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

Best Break Spots in Hollywood Studios

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Days at Disney World are long and tiring, which is why having a few “break spots” in the parks is the key to making every minute magical! These are three of our favorite break spots at Hollywood Studios…

1. Trolley Car Cafe (Starbucks) – Coffee break

Right at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, this Starbucks hot spot is the perfect pick me up. They have the standard Starbucks menu, and some super cute Disney/Starbucks mugs!

2. Baseline Taphouse – Adult beverage break

This new spot next to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is a great addition to Hollywood Studios. Incredible outdoor seating and a great beer selection make it the ideal adult break spot.

3. Muppet Vision 3D – Kids and parents AC break

While we actually enjoy the Muppet Vision 3D show itself, our family is also guilty of using this show as our nap time. Sitting in a dark theater in the AC for 25 minutes is perfect for a much needed power-nap. You can rest, and the kids will love it!

Try these spots out on your next trip to Walt Disney World and let us know what you think!

Planning Tips Reviews

Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

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The holidays at Walt Disney World are a magical time. Every inch of the parks and resorts are decked out with festive decor that truly makes you feel the holiday spirit.

This year was our first time attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and it was the BEST. While you pay a separate ticket admission, it was worth every penny. To help make your future party experience more magical, I’ve pulled together my top 5 tips…

5. Make a dining reservation (far) in advance

Only certain restaurants are open for the parties, so if you want to do a sit down, make sure you book your reservation as far out as possible. We went to Be Our Guest, and it was so magical! Make sure you look at the show, parade and fireworks times before you make your dining reservation.

4. Look at the schedule and make a plan before you go

It’s so easy to get caught up once you’re there and to miss all of the “extras” that are offered on party nights. Do your research in advance to find out what is going on so you can hit your “Must Dos!” With our flights, we knew we wouldn’t get to the party until 8pm, so it was important to have a game plan before we got to Magic Kingdom.

3. Take advantage of the short wait times

At the party, the park felt empty in comparison to the usual holiday masses. There are limited tickets, so they don’t overcrowd the park that night. With our limited time, we picked a few attractions we definitely wanted to hit (Jingle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear). We watched the late parade (the parade runs twice) over by Big Thunder Mountain. As soon as it was over, we darted straight for the ride and were able to walk right on!

2. Stop and smell the…snoap?

The snow falling on Main Street looks beautiful (it’s actually soap!). Take a minute to just stand in the street to take it all in – the castle lights, the decorations, the Christmas music, everything – it’s absolute Christmas perfection.

1. Stay until the end of the party (or past the end!)

There’s something magical in the air when you’re one of the last ones left in the park. If you haven’t experienced this kind of a moment at Disney, I highly recommend it. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ended at midnight, but we stayed until 1am (I only stay up late in Disney).

The highlight of my night was walking down Main Street at 1am when the crowds had died down. We were heading towards the exit and I just remember turning back to get one last look at the castle and being rushed with a flood of emotions. The snow was falling amidst the beautiful Main Street decorations as Bing Crosby sang “White Christmas.” That was a moment of pure Disney magic for me.

If you want to see our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party adventures, head to my Instagram Highlights and view “WDW Weekend!”