Doing Disney World without the Kids

Walt Disney World is a fun place for adults to vacation without kids. Few friends believed me when I told them about our Walt Disney World vacation plans. Being there without kids is magical. Who knew that adults could have so much fun? The stories I returned gave my friends with a different sense of disbelief.

Leaving the kids behind
Hubby and I have dreamed about vacationing without there the kids for years. This fall we took the plunge and journeyed to the land of oranges, sun and Walt Disney World. The two of us loaded up the car and set off on our magical adults-only adventure.

Before leaving, our unhappy kids vocalized displeasure. Either or both of our kids would have ditched school in a heartbeat for a chance to go to Walt Disney World. Hubby and I explained to them that passing their college and graduate school mid-terms are an important part of becoming adults. Then, we kissed them goodbye and hit the gas pedal before they could fling themselves in front of the car.

Can adults enjoy Walt Disney World without the kids?
Yes! Our Walt Disney World vacation exceeded our expectations. As adults without the kids we could giggle with glee or wave when we saw the famous characters. No one rolled their eyes at the perceived 'uncoolness' of parents unabashedly having fun.

Vacationing with kids meant missing shows that we enjoyed. Not this time. As adults, we sat through the Hall of Presidents without being interrupted one time. This animated show in the Magic Kingdom covers all presidents since George Washington. It is interesting but not a show that youngsters or older children enjoy.

Magic Kingdom
Two Magic Kingdom holdovers from the earliest years of Walt Disney World took us back to our childhood. The Carousel of Progress is an animated show that covers many innovations throughout the past 100 years. The theater revolves around the platform and it is considered to be among the finest early works at Walt Disney World. It may not have the the bells and whistles that kids expect today,  but this mom and dad loved it.

For possibly the first time, we hit the gentle, open air People Mover in Tomorrowland without whining. Kids prefer roller coasters, but this is more my speed.

Epcot
Epcot at Walt Disney World is a world of cultural attractions for both adults and kids. We got a kick out of pavilions from countries like China, France, Mexico and Norway. Shows like the Voices of Liberty and the National Treasures Museum are geared toward adults. Kids will can have fun on the boat ride at the Mexico pavilion, Soarin, at The Land and other attractions. Of course, adults enjoy those attractions too.

Resort entertainment
We found other attractions at Walt Disney World that adults will enjoy. The pianist at the Grand Floridian Resort was spectacular. Adults can shop at the Contemporary Resort and enjoy dining at places like Boma, Les Chef des France or the Restaurant Marrakesh. Kids may enjoy these restaurants but probably not like we did as adults.

Transportation
As adults, we got to do something else at Walt Disney World that wouldn't have worked if the kids had been with us. We rode the monorail over and over again. After one loop, our kids usually started begging to hit a park. No problems with that this time.

Hubby and I also rode the Walt Disney World ferry from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom repeatedly just because we could. We didn't hear 'I'm bored' one time.

Downtown Disney
And of course, Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World is almost adults only. Downtown Disney comes alive after dark with entertainment, an Irish pub and eateries for adults. It's the perfect date spot so who would want to bring the kids along? Not us. Not this time. We won't bring them on our next vacation to Walt Disney World next time either.

Sorry kids.

Dining tips for Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma Flavors of Africa restaurant inside the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a popular Walt Disney World restaurant. It is known for African cuisine amid deluxe resort accommodations. Hubby and I had heard about the reputation of Boma. When we saw the restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan we immediately moved to reserve our table.

Walt Disney World Monorail

Secret dining tip
You don't need a park ticket to eat at Boma doesn't. Resort restaurants are open to the public. All you need is a reservation. The folks at 407-WDW-DINE can book a table or you can do it online.

Transportation tip - You can't get there from here.
There is something that I wish reservations (or someone at Disney) had told us. Disney does not offer direct transportation between any of the resorts. The problem is that no one tells you this.

Guests going from one resort to another should go to Downtown Disney first. Then guests can transfer to the bus that suits their needs. Getting to our Boma reservations on time was a close call. Be sure to allow at least an extra half hour for transportation.
 
Location
Once we finally arrived we couldn't help but be impressed with the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Imagineers at Walt Disney World designed to recreate an African Lodge. From the soda machines to the carved and polished walls the theme is carried throughout the resort. It is impossible to not be impressed.

Directional signs in the lobby make finding Boma easy. Take the lobby elevators to the ground floor and follow the sign to Boma. The hostess stand will give you a pager that will buzz when the table is ready.

Waiting
Disney suggests arriving at least 15 minutes early to claim the reservation. The pager signal reaches outdoors and to the gift shop. Waiting for a table inside the Boma restaurant is unnecessary.

Why wait there when you can possibly see the animals that graze outside of the lodge? The doorway leading outside to the Savannah overlook is next to the Boma entrance. Animal viewing there is best during the daytime but early evening may be good too.

If this isn't your style why not visit the second floor gift shop? Disney imports much of the merchandise from Africa. This gift shop is one of the best places to buy unique souvenirs at Walt Disney World. I was happy to find out that asking is all it takes to be directed to the clearance merchandise. This made shopping at the resort more affordable.

Ambience
Our pager vibrated before I could purchase much so we headed back to Boma. The crowded Disney restaurant was hard to navigate and our seats were initially disappointing. Alternative seating isn't possible in a full restaurant. Initial disappointment soon lifted.

We came to Boma at Walt Disney World for a different kind of dining experience and we got it. Drums are being pounded constantly near the front of the restaurant. Being seated farther away made conversation possible.

Food
Only a limited number of exotic dishes were on the buffet. Everyone can find something they like at Boma. African foods are served along with kid pleasing macaroni and cheese. Everything I tasted was excellent but I was hoping for more African Inspired dishes.

The lamb curry wasn't overly spicy and the African steak compares favorably to a high end steakhouse. I thought the nut crusted salmon had a light texture that worked well. My favorite dish at Boma was the fork tender Durban Chicken.
I was delighted to find the recipe at AllEars.Net and can't wait to try it at home. The Durban Chicken is is seasoned with a mixture of cinnamon, coriander and other spices. The result was mouthwatering delicious.

Salad bar options at Boma included tabboule, a couscous salad with raisins. There were three types hummus including white bean and the strongly flavored olive variety. Pita and pan bread were both available and Boma had a couple of native soups. The variety was flavorful if not expansive.

Desserts
One of the signature desserts at Boma is the Zebra domes. White puffs are drizzled with dark chocolate to resemble a zebra print. They are cute but the Kahlua and espresso makes them inappropriate for kids.

Kid-friendly choices include caramel cheesecake, chocolate cinnamon mousse and apricot tart. Adults will also enjoy them.

Prices
Walt Disney World doesn't do inexpensive meals. Dinner at Boma is $35.99 per person plus a suggested 18% tip. Our service was good but not stellar. The tip is high for a buffet but reasonable for servers who have to share with the rest of the staff.
Everything considered, the Animal Kingdom Lodge, food and ambiance put Boma at the top of my Walt Disney World repeat list.

Rack up Disney World savings during dead week

Our Disney World dead week vacation is around the corner. My family is heading to sunny Florida to meet friends and escape the cold weather. There are some great Walt Disney savings during dead week. Room rates and dining options are cheaper now than at other times of the year. This year, the drop in gas prices makes travel even more enticing.

Epcot 

So, what is dead week? Why are prices so low?

According to Pixiedust, the lowest attendance at Walt Disney World is during part of January and early February. We aren't just talking about off season here.

A dead week is a time when business is, well, dead. There are deals galore to be had. The calendar is peppered with these periods. Like many places, travel now to Walt Disney World means some of the lowest prices of the year.

A couple of discounted rate examples are:

• A tent or pop-up site at Disney's Fort Wilderness is $50 during dead week (per night, plus tax etc.) The same type of site is $107 during Christmas. 

• Dinner at Cape May Cafe ranges from $30 per adult during dead week. Dine there during peak season and expect to pay the maximum price of $59.99.

The total cost savings for one night and one meal for one person is $87. You get the famous Disney service, transportation and perks during dead week as in peak season. Our vacation becomes much more affordable when the prices are less than 50% of the peak season rates.  No way could we afford to go Walt Disney World during the peak season.

The great deals just make even more magical! My family is looking forward to mild temperatures and sunny skies. Now, all we have to do is pack the van and we'll be Florida bound.

How My 4 Day Walt Disney World Vacation Cost Less Than $1,000

My family had a 4 day Walt Disney World for less than $1,000 including the gasoline to get there. With round trip gas our total cost came to about $928. The cost per person came in at about $232 per person. It was enough that our family had to save up for it but not so much that the vacation was out of reach.

Here is our cost breakdown for the Walt Disney World vacation:
One day tickets at $79 each = $316
Campsite $44 per night = $132
Food $60 @ Park
Food $90
Paper products $10
In Park $20
Marrakesh $100
Gas $200
Total: $928

Our one day tickets to Walt Disney World one day, one park tickets cost us nothing but time. They were earned by volunteering for a full day with a nonprofit organization. I'm including the ticket price in the cost breakdown because our 'pay' for the day of service covered the ticket prices.

Choosing to drive instead of fly saved us a bundle. Instead of handing $450 to the airline we drove to Florida for less than half of that price. Driving eliminated the need for a rental car, enabled us to bring camping supplies and extra suitcases.

Here was the itinerary for our cheap Walt Disney World vacation. Our days were packed full. We never felt deprived.

Day 1:
Check in, and set up camp, rode the monorail and boat to the Magic Kingdom. Dinner was at the campsite.

Day 2:
We ate breakfast at the campsite before heading into EPCOT. For lunch, we had sandwiches from our backpacks. Dinner at the Marrakesh was the one big splurge that Hubby and I wanted to do. One of our daughters wound up coming with us. Later, Hubby and I had snacks at the China pavilion quick-service restaurant.

Day 3:
We had breakfast at the campsite and went for a walk around Fort Wilderness before heading to Downtown Disney. The group of us had dinner at Planet Hollywood. Then we went back to ride the monorail and have fun in Fort Wilderness.

Day 4:
Pack up and head home.

Utilizing the freebies drastically reduced our costs without reducing our fun. It would have been easy to spend another night or two to see more of the admission free attractions of Boardwalk Disney and Downtown Disney. So much to do, so little time!

Perks are another thing that made Fort Wilderness ideal for us. Since it's on WDW property you can use the free Walt Disney World transportation and park the car for free. Fort Wilderness has a nightly campfire sing-a-long and movie (weather permitting). Hiking trails, swimming and canoe rental are options that help make it even more fun.

Areas that were served by the monorail have no admission. You can ride it to the Contemporary Resort or get off at the other stops. It's a fun way to cool off or do some shopping.

My family has become crazy about camping. Fort Wilderness was the hands down choice on where to stay. A tent site was only $44 each night versus $78 for an on property budget resort. The site came with electricity, water and picnic table. Plus, it was close to an air conditioned convenience station.

Shopping for the trip began about 3 weeks before we left for the vacation. I clipped coupons to get the best deals on snacks and drinks. Meals were planned ahead of time and we watched the sales papers. These are all things that I would normally do. Our food costs turned out to be about the same on the trip as it would have been at home.

To further help control costs we picked up a couple of cases of water and flavoring packets. Cold cuts and other meats were purchased right before leaving for our cheap Walt Disney World vacation. A friend suggested freezing these items before packing the cooler. It's definitely a tip that I will use again.

Gas for the grill was picked up at Wal-Mart. Paper towels, plastic plates and utensils were picked up at the dollar store. The combined total came in at just under $10.

Walt Disney World is the only theme park I know of that lets you take food from home into the park. You can ask for free ice or ice water from any stand that sells fountain drinks. No purchase is required. Don't worry about being the only one asking for water or ice. You won't be. We couldn't help but notice lots of other people were doing the same thing.

Bringing our own food meant no waiting in line to eat. All we had to do was find a shady spot or bench and lunch was ready. Picnics on the way to and from Walt Disney World also helped control the cost.

This type of cheap Walt Disney World vacation may not be for everyone but it worked for us. We plan to do it all again soon.

Previously published: Yahoo Voices, 2008.

Disney World without tickets still magical

Being at Walt Disney World without tickets is still a magical experience. I had the opportunity to test the theory of doing Disney without tickets and had a great time.

Here is how we did it.

Dancers at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World offers lots of added perks for guests that stay in one of their resort properties. Staying on the property is the first step to the Disney magic. The trick is to choose well.

Packed for Walt Disney World

Hubby and I enjoy our Disney getaways. Deciding what to pack for a Walt Disney World vacation can be challenging. Vacationers have to plan for varying weather conditions, lines and snacks. Through the years, I have learned to pack differently for this vacation than I do for almost anywhere else.

When when deciding what to pack for Walt Disney World, layers of clothing is as important as sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. The weather can change wildly from morning to evening. It can be cool in the morning, hot by early afternoon and raining in the evening.

Some of the other things that I pack for Walt Disney World include

• Layered clothing
• Small tote bag
• A rain poncho
• Sunscreen wipes
• Refillable water bottle and flavoring packets
• Billfold with ID, a few $5.00 bills and debit card
• Small umbrella for rain or sunshine
• Snacks
• Camera 
• Plastic ziploc baggie

Everything goes into a small lightweight backpack. The water bottle and billfold with ID are probably the most important. You can buy everything else in the park if you forget something. 

Reusable bags are stronger than plastic bags from the shops. Foldable totes easilly fit into a bottom of the bag or backpack.

Rain ponchos aren't only for bad weather. A poncho can be spread onto a bench or seat to protect clothing or bare legs.

Wipes and pouches are perfect for reapplying sunscreen at Walt Disney World. They are small and easily tucked in between items in your purse or bag.

Take advantage of free water at Disney with a refillable water bottle. Wide mouth bottles work the best for ice water from concession stands. Try the new foldable bottles if you only want to take advantage of fountains and faucets.

A large ziploc bag can protect a camera in a rainstorm or be used for other items.

This is what I pack for Disney to take him to the park. It makes life easier to have these things. Plus they are lightweight and easy to carry.

Hopefully this will help you with what to pack for Disney. I hope you had a good time at the park and may even can see you there

Disney packages with free dining plan being offered now

Good news! Walt Disney World packages that include a free dining plan are being offered now. All you have to do is book your travel now for select off-season dates later in the year. I checked and there are travel dates in the fall and through until just after mid-December. 

Hubby and I always try to book our Disney vacations when this promotion is available.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise?

I've had a lot of great experiences at Walt Disney World but a Disney Cruise is still on my bucket list. Hubby and I originally had plans for an anniversary cruise in April.  However; recent medical issues have pushed our date for the Disney Cruise back a few months. It's disappointing but it also gives me more time to plan and to get the best travel deal.

We've never done this before so our travel agent suggested a three night adventure. I'm not sure which itinerary to pick. The two that we're interested in the most are...

Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween party tips and observations

My husband and I were at Walt Disney World during Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween party. We were blown away by the intricate detail on the costumes. It was hard to tell guests from cast members sometimes. Everyone emulated their favorite Disney cast members. Pirates and princesses were well represented. One particular Cinderella and her Prince Charming could easily have been cast on a film set.

Cinderella Castle

Not everyone at Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween party were fully decked out. Many of the kids were dressed in gift shop and Wal-Mart costumes and some adults were too. Masks weren't allowed but that didn't diminish the delight on the kids faces that we saw. Some of the kids were on such an adrenaline rush that parents were going to have an interesting time getting to bed.

Almost everyone seemed to be heading to the Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween event. The bus lines from our resort were pretty long. Fortunately, Walt Disney World had the transportation cranked up to minimize the wait. Several bus loads of guests were whisked away to the Magic Kingdom before we were picked up for Epcot.

There are a few things that we observed that may help:

Fun things to do on a rainy vacation

My husband will be the first to tell you that not everything goes smoothly on vacation. We learned this our  first time out as a couple. He and I planned and planned for our beachfront honeymoon. I packed an extra swimsuit, suntan lotion and we both brought a couple of great books. Then, the unthinkable happened. It rained.

This could have had an unhappy ending but we were determined to make it work. We scouted around and came up with ways that still let us enjoy our rainy vacation. Whenever a rainy vacation strikes there are a few things that we always do:

WDW just before the rain.

Pack a poncho and a sense of humor.
I know it sounds crazy. Really though. What else can you do? I got smacked upside the head with this idea at Walt Disney World. Even the most magical place on earth isn't immune from gully washing thunderstorms.

When the rain began I quickly donned my poncho, abandoned the family to their fun and zipped to the exit. My plan was to get to the campsite and cover the tent before everything became soaked. Did the plan work? No!

The buses were running late and it took me forever to back get to the campground. By the time that I got there you could go fishing inside our tent. Insult was added to the pride injury when the rest of the family showed up about the same time that I did.

What could we do? Wash and dry everything. Dry out and laugh it off the next morning.

Rain in Alaska

 Go around the flow.
It always seems to rain when we visit a national park for the first time. This happened at Shenandoah, Cades Cove, Glacier and even in Denali. This great shot was taken in Alaska. See those dots on the camera lens? You guessed it. A rainy vacation hit us again.

 Sometimes flooding can occur. It's important to know where and how to get around it. We use extra care when vacationing in the rain. It's important to use radios, watch for park rangers and pay attention to the road conditions.

Raining again at Logan Pass

Scout around for indoor activities in advance.
A rainy vacation is perfect for seeing a visitor center, window shopping at the mall. You're probably going to pick up a souvenir anyway. Going shopping when it rains means you won't lose any vacation fun. In fact, you'll be creating it!

Museums, shows, art galleries, movies are all great indoor activities. They may not be your first choice on some vacations but make good fill-ins for rainy days.

Carver's Gap and more rain.

Go ahead and go to the pool or beach.
As long as it's not storming why not head on out? If figure if I'm going to get wet anyway, then a little rain won't matter. Toss your towel cover up into a plastic bag or extra large zip bag if you brought one. They'll be nice and dry for your mad dash to the door.

Stay inside and read a book.
A rainy vacation can be a relaxing getaway. Stay inside, read a book or surf the internet. Make your rainy day a little special by using room service or ordering delivery. You'll be rejuvenated and ready to go when the sun comes out! Just don't forget to apply sunscreen as you go out the door.

How to get to Disney from Megabus in Orlando

We have just found out that getting to Walt Disney World from the Megabus stop in Orlando is about to get easier! Beginning July 1, 2012, the new stop will be directly inside the LYNX station. Skip on down to "From Lynx to WDW" below for information on getting to WDW from the current Megabus stop or the new one.

To find out how far the downtown Megabus stop is from Orlando transportation (LYNX) I contacted the Travel Orlando; The official source for Orlando Travel Planning. The travel bureau has an online chat that was partially helpful. The following is a cut and paste of my conversation from May 23, 2012.

5 Reasons to have a Disney World honeymoon

Here are five reasons that newlyweds should choose a Disney World honeymoon. My couple and family has spent a lot of time planning (and replanning) a rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. A Disney World hondeymoon might be the perfect getaway.

I have talked about it with my daughter and do not know what she and her fiance will decide. Wedding planning has been a fluid process and some details are still in flux. There is no telling where the honeymoon will be. Here are five reasons to have a Disney honeymoon that would make my list. Hopefully she will consider the most magical place on earth.

1. Park diversity at Disney is unequaled. Magic Kingdom is a blend of the future and fantasy. Epcot is an international atmosphere with global flavors. Animal Kingdom has a safari that would be fun to do on a honeymoon. Then there is a park that offers everything Hollywood plus two great Disney water parks.

2. Every detail is designed to be larger than life. Cinderella's castle, the signature tree in the Animal Kingdom, Soarin at Epcot are each part of the over-the-top Disney experiences that make for a dazzling honeymoon experience.

3. Newlyweds can relax without worrying about theme park sticker shock. Vacations have to be prepaid and a meal plan can be included. Nothing is left to do except purchase souvenirs or photos. Worry about paying for anything is removed.

4. Disney honeymoon hats should be purchased and newlyweds should receive a free honeymoon celebration button. Romance is in the air, the food, magic and closing shows. Read these links about what happened at the Disney Crystal Palace and at Downtown Disney during our anniversary celebration. I thought the closing shows at Epcot and Wishes in the Magic Kingdom were especially romantic.

5. Park the car and leave it for the full honeymoon. Disney transportation can take you anywhere on the park grounds that you want to go (and a few places off of the grounds.) There are tons of reasons for newlyweds to have a Disney honeymoon. These are only five. What reasons can you think of?

Hotel at Orlando Megabus stop to close for renovations

I just got word today that the Econo Lodge at the Orlando Megabus stop is to soon close for renovations. A random search on the Choice Hotels website shows that the Econo Lodge to be unavailable as of at least May 25. The front desk clerk that I spoke with said that the upgrade is expected to take six months to complete.

The news caused me some anxiety about my next Disney vacation.

The clerk did console me with the news that a Comfort Inn is on International Drive about a half-mile away. He said that it runs shuttles to the parks and features several amenities. I'm not sure that I want to wait for a cab in an empty parking lot though.

Megabus does operate a second stop in downtown Orlando. Getting to Disney from there will require a cab so I called Mears Transportation for a quote. It's a little pricey. The operator estimated 23 miles. I got one-way quote of $70 - $74 to go from Church Street and Garland, over to the Pop Century Resort on Disney property. 

Ouch! It cost under $200 for me to drive from Chattanooga to Pop Century last fall. I sure hope that Megabus can work something out at another hotel. Bus stops are often in flux with this line. Always check the details before booking or leaving.

Here's my older post about the hotel location Megabus Orlando, Florida stop has relocated

Anniversary touches at the Walt Disney World Crystal Palace

The special anniversary touches at the Walt Disney World Crystal Palace restaurant were among the most romantic of our trip. Despite our anniversary buttons, I did not expect any special touches at the Crystal Palace. Boy was I wrong! Dinner at the Crystal Palace is always a delight but our anniversary made it even better. 

The first touch was a confetti heart that was spread upon our table at the Crystal Palace. My heart melted when I saw it. This would have been enough to make the evening special. However; the Disney staff made sure that it wasn't the last of the anniversary magic.

Hubby and our confetti heart
 at the Crystal Palace.

You can find the Crystal Palace buffet restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. It is tucked between Adventureland and Main Street. The decor there reminds me of the Grand Floridian hotel. A wide porch greets guests (more about that in a minute). Inside there are extra tall ceilings, white lights and silk plants and table linens instead of cloth. And yes, the Disney Dining Plan is accepted here for one credit.

Pooh and other Hundred Acre Wood characters stop by each table as they bounce through the restaurant. Their antics at the Crystal Palace made our anniversary dinner one to remember. 

The people who play these characters really love their jobs! They really hammed it up for the character by pointing to our anniversary buttons, patting us on the back and giving thumbs up. We even got extra bouncing from Tigger. 

Oops! I almost forgot to mention the delicious food. Dinner included salads, soups, mussels, clams, prime rib, shrimp, pork, salmon and lots of veggies. Make sure to try the Moroccan couscous salad and the prime rib. They are both delicious! The Crystal Palace also serves breakfast and lunch. More on that, here.  

Kids have their own buffet at this Disney restaurant. It's shorter to the ground and easier to reach. Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, corn and even PBJ were on the menu. If you really, really want to try something the Crystal Palace staff will let you. However; the kids might not be so ready to share.

The side porch of the Crystal Palace is a fairly good place to see part of the Disney Wishes show. The porch is lined with benches but it is a little crowed during Wishes. The view isn't unobstructed but if you time it right, you can see parts of the Disney Wishes extravaganza while you wait for a table. 

Our anniversary magic wasn't over until the end of the meal. Staff at the Crystal Palace brought us an adorable Happy Anniversary card. Inside was the autograph of each character that we had seen. It was the crowing Disney touch to our celebration meal.

Walt Disney World free buttons make celebrations special

Where to find Walt Disney World packages

What not to bring on a Disney World vacation

When our previous Disney World vacation came up today it made Hubby want to dash out and load up the car. In his eyes, the most magical place on earth is the most fun. Figuring out what to bring the first time we went wasn't too difficult. Figuring out what not to bring on a Disney World vacation took a little longer.

It pays to think small. Supersized items are heavy and dealing with them becomes a problem. As a general rule, if it is big and bulky do not bring it to Disney World. A vacation is about fun not becoming a pack mule by carrying stuff that you won't need. Here are a few items that you don't need at Walt Disney World. Leave them at home (or in your room) for a better vacation.

Big coolers

Nope. Nada. No way. Do not bring a pull-along chest on your Disney World vacation. Not only are large coolers not allowed but they are a pain for everyone. Small coolers are okay in the parks. An insulated bag with a sandwich and frozen bottle of water works well for my family.

Large umbrellas

This is near the top of the list of what not to bring on a Disney World vacation. They aren't allowed at most sporting events because they get in the way. Instead, use a rain poncho or (if you are concerned about shade) carry a lightweight compact umbrella.

Glass

Security will confiscate bottles and containers that are made from glass. The only exception to this rule is baby food. Save yourself some grief. Glass is a item not to bring on a Disney World vacation. Use plastic containers or baggies.

Chairs

I know that the lines can get to you. These are also against the rules. Besides, what are you going to do with it during a show or while you are on a ride? Although it is tempting to bring a chair on a Disney World vacation, don't try it.

Big tubes of sunscreen

Okay, don't not bring sunscreen to Disney World. Just do not bring it into the park. They really add weight to a backpack. Bring a small tube into the park and leave the big one in the room.

5 Cheap things to do at Walt Disney World

Why we used a Walt Disney World Dining Plan

Walt Disney World free buttons make celebrations special

How to make a Walt Disney World vacation budget

Everyone is thinking about budgeting these days. Proof of this is that I was just asked how to create a Walt Disney World vacation budget. Once you know what categories to use, creating a spending plan for travel purposes isn't complicated. It has been easier to create a Walt Disney World vacation budget than for most of the vacations that my family has taken.

The categories are usually:

Total spending amount

Tickets

Lodging

Food

Travel (gas or plane)

Toiletries

Personal expenses

What is the total amount that you want to spend?

After choosing the travel dates the next thing is to decide the full amount that you want to spend on your Disney World vacation This will inform the rest of your decisions. (Read this first, then go to the bottom of the page for a link to cheap things to do at WDW.)

Packages and tickets

Check the Disney website to see what accommodations and packages are available. Even though it is a higher cost category, you may be surprised at what fits into the Walt Disney World vacation budget. Look for packages with free dining. Don't forget that discounted tickets may be available from AAA so check there too.

Lodging

My preference is to stay on the park grounds in either the campground or a value resort. I have found that park rooms don't always lower my Walt Disney World vacation budget. However; I do have friends that swear by off park lodging.

Walt Disney World package includes free dining

One of Hubby's most favorite places on earth is Epcot. The Walt Disney World free dining plan helps make the vacation more affordable. I also like it because everything has to be paid in full 45 days before the trip. Knowing that everything is paid for before arriving at Walt Disney World removes much of the stress. There is no need to watch every penny when you are in the theme park.

I just checked and Walt Disney World has the offer available now when you book a 5 night/6 day Walt Disney World package. Book by May 18 for most arrival dates between August 25 to September 29, 2012. Most of the restaurants in the park and some at Downtown Disney participate.

Two different plans are available.

The Walt Disney Dining Plan is offered for non-discounted rooms at any moderate or deluxe resort or villas. This is the plan that Hubby and I prefer to book. At the end of the day, we enjoy a quiet and relaxing sit down dinner. This plan comes with a snack, quick service meal and a table service meal per person, per day.

However, we visit as a couple and not as a family. When our kids were with us our wants and needs were completely different. Lunch, dinner and snacks were an 'eat and run' variety. Walt Disney World offers the Quick Service Dining Plan for customers who stay at any of the value resorts.  It includes two quick service meals and one snack per day. (Use the above link for details on both plans.)

Quick service meals are the Walt Disney World version of fast food. This doesn't mean that the meals aren't healthy. Each of the restaurants that we have tried have included salads and lighter options on each menu   I think that this the best option in the world for families who may not want a table service experience. It might also be idea for youth groups or college students at Walt Disney World.

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5 cheap things to do at the parks

Our St Patrick's Day trip to Downtown Disney

Did you know that Downtown Disney has a huge St Patrick's Day every year? We read about it a few years ago and then got to find out about it firsthand when we booked a Disney World vacation package. Our daughter was going on a field trip and we wanted to be close by. The theme parks are always a great vacation option for kids. Just know that Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney can be a little intense St. Patrick's Day.

That's when the explodes in shades of green. Pants, shirts, funny hats and beads were prominent throughout Pleasure Island. Except for the kids we were with, most of the St. Patrick's Day crowd was made up of adults. Double check about dressing for an event if you book your Disney World vacation package over a holiday. Most of the adults on this holiday were wearing casual date clothes. I don't remember seeing many short-shorts in the area.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant is a key spot for the St. Patrick's Day celebration. It's part of Pleasure Island. This year, the restaurant is sharing an appetizer recipe that comes directly from their tasty menu. Enjoy this treat at home if you can't book a Disney World Vacation package this year.

Everyone was in the mood to celebrate when we were there. The crowds were happy. It also helps that the fun is spread over a few days. Although the peak period is the special day itself so you'll want to include that date in your Disney World vacation package.. Irish dancers and authentic cuisine, music, face painting,stilt walker and more are all part of the celebration.

Even though Downtown Disney has no admission I still suggest booking a Disney World vacation package. Staying in one of the resorts gives you easy access to transportation. Those shuttles can be invaluable after a night of partying!

Of course, another reason for booking a Disney World vacation package is for the theme park tickets and other parks. We enjoyed our visit during St. Patrick's Day. However; the adventure was made even more special by visiting the parks over the next couple of days. It's on my ever-increasing list of things to do again.

My eco-tourism impression
Free buttons make a Disney vacation package extra special

New page on Disney World getaways

You asked, I listened. Don't be shocked. It happens occasionally. This time, I've written a page about vacation packages for Walt Disney World. A lot of you have been asking about what is included and how to book one. So, this page is for you.




The page includes information on what can be included in a package. It also gives a general overview of the Walt Disney World theme parks which some of you have asked about. Since each park has a different focus, booking the right one for your needs can be a challenge.

Packages for Walt Disney World can be booked online at various sellers or through Disney. Buyers can phone 407.WDisney or use a travel agent.

There are a couple of reasons why I think that Walt Disney World offers a good value. One is that you don't pay the same price each day for a ticket. After the first day the price drops and continues to do so.

Another reason is that vacation packages at Walt Disney World are all-inclusive. Our last vacation included tickets, a room on the grounds at a value resort, two meals a day and a snack. We also caught one of the packages at Walt Disney World that included free meals - talk about adding value to the vacation! These are offered a few times a year. I try to post here as I find out about their availability.

In the meantime, check out the new page about packages at Walt Disney World. Keep letting me know what you think and what you like to see covered here. I really do listen. Wishing you happy travels.

You need a Disney travel agent; Here are three reasons why

I love getting questions from my blog readers so please keep them coming! Yesterday, I was asked if you need a Disney travel agent. In my opinion, the answer is yes. The AAA agent that we use has been invaluable. Here are three reasons why you need a Disney travel agent.

Get your questions answered.

Booking the vacation can be confusing. You may find that you have more questions than you can get answered. Can you find cheap Disney packages? Should you stay on the property? How do you get a refrigerator? You need a Disney travel agent so you can get those answers.

Insight

Our Disney travel agent gave us tips that made the vacation even more fun. She was able to tell us about Wishes in the Magic Kingdom and gave us lots of information. Without her, we would never have known about the 'magical' anniversary buttons.

Someone to call, if something goes wrong

You need a Disney travel agent in case something goes wrong. We found out how helpful a Disney travel agent could be when it looked like illness would force us home early from vacation. A lot of money went into booking the vacation and we didn't want to lose it. I called our travel agent and asked what to do if that happened.

When I called our Disney travel agent she said not to worry. If we had to leave she was willing to rebook the vacation based on dates that I gave her. She also said that she would take care of making reservations for the trip home and would help us file with the trip insurance.

So yes, you do need a Disney travel agent. It doesn't cost anything and they can be a huge help. Ours gave us peace of mind so we could be unchaperoned adults at the Magic Kingdom.

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