Guest Blogs

All posts in the Guest Blogs category

Top 10 Rides For Babies & Toddlers at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Published May 19, 2013 by lwcgal2004

Hayden from Disney World on a Budget is our newest guest blogger here at Disneyways and we are so thrilled to have her with us!

hayden

Have you ever been at Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler and wondered which rides they would enjoy the most?

Hayden has some great suggestions to share!

Here is her complete list of  top 10 rides at Magic Kingdom for babies and toddlers:

10. Walt Disney World Railroad–this is a great ride to save for the end of the day when you’re tired of walking. I recommend riding the railroad from Fantasyland station to Main Street Station. This twenty minute scenic ride is a great way to see the park. Also a great to spot to nurse a baby.

photo

9. It’s A Small World—this is such a fun ride for children of all ages. Hop in a boat for a leisure ride throughout the different countries, the music entertains my kids and they are left singing the song for days afterwards.

Small World

8. Jungle Cruise–this is such a classic Disney ride, I remember riding this back in 1988 when I was just a child. The Jungle boat takes you on a fun ride throughout the jungle where you will see elephants, tribal natives, giraffes and even a waterfall.

Photo source: myfavoritedisneypostcards.blogspot.com

Photo source:
myfavoritedisneypostcards.blogspot.com

7. Tom Sawyer Island–A great place to explore, get away from the crowds and let your little ones run! Tom Sawyer Island is also a great spot to have a picnic, there are picnic tables on the island and a small playground. There are also bathrooms and water fountains. *It is hard to push a stroller on the island as there are many caves, steps, etc. so I recommend using a baby carrier.

Tom Sawyer Island

6. Prince Charming Regal Carousel–This is a great photo op and a must do for children of all ages. Parents can stand and hold their children (there are buckles) and parents can even ride too.

Carousel

5. Peter Pan’s Flight–The wait is usually long for this ride so I suggest getting a fast pass. Peter Pan’s flight is a quick ride so don’t blink or you will miss it! It is worth the wait in my opinion, kids will feel like they are flying while riding this cute little iconic ride that tells the story of Peter Pan.

Peter Pan

4. Under The Sea With Little Mermaid

3. Magic Carpets of Aladdin–The carpets will seat 2 to 3 children per row, there are 2 rows per carpet. Our family takes up 1 whole carpet and I recommend having a parent sit in the front carpet so you can turn around and take your children’s picture on the carpet :-) You can control the carpet and make it go up high or down low. The children get a kick out of this. You might even get a spray of water from the camels!

2. Dumbo–The ride has been much improved with the new Fantasyland expansion and now the wait time has been cut in half. There is no height restriction on this ride and even my littlest one was able to ride at only 11 months old (of course a parent must hold little ones). Each Dumbo flies high in the sky for just a few minutes but this is such a classic Disney ride that children of all ages love it.

dumbo-the-flying-elephant-00

1. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin–This ride can be a little scary if your child is afraid of the dark, however, it is so much fun. Children really love the bright lights (neon) and the ability to shoot a lazer gun is the highlight of the ride for my children. You can control whether or not your spaceship spin’s around too which is neat. The wait times can be rather long for this ride, try to grab a fast pass and  while waiting go and meet Buzz himself - he is usually right outside of the ride area.

Top Picks for Doing Disney on a Special Diet ~ By Guest Author Laurie

Published April 15, 2013 by Disneyways.com
We LOVE our guest bloggers here at Disneyways. Laurie Smith is no exception. I really appreciate her perspective on not only great restaurants for special diets – but also for guests who have special needs. Thank you Laurie for sharing!
fruit

My top picks for Special Diets at Disney World ~ by Laurie 

Today I wanted to share with you my top picks for Disney restaurants for guests on special diets, and in wheelchairs. You will notice I also prefer quiet and well-lit dining areas so you will see some information on that as well.  I decided to limit my list to those restaurants that can handle special diets beyond the top 8 allergens.

To begin, I had a long informative talk with the manager at Artist’s Point.  He told me Wilderness Lodge has an extensive pantry that can meet almost every diet possible including PKU, diabetes, Atkins, low carb, low fat, no added sodium, allergies and sensitivities, religious, medical and vegan diets.  Sometimes guests will have to call ahead to make sure items are in stock.  I have chosen two restaurants from Wilderness Lodge because of their ability to handle special diets as well as quality of food and service.

whispering canyon

Whispering Canyon Cafe: There are three dining areas that have good lighting and seating.  The main area is where the fun happens.  The middle area is next to the kitchen door and offers a bit of privacy away from the antics.  I was lucky to sit next to the fireplace in this room.  The third room is an indoor patio that overlooks the ramp leading downstairs and the outdoors.  They started me off with gluten and soy free cornbread with real butter then came the buffalo chili, cheese dip, and fresh salsa.  OMG, I have not had chili in a decade, awesome. They give you a choice of 3 meats but you can do vegan if you wish.  The reason this is one of my top restaurants is the cheesecake in a glass. Sheer bliss for me as I never get to eat cheesecake but they make this without the crust.

Artist Point:  The menu is based on what is available in the markets so it changes often.  The seating is in well lit areas overlooking the outdoors.  I like that there is good lighting and that guests are not packed in tight but instead are allowed to quietly savor their food.  I started the night with quail eggs and the Smokey Portobello Soup with chive oil that rivals Napa Rose for the best mushroom soup I have ever had.

mushroom soup

Hoop Dee Doo Review:  Disabled guests can use a side entrance.  I was assigned upstairs which is hard for me so they had to find me a table downstairs in the back.  Seats in the last rows are on stools that may be a bit hard on some guests like sitting on a bar stool   Some guests may find the ending a bit loud as people are encouraged to clang on washboards with their spoons.  Sensitive folks should watch a video and exit if it gets to loud.  This is a top pick for me because of service, lighting and seating as well as ability to handle special diets.  They served me gluten free corn bread with honey butter, tossed salad, baked chicken with side of barbecue sauce, barbecue pork ribs, meaty baked beans, mashed potatoes, and a bowl of whipped cream slathered strawberries.  I have also seen the vegan offerings – which looked delicious.  They have plain items ready for special diet guests like baked chicken, plain ribs, plain corn, salad without cheese and dressing, and vegetarian beans.

Kona Cafe:  Kona offers gluten and soy free sushi, delicious chorizo soup, and chocolate fondue but the one dish that shocked me was the Pan Asian Noodles.  I was served gluten free rice noodles with wok fried vegetables and shrimp. That was a rare treat for me as I rarely can eat Asian food because of the soy and wheat.  The comfortable seating may be is a a bit close together and adjacent to the main walkway. I love this place for the awesome food and staff. Kona Cafe is pictured below.

Kona Cafe

Portobello: Portobello seems like a small store front until you walk inside.  They have good lighting and seating with an outdoor patio. I do not feel the seating is packed in but there have been online complaints online seating being too close for comfort.  I had sambuca shrimp with potato slices that were set on fire at the table-side   They made me gluten free penne pasta with Bolognose sauce and for dessert a heavenly panna cotta.  After talking with the chef I feel that this restaurant can handle most dietary limitations.

Downtown Disney also has two restaurants with patios, good lighting, live nightly entertainment, and comfortable seating.

Bongos: Bongos Cuban Cafe offers Cuban food that is very mild compared to Mexican cuisine.  They other lots of food for the dollar and can easily handle special dietary requests and disabled seating.  I love their Masitas de Puerco which is a milder version of carnitas.  They offer beans and white rice with grilled onions and plantains.  They have a walk up window for quick service meals.

Ragland Road:  Raglan Road has some private booths – but there can be a wait for those.  I love their gluten free/soy free onion rings, scallops, shepherd pie, and fish with chips.  They are very friendly folks who treat you like family.  They have Cookes of Dublin next door for additional allergy friendly dining.

raglan

Raglan Road

Inside the theme parks, Tusker House and Crystal Palace are outstanding buffets that have good lighting and seating with dedicated chefs who work hard to meet the special dietary needs of guests.  They will make special dishes like plain meat and potatoes, batter free fish, and allergy free baked goods.  These are family restaurants so talk with staff if you need a bit of privacy.  They will go backstage and make dishes from scratch or get a freshly made batch of food that the public has not touched.  They both have chefs that try hard to handle a wide variety of special dietary requests and both have friendly staff.

Sunshine Seasons is in the Land pavilion in Epcot – and Landscape of Flavors at the Art of Animation resort.  Both are well lit, have helpful staff, and can deal with vegan, allergies, and other dietary requests.  There are a few nooks but overall you will at times be packed in tight.  I would never try to take my scooter to a table at either restaurant.  Art of Animation carries babycakes gluten/vegan/nut/soy free cupcakes in the refrigerator section.  I could spend my life eating Mongolian beef at Landscape and the pork chops with rice and beans at Sunshine Seasons.

sunshine

I hope you have enjoyed my top restaurant picks for special dietary needs at Walt Disney World. What are some of yours?

About Laurie: I have lived in Kissimmee, FL since March, 2012, so that I could learn about WDW and help people enjoy WDW.  I love to watch cooking shows so I can learn about food.  I love exploring new places, eating out, cooking, helping people, and playing online games.  I have been going to Disney parks since 1960.  I cannot have wheat/gluten and soy at all.  I am familiar with disabilities in Disney parks since I am disabled and I used to take my mother to Disneyland in a wheelchair.

A note from Krista – unrelated to this particular blog post – if you or someone you love has special dietary needs at Disney you may also want to check out Gluten Free and Dairy Free WDW!

gfdfwdw_linkbutton

Disneyways, Theme Park Concierges and Mouskejournals are proud sponsors of the 2nd Annual Special Diets Illuminations party coming October 13, 2013!

Click here for your very special invitation!

dessert party

 

Real life Magic and Romance on the High Seas (with a Splash of Disney!)

Published March 24, 2013 by Disneyways.com

disney-cruise2
Many people think Disney cruises are just for kids, but my new friend Shellie Wylie knows a secret. She and her husband of 17 years have found real life magic and romance on the Disney Cruise line, and it is their favorite way to travel WITHOUT the kids! Let’s cruise along with Shellie today, and see through her eyes, how and why one can find very grown- up treasure on the high seas with Disney.

Real Life Magic and Romance on the High Seas (with a Splash of Disney!) Written by Shellie Wylie

My husband and I have taken three Disney cruise vacations without children in tow. All three vacations were simply wonderful! Because I am the owner of a travel agency, we have traveled often sans children as well. Despite the perception that Disney cruises are just for kids –  our favorite…by far… adults only vacations have been on Disney ships.

The feeling of being valued and appreciated by all crew members begins the moment we arrive at the terminal. The efficient check-in process starts the trust in Disney’s ability to care for us in that special Disney way. I enjoy the experience with excitement as the daily stress carried around in my shoulder muscles begins to drop away.

By the time we reach the gang-way and the cast member calls out “Welcome to the Wylie family”, I am in tears. The impact of that entrance, the grandness, the beauty, the simple yet profound welcome sets the stage for what is to come.

How does this relate to romance?

Well, because of the superior service and beautiful surroundings, as a couple, we are freed enough from our real lives to see each other again as we did 17 years ago. Disney is a master at story telling. On the ship the story they are telling is your own. You write it. They’ve given you a beautiful sea-bound canvas. Classic, well designed stateroom, charming coffee bar, opulent and fun restaurants, room service, night club, piano bar, sports bar, adult exclusive pool, and so many options for activities if your story should include them.

romance

 In this environment I am so very important again to my husband, and he to me. I begin to remember why we fell in love so long ago. We focus on each other because we trust Disney to do everything else. And they do.

Our stateroom is always clean. Our food is always wonderful. If we choose to sit and read on deck, we can do that in peace together on wonderful round cushioned loungers. We can play 70’s Music Trivia, or disco dance. Romance can be found on a Disney cruise because these ships give us a chance to look into each other’s eyes and fall in love all over again. The details are all taken care of, so we are able to put our focus elsewhere.

We have our own real life magic – with just a subtle sprinkle of Disney magic thrown in. It feels good to be a part of the magic. It’s magic, not Mickey Mouse. It’s NOT in your face Mickey or Minnie. They are there for sure should you seek them out. These ships have a feeling, a personality that does not focus on the Disney characters. The focus is on the elegance and magic to set your mind at ease. You get to create your own story – and my husband and I choose to create a story of romance.

Shellie 2

But it’s not ALL about us. Another gift that is included with a Disney Cruise is meeting fellow passengers who also know how to appreciate the magic. They are people like you. They are people who enjoy family. They are people who are kind and thoughtful. They are people who enjoy excellent Broadway quality shows who probably do similar things at home. And in all my cruise vacations, I have never seen an adult embarrassingly inebriated on a Disney ship as on other ships.

It’s the magic that sets the Disney ships apart from other cruise lines. It’s Walt’s belief that we NEED some magic in our lives now and then. He was right. We do need it. I think we need it now more than ever before. Simple beauty. Simple service. Simple kindness. These go a long way to un-complicating my life for a little while, and helping my husband and I find romance and real life magic on the high seas.

When you board the Disney Magic, or Wonder, or Dream, or Fantasy, the magic of Disney is where you live 24 hours a day. Ironically it feels like a fantasy to be freed from the cares and worries of the “real” world. And that my friends…amounts to a hefty dose of romance.

Shellie

Shellie Wylie is the owner of Wishes Family Travel – your FREE, concierge level, personal service, luxury travel agency for families. 

Learn more about Wishes Family Travel – and how Shelly or her agents can help you book the vacation of your dreams – by clicking the logo below. 

 

logo

Click here to read more about decorating your door for you Disney cruise.

Running for a Reason

Published March 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

A note from Krista: I want to introduce you to Rachel, my fantastic new Disney friend. Between having a precious son to care for…training…AND her Disney marathons, I can’t even imagine the miles Rachel has covered! I am super excited that she took time to share this wonderful post with you and I – via Disneyways today. Make sure you read it to the very end, and if you have a tender heart like I do, you may want to get the tissues ready. This is the stuff that bittersweet Disney tears are made of.

Thank you so much Rachel for your wonderful contribution!!

the fam

Running for a Reason ~ Written by Rachel

Running, for me, can be a very emotional thing. I am not sure why. Maybe it is
because I love it so much. Your average PT run or run around the neighborhood,
maybe not. But racing…I love racing. And I get emotional when I race. And I get
VERY emotional when I race at Disney. There is something about how emotionally
charged and amped up the entire race process is…from the family reunion area
and the anticipation of hearing them call your corral, to the walk through the back
lot of Epcot to the start, to the fireworks that kick off the race and passing under
that banner that says START with Mickey and Minnie, or more recently the Fairy
Godmother, waving as you pass. It can all be very overwhelming. I am used to that.
I am used to crying like a baby when they play the pre-race montage, this year’s
used the song Go The Distance from Hercules—very fitting. And I am used to crying
at the finish line. Coming around that last corner out of Epcot and seeing the FINISH
about 100 meters away… it hits you that you really have just run over 26 miles, and
you are about to cross that finish line. I think the most stoic of people would get a
little choked up.

This year at the marathon, however, something was a little different. This year,
everywhere I looked, it seemed like I was getting choked up. Some background is
required: The week before I went down to WDW for the race, my boss had asked
me a question that I couldn’t really answer. He asked me why I do this. Why I put
my body, one already wracked with pretty bad degenerative arthritis, through such
torture. I told him that I really didn’t know why…I just loved it. And I didn’t know
why I loved it, I just did.

His question stuck with me though, and as the miles started to pass I slowly started
to realize that we all had a reason to run. The back of one Team in Training jersey
told me that she was running in memory of her father. The back of another told me
that he was running in honor of his daughter, who was fighting breast cancer. More
shirts showed pictures of my fallen comrades – one even a Soldier I served with
at Fort Leavenworth. His sister was running the WDW Marathon in his memory.
Several shirts said “26 miles for 26 beautiful lives lost”. They were running for
children and teachers from Newtown, CT. It was about 30 minutes after the sun
came up and I had tears streaming down my face from reading all of these reasons
that everyone was running. I turned to Jim and said, “This. This is why I run.
Because we ALL have a reason. We may not even know what it is, but we all have a
reason.”

In September, I have decided to join the many who have a reason way beyond
themselves and a shiny medal to run. In September, I will run for every child who
has ever been diagnosed with cancer. In September, I will run for every family that
has had to hear those words, knowing what it could mean for their precious child.
In September, I will run for hope, for faith, for a cure, and for St. Jude’s. And I will
keep running for a reason for as long as I possibly can – no matter what the reason.

Because there will come a day that I can no longer do this. But that day is not today.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

To find out more information, and to help support Rachel and her noble cause,

Running for a Reason,

please click here.

 

Come Be a Part of the Disneyways Family!

Published March 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Med180px (1)

I have had a ton of fun guest blogging for wonderful folks like Mousekejournals ,  The Main Street Mouse,  The Disney Gals and VinylmationWorld.com

In fact, I have had so much fun that I wanted to share – and extend an invitation to others to guest blog here at Disneyways! 

Anyone can apply but special consideration will be given to my current readers and subscribers.

This is because many of you all have been with me since the beginning, so you are familiar with our mission statement and the positive, upbeat feel of our site.

 

Here is a link for more info on guest blogging for Disneyways!

Once Upon a Run ~ By Morgan

Published March 2, 2013 by Morgan Crutchfield

It’s quiet here now, snowing to boot, and I have finally found a moment to reflect on the completion of a milestone that I set out to achieve nearly six months ago. I ran the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon last weekend and got a big, shiny medal to prove it. I finished the race in a time that was acceptable to me and I checked a fairly large goal off of my list. I took a photo before the race while standing in my corral that I thought was just going to be a nice picture and instead it turned out to be a shot that encapsulates what I think is the heart of the Princess Half and what can happen Once Upon a Run.

Morgan3 copy

It was my intention when I began blogging about this race back in September to eventually write about the experience from the perspective of a runner. In fact, that was my intention even through most of the run last Sunday. I took pictures of water stops and landmarks along the course, made mental notes about hills and bottlenecks, even estimated how many minutes a Tomorrowland bathroom stop would add to a final chip time. I was all set to memorialize every detail of the dash from fireworks to finish. And then I got a hug on Main Street, U.S.A. A big, happy, sweaty hug from my friend’s husband and son. And in that one minute, my whole world view and the way I thought about this event shifted. You see,  I hadn’t had anyone that was able to make it to the race to cheer me on, and even though I was okay with that, I felt a little lost at times. But as I finished the distance and watched my friends celebrate with their families and each other and was pulled into those celebrations myself, I started to understand that these amazing women had, for no other reason than because we’d decided to run a few miles together, made me family as well.

It's a good family, no?

It’s a good family, no?

I realized as I looked through my pictures that it had been happening the whole weekend in laughter-filled bus rides and very serious tiara purchases, Tonga Toast inhalation and a million monorail rides. These women, who had lives and families and busy schedules of their own, had tossed their stuff into a two-bedroom at Animal Kingdom Lodge, gotten on a Disney bus, and proceeded to contribute to one of the most awesome experiences ever in just a few days. Each of them, in their own ways, gave me the kind of family that I’ve never had. In short they followed in the slipper steps of a long line of princesses dedicated to making others feel loved and important.

IMG_1622

And so while this race is certainly about learning to run and achieving personal records, finding your stride and following your dreams, I think more it is about being thankful for the women who come together to make it about love and support. It’s about understanding that this is a strong community that runs for friends and family members, for causes dear to their hearts, for fun and for themselves. It’s about girls like Katie, pictured above, who get on planes with their sisters and don enormous tutus to run down a road at six in the morning and are stronger both in life and in family for having done it. It’s about real life princesses who change the way the world works Once Upon a Run.

Disney Beauty with Jay – Let Your Dark Side Out with Urban Decay’s Theodora Palette

Published February 25, 2013 by Jay

Welcome back, Oz and beauty fans! On my last guest post, I brought you a pretty yet strong look created using Urban Decay’s Glinda palette. However, Glinda isn’t the only witch in Oz: The Great and Powerful! Theodora is a young witch, beautiful and naive. In early Oz movies, the Witch of the West is a dark force; in Oz, Theodora wants peace in the land(according to trailers…hmmm…guess we’ll have to head to the movies to find out for sure!).

Oz-Theodora

Urban Decay describes her as “fiery, strong-willed, and spellbindingly beautiful.” The palette they created for her certainly fits the bill! This palette contains six dark, sultry eyeshadows, a black eyeliner, and a fiery red high-gloss lip pencil.

"Top

As a brunette with brown eyes, I find that warm, brown shades suit my coloration the best. Red is my favorite color, although I usually wear the shade in clothing rather than on my lips. All in all, the combination of colors in this product are what led me to snap this palette up, even before I bought the Glinda one. Urban Decay makes stellar beauty products and I knew that this would be a palette I’d reach for again and again. This palette is great for everyday looks, but I decided to create a more dramatic look to possibly wear to the Oz premiere on March 8th. Below I’ll take you through the look, step by step; see captions for directions.

Prime the entire lid; then apply Broken (bone white) to the brow bone and inner corner

Prime the entire lid; then apply Broken (bone white) to the brow bone and inner corner

Pat the gold half of Spell onto the inner half of the lid; do the same with Beware (light fawn brown) on the outer half

Pat the gold half of Spell onto the inner half of the lid; do the same with Beware (light caramel brown) on the outer half. Line inner half of lower lash line with the gold as well.

Apply Bewitch (warm chocolate brown) to the crease and bottom lash line, winging it out past the brow

Apply Bewitch (warm chocolate brown) to the crease and bottom lash line, winging it out past the brow

How your wing should look with your eyes open

How your wing should look with your eyes open

Apply West (deep reddish brown) to the outer v, blending where it meets other shades

Apply West (deep reddish brown) to the outer v, blending where it meets other shades

Line with Zero and apply mascara. I also put on some falsies for a little extra flair.

Line with Zero and apply mascara. I also put on some falsies for a little extra flair.

I finished my look by adding a shimmering highlighter to my cheekbones and applying the Theodora lip pencil (a warm-leaning cherry red) on my entire lip. Below are before and after shots – I used the before shot from the Glinda post because…well…I generally look the same without makeup, regardless of the clothing I have on. Click to enlarge:

Before

Before

After

After

After

After

So what look do you think is best for the premiere - a warm, strong “dark” look, or a delicate, spellbinding “good” look? Which witch is more your style overall - Theodora or Glinda? Let us know in the comments!

Collaboration

Thanks for the collaboration Krista! :)

For more everyday beauty, head on over to WayfaringBeauty.com!

Related articles

Do’s and Don’ts for doing Disney with preschoolers ~ by Jennifer

Published February 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Going to any Disney park or resort should be a magical experience for the whole family, but especially your young ones. They will forever cherish those priceless memories, and your entire family will reminisce on the magical Disney vacation they first took together.

lion king

It is truly the happiest place on Earth, especially if you follow these tips!

Do stay on site

Staying on Disney property will make your trip much easier. You will have access to Disney’s reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation throughout your stay. From the moment you step off the plane to the day you head home, you will not need to worry about finding transportation to your hotel, the parks, or to any places on Disney property. This should keep your little ones more focused and should prevent them from feeling frustrated as the long days of commuting wear them down.

DSC01961

Do bring or rent a stroller

Click here to see my post on how to make your stroller stand out in the crowd!

Even if you never use a stroller for your toddler, you definitely will need one in Disney World. There is a lot of walking, and a lot of stuff you will be bringing with you. Little ones will want a place to sit and rest, get shade from the sun, and possibly even nap. In addition, the stroller is a great way to store all the stuff you will bring with you.

Do keep hydrated and pack snacks

Photo property of CheapskatePrincess.com

YES you can bring food into the parks. Check with guest services for current rules on this. Make sure you keep yourself, the other adults in your party and your kids hydrated and fed. Hydration is especially crucial as it can get very warm, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Granola bars and other simple snacks will keep them happy when waiting on lines for rides and attractions.

Do plan breaks during your day

If you are relentlessly on a roll, the whole family will be melting down by noon. A great idea is to get to the park when it opens, then head back to the hotel midday for naps, rest and maybe swim. Then head back to a park in the late afternoon.

DSC02023

The Big Blue Pool at the Art of Animation Resort

Do pack small gifts that you can carry with you and give out when needed

toy

You can also find fun toys on etsy.com like this one from SweetsByEj.

There is merchandise to be bought everywhere you look. Before your vacation, visit a Disney Outlet or other related retailer (I always find stuff at Dollar Stores and Walgreens) to stock up on t-shirts, figurines, stickers and stuffed animals. You will save a lot of money when your kids are begging for something, and you can take out a surprise item for them!

Do not try to do everything

donald

There is so much to do and see, and you will want to do everything. Resist the urge. Pick out the rides and attractions you feel your children will enjoy the most. Your children are little, so keep it to one park a day. Remember: you want a reason to come back! There are different phases where kids can enjoy Disney!

Do not force your child to go on a ride if he or she is resistant

If your child does not want to go on a ride, see an attraction or meet a popular Disney mascot, do not try to force him or her. Even if you have waited an incredibly long time, or if you just “know” your child will love the ride, attraction, or their favorite Disney hero, let them skip it.

Do not forget sunblock

minnie

Even on cloudy days, everyone in your party needs sunblock. Unless you are at an inside ride or attraction, do not forget that there is very little shade at the parks. Even on colder days, the California or Florida sun can be very strong. Protect the skin of your whole family, especially our little ones who are more susceptible to burns. If you are traveling in the winter months you will still need it

Do not travel at the most crowded times of the year

If at all possible, try to avoid the most popular times. These include all major holidays, long weekends, and most of the summer. Try to pick the off times such as late September to early November, early December, mid January to early February, and early to mid May. While you will find crowds at all times, these times will be more manageable. Those lines will weigh on the you, and not to mention fussy toddlers.

Do not forget a light sweater and blankets for the evenings

The days may get incredibly warm, but as the sun sets it can get cooler. Depending on the month as well, the later half of the day and evenings can get really chilly. Make sure you pack a sweatshirt for every member of your party. For the little ones, you might even want to make sure you have a blanket they can snuggle under in their stroller.

EmbroideryMark makes a pillow, backpack, and blanket all in one! You can even get it personalized.

If you follow these easy tips you are sure to have a fantastic vacation! I cant guarantee there won’t be a meltdown here and there, but it will be much more manageable.

Jennifer is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations In Florida travel, offering FREE concierge planning services for all guests. Contact her today for a FREE quote.

 

 

Related articles

Disney Beauty with Jay – Bring Out Your Good Side with Urban Decay’s Glinda Palette!

Published February 21, 2013 by Jay

It’s almost time for the release of Disney’s Oz the Great and Powerful and I’m so unbelievably excited! I’ve been a Disney fan my whole life and have always leaned more towards the imaginative, fantastical tales. Needless to say, I’ve been antsy to see Disney’s spin on a prequel to the Wizard of Oz ever since I heard it was in production. Even better? Companies in the fashion and beauty worlds have been releasing Oz-themed products leading up to the premiere. Of course I had to get my hands on them and today I bring you Urban Decay’s Glinda palette, inspired by the good witch of Oz.

Oz-The-Great-and-Powerful-Michelle-Williams-as-Glinda

The inspiration

Every photo in this post is set to enlarge when  you click on it – to show detail. The Glinda palette features 6 pans of eyeshadow, a high-gloss lip pencil, and a travel-sized eyeliner. The color palette is feminine and delicate, with a little edge thrown in. Glinda is described by Urban Decay as “graceful, fearless, and bewitchingly beautiful,” and this palette embodies those traits perfectly.

No flash pan

Top row, left to right: Tornado, Aura, Magic
24/7 Glide-on Eyeliner in Rockstar (a deep purple)
Bottom row, left to right: Illusion, Oz, South

Open

Palette and pencil

I immediately snapped up this palette because I think the colors are gorgeous, plus Urban Decay is one of my favorite beauty companies. They make products with amazing pigmentation and lasting power, so I know I’ll get plenty of use out of this palette. I’ve been playing with the pieces of this palette ever since I brought it home with me, but today bring you one of my favorite looks. Below are photos of the eye look, step by step – directions are in each photo caption. At the very end I’ll show you my before and after shot for comparison.

Highlight your brow bone & inner corner using Aura. I chose the pink side of this dual-pan.

Highlight your brow bone & inner corner using Aura (the irridescent split pan). I chose the pink side of this dual-pan.

Apply Illusion, the peach shade, across the lid. This color is a close match to my lid shade, but I assure you it's there!

Apply Illusion, the peach shade, across the lid. This color is a close match to my lid shade, but I assure you it’s there!

Use Magic (the pink shade with gold shimmer) to the crease, extending it out past the eye in a wing.

Use Magic (the pink shade with gold shimmer) to the upper lid and crease, extending it out past the eye in a wing.

Have trouble getting a clean wing extension? Try using a folded tissue as a guide.

Have trouble getting a clean wing extension? Try using a folded tissue as a guide.

Apply South (the silvery taupe) to the inner half of your lid, just below the crease. Blend with Illusion and Magic where they meet.

Apply South (the silvery taupe) to the inner half of your lid, just below the crease. Blend with Illusion and Magic where they meet.

Blend Tornado (the warm purple) along the outer V of your eye, extending it along your lower last line. Blend where it meets Magic and Illusion.

Blend Tornado (the warm purple) along the outer V of your eye, extending it along your lower last line. Blend where it meets Magic and Illusion.

Line top and bottom lash lines with the Rockstar liner and apply mascara. I also applied falsies for a little extra oomph.

Line top and bottom lash lines with the Rockstar liner and apply mascara. I also used the metallic silver of the Oz shadow along my lower last line and applied falsies for a little extra oomph.

You’re all done! This look is a quick, easy way to play with the majority of the colors in the palette. It’s feminine and delicate, but still is a step outside the average shadow look. When eyes are open, it looks pretty – the wow factor comes in when your lower your eyes, giving a peek at the whole lid. I dabbed on a little blush, then used the Glinda lip pencil included with the palette to color in my whole lip. Ready to see a before and after? Click to enlarge:

Before

Before

After

After

Kisses for a sweet look!

Kisses for a sweet look!

What do you think? Do you identify with the good witch? Think you could pull off her feminine but fearless look?

Next up – bringing out your dark side with the Urban Decay Theodora palette!

About Me -

My name is Jay and I’m new to the blogging scene! I’m a teacher in my mid-20′s and also work at a beauty retailer, which means I frequently get the inside scoop on new trends and products.

I have a love for beauty in all its forms and my blog Wayfaring Beauty reflects that. I have a dual focus on my blog – beauty and travel. Posts focus primarily on beauty products, but may occasionally collide with themes of places or veer off-course to highlight other things that I find beautiful in this world (such as places I’ve traveled or cultures I’ve encountered). I’ve traveled to countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa; my goal is to someday be able to say that I’ve stepped foot on every continent. I’ve been to Disney several times and love all things Disney-related, so Disneyways is the perfect spot for me to guest blog  :)

Head on over to WayfaringBeauty.com to check out more of my posts! I post daily and love to hear back from my readers  :)   You can also follow me on Twitter at @WayfaringBeauty.

Animal Kingdom Dining: 2 counter service options that offer the most bang for your buck (or dining credits!) – Posted by Jennifer

Published February 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Flame Tree BBQ is located near the Discovery Island Bridge to Dinoland. Flame Tree has beautiful views of Expedition Everest over the Discovery River, this is especially nice when the sun is setting over the mountain. All seating is located outdoors but there are some pavilions to shade you from the Florida sun. The BBQ menu features ½ Rib Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, 1/2 Smoked Chicken Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, Rib and Chicken Combo with baked beans and cole slaw,Pulled Pork Sandwich w/slaw, and Smoked Turkey breast as well as a Barbecue Salad (crispy lettuce, garbanzo and pinto beans, cheddar cheese, corn, and crispy tortilla strips). For dessert you can choose from Key Lime Mousse or Chocolate Mousse. On my last visit I had the Rib/Chicken Combo, my goodness is this a HUGE meal!

Certainly enough for 2 adults to split, if you are on the dining plan you can use 1 quick service credit and save a credit for another meal. The BBQ was a wonderful sweet flavor and you can find the not so secret recipe in a few Disney cookbooks. Flame Tree’s children’s menu offers a baked chicken drumstick with two sides, a hot dog or a PBJ Sandwich. You can also order fries or onion rings and assorted beverages. This location is open for lunch and dinner and does accept the Disney Dining Plan for 1 Quick Service credit.

quick-service-dp-1024x767
Next stop is Anandapur for Yak & Yeti counter service, this is another outdoor location for dining. Open for lunch and dinner, the Yak and Yeti Counter Service restaurant serves LARGE portions of Asian cuisine in cute little take-out cartons. Offering meals such as Honey Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Beef Lo Mein – vegetarians don’t really have a lot of options here. They also serve an Asian Chicken Sandwich and Mandarin Chicken Salad. Side items are Egg Rolls, Fried Rice or Fries. The children’s menu offers Cheeseburger or Chicken Tenders served with carrots and fresh fruit . Dessert options here are Chocolate Cake, Frozen Lemonade or Chocolate Mousse. The Frozen Lemonade is a great choice on a hot Florida Day. Yak & Yeti is located close to two of Animal Kingdom’s most popular attractions, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids, because of this the Yak and Yeti counter service restaurant can get busy during peak dining times. This location is 1 Dining Plan quick service credit, however the portions are very large and can easily be split between 2 people.

download

Both restaurants can be very cost efficient if you are paying out of pocket for your meals while in Disney. I highly recommend either restaurant when dining in Animal Kingdom for the cost, quality and portions. And don’t forget to keep the camera out as both of these locations have amazing views of the park! So sit back, relax and enjoy the meal as well as all of the gorgeous scenery that Disneys Animal Kingdom has to offer.

Jennifer is the author of this post, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact her here for a FREE no obligation quote when planning your next Disney Vacation.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,441 other followers

%d bloggers like this: