Like many companies, Disney has had to shift to accommodate the pressures and demands of the pandemic (and a post-pandemic era) – and has made some controversial decisions that have drawn considerable criticisms, especially as some of these changes dramatically affect the Disney parks experience.

Planning a trip to the parks in 2022 looks very different than it did just 2 years ago before all of this started. FastPass+ is gone, you need tickets AND park reservations to visit, the Dining Plan is still absent, etc…

However, none of these changes means that your trip will be any less magical – it just means that you need to learn these new systems and be prepared.

There are also some fun and completely new additions to the parks for 2022 (from rides to the much-anticipated Star Wars Hotel).

Below, we go into each of these changes in-depth but we encourage all guests to pack their facial coverings along with back-up portable phone chargers, as you will need your phone to be fully charged now more than ever at the parks. 

Truly, it’s been a long time since Disney has been a spontaneous “show up and have fun” experience. FastPass+ and Advanced Dining Reservations – along with increased park attendance – have slowly changed the culture of a Disney vacation. For the past several years, the average Disney vacation must be planned several months in advance in order to “experience the magic.”

While we aren’t going to pretend that all of these changes are for the better, many Disney regulars (ourselves included) hope that some of the changes happening in 2022 will allow for more spontaneity and return to a simpler time when you didn’t need to be on the phone (or app) 6 months in advance to ensure the vacation of your family’s dreams.

Magical Express Has Been Terminated with No Plan to Return

Magical Express was a perk of staying at Disney resorts that has been permanently cancelled with no plans of returning. It was a free shuttle bus between the airport and your resort, complete with luggage transfers and Disney Resort commercials playing on the TVs.

Despite being a free perk for on-property guests, it always came with long line-ups and we experienced issues with the airport staff verifying our resort reservations more than once (leading to even longer wait times) – so while this was a “free perk,” it wasn’t without its issues.

Even when we were eligible for Magical Express, our family still often opted for a taxi or Uber/Lyft to our resort so we could skip the lines and not have to deal with the issues of shared transportation after a long day of travel.

For those still seeking inexpensive shuttle bus options, Mears offers several shuttle buses to Disney resorts throughout the day, however depending on your party size you may find that taxis or ride share services better suit your needs.

Disney Dining Plan is Suspended

The Disney Dining Plan is great for those who like to pre-pay for an all-inclusive vacation experience and not have additional charges throughout. However, it is a hotly debated topic of whether the DDP actually saves anyone money (except if you are booking during one of the increasingly rare “free Dining Plan” periods) – it really depends on how you use your credits to determine if you actually save money.

We don’t expect the Disney Dining Plan to return before late 2022 – it may return in time for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in October, but it may not. At the current time of writing, there is no reason to suspect that this will not return – however, we are not sure what the new dining plans will look like.

In the meantime, plan to have all of your meals charged to your room or bring an alternative payment method (many of the parks’ card readers have options for contactless pay like Apple Pay and tap chip readers, in addition to accepting major credit cards and there are ABMs throughout the parks).

You can save money by having kids share adult-sized meals, opting for some of the filling “snack options” instead of meals, and of course, packing a few snacks in your backpack or soft-sided cooler before you head to the parks.

Mask Requirements

This is a hotly debated topic, but as of now, masks are not required for vaccinated park guests except for on shared transportation.

Unvaccinated guests are “expected” to wear double-layer facial coverings (“neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings”) during indoor experiences including dining and rides – however, Disney has not disclosed how they are ensuring that unvaccinated guests are complying with these expectations.

(I would caution unvaccinated guests from attempting to circumvent the system by removing their masks after entry. If you are unvaccinated and unhappy with the requirements, you are better off waiting until the requirements are removed rather than risking visiting the parks and breaking the rules, as they can tag/track your ticket/magic band and remove you – and the rest of your party – from the park.)

FastPass+ Replaced with Genie/Genie+

Genie(+) is a completely different system from FastPass+ – it is better to just understand that FastPass+ no longer exists.

All park guests can now book one “lightning lane” pass at 7am that gets them into the, um, “faster” line for a single attraction.

Guests that opt to pay for Genie+ can continue booking “lightning lane” access to 40+ attractions across the parks throughout the day, but these reservations must be made one at a time.

There are also “Individual Attraction Selections” that guests can purchase “lightning lane” passes to. These rides are some of the most “hot ticket” rides in the parks (such as Rise of the Resistance, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, etc) and the cost per ride can reach $15, as the prices fluctuate based on the day and ride.

While a lot of people are upset about this change, personally, I’m hoping that this change makes stand-by lines move faster as less people will have fastpasses for any given ride.

You Need Park Reservations – Not Just Tickets

Before, you could simply visit any park you wished as long as you had a valid WDW park ticket – and if you had a park hopper, you could visit as many of the parks as you wished during any day during your vacation. You could simply show up with tickets purchased months in advance and just get in.

This is not currently the case. If you want to attend ANY park, you need a specific park day reservation. Park hoppers are now available again – however, you cannot “hop” until after 2pm and you need reservations for both parks in place.

For many of us, we have our vacations planned out already so this is just an extra step of letting Disney know what our plans are.. for some of us, this is a huge hassle and a let-down if you had park hoppers – especially if you like to make your plans as you go.

Modified Character Meetings and Character Dinings

Currently, children can no longer embrace and interact with characters in the same way that they have in the past.

Ropes and clear, plastic barriers are set up to allow characters to interact with guests, while character cavalcades and “pop up” character meet-and-greets have replaced traditional experiences.

For younger guests, this change isn’t a huge shift from the world that they are growing up in – however, older guests may find this shift upsetting. Socially distanced selfies and no autographs are the current norm, however this should shift later this year.

Most character dining experiences are currently halted, however a few resort character meals are still happening.

Mobile Ordering for Quick Service

Pre-pandemic, a lot of Disney’s quick service restaurants had the option for mobile ordering – now, it’s basically a requirement.

While a few quick service restaurants still allow for walk-up ordering, many only accept mobile ordering.

While in line for your last ride before a meal, pull up the menu for your quick service restaurant and make your selections. Once you’re off the ride, you can simply walk up and collect your meal – with no lines or wait times.

Extra Magic Hours Replaced by Early Morning Entry/Extended Evening Hours

Previously, Extra Magic Hours would allow guests of on-property and select off-property (typically Good Neighbor) resorts access to select parks for a couple extra hours each day.

Now, all on-property and select off-property guests can access ALL theme parks 30 minutes in advance to park openings.

Extended Evening Hours are currently only available to Deluxe/Villa guests at a couple of parks throughout the week.

This now means that off-property guests that do not have access to Early Morning Hours can no longer “rope drop” – and it further differentiates the perks between staying at Moderate Disney Hotels vs Deluxe Disney Hotels.

Magicband Changes

Magic bands are no longer a free perk of staying on-property, however, all of the functionality of the magic bands have been replaced with your smart phones or other smart devices (like Apple Watches, etc).

Personally, as a mom to a pre-teen, I will still bring a magic band from a previous trip to the parks with us so that my daughter can charge snacks or access our room using her magic band when she wants to be independent, but for parents of younger kids, this is one less thing for our kids to lose or complain about. It was such a pain to have my sensory-sensitive 4 year old wear a magic band – it will be so much easier to just scan my whole family in using my phone.

You can still buy magic bands for your family, if desired, but honestly, the only time I found magic bands beneficial were on pool days or when we were at the water parks – unless you have teens or preteens.

New Magic Bands (that haven’t been launched yet as of this writing) will come with new in-park perks, however they will be at-cost so you will have to determine if the cost of the new bands is worth the potential perks.

Hey Disney! Room Assistants

Rather than calling down to the front desk, guests at on-property resorts will be able to request in-room amenities, check on the weather, set timers and alarms, and even interact with characters using an Alexa-like device installed in their rooms.

New 2022 Disney Rides

While Remy’s Ratatouille Aventure debuted in 2021, many guests weren’t yet travelling to the park so they didn’t get to experience this Toy Story Mania-esque ride, so it can be considered a new addition to many.

However, completely new rides for the year include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON: LightCycle Run, as well as several Moana-themed attractions including a walk-through experience at Epcot and possibly a restaurant (stay tuned).

Firework Show Changes

I still tear up when I watch our family’s recording of Happily Ever After, the Magic Kingdom fireworks show that preceded the current Disney Enchantment. 

Happily Ever After was such a beautiful and well-orchestrated show and while Disney’s Enchantment has some unique qualities of its own (especially how the fireworks show lights up the buildings down Main Street) this change does make me sad for families that didn’t get to experience Happily Ever After because it was such a beautiful display.

However, every Disney World lover must learn to accept change and never more so than now. Happily Ever After is gone and those of us who were able to experience it in person need to just treasure those memories and make way for new ones.

One fireworks show change we are excited about is Harmonious. Epcot Forever has been a placeholder for the past two years as Epcot transitioned from Illuminations to Harmonious, and it’s definitely well worth the wait.

Star Wars Hotel Opening

The maiden voyage of the Galatic Starcruiser Halycon took place on March 1st.

This 2 day immersive experience is not your typical hotel stay and comes with a hefty price tag – but for Star Wars fans who have eagerly anticipated the opening for the past few years, it is up for debate if the cost is justified.

I hope this post helps explain and give you a decent head’s up on all of the changes – both exciting and disappointing – that have come to the parks in the last couple years and will be coming this year.

As always, the most important thing to bring with you on a Walt Disney World vacation is a positive attitude. If you decide to head to the parks, you may not love all of the changes, but at least you can be prepared and choose to have a positive attitude while you encounter them. Slow down, experience the magic (there’s still plenty remaining) and enjoy your vacation and the time with those you are travelling with.

If you’re wanting more tips and the latest news, head over to our Facebook page! In addition to that positive attitude, here are some other things you may want to consider bringing with you on your next Disney World vacation.

The post What to Expect at DisneyWorld in 2022 appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

We are going to break it down for you and talk about if it’s really that hot and humid in Florida, including some tips on how to avoid letting the extreme heat ruin your vacation.

Is It Hot In Disney World?

“Let’s just say that Hades himself is standing at the entrance to Florida!” This is actually my friend’s favorite quote about when asked about Disney World! He wants to make sure everyone knows what they are getting themselves into before traveling to Florida.

We joke about this, but it can be very serious if you have never been and never felt it for yourself.

The Humidity at Disney

Summers in the deep south equal HOT AND HUMID. Humidity is not the same as dry heat – it’s seriously like walking into a hot, wet blanket. For instance, the temperature is currently 95, with a heat index of 105. The humidity makes it feel 10 to 20 degrees HOTTER than it actually is.

This is the kind of heat that makes you sweat even if you’re standing in the shade. It’s muggy and inescapable.

Add to that the fact that you’re often standing on hot asphalt (especially during transportation periods) and you’re surrounded by other hot bodies in close proximity, it can turn even the most pleasant person into a crab apple if they aren’t actively doing things to help alleviate the heat.

Tips For Surviving The Hot Temperature at Disney

Being prepared for the heat is always the best course of action. Whether that’s packing the right things in your suitcase or having a game plan for when your family needs to cool off, being prepared is your best bet for surviving the Disney heat.

Be prepared with these tips on dealing with the heat in Orlando when visiting Disney World.

• Skip the costumes. There is a reason there are so many Etsy sellers that make cute Disney-inspired sundresses for kids. While it may seem magical to let your kids wear that polyester-and-tulle princess dress for their first trip to Disney, they will be a miserable hot mess. For our first trip, I let my daughter bring one costume and then filled the rest of her suitcase with light, breathable Disney-inspired dresses. The difference in how our days went when she was wearing the costume versus the other outfits was like night and day. If you really want to get a few shots of them in their favorite costume at the parks, pack a lighter outfit for them to change into if the costume becomes unbearable.

• Baby wipes are not just for babies. You will appreciate this one…just bring the wipes!
• Wear good shoes. You will be walking a lot, and your feet will get hot and sweaty. Leave the cute shoes and flip-flops at home. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
• Speaking of shoes, bring extra. If you get caught in the rain or if your feet sweat a lot from the heat, you will want a dry pair for the next day. There is nothing worse than getting up the next day and putting on wet shoes. YUCK!

• Be prepared for the rain showers. Usually, right before a rain shower, it gets EVEN hotter. Then it cools off for a bit, then heats right back up. Don’t let the weather forecast fool you – It will usually say rain for most of the day, which is not accurate. It will rain, then clear up. Bring the ponchos and enjoy! Of course, if it’s storming, seek shelter. It will pass.
• Bad hair IS a given! Yes, the humidity will make your hairdo some crazy stuff. Frizzy, dry, and nasty-feeling is a good way of describing it. Dry shampoo or hair oils (depending on your hair type) will help, or just be ready to throw it in a ponytail! If you’re worried about pictures, just pop on a pair of Mickey Ears.
• Pack to stay cool. For our family, we always bring these cooling towels and misting waterbottles. The cooling towels don’t drip and they actually help keep you cool. If you have kids that will be in strollers, they even make stroller fans to help keep them cool – but keep in mind that your everyday stroller may insulate heat too much. We’ve always used cheap umbrella strollers at the parks and have had no issues.
• Get that free water! Bring insulated waterbottles and pour those cups of free ice water that Disney gives you into them to help keep the water cooler longer.

• “Disney Rash” is definitely a thing. It’s like a heat rash on steroids. Don’t worry, we’ve got even more tips. Read more about Disney Rash here!
• Don’t forget this one – bring lots of deodorant.
• Know where the “misting” zones are. At Magic Kingdom, the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station just past the Barnstormer Ride is a great place to let kids cool off. However, if you don’t want them to get fully soaked, just in front of the Jungle Cruise there is a camel statue that “spits” water at you.

Of course, indoor areas at Disney are air-conditioned so if you need to cool off, pop into a Quick Service restaurant, walk through some stores or get in line for a ride with an indoor queue.

Is Animal Kingdom Hotter Than Other Parks?

It has not been officially proven either way, but some do feel that Animal Kingdom is hotter than the other Disney Parks.

One theory is that the vegetation responsible for the authentic animal habitat feel is said to create a sort of rainforest effect. This could cause the park to be hotter than the others. On the other hand, some people feel that all the trees and plants offer shade that isn’t available at most parks, making Animal Kingdom feel cooler to them.

I guess the answer to this question is still up to debate. 

Average Temperature at Disney by Month

Here are the average monthly highs for Orlando, FL, as shared by the NOAA. As you see, you get some relief from the heat in those cooler months but it’s still pretty warm!

• January – 71°
• February – 74°
• March – 78°
• April – 83°
• May – 87°
• June – 90°
• July – 90°
• August – 91°
• September – 89°
• October – 84°
• November – 78°
• December – 74°

Keep in mind that these are averages – the temperatures can be dramatically higher or even colder than these averages suggest – and also these temperatures don’t factor in the heat index/humidity.

Final Verdict: Is it Hot at Disney?

So the verdict is… it’s definitely HOT and you need to be ready for the temperature at Disney World during the summer months and even sometimes, the winter months. However, there are great ways to be prepared for the sometimes intense heat and still have a super-fun vacation at the parks!

Do you refuse a trip to Disney World in the summer months, or do you just go and deal with it? Let us know by joining DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, our Facebook group for all things Disney! We would love to hear any tips you have for surviving the heat. 

The post Is It Really THAT Hot? All About The Temperature At Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Staying off property during your Disney World vacation

Whether to stay on-property or off-property is probably the number one question that is asked over and over again when planning a trip to Disney World. Today we are sharing all of the pros and cons of staying off property that we have encountered.

Mindset is everything and being as informed as possible helps. Knowing what to expect and feeling confident in whichever choice you make will help you appreciate your vacation selection and not resent the drawbacks. The fact is, every hotel (even Disney-owned ones) have their drawbacks and it’s just as much about picking the perks that work for you as choosing the “cons” that you can best live with.

Just a note, this post is exclusively talking about off property hotels – not vacation rentals like airbnbs. While many of the pros and cons on this list apply to vacation rentals, we will share a post soon that discusses the pros and cons of vacation rentals.

What IS an Off Property Hotel?

An off property hotel is ANY hotel not located on the Disney World Property or a Hotel that is NOT owned or operated by Disney World.

There are two distinctions that should be made however between off-property hotels. Some hotels are affiliated with Disney through their Good Neighbor Hotels program.

The perks for these hotels vary but can include earlier access to dining bookings, the ability to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening hours, etc.

Also, potentially to add to the confusion, some non-Disney owned hotels are located on Disney Property (like the Swan and Dolphin resorts which are in the Epcot circle) but are exempt from certain perks of staying at a Disney-owned property.

Saving Money

Trust me. I get it. I am all about saving money and getting the best price. However, when it comes to a Disney World Vacation, saving money should not be the only reason you choose to stay at an off property hotel.

If staying off-property is the only way that you can afford a Disney vacation, then yes, that’s an easy decision. However, if you have some budget flexibility, you should consider the pros and cons of staying off-property a bit more thoroughly.

Personally, if I’m already spending a few thousand dollars on a family vacation, I don’t want to compromise on the overall experience of my vacation in order to just save a couple hundred bucks – but I also know better than to assume that staying on-property is going to give me the best experience. I want to weigh my options and see which choice really works for the kind of vacation I’m planning.

Sometimes staying off-property isn’t about the money – there are some amazing luxury hotels and resorts in the Orlando/Lake Buena Vista area that are not affiliated with Disney that offer unique perks and experiences that may be more attractive to you than staying on property.

However, normally when this question is asked it’s because the person asking is looking to save money.

CONS

Less Magical:

When you stay at Disney World Resort, you are immersed in the Magic from the time you check-in to the time you check-out. When you are staying off property you have to leave the Magic every night.

Some off site hotels will have some Disney decor but none have the same “feel” as staying at a Disney themed resort. You miss out on the detailed decor, the immersive “bubble” experience of staying on-property, the hourly activities available at Disney resorts, and most importantly, the Disney guest services.

We’ve stayed at some off-property hotels that have some fun activities planned throughout the day for kids but none of them offer as many activities as Disney properties do. We’ve also stayed at some wonderfully themed and decorated off-site hotels, but if you want Disney theming, the only place you’ll truly get that is on-property.

You may pay for parking twice:

When you stay at an offsite hotel, you will have to pay for theme park parking daily if you plan to drive (although many offsite hotels offer complimentary transportation). This can get very expensive depending on how many days you are planning to visit the parks. Plus, most off-site hotels also have their own parking fees.

Transportation to the Parks:

While most off-property hotels offer transportation services, they often aren’t as “connected” as Disney resort transportation and many only offer transportation once per hour – so if you miss that hour’s bus, you either need to wait another hour or pay out of pocket for other transportation options.

While it’s a good rule of thumb to plan an hour for transportation, with some offsite hotels the transportation time can be longer.

Guest Services:

This cannot be overstated! Disney’s customer service is outstanding.

I travel for a living and have stayed at everything from budget airbnbs to 5-star hotels in NYC, to boutique hotels all over the world… and I can honestly say that the customer service even at Disney’s Value Resorts often matches the experience of the 5-star resorts I’ve stayed at – and exceeds many of them.

If your stay goes off without a hitch, they are friendly, family-oriented and helpful. If you have issues, they will go above and beyond to resolve them and often make up for those experiences.

No Disney Dining:

You cannot add a Disney dining plan to your vacation if you stay off-property unless you stay at either the Swan or Dolphin hotels located in the Epcot Resort area. (However, you cannot redeem Disney dining credits at either of these resorts.)

Currently, Disney is only allowing Dining reservations to be made 60 days in advance – regardless if you are staying on-property or off. However, on-property guests can book all of their dining reservations at once, whereas off-property guests can only make one day’s dining reservations at a time. This used to be 180 days, but the one day at a time rule has always applied to off-property guests.

Missing out on Extra Hours:

Disney now allows on-property guests to enter the parks 30-minutes prior to opening and it also has “extended evening hours” available twice a week for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, the Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green.

So, if you want to “rope drop” at a park, you have to stay on property.

You May Get Conned with Resort Fees:

We are not fans of the practice of hidden resort fees which is a rampant issue in Florida. (Read more about this practice on Disney Tourist Blog.) Before booking a seemingly inexpensive off-property hotel, call the hotel directly and ask about resort fees – or ask your travel agent. Some hotels don’t charge them in advance, so it’s an unpleasant surprise upon check-in.

These fees can be $25-40 a day, which needless to say really adds up and can be a deciding factor in choosing your hotel. If your hotel charges them, there is no way to opt out even if you’re only planning on using your hotel for sleeping and not planning on using the “resort perks.”

While I have had wonderful stays at resorts that charge resort fees, the practice does dampen my enthusiasm and respect for those resorts because of its deceptive nature – they should just include those non-optional fees into their advertised rate!

PROS

While we’ve mentioned some drawbacks, staying off property isn’t all bad! We’ve stayed off-property multiple times and had wonderful experiences.

In fact, staying off-property has actually worked better for certain vacations – especially vacations where we were only planning to spend a few of our days at the parks.

Visiting Other Area Theme Parks:

If you’re planning on splitting your time between DisneyWorld and Universal Studios Orlando, staying off-property may be a better fit.

Not only will most off-property hotels offer transportation to both parks, but they may be situated so that your transportation time to other parks is shorter and they may have on-site experts who can help you plan your day at the other park, if needed.

Proximity to Other Attractions:

My absolute favorite thing about staying at Wyndham Gardens Lake Buena Vista was that it was literally a 5-minute walk from the front doors of the hotel to being fully immersed in Disney Springs.

I loved not having to take another bus and being able to have flexibility in our planning. We could stay in the pool as long as we wanted, get changed and then casually stroll over and take our pick of multiple entertaining, shopping and dining options.

Cost:

Staying off-property is often comparable in cost to Disney’s Value or Moderate Hotels, depending on where you stay, but sometimes the amenities of off-property hotels (especially when comparing in the “value” price range) make this an easy choice.

I’m not a huge fan of Disney’s Value Resorts – the pools, dining and locations for me don’t compare to the offerings and savings of many off-property hotels. However, that choice gets trickier when comparing Moderate Hotels to off-property hotels in the same price range.

Amenities:

Some off-property hotels offer competitive amenities like microwaves, kitchenettes, spas, gyms, free airport shuttles or free continental breakfasts that can make a big difference to your vacation.

Microwaves are first-come, first-serve at Disney and kitchenettes are located only in a few suites at Art of Animation and the All-Star Music Resort (both in the Value category) and the only Moderate option with kitchenettes are the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Most Moderate Disney resorts offer gyms, but none of the Value resorts do. The only Moderate resort with a spa is Coronado Springs – again, none of the Value resorts do.

Disney has ended it’s free Magical Express service so guests now need to arrange and pay for their own transportation from the airports to their resorts – and no Disney resorts offer free breakfasts.

Spontaneity:

Y’all, I am the queen of spontaneous Disney vacations. I think of all my vacations, only one was booked the recommended 6 months in advance.

Off-property bookings are often your best bet with a spontaneous trip – especially during busy seasons when the resorts are full or super busy.

I hope this list of the pros and cons of staying off property helps you in making the best decision for your family’s vacation. The answer to “Is Staying Off Property During Your Disney World Vacation Worth It?” isn’t a simple yes or no because every family has individual needs and preferences that will make one decision better than the other – and sometimes, those needs and preferences change from vacation to vacation.

For more reasons to stay ON PROPERTY, check out our Top 10 Reasons to Stay On Property at DisneyWorld.

The post Is Staying Off Property During Your Disney World Vacation Worth It? appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Walt Disney’s World Epcot offers all this and more – and needless to say, it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. Today, we’re sharing 7 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Epcot so you can make the most of this magnificent park.

7 Rookie Mistake to Avoid at Disney World’s Epcot

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Below, I’ve listed some of the rookie mistakes that I see happen nearly every trip I’ve made. Epcot is the one park where a rookie mistake could ruin the rest of your trip. Here are some rookie mistakes to avoid at Disney World’s Epcot!

7. Underestimating the Size of Epcot

Epcot is 300 acres! That’s 227 football fields.

The time suggestions to travel between attractions are often inaccurate. Whether they are supplied by the the My Disney Experience App or many of the “top” Disney travel websites that are written by adults who don’t take small children to the parks.

According to My Disney Experience, it should take you 10 minutes to walk from Spaceship Earth to the Frozen Ever After ride in the Norway Pavillion. I can tell you honestly as a mom who is travelling with little humans with little legs, that trip is going to take you at least 20 minutes unless all the kids are buckled into strollers and you’re keeping a good pace – unhindered by busy crowds.

This is such an important thing to keep in mind when making your Epcot plans, whether you’re trying to make it to a character meeting or a dining reservation. It will take twice as long as the app suggests.

6. Not Wearing Sunblock or Good Shoes

A rookie mistake to avoid at Disney World’s Epcot is forgetting your sunscreen or sunshades.

Epcot is one of the more “wide open” parks. There isn’t a lot of shade in between the countries, and it’s usually already occupied. Can you imagine getting sunburnt the first day?

The rest of your trip would be pretty rough. Even if you’re fine in the sun, don’t forget about those kiddos in strollers. Their little legs hanging out in the sun all day could get burnt.

And when it comes to good shoes… remember how I said that Epcot is REALLY big?

Not only is it a huge park, you will spend most of your time walking rather than riding – the walk around the countries is 1.2 miles, by ITSELF! Add onto that the walk from the hotel and transportation and you will be on your feet a lot.

Your footwear is going to matter a lot at this park, and that includes your socks. I understand wanting to dress nice at some of the restaurants, but high heels or loafers are just a bad idea if you plan on visiting the rest of the park.

5. Not Digging Further

It wasn’t until my third trip to Epcot that I discovered that what I thought was just a decorative pyramid in the Mexico Pavillion actually houses an amazing shopping area styled after an open-air Mexican vendor market, the Gran Fiesta Tour ride AND La Cantina de San Angel restaurant.

The same can be said for several other areas, like the Morocco Pavillion that features a seemingly dead-end alleyway that holds several shops and even a character meet and greet.

Take your time exploring the nooks and crannies of this park to discover all of it’s hidden treasures.

4. Not Riding Soarin’

While Spaceship Earth is just a classic and everyone jostles to get into Frozen Ever After, my hands-down favorite ride at Epcot is Soarin’.

This unique 4D roller coaster often has a short wait time but it’s such a fun experience. I don’t want to give away too much but if you decide to make the time for this ride, all I have to say is “nice work, pal!”

3. Test Track Trap

I’ve been going to Disney World long enough to remember Test Track opening.

My kids absolutely love Test Track, but it breaks down a lot. This means that your predicted hour wait could easily become two. It is completely worth it, especially if you’ve never ridden it, however I recommend planning accordingly if you really want to ride this one. Don’t have an important ride or reservation booked immediately afterwards.

2. Skipping Rope Drop

A lot of people only plan half a day for Epcot, which is such a mistake!

Although the World Showcase doesn’t open until later in the morning, you really do need a full day (at least) to explore this park.

Get there for rope drop and experience everything you can in the Future Showcase BEFORE the World Pavillion opens up.

This is SUPER important if you want to ride Frozen Ever After. If you don’t get to this ride early, then expect a pretty lengthy wait.

1. Not Taking Your Sweet Time in the Countries

A major rookie mistake to avoid is not taking the time to “taste” the countries.

Disney has so many festivals throughout the year that it’s always festival season at Epcot! We’ve been lucky enough to experience several of these but my personal favorites are the Festival of the Arts and the Food and Wine Festival.

During these Festivals, there are additional attractions, vendor booths, experiences and even more dining options available to guests. Many of these are only available once – so if you miss them on one trip, you won’t ever get a chance to experience them again.

Slow down, appreciate your surroundings – and taste everything you can!

I hope this blog post was helpful in helping you learn to navigate how to get around these rookie mistakes to avoid while at Epcot!

I highly recommend looking into the food and wine festival here! Also, come join us over at Disney Express Lane on Facebook here!

The post 7 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney World’s Epcot appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Disney World’s Boardwalk Inn

When choosing a Disney World resort, there are three things that are always at the top of my list: location, the pool and dining experiences!

Choosing a Disney World resort is one of the most difficult decisions for most people when planning their vacations. Deciding between the pros and cons of staying off-property or on-property; figuring out where you will be located compared to where you will be spending the majority of your time; and the different forms of transportation available to you based on where you are staying are all important factors.

#1: It Has One of the BEST Disney Resort Locations

Disney World’s Boardwalk Inn is located in the “Epcot Circle.” It’s just a short walk to the back entrance of Epcot, which enters the park just before the beginning of the World Showcase.

It’s a beautiful and peaceful walk, perfect for early mornings. We like to get our coffee to go and walk over in the mornings when the park opens without having to wait for any transportation, and there’s not much of a line to get in either

The Boardwalk Inn is also in a good location to walk to Hollywood Studios. The walk is a little further, but it’s still a really nice walk on a pretty path that many people take their early morning jogs on.

If you don’t want to make the walk to Hollywood Studios, there is always bus transportation or a boat ride. I always enjoy the boat rides, sometimes they feel like they take a little longer but I think they’re more fun.

The Skyliner is also available to ride from Epcot to Hollywood Studios, if that’s something you are excited to try!

And as always there is bus transportation that will take you to the other parks. There is a bus stop that has the bus times posted and the times can also be accessed from your resort room’s TV.

#2 It’s Home to a Carnival-Themed Pool

We will often spend at least one full day of our Disney vacations lounging around the pool – and even after a really long day in the parks my kids are always asking for a night time dip in the pool, no matter how tired they are.

The main swimming pool at The Boardwalk Inn is really cute! The Luna Park Pool is designed to look like a carnival, complete with a 200ft-long waterslide. There are adorable elephants spouting water from their trunks for the kids to play under and there is even a kiddie pool for smaller children and a whirlpool spa for adults.

This is the perfect place to take the kids after a hot day in the parks or if you are like me and take a day in the middle of your trip to just relax. We often take a day in the middle of our trip to do some shopping in the morning. Then we go back to the resort and spend the rest of the day by the pool. It’s a nice way to keep relaxed on an otherwise busy trip.

Boardwalk Inn Activities

If pools aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities around this resort you may be interested in.

The Resort sits on Disney’s Boardwalk, a wonderful place to go and eat, shop, rent a bike or just sit and watch the view over the lake. There are also swan paddle boats for rent over at the Swan Resort and morning yoga on the Village Green.

There are several character meals within walking distance, including Rapunzel and friends at Trattoria al Forno, Mickey and Friends at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Chip, Dale, Pluto and Goofy over at the Swan Resort.

The resort also offers movies at night and campfire activities. The campfire activities are so fun!  The staff does an amazing job making sure every kid has a chance at roasting their own marshmallows.

#3 Boardwalk Inn is Home to some Creepy Curiosities

I don’t want to spoil any of the fun surprises for you, but take your time when exploring the lobby and various lounge spaces around the hotel. You just might find some interesting things that seem better suited to a Carnival attraction than a Disney hotel!

#4 Guests Can Access an Exclusive Club

Boardwalk’s Concierge Service is called the Innkeepr’s Club. The concierge service offers guests of those rooms plush robes, DVD players, nightly turn-down service, special food offerings and more… but best of all, concierge level guests have access to their own private lounge.

The lounge features several complimentary dining options throughout the day, starting with continental breakfast, then afternoon refreshments, “Tea and Sweets” in the late afternoon, Wine and Cheese just before supper and “Cordials and Desserts” in the evening.

The Concierge Lounge’s balcony is also one of the best spots to watch Epcot’s nightly fireworks.

#5 The Boardwalk Travels Back in Time Every Evening

Okay, maybe not literally, but the Boardwalk you see during the day is very different to the Boardwalk at night.

There are several old-fashioned carnival games set up to play, a 1940s-style dance hall (Atlantic Dance Hall, 21+), a duelling piano bar (Jellyrolls, 21+) along with plenty of carnival food for purchase and street performances and caricature artists.

Boardwalk Inn Dining

The most important aspect of any Disney vacation for me is the food!

Over at The Boardwalk Inn, there is a signature dining experience, Flying Fish. As a signature restaurant it does have a dress code and if you are on the Disney Dining Plan it will cost you two credits per meal, but I have heard many great things about this dining experience.

If signature dining isn’t your thing then don’t worry, The Boardwalk Inn has plenty of other options. There is a pizza window that people rave about, a poolside carousel-themed bar, and the Belle Vue Lounge which offers a continental breakfast and evening cocktails.

And let’s not forget there are many other restaurants located on The Boardwalk including:

• Trattoria al Forno
• Big River Grille and Brewing Works
• Boardwalk Bakery
• Ample Hills Creamy (try the butter cake ice cream)
• A Funnel Cake Cart
• a To-Go Cart
• ESPN Club

And we cannot forget to mention Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, which also sell the famous Mickey pretzels. If you like margaritas I highly recommend stopping!

You are also steps away from all of the amazing dining options available at the Swan and Dolphin, Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts.

Did you know all of these things about the Boardwalk Inn? I’d love to hear your experiences staying here if you’ve been!

And don’t forget to stop by WALT EXPRESS for more great tips and tricks on your upcoming vacations! Looking for ideas on how to enjoy a date night while in Disney? Check out this blog on Romantic Date Nights At Disney World.

A special THANKS to our friend Greg for some of the great pics featured in this post!

The post Things You Did NOT Know About Disney World’s Boardwalk Inn appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Take Perfect Pictures On Your Next Disney World Vacation

We have some AMAZING tips on how to take perfect pictures on your next Disney World vacation, or any other vacation. Although we highly recommend a Disney World vacation! LOL!

Best Camera? Your Phone!

Honestly, the best camera you can own now a days is on your phone. Yep, if you have one of the latest and greatest I-Phones or better yet an Android, then you are good to go. Both phones have their advantages when it comes to getting a perfect photo. I personally LOVE the android, but that is just me. You can work with your favorite go to device.

Our phone cameras have lots of cool features that will allow us to set timers, edit photos, retake a photo if needed because we have access to viewing them immediately. If little Billy’s eyes were closed on the first picture you snapped, you will be able to delete it then retake the photo.

If you are not phone savvy or just don’t like to use your phone, you can always bring a digital or disposable camera as well. Most digital cameras give you the ability to view photos just like the phone. Allowing you to retake if needed. If you love the element of surprise and go with a disposal camera, your pictures may or may not be the perfect photo you hoped for. 

Patience

Yes, I know you have places to go, rides to get on, all of the Disney food to eat. But when getting those special once in a life time photos you must have a little bit of patience. If you have a spot you are wanting to take a photo, you may have to wait on other guest to clear out. Maybe the sun is not setting in the right place at the time. This can cause a glare. Since it is Florida, it may even be raining.

You may even have to wait on little Suzy to stop pitching a fit before snapping that picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle. No one wants a red faced puffy eyed photo. It seems silly, but patience will actually help you get a perfect photo. 

Timing

Timing is everything. If you want a perfect picture with little to no other guest in the background it is all about timing. If you want a family picture in front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t go straight there as soon as the park opens. Why? Because every one else is going straight there as soon as the park opens which means both a long wait and lots of other people in your photo. 

We have found that mid-day is the best time to get photos in front of the Tree of Life because the crowds are much lower. Every one is out exploring the rest of Animal Kingdom. Which means less of a wait plus you have a better shot at getting just you, your family and the Tree of Life only in the photo.

After the park is closed is another great time to snag those must have photos with little to no one else in them. The Parks close at a specific time and while it is time to start heading out if you hang back just a bit you can snag some really awesome photos.

Group Photos

You may be wondering how you can get everyone in the photo. Well, if you are using your phone you can always set it up on a tripod then set the timer. Using the tips above such as waiting on lower crowd times and along with patience will allow you to take perfect pictures! You can get some pretty awesome group photos in front of the most sought out locations.  

Keep in mind that Disney World does NOT allow selfie sticks. Tripods that can fit inside your backpack that do not extend over 6 feet are OK. Be sure to check out the full list of items allowed and not allowed inside the Disney World theme parks. 

Disney’s Memory Maker

If you do not want to deal with tripods, group pictures or even individual pictures, then Disney’s Memory Maker is the way to go. All of your pictures will be taken by a Disney Photopass Photographer. Disney’s Memory Maker can be added to your Disney World vacation package. The advanced purchase price is $169. If you decide to add on the Memory Maker after you have arrived at the parks, the cost is $199.

A special benefit you will get with the Disney’s Memory Maker that you will not be able to get on your own is photos from the rides. You will get the priceless scared face captured of Dad while riding Tower of Terror after he told everyone he wasn’t afraid. The wide-eyed happy face your kids will have after they score big on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. These special moments can only be captured by Disney’s Memory Maker.

Take Perfect Pictures! 

Whether you choose to take all of your photos on your own using our tips or you use Disney’s Memory Maker, we hope that all of your photos come out perfect. But more importantly, that special life long memories are made on your Disney World vacation.

We would love to hear about any tips you have when taking a perfect photo at Disney World. Come on over to Facebook to talk about it by joining us in Disney Express Lane.

The post 5 Ways To Take Perfect Pictures On Your Next Disney World Vacation appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could do at Animal Kingdom

There is a HUGE misconception when it comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park! People tend to think it’s only a “half day” park or “just a zoo”.

There are so many things to see, do and explore at Animal Kingdom – I still haven’t done it all! The trick to this park is that there are so many hidden nooks and crannies that it’s easy to miss them if you’re trying to speed along. Not to mention Animal Kingdom is 3x the size of Magic Kingdom, so you’ve got a lot of ground to cover!

From the Savannah in Africa, to the bioluminescence and fantastic rides of Pandora, the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, exploring dinosaurs in Dinoland U.S.A., to the Conservation Station and more… there’s so much to do that you will definitely want to take the entire day here.

While a lot of character meetings and the special presentations end early in the evening, the rides are still going and there is some fun live entertainment that only gets started after dark.

1. Drawing lessons straight from Disney animators

In a hidden little area of Animal Kingdom, you’ll find the Conservation Station. It’s easy to miss – or dismiss – this building because it could sound boring to some guests, but there are actually some really fun experiences waiting inside.

One of our favorites is the animation class. Using the animals from Animal Kingdom and from Disney classics as inspiration, you’ll take a lesson from a Disney animator. They’ll show you how to draw your own animated animal character, which makes for a fun free keepsake.

This is an amazing activity if you have a little artist in your family.

2. Wilderness Explorers

If you have kids, this is one activity you don’t want to miss – but, hey, it’s pretty fun for adults, too!

Named for the Wilderness Explorers in the movie UP!, you earn your very own Wilderness Explorer badges by completing a variety of activities throughout the park.

To participate, pick up the map at the bridge by the Oasis and follow the map to find activities to complete. It’s fun, it helps you explore the entire park, and best of all, it’s free!

3. Observe veterinary procedures and operations 

Going back to the Conservation Station, one of the biggest draws is the animal care center. This is where the animals of Animal Kingdom receive veterinary care and check ups. You can view from the windows and may even get to see animal surgeries and procedures. 

Definitely something not to miss if your party is interested in animal care – and it’s a great way to get an even closer look at these magnificent animals.

4. Walk through the Tree of Life

One of my absolute favorite things about Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life. There are over 300 animals carved within the tree, and I’ve literally spent hours just looking and trying to find them all.

But what you might not know is that there are trails that walk through and around the base of the tree. You can see the tree up close and personal from all angles. Plus, there are tons of hidden animal exhibits within the trails around the tree. Go in the early morning when it’s least crowded, and you’ll have stunning photos all to yourself. And there’s nothing like the early morning sun lighting up the Tree of Life.

5. Soak Your Fellow Guests!

On the bridge over Kali River Rapids, there is a industrial-looking box with two buttons. Pushing the green button will cause the elephant statues to spray water…. And if you wait until a raft is going under the bridge, the elephants will spray water on the raft riders!

It’s a little bit of naughty fun that Disney fully encourages.

One More Bonus Thing You Didn’t Know You Could Do

Did you know that you can walk through the Rainforest Cafe to a “secret entrance” to Animal Kingdom? 

While most people are lining up at the very front, you can walk through Rainforest Cafe and find a much less crowded entrance.

Don’t miss out on all that Animal Kingdom has to offer and plan for an entire day to explore the parks. We believe in this so much, we wrote an entire blog post on why Animal Kingdom is more than a one day park.

There’s so much to do at Animal Kingdom besides just the big name rides like Flights of Passage and Everest. Hopefully this list helps you to think outside the box to find the hidden gems inside the Animal Kingdom! Join our Facebook group over at DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Avoid

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is a great place to brush up on looking down and working on your ROAR! You can explore the 8th largest zoo in the country on the same day that you explore Pandora- World of Avatar and ride a banshee!

In today’s blog post you’ll find out how to set yourself apart from other Disney World newbies and you’ll also find out what those of us who have been a considerable amount of times, absolutely love about Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

Let’s go sightseeing the majestic creatures located within the park and find out what rookie mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to avoid.

7. Thinking It’s a “Half-Day” Park

This is the biggest misconception people have about Animal Kingdom – and I actually fell for this rookie mistake on our first visit years ago.

While it may have less rides and character experiences than the other parks, there is so much to explore that we still haven’t done it all – and we’ve been going to the parks for years!

Also, because of the sheer size of Animal Kingdom (it’s 3x the size of Magic Kingdom), it takes a lot longer to navigate your way between attractions.

6. Ignoring Pandora

It’s so easy to write off the land of Pandora as just a few rides or something that’s only for Avatar fans.

Once you enter this absolute masterwork of imagineering, you’ll understand why so many of us keep going back to Disney World. The second you walk into this foreign land you’re engulfed into a place where you can ride a banshee, or even bring one home with you!

Flight of Passage is like an enhanced version of Soarin’ (my favorite Epcot ride). I also love the Navi River Journey located inside the land of Pandora. It’s a very enthralling dark ride that is just breathtaking.

I recommend going to Pandora as soon as the park opens since Fight of Passage is one of the few rides at Animal Kingdom that has a line that can get out of hand, fairly quickly. However, don’t forget to go back after nightfall to see this land completely transform into a bioluminescent wonderland.

5. Not Planning to Get Wet

While at many of the other parks, you can quickly nip into a store or find shelter during Florida’s sudden downpours, at Animal Kingdom this isn’t as easy to do.

But the rain isn’t all that’s going to get you wet at Animal Kingdom!

If you plan to ride Kali River Rapids, chances are you’re going to get at least a little bit wet – and I’ve seen people emerge from this ride absolutely soaked!

So not only should you bring an umbrella or poncho – you should also wear clothes that dry quickly. That means this is not the park for your favorite wool sweater or jeans. Walking around the parks in wet jeans all day can lead to some serious blisters.

4. Rushing in Between Attractions

Animal Kingdom has so many hidden nooks and crannies that most guests just walk past – there is so much to explore if you take your time. Walk around the base of the Tree of Life, take the boat ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, pop into Oasis and don’t ignore all those little detours from the main path.

Not to mention, if you’re rushing you probably will miss one of Animal Kingdom’s “hidden character” – Devine.

3. Thinking Dinosaur is a Kid Ride

If you have a timid child (like mine was), this might not be the best ride for them – even if they love all things dinosaurs.

That said, don’t assume that the adults in your party won’t love this ride! It also features a fun ride photo opportunity.

2. Riding Kilimanjaro Safari at the Wrong Time

Kilimanjaro Safari is a pretty unique experience that brings you up close to real wildlife. You get to see roaming the landscape of the Animal Kingdom.

However, if you go at the wrong time of day, the animals could all be asleep or if it’s a particularly sunny day, they could be hiding within the shade. We made the mistake of riding in the early afternoon once and it was pretty disappointing to not see many of the animals and only get to see others sleeping.

The best times to take your safari is either first thing in the morning or right after sundown, when the animals are usually at their most active. 

Also, plan to sit on the outside of the vehicle if you have little ones. This is both a safety precaution and it’s also the best spot if you want to grab some pictures.

1. Not Having After Plans

You should absolutely stay at Animal Kingdom until nighttime if for nothing else, than to view Pandora at night. It is even better at night than during the day.

That being said, Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks and is the park that gets rented out the most frequently for corporate events. So your day at the park may end at 7pm, or it may end at 5pm.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as I’m usually pretty wiped after a day at this park (again – so much walking) but I always like to make the most of my vacation time so we tend to book a nice sit-down dinner at one of the resorts or Disney Springs to head to after Animal Kingdom. 

(Of course, you can just head back to your resort and enjoy all of its amenities, too!)

BONUS TIPS:

It’s also really important to keep in mind that several Animal Kingdom rides and attractions end hours before the park closes. This is a departure from the other parks where you can enjoy rides or meet characters right up until closing time.

Double check the times for the attractions and experiences you want to prioritize and have a rough itinerary planned. (You can do this using the Genie in your My Disney Experience app or just the notes section in your phone.)

If you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t skip Expedition Everest! It’s one of the most thrilling rides at the parks and it often has a shorter wait-time compared to other coaster rides at the parks.

Avoid these mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I hope this article helps you in avoiding these rookie mistakes. Click here for more info on Pandora within Animal Kingdom! Also, join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, here!

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Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid At Disney World

While planning your Disney World vacation, you will get plenty of advice. Make sure you visit this. Or be sure to try that. We make a list, whether written down, or in our minds, of things to do on our next trip. But, while you’re making all those plans, here are our top 5 mistakes to avoid at Disney World in 2021.

Forgetting Your Mask

I’m sure by now, you’ve become somewhat of an expert at not leaving home without your mask. But, if you’re like me, you probably still forget it at times. Well, if you have plans to visit Disney World, don’t forget to pack your mask. As a matter of fact, pack a few. You will get hot and sweaty while walking around the parks. And your mask is sure to get dirty. It wouldn’t hurt to have a few masks.

Remember, guests aged 2 years old and up are required to wear a mask when visiting the parks. This is also a requirement at Disney World resorts and Disney Springs. Also, be sure to check Disney World’s policy to ensure that your mask meets their requirements. If for some reason you do forget your mask, there are plenty of places to pick one up while on your trip. But, do you really want to use that Disney spending money on a mask?

Going Without a Plan

There are a few types of people who visit Disney World. There are some who plan things meticulously before going. And there are others who go with no plan and fly by the seat of their pants. Honestly, the spontaneous trips can be some of the most memorable. But now is not the time to do that.

You need to have a plan beforehand. A Walt Express Travel planner comes in very handy with this part. For more information on the benefits of working with a travel planner, click here. In addition to booking your trip, you will need to make park reservations. This will need to be done for each park you want to visit. Check out the dining options that are going to be available when you’re there. Keep up with the latest announcements. You can still be spontaneous while on your trip, but please avoid the mistake of being unprepared.

Not Taking Breaks

I’m a huge advocate for taking breaks under normal conditions. But, even more so now, avoid the mistake of doing too much without taking breaks. If you go during the summer or early fall, it will be hot. You will get hot and sweaty. The masks may be uncomfortable at times. There is also plenty of walking. Take advantages of the areas reserved for breaks. Sit down, take your mask off, and drink plenty of water.

If your trip is a little longer and you plan to visit all 4 parks, I would recommend taking at least one day for rest. Sleep in a little bit on that day. Hang out by the pool. Head over to Disney Springs for lunch and dessert. Have no set agenda. Just enjoy time together.

Forgetting That Things Are Different (at least for now)

If you’ve been to Disney World before, you’ve witnessed the full Disney experience. You’ve crowded together with thousands of people to see the fireworks and parades. Chances are, you’ve been able to get that hug and autograph from your favorite character. Unfortunately, right now, those things are not going to happen.

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting that the Disney World experience is different right now. I can’t wait until those things are back. But, until then, please know that Disney World Imagineers and Cast Members have worked incredibly hard. They are continuing to provide plenty of Disney magic. It may look different, but you will still have a great time and make plenty of memories

Being Rude

I know this should go without saying, but please avoid the mistake of being rude. Sure, things are different. As it gets hotter, our patience gets a little thinner. When a Cast Member reminds you of one of the rules, don’t be rude to them. Disney World cast members are doing their job to the best of their ability. They are trying to ensure that they do what they have to so you can enjoy your magical vacation.

And when you’re surrounded by other guests, please remember to be courteous. They are families who are trying their best to have a bit of escape from this crazy world. Don’t forget, you’re all at the most magical place on earth trying to make lasting memories.

The last year and a half has been rough. We are all looking for a bit of magic in our lives. If you’re heading to Disney World anytime soon, please take note of the mistakes you need to avoid on your trip. And, as always, don’t forget to slow down a bit while there. Take in the sights and smells. Experience the Disney magic. And enjoy your vacation.

If you’re wanting more tips and the latest news, head over to our Facebook page! Here are some things you may want to consider bringing with you on your next Disney World vacation.

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Known as the most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World is one of the top destinations for family vacations. Four World class parks, amazing dining, fantastic shopping and Disney’s one of a kind customer service. What you probably didn’t realize was that Disney World has some amazing activities like fishing, boating or how about horseback riding? And my personal favorite: Golf at the Walt Disney World Resort. This gives you the opportunity to play where the pros played! How exciting is that?

Did You Know: Golf at Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is a magical place to spend time with your family, but also a great place to Tee it up at “The Happiest Place on Turf”. So take some time away from the parks and enjoy that beautiful Florida sun. Keep your golf game in shape on one (or all three) of the Walt Disney World Resorts Championship Golf Courses. Golf at Walt Disney World Resort is definitely something you want to add on to your next vacation!

PGA Tour Event

The Walt Disney World Resort boasts three spectacular championship golf courses. Two, Magnolia and Palm, of which were part of the annual PGA tour’s schedule from 1971 with the help of Arnold Palmer’s organizational skills. The events sponsorship was not renewed following the 2012 event. Past Champions include Crenshaw, Duval, Nelson, Nicklaus, Stewart and Woods.

Lake Buena Vista

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf course, located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs, gives you beautiful views of some of Disney’s resorts. This course takes you through parts of Disney’s Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Old Key West, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter Resorts. Also giving you an up close view of the amazing Tree House Villas at Saratoga Springs. This course has hosted PGA, LPGA and USGA events so don’t let the length of this course fool you. Yes, this course is the shortest of the three championship courses (5,177, 6,288 & 6,745 respectively). However, it is a true test of golf. What I would consider a traditional Parkland course, Lake Buena Vista will test your every skill, especially the Island Green 7th hole.

Magnolia

The Magnolia golf course, located at Shade of Green Resort, is the hardest of the courses located on property. This course ranges from 5,127 yards from the red tees, 6,558 yards from the regulation tees and stretches to PGA Tour length 7,516 yard at the tips. With wide fairways, accuracy from the tee is not key on this course. However, navigating around the water hazards, as well as avoiding the 90+ bunkers throughout the tract proves challenging. This course demands length from the tee and accuracy from your irons on the approach shots. Trust me, after hitting 8 greenside bunkers, I became very familiar with the excellent bunker conditions, but paid with additional strokes.

Palm

Also located at the Shades of Green Resort, you can find Disney’s Palm Golf Course. Redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Company in 2013, this may be the most golfer friendly championship course on property. The Palm course has wide fairways undulating greens and nine holes with water hazards. This course stretches from 5,213 from the reds, 6,339 regulation and a challenging 6,870 yards from the blue tees. As one might expect, this course is surrounded by the Florida Palms and excellent playing conditions. The average player can score well with good course management especially off the tees and the well laid out par fives.

Nine Hole Course

For those that are looking for a quick recreational round or perhaps just starting to play golf, one needs to look no further than Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. Located at the Shades of Green Resort. Disney’s Oak trail course is a nine hole par 36 golf course maxing out at 2,913 yards from the white tees. This course offers some great views, fun holes and wildlife we don’t typically see back home. It is a fair and challenging course and will require every club in your bag. One thing to note is this course is a walking course only. Golf carts are not permitted. You may rent a pull cart or one of those “new-fangled” (yup, borrowed that from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress) “Tempo walk Robo Caddies”.

Golf and Dining

And yes, there is an amazing snack bar! I mean, we golfers get pretty hungry! Check out Chip and Dale’s Deli.

Conclusion

All three Disney Championship Golf Courses offer a variety of challenges for every golfer’s skill set. They are fair, yet challenging, but always fun and in great shape. It’s a great distraction from your typical Disney vacation. Tee Times are highly recommended and can be made 60 days in advance for the public or 90 days for Walt Disney World Resort guests. If you are playing as a single, you will have to call the pro shop three days in advance of your desired date of play. If you’ve booked with our sister company, Walt Express Travel, one of their exceptional travel agents can assist with making your tee times for you and of course at no additional cost!

• Rates are seasonal and can be checked HERE. Discounts are available for Annual Pass Holders, Military, Resort Guest and DVC Members. other discounts may be available. Rental clubs are available and can be reserved at time of booking. the current rate at time of publishing is $45 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes.

Golf at Walt Disney World Fun Fact:

Did you know Arnold Palmer was the first “passenger” on the Walt Disney World Monorail?

Before heading to the magic, be sure to know about these 14 rookie mistakes! Do you enjoy golfing at Disney World? Have you experience it yet? If so, we would love to hear about it! Tell us all about it in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE.

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