Hip Hip Hooray! It’s Mickey’s Birthday!

www.mouseterplanner.com

Today is November 18th. It’s a special day for the Disney family, and it’s extra special for this Disney-obsessed family. Our Special Day My middle son joined our family through adoption. We always celebrate his “Gotcha Day” (the day we “got” him). To celebrate we let him choose a family activity that we can all enjoy with him to commemorate his special day. Surprise! One year, he chose a trip to Walt Disney World and this Disney nut mom couldn’t refuse. So years ago, on November 18th, he proudly wore his “I’m Celebrating” button. In fact, we all wore buttons! Continue reading Hip Hip Hooray! It’s Mickey’s Birthday!

Extra Magic Hours At Disney World Explained

One of the perks of being a Walt Disney World resort guest is the ability to enjoy Extra Magic Hours. What are Extra Magic Hours? Each day, a park or two, depending on the season, is open either an extra hour in the morning or extra hours at night. This is a time when guests of the resorts can spend extra time in the parks, with fewer people and shorter wait times for attractions. You must have a Magic Band (RFID chip), proving you are a Disney Resort guest. Since the Extra Magic Hours (EMH) option was introduced in 2005 there Continue reading Extra Magic Hours At Disney World Explained

8 Must Pack Items For A Trip To Walt Disney World

  As a seasoned Walt Disney World Go-er, I’ve visited in all types of weather, at all times of the year, in all kinds of circumstances. I’ve been as a child, a teen, a DINK (double income, no kids), with infants, toddlers, and teens, with extended family and the elderly. I’ve over-packed and under-packed. Take it from me. These are the 8 things you don’t want to forget to pack for your trip to Disney. #1 Bottled Water  At least one bottle per person. We bring a large 24 pack for a family of 5. We refill throughout the day Continue reading 8 Must Pack Items For A Trip To Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Theme Parks After Dark

There was a period of time, when the kids were small, that we never saw the parks in the dark. A good night’s sleep was critical for our middle son, and no one wanted to upset his routine, afraid of the repercussions the next day. No one. Fast forward a few years later and we re-discovered the joys of Disney in the Dark. Magic Kingdom After Dark There is nothing like entering the Haunted Mansion while it is dark and eerie outside. Or, as you round the corner on Splash Mountain, catching a glimpse of the castle all lit up. Big Thunder Continue reading Walt Disney World Theme Parks After Dark

Your Quick Guide To Walt Disney World Resort Rapid Fill Mug

What is a Rapid Fill Mug? What is a Rapid Fill Mug? If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort you’ll find plenty of guests walking around with a special Walt Disney World mug. It’s not just a fancy souvenir. It’s an insulated, 16 oz. refillable mug that you can use for your entire stay and fill at any of the convenient beverage locations, either poolside, at the quick service food windows, food courts or gift shops. How much does a Rapid Fill Mug cost? If you are on any of the dining plans a Rapid Fill Mug Continue reading Your Quick Guide To Walt Disney World Resort Rapid Fill Mug

Planning Your First Trip To Walt Disney World

It’s no longer a simple feat to plan a trip to Walt Disney World. Even for us hardened veterans. Before you take those first steps down magical Main Street here are some things you should know. Best time to go As I said in a previous post, there is no “best” time to go anymore. There are “better” times and least crowded times, for sure. Ultimately, you have to pick the best time for your family. If you’re tethered to a school schedule, I’d recommend as soon as you can after the kids get out of school (early June) or, Continue reading Planning Your First Trip To Walt Disney World

When Your Kid Needs To Let Off Steam: In All Four Walt Disney World Parks

A frustration tantrum is brewing and your child needs to let off a little steam. You know what I’m talking about. There’s that certain age when they feel they’re too old for a stroller, too young to not hold your hand in a crowded park. But they have energy to burn and little patience to spare. There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World. But then, there’s also all that “hurry up and wait.” You rush to an attraction only to have to wait patiently in line. With a 5-year-old. Sounds impossible, right? It doesn’t have Continue reading When Your Kid Needs To Let Off Steam: In All Four Walt Disney World Parks

Why We Love Staying At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

One of the youngest of all of Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) opened in April of 2001. And if I’m being perfectly honest, I always resisted staying there. When we can afford to stay at a deluxe resort, one of the perks is the unique transportation each resort offered. Monorail for Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian. Boat transport for Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht Club resorts. The ability to walk to parks from Contemporary and the EPCOT resorts. There’s nothing wrong with bus transportation, especially at Walt Disney World, but busses seemed to take Continue reading Why We Love Staying At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Experience Check-List

To truly experience Walt Disney World there are some “must-dos” that you simply must do! Here is your comprehensive list to make sure you are getting the ultimate Disney Experience! Continue reading The Ultimate Walt Disney World Experience Check-List

Walt Disney World Planning Guide For The First-Timer

Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming. There is so much to consider and so much to forget. Follow this step by step guide for your first trip! Set your budget Your budget is going to dictate where you stay, how long you can stay and when you can go. And the beauty of it? You can take your family to Walt Disney World for a handful of hundreds or double-digit thousands. But if you’re not a lottery winner like me, cheaper is always better. Just be careful not to fall for any “too good to Continue reading Walt Disney World Planning Guide For The First-Timer