Wishes Wednesday ~ How to plan a Magical Disney Vacation

So you've decided that you are going to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth" ~ Disney World!!  But where do you start?  Over the years, I have developed a system that works well for my family & makes planning a Magical trip relatively stress-free.  :)  This post is full to Cinderella's Castle top of information, so whether it's your first trip to Disney World or your 10th, I hope it helps to guide you as you begin the journey towards making memories with your loved ones that last a lifetime.

When is the best time to go?

Well, in my opinion, ANYTIME!  I'd gladly hop in the car tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself.  But seriously, I think above all that is the hardest question to answer.  First off, you have to go when it fits best into your schedule.  Are there times that are busier than others, like during the holidays for example, obviously!  But the best advice I can give straight off the bat, is no matter what time of year you choose to go ~ there are going to be lines, there are going to be wait times for the rides and it's most likely going to rain at some point during your visit.  But if you go in with the mindset that patience is key to having a fantastic trip, then it really doesn't matter when you go.

Typically the week of Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas & New Year's are the most crowded.  We surprised the kids a few years ago & checked in on January 2nd.  It was busy... I'm not going to lie.  However by our 2nd-3rd day there, the crowds had definitely thinned out.  Honey & I have also taken a few "adults only" (yes, that's OK to do!) trips in the Fall (September and early November to be exact), and found it to be a "Practically Perfect" time to visit (aka Mary Poppins approved).  Yet realistically with kids in school, summer or Spring Break may be the best options for you.  You just need to plan & pack accordingly.  In the summer, it is going to be HOT and HUMID so drink plenty of water and take breaks in air conditioned attractions when possible.  For those traveling during Spring Break, do NOT assume that just because it's Florida means that it's going to be a "shorts only" trip.  The weather that time of year can be unpredictable.  One year, we were in tank tops & shorts and the next... we needed our coats, hats & gloves.  But regardless of when you choose to go, Disney does it's best to make sure that you leave there with a feeling of happiness that only they can give.  :)

Booking a Vacation Package

99.9% of the time we book a Vacation Package through either the My Disney Experience website (link here) or by calling Disney directly.  Their cast members are top notch and extremely helpful in making sure that you get the best possible package for your family.  They are also great resources for any specials or discounts that may be available during your stay.  We have also tried a few shorter trips without booking a package and have found that it is not as cost effective for us.  Having said that, if you are planning on staying off Disney property (not at a Disney resort), then a vacation package is not an available option.

The first step is choosing which Resort you would like to call "home" during your stay.  There are a few things to consider when looking at resort options.  First of all, is your party 5 or more people?  The reason I bring this up is, as a family of 5, we are limited in the choices that will accommodate more than 4 people.  By no means am I saying that if your party is larger than 4 that you should rethink going.  Absolutely not!!  You just have to decide whether you want to stay at a resort that has the ability for everyone to stay in the same room or book 2 separate adjoining rooms.  Second, what does your budget allow for the cost of a resort stay?  Disney currently has 25 resort locations on property for you to choose from ranging from the budget-friendly Value resorts, to the Moderate resorts, to the Deluxe resorts, to finally the Deluxe Villas.  Each resort is themed authentically to it's name & style.  For example, if you choose the Caribbean Beach Resort... you will feel as if you are staying at a resort straight out of the islands.  It's one of the things I love so much about Disney... their attention to detail.  (I have mentioned this many times before!)  All-in-all, it's a personal preference.  If you are planning on hitting the parks running, then I would opt for a Value to Moderate resort because you really are not spending that much time in your room and why pay for something that you are using basically just for sleeping.  However, if you are planning on a more relaxed approach which incorporates more time to lounge by the pool, etc then maybe a Moderate to Deluxe resort is more up your alley.  That is not to say that you cannot relax by the pool at a Value resort, because you certainly can!  The pools are all themed as well.  The Big Blue Pool (inspired by the movie Finding Nemo) at the Art of Animation Resort is the largest pool of all the resorts AND it plays music underwater!  Totally Awesome DUDE!!

The next step in the process is adding your Park Tickets.  If you choose to book a Vacation Package, the cost of tickets are included in your package.  However, if you are not booking a Vacation Package or not staying on Disney property then the cost of tickets is separate.  There are 3 different options for purchasing tickets (ranging from the least expensive on up): the 1 Park per day ticket, the ticket with Park Hopper option, and the ticket with Park Hopper Plus option.  The Park Hopper option means you can visit more than one park in a day.  For example, you can spend the morning at Animal Kingdom on Safari and then "hop" on over to Magic Kingdom later in the afternoon to enjoy dinner and fireworks.  The Park Hopper Plus tickets add the additional option to visit Disney's 2 Water Parks, the Wide World of Sports Complex, Oak Trail Golf Course (green fees not included) and a round of golf at one of the 2 themed Miniature Golf Courses. (Certain restrictions do apply)  Which option you choose is, again, a personal preference.  Having tried them all, I have to say that it truly does depend on the type of vacation you are planning.  When it's been just Honey & I, we have gotten the Park Hopper option because that way we can be a little more flexible with our day.  If you are planning a trip during the summer months, the Park Hopper Plus option is fantastic because well, let's face it ... it's HOT and a Water Park day is a perfect way to beat the Florida heat and humidity.  For our last several trips, we have chosen the 1 Park per day tickets.  We have been traveling during busier times (aka Spring Break) and felt that due to crowds & wait times, one park a day worked perfectly for us.  It's the less expensive option and we were finding that we were not utilizing the Hopper option as much.  Saving money at Disney is always a Magical feeling!  Speaking of saving money... Disney has set up their ticket pricing so that the more days you purchase, the more money you save per day.  I look at it this way ... for example your trip is a 6 day, 7 night stay ~ unless you are not arriving until the wee hours of the night on your first day, I would purchase a 7 day Park Pass.  This gives you the option to visit a park after checking into you resort, if even only for a few hours.  The ticket price is minimal for that additional day & what better way to begin your vacation than watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom!  Believe me when I say that there is nothing more Magical than that!

After choosing your park tickets, you now have the option of adding a Dining Plan to your vacation.  While this is not a necessary addition, I will say that I would highly recommend adding one to your package.  Again, Disney has given you 3 different options to choose from:  the Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan, and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan.  You can find detailed descriptions of each plan and what's all included in each plan on the My Disney Experience website (click here).  For those that don't want to spend time at a sit down restaurant (or table-service meal, as they call it) each day, but instead want more of a "fast-food style" (or quick-service meal) experience than the Quick Service Dining Plan is a great option for you.  However, if you are interested in Character Dining experiences or a meal where you sit down, take a break for the attractions, and enjoy a full meal then the Disney Dining Plan is a perfect choice,  While the first two options include 2 meals (2 quick-service or 1 quick-service & 1 table-service, respectively) per person, per night of stay ... the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan is a 3 meal a day plan (quick-service or table service).  We have only experienced the Disney Dining Plan & found it to be exactly just the right fit for our family.  There are sooooo many fun & unique table-service restaurants to choose from that we find this to be an "extra bonus", if you will, to the Magic of our trip.  The cost to adding a Dining Plan varies depending on which plan you choose, but overall we have found that in the grand scheme of things we are saving money by adding this service to our package.  A rough estimate for a family of 4 on the Disney Dining Plan (which includes 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal and 2 snack options per person, per night) is under $80 a day.  Now considering the average table service meal alone is $40-$50, a quick service meal is $20-$25 and snacks range from a $3 bottle of water to a $6 Pineapple Dole Whip (we will discussing this delicious creation at a later date, I promise!), you are definitely getting a deal.  To this day I have NEVER walked away from a meal still hungry and almost ALWAYS have snack options left over at the end of out trip.  So to sum up, is the Dining Plan worth it?  YES!!  (And now I have an insane craving for a Dole Whip and a Mickey Ice Cream Bar...)  Disney has also recently added convenient Mobile ordering, where you can place your Quick Service Order via the My Disney Experience app on your phone and bypass the lines all together, which in turn gives you even more time to explore all the rides and attractions.  Grab it & Go!!!

For those of you who are flying into Orlando International Airport & booking a vacation package, you have the option of using Disney's Magical Express transportation service.  It's a complimentary bus service that will pick you up at the airport and transport you directly to your Disney resort.  The coach style buses are not only comfortable (and air conditioned for you Summer travelers), but they play an adorable "Welcome" video as you ride in style.  No need to look for a taxi or rent a vehicle, if you choose.  But that isn't even the best part!!  When you add Magical Express to your package, Disney sends you these lovely luggage tags in the mail prior to your trip with your name & resort location on them.  When you arrive at your initial airport, simply put the tags on your luggage and check them in as normal.  Upon landing in Orlando, you can them simply skip the baggage claim & head directly for the Magical Express Transportation Station located on the lower level of the terminal.  Disney Cast Members will not only pick up your luggage for you, but will deliver it directly  to your room!  After you check-in at you resort, within a short amount of time, your luggage will just "magically" appear at your door!  It is literally the best thing ever!!  Then, at the end of your vacation, there is an airline check-in station at your resort.  Here you can not only check in for your flight, but check your luggage as well!!  Disney will transport your luggage directly to your flight as you comfortably ride the Magical Express buses back to the airport.  It's easy, it's convenient and it's free!

Last but certainly not least ... the Memory Maker.  I will be the first to admit it took me several trips to try this additional option.  I take A LOT of pictures on our vacations so I didn't see the value in this additional cost.  But then I tried it.  I say this with the utmost confidence that I will NEVER take another Disney vacation again without adding the Memory Maker to our package.  While yes it is yet another additional cost (at the time of this post, it is $169 when purchased in advance), but IT IS SO WORTH IT!!  There are Disney Photopass Photographers everywhere and they take exceptional pictures, often with digital extras here and there.  There is no limit to the number of pictures that you can have them take and if your like me, it's a perfect opportunity to step out from behind the camera & actually be in the family photographs ... showing that you did indeed join the rest of your crew on this fabulous vacation!!  I plan to devote a special post to just how much I love this extra service & all it's benefits at a later date, but for now let me just show you one of my favorite PhotoPass pictures of all time!  It just goes to show that Disney can bring out different kinds of "emotions" in us all.  (For the record, the only reason I am wearing a Sadness shirt is because Joy was not available.  Because I am NEVER sad when I am at Disney!)

Phew!  I hope you are still with me after this extremely long post.  But I wanted to make sure that I gave you as much helpful information as I could to assist in the beginning stages of planning a Disney World vacation.  For me, planning is half the fun!!  I look forward to sharing other tips & tricks that I have learned over the years to make your next Disney trip as Magical as it can possibly be!

See You Real Soon!

Go With The Flow ~ My Passion for Sea Turtles

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we just returned from our family vacation at  Disney's Vero Beach Resort in Florida.  It's our second visit and has been deemed by Honey as his all time favorite vacation spot (the rest of us agree).  Its gorgeous beaches, beautifully decorated suites, amazing staff that always has something fun planned for young and old, and of course (my personal favorite) the sea turtles!

It's no secret that I love turtles.  Long before Crush and lil Squirt were introduced in Finding Nemo, I have held a special place in my heart for these beautiful animals.  And coming to Vero Beach has now given me the chance not once, but TWICE to see them in their natural habitat.  Disney has adopted a 5-10 mile stretch of beach that they monitor daily during sea turtle nesting season.  Once a nest is found, they block it off in two different ways ~ a square marking means they are just protecting it, while a triangular marking means that they are studying it and using the data to further research to help these endangered animals.

This particular area is nesting grounds for the Loggerhead sea turtle, the Green sea turtle, and the "grand-daddy" of them all the Leatherback sea turtle.  I say "grand-daddy", because their shear size can range from 550 to 1,540 pounds.  Their front flippers alone can grow up to over 8 feet!  This photo doesn't even do them justice, as her back flipper and tail extend beyond the picture. (Taken by Disney Conservationist during a night walk observation)

If you are wondering how they were able to get so close, according to the conservationist they were actually over 15 feet away as her other flipper was also extended.  Also, when a female turtle is laying her eggs, she goes into a "trance" so to speak where she is completely still and quiet.  (So unlike the human birthing experience.  Lucky!)

We were fortunate to be able to see a Leatherback nest this year.  It was huge!  If you look at the markings in the back of the dunes, that's where her flipper was as she was moving the sand and digging a hole for her nest.  WOW!

Each nest is labeled with the type of turtle's nest, the date it was laid and the number of nest found this season.  So you can see that this nest was the 5th nest of the year and laid on April 29th.  With a typical incubation time ranging from 55-90 days, this nest is due to hatch any day!!

Both trips we had the privilege of observing how they find and mark of a newly discovered nest.  As the mothers lay their eggs at night, the crew is up bright and early each morning combing the beach for newly laid nests.  So at 7am (not your typical wake up time on vacation, I know), Miss B, Honey & I were out on the beach ready to see what they had found.  The boys opted for sleep.  :)  

Loggerhead turtles are more common here so that's the type of nest we were able to see both years.  Here are the mothers tracks as she climbs the beach to find just the right spot to lay her eggs.  Loggerhead tracks look like commas in the sand as they move one flipper at a time as they crawl (similar to how we put one foot in front of the other to walk).  Leatherback and Green sea turtles use both their front flippers at the same time to move through the sand. (Have you figured out how much this is a passion of mine yet!?!)  :)

Once she finds her spot, she begins the process of digging a hole in the sand to lay her eggs.  Each turtle is different is the amount of time this takes.  Typically this is what a fresh Loggerhead nest looks like....

As you can see the nest can be rather large, so how do they find the eggs? Well, Disney has adopted a very special dog named Dory and trained her to locate them by being able to smell the mucus that surrounds the freshly laid eggs.  I'm sure you're thinking the same thing we were, Dory??  Dory (the fish) is known for her short term memory loss.  Hmmm....  But not this pup, she is one smart cookie!  Once released, she sniffs around the nest until she finds the scent of the eggs and then simply sits, letting the Conservationists know right where to start digging to locate the top of the nest.

Then the search begins.  Loggerhead nest are typically not that deep... about elbow length or so in the sand.

Once the nest is found, we are carefully able to take a peek into the hole before it is covered back up, and the nest marked off.  It was so amazing!  While you can only see a few, there are typically 115-150 eggs in each nest!

Now if you think I wasn't grinning from ear to ear at this point, you should have seen me on our first trip when we actually got to see some baby hatchlings being released into the ocean!  Don't judge, but yes tears were shed.  (I know, I know... but it was such an amazing sight to see and for a turtle lover like me ~ a possible once-in-a-lifetime experience!)


Sometimes when a nest hatches, there may be a few baby turtles that need a little extra help.  So Disney takes them and makes sure that they get any extra attention they may need before releasing them into the water.  This was the case on our last trip.  4 babies turtles ready to find their way to the ocean, Four!!!  :)  

They are so cute and tiny!!!  We were all told to make two lines leading down to the ocean.  Once they released them, we were not allowed to move, or touch them in anyway (it's illegal).  Even if they got caught up in a wave an washed back up over our feet, DON'T MOVE!  And then they were off ...

Almost there!  Look at their little tracks!!!!  :)

And finally, they made it!  

It was unbelievable!  It still puts a smile on my face to this day.  

I want to leave you with this quote that I found that speaks not only to the life of a turtle but to all of us as well...

"It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop."  ~ Confucius

XOXO
N

"Wishes Wednesday" ~ Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

When I think about planning a Disney vacation, I relate it a lot to how one begins to plan a wedding.  I know that may sound a bit extreme, but hear me out.  As soon you become engaged, there are 4 things that need to be decided right away ... 1) the date of the wedding 2) booking the site for the ceremony and reception 3) securing a photographer 4) hiring a caterer.  After you have those things nailed down, then you can begin to plan the rest ~ all those fun details that make your day extra special!!  Now Disney has devised a well planned out system for booking a vacation.   And in order to get the most out of your experience and make those memories that last a lifetime there is some planning that needs to be done almost as soon as you say "OK, Let's Go!"  1) decide when is the best time to visit 2) book a vacation package which includes choosing your resort, purchasing park tickets, and a dining plan 3) 180 days prior to your arrival date book all your dining reservations 4) 60 days prior to your arrival date book your FastPasses for the rides and attractions that you want to make sure not to miss.  Once you have those things figured out, you can plan all the fun little extras to make your trip even more Magical.  Now if you have never been to Disney World, that may seem a little overwhelming and extreme.  But trust me, it is all worth it!!  Just like a wedding, if you want everything to go smoothly on the BIG DAY... you have to plan.    If you want to make sure you don't miss out on anything that your family wants to see or do while on your vacation... you have to plan.  I hope over the course of time, I am able to give you a little insight into how we go about planning the details of our trips but today I thought I would start out with one of those "fun little extras" I mentioned.  The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!!

Back in 2012, Miss B (at the adorable age of 5) got to experience the enchanted beauty salon that is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  "Owned & Operated by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother", it's an enchanted salon run by some very special "Fairy Godmothers-in-Training" whose job is to transform young girls into beautiful princesses or boys into gallant knights, ready for adventure.  

There are two salon locations on Disney property, one at Disney Springs and another inside the Magic Kingdom itself.  Please note that if you choose to visit the salon inside the Magic Kingdom, a park ticket is required for entry into the park.  There are perks to both locations, it's simply a matter of preference.  For example, if you are lucky enough to secure a dining reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table ~ I would highly recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom location.  That way your princess can receive her royal treatment at the salon and then dine with Cinderella and a few of her Princess friends dressed especially for the occasion.  It's definitely worth it to see their faces light up as the Princess they are dressed as, greet them and admire their beautiful gowns and gush over how amazing they look.  We however chose the location at Disney Springs for Miss B's visit, because we had made plans to visit EPCOT then dine at Akershus in Norway.  This restaurant is also home to several Disney Princesses.  So it was a perfect day for Miss B to get all dressed up to meet her idol... I bet you can't guess who that might be.  :)

From the moment we arrived, she was treated like royalty.  It's a beautiful boutique that is definitely designed for that one-of-a-kind magical experience.  

Back in 2012, it was located inside the Wide World of Disney store.  It has since been relocated to the Once Upon a Time store in the Marketplace at Disney Springs.

Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance (which I highly recommend!) and do require a valid accepted credit card at the time you book the appointment.  There are several package options to choose from, whether you are interested in the The Crown Package, The Courtyard Package or The Castle Package...the choice is up to you.  (prices range from $64.95 +tax to $199.95 + tax)  And for your aspiring Knights, the packages range in price from $19.95 +tax to $79.95 + tax.  I have seen many handsome young gentlemen at some of our favorite character dining spots that look extremely regal after having visited the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  So it is not just for young ladies.  Please note whether you are a knight or a princess, you must be between the ages of 3-12.

Upon check-in, Miss B was asked what Princess she would like to be (we purchased The Castle Package where the costume is included, however you are also free to bring a costume or special outfit from home).  As you may have guessed, she choose Ariel ~ her FAVORITE.  However the real decision was... is she going to dress as Mermaid Ariel or Ariel in her ball gown?? As you can see from the first picture, she chose to be a mermaid. (No surprise there!)  Next was to choose her hairstyle, which she choose the classic bun.  There are several options to pick from, even one with colored extensions for that extra bit of sparkle!  The Castle Package also comes with a crown and a wand, but we purchased the shoes as an extra add on.  Then we simply waited for her name to be called.  It wasn't soon after we sat down that we heard the words "Hear ye, hear ye ~ The Fairy Godmother invites Princess B to enter the Boutique!"  She even received her very own personalized invitation.  :)  

Once inside the salon, she was greeted by her very own Fairy Godmother-in-Training, Gladys.  She was absolutely wonderful!!!!  She led her over to a special door (aka dressing room) and explained to Miss B that there was something very special waiting for her inside but in order to open the door, she needed to say the magic words.  Any guesses on what those could be??  You guessed it, "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!" and magically the door unlocked to reveal Miss B's royal Ariel attire all laid out especially for her.  I will never forget the look on her face!   It was priceless!!

After a quick change into her new attire, it was on to the beauty chair ~ where the real magic began.  :)

First off, was her hair.  I just have to say after styling Miss B's long, thick hair all these years, this is no easy feat to accomplish.  But Gladys was truly a pro.  

She spoke with Miss B the entire time about Ariel, Flounder and all the wonders of the sea.  Telling her that Ariel comes to the boutique everyday with a special "Jellyfish Gel" especially made just for their salon.  It has to be special because once applied, that hair is going NOWHERE!  It says in that perfect little bun for DAYS, if you let it!!  lol!

As Gladys was working on styling Miss B's hair, her assistant came over to begin applying make-up and nail polish.  Talk about royal treatment!!

I just love her facial expression in this shot.  Inside I know she was beaming from ear to ear....I know I was & I wasn't the one being pampered from head to toe!

Then all that was left was for Gladys to put the finishing touches in her hair.  She did not stop til she got it absolutely perfect... crown and all!

They have these ingenious plastic face masks to cover their little faces as they spray more hairspray on top of Ariel's special gel.  Again... that hair did not move an inch, not even the slightest strand.  :)

Last but certainly not least, a special gem was added to Miss B's cheek and then Gladys brought out her special wand and sprinkled "Pixie Dust" all over her hair speaking the magical words "May all your dreams and wishes come true!"  (I'm not going to lie, I teared up just a little)

As if all this wasn't enough, each Princess also receives a special sash and cinch sack to take with them.  (Perfect to carry your change of clothes, make-up kit and nail polish in, I might add)

Again with the facial expression!  It's amazing, but some of these still come out every once in awhile even at the age of 9 (or almost 10, as I am now reminded daily).

After her beauty treatment was complete and Princess B stepped out of the chair, she was ushered over to sign the official Princess Guestbook.  Oh my gosh!  Once again Disney doesn't miss a thing!  Also, don't you just adore that little Hidden Mickey in the back of her bun!!!  LOVE IT!!

What an experience!!!  But it wasn't done yet!!  After we graciously thanked Gladys for her amazing work, we headed over to the nearby studio for Miss B's very own photography session!  

Back in 2012, this was included in The Castle Package.  It is now an add on.  If you have purchased the Memory Maker as part of your overall Vacation Package, this is included.  Otherwise, it is $32.95 + tax for 1 - 6" x 8" photo and 4- 4" x "6  photos in a special package.  (***Please note all these prices are subject to change at any time***)

Miss B .... my little model!

Overall, this has been to date, one of my favorite "fun little extras" that I talked about in the beginning.  Miss B had a blast doing it and I had a blast just watching her in awe of everything going on around her.  She still talks about the experience!  What made it even more special was when she got to meet Ariel at lunch later on that day all dolled up in her Mermaid costume.  Ariel was very impressed with her fins.  :)

So on that note, I will leave you on this Wednesday with the words of our Fairy Godmother-in-Training ... "May all your WISHES come true!"

XOXO

N