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!

Planning Tips

Colleen’s Top 10 Disney World Must Dos

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In no particular order, these are my Top 10 Disney World Must Dos. These are the places, attractions and things I HAVE to hit when I visit the Happiest Place on Earth.

  • 1. Dine at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
    • Clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along to this dinner and comedy show with a Wild West twist! Audience participation is highly encouraged, and you won’t regret it. Some of the best food at Disney is served here (think: fried chicken, ribs and cornbread).
  • 2. Walk through the lobby of the Beach Club
    • Getting off the Magical Express and walking into the Beach Club lobby is the most magical feeling – the sites, the sounds, and the smells are the BEST! It truly is one of my Disney happy places and worth a quick pass through if you’re in the area. Read my full review HERE.
  • 3. Listen to the music
    • You may not even realize it, but Disney does an incredible job with the music everywhere you go. Whether it’s in the parks, the resorts or restaurants, the music selection always fits the theme perfectly no matter where you are. I love just stopping and listening to the sounds, which is why I love Sorcerer Radio so much!
  • 4. Watch Happily Ever After from up close
    • The castle projections during the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom are so magical! All of your favorite Disney classic movies are projected onto Cinderella Castle and set to your favorite Disney tunes. Get a spot up close so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the show! (The main song is the best, too!)
  • 5. Enjoy the Soarin’ Around the World pre-ride video
    • Disney does any incredible job of “theming” its queues. From the moment you enter the line to the moment you board the attraction, you’re fully immersed in that attraction. The Soarin’ pre-ride video is one of the best out there. Patrick Warburton nails it with his dry sense of humor. (For those of you who have seen it…”these little beauties.”)
  • 6. Grab a tropical drink at Trader Sam’s
    • I LOVE the Polynesian Village Resort for so many reasons, and this new tiki bar is the perfect addition. The moment you walk into this bar, you are transported to the Polynesian islands, complete with an active volcano. Without spoiling too much of the surprise, each drink ordered triggers something different inside the bar. Read my full Review HERE.
  • 7. Get dessert from the Werther’s Shop in Germany
    • If you have a sweet tooth, then this stop is definitely for you. In World Showcase, Germany has a shop with Werther’s caramel treats – everything from caramel popcorn to brownies to sea salt caramels – it always smells delicious in here!
  • 8. Ride the monorail
    • Who doesn’t love to hear the phrase “Please stand clear of the doors. ¡Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!” The monorail is a ride in itself.
  • 9. Rock out to British Revolution
    • This cover band performs in the UK in Epcot and is one of my all time favorite things to watch in Disney. The guys are so talented and fun to see, so grab a drink at Rose ‘n Crown pub and enjoy some head banging to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
  • 10. Ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster front row
    • You have to get all the way across town for the Aerosmith concert, so the band manager got you a really fast car! 0 to 60 in two seconds? Yes please!