One of my biggest enjoyments is planning Disney trips, both mine and others through Creating Magic Vacations. Sometimes, though, I think that I take what I have learned and know about Disney over years of visits for granted. When I assist someone with planning who has never been to Walt Disney World before, I have to remember to take a step back and recognize that they are not familiar with all of the tips and tricks that I have learned during my many, many trips to Disney. They may not even be familiar with the basics of when to travel or where to stay. I thought I would go through some of these basic decisions in a series of posts, as well as other considerations and planning tips necessary for a successful and enjoyable trip. This information can be used as a resource for that new Disney traveler and will allow them to make decisions that are best for them, and seasoned Disney veterans may also pick up a tip or trick to use. Continue reading “Disney for Beginners Series – WHEN to go”
Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort
If you asked me what my favorite time of year to visit Disney is, I would respond without hesitation that I love the holidays at the parks. The atmosphere is festive, and the decor is merry and jolly and joyful and everything else that Christmas makes a person feel. And it’s everywhere. Halloween is fun, but you would only feel the celebration in the Magic Kingdom. Christmas, however, stretches beyond Magic Kingdom into the other parks, and beyond that into the resorts and disney Springs. Christmas trees, special treats, displays and carols greet you in every corner of Walt Disney World. One of my favorite stores on property is the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, and while stepping into this store any time of the year allows for a brief shot of Christmas spirit, during the holidays it takes on a whole new meaning and a whole new feeling. Continue reading “Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort”
Food & Wine for the 1st Time Visitor
Boo to You!
I know that in real life we are only going into August. The kids are not even back in school yet. However, in the Disney world – it’s time to start thinking about Halloween! Beginning in 3 weeks, on August 16th, and running through November 1st, Disney offers an after hours event all about Halloween. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a nighttime festival celebrating all things not so scary – costumes, trick or treating, Disney characters dressed up, fireworks, parades and shows. This event is absolute fun for all ages – so don’t think for a minute that it’s just for the kids.
A Day at Sea Before the Return
Our last day on the cruise ship was a day at sea – no ports. We didn’t have much of an agenda and definitely took the morning slow. As we had every morning, we ordered in coffee service. The difference this time was that we didn’t have any place to be, so we were truly able to sit and enjoy our balcony for an extended period of time. I guess I sat and enjoyed it too long, because Paul actually decided he was going to get breakfast without me at Cabanas! Continue reading “A Day at Sea Before the Return”
Castaway Cay Day
Disney’s Caribbean and Bahamian cruises are known for the private island of Castaway Cay. Palm trees, white sandy beaches, blue water, this island is the description everyone thinks of when they think Caribbean. We had not booked any excursions for our day on Castaway Cay, but decided just to take it in and enjoy the laid back day.
A Day in Nassau
Day number 3 of our Disney Bahamian cruise had us porting in Nassau. Whether or not to leave the ship in Nassau was a struggle for me leading up to the cruise, mainly because of the negative reviews I had read of the island and the potential crime present there. However, at some point I made the decision to book an excursion anyway. We may not have another chance to see Nassau, so an excursion focused on some of the history and culture was what I was looking for. Ultimately, we signed up to do the Get To Know Nassau tour. Continue reading “A Day in Nassau”
First Stop: Key West
Day 2 of our 5-day day cruise onboard the Disney Magic involved our first port at Key West. I expected the disembarking process to be something more than it turned out to be. After scanning our Key to the World, we were able to walk right off into the bright sunshine and pastel colors of the islands. Continue reading “First Stop: Key West”
Embarkation Day
Being our first cruise, we were definitely feeling everything out as we went on the day we boarded the Disney Magic. The Port of Miami, or any port for that matter, was a new experience for us. There is a wide variety of transportation to the port. For those flying in same day, Disney offers transportation from the airport. Disney does not recommend same day flights on embarkation day, however, since any delays that are encountered could potentially make guests late for boarding the ship – and the Disney ship waits for no one. Uber and Lyft is also a great option. The hotel we stayed at the night before offered a shuttle for a fee, so this is how we chose to arrive at the port. Continue reading “Embarkation Day”
Sailing on the Disney Magic
Less than a week ago, I was sitting on a 7th floor balcony of a floating vessel, staring out at water that was the bluest blue I have ever seen. That floating vessel was none other than the Disney Magic, the first cruise ship owned by Disney and put into service in 1998. This also happened to be my first cruise entirely, so there were a lot of firsts on this voyage that I experienced, and also some things that I learned to carry into my next cruises (and hopefully some of those on Disney). Continue reading “Sailing on the Disney Magic”
