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Rock Your Disney Side and Star Wars Weekends

March 25, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
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This is a guest post by my friend Alexia. Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida. When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!

Disney recently announced a “Rock Your Disney Side” 24-Hour, bi-coastal costume party: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and 135 of their friends came together to create the ultimate 140 character tweet to mark the countdown to “Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours” this Memorial Day Weekend, when guests of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California can enjoy select parks for 24 hours nonstop! The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California will be filled with great Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, local time marking the beginning of a summer of fun at Disney Parks. The celebration will feature several events showcasing the good vs. evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise, and food and beverage offerings. Along with the entertainment guests have grown to love every day, they’ll discover surprise additions and special events throughout the 24 hours. This event will be similar to the Monstrous Summer event Disney hosted in 2013.

In addition to the May 23rd 24 Hour Magic Kingdom Party, Star Wars Weekends will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where guests can join the Rebellion against the forces of the Empire. Star Wars Weekends is a special event included in the admission price of a Hollywood Studio theme park ticket on select weekends and features appearances by Star Wars celebrities and personalities, autograph sessions, and the largest collection of Star Wars characters to appear in a theme park, anywhere. If you’re a Star Wars fan and have never been to the event, you definitely should check it out.

This year, Disney has introduced several new experiences during Star Wars Weekends, including a nightly event featuring Star Wars characters and a Symphony in the Stars fireworks spectacular. The widely popular Hyperspace Hoopla will not be returning this year. In order to allow more guests to join the fun, a 5th weekend is now being added to Star Wars Weekends 2014. The new event dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16 – June 15, 2014. James Arnold Taylor will return as the event’s official celebrity host. Taylor, a Star Wars Weekends fan favorite, is the voice of hundreds of animated characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

For 2014, fans can purchase a ticket for the opportunity to have exclusive access to Darth’s Mall one day before it opens to the public. Packages for the Rebel Rendezvous are $250 per person and include a limited edition recruitment pack complete with custom messenger bag, hat, tumbler, lanyard, pin & medal set. Attendees will also have the first opportunity to purchase items being released during the 2014 Star Wars Weekends events, meet & greet opportunities with our Disney Design Group artists, and other Rebel activities. More information is available at: http://www.disneyparksmerchandise.com/events/rebel-rendezvous-announcement/

Which event are you looking forward to the most?

Disney World Isn’t Just For Princesses!

March 14, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
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When most people think of Disney, they think of princesses. While there are lots of attractions at Walt Disney World targeted towards princesses, there are plenty for boys and anti-princess girls as well. Here is a compilation of the best character meet and greets, rides, restaurants, and other attractions for non-princess Disney fans.

Animal Kingdom:

Animal Kingdom is probably the best park for the non-princess fan, which is probably why it is my 12 year old stepdaughter’s favorite park. The only princess who meets at this park is Pocahontas. None of the rides or shows are princess themed. If you have little ones, be sure to watch the height requirements on Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, and Primevil Whirl.

Who to see: Russell, Dug, Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger at Discovery Island; Rafiki, Chip, and Dale at Rafiki’s Planet Watch; Baloo and Louie at Upcountry Landing; Mickey and Minnie at Adventures Outpost; and Goofy, Pluto, and Donald at Dinoland USA.

What to see: Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, Flights of Wonder, Finding Nemo-The Musical, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug

Other attractions: Wilderness Explorers

Epcot:

Epcot has a good mix of attractions for both princesses and non-princesses. None of the rides are princess themed. If you are avoiding princesses, skip eating at Akershus. Watch the height requirements on Soarin’, Test Track, and Mission Space.

Who to see: Disney Pals (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy) at the Epcot Character Spot; Chip and Dale outside the Epcot Character Spot; Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Alice in Wonderland in the United Kingdom; Duffy the Disney Bear near Showcase Plaza; and Donald Duck in Mexico

What to see: Turtle Talk with Crush, The Circle of Life, Captain EO, illumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Other attractions: Kidcot Fun Stops, Club Cool, and Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Hollywood Studios:

Hollywood Studios has a lot of great shows for non-princesses. If you are avoiding princesses, skip seeing Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. Disney Junior’s Play ‘N Dine at Hollywood and Vine and Disney Junior Live on Stage both feature Sofia the First, but they also feature Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so you might have to put up with a princess if you have a pirate fan. Watch the height requirements on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Tours, and Rock n’ Roller Coaster.

Who to see: Buzz Lightyear and Woody at Pixar Place; Green Army Man ouside Pizar Place; Frozone and Mr. Incredible, Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope, Sorcerer Mickey, and Minnie Mouse at The Magic of Disney Animation; Chip ‘n Dale, Donald and Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy, and Stitch near the Sorcerer Hat; Indiana Jones near the Indiana Jones Stunt Show; Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates in Animation Courtyard; Lightening McQueen and Mater next to Mama Melrose restaurant; Mike Wazowski & Sulley near the Backlot Tour exit; and Phineas and Ferb beside Mama Melrose restaurant.

What to see: Fantasmic, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show

Other attractions: The Magic of Disney Animation, Pizza Planet Arcade, and Jedi Training Academy

Magic Kingdom:

The Magic Kingdom is by far the most princess heavy park. If you are avoiding princesses, stay clear of Cinderella’s castle, Princess Fairytale Hall, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid, and Ariel’s Grotto. Watch the height requirements for Tomorrowland Speedway, Stitch’s Great Escape, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Goofy’s Barnstormer

Who to see: Alice in Wonderland and the White Rabbit near the Mad Tea Party; Buzz Lightyear next to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Chip ‘n Dale in Frontierland; Donald, Daisy, Minnie, and Goofy at Pete’s Silly Sideshow; Marie and Pluto in the Town Square; Mary Poppins at The Chapeau, Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theater, Tinkerbell and Periwinkle at Tinkerbell’s Nook; Peter Pan and Wendy near Peter Pan’s Flight; Stitch near Space Mountain; Winnie the Pooh and Tigger near The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh; and Woody and Jessie near Splash Mountain

What to see: Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, Stitch’s Great Escape, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Main Street Electrical Parade, and Wishes Nighttime Specular

Other attractions: Pirate League, The Enchanted Tiki Room, Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, Tomorrowland Arcade, Swiss Family Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island, and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

What are your favorite non-princessy things to do?

All About Disney’s Memory Maker Photo Package

March 10, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
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Walt Disney World recently replaced PhotoPass and PhotoPass+ with a new photography package called Memory Maker. Here is everything you need to know about how to use Memory Maker.

Memory Maker can be purchased in advance (up to 3 days prior to arrival) for $149.00. If Memory Maker is not purchased at least 3 days in advance, any photos taken within the 3 day time period will not be included. If Memory Maker is purchased at the parks, the price is $199.00.

Once it is purchased, guests can link their Memory Maker package to their My Disney Experience account. Guests will need to make sure that any family and friends they would like to share their photos with digitally are linked to their My Disney Experience account. Once guests are in the parks and ready to have their photograph taken, they will simply have the photographer scan their magic band or Memory Maker card. Guests’ photos will then be downloaded to their My Disney Experience account. Guests will also be able to link on-ride attraction photos at the counter where they can currently be viewed with Memory Maker. Guests dining at Chef Mickey’s, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Tusker House breakfast, ‘Ohana breakfast, 1900 Park Fare, and Spirit of Aloha dinner show will also receive digital copies of their dining pictures with Memory Maker. Guests will have 45 days to view and save their photos. A back-up CD of photos can also be purchased for $29.95.

Personally, I am on the fence on how I feel about the Memory Maker. I love the fact that you can instantly view your photos and that it includes your on-ride attraction photos and dining photos. However, $149.00 is a bit pricy and I could easily ask a Photopass photographer to take a picture of my whole family in front of Cinderella’s Castle with my own camera.

If you are interested in trying Memory Maker, you can try it for FREE! Guests who book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets will get the new Memory Maker free. Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort

Have you tried Memory Maker yet? Was it worth the money? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Roughing It At Disney’s Fort Wilderness

March 3, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
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In honor of Erin’s 30^th birthday trip to Disney World, I wanted to discuss one option to staying onsite at Walt Disney World that many people do not realize is available: the Campsites of Fort Wilderness. Perfect for families who love camping, or are planning a road trip in a camper, RV, or motor home, the Campsites of Fort Wilderness also have recreation to please everyone in your family.

There are four different categories at the Campsites of Fort Wilderness: tent or pop-up campsites, full hookup campsites, preferred campsites, and premium campsites. The tent or pop-up campsites are only for tents or pop-up vans and include water and electricity. Price for these varies between $55 and $118 per night. The full hookup campsites include a level paved pad campsite (for a camper, RV, motor home, etc.) and electricity, water, and sewer. Price for these varies between $74 and $139 per night. The preferred campsites include a level paved pad campsite and electricity, water, sewer, cable, and high speed internet. Price for these varies between $84 and $149 per night. The premium campsites include a level paved pad campsite in a premium location (closer to recreation, bus stops, etc.) and electricity, water, sewer, cable, and high speed internet. Price for these varies between $91 and $154 per night. All campsites sleep a maximum of 10 people and include a charcoal bbq grill and picnic table and nearby comfort station with laundry facilities, private showers, ice machines, restrooms, and pay phones.

The Campsites of Fort Wilderness also offers more recreational activities than any other resort on the Disney property. In additional to the usual playgrounds, arcades, pool, and movies under the stars, Fort Wilderness also offers motorized boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. Fishing, horseback riding, wagon rides, waterskiing and archery are also available. My favorite activity is Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. Every evening around sundown, guests can join Chip ‘N Dale for campfire songs, photos, and autographs. Guests can bring their own marshmallows and hot dogs to roast, or purchase s’mores kits from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a movie under the stars.

The value seasons for 2014 for the campgrounds would be Jan through February 12th, August 3rd through August 28th, or September 1st though October 5th. Of course Sunday through Thursday rates are also less expensive than Friday and Saturday rates.

There are a few downsides to the campsites. They are always excluded from any Disney discounts and book up extremely quickly. If the weather is bad, it might put a damper on your vacation as well. (Note: If the weather is extreme such as flash flooding and/or hurricanes, Disney will evacuate the Campsites at Fort Wilderness and move all guests indoors.) However, you still get all the perks for staying on the Disney property such as free transportation to and from the parks, extra magic hours, and free package deliveries from the parks to your resort.

Have you ever stayed at the Campsites of Fort Wilderness? Don’t forget to wish Erin a happy birthday as well!

My Disney Experience and FastPass+ 101

February 27, 2014 By MommyOctopus 1 Comment
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Last week we discussed everything you needed to know about MagicBands. This week we will go over My Disney Experience and FastPass+.

We discussed My Disney Experience a little when we went over how to customize and order your MagicBands, but there is so much more! Once you have your confirmation number for your Walt Disney World vacation, you can create an account at http://www.mydisneyexperience.com/. It’s very easy and only takes a few minutes of your time. Once your account is created, you will be able to view your reservation, make dining reservations, view wait times, view park hours, view fireworks and parade times, and make Fastpass+ selections. You can also link friends or family traveling with you to your My Disney Experience account. Memory Maker packages are also new and can be connected to your My Disney Experience account. (We will talk about it next week!) There is also a mobile version of My Disney Experience available for Apple and Android users. An update was recently available for Apple users and will be available in the spring for Android users to enhance guests’ experiences.

There has been a lot of buzz over FastPass+ over the past several months. Paper FastPasses are no longer available at the Walt Disney World parks. With FastPass+, guests can basically make reservations for attractions up to 60 days before they even leave their home. At the time this article was written, guests can choose up to three FastPass+ selections for one park per day. So if you have ParkHopper tickets, you can only make FastPass+ selections for one park.

When making your FastPass+ selections, the time options given will be options such as morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, or evening. These will be labeled as Option A, Option, B, Option C, or Option D. Once you select an option, you will be given a one hour time slot as a return time.

Change your mind about your FastPass+ selection? No problem! You can simply change your selections from your My Disney Experience app or at a kiosk in the park. Simply scan your MagicBand (or key card) at the kiosk to get started.

Although I love the concept of FastPass+, I feel that Disney still has a lot of kinks and issues to work out and that Cast Members should be better trained. Have any of you used My Disney Experience or FastPass+ recently? What are your thoughts?

How to Tell Kids That They Are Going to Disney?

February 18, 2014 By MommyOctopus 4 Comments
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Our last Disney Trip – November 2012

My 30th birthday is in March. I’ve been saying for the past year that all I want for my birthday is to go to Disney. Thanks to Alexia from Destinations in Florida finding me a deal, it looks like that will come true! I’m super excited!

The plan is to spend a week at the Fort Wilderness campground. We are looking to buy a popup in the next week or so to take with us on the trip. We plan to cook most of our meals since eating in Disney with the 6 of us would add up super fast.

On my actual birthday, I think we will go to Fogo de Chao, one of my favorite restaurants, in Orlando. So glad that they have one down there now!

Now here’s the big question. How do we tell our kids that we are going to Disney?

They are age 10, 7, 4, and 3. I definitely don’t want to tell them early so I don’t hear the constant questions of how many more days until we go. I also don’t know about packing without them knowing. I homeschool and there is really no way I can get around them knowing I’m packing.

So should I tell them the day before? Surprise with balloons and Mickey Pancakes? Mickey shaped cookies? Treasure hunt with Disney goodies at the end?

I’d love to hear ideas! Comment and let me know what you did or what you would do!

Underrated Disney World Attractions

February 4, 2014 By MommyOctopus 1 Comment
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When you think of Walt Disney World attractions, you probably think of Soarin’, Peter Pan’s Flight, Kilimanjaro Safari, and Toy Story Mania. You know all the attractions that usually have at least an hour wait. However, there are some attractions that you can usually walk right on without a wait. Most people assume that these attractions are that great since there is little to no wait, but most of these attractions are very underrated. Here are the top 10 underrated attractions at Walt Disney World:

Living with the Land: I have no interest in gardening at all. In fact, I have a black thumb. If there is a way to kill a plant, I will find it. Because of this, I find Living with the Land fascinating. I love learning how Disney grows so much of their own food. This was actually the very first ride that my girls rode on their first trip to Disney World. My step-daughter even asked to ride it a second time.

Gran Fiesta Tour: Okay, so there are some people who really don’t like this ride, but my girls and I love it. It’s colorful, loud, and fun. Plus my girls had a blast trying to spot Donald.

Great Movie Ride: Confession time: on my first trip to Hollywood Studios, I didn’t know that there was a ride behind the giant Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. Obviously, it was a must do on my second trip. Many people complain that this ride is outdated and newer movies should be featured; however, I disagree. I love the fact that this ride features classics.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: Personally, I love this ride. It takes passengers on a leisurely tour around the second floor of many attractions in Tomorrowland. Sure, it isn’t the most exciting attraction at Disney World, but it is a great ride to put up your feet and relax as you take a journey through Tomorrowland.

Swiss Family Tree House: I will be the first to admit that this attraction is not very stroller friendly. If you have time and it isn’t crowded, take a leisurely stroll through and pay attention to the elaborate details.

Flights of Wonder: This is a live bird show where one of Anandapur’s bird researchers educates a tour guide with a fear of birds about natural bird behaviors and the effects of habitat loss and conservation efforts on bird species, such as the Black Crowned Crane and Bald Eagle. Sure, the story line and jokes are cheesy, but the birds and the information learned are amazing.

Tom Sawyer Island: Much like the Swiss Family Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island is not very stroller friendly. However, it is fun, interactive, hands-on attraction if you can navigate it.

Carousel of Progress: This attraction was created by Walt Disney himself for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The attraction’s premise is an exploration of the joys of living through the advent of electricity and other technological advances during the 20th century via a “typical” American family. Even if you don’t love the storyline, the attraction’s history is fascinating.

Liberty Square Riverboat: In case you haven’t noticed, some of my favorite underrated attractions are those where I can kick up my feet and take a break but still feel like I am taking in the sights and sounds of Walt Disney World. Liberty Square Riverboat is another one of these attractions. The entire ride takes about 17-minutes and takes guests around Tom Sawyer Island.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic: This 12-minute long show features 3D effects, scents, and water as well as a number of characters from Disney movies. It is shown on the largest purpose-built 3D screen ever made, at 150 feet wide. Sounds awesome, right? It is, but you would be amazed how many times I hear people say, “Let’s skip it since it’s not a ride” as they walk by.

Do you agree with the list? What’s your favorite underrated Walt Disney World attraction?

Inexpensive Disney Souvenirs

January 27, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
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If your kids are anything like mine, they want everything they see in every single gift shop at Disney World. This can be difficult, especially when some of the rides exit though a gift shop. Shopping at Disney World also means paying premium prices. I remember seeing Disney Princess dresses for $65.00. The exact same dress sells for $40 at the Disney Store. Buying souvenirs at Disney World doesn’t have to break the bank though. Here are some ideas for inexpensive souvenirs at Disney World:

Character Drawings: A free animation class is held every 30 minutes at the Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A Disney animator will teach you step by step how to draw a Disney character. These drawings are great to take home and frame! Tip: Take an empty paper towel roll with you to roll up your drawing and put it inside. It will keep it safe while you finish exploring the park!

Pressed Pennies: All the Disney parks and hotels have pressed penny machines. My girls had a blast hunting for the machines. Each penny will cost you $0.51. (There are also pressed quarters that cost $1.25.) Clean and empty mini M&M containers make great pressed penny money containers. We used a large container for quarters and a small container for pennies. I have heard of other people using just one container and alternating two quarters and one penny so you have the exact amount already counted out. Mentos gum containers are the perfect size to hold your finished pennies. Most gift shops also sell pressed penny books to display your pressed pennies. These books cost between $7 and $14 depending on the type of book you purchase.

Epcot Passports: These passports can be purchased for around $10 at most gift shops in Epcot. Your children can then have them stamped at the Kidcot stations in each country and have a cast member write them a message in their native language. Each Kidcot station also has fans (usually Duffy and one other character) that kids can color and have stamped for free.

Pins: Pin trading is a big deal at Disney World and Disneyland. You will see most cast members wearing a lanyard with Disney pins on it, along with many guests. You can trade pins with cast members if you see one that you like. All Disney gift shops sell pins starting at $7.95. You can also purchase pins before you leave on eBay and Amazon. Just make sure your pins are authentic. Some on eBay are counterfeit and cast members cannot accept them.

Pick a Pearl: The Pick a Pearl counter is located at the Mitsukoshi store in the Japan pavilion in Epcot. Guests are allowed to pick an oyster from the tank, and a cast member will cut open the oyster for you to reveal your pearl. The pearl is then measured and put into a baggie. You can choose to have it set in jewelry right at the store if you want or take it with you in the baggie. Pick a Pearl is $14.95 and jewelry settings begin at $10. Tip: Rumor has it that the hairiest, ugliest oysters have a better chance of containing two pearls instead of one, so pick an ugly oyster!

Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head: Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney has a Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head station with every Potato Head part you can think of, including some Disney exclusives. For $20, you can full your box to the brim! Tip: Buy a Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head body at home. Bigger pieces like the body take up a lot of space in the box. Try to fill the box with smaller pieces to stretch your dollar!

What are your favorite inexpensive souvenirs at Disney World?

Tips For Visiting Disney World With Senior Citizens

January 14, 2014 By MommyOctopus 3 Comments
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Some of the best memories at Disney World are made during multi-generational vacations. My family had the privilege of having my dad travel with us on our girls’ first trip to Disney World in October 2012. He will be traveling with us again in October 2014. Traveling with senior citizens can be challenging, especially at a place like Disney World that is large and very spread out. Here are some tips for traveling to Disney World with senior citizens:

Request an accessible room. All Disney resorts have handicap accessible rooms. These rooms are closer to the front and are wheelchair and ECV accessible. The doors are a little wider, the bathrooms are larger, and the bathtubs are designed for easy access in and out. If you will need one, request one in advance.
Rent a wheelchair or ECV. If you don’t already have your own, consider renting a wheelchair or ECV for seniors with mobility issues. You can rent a wheelchair or ECV from the parks; however, they are only available on a first come, first serve basis and must be returned before leaving the parks. There are also several rental companies that will rent you a wheelchair or ECV for the length of your stay. Many of these companies will also deliver the wheelchair or ECV to your resort and show you how to operate it as well as pick it up before you check out.
Take precautions against Florida weather. Make sure everyone in your party stays hydrated and wears sunscreen. Young children and seniors are the most susceptible to the heat, so make sure to check on them frequently.
Read the posted precautions for the attractions. There are some medical conditions that can be aggravated if you go on the ride. Please take the warnings seriously.
Take frequent breaks. Parades and shows are a great way to take a break and relax while still experiencing some Disney magic. Try to find a shady spot to sit under for outdoor events.
Familiarize yourself with your loved one’s dietary needs. If you read my article about dining at Disney with special dietary needs, you already know that Disney is amazing about accommodating special dietary needs. Familiarize yourself with your loved one’s needs and be sure to contact the restaurants where you will be dining in advance.
Take time for the Flag Retreat at the Magic Kingdom. This is my dad’s favorite thing to watch at the Magic Kingdom. Every day at 5:00 pm, the American flag is ceremonially lowered, removed, and folded. It is sometimes performed with large college marching bands, sometimes with a smaller Disney band. A veteran in the park is always selected to assist with the Flag Retreat and is presented with the flag.

Do you have any tips for traveling to Disney World with senior citizens? I would love to hear them!

Mommy Octopus Note: Our last trip to Disney, we took my 89 year old grandfather before he passed away. It was a great trip and he enjoyed it very much. Mainly he loved just watching the kids have fun, but he also enjoyed the People Mover, It’s a Small World, and more. Don’t hesitate taking your older family members with you on your trip. This ended up being a super special trip as he was diagnosed with Lymphoma and passed away shortly after. We had been going to Disney with him since I was a baby. Lots of great memories.

When Sickness Strikes At Disney

December 30, 2013 By MommyOctopus 1 Comment
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This is another guest post by my friend Alexia. Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida. When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!

If you are anything like me, you pack your entire medicine cabinet and enough Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer to last your family a year when you go on vacation. As much as you think you are prepared, illness and/or injuries could happen at any time. Here is everything you need to know about how to handle when sickness or injuries strike at Disney World:

If you suffer from a minor illness or injury such as a headache, upset stomach, runny nose, or blister while at the parks, head to the first-aid station. These first-aid stations are staffed by licensed nurses who can give you over the counter medicines, bandages, ice packs, etc. for free. At the Magic Kingdom, the first-aid station is located at the end of Main Street, between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace. At Epcot, the first-aid station is located at Odyssey Center, between Future World and World Showcase. At Hollywood Studios, the first-aid station is located at Guest Relations building on Hollywood Boulevard. At Animal Kingdom, the first-aid station is located at Discovery Island, behind Creature Comforts. At Typhoon Lagoon, the first-aid station is located behind Leaning Palms. At Blizzard Beach, the first-aid station is located between Lottawatta Lodge and Beach Haus.

If you suffer from a minor illness or injury while at your resort, the resort gift shop should have everything you need. If it is late and the gift shop is not open, call the front desk. They will usually open up the shop for you so you can get what you need. Although I cannot confirm this, I have heard many people say that they were given what they needed from the gift shop for free if they asked for it when the shop was closed.

If you suffer from a moderate illness or injury such as an ear infection or persistent fever while at the parks, head to the first-aid station or alert a cast member. They can call one of the local Urgent Care Centers for you. Both Buena Vista Urgent Care and Centra Care are close and offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Disney property. The shuttle service will usually stop at Walgreen’s for you as well if you need to fill a prescription.

If you suffer from a moderate illness or injury while at your resort, call the front desk. Again, they can call one of the Urgent Care Centers for you. If you do not want to leave your resort (and are willing to pay for it), the front desk can have a doctor come to your hotel room. Doctors on Call Service (Docs) will send a licensed physician to your resort to treat you.

If you suffer from a major illness or injury while in the parks, call 9-1-1 or alert the nearest cast member. They will call the Disney paramedics (yes, Disney does actually have paramedics) who are usually on the scene in less than five minutes. The Disney ambulance will transport you to the nearest hospital, which is Florida Hospital Celebration Health.

If you suffer from a major illness or injury while at your resort, call 9-1-1 or call the front desk. Again, the Disney paramedics will arrive and transport you to Florida Hospital Celebration Health.

One of the many things I love about Walt Disney World is the fact that the cast members go above and beyond to take care of the guests. I have heard many stories of guests needing to take a cab back to their resort from the hospital, only to be reimbursed by the front desk when they return. I have also heard many stories of guests returning to their resort from the hospital or urgent care to balloons and stuffed animals waiting for them just to try to spread a little Disney magic during a difficult time.

Have you ever had a medical emergency while at Disney World? Did the cast members take care of you and your family? I would love to hear your thoughts!

For past posts about Disney, click here.