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Top 10 Tips for First Time Disney Guests ~ By Guest Author Jen

Published July 6, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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Top 10 Tips for First Time Guests by Guest Author Jen B.

10) Stay on property

Though this could easily be further down on the list and closer to one of the most important tips for your first visit, many of the following tips are only available if staying on property, so alas, your #10 tip! Disney offers more than 25 different hotels that are broken down into various categories according to price (value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villas). Staying on Walt Disney World property puts you that much closer to the magic, provides you with extra benefits, and presents you with even more hidden Disney magic. Each hotel is themed differently, so find the one that fits you and your party the best and book your stay!

9) Try ALL forms of Disney Transportation

In order to take full advantage of all the transportation opportunities Disney has to offer, you must be staying at a resort. Rather than paying for parking and waiting in long traffic lines, opt for the complimentary buses, monorail, ferry, walkways, and magical express. Each form of travel is unique and serves as a great way to both start and end your magical days at WDW!  Disney buses pick up from every resort and arrive every 15 minutes or so. They start running before parks open and drive all day until after parks close. The monorail is a must ride for your first visit as it is an attraction within itself! Another neat option is the ferry between some of the resorts and MK. Lastly, start your vacation the right way and let Magical Express pick up your bags from baggage claim once you arrive at Orlando International Airport. Hop on that motor coach and head right to the parks, there’s tons to see and do!

8) Extra Magic Hours & Fast Pass

With so much to see and do, plus the benefit of being a WDW resort guest, be sure to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours and Fast Pass Times. Every day one of the four main parks either opens up to 1 hour early or stays open up to three hours late.  Only guests staying in a WDW resort can take advantage of these times when crowds are minimal! Use this time to see the wild animals roaming the savannah after their morning stretches, ride the Tower of Terror before the wait time climbs to 2 hours, or stroll down Main Street USA and window shop without the crowds and endless strollers!

7) Park Hop!

 Adding the Park Hopper option to your Magic Your Way Base Ticket is truly a personal preference, but I would advise that you do! When vacationing to WDW you can either plan every minute of your vacation or agree to be flexible, but either way, the ability to travel from park to park to help with either schedule will make your vacation much less stressful and far more magical! I can’t tell you how many times we woke up to catch the first Kilimanjaro Safari ride, but then wanted to see the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular before bed that same night. On a first time trip, it might seem overwhelming and you might be sitting there saying, “This is crazy. One park per day is far more than enough, Disney offers so much!”, but I find the park hopper option to be far less overwhelming. When on vacation, one is supposed to be relieved of all stress, free of all plans, and in favor of spontaneity. Be spontaneous and hop!

6) Visit Magic Kingdom in 2 days (There’s far too much magic to explore!)

After reading #7, this is only necessary. Given that the park is broken into different lands (Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Main Street USA) it’s almost as if this park is really 5 parks in one. Thus, the more time you can spend here the better. Strolling through the shops on Main St. and watching the parade that rides down the street as well, can easily eat up a solid chunk of your afternoon. Pending ride wait times and if you enjoy a sit down meal or not, no matter how early you enter, or how late you stay, Magic Kingdom deserves at least two days. Just think, this was Walt’s dream and the very first part of the Walt Disney World grounds. Plus the castle serves as the iconic staple of all things Disney. All first-timers should truly immerse themselves in all the magic that the Magic Kingdom has to offer. Don’t rush through it!

5) Bring your own snacks and drinks but splurge on a Main Street Treat!

When you’re waiting for the parade to start (as it is suggested that you find your spot along the parade route at least thirty minutes before it is to begin) enjoy a delicious treat from one of the many shops and snack stands. Disney, in an attempt to cut back on cost for it’s guests, allows you to bring in your own snacks and refillable water bottles, but the Mickey ice cream bars, Dole Whips, or anything from the Main Street Confectionary will appeal to your taste buds and please your tummy, just as much as a honey jar does for Winnie the Pooh!

4) Slow Down & Take Part in Character Meet and Greets

It is unacceptable to visit Walt Disney World without meeting Mickey Mouse right? What about his sweetheart Minnie Mouse? Or his friends Goofy, Pluto, Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, and Donald Duck? Though the lines may often seem long, there is nothing better than interacting with the characters that roam the parks—this is when the magic truly comes to life.  Take a picture with Donald Duck wearing his sombrero in the Mexico pavilion of Epcot; meet Rafiki in the jungle at Animal Kingdom; high five Sully and his pal Mike Wazowski on the Laugh Floor in Hollywood Studios; or spend some time chatting with the princesses in Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. Hugs are free, autographs are unique, and interactions with all of Disney’s characters, whether you are young or old, last a lifetime!

3) See the Shows & Parades

Festival of Fantasy Parade, Main Street Electrical Parade, Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, Illuminations, and Fantasmic. just to name a few. Walt Disney World prides itself on all the intricate details it employs for the fantastic, heart-pumping, ear-to-ear smiling, sing along shows and parades throughout each park everyday.  Take a break from the sun, find some shade, sit back and relax. Immerse yourself in Disney Entertainment. Without it, no first time visit is complete.

2) Timing is Everything…On many different accounts!

First things first, plan the proper length of stay for your visit. My suggestion is at least a week, but of course that decision is up to you! Don’t try to cram all four parks into a 3-day visit.  It’s just not worth it. In addition, plan your first visit for the right time of year. Take into account all factors including first, what works best for you and your family, but also weather, crowd control, and WDW specials and promotions.

Next, once visiting WDW, timing continues to be everything. Save valuable time as you venture through the parks by using your time wisely.  Eat your meals during non-meal times, either earlier than normal or after the rush; Ride the most popular attractions during major parade times or fireworks shows; Take breaks during the middle of the day and go swimming in your resort pools or enjoy a nap to recharge!  And lastly but most importantly, by no means rush through the parks. Slow down, you’re on vacation in the happiest place on earth! Enjoy every millisecond!

1) Allow the magic to erase your fears!

2, 10, 14, 27, 42, 60, 75…no matter your age, Walt Disney World is a place for you to always feel like a kid. Allow the magic to erase all of your fears. Celebrate your first visit, and every consecutive visit afterwards, by releasing all your fears and fully embracing the happiest place on earth! Conquer your wardrobe fears and wear something that you wouldn’t think to in your “normal” life. Embrace your inner child and break out that Goofy t-shirt. Or, buy yourself your first official pair of Mickey ears, in whatever style suits you best, and wear them around the parks for a full day, at least. Conquer your fear of heights and free fall 13 stories on Hollywood Studios’ Tower or Terror or face the Yeti on Animal Kingdom’s Everest.  Conquer your fear of the dark and ride Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios or Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Conquer your fear of all things haunted by gliding through the Haunted Mansion. Conquer your fear of stage fright and bright lights by volunteering to be an extra in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show at Hollywood Studios. Conquer your fear of singing and dancing in public by singing along and dancing to the beat at Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King or any of the shows at the stage at Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Lastly, conquer your fear of the unknown by allowing the magic to take control and see what Walt Disney World has in store for your very first visit!

Most of all, get that trip booked and enjoy your magical first time at Walt Disney World!

Feel free to comment with YOUR tips for first timers – or email guest blogger Jen at diariesofdisney@gmail.com if you have questions about any of these tips!

 

Dads Respond to Disney’s Frozen

Published June 20, 2014 by Disneyways.com

If you took a moment to look into my brain…

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You’d probably find LOTS of songs and lyrics to the movie Frozen. I LOVE this music. The movie, it’s characters, and everything about it, have made an impression on me forever. It is obvious these Dads feel the same way, despite the efforts of  “don’t let them in…don’t let them see!”  They’re just being the good Dads they always have to be!  🙂  This one goes out to all those Disney Dads out there!

Top 3 Reasons for Any Season – Basq Skin Care “It’s a Small World” Collection

Published June 9, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Have you heard the buzz about the exciting collaboration between the Basq Skin Care line and Disney? Want to win a free set for yourself?

In addition to many other products, Basq carries a wonderful line they call the “It’s a Small World” collection. The Basq company was very generous to send me some samples to try so that I could give you my honest opinion. Since then, I have already bought another set for myself, one to give away to one of you,  and one for my beautiful niece, who happens to be expecting a baby in August. Can you tell I am in love?!  These products are fantastic for expectant mothers and babies,  but they also have qualities that any woman can enjoy in any season of her life. Here are my top 3 reasons why you may want to give the “It’s a Small World” collection a try!

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1. These products are sensitivity and allergy tested!

Some people are allergic to even the purest foods and products, but it is good to know that the Basq line is clinically tested if you tend to be sensitive. Not  just the “It’s a Small World” line – but all Basq products – are Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, SLS Free and not tested on animals. Basq really has a passion for bringing you skin care that is safe, nurturing and of the highest quality. Having tried the products for myself – I can tell you this passion really shows! The scent of the “It’s a Small World’ line is extremely light – and gentle enough even for a baby’s delicate senses. It’s perfect for every day use and, in my opinion, would not compete with other scents you may want to wear if you are in the mood for layering fragrances.

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2. Everyone can use a little luxury at a price that won’t break the bank.

This line is classified as a luxury skin care collection, but surprisingly, it doesn’t have the exorbitant cost one might expect. Basq is sold online and in fine maternity and baby boutiques across the country, including Saks.com, A Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity, and even outside the US in various international locations. When money is no object and luxury is key – celebrities like Heidi Klum, Christy Turlington, Marcia Cross, Sheryl Crow (and more!) are using this line to keep their head to toe glow. Hey, if it’s good enough for Heidi, it’s good enough for me!

Here’s more exciting news! Right now you can save an additional 35% on your Basq Skin Care “It’s a Small World Collection” just by typing in DISNEYWAYS at check out! Basq just made it even more affordable to add a little pampering and luxury to our day. Not just for the rich and famous, this is a line that all of us can enjoy!

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3. The Art of Mary Blair…

The packaging of the “It’s a Small World” Collection displays the original colorful and playful artistry of Mary Blair. Most Disney fans will recognize her name and association with the mid-century artwork created for the classic Small World attraction that we all know and love.  Mary Blair was one of Walt Disney’s favorite artists. Walt personally responded to her use of color and the storytelling aspect of her art, but especially to the underlying emotion it encompassed. Iconic Disney animated films from 1943 to 1953 – such as The Three Caballeros, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan all had the Mary Blair touch. You can also see her work in large-scale theme park murals such as the one you can find to this day at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary resort located here in my home town of Orlando! Owning these beautiful products is like keeping a little piece of  the Disney magic right in your vanity drawer.

So there you have it, my top 3 reasons why I think you will love Basq Skin Care – no matter what season of life you are in.

Click HERE to try it for yourself – and be sure to enter DISNEYWAYS at check out for your 35% off discount!

I wanted you to be there with me when I opened the products for the first time  – so I asked my 17 year-old “baby” to film this video. 🙂  Obviously I am a nervous wreck on camera and this is not my best work, but hopefully you can pick up my honest reaction to everything, and feel a little more confident if you decide to give them a try. Have a magical day!

If you are reading this post before June 15, 2014 you can click HERE find out how you can enter to win your own set of Basq skin care for free!

Follow along with my niece, Tanya, as she writes about her pregnancy at Florida Hospital’s 40 weeks with me!

Disney News, Celebrity Interviews and More for YOU on the Disney Parks Podcast

Published June 7, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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Disney news, information, hints, tips and secrets from the Disney Parks around the globe! Interviews with some of your favorite Disney celebrities AND correspondents! Prizes, contests and meetups! This podcast has got it all! Disneyways and Disney by the Numbers are adding some new avenues to bring you more Disney magic – and we hope you will come join in on the fun. Welcome to the Disney Parks Podcast!

Podcasts are multimedia digital files made available on the internet for downloading to a portable media player or directly on your computer. It’s like a radio show that you get to listen to whenever you want, such as when you are on a walk, at they gym, or driving to work. There are podcasts on just about any subject imaginable – and Disney is one of the best subjects out there. Thanks to my friend Tony Caselnova of DisneyByTheNumbers.com – I am extremely overjoyed and thankful to be a co-host on the Disney Parks Podcast. 

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In addition to co-hosting TWO SHOWS A WEEK on the air, I am having a blast helping to organize meetups with our listeners, assisting with social media, writing scripts, working on the Disney Parks Podcast website, and administering contests! There is so much to do – working together has been awesome –  and the show has opened doors for Tony and I that we could have never opened on our own. We have enjoyed things like backstage tours of Walt Disney World, new relationships with stars in the Disney community (folks that we never dreamed we’d even get to meet!) and wonderful feedback from our listeners and friends. I am always in a good mood and feeling great during and after each podcast. I hope you will tune in and enjoy the same!

Incredible Disney celebrity interviews on the show have included Pat Carroll, the voice of Ursula…

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 And MANY more!

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Tony and I are local to Orlando and consider our home Park to be Walt Disney World. What makes the Disney Parks Podcast different, is that we strive to give you news from the Disney Parks around the globe! This is why we TREASURE our featured on-scene correspondents. They are a crucial part of the show, and each one of them is a local to the Disney Park they represent – around the globe!

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Laura, our Disneyland Paris correspondent made this awesome video when she first came on board, and we got such a thrill from it. Thank you Laura!

Podcasting has been on my list of things to do since I began blogging here at Disneyways, because it fits in to our mission and goal to bring you Disney magic where ever you are!  I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for this wonderful opportunity. I truly love being a part of the many different facets in front of the mic, and behind the scenes. The show has been very successful and has a large audience, but if you aren’t yet listening in – we need YOU!

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Here are some ways to tune in:

You can catch the latest episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer and clicking “Listen Now!” on the Disney Parks Podcast site. From there, just choose your episode. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.

You can also download the Stitcher Radio App here.

Find us on YouTube here.

Head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released. To learn more about how to subscribe to a podcast in iTunes click here.

 

If you like what you hear – please rate us with lots of gold stars. This makes it easier for new people to discover Disney Parks Podcast when they are searching to upload a new one to their collection.

Please head over and “like” our facebook page HERE and add us to your interests list! I will be posting there daily to help keep you up to date on the latest!

You can also follow us on Twitter  and Pinterest!

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Thank you so much for the support you have already shown me in this new endeavor. Disneyways readers and subscribers are AWESOME and I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.

Have a magical day!!

PS Do  you want to be a part of The Disney Parks Podcast? We are looking for individuals and businesses who offer only the BEST in Disney related products and services! Please let us know if you (or someone you know!) is interested in sponsoring a future event, giveaways, or even future episodes. We do not accept coupons or any prizes that require action on the winner’s part.  Just fill out this form for more information!

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3 Steps to Save for Your Trip to Disney! By Guest Author Poet Mase

Published May 28, 2014 by Disneyways.com

3 Steps to Save for Your Trip to Disney! ~ Written By Poet Mase

So, the decision’s been made…you’re going to Disney! Congratulations! A world of fun and excitement awaits! Whether you’ll be staying for a day or a week, you’re in for a great time!

But first, you’re going to need to make sure that your funds will hold out for as long as you’d like them to. It’s no fun when money worries intrude on your time at the Happiest (or Most Magical) Place on Earth, and a little planning before the trip will keep the good times rolling. So, here are three steps to ensure that the magic never ends on your Disney vacation:

Set a Savings Goal!

Saving for a trip to Disney is a little like running a race. If you don’t know where the finish line is, you’ll have a hard time finishing. By defining a concrete goal, you can craft a timeline for your savings, making it easier to monitor how far you’ve come and how far you have left to go.

When setting your savings goal, it’s important to consider all of the expenses that go with a Disney vacation so you don’t end up kicking yourself later. What time of year are you going to visit? How long are planning to stay? Which hotel or resort fits your budget and preference? Which parks do you want to visit? Is a dining plan a good option for your family? Will there be any money left over for snacks and souvenirs? Tally up all of the relevant financial considerations, and you’ll be well on your way to a great vacation!

Stay on Track!

Just as important as defining your savings goal is making a plan for how you’ll get from here to there. There are a hundred daily temptations threatening to drain your growing vacation fund, so your best defense is devise a savings strategy.

If you have room in your regular budget, the best way to save for your family’s Disney adventure is to set aside regular contributions directly from your paycheck each pay period. By making automatic contributions, there’s less temptation to divert your dollars elsewhere. The key here is to make contributing to your vacation fund into a routine, regardless of the amount of money actually put aside every week or month, so even if it’s only five or ten dollars, stick to the schedule!

Once you start contributing, though, stick to your saving strategy by making your chosen account, cookie jar, or spot under the mattress untouchable. Staying true to your saving strategy can be difficult when unforeseeable expenses crop up, so try getting ahead of the game by identifying opportunities to spend less on daily purchases. Can you nurse one cup of coffee throughout the day instead of buying a second in the afternoon? How about cooking up some pasta instead of ordering take-out one night a week? If your resolve ever wavers, just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they’re walking down Main Street U.S.A. after arriving at Disney on your vacation!

Plan for Fun!

Now that you’ve got your goal in sight and you’re chipping away with regular contributions, it’s time to think about ways to maximize your ability to pay for fun at the park.

When I was a kid, my family’s approach was to build a “slush fund” for fun things that would normally be out of the question for a family as frugal as ours – things like snacks, souvenirs, and video games. Whenever someone had some spare change – or even a few extra dollars – he or she would toss it into a large plastic jug. After almost a year of watching our slush fund grow, we counted it all up and were amazed by how much we had saved!

The slush fund is a great way to avoid tantrums and grumbling tummies on your trip, but it’s also a good way to get the entire family involved in saving for your Disney vacation. If the trip is going to be a surprise or if your kids are already responsible savers, you can even choose not to divulge the true purpose of the slush fund until just before the trip. Watch everyone’s excitement when the big secret is revealed!

Whatever your financial means may be, making a plan to pay for your trip to Disney is hugely important. With a little planning and self-discipline, you and your family will be rewarded with a magical vacation full of smiles and memories!

What are your favorite ways to plan for a Disney vacation? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Poet Mase is a writer of fiction whose passion for life translates directly to his work. A firm believer in the power of story to explain and to evolve notions of the human condition, Poet favors allegorical narrative structures that develop meaningful themes while relentlessly driving captivating plot lines. Poet is a founding member of the Order of the Raconteur and is currently working on several independent projects in the adventure and science fiction genres. His stories run the gamut from flash fiction to novel-length tales.
Prior to focusing on his creative work full-time, Poet wrote for IGN.com‘s Comics channel, contributing comic book reviews, interviews, and the occasional editorial as a freelance writer. Poet can be reached on Twitter at @PoetMase, on Facebook, and via his blog at http://poetmase.wordpress.com/

Do you want to be a guest author? Click HERE to learn how!

Video! Rock Your Disney Side All Night Party Opening Ceremony

Published May 23, 2014 by Disneyways.com
Appearances by all of your favorite characters and more! Check out this video to see how they kicked off the party before the sun came up on May 23rd, 2014!
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Thanks to our Man-On-The-Scene Reporter Ramon Rodriguez from ThemeParkConcierges.com for sharing!
CLICK ON THE WORD “Post” (below) to be taken to the video!

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Post by Disney Travel Advisor & Theme Park Concierge – Ramon Rodriguez.

Enter To Win a $50 Disney Gift Card and More!

Published May 18, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Many of you have asked for another chance to enter to win and here it is!!

Right now until mid June 2014 – you can enter to win a $50 Disney Gift Card PLUS a Disney Themed Prize Pack! Total value is $308 all for one winner!

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE RAFFLECOPTER SO YOU CAN ENTER!

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Magic Kingdom Hidden Gems and Disney Parks Podcast News

Published April 16, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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This episode of the Disney Parks Podcast brings you the Disney news mixed in with some really interesting Magic Kingdom hidden gems!

  • What question should you ask the “maids” at the Haunted Mansion?
  • Where can you find a picture of Walt in the Carousel of Progress?
  • Why can’t you buy gum at the Magic Kingdom?
  • Why is the walkway at the Magic Kingdom red?

Get your answers to these questions and more on this episode! Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.

Leave us a message at 407-476-8898 with some of your favorite Magic Kingdom hidden gems. Your voice mail might be played on the show! 

Last night I got some exciting news. During the month of April our number of downloads per show has more than tripled. That means that there are 3 times as many potential listeners than there were just last month. We want to thank everyone who is tuning in. We are working hard to keep bringing you 2 exciting shows every week. We have some amazing interviews that will be published in May. Thank you for telling your friends about us and for leaving all those great reviews in iTunes!

If you haven’t given us a try just yet, you can catch the latest episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer and clicking “Listen Now!” on the Disney Parks Podcast site. From there, just choose your episode.

You can also download the Stitcher Radio App here.

Find us on YouTube here.

Head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released. To learn more about how to subscribe to a podcast in iTunes click here.

Have a magical day!

Win a Trip for 4 to the Swan and Dolphin at Walt Disney World

Published April 13, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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I love the Swan and Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World. The atmosphere and “feel” of this resort is wonderful. Inside you can enjoy Karoke at Kimonos, delicious ice cream treats at The Fountian, and so much more. Probably the only thing I could imagine that would be better than visiting the Swan and Dolphin, is actually getting to enjoy a stay there. How great would it be to actually win a 4 night visit for FREE? This might be your chance to find out. The Express your Peepsonality Sweepstakes is here! You can pin and win your way to a 4 night stay, plus airfare, Disney park tickets and more! Check out the Peep “deets” at the link below!

In other Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin news, it’s about that time of the year to enjoy a sweet Easter week at the resort that’s filled with fun for the whole family. There is so much to do and see! During 2014 you can celebrate your “Peepsonality” with special Peeps welcome samples at check-in and get Peeps from the Easter Bunny as he greets you around the resort. There are special rates on rooms for a limited time when you ask for promo code PEEP189. There will be glow in the dark Easter egg hunts, Peep s’mores by the campfire, Easter crafts, and games. Chefs at the Swan and Dolphin are creating specialty items featuring Peeps – and there will even be a holiday dinner buffet with visits from Disney characters.

Get full details on the Express Your Peepsonality Sweepstakes HERE.  Also, be sure to get full details on all the Peeptastic fun at the Swan and Dolphin HERE.

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 Want to know where to find the power couple while visit the Disney Parks this Easter? Check out this facebook Post!
Have you celebrated Easter at the Swan and Dolphin? Leave me a note in the comments below!

Megabus Trip ~ Written by Tamara Botzum

Published April 10, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Let’s face it, a vacation to Walt Disney World can suck your wallet dry. Or does it have to?  I decided to try to find the least expensive way to get to Walt Disney World, spend two nights, and visit one park.  It’s cold in northeast Ohio and I need to see some palm trees. I even found a friend who can take the time to travel with me.
First, the transportation.  Flying is out because that would be around $200 round trip.   Amtrak isn’t an option either because that is more than the flight!  $376 to be exact.  Then I remembered a very affordable bus line called Megabus.  I can go from Cleveland to Atlanta Georgia, then hop another Megabus to Orlando.  The total round trip cost will be $98 per person. Now I’m getting somewhere!
I checked out the Walt Disney World website and found a discount on a room-only reservations. The cost of a Value resort is within my budget.  I booked a room at Pop Century resort and added a ticket for one park, Magic Kingdom.  The cost per person is $275.
So right now, my costs are $336  for the entire trip.  I anticipate the cost of a public bus to be under $10 as we will need to take one to Downtown Disney so we can get a Disney bus to our Value resort.
This isn’t going to be the fastest way to get to my resort. It will take approximately 16 hours on the Megabus to Atlanta. Then, the 6 hour layover until our Orlando bus arrives.  The ride to Orlando will be approximately 9 hours. It will be a long trip.

THE TRIP

Long doesn’t begin to describe it. Sitting for endless hours on a bus with sketchy or non working wifi isn’t easy. There was a bus change in Cincinnati, Ohio.  For 45 minutes we transferees huddled together on a dark and dirty street. Fortunately, the next bus arrived on time.

This Megabus took us to Georgia with stops in Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.  We finally arrived in downtown Atlanta at 6am. Now, much isn’t open at this time of day.  Upon the suggestion of a local, we found our way to a nearby hospital and chose to rest there. The time here passed quickly and pleasantly.  We even had breakfast and then a light lunch.

We finally arrived in Orlando at 9:30pm at the Orlando Lynx transportation center where we caught a local bus to Downtown Disney for $2.    From there, we took a Pop Century resort bus to check in.  By midnight, we were fast asleep.

Total travel time ended up being 32 hours of bus travel one way.

The time at Walt Disney World was delightful. But not perfect. My issues of MS, lack of proper sleep on the bus, and a disagreement with my stomach, I began to feel the toll of my long bus ride.  I wish I could say I endured the long tortuous Megabus ride back to Ohio, but I didn’t. I became so ill, I chose to fly home after we checked out.  This added $450 to my inexpensive trip including the cost of a hotel room, taxi ride to the hotel, and my one way flight home.  No cheap trip goes unpunished.

Would I ever take such a bus trip again?  No. I prefer not to.

Tamara Botzum is a graduate of The Disney College of Knowledge and is happily selling Disney travel through CruiseDirections.com. Tamara and husband Spencer have visited Walt Disney World over eight times so far. Their first trip together was in 2006.  They have also visited Disneyland twice.  When Tamara is not selling Disney vacations, she enjoys reading, interacting with Disney friends on Facebook, traveling, writing short stories and crafting.

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