Showing posts with label disney world. Show all posts

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

 


If you ask me, Wilderness Lodge is one of the best properties at Disney World. There’s something magical that happens when you walk into the lobby (especially November - December) and it feels so grand but also so warm and inviting.
The property also has some of the best food you’re going to find too, so that’s always a win in my book + one of the most underrated character meals!


Disney Resort Categories

 


Staying on property during your Walt Disney World vacation is part of the magic. Finding the perfect resort can sometimes be a little daunting.
Resorts are broken down into 4 categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa.
✨Value Resorts are very affordable, basic accommodations, decorated with bright and fun themes, and are full of families
✨Moderate Resorts are large, spread out resorts. They tend to be a bit more peaceful in comparison to the value resorts, and the accommodations are a bit larger in comparison.
✨Deluxe Resorts put you closer to the theme parks, offer multiple transportation options, and feature large, luxe accommodations.
✨Deluxe Villas are going to offer studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, and even 3 bedroom accommodations, with added amenities, at select Deluxe Resorts.


Best Pools at Disney World

 


If you’ve ever been to Disney World you know it can be exhausting (and if you haven’t…well now you know the secret!) One of the best ways to relax and beat the Florida heat, is to spend a day at one of your Disney resort hotel’s swimming pools! Yes, plural. Most resorts will have multiple pools ranging from quiet pools to great, big family fun-sized pools.
✨If you’re looking for a pool with a slide, you’ll only find this feature at the moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resort hotels.
✨If you like to be close to the pool, many resorts offer pool view or even preferred pool view rooms. This is something I can help you with!
✨The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the largest pool on property and is themed after Finding Nemo.
✨Disney resort hotel pools are open year round, and are heated if the temperatures do drop!
✨Don’t want to pack a life preserver for your child? Disney Resort hotels have life jackets available for both adults and children.
✨Want to feel like you’re at a waterpark without actually going to the waterpark? Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre water wonderland shared by Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts is a great option. It features a 230 foot long waterslide, a lazy river, and 3 whirlpool spas.


Magic Band 2.0 at Disney World

 


If you have ever mentioned to anyone that you were even just thinking about going to Disney, you know that everyone has an opinion about Disney. There are FB groups filled with so many big personalities and big opinions (and just plain bad information) that it's sometimes overwhelming to try to understand. So I always try to be as transparent as possible with my clients when it comes to everything related to their vacation. And sometimes that means I have to share my, maybe, unpopular opinions like how I just do not really like MagicBand 2.0.
I own a ton of regular MagicBands. I have always preferred the band to the card or MagicMobile. It's just very quick and simple, and I like anything that makes my life easier. One of the things I love about the original MagicBands is that the longevity of the battery life is incredible. My most used band is over 5 years old and still going strong!
Upon arrival, your bands need to be charged and then you'll be able to sync them to your My Disney Experience app, which will allow you to change color preferences, monitor battery life, and change the sensitivity. Charging the bands is key because if the battery is low it will only do the basic functions; park tickets, room key, charges to your room. These have to be charged every night, so if you're a family of 5, you better plan on purchasing a multi USB charger. And they light up and flash the entire time they charge...so lock them in the bathroom or cover them up.
One of the features of the bands is that there are haptics that take place and light up during the fireworks and nighttime spectaculars. As interesting as I thought this concept was, I realized it was frustrating for a lot of people. If you're someone who is on that once in a lifetime Disney trip, this is a distraction from the amazing show taking place.
Overall my opinion is that I likely will not be purchasing another MagicBand+ unless they stop offering the regular MagicBands. It's a very cool concept, but it's just not for me. Will you regret buying one? Probably not. But do you need it? Absolutely not. I would say save that extra $10-$15 additional per band and just buy the regular MagicBand if they are available!


Incredibles Themed Rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort

 


When Disney's Contemporary Resort refurbished their rooms, they went with an 🦸‍♀️"Incredibles" theme. These rooms were always spacious, but the cool color scheme and modern furnishings really do make things very comfortable. (These rooms are such a great option for a family of five.)
I've heard mixed reviews of the newest refurbished Disney rooms, some guests feel like they are too sterile now and others love the clean lines. Click here and let me know what you think about these changes and to see full size pics.


Tips When Meeting Your Favorite Disney Princesses on Your Disney Vacation

 


here are some tips incase you or your kiddos get starstruck at the Princess Fairytale Hall meet and greet and you don't know what to say!
For Tiana:
🐸What was it like being a frog?
🐸Have you seen Mama Odie lately?
🐸What recipe have you been working on lately?
🐸How's Naveen doing?
For Rapunzel
🍳Do you recommend a cast iron or copper frying pan?
🍳What conditioner do you use?
🍳Have you ever tripped on your hair?
🍳What's Pascal up to?


The Boathouse in Disney Springs

 

One of my favorite places to eat in Orlando is The Boathouse in Disney Springs!
The rolls are incredible, good luck eating just one, but you have to try the Filet Mignon Sliders with maitre d'butter! Upgrade to the truffle fries with lemon aioli.


How Do You Pay For a Walt Disney World Vacation?

 


"How do I pay for a Walt Disney World Vacation?" When I say it's super simple and flexible, I'm not kidding!
✨A $200 deposit secures your vacation package reservation. This also locks in your price.
✨From there your final payment is due 30 days before your check-in date.
✨You can pay however you're comfortable with; making weekly payments, monthly payments, just a random Tuesday payment, or pay it all off prior to that final payment date at one time.
Seriously simple, right?
If your plans change and you need to cancel or modify your reservation, there are no penalties to do so as long as you're not within that 30 day window.
🌟Pro Tip: Book in advance (lock in the best price early) and take advantage of Sam's Club & Target Red Card discounts on Disney Gift Cards. You can use Disney Gift Cards to make payments on your trip!


Newly Refurbished Rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

 


These refurbed rooms have really put the GRAND back in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort! These are going to be very similar to the new resort studio rooms at Grand Floridian, with just a few small differences. Some of my standouts with these rooms are:
🐧 Obviously the adorable Mary Poppins theming
🛏️ Raised beds for extra storage have been a big fav of mine
🤩 HARD FLOORS with an area rug, no more carpet
💡 The lighting is so much better with the refurbs
🔌 USB outlets (much needed if you have MagicBand+)
I know this new style has not been everyone's favorite, but I am in love with it. And the details in this particular refurb are stunning and I cannot wait until it's complete.


Best Coffee at Disney World

 


I love a good cup of coffee but sometimes I don’t want to wait in line at the Starbucks on Main Street to get one. So I want to share some of my other favorite places to grab a coffee at Disney World!
✨Foam Art Latte at Contempo Grounds in the Contemporary Resort
✨Iced Latte at Le Petit Cafe in Riviera Resort
✨Cold Brew Black Caf at Kat Saka's Kettle in Hollywood Studios
✨Peanut Butter Cold Brew at Gideon's in Disney Springs
✨The signature brew at Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort
✨Nitro Cold Brew at Everglazed in Disney Springs
✨Viking Coffee at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot
✨Joffrey’s Kiosks in the theme parks


Saving Money on Food at Disney World

 


My clients always tell me that one of their favorite documents I share with them is my "saving money on food at Disney" document. This is chalked full of absolutely every way I have found to save 💲 during my vacations.
So if you aren't booked with me (yet 😏) I want to share one of those tips, and it's sooo simple.
🍽️ Share. Yep. Share your food. Disney portion sizes can be MASSIVE. Split entrees. Order 1 adult meal vs two children's meal. Many of those smaller portions are going to include a convenience fee and yes, the 2 piece chicken strip might come with a mandarin, but you can save $5 if you just order a 5 piece adult chicken strip with fries and have your kids share. And most of the time adults are going to throw most of their meal away, so they can share too!
Example: Check out the size of these breakfast bowls. We thought we were being smart getting an order of the hash brown bites to share, but we could have easily split one breakfast bowl too.
And sharing means more room in your tummy to try more snacks. 😉