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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?

 

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!

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?

 

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!

 

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?

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!

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.