Today, I am so pumped to share a fun DIY Disney Floral Ear tutorial from my friend, Carrie.

Grab your craft supplies and then craft along with her video as she shows you how easy it is make your very own custom DIY Disney floral ears – even if you don’t think you’re very crafty! These are super cute to wear whenever you’re feeling fancy, but also perfect for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Can’t you just imagine posing amongst the Mickey topiaries in these? 

DIY Disney Floral Ears

Are you as obsessed as much as I am with the new trends of Disney floral ears? As I spend hours pining over Etsy and feeling like I could easily be on an edition of Hoarders: Disney Ear Edition, I finally broke down and decided to make my own.

After all, there’s no need to go broke just because you, like me, MUST have every variation of floral ears there is in existence.

Floral Ears Supply List

Thankfully, making your own ears is fairly simple. All you need are a few basic supplies:

• Thick Headband – You can use one you have already, or grab two for $1 at Dollar Tree! Of course, they can be found almost anywhere including Amazon too.
• Bendable Wire – You’ll need 4 pieces of this. It can be any color you’d like. I use floral wire, which can be easily found at any craft store.
• Wire Cutters – Take it from me, you’ll need these! Scissors won’t really work with cutting wire, especially if you bought a thicker wire.
• Fake Flowers – You can get these anywhere. I suggest a few different colors and not too large ones!)
• Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun

Steps to DIY Disney Floral Ears

1. Grab two pieces of wire and hold them together with ends aligned. Then, twist them together from one end to the other.
2. Cut the wire down to about inches – this is your first ear.
3. Then, repeat with another 2 pieces of wire. 
4. Bend each twisted wire over the top of your headband…this will form the rough shape of your mouse ear.
5. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to hot glue one end of the twisted wire at a time to your headband. Make sure to leave a space in the middle of the ears that’s about 2″ wide.
6. Then, glue all remaining ends of the ears onto the headband. Don’t worry about what the glue looks like…it will be covered by the flowers!
7. Speaking of, now it’s time to add those pretty florals! Pop off the tops of your faux flowers. Make sure to pull or cut off some of the greenery as well.
8. Next, use glue to add the green leaves to the middle of your ears. I also recommend adding some around the base of the wire.
9. Now it’s time to add the flowers. Pro tip: before gluing, arrange your flowers on your headband first. Once you’re happy with how they look, then go for the glue.
10. Check the back of your headband too. You may want to glue in leaves to cover any exposed pieces. You can even add flowers on both sides so you can make a reversible set of DIY Disney Floral Ears
11. Want to take it up a notch? Add in a mini figurine if you would like to create a theme to your DIY Disney Floral Ears!

Thank you for crafting with me and let us know if there are any crafts you would like to see in upcoming blogs! See you in the parks!

For more amazing Disney information, head over to Disney Express Lane. Take a peek at these Four Things I Will Never Do At Disney Again. Plus, make sure to check out these 7 Disney-Inspired Crafts!

Yield: 1 headband

DIY Disney Floral Ears

Print

This DIY Disney floral ears project is the cutest! Learn how to craft one up for yourself.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Materials

• Thick headband
• Bendable wire (such as floral wire)
• Fake flowers
• Hot glue

Tools

• Wire cutters
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. Take two pieces of wire and twist together from one end to the other.
2. Cut wire to ~8 inches
3. Repeat with other 2 pieces of wire. Twist and cut.
4. Bend your wire over the top of your headband to form the rough shape of your mouse ear.
5. Hot glue one end of the twisted wire at a time to your headband leaving a space in the middle of the ears 2-3 fingers wide.
6. Glue all remaining ends of ears onto headband.
7. Pop off the tops of your fake flowers and take the greenery off as well.
8. Use glue to adhere green leaves (on their side) to the middle of your ears, followed by some around each base of the wire.
9. Before gluing, arrange your flowers on your headband and when you are happy with the desired look, glue them in.
10. Go to the back of your headband and glue in leaves to cover all of the "behind the scenes" glued in pieces. OPTIONAL: You may add flowers on both sides if you want a reversible set of DIY Disney Floral Ears!
11. Glue in any sprigs or extra pieces to add depth to your new ears.
12. OPTIONAL: Add in a mini figurine if you would like to create a theme to your DIY Disney Floral Ears!

The post How to Make DIY Disney Floral Ears! appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

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. 

The post Is It Really THAT Hot? All About The Temperature At Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

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

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

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

Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy!

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

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

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

The Sauces at Chicken Guy!

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

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

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

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

The Menu

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

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

Gluten-Free Chicken Guy! 

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

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

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

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

Did You Know Dessert Options Are Available?

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

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

Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy! Hours

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

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

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

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

More Dining Posts:

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

The post Why We Love Disney Springs’ Chicken Guy (And So Will You) appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Staying off property during your Disney World vacation

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

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

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

What IS an Off Property Hotel?

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

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

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

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

Saving Money

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

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

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

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

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

CONS

Less Magical:

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

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

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

You may pay for parking twice:

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

Transportation to the Parks:

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

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

Guest Services:

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

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

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

No Disney Dining:

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

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

Missing out on Extra Hours:

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

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

You May Get Conned with Resort Fees:

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

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

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

PROS

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

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

Visiting Other Area Theme Parks:

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

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

Proximity to Other Attractions:

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

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

Cost:

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

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

Amenities:

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

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

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

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

Spontaneity:

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

The post 5 Money Saving Snacks You Can Find In Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Walt Disney’s World Epcot offers all this and more – and needless to say, it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. Today, we’re sharing 7 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Epcot so you can make the most of this magnificent park.

7 Rookie Mistake to Avoid at Disney World’s Epcot

…

Below, I’ve listed some of the rookie mistakes that I see happen nearly every trip I’ve made. Epcot is the one park where a rookie mistake could ruin the rest of your trip. Here are some rookie mistakes to avoid at Disney World’s Epcot!

7. Underestimating the Size of Epcot

Epcot is 300 acres! That’s 227 football fields.

The time suggestions to travel between attractions are often inaccurate. Whether they are supplied by the the My Disney Experience App or many of the “top” Disney travel websites that are written by adults who don’t take small children to the parks.

According to My Disney Experience, it should take you 10 minutes to walk from Spaceship Earth to the Frozen Ever After ride in the Norway Pavillion. I can tell you honestly as a mom who is travelling with little humans with little legs, that trip is going to take you at least 20 minutes unless all the kids are buckled into strollers and you’re keeping a good pace – unhindered by busy crowds.

This is such an important thing to keep in mind when making your Epcot plans, whether you’re trying to make it to a character meeting or a dining reservation. It will take twice as long as the app suggests.

6. Not Wearing Sunblock or Good Shoes

A rookie mistake to avoid at Disney World’s Epcot is forgetting your sunscreen or sunshades.

Epcot is one of the more “wide open” parks. There isn’t a lot of shade in between the countries, and it’s usually already occupied. Can you imagine getting sunburnt the first day?

The rest of your trip would be pretty rough. Even if you’re fine in the sun, don’t forget about those kiddos in strollers. Their little legs hanging out in the sun all day could get burnt.

And when it comes to good shoes… remember how I said that Epcot is REALLY big?

Not only is it a huge park, you will spend most of your time walking rather than riding – the walk around the countries is 1.2 miles, by ITSELF! Add onto that the walk from the hotel and transportation and you will be on your feet a lot.

Your footwear is going to matter a lot at this park, and that includes your socks. I understand wanting to dress nice at some of the restaurants, but high heels or loafers are just a bad idea if you plan on visiting the rest of the park.

5. Not Digging Further

It wasn’t until my third trip to Epcot that I discovered that what I thought was just a decorative pyramid in the Mexico Pavillion actually houses an amazing shopping area styled after an open-air Mexican vendor market, the Gran Fiesta Tour ride AND La Cantina de San Angel restaurant.

The same can be said for several other areas, like the Morocco Pavillion that features a seemingly dead-end alleyway that holds several shops and even a character meet and greet.

Take your time exploring the nooks and crannies of this park to discover all of it’s hidden treasures.

4. Not Riding Soarin’

While Spaceship Earth is just a classic and everyone jostles to get into Frozen Ever After, my hands-down favorite ride at Epcot is Soarin’.

This unique 4D roller coaster often has a short wait time but it’s such a fun experience. I don’t want to give away too much but if you decide to make the time for this ride, all I have to say is “nice work, pal!”

3. Test Track Trap

I’ve been going to Disney World long enough to remember Test Track opening.

My kids absolutely love Test Track, but it breaks down a lot. This means that your predicted hour wait could easily become two. It is completely worth it, especially if you’ve never ridden it, however I recommend planning accordingly if you really want to ride this one. Don’t have an important ride or reservation booked immediately afterwards.

2. Skipping Rope Drop

A lot of people only plan half a day for Epcot, which is such a mistake!

Although the World Showcase doesn’t open until later in the morning, you really do need a full day (at least) to explore this park.

Get there for rope drop and experience everything you can in the Future Showcase BEFORE the World Pavillion opens up.

This is SUPER important if you want to ride Frozen Ever After. If you don’t get to this ride early, then expect a pretty lengthy wait.

1. Not Taking Your Sweet Time in the Countries

A major rookie mistake to avoid is not taking the time to “taste” the countries.

Disney has so many festivals throughout the year that it’s always festival season at Epcot! We’ve been lucky enough to experience several of these but my personal favorites are the Festival of the Arts and the Food and Wine Festival.

During these Festivals, there are additional attractions, vendor booths, experiences and even more dining options available to guests. Many of these are only available once – so if you miss them on one trip, you won’t ever get a chance to experience them again.

Slow down, appreciate your surroundings – and taste everything you can!

I hope this blog post was helpful in helping you learn to navigate how to get around these rookie mistakes to avoid while at Epcot!

I highly recommend looking into the food and wine festival here! Also, come join us over at Disney Express Lane on Facebook here!

The post 7 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney World’s Epcot 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.

The post 5 Ways To Take Perfect Pictures On Your Next Disney World Vacation appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

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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