Disney Fanatics

This is a portion of my blog that is dedicated to all “FIRST TIMERS”. I know that going to Disney or even deciding to go to Disney World Is an overwhelming experience! So here is where you can ask questions and read up on all my advice. I am a travel agent so I know all the tricks and secrets to making your FIRST TIME to Disney World the best experience.  This is my son Mason on his first visit to Disney World!

DISNEY WORLD IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS 

One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is thinking that Disney World is just for kids.  convincing  my Husband  of this was no easy feat! Most of the time I would say let someone experience it and figured it out on their own but these feelings can have an effect on the whole trip, especially the drive down there…

So I have come up with major points in winning the argument with your spouse!

1. Disney World has adult options..you have to plan them!
   When I go with my Husband we always have a night out. We use the child care options Disney World provides.  There are several day/night care centers you can use. I always use the Neverland Club (mainly because of location but Mason also LOVES Peter Pan).  All Daycare centers are about 12 dollars an hour, a minimum of two hours is required. If you need help setting this up let me know.
   After we drop Mason off at the Neverland Club we head to Disney’s Board Walk.  We eat dinner and then head to the Atlantic Dance Hall. This is a 21 or older club where you can dance and have fun. There is also another club named Jelly Rolls which is a jazzy type feel.
   Downtown Disney has many “grown up” restaurants and bars.
2. Epcot and Hollywood Studios  
   Although each theme park has “adult” rides Epcot and Hollywood Studios has a little more to offer than Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.  I love going around the world at Epcot, you can also Drink around the world. For one price you can have a drink in each country. There is also a food and wine festival once a year. Hollywood Studios takes not only classic Disney movies and brings them to life but other classic movies your ‘adult” might remember. There are also two big kid rides (of course my five-year old Mason loves both) Tower or Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Over all, yes Disney World is made with Kids in mind but it really is for all ages.  Disney is known for pleasing everyone and they do a good job. So for all you First-Timer’s keep an open mind and enjoy everything Disney has to offer.

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“First Timers” Series: Part Two Understanding Disney Transportation 

Good morning Disney Fanatics! I remember the first couple times my family went to Disney would we would lose HOURS getting lost and wasting time sitting at bus stops because we didn’t understand how the system worked. Disney World offers free Transportation to all Resorts, Theme Parks, and Downtown Disney Area.  The idea is you park once and don’t get back into your car until you check out. It really saves on money and if you know the system, time!
To help you master the Disney Transportation system I have a few pointers:

Bus

• The biggest thing to remember, repeat after me:  Resort buses go to PARKS only; You can not go from Resort to Resort using a bus. When you leave from your hotel you can only go to a park. That being said you CAN go from park to park.
• If you want to be at Magic Kingdom when it opens (usually 9 am) be outside your resort waiting in the Magic Kingdom bus line at 8:30am. Give yourself a 30 minute window if you are traveling by bus.

Monorails 

• There are two monorails at Walt Disney World.  I call them the Magic Kingdom Monorail and the Epcot Monorail.
• The MK monorail makes a loop around three resort hotels, Magic kingdom, and the transportation and ticket center.  If you are staying in the Contemporary  Polynesian  or the Grand Floridian Resorts the Monorail is the best way to get to Magic Kingdom or Epcot. 
• The Epcot Monorail has two stops; Epcot and Transportation and Ticket Center. You can access this monorail right outside of the Magic Kingdom.

Boats

•  Boats travel from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney Area. If your resort offers boat transportation you can pick between that and the bus. I usually use the bus but find what works for you
• Magic Kingdom Park boats board from the following places: Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort,  and the Wilderness Lodge.
• Ferryboats go to and from Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
• Epcot and Hollywood Studios’ boats board from the following places: Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club Resorts, Yacht Club,  and Swan and Dolphin hotel.
• Downtown Disney Area boats board from the following places: Port Orleans Resort, Old Key West, and Saratogoa  Springs Resorts & spa.

I know it is all overwhelming but it will make more sense when you arrive  If you have any questions please let me know. I am also a Travel Agent so if you need my help in any way please contact me.

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My Disney MUST DO’s for the First-Timer! 

As part of my first timers series I’ve been getting a lot of questions about what everyone HAS to do the first time. I could write for hours on this topic but I will try to keep it short! I tried to keep all ages in mind! Of course I can’t include everything so if you have further questions or need help planning, feel free to e-mail me: kristina.flanagan12013@yahoo.com

My must do’s at Magic Kingdom:

1. The Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Parade is awesome for all ages. This is not like other parades, it is interactive. I won’t say much because it should be a surprise but just make sure you have your dancing shoes on!
2. Mickey’s PhilharMagic  this a a 4-D show like no other. It truly is magical and will have children and adults  amazed. When I take people to Disney for the first time this is always one of their favorites.
3. Splash Mountain is my favorite ride at Magic Kingdom. My five year old loves it but he is not scared of anything.  It can be kind of scary for young children if they are scared of the dark.
4. Mad Tea Party is seen in almost every Disney ad! This ride is iconic and I would never go to Disney without riding it!

Magic Kingdom has rides for all ages but if you have teens or older people , unless you are like me and like riding kids rides, I would spend a day and a half here.

My must do’s at Hollywood Studios:

1. Fantasmic!  in my opinion this is one of the best shows at Walt Disney World! This show goes into the imagination of Mickey Mouse. He fights the villains and it also showcases almost every Disney Character. Again, I do not want to say much because it should be a surprise! It is show twice usually at 8:30 then 10:00. You can reserve seats (which cost money) OR you can wait in line. I would be their an hour early. Also do not sit to close, i’v found the middle to be the best.
2. Tower of Terror & Rock “n” Roller Coaster i’ve put these together for two reason, they are close by in the park and they are both extreme thrill rides. If you are a twilight or aerosmith fan this is a MUST do!
3. The Great Movie Ride this ride has mixed reviews but I love it! It will take you through all the greatest movies and beyond. It brings them to life, but like all things Disney there are always surprise around the corner.

Hollywood Studios is a place where movie lovers unite. There are a lot of shows and street shows, you never know what you will see. Of course you will see Disney Magic 🙂

My Must do’s at Epcot:

1.  The World ShowCase is my number one at Epcot because every time I go I HAVE to walk around the world. It is a beautiful 11 country circle.  You can engage in the culture and food of that country! I like to talk to to workers because they are usual natives of the country on an internship with Disney. This is a must see.
2. The Character Spot is a place where you can meet Mickey and all his friends. I always go and have my picture taken. I like this spot because it usually has less lines…but you still have to wait a little while but its worth it!
3. Test Track is my favorite thrill ride at Epcot (there is only two of them :-)). In this ride you are the crash test dummy in a new car. Hold on tight there is something always around the corner!

I go to Epcot mostly for the World Showcase. My five year old Mason does not enjoy this park as much as the others. It is fun for adults to go around and explore but if this is your first time I would not plan on spending  a lot of time here with children. It is a fun date night, drop the kids off at the NEVERLAND club and go for it!

My Must Do’s at Animal Kingdom

1.  Expedition Everest is a roller coaster that has a few surprises in it! Please be aware that there is a height requirement, Mason could go on tower of terror but not Everest! Waiting for this ride is half the fun, if you are a nerd like me.
2. It’s Tough to be a Bug! I cannot STAND this ride. I wanted to put it on my list though because everyone else loves it! Its a 3-d show. If you hate bugs like me, do not go on this ride!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris’ is a ride and a tour! It brings you so close to the wildlife. It is a must see even if you think you don’t have time, MAKE TIME! My suggestion is you get there first thing AK opens and rush to the back. The animals are out so don’t waste time. It really is a once in a lifetime experience.

Animal is a zoo with rides! Who doesn’t love that? It is shady so if you are traveling with babies or the elderly this is a place you can find Disney magic and stay cool!!!

Of course, my list could go on for days but for now these are my must-do’s at Disney! IF you have any questions feel free to contact me I am a Disney Travel Agent 🙂

 

 

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Disney Planner’s for the FIRST TIMER! 

OK First timers here is another addition to help you achieve the PERFECT Disney Vacation. I’ve come up with the perfect planners to make sure you don’t forget anything! If you e-mail me at: kristina.flanagan12013@yahoo.com i’ll send you the planners so you can print a copy at home!

A Year Before Trip 

This is when you need to start thinking of a date, number of days, and the biggest BUDGET. Disney can be expensive so you need to figure out how and how much you are going to pay. I can help with that if need be since I’m a Disney Travel Agent :-). You need to sit down with the people going and discuss what kind of trip you want. A non-stop full-blown Disney trip with four or more park days, or maybe  a relaxing luxury vacation with three or less park days. If you book through me you can pay off as you go (example: Your trip is June 1-7 2014 You can start paying your trip balance now!). This really is the easiest option for people like me who like to enjoy luxury but can’t afford it at moment’s notice.

Six Months before Trip 

HALFWAY THERE you need to have a good part of your tip planned out! I use daily planners which again if you e-mail me I can send you the planners. If I’m going to Magic Kingdom I look at the parade schedules, and map to decide what I want to do and when I want to do it. I have a few trips up my sleeve when it comes to planning park days. If you need help please contact me! One of my tricks for Magic Kingdom is to get there around 10 ( I know the park opens at 9) but if you go at 10 the crowd from 9am, and believe me there will be a crowd, will be in the middle. There are lots of characters and things to do right when you walk in to Magic Kingdom so this is a good chance  to see them without the crowds. Knowing exactly what you want to when going to Walt Disney World, especially for the first time, will help you stay on track…it is so easy to get overwhelmed at Disney so try to stick to your plan and what your family talked about doing.

ONE month before Trip 

This is is…30 days till you get to go to Disney World!!! In this time period you need to make sure you have paid off  at least 80% of trip, I know a year sounded like a long time to pay off but believe me It can all sneak up on you! Make sure you have a budget for food, gas, surprise cost, and shopping. I usually set aside 300 dollars for an emergency fund. This is the time to have all your Donald ducks’ in a row! I have a checklist for my budget, groceries I want to bring, and what to pack. This is the time to make sure you are ready. Schedules should be in place and the most important thing..YOU SHOULD BE REALLY EXCITED!!!!

I know all of this can be overwhelming but I am here to help you!

Please e-mail me so I can send you a printable version of all the planners, checklist, emergency numbers, budget spreadsheet etc..