Walt Disney World

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How to Pack for Your Trip to Walt Disney World

Published January 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

This is a guest post by Samantha Jolicoeur that contains her suggested packing list for your next trip to Disney World. Please see below for Samantha’s bio and a link to join her facebook group. Please contact Krista at Disneyways if you are interested in guest blogging.

How to Pack for Your Trip to Walt Disney World by Samantha:

If you are new to Walt Disney World, you may be wondering;

Mickey list

“What do I need to pack for Walt Disney World?”

I’m not generally an over-packer but I do like to cover all my bases when it comes to visiting the World!

Floridian weather can be unpredictable and we can get sick at the drop of a hat, but why spend your dole whip money on WDW’s overpriced cold meds or ponchos? This checklist is something I have been using and checking twice, each and every time I visit the happiest place on Earth!

– Clothes – socks, underwear, pajamas, shorts, capris, tanks, t-shirts, one hoodie/light jacket (depending on season), one pair of jeans (again…depending on season)

NOTE: You will want to pack for your length of stay. Remember, resorts on WDW property have laundry services. Doing laundry while on vacay not for you? Throw it in while you sit by the pool!

– Bathing suits
– Shoes – flip flops and runners
– Shampoo and conditioner (those little ones aren’t enough from Disney, but I still hoard them)
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Hairbrush, straightener and hair products. (Hairdryers are in each WDW resort room)
– Makeup (keep it basic: liner, mascara, shadow)
– Meds: Allergy pills, cold and cough pills, aspirin (just in case), any prescriptions.
– Hair clips, elastics
– Razors
– Deodorant
– Confirmations – ADRs, Park hours and EMH lists.

(I am crazy about this, I have a WDW travel book that I write up)

– Lanyards (I like to wear it to hold my Key to the World/Park ticket)
– Laptop and charger
– Camera and battery charger
– Passports, money and traveller’s cheques, ID (I seperate my “tip” money from souvenir cash)
– Watch
– Dollar store ponchos (yet to use them *knocks on wood* – bringing your own saves you money!)
– Hats
– Sunscreen!
– Sunglasses
– Aloe vera, polysporin, etc.
– Ziploc bags (keep thing dry on wet rides, etc)
– Collapsible Cooler
– Stroller (if needed)
– Backpack/fanny pack/beach bag.

Other Ideas:
– Walkie talkies for the parks
– Mist fans
– Decorations for your hotel room window
– In-room snacks
– Cell phone and charger

To me, this is a very basic list of what you need to bring with you. Some people bring their own autograph books, pens, towels … but that is up to you! I look at it this way, if you are flying to WDW, you’ll want more room (and spending money) for your souvenirs. When I make my list, I write it out and leave a little check box beside each item, and it doesn’t get checked off until it is actually packed. I wouldn’t want to leave anything important behind!

Your trip to Disney will be magical though, whether or not you forget your favorite t-shirt, but hopefully, with this list you won’t!

SAMANTHA

About Samantha:

My name is Samantha and I am a Disney-aholic! It’s true. I’ve always loved all things Disney, but didn’t make my first trip until I was 21 years old. It only took that one day at Magic Kingdom to get me hooked. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like, but I have made it my own personal hobby to research Walt Disney World as much as possible and I enjoy lending some of my advice to others. I have a husband and a beautiful son, both who love Disney (maybe not QUITE as much as myself). I’d rather be a pirate than a princess, although being a princess wouldn’t be too bad either! Please, feel free to come join my happy, laughin’ place on Facebook “Disney Dreamers“- we discuss all things Disney, do trivia and giveaways, and most importantly, make new friends who share the same passion for Disney!
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!

~Samantha Jolicoeur

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Dapper Day 2013 – An Introduction

Published January 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Last year Dapper Day saw 3,000 – 4,000 participants in Disneyland alone. Judging by the popularity, we believe it is destined to get bigger every year. So what is Dapper Day and what does it all mean for you and your visit to Disney Parks?

Let me start by saying that Dapper Day is NOT a Disney sponsored event. It is completely optional and perfectly OK to stay casual or not even participate at all.

In fact, the concept is very new. Started spring of 2011, Dapper Day organizes fashionable gatherings at The Disney Resorts in LA, Orlando, and Paris. The coming celebration will be an  all-day event, including an “evening affair.”

Again, it is certainly NOT official, and purely optional and fun. 

How did the event come about? Organizer Justin Jorgensen is said to have been inspired by the original Imagineer Illustrations of Disney Park designs and even more recent concept art for Epcot.

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These images often portray guests dressed as though they are going out for a very upscale event such as an opera or a maybe a high-end restaurant. Why shouldn’t going to Disney still be on par with such grand affairs?  Well, that is what Dapper Day is all about. It is a chance to realize those designer’s dreams. On Dapper Day, you bring those illustrations to life when you become those well dressed guests the designers imagined (or hoped) would be filling the park.

Stay tuned to Disneyways for more on Dapper Day, including ideas for what to wear, videos from last year, event hours and suggested schedules. Each event usually has a simple schedule of one or two in-park gatherings like the evening “Dapper Derby” at the Fantasyland carrousel in Disneyland.  However you and your party are encouraged to enjoy the park at your leisure.

So what are your thoughts? What do you think of the idea of Dapper Day and will you be participating?

 

It’s a Tall World After All – Date for Starbucks in Magic Kingdom

Published December 26, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Back in August 2012 Disneyways readers found out about the Starbucks coming to Walt Disney World.

Rumor has it we can look for Starbucks in Magic Kingdom as early as May 18, 2012.

Here is the train of thought. Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom is the proposed location for the new Starbucks. Because the bakery is scheduled for closure between January 6, 2013 and May 17, 2013 – sources are saying the Starbucks-branded location can be expected to be open May 18, 2013.

Disney’s California Adventure has had it’s new Starbucks for a while now. You can click here to see photos and read more about this one. Here at Disneyways we imagine that the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom counterpart will be very similar. Cast members will wear costumes that will invoke the feelings of Main Street and it’s theme, and prices for cups of joe and snacks will be quite high.

This will be the second of six announced in-park locations, one at each theme park between the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. A location at Epcot’s Fountain View has also been announced, though it will close for its changeover at some point in March, re-opening in late summer.

Christmas at the Yacht Club

Published December 25, 2012 by Disneyways.com

The Yacht Club has one of my favorite Christmas displays of all, a meticulously crafted Christmas village featuring a working train. It reminds me of the train set in Germany at Epcot. Every time I look through these pictures I see something different. I have a real soft spot for this display! The tree and wreaths at Yacht Club are also very neat, as they are themed with boats and other nautical items. I hope you enjoy seeing these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

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New Limited Time Magic Info Source

Published December 22, 2012 by Disneyways.com

New info about limited time magic will be released beginning Friday! Check out this link from Disney Parks Blog or just subscribe to Disneyways by email so you’ll never miss an update!
Have a magical day!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/12/limited-time-magic-surprises-beginning-soon-at-disney-parks/

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How to Enjoy the Scent of the Contemporary – from home! (Maybe)

Published December 21, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I thought I was losing my mind. I was in my kitchen doing the usual, just putting the dishes in the dishwasher, and then wiping all the counters down. All of a sudden I noticed a wonderful aroma. During the first week I couldn’t figure out what it was. I just kept thinking it was almost like someone was walking by me, wearing a wonderful perfume. The scent would just come and go that fast. Finally – right around  the  second week, it finally dawned on me what that wonderful scent reminded me of!

It was without a doubt – the same beautiful waft of fragrance I get every time I walk through the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World! I don’t know if they pipe that smell into the resort, or what, but none of the others smell quite the same to me. I always thought maybe the Contemporary had the smell of happiness, or maybe it was just the anticipation of visiting the love of my life, the five-legged goat. Now I know it must be the scent of orange blossom and verbena. It is very distinctive – and quite wonderful.

I am definitely addicted to Disney, but even I knew this was totally weird and not normal. But where was it coming from? Was it just my imagination?

I think it was right around week three I was washing my hands and the kitchen sink and it came to me. DUH!! This fragrance was coming from the new hand soap that I had been using! I picked up the bottle and looked closely at the label.

“Avon naturals orange blossom & verbena juicy moisture moisturizing hand soap. Formulated with orange blossom and verbena extracts, this moisturizing hand soap gently cleanses and conditions. Leaves hands feeling soft and vlevety-smooth.”

Velvety smooth?!

I thought to myself that Avon was marketing this stuff all wrong. When I close my eyes and smell the bubbles,  I can almost hear the monorail gliding by over head. This bottle makes no mention of the Contemporary at all! Can you imagine?!

I asked my husband to smell the soap and tell me what it reminded him of. He had no idea what I was talking about – but he also doesn’t love Disney the way I do. I am wondering if any of you out there have ever owned this product? Is there anyone else who shares my opinion or is this just a crazy notion that I have?

I would love to order more and send you some to try. Unfortunately, as I publish this post, Avon says this exact product is no longer available,

I have recently met an Avon rep on facebook, who is very dedicated to her business. She has not given me any money, free product, or promised commissions to mention her. I simply wanted you to have a resource in case you wanted to try and find this item for yourself. She may be able to recommend  something similar, or have access to discontinued items. It’s worth a shot.

Here is a link to Kimie’s Avon site. If you enjoy facebook like I do, you can also contact her here. Good luck in your search for this wonderful product – and please tell Kimie that Disneyways sent you!

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Solving the Mystery surrounding the Rapunzel Tower in New Fantasyland…

Published December 13, 2012 by Disneyways.com

UPDATE ADDED MARCH 8TH 2013! Click here to see photos of the new tower!

Disney fans who have been to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World recently have noticed something new rising out of New Fantasyland. Located next to the “It’s a Small World” attraction, right where the old Fantasyland Skyway ride was, an adorable tower can be seen from Fantasyland, Frontierland and even from the Haunted Mansion cue. This addition comes as somewhat of a surprise to Disney fans as Rapunzel’s tower and village was never included in any concept art of New Fantasyland released by Disney. It all seems so mysterious because details have been hard to come by.

We are now able to see for ourselves, because the tower is peeping up from behind Imagineer construction walls. Despite the rumors, there will not be a meet and greet in this spot. Rapunzel will be found in the new Princess Fairytale Hall (where Snow White’s Scary Adventures use to be) when it opens in 2013. Therefore the tower area does not need to be a meet and greet because we will already have Princess Fairytale Hall for that purpose. In case you haven’t seen them, here are some of the beautiful concept drawings released by Disney of the new Princess Fairytale Hall scheduled to open in 2013.

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So why the tower?  Believe it or not Disney sources say this is where they will be placing new BATHROOMS. It seems so funny now that we know the truth doesn’t it?  It actually makes a lot of sense if you think about it.  When nature calls, and the kids have to “go” – this tower will be like a beacon in the night – letting us know that relief is not too far away. The new facility will include increased handicapped and family bathrooms, and is meant to replace the current bathrooms in the area by the Peter Pan’s Flight attraction. With those older bathrooms gone,  my thoughts are that they will add an expanded interactive queue for Peter Pan, sort of like  the one Winnie the Pooh has (only Pan themed of course!)  Imagineers are also planning to expand the walkways to help with traffic flow between Fantasyland and Liberty Square on those crowded days. Having a meet and greet here would actually crowd the area with folks waiting to meet princesses. I hope this helps explain things – let me know if you have heard or seen any new information that I am missing!  Personally, my thoughts are that maybe Disney doesn’t believe it’s very magical to brag about new bathrooms, so we are going to have to keep each other in the know on this one as things develop. Have a magical evening!

Tower 1 Tower 2 tower from frontier land tower from haunted mansion cue

Video by Daniel Andersson and edited by Jeff Lange from MouseSteps.com

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l1nCjXt77A

Living with the Land

Published December 13, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Many days after a long shift at the Garden Grill – you could find me on this ride. It is one of my favorites.

Living with the Land is an attraction in Epcot – you will find it in the Land pavillion.

This is a relaxing 13 minute boat ride. It takes you on an informative journey through a tropical rain forest, an African desert complete with sandstorm, and the windswept plains of a small, turn-of-the-century family farm. Guests experience the struggles of the past and plans for farming in the future including Hydroponics, Aeroponics and Aquaculture. It’s not just about fruits and veggies, fish farms are on display.

This attraction is geared more towards adults, but younger guests will also find it entertaining. Guests in ECVs must be able to transfer to a wheelchair.

If you are a REALLY big fan, you may want to pay for a “Behind the Seeds” Tour

Entertainment, times and prices are subject to change without notice – these are the details of this tour as this blog is published.

Departing every 45 minutes from 10:30am – 4:30pm
Cost (including tax, theme park admission required):
$16.00 Guests ages 10+
$12.00 Guests ages 3-9
To book in advance call 407-WDW-TOUR

This guided tour will appeal to gardeners. The tour is an up close look at four greenhouses that are part of the “Living with the Land” attraction. Behind the Seeds is led by a member of the Epcot Science Team.

Highlights include:
Sensory challenge with herbs/spices
Lady bug release
Vegetable taste test
Fish feeding
Sprouting a seed in your pocket to bring home
Close look at the alligators
Latest gardening tips
Seeing how exotic crops and gigantic fruits and veggies are grown without soil
-Cameras are welcome.
-Children of all ages can participate. Strollers will be provided when needed
-Wheelchair accessible but ECV users must transfer to regular wheelchair


TIP:The Sunshine Seasons food court is one of the best food courts at Walt Disney World. A limited breakfast menu is available. Lunch/dinner is available at the Asian Wok Shop, Sandwich Shop & Bakery, Soup & Salad Shop and Wood Fired Grill Shop. In addition, there’s a large amount of seating in the pavilion.

FUN FACTS: If you are enjoying fresh vegetables or fish at an Epcot
restaurant, it’s likely that they were grown right here.

Here is the song they used to play on the ride!

Here is a great video of the history of this ride.

Do you have any stories or memories about this ride that you’d like to share? Please post them in the comments below!

Top 5 Things You Won’t Want to Miss in New Fantasyland

Published December 11, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Enchanted Tales With Belle. Meet and greet with Belle like never before when you actually get to help stage a short play for her. If you’re like me you will marvel at the AMAZING animatronics of Lumiere and Madame Wardrobe.  You even get a walk through of Maurice’s cottage from “Beauty and the Beast.”

Be Our Guest Restaurant. French cuisine has arrived beneath the Beast’s Castle. Lunch is quick service with no reservation required. Reservations are needed for dinner, when guests can order wine and beer with their meals for the first time in Magic Kingdom history. Click here to see a whole lot more – including a photo of “the grey stuff!”

Gaston’s statue and fountain. A tribute to the man, they myth the legend. A plaque reads: “Tribute to Gaston. An extravagantly generous gift to the humble people of my village. From me, Gaston.” Nearby: Gaston’s Tavern, a tiny eatery that serves up savory pork shanks and warm cinnamon buns that are bigger then your fist!  Despite its name, Gaston’s Tavern does not serve alcohol. Here is a video.

Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid. This mild-mannered ride is great for princesses young and old.  You will not want to miss the virtual way that you are actually submerged under water while staying completely dry! One showstopping room features 128 aquatic animatronics in action. Click here for more on this attraction.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant. This attraction was transported to Fantasyland’s new Storybook Circus area, and DOUBLED. Yep there are two Dumbo rides now. You won’t want ot miss the fantastic new gift shop that smells like heaven. Throw in an air-conditioned cue that doubles as a playground – as well as pagers that blink when it’s your turn to ride – and you’ve got a fantastic addition to the New Fanatsyland line up!

So what do you think? What would be in your top 5 list of New Fantasyland fun not to be missed? Photos are ©Disney Parks Blog

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Shhhhh!!! It’s a quiet “knight” in the Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Published November 22, 2012 by Disneyways.com

As you enter the Be Our Guest Restaurant inside Disney World’s New Fantasyland, you will see knights standing guard in the hallway to your right. Stop and listen for a moment.

You just might hear the knights whispering to each other! Great video from Zannaland.com and DisneyFoodBlog.com!