Reviews

Top 7 Ways to Bring the Disney Magic Home

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If you’ve been to Disney, you’ve likely experienced post-Disney depression. If you haven’t yet, just wait until that moment you’re leaving Main Street and take one last glimpse at Cinderella Castle.

The magic doesn’t have to end on the Magical Express ride back to the airport, though! There are so many ways to keep the sights, sounds and smells of Disney World with you even when you’re back to reality.

Here are my top 7 ways to bring the Disney magic home!

Sorcerer Radio

A few years ago I stumbled across Sorcerer Radio, and it was a complete game-changer for me. All Disney music, all day long?! Yes please. They play all of the park and resort music, full ride-throughs of every attraction, AND all of the parades, shows and fireworks soundtracks – from past and present! They also have some great shows with a variety of Disney experts (love the WDW Tiki Room!). It’s the perfect background music during the workday on your computer or app, and now you can play it on Alexa when you get home! Check them out here 🙂

WDW Today Channel App

This was a recent discovery for me but I knew this would quickly become an at-home Disney staple. There’s an app called WDW Today Channel that streams the same in-room channel when you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort! It’s a new part of my morning routine and I love it – I pull it up on my iPad and have it propped up while I get ready for work. It’s so fun seeing the park times and hearing the music every morning 🙂 Download it here!

WDW Magazine

I just got my first print edition of WDW Magazine and couldn’t be happier! I love their online stuff, but getting the beautiful print version in the mail was even more magical. They do a great job of finding unique topics and angles, and the photography is unbelievable. They have different subscription options (I get it monthly), so be sure to check it out here!

Magic Candle Company

If you haven’t checked out my reviews, be sure to read all about my favorite scents at the Magic Candle Company (click here!). These Disney-inspired candles let you bring the scents of the parks, resorts and attractions into your home. My favorite is the Beach Club inspired scent 🙂

World Drive Cards

What goes around, comes around, so why not spread some magic with a Disney-inspired card?! Check out these magical cards designed by Ryan Pimental. His style is so unique and inspiring – it encompasses that pure Disney excitement when you’re heading down World Drive to the Happiest Place on Earth! Take a look at Ryan’s website here!

Disney Mugs

There’s nothing like starting your day with a cup of coffee in your favorite Disney mug. I’ve collected Disney mugs over the years and always look forward to picking out my next one at the parks or resorts. Helpful tip: make sure to pack your mug in a carry on – I had my last mug break in my checked suitcase (even though it was all bundled and packed up!).

PopSocket Decals

For most of us, our phones are never more than an arms distance away at all times. Why not add a little touch of magic to it so you get to see it every time you reach for your phone?! RSVP Custom Creations makes the cutest Disney-inspired PopSocket decals – I love the Spaceship Earth one! Check out Jackie’s designs here!

Planning Tips

Nighttime Must Dos at the Magic Kingdom

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Nighttime at any Disney park is magical, but there’s something extra special about the Magic Kingdom at night. If you haven’t been before, it’s definitely worth a visit!

These are five of my nighttime must dos at the Magic Kingdom park:

Ride Big Thunder Mountain.
This roller coaster is way cooler at night! Make sure to take in the views of Magic Kingdom while you’re riding – they’re pretty incredible. We’ve even ridden this during the fireworks (which has to be timed perfectly) and it’s the most magical experience 🙂

Walk through Fantasyland.
I always think Fantasyland is such a magical part of the park, but it really comes alive at night when everything is lit up. This area behind Cinderella Castle is such a unique view and seems to quiet down as the night goes on, leaving you with no crowds and space to wander and explore!

Visit the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
We like to enjoy the fireworks in Magic Kingdom with a sweet treat in hand! There’s nothing like a yummy ice cream cone from the parlor, located on the corner of Main Street. Now you’re in prime position to watch the show!

Watch Happily Ever After up close.
While the fireworks are beautiful over Cinderella Castle, it’s the projections ON the castle that are my favorite part. Disney movies from past and present light up the castle as the music from all of your favorites fill the air. This show is not your average fireworks show.

Be one of the last people on Main Street.
There’s nothing quite like standing on an empty Main Street at the end of the night. There’s a feeling of complete peace and calmness after the crowds have passed that is worth staying up late for (and I only stay up late in Disney!).

Planning Tips

Disney World in a Weekend

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Four parks, one WEEKEND?

48 hours, 2,880 minutes, 172,800 seconds. You’re visiting Disney World but only have a weekend to do it! Want to hit all four parks? Here’s how to get the most out of your Disney experience and still make it a magical weekend:

  1. Get a Park Hopper
    • Worth the extra money if it’s in your budget. This allows you to visit multiple parks in one day, which is necessary if you want to hit all four in one weekend. You purchase this as an “add-on” to your existing park ticket.
  2. Stay on Property
    • Again, if it works for your budget, staying on property will make your weekend getaway much more do-able. Disney transportation to/from the parks will allow you to truly get the most out of your time and money.
    • Staying on property also opens up Extra Magic Hours for your family. EMH is the time before or after the parks’ scheduled open time when only resort guests are allowed in to the parks! Check the times guide to take advantage 🙂
  3. Make a Plan!
    • Planning for Disney is always crucial, but when you have limited time, it’s even more important! You won’t be able to do everything Disney has to offer (25+ trips later and I still haven’t hit it all), and that’s okay!!
      • Make a list of your family’s “Must Do’s,” and then make an outline for each day so you hit everything on your list.
      • Make dining reservations (180 days out from your trip) or have a plan for walk-ups. Sit down lunches and dinners provide a good break if you’re hitting the parks hard.
      • Make Fast Pass+ selections (60 days out if you’re staying on-property, 30 days if you’re off-property). This will save you tons of time waiting in lines.
      • Include time for breaks. Whether it’s a coffee stop, nap break or pool time, do what’s best for your group so you keep everyone happy! It’s easy to get worn down at the parks trying to do everything, so plan this break time into your day.

Want some help making a custom itinerary for your family? Contact me to do the planning part for so you can really get the most out of your Disney experience!

4. Be Prepared

You can never be too prepared for Disney. Weather changes unexpectedly, so be sure to pack everything from rain gear to extra pairs of clothes to your comfiest pair of shoes.

On a recent weekend trip to Disney, my husband and I got stuck in the craziest rain storm at Animal Kingdom and got soaked all the way through our clothes and shoes. Luckily, we had packed a change of clothes (I still ended up having to buy new shoes though.) You never know when those Florida storms will blow through!

Three hours of downpour and two rides on Expedition Everest (front row) later –
we were ready to leave Animal Kingdom.

5. Enjoy! You’re at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in running from one ride to the next. Again, you won’t be able to do everything Disney has to offer, so try to soak in the activities you are able to do to make them even more magical!