May dining with the kids

     We have decided to go with the regular Disney dining plan this go round so we had 6 reservations to lock up for our May departure.  This is never an easy task because we enjoy dining at Disney and have our must do's everytime.  However we are also the lets try something new kind of people so that is always out there to distract us as well.  We decided to let each child pick one favorite and then my wife and I each picked one as well.  That way everyone gets something just for them and that only leave us with two to make as a family.
     My youngest daughter was torn between a couple of places and decided to go with the princess character meal at Epcot.  Last year we enjoyed Cinderella's castle for lunch which was fun but it was two credits so we opted for Akershus in Norway.  If you have never had the opportunity to experience this place it is pretty good and the princesses come right to your table.  My youngest is 5 and is in love with all the princesses so this is her typical choice so it wasn't a big surprise.  We usually see Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, Aeriel (with legs), and Aurora but we have often been surprised and also got to see Mulan and Mary Poppins so you just never know!  Cinderella is never here she stays primarily in her Castle at the Magic Kingdom.  We actually really enjoy the food here and even though it is Norway it is not too far out there if you have a picky family.  The kid food is typical Disney fare with a couple of exceptions so the children will be fine!

   My oldest chose Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom also not a big surprise because she picks this every time.  She is an avid Piglet fan and the rest of the characters are great also.  Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger come to your table for pictures and autographs and both my kids love this place.  The food although buffet style is actually pretty good and has a wide diverse selection for everyone.  There once again is plenty of food choices for the little ones so no worries there.  It can be a little wild and crazy which is good because if your kid is having a bad day with crying or being upset most people will not even realize it.

   My wife chose Teppan Edo which is the Japanese (hibachi style) restaurant at Epcot.  We have never actually eaten at this one so it will be new but Hibachi style is always a winner in our book.  The reviews are always pretty good for this location and we are definitely looking forward to this one.  The food selection for my youngest will not happen but we will get her something before we go.

    My choice was easy O'hana's at the Polynesian resort is my first choice every time.  I love everything about this place from the atmosphere to the view, but the food is unbelievable.  From the appetizers/starters, to the skewers of steak, shrimp, turkey, and pork, to the succulent bananas foster bread pudding this is my favorite place to eat in all of Disneyworld.

   Then we had two slots left and the debate began.  After all was said and done we were left with Chef Mickey's for dinner and Mama Melrose at Hollywood studios.  Let me begin by saying that the food at Hollywood studios is well below the quality of the other parks in our opinion.  The last couple of times we chose Mama Melrose (Italian) for the Fantasmic Dinner Package and ended up being pleasantly surprised.  The service was good and the food was pretty good also.  That being said we have had a couple of sub par meals here in the past but the last couple have been good.  Due to the overwhelming lack of choices for us at Hollywood Studios it is kind of a de facto choice since we are planning on going to Hollywood Studios twice!  The Chef Mickey's selection was different because every year since our first trip to Disneyworld we have gone to Chef Mickey's so it is a tradition.  However each time we have done breakfast and this time it will be dinner so there is a subtle change but still staying with tradition somewhat!

     As you can see we have chosen to use our table service meals at dinner each time because that meal costs the most and allows you to maximize the value of the dining plan.  We usually chose to utilize our counter service meals at lunch for the same reason and many times we use our snack credits for breakfast.  The snack credit can be used for a muffin or pastry at any bakery on property and is usually enough to tide us over until lunch if we choose to do that.

May dining reservations

Since my trip is split into two parts I decided to split up this post into two parts.  As you might remember the second leg of my journey is my 15th Wedding Anniversary so we made reservations on three nights for 2 and this is what we came up with and why?

The first day will be a partial day with my children and parents still so we are going to Magic Kingdom on this day.  We tossed and turned with the idea of going to the California Grill because we had been before and really enjoyed it but decided after some thought to go lighter.  After being in Disneyworld for 6 days already we will probably be eaten out so we wanted less food and less money.  We chose The Grand Floridian Cafe mainly because we have never been before and it is on the monorail loop so it is easy to get to from the Magic Kingdom.  We also surveyed the menu and thought the food options were good enough and we could split some fondue for dessert.  We understand that because of the location and price we will be in a loud place and that is Ok for the first night alone!

The second day we will be sleeping late and going over to Epcot for a leisure day of walking around World Showcase.  The first night we chose San Angel Inn inside the Mexico pavilion for one reason only ambiance.  We have only eaten here one other time and it was a while back so we know we are not going for the food but the romance factor is top notch for the money.  The reviews of the restaurant online are rather shaky but the more recent one seem to show some amazing improvements.  The fact we love Mexican food and Disney this just seemed like a logical choice for our second night alone.

The third day will also involve sleeping late and possibly hanging around the resort for the afternoon before venturing back to Epcot for some light sight seeing and taking in Illuminations after dinner.  For our final night we chose LeCellier for one simple reason the food.  This is one of our favorite places to eat in all of Disneyworld and we have never had a bad meal here.  This is a place we dine at every single trip and have never been disappointed in the food or the service.  We love the steaks, bread, and desserts here and we will be celebrating our actual anniversary at this location!

I have to admit that the choices at Disneyworld seem endless and it was very tough to narrow down the selections but having gone so many times it definitely made it much easier for us.  We could have chosen to eat at more lavish establishments but we feel so confined with time when preparing for signature dining so we chose to relax and slow it down.  Who knows I may and probably will change my mind between now and the time we leave but for now I am happy we have our reservations made and confirmed!

Upcoming May disneyworld trip

So we received a pin code for 40% off at a deluxe resort and 35% of moderates through the end of May.  We were planning on going anyway so we went for broke.  We decided to ask my parents to go with us and so we decided on the two-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.  In all of my excitement of creating this blog I neglected to write any summary of this resort so that will be my next article.  Anyway we got a killer deal on this two-bedroom villa which we are going to split with my parents so it is even a better deal.  We also will have a full washer/dryer, full kitchen and alot more space and privacy with the children.  We have also elected to choose the regular Disney dining plan for this leg of our trip.  We will be staying on property for six nights with family so we have 6 table service meals, 6 counter service meals and 6 snacks for each person in our party (6).  Now the big decision of where to make reservations takes front and center because 180 days out you can make advanced dining reservations and that day is this Friday.  I will write an update of were our reservations are next week and why we chose what we did.

The second leg of our journey is new territory for us.  My wife and I are staying three additional days just the two of us to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  My parents are taking the kids and driving home so that should be fun for them as well.  The wife and I are moving over to Port Orleans French Quarter in a king size bed for a little more romance.  We will be staying these three days but not doing the dining plan because we want more flexibility.  We plan on still making reservations but this allows more freedom when ordering from the menu if we want to split a meal or appetizer or whatever.  Believe it or not my wife chose this for our anniversary over a number of options because she loves Disney as much as the kids do!

Disney discounts?

OK here is the skinny on the possibility of discounts at Disney!  You probably will get a deal of some kind direct from Disney.com however after my years of going I have discovered one thing and that is all the discounts are about the same for our family of four.  What I mean is we have done free dining, 4+3 free deal, 35-40% of room only deals and many more and guess what happens?  Our trips varied maybe a $100-$200 difference in all these different promotions.  Your best way to save money is to go when it is value season because the demand is less and thus the trip cost a little less.  Other than that no matter what kind of promo you get the monetary difference in my opinion is rather insignificant.  Pick when you can go and never pay full price because that would be crazy and book as soon as you get a deal in your travel time.

If you are timid and would like to use a travel agent then by all means do so.  The travel agent will make all the reservations for you and the best part is it doesn't cost you a dime.  Their commission is paid by Disney so let them sit on the phone for hours and deal with all the hastle that is what they get paid for.  Also if a better deal comes along then they can handle the transfer of the promotion and get you the lower price.  Be careful who you use because like in any business there are good and bad agents!  I have used an agent before and probably will for my upcoming trip in May 2010 because it is less stressful.  The agency I use is called Magical Journey's and they were super to work with and everything went perfect on the trip as far as reservations go!  Do some research and find the agency that works for you best and one you trust!!!!!

Occasionally you will receive an e-mail or postcard that offers a deal that is not a public offering.  These deals will have a pin number tagged to your name and address so they cannot be used by someone else but sometimes these can be quite good.  How do you get these pin codes is a huge mystery and only the powers that be at Disney seem to know?  There are varying theories about being registered at Disney.com, ordering a free travel video, or simply not going in a while when you have been in the past but no one is really certain!  If you get one congratulations and take advantage of it if you can because it is usually a pretty good deal and often in a time before there is a public offering!

Fastpass and Baby Swap Information!

Ok today we are going to discuss time saving measures with regards to standing in line and adults riding when the kids cannot.  The beauty of Disneyworld is that there is plenty to see and do for everyone to never have to sit out if you do not want too.  However, there are a couple of attractions I recommend every adult ride if the kids cannot especially if this is a once in a lifetime trip.  So here goes my tips for both of these instances.

The fastpass is an ingenious invention by Disney to control crowd flow and wait times.  Basically anyone who has a ticket even if they are not staying on property has the ability to use the fastpass machine so the advantage here is only maximized if you arrive at park opening while staying on property.  The fastpass basically functions like a reservation time to ride the big attractions.  The guide map will tell you which attractions have fastpass available but I would suggest a little research ahead of time to ensure that you know in advance.  When you get inside the gate head to an attraction that has a fastpass machine available and get one.  There will be fastpass machines clearly marked for the attraction so stand in line and feed your ticket in and out comes your fastpass.  In order these are the most critical information you need for this option.

1.  You may only hold one fastpass at a time so do not even think you are going to go in the park and gather a fastpass from each ride available.  It will only disperse on every so often and on the bottom of the ticket it will tell you when you may get another.  The machines will spit out a fastpass that says "NOT VALID FASTPASS" if there has not been enough time in between.

2.  Everyone in you party must have a fastpass for the attraction or you will not get on!  This rule is strictly enforced so if you try to sneak on in they will catch you and ask you to leave the line.  I have seen this firsthand many, many times and applaud Disney for enforcing the fact everyone (not just you) paid alot for this vacation.

3.  The ticket will print a time to return to get in a separate line from the stand-by line which is usually very short.  The Disney cast member will not allow you in the line until after the beginning time allocated on your fastpass and this is also strictly enforced.  The beautiful thing is if you do not get there in the hour time slot on your ticket as long as it is after the beginning time they will let you on the attraction anyway.

4.  You have to have in your hands and physically place the ticket in the fastpass machine for every member in your party to receive a fastpass.  Once the time on the bottom of your ticket says you may get another fastpass even if you have not used your old fastpass you may still get another.

The last information is called baby swap and this is basically how it works.  Let's say we have a mom, dad, five year old, and a baby in a family that want to ride Splash Mountain.  Go to the fastpass machine as discussed earlier and get a fastpass for each member of you party which in this case is 3(baby's do not have a ticket).  Go to the fastpass return line and tell the Disney cast member you would like to do baby swap.  The cast member will give you a special fastpass.  Then mom and the five year old go through the fastpass line, ride, and return to the fastpass return line.  Here dad and the baby have been taking a break and when mom and the five year old get to him they simply switch.  Now the dad and five year old ride and mom stays with the baby.  This has two major benefits mom and dad both get to ride everything and the five year old gets to go twice.  It is like a bonus fastpass!

Take advantage of these tips and even with a small child you should be able to do and see everything!  If you only have a mom, dad, and baby you can still go to Disney as long as the adults do not riding by themselves.  In this instance single rider lines are available and many do not even need to utilize the fastpass option!

Disney's Animal Kingdom for kids

This one is a tuff one for one big reason.  Anyone who has ever visited this park in the summer can attest to the fact that I think is averages 120 degrees here.  Not really but it always seems to be especially hot, humid, and little air flow at this park.  Therefore, small children and parents lugging them around feel a little overwhelmed here.  There are however some fantastic attractions and a couple of amazing show to see here which are definitely worth the wait.

1.  The first must see is Kilamanjaro Safari which is probably one of the most impressive attractions you will ever see.  Go first thing in the morning preferably around park opening when the animals are active to get the biggest wow factor.  Basically you board a vehicle and travel through the ride where animals appear to be roaming free and alot actually are.  If you are lucky you will have an incredible view of animals in their natural habitat standing right next to you.  On two seperate occasions when we visited we could literally reach out and touch animals if it was allowed (it is not!).  Once it was a large rhino and the other it was a mother and baby giraffe and both instances were incredible.  You can view elephants, hippo, rhino, and many other grassland animals in a habitat representing an African Plain.

2.  The two main shows to see are "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo - The Musical" and both are fantastic.  The pageantry, costumes and sheer energy of the performers will make you forget you are sitting on benches for 28 minutes. There are no backs on the benches so if you have health concerns this may be an issue for you.  However, if you can enjoy the show you should because each number is more colorful than the next as you listen to some favorite Lion King songs.  Finding Nemo - The Musical gives guests the chance to be literally immersed in the story of Marlin and Nemo through the combination of puppets, dancers, acrobats and animated backdrops.  Both shows are indoor and air conditioned so they make an excellent break from the heat.  These shows are spectacular and kids and parents will both enjoy their brilliance.

3.  We also enjoy Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade that runs through the park at 3 each day.  You get a wonderful mix of an island street party and Disney characters which is a first an odd combination but it works so go enjoy.

4.  The other major attractions are fantastic including Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and the 3-D show called It's Tough to Be a Bug are amazing masterpieces but definitely not kid approved.  You must be 48" tall to ride Everest and if you parents love roller coasters then this is a must do but it will be too much for most kids.  Dinosaur is extremely loud, dark, and scary so unless you want you small kids having nightmares the rest of your trip I would advise not to attempt this one!  Bug's Life is kind of a grey area because it doesn't seem scary at first and some kids love it.  However, everytime we go to this show there are tons of screaming kids so just use caution and make a good decision.

5.  There is also a water ride called Kali River Rapids which will get you soaked as it is a typical whitewater adventure.  We love the ride and your kids might as well but when you are wet in a very humid park you never seem to dry out again.  If you have some dry clothes or are going back to your resort after you ride I say go for it and have fun.  The air-conditioned bus will be cold on the way back!

All in all we typically only spend about half a day here but we could do a full day if it wasn't too hot.  If your kids love animals then the Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail which are walking trails to see numerous species of animals similar to an elaborate zoo.

Disney's Hollywood Studios for kids

This park was formerly known as MGM Studios at Disney but after their existing contract was up Disney opted out and went with the Hollywood Studios name.  Therefore in your searches online you might find some useful information by searching for MGM in Orlando because the park other than the name is the same.  This is typically a half day to one full day park for us and definitely not as much to do as Magic Kingdom or Epcot but still some really fun stuff.  Let's presume the same criteria as my previous theme park posts with kids under the age of 10.

1.  If you have boys or adventuresome girls Star Tours is a must do at this park.  It is modeled after the famous Star Wars saga and the ride is a virtual simulator ride that never moves but gives the appearance of riding a light speed space ship.  If you are motion sensitive at all take a pass on this one and your kids must be 40" tall or they will not allow you on.  In the early summer they have Star Wars weekends which is a blast and I will cover this topic another day!

2.  If you have small kids especially girls The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a cute little live show and my kids love it.  Smaller children will also really enjoy Playhouse Disney live onstage which is a super interactive show with some of you favorite Playhouse Disney characters and lots of singing and dancing.  The 3-D Muppets is a blast and one of our family favorites, very kid friendly, but fun for all ages.

3.  For the boys and men this place is for you because it has two shows made for guys.  The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is loads of fun and they pick people out of the audience to go on stage and perform.  My wife and I have both been chosen on separate trips and it was hysterical.  Then there is Lights, Motor, Action which is a live stage show with fast cars, jet skis, fire, and explosions (need I say more)!  These are both must sees for everyone but especially the boys who desire lots of action.

4.  The characters to see here are wide and diverse from CARS, Power Rangers, Kim Possible, and all the latest characters from the newest Disney movies (UP, Bolt, etc.).

5.  A nighttime spectacular known as Fantasmic is also a must do for everyone but here is something most will not tell you.  The show gets very dark at times and can frighten little kids so be careful and know your child's personality.  If they are small and frighten easily be prepared.  It is not intended to be a scary show but Disney does everything to the extreme and it can be loud and dark at times.  However if they can get passed that this show is incredible!!!!!  I recommend reserved seating by doing the Fantasmic dining package.

6.  Hollywood Studios also gets an honorable mention for two of the best thrill rides anywhere.  Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is where insane speed meets Aerosmith music via a roller coaster.  One of the best first five seconds of your life.  Holllywood Tower of Terror is simply a free fall ride disguised as an elevator shaft with a theme of "Twilight Zone".  I consider both Disney masterpieces, but as far as this article it is not kid friendly (although my 10 year old loves it and has for a couple of years) most children would be intimidated by these rides.  You must be 40" to ride Tower of Terror and 48" to ride Rock 'n' Rollercoaster.

This is last but should be first and it is Toy Story Mania.  This is the longest and hardest attraction to see at Hollywood Studios.  You must arrive at opening to get on this attraction and if the line is too long grab a fastpass to ride later.  Typically by lunchtime all the fastpasses for this ride are dispersed and your stand by time will be pushing 2 hours easily if it is a crowded day!  The ride is 3-D and is modeled after a Midway arcade.  It is a blast and the kids and adults will love it.

The only drawback to this park is the food.  Most of the counter service meals are average at best and the table service meals are also very average.  However the atmosphere at Hollywood Studios is fun and exciting definitely worth the day trip.

Epcot for kids!

For many people that venture to Epcot they do not understand the big deal about Epcot and especially those with children so here's my must do list for Epcot!  This place is huge and I mean lots of walking so for those of you trying to debate my kids are on the fence of using a stroller and not needing one I have two words for you.  Take it!!!!!!!!!  Our family loves Epcot and we typically spend about the same amount of time at this park as we do Magic Kingdom.

1.  Soarin' is a must do ride for anyone who meets the height requirement and for those with children who don't find a way to make it happen, even if you ride by yourself.  This ride is amazing and for anyone that gets the pleasure it is probably the best theme park ride I have ever been on and I have ridden alot.  It is not a roller coaster but there is a little bit of height involved and some movement so for those who get motion sick it can be a little iffy, so be smart.  Get there early because the fastpasses will be gone and the line here can reach a couple hours easily.  Also if you are tall enough, go catch Test Track especially if you have boys because it is cars and speed every boys dream!

2.  The character greeting here is the best at Disney for two reasons.  Number one is that nobody thinks of Epcot as kid friendly so there are very small lines to get pictures with characters.  Number two is because if you walk around World Showcase and see the princesses and many times get princes also.  It is cool to get Snow White and Droopy together in a picture or Jasmine and the Genie together because they make great pictures with the kids!

3.  These rides are definite for kids especially under the age of 8:  Journey into Imagination with Figment, Seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico, or just spend some time in Innoventions playing with the exhibits.  Turtle Talk with Crush is a show that can be seen multiple times, it is never the same twice, and it is hysterical.

4.  Illuminations is a spectacular nighttime show that is performed every night and lasts 13 minutes.  Earth Globe is the world's first spherical video display system, wrapped in 15,000 LEDs which sits in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon.  This show combines music with lasers, fireworks, water effects, and so much more in an amazing night time spectacular that is definitely worth the wait.  This is not my personal favorite of the three night time spectaculars that Disney does and as a matter of fact it probably comes in third, but Disney's third best is still better than anyone else's first.  This is a must do so schedule your kids break time/nap in during the day so you can return for this show at night!

5.  Last but least is the food.  Epcot has many spectacular dining options too offer and they are all inside the park which is very convenient.  Each pavilion around World Showcase has restaurants and some have both counter service and table service.  Our personal favorite is LeCellier in the Canada pavilion and is some of the hardest reservations to obtain ranking right up there with the Castle.  Call exactly 180 days in advance and take anything they have for dinner because you will not be disappointed.  There are also some good options in Japan, France, Mexico (for the scenery), and also China for eating and many counter services are excellent.

6.  My kids and wife love to shop at Epcot!  Why?  Many people do not realize that many toys and luxuries we enjoy in America are not derived here but rather from some of the countries represented in World Showcase.  We typically spend a good hour in Japan shopping because of things like Hello Kitty and these little things we had as kids called Mon Chi Chi's (baby monkey's).  These as well as Pokeman and other toys are imported from Japan and they have stuff here not available in your local department store.  Spend some time enjoying the culture of the shops and the goods derived from those countries because it is remarkably interesting.  Also as a side note Disney offers many foreign exchange programs and most if not all employees working in these pavillions actaully are from that country (more ambience).

Next time I will give suggestions for Hollywood Studios!

Magic Kingdom part 3 for kids

OK so the days almost over and you and the kids are exhausted.  Your family is trying to determine if you really want to stay and see another parade or fireworks show.  You look around and see thousands of people searching out a spot for the night time parade as early as two hours before the thing is supposed to start.  The temptation to skip out as the crowd builds is growing and you are a little overwhelmed in tight places what do you do?

1.  First of all let me start by saying that I have been coming to Disneyworld since I was 2 years old and believe me when I tell you it will be the biggest mistake of your life to leave before the parade and fireworks. My earliest memory of Disneyworld is when I was about 3 and it is of the night time parade at Disneyworld.  It is now called "SpectroMagic" and it is nothing shy of amazing.  Everytime we see this with our children its as if they are seeing it for the first time.  The look of awe and amazement could never be replaced by anything on earth for a child.  It will make your entire trip no matter how good or bad it has gone worthwhile when you see your child's eyes light up with excitement. 

2.  We always watch it from Main Street which is the most crowded and crazy place in the Magic Kingdom.  That being said the view of the Castle lit up with an ever changing color scheme and the Disney magic all around the crowds are the last thing on your mind.  If you are too bothered by crowds the parade route is clearly mapped out and you can go anywhere on the route and see the parade perfectly.  Try to find your spot early in front and if you have strollers push them all the way up to the rope and stand behind them.  This way you child will have a seat with an unobstructed view of the show and not be trampled by all the people afterwards.  Frontierland is usually a great second choice to watch the show and the crowds are substantially smaller here!

3.  The parade is like a normal parade only with Disney nothing is normal and there are millions of lights on the floats and the appear almost magical.  All the characters are lit up and the music that accompanies the parade are a perfect fit.  Everyone from old to young that are in the crowd are usually in a state of shock at the show they are witnessing is real?

4.  After the parade most people will stay put to watch the fireworks display which will follow shortly afterward.  Find a place with a clear view of the castle and watch in wonder the next display of Disney magic.  You think you have see a fireworks display before, but with the perfectly choreographed Disney music and fireworks display you haven't seen anything yet!  With the castle as the back drop it's as if you are in a fairytale land and the whole world doesn't exist for those few minutes.  Simply amazing!!!!

5.  After the show the thousands of people in the Magic Kingdom will all head straight for the exit causing a mass of confusion and chaos.  Do not be sucked in to thinking you have to beat these thousands to your bus stop or car because it will not happen.  Instead do the one thing that you would never do at home and what we love to do and that is stop and get an ice cream cone(yes it is usually 11pm but it is Disney have fun)!  The sit and watch all the crazy, tired, and frustrated people try to cram out the exit at the same time.  By the time you eat your ice cream and people watch about 30 minutes or so just leisurely walk out of the park with little ot no crowd and your kids will not get trampled.  Now if you are staying on property there will be a hundred people at the bus stop waiting for the next ride home but do not freak out.  You will be home quickly as Disney does a good job of getting those people home and will many times load 2-3 buses simultaneously and the line is gone in minutes.  Expect a wait but do not panic!  You will get home late just sleep in the next morning and you will never forget this memory of a lifetime!

Magic Kingdom for kids part 2

Now that we have had our nap or swim we can head back to the Magic Kingdom. Hopefully it will be around 3 or so and the worst of the afternoon heat has passed and we can enjoy our evening in the park. One thing you will notice is the people who are not staying on property will try to suffer through and stay the whole day but those with little ones will not make it. The crowds will remain pretty heavy until dinner time and then you will notice a pretty good decline in people with small children. These families think going into the day they can make the whole day but the crowds and heat will eventually take its toll. So here is how to attack your second half of the day.

1. When you first enter the Magic Kingdom head down Main Street USA and toward the end (before you get to the castle) on the left side you will see an information board. This board is constantly monitoring the wait times at the attractions and will list those wait times on the board. Go to the board and see what the wait times are for most of the rides to judge how crowded the park is or isn't. If most attractions are under 45 minutes you are in good shape so pick something and go for it.

2. If the wait times are really long then go to something that is a constant move ride. What I mean is that the vehicles are moving and the lines go quickly. I would suggest Pirates if the line is less than 30 minutes because the wait will be cool and sheltered. After that I would head over to the Tiki birds which some do not like but it is inside and cool and never has a line. Then head over to the Swiss Family Treehouse which is a walk through attraction so no line at all and it is pretty cool to see if you have never been. It is probably dinner time so check your reservation time and if you don't have one grab a quick bite to eat. Before you go to the meal grab a fastpass to Jungle Cruise which is usually about a 30-45 minute wait and come back to ride that after dinner.

3. After dinner come back use your fastpass to Jungle Cruise and ride Aladdin Magic Carpets. The magic carpet is the exact ride as Dumbo but instead of riding and elephant you guessed it magic carpet. Normal people would say we have done that already but kids are not normal and you will not escape so just get in line. The line here is normally 15-20 minutes so why it is like an hour at Dumbo who knows? Now you have completed Adventureland, Fantasyland, and part of Tommorowland you have two choices and it really depends on your kids and if they are daredevils?

4. Frontierland offers two of the best rides in the park in Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain railroad but both have minimum height requirements so make sure you check those out before you head over. My oldest daughter loves speed so these rides are a must do and she has loved them since she was 5 but my soon to be 5 year old hates them both! Please do not make them ride if they are scared because no one on the ride wants to hear a child screaming in fear it is heart wrenching. If these rides are both no gos for your family then you can head over to Liberty Square and ride Haunted Mansion and both my kids love it, but it took riding like 10 times before they weren't scared at all. We would ride and they would cover their ears and bury their heads in our lap until the ride was over. They never cried but they didn't look either and that is OK because parents can ride and enjoy while the kids hide their eyes.

5. If none of these are an option I would suggest story time with Belle which is a cute little show around the side of the castle with Beauty and the Beast. It is a quaint little show with no more that 50 or so people and the cast picks kids out of the audience to portray Chip, Lumiere, etc. from the movie and at the end of the little play you get to meet and take pictures with Belle. After that you could go see some characters for pictures, ride the tea cups, and stand in line to ride the race cars. All of these things are right beside each other so there will be limited walking and other than the race cars there will be minimal wait times! Do not wear yourself out because the best of Disney still awaits at dark!

The next topic will cover one of the greatest things you will ever see in your life with your children so do not miss this!

Magic Kingdom tips for kids

The Magic Kingdom which of course was the first Disney theme park in Florida is the most visited theme park in the world. Millions of people a year visit the Magic Kingdom and you will know it when you visit because of the crowds! This park is fairly small compared to the other Disney parks but there is a tons of stuff crammed in there. Since there is so much to see and do I will attempt to break it down into segments. If you have children under the age of 7 then Fantasyland will be your life so learn it well! The rides here are calm, fun, and perfect for this age bracket. We typically spend about 1/2 a day just in this are of the Magic Kingdom.

So here are my tips for seeing Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom!

1. Arrive at park opening and if you are staying on property and there are Extra Morning Magic Hours be there to take advantage of those also. It will be an early morning but it will be the best day of your entire trip! We always do this at least once a trip and it never disappoints.

2. You get to see the park open and as you walk thru the gate you can see the castle with no one in front of it and WOW what a view! Go straight in and up to Fantasyland. As you go thru/under Cinderella's Castle make a straight line to the Dumbo ride and get in line. You will thank me for this later as every kid wants to ride this ride and it is without a doubt the slowest line in the world. If you get there quickly you can be on and off in 15 minutes and relax the rest of the morning. This ride will be like an hour or more line within the first 30 minutes of park opening.

3. Ride Peter Pan which is always a long line and when you get a fast pass to ride it again later trust me boys will ride it 100 times. Girls love it too but this along with Pirates and Buzz are the boy favorites and the line can reach 2 hours in the afternoon if the park is crowded.

4. Then ride Winnie the Pooh, Small World, Snow White?, and see the Phillarmagic show which is spectacular 3-D movie. After all of this it will probably only be maybe 2 hours after park opening and the crowds will start building in this area quickly. Ride Peter Pan if it is time for your fastpass and the get out of Fantasyland because by lunch time it is bonkers in there.

5. Now I would go to Tommorowland and get a fastpass to BuzzlightYear and get some lunch early. Eating lunch by 11-11:30 will save you a ton of time in line waiting for food. By the time noon rolls around you can waste a couple of hours eating when you could be having fun or relaxing. If you are staying on property you could also eat and ride a couple of rides then go back to the resort for a swim or a nap. We rarely do naps but some kids need it and some parents enjoy the down time as well. Whatever is best for your family that is what should come next!

Next post will be how to finish up the Magic Kingdom for kids and don't miss the third post in this series called "The Best of the Magic Kingdom".

Marvel Comics coming to Disney?

In a press release on September 1st Disney announced it was buying Marvel Comics for $4 billion. This purchase gives Disney the rights to some major players in the superhero category such as X-men, Spiderman, The Hulk, and Ironman. This deal will not affect Universal Studios which currently has a section in its Florida theme park known as Marvel Super Hero Island. This agreement will continue to stand as long as Universal continues to operate its facility in Orlando.

How does this affect Disney is still yet to be seen especially from a theme park standpoint. Disney has already been airing some cartoons of these superheroes on one of its expanded cable channels. From a theme park standpoint the possibilities are endless. I can't tell you how many times people have asked us why there are not more options for boys in the 6-12 year old category and this is a perfect fit for that. Right now there are no character meals with male dominated characters so how about a character meal with superheroes? I know every young boy out there is infatuated with superheroes and I believe would prove hugely successful to have dinner with "SUPERHEROES". I am a 36 year old man and I think this would be cool even for me and my oldest daughter who is 10 loves the X-men!

How about a ride or multiple rides featuring superheroes? How cool would that be to have a super hero ride or how about a Phillarmagic type 3-D show with the X-men. This would be a resounding smash and maybe throw in a Spiderman roller coaster. Of course all of these are just my ideas and not from Disney but how fun would these new additions be to the theme parks. If I ran Disney the obvious answer to quickly take advantage of this new purchase would be to start a character meal with superheroes! The food place could already be an established one and maybe even one where the traffic is down or needs a boost. In this instance there is no need to improve the food just add characters and bam instant growth.

While I am discussing character meals how about a Pirate themed one for the kids as well. With the resounding success of the Pirates franchise why not continue to build on that and also reel in more boys. I think Disney is wildly successful at bringing out the princess in all our girls including my wife however, if they put a little more into reaching the boys and making them feel like a hero or pirate I believe the response would be resounding! Lucky for me I have two girls and our trips have always been priceless, but because we have been so many times we would love an infusion of new blood occasionally.

Disney dining tips to prevent headaches

This post comes from many of my friends and family about dining at Disney so I thought I would write a short post to clarify! This is the process you should probably follow especially if you are a first timer to Disneyworld or even just the dining plans.

1. First thing you should always do is determine where you would like to eat and on what day. This seems like such a simple task but the choices are overwhelming and the possibilities endless. If you are staying on Disney property you have a built in grace period of the length of your stay. What I mean is you may make reservations 180 days in advance of the day you check in to Disney! That means if you stay 10 days your last days Disney dining reservation is actually 190 days in advance. Those staying off property will have to call everyday and make 1 reservation then call back each day after that or wait and make them all at once. This means if you would like to eat in Cinderella's Castle you could schedule that for the last day of your trip and your odds of getting the reservation jump tremendously! This will go for all hard to get reservations.

2. After you make your decision call Disney direct on the 180th day before you check in at 7am because that is when the call center opens. You might get lucky and be answered immediately but you may also be on hold for a while! When the reservation desk calls you will go through a bevy of questions and the you begin with the reservations. Always start requesting with the hardest places first which is typically Cinderella's Castle, Ohana's, and LeCellier and make sure those hard to get places are locked in first then do the rest. If you have in questions go to disneyworld.disney.go which will take you to the main Disneyworld site and it should answer any questions. There should be a link directly to disneyworld.disney.go directly to the right or the bottom of this post and you can just click there and it will route you there!

3. After you have your reservations they will give you a confirmation number for each reservation and yes they are like 10 numbers each so do not lose those numbers. My advice would be to put them in a computer, save them in multiple places, and finally print them on a piece of paper the size of a business card. If you can have it laminated and stick it in your wallet before you leave on your trip. Take it to every reservation you have just in case there is confusion. It doesn't happen often but if they can't find your reservation this confirmation number may be the only thing between you and not eating!

4. To complete the overkill I always call about 30-45 days before we arrive and verify all my reservations and confirmation numbers with Disney dining. This will ensure you wrote down the numbers correctly and you days are correct. I can't tell you the times we have been waiting to check in at a restaurant and the person in front of us had the correct confirmation number but wrote down the wrong day and was supposed to be somewhere else that day. This will ruin your day and the chances of making it to the correct place in time to be seated is approximately zero.

5. Lastly when you check in to your Disney resort you can go to the guest services desk and request a printout of all your dining reservations. Compare those to what you have on your laminated business card to ensure they match up! If you do you are good to go and if not the guest services desk can help you to remedy the situation.

For those of you who have never stayed on property the one thing Disney does better than anyone else is service. If you have any issues while staying on property just be kind and ask for help. Of course Disney is not perfect but they will do whatever is they can to accommodate you! This Disney trip you are planning involves time and effort before you get to there so you can ensure less chaos after you arrive. Disneyworld is an enormous place and planning is critical to make sur you get the most for your money. Do not go expecting to wing it especially if you are a first timer because you will be stressed and overwhelmed.

Fantasmic dining

First let me say that the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios is an incredible experience. It may be the best thing in any park goes as far as over the top theatrics. The Fantasmic show may even be a little too much for small children but it is worth the price of admission if you do not see anything else there. The show is in the amphitheater and holds thousands of people so it is super crowded. Right now with tourism down a little they have gone to only doing this show twice a week so get a schedule and work it in.

The biggest obstacle to this show especially since it is only shown twice a week is the long line and wait to get in. Many times you will see people begin lining up two hours for show time and this causes panic and then everyone lines up. So you run the risk of spending up to two hours in line instead of having fun in the park. The sad thing is that the amphitheater is so large that everyone could fit in there it's just that everyone wants the front row. There is not really a bad seat in the place so don't be too concerned about that.

Now here is the secret to avoiding all of this in the first place. The Fantasmic Dining Dinner Package is available in limited quantities so make your reservations early. This is done by calling Disneyworld Dining and asking for reservations to the Fantasmic dinner package and tell them the day and restaurant you would like. The choices are Hollywood and Vine, Mama Melrose, or for a 2 table service meal Brown Derby and yes it is available with the basic Disney dining plan. You schedule your dinner but it has to be before 5 pm at one of the above Disney restaurants and you get reserved seating for the Fantasmic show. You come in a separate entrance about 45 minutes before show time and you get to sit in an area roped off as reserved. Less wait time and reserved seating close to the exit also ensures a quicker exit form the park if you wish. The two keys you have to remember is you must make these reservations in advance and you must request the Fantasmic dinner package or you will not receive the reserved seating vouchers!!!!!

The three Disney restaurants listed are all OK but we have only done Hollywood and Vine and Mama Melrose. Hollywood and Vine is a traditional Disney buffet so the kids will probably eat better but the buffet is decent for adults as well. Mama Melrose is an Italian restaurant and is very hit or miss. We have been a couple of times and the meal was average and the service lousy and also been a couple of times when the whole experience was fantastic. We do tend to have better luck dining here when we are on the Fantasmic Dinner package so that might help with the decision making process.

Top 5 Disney dining without kids

This post is dedicated to a night out without kids or if you have older kids and want a little more grown up experience. This will consist of only one table service meals because the two table service meals will come later.

1. By a landslide LeCellier in the Canada pavilion inside Epcot is number one! This is probably the hardest reservation to get besides the castle. The place is very small and therefore not many tables available to reserve. Out of this world steaks and other entree's are the feature here and the atmosphere feels very non-Disney. There will still be kids here but the size and menu are for more mature palates.

2. I am going with Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort. It is a very casual atmosphere with terrific entree' options that offer a Polynesian flair. It is sitting next door to Ohana's so it is a little loud but the small quaintness takes over and you will feel very relaxed. The food is also excellent and offers a very complex selection.

3. Number three is going to surprise many people because it gets a bad rap on many rate and review boards online. The San Angel Inn is inside the Mexico pavilion at Epcot and I will have to say the food is only mediocre at best. There is a real consistency problem at this place because sometimes it is great and others not so much! If you get past that the atmosphere is second to none at Disneyworld dining. Go by and check it out and you will see how wonderfully amazing this place really is!

4. This slot goes to the Grand Floridian Cafe which is amazingly at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This resort resonates with class and style and therefore all the restaurants here are worth the advanced reservation. This is definitely not the best this resort has to offer, but the two best are 2 table service credits. It has a nice selection of steak, fish, and chicken and of course ending a meal sharing chocolate fondue is always a nice touch.

5. Another undervalued restaurant in the Disneyworld dining experience is at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The Turf Club Bar and Grill is in an inconspicuous place and so the traffic is much less than the dining options in a theme park or on the monorail loop. Don't let it fool you though because it is a fantastic dining option. Their entree's are sensational and the appetizers are definitely above average. The desserts are typical Disney, but the ambiance is very solid for a 1 table service option.

There you have it! The top five 1 table service options on the Disneyworld dining option for couples with no children. The kids would probably still be OK at these locations it just wouldn't be their choice. The next post I will attempt to tackle my top 5 for 2 table service options.

Rating the best of Disneyworld dining (part 2)

This post is dedicated to the table service meals I feel are best when dining at Disneyworld. This list is comprised from many meals consumed at Disney over our 35 past vacations here in 20 years. Some places are ranked because of atmosphere, some food, and occasionally you get the best of both, so here goes.

1. Without a doubt the best meal for a 1 table service option in all of Disneyworld dining is Ohana's at the Polynesian resort. This resort is a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom and worth the trip out of the park. It is a wonderfully relaxing Polynesian style meal with tons of great food and the themeing of the restaurant is spot on. Your meal starts out with appetizers in bowls which include noodles, salad, wings, and Welcome Bread. Then the meal starts coming out in skewers which include shrimp, steak, turkey, and pork and they will continue to bring you meat until you explode or quit whichever comes first. Then they bring out the bread pudding with bananas foster and ice cream which you will say no thank you until you taste it and then you shovel it in anyway! My biggest tip here is if your kids will not eat this food ask for kids meals. They will bring you out a huge plate of grilled cheese, chicken, fries, hamburger, or whatever and your kids will not go hungry. During the course of your meal there will be someone playing traditional Polynesian music, teaching the kids to luau, and they even have coconut races for the kids. It is a great family experience for the atmosphere and the food and that is why it is number 1 on my list.

2. The next option is going to have to be Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort. We have only done breakfast (many times) but we have heard that dinner is good as well. It is a buffet so everyone especially the kids will find something to eat and as far as buffet's go it is pretty good. The stars of the show are the characters which include Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto who come to your table while you eat. Each character has a rotation that they follow so you do not have to stand in line or worry about some other family cutting in on your action. They will sign autographs, take pictures, and interact with your family which is a memory you never will forget.

3. This slot was a little bit of a toss up but keeping the kids in mind I went with Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom. This is another buffet which is pretty decent and is also a character meal which is fun. There is not really a special theme or anything exotic about the place just food and characters. This is a must do for us each trip because my kids love Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and most of all Piglet. Once again great character interaction with pictures and autographs. These characters also have a designated rotation and will hit every table at least once in an hour so by the time you have eaten all the characters have come to you. We have eaten both lunch and dinner and both were similar just slightly different food options for dinner but the same of everything else.

4. My kids love the Coral Reef at Epcot because of the scenery. It is beside the large fish aquarium and the kids meal comes with a laminated picture of the fish that are in the tank. My kids love trying to find all the fish especially the turtles and sharks. The food is actually pretty good and most reviews on this place are great or awful. We have been numerous times and never had bad service or food. The typical Disneyworld dining menu of steaks, a little seafood, and some other various chef specialties. The desserts are fabulous! The kids meals come with an appetizer, entree', and dessert which is usually a build your own sundae.

5. The last spot goes to the Akershus restaurant in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. This is a 1 table service meal that has princesses come to your table. The ambiance is not as good as Cinderella's castle but it is 1 table service credit and I think the food is better. We have eaten both breakfast and dinner here and enjoyed both. The princesses come to your table and can include Jasmine, Aurora, Belle, Mulan, Snow White, and Aeriel with legs and they are awesome with the kids. Of course I have two girls and if you only have boys somewhere else may be a better option for your family. The meals choices include a few traditional Norwegian dishes and most are seafood based. You also get a cold food appetizer bar with deli meats, cheeses, salads, and seafood which is really good. or dessert they bring you the Royal Chef's dessert plate which is sampling of all they have to offer and you can have as much as you want of anything you like.

I hope this is helpful when making your reservations for Disneyworld dining and remember all of these recommendations are based with children in mind. My next post will be my top five 1 table service meals without children. Remember on the Disney dining plan that these are large meals and to really utilize the value of what you pay for do your Table service meal for dinner, counter service for lunch and your snack for breakfast or anytime of the day!

Rating the best of Disneyworld dining for kids(part 1)

I thought the best approach to this is assume everyone will be at every park at least once on their trip as well as visiting Downtown Disney at least once. That being assumed this post will strictly focus on what we consider the best of the counter service options in all of Disneyworld dining with kids. I will also give a short description as to why those are our choices and to some surprise it is not always because of the food. Strange isn't it?

1. The absolute best counter service Disneyworld dining has to offer is at Downtown Disney and it is called Wolfgang Puck Express! This is without a doubt the best quality and selection of any counter service restaurant on property. If you are on the dining plan (regular or quick service) this is a not to be missed stop. The portions are large and the quality is exceptional.

2. For number two I am going to have to go with Sunshine Seasons inside The Land Pavilion at Epcot. The food is always OK but the selection resembles a small food court so everyone can find something that appeals to them. This makes the Disneyworld dining experience much less stressed when one family member wants one thing and someone wants something else. For the most part the variety is diverse enough to appeal to everyone.

3. Number three is at Magic Kingdom and is a tie between Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Ray's. Columbia Harbor House is a favorite of ours for one main reason "SWEET TEA" and it is about the only place Disneyworld dining offers it sweetened. The fact that they have a pretty good salad, sandwich, and of course fish and chips is a nice option from traditional park food. Cosmic Ray's has a large selection with lots of seating. This little alien guy plays the piano and sings while you eat which is annoying to me but the kids love it. If you are on the dining plan you could actually share food here and save some meal credits for later especially if you choose the ribs and chicken. This is usually enough to feed two adults and two kids while only using 2 counter service meal credits!

4. For this slot I am going with Flametree BBQ at the Animal Kingdom. This is actually a pretty good meal and once again strays from traditional theme park food. They serve up BBQ ribs, chicken, and pork with the sides also. The seating is very relaxed among all the trees and natural wildlife which is also very appealing. It is kind of like a midday break from all the Disney craziness.

5. For the final spot I am going way out of the box on this one. The Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios is another good stop off point because of its location. The only reason this place is in my top five is because it is the only place we have found where there is a place to get free refills. This might sound silly but on a hot day a free refill to take with you as you leave the restaurant is priceless. (Not to mention that a coke is 2.50). The food is typical fast food burgers and chicken nuggets but the kids seem to love it but, please do not go expecting to be blown away by the food!


In closing I would like to mention that without kids walking around World Showcase in Epcot can be a real treat. Each pavilion offers a counter service and for those who enjoy trying things this is a great option for you! You can choose Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Norwegian, German, Moroccan, United Kingdom, or French as a counter service meal or snack! Just another terrific option in the world of Disneyworld dining!

Disney dining plans

1. There are three main types of Disney dining plan options available. The first is a relative new comer called the quick service dining plan and includes two quick service meals, two snacks, and a refillable resort mug for each person in your party. The cost is set at $30 for adults and $9 a day for kids and since there is no table service meals on your plan their is no tipping involved. The two counter service meals include one Entree or one complete Combo meal, dessert (lunch/dinner) or One juice (breakfast) & One single non-alcoholic beverage. Having been before this option seems reasonable although I am not sure if the adult meals would really be much of a cost savings from just paying out of pocket?

2. The basic Disney dining plan is what my family always chooses! This will get you one table service meal, one counter service meal, and one snack per day for each member in your party. A counter service meal can be described just like the quick service dining plan but here you only get one. The table service includes entree and dessert (lunch or dinner only), or full buffet, 1 juice (breakfast only), non-alcoholic beverage; dessert not available at breakfast). 1 child table-service meal includes 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert (lunch or dinner only) and 1 single serving non-alcoholic beverage, or 1 full buffet. Always remember that advanced reservations for Disney dining is always recommended and can be made 180 days in advance. The cost of this plan is $40 for adult and $11 per child per day and does not include gratuities at the table service meal. We always choose this option for two reasons: We love the food at Disney and we need down time and this the the perfect opportunity to do just that!

3. The Deluxe Dining plan is crazy amounts of food and time needed to plan it out! This plan offers your choice from select Walt Disney World Resort table-service and quick-service restaurants for all 3 of your meals. In other words you could conceivable have 3 table service meals a day which is crazy! The best way to utilize this option is to make one of your meals a 2 table service dining option thus getting a sample of the best Disney dining options available. The cost of the Deluxe Disney Dining plan is $72 per adult and $21 per child per night for every member of your party and does not include gratuity which could run you upwards of $75 per day. Of course you also get 2 snacks per person per day as well as a resort refillable mug. Just remember that advance dining reservations are recommended and can be made 180 days in advance, especially for more popular Disney dining establishments. This Disney dining option seems perfect for couples on a honeymoon, anniversary, or special getaway and not very appealing to kids who would rather be playing than eating.

In future posts I will give the low down on what are the best value and best meals for each category including counter service, table service, and 2 table service Disney dining options.

Disneyworld dining tips

These tips will not necessarily save you money but lots of time and will be really fun for everyone in the family. Disneyworld dining is a real treat for people who live on a strict budget the whole year and really go all out on vacation. There are so many options and a wide range of costs anyone can find a great place to eat!

1. Always make advanced dining reservations through Disney before your trip for any place you might a nice sit down (Disney refers to it as table service) meal. The high demand places such as character dining and Le cellier for example fill up quickly. You can now make reservations 180 days in advance of your check in day. You will need to call at that 180 day mark to get the really hard places. The best advice I have for this is call and make the reservations at the end of your trip for the castle so it is like getting 180+ to get those reservations.

2. If you want a little less stress we always choose the Disney dining plan not because we save substantial money but the food in essence is pre-paid. This is so much less stressful because if the kids don't eat well it feels less overwhelming. Plus it frees us up to select meals we probably would never choose under the out of pocket option. Disney dining plan has pros and cons but for us it is simpler and we do save a little money but less stress in crucial to having a good Disneyworld vacation.

3. If you have kids do at least a couple of character meals in your Disneyworld dining experience. This is a table service meal where the characters (which you will know ahead of time) come to your table for pictures and autographs while you eat. We try to do the princess characters (Norway in Epcot or Cinderella's castle) because to see those characters in the park are very long lines so it saves time and it's fun for kids. We also usually do a character meal with Mickey, Minnie, and others also because of time savings and everyone has a blast. These meals are not cheap if you pay out of pocket but they are crucial to maximize your time especially if it your first visit.

4 Most places have a decent kids menu but do not be afraid to ask for something not on the menu. No grilled cheese on the Disney dining option then ask your server and Disney will do its best to accommodate you, we do this all the time! Most counter service (fast food) offer a modified kids meal for $5-6 so the price is pretty reasonable. All meals come with two sides such as applesauce, grapes, or carrot sticks but in tiny print on the menu you can substitute for fries and a cookie so read carefully. You can also substitute soda for milk or juice is you like just tell the Disney employee.

5. My last tip seems so ridiculous but it has two parts so read carefully. When you go to order at a counter service meal there will be 5-10 registers to order from and you can go on either side of the counter. The employee will rotate from one side to the other which make the line go faster. Always go to the far left register on the left side and your line will move faster 90% of the time. Part two is while you are standing in line decide what every member in your party is going to eat before you get to the register. If you stand in line for 10-15 minutes you should never have to get to the register and turn to your kids and go What do you want to eat? This is not only wasting your time but everyone else waiting to order. This is extremely annoying to those waiting and guess what chances are they paid close to the same to get there as you so please be courteous to others.


Disneyworld dining is fun but definitely not cheap. It typically requires alot of research to determine how to maximize our Disney dining experience. Always try to choose places that the whole family will enjoy and hopefully like the food. If you are picky eaters why would you try to eat at a Moroccan restaurant. Use common sense and go out of your box on vacvation but not so far out you are intimidated. Have fun with you Disneyworld dining!

More time saving tips

1. If you can afford to stay at a resort on the Disney monorail loop this will save you valuable time. The Disney monorail is efficient and quick transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Time on the bus or parking your own car can drastically slow you down when entering the park. The quicker you enter the parks at opening the more long line rides you can do before the rest of the crowds hit. Staying at these Disney monorail resorts is one way to expedite your time.

2. Always enter the park and go left to tour. This doesn't always work but odds are good that right handed people go right so this usually works well for us. The parks are usually designed in a hub and spoke model so if you go left and more people go right your early morning will be less crowded. Then at midday when you see the crowds picking up you have probably met the right handers in the middle. Go back to the park front and go right thus being behind the bulk of the crowd. This is not an exact science but we have had great luck with this strategy on most of our trips.

3. Take your lunch break at 11 instead of the typical lunch time of 12. You can waste valuable time and be stressed by the lunch crowds so go early to avoid the chaos. If you happen to miss this window then grab a quick snack and eat lunch after 1 or so.

4. At the Magic Kingdom you will see lots of small children and parents who think they can go all day long. About 5-6 you will notice a substantial drop off in crowds especially the little ones because they simply cannot make it. Enjoy the areas of the park designed for little ones especially Fantasyland in the evenings the crowds will be smaller. Consequently avoid these areas like the plague in the morning and afternoon.

5. If you stay on property leave for an afternoon break about 1 and stay out until about 4. This is peak crowd time and the hottest so you avoid the crowds and the heat. Go back to the resort take a swim and put the little ones down for a nap. This will allow you to be rested and relaxed to enjoy the evenings when the crowds and the temps go back down. This 1-4 time will be crowded and the lines long so the worst you will miss out on is maybe a couple of attractions that you can do with short lines in the evening.

Avoiding crowds at DisneyWorld

Now that all my background information on the resorts is complete we can focus on our tips portion of this blog. No one question is asked of my family more than I want to go when it is not so crowded so here is a list of tips to avoid crowds at Disney.

1. If your kids are out of school chances are so is everyone else. I am not saying take your kids out of school but the facts are people travel when the kids are not in class.

2. Go on a reputable web site and find out when "value" season dates are for the calender year you are planning your trip. Value season aside from being the least expensive is obviously when the crowds are anticipated to be lowest.

3. Don't attempt to go to Magic Kingdom on a weekend because everyone else will be there. Most good web sites will give you the days of the week when each park is least attended. Most people start their vacation on Saturday or Sunday and Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world logic should tell you those weekend days will be busy!

4. If you stay on property and take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours for on property guests try to utilize the morning option as the crowds are very small and you can ride quite a few things before the park opens to the general public.

5. In our experience we always have had luck going to the same park the day after the evening magic hours for that same park. For example if Epcot has night time magic hours on Friday that means the park will be open late and most everyone on property will be there. So the next day Epcot will probably be lighter that any other park in terms of traffic!

Come back every two days for 5 more tips! I have numerous more tips on avoiding crowds and maximizing your time at DisneyWorld.

Yacht Club

Yet another place we have never stayed but would love to try some day! There are a few appealing things about this resort so here we go.

1. The Location is key here. You are within walking distance from both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Also within walking distance of the Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, and right next door to the Beach Club.

2. So many fine dining establishments close by that the options are endless.

3. The Yachtsman Steakhouse which serves tasty cuts of superbly aged beef, poultry and seafood selections and serves only dinner is on the resort grounds.

4. Stormalong Bay is a three-acre water playground shared between the Yacht Club and the Beach Club and guests at both resorts are welcome.

5. Ship Shape Health Club is located between the Beach and Yacht Club resorts next to Lafferty Place Arcade and open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

6. Be sure to request and activities flyer where you can participate in things like campfire or sing-a-longs.

7. Fantasia Gardens - is located across from the Swan/Dolphin hotels. Here you can enjoy mini-golf at its best... Disney style.

8. Deluxe resort so deluxe amenities.

9. Very relaxing and inviting theme makes this a fun place to visit.

10. Themed after seaside New England hotels of the late 1800s, the Yacht Club has a stately, nautical look and feel; hardwood floors and brass accents enhance this feeling.

This is my list of why to stay at the Yacht Club. It appears to be a fantastic resort and lots of fun. The relaxing atmosphere makes it great for children and parents. The feeling of being close to everything is very appealing to those who stay here. I hope if this resort fits the need of your family you have a great time at this facility.

Wilderness Lodge

This is yet another resort we have not had the opportunity to visit. I have heard wonderful things about this resort and many message boards out there rank this is one of their favorite on property resorts. The themeing of this resort is modeled after a lodge at Yellowstone National Park. As you enter the lodge you supposedly can hear crickets chirping and you are greeted with a huge 80 foot tall fireplace with rocking chairs. All around you are confronted with totem poles, wood carvings, teepee chandeliers, and yes some very nice Hidden Mickeys. Here are my top reasons for staying at this resort.

1. The themeing is really cool and masculine like a hunting lodge or something.

2. It is a deluxe resort so the amenities will be vast.

3. There is a bubbling geyser in the lobby that leads out to a really nice pool in the Park theme.

4. The 120' Geyser spouts every hour on the hour from 7:00 am to 10:00 PM Walk from the lodge to the back of the pool and there is a walkway to Watch the Geyser.

5. You can sun bathe on the sunny beach of Bay Lake because there is a roped off area in the water around the sandy beach where you are allowed to wade.

6. Artist Point is a fabulous restaurant that features cuisine from the Northwestern US.

7. Whispering Canyon Cafe is another terrific restaurant that serves family style on skillets.

8. Teton Boat and Bike Rentals is open from 8am to 5pm for Bikes and 10am to 5pm for Boats.

9. Transportation from the Wilderness Lodge is available through either the Boat Dock or the Bus Depot. They are located on opposite ends of the resort.

10. Suites and Junior suites are available if you want to pay extra.

Not really the resort for us but I do plan on visiting sometime in my lifetime. Based on the reviews I have read this resort is spectacular with great themeing. Check it out if you enjoy camping or the great outdoors this may be the place for you.

Boardwalk

Today's post is similar in fashion to some other Deluxe accommodations that I have not had the opportunity to visit. We have been down around the Boardwalk and in a couple of shops but other than that we don't have much experience at this resort. So I thought I would go through all of the research for this resort and highlight why I would like to stay at this resort.

1. The location is within easy walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios which means no transportation by boat or bus on those park days.

2. It is also within walking distance of four other premium resorts which means lots of additional fine dining options. These include The Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club.

3. he Boardwalk offers a wide range of activities that differs from day to day. Seasonally, you will find midway games, jugglers, entertainers, hand wax molds, food vendors, magic shows.

4. The main swimming pool is very inviting to adults and kids alike. The area is called Luna Park and is themed after a carnival and even the water slide looks like a wooden roller coaster. The Luna Park Crazy House is a play area also located near the main swimming area.

5. Muscles and Bustles Health Club offers free weights, Life Fitness, Stairmaster and Cybex exercise equipment. There are also other amenities available such as sauna, tanning bed, steam room, and massage therapies.

6. There is a Community Hall where you can rent all kinds of recreation activity gear. You can fish, croquet, rent bikes, tennis, ping pong, etc. are all available to help you have fun and entertain the young ones.

7. There is also night life available here if that is your thing. Atlantic Dance club for those dancers out there, Jellyrolls for the comedy lovers, and ESPN Club for the sports lovers which are located on the Boardwalk.

8. The restaurant options here are wide and range from simple to extravagant. There is the Espn club, Big River Grill and Brewing Works, a bakery, ice cream shop and two very nice dining establishments known as Spoodles and Flying Fish Cafe.

9. The fact this is a deluxe resort means you can expect lots of luxuries, higher price tag, but all the service we have come to expect from a Disney resort which is top notch.

I can't say this is on my absolutely have to do list although I hope to some day have stayed in all the Disney resorts at least once. I think this might be a great fit for many families but I have more of a desire to do the Beach Club and the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Beach Club Resort

I am going to write this in a fashion similar to my Animal Kingdom Lodge posts. I have never stayed at this facility but have eaten here and we explored the grounds pretty thoroughly. This is my compiled list of the reasons to stay at the Beach Club! Disneyfamilyvacationtips says:

1. The pool is amazing! The Stormalong Bay is like a little mini-waterpark with the coolest feature of all time sand bottom pools. It has a fantastic slide, many hot tubs, kids area with waterslides, and all in a shipwreck theme. There is also a fence around the pool to help with security and you must be a Beach Club guest to enjoy the facilities.

2. Cape May Cafe is a pretty nice table service restaurant that offers a character meal with Goofy and friends as a buffet breakfast. There is also a seafood buffet at dinner which we have enjoyed on a previous trip.

3. Beaches and Cream is a 1950s type hotshop serving burgers, hot dogs, soups, grilled cheese, and of course ice cream. Be sure to take the family and order The Kitchen Sink which is a mammoth sundae with 8 flavors of ice cream and every topping in the house!

4. Fairly close walk to both Epcot and Hollywood studios as well as being across the waterway from the Boardwalk. You are really close to two theme parks, dining, and fun without ever getting on a boat or bus.

5. The general themeing of the resort is very relaxing and inviting. It is styled after the New England seaside at the turn of the century and the seashore theme is evident throughout. It sit next to the Yacht Club where you are welcome to use their facilities as well.

6. There are a wide range of accommodations available ranging from a standard studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and on up to luxury suites. So you are sure to find accommodation to suit your particular family needs.

7. Be sure to request the Recreational Activities flyer from the lobby. There are many activities like Water Volleyball, Campfire Sing-along, or Movie Under the Stars may be offered throughout your stay.

8. Ship Shape Health Club that offers weight lifting and aerobic machines as well as a spa, steam room, sauna and massage therapy. For those of us that still enjoy our exercise on vacation.

9. On the water side of the BC on the public walkway, you will find a portable espresso and frozen drink bar as well as tattoos and hair braiding booths. My kids always seem to want tatoos at Disneyworld and almost every trip do the hair braiding (Magic Kingdom though).

As you can see there are many great things about the Beach Club that will make your trip magical. The only drawback would be for the budget minded visitor because this is deluxe accommodations so it can cost some good money especially if you opt for a suite. On the plus side with all those amenities it will not be hard to find something everyone can enjoy.

Free Dining at Disneyworld

Who doesn't love free food? Disney has announced an extension of the current free dining plan through the middle of December. We have had the privilege of doing this in September and it was awesome. Most people new to the Disney experience might think this to be no big deal but food at Disney is ridiculously expensive. You do typically end up paying rack room rates for the accomodation to get this deal but for a family of four: two adults, a junior(still costs as an adult), and a child this is about $130 per day. To pay out of pocket it is $40 per day for each adult and $10 a day for each child and everyone in the room must buy this option unless they are under 3 years of age! This doesn't include tip however which for us was about $15-$20 at a typical table service meal. What does free dining get me for the money well here are the basics from disneyfamilyvacationtips.

Quick service free dining usually accompanies the value resort plan and includes: 2 quick service meals and 2 snacks per day for each person in your room. This option is good if you want faster meal options but are limited to typical theme park dining such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza, etc. If you do your research well and it will be covered in a future post there are some real hidden gems in the quick service category. Your meal will include one entree or one complete Combo meal, dessert (lunch/dinner) or One juice (breakfast) & One single non-alcoholic beverage. The snack range from items such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn, single piece of whole fruit, medium fountain soft drink but pretty much anything $4 or less is included with a few minor exceptions. Disneyfamilvacationtips says we have never done this option, but it is not bad for first time park goers with small children.

Typical dining plan is what we have always done and we do this even when we have not gotten it for free because it simply makes life easier. For this option you get 1 table service meal, one quick service meal, and one snack per day per person. One table-service meal (including entree and dessert (lunch or dinner only), or full buffet, 1 juice (breakfast only), non-alcoholic beverage; dessert not available at breakfast). 1 child table-service meal includes 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert (lunch or dinner only) and 1 single serving non-alcoholic beverage, or 1 full buffet. The counter service and snacks are the same as the quick dining option but you only get one of each. The benefit to this is there are some exceptional dining options available at Disneyworld and you get the pleasure of enjoying them and on this promotion it is free! There is so much food it is absurd especially if you are like us and have a light eating 10 year old who get an adult meal and typically eats 1/3 of the plate. Disneyfamilyvacationtips says go with this option even if it is not free to eliminate hastle and to have most of your food pre-paid before you arrive at Disneyworld.

There are also dining options such as deluxe dining premium dining, and platinum dining which all escalate in price, options, and food. These all include your choice of up to three table service meals per day, three quick service meals per day, or any combination of three meals. Plus two snack and an resort refillable mug. The premium and platinum also offer this as well as things such as spa treatments, reserved show seating, unlimited use of recreation (including golf), and even unlimited admission to theme park tours. Disneyfamilyvacationtips says this might be so much to offer you would have to stay a month to really enjoy all the privileges but it sure would be fun to try.

So what am I getting at with the free dining is it is a good deal if you use it wisely and enjoy eating. $150 for a weeks worth of good food at Disney is a good deal and if you don't believe me find some of the menus available online and look at the corresponding prices. It is a monster deal if you have two adults and two teens! Disneyfamilyvacationtips says whenever there is free dining and you can go do it!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

I personally have never stayed or even visited this resort. However, that does not stop me from enjoying and dreaming by looking at pictures on line. I think this is a must do for our family in the future. My children love animals and the themeing for the resort seems so "safari" and I have always dreamed of doing that as well. This is a deluxe resort but is on the lower end of the deluxe scale meaning quite a bit more affordable than the monorail resorts. The prices for a studio lists for $240 during value and go up to $405 during holiday season. This actually seems like a relative bargain when you consider what all this resort has to offer. Disney family vacation tips recommends to do this at some point in your Disney career because it just flat out looks cool!

Since I have no first hand experience from this resort I have done some research and narrowed down a few reasons to choose this resort for a future stay at the world. Here are the Disney family vacation tips:

1. There are three savannas at the resort to offer many chances to see animals in a habitat similar to their own. Each of the three boast different animals and a completely different look. The savannas are lit a night to mimic a full moon every evening which is super cool.

2. There are 724 savannas view rooms available so you can watch the animals out your window.

3. Two excellent dining options in Jiko and Boma's representing a traditional African buffet and a lighter side option at Jiko's.

4. Zawadi Marketplace is the retail shop celebrating the romantic and adventuresome spirit of Africa through the stories and cultures represented in its merchandise. It is nearly 6,000 square feet and is one of the largest shops on property.

5. The Uzima Springs pool is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It has a zero-entry pool, waterslide, kiddy wade pool, and most importantly is open 24 hours a day.

6. Full spa and fitness center for your relaxation or need to burn off the extra calories from eating to much Boma's.

7. There is also a kids playground for the little ones when they need to extinguish some extra energy.

8. There are many different programs offered and range from cookie decorating, African games and crafts, night vision viewing at the savannas, and adventure camp for the kids just to name a few.

These are the few things that stood out to me about the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It looks incredible and is definitely on my to do list for the future. If I do it must be a savanna room on at least the 3rd floor or higher for the view.