as the largest Disney character store on earth. This store is fun to just walk through and look at all the merchandise, even if you don’t spend a cent. There is also Design-A-Tee shop, which allows you to design custom apparel. Other stores include Art of Disney, Virgin Records, a Kitchen Store, and a Christmas shop.

If you are hungry, consider dining at T-Rex, a dinosaur-themed family eatery serving lunch and dinner amid prehistoric creatures, fun displays and merchandise. This restaurant includes a Paleo Zone, where you can go on an archaeological Discovery Dig, pan for treasures in Discovery Creek and get schooled in prehistory on the Paleo Screens. There is also a Build-a-Dino workshop, similar to Build-a-Bear.

You can also take a boat from Downtown Disney to Old Key West or Saratoga Springs and dine at one of the many restaurants. The boat ride is free and the restaurants are usually not crowded.

If you want to spend the big bucks, enjoy a performance at Cirque du Soleil. It is truly an incredible experience. They occasionally run Florida resident discounts of around 20%. Performances are held from Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Downtown Disney is accessible by bus, if you are staying at one of the Disney resorts. Or by car, and parking is free.

Hours for Downtown Disney are:
Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday
Restaurants open daily 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

You can easily spend the entire day at Downtown Disney and enjoy all the shops and architecture without spending a dime.

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Photos courtesy of Twinkie420, indigoskye, Joe Chang.


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30 Days of Disney ~ Mickey’s Toontown Fair

Mickey’s Toontown Fair is located at the very back of the Magic Kingdom. Attractions in Toontown include The Barnstormer, Pixie Hollow, Donald’s Boat, Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey’s Country House, and Minnie’s Country House. The Barnstormer is a kid sized roller coaster and Donald’s Boat is a great way to cool off during those hot summer days at the park.  Toontown is also the best place for your little girls to meet their favorite princess, and visit Mickey and Minnie. The problem is that almost every other little girl wants to visit the princesses too and the wait times can be over an hour. Fortunately, the “tent” is air conditioned, but I am not a big fan of waiting, so here are a few tips to help you meet your favorite princess or fairy.

  • Toontown Fair usually opens later than the Magic Kingdom. They rope off the entrance to that area, but they usually “open” Toontown about 10 minutes before its scheduled opening time. If you are there early and head straight to the Toontown Hall of Fame your wait time will be significantly reduced. For example one day we got to the Hall of Fame at 10:10 am, only 10 minutes after the scheduled opening and there was already over an hour wait to see the Fairies. People that were waiting at the rope at 9:50 am when they opened early waited only a few minutes. Warning: Although I have not seen this, I have heard that people literally take off running once they drop the rope. Please act like an adult and do not trample small children on your way to visit the princesses.
  • Visit the characters during the parades or the fireworks. I realize this means missing the parade or fireworks, but the back of the park really empties out around fireworks time because people want the best view, which is towards the front of the park.
  • If you plan to hunker down and wait it out, this is a great time to give your kids a little snack. The floor is carpeted so the kids can easily sit and enjoy a bag of goldfish to help pass the time while they are waiting.
  • You don’t have to visit the Hall of Fame to see the princesses. Belle can be found sitting on the Tomorrowland side of Cinderella’s castle, Cinderella’s stepsisters hang out across from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.  Alice greets outside of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. And you can meet Ariel at her Grotto in Fantasyland.
  • A Magic Kingdom map pinpoints all character meet and greet spots, but keep your eyes open, you never know when you might run into your favorite character.

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30 Days of Disney ~ BYOP or Bring Your Own Poncho

photo courtesy of Janey Henning

Central Florida has a interesting weather phenomenon that occurs almost every afternoon in the summer. It pours down rain for about 30 minutes and then as quick as it arrives, it is gone leaving you with a beautiful sunny late afternoon. When I lived there we use to joke that the easiest job in town was that of a weatherman. High of 95, afternoon showers, low of 72, if that was your forecast you were right about 90% of the time.

Avoid paying big bucks for ponchos at the parks and bring your own. They fold up incredibly small and can easily fit inside a bag or purse. If (or should I say when) it rains, pull out your poncho and continue to enjoy the park. The covered rides stay open during storms so there is still plenty to do in the rain. If you have a stroller bring an extra poncho to cover the stroller. While a thunderstorm might be a good time to find something to do inside, your stroller will be parked outside getting soaked. We always brought an extra poncho and some clothespins to cover the stroller during the rain.

Another benefit to the afternoon showers is that many of the tourists do not realize the rain will end quickly and head back to their hotels. If you can brave the weather you might be able to enjoy a less crowded park after the storm.

A word of warning: Central Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. If it is more than a rain shower hang out in one of the many restaurants or gift shops until the storm passes. Just don’t buy anything!

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30 Days of Disney ~ The FASTPASS

I don’t remember when Disney starting using the FastPass, but it is one of the best theme park ideas ever!

Here is a brief description of the FastPass from the Disney website.

Disney’s FASTPASS® Service

The complimentary Disney’s FASTPASS Service allows you to enjoy the rest of the Theme Parks while Disney’s FASTPASS Service saves your place in line for an attraction.

To Use Disney’s FASTPASS Service:

  • Look for the Disney’s FASTPASS Service distribution area near the entrance of an attraction.
  • Check the Disney’s FASTPASS Service “Return Time” display to learn the span of time during which you can explore the Theme Parks before returning to experience an attraction.
  • If the Return Time is sufficient for your plans, just insert your Walt Disney World Resort admission ticket, readmission ticket, Disney Resort Hotel keycard or Annual Passport into the Disney’s FASTPASS Service machine.
  • A Disney’s FASTPASS Service ticket will emerge with your Return Time printed on it. Now you’re free to go and enjoy the rest of the Theme Park.
  • Go back to the Disney’s FASTPASS Service “return” queue when your printed return time rolls around, show your Disney’s FASTPASS Service ticket to the Cast Member at the entrance, and enjoy the attraction with a minimal wait.

Here are a few FastPass tips I have learned of my last several visits.

  • Getting a pass takes hours off your wait times. For rides with notoriously long waits, like Space Mountain, Toy Story Mania and Peter Pan, getting a pass means the difference between waiting 10 minutes or an hour and ten minutes.
  • All members of your party do not need to be present when getting the pass, but you do need to have their tickets, passport, or keycard for each FastPass.
  • When getting a pass you cannot pick your return time, whatever the clock shows is what you get. While you cannot return before your time you can return after your time as passed and still get in the FastPass line.
  • Once you get a FastPass you cannot get another FastPass for a different ride for a specific amount of time. This time will be printed on your pass and is not the same as your return time for the ride. Basically this means you can’t run through the park getting FastPasses for every ride in the first hour. You have to stagger your passes throughout the day.
  • Finally, don’t wait too long to get a FastPass for an attraction you really want to ride. When we were at Epcot the FastPass for Soarin’ stopped distributing for the day at around 3 pm even though the park was open until 9pm. You can still ride, you will just have to wait with everyone else.

You’ll want a FastPass for Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios.

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Hollywood Studios Coming Soon…..

I haven’t forgotten about our last theme park adventure. We returned tired and cold (how soon we get use to those beautiful Florida winters) and my husband is sick. I hope to get our Hollywood Studios adventure posted soon. It was truly an incredible day!

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A Few Thoughts on Theme Parks

I will be posting my Animal Kingdom adventure soon, but I wanted to pass along a few thoughts about visiting theme parks with kids.

  • Get there early to avoid riding the tram. While it may be fun, folding and unfolding the stroller is not. If you arrive early you are able to park close enough to the gate to walk.
  • If you are going to purchase a souvenir, wait until the end of the day. Most parks have a package service, but why waste valuable theme park time shopping when most of the shops stay open after the park has closed?
  • Pack snacks and water. Little bags of cheerios have kept my 2 year old happy while waiting for shows to start.
  • Don’t rely on height requirements to decide if your little one should go on certain rides, read the description. There have been a few rides that my children were tall enough to ride but the attraction was so scary it almost ruined our day.
  • If you are traveling to Florida in the winter months dress in layers. While you may enter the park with 45 degree weather, by lunchtime it will be 78 and sunny. Dress appropriately or you will melt.
  • If your kids are tired take a break. You are there for them. Too many times I have seen parents dragging their tired and crying children through the streets of Disney yelling at them to have a good time.
  • Even if your children don’t normally ride in a stroller bring one to the park. Their little legs will tire quickly in these large parks. It is nice to have one and give your kids a break if they get tired.
  • Make a vacation budget and stick with it. This is probably the hardest advice to follow because it is easy to be swept up in the magic. If you lack self discipline leave your credit cards at home.

More adventures and photos coming soon!

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Disney on a Dime

I have so many things to be grateful for this week, a safe trip to Florida, the lady in the gas station restroom who offered us her kleenex when the stall was out of toilet paper, happy travelers… but most of all I am so thankful we are able to take advantage of Disney’s Armed Forces Salute, which will cut our Disney cost in half for this vacation.

Tomorrow we are headed for our first day with the Mouse and I am surprised the kids were even able to fall asleep tonight.

Hopefully pictures and lots of fun coming tomorrow.

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For more Gratituesday visit Laura.

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Disney’s Armed Forces Salute ~ Free Admission!

Disney ran this offer a few years ago. We were able to take advantage of it and unbelievably this offer comes the day before we are scheduled to leave for our Disney World vacation. I am so glad I waited to purchase tickets!

I just spoke with a representative Disney World and confirmed this information with guest services.

Free 5- Day Park Hopper Ticket for active duty service member. $99 5-Day base ticket for up to 5 guests.

Anyone on active duty- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard
Retired military personnel
Federal/State National Guard and Reserves (with active papers dated 1/1/08-12/23/09)
Dept of Defense (CIA, FBI, Secret Service) and Coalition Forces are excluded

The military service member will receive one Complimentary 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute“ Ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More – this ticket is not upgradeable.
Up to 5 of their guests can purchase for $99 a “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” (5 Day Base) ticket and can add on the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More option for $25 each (which is 50% off the normal price); however, these tickets may also be upgraded to Premium, Annual and Seasonal Passes. Seasonal Pass upgrade requires proof of Florida Residency. No other upgrades, such as adding on additional days or the NE option, are available.

This promotion will begin on 1/4/09 and end on 12/23/09. Tickets will expire on 12/23/09 and have no block-out dates
Tickets may be upgraded anytime between January 4th -December 23, 2009 as long as there is usage left on the ticket.

You may purchase tickets

  • At any Vacation Planner or Guest Relations Window
  • They can purchase an exchange voucher at Shades of Green (ticket is tax free)
  • They can also purchase an exchange voucher at their Base (ticket is tax free)

The entire party needs to be present for purchase (Spouse or military dependents can receive the companion discount without the military service member being present as long as they have their military ID).
The military service member will need to show ID; Cast Member will ask for their Base’s name, and the State where the base is listed.

This offer is only available once per service member.

This is a great deal for military members, especially if you live near Disney and don’t have to travel! Please pass this information on to any military family you know, active duty or retired. I hope many families are able to take advantage of this offer.

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