Walt Disney World Resort

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Tips to Help Make Your Trip to Disney More Relaxing

Published August 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

5 Tips to Help Make Your Trip to Disney More Relaxing

Are you ready to plan a trip  to Disney with a big group or maybe just with your small family? Are you worried about keeping it all together so you don’t need a vacation after your vacation? Whether it’s your 1st or 100th trip, everyone can use some tips to help make this magical journey a little more relaxing. Here are some quick tips that I hope will help you keep calm – and Disney ON!

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Use a Travel Agent!

You will want to find one that specializes in Disney vacations and pricing structures. Just let us know if you need a referral. Sometimes travel agents even run specials where you get free Disney gift cards or other fun bonuses. Even the most experienced Disney vacationer will love saving extra time waiting on hold to book the various aspects of a Disney trip. It is not uncommon for an agent to stay vigil on your behalf to help save you money too. If Disney drops a price, a travel agent can automatically cancel your original itinerary and re-book it at the lower price. They can help you with dining reservations to maximize your Disney Dining plan, help you plan the best time of year to go based on your family’s needs –  and even reserve a stroller for your kids. Again,  it doesn’t cost a penny more than doing it on your own. In fact, it saves you  money… a lot of time…and will help maximize your relaxation factor.

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Prioritize & Plan!

I have lived here in Orlando my whole life and STILL have not seen and done everything the parks have to offer. There is no way you will be able to cover everything in one trip. It’s just not humanly possible, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Now you just have a reason to keep coming back to do more. Communicate with the folks in your party to find out what top priorities are, and plan to cover as many of those as you can. Use this list to help you pack.  Take advantage of extra magic hours, (more on that later.) I also HIGHLY recommend using Theme Park Concierges to help you with your family’s ideal touring plan with less walking, gathering your fastpasses, and arranging  all the extra magical experiences you could not possibly think of ahead of time on your own. Plus you will have so much more time to slow down, take deep breaths and enjoy more atmosphere, sights and smells of the Happiest Place on Earth.

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Rent A Stroller!

Even if your child doesn’t use a stroller at home, get one. It gives them a place to rest and lets you move faster through the parks to beat the crowds.  Also, it’s a handy place to stash your bags, extra water bottles, snacks and other fun things you may accumulate while making all those magical Disney memories. Check out our tips on making your stroller stand out from the rest so you can find it easily after each attraction. These tips help make using a stroller a breeze.

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Book Sit-Down Meals!

Book one or even 2 reservations each day for a table-service meal so you can rest your feet and eat a good balanced meal in air-conditioned bliss. Here’s a Disney secret: book your dining at odd times. You are even MORE likely to get in to your favorite places AND enjoy relaxing service if you book late breakfasts or early dinners. If it’s not in the budget – counter service restaurants are more relaxing if you avoid the 11am – 2pm rush. One person from  your party should go find a clean table,and get condiments and napkins while the others are in line to order the food. It’s more relaxing to team up in these locations.

Take a Break!

During your trip, take a retreat to the hotel in the afternoons for a quick nap and some fun time in the pool. Many times the kids enjoy the pool about as much as they enjoy the parks – especially if you are staying at a Disney resort – because the distance is shorter – and the pool will be extra fabulous.  Another bonus of doing this is you can maximize Extra Magic Hours! These are the hours the parks are only open to guests staying at Disney resorts. Lower crowds and shorter lines…talk about relaxing – wow! What a difference those Extra Magic Hours can make! Your travel agent can tell you dates, parks and times for extra magic hours during your stay. If you take a break in the afternoons the kids (and you!) won’t be as tired if you decide to get up early or stay up late to take advantage of that extra park time.

Take advantage of these 5 simple tips to help keep you relaxed and having fun on your Disney trip. Most of all, try not to stress to much, this is going to be fun no matter what. You are on vacation after all!

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If you love Disney AND Makeup – don’t leave for Orlando until you read this!

Published August 21, 2013 by Jay

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“I don’t know about you but I love makeup  – and I love it even more when it lasts! This is especially true for the makeup I take with me on vacation. I understand that many people don’t think that makeup is a good use of vacation time and I totally agree; vacation time is for family, fun, and relaxation! However, I still believe in looking good while you’re away (I have some vacation pictures from before I felt this way and I cringe now over what a bum I looked like). With that in mind, I’m here today with some tips on park makeup that will pack a punch, last the day, and make you look like a princess!” -Jay

(A note from Krista: Today’s post is brought to you by the fabulous Jay over at WayfaringBeauty.com! Perhaps you remember Jay from her previous makeup related guest posts here on Disneyways, specifically her Oz Theadora and Glinda palette reviews. Jay has outdone herself today by bringing us these 4 quick makeup tips for your next trip to Disney! Take it away Jay…)

Disney Beauty with Jay – Makeup to Last the Day!

1. Pack for a Plane

Whether you’re driving, biking or flying, the best way to pack your makeup is as if you’re flying and taking only a carry-on bag. I always keep my makeup in my carry-on bag when I fly in case of lost/delayed luggage or in case a flight is really delayed and I need a touch up. This means that my makeup has to be small and fit in small, clear ZipLock bag. You can purchase travel-sized brushes and smaller versions of your favorite makeup at many beauty retailers if your products are too big.

Think small when it comes to packing!

Think small when it comes to packing!

Why bother packing that way even if you’re driving? It keeps you from packing every piece of makeup under the sun. The small bag forces you to pick and choose your makeup wisely and only take the things that you’re sure you’ll use, like the basics. Do you really need ten different eye shadows? No. Are five lipsticks and three glosses really necessary? Probably not. Packing less also means you spend less time deliberating over makeup choices in the morning, which leads to…

2. Time is of the Essence

You’re on vacation – don’t spend it in the bathroom getting ready! This time is valuable and you want to be spending it running around the parks and with your kids (if you have them). You will be also taking a lot of pictures though, so you should be at least a little put together. The good news is, you can have beautiful, simple makeup that lasts the day in ten minutes or less.

3. Double-Duty Beauty

Choose products that do it all (or at least have a lot going for them). For example, I love taking Missha M. Perfect Cover B.B Cream with me on vacation in lieu of foundation. The B.B Cream can be quickly applied with fingers, which means one less brush I need, and gives great coverage for a B.B cream. It has anti-aging ingredients in it, gives my skin a light glow, and has great lasting power. The best thing about it? Missha’s B.B creams contain SPF 42, which means you don’t have to worry about your facial skin while out in the sun all day.

Travel-friendly sizes

Travel-friendly sizes

4. Products that Last

While out in Disney, you don’t want to be touching up your makeup all day. That’s a pain and you should be focused on fun, not whether your makeup is slowing melting off your face because of the heat! Choose products like Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick that won’t budge so that you can apply in the morning and then forget about your makeup until you choose to think about it.

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If you prefer to have natural lips, choose a chapstick that has good lasting power and SPF.

Don’t forget, you’re at Disney to have fun! You shouldn’t have to think about your makeup or worry about how you’ll look in photos later. If you choose the right makeup, the only things you may need for a day in any park are blotting sheets (if you have oily skin) and lip balm.

*Want to see how easy a Disney day of makeup can be? Keep a lookout for a follow-up post, coming soon!

Specially Priced Theme Park Military Tickets Through Early Fall 2013

Published August 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Walt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for just $156 each, plus tax. The Park Hopper Option is included, so you can come and go as you please through all 4 theme parks each day of your ticket!

Purchase through September 25, 2013 and receive admission on any 4 days through September 28, 2013.

And if you’re looking for a little extra magic, add the Water Park Fun & More option for just $28 more, plus tax.

  • Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses, for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
  • “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
  • Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Services Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after Sept. 28, 2013. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
  • Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
  • Tickets must be used by September 28, 2013.

Information and offers subject to change – check out disneymilitaryoffers.com for more details and the latest information! For Dapper Day discount ticket information -click here.

Video! A Love Letter to the Main Street Electrical Parade

Published August 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The lights around the kingdom dim – and you feel the rush of excitement when you hear the words,

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! The Magic Kingdom proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination. In thousands of sparkling lights, and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds: the Main Street Electrical Parade!”

If you haven’t seen it in person for a while – today is your lucky day. I sat with John from BigFatPanda.com the other night  as he filmed the entire parade from two different areas of the park and put them together in one glorious video, just for you. John calls it his “Love Letter tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade, shot in Glorious Multi Angle Pandavision in HD including overhead Train Station”.

It’s a beautiful video and I think it is just about as close to being here as you can get. Enjoy!

Video! New Decor Color Test at The Polynesian Resort

Published August 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com
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Photo from our visit to the Spirit of Aloha show located at the Poly

Do you love the Polynesian Resort like I do? There is nothing like the sights and smells of this endearingly retro Disney Resort. We spoke a bit about the this resort on a recent episode of the Disney Parks Podcast. Perhaps you have heard about all the changes that are coming to the “Poly” as it is affectionately known by Disney fans. My friend John got an inside tip about a new color scheme that is currently being tested out in one of the hallways. Check out his video to compare the old and the new colors – I would love to hear what you think! 

Video! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Progress

Published August 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Recently I got to go to Magic Kingdom with my friend John from BigFatPanda.com. You may remember him from his recent interview with us on the Disney Parks Podcast.

While John and I were touring New Fantasyland, he got this awesome video of the progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Check it out in all it’s hi-def glory. There is some beautiful footage here – and I love how John explains what you are seeing.

Enjoy!

Disney Parks Podcast Show #59 – Tips for having the BEST Character Meet and Greets

Published August 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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On Episode 59 of the Disney Parks Podcast we talk to Kenny the Pirate and learn:

  • The BEST places to see characters
  • What to say and do with the characters when you meet them
  • MANY creative ways to collect character autographs and memories
  • The secret to meeting all your favorite characters without waiting in line
  • The secret word that will save you 10% off Kenny’s Character Locator App!
  • Kenny’s story about winning the Disney Dream job
  • How Kenny keeps all of his character information up to date — and SO MUCH MORE!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

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Disney Parks Podcast Giveaway! $25 Disney Gift Card and More!

Published July 31, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disneyways and The Disney Parks Podcast are hosting a giveaway!

Enter to win a $25 Disney Gift Card from Travel Agent Mary Morales, a Four Hour VIP

Concierge Service from Theme Park Concierges AND a PassPorter’s Walt Disney World

Travel Guide!

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Click Here to get entered – it is a Rafflecopter giveaway

Video! Long-Lost Friends Week

Published July 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Disney Parks asked everyone to vote on their favorite characters to bring back for Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21) as part of the Limited Time Magic promotion in 2013. The chosen characters were then available for meet and greets

I really enjoyed this 3 minute video from John Saccheri of BigFatPanda.com – and I just had to share it with you! You may recall we had him as a guest on The Disney Parks Podcast recently –  and as you can tell – he is just as much fun in person! This video also features the fabulous Shelley Caran from OnTheGoinMCO.com – and I think you’ll agree that these two make a great on-camera team!

I love that it is a real video from a real person- with no corporate filtering. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be there, including noise from the crowd surrounding the characters. Even better – it made me crack up laughing, and I hope it does the same for you! Follow BigFatPanda.com on YouTube for more great videos!

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World Secrets – Zebra Domes! Are They Made of Zebras?

Published July 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Maybe you’ve heard of the iconic Dole Whip or maybe even the lesser known

School Bread?

The Disney parks aren’t the only place you can find iconic food items. Inside the fabulous Animal Kingdom Lodge you can find Zebra Domes – a culinary hidden gem – and possibly one of the best kept World Secrets at Disney! Some guests love Zebra Domes, and some don’t. I am one who adores these little striped treasures –  so get ready for a completely biased Zebra Dome blog post!

Despite what the name suggests, they do NOT contain bits of real zebra.

They get their name due to their striped appearance.

Zebra Dome

The main ingredients are actually espresso, heavy cream, and Kahlua. I am not usually a fan of strong coffee flavors and I don’t drink coffee at all. Zebra Domes, however, contain just a hint – and it is not over powering. They require refrigeration because they are so soft and smooth. They are not made of ice cream –  but beware –  they will melt in the heat. I tried to bring some home for my husband and they did not survive the 40 minute drive.

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See the little thin layer of cake on the bottom? Mmmm….

Zebra Domes are always on the buffet menu over at Boma. No time to make a dining reservation? No problem! Just head on over to The Mara – where they are packaged in little clear boxes as a grab and go item! Bite sized pieces of heaven in a little box of 5 for $3.69 or a snack credit?! Yes please. I would like a herd of them…but once I am done they will surely be extinct. 

Can we head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge right now? 

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So what team are you on? Do you love Zebra Domes or maybe not so much? If you haven’t given them a try yet, now you know the secret!

I hope you will find inspiration to trot over and grab some for yourself…and please let me know what you think!