All images are owned by Disney. 

Disney After Hours: Halloween Boo Bash

After Hour Events are a great way to experience Disney World in a fun new way. From shortened lines at attractions to exclusive snacks, these events have it all! All that’s needed is a special ticket and a love for the magic.

Disney’s Boo Bash is Disney’s first After Hours event post-Covid. Below, you’ll find some of the things I’m most excited about!

What is Disney Boo Bash?

Disney After Hour Events are events that occur after the park, in which they are located, close for the night. For Boo Bash, this will be a 3-hour event that begins at either 9 or 9:30 PM depending on the date of the event.

Location

This year’s Halloween Boo Bash will take place at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This means you’ll get much shorter wait times for some of your favorite classic rides such as:

• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Space Mountain
• Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train

Snacks 

During these events, you’ll enjoy all sorts of complimentary snacks such as:

• Popcorn
• Seasonal drinks
• Fun ice cream treats

What To Do 

While enjoying these amazing snacks you can sit back, relax, and watch stupendous cavalcades featuring fan favorites like Chip and Dale, Jack Skellington, Maleficent, and so many more!

Disney’s Boo Bash Dates

So, when can you start reserving your spot at a Boo Bash? The official start date for buying tickets is June 15 and guests staying on Disney property can start purchasing tickets on June 8th.

I have a birthday coming up sooo “hint, hint”.

The parties will take place on various dates from August 10- October 31. If you would like to attend one of these events, now is the time to contact your travel agent!

Halloween Pricing

Boo Bash’s prices are comparable to the pricing of events pre-Covid. They range depending on the date that you would like from $129-$199.

Fun Fact: The closer to Halloween, the higher the price! If you happen to be DVC or an Annual passholder, there is a $10 discount per ticket for the months of August and September.

The price may be steep, but it does allow access to the party and it allows you to enter the park as early as 7 PM the day of the event. Costumes

One of the most spectacular perks of these events is that the entire family can dress up! Typically Disney does not allow guests above a certain age to dress in costume, but that rule is gone for this event!

Disney’s Boo Bash is the only event this year that allows the entire family to dress in a themed costume. Think of the options! My wife and I always try and theme our outfits at Disney World, but with Boo Bash, we would be able to theme costumes!

Spectral Spirit

One of the coolest features is that with your Memory Maker, your pictures can take on a life of their own! Disney truly works their magic in making sure they never miss an opportunity to add a little pixie dust. Watching your little ones light up when they see what concoctions they’ve worked up will be a party all on its own! That wraps up what we know so far about Disney’s Boo Bash! So don’t wait! Contact your agent today and join in for a ghoulishly good time!

Come join the party over on Facebook in our Disney Express Lane here!

Click here to look at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which is extremely close to Magic Kingdom (the location of the Boo Bash)!

The post Disney After Hours Halloween Boo Bash appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Hello Spring With A Disney DIY UP Inspired Easter Basket

If you weren’t one of the lucky travelers to grab some of those magical Spring Break park reservations in time, lets celebrate Easter with a little Disney magic at home. What better way to create the Disney holiday magic at home than with an adorable DIY UP inspired Easter Basket. Say goodbye to plain Easter baskets and let’s sprinkle a little pixie dust to make a super fun floating house basket. This was first shown to us by Disney Family. I was inspired and did it myself!

Supply List:

• Any size basket in any color you want. The best kind do NOT have a wide base but DO have a tall handle. I tried the big base and it looked a little odd.
• Scissors, Hot Glue, Glue Gun
• Printout of UP House (the image I used is here printed on cardstock for durability, however you can take pastel colored paper and cut your own out if you choose)
• String or Yarn  
• Colorful Plain Plastic Easter Eggs
• Goodies To Fill Your Easter Basket

Steps: 

1. Print out your UP image on cardstock for best results and cut out image.
2. Cut string to a bit smaller than the height of your basket. Extra can always be cut off later.
3. Hot glue each string to the back of an egg ( only the eggs that go on the bottom have string and glue at the exact spot where the two halves of the egg meet. This will secure your eggs from falling apart as well.)
4. Glue eggs on the bottom of the basket handle, followed by the front of the basket handle and top of the basket handle. Once these three spots are done, you can glue eggs in front to make balloons have a fuller look.
5. Bring your strings down to a point and glue them to your house. Then cut off any excess string.
6. Sit your basket on a flat surface and hot glue your house so that it sits level with the floor onto the front of your basket.
7. Fill your basket with Easter goodies. Some cute ideas are to add in UP themed items like Grape Soda or an Adventures Savings Jar. Also add some pretty balloons for inflating and of course lots of candy!.

We would love to see your Disney DIY UP Inspired Easter Basket when you finish it! They are so fun and extremely easy to make at home. Message us if you have a craft you would like to see us make LIVE on Facebook on our Walt Express Blog page or break down step by step on here. We also have some amazing plans for future crafts for kids as well as yummy Disney inspired food and treats!

For more great Disney information, head over to Disney Express Lane.

Disney On Ice: Dream Big And Why You Need To GO NOW!

The post Hello Spring With A Disney DIY UP Inspired Easter Basket appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Top 5 Romantic Dining Experiences In Disney World

Which dining experiences will be the best for romance? Can we EVEN have romance on a vacation to Disney World? Well, YES, you can and Walt Express has narrowed down our faves! Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday or even Valentine’s Day, we have your romantic dinner covered!

A Few Things to Remember:

• Do not take this the wrong way. Disney World is full of children and for the most part, everything is very child-friendly. However, there are a few restaurants and dining experiences that are geared more for the adult crowd. This does NOT mean that children are not accepted, but it does mean that it’s not your typical character meal with kids running around everywhere. You know your children and you know how they will respond to a dining experience like this. So, if your child does not like sitting still for a couple of hours, these restaurants are not for them.
• If the restaurant is located in a Disney Park, park admission is required.
• Reservations are highly recommended and can currently be made 60 days prior to your vacation.

Let’s Get to the List

• 5. California Grill in the Contemporary Resort: This signature dining experience is one of a kind! Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park. If you time your reservation just right, a view of the nightly fireworks show in Magic Kingdom park will set the stage for the perfect ending to a romantic evening. 
• 4. Sanaa in Animal Kingdom’s Kidani Village: Located in the Kidani Village, you will watch gazelles, zebras, giraffes, kudu, ostriches, cranes and more as you dine. Sanaa bread service is the BEST on Disney property, and yes, you can order just the bread service. I would suggest a Godiva Chocolate Martini to enjoy while watching the animals!
• 3. Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion. Nestled deep in Canada (crossing the border is not necessary), you will find a delicious, cozy dinner waiting for you at Le Cellier Steakhouse. Share the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup appetizer and a little small talk, while you wait for the main course! After dinner, sip on a glass of Chappellet Chardonnay while you wait on the fireworks to begin (uummm…we are talking about Epcot’s nighttime fireworks show, let’s keep this PG)! 
• 2. Jiko in Animal Kingdom Lodge: Could there be anything better than a Savannah sunset and African inspired cuisine? If this sounds romantic to you, then Jiko is definitly the place to be! 
• 1. Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom: Yes, it’s cliché, but hey, it worked for the Beast! The Rose Room is by far, the MOST ROMANTIC!

Previous Number ONE-Honorable Mention

Victoria and Albert’s in the Grand Floridian: This is by far, the number one place for romance in Disney World, but has not reopened as of yet. This restaurant deserves an honorable mention. Reservations are extremely hard to come by and there is a waiting list. You will dine on a seven or ten course meal and sip on world class wine. This IS a truly amazing experience and will have you talking about it for years to come. Dress code is strictly enforced.

What are your thoughts on Disney and romance? I mean, Mickey and Minnie do this everyday, right! Have you done anything romantic on your Disney trips? We would love to hear about it! Drop us a comment and let us know, or better yet, send us some pics!

Looking for more Disney fun and info? Join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

The post Top 5 Romantic Dining Experiences In Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

You Must Do The Jingle Cruise

The Jingle Cruise is all about the homesick skippers of the Jungle Cruise. To make everything feel more like home, the skippers have decorated the queue with items that have been mailed to them. Some of the items they have even made themselves. Basically, the Jingle Cruise is just like the Jungle Cruise, just with some holiday cheer added. The scenes throughout the adventure will have some festive decorations to help the skippers celebrate the season. You will also notice while on your “trip” that the skippers have added some holiday jokes to lighten the spirit a little more.

Not only are the scenes and the queue transformed, but so are the boats! Make sure you pay close attention to the names of the individual boats because the skippers have also changed them up a bit. Those skippers know exactly how to create the perfect holiday! Just a few examples; Sankuru Sadie becomes Sleigh Ride Sadie, Congo Connie becomes Candy Cane Connie, Mongala Millie becomes Mistletoe Millie and Amazon Annie becomes Eggnog Annie, just to name a few!

Height Requirement

Same as the Jungle Cruise, there is not a height requirement for Jingle Cruise. No matter what age, or height, everyone in your party will be able to enjoy this attraction. Such a great family fun attraction that you definitely need to add to your list. Have you really done the holidays in Disney World if you haven’t done the JINGLE CRUISE at least once?

Get ready to see the BACKSIDE OF WATER, holiday edition!! So much fun!

Accessibility and Other Information

• You may remain in your wheelchair or ECV to ride Jingle Cruise.
• Assistive Listening and Language Translation devices are available upon request. Sign Language services are also available upon request.
• Social distancing is in full effect and guidelines will be followed.
• Don’t forget your face mask! This will be strictly enforced.

Tips

• FastPass+ is offered for Jingle Cruise. Fast passes are not available as of right now.
• Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older.
• Jingle Cruise runs from early November to early January.
• Bring your sense of humor, the cornier the better!

Have you tried the holiday version of the Jungle Cruise? Did you enjoy it as much as the original? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to tell us all about it and to discuss other Disney related topics. For more holiday fun, check out the TOP 5 MUST DO’S during the holidays!

The post You MUST Do The Jingle Cruise During The Holidays At Magic Kingdom appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving

No one does the holidays like Disney World and we mean NO ONE! Anytime you can get there is a great time to visit, but when you visit during a specific holiday, there is just extra magic everywhere! There are also extra crowds. This means it can be a stressful time to visit, if you allow it to be. Disney World can be stressful? Yes, it can. Don’t worry! Walt Express has 10 great tips to help get you through the Thanksgiving holidays at Disney World.

10 Tips On How To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving Holidays

When schools in the U.S. are out, the crowds in Disney World will increase. Especially during a holiday time. The crowds during Thanksgiving are really unpredictable. Early in the week, you may see low crowds. Later in the week, BAM! Everyone shows up! There is a secret to surviving: PLAN, PLAN and then PLAN some more! A travel planner would be a great addition during this time! In this time of Covid, Thanksgiving at Disney World is going to look a little different. Be sure you KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

1. Dining reservations. Definitely grab reservations at the 60 day mark! Some restaurants in the parks and the resorts will host a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but you will want to grab that reservation early! Don’t wait!
2. NO Fast passes. Sadly, no fast passes for this year. Be sure to stay up to date on wait times through the My Disney Experience APP!
3. Rest. Don’t wear yourself out! Find the best resting spots right here: TOP SPOTS FOR A BREAK!
4. Good attitude. This is KEY! You KNOW it will be crowded and you KNOW the lines will be long. You ARE in Disney World…concentrate on the magic and have a good attitude.
5. Weather. For the most part, the weather is very pleasant during this time! Be prepared for rain. Bring ponchos and rain gear, just incase.
6. Which park to choose? This one is tricky. Magic Kingdom WILL BE the most crowded park. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend Thanksgiving Day in the Magic Kingdom? Choose another park to spend the day in or see number 8.
7. Be nice to cast members. Cast members are away from their families during the holidays so they can bring magic to YOUR family!
8. Avoid the parks. Resort hop on Thanksgiving day! Grab a dining reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner at one of Disney World’s Resorts. Definitely think about a “family day” at the resort. Grab lunch or dinner at your resort (or hop over to another resort), lounge by the pool and RELAX! After all, you will want to save your energy for Black Friday shopping in Disney Springs!
9. Lines everywhere. There WILL be crowds and lines pretty much everywhere, but it’s totally doable! Be patient. Social distancing will be strictly enforced this year, making crowds appear larger.
10. Staying on-site. Seriously think about staying on-site for big holidays, especially for the “first timers”. Staying on-site does make getting around Walt Disney World property a lot easier when there are big crowds!

Extra Social Distancing Tips

• Bring and wear your mask!
• Be prepared for temperature checks, not only in the parks, but in sit down/table service restaurants.
• Social distancing will be strictly enforced.
• BE sure to check out Disney World’s KNOW BEFORE YOU GO page to stay up to date!

Patience Required To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving

While there are tons of ways to “do Disney”, these are just some tips and tricks that we have learned along the way. If this is the only time you and your family are able to visit Disney World, then it’s a perfect time! Our editor and chief has been going on Thanksgiving for many years. Although it is not her favorite time to go, due to the crowds, it is still an adventure and makes for great family memories. The secret to her success is patience!

What are your thoughts about visiting Disney World on Thanksgiving? Did you survive? We would love to hear all about it!

Head on over to our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for lots of Disney World tips and fun!

Our travel planners over at Walt Express Travel can help you plan the most magical experience ever! And, their services are FREE!

The post 10 Tips On How To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving Holidays appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Holidays Are Back At Disney Word

The holidays are back at Disney World for 2020 and we couldn’t be happier. We have a breakdown of what you can expect at each park, Disney Springs, and more. It does look a little different this year, but that’s OK! At least we do get some Christmas Cheer when visiting our favorite place in the WORLD! That just makes me SO happy! Here is a list of some holiday cheer you will find everywhere in Disney World. There are still social distancing and face mask rules in place. Meet and greets are also a little different as well. No touchy touchy!

• Sweet holiday treats can be found throughout Disney World! Click this link for sweet treat locations!
• You will find season decorations in each park! Plus, several attractions will be showing off their best holiday spirit!
• MUST HAVE holiday merchandise, everywhere!! 
• Disney World Resorts are also in the holiday spirit! You will find seasonal decorations AND sweet treats at various locations. 
• Holiday magic can be found November 6 to December 30, 2020.

There are still social distancing and face mask rules in place. Meet and greets are also a little different as well. No touchy touchy! But, it’s STILL Disney World and it’s the holidays! What could be better?

Magic Kingdom Park

• Castle Projections: Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle is transformed with cheerful projections.
• Themed Character Cavalcades: Wave to Mickey and friends as they show off their holiday spirit during festive sightings. Also a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!
• Holiday Trolley: Don’t miss the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet as they head right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. on a horse-drawn trolley, delivering merry melodies along the way.
• Main Street Philharmonic: Feel the holiday spirit as Toy Soldiers join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.

Epcot

There is SOOOOOO much going on at Epcot during the holiday season. For a complete list, click here: Epcot and the holidays.

• Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: From November 27 to December 30, be sure to visit our Holiday Kitchens and also take part in our sweet Holiday Cookie Stroll.
• Santa Claus Promenade: Witness Santa Claus’s grand tour around World Showcase in his horse-drawn sleigh, wishing everyone a happy holiday season.
• Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour: Look for Mickey Mouse and his pals all dressed in their seasonal finest.
• Frozen Holiday Promenade: Watch Queen Anna and Elsa ring in the season, journeying from country to country and waving to their fans—like you—along the way.
• New! Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt: Have a blast tracking down all of the things on Olaf’s list during this fun scavenger hunt.

Back during the very first Holidays Around the World in Epcot’s World Showcase (now known as Festival of the Holidays), we met Pere Noel! Just one of the many reasons we fell in love with this festival. Click that link and see why!

You will also find some amazing seasonal music in Epcot!

• JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season will entertain you with soulful R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes inside the World Showplace.
• The Epcot pianist will take the stage at the World Showplace to perform festive set of holiday music from around the world.
• America Gardens Theatre will play host to a rotating lineup of holiday performances. Such performances include: Voices of Liberty and the Mariachi Cobre. Celebrating Las Posadas—a tribute to Mexican holiday customs.
• The JAMMitors will rock the Mill Stage at the Canada Pavilion.

Animal Kingdom 

• Santa Claus Festive Flotilla: See Santa Claus as he sails down the Discovery River to a jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrack.
• Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla: Discover Donald Duck and friends taking their holiday celebration to the water, waving to everyone as they traverse the Discovery River.
• Chip & Dale’s Festive Flotilla: Groove with Chip ‘n’ Dale as they bring their own style of festive flair to the park’s waterways, jingling through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays.
• Mickey and Friends Festive Flotilla: Wave to Mickey and pals as they head downriver on a holiday safari filled with Christmas-time fun.
• Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla: Feel the beat as a colorful group of percussionists cruise along the Discovery River, entertaining Guests like you on the shore.

Plus, be sure to check out Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition, where our beloved tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

Hollywood Studios

• Santa Claus Motorcade: Catch the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, where an entourage of Elves leads jolly old St. Nick up Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible, packed with a sack of presents!
• The Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel: Watch the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel make its evening transformation, giving a playful nod to a variety of fan favorite tales including The Muppets, Toy Story, Frozen and Mickey’s Christmas Carol.
• Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine: Don’t miss Minnie’s yuletide dining experience at this popular restaurant.
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Look forward to an unforgettable finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf.
• Seasonal Décor: Capture photos of our special festive touches.

Disney Springs

• Santa’s Winter Watercade: Santa and Mrs. Claus are soaking up the last bit of Florida sun before their big night, taking to Lake Buena Vista in a Winter Waterland of colorfully decorated pontoon boats and waving Christmas wishes to Guests as they enjoy Disney Springs.
• Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Go on a quest across Disney Springs in this new holiday family tradition that respects physical distancing guidelines. Hint: don’t forget to check out those stunning themed Christmas Trees for clues!
• Special Entertainment: Create new memories, start new traditions and enjoy time together! Explore Disney Springs and be entertained by Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters. Waterside Stage and Exposition Park host DJs that keep the tunes flowing throughout the day.
• Let It Snow: Snow flurries are in the forecast for Town Center and the West Side. In the evenings, delight in a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to your holiday shopping.
• Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Holiday Takeover: Head to this restaurant-meets-lounge for a fun holiday twist on its décor and more.
• Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth: This year, discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs.

What are some of your favorite Disney World memories? We would love it if you shared with us in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE. Also, if you are planning a trip to the magic, we have friends over at WALT EXPRESS TRAVEL, that would love to help you. Their services are FREE when you book your vacation with them! Disney World has seasonal offers available that would make your vacation even better!

A BIG thank you to our friends Vince, Tammy, Carrie and Kassady for sharing some of their magical photos!

The post The Holidays Are Back At Disney World And Here’s All We Know! appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

While it is still an exciting time to visit Disney World, we understand that not everyone can or wants to go to the Disney parks right now. So, we wanted to share some ideas with you on how you can have a Disney Style Not So Scary Halloween at home. As always, we are here to help you get your DISNEY FIX, even if the fun is at home this year!

Disney Style Not So Scary Halloween At Home

As you may have heard, this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World has been cancelled. Halloween fun will continue down Main Street U.S.A., but it will just be in a different way this year. Of course there are decorations throughout, as well as the yummy sweet treats we all love to eat. Mickey & Minnie and all their friends will pop up from time to time in parade cavalcades all dressed up in their not so scary Halloween costumes. All while dancing and celebrating to our favorite Disney Halloween themed music. So, if you are missing the Spooky magic this season, we are here to help you create it at home.

Make Your OWN Decorations

This will be fun for the whole family! Use your imagination to create your own or check out some super easy crafts from Disney Family. Our family likes Mickey’s Halloween Bat Mobile, Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghost, or Disney Villains Halloween Banner. After you have designed your decorations, hang them throughout the house. You can even string up orange and purple lights to give it an even spookier feel. Of course you can always add in Disney merchandise decorations you may have from the parks or find some on Shop Disney.

Play Disney Themed Halloween Music

Give your home a not so scary party feel by playing the music that we hear while visiting Disney World during the Halloween season. You can purchase a Disney Halloween Party CD or look up Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parade sound track over on You Tube. Disney Halloween music will get everyone in the house in a holiday mood. 

Make Some Disney Inspired Sweet Treats

Alright we have the decorations up and the Halloween music on, so it is time to get on our festive aprons so we can make up some delicious sweet treats. There is no such thing as too many sweets so let us head back over to Disney Family to try a few. Our family is looking forward to making Mickey Mouse Halloween Cupcakes, Evil Queen’s Villainous Apples & Sparky Cake Pops There are many recipes to choose from.  I plan on sharing our creations over at Disney Express Lane once we make them. So head on over and join us! Feel free to share your Halloween treats and ideas with us too!

Make A Disney & Halloween Themed Movie Night

Now that we have set the Not So Scary Halloween mood in the house and we have our favorite sweet treats made, it is time to grab a blanket and cozy up on the couch for a Disney Halloween Movie Night. Some of our favorites to watch this time of year is The Haunted Mansion, Hocus Pocus & The Nightmare Before Christmas. There are many, many more Halloween themed Disney movies as well. Just search for titles on the internet or on Disney Plus. Another idea is to watch videos of past Disney Halloween Fireworks from inside the parks on You Tube.

Make Your Own Trick or Treat Stations

A fun part of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is trick or treating around the Magic Kingdom. Bring this fun activity into your home by setting up trick or treat stations throughout your house. You can choose just a few rooms or utilize them all. Either way, the kiddos will enjoy dressing up and going around the house to collect candy or other treats. You can get creative with these stations. Not all of them have to be candy. Maybe add some cute stickers or fun little holiday toys from the Dollar Tree.

A Little Different, but STILL FUN!

The holidays are different this year because we all need to stay socially distanced. That does not mean that we cannot still have fun while making new memories. We hope these ideas help you to create a fun Disney inspired Halloween! Don’t forget to come share your creations and ideas with us over at Disney Express Lane. We can’t wait to see how you are celebrating! We hope you get to enjoy some Disney Style Not So Scary fun at home or in the parks this year! If you are heading to the parks, be sure to find out about these 5 things you will NEED to bring with you!

We also have some amazing friends over at Walt Express Travel that would love to help you plan some magic.

The post How To Have A Disney Style Not So Scary Halloween At Home appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

LOVE Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party takes places during the Fall and early Fall each year. This is a special event held on select nights at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. The cost for the event ranges from $85.00 to $149.00 (on Halloween night). Tickets may be purchased in advance or sometimes at the gate if not already sold out. Yes, some nights will sell out, it’s THAT popular.

So, why do WE love this party so much. Keep reading and I will tell you!

The Villains

Yes, we LOVE the villains and there are plenty to go around at this event. You will find everyone’s favorite baddies, including some rare characters. These rare characters will ONLY make their appearance at this party!

The Treats

• Candy, candy and even more candy. And yes, we mean the good stuff! There are treat stations set up throughout Magic Kingdom park and you may visit each one multiple times if you like!
• You will find specialty desserts and treats throughout this event, that is not available during normal operating hours. Of course, this is our favorite part!
• Special Event merchandise. Yep, merchandise such as collectible pins, popcorn buckets and tons more! You will only be able to find these goodies at the party, after 7 pm.

Special Parades And Events

• Mickey’s Boo To You Parade usually happens twice during the event.
• Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, a fireworks show that will leave you breathless!
• Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular-Sanderson sisters (need we say more)???

Low Crowds

Tickets are limited for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, so on most nights, you will find lighter crowds. The closer you get to Halloween, the more people you will find! It’s not bad at all. Totally worth it! Five minutes for Splash Mountain? Yes, please!

So MANY More Reasons We LOVE Mickey’s Not So Scary

• This is the ONE event that adults are allowed to dress up as their favorite character.
• Book your trip for the end of October through the beginning of November. The lets you see the magical transformation from Halloween at Disney World to Christmas at Disney World! The absolute BEST of both worlds.
• You can enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4 pm with a party ticket. The party doesn’t kick off till 7 pm, giving you 3 extra hours!
• There are also special events INSIDE the special event. Cruella’s Halloween Hide A Way, Dessert parties and table service dining options are all available during this event!’
  
• Don’t forget about the special photopass opportunities. You may just come home with a friend in your pictures!

2020 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

See, SO much to take in and one night hardly gets the job the done. If doable, we like to come back and experience it a second time.

This year’s dates are as follows:

• August 13, 18, 21, 25 and 28
• September 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29
• October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31
• November 1

If you are heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, be sure to take a peek at our HACKS FOR THE PARTY!

Are you looking for MORE Disney information and fun? We have a fabulous Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE. Just click that link to join us!

The post Why We Absolutely LOVE Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

For many, a Disney World vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. Me? I could honestly live there. The trips never get old and I still get goosebumps when I see the sign welcoming me to Walt Disney World. There are a few things I haven’t done that are on my bucket list. So, here’s my top 5 Unique Experiences At Disney World that are on my bucket list! You may just want to add these to yours too!

Unique Experiences At Disney World

Everyone’s “bucket list” for Disney World will be different, and these are just a few things that my family and I would like to try! Of course, this is ONLY five of what’s actually on my list, there is more! LOL!

Nothing BUT Character Meet and Greets

There are rides and attractions that are amazing and well worth the wait times. But, my love for all things Disney began with the characters. There’s nothing like the opportunity to meet your favorite character and getting your picture taken with them. Those photos are priceless treasures to look back on and be reminded of the characters that made you fall in love with Disney to begin with. It would be awesome to spend a full day doing nothing but character meet and greets. Maybe even make it a scavenger hunt of sorts. Have your family make a list and see who can find, and meet, the most characters.

Stay in the Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

A vacation at Walt Disney World is incredibly magical. But who wouldn’t want to experience a little extra magic and be treated like royalty? Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort offers a category of rooms called the Royal Guest Room. So, if you’re like me and want the extra dose of magic, this is the place to stay. Complete with details that allude to the princes and princesses of Disney movies as well as the fiber optic fireworks in the headboards, this is at the top of my list of resorts for our family to experience!

Visit All 4 Parks In One Day

This one may be a little more difficult with smaller children, but it’s definitely a challenge worth attempting. I’m not talking about getting into the parks, staying for a short time, then leaving. I want to visit all four parks and hit my favorite, or must-try, rides. Heading into Animal Kingdom first thing to hop on Expedition Everest and Na’vi River Journey. Be sure to look for Devine! Stopping in at Hollywood Studios to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and catching a ride on one of my favorites in the park: Slinky Dog Dash. After that, it would be a stop at Epcot to ride Soarin’ and Test Track before grabbing a bite to eat in the World Showcase. Then finish it all up with the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and getting a few rides in before the park closes. I’m sure it would make for a long day, but it would be worth it!

If this is something that interests you too, check out this blog where one of our bloggers actually completes the 4 PARKS, ONE DAY challenge!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Our family loves Christmas. And there is nowhere in the world that does Christmas quite like Walt Disney World. The trees along with all the other decorations. And, of course, Cinderella’s Castle all lit up. Christmas at Disney seems more magical than any other time. But Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is something we’ve not had the opportunity to experience yet. Seeing the special parade down Main Street, visiting with characters that are often hard to find, and eating the special treats are all things that we’d like to experience firsthand. Hopefully, this is an item that will be checked off very soon!

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Everything about Walt Disney World is awe-inspiring. The creativity of Walt Disney himself, along with all the imagineers who make everything come to life is mind-blowing. But I really want to experience what happens behind the scenes. This 5 hour tour of Disney’s Magic Kingdom gives you the scoop on the creation and growth of this iconic theme park. The thing I’d like to experience most on this tour is visiting the underground tunnels by way of the “Utilidors”. 

Bucket List

With the ever-changing landscape of Walt Disney World, I’m sure that, as soon as I check these items off, there will be more things to make it onto my list. That only means I’ll have to keep going back, and that’s okay with me! What are the things on your bucket list for your next (or first) trip to Walt Disney World?

What’s on YOUR bucket list? Share it with us over on our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

The post 5 Unique Experiences You Should Add To Your Disney World Bucket List appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Our family loves to go to Disney World anytime, but we really love to go during the Christmas season. In my opinion, no one does Christmas like Disney World. While we enjoy all four parks during this time of year, there is something our family looks forward to every year and that is resort hopping! Take a peek and find out why you should Resort Hop At Disney World!

Resort Hop At Disney World

Every resort has it’s own unique theme and you can find Christmas trees, elaborate decorations and even Gingerbread displays which are amazing to see. Plus, they smell soooo good. You can also find many sweet treats that only come around at Christmas time. Since the weather is a slight bit cooler this time of year, enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate, coffee or even eggnog in front of a fireplace or outdoor fire pit just makes it feel even more like Christmas.   

Resort hopping is completely free to do and is a nice break away from the parks. It allows you to see more of what Disney World has that you may not have known about. Of course, each location has plenty of dining and shopping options but one of our favorite things is relaxing in one of the chairs, couches or rocking chairs either in the lobby or throughout the resort. We love to find a cozy spot and just take in the atmosphere.

If you love to find fun and unique Christmas gifts, the resort shops are the way to go. They are typically less crowded and since Christmas begins at Disney World in November, it gives you plenty of time to pick out those special Christmas presents. 

To get the most out of our resort hopping experience, we pick out four resorts to visit for the day. This way, we can take time at each location to really enjoy all the Christmas fun that each one has to offer. Let me share with you our trip from last year and how we used the Disney Transportation System to get to each one. Plus, some of the highlights we enjoyed during our time at each of the four resorts we chose.

Coronado Springs

We parked our car at Disney Springs where we then caught a Disney Transportation Bus to head over to this resort. The tree here was beautifully located in the lobby near the check in/out desk.  They had small gingerbread displays that the cast members made. It looked to be a fun competition as each one was labeled by department.

Fort Wilderness Lodge

We took a bus from Coronado Springs to the Magic Kingdom and then took the boat over to this resort. To us, this resort feels the most like Christmas with the roaring fireplace, a beautiful tree that stands right in the center of the lobby and reindeer decorations displayed above the entrance. We spent the most time at this resort. Just enjoying rocking in a rocking chair and sipping a warm delicious hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Christmas music in the background and the sound of people laughing and having a good time on vacation made for a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Fort Wilderness Campground

Just a boat ride away from the lodge we headed over to the campgrounds and it is just as beautiful. The Christmas tree here is outdoors and with the weather being cooler this time of year again makes this resort feel like Christmas. We packed our own lunch and enjoyed an outdoor picnic here. After lunch we walked over to Tri-Circle-D Ranch  to visit Cinderella’s Ponies and the majestic horses of Main Street, U.S.A. This ranch is amazing!

We took the opportunity to explore the ranch as this was the first time we had visited this part of Disney World. The horses are beautiful, and it was amazing to see the cast members interacting with them. We happened to be there at the time that some of them were getting fed and others were getting their baths. For us it was amazing to see all the behind the scenes being done. The horses we all love to see on Main Street pulling the trolley and Cinderella’s carriage during the parades have their own home here and for the longest time our family never knew about this amazing location. Here on this ranch they also offer wagon rides, horse drawn carriage rides and horseback riding which come with a cost. However, exploring the ranch is free. If you love horses, this is a must do.

FUN FACT: The horses are treated as cast members and have their own cast member badges. SO awesome!

Contemporary Resort

After a boat ride from Fort Wilderness Campground, we headed over to spend time at the Contemporary Resort. While they have Christmas trees throughout this resort, they did not have a huge tree like the other resorts. I think this is because they are known more for the amazing gingerbread displays. Last year the theme was Cinderella. They have been known to change the theme which is exciting because each year that we go we may get to experience something new. Real ingredients are used to bring the gingerbread displays to life. The list of how much of each ingredient is used is displayed nearby. Let’s just say it is way more than we would use baking our own cookies at home. We enjoyed some gingerbread cookies while we were there mine of course were gluten free, but the rest of the family enjoyed the regular ones. We ate them out on the patio and enjoyed the view of the Magic Kingdom.

Doing The Resort Hop At Disney World

We really enjoy using the Disney Transportation System to resort hop but you can drive your own vehicle as well if you prefer. Day guest can enjoy complimentary standard self-parking while visiting the resorts.

We are so excited for this year we cannot wait to visit four different resorts. If you are a Florida resident like me, you can enjoy resort hopping even if you are not planning on going to the parks. If you are not from Florida but your magical vacation is in November/December, think about taking a day in your vacation to resort hop. We chose four to explore but you can choose what works best for you. 

Resort Hop At Disney World Extra Tips

• Make sure you take your camera and autograph books. You are likely to run into some of your favorite characters all decked out in their Christmas best while visiting the resorts. This is a great meet and greet opportunity with much shorter lines than in the parks. A photo with your best pal in front of a beautiful Christmas tree would not only be a great memory but could be used to make an amazing Christmas cards to send to your loved ones.
• If you choose to use the Disney Transportation System to resort hop, make sure to allow that travel time in your day. This is especially important if you make any dining reservations at the resorts you choose to visit. Transportation usually runs every 20 minutes however sometimes it can be longer due to guest demand.  
• Money saving tip: Don’t want to spend a lot while enjoying a free resort hopping day? Pack a lunch to take with you. There are plenty of places at every resort that you can find to sit down and enjoy lunch. Also, bring a refillable water bottle you can refill at the water fountains or you can walk up to a quick service restaurant and ask for a cup of ice water and pour it in your bottle. Just like in the parks, a cup of ice water is free.

 We think you will LOVE resort hopping if you give it a try! If you are heading to the magic during this holiday season, be sure to check out MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

We would love to have you visit us in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

The post Why You Should Resort Hop At Disney World During The Holidays appeared first on WaltExpress.com.