Planning Tips

5 Things You Need to Pack for Walt Disney World

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The only thing I love as much a planning vacation itineraries is packing for vacation.

Packing for Walt Disney World is (almost) better than Christmas, and something I like to start too far in advance. For those of you who don’t enjoy packing as much as me, below is my quick list of the 5 Things You Need to Pack for WDW.

5. Matching shirts: Acceptable and highly encouraged at WDW. This is the time to be “that family” – and trust us, you won’t be the only ones! Check out The Mouse Boutique on Etsy for adorable options for the whole gang.

4. Comfy shoes: Your feet (and family) will thank you. Comfy can be cute, too, so check out these magical options from Bibbidi Bobbidi Bling!

3. Extra layers: Whether it’s layers for the rain or cold, it’s good to be prepared when you’re at the parks. For the rain, we like to buy disposable ponchos in advance of the trip. Those summer storms come on quickly but blow through in no time! For the cold, a jacket or sweatshirt is a must-have at all times (even in the summer the restaurants are chilly!). This super cute crew-neck Disney “Home” sweatshirt from Polka Dot Pixie Shop is the perfect thing to have at the parks.

2. Bag for the parks: Whether it’s a backpack or sling purse, your bag will get inspected at security before entering the parks. You can bring any size bag (backpack or smaller) onto any ride or attraction, but keep in mind you’re going to be lugging it around with you all day. One great option is fanny packs – they’re back in style! See my review on Little Treasure Packs and take a look at their LTP&Co Etsy shop for cute patterns for boys and girls. Highly recommend these for the parks – being hands free is a game changer.

1. Magic Bands: This little guy is your key to everything at WDW – it starts when you board the Magical Express, as you’ll need to scan it before you get on. Create a custom look for your band with the awesome skins and decals from Shop EmilyG on Etsy.

Honorary Mention: Your favorite pair of Mickey or Minnie Ears. There are tons of shops on Etsy to purchase custom made ears, or you can wait until you’re in the parks to snag a pair!

Make sure your suitcase is topped off with a cute Disney luggage tag, and you’re ready to go!

As for unpacking, that’s a different story…

Planning Tips

How to Do Epcot “Right”

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Personally, I LOVE Epcot. My appreciation of the park has grown as I’ve gotten older, and there are tons of awesome things to do for adults and kids. In addition to several huge festivals and events throughout the year, delicious restaurants in World Showcase, and some of the best live entertainment around (hello, British Revolution!), Epcot has some great rides too (see “Top 5 Must Do Rides at Epcot”).

If possible on your trip, break up your time at Epcot. Spend one morning there to do the rides and attractions, and then go back another night for drinks, dinner and the fireworks show, Illuminations (hurry before it leaves late summer 2019!). Day and night at all of the parks are totally different, especially at Epcot, and it’s worth it to visit at both times of day.

Morning at Epcot

Get there one morning right at park opening, or like us show up about 30 minutes before, hoping they’ll let you in early (which they usually do). If you’re coming in the side entrance (over by the UK & France), the lines tend to be shorter and quicker to get through. You can come in that entrance if you’re staying at the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, or Swan and Dolphin. Soon the Disney gondolas will open, linking that side entrance to a few other resorts – stay tuned for more info! If you’re coming in the main entrance, definitely give yourself some time, as this is where the majority of guests enter.

Use your morning to hit the big attractions – hopefully you have a few Fast Pass+ selections for them! Head straight to whatever ride youdon’t have a Fast Pass+ for if you want to do all of the biggies. Or, sometimes we like to ride our favorite ride (Soarin’) twice. We’ll run to Soarin’ right away, ride it once in the regular line (there isn’t much of a line if you beat the rush), and then ride it a second time using our Fast Pass+. Our family likes to do the rides, stay for lunch (Via Napoli in Italy has the best pizza), and then head back and hit the pool in the afternoon! You’re in and out of Epcot in a few hours.

Night at Epcot

Epcot at nighttime is one of my favorite things to do in all of WDW. Make a dinner reservation at one of the many delicious countries in the World Showcase (we love Mexico, Germany and France). Depending on what time your reservation is, head over early so you have time to walk around and enjoy the sites and sounds in the countries. There is a TON of great live music and entertainment, so be sure to check the schedule since performances are quick (but usually run every hour).

My perfect night in Epcot would be to head to the United Kingdom first. I love this area – Rose n Crown pub has great drinks, and the shops are so fun to walk around. And be sure to get a picture in the iconic red telephone booths! We usually get a beer and head to the back to listen to the greatest band of all time, British Revolution (okay, I’m biased). Then we’ll meander over to Mexico to the San Angel Inn for dinner inside the pyramid. After dinner, we hang around to enjoy Illuminations before we walk back to the Beach Club.

Helpful hint: if you’re leaving out the main entrance, be sure to watch Illuminations over on that side of the lagoon so you don’t get stuck behind the massive crowds leaving when the show is over.

Slow down and take in the sites and sounds of Epcot – you never know what magic you’ll stumble across!

Planning Tips

Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Do Everything at Walt Disney World

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4 theme parks. 2 water parks. Disney Springs. Resort amenities. Sounds like a lot – because it is. Even if you live in Orlando, it would be hard to hit it all. WDW is constantly changing and evolving, which is why people (like us) go back year after year.

There is so much to see and do, so where do you even start when planning a trip? It can feel daunting, so you need to accept one fact before delving in to the planning: you physically cannot do everything WDW has to offer. You can’t even do all the things you want to do, and that’s okay!

That’s why pre-trip planning is SO important. You need to have a game plan when you show up to WDW if you want to hit your “Must Do’s.” Time is of the essence in WDW, but so many families and groups waste huge amounts of time waiting in lines, waiting for reservations, waiting for transportation – wait, wait, wait!

You’ve spent so much $$ on your vacation, so spending the time on the prep work for your trip is the best way to get the most bang for your buck. Sure, WDW has deals and discounts on things, but taking the time to plan out your days in the Happiest Place on Earth truly will make or break your vacation.

Start by mapping out what parks you want to hit each day of your trip (this will depend on if you have a Park Hopper). Then you need to make dining reservations, Fast Pass+ selections, and a game plan for the rest of your time in WDW.  Do your research so you know the ins and outs of the system before your window opens to make all of your reservations and selections!

If all of this planning work sounds overwhelming, reach out to us! We’d love to do it for you 😊

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