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

Is It Hot In Disney World?

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

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

The Humidity at Disney

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

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

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

Tips For Surviving The Hot Temperature at Disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Animal Kingdom Hotter Than Other Parks?

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

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

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

Average Temperature at Disney by Month

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

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

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

Final Verdict: Is it Hot at Disney?

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

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

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5 Money Saving Snacks in Hollywood Studios

Popcorn

Cupcakes

“Totchos”

Frozen Drinks

Jack’s Num Num Cookie

Honorable Mentions:

Lunch Box Tart

Carrot Cake Cookies

Mickey Pretzels

Of course, Mickey Pretzels are always a great bang-for-your-buck snack. As you can see in the image above, they are huge and shareable. 

5 Money Saving Snacks 

Have you tried any of our favorite money-saving snacks mentioned? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any of your own personal favorite snacks from Hollywood Studios!

Come visit us over at Disney Express Lane! If you are looking for information regarding snacks, here is a great blog post with info about snacks in Disney’s Magic Kingdom .

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Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid At Disney World

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

Forgetting Your Mask

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

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

Going Without a Plan

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

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

Not Taking Breaks

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

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

Forgetting That Things Are Different (at least for now)

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

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

Being Rude

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

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

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

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

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You already know that Epcot is a great park for adults (drinking around the world, anyone?). But you may not be aware that it’s a fantastic park for kids, too. There is so much to do for kids in Epcot, from character sightings to rides. Today I’ll let you in on things to do with kids in every Epcot country.

Things To Do with Kids in Every Epcot Country

A lot of people have the mindset that Epcot is just for adults! Seriously, there is SO much for the kids, too! Take a peek at my list of exciting things you can do with your kids in every Epcot Country!

All Countries: Kidcot

In every country within the World Showcase, there is a Kidcot Fun Stop. At this location, kids can meet a cultural representative from that country and receive a fun stamp, sticker or drawing from each country. While the experience has been altered for COVID-19 for safety, it’s still a great opportunity for kids to learn more about each country. And the best part – it’s free!

Mexico: The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

This boat ride is inside the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion and is a great way to keep your kids entertained. As an added bonus, it’s indoors and a great way to escape the Florida heat. The ride takes you through scenes of Mexico and features Donald and the caballeros. After the ride, stick around and explore the Mexican pyramid. They have a Mexico Folk Art Gallery with art inspired by Coco that your kids are sure to love.

Norway: Frozen Ever After

If your kids are fans of Ana, Elsa, and Olaf, there’s no better place than Norway to stop and get your Frozen fix. The Norway pavilion features Frozen Ever After, a boat ride featuring scenes from the films. Even the line for the ride is fun, with great Frozen theming. Plus, it’s indoors so it’s a great way to beat the heat.

China: House of Good Fortune

One of my daughter’s favorite places in Epcot was the House of Good Fortune. This is an enormous shop located in the China pavilion. The shop had authentic treasures from China, and we spent a solid hour just looking through the store. There are tons of souvenirs that are great quality and within a child’s budget (meaning, lots under $5!) which is hard to come by at Disney World!

Germany: Miniature Village and Train Set

Just on the outskirts of the Germany pavilion, there’s a miniature village and train set that will capture your kids’ imagination. It’s intricately built and has so much detail that my kids and I stood and just watched it. It’s typically not as crowded there as the heart of the pavilion, so it’s a nice break from the crowds, too.

Italy: Gelato from Gelati

By this time, you’ve likely made your way halfway around the World Showcase and it’s time for a treat. Gelati has treats for the kids and wine for the adults, which makes it a great stop for families. Kids can try the famous gelato sandwiches, and will love the bright colors the gelato comes in.

The American Adventure: Concerts & Live Entertainment at the American Gardens Theater

The theater is located in the American pavilion and backs up to the water. There is live entertainment scheduled throughout the year, particularly during the festivals. You can enjoy the music without needing to be in the theater itself. One of our favorite things to do is grab a funnel cake from the stand near the theater, and enjoy the cake and music for a while.

Japan: Pick-a-Pearl at Mitsukoshi

At the Pick-a-Pearl station, you get to select an oyster from a tank inside the shop. The cast member will open the pearl in front of you, and the pearl inside is yours to keep. Kids love the idea of selecting their own oyster and seeing the pearls inside. For added fun, you can turn the pearl into a necklace or other keepsake jewelry within the shop.

Morocco: Aladdin merch

During COVID, the majority of Morocco has been closed but the shop Souk Al-Magred is still open and is one of the best sources for Aladdin merchandise. Also take a peek at the Race Against the Sun exhibit, where kids can learn about the modern day races taking place in Morocco.

France: Beauty and the Beast Sing Along

Stop in at the Beauty and the Beast Sing Along where your kids can sing and get a new take on what happened in the movie. And bonus: it’s air conditioned and has comfortable seats. Mom and dad are happy and comfortable, and kids are entertained by the show.

United Kingdom: Character Sightings

This is one of the locations within Epcot where you’ll spot some favorite characters at the gazebo. Mary Poppins and Alice will pop in throughout the day and wave and greet guests from the gazebo. The gazebo makes for a great photo op as well!

Canada: The Totem Poles

These were an absolute hit with my kids. They loved looking at all of the totem poles, and especially loved the photo cut-out totem poles where they could put their own faces on a totem pole. They still talk about these!

Something for Kids in Every Epcot Country

As you can see, there are tons of things to do with kids in every Epcot country, and plenty of ways to entertain kids throughout the park. It’s definitely not one to miss on your next trip! Ready to learn more about Epcot? Check out our post on the snacks you don’t want to miss and the best quick serve restaurants in Epcot. And when you’re ready to book your trip, we’ve got friends at Walt Express Travel who would love to help! We also have a Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, that has tons of tips about Epcot and ALL THINGS DISNEY!

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

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

Join us on our romantic night…

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

Brunch and lunch can be romantic too!

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

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

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Weekly Roundup: Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom News

Here’s what you can expect in this post:

• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
• Festival of the Lion King
• Become a Disney Travel Planner

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

You may already know, but Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom came to a close yesterday, Sunday, January 24, 2020. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was an interactive game attraction for the Magic Kingdom that debuted on February 22, 2012 that kids of all ages enjoyed. I know my kids have been enjoying it all eight years. An eight year run is not too bad, so I guess it was time. As we say about anything to do with Disney, we are sad to see it go, but excited for what is to come. I am sure, knowing Disney, they have something fun up their sleeve…. maybe. 😉 What would you like to see in its place? 

Festival of the Lion King

Secondly, Disney World announced last week that more entertainment will be coming back to the Animal Kingdom this summer! The Festival of the Lion King is one of our all time faves, so we are so excited to see it come back to one of our fave parks, Animal Kingdom! Of course, there will be modifications made in order to maintain social distancing for both guests and entertainment to insure everyone stays safe. Safety first, always is the Disney way.

We can’t wait to see what other entertainment and attractions will be coming back next. Disney World is slowly, very slowly, getting back to normal….. whatever normal is. Let me know if you find out what normal is. I need to know! What would you like to see come back next? I think I would really love to see Finding Nemo come back to Animal Kingdom next. It is such a colorful and beautiful show, I would not mind seeing it come back at all.

Become a Disney Travel Planner

Lastly, as we mentioned last week, if you or anyone you know would like to become a Disney Travel Planner, our sister travel agency, Walt Express Travel, is hiring until January 31, 2021. Want to know more about becoming a travel planner? Go HERE for details and HERE to apply. It is that easy! 

Thank you for making us apart of your Disney adventures! 2021 is going to be a great year for Disney adventures. It has not started out too bad so far. We are ready to see what else 2021 has in store, since it is shaping up pretty nicely so far. It is beginning to look like an exciting year at the mouse’s house. ????

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

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Is it just me or does this sound like the cries of your family members while walking around any of the theme parks located at Disney World? It seems like there is always someone who could stand to take a little break inside the air conditioning or at least get off their feet while we are on vacation. Here are our best spots at Disney World Parks when we take a much needed break!

Best Spots At Disney For A Break

I always strategically sneak in the following attractions if someone in my family starts to get a little tired. Works like a charm every single time and we come out of the attraction energized and ready to go!

Magic Kingdom

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic: Honestly one of my favorite things to do when we visit Magic Kingdom. This is tucked away by Peter Pan’s Flight and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland. You get to enjoy the adventures of Donald as he travels through some of your favorite Disney classics chasing Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat. Donald Duck shows up in some of your favorite scenes from Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Fantasia. The best part to me, this is a 3D attraction so not only do you get to sit and relax, you get to experience so much more: smells, water, and many flying objects. Don’t sneak out before the ending either, Donald makes a surprise flight at the very end!
• Other great options: Country Bear Jamboree, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover

Epcot

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: located in the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion of World Showcase. This is another attraction starring Donald Duck; in this adventure Donald disappears in Mexico. It is up to you and his friends Panchito and Jose Carioca to find him! Such a nice relaxing boat ride filled with awesome footage and fun songs. And as a bonus, you can explore the inside of the Mexico Pavilion or grab a bite to eat at the San Angel Inn Restaurante when you’ve finished!
• Other great options: Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Turtle Talk with Crush, Living with the Land

Hollywood Studios

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: A bonus for this attraction is that it is located right next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. So, if you have some members of your party who would like to experience that while some are not able to, this is a great attraction to take kids (and kids at heart) to! This is a fairly new attraction and it is really neat for those who love the Cars franchise. You get to go with Lightning McQueen on his newest most state-of-the-art racing simulator. You can also catch up with some of his favorite friends including Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez. Lightning faces some challenges as he’s getting ready for the next racing season and it’s sure to keep everyone on their toes!
• Other great options: For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show Spectacular!, Muppet*Vision 3D.

Animal Kingdom

• Festival of the Lion King: enjoying this Broadway-style show in the heart of Africa with a cast of your favorite characters, dancers and acrobats is truly breathtaking. Timon and Pumbaa help you relive some of your favorite songs from The Lion King including “Hakuna Matata”! While you are dazzled by the mischievous monkeys, you are encouraged to be part of all of the fun. The costumes and light effects are fantastic. This is a show that you definitely do not want to miss as it will delight all of the ages in your travel party. 
• Other great options: Finding Nemo – The Musical, UP! A Great Bird Adventure, It’s Tough to be a Bug!

No matter which of these you choose, you’re sure to get some good entertainment and a nice break from the heat and for your feet! Where is your favorite resting spot when visiting the Disney World Parks? Let us know in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE. Did you know that we have friends over at Walt Express Travel, who would be happy to help you plan some magic on your next vacation? Don’t forget to bring THESE items with you on your next trip to Disney World!

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Not So Ordinary Things

When planning for a Disney World vacation, there are LOTS of things to remember. 2020 has added EVEN more to that list. These not so ordinary things will definitely help you not be surprised when visiting Disney World this year or even early next year

• Security IS a big deal, as it should be. Please do not take pictures or videos of the security personnel, areas around the security spots or the process of getting into the parks. This is for your protection as well as others and cast members.
• Not all shops are open. There are a lot of shops that aren’t open right now. You will also find that in most shopping areas (in the parks), there is a one way direction going. Entrance will be for entering only and the exit will be for exiting only. There are cast members at each spot making sure everyone is going in the same general direction. No back tracking in the stores!
• Take breaks (mask breaks). Yes, you would normally take breaks from walking, but we are referring to taking a mask break. There are locations in each park called, RELAXATION STATIONS. These are spots where you can rest from your mask for a bit. The current rule is you cannot take your mask off unless you are at a relaxation station or eating or drinking, while stationary. Get used to wearing the mask for long periods of time before your vacation.
• Characters greet you differently. Characters are around, just not in the way they have been in the past. There will be no interaction between you and the characters. As of right now, there will be no fireworks or parades. But, there have been some mini, pop up parades spotted with characters. Again, there is just no personal interacting with them.
• Temperature checks upon entrance to the parks AND entering a dining establishment.

Not So Ordinary Things PLUS ONE

Have patience. This one can be hard for some people, but patience is KEY right now. With social distancing guidelines in place, we need to feel AND be safe. Not just us, but cast members as well. Do you part by having a little patience.

If you are planning on visiting Disney World soon, here are five items that you may want to consider bringing along!

Did you know that we have friends over at Walt Express Travel that stays up-to-date on all things Disney? They would LOVE to help you plan your next Disney vacation. We also have a Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, where you can find tons of great information, tips and tricks!

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It’s been a rough few months and we have embraced a new normal. Not only a new normal for everyday life, but a new normal for traveling. We are ready to travel. And when I say travel, of course, I mean DISNEY WORLD! My husband and I did this little video on some of the reasons you DO want to go to Disney NOW! Check it out.

Go To Disney NOW!

There are SO many reasons to visit Disney World. Right now though, it seems everyone is talking about NOT visiting the most magical place on earth. Well, we think we need to discuss a few reasons why you DO want to go to Disney Now! Of course we want you to be safe. Please use your on discernment when planning a trip anywhere during this pandemic. These are just a few fun ideas we had on why we would want to visit right now!

• Low Crowds. This is a HUGE enticement. Get the car ready, pack the suitcase and let’s GO! Crowds are very low right now while every is adjusting to the new normal. Take advantage of that.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is still ON! For now. Things could change. This is a super amazing party that only takes place during the holiday season. I mean, Magic Kingdom AND Christmas. YES!
• No STRESS of park hopping. You KNOW this can be stressful at times. We do love park hopping, but it does have it’s moments.
• No STRESS of making dining reservations. Also, you KNOW this one can bring on tons of stress when trying to plan out those dining reservations. Right now, Disney World is allowing dining reservations beginning at 60 days prior instead of 180 days. Since the Disney Dining Plan is on hold, dining reservations are easier to get!
• SAFER. I said what I said. You are probably safer at Disney World than in the grocery store. I may have exaggerated a bit, but Disney World has went above and beyond to make things safer at their parks and resorts.
• Wait times are at ALL TIME LOW. I mean, who wouldn’t want to ride Avatar, Flight of Passage BACK TO BACK? Seven Dwarfs Mine Trains with a 20 minute wait? WHAT the WHAT?!?!
• Less people. Yes, this is similar to low crowds. OK, it’s practically the same thing. BUT, I felt it needed to be mentioned again. LOW, LESS, NOT THAT MUCH…you getting my point? Doesn’t that make you want to just hop in the car and GO? It sure does me!

Ready To Be Back!

Can you tell we are SO ready to be in the midst of the magic? We just really want to go to Disney NOW! Do you have a trip planned to Disney World for 2020? We would love to hear your thoughts on why or why not? We have a great Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, where you can share your thoughts with us. Just click that link and join us today! We would sure love to have you there!

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Our Experience While Flying

What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into the airport? People right!?! Not this time. Here is our experience while flying back to Disney World during the “new normal”.

The Airport Experience

The first thing I noticed was sanitation stations standing alone in an empty ticketing area. Both travelers and airport personnel were all wearing some type of face-mask, whether it be an N95 mask, neck gaiter, disposable or homemade mask. For a midweek flight on a holiday afternoon, the airport was empty. I may have counted 20 people in the Terminal D check-in area. Ticket agents seemed to be smiling underneath their masks as they were finally seeing some sort of personal interaction with travelers again. After being greeted with a warm welcome, it was business as usual: driver’s license and ticket please.

Security

Off we go to the security section. My wife and I both have TSA Pre-Check as we find it very convenient especially when traveling through our favorite airport in Orlando Florida. This helps speed up the security process. Upon arrival to the security check-in, we were notified that TSA-Pre-check has temporarily been suspended in terminal D at Philadelphia International Airport. If you decide to fly within the next few months you may want to check with your local airports. Orlando International Airport is currently accepting TSA Pre-check, so no worries there. After entering the security checkpoint area 6’ distance markers were placed on the floor to help with social distancing. An agent was there to remind guests to keep their face-masks on from their chin to their nose and to practice social distancing. Once we arrived at the TSA agent who checked our Identification and ticket, we were asked to lower our face-mask for visual confirmation.

• Please note that the previous TSA travel advisory of having to have a Real ID to travel beginning on October 1, 2020 has been postponed until October 1, 2021

After visual verification, you will proceed like normal to x-ray scanners and follow the standard security procedures that are already in place. You are allowed to bring a 12 oz container of hand sanitizer per traveler in your carry-on luggage at this time. Please be aware that this may cause a delay as it would need to be screened separately from your normal 3.4 oz. liquid allowance. Once through the security check-point there are sanitation stations located throughout the terminals and gates of the airport. We noticed this at both Philadelphia and Orlando airports.

So Far So Good…Into The Gates

Unfortunately, there are no social distance markers once you proceed to the gates. You will see people in every available seat at your departing gate. We chose to sit four gates down and kept an eye on our departing gate when people started to move when lining up. Yes, I said it. People still line up and block the entrance way to gates because, well, I don’t know why. Everyone has assigned seats and are going to the same place but old habits are hard to break. Some airlines have changed their boarding process. This may be a good thing for future traveling and will load from the back of the plane forward, clearing the aisle ways. This makes for a quicker loading procedure. Again this is some airlines. Not all have changed their boarding procedures.

Boarding The Plane

After you board your plane, you will definitely notice the cleanliness of it. Makes you wonder why did it take a Pandemic to change the health and safety of the travelers? Leaving on a holiday weekend, our plane was full which did cause a little anxiety with that many people in such a little space. However, we were lucky and had a germaphobe next to us that wiped their areas as well as ours with sanitizing wipes. If you travel on one of the budget friendly airlines, it might help to pay a little extra for the seats in the front. Those only have two seats per row and are more spread out.

The airline attendants did their best to make everyone feel comfortable with the announcements including the safety and cleaning techniques used on the planes. Once in the air, most services have been suspended, such as alcohol, soft drinks and snacks. The services provided will depend upon the airline you are flying with. All passengers are required to wear their mask for the duration of the flight and if an attendant does notice you sneaking it to the side or sliding it down your face they will remind you of the safety guidelines. Our flight was rather short at just over two hours and we wore the N95 masks. The masks were comfortable and had no issues with keeping them on for the duration.

Departing The Plane

Once we departed the plane, a hand sanitation station was located at our arrival gate. It seemed like everyone was using it in front and behind us as well. Again when we landed in Orlando, we saw sanitation stations throughout. Announcements over the airport PA system about keeping with social distancing and using proper hygiene. There is a disappointing part. The social distancing at the baggage claim was the same as the departing gate. There were no noticeable social distance markers in the baggage claim area, with the exception of a few aerial signs that no one paid attention to. We also noticed that some of the younger and teenage children were starting to pull their masks down. It seemed to become bothersome to them. Check out this blog for tips on how to get your child to wear their masks.

Overall we felt very comfortable and safe flying with all the new safety and health precautions the airlines and airports have put in. There will be certain situations that may feel uncomfortable at times, but be smart and use your head and know your surroundings.

TIPS to enhance your experience while flying back to the magic!

• Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes in your check-in luggage
• Move to an empty gate near your designated departure gate to help with the social distancing
• Check what services are available at your airport, including TSA Pre-check
• Check with your airline on what services are available in-flight
• Clean your area when entering the plane
• If you have an aisle seat, wait to enter till the end so you do not have to have all the passengers walking by you
• There are currently limited restaurants and shops open. It would be best to check with your local airport for what shops and restaurants are available

Do you have any tips to help everyone’s experience while flying back to the magic? Join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE and let’s talk!

Thank you to our friend Vince and his sweet wife Tammy for telling us all about their experience.

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