Your Very Own Walt Disney World Tipping Guide

  The customer service at Walt Disney World can’t be beat. But who you tip and who you don’t – can be confusing. Generally, if you tip the service at home, you tip at Disney World. Here’s a quick-tip guide to help you on your next trip. Magical Express – Magical Express is the free transportation from the airport to your resort and then back again. One dollar per bag is the general rule of thumb. Valet Parking – If you drive or rent a car and self-park, there is no need to tip anyone. But if you use the valet parking, Continue reading Your Very Own Walt Disney World Tipping Guide

The Magic Of Wearing Matching T-Shirts At Walt Disney World

It was like the parting of the Red Sea. Everywhere we went people seemed to know to stay out of our way. A few days into the trip, my husband, who was NOT thrilled to be dressed in the same clothes, said, “We are doing this EVERY time we go to Disney World. This is great!” Tired of the uncoordinated outfits for our pictures in the parks, I begged everyone to please allow me to get us all matching t-shirts. My two sons were easy sells. As long as they were going to Disney World, they didn’t care. My daughter Continue reading The Magic Of Wearing Matching T-Shirts At Walt Disney World

Staying Healthy During Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Tips for Staying Healthy on your Disney Vacation

First, I am not a doctor. I just play one when my kids are sick. (And not very well, according to them – but that’s for another post.) So, take any of this advice with a grain of salt. Okay. With a few grains of salt, because my husband and close family members are in the health care industry and I’ve been to Disney World in and under all kinds of weather. If you’re like me, the anticipation of arriving at such a magical place can wreck havoc on your regular routine. When your routine is wrecked, your immune system can follow. Continue reading Staying Healthy During Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Don’t Forget These Items – Summertime Disney Packing List

Summer Packing Tips

Packing for a trip to Walt Disney World can be a monumental task. If you’re not familiar with Florida weather or the parks themselves it can be downright intimidating. Aside from the usual short, shirts, skirts, underwear and standard toiletries, I’ve compiled a list of Walt Disney World Summer Necessaries to pack along in your suitcase. Adjust accordingly for your family’s ages, interests and individual needs. There is no perfect list for everyone. But maybe the items listed below will help complete YOUR perfect list! Insect Repellent – Disney is pretty good at keeping the bugs at bay. But if Continue reading Don’t Forget These Items – Summertime Disney Packing List

How Do YOU Tip Mousekeeping?

Mousekeeping Tips

Apparently, anywhere from 30%-56% of us tip housekeeping services at the resorts and hotels we visit. I’m embarrassed to admit, I never considered tipping housekeeping until about my 20th Walt Disney Resort visit. My daughter was 3-years-old and when we came back to our room, after a long day at the parks, she walked through the door and gasped. Our room was transformed. Clean? Yes. But all of her Beanie Babies were having a party. Some were watching TV. Some were sitting at the table, enjoying a snack. Some were sacked out on the bed, snuggled under her blankie. A couple were even Continue reading How Do YOU Tip Mousekeeping?

Do’s And Don’ts for the Disney First Timer

Do's and Don'ts for Disney World First Timers

DO make your reservations early. You can make dining reservations 180 days before your first day. If you’d like to eat at Cinderella’s Castle or at the newest sit-down dining experience at Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest, you must make advanced dining reservations. I know. One hundred and eighty days sounds crazy. But Disney World’s popularity gets crazier and crazier every year. DON’T plan every minute of every day. Sketch out a basic plan, that includes your dining must-dos, and then enjoy a few “spontaneous” afternoons or mornings. Some of the best memories are created when you take the time Continue reading Do’s And Don’ts for the Disney First Timer

The Perfect Age To Take Your Children To Walt Disney World

You want to know the perfect age to take your children to Walt Disney World because you don’t want to miss that perfect window of opportunity or waste money on a vacation they may not remember. People ask me all the time, “What is the perfect age to take our kids to Walt Disney World?” And I say, “Six.” Six is perfect. She still loves princesses and not afraid to meet one. He can join in the swashbuckling fun of playing pirate with Captain Jack Sparrow. They can ride Toy Story Mania and Haunted Mansion for the perfect kid-sized scare. Continue reading The Perfect Age To Take Your Children To Walt Disney World

The Best Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat At Walt Disney World

Surviving the summer heat at Walt Disney World

1. Mid-day is the perfect time for a dip in the resort pool or a nap in the AC. But, it’s also a time when Mother Nature provides unlimited FastPasses. Rainstorms are prevalent in the Florida and you’ll need to plan your time accordingly. If there is no lightening, rides will still be operational and lines will be short as most everyone else will run for cover, typically choosing to call it a day. But if you’ve already had enough of the crowds, go to the pool or take a nap. By all means. You can go out again as the evening Continue reading The Best Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat At Walt Disney World

Tricks To Make Your Trip Even More Magical

Magic Kingdom

Even if you’ve been to Walt Disney World 50 times, there are always new tricks to learn to make your trip more magical! Read on for a few of my favs! Always, always, ALWAYS arrive at least 30 minutes before a park’s scheduled opening. The parks are much less crowded first thing in the morning and you can get a lot done in those first few hours. When crowds begin to thicken, have lunch, shop or go back to your resort for a swim or nap. Late in the afternoon visit another park (or the same one) refreshed and with Continue reading Tricks To Make Your Trip Even More Magical

Sometimes You Just Have To Stop And Look At The Ducks

“Mommy! Look at the ducks!” My 3-year-old was tugging at my hand. We had a late start that morning and there was no way we were going to make it to the park before rope drop. My mom and dad were racing ahead to catch the boat to Hollywood Studios which was just pulling up to the dock. I was torn. I wanted to keep up with my parents but I wanted to honor my daughter’s thrill at seeing the ducks. Waving wildly at my daughter and I, my parents won. I tugged gently on my daughter’s hand and said, “Honey, Continue reading Sometimes You Just Have To Stop And Look At The Ducks