Category: Uncategorized

  • Port Canaveral Just Overtook Miami as the World’s Busiest Cruise Port—And the Numbers Are Staggering

    For decades, Miami has held the crown as the world’s busiest cruise port. But that reign just officially ended.

    According to Cruise Industry News, Port Canaveral has overtaken Miami with a record-breaking 8.6 million revenue passenger movements in fiscal year 2025. That is not only the highest number in the port’s history, but it also represents a massive 13 percent increase over the previous year.

    Miami came close with 8.56 million passengers, but Port Canaveral edged ahead to claim the title for the second time in its history.

    What This Means for Cruise Travelers

    If you are planning a cruise, this is actually great news. Port Canaveral’s rise to the top is not just about bragging rights. It reflects major investments in infrastructure, expanded terminal capacity, and a drive-to cruise model that makes embarkation easier for Central Florida travelers.

    Port CEO Capt. John Murray put it simply: “This milestone underscores our commitment to supporting our cruise partners’ business growth.” He added that the achievement reflects “our ongoing commitment and focused efforts to be the best port possible.”

    And the port is not slowing down. With six cruise terminals already operational and serving as the homeport for 18 ships across seven cruise brands, Port Canaveral is positioned to keep growing.

    Why Port Canaveral Is Winning

    The numbers tell the story, but the reasons behind them matter more. Port Canaveral has become a favorite embarkation point because it is convenient. Roughly 75 percent of passengers drive to the port rather than fly, which cuts down on the hassle and cost of air travel. For families heading to Disney or Universal before or after a cruise, the Central Florida location is ideal.

    The port has also attracted major cruise lines. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, arrived in August. Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises both launched operations from Port Canaveral for the first time last winter. More ships mean more itineraries, and more options for travelers.

    Looking ahead, Port Canaveral is investing $912 million over five years in terminal expansions, a seventh cruise terminal campus, additional parking, and new technology to streamline operations. That kind of commitment signals that the port is not just interested in being number one—it wants to stay there.

    The Battle Between Florida’s Cruise Giants

    The competition between Port Canaveral and Miami has always been fierce, but this year it came down to a razor-thin margin. Miami recorded an impressive 8.56 million passengers, but Port Canaveral’s 8.6 million gave it the edge.

    Both ports serve as major gateways to the Caribbean, but they cater to slightly different markets. Miami attracts a more international clientele and benefits from its proximity to South Florida’s tourism infrastructure. Port Canaveral, on the other hand, thrives on its drive-to appeal and its connection to Orlando’s theme parks.

    For travelers, this rivalry is a win. Both ports are investing heavily in improvements, expanding capacity, and attracting new cruise lines. That means more choices, better facilities, and potentially more competitive pricing as the cruise industry continues its post-pandemic boom.

    What Happens Next

    Port Canaveral’s record-breaking year is not an endpoint. It is a signal that the cruise industry is thriving and that Central Florida is cementing itself as the epicenter of the cruise world.

    If you have been on the fence about booking a cruise, now might be the time. With 18 ships calling Port Canaveral home and major cruise lines expanding their presence, there has never been a better selection of itineraries departing from Central Florida.

    And if Miami reclaims the title next year? Well, that just means both ports will keep pushing each other to be better—which is exactly what cruise travelers want.

  • Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ Propels Earnings Beyond Expectations

    Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ Propels Earnings Beyond Expectations

    Disney has recently reported a significant boost in its quarterly earnings, largely attributed to the blockbuster success of "Moana 2," which has surpassed $1 billion at the box office. (reuters.com)

    Financial Highlights

    • Revenue Growth: The company’s overall revenue increased by 5% to $24.69 billion.
    • Earnings Surge: Adjusted per-share earnings rose by 44% to $1.76, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations.

    Impact on Disney’s Divisions

    • Entertainment Unit: The success of "Moana 2" significantly boosted operating income within this segment.
    • Streaming Services: Disney+ and Hulu reported operating profits, though a slight decline in Disney+ subscribers is anticipated due to recent price adjustments.
    • Theme Parks: Domestic parks faced challenges from hurricanes and increased expenses related to the launch of the Disney Treasure cruise ship.

    Future Outlook

    Despite some hurdles, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for fiscal 2025 and anticipates increased operating income for its streaming division. (reuters.com)

    This robust performance underscores Disney’s ability to leverage its popular franchises to drive financial success across various business segments.

  • 6 Reasons to Work with a Travel Agent When Planning Your Next Disney Vacation

    6 Reasons to Work with a Travel Agent When Planning Your Next Disney Vacation

    If you’re considering a Disney vacation or have gone on one in recent years, you likely already know that it can be extremely overwhelming to plan. Advanced dining reservations, FastPasses, Dessert Parties, After Hours Events, and Holiday Events are just a handful of the many things you need to account for, and those are just for Walt Disney World. Many of these items need to be dealt with months in advance of your trip, and good planning can often mean the difference between a truly memorable vacation and a stressful mess.

    Luckily, there are many ways to ease the stress of planning a Disney vacation, one of which is working with an experienced travel agent. A good agent will help you with everything from deciding where to stay, to booking all your advanced reservations, and everything in between. And best of all, the service is free (as in no fee), and could even save you money. Read on to learn more.

    1. Knowledge

    All Disney travel agents have to successfully pass the Disney College of Knowledge (Disney’s course that ensures all of their agents are up to snuff), and have to be up-to-date each year on the new content. Disney is constantly changing or updating their parks, resorts, pricing, and policies, and a great travel agent will know that and help you plan a great trip around any changes.

    It would stink to book a reservation at your dream hotel, only to show up and find out the pool is closed for your entire visit, due to renovations. A travel agent will help you navigate the best time to visit based on your wants and needs.

    2. Free

    What most guests don’t realize is that my services as a travel agent are completely free. The prices I quote for you are the same prices you would find if you booked your trip on your own. Disney pays the agent’s commission, you pay nothing for the service.

    From a value standpoint it’s an absolute win-win for everyone involved. You get my expert help at no additional charge, I get compensated for my time and effort, and Disney gets a new customer that will be more likely to have a great experience.

    3. Savings

    Discounts are released periodically throughout the year and for various seasons. As a travel agent, I receive these notifications early in the morning and will spend my time on the phone or web trying to save you money if the discount applies to your trip. Even if you book a package prior to a discount being released, I can still apply the discount to your package, as long as your visit falls within the restrictions of that discount.

    Agents can spend up to 2 hours on hold for a discount that a lot of people are trying to get. You aren’t just saving money, but you are saving time. It is my job to spend those hours on hold, not yours.

    4. Books Dining and FastPass+ for you

    As I mentioned before, the thought of booking dining reservations 6 months before your trip seems overwhelming. ADRs – also known as Advanced Dining Reservations – are one of the most important details to Disney vacation planning for anyone looking for character dining experiences or signature dining. Dining reservations can be reserved 180 days in advance.

    As a travel agent I will be able to assist you with all of this. I can also book your dining reservations for you. If this is something you prefer to do on your own, you will certainly be able to, but most prefer to have their agent do it on their behalf.

    Not only do you have to make dining reservations, you have to make advanced FastPasses. I will explain the FastPass+ (FP+) process and can also book them for you. FastPass+ reservations are available to book online through your My Disney Experience account 60 days in advance for guests staying in Walt Disney World resort hotels. The FastPass+ system can be confusing as there is a tiered system in Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I will help you navigate this system and figure out which FP+ works best for your family.

    Interested in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, an After Hours event, Dessert Party or Holiday event? I can talk through these events with you and book them as well.

    5. Concierge Type Service

    Once your vacation is booked, the customer service does not end. As a travel agent, I can help with things like strollers or wheelchair rentals and Airport transfers. Need some help navigating the parks? No problem, I’ll help plan your park touring, giving you detailed layouts of the parks, and figuring out character locations. Finally, I’ve got your back for any special Birthday or Anniversary plans, Schedule Tee Times or Spa Services.

    6. Point of Contact during your trip

    When you arrive at Walt Disney World you may realize that you’ve forgotten your itinerary at home. I will be able to answer any calls or texts regarding your trip. Did you forget where you need to meet for your Dessert Party? Did the My Disney Experience app crash and you can’t remember what time your dinner at Cinderella’s Castle is? I will be available to get you that information, or any other info you may need while visiting Disney.

    Wrapping Up

    Hopefully this post has helped you learn a bit more about what it’s like to work with a Disney travel agent and why you might want to do so for your next vacation. Planning anything can be a drag, and my goal is ultimately to take the stress out so you can focus on having a great experience with your family or friends.

    If you’re ready to start booking your next Disney Parks vacation, Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney, or Aulani, please fill out this quick form and I’ll get back to you ASAP to get started.

  • 20 Things Every Savvy Walt Disney World Guest Packs in their Park Bag

    20 Things Every Savvy Walt Disney World Guest Packs in their Park Bag

    It can be overwhelming to think of what you may need for a day in one of the Disney parks. It is possible that you may be spending 12-14 hours touring, so it is important to pack a bag that will aide you in whatever your day throws at you. I have put together some of my essential items in this post.

    Touring


    1. You can’t go anywhere without your MagicBands, so make sure if you aren’t wearing them, that they are packed and readily accessible.
    2. Your ID as well as cash and credit cards. While it is very easy to pay with your MagicBand, make sure you have a back up payment method, in case the machine to accept MagicBand payment is down, or if the vendor only takes cash.
    3. Park Maps. If you are staying on Disney property the lobby of your hotel will have park maps for all of the Disney Parks. Grab one before you get to the park, so you have time to decide on your plan of action once you arrive.
    4. Autograph Books and Pens. If you or your children want autographs from their favorite characters, make sure that you’ve put these in your bags.

    Electronics


    5. Your phone! This is important, not just because of your access to your touring party, but because your My Disney Experience account has all the information regarding dining reservations, FastPasses, and more.
    6. Portable Charger. You are going to use your phone, a lot. From the My Disney Experience app to taking photos of all the cute things your kids are doing, the battery is sure to drain before you are ready to go back to your resort. Having a portable charger will make sure you aren’t left without a usable phone.

    Weather Related


    7. Sunscreen is a must. Even if you are visiting in January, the sun will be out and could be hot. Make sure you don’t get a sun burn at the most magical place on earth.
    8. Being outside a lot, you will want sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes from that midday sun.
    9. If you’ve ever visited Florida before, you know it can rain a lot, especially during the summer months. Grab a rain poncho from home or one in the parks, and make sure to pack it every morning before you leave.
    10. In case you get wet, due to the rain or a wet ride, pack an extra set of clothes or at the very least an extra pair of socks in your park bag.

    For Fun


    11. Pin Trading is something that many adults and kids participate in at Walt Disney World. If you are interested in trading, make sure to bring the pins you want to trade with you to the park.
    12. There are many penny presses throughout the different parks, all with different images. Make sure you bring loose change, including pennies, if you want to make unique pressed pennies.
    13. Want to keep your kids entertained while waiting for the night time shows? Pack a few small fun items for them to play with, like glow sticks or bubbles.

    Food and Beverage


    14. Snacks are so important, you never know how your day may go, so in order to avoid some hangry meltdowns, pack some snacks in your bag. You can also get the snacks delivered to your hotel room so you don’t have to cart them from home.
    15. Also bring a few bottles of water. Unless you have a cooler bag, I don’t recommend bringing more than a few bottles as they will get warm throughout the day, but a few to help you get through the morning will save you some money.
    16. If you are a gum chewer make sure to bring your own, as it is not sold at Disney Parks or Disney Resorts.
    17. Ziplock Bags are on of the most versatile items to have in your park bag. You can use them to take left overs from breakfast or lunch, or you can use them to put wet clothes in, so that those clothes don’t make your entire bag wet. I always keep a few of each size in my bag ready to go.

    Miscellaneous

    1. Hand Sanitizer is a great item to keep in your park bag, or you can get the ones that attach to a bag zipper.
    2. I carry wipes with me everywhere, not just at Disney World. They are great for wiping down messy tables and for wiping messes off your face or hands.
    3. Last, but not least — a mini first aid kit! I tend to bring loads of health and wellness stuff to Disney World in case one of us may get sick, but I don’t want to lug it all to the park. The most important for me are band-aids, pain reliever, and anti-itch cream/Neosporin. If I need something else while in the park I will go to the first aid stations, and they can help.

    Wrapping Up: Pack for the unexpected

    As you can see there are plenty of items to bring to the park, but they don’t take up a lot of space. What is your number one item to bring in your park bag? Drop them it the comments below. Or, until next time have a magical trip!

  • Tips on Getting Souvenirs Home from Walt Disney World

    Tips on Getting Souvenirs Home from Walt Disney World

    Going on a vacation to Walt Disney World is a lot of fun, but there tends to be a lot of souvenir buying, especially if you have children. And if your children are anything like mine they will want those large stuffed animals or large plastic figurines, or you may have collected one too many Disney mugs. So what can you do with all the stuff you bought, how can you make sure it gets home?

    In this post, we’ll outline some ways to make this process a bit less hectic and difficult.

    Bring an Extra Suitcase

    This may seem silly, but if you have room, pack an extra duffel bag or gym size bag in your suitcase. That way if you have any large items, or too many items, to fit in your suitcase, you have another option.

    Ship Home

    There are actually a few options when you are in the parks for how to ship souvenirs home. One of them is shipping to your home. You will need to fill out a form in the shop you purchased the item in, and then choose between express and ground shipping. In the case where an item doesn’t show up or arrives damaged, you can call Disney with all the information on the form and they will help you get your purchase, or help with a undamaged product.

    Shop the App

    In the My Disney Experience App, you can now shop some of the items that can only be found in the Parks. Not everything can be purchased via the app, so if you are curious, you can scan the item you are unsure about and the app will tell you if you can purchase it there, or if it is only available in parks, and that may help you decide.

    Wrapping Up

    You have more options at Walt Disney World on getting souvenirs home, then you do at most vacation destinations. Have you ever used Disney’s shipping services? If not, do you think you would want to? Let us know in the comments. Or, until next time, have a magical trip!

  • How to Use Resort Airline Check-In at Walt Disney World Resorts

    How to Use Resort Airline Check-In at Walt Disney World Resorts

    There is nothing fun about vacation coming to an end, especially a Walt Disney World vacation. If you stay on property at a Walt Disney World Resort, you may be able to take advantage of Resort Airline Check-In. This process makes saying good-bye a little less annoying.

    Goodbye, Walt Disney World

    Goodbye, Walt Disney World

    What is Resort Airline Check-In?

    Resort Airline Check-In is a complimentary service that allows you the ability to check-in for your departure, receive your boarding pass, and check your bags at your resort. This means when you get to the airport all you need to do is go through security.

    What do you need for Resort Airline Check-In?

    You will need a government issued identification or passport for each person traveling in your party.

    You need to check-in at least 3 hours prior to your flight. Keep in mind if your flight is delayed, the resort check-in time is not pushed back. If your flight was scheduled to leave at 10 am, you must check-in by 7 am, even if the flight is delayed until 12 pm.

    If you would get charged a fee for checked bags, you would also pay this at Resort Check-In.

    Who can use Resort Airline Check-In?

    Resort Airline Check-In is open from 5 am – 12 pm every day. If you have a 6 am flight, you will not be eligible for Resort Airline Check-In. Also if you have a later flight, say 8 pm, you need to make sure you check in before they close for the day at 12 pm.

    Participating Airlines

    Not every airline participates with this program, the following do:
    – Alaska Airlines
    – American Airlines
    – Delta Airlines, US Domestic Flights only
    – JetBlue Airways
    – Southwest Airlines
    – United Airlines

    All resorts participate in this program. The Resort Airline Check-in desk is usually near guest check-in and baggage desks.

    Wrapping Up

    Have you ever used Resort Airline Check-In? Did you find it made your departure day easier? Let us know in the comments below. Or, until next time, have a magical trip.

  • 7 Tips for Your First Trip to Walt Disney World with Children

    7 Tips for Your First Trip to Walt Disney World with Children

    Walt Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth, and for children, their first visit will likely be something they remember for their entire lives. But, as anyone with children knows, taking them on trips can be a stress inducing affair. Fear not though, there are several things you can do to make the whole experience more enjoyable for you and your children alike.

    Be prepared to plan

    The Walt Disney World you visited when you were a child is not the same Walt Disney World that you visit today. You have the opportunity to make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) 180 days before your trip and book FastPasses 60 days before your trip, if you are staying on property.

    While it is possible to dine and go on rides without these reservations, it will have you waiting around for more time than you may want. In effect, the days of showing up at the parks day of, without any advanced prep, and expecting to make good use of your time are over.

    A great travel agent can help you with these things if you feel too overwhelmed to do it yourself.

    Stay on property

    You may have to do the math on whether or not you can stay on property, but if it works for your family, it can make a world of difference. Not having to drive around, deal with local traffic, deal with giant parking lots, etc… That is a lot of time you can spend with your family at the park instead of trying to get to and from.

    There are also so many great themed resorts for kids, most of which are in the Value category. My favorite for little ones is The Art of Animation, but there are plenty to choose from.

    Make your plans around your childs schedule and interests

    Is your child a morning person or likes to stay up late? Try planning your touring schedule around their normal schedule. It may not be possible for your kids to go from rope drop to park closure one day or multiple days. So you may have to be strategic with how you plan your days. Also be mindful of not having a late night followed by an early morning.

    Has your child gone on roller coasters or thrill rides before? Then you may feel comfortable planning all their FastPasses for thrill rides. Does your little one love characters and interacting with them. You may plan to spend your free time waiting in line for character meet + greets. You know your child best, but again a skilled travel agent may be able to help you figure out which FastPasses to pick and how to set up your daily touring plans.

    Take it easy

    This sounds simple enough, but may be hard in practice. If you’ve been to Disney before you may remember that you end up walking 10-15 miles a day just touring the parks. That can be hard on an adult, let alone a child. Remember to take breaks, get plenty of water, and if needed go back to your hotel for some rest or pool time.

    Be prepared for things to not go your way

    There are many reasons things may not go your way. There could be lightning and rain that shuts down rides or shows. Your child could decide that he/she is too scared to meet a character and want to leave the line after spending lots of time waiting. While Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth, it doesn’t mean nothing bad happens.

    We all need to remember that it won’t hurt us if our plans change and to try to all go with the flow.

    Buy Memory Maker

    If you can afford it, memory maker is one of the best purchases you can make for your trip. With memory maker you get unlimited downloads of all your Disney photos and videos, select attraction and character dining photos, and magic shots. You have 30 days to download your photos, so keep that in mind.

    For me, I am usually the one taking the photos, so it is 100% worth the price to not have to worry about taking photos or making sure that I am in them. There are also many photo pass photographers throughout the parks to take your picture. If you buy at least 3 days in advance of your trip you save $30.

    Enjoy your visit

    It can seem like you spent almost a whole year, or more, planning your trip and you want everything to go perfectly. Try to just take every day as it comes and enjoy being at Walt Disney World with your family. There is nothing like the first time watching your child enjoying the magic at WDW.

    Wrapping up

    What is your number one tip to parents bringing their children to Walt Disney World for the first time? Let us know in the comments below. Or, until next time, have a magical trip.

  • WDW Rides with Air Condition: Magic Kingdom Edition

    WDW Rides with Air Condition: Magic Kingdom Edition

    We’ve previously covered why summer is the best time to visit Walt Disney World. If you do decide vo take our advice and hit the House of Mouse during those scorching summer months, one thing you’ll want to take full advantage of when available, is air conditioning. Knowing which rides and standby line feature AC might affect your plan of attack, and for some rides, might mean the difference between going for a FastPass or just using the standby line.

    Today we’ll be covering the AC situation at Magic Kingdom.

    Main Street, U.S.A

    Town Square Theater

    This is where you can meet Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell. There can be a bit of wait, mostly because it’s the first attraction you pass once you get into the park. The good news is that it is inside and air conditioned.

    Tomorrowland

    Space Mountain

    Normally we’d would suggest trying to get a FastPass for this ride, but in the event that you can’t, the normally long wait is inside and is air conditioned.

    Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

    Now this line isn’t air conditioned, but the ride is, and it is longer than most rides at Magic Kingdom, so you will be able to soak up some much needed cool air.

    Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

    Part of this queue is outside, but part is also inside and it is air conditioned. The ride is also a bit longer than others, more time to soak up that sweet cooled air.

    Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

    This is a show and not a ride, but it is inside and air conditioned.

    Fantasyland

    Mickey’s PhilharMagic

    This is an air-conditioned attraction and not an air-conditioned queue. Need to cool off and rest your feet? Take in this 12 minutes 3D movie musical starring many Disney characters.

    Liberty Square

    The Hall of Presidents

    Another great show. 22 minutes of air-conditioning while you learn about the Presidents of the United States of America.

    Frontierland

    Country Bear Jamboree

    This is another show that lets you take a break and get out of the heat. Relax and enjoy the entertainment of these animatronic bears for 16 minutes.

    Adventureland

    Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

    An animatronic show with exotic birds that sing, a Disney fan favorite. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the show and air conditioning!

    Wrapping Up

    The Florida heat can be unbearable at times, but with many attractions and queues to cool off in, it can be easy to manage. What is your favorite way to cool off in the heat? Let us know in the comments. Or, until next time, have a magical trip.

  • 10 Reasons to Stay on Property at Walt Disney World

    10 Reasons to Stay on Property at Walt Disney World

    If you’ve never booked a stay at a Walt Disney World resort property, you may be scared off by a serious case of sticker shock. Staying on property, as opposed to booking a nearby hotel, can seem prohibitively expensive. But, as you’ll find, there are many benefits to booking all aspects of your trip with Disney and once you read this post, you may decide that the price premium is in fact worth it.

    Wide Range of Hotel Options

    There are three main types of hotels at Walt Disney World. Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Hotels are the primary options. They all have pros and they vary for each person and family.

    Value Resorts

    Value Resorts are the lowest-priced, they are the farthest away from the parks of all the resorts. They are: All Star Music, All Star Movies, All Star Sports, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.

    The theming for these hotels is very bright, full of color, and great options for families with young children.

    Moderate Resorts

    Moderate Resorts are the mid-range resorts. The biggest difference between the value resorts and the moderate resorts is the size of the beds and the size of the rooms. The beds are typically queen beds, in most value resorts they are full sized. The rooms also typically sleep 5 instead of 4 and have about 60 square feet more than the values.

    The moderate resorts are: Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter, Port Orleans – Riverside, and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

    While the theming at these resorts is not as loud as they are at the value resorts, you have the option at two of the resorts for themed rooms. At Caribbean Beach you have Pirate rooms, and at Port Orleans Riverside you have the Royal rooms. These rooms tend to be the farthest from the main building, but for those who enjoy this theming, it will certainly be worth it.

    Deluxe Resorts

    It goes without saying that the Deluxe Resorts are the most expensive resorts on Disney property. However the perks of staying at a deluxe resort are amazing. Most of the Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance of one park, or have access to the monorail from the front of the resort.

    The Deluxe Resorts are: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and the Yacht Club Resort.

    Transportation

    If you are staying on Disney property you have the opportunity to take free transportation to and from the airport. The Magical Express will pick you up and drop you off, you just need to make sure that you reserve your spot.

    There is also free transportation from the resorts to all the parks and Disney Springs. This includes the busses, monorail, boats, and soon the gondola’s.

    Location

    Nothing beats being 15-20 minutes away from the parks, and many of the resorts are closer than that. If you are staying off-property you are either paying for a shuttle service that may not run as often as the Disney transportation or you may be paying out-of-pocket for ride sharing services. If you drive your own car, you may be paying more money for parking.

    If you have members of your party that needs a mid-day break, going back and forth to your off-property resort may be difficult.

    Dining Reservations

    Whether or not you are staying at a Disney Resort, you can make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) 180 days prior to your trip. Guests staying on property are able to make dining reservations at 180 days plus 10 additional days, which will cover most families entire trip.

    If you are staying off-site you can only make your dining reservations one day at a time.

    The ability to make reservations many days in advance is that the hard to get reservations; Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, ‘Ohana, etc…, give those staying on property an advantage to getting the days and times they want. Those staying off property may not get the day or time they want, or get the reservation at all.

    FastPass+

    FastPass is one of the most valuable pieces of anyone’s trip to Walt Disney World. Each guest has the ability to book three FastPasses a day. A FastPass is basically a ticket to go to the front of the line of a ride. If you are staying on Disney property you can book your FastPasses at 60 days prior to your trip, for the length of your trip. Like dining reservations, there are FastPasses that “sell out” faster than others. Rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, The Haunted Mansion, Soarin’, Flight of Passage, etc… can be hard to get if you don’t get them at the 60 day mark.

    If you stay off property you cannot make your FastPass reservations until 30 days out, and like the dining reservations, you have to make them one day at a time, and many of the highly sought after FastPasses are gone by then.

    Extra Magic Hours

    Extra Magic Hours is when different parks open one hour early or stay open one or two hours later than normal operating hours. Only guests who are registered at on property resorts can go on rides or visit attractions during these hours.

    MagicBands

    If you stay on site, you receive your MagicBand for free, of course you can buy one if you are staying off-site, but if you are trying to save money on extras, having the MagicBand for free is great. If you need to know how to use your MagicBand check out all that information here.

    Disney Dining Plan

    If you are staying on property you have the option to purchase a Disney Dining Plan. There are a few different dining plans, but what it does is it allows you to pre-purchase meals and snack to use at your leisure during the length of your stay.

    The Dining Plan is beneficial if you want the feeling of an inclusive vacation, but you need to do the math to see if it actually saves you money based on the dining reservations you have made. If you are staying off-site there is no option to purchase a dining plan.

    Room Charging

    Using your MagicBand to make charges at your resort, the parks, and shops can be incredibly useful. While not all the vendor carts take payment via MagicBands, almost everything else does. Keep in mind every resort has a maximum that you can charge before they run your credit card. You can also go to the front desk to pay off your bill prior to it being charged on your credit card.

    Resort Delivery

    If you end up buying lots of souvenirs, or your kids have lots of gift cards to spend, you aren’t going to want to cart those souvenirs throughout the park all day. If you are staying on property, you can have the packages delivered to the gift shop at your resort. Disney just have time guidelines, so make sure you are aware of those before utilizing this service.

    Bonus Tip

    Staying on property may not be possible, or you may have points to use at a Hotel chain. There are a few Disney and Disney Springs area hotels that you can stay at, that give you some of the same benefits that you would get if you stayed onsite.

    Wrapping Up

    Staying on Disney property is convenient, can be accessible for all budgets, and has many benefits. Have you ever stayed on-site? What is your favorite resort? Let us know in the comments below. Or, until next time, have a magical trip.

  • Why the Summer is a great time to visit Walt Disney World

    Why the Summer is a great time to visit Walt Disney World

    Summer used to be the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World. Everyone, my family included, would make the trek in the summer because it was convenient to school schedules. But times have changed, and what once was considered a time to avoid WDW due to the extreme crowds, might actually be a better time for your next trip.

    What are some of the factors that make summer more appealing for you?

    Nowadays the allure of things like Halloween or Christmas Parties, or the different festivals at Epcot have parents more willing to pull their kids out of school during the academic year. It is also more appealing to adults without children to head to Walt Disney World when most kids will be in school.

    Also, school breaks have varied over the years, but currently most schools in the Southern part of the United States start back to school in early August and have a break in October.

    All of the above factors coupled with the fact that some just don’t want to be in Florida during the hottest time of the year have made fall more crowded than summer.

    Promotions

    Disney does not offer random promotions. Many times promotions are offered to fill rooms. This is also why you will see that only certain resorts are able to be booked with a promotion.

    A lot of the promotions are free dining or a room discount. This may change once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open, but time will tell.

    Special Events

    There are many special events that are offered in the summer that may not be offered other times of the year, or that may be offered more frequently during the summer versus other times of the year.

    These are hard-ticketed events, meaning they are not included with the purchase of a park ticket. However most of these tickets allow early access into a park.

    The first is the Disney After Hours Events. They have these at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. There is also a new event running on select nights from June 6 – August 8, 2019, at Magic Kingdom that is a Villains After Hours event. These events are 3 hours long, and include little to no wait on many rides, some of the events include character meet and greets, as well as ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages.

    Another event is Early Morning Magic. This is held at Fantasy Land at Magic Kingdom and Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios.

    At the Magic Kingdom the event is from 7:30 am – 10:00 am, keep in mind the park will open at 9 am. You will be able to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, It’s a Small World, Under the Sea – Adventures of the Little Mermaid, Mad Tea Party, and the character meeting at Princess Fairytale Hall will be open. You also have until 10 am to eat breakfast, which is included in your ticket, at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

    At Hollywood Studios the event is also from 7:30 – 10:00 am, with the park opening at 9 am. You will be able to ride Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania, and you will have the opportunity to meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie. Breakfast is served until 10 am at a quick service location outside of Toy Story Land and will feature a continental breakfast buffet.

    The Water Parks are not open all year long, and in the summer there is a special event at Typhoon Lagoon called H2O Glow Nights. From late May to mid August this event is held on select nights. Held from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Hosted by Partysaurus Rex, from Toy Story, there are typically shorter waits for the rides, a DJ-hosted Dance Party, Toy Story experiences including meet and greet with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, food and beverages, and an adults-only entertainment area.

    Now when you come in late summer you have the ability to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It may seem crazy to go to a Halloween event in August, but for those of us who can’t go in October, it makes a late summer visit that much more desirable.

    Fewer Closures

    Most construction or refurbishments are done during the slower months, so you will find that most rides and attractions will be open during the summer months. That’s not to say nothing will be closed, but it is less likely that a routine update will be scheduled during the summer time.

    Longer Park Hours

    If there are more hours of daylight, then you can bet that the parks will be open later. This is beneficial for many types of park-goers. For those who want to get up late and stay up late. For those with (or without) children, who want to take a mid-day break. For those that want a morning at the park, but enough time in the evening to spend at their resort or Disney Springs.

    Wrapping Up

    Summer has become one of the best times to travel to Walt Disney World for a multitude of reasons. Do you like visiting in the summer or do you prefer another time of year? Leave a comment below. Or, until next time, have a magical trip.