Staying off property during your Disney World vacation

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

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

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

What IS an Off Property Hotel?

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

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

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

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

Saving Money

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

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

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

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

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

CONS

Less Magical:

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

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

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

You may pay for parking twice:

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

Transportation to the Parks:

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

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

Guest Services:

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

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

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

No Disney Dining:

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

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

Missing out on Extra Hours:

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

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

You May Get Conned with Resort Fees:

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

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

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

PROS

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

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

Visiting Other Area Theme Parks:

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

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

Proximity to Other Attractions:

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

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

Cost:

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

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

Amenities:

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

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

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

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

Spontaneity:

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

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

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

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

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

Disney World’s Boardwalk Inn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boardwalk Inn Activities

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

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

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

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

#3 Boardwalk Inn is Home to some Creepy Curiosities

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

#4 Guests Can Access an Exclusive Club

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

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

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

#5 The Boardwalk Travels Back in Time Every Evening

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

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

Boardwalk Inn Dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Perfect Pictures On Your Next Disney World Vacation

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

Best Camera? Your Phone!

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

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

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

Patience

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

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

Timing

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

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

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

Group Photos

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

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

Disney’s Memory Maker

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

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

Take Perfect Pictures! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Drawing lessons straight from Disney animators

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

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

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

2. Wilderness Explorers

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

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

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

3. Observe veterinary procedures and operations 

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

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

4. Walk through the Tree of Life

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

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

5. Soak Your Fellow Guests!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Avoid

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

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

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

7. Thinking It’s a “Half-Day” Park

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

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

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

6. Ignoring Pandora

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

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

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

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

5. Not Planning to Get Wet

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

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

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

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

4. Rushing in Between Attractions

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

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

3. Thinking Dinosaur is a Kid Ride

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

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

2. Riding Kilimanjaro Safari at the Wrong Time

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

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

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

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

1. Not Having After Plans

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

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

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

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

BONUS TIPS:

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

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

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

Avoid these mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

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Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid At Disney World

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

Forgetting Your Mask

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

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

Going Without a Plan

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

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

Not Taking Breaks

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

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

Forgetting That Things Are Different (at least for now)

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

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

Being Rude

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

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

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

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

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What are Disney Refillable Mugs?

Refillable mugs are 16 oz hard plastic, insulated mugs sold at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Note: there is currently no refillable mug program at Disneyland – that’s been gone for awhile, so if you’re heading to California and not Florida, this program won’t be available to you.)

If you are travelling on the Disney Dining Plan, you get a free mug for each family member on the dining plan. If you’re not using the Disney Dining Plan, these mugs are available for purchase at $19.99 per mug at Refill stations that are located in food courts, quick service locations and pool bars at all Value/Moderate/Deluxe resorts.

These mugs entitle you to free refills of soda, hot chocolate, tea and coffee at all Disney resorts for 14 days or your length of stay but cannot be used at the parks, at Disney Springs or at the water parks. (However, the water parks have their own refillable mug program.)

The mugs also cannot be used for milk, fruit juices or alcoholic drinks or “specialty” coffees liked iced coffees or lattes.

How do Disney’s refillable mugs work?

All mugs have a RFID chip in them, which allows the soda machines to identify the mug. 

When you place the refillable mug on Disney’s refill stations underneath your beverage choice, the chip is identified and a little screen will pop up showing how many days you have left of your activation. You can then fill up your mug.

(Note that the new mugs have a 2-minute time delay between refills.)

The RFID chip is activated when you pay for the mug at the counter; if you are on one of the Disney Dining Plans then the mug is included in your package.  Simply  tell the person at the counter that you would like to redeem your free mug on the dining plan.

While the mug is supposed to only be active for the length of your stay (if under 14 days), a lot of cast members tend to activate for 14 days rather than look up your reservation.

• If your reservation is longer than 14 days, you can request a small extension but that is up to the cast member’s discretion.
• If you are doing a split stay at two or more resorts, be sure to mention that as the cast member may not notice and will only activate the mug for the length of the first resort stay.

Things You May Not Know

Each self-service, refillable mug location has a MUG WASH! That’s right — there’s a little sink right next to the drink dispensers that you can use to wash out your mug.

You can take your mug into the parks, but you cannot get your mug filled for FREE like at your resort.  However, you can often get kiosks to fill your refillable mug with ice water – or they will give you a cup and you can just pour it into your mug.

You can refill your mug at other resorts, so feel free to take your mug with you if you plan to eat at one of the quick service locations at another resort.

Anyone can purchase a refillable mug; you do not need to be staying on property to walk into a quick service resort location and purchase a refillable mug.  Many people love purchasing these for souvenirs and they really are made well and last much longer than most souvenirs.

You can bring your mug back on previous trips, but you will still need to pay the full $19.99 reactivation cost. I wouldn’t bother bringing back the plastic mugs, but if you paid for the upgrade of a stainless steel tumbler on a previous trip and prefer that model, then paying $19.99 for reactivation versus paying $29.99 for a new stainless steel mug is a bit of a budget saver.

The mugs are dishwasher-safe but not microwaveable.

Previously, you were able to purchase a refillable mug for a single day or for two days at a lower cost, but now the fee is the same regardless.

Covid Changes 

****Currently Disney World is not allowing anyone to refill refillable cups at the refillable stations themselves. A cast member will give you a disposable cup and you are able to fill your refillable cup if so desired. Disney World is also not offering the dining plan, so cups are available for purchase by themselves. Many of the Disney World Resorts are currently upgrading their fill stations to new touch-less fill stations. This will allow for guests to fill their refillable cups with no contact to the actual machine. 

Is Disney’s refillable mug program worth the cost?

This is where things tend to get heated! I think it depends on a few factors:

• how much of your vacation time will be spent at resorts
• how many meals you will be having in your resort cafeteria
• what your soda or coffee/tea drinking habits are
• and, whether or not you’ll be ordering a grocery delivery to your resort.

(Of course, if you are on the Disney Dining Program, the mug is free – so cost isn’t really a factor.)

A single soda purchase at the resorts is $4 and (drip) coffee/tea is $3 – you can get free refills during your meal, but once you’ve left the cafeteria or restaurant, you can’t refill your disposable cup again. So, if you’re probably going to purchase at least 6 fountain sodas or drip coffees (or tea/hot chocolate) at your resort, then this is an easy decision – because once you exceed 5 sodas or 6 coffees, the mug is saving you money.

However, you do have in-room coffee (either the standard Cuisinart coffee pod systems or a Keurig system, depending on your hotel and room type) and many local grocers offer free or discounted delivery to the resorts with a minimum order amount – so purchasing drinks at your resort isn’t your only option for refreshments. (Read more about ordering groceries to your Disney resort here.)

Personally, I rarely opt to purchase the refillable mug program – I tend to only take advantage of it when I’m on the dining plan.

They can be really convenient for pool days, especially compared to having to drag all of the drinks with you from your room – and also have them get warm while in the sun all day – or try to drag all the the kids back to the room in order to grab refills.

And they can be convenient if your room is located close to the cafeteria for grabbing a morning coffee or a late night hot chocolate.

If you have older kids who will be allowed to wander around the resort a bit, having the refillable mugs is a fun perk for them and they won’t be wasting their travel money on sodas. I’ve heard from a lot of parents that their teens found the refillable mugs to be the coolest thing about a resort stay – go figure!

For us, I tend to do a small grocery order of drinks, milk, breakfast items and snacks to have in our room and skip the refillable mugs if we’re not using the dining plan on our trip. (Read more about whether or not the Disney Dining Plan is right for you here.)

I’d rather purchase a milk to have in my mini fridge (since I don’t like the provided powdered creamer) and make coffee in my room – in my pjs – as we’re getting ready for the day rather than have to get dressed and trek all the way to the cafeteria before I can caffeinate. We save money by not eating in the resort’s cafeteria for breakfast – if we’re going to pay for breakfast, I want it to be a special one, not just a quick bite. (And if you do want to grab something from the cafeteria, you can always bring a coffee from your room with you.)

On pool days, I might have one or two Diet Cokes as a treat (which I bring from my room), but I prefer that the kids drink (free) ice water so that they stay hydrated while out in the sun. If they want something a bit more fun, we use single-serve lemonade or gatorade powder packets and mix them into the free ice water.

I don’t like carrying the empty mugs around for an entire day – which is what I’d have to do if I stopped by my resort’s cafeteria for an “on the go” coffee before heading to the parks. And if I’m craving an after-the-parks soda or hot cocoa, I don’t want to walk to my room, retrieve my mug, walk to the cafeteria for a refill (and I always tend to pick rooms that are the furthest possible distance from the cafeteria)… then back. I’d rather just have things in my room to enjoy when I want.

I hope this post answered any questions you might have about the Disney Refillable Mugs. Be sure to check out this post which discusses all of New Mugs Designs, too!

Are the refillable mugs on your MUST PURCHASE list? Tell us why! Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! Want more information on the refillable mug? Check this blog out!

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14 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Disney World. Walking down Main Street USA and looking up at that castle is probably one of my favorite things to do. Another thing I greatly enjoy is people watching. I have also noticed and been guilty of a few of these rookie mistakes!

14. Prioritizing Astro Orbiter! A rookie mistake to avoid is being fooled by Astro Orbiter. Astro Orbiter looks exciting, and it can be! The problem is you wait in line on the ground, then get on an elevator, and then wait again! I recommend getting this ride done when the crowds have died down, preferably later in the afternoon. 

Rookie Mistakes!

13. Not Mobile Ordering Your Snacks, especially That Precious Dole Whip. Another rookie mistake to avoid that people often make at Magic Kingdom, is not utilizing the mobile ordering with My Disney Experience. Mobile ordering is super easy and lines at Magic Kingdom can be quite long. Any time you can cut time waiting in lines I recommend it. You’re paying a lot of money to be there and you want to get the most out of it.

12. Not Embracing Each Land as Its Own Unique Experience! Fantasyland brings out your inner child; Frontierland has some excellent coasters and the look of a time once forgotten; Adventureland immerses you into your very own adventure waiting to unfold right before you; Liberty Square gives you a showcase of the heart of America; and Tomorrowland (my favorite) gives you an outlook of a brighter future and the possible technology we use to get there!

11. Going Straight to Tomorrowland! A huge rookie mistake to avoid is following your basic instinct and going to the right when you see the castle. Always, Always, ALWAYS go clockwise in Magic Kingdom! You should always go the opposite direction of the crowd; you should plan fast passes around this! For some reason most people head to Fantasyland or Tomorrowland when they enter Magic Kingdom. My Disney Experience also has this nifty feature that will tell you the quickest way to get somewhere based on your current location.  

10. Not Coordinating Your Rides with a certain path. Going from Frontierland to Tomorrowland is a real trek! You can get anywhere in the park in about 10 minutes, but this doesn’t mean you’ll want to. Also, keep in mind, this is without children.

No No’s

9. Not Utilizing the Firework Shows! If you aren’t big on parades or fireworks, they are the perfect time to get some must do attraction in. With everyone else waiting for the show, it leaves the lines wide open! Pro Tip: Splash Mountain has a spectacular view of the castle at night!

8. Getting Your Ice Cream From a Cart! There are so many amazing options inside of MK! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor has some unique choices, and I always must stop at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies! Of course if you love your ice cream in the shape of Mickey then there is no shame in getting some ears. I personally always get a swirl cone at every park.

Waiting is a Rookie Mistake

7. Waiting in too Long of a Line for a Ride. Fast Passes are great for a reason. You don’t want to be wasting hours in a line and miss out on the magic of other attractions! Unless it’s your favorite ride or one you’ve been looking forward to I don’t like waiting more than 30 min for a ride. There are exceptions, of course. If you’re there during a busy season you might not have a choice but to wait in a few lines. And of course, with the “new normal”, fast passes are not available at this current time.

6. Wasting Fast Passes. A rookie mistake that seems obvious but that most people do is wasting their fast passes on the wrong rides. This is a Disney sin! No one needs a Fast Pass for Haunted Mansion! Yes, you should definitely experience the ride, but the wait is hardly ever long enough to justify a fast pass! You always want to use fast passes on the mountains or even something that always has a terribly long line like Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan.

5. Thinking You’re too Old to Ride Something! Disney is where we are supposed to let our inner child out! Be a kid! Being an adult is boring and who wants to grow up anyways?!

4. Only Riding Rides That Have That “Wow!” Factor. The People Mover is one of the slowest rides, but it has to be one of my favorites. Magic Kingdom has so many classic rides that have stood the test of time, but you’ll miss them if you’re only looking at the “Mountains”.

3. Not Getting That Sweet Spot Early for Parades/Fireworks! They may seem like a thing of the past, but rookies never plan reserving their viewing spots! The best spots to watch always fill up well before the show starts!

Plans and Mistakes

2. Being too Set in a Plan! Being lenient with your schedule is great! You never know what can pop up. Rides will have maintenance problems, and sometimes the line just isn’t worth it. You also never know if those kiddos will be in the right mood.

1. Not Having a Plan at All! It’s fine if you want a relaxing vacation, but you won’t get to do half the park if you aren’t somewhat prepared. It’s why having a travel agent is always a good call, plus they’re services are free to you! There is another added bonus that most travel agents won’t make these basic rookie mistakes.

While you are visiting the Magic Kingdom, don’t forget to grab some of these popular snacks! Looking for more things to avoid at Disney’s Magic Kingdom? We have a Facebook group you will just LOVE! DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! Join us today.

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Many people think a Disney World vacation begins when you enter the parks. But, for our family, that magical vacation begins the moment we start driving down the road. We enter Disney World under the archway that lets us know we’re home. We can’t wait to make it to the parks so we can ride our favorite rides, fill up on plenty of snacks and see our favorite characters. But, we normally come in a day early so we still have some time to do other things. So, what exactly can you do on the first day of your Walt Disney World resort?

First Day At Disney World

Here are the top 4 things our family loves to do on the first day of our magical vacation.

Explore Your Resort

Disney World’s Imagineers are incredibly talented. They have gone above and beyond in their designs in the parks. But, that’s not the only place you’ll see their handiwork. The resorts are packed full of theming and details. These things will be a constant reminder that you are in the most magical place on earth.

Exploring our resort is at the top of our list of things to do as soon as we arrive. It doesn’t matter if we’ve stayed at that resort before, or if it’s the very first time. So, when you arrive, take some time to soak it all in. Check out where the restaurants and shopping options are located. Take a look around at the places that will provide perfect photo opportunities throughout your stay. Finding those spots for special photo ops is a great thing to do on your first day at Disney World. The pictures you take will be a reminder of all the excitement of your trip.

Go For A Swim

Regardless of the time of year you’re visiting Disney World, a dip in the pool is a great way to spend your first day at Disney World. The pools at the resorts are heated, so you can enjoy a comfortable swim throughout most of the year. Most of the time, our family has a bag reserved just for our pool gear. Once we’re settled into our room and have explored the resort, we head straight for the pool.

You may be thinking, “I can swim at home. What’s the big deal of swimming at my Disney World Resort?” Let me tell you, like everything else Disney related, you will be drawn into another world. It will bring out the kid in you, no matter your age. You will hear the most iconic Disney music being pumped through the speakers. And the resorts have multiple pools with their own themes and special details. Take time to explore each of them. If your kids are like ours, they would stay in the pool the whole trip, but there’s a lot more excitement to be had!

Ride the Monorail

There are two types of people at Walt Disney World: those who see the Monorail as just a mode of transportation and those who see it as one of the rides. Our family views the Monorail as one of our favorite rides at Disney World. The Monorail provides the perfect opportunities to catch a glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom, or the iconic Spaceship Earth ball at Epcot.

Hop on one of the buses from your resort and head over to Magic Kingdom where you will be able to get on the Monorail and go for a ride. Better yet, book a stay at one of the three resorts that have a stop on the Monorail—Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Our favorite times of day to do this is around sunset and after dark. Riding around Seven Seas Lagoon will provide some of the most beautiful sunset views at Disney World. When the sun goes down, you will be able to see the beauty of everything lit up!

Visit Disney Springs on your First Day At Disney World

One final thing that our family loves to experience on our first day at Walt Disney World is exploring Disney Springs. If you love the night life, dining, shopping and fun entertainment then make it a point to head to Disney Springs. There’s plenty to do for every age. Stop by the LEGO store and look at all the characters and scenes that have been built on display around the store. Venture over to the Coca-Cola store and take a trip down memory lane as you see all the memorabilia from days gone by. If you’re looking for the best Disney themed apparel and toys, stop by the World of Disney. But be careful, it’s easy to spend way too much time and money there.

After shopping, we have to eat! There are plenty of places to eat. The options range from sit down restaurants to outdoor vendors. If you like smoked meats, don’t overlook The Polite Pig! They offer ribs, chicken, brisket, and plenty of other options. Click here to find out more about the new normal at Disney Springs.

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you are most likely focusing on the parks you’ll visit and the rides. There’s nothing wrong with that. We always look forward to all the things we can do in the parks. But there is a lot that can be done outside of the parks as well. Take some time to explore these four things to do on your first at Disney World day before you ever step foot inside the parks. What are your favorite things to do on your first day at Disney World?

Want to know how you can seriously ruin your vacation? Click that link to find out!

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6 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I’ve noticed over the years and from talking to people, that newbies miss out on so much! From not getting on some of the best rides to avoiding some really adorable shows. These are all just classic rookie mistakes that you may not realize you’re making. Here are some of the rookie mistakes that I personally hate to see happen.

6. Not Understanding the Rise of the Resistance Queue

Galaxy’s Edge is home to a lot of exciting things. One of the most sought-after attractions is Rise of the Resistance. The queue for this attraction is done entirely on your mobile device, through the My Disney Experience app. Currently, if you have a park reservation for Hollywood Studios, you can attempt to enter the queue at 7 a.m. the day of your reservation from anywhere, or at 1 p.m. from within the park. I’ve gotten into the virtual queue during my most recent visits by being on the app about 2 minutes before, and constantly refreshing the “join queue” page. This ride is completely worth it! Even if Star Wars isn’t your thing, this ride just shows how far Disney Imagineering has come.

5. Being Intimidated by Tower of Terror

A rookie mistake to avoid, this one being geared more towards the younger audience, is being scared of the big rides! Although the other parks have some huge rides, Hollywood Studios has some of the best that Disney has to offer. The Tower of Terror can be quite intimidating… I mean terror is in it’s name. It is so much more than your typical drop ride! There are so many variations of the ride that each time can be different. Rockin’ Roller Coaster is another ride that I’ve seen many people wait for, and then exit right before they get on. It’s always a fantastic choice and worth the wait!

4. Sleeping In

I’m not one to tell people to be there for rope drop. I did marry someone who thinks you have to do rope drop every single day, though. A rookie mistake to avoid is not taking advantage of rope drop at Hollywood Studios. Yes, you can get on Rise of the Resistance from the comfort of your bed, but Mickey’s Runaway Railroad is absolutely adorable and can have an insane wait time. Getting one of the major rides out of the way so early can really open up the rest of your day.

3. Skipping “Kiddie” Rides

Some of my favorite rides at Hollywood Studios are the ones geared towards the children. Mickey’s Runaway Railroad and the Frozen sing-along are super fun for all ages. The Railroad might have replaced a classic, but it is so well done, that I’m not even mad. I recommend the Frozen sing-along to everyone who I help plan, whether they have children or not. It’s just too cute to not give it a shot!

2. Not Doing Toy Story Mania

If you don’t know, I’m a very competitive person, and I’m completely obsessed with all arcade style rides at Disney. My favorite casual ride has been Toy Story Mania, since I first rode it all those years ago. A rookie mistake to avoid is not prepping those arms/wrist for speed and stamina. Accuracy doesn’t matter! All that matters is crushing the competition and getting the high score for your vehicle!

1. Skipping the Shopping

Hollywood Studios has some of the most unique stores. There is a jewelry store that we spend a little too much time in each trip. They also have a toy store, Star Wars store, and a Hollywood memorabilia store! If you find something you have to have, I recommend getting it in the park. You never know if Disney Springs will have the unique item, or if it will even be available a day later.

I hope that these tips help you avoid these rookie mistakes! Have a magical day and be sure to join our Facebook Group over at DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

Don’t forget that you can build your own droid while visiting! 

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