Showing posts with label disney world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney world. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Planning Your Walt Disney World Resort Getaway the Right Way

You know how this usually goes. When you go to certain places for the very first time, there are so many loopholes where you end up merely throwing away your time, money, and energy on boring tours and tourist places. Going somewhere brand new will always involve getting acquainted and studying the place. We want to expedite that process for you so that when you visit Disney World even first timers will have a bit of a leg up, and an insider's advantage.

Your Admission Ticket Options

Although the Disney World Magic Your Way ticketing tries to offer you a range of choices and the opportunity to cater your visit according to your desires, it can also be complicated. If you're caught unaware you could end up spending good money on tickets that you may not really need.

First of all, never buy tickets just about anywhere, but just directly from Disney World or any authorized Disney World ticket selling brokers. There are even discounted tickets available from low cost ticket vendors that are totally authorized. You'll save substantial sums if you purchase discounted tickets from someone safe. One excellent example is getting a $50 5-day Magic Your Way Park Hopper ticket for four folks.

Park Hopper Option

The Park Hopper option enables you to enter all four theme parks, providing you with 4 times more fun. This is exactly why this particular ticket is more expensive than the rest. If you are going to be at Disney World for several days or a week, you'll want to enjoy the complete array of choices. If you are only going to be at Disney World for a long weekend or a day, maybe tickets to a couple of of the theme parks is the ideal solution.

Non-Expiration Date Option

You can also opt for Non-Expiration date tickets if you want. If you imagine you can return inside a year, then this option is ideal for you. Don't get too fired up with this type of ticket, though. Who ever goes to Disney World more than once a year? Surveys show that just very few do return within a year. Plus, if you have utilized all the days intended for you, then this option is ineffective.

Secret Treasures

From the hidden Mickeys throughout the theme parks to the little known tours of the World Hotels available to those staying anywhere on Disney property, there are many ways to make your Disney experienced rich and multilayered. Every location you go to within Disney World is so filled with fun and surprises from the rides, attractions, as well as shows in each theme park, to the well-known fun places in the area such as Celebration, Boardwalk, and Downtown.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Disney Discount Tickets information.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Have a Magical Honeymoon at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney World never fails to make each one of us really feel youthful as well as in love, particularly when traveling with your partner; how much more if you are kicking off your relationship at a Disney resort and staying there lavishly? Celebrate your perfect wedding with a perfect Disney World honeymoon. Just make sure you have a list on what to bring simply because you might be too thrilled to remember every thing. You've checked the forecast and packed for the appropriate weather. Expect to be away for a minimum of 10 days and nights, and having said that, make arrangements on little details like who will walk your dog and even get your mail until you get back. You've put the wedding clothes in the closet, put on a cushty but special feeling outfit for flying, and brushed the rice out of your hair.

The Good Life

Since you're avoiding expensive flights to Europe you can put your money on actual time spent relaxing and site seeing. This would be the perfect time to relax and finally take a rest from all the mixed feelings and emotions of the past few months, from the proposal to the wedding preparation and in the end to saying your own vows. Enjoy some leisurely meals, taste some good bubbly, and bust out the pamphlets. You'll have fun custom tailoring the next few days of the rest of your lives together in a fun and festive environment.

Tips for Giddy Newlyweds

As early as a year ahead of time, dinner shows can already be scheduled, while for eating bookings, a 180-day reserving allowance is provided.

On the whimsical side, benefits for newlyweds include bride and groom Mickey Mouse ears, which can be purchased in advance by calling Merchandise Mail Order at 407-363-6200. Married Buttons are also made available at the resort's front desk. Couple portraits can be taken anywhere in the park, if you can find the Photo Pass Photographers. A couple's therapeutic massage might also end up being perfect following a whole day's resort exploration. Whether you get cozy for the evening with a Disney DVD and room service, or spice it up a little with some songs and dancing, or romance it with the Electrical Water Pageant, there are choices for every mood and whim of the freshly married.

Smooth Sailing

Keep in mind that the entire vacation resort is so huge that even going to your restaurant for dinner from your resort hotel will require a minimum of 30 minutes of travel time by way of riding public transportation. Live on the fly and use the Tip Board to find out about all shows and show times. Don't get bogged down with shopping bags. There are Walt Disney World Resort merchandise areas throughout the park where you can drop off your purchases, which you can claim right after your activities. 

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Epcot Future World information.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Feeling Ill at the Disney World Resort in Florida - What Should You Do?

There is practically nothing in the world quite like a holiday at the Walt Disney World Resort. Nothing beats being disconnected from the world while you're in the most magical place on earth. Unfortunately, nothing feels as horrible as getting ill in the most magical place on earth, as well. Just picture how depressing and disappointing it would be if you came down with a bug while on your Disney Trip. If this occurs to you, how can you cope with this?

First Aid at Walt Disney World Resort

Believe it or not, the Walt Disney World Resort First Aid station actually has on site nurses who can handle everything a myriad of illnesses. And you think it was just Fairy God Mother and her magic wand. This is because with the millions of visitors Walt Disney World Resort has each year, a fraction of them is bound to get sick, so an effective way to deal with them is a must.

At Walt Disney World Resort, each theme park has a first aid station. You can find the station near the Crystal Palace restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. In the Animal Kingdom, you will find your first aid needs met at a station in close proximity of the Creature Comforts in the Discovery Island Area. At Epcot, the first aid station can be found by the Mexico Pavilion in the World Showcase Area. Finally, for first aid in Hollywood Studios, check out Guest Services on Hollywood Boulevard - it is near there.

Options Offsite

There are also "minute clinic" options in Walgreens, Target, and others in Orlando for more serious illnesses, or if you simply need to fill a prescription. Most of your minor to medium injuries, ailments, and bugs can be handled by these quick service clinics. If these clinics recommend hospital treatment, however, prudence dictates a change of plans.

Changing Plans

This doesn't necessarily mean a cancellation, although it may. There is a possibility, if you got antibiotics for your illness, that you can rearrange some of your vacation plans to fit a slower pace, rather than canceling altogether. However, if you find that you need to sleep, drink OJ, and eat chicken soup in your hotel room just to make it through the day, then it may be time to use the C word - CANCELLATION.

This is not a cause for panic. Some packages allow for cancellations without you having to lose all your money. You may be able to get some sort of credit for later. Adding the "No Expiration Option" to your Magic Your Way Package covers you against illness and many others. This option makes it possible for you to use up the unused days of your package at a later time.

Beyond prevention - i.e. slamming vitamin C, getting enough sleep, washing your hands frequently and well, the value of which should not be underestimated, there are your options if you get sick at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Disney Magic information.

Little Kids are a Problem No More with Strollers at the Disney World Resort

If you're brining your kids to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, you're going to have a big problem on your hands. If your children are young enough, even if they usually are okay walking on their own, the chance that they'll manage the miles of walking through the theme park resort is slim to none. You will almost certainly need a stroller. You've possibly already considered this choice. However, it's costly to travel with strollers, as well as annoying. So what are you other options?

Buying a Stroller

Walt Disney offers strollers to rent, so this is not a huge challenge. You can get a single stroller for $18 a day; $31, if you require a double. For the same price, you can rent a car, too. In fact, that's not a bad idea. You can drive yourself to Wal-Mart on your rental car to buy a new stroller. You can get a simple umbrella stroller for $20.

The frustrating things about buying a stroller is that a.) You don't really need it; b.) What do you do with it when you are done?; and c.) You would have to spend more than $20 to get a good stroller that has all the conveniences that you might need. Consider that for 5 days, a single stroller at $18 a day will cost $90, while a double stroller will cost $155 for the same number of days. So of course you are saving money, if you get a stroller that costs less. In addition, you are buying something that you need in a temporary sense. Afterwards, you can even help out fellow parents by selling them the stroller on your last day, or if not, to a garage sale or second hand store.

Offsite Stroller Rentals

One very convenient option are offsite rentals. For an extra $70, if you reserve your stroller ahead of time, you can have it delivered to your hotel room and picked up when you are done with your magical vacation. Unlike a stroller rented from Walt Disney, you can also use it outside the theme parks. The only downside to this stroller is having to store it in your hotel room.

Disney Stroller Rentals

Though it is more costly to rent a stroller from Walt Disney, there are a few advantages to doing so. The first is that they are very convenient. You can pick one up when you enter the park, and drop it off when you leave, no taking it on the bus or storing it in your hotel room. The second is that they are very well made - plastic, roomy, and shaded with lots of little nooks and cubbies for storage. Third, if you have older kids who just get a little tired at the end of the day, this could be the best option. If you don't need strollers all day every day while on vacation (perhaps you'll only need it at night to check out fireworks over Epcot), Disney strollers work best because they can accommodate bigger kids.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Disney Cruise Lines information.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

One of Walt Disney World Resort's Best Kept Dining Secrets: Kona Cafe

If you haven't planned every nitty gritty detail of your Walt Disney World holiday 6 months in advance, you may be in trouble. You might find that the best Disney dining options are booked solid as much as 3 months away! Whether you're looking at character dining favorites like Chef Mickey's or Cinderella's Royal Table, or the prestigious Le Cellier in the Epcot World Showcase, you have a popsicle's chance in the desert of getting a reservation.

So how can you deal with this? Is your Walt Disney World vacation cursed with bad food then? Absolutely not! It simply means that you'll get to try the more underrated and less crowded restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. One such restaurant, at which you should make a reservation or two immediately is the Kona Cafee?, which has been called one of the best kept dining secrets at Disney World.

What is so special about the Kona Cafe??

The Kona Cafe? not only offers a less crowded alternative to some of Disney's other restaurants, it enjoys a prime location in the Lobby of Disney's Polynesian Resort, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Magic Kingdom via monorail. The location allows you to show up early for your reservation or stay late after your meal to enjoy the beach outside the Resort.

As for the menu, well, what good is a restaurant without a brilliant menu? The dinner menu specifically offers sort of "island twists" to classic dishes, a tangy pineapple relish or a zesty spiced guava passion fruit glaze. Kona Cafe?'s meats are all prepared perfectly, as well, like, for example, the New York Strip Steak with a pineapple teriyaki glaze, buttery mashed potatoes, and stir fried broccoli.

The Kona Cafe? also offers a rather spectacular breakfast menu, including the must-try treat: Tonga Toast. Tonga Toast is a sourdough bread French toast bread pudding concoction topped off with cinnamon, bananas, and a sweet, sticky glaze. Once you try it, you'll never forget about it.

You'll Be Glad You Checked It Out

Kona Cafe? is one of a few underrated Disney World restaurants worthy of your attention, especially if you can't get a reservation at one of the more famous Disney favorites. This restaurant is not a last resort, however, so don't make that mistake. Even if there are available tables elsewhere, a reservation at the Kona Cafe? is still worth making.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Disney World Hotels information.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How to Keep Time Spent Waiting in Line At Disney World From Being Time Wasted

Any visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is incomplete without spending much of your time in a queue. This time spent waiting doesn't have to detract from your vacation - rather, with a little bit of organizing, the time you and your family spend waiting for rides, restaurants, transportation, and so forth can be made a productive and pleasant part of your vacation. It will not feel like time wasted, at least.

Honesty

Set your youngsters' expectations and make them understand about the waiting around involved because they will have more trouble with it than adults. They have to know that lines are part of the package. You can sweeten the deal by letting them know that it will be worthwhile once they do get on the interesting rides, shows, and meals at Walt Disney World. Tell your spouse or other grown up you might be bringing along about wait times as well, so they can do a little psychological preparation and work with you.

Things to Bring Along

One suggestion is to bring along activities to fill up the wait time. For children, you can provide games, activity books, and small toys, while crossword puzzles, Sudoku games, and ebooks and audio books on portables like the iPod and Kindle are great for grownups. Your mobile phone also has enjoyable games that can help you whilst away the time. You can also make your wait convenient by bringing water and snacks with you. Everyone is more irritable when they are hungry or thirsty, especially kids.

Arts and Crafts

To give yourself and your children something to do in line, you can also make creative small crafts that will also serve as your Walt disney world resort holiday souvenirs. Knitting, crocheting, or small hand sewing projects are ideal for older kids and grownups. You can also get baseball hats for the younger youngsters to draw on with fabric markers. If these projects just sound too involved, never underestimate what a youngster can do with a sketchbook and a box of crayons.

Games and Activities

The other option is to bring along board games to play. These are games that everybody in the family can enjoy, so this may be the best option yet. Time is never lost when you're connecting with the family. These games can range from small puzzles to word games, and even clapping games to sketching games, like Pictionary.

You can ease the stress and boredom of waiting in line at Walt Disney World Resort with just a little bit of work - so don't be lazy now just to regret it later!

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Adventureland Magic Kingdom information.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Don't Miss It - The Underrated Fun Of The Country Bear Jamboree

One attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida that you have inevitably heard of is the Country Bear Jamboree. Chances are, nevertheless, that when you are planning your own Disney holiday, you don't have a lot curiosity about checking it out. Why? It's probably because Country Bear Jamboree actually has a bad reputation, and these are the reasons why: from being run by an outdated technology to jokes that many individuals do not get, as well as featuring country music which most people doesn't like - the reasons why this specific attraction has a bad rep could go on and on. You really should see and judge it on your own, rather than pay attention to other's assessments. This particular attraction really has much more to offer than most of the more popular rides. Plus, you don't have to suffer an extended line. You will definitely have a change of heart after reading the reasons why you need to check out this classic and well-known attraction.

1.) Technological Flash Back

While it is true that the technology that runs the Country Bear Jamboree is outdated - audio animatronics are not exactly the cutting edge, there is a quality to presenting these critters real and in front of you that makes the attraction unique. Almost everyone is accustomed to viewing things that appear almost real from a 3D display, and it's not hard to forget how amazing it is to see things like the actual mounted heads of Max the Deer, Melvin the Moose, and Buff the Bison coming to life as they sing right in front of you. Something solid that you can actually touch and something that takes up space really can't be outdone by computer technology. So many bears, so little time to study them - Liver Lips McGrowl, Henry and Wendell, Trixie, The Sun Bonnets, Big Al, and many more!

2.) Culturally Coded Music

Listening to country songs for a few minutes is not awful at all, even if it isn't your type. The bears on this show perform country tunes, and these tunes tend to be filled with history, culture and custom. Songs like "My Woman Ain't Pretty (But She Don't Sware None)," "Mama, Don't Whip Little Buford," "Tears Will Be the Chaser For My Wine," "All the Guys That Turn Me On Turn Me Down," and "Blood on the Saddle" exemplify the poetic aspect of country, but also make use of a vein of wit that ties together all the elements of this Walt Disney World attraction.

3. ) Laughter with Wide Overall appeal

The Country Bear Jamboree features very versatile wit. A Southern typecast is being pictured by many anthropomorphic bears. Anyone with a sense of humor can appreciate the sheer absurdity of this, even if you are a Southerner - certainly, it will require you to possess a self-deprecating sense of humor. On a deeper level, the dialogue and lyrics exchanged by these huge furred folks is amusing, intelligent, and irreverent. These jokes apply to all age groups, and even humor intended for adults do not affect the youngsters' enjoyment of the show.

4.) At the minimum, AC!

If visiting the Country Bear Jamboree is still not part of your vacation plan, even after reading everything above, then at least consider this. Orlando, Florida is quite hot and you will be walking around the Walt Disney World Resort all day underneath the heat of the sunshine. You can benefit from the air-conditioning for 20 minutes, as well as be able to unwind your exhausted feet while seated when you check out the Country Bear Jamboree attraction.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Frontierland information.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Advanced Dining Reservations for Breakfast: A Great Opportunity to Jump Start Your Day

Looking for a way to really get a fresh, bright, jump-start to your day at the Walt Disney World Resort? How does getting to eat breakfast at Disney's finest character dining restaurants a full hour before the theme parks open sound? This is one perk made possible by Disney's Advanced Dining Reservation. And your Advanced Dining Reservation benefits don't end there: you can snap a few quick pictures in the empty theme parks on your way to the restaurant, start your day off with great food and fun characters, and, with the proper amount of planning, squeak out into the theme park just as it is opening, thereby beating the morning rush!

Unfortunately, you may have to grab a taxi to ensure you make it to your reservation on time - the busses are not always as reliable as you would hope, but the slight boost in cost is nothing considering the one of a king breakfast experience it buys you. While other guests are restlessly waiting for the gates to open, probably munching on granola bars while waiting, you're already inside the theme park and meeting your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a delicious gourmet breakfast.

So which characters and what unique dining are part of this Disney Advanced Dining Reservation Experience? Well, for an African twist on a breakfast buffet, hosted by your favorite classic Disney characters, Donald, Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, check out Tusker House Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. To hang out with your favorite Disney Princesses and enjoy classical, if fancy breakfast fare, check out Cinderella's Royale Table in the Magic Kingdom. If Princesses are your thing, but you'd like a slightly more exciting dining pairing, go to the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. You can also opt for the Victorian-style Crystal Palace where you can hang out with the characters from the hundred-acre woods, no other than Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

Truly, breakfast at any one of these fabulous Walt Disney World Restaurants is an unforgettable experience only made possible with an Advanced Dining Reservation booking. An unforgettable breakfast, alongside the stress saved by not having to wait in line to get into the parks is an unbeatable combination. Really, the only 'extra' you would need to put in would be effort, considering how most of these restaurants are covered by your Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way Package Dining Plan - but if you want to make your character dining breakfast experience a sure thing, do make your reservations via the Advanced Dining Reservations option 5 to 6 months prior to your Disney visit. 

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Animal Kingdom information.

The Walt Disney World Resort: Staying Cool On Your Hot Summer Vacation

If you're planning a summer time vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort, there are a few things you'll need to prepare yourself for in terms of the heat! "Hot" is an understatement when talking about summertime in Orlando, Florida. Keeping this in mind, don't let the sunny weather deter you from attempting a summer trek to the most magical place on earth, but rather, plan by the following 5 tips and tricks to stay cool even as the temperature climbs higher and higher.

1.) Bringing a hat is s great idea

Wearing white or something light is the first thing people do most of the time to battle the heat. However, it is not enough. Not only does a hat protect your face from getting burned, but you also will be genuinely surprised at how much of a difference a hat makes in regulating your temperature. A hat for every family member is a must!

2.) Bring sunscreen

What you remember to bring might spell the difference between having a comfortable day and just downright overheating. Most people would buy a huge bottle of sunscreen and apply it while in the hotel room before starting their day in the resort. Be that intelligent someone who remembers a travel sized sunscreen that fits in your purse, fanny pack, man purse, etc. That way, you can reapply throughout the day to avoid getting sunburn.

3.) Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon - Be ready to get wet!

Walt Disney World Resort doesn't have the world's 2 most-visited water parks for nothing. To help stay cool under the hot Florida sun, nab a shady spot in Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon and spend your day enjoying water slides, water rides, and fun beach-y attractions. And because there are loads of people visiting the resort, you will need to go early to be able to get a great spot for picnics. Furthermore, the restaurants are amazing as well.

4.) Be the Man (or Woman) With the Plan

It's always good to plan your trip to Walt Disney World since this makes you save a lot of time, instead of ending up jumping from one place to another. Not only that, you can also schedule your heat breaks by going indoors. After a few outdoor attractions, you can plan an exploration of an indoor, air conditioned one to serve as a break from the heat. Plan a siesta time during the heat spike in the afternoon to catch a show, eat a snack, or check out an indoor attraction for about an hour. Looking for places to keep you cool while at Disney World Resort is a waste of time, especially if it's unplanned. That's why it is important to plan break schedules ahead of time.

5.) Drink lots of fluids

Everything inside the park is pretty expensive, even water. You also won't be able to stand the taste of Florida's tap water, so it is advisable that you bring a water bottle of your own to avoid spending much. You can always drive to the nearest grocery store and buy some, or take a cab if you're from somewhere else. By doing this, you will still save a lot of money. Believe it or not, water bottles inside the water park cost more than $2 each.

If you follow these tips and stay hydrated at all times, it will make a big difference on your visit to Disney World since instead of over-heating, you will just be feeling comfortably warm.

About the Author

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Disney Park information.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

5 ways in which an Orlando Holiday Villa is better than a hotel

Orlando attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world, mainly down to the climate and the small matter of a theme park resort owned by Disney.  When booking your holiday to Orlando it's easy to fall into the trap of making a package holiday booking and being told you have to stay in a hotel.  



There is no shortage of Luxury Holiday Villas in Orlando.  They are literally all over and you can chose to be as near to or as far from any of the attractions as you like. If you want a villa near disney, or a villa near Miami there will be something available.

There are many other advantages to holiday villas, which often have to be booked privately and not through a holiday company.

Here are 5 reasons that we believe an orlando holiday villa is better than a hotel:

1. You get the full house.  When you book into a hotel you get a room, usually with en-suite.  That is it,  that is your ‘home' for the next week or fortnight whilst you are in Orlando.  Granted, you might not want to spend much time in your accommodation but with a holiday villa you get so much more.  You everything from the front garden to the private games room.



2. Private pool anyone?  If a public pool isn't for you and you want to simply relax in a smaller, private heated pool then most holiday villas can fulfill your needs.  Some villas will have indoor pools, whilst others outdoors.  Of course, with the weather as it is in Orlando you will be able to use an outdoor pool most of the year.

3. Everything is under one roof.  With a hotel you might find that the kids have to have their own room which may not be accessible via an internal door.  With a holiday villa you are all under the same roof which makes them much safer than hotel rooms.

4. The added extras.   A holiday villa is effectively some ones home that they rent out to other people.  As it is someones home you get all the creature comforts that you would expect the owner to want if they stayed there.  Things such as air conditioning, flat screen T.V.s with cable T.V., Hi-fi Systems and wireless internet and all common place in todays holiday villas.  You may even get some added bonuses such as games rooms that contain pool tables or air hockey.

5. Cost Savings.  Yep, thats right.  Staying in a holiday villa could actually save you money especially if you are staying in a large group.  When you stay in a holiday villa you pay for the villa and not for the number of people staying in it, so if you have a large family or are travelling with a group of friends it makes financial sense to stay in a villa.



Of course there are many other reasons to stay in a holiday villa, but these are out top 5.  Orlando is a truly wonderful place to visit, with so many things to see and do.  If you haven't been already, now is a great time to visit.

About the Author

If you are travelling to Orlando, why not stay in our Villa near Disney. It is fully equipped with heated pool, modern and sleeps up to 10 people.