Disney

One Day at Magic Kingdom

What do you do when you only have one day at Magic Kingdom? We were lucky enough to sneak in a mini trip on our vacation to Anna Maria Island. Disney comped us two tickets so we knew we had to make it work. We went for one day two years ago and said I would never do it again. It was so hard for me to leave and I felt so rushed that it wasn’t magical. This time was different because I was prepared. Here’s what I did differently.

Ride Every Ride

I stumbled upon an amazing course called Line Hacks that changed how I do Disney parks. We arrived at the park around 10a and were able to do the following before fireworks:

  • Haunted Mansion
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Dumbo
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle
  • It’s a Small World
  • Mad Tea Party (3 times)
  • Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
  • Meet Mickey, Minnie, Tink, Cinderella and Elena
  • The Barnstormer
  • Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • The 3 o’clock parade

The best part was that we weren’t rushing to do all of these things. We had a super laid back day and were able to choose which rides we wanted while we were around them. My step count was less than half than it usually is because I wasn’t criss crossing the park to get to my fast passes. I highly recommend paying one time for the course and using this every time you go back. If you have older kids or are there with adults only, this would be a really fun way to hit every ride. They have a challenge that is 20 rides in 8 hours (including the big ones) which sounds really fun!

This Won’t Be Your Last Trip

It’s likely that this won’t be your last trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your trip and also while you’re there. If you get a massive migraine and need to sit out of a few rides, allow yourself some grace. If your toddler has a tantrum while meeting Mickey, he’ll meet him again. It’s hard to keep this in mind when there’s so little time and so much money spent but everyone will have a better experience. Choose two must-do attractions and one snack or meal. Beyond that, go with the flow.

Don’t Make Meals a Priority

Sit down meals take so much time. We did not want to have a lot of snacks because they’re more expensive. While we were there for one day at Magic Kingdom we had Pecos Bill’s. We got a kids meal for our 5 year old because she was really hungry but my husband and I split beef nachos for $13. We asked for an extra container and headed to the toppings bar where we made them full meals by adding lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese and salsa. Both of us were unintentionally stuffed. For $6.50 a person at Disney, that’s the best deal I’ve found. We shared a treat in Big Top Souvenirs (giant Mickey Cookie and Mickey rice krispie treat). For dinner my husband and I split a Bacon Macaroni & Cheese All-Beef Hot Dog from Casey’s Corner which came with fries. It was $12 and stuffed us both. Our daughter got a Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with Nutella from Sleepy Hallow and it’s now on our ‘must-get’ list. It was the perfect mix of dessert + fresh fruit.

How do you spend your time if you only have one day in the parks? And which park do you choose?

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one day at magic kingdom

Favorite Disney Gear for Kids at the Parks

We’re headed to the most magical place on earth in less than a month. Of course I am consumed with all things Disney. I’ve been looking for the best outfits for my family and I and wanted to share what works best for us when we head to Walt Disney World Resorts. I’ll share a women’s post but this is what I found works best for our daughter.

Favorite Disney Gear for Kids at the Parks

Some links below are Amazon affiliate links.

What Should My Kid Wear to Disney?

  1. Custom Magic Band– Magic bands are good forever and they really hold up well through sweat, sunscreen and Splash Mountain.
  2. Minnie Ears– Minnie Ears have exploded over the past few years. People make them and pay lots of money for custom ears. We found this rainbow sequins pair on Amazon for almost half of what they are in the parks.
  3. Fanny Pack– I know! They’re totally in again though. Our daughter is always carrying a purse with her lip gloss, pen, money, bows and her mirror. We want her to be able to feel responsible to carry her own money for souvenirs.
  4. Cute Sunnies– Sunglasses are a must in Florida no matter what time of year you visit. We love these because they’re flexible and tough. They are also polarized which a lot of kid sunglasses don’t have.
  5. Pin Lanyard– We love pin trading and our daughter does as well. It’s a great way for her to talk to kids and other park guests. It’s also the perfect way to collect an inexpensive souvenir each time we visit.
  6. Minnie Skirt– Our girlie wants to wear her princess dresses all day every day but they can get hot in the parks. She settled for a little Disney Bounding skirt to look like Minnie this year.
  7. Character Shirt– The Disney Store runs sales all the time so we usually pick up our favorite character shirts before heading to the park. Target is great for this as well.
  8. Comfortable Shoes– They’re going to want to wear flip flops or princess shoes but you’ve got to put your foot down with this. Broken in tennis shoes are necessary for them and yourselves while walking all day in the parks.

What kid gear am I missing besides the obvious of sunscreen and tons of water?!

Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet Coloring Pages

Is your family looking forward to Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet – in theaters November 21st? Download and print FREE Disney Ralph Breaks the Internet Coloring Pages today!

Ralph Breaks The Internet Coloring Pages DIY Mama

Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet

Are your kids begging to see Ralph Breaks the Internet every time they see the trailer or a poster like mine? We were stoked to get the invite to the premier but I didn’t have super high hopes for the movie. I typically like the originals way better than the sequals so although Disney always kills it with their animated films, I was still wary it would be as good as Wreck it Ralph. I am excited to say that I was wrong and it is amazing! It’s definitely as good as the first movie with tons of humor for both kids and adults as well as some seriously good messaging on friendship and the internet.

Before you check out the movie go ahead and download and print out these adorable Ralph Breaks the Internet Coloring Pages for us– plus there are a couple of bonus activities! Simply scroll to the bottom to print the coloring pages today!

 

Ralph Breaks The Internet Coloring Pages DIY Mama

About the film:

In RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET, video-game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet—the Netizens—to help navigate their way. Lending a virtual hand are Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site “BuzzzTube,” and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces—so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had. Directed by Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) and Phil Johnston (co-writer “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Zootopia,” writer, “Cedar Rapids”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt,” “Lilo & Stitch”), “Ralph Breaks the Internet” hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.

Like WRECK-IT RALPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph/
Follow WRECK-IT RALPH on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wreckitralph
Follow WRECK-IT RALPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wreckitralph/
Visit the official RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET website here: http://movies.disney.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-wreck-it-ralph-2

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET arrives in theaters everywhere on November 21st!

Ralph Breaks The Internet Coloring Pages DIY Mama

For another favorite Disney post, check out my Inside Out Memory Orb Cake:

Inside Out Memory Orb Cake

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Ralph Breaks the Internet-coloring page DIY Mama

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Ralph Breaks the Internet-coloring page DIY Mama

Ralph Breaks The Internet Coloring Activity Page DIY Mama Blog

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Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision- I was invited by Walt Disney Special Events to attend a private preview of Pandora – World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, but all opinions and photos are my own.

Disney World resorts offer guests many benefits you won’t find staying at other hotels in Orlando. We’ve stayed at several Disney resorts and found that while each offers it’s own unique experience, there’s a resort to fit every family’s needs. I have been to Disney World 11 times, not counting the 6 months I lived there and frequented the parks and resorts. I have visited, if not stayed, at every WDW Resort property other than the campsites at Fort Wilderness (which is on my bucket list!) We have also stayed off property as a kid and an adult. This last trip solidified that I will never stay off property again.

Here is a list of reasons why you should choose a Disney resort when planning your Disney vacation:

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

MAGICAL EXPRESS

We’ll start at the first bit of Disney magic you encounter upon landing at MCO. In the planning stages when guests are booking their reservations and buying tickets, they’ll also have the chance to sign up for Magical Express tickets for free. The Magical Express is the large air conditioned bus that whisks you off to your resort. Simultaneously, your checked bags are taken to your resort and placed in your rooms before check-in. TIP: I suggest always taking carry-on but if you must check luggage, be sure to bring a bag with everything you may need for the parks (including swim suits) as your carry-on.

Epcot Monorial

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

My number one reason for staying on property is their complimentary transportation. Guests can avoid the hassle of driving and parking, and save time and money. You’ll have your choice of riding a bus, boat or monorail within Disney property. Parking is also free for guests of Disney resorts. Standard parking throughout the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and hotel areas is complimentary for resort guests.

MAGIC BANDS

Magic Bands are great for convenience and efficiency around Disney World. With your magic band, you’re able to:

  • Unlock the door of your Disney Resort hotel room.
  • Enter theme and water parks (with valid admission).
  • Check in at FastPass+ entrances.
  • Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account.
  • Charge food and merchandise purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room (only available during your hotel stay).

It makes it especially easy when you’re trying to balance a child and souvenirs and snacks to just use your magic band without having to dig around for a card.

Pandora World of Avatar

EXTRA MAGIC HOURS

All resort guests are invited to visit the parks before or after the normal public hours. Extra magic hours are especially great for new attraction openings like Pandora-World of Avatar. Resort guests are able to see the World of Avatar an hour before the public enters the land! This means, you can get less wait time on your favorite attractions if you’re unable to get a fastpass.

FASTPASS+

You can go on the best rides without waiting in any lines with a FastPass+. Simply schedule your passes 60 days prior to your vacation (30 days before non-resort guests). If you are a first time WDW vacationer or you have a special must-do ride, you might leave it up to a Disney travel planner to make sure you have the best chance of getting that attraction’s FastPass.

why staying on property at disney is the best decision

SPECIAL AMENITIES

Each resort has it’s own special amenities that make that property unique. As you go up in price from a budget friendly resort to a deluxe resort, more amenities are added. When I visited Board Walk Resort their amenities really impressed me. We visited:

  • Jellyrolls– a dueling piano bar for 21+
  • Flying Fish– a newly renovated contemporary American restaurant serving premium sustainable seafood and prime steaks
  • Boardwalk Bakery– a quaint shop with baked goods, soups, salads and sandwiches
  • Abracadabar– a fun magician themed bar where the bartenders do tricks and the theming is top notch
  • Trattoria al Forno– casual Italian eatery offering dinner from an open window kitchen as well as an all-new Character Breakfast (the only location you can find Princess Rapunzel and Princess Ariel with their princes!)

Aside from those fantastic amenities, there is a wonderful pool with slide, arcade room with VR games, yoga on the brand new green turf grass, family bicycles and much more! My favorite amenities of any resort are the options to nap (or swim) and do laundry. Being able to do these two things helps us last from rope drop to after the fireworks without being zombies.

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

RESORT THEMING

Each resort has its own theme, staff, and activities that remind you that you’re still in Disney World. If there’s anything you know about Disney, it’s that they do not skimp on theming. Their resorts are no exception and they go above in helping you feel the Disney magic. If you are bringing children, I highly suggest staying at the Art of Animation resort where all their favorite Disney characters are huge statues throughout the resort. The suites are laid out to make sure everyone has enough space with sleeping for 6 adults and two full bathrooms. Plus, their pool is the best and biggest on Disney property with underwater speakers so you can hear the tunes down below!

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

GREAT LOCATION

The less time you waste on travel, the more time you have enjoying WDW with your family. The Disney resorts are sprinkled all across Disney property making it convenient to get from your resort to the park. If you know you’ll be spending multiple days at Magic Kingdom, you’re able to choose a resort near that park (possibly even stay at The Contemporary where you can walk!)

CELEBRATING

Disney is known for making celebrations extra special. Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, and graduations, among other things, at Walt Disney World is extremely popular, and for good reason. Be sure to tell a cast member what you’ll be celebrating on the phone while making initial plans (or online). When we checked in at the resort during one vacation the front desk lady saw we were celebrating our anniversary and congratulated us. I’d asked if we could transfer to a room closer to the buses and she was able to upgrade us to a suite that was right off the main pool by the buses! Things that should be planned in advance are add-ons like cakes, gifts, flowers, or other surprises. Cakes can be ordered by calling the cake hotline at 407-827-CAKE (407-827-2253), and everything else is possible via Disney Floral & Gifts. We were surprised with chocolate dipped strawberries, champagne and Mickey champagne flutes in our room after we returned from getting engaged in Magic Kingdom. Disney makes it super easy and quick for someone to call up and send something special on a short notice. You don’t have to use the Disney Floral & Gifts department to add a special touch. The last time we went, I’d purchased Disney PJs, an autograph book, some treats and a light up Cinderella before heading to Disney and set it up as a gift from Tinkerbell while we were out at the parks on our first day.

I’d love to know your favorite reasons to stay on Walt Disney World Resort property. What about it makes you save up a little bit longer so you’re able to stay on property?

For more Disney related posts:

Inside Out Memory Orb Cake
Surviving Disney with a Toddler
Disney Park Tips

Why staying at a Disney Resort is the Best Decision

7 Tips to Make your Road Trip to Disney Magical

Making Your Road Trip to Disney Magical- Growing up, one of my favorite things about family vacations was the road trip to our destination. We would load up our van with all our suitcases, snacks and games and head to places like Oklahoma, Michigan or Florida. Disney World was the most exciting trip because we could hardly wait to get there! I’ve got ten great tips on road trips to Disney.

7 tips to make your disney road trip magical

7 Tips to Make Your Road Trip to Disney Magical

  1. Let the kids choose their snacks. Have them decorate a paper bag before heading on the road trip or filling a bento box with their favorite snacks. You could also re-name your food with Disney names such as Peter Pan PB&J, Minnie Muffins or Jiminy Crickets on a Log (raisins on a celery with peanut butter).
  2. Bring along Disney games. Print out some Disney trivia and jokes for the ride. Try some Disney themed games like this UNO Disney Game or World of Disney Eye Found It Card Game.
  3. Create character prize bags (Tinkerbell, Mickey or your child’s favorite character). Pack prize bags for good behavior on the way.  The dollar store has lots of Disney items that are very inexpensive; add a few to a prize bag for a fun surprise.
  4. Find Hidden Mickeys. Before you leave, hide a few Mickey shapes in the car (and your food) and have kids search for them along the way. You could even add one of these Mickey Mouse ears car decal on your car!
  5. Night Time Extravaganza. Purchase some new Disney character pajamas and pull them out for a surprise if you are going to be traveling at night. Add some glow necklaces and bracelets from the dollar store and then you can pretend you are part of the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show.
  6. Picture This. Grab a couple disposable cameras or an Instax camera for your kids to capture Disney through their eyes. Start by having them take some photos of your road trip!
  7. Listen Up. Everyone needs a little down time during a road trip. Get a few Disney podcasts or audio books that each family member can listen to on their own or as a family. Some of my favorites are WDW Radio and WDW Prep To Go Podcast. You can also find tons of free Disney audio books through your local library.

What are your favorite ways to pass the time while on a road trip? Any special ways I’ve missed to make your road trip to Disney magical?

disney_resort

Other related posts:

Why Staying on Property at Disney is the Best Decision

Disney Without Kids: 10 Tips for a Magical Grown-Up Vacation

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Road trip to Disney Tips

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