by Shelly on July 12, 2017 4 Comments

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

There are a lot of people that think Disney World is just for families with kids. That statement couldn’t be less true. I’ve been extremely fortunate in taking eight Disney vacations without kids and had an amazing experience each time. Disney has done a fantastic job of incorporating attractions, shows and cuisine for all ages. Here are my top ten tips for making your adult Disney vacation magical!

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

Photo by Disney

Talk to the Cast Members

I may be biased, but Disney cast members are some of the greatest people on earth. They have a huge passion for making people happy. The cast members also have great insights to the best dining, rides and firework viewing locations. They know where you can find those silver sequin Minnie ears, what time the 3:00 parade starts (yes, I’d been asked that) and where the restrooms are. Cast members may also be able to get you on rides before they’re open, trade you a ‘hidden Mickey’ pin, get you to the front of the line on your favorite ride or bump up your room type because you’re celebrating an Anniversary (all of which has happened to us).

See the Fireworks

You have got to see them all. Magic Kingdom (Happily Ever After), EPCOT (IllumiNations), Animal Kingdom (Rivers of Light) and Hollywood Studios (Star Wars) each has a nightly firework show (not every night of the year). Every one of these shows is spectacular for different reasons. I watched the fireworks from Wishes shooting over my head every night while closing down the rides as a CP. The new firework show that replaced Wishes is called Happily Ever After. It is also fun to watch from California Grill (top of the Contemporary Resort) or the beaches at Polynesian or Grand Floridian. You can stroll around the world with a drink in hand watching the awesome fire and lazer firework show that is IllumiNations in EPCOT or watch while having dinner (which is super romantic). At Hollywood Studios you can get VIP treatment with a dessert party at Launch Bay while getting quality time with your favorite Star Wars characters. Check Magic Kingdom and Epcot for more dessert party fun.

Night Rides

If you’re not big on fireworks, enjoy no lines on the rides! It’s possible to run through the lines of Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster so many times that you feel you’ll never need to ride them again (although you totally will). Outdoor rides like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Astro Orbiter and Test Track become much scarier. Dumbo and Prince Charming’s Carrousel are absolutely stunning at night. It’s a little bit like you have something better than FastPass+ for every ride because everyone’s watching the fireworks or trying to beat the crowd home.

Go Shopping

Disney Springs is the new hot spot for Disney shopping. The biggest Disney Store on property is at this location as well as the Disney Christmas store and Disney Art store. Former ‘Downtown Disney’ is full of high end shopping as well. Anthropology, Coca-Cola, Johnny Was, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer and MAC are just a few of the big names that attract shoppers from around the world. My favorite part about shopping at any WDW Resort location is having your merchandise magically shipped back to your room on property so you can shop hands free!

Nice Meal

It’s so tricky to eat anything but quick service and counter service when you have little kids. My three year old only wants to eat fruit, burgers and chicken fingers so we never spend much money on food. I have been fortunate enough to have some nice meals on my last media trip to WDW. The ambiance is second to the amazing cuisine. There is only one place in Disney World that requires a suit anymore (Victoria and Albert’s) but it is kind of fun to get dressed up for a nice long meal in Disney. My favorite meals have been at the Flying Fish at Boardwalk, Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge and California Grill at the Contemporary. If you’re interested in restaurant reviews you can check out WDW Radio podcast where Lou Mongello frequents restaurants all over Disney property and takes his friends and family to try a large portion of the menu.

Take a Break

It’s so much easier to take things slow and really soak Disney in when you’re not worrying about whiny kids or trying to hold your lunch down after riding Tea Cups four times in a row. Finding those quite spots throughout the resorts and parks is one of my favorite things to do when visiting WDW. The zen gardens in Epcot is my favorite spot to sit and relax. You can also find a bench, anywhere, and people watch while having a snack. Most days we take a ‘nap’ break back at the resort even without kids so we’re able to go from rope drop through the fireworks without burning out. I might do laundry or lay by the pool but we always have that chance to take a breath and escape the stimuli of the parks.

Hang Pool-Side

Speaking of taking a break during the day for the pools, I just love hanging out at the pool on a busy Disney trip. We like to visit various resorts to try out different pools. Most resorts have ‘quiet’ pools that are smaller and have less chaos. Our favorite pool locations are the cabanas at Grand Floridian, the Wilderness Lodge and Art of Animation.

Visit Resorts

As a hospitality major, visiting hotels and resorts brings me great joy. While working at a college program student for a semester I took my time visiting every Disney property and seeing the rooms. If you are staying on property it is very easy to take the free transportation to resort hop and visit the various properties. Ask the front desk to see a suite if possible and while you’re on your tour ask about the added amenities the resort offers. I wrote about a few of the amenities in my Why Staying at a Disney Property is the Best Decision post. You can find family bikes to rent, sprite boats, massages, yoga classes, the newest technology in arcade games, street performing acts, night vision glasses for watching savanna animals and much more!

Disney Bound, Wear Buttons and Lanyards

Even though you don’t have kids with you, there’s no reason to bring out the ‘kid’ in you when visiting Disney World. Disney bounding is dressing similar to a favorite character by wearing clothes you already have in your wardrobe. It is very popular at Disneyland but has become more popular at WDW in the past few years. Each resort and park has free buttons at the concierge desk or guest relations to announce what you’re celebrating (anniversary, birthday, first visit etc.) It’s a great conversation starter with other guests as you’re waiting in line. We’re big pin traders so we’re always sure to wear our lanyards to the parks to trade with guests and cast members. Again, another great way to start up a conversation with people in the parks.

Unplug

Ditch the camera/phone for a night and just enjoy being together. If you need photos to document your evening there are Disney Photopass photographers all over the parks that can snap photos as you go. Keeping your phone out of your hand helps to really connect with your partner. With your MagicBand you have access to your dining reservations, FastPass+, room key and Photopass account. If you want a backup you can always print out reservation information (like the old days) to have on hand in case of emergency. It’s really quite nice to step away from the electronics an fully experience the magic of Disney.

Let me know what you do to enjoy your adult-only vacation at Disney World. I’d love to know ways to make it even more magical on my next kid-free vacation.

For more Disney related posts:

Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World

Disney Park Tips

Disney College Program

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by Shelly on May 25, 2017 4 Comments

Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World

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.

Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World is a wonder to behold. I had my skepticism towards the new expansion in Animal Kingdom. ‘How are they going to make it feel as huge as the World of Avatar?’ ‘Is there going to be anything to do over there?’ ‘Is it just an addition to keep people in Animal Kingdom full day?’ See, even hard core Disney lovers are skeptical about change. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised and wowed by the additions Disney World has made in Animal Kingdom with Pandora.

Must Sees in Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of Pandora a few weeks before it will open May 27th, 2017. It was a bit of a whirlwind trip through the land and I definitely did not get enough time to explore. I would say that, currently, Pandora is a half-day experience, even without being completely finished. On May 27th Pandora will include Satu’li Canteen, and Pongu Pongu (refreshments), Na’vi River Journey, and Avatar – Flight of Passage (attractions).

My Top Choice

If you only have a short time in Pandora, I suggest making Avatar – Flight of Passage your only stop. After riding that attraction I had a hard time describing it to my friends and family. The best way to describe that ride is ’emotional’. The ride simulates a thrilling ride on the back of a banshee with technology that hasn’t been used anywhere. I felt a little silly when I caught myself tearing up during the ride and was worried someone would have seen. After leaving the ride, many of my fellow bloggers had the exact same experience!

TIP: Stay at a Disney World Resort to earn an extra hour in the park before it opens to the public! I hadn’t planned on visiting Disney World again until Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land had both opened in 2019 but I’m afraid I can not wait that long to go on Flight of Passage again.

My skepticism regarding Disney not being able to make the park feel like Pandora – World of Avatar was silly. I should have known the Imagineers would blow us all out of the water. We were there during the day and was able to see all the beautiful colors of the flora and mountains. During the night the land becomes bio luminescent like the Na’vi River Journey.

The attraction is similar to Small World in that you sit in a boat and float through the ride viewing the night time world of Pandora. There’s so much to look at as you glide through the mysterious land but the highlight is the Shaman of Songs sending her positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music. They used the CGI animation technology they used on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train but perfected it on a giant Avatar. It’s hard to believe she’s not real!

The photos don’t even do it justice. You’ll need to go check it out for yourself! Check out my friend Misty’s thoughts on our trip to Pandora. If you’d like to see more about my favorite attractions in Disney World, go here.

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by Shelly on June 11, 2016 Leave a Comment

What to Pack: Family Camping Trip

I was lucky enough to start my camping career while I was in diapers. I then went on to be a girl scout until I was a junior in High School. Needless to say, I’ve been tent camping almost every year for the past 31 years. If you’ve ever been camping, you’ll agree with me, that the hardest part about going on a trip is packing and unpacking. It’s stressful to remember what to pack each time you go and unless you have a set camping tote, a list is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything. I’ve just recently been on a camping trip with my toddler and thought it time to edit my list to include necessities as a family.

What Should I Pack: Family Camping List

I will add a caveat, this is list is what I think are the necessities for camping. Some people may believe an RV to be a necessity while others may think this list is extensive. I am somewhere right in the middle where I prefer there to be running water, electricity for my boom box and restrooms nearby. Also, this camping trip was at the beginning of May, yet it was freezing. Be sure to prepare according to the weather forecast during your trip.

Interested in renting? Rent an RV with RVshare.

Print out this free Family Camping Checklist for your summer trip!

I polled the other Indy’s Child digital writers and came up with this list of our top 5 Indiana camp sites:

‘My favorite so far is Timber Lake in Huntington. Great area not far from home. Beautiful lake and Zip Lines!’ – Luis
‘McCormick’s Creek SP. It’s the oldest state park in the system, gorgeous landscape for hiking, fishing and riding, and there are accommodations for anyone’s preference: An inn, cabins, electric campgrounds and rustic camping. It is probably the most understated camping spot in Indiana.’ –Jeanine
‘Turkey Run– I love that there is electricity, a pool, free concerts and the hiking trails are amazing. You’ve got to try the Ladder Trail!’ – Shelly {okay, so that’s me.}
‘So I’ve only been twice but Shades State Park for sure.’ – Pete
‘My family loves Brown County and Turkey Run! Brown County makes it easy to camp, or stay in the spacious family cabins. I love the trails, the horseback riding, evening hayrides, the cute campground store, the outdoor pool and the water park inside the Abe Martin Lodge, and we love to climb up the high lookout tower and take in the beautiful view. Turkey Run is awesome if you love outdoor hiking. The trails and rock formations are just beautiful!’ – Trisha

If you have little ones, don’t forget to bring along this Nature Scavenger Hunt! Let me know what you bring along on your camping trips and where you will be camping this summer!