disney tips

Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A. is an attraction located in Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park. Just one look brings on feelings of classic Americana.

As I write this, it is September 2019, and the train is not circling Magic Kingdom park, due to track refurbishments. But when this happens, did you know you can still have a magical train experience? I want to say a special thanks to my friend Michael Broggie for the tip!

When in service, the steam from the locomotive will often be too hot to get up close. Sometimes the train is just moving too fast four our cameras. But when the attraction is undergoing a refurbishment – the train is often available as the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo at the Main Street U.S.A. station. You can enjoy a blast from the past by taking advantage of an enchanted photo opportunity with one of the park’s 4 meticulously restored, narrow-gauge trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928. Stop by, break out the camera and say “All Aboard!”

If you think about it, there just aren’t a lot of places where you can gather loved ones and strike a pose with an authentic steam-powered locomotive!

You can take a few moments to imagine the clamor of the engine, chug of the wheels and call of the Walt Disney World Railroad whistle!

Trains were Walt’s life long passion. He built his first railroad right in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam powered locomotive that encircled his property.

Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955.

Well I’m super excited I FINALLY found someone to go with me… to the first ever H2O GLOW NIGHT (for 2019 anyhow!) at Typhoon Lagoon!! Thank you Mariel – for being my “date” tonight – you’re a real pal. I am ready to get my glow on – how about you? These H2O glow nights started in 2018 but the 2019 season won’t open to the public until tomorrow, May 30th 2019!!

Toy Story 4 is coming out soon so there will be lots of promotion for that. There was even talk of “FORKY” appearing… as an inflatable? Weird, I know … but that is the word on the streets.

FORKY from Toy Story 4

Watch my social media tonight for more on that. Links to everything are HERE.

I did a TON of research and am presenting you with my favorite tips. This is the stuff I am looking forward to, gathered all for you! I am very nervous… as I really have no idea what to expect. I have never been to Typhoon Lagoon (GASP!!… I know… can you believe it?? Just no desire to go!) For the first time in probably 15 years…I bought a brand new swimsuit for the occasion. Watch for me in the videos and pics coming to Disney Parks Blog. Honestly, I think it is the idea of going under the veil of darkness that sounds very appealing to me! I wanted to share what I have learned about all this, so far, in case you were wondering about it too. So now YOU can be “in the know”!

IN SHORT…
H20 Glow Nights happen Every Thursday and Saturday from May 30 through August 24, 2019—except for June 20 and are full of Toy Story fun.
These parties last from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Guests with event tickets may arrive early, beginning at 6:00 PM) There will be magical food, dessert and drink offerings! Full plates of dinner-type food and other stuff. Check it all out HERE. Tickets are $59 per person plus tax for adults and $54 per person plus tax for children ages 3 to 9, when purchased in advance. On the days of the event, the ticket price will be $69 per person plus tax for adults and $64 per person plus tax for children. Tickets are not required for children under age 3. Nifty food and drink offerings will all (of course) cost extra!

Sample size of the new ‘Glow Unicorn’ non-alcoholic beverage available at Typhoon Lagoon H20 Glow Nights! Photo credit MEI-Travel and MouseFanTravel

THE PERKS!
This extra ticket event features glow-in-the-dark fun after the sun goes down with shorter wait times for the park’s waterslides and a DJ dance party.

Special effects lighting will once again transform the park.

Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie will all be there for some character meet-and-greets in case you don’t catch them at Toy Story Land. We are talking wait times as low as 10 minutes!

ADULTS ONLY special party area called The Wharf, where you can enjoy entertainment and adult libations (for an extra charge).

Bathtub Party Sundae ©Disney

OH MY GOODNESS– The Bathtub Party Sundae (are you kidding me? This sounds amazing!)) Vanilla ice cream, confetti cake, whipped cream, and chocolate rubber ducks topped with sprinkles and served in a novelty bathtub dish. (Side note: if you are obsessed with Disney Food like I am… be sure to click my link to Disney Food Blog Guide on our menu – to the right of this page! If you purchase one of the online guides through my link – DFB sends me a portion of the proceeds. It doesn’t cost you extra – in fact there are sales and discounts going all the time!)

Party capacity is limited, and the low crowds in the park will be a huge plus. Shorter lines!!

Character Fun!! Because of the short lines -characters spend more time interacting.

Exclusive new merchandise collection includes a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and a Tervis tumbler and features artwork inspired by the event.

You get plenty of party time to experience all the exclusives offered.

VIP feel (yeah… give me some of that!)

Favorite TIPS!!

Make the most of your ticket and arrive when “doors open” at 6 p.m. While the party doesn’t officially start until 8 p.m., so this gives you a head start on rides.

It is suggested that you separate your night into wet and dry. Stow your suits in a locker while you eat dinner and mingle with characters. Keep your phone or camera with you for pictures throughout the DRY fun. Then go back to the locker to return stuff, change, and get WET!

Don’t forget to wear your MagicBand if you want to visit photopass photographers. Yep MagicBands are waterproof, however I would suggest securing it with a rubber band or one of those little belts you can buy for them now. If you don’t have a MagicBand, no worries, the photographer will give you a PhotoPass card you can wear around your wrist. This sounds like a great idea for the regular parks too – so hold on to it for another day!

Here’s what “official” Disney has to say:

“With glowing beach balls, inner tubes and other lighting effects, Disney H2O Glow Nights is a rare opportunity for Guests to experience Typhoon Lagoon under the moonlight. On select nights beginning May 30, 2019, Typhoon Lagoon becomes a luminous, nighttime hotspot featuring a DJ Dance Party on the beach, plus special character meetings with Buzz, Woody and Jessie from Pixar’s “Toy Story,” as they visit Typhoon Lagoon for the first time. And let’s not forget about the host, Partysaurus Rex, who is inviting Guests to this one-of-a-kind experience.

Guests can also play party games, try unique food and beverage treats and enjoy all attractions at the water park with minimal wait times, including Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a thrilling water coaster and Miss Adventure Falls, the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.

While the kids are splashing about, adults can visit The Wharf. This adults-only oasis is unique to Disney H2O Glow Nights and is only available when Typhoon Lagoon transforms at nightfall.

I’ll be posting my thoughts on social media – for sure. Leave me a question, thought or comment on facebook or right here. OK DISNEY… SHOW ME THE GLOW!!!!