From All of Us to All of You A Very Merry Disney-mas!

Every year, my Christmas music playlist blasts Disney Christmas music from the parades in the parks to our favorite characters singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." The holiday spirit is so contagious, there is no way I could imagine this holiday season without Disney. If you are like me, you have a hard time not finding some way to incorporate Disney into your holiday season and traditions. But if you are some of those lucky people who are spending your holiday at Disney World, I have to ask, "Why didn't you take me?!" All joking aside, I wanted to talk about how to make the most out of your holiday trip to Disney.

From lights, music, and décor, Disney World can bring out the most magical  holiday memories and smiles for your family and friends. It is no surprise that Disney World puts the holidays on steroids, I mean who else can have a 65 foot Christmas tree filled with magic in the Magic Kingdom? With 4 theme parks, I guarantee you will not be short of any holiday cheer. So where do you start? Christmas treats like ginger bread men, snapping pictures of all the Christmas lights and decorations, riding the rides, or perhaps watching a Christmas show? Well I will break down as many of the highlights as I can in this blog post. Of course I can't tell you everything since magic can happen any time and any where, especially during the holidays.

Let's start our holiday journey at Animal Kingdom. Aside from the giant animal themed Christmas tree that greets you at the park, you will be able to go wild Christmas style and jump for joy like a gazelle at the Animal Kingdom. What better way to go wild than see Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade?!

You will join Mickey and his Savannah friends as they as they celebrate the season safari style. Look at your times guide for the parade time or ask any cast member. Don't forget to visit Santa Goofy at Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland for a festive holiday family photo.

If going wild isn't enough for you, let's head on over to the Hollywood Studios for some holiday lights, cameras, and action. If you want to add an old Hollywood feel to your Christmas celebration, you will not want to miss the feeling of walking down Sunset Boulevard or the Streets of America both during the day and the night. You can expect to find the streets of the Hollywood Studios lined with garland, lights, and wreaths. There's a charming old-fashioned feel to the décor that will bring back memories of holiday gatherings gone by and make you crave some hot chocolate.

But you will want to stick around at night so you can see The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

 Each evening, millions of twinkling bulbs are used to create a dazzling spectacle of Christmas joy. Almost every surface is covered in twinkling lights and it is truly a Christmas sight to be seen. The synchronized lights dance to a high-energy holiday symphony that will get you caroling in the streets and dancing around like Frosty the Snowman. Make sure you stick around for a little snowfall to make this picture perfect sight even more special.

From out-of-this-world lights, to Christmas around the world, you will want to visit EPCOT to see how the holidays are celebrated in other cultures and countries. I always joke around about EPCOT saying that I love eating around the world, maybe because I just love food, but let me tell you I am not joking when I say you must eat around the world, especially during the holidays. So many of our holiday memories and traditions revolve around food, whether it is making sugar cookies or roasting a turkey, food is such an important part of the holiday spirit. Now eating or snacking around the world in one day can be hard on the tummy, but who doesn't get indigestion around the holidays? I am not suggesting that you eat everything I am going to post about, but I do hope that trying one or a couple of these tasty treats makes your holiday extra special and warms your heart. So here they are, the holiday treats around the world with locations and descriptions.

Promenade Refreshment

• Savory Seasonal Waffles - Turkey waffle (stuffing batter, turkey, gravy and cranberry relish); Sweet Potato Casserole waffle (sweet potato batter, toasted pecans, marshmallows and caramel sauce)
• Hot Holiday Twinings Teas - Chai, Pumpkin Spice Chai, Christmas, Pure Mint Tea with Chocolate
• Flavored Hot Chocolates - Toasted Marshmallow, Hazelnut, Traditional, Spiced Cider with Frangelico Liqueur

Canada

• Popcorn cart - Pecan Maple Bark

United Kingdom

• Beer cart - Hot Applejack Cider

France

• Patisserie - Buche de Noel au Chocolat (Chocolate Christmas Log)
• L'Artisan Glaces - Gingerbread ice cream, Croque glace (ice cream sandwich made on a brioche rolls and served with chocolate or raspberry sauce - sandwich is hot pressed, but the ice cream doesn't melt)

Japan

• Kabuki Cafe - Teriyaki Chicken Karage

American Adventure

• Gingerbread men, chocolate chunk cookies, sugar cookies, hot chocolate, apple cider, peppermint bark, sparkling wines, Cocoa Candy Cane (hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps topped with whipped cream)

Italy

• Hot chocolate with Caffe Espresso Liqueur

Germany

• Sommerfest - Hot spiced wine, holiday fruit cake
• Christkindlmarkt - Werther's Original Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee, Werther's Original Hot Salted Caramel drink

China

• Joy of Tea - Happy Face Fried Cake

Norway

• Kringla Bakeri - Traditional Rice Cream

Mexico

• La Cantina de San Angel - Sweet Tamales
  

Besides eating, the holidays at EPCOT also highlight another important holiday tradition, storytelling. Stories of Santa Claus and other holiday tales are showcased at World Showcase.

At the American Adventure you can listen to the stories of Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Also, you can hear the Voices of Liberty sing some of your family's favorite Christmas songs in a harmony that cannot be matched.

 

In Canada you can follow the members of Off Kilter as they become Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour to discover the country's holiday customs.

 

When you visit China, you can hear The Monkey King recant how to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

 

In France you can hear the story of Pere Noel with the smell of French pastries wafting though the air.

 

Between snacking on caramel and pretzels, you can hear a story from Helga, who reveals the story of the first Christmas tree and her first nutcracker in Germany.

 

At the Italy pavilion, you can hear the tale of La Befana, Italy's good Christmas witch, who celebrated her first Christmas 2,000 years ago.

 

When you make your way to Japan, make sure you hear the story of the Daruma doll and how thethe Japanese New Year is celebrated.

 

In Mexico, you can hear the story of The journey of the Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) to the Posada.

 

Across the world, and the lagoon, Morocco Drummer Taarji tells the customs of Ramadan and Ashura.

 

Just a hop, skip, and a jump around World Showcase in Norway, Sigrid will tell the story of Julenissen, the trouble-making Christmas Gnome.

 

Last but not least, you can hear the tale of Father Christmas in the United Kingdom.

 

If tasting treats and listening to some of the great holiday stories aren't enough, then you can get the experience of a lifetime if you attend the Candlelight Processional. You can hear the Christmas story with a giant choir and a celebrity narrator. Trust me, it is one of the best and most anticipated holiday events at Disney World.

Seriously tickets for this event go quickly because it is so popular so here is my tip: get the dining package. By getting the dining package, you can enjoy a meal at one of Epcot's restaurants, while guaranteeing you a seat for the show and a special viewing area for IllumiNations.   At times this is THE only way to get a seat. For more information on the dining package and how to book visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/candlelight-dinner-packages/ or call 407-WDW-DINE.

 

To end your holidays around the world with a bang, make sure to check out IllumiNations, which has a special holiday ending and extra sparkle for the holiday season.

 

Just a monorail ride away, you can celebrate the holidays at the Magic Kingdom. Whether you are walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. or in the heart of Frontierland, the Christmas spirit is everywhere. With so many lands to visit and with different theming, you will be nothing short of lights, wreaths, garland, and those special Disney touches. But let's face it, there is a lot of ground to cover in the Magic Kingdom and I am sure you want to make the most out of it. So what should you do? Definitely take your time walking around the different lands looking at all the decorations and riding the rides, because that is what the Disney-goer does best. But you will also want to enjoy attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at night. Not only will you be sipping the most delicious hot chocolate and snacking on Christmas cookies, but you will get to see the Christmas parade, sparkling lights on Cinderella's Castle, special holiday entertainment, and a spectacular version of holiday Wishes! This event is truly unforgettable and unbelievable. Of course, some of the most popular attractions are open for your enjoyment and with little wait times. The party begins at 7:00pm and ends at midnight. Here is a list of some of the goodies that are in store for you during the party:

 

Castle Dream Lights - See the castle transformed into a beautiful display of holiday lights right before your eyes!

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

Character Dance Parties

• Woody's Hootin' Holiday Open House - Diamond Horseshoe
• Club Tinsel - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café

See it snow on Main Street!

Enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa at various stations throughout the park.

• The Crystal Palace
• Sunshine Tree Terrace
• Columbia Harbour House
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café

Some of the most popular attractions will remain open during the party!

Special Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise available!

• Emporium
• Uptown Jewelers (pins only)
• Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
• Frontier Trading Post (pins only)
• Heritage House
• Fantasy Faire
• Mickey's Star Traders

Meet some of your favorite characters throughout the park! You never know who you'll run into!

For more information on how to get your tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/

Besides Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, you will want to check out Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade during the day for some great pictures. Check your times guide for the day to make sure you know the time and where you want to be to catch the parade so you get the perfect view.

You will also want to check out Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show. See Fairy Godmother and Cinderella transform the Castle into a snow-kissed winter spectacular.

Of course you don't want to miss out on visiting Santa Claus! You can visit him at the Tour Guide Gardens next to City Hall. You can also visit Santa during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party until he's needed for his very important role in the parade.

Last but not least you will want to ride the Jingle Cruise (aka the holiday themed Jungle Cruise in Adventureland). Finally Disney World got a holiday ride overlay and it is as cute as can be. On the Jingle Cruise, you will join homesick Jungle Cruise Skippers on a holly jolly adventure stuffed with seasonal shenanigans from stem to stern to spread a little holiday cheer.

If you want to spend more time out of the parks and away from the crowds, have no fear! The holiday spirit can be found everywhere! - including the resorts. Here are some ways you can spread your holiday festivities around the Disney World Resort:

Carol over to the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney's Contemporary Resort to find a gigantic gingerbread holiday tree, complete with ornaments, candy canes and presents. Then, savor the tastes of the season, including chocolate peppermint cookies and Monorail shortbread.

Marvel at the life-size gingerbread house, built in the lobby at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Step right up and come across freshly baked, homemade items for purchase, such as gingerbread shingles and chocolate-peppermint bark (yum!).

Spin around Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts as you bask in the majesty of a life-size, edible spinning carousel.

Going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride is a fun way to celebrate the season at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The ride can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under.

If travelling to other resorts isn't on your itinerary or something you would like to do this holiday season, you can create a little holiday magic in your own room at the resort you are staying. Make this Christmas one to remember with an over-the-top, personalized holiday surprise prepared by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, set up in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort hotel room. For some holiday and Christmas ideas visit http://disneyworld.disneyfloralandgifts.com/category/holidays/christmas.do?sortby=bestSellers&nType=2 or call (407) WDW-GIFT or (407) 939-4438 to speak directly to a Dream Maker.

My last suggestion for spending your holidays at Disney is to take the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. You will head backstage and learn just how the elves decorate Disney World for the holidays. On the 3 hour tour you will:

Meet the Cast Members of Holiday Services, the “elves” who create the decorations used to dress up Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels.

Explore World Showcase and hear how holidays are celebrated around the globe: Christmasfest in Germany, the legend of La Befana in Italy, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at The American Adventure, and O-Shogatsu (New Year) in Japan.

Get an up-close look at the traditional trimmings of Main Street, U.S.A. and see a Currier & Ives-themed Christmas bringing the spirit of Santa Claus to life.

Visit a Resort hotel and learn how the lavish holiday atmosphere is created through the grand-scale application of color, texture, architecture, illusion and attention to detail.

And the best part, each Guest will also receive a special holiday keepsake! 

Basically this tour is perfect for a one day, cram in all the holiday fun kind of experience without trying to see it all yourself. It is also perfect for your family and friends who wonder just how Disney does it or the curious mind inside of you. It is a ton of fun and worth 3 hours, trust me. I did this tour once and I was just in awe! It is highly recommended by myself and family who got to know more about what it takes to make Disney World so magical during the Christmas season. To book you tour, call 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687.

With all of these wonderful experiences and sights to see, your holiday at Disney World will be nothing but magical. I highly suggest taking a lot of pictures, soaking up all the Christmas fun, trying some holiday treats, and of course spreading some holiday cheer.

To end this post, I want to wish you a very merry Christmas and happy holidays. As the song goes, "from all of us to all of you, a very merry Christmas."

And They Lived Happily Ever After - Tips for Planning Your Disneymoon (Disney Honeymoon)

 

If you are reading this, you are either hopelessly romantic, recently engaged, married, planning a honeymoon, or a dream honeymoon that you can finally go on and you chose Disney World - the place where dreams come true. As one of my favorite Disney songs says, "do as dreamers do" and no dream is bigger than a Disney honeymoon. But planning this Disneymoon can seem a little daunting. There is a lot of pressure to make the Disneymoon special, memorable, and something out of a fairy tale, and all of that pressure could make you go crazy or even spend more money that you want or need to. What this post hopes to do is give you some ideas for special touches to make your Disneymoon extra magical and special for any budget or any Disney couple.

They very first piece of advice I will give you all is probably something contradictory to what you have heard about either with wedding planning or honeymoon planning: do not use the excuse that "you only do this once so you better go big or go home." That is a slippery slope that you do not want to go down because you really don't want to go into debt because you got married and went to Disney World. Even more so, if you keep saying this, it will justify you spending more than you have, which no one wants. We all know that it is so easy to spend money at Disney World so the hard part is saying no. This is why I am throwing out a lot of tips and ideas but by no means do you have to do everything on this blog. Do what you can afford and what magic is in your reach to create. No matter what you choose or do, your Disneymoon will be magical.

Now on to the good stuff, here are some tips to make your Disneymoon special.

Something you should consider is, of course, is the hotel.

The hotel is going to be a key to a happy Disneymoon because you will want to enjoy a little down time to relax, put those feet up, and enjoy some of those great amenities Disney hotels have to offer. This will not be like any other Disney vacation that you have been on, you know, the ones where you wake up before sunrise to get to the parks early and run around all day. This is your Disneymoon! You are supposed to relax with one another and enjoy the pools, the resort, the parks, the boat rides in EPCOT or to the Hollywood Studios, the food etc. so make sure you choose a hotel with it all. When trying to choose a hotel for a Disneymoon, first discuss budget and of course what kinds of amenities are important for the both of you, such as being walking distance from EPCOT, having a beach resort, or even themes and monorail access. (If you are not staying on Disney property, don't worry, there are a lot of great surrounding hotels that have great views of the park and other amenities that are just as good.) My fiancé and I are planning a Disneymoon and when choosing our hotel one of the biggest criteria was finding a hotel we wouldn't normally stay at because we usually try to go as cheaply as possible; so we decided to splurge on the hotel and stay at a deluxe resort since we usually stay at a value or moderate resort. Since we are splurging on a deluxe hotel, in order to get the most bang for our buck, we plan on at least 2 hours every day to spend at the hotel. And yes, we have to literally put it into the schedule otherwise we will get caught up playing in the parks. Once you decide on what is important to you, then you can book your hotel and the magic can begin and remember to schedule some down time to play at the resort.

Once you know where you are staying why not get some magic started right away?! One of my biggest suggestions is getting in touch with Disney Floral & Gifts http://disneyworld.disneyfloralandgifts.com/home.do. Nothing says Happy Disneymoon like a bottle of champagne or flowers waiting for you at your hotel. You can customize anything and even create your own special present for you bride or groom. If you are willing to go over the top and surprise your spouse, I would suggest getting the Ears to the Bride and Groom Package.

You can get bride and groom mickey ears, champagne etc. and it is all personalized just for you. Of course this will cost you some money, but you can walk around the parks with your new ears and take a lot of pictures as a new married couple with these adorable mickey ears, not to mention take the champagne glasses home as a souvenir. I would also suggest looking around on the website or calling the number to talk to one of the magic makers directly so you can pick exactly what you want. You can do anything from chocolates, mickey ears, a tiara, or even a single rose for that Beauty and the Beast fan. Anything is possible at Disney so don't be afraid to ask.


If you don't want to spend all that money on a surprise package but still want the mickey wedding ears, you can purchase them online at http://www.disneystore.com/ or at the parks. Make sure you get them personalized with your married name, wedding date, "Mr./Mrs.," or your favorite Disney couple. Make it special, memorable, magical, and special to you both.

Did I mention how special a Disneymoon is?! Just kidding you all. I just really need to stress how amazing it is that you are planning on going to Walt Disney World for your honeymoon. Like many of us, you are going to want a lot of pictures, and not just of the castle or spaceship earth, but of you both as a married couple. You and I both know that the "selfies" aren't always the best pictures to take, especially at the Disney parks, and sometimes you can be a little shy to ask someone to take your picture, so what can you do? One word: Photopass.

Photopass photographers are more than accommodating for all your picture wants and needs and all your pictures are stored in one handy place. They are found at the most iconic places around the Disney parks and are always ready to make some picture magic for you. They will even use your camera to snap pictures if you ask in addition to their camera. This takes a lot of the pressure off of you to take your own pictures. Not only is this tip to use Photopass, but I will give you another related piece of advice. Take as many pictures as you can with Photopass, go online and customize them, and order a picture CD.

No matter how many pictures you take, the price of the CD is still the same. It is a little pricey at $169, but you can get all your pictures and the rights to your pictures in case you want to print them at home. Otherwise, you are going to pay a lot more for individual copies of the photos that you like. So take as many pictures as you can. For a list of the Photopass photographer locations and other information regarding Photopass, visit http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/photopass.htm.

So we have hotels, photography, and special goodies that can be a surprise in your hotel room, so let's talk about a romantic dinner for two. Disney World is more than cheeseburger and French fries, in fact there are some of the best restaurants in the world located right on Disney property. Based on what food the both of you love or maybe even because you want to revisit a restaurant that you shared a special memory together, you can share a romantic dinner together at any price range or location on your Disneymoon. Of course the choice is up to you, but I would like to make a couple suggestions that might help you make a decision.

Lets start with French meals: nothing says romance like the Eiffel Tower, accordion music, and tasty French desserts. Luckily there are 2 restaurants in EPCOT where the French romance can blossom: Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. My suggestion would be to try and book your reservation during Illuminations Reflections of Earth so you can get a great view of the fireworks with a glass of champagne. If this is not possible, last vacation my fiancé and I made an early reservation for dinner at Chefs de France and were done about an hour and a half before Illuminations. We grabbed one of those tables by the lagoon, got champagne and pastries, and waited for Illuminations to start. It was very romantic and we got a great view, not to mention a seat. I would also suggest looking at the menus because Monsieur Paul has more adventurous eating and is more expensive and you definitely want to be able to afford romance.

If you are looking for a little less French romance and want more royal romance definitely try to get a reservation at Be Our Guest or Cinderella's Royal Table.

Nothing says romance like a Castle, a spectacular view of Fantasyland, and great food. If you finish dinner early enough to watch Wishes! you will have one of the best views of the fireworks in the heart of Fantasyland.

Maybe you and your spouse love a vintage old Hollywood feel with big steaks, cobb salad, and caricatures. You both should definitely get a Fantasmic! package and dine at the Brown Derby at the Hollywood Studios. This way you get some hearty food and a great fireworks show to end the evening.


If you are an under the sea kind of couple, you should plan on visiting the Coral Reef restaurant at EPCOT in Future World. You can get some great seafood and ambiance as you sit by the giant aquarium and look at the fish. Make sure you ask to get your picture in front of the tank and get the chocolate wave dessert. Nothing says romance like the perfect chocolate dessert.

 

Let's say you really want to put out all the stops, these next two suggestions are for you. If you have never been to 5 Diamond rated restaurant and you and your spouse are "foodies" this is your stop. Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is about as exquisite as you can get. The restaurant is pricey (over $60 per person without wine pairings) but there are a lot of different options for your dining experience. Both you and your spouse will get dressed up in your finest and enjoy some of the world's best food in a setting like no other. If you want the premiere experience, you want to book the chef's table. There is a private table in the kitchen where you and your spouse are whisked away for a private and intimate dining experience where you will meet the chef, try new foods, and be treated like a celebrity. For more information about this premiere restaurant check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/victoria-and-alberts/. You will also be able to review the different kinds of dining experiences that you and your spouse can enjoy.

This last dining suggestion of mine is probably one of my favorites: go to a restaurant off the monorail such as Citricos,'Ohana, Narcoosee's, etc. and try to make your reservation for a seating an hour before Wishes! because you can watch the fireworks from any of these hotel restaurants. I mean the view is worth everything but I can even take this one step further. Because getting a seating around the fireworks show can prove difficult, here is what I would do to turn up the romance. You know how everyone makes jokes about loving long walks on the beach? What about a long walk on the beach at the Polynesian Resort all culminating with watching fireworks beach side? Here is my suggestion, get an early reservation at 'Ohana, eat dinner, and then take your spouse for a walk on the beach. Then you and your spouse can watch Wishes! together privately on the beach with your toes in the sand, hand in hand.

Speaking of the beach, if you are taking a more relaxing route for your Disneymoon, don't forget to check out the movies on the Disney beaches. The beach hotels will have more information about movies on the beach and it is always a good way to unwind after a long Disney day.

Now that you have some romantic dinner ideas I have to make sure that you all know to tell the cast member that you are celebrating your honeymoon and that you are just married when you make your dining reservations. You will be surprised about what magic can happen. Promise me, yourself, and your spouse that you will let the cast member know that you are on your honeymoon when you make reservations and you won't be disappointed.

On the subject of eating, another great tip for your honeymoon is snacking around World Showcase. In World Showcase, each of the countries have desserts and drinks that are unique to that country, so what better way than to try different foods together. Enjoy the slower pace of your Disneymoon and spend an afternoon in EPCOT soaking up the exquisite details of the World Showcase, and drinking and eating “around the world.” Something that my fiancé and I are talking about doing is cupcake-ing around the Disney Parks.

There are so many great cupcakes and desserts found all around Disney property and being chocoholics, we can't pass up the idea of cupcake-ing around. While this is a little different, I think you get the point. Whether you are snacking around the world or cupcake-ing, you can take a slower pace and enjoy each other's company with some tasty treats of your choice.


I bet you are wondering why I haven't mentioned the free stuff yet. Well here it is: you must get the "Just Married" and "Happily Ever After" buttons located at your hotel, Guest Relations, or City Hall at the Magic Kingdom. Wear these accessories because you want to share with the world that you just got married! You’ll be amazed at how many random people will strike up a conversation with you because of the buttons and who knows, maybe some magic can make its way into your trip because you are an adorable couple. I would also suggest on a related note, to have "just married" or "bride/groom" shirts made for your trip. You will love how these look in pictures and if you do this, the buttons, and the wedding mickey ears you will be the cutest Disney couple, not to mention have some of the coolest pictures ever!

Next suggestion is to buy a custom souvenir. You have to! Trust me you are going to spend money at Disney World and you should get something with your wedding date on it or something that says "just married." Try to get something customizable so you will always remember how special this trip was. If you want to spend $30 or less, get a custom-painted Mickey-Mouse head Christmas ornament.

 You will cherish it forever and it can be a constant reminder of your Disneymoon. If you want to go a little more expensive, you could head over to the Art of Disney at EPCOT and purchase some wall art or a figurine for your new home as a married couple. Prices can vary and some of it can be very expensive, but if both of you are Disnerds, use some of that wedding gift money to get some Disney art. Personally, I am a HUGE Cinderella fan and I plan on getting a personalized glass slipper with our wedding date on it. You can always get a glass slipper with your first dance song title, wedding date, or anything else special to your marriage. Definitely try and get something special to the both of you. You will have so much fun picking something out together to take home, hang on the Christmas tree, mount on the wall, or put on a shelf.

On the topic of shopping, also try to enjoy the Boardwalk, especially at night. Whether it is dancing, eating, shopping, or sharing a kitchen sink at Beaches and Cream, the Boardwalk has something for everyone, and who knows, maybe you will find your special souvenir there.

Remember to just relax, be silly, take lots of pictures, and just have fun. Sit poolside, enjoy a movie on the beach, fly high on Dumbo the flying elephant, and don't be afraid to indulge and be our guest. For more tips and tricks for a good Disneymoon, you can visit http://disneyweddings.disney.go.com/honeymoons

No matter what you choose to do on your Disneymoon, I know that you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing is more romantic than celebrating your love at the place where dreams come true.

If you have any questions or comments on this post or any other post or just want some specific information, leave a comment. Who knows, your question could be inspiration for a new post.

Be Our Guest - Everything and Anything You Wanted to Know About Dining at Disney

 



This post is coming to you straight from my mother's mouth. When I started planning Disney World vacations on my own, she taught me the most important piece of advice: "an army marches on its stomach." To this day she still reminds me how important planning meals at Disney World really is, which is why I am going to share this piece of advice with you all. Trust me, if you go to Disney World like my family, (up early, stay late, and take advantage of every second in the parks) the last thing you want is your tummy growling and low blood sugar.

Before we discuss Dining Plans, which most people have questions about, we need to start at the basics about reservations and the importance of making those reservations well before your vacation. I don't think I need to reiterate the importance of staying at a Disney Resort any more than I have already (the amenities, the free transportation, extra magic hours, etc.), but there is one other perk that really tips the scale in favor of staying on Disney property: you can make dining reservations up to 180 days before you arrive! As many Disney World enthusiasts know, dining reservations can fill up quickly, especially at some of the most well known and guest favorite restaurants such as Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, 'Ohana, Mamma Melrose's, Chef Mickey's etc., so having the leg-up with the 180 days really helps. This of course means you will want to make some countdowns for sure to ensure that you get the reservations you want. If you are like me, the highly organized person with countdowns, spreadsheets, and itineraries, you will probably know when you hit the 180 day mark. http://pscalculator.net/pscalc.php. This website is great because it shows you the 180 day mark to make planning easier. This way you won't turn into the  multi documents open at the same time kind of person like I am.

Now I know that the majority of people who visit the Walt Disney World Resort are first-timers, so this can seem a little daunting. But that is what this blog is for, making planning easy.

Ok, so now we have the countdowns and the magic number, let's talk more about how to figure out where you want to go. Here is my process exactly so you can get an idea of my mindset. First, go to http://allears.net/tp/emhour.htm to look at extra magic hours. You want to find out where you are going to be on every day, if you are starting early and/or staying late, park hopping, or staying in one place. This way you can plan your meal timings accordingly and what restaurants you want to go to in which park. As my mom always says, plan your day around extra magic hours and meal times. Now I already know that the way I plan is kind of crazy with multiple spreadsheets and word documents, and I don't think that would be quite appropriate to simplify your planning. But what will help you get organized to plan are these great worksheets:



 

These worksheets are just a really easy and fun way to get started organizing your day from parades and dining reservations, to must-see attractions. At this point you might be saying things to yourself like "why didn't this website post this earlier?" and the only reason behind that is because you want to really start planning your day around these dining reservations. For example, you would hate for a lunch or dinner reservation to be scheduled at the same time as Fantasmic! or during a parade. Remember what my mom said, plan your day around your meals that way to can see, do, and eat everything you want.

 



I would also suggest to make some time tables in addition so you can get a better look at what the entire day looks like once you have your dining plans all figured out. Remember that you may also want to schedule breaks for swimming or naps, which are not on these spreadsheets. You can take these print out with you or create your own special itineraries for you Disney vacation. This way you will know what you are doing each day, where you need to be, what not to miss, and of course, where you are eating.





In addition to organization, research is also a huge park of picking restaurants. Luckily there are a lot of great resources that talk about the food at Disney. So here is what I suggest to anyone who has never been to Disney World or wants to try new food: look at the maps for starters. Here is a website that you can get maps for the parks and hotels that will give you an idea of the restaurants you can visit http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/. Within the maps, there is a section devoted to dining that says the name of the restaurant, price range, and a brief description.

But let's be honest, if you are a picky eater or just one of those people who really wants to know exactly what is available, I would visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ and look up the restaurants you are interested in trying. You can delve into the menus and look at prices which will definitely help you plan where you want to go. If you are also using the dining plan (which I will discuss at the end of this post) it will also show you which plans are accepted at the different restaurants. If you have a ton of time, love to read, and have a love of research, you could visit the Disney Food Blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/. There are various topics of conversation and you can find the answer to almost any question you have within that blog. With all these tools I am very confident that you are going to be able to find the perfect restaurant for your stay.

 

As soon as you figure out where you want to eat, we can now make the reservation. There are two ways to make reservations. If you love the Disney music on hold and the personable attention from cast members you can call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. They can make any and all reservations for you with a personal touch. If you just want to do it yourself, are in a hurry, or can't stand being on the phone, you can make your reservations online using your Disney World account.

If you don’t already have an account set up on DisneyWorld.com, do so use the “Sign in or Create Account” link in the upper right corner of the site. If you are staying on Disney property, link your room or package reservation to your account to make things easy and accessible. Then you can log in and go to My Disney Experience at the upper right. Use the pull down menu to select My Reservations and follow the directions from there. The purpose of linking your account is so that you’ll qualify to book Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) 180 days from your arrival date, remember that is the magic number.
 

In addition to linking your reservations, there are also a lot of other benefits from booking reservations online, such as you won't have to wait for an available cast member and you can read all the available times for dining on the spot instead of having a cast member read them to you over the phone.  Make sure you have signed in to your account before you begin. To book online go to https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining. Choose your first restaurant and open the page for it. You’ll see a blue box marked “Check Availability” on the right, about halfway down the page. Pick your date and number of people in your party. Reservations can be made at 6:00 am ET 180 days from your arrival. Then click “Find a Table” and start making your reservations. It is that simple!

 

If you have done your research, you know that there are a lot of restaurants that are difficult to get reservations for such as Cinderella's Royal Table, Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys, Victoria and Albert's (especially if you want the chef's table), Be Our Guest, and many more favorites such as the Spirit of Aloha Luau and 'Ohana. This is when you are really going to want to use that countdown calendar because you will want to set that alarm early so you can get the best chance possible. Trust me, for reservations like Cinderella's Royal Table you will want to get up early and try your best to get that reservation. It would also be a good idea for you to be flexible for these hard to get reservations such as if you would be ok with breakfast instead of dinner or visa verse, the times you could make reservations for, and the day of the week. You may find on the busier days (such as Saturday), especially during peak seasons (Christmas, Spring Break, etc.) that you may not get the exact day you want, so try and figure out a couple of days, times, or even the type of meals that you would be willing to try. If you can't get the restaurant you want for the right meal or time, don't get frustrated. While these restaurants have good food and a great decor/experience, being with your friends and family makes the restaurant great and you can always meet the characters regardless if your dining is attached to meeting them. With so many great food options and dining experiences, you will not miss out on anything.
 

So I have done a lot of writing about dining reservations and the importance of making those reservations, but some of you might be a little weary, hesitant, or overwhelmed at this point. You may even be thinking that this is too much and why bother. Can't I just go to the park and walk up to any restaurant and be able to eat? I will be very honest with you at this point. It is going to be near impossible for you to walk up to any restaurant the day-of and get a reservation or be able to sit down right away. Now I understand that things happen or you plan a Disney vacation on the fly or last minute, but you should be prepared for there to be no availability the day of for restaurants that are not quick service.  Even if you plan on the fly, try and make reservations if possible. Now for those of you who had something happen either the night before or right before you leave, there are a couple of things you can do. Once you get to the Walt Disney World Resort, call the Dining number or visit your hotel concierge if you are staying at club level. Either one can help you make dining reservations. If you are still having difficulty, here is a tip (but no guarantee), at park opening, head to Guest Relations and ask about dining reservations for that day. Some restaurants will hold a couple day-of reservations and going to Guest Relations is your best bet.


Most people will run to the restaurant at park opening so you might have a better chance if you go directly to Guest Relations, especially if one of those restaurants are in World Showcase which doesn't open until 11:00am. You will always have counter service or quick service options, which are never a bad thing. Overall, you should always try an book your dining reservations in advance.

 

Ok now here it is: Dining Plans. I will admit that I am quite new to the Disney Dining Plans and I have only used it once to be completely honest. While I am not the foremost authority on Disney Dining Plans, I can tell you a little bit of my experience with it and how these Dining Plans are broken down by price and category.

First it is important to note that you can only get a Dining Plan if you book a package (hotel & tickets). Secondly, it is important to differentiate between the Dining Plans. There are:

Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining

Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining

Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining
 

 

For first-timers this decision can seem intimidating. I think we all are price conscious and definitely don't want to overspend or seem like we are wasting money. This is where making the right decision for your family or friends is very important. So here is a quick description of the different dining plans as well as a price breakdown. (Just so you are up on the Dining Plan lingo, credits also means meals. I want you to be prepared to hear different words that mean the same thing.)
 







Quick-Service Dining Plan: the Quick Service Plan costs $37.58 per adult per night, and $14.32 per child per night. This plan allows you two quick or counter service meals and one snack per night of your resort stay, plus a refillable resort mug.
 

Package Plus Dining Plan: the Plus Dining plan is $55.59 per adult per night and $17.16 per child per night during regular season. The Plus plan is the most popular of the choices, and gives you one counter service meal, one table service meal, and one snack per night of your resort stay, plus a refillable resort mug.

Plus Deluxe Dining Plan: the Deluxe Dining plan has regular season pricing of $99.97 per adult per night, and $26.84 per child per night. This more elaborate plan allows three meals of any type (counter or table service) and two snacks per night of your stay, plus a refillable resort mug.

Now you might be wondering how to use the plan in the parks and this is where most of the confusion really comes from and can tip the scale for you to make your dining plan choice. To explain how you actually use the dining plan in the parks, I will use an example from the Plus Dining Plan since it is the most popular choice. You will need to present your Key to the World card at every location you are eating at (I do not know how this is changing with My Magic+  so you will have to ask or find out upon making reservations). Also make sure the cashier knows how many meals you are redeeming when you are at a quick service or counter service location, it just makes things easier. Now what do you actually get with your meals?

With the Plus Dining Plan a counter service meal consists of an entrée (or combo meal if available) and a non-alcoholic beverage. At lunch and dinner you also receive a dessert. Table service meals include an entrée and non-alcoholic drink, or a full buffet with beverage. Again at lunch and dinner you get dessert too. Of course other items can be ordered and paid for out of pocket like an appetizer or alcoholic beverage. You will be charged an automatic gratuity for those add-on items at Table Service restaurants and gratuity is always included regardless.

Since this gives you a basic idea of the meal plan, I am going to share my experience with you all. The only time I used/purchased the Dining Plan I got the Deluxe Dining Package. Part of my concern about the Dining Plans in general, which made me choose this particular plan, was not having enough choices or a lack of food. It is no surprise that I LOVE Disney food, as does my family so having the most options is very important to us, which is why the I selected the Deluxe Dining Plan. It seemed to give the most options and meals. Because I have never used any dining plan before, I probably should have done more research before I went to the park, but I will share what I learned. For breakfast you could pick up a pastry or cereal and a piece of fruit at your hotel food court with a drink. Now breakfast at the hotel is fine, it does give you the little food boost you need, but I was disappointed with the fruit choices. Since we are early risers for Extra Magic Hours, there was little variety of fruit, so be prepared. I also had to ask a Cast Member what we could get for breakfast because I was very confused as to what was available to me. If you are ever unsure or confused, never be afraid to ask a Cast Member, that is my biggest advice. Whether you are already at table service, quick service, or grabbing a snack, as a Cast Member if you need help. Moving on, for lunch and dinner at a table service restaurant you would get an appetizer, entrée, and dessert per person. Remember when I said I LOVE Disney food and I was concerned the Dining plan would not feed the Disney food lover? Well this plan does not let you go hungry, at all! In fact, I was so full it was painful at times to eat. So here is my tip if you are using the Deluxe Dining Plan: make your dining reservations far apart so you can enjoy all the restaurants has to give. I made a reservation at the Coral Reef and then 4 hours later, made a reservation for Chefs de France. I was so stuffed because there was not enough time in between to digest. So make sure there is enough time in between your reservations. For quick service or counter service you get your entrée and a dessert which can be gelato or a small piece of cake, which is more then enough for lunch. Now if you think there is any chance that you would be the slightest bit hungry after all this, you also get a snack per person per day. I personally never had to use the snack option so we were just stuck with a lot of snack credits that we did not use. After returning home, I thought of a great way to use these snack credits if you don't think you will use them during the day. You could grab snacks from any bakery like Starring Rolls or the Patisserie in France, and bring them back to your hotel and eat them for breakfast. This way you don't have to wake up earlier to grab something at the hotel. In addition, you could get more variety such as a cheese and fruit platter instead of a sugary item or be able to get some of your favorite pastry items from around the park. This is how I would use these snack credits in retrospect but I am sure you all will think of creative ways to use them.

Overall, the Dining Plans give you a lot of variety and a lot of food. I didn't really have any issues besides the amount of food with the Deluxe Dining Plan. I was very happy, I was never hungry, could eat whatever I wanted, and didn't have any restrictions. To see what restaurants are available with what plans check out http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-dining-plan.htm or visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/disney-dining-plan/ for a comprehensive list and explanation of your Dining Plan choice.

You should also keep in mind that certain restaurants/dining experiences such as character dining (Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Crystal Palace etc.) and premiere dining experiences like Le Cellier, Mounsier Paul, Citricos, etc. will use double credits. Always ask a cast member or consult the website so you can plan accordingly. 

At this point, I think you all have a great starting platform for choosing not only a Dining Plan, but also how to go about planning your day around dining. So just remember to be our guest and put Disney's restaurants to the test.

The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down - What To Do When It Rains at Disney World

 

For many of us who have visited Wald Disney World, we have all been subjected to the downpour of rain during vacation time. But, the Disney lovers in us won't let a little Florida rain get in the way of some major play time in the parks. Now some of you might be thinking that the next thing I am going to say is a bit crazy, but hopefully this post will change your mind by the end of it so here it goes... I love going to the Disney Parks when it rains. I can sense a few jaws dropping and some scoffs, but hear me out. I have been going to Disney World for 20+ years during various seasons and crowd sizes of any and every kind, and nothing draws people out of the parks than the rain. But I am here to tell you that you should have no fear of the rain, in fact you should embrace it. This post is going to show you and tell you many possiblities and things to experience during the rain at Walt Disney World as well as give you infromation on rides that can and will close during bad weather. Hopefully, at the end of this post you will embrace the rain and learn that it will actually give you the opportunity to do and experience things you might not have if the rain hadn't come.

 

Before we get into the amazingly fun things you can do when it rains and what opportunities arise during rainstorms, let's address the one thing probably on everyone's mind: rides closing. Here is myth #1 I am going to debunk: the rides do not close in the rain. Rides however, will close during lightning and thunderstorms. In addition to rides, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will also close and it is advisable that you do not swim in the resort pools during lightning and thunderstorms, but I am sure that we kind of all know that already.

 

To prepare yourself for rides closing during thunderstorms and lightning here is a list of rides that can close from each park:

 

 

Magic Kingdom: all the outdoor rides close down such as Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Dumbo, and the Magic Carpets. It is a safe bet that any ride that is outside for any part will close during thunder and lightning. Also the Liberty Boat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Swiss Family Treehouse will also be unavailable.

 

Animal Kingdom: Unfortunately, this could probably be the worst park to visit during rain, let alone a thunderstorm. Everything is outside and unsheltered and you will get little to no break during the rain. Primeval Whirl, Triceratop Spin, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and even the Kilimanjaro Safari can close. Basically, Dinosaur, Finding Nemo the Musical, and It's Tough to be a Bug are going to be the only attractions you could visit.

 

Hollywood Studios: the only attractions that will close are the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and the Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.

 

EPCOT: Test Track will close during lightning and thunder and heavy rain.

 

Honestly, EPCOT and the Hollywood Studios have the most options to play in the parks to their full potential with minimal closures when it rains. But here is a tip for you all, most people will actually leave the park so they don't get caught in the rain or in a thunderstorm. This is why I love when it rains at Disney World; when people leave the parks, wait times go down for rides. Now this isn't to say that this is a guarantee, but I have been in both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom when the majority of the crowds left the parks during the rain. It was probably the most empty I have ever seen these two parks and I got to go on every and any ride I wanted to several times! It was fun and I even got some amazing pictures out of that empty rainy night in the theme parks.

 

So now that we have addressed the ride closure myth we need to talk about how to get you to enjoy the theme parks during the rain. I know many of us have seen or even wore those yellow mickey ponchos around the parks during the rain. (or clear ponchos with a Disney Logo or castle on it now, I think the yellow ponchos dates me).

To quote my father, "these ponchos are sauna suits." I would say that you should be prepared for those ponchos to cause you more problems than protection. They are hot, humid, and uncomfortable and while it keeps your torso dry, your arms/sleeves and pants will still get wet. You can always bring a travel umbrella with you to the parks and keep it in a purse, tote bag, or backpack. I would just bring a plastic bag with you to wrap the umbrella in when you are riding a ride, eating, or after it rains when you put the umbrella away for the day. Or another option is to bring an actual rain coat. If there is rain in the forecast, don't be shy to renting a locker to keep your rain coats, umbrellas, or any other rain stuff during the parts of the day the sun is out and shining. Chances are that the Florida rain will last only an hour or so and you can go back to playing in the sun shortly after. If you have a locker, you can put all of that stuff back when you don't need it and have some place to keep it in case it rains.

 

Now let's say that playing in the puddles in the theme parks isn't your cup of tea in wonderland; have no fear there are plenty more things to do! My next tip is to head over to Downtown Disney and visit Disney Quest.

 

While many other park guests may have the same idea, it is still a great way to get out of the rain and play together. Remember that you will need to have the Water Parks, Fun and More Pass added to your admission tickets or you will have to buy admission separately. If you don't want to spend that extra money because you did not originally have that addition on your admission, you can always shop around Downtown Disney or visit one of their many restaurants.

 

This leads me to the next tip: shop around. Downtown Disney has the LARGEST Disney Store called World of Disney and if you haven't been able to find that perfect souvenir, I promise you that you will find it here. Not that you need more of an excuse to spend money at Disney World but shopping or even window shopping can take your mind off of the rain and kill time until the rain passes. A great tip for you if you are a shopper and this is how you want to pass the time, the vast majority of stores on Main Street U.S.A (Magic Kingdom) are connected to each other which means, there is no need to walk outside! Isn't that perfect?! In EPCOT you can find treats and toys from around the world that can add something extra special to your take home souvenirs.

 

Another great idea to pass the time in the rain at EPCOT is to take a stroll around World Showcase and talk to cast members from their native country. You can ask them to teach you phrases in their language and take home another souvenir that you can use. Learn how to say hello, good bye, please, thank you, etc. It is a great way to engage with cast members, learn something new, and interact with your surroundings. Here is another good tip for EPCOT, visit the different country's movies and indoor attractions. You can find the movies in Canada, China, Norway (at the end of Malestrom), France, and The American Adventure. Don't forget to ride Malestrom and the Gran Fiesta Tourin Mexico to keep dry on your journey around the world.

(Of course I suggest the other indoor shows in the other theme parks, such as Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom, Muppet Vision 3D in the Hollywood Studios, and It's Tough to be a Bug, Festival of the Lion King, and the Finding Nemo the Musical in the Animal Kingdom.)

 

Rain is also a great reason for you to explore your resort or other resorts on property. For example, you can take a bus to the Art of Animation Resort and play in the arcade or learn to draw like an animator.

Every Disney World resort has fun recreational offerings and things to see and do. Some deluxe resorts like the Animal Kingdom Lodge offer enough activities to keep you busy for an entire day. Check your resort activity schedules or ask an on-site cast member for ideas on what to do indoors. If you want to visit the Magic Kindom resorts, take the monorail around and stop at each resort. You will get a fun ride and get to change venues anytime you want.

 

There are also tons of indoor character meet and greet spots where you and your children, family, and friends can meet characters and have your pictures taken. You can see where characters will be on your park maps or using the mobile magic app on your smartphone. This would be a great opportunity to visit your favorite characters and make some more memories.

Overall, I hope that this changes your mind and shows you that you have more opportunities than not when it rains in Disney World. The last pieces of advice I will give you is to always keep a good attitude, bring the right shoes (maybe even an extra pair of socks), and just plan on having fun. A little rain can't ruin the happiest place on Earth. I challenge to you face the rain head on and try something new on this blog. Take lots of pictures, play in puddles, ride rides, and just have fun!

 

 

 

 



"A Good Story Can Take You on a Fantastic Journey" - Walt Disney Company

 

 

For many of us, jumping into chalk drawings with Mary Poppins and Bert has always been a dream, and the same can be said for many of our other favorite Disney movies. While we can feel like a Disney Princess in Fantasyland or like Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland, we guests can't help but to want to be like the characters in these favorite movies and stories 24/7. Sadly, the theme parks close at night and we are at the mercy of our alarm clocks to wake us up the next morning to get that feeling again.

 

Thankfully, Disney World is changing all of that for us with their Disney Story Rooms found at a few of our favorite resorts: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside, and the newest addition, Disney's Art of Animation Resort. So come on! Let's jump into those chalk drawings, explore, and be a part of these stories. 

Let us first jump into to one of our favorite stories that comes directly from the theme parks - The Pirates of the Caribbean. In Adventureland, we slide down a waterfall and become a part of the swashbuckling and fantastic world of the Pirates of the Caribbean, where dead men tell no tales. For many of the buccaneers and Jack Sparrows in us, we could ride that ride and sing Yo-Ho Yo-Ho A Pirate's Life for Me until we lose our voices. But thankfully we do not have to since the pirates in us can take the ride back to the resort at the end of a Disney day at the Caribbean Beach Resort, where you can stay in a Pirate Room! (pictured below)

These rooms were designed to to make you feel as if you've set sail with the pirate crew. There are pirate ship beds, Jack Sparrow's compass as a table, a friendly jolly roger, and so much more. For any little buccaneer or pirate-loving adult, this room is a must. Who doesn't want to sleep under a bed comforter of jewels and loot? Don't forget to stop by the pool to enjoy the old fort and cannon water guns to bring this experience to an all time high. No worries you do not need to walk the plank to book one of these rooms, just know the secret word..."ARRR!"

If swashbuckling is not up your alley and you want more of a royal experience, you can jump into the stories of your favorite Disney Princesses at the Port Orleans - Riverside Royal Guest Rooms. For many of us Fantasyland goers, we dream of waltzing with a prince, having tea with Mrs. Potts, singing under the sea with our many fishy friends, and riding a magic carpet into a whole new world. The Royal Guest Rooms turn that fantasy into a reality for those of us who can only dream of the wish our heart makes. These rooms are brought to life by celebrated Disney characters, such as Cinderella, and are fit for any prince, princess, queen, or king. Enjoy magnificent touches and magical surprises, including custom drapes and linens, ornately decorated beds, and headboards that glitter with a fiber optic "fireworks" display. Get the royal treatment and experience all in one place.

Lastly, and quite possibly the most immersive story experience outside of the theme parks, are the stories of the Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid found at the Art of Animation Resort. Who doesn't want hakuna matata all the time? Or revving up the engines with Lightning McQueen? Maybe even taking a splash with Ariel, Nemo, and Dory in the big blue world. As the newest addition to the resorts at Walt Disney World, The Art of Animation gives guests a chance to be surrounded by their favorite Disney and Pixar characters in a one of a kind immersive experience from the Finding Nemo pool that plays music underwater, to the play areas with the beloved characters.

 

The Art of Animation Resorts offers 2 different experiences - family suites which can accomodate a family of 6 in the Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King areas and the standard 4 person room in The Little Mermaid area of the resort. The family suites have everything from a kitchen and dining area to couches and sleeping areas. The hardest part of making your reservation here is deciding which Disney/Pixar movie you want to be a part of! Pictures of one of the suites and the standard rooms are pictured below.

 

The Lion King Suites:

 



Standard Little Mermaid Room:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the absolute best part of the resort: it is a VALUE resort, meaning it is the most afforable. Greatest part is you are not sacrificing experience and luxury for this value resort. The Art of Animation is fun, colorful, totally immersive, and fun for the whole family.

 

The best part of the Disney Story Rooms is that the fun does not have to end at the parks. Just like the chalk drawings at Mary Poppins, guests can now jump right in and become a part of the Disney magic of stories and storytelling. Now come on! Get out there and bring these stories to life!