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.

While some of our favorite Disney dining spots are table-service meals, for the most part we rely on quick service locations to keep us happy and fed during our Disney vacations. They’re fast, inexpensive, usually don’t require dining reservations – and most of them serve up some pretty great food.

One of our family’s absolute favorite quick service meals is Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy!

(By the way, the exclamation point behind Chicken Guy! is not to indicate my excitement, although I am excited when we are heading there to eat. The exclamation point is a part of the restaurant name. I just thought I would clear that up before you continue reading and then wonder why I keep using the exclamation point. LOL!)

Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy! was founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and renowned restaurateur Robert Earl. The Disney Springs location was it’s fourth location and it now currently has seven locations:

1. Miami, FL,
2. Landover, MD
3. Santa Clara, CA
4. Disney Springs
5. Gatlinburg, TN
6. Nashville, TN
7. And it’s newest location Winter Park, FL which is a stone’s throw from Magic Kingdom

According to their website, more locations will be opening soon – which is not surprising because the food here needs to be experienced in as many places as possible.

The Sauces at Chicken Guy!

Now let’s talk about why we love Flavortown – they offer one-of-a-kind, all-natural fresh chicken tenders paired with a wide selection of delicious sauces. There are over 20 house-made sauces to choose from. Try one or try them all; it is your call.

The complete list of sauces (as of now) include:

• Special Sauce: a blend of ketchup, mayo, mustard, pickle juice, and a proprietary spice blend.
• Donkey Sauce: mayo meets roasted garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire with a squeeze of lemon.
• Ranchero: roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and chilies, seasoned with cumin, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
• Curry Mayo: a combination of coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, garlic, lime, and of course – mayo.
• Wasabi Honey: simply wasabi, honey, and a hint of lime.
• Cumin Lime Mojo: featuring cumin, lime, cilantro, and roasted garlic. 
• Garlic Parmesan: mayo with roasted garlic and parmesan, a little black pepper, and parsley. 
• Avocado Crema: avocados and sour cream, complemented with cilantro and lime flavors. 
• Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ: brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. 
• Buffalo: a blend of red chilis and jalapenos, garlic and onion, with a hint of paprika and vinegar.
• Bleu Cheese: bleu cheese crumbles, mayo, sour cream, and lemon. 
• Buttermilk Ranch: a combination of buttermilk and mayo, seasoned with dill, chives, onion, and garlic.  
• Lemon Pepper: mayo paired with lemon, black pepper, and a little honey.
• Honey Mustard: honey, yellow mustard, mayo, and a bit of lemon juice. 
• Teriyaki: infused with soy sauce, sesame, garlic, and brown sugar.
• Sweet N’ Sour: the flavors of orange, pineapple, honey, and vinegar.
• Chipotle Ranch: chipotle peppers mixed with buttermilk ranch, and smoked paprika.
• Nashville Hot Honey: honey paired with red chilies, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion.
• Peri-Peri: roasted red bell pepper and chilies, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, oregano, and a splash of lemon. 
• Habanero Hot Sauce: habanero peppers mixed with vinegar, onion, and garlic. 
• Spicy Mayo: a combination of roasted red chilis and chipotle peppers with cayenne, honey, and mayo. 
• Sweet Sriracha BBQ: a roasted red pepper puree with tomatoes, onions, and a hint of molasses and brown sugar. 

My favorite sauce so far is a tie between the garlic parmesan and donkey sauce but I am still working my way through their impressive array of sauces. Like anything we do on Disney World property, our goal is to try everything at least once… and that includes the delicious sauces!

The Menu

Chicken Guy!’s menu offers a variety of options such as all-natural chicken tenders, skewers, sandwiches, salads and can be paired with some amazing side options as well. Chicken Guy Fries, Mac Daddy Mac ‘n Cheese, American Slaw, Fried Pickle Chip, or my personal favorite Loaded Fries are ALL on the menu!

I know Guy Fieri can be a bit of a polarizing figure as a celebrity chef, but there is no debating that this man and his team of recipe developers know their flavors. Everything I’ve had from his restaurants has been absolutely delicious.

Gluten-Free Chicken Guy! 

Ever since travelling to DisneyWorld with my friend and her daughter who had nut and gluten allergies, I’ve tried to take note of how the different restaurants on Disney property handle the needs of those guests.

Unlike a lot of chicken restaurants that use peanut oil, according to the manager I spoke to, Chicken Guy!’s menu is completely nut-free. There are also many gluten-free options available:

• A gluten-free bun can be substituted in any chicken sandwich.
• The chicken can be grilled instead of breaded.
• Fries are made with caution to food allergies.
• A salad can be ordered with the grilled chicken and without croutons.

The best part is… even with these adjustments, the food is still AMAZING. One of my favorite allergy-friendly dishes is the loaded fries. At Chicken Guy!, they are smothered in SMC (so much cheese), chopped crispy or grilled chicken, bacon & green onions. We had the ones with the grilled chicken on our last visit.

Did You Know Dessert Options Are Available?

While we have not tried them yet, you can add a frozen treat such as a handspun soft serve to your visit. Triple Double Mint or Cinnamon Apple both sound amazing!

Tip: If you are looking for something a bit sweeter while visiting Disney Springs, try Erin McKenna’s Bakery!

Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy! Hours

This location is open for lunch and dinner. With so much to do and see at Disney Springs, this fun little restaurant will allow you to grab a quick bite – no reservations required. However, wait times will vary depending on the time of day you are planning to visit.

We cannot wait for our next visit to Flavortown – we have a lot more food and sauces to try, plus soft-serve desserts! My mouth is watering now, just thinking about it. I guess we need to plan another trip soon!

If you are a chicken lover, dipping sauce fanatic, or enjoy loaded fries as I do, then you for sure need to add Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs to your dining list. This is a great restaurant for first-time visitors to Disney as well as seasoned travelers. 

What is one of your favorite quick-service restaurants at Disney World? Come on over to Facebook and join us at Disney Express Lane to let us know!

More Dining Posts:

• Tiffins Restaurant at Animal Kingdom
• Be Our Guest: Why Breakfast Here is a Must!
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdon
• Turner House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom
• The Best Restaurants for First Time Visitors to Disney

The post Why We Love Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy (And So Will You) 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.

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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How a romantic night out at Disney Springs came to be a tradition

Let’s go back to June 2016 when the hubby and I decided to go to the most magical place on earth WITHOUT the kids. Yes, you read that right! The two of us boarded a plane and left our three children at home with Grammy for an entire week! Although a month late celebrating our 20^th anniversary, we were determined to have as many romantic nights out as our wallet allowed. We spilt our seven night stay between three Resort Villas and had nightly dining reservations at other Resorts and Epcot. For a romantic night out at Disney Springs, we saved our anniversary celebration for one of our bucket list restaurants…drumroll please…Morimoto Asia!!!

Join us on our romantic night…

We decided avoiding crowds and buses would be the best way to accomplish this. So, we boarded a boat from our resort and headed out for a romantic night out at Disney Springs. After being seated at a quiet booth we enjoyed several appetizers, small plates and entrees with wine pairings. We were offered a photograph to remember our evening during our dessert. For twenty bucks, we received four lovely photos, two of each, black & white and color. After eating ourselves into a food coma, we waddled out of the restaurant to “walk off” our indulgent meal. A bustling shopping center is not keeping with the theme of a romantic night out. So, we opted to avoid the crowds and took the boat back to our Resort. We ended the evening on our balcony with the background sounds of music and people enjoying the most magical place on earth.

Brunch and lunch can be romantic too!

Keep in mind that a romantic night out is not limited to dinner, much less an expensive, fancy dinner! We have enjoyed lunchtime small plates and adult beverages at the outdoor bar at the Boathouse. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has a unique atmosphere and entertaining bartenders for a late afternoon or early evening out. We have also enjoyed a romantic brunch at STK Orlando with a stroll around a quieter Disney Springs. Don’t forget that a romantic night out Disney Springs can be whatever you desire it to be and will be a different experience for each of you. So, in closing, my fellow lovers of all things Disney, I hope I have inspired at least a few readers to do as the hubby and I have endeavored to do every trip. Block out a little time without the kids and enjoy a romantic night out at Disney Springs!!!

Let us know about your favorite romantic endeavors by joining our Facebook Group: DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! Also, check out these romantic dinner ideas!

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Weekly Roundup: Downtown Disney, Carthay Circle and the Liberty Belle

Here’s what you can expect in this Newsletter:

• Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

• Reservations for Carthay Circle Lounge on Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort

• The Liberty Belle Sets Sail as the Rivers of America Prepares a Return to Magic Kingdom Park

Downtown Disney District 

Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will be welcoming the Star Wars Trading Post at its new location on February 19, along with some other outdoor dining and stores. Also if you are a Legacy Passholder there will be a limited-time magical extra opportunity for Star WarsTrading Post. Go HERE for more information! You do not want to miss it, I am sure. I can not wait to see what it is! 

Carthay Circle Lounge

Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, with its seasonal menu and unique dining environment on Buena Vista Street, an extension of Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort welcomed back guests on Friday, February 5. You can use your mobile app for mobile dining order to make reservations. And if you are still hungry, you can also enjoy outdoor vending carts near Buena Vista Street. They are once again selling ice cream, cotton candy, soft drinks and other food and beverage items. They will have many options to choose from and more things are slowly opening up, so be on the lookout! Or better yet, come here and we will give you the goods!

The Liberty Belle Sets Sail as the Rivers of America Prepares a Return to Magic Kingdom Disney World 

Last October, Cast Members drained the waters of the Rivers of America in Fronteirland, sending the Liberty Belle to dry dock behind Magic Kingdom Disney World in order to replace her underwater track. She is now returning in all of her glory. She has been greatly missed and we are so excited about her return to one of our favorite Disney parks. 

We visited while the Rivers of America was drained. Looks so strange doesn’t it? But, cool in the same sense. It is always so amazing to see how they upkeep all of the attractions in Disney Parks. 

There ya have it! There is all of your Disney news for this week. Join us next week for more. As always, thank you for making us apart of your Disney adventures! 2021 is shaping up to be a great year for Disney adventures. We are ready to see what else 2021 has in store! It is beginning to look like an exciting year at the mouse’s house from coast to coast! ????

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Romantic Date Nights at Disney

If you think about it, romance and Disney World go together like, well, like Mickey and Minnie!! Grab your Mickey or Minnie and have some romantic date nights at Disney World!

Mini Golf

Game on. Challenge your significant other to a fun, friendly round of mini golf. There are two mini golf locations available on Disney World property and both offer two fun uniquely themed courses. We love to play mini golf at night under the stars. It just gives it a more romantic vibe. The cost at both locations is $14 per person plus tax. Our favorite is Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course located next to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Santa Claus himself had a hand in creating two amazing 18-hole courses. A Summer course and a Winter course. We like to play each course in the season that they represent.

The other location is  Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf located next to Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. This 18-hole miniature golf adventure is based on the classic animated film Fantasia. While we find it to be more romantic at night, this course is beautiful to play first thing in the morning. 

Disney’s Boardwalk

Take a nice stroll along the water’s edge at Disney’s Boardwalk. Enjoy a slice of pizza together at Pizza Window or a sweet treat at Boardwalk Bakery. Stop off for some shopping at Disney Characters Carnival or the Screen Door General Store. Take a nice relaxing boat ride across Crescent Lake over to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for a night cap at Ale & Compass Lounge.

Movie Under the Stars

Don’t feel like going out exploring? Keep date night at your Disney Resort. Each night a Disney movie is shown out on the lawn near the pool areas. Be sure to ask for a schedule of times and movies when you arrive at your resort. Make it fun! Mobile order dinner from your resort restaurant take it out with you to the movie showing. Find a space away from the crowd to make this romantic date night a picnic along with a movie. Tip: Pack a small blanket to bring with you to sit on.

Resort Hopping

Explore other Disney World Resorts with your significant other. While we love resort hopping during the holidays, resort hopping can be fun anytime of the year. Each of the Disney World Resort hotels have their very own unique theme as well as activities and dining. Make your date memorable by experiencing some of the amazing recreations. In the cooler months we love the rocking chairs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Sipping on a cup of hot chocolate while sitting in front of the beautiful fireplace located in the resort lobby. In the warmer months we love to enjoy a Pineapple Dole Whip at Disney’s Polynesian Resort while sitting on the beach taking in the amazing view of the Magic Kingdom while just talking and enjoying each others company.

Traveling with Kids

You may be thinking all of these options sound great, but we are traveling with young kids, so how can we have a romantic date night? Select Disney World Resorts have Childcare Services offering in-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years of age. A fee does apply. This service is provided by an Independent childcare provider Kid’s Nite Out. Fun filled activities like Arts and crafts, reading and playing games are among the entertainment provided. Be sure to plan ahead. Advance reservations are recommended (It is advisable to book your childcare reservation at least 2 weeks to 30 days in advance). Booking in-room childcare reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance by calling (407) 828-0920.


We hope this helps to give you some ideas for your next Disney World date night.  We have many more ideas to come. In the meantime, we would love to hear about your Disney World date night ideas. Come on over to Disney Express Lane to share them with us. 

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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!

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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!

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In my family of five, we have four diabetics and three with celiac disease. Traveling can be difficult at times but it is NOT impossible! Here are some tips for you or your family members who are visiting Disney World With Diabetes and/or celiac disease!

Disney World With Diabetes And/Or Celiac

Visiting Disney World can be stressful, but visiting Disney World with diabetes and/or celiac disease can add even more stress. We are going to help you to take some of that stress away. Visiting Disney World with diabetes and/or celiac IS totally doable. These tips help my family tremendously!

Supplies

Make sure to have a full supply of your diabetic supplies. In the week before our trip, I always go through and make sure we have plenty of insulin, blood sugar test strips and lancets for our blood sugar test kits. If we need those (or extra Dexcom supplies), we order them. Both my husband and daughter wear a Dexcom CGM, so I make sure we have the charging cord, and the other things that go with it. I always pack a few boxes of needle tips because we use Insulin pens. If you are still using needles, you are going to want to bring extra needles with the script. Making sure to have the labels on the boxes is important, especially if you are flying. I also keep all of our supplies and medicine in my carry on bag when we fly. I don’t want anything getting lost or damaged if it’s in a checked bag.

Snacks

Snacks! I always carry “low” snacks with us. We call these snacks “low snacks” because they are in case someone’s blood sugar starts to rapidly drop. We all know there can be long lines at the snack carts and waiting is often not an option. So we keep snacks with us just in case. I also keep things like glucose tablets on us at all times. Sometimes in the heat, it’s hard to eat and the glucose tablets work fast and aren’t too filling. This leaves plenty of room for the delicious Disney themed snacks we love so much!

Extra Bandages

I have also gotten into the habit of bringing extra sticky bandages for the Dexcom. We spend a lot of time in the pool, but when visiting Disney World,  we always make sure to get a lot of use out of our resort pool! Sometimes the tape around the Dexcom can come off if you are spending a lot of time in the pool. Also many of the resorts have slides and if you have a child wearing a Dexcom you know there is a chance it could get pulled off on the slide. So I always put the extra bandage we have around the Dexcom as an extra layer of adhesive.

Disney World With Diabetes And/Or Celiac DINING Options

Let’s talk about dining in Disney World. Disney World is full of all kinds of amazing foods and restaurants. Being a diabetic and/or celiac is not going to change that at all. Disney World is amazing at having so many different options for allergies and food requirements. When making your dining reservations, you can always add to the reservations that there is a diabetic/celiac in your party. While Disney World cannot provide you with the actual nutrition information, they do have options for everyone. Another wonderful thing about Disney World is that you can use your My Disney Experience app to look at menu options for almost every restaurant on Disney World property. I do this often before booking anywhere to be sure there are foods my family will eat, or safe choices my kids will be interested in.

Traveling as a family can be overwhelming and when you add medical issues to the mix it can get a lot more interesting (and stressful). Hopefully these tips can help take some of the stress our of your next Disney World trip! For more great tips, check out these 10 things to pack when traveling with kids!

We have a Facebook Group dedicated to helping plan the perfect Disney World vacation. Join at DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! We are also affiliated with an amazing travel agency, WALT EXPRESS TRAVEL. They have travel planners that would love to help you plan your next trip.

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