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!

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Your 180 days are approaching fast and it’s time to think about where you are going to eat! If this is your first trip, this can be a daunting task. After all, who plans their meals six months in advance? Don’t worry and don’t panic! We are here to help when Choosing Restaurants For Disney World!

Choosing Restaurants For Disney World

There are over 400 dining locations throughout Disney World, including all of the parks, Disney World Resorts and the Disney Springs area. There are sit-down locations, quick service locations and you can even find Food Trucks in Disney Springs. Several resorts offer dinner shows and different character dining, not to mention all of the dining options in the parks. With so many options, how do we choose? No worries, we have you covered!

How To Begin Choosing Restaurants For Disney World

The best thing to do is think about what your family is looking to do on this trip. Are you interested in meeting characters? Do you want to try buffets or are you interested in maximizing your time in the parks and avoid taking too long to eat? A character dining experience can take up to two hours, so keep that in mind when deciding. One other to consider is if you are planning on doing one of the Disney Dining Plans. This can be a huge money saver!

Quick Service Options

If you are looking to spend more time out and about you probably want to take a look at the different quick service locations inside the parks. There are so many options to choose from. You have the options of getting regular “park food” such as hamburgers and hot dogs or pizza but there are some great options out there. For example, if you are visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can stop by Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and try some out of this world eats from Batuu. Also mobile ordering is available here!

Maybe you are interested in some delicious barbecue from Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom (another mobile ordering spot). It helps to be familiar with these kinds of locations before hand so you have an idea on where to go to get the kinds of food your family is interested in. It can be time consuming to find somewhere while everyone is hungry and then only to realize the menu isn’t the best fit for your family.

Sit Down Meals and Dinner Shows

If your family is interested in themes, characters or dinner shows, you have a lot to choose from! The options for meet and greets at character dining are endless and you are bound to find a menu everyone will enjoy with characters you’re interested in also. Sit down table service meals and dinners shows have character interaction and/or entertainment.

I have a picky eater in my group and he’s not always willing to try new foods. Since it is a vacation, I try to accommodate all of us. I always spend time looking at menus before choosing where we are going to eat. For instance, I know my family loves breakfast foods and brunch menus, so during our first trip we enjoyed several character buffets. We tried Cape May at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and we also tried O’Hana character breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Both were amazing! We met Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy at Cape May and Lilo and Stitch at O’Hana. The food was amazing and the characters were great. It was one of the best choices I could have made for our family.

Cape May at the Beach Club is a seafood buffet with no characters for dinner. That option would not have been good for my family because we don’t really eat seafood. Be sure to research those menus.

Resort Dining

Speaking of O’hana, don’t forget about those resort options! Disney World resorts have many dining options. There are dinner shows, themed dining and/or quick service. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort and took advantage of the quick service options in our resort. We went down to Captain Cook’s for a few meals. The options were good but I didn’t feel like there were enough options for my family. I know that we love O’Hana and Kona Cafe. However these aren’t quick service locations, so I take that into consideration when we are choosing where we want to stay.

Think About Where You Will Be For The Day

When you are trying to decide where to dine, another thing to think about is where are you going to be. Where do you want to go for the day and what would you like to try? If you know you are visiting a park, you can filter through the parks on the Disney World restaurant page on their website. You can look at all the options one park at a time. So if you know you are going to spend the day in Magic Kingdom and you want to eat somewhere in Magic Kingdom, you can select the filter to just dining options in Magic Kingdom.

It is also a good idea to know where your dining choices are and how to get to them before the day of your reservation. A few years ago we had reservations to the Hoop De Doo Music Review which is over at the Campsites at the Fort Wilderness Resort. We did not realize how to get there in advance. We ended up on several bus rides and we were lucky we didn’t miss our reservations! But since we had left early enough we were fine. It made for an interesting trip to dinner and it was an amazing dinner show, but now I know to do a little bit of research before trying places that are outside of parks in places I may not be familiar with.

On our second trip I knew I just had to eat at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. It was beautiful and I was so curious and just wanted to experience it. However, when I looked at the dinner menu I immediately knew it wasn’t for our family. So even though I would love to meet The Beast during dinner, it wasn’t a good choice for my family. So instead, we did the quick service breakfast option. I still get to eat inside The Beast’s Castle and last time we ate right in front of the enchanted rose!

When Choosing Restaurants For Disney World, Reach Out!

Whether or not you are using a travel agent it’s a great idea to get familiar with the different dining options offered at Disney World. And if you aren’t sure, ask! Friends, or family who have previously been will almost always have at least one favorite dining location they love to share!! 

We have a Facebook Group and would love to have you join us! If you love Disney talk, head on over to DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Disney World Etiquette

When you tell people you are prepping for a Disney World Vacation they most likely will start rattling off all of the things you just have to do. While that is super helpful and always good to get other people’s point of view on their experiences in the parks, many people do not discuss what you should try and NOT do as a guest at Walt Disney World. The parks are filled to the brim with people, even on days with lower than normal crowds and it’s important to keep these things in mind while exploring and enjoying attractions to ensure that you are not only having a great time but those around you do as well!

5 Disney World Etiquette Tips

Move all the way in, or over, or forward, or WHATEVER the instructions are!

Some of the most common things you will hear from cast members whether it is setting up for a parade, getting onto the monorail, hopping on a bus or finding a seat in a theater for a show is where you should go. If a cast member directs you to move all the way to the end of your row, move all the way to the end of your row. I get it, you spent a lot of money on this vacation and you want the best seat in the house but Disney World does a great job on most attractions in making sure everyone has a great experience. The cast members are giving those directions for a reason whether it be to use time efficiently and usually safety comes into play as well. Bottom line, follow directions!

Have your bag/bags ready to be inspected at security

Whenever you enter a Disney World park you will have to go through security. It can take some time, (so plan accordingly). However, I DO like how seriously Disney World takes guest safety and appreciate all the measures they have put in place to make sure that guests are well taken care of while on property. To make security lines go more quickly guests can do their part. Have your bags ready to be gone through, open any zippers and compartments and follow Disney World guidelines like no loose ice in coolers. If you are packing a lot for a full day, use clear pouches to store the items so they can see what’s in them without going through everything and just keep in mind they aren’t trying to make your life harder they are trying to keep you safe!

Learn how to pack the perfect park bag by clicking the link!

Watch where you are walking

When you enter a Disney World Park whether it be for the first time or the hundredth, it is easy to be taken aback by everything. They are a feast for the senses and there is so much to take in. That being said, the way to take it all in is not by stopping suddenly in the middle of Main Street USA at rope drop. While you are walking, enjoy the amazing Disney World atmosphere (there’s nothing like it) but pay attention to your surroundings…especially if you are pushing a stroller. As a stroller pusher myself I know it can be difficult to navigate the hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle but simply saying “excuse me” politely goes a long way, much further than clipping people in the heels to make your point.

Don’t ruin attractions for others

If you are on an attraction and it isn’t for you, don’t ruin it for other guests by talking throughout or being snarky. Going further, don’t use flash photography if it asks not to as well! I have been on attractions before where people yell out every line before it can be said or just serve as background noise when you are trying to enjoy and it is truly distracting. Your least favorite attraction is probably someone’s favorite so always keep that in mind!

Be Mindful of Your Language

Disney World is a place for everyone regardless of age. But no matter how old you are, no one wants to hear inappropriate language when they are trying to enjoy time spent with friends and family. This is especially true as Disney World is a place full of little humans with eager ears, and being respectful of those around you should always be a top priority.

Just be considerate!

Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth and it is an experience like no other. When you spend so much time planning you want everything to be perfect. If you keep these things in mind when you’re in the park, it will be just that! Disney World is the best at planning meaningful experiences for their guests so when you get frustrated by an occurrence in the park, just know there is usually a reason why it is being done that way. By staying mindful of those around you, you are contributing to their positive experience as well and that is win-win!

Have you ever witnessed some not so magical moments while visiting Disney World? Or maybe you witnessed some pretty amazing pixie dust? We would love to hear about your experiences. Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know!

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

Resort Hop At Disney World

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

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

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

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

Coronado Springs

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

Fort Wilderness Lodge

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

Fort Wilderness Campground

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

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

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

Contemporary Resort

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

Doing The Resort Hop At Disney World

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

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

Resort Hop At Disney World Extra Tips

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

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

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

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A Disney vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. That doesn’t mean you only have to go once. If you’re like us, once you visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland or take a Disney Cruise, you are hooked. All you want to do is keep going back. The only thing on your mind as you’re headed home is when you’ll be back in the magic. AND there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. So what is it that keeps people like us coming back for more? Why is it that we always go back to Disney for our vacations?

We Always Go Back To Disney

While there are several Disney Destinations and all of them are magical and amazing, we are going to focus on Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl!

Childhood Memories

The incredible thing about all things Disney is that it connects multiple generations. There is something special about experiencing Walt Disney World as a child and then having the opportunity to take your children. The experience of seeing your child’s eyes light up when they see their favorite character for the first time is enough to bring a tear to your eye. A fun thing to do with your kids while on a Disney vacation is to recreate those photos you made when you were a kid. Have a photo standing in front of the castle with your parents? Or maybe you have a fun picture with a parent on your favorite ride. Take that same photo with your child. Those will be memories that can be passed down through your family. And each time you and your family looks those pictures, they will be reminded of the excitement and joy they felt in that moment. 

Character Experiences

There are a lot of rides and attractions that we, along with many others, love. But the character experiences are beyond amazing. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve met Mickey and Minnie, we still stand in line to see them again. These aren’t just people in a suit standing in the same spot, taking pictures with guests and waiting for a break. These cast members know how to make each person feel special. They take their time with each person and interact with them in such a way that it leaves a lasting impression. Their conversations can be memories that will last a lifetime. 

The VIP Treatment

If you’ve ever been on a Disney vacation, whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney Destination, you know what I’m talking about when I mention the VIP treatment. Every person that steps foot on Disney property is considered special and important. From the moment you check into your hotel to the moment you leave, the cast members make you feel like royalty. Disney wants to make sure that each guest is happy and enjoying their vacation. So, they go out of their way to do all they can for each person. They often give magical extras that you may not have been expecting. If they know you are celebrating a birthday or special occasion, then get ready for them to make a big deal out of it. That’s just what they do. And it keeps people coming back for more!

The Food Experience

One of the things we love most about Disney is the food. It is impossible to go on a Disney vacation and not be confronted with the incredible smells of every kind of food imaginable. From the bakeries and food carts to the restaurants all around, you will be going through sensory overload. It’s one of the main things that we miss when we are back home. It’s incredible to not only taste the amazing flavors of the churros and Dole Whip or the Wonderland Slush, but also to see the talent of the artists who create these treats along with the cupcakes and desserts. It’s an experience for your taste buds and your eyes. I can guarantee that you will be craving something tasty from Disney when you go home! But all you have to do is book another trip!

The BEST Place on Earth

Life is chaotic and stressful. Many times, vacations can be the same way. What I have experienced with a Disney vacation is that the cast members work hard to ensure that your vacation is an escape from the craziness of life. When you step onto Main Street at Magic Kingdom, it’s like you’re transported into another world and the cares of everyday life outside fade away. You can let loose and act like a big kid again. Ride the rides and scream as loud as you want. Stop for a moment, look around, and take in all the magic that surrounds you. Check out the smiles on the faces of every cast member. Look at the kids who are amazed at Cinderella’s Castle. While you’re doing all those things, it’s almost impossible not to smile and feel a sense of joy. That’s the magic of a Disney vacation. It truly is the happiest place on earth!

We Always Go Back To Disney For Family Time

A Disney Destination vacation isn’t just a place to experience once. There is so much magic to take in that you couldn’t possibly see it all in one vacation. So, keep coming back. Make those memories with your families. Laugh and be a big kid. Isn’t it time to book that next vacation already? Where is your favorite Disney Destination? Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know!

If you are planning a trip to Disney World, we have a great guide for you! Just click this link, DISNEY WORLD FOR BEGINNERS, for everything you will need to know to get started!

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Fun Things At Disney World

By incorporating one or a few of these into your trip you can set your next vacation apart from all the rest! You may decide to take a day or two off from the parks and relax a bit and that is totally OK! Here are some of our favorite things to do without stepping into the parks.

Disney World Resorts

The Resorts are extensively themed and have so much to offer! There is truly a resort for every budget and every style and by staying on Disney World property you are always in the magic! Here are just a few resort activities and amenities you may have overlooked. You can totally take the bus or monorail to a different resort and check it out! This is actually a very fun activity that we enjoy! Some of the best dining options available are at Disney World Resorts, such as Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Pools

With everything the parks have to offer, it is easy to not leave enough time to enjoy your resort pool but depending on the time of year you are visiting you are going to want to pencil that in. Most resorts have what they refer to as the “feature pool” that fits in with the resort theming whether it be the shape of the pool, slides or the area around it. On top of that, some have themed splash pads for the little ones. Depending on the size of the resort, many of the resorts have additional pools for guests to enjoy. You can spend a morning, afternoon or entire day poolside!

Spas

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa both have full service spas on property. Whether you are prepping for a night out or just want to pamper yourself it is a great way to unwind from busy days on your feet walking around the parks!

Recreation

The resorts have everything from fishing to surrey bikes to movies under the stars so whatever your fancy is, there is something for you. Want to captain a boat? Disney has you covered. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow? They have that too! Horse drawn carriages, caricature artists and Midway-style fair games are just a few more examples of some fun extras you can incorporate into time away from the parks on your next visit!

Mini-Golf

Disney has two Miniature Golf courses, Fantasia Gardens (Epcot area resorts) and Winter Summerland (Blizzard Beach). Winter Summerland is more of a traditional mini-golf feel where more seasoned and experienced golfers may enjoy Fantasia Gardens. Both do not require reservations and are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Fun Things At Disney World’s Disney Springs

Since Downtown Disney was re-imagined nearly 5 years ago it has been transformed into what is now known as Disney Springs. It is a beautiful lifestyle center that features unique shopping and dining experiences with that extra Disney magic.

Dining

Disney Springs has some of the best dining on property. They have quick service, table service and signature dining options so whatever you budget and taste preferences are there is something for you!

Shopping

Disney Springs has The World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney store with 12 rooms chock full of Disney merchandise. In addition to World of Disney they have many of your favorite brands, ranging in style and price point. Most feature special Disney themed items only available at Disney Springs locations so it is the perfect place to pick up something special for the Disney lover in your life!

Entertainment

• In addition to dining and shopping Disney Springs has tons of fun activities you and your family can partake in! You can become a part of the resistance in The Void Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire when you become part of the Star Wars universe in a one of a kind virtual reality experience. If Star Wars is not your thing but you still think Virtual Reality sounds fun, you can participate in their Wreck it Ralph themed VR experience Ralph Breaks VR! 
• For all the basketball fans out there NBA Experience is a new addition to Disney Springs where you can harness your basketball skills and become part of the game. 
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes is an upscale bowling alley with a full restaurant menu while AMC Dine-in lets you view the latest movie while enjoying a meal!

While these only touch on some of the Fun Things At Disney World you can do outside the parks, use it as motivation to try something new next time you are at Disney World! Reach out to your Disney Travel Planner to find out how you can experience these offerings and more on your next trip!

Did you know that we have a Facebook Group? We sure do! It’s DISNEY EXPRESS LANE and we would love to have you with us!

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Your Animal Kingdom Questions

Magic Kingdom usually gets all the glory of being the must-do park for families, but I think Animal Kingdom comes in a very close second! While Animal Kingdom has so much to offer people of all ages, it does an especially incredible job of catering to those with little ones. It is no longer considered a half-day park with the additions of new lands and night time entertainment. The following are the questions I get often concerning if Animal Kingdom is worth investing a great deal of time and why you need to make sure Animal Kingdom is at the top of your list for your next vacation.

Isn’t Animal Kingdom just a zoo?

I get this question a lot. The only semblance to any zoos I have been to is that there are animals. Apart from that Animal Kingdom is SO MUCH MORE. Disney imagineering really put a great deal of thought into making the guest experience completely immersive while simultaneously making sure they keep the best interest of the animals in mind. There are some stand alone animal exhibits but they try lead guests organically from one experience to another.

• Kilimanjaro Safari is the premiere attraction for viewing animals in as natural a habitat as possible. Guests ride in open air trucks with a driver and guide. Overhead you can see pictorials of all the animals you may see on the journey. As you go through the safari you will see everything from flamingos to elephants to rhinos and lions. Giraffes may graze your vehicle as you drive through the Savannah and the best part is, no matter how many times you ride it, every experience will be different.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek is self-guided trail where you can see Asian Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Water buffalo, Gibbon primates and more. You can go at your own speed and really dive deep into different animal species of Asia.
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch recently reopened and is an excellent way to get up close to see how the animals are cared for by Disney’s experts. Board the Wildlife Express Train in Africa and then you can see the animals receiving veterinary care and having their food prepared at Conservation Station. The Affection Section allows guests to brush, pet and feed goats, sheep, cows, pigs and donkeys in a giant enclosure! They recently added an animation class where guests can learn how to draw their favorite Lion King characters just like the pros!

In addition to these there are stand alone exhibits spread throughout the park with highly knowledgeable cast members scattered amongst them to give more information!

I heard Animal Kingdom is a half-day park.

Time allowing, I think Animal Kingdom warrants a full day or a couple half-days to really take it all in. They have some of the best thrill attractions on property with Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage. Add in the shows, safari, dining and other animal experiences and you will not be able to fit it all in. I think the animals are more lively in the morning so I like to go early but I also think a late afternoon/evening visit should be in the plan as well to see how the park comes alive at night, especially with Pandora and Rivers of Light, their night time show on the water.

There is not a lot for little kids to do.

Animal Kingdom, I think, is a very close second to Magic Kingdom in being the best park for toting around little humans. Apart from all the animals they can see and learn about there are so many opportunities that they will truly enjoy. They have excellent character meet and greets and fantastic live shows like Festival of the Lion King and Nemo The Musical. There are rides and attractions for the entire family like Na’vi River Journey in Pandora, and It’s Tough To Be a Bug! Rafiki’s Planet Watch as mentioned earlier, caters to little ones having a hands on experience where they can really engage with the animals and The Boneyard play area is the perfect place for dinosaur loving kiddos to harness their paleontology skills and let out some energy!

We love Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has so much to see and do and really needs to be at the top (if not, make it close!) of your to-do list for your next trip to Disney World. Your Disney travel planner can help you plan the perfect day at Animal Kingdom and incorporate some of these experiences! Animal Kingdom is not just a half day park anymore!

Did you know we have a Facebook Group dedicated to all things Disney? We sure do and would love to have you join us! DISNEY EXPRESS LANE.

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Disney World and Disneyland Differences

Both Disney World and Disneyland are magical vacation destinations and you can’t go wrong with either one! They do offer tons of magic and fun, but there are MAJOR differences between the two. Read on and find out!

Fast Passes

One of the major differences between Disneyland and Disney World is the fast pass system. With Disney World you are able to pre-plan your day by choosing which park you are attending and obtaining your fast passes 30-60 days in advance. At Disneyland you must wait until you are in attendance at the park to start creating your fast pass selections.

Another major difference is with Disney World you can get up to three fast passes at one time (made in advance either 60 or 30 days before your vacation). Disneyland allows one fast pass at a time unless your selection is later in the day at which time you must wait an allotted time before selecting your next pass.

Food And Dining

OK, let’s talk about snacks for a moment. Disney World has some amazing snacks but I have yet to find a better churro in all the land. Those things I swear have something in them that I can not pass up nor forget about. There are great advantages to Disney World dining though. Disney World is known for their amazing restaurants and who can pass up walking around Epcot to eat around the world? Disneyland does have a few restaurants that you can dine at throughout your vacation but the options are much more limited. One example to this is the character dining. Disneyland offers four different Character Dining experiences while Disney World has well over 25 different options for this experience.

Dining Plan

At Disney World they have a wonderful option you may opt in to; you may pre-purchase a dining plan that is based on credits used for each restaurant. For families that want to have everything set up in advance with no work or surprise costs while on vacation, the Disney Dining Plans are a great option.

Meanwhile, at Disneyland there is no option for a dining plan. You must purchase your food inside the park, near by, or bring in your own food.

Proximity of Park Locations

As you may know the Disney World property is a very large space (almost 40 square miles) and you need time to get from park to park. There are several options for transportation in Disney World in order to get from location to location.

In Disneyland the two parks are very close together. In fact you can get from one park to the other in about 5 minutes or less walking. The transportation in Disneyland is much more simple and you are able to get where you want to go with little knowledge of the transportation system.

Hotels And Resorts

Hotels on the Disneyland property are very close together and there are only three total Disneyland hotels. Each of the hotels are situated near or at Downtown Disney. One great advantage to Disneyland properties is Disney’s Grand Californian has a direct entrance into California Adventures. Yes, you read that correctly; there is a separate entrance for hotel guests to use that goes directly into the Disney California Adventure park.

On the other hand, you have Disney World where you have more options of staying on site and being able to cater to what your families needs are based on what is important to you. Staying at each Disney World resort brings a different experience and atmosphere for your family to experience.

Disney World and Disneyland Differences Offer Different Experiences

Whatever your choice is just remember each Disney park is a different experience and cannot be compared to the other. When visiting each take in all that the park has to offer and enjoy your vacation. For more differences on these two magical destinations, visit HERE!

We would love to have you join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! We talk about all things Disney and have tons of news and information on all Disney destinations!

This blog was written by our very own, Amber Hague!

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Everyone talks about what you need to bring with you on your Disney World vacation or what to do while you are there, but not everyone talks about the items that could get you kicked out of the parks or your resort. We have exactly what you should NOT do or bring on your next Disney World vacation.

Disney World What NOT To Bring

Below you will find the items that are on the NO list for anywhere on property and items that are specifically banned from the parks. You don’t want to spend your magical vacation in Disney jail!

This is a condensed list but you can find the entire list online at BANNED ITEMS AT DISNEY WORLD.

Banned from all Disney World Properties

• Weapons: This includes guns, knives, ammunition, pepper spray or anything that could be perceived as a weapon. I know sometimes women will keep mace on their key-chain, so you want to be sure to remove that before trying to enter the parks. This also includes any TOY guns. 
• Marijuana or any illegal drugs
• Fireworks or any other flammable objects: Disney World has amazing fireworks so let’s let the professionals do what they are best at ????
• Drones
• Wheeled Devices: Remote-Controlled Cars, Skateboards, or shoes with wheels (Wheelies), or bicycles, any mobility devices with less than 3 wheels such as a Segway or hoverboard.
• Strollers greater than 31” in width and 52: in length.
• Stroller wagons: This has caused some controversy since the stroller wagons were a popular thing inside the parks. I personally loved the wagons but will admit they were obnoxiously large and very hard to maneuver in crowded areas. 
• Anything being pulled, pushed or towed by an ECV, wheelchair or stroller.

Disney World Park Bans

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited while in the parks. There are designated smoking areas at the Disney Resorts and outside of the theme parks.
• Glass containers: This does not include baby food jars!
• Alcoholic beverages: This does not apply to the resorts and select restaurants at Disney Springs. Be aware that corkage fees may apply at certain restaurants.
• Ice: This was another they banned this year that caused a little bit of an uproar. Ice packs are OK but actual ice. Whether it is in a Ziploc bag or not.   
• Folding chairs
• Suitcases larger than 24”x15”x18”: The Resorts do have an area for you to drop off your bags if you have a later flight and wish to spend time in the parks
• Selfie sticks/Mono-pod

Disney World Water Park Bans

• Balloons
• Plastic Straws
• Non-Coast Guard approved flotation devices
• Swim Noodles

 Prohibited Activities

• Selling of ANY goods or services
• Dressing or impersonating any character: This does not include costumes on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or runDisney. Some people get around this rule with “Disney Bounding”. 
• Participating in any dangerous acts that could harm yourself, others or interfere with Walt Disney World operations
• Demonstrations on any kind
• Hanging towels, bedding or etc. over balconies or from the fire sprinklers.
• Line jumping: DO NOT be this person. We are all hot and want to get through the lines faster so please be courteous of others and just wait in line like everyone else.
• Profanity: This is a family-oriented space. Be aware of small ears around you.
• Running

What Not to Wear

Walt Disney World reserves the right to deny admission or remove any person wearing attire we consider inappropriate or attire that could distract from the experience of other Guest.

• Costumes: We did cover this in banned items while at the park, but it is important to mention again. Children can wear costumes, but adults are banned unless attending specialized events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
• Masks: Only worn by guests under 14 years of age. The masks must not interfere with your vision and the eyes need to be fully seen.

Animal Policies

• Pets or other animals EXCLUDING Service Animals are banned from theme parks
• Emotional support, comfort or companion animals are not considered service animals
• Feeding, petting, or interfering with wildlife in anyway is banned
• Pet friendly Resorts: Yes, Disney World does have several pet friendly resorts. But, they should stay on a leash or in a harness at all times while outside of the resort room. Refer to the specific resort rules for any additional rules.
• Service animals are NOT allowed in the water.

Special Note

• Quiet hours at Disney World resorts are from 11 pm to 7 am

Disney World What NOT To Bring

We hope this helps you avoid Disney jail on your next Disney World vacation! We have a great blog about signs that you need to pay attention to while visiting Disney World: SIGNS AT DISNEY WORLD!

We would love to have you join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

The post What You Should NOT Do Or Bring On Your Next Disney World Vacation appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Disney After Hours Events may be my new favorite offering at Disney World. I recently had the opportunity to attend two Disney After Hours Events at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. I know what everyone really wants to know: is it worth it? Keep reading Disney After Hours Events to see if it will be worth it to your family!

Disney After Hours Events

Disney After Hours is a special, ticketed event offers you the chance to explore the Disney World parks after closing. This means low-crowds (and seriously, I mean LOW crowds), a chance to see parks like Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom after normal park hours, and as a bonus you get free snacks and drinks during the event. Free ice cream, popcorn, and drinks? Count me in!

What to Expect

With the low crowds you should be able to take your time and really take in the sights and theming around you. Normally during a park day I feel like I have to rush around but the After Hours event allowed me to seriously relax, take my time and get some great pictures while I was at it. I probably have some of the most amazing shots of the Tree of Life ever because I was able to make a full cycle around the park to take pictures up close, far away, and from all angles.

During these events only select attractions are open but some of the most popular rides in all of the Disney parks were included like Avatar Flight of Passage and Slinky Dog Dash. I will say that with the low crowds and super short wait times this opens up the opportunity for you to get to ride these rides multiple times in one night which isn’t always possible during a regular park day. As a side note, Animal Kingdom’s Avatar Flight of Passage is possibly the coolest ride I’ve ever ridden. Slinky Dog Dash is also by far my favorite roller coaster at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. If you haven’t ridden them you should!! I’m not normally a person who will hang in tough for long wait times, so having the chance to ride these rides with little to no wait time at the After Hours event was perfect for me!

Dining Options

There are limited restaurant options that are open for the After Hours events with food available for purchase. There are also popcorn, ice cream bars (Mickey and fruit bars), and drinks included with your admission. Between the options available and the included snacks, you should be good to go to enjoy your night without going hungry!

What Attractions Are Open?

The main advantage to attending a Disney After Hours Event is having extra time in the parks once everyone has left, but I enjoyed having the opportunity to be in-park a few hours early so that I could still check out some of the things that weren’t going to be available during the After Hours event. Attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris or Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy were not available for the After Hours events, so it’s important to know that the list of attractions and rides were limited for both Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

What’s Open During Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios

• Slinky Dog Dash
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Toy Story Mania!
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars Launch Bay
• Character Greetings (including Star Wars characters, Toy Story Land Pals, Mickey, Minnie, and Olaf)

What’s Open During Disney After Hours at Animal Kingdom

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Na’vi River Journey
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• TricerTop Spin
• DINOSAUR
• Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurers Outpost
• Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä
• Rivers of Light: We Are One
• Dinoland USA DJ Dance Party

So Is It Worth It Or NOT?

I think that depends on what you’re looking for out of an event like this. If you want a chance to ride some of the most popular rides in each park multiple times with very low wait times, then these experiences are for you. But if you’re looking for a more comprehensive park experience where you see everything and do everything a park normally has to offer, you’ll probably want to stick with a full-day park ticket to each park. I do like that buying an After Hours ticket means that you have access to the park starting at 7:00 pm the night of the event so a regular park ticket isn’t necessary and you can spend the beginning of the day in a different park using a regular park ticket if you want. However, since this is a special ticketed event you can’t Park Hop from one park to the event since it requires special admission.

Disney After Hours Events Pricing

Disney After Hours was an awesome opportunity for me to hit some of my favorite rides multiple times and to experience new rides too. For the cost of $129 plus tax per ticket, I found that both events were a great deal for me. (Annual Passholders and DVC Members can purchase specially priced tickets for just $95 per adult or child, plus tax!). If purchased in advance, you will save $5.00 off of each ticket.

There are still Disney After Hours dates available for the summer, so be sure and check them out if you can!

If you are heading to the parks, be sure to check out these last minute tips and tricks you may need to know before you go!

We would love to hear from you! Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know your thoughts on Disney After Hours Events! Yay or Nay?!?!

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