Stress free and a vacation do not always go hand in hand. But, it CAN happen! Follow these great and hilarious tips to make sure you and your family have a stress free Disney vacation! All done with a sense of humor.

Stress Free Disney Vacation

A sense of humor is needed for pretty much everything these days. If you don’t have it, well, it can be pretty rough. We have some great tips here for a stress free Disney vacation that will have you ready (and laughing all the way) to your Disney Destination!

Great Tips!

• Use a TRAVEL PLANNER. Using a travel planner can take away ALL the stress of planning a vacation. Now, if you enjoy the planning part yourself and you don’t get overwhelmed easily, go for it! Or if you are the control freak type who doesn’t want anyone messing with your vacation, do it yourself! Just teasing here, but a travel planner can be a great asset, even if you like to plan most of it yourself. Our travel planners over at Walt Express Travel will do as much OR as little as you need.
• No matter if you are visiting Disney World or Disneyland, take breaks from the heat. Disney World in Orlando gets very humid and hot! If you aren’t used to it, it can drain you! Watch the above video to find out what “swamp butt” is and how you can fix it!
• Traveling with extended family and/or friends. DON’T. Just teasing, but you also need breaks from them. You know they are going to get on your last nerve and vice versa. Choose your traveling partners VERY wisely!
• PLAN, but don’t over plan. It’s great to have a plan, but sometimes, plans change. Don’t let plans changing ruin your vacation. Go with the flow! Temper Tantrums aren’t just for the kiddos!
• Don’t rush! Take time to sit on the bench and enjoy all of the sights, sounds and smells! Grab a cake pop and chill!
• Eat AND Drink. This is super important and will help keep those attitudes at bay! Stay hydrated.
• Save money! As my husband says, just stay home! LOL! Set limits and stick to them!
• Leave the kids at home. Hear us out on this one. We know the kids enjoy it, but it’s totally OK to go without the kids!
• Leave your spouse at home WITH the kids! 
• Leave EVERYONE at home! SOLO TRIP! And head straight to the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Grab one for us!
• If these tips fail, then you need to just stay home. Just teasing, just teasing!

Laugh A Little!

We hope you have enjoyed and laughed a little at our crazy tips for a stress free Disney vacation! 

We get asked a lot, “is it even worth visiting Disney World right now“? Click that link for some amazing advice! Of we at Walt Express believe it’s ALWAYS worth it. For more great tips and tricks, visit our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Your Disney World vacation has been booked for months. During that time, you’ve been making your list and checking it twice. Time has been spent researching the perfect places to eat, the must-have photo opportunities, and food that you have to try. You’re so excited about having a magical vacation and making memories with your family. In your mind, you’ve planned it all out to be the perfect vacation. But I want to give you some advice: there’s no such thing as a perfect Disney World vacation, not even with ALL that magic.

NO Such Thing As A Perfect Disney World Vacation

What are some things that you may encounter that will cause you to want to pull your hair out? Here are a few that you may not have thought about.

• Your kids will throw a tantrum and who knows, your spouse may throw one too! It’s frustrating when you get to the front of the line on your favorite ride and an epic meltdown occurs that causes you to turn around and leave. 
• Be prepared for bad weather. I’ve never been on a Disney trip where I didn’t experience some sort of bad weather. Chances are high that it will at least rain. One vivid memory comes from our kids’ very first trip. A few hours after we arrived, we had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey. We forgot umbrellas and ponchos. A massive rain shower occurred walking from the bus to the monorail. We arrived for our reservations soaking wet. 
• Walt Disney World can be unbelievably hot and miserable at times. Pair that with waiting in line with your kids and it can be rough. 
• Not to mention the attitudes that spill over into your perfect photo op. You’re getting your family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle and one child (or adult) is not cooperating. 

Have A Plan In Place

It’s great to have a plan in place. There’s no problem at all with having a list of things that you’ve got to try. But the one word you need to keep in mind throughout the planning and the trip itself is flexibility. You’ve got to give yourself a little room for changes. 

You see, a Walt Disney World vacation is the most magical trip your family will experience. Even with all the magic, there will be things that are frustrating. Understand that the joy and excitement of the vacation isn’t necessarily based upon what happens, but rather how you respond to it.

Unexpected Can Mean Extra Magic

Do you remember when I mentioned the unexpected rain shower on the way to dinner? Well, we wanted to get on the bus and go back to the resort. Just skip the reservations. We were miserable. However, we decided to push through and go to dinner. It was in the midst of the misery that we got to experience a little of the Disney magic we’d heard about. A cast member saw us and brightened our evening (and our whole trip). My son had his Goofy hat on. The cast member asked if she could take the hat and get it signed. Little did we know that it would be Goofy himself that returned with the hat in hand. He made our son’s night when he took the time to pose for pictures with him.

There will be moments that you get frustrated. But, just roll with the punches. Make the most of those moments. You never know; it may be the most frustrating times that become the fondest memories! 

For more “Disney truth bombs“, join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

The post Did You Know? No Such Thing As A Perfect Disney World Vacation appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Disney World Park Hopper

We are here to help you decide what’s best for you and your family on your next Disney World vacation! The Disney World Park Hopper add-on definitely has its benefits, but also has some drawbacks!

Park Hopper Positives

A park hopper is a ticket add-on that allows you to visit multiple theme parks in one day. Its biggest selling point is that it will give your trip more flexibility. If you want to rope drop Magic Kingdom and have dinner at the World Showcase at Epcot, a park hopper ticket will allow you to do that. If you want to experience Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom one morning and check out Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge in the evening, you will need a park hopper ticket. Speaking of rope drop, here are some great reasons to make an early start in the parks!

The park hopper allows you to squeeze more in. This is especially true if you have limited time at Walt Disney World and want a sampling of what each park has to offer. With concern to flexibility it also gives you more table service restaurant options. When you go to make your advanced dining reservations, you are not limited to a single park or your resort each day and can jump around from park to park for a meal if you want.

Park Hopper Drawbacks

The biggest drawback and one of the most important to consider is the price point. A park hopper will add an additional $65 to $85 dollars to the ticket price per person. If you have a small party that probably doesn’t seem like a bad deal but if you are a family of five, that adds on quite a bit.

Will you miss out tremendously without one? Not necessarily! With good planning you could get more in without a hopper in that you are spending less time traveling from park to park and more time in the park itself. If it is your first time or you haven’t been in a while, a half-day at Magic Kingdom is simply not enough! If we are being serious, a full day will not give you enough time to experience everything either so why spread yourself thin? A regular park ticket also allows multiple entries to the same park within a single day. This means you can still enjoy the morning, go back to your resort if you want for some down time in the afternoon and head back to that same park to enjoy their evening offerings.

Lastly, you also cannot make your initial fastpass+ reservations at multiple parks (three per day, per person at single park to start), so a park hopper is not giving a leg-up in that department either.

Is A Disney World Park Hopper right for my family?

While there are definite positives to having a park hopper ticket add-on it may not always be the best option for your family. When trying to figure out if it is for you, ask yourself what do you foresee your touring style to be? How much time will you be at Walt Disney World? Does a park hopper add too much to my budget, could I make better use of that money elsewhere?

Still not sure if it’s for you? Talk to a travel planner and they will help you maximize your budget and your time. They will be able to get a good idea of what you want out of your Disney World vacation and determine if you should add it on or not.

Do you always add on the park hopper? Or do you not? We would love to hear your responses! Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE and let us know!

The post Does My Family Need The Park Hopper On Our Disney World Vacation? appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

So you’ve booked your first trip to Disney World. It’s been called the most magical place on earth, and rightfully so. It’s a place that can bring out the kid in everyone, no matter their age. It may be a once in a lifetime vacation for your family or the beginning of a yearly tradition. Either way, here are 5 Things You Must Do On Your First Disney World Vacation that will make your trip the most magical experience ever!

Your First Disney World Vacation

I’m sure you are dealing with all sorts of emotions (excitement being the main one, of course) and you’re probably overwhelmed wondering where to start when it comes to experiencing all that Disney World has to offer. I know you’re excited about the rides, character meet and greets, the food and the overall experience of being at the most magical place on Earth!

Here are some things you simply MUST do on your first Disney World vacation.

Take a Picture In Front of the Castle

It doesn’t matter how many times you visit Magic Kingdom, there is nothing like walking down Main Street and getting a glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle. It’s then that reality sets in. You’ve made it to the most magical place on earth. So while you’re there, stop and have your picture taken in front of one of the most photographed castles in the world. Sure, it may seem cliche to have your picture taken with the Castle. Everyone who has visited has done the same thing. But one day, that photograph can be passed on to your children. In turn, they can share that memory with their children.  

Meet and Greet with Mickey and Minnie

A trip to Disney World just wouldn’t be complete without meeting Mickey and Minnie. Make sure to fit some time into your schedule to have a meet and greet with them. You can find them separately at several places, but they are together at most character dining locations. Take an autograph book to have them sign and have your picture made with them. It’s one of those memories that you will cherish for years to come!

Character Dining Experience

One of our favorite things about Disney World is interacting with the characters. If that’s something you look forward to experiencing on your vacation, I recommend you find at least one character dining experience to do while you’re at Disney World. There are plenty of these opportunities to choose from, too. During character dining, you get to dig into some great food, but also have the fun of being up close and personal with your favorite characters. It’s not just for kids either! Our personal favorites are Chef Mickey at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the O’hana breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with Lilo and Stitch.

Eat the Dole Whip

If you’ve been reading up on things to do while at Disney World, I’m sure you’ve seen the tips about all the foods that are available. I’m almost certain you’ve heard about this magical thing called Dole Whip. So here is my advice: eat all the Dole Whip your heart desires! Let me warn you; you’ll be going into withdrawals once you’re back at home. This delicious treat can only be found at two places: Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Aloha Isle inside of Magic Kingdom.

Take in the Fireworks Display at Magic Kingdom

Okay, so you may be thinking, “why would I travel all this way and spend this money to see another fireworks show?”. That’s the way I felt before I first witnessed the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. This isn’t like any other fireworks you’ve seen before. This is a full-scale production that leaves you wondering what will happen next. The visual effects of the movie scenes that are displayed on the castle along with the Disney music that makes you want to sing along will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported into the movies. A word of advice, though. Find your spot early as the area around the castle fills up quickly.

These are just a few things that you can do at Disney World. I’ll leave you with a piece of advice: don’t get so busy that you forget to stop and take in all the magic that comes from being in such an incredible place. Always remember that it started with a dream and has affected millions of people in very positive ways. Enjoy your vacation!

Be sure to know about surprise costs with a Disney World vacation! Don’t let these surprises catch you off guard and ruin your first visit.

If you have visited Disney World before, what would you add to our list for a first time visitor? Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and give us your must do’s for first time visitors!

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Survive The Heat In Disney World

We have witnessed some not so magical moments during the heat while visiting Disney World. From grown-ups pushing children out of the way just to get a morsel of “camel spit” over in Adventureland to meltdowns over missing misting water fans.

I always joke to friends that my daughter is a true Canadian based on how she responded to the heat on our first visit. She is such a sweet dispositioned girl (she’s won “sunshine awards” since kindergarten in so many different classes and extra-curriculars), but that Florida summer heat turned her into a total crab apple.

In the heat, she would be grouchy, unappreciative and down-right rude… but literally two seconds back into air-conditioning and she’d return to her sweet self, thanking me for bringing her to DisneyWorld, complimenting other guests on their outfits and marvelling in the magic.

I’m sharing this post because I don’t want you to be caught unprepared like I was.

I promise, you CAN do it! You CAN survive Disney World in the summer heat and enjoy it. (You might even end up having more magical memories than grouchy moments.) Just follow these 10+ tips to survive the heat in Disney World for some quick relief!

Can you TAKE THE HEAT?

Tip #1: Take Breaks:

Get to the parks early, leave during the hottest part of the day and come back during the evening hours. I am not usually one that likes to leave the parks during the day, but sometimes the heat is just too much and your resort’s air-conditioning and pool is a welcome reprieve. Try this trick and enjoy some of the late night fun in the parks!

(Bonus: the hottest parts of the day are usually the busiest and most crowded – while the crowd tends to thin out after 4pm and dramatically drops after supper time.)

Tip #2: Cool Clothes:

No, I DO NOT mean the latest in fashion! Save the “fancy dress clothes” for dinner…in the winter! Dress in lightweight clothes with cooler color tones. Darker colors like black and navy absorb the sun and make you even more hot in the Summer months.

I know it’s soooo tempting to want to let the kids wear costumes or Disneybound in clothes that are cute but don’t breathe… but honestly, the cute pictures aren’t worth feeling miserable and being covered in sweat all day.

If you absolutely feel the need to let the kids wear a costume for a few pictures in front of the castle or with their favorite character, bring a back-up change of clothes for when the costume gets too hot to handle.

(PS – check out Etsy for Disney sundresses that are just as cute as costumes. They are often a fraction of the price and are so comfortable for the kids to wear on a long day at Disney. Plus, they stand up to washing better and you can get more use out of them.)

Tip #3: Cool Treats:

Disney Parks are packed full of tasty, COLD treats!

From delicious ice cream in the shape of Mickey to Dole Whips and more, you can cool off pretty quick! If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, these are a great use of your snack credits – but if not, be sure to budget them in!

Tip #4: Pack Water Bottles:

My favorites are these misting water bottles which are not only insulated but also provide a nice, cool spritz when you need it on a hot day.

Disney provides free glasses of ice water at all quick service locations which you can empty into your water bottle so you can enjoy ice cold water all day.

If you prefer other cold drinks, you can use snack credits or bring a soft-sided cooler into the park with you. (Pack zip-top baggies so you can fill them with ice at your resort before you leave for the parks.)

Tip #5: Misting Fans and Cool Cloths:

Grab a few misting fans at the Dollar Store before you go to Disney World – they sell for $15+ once you’re in the park. Bring enough for everyone to ensure no fighting. Don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen if you use the misting fans a lot. These are our favorites: MISTING FANS

Cool Cloths (like these) are also a game-changer. Basically, you wet the cloth down with cold water in the restroom and then wring out the water and place it on your shoulders (or wherever you really need to stay cool). The cloths don’t drip but they keep cool for about an hour. I was skeptical of these at first, but I highly recommend them now and pack them for nearly every family vacation.

Tip #6: Get in Line:

Most attractions are in an air-conditioned queue, so that helps a ton! Splash Mountain is our personal favorite “cool down” attraction in Magic Kingdom. You will cool down very quickly during the queue and during the ride, not to mention dropping 50 feet and getting SPLASHED!

Tip #7: Grab a Bite:

Plan a few meals during the hottest part of the day. Nothing too heavy, but this gives you a chance to duck out of the heat for a bit and rest those feet!

Many quick service locations are located indoors and are set up cafeteria-style, so even if you’re bringing in your own food or bringing in food from other quick service locations, you’ll be able to grab a table and enjoy the A/C.

Tip #8: Slow Down:

Seriously, there is NO need to rush, it won’t do you any good anyway! It will just make you that much more hot and ill-tempered! Slow down and enjoy your surroundings – preferably, in the shade.

You can spend this time checking for short wait times on air-conditioned rides or make a game out of looking for hidden Mickeys or observing other fun details about the parks. There are so many details that most guests miss by rushing from one attraction to the next.

Tip #9: Make a Splash:

It might not seem intuitive to pack a bathing suit while heading to the parks, but if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, there are splash pads that can help kids cool off when most needed.

At Magic Kingdom, the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station is located just past the Barnstormer Ride, or if you don’t want to get fully soaked, just in front of the Jungle Cruise there is a camel statue that “spits” water at you and closer to Tarzan’s Treehouse is a collection of wooden “statues” that also spit water.

At Epcot, there is a splashpad on the main path between Future World and the World Showcase.

Tip #10: Plan a Pool Day:

Whether you just want to enjoy your resort pools or want to book a full day at one of DisneyWorld’s two waterparks (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach), your family will appreciate still getting to enjoy the Disney magic while staying cool and giving their feet a bit of a break.

While I totally get that you may be apprehensive to “wasting a day you could be at the parks” at the resort or a waterpark, you won’t regret taking a bit of a break in that summer heat and there is just as much to explore at Disney’s waterparks as there is to explore at the parks. We’ve been to Blizzard Beach three times and we still haven’t tried out all of its offerings.

Bonus Tip #11: Delay the Alcohol:

All Disney parks now offer alcohol and while it can be tempting to indulge while you’re on vacation, the heat and alcohol do not mix well.

Personally, I would wait until after the heat dies down in the late afternoon (preferably after sundown) and definitely be sure to rehydrate by consuming more water after you have an alcoholic drink since alcohol can be very dehydrating.

Bonus Tip #12: Watch Out for the Disney Rash:

BE WARNED: The DISNEY RASH is real my friends! And it seems to strike even more during the summer months. If you fall victim to the Disney rash, be sure to stop in one of the first aid stations. They know exactly what it is and how to help!

Also, I want to encourage everyone to pack sunscreen and extra deodorant.

You can choose whether or not to bring the deodorant to the parks (some may find they need it) but definitely bring the sunscreen and re-apply during the day, especially if you are making use of a misting fan or the splash pads.

I hope that these tips help you to STAY COOL my Disney friends – and please, if you have any additional tips, share them in the comments below or in our DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, Facebook group, which contains lots of Disney fun and information!

Check out what to expect at Disney World this Summer:

• What to Expect in Disney World During The Month of May
• What to Expect in Disney World During The Month of June

The post 10 Tips To Survive The Summer Heat In Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Let’s face it, if you are walking 10 plus miles a day in Disney World, your feet are NOT going to be your best friend. And that is exactly the time that you really need your feet to be at their best!

We’ve trekked miles and miles at the Disney parks and today we’re sharing our top 10 tips to help your soon-to-be-tender tootsies!

Top 10 Secrets to Keeping Your Feet Happy in Disney World

#1: SHOES:

This one is a “no brainer.” The correct shoes will make you or break you on a Disney vacation!

Disney World is NOT the place to wear those cute little 3 inch heels even if they are your go-to for a night out (yes, I have done it myself!). You will need a good, comfortable pair of tennis shoes or running shoes, preferably a pair that has been worn for a few months.

Do NOT buy a new pair of shoes and wear them for the first time in Disney World. My son did this once and we ended up with about 456 blisters and spent well over $125 for sandals in Animal Kingdom, just to finish out our trip.

If staying on property, bring a pair of flip flops or something similar for walking around the resort. This way, your feet can air out a little.

#2: EXTRA SOCKS:

You will want to keep an extra pair of socks in your bag during your day in the parks. Your feet will sweat and some attractions will get you wet. Nothing is worse than walking around the park in wet socks.

(If you don’t use them – great! They didn’t take up much space… but if you need them and don’t have them… you’ll wish you had taken our advice.)

#3: MOLESKIN & BLISTER PROTECTION:

Moleskin feels like a little piece of heaven on your feet after you have a blister from walking so much. You can purchase this at pretty much any department store or pharmacy.

#4: START WALKING NOW:

I am the first to admit that there have been seasons of life that I am more sedentary – especially in the winter.

Don’t wait until a week before you go to actually get moving.. Or worse yet, have your first “10,000 step day” be at the parks. Start taking the stairs, go for nightly walks as a family – just start moving now. 

#5: THE DISNEY RASH:

It’s real people, it’s REAL! This happens to even the most experienced Disney goers. Find out what exactly it is and how to get relief: THE DISNEY RASH

#6: MAGNESIUM:

Magnesium is a game-changer. I first had it recommended to me by my friend who is pretty “hippy” oriented, but it’s awesome for saving you tons of muscle aches and pains – and it is also awesome if you have little sleep resistors like I do. My friend Mandi shares more about the BENEFITS OF MAGNESIUM here.

#7: LOTIONS & CREAMS:

There are literally tons of foot lotions and creams out there, but honestly – any kind of lotion will do. It’s the actual “rubbing” it in that helps the most. You can bring lotion with you – or just use the lotions available in your hotel room.

PS- secret tip from me to you, if your kid is whining for that silly souvenir, this is a great time to barter with them for a foot rub. (Hey, don’t judge! When your feet hurt, you are willing to pay any amount of money!)

#8: TAKE BREAKS: You are going to walk…A LOT! Take a break, sit down, take your shoes and socks off for a bit and let them rest and air out! Maybe just don’t do it where other people are eating…

#9: SOAK THEM TOOTSIES:

When you get back to your room for the night, run a tub of hot water and soak them for a little while.

#10: BRING EXTRAS:

I know some of us like to “pack light”. Don’t skimp on the shoes. Bring an extra pair just in case! If in doubt, see “secret #1” (yes, my feelings are STILL hurt about paying over $125 for shoes at Disney).

Extra Tips to Keep Your Feet Happy

These tips are especially helpful if you plan to partake in any RunDisney events:

• Bring a good muscle rub – even better than H20 lotion, a good muscle rub will help make those late night trips to the food court a bit more bearable.
• KT Tape: Put this on your achy feet and it will take the ache away! It is like magic! Check out the pic of my friend Mandi’s poor feet after her run and in-between park time with her family. They were sore, but the tape gave her muscles the support to keep moving.

These are just a few tips and tricks my family uses to “save our feet” while at Disney World. If you have any tips, we would love to hear them. I hope this helps to “save your feet” on your next visit to Disney World!

Please join us in Disney Express Lane for more great Disney planning tips and tricks!

The post Top 10 Secrets to Keeping Your Feet Happy in Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Signs At Disney World That Guests Never Read But Should

Everyone knows the absolute BEST sign is the entrance sign to Disney World! Pure magic happens as soon as you drive under that sign! However, there are a few more that you need to pay attention to, too!

There are literally signs EVERYWHERE in Disney World and most are NEVER read! OK, maybe you DO read them, but do you abide by them? They are not there for decorations, folks! Take heed and just do what the sign asks. Most of the time, it’s to keep guests safe!

“WHICH WAY” Signs-Even with a park map, you may still get lost. The parks are HUGE and there are tons of places to go and things to see and do! Rest assured though, there are signs every where pointing you in the right direction.

ATTRACTION & RIDES Signs-You will find a sign near every single attraction informing you of very important information. For example, height restrictions and “dangers” are always listed!

PARKING Signs-This one right here may save you hours! If you don’t look at the signs where your vehicle is parked, it will take you FOREVER to find it when it’s time to leave the parks! Walt Express’ tip for this one is to take a few pictures of the parking signs and location signs. This makes it super easy when you are tired and ready to head back to the resort.

Speaking of TRANSPORTATION Signs, be sure to know which bus, monorail or ferryboat that you are supposed to take! You can find these signs at the front of every park, letting you know the exact area you will need to be in. Pretty easy stuff, folks!

Did you miss these Disney World signs?

STROLLER PARKING Signs-Each attraction/ride has it’s very own designated parking area for strollers. Have you ever parked your stroller and came back to it not being there? That’s because a team of cast members are grabbing those strollers and taking them to the stroller parking area that is nearby. This is for safety reasons and it can keep your stroller and belongings safer! They really don’t do it to drive you crazy, I promise!

SPECIAL EVENTS Signs-These are posted when there is a special event going on, letting you know event times, location and more!

PARADE Signs-These signs are VERY important! The parade route will be roped off and there will be signs letting you know exactly where you can and cannot go. After the parade, things can get pretty crazy with people moving around and getting back to the park, so pay very close attention to these.

RULES and GENERAL INFORMATION Signs-These signs are also everywhere, for your protection and safety. Just follow the rules!

SMOKING AREA Signs-NO RANTS on this one. There are designated areas for smoking in each park-use them, please. They are also listed on your park maps.

WILDLIFE Signs-Disney World is home to some pretty amazing wildlife. Be respectful and follow the signs that are posted! It is for your safety AND the safety of the animals!

Are there any signs that we missed that you think are important? Let us know!

Looking for more Disney fun? We have a great Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, that has tons of great information and lots of Disney fun!

The post Signs At Disney World That Guests Never Read But Should appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

If you plan your trip around the crowds, you honestly may never go. Sometimes that is just not avoidable OR predictable. Sometimes you plan according to ALL of those nifty little crowd calendars and BOOM! CROWDED!! You never know when or if Disney World will be crowded. Nowadays, it seems to ALWAYS be a little crowded.

Don’t worry, Walt Express will help you plan around those crowds!

10 Ways To Deal With Crowds On Your Next Disney World Vacation

1. Fast Passes-Grab your first three fast passes as early as possible. Then, you can get more (one at a time) throughout the day, avoiding the lines AND crowds!
2. Crowd Calendar-We do like to use a crowd calendar, but we are very picky! Dad’s Crowd Calendar is usually pretty accurate. Remember though, no one can really predict what the future will hold when it comes to crowds in Disney World.
3. Don’t Dine at Normal Times-Normal dining times (8-9 am breakfast, 12 pm lunch, 5-6 pm dinner) are the absolute busiest. Choose a late breakfast or lunch or even an early dinner! For more information on dining and the Disney Dining Plans, just click the link!
4. Play During the Parades-I am not telling you to never watch a parade, because let’s face it, they are pure magic! If you have already seen the parade, use that time to hop on rides and attractions. A lot of people will move over to the parade areas. Be sure to grab a park map that will show the parade route and you can avoid that entire section!
5. Get Help-A travel planner knows the ropes and can help you maneuver around the crowds.
6. Extra Magic Hours-this one is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s best to AVOID the parks with extra hours. Everyone at the resorts will be taking advantage of them! Head to a park that is NOT offering Extra Magic Hours! Extra Magic Hours are only available to those staying at a Disney World Resort.
7. Stay Tuned to Walt Express-This one is a biggie! We have our monthly blogs that keep you up to date on what will be going on during the month you will be traveling to Disney World. RunDisney events, sporting events and conferences can play a big part in determining the crowds.
8. Dine EARLY-Make breakfast dining reservations extra early, even before the park opens. You won’t be able do any attractions until the park officially opens, but you will get to see the park almost empty! It’s a pretty amazing experience!
9. Stay AWAY from holidays-Anytime there is an “extra” day off, it makes for a perfect time to head to the magic. Everyone else has that SAME idea! Yes, I know, I know…sometimes this is the ONLY time you can go. Be prepared, have a plan and you will be fine.
10. Embrace the rain-WHAT? Yep, pack those ponchos and you will be just fine. Normally, rain showers only last a little while and the crowds seem to race to the bus stops. Wait it out, shop or just take a little break. You will be glad you stayed! We have tons of great tips on enjoying the parks in the rain!

Walt Express Tip

Again, no one really knows when the parks will be crowded or when they won’t. We hope this little guide helps you deal with those crowds and makes your trip a little more magical!

Looking for even more great Disney World tips and tricks? You got it! Head on over to our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Menu For Woody’s Lunchbox In Toy Story Land At Hollywood Studios

With the opening date fast approaching for this new land in Hollywood Studios, everyone is anxiously awaiting news on what will be served! From the looks of this preview, it’s going to be AMAZING!! My lunchbox NEVER looked like this! Without further ado, Walt Express and our friends from Disney Parks Blog, bring you WOODY’S LUNCH BOX MENU!

From Disney Parks Blog

In the toy-filled backyard that is Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and explore the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends. In the middle of all the fun, Andy has taken his vintage Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with a thermos, turning it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. From a nearby tower, green army men stand at the ready, keeping watch for Andy’s return.

Opening June 30, Woody’s Lunch Box will dish up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages. We caught up with the team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen – to ask how much fun (and challenging) it was to take sentimental food favorites and give them a modern make-over…in flavor and presentation.

“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World, about the year-long menu development process.  “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?”

Here is a peek into Woody’s Lunch Box. Gee, I wish my mom would have packed me a lunch like this!

S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.

Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough – The perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.

Breakfast Bowl – The green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs.

BBQ Brisket Melt – With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough.

Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam – Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.

Totchos – Potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love??

Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.

Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon – Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.

The littlest toys can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. For toys looking for more lighter options, they can grab one of these tasty bites at Woody’s Lunch Box or check out the many other healthful offerings available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.

Banana Split Yogurt Parfait – Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day!

Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.

Soda Floats – All toys would agree that a refreshing soda float is the perfect nostalgic beverage!

The adorable Alien Sipper may be purchased and filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.

The big kids can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider.

Check out the full menu of lunch box favorites here. See you June 30!

Are you planning a trip to this new land? What are you most excited about? I want to try every single item on this menu!! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section! We would love to hear from you!

Disney World has quite an INCREDIBLE SUMMER lined up for us!! We can’t wait!

For more Disney fun and tons of Disney information, head on over to our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Did You Know: Calories Do NOT Count In Disney World

Calories

Disney World is filled wall to wall with delicious, yummy food. From sit down restaurants to “quick bites” on the run, there are literally hundreds of options for mouth watering treats. These “treats” do come with a price. CALORIES. Yes, I said the “C” word and we all know that is an ugly, ugly word! With that being said, do calories really count in Disney World? Well, technically speaking, yes. Non-technical, NO! Do you realize how many miles (yes, I said M-I-L-E-S) that you will be walking in a day’s time? On our last trip to Disney World, we actually counted every single step-from the beginning of the day until the bitter end. Of course we knew we walked a lot, just because our feet let us know that fact.

For example, in Animal Kingdom, on our first day in the park, we walked a total of 8.51 miles. That is in just ONE day. The next day, in Magic Kingdom, 15 miles! Most days, I do great to walk half a mile on the treadmill. In Disney World, I run marathons around the parks and not even break out into a sweat. OK, that may be a lie too, sometimes I do sweat…A LOT. Be sure to wear lots of DEODORANT! My favorite is from our very own Mandi: PERFECT DEODORANT FOR DISNEY!

Shoes

While on the subject of walking, Disney World is not the place to wear the cute little heels. You might want to just leave those at home, unless you are just wearing them out to dinner for an hour or two. I cannot stress this enough: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! Bring a pair of flip flops to lounge around the resort in and pack the good, walking tennis shoes. Even if you don’t normally wear these type of shoes, you will thank me by day three of walking non-stop.

My oldest son purchased a pair of new tennis shoes right before our trip and insisted on wearing them to Disney. Yes, I know, I know. Mom should have packed another pair just in case. (Mom slacked big time!). By day two, he had blisters on top of blisters. We stopped by the resort store to grab a “cheap” pair of shoes to get by with. Those “cheap” shoes ended up costing around $100 bucks. Has he worn them again since that last trip? NOPE. Did we learn our lesson? YES!

Find out how to keep those feet happy in Disney World right HERE: HAPPY FEET IN DISNEY WORLD! Also keep a close check on those legs! The Disney Rash can sneak up on you!

Healthy Options

With all of the dining options in Disney World, most restaurants do offer a “healthier” option. For example, most restaurants offer several “lighter or healthier” meals. They also offer what is called “Mickey’s Kid Check” meals that is offered on the children’s menu. You will find baked and broiled items are available plus a great variety of veggies. Disney also makes sure to include “allergy friendly” offerings as well.

What is the moral of this story? What IS the point of this blog? Simple. Enjoy every second. Whether you are indulging in a cake pop, or happily munching on a 5 course meal: ENJOY it. There is no right or wrong way to “do Disney”. So, when you are walking 20 miles a day, I personally think that “calories do NOT count”! Just my opinion, though (insert wink)!

What is your “splurge” while in Disney World? Which treat will you grab time after time? Here are some of our MOST favorite splurges: FAVORITE SNACKS.

Join us in DISNEY EXPRESS LANE to discuss all things Disney and have lots of fun!

Thinking about a trip to the magic during 2018? How about 18 reasons to book that trip NOW?!

The post DID YOU KNOW: Calories Do NOT Count In Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.