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A Budget-Friendly Disney Trip

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This getaway you are considering to book right now at Walt Disney World might be your first, or you may have vowed that it will be the only one ever, for all eternity, after having calculated the costs. How could it be so expensive?

Don’t despair! There are ways to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation without sacrificing the Disney experience. It’s simply a matter of intelligent planning and knowing where to smooth out (not cut) corners. If you find visiting on a budget enticing, do it with these tips in mind:

  • Travel Off-Season. Rates are historically lower January through early February, and September through mid-November. There are exceptions: avoid holidays, holiday weekends and runDisney marathon weekends. Also, avoid school breaks- not just the obvious blissful summer months, but also the nightmarish  spring breaks.

  • Avoid Weekends. Somewhat briefed in the first tip, yet this tidbit is more specific. If you can, don’t check-in (or out) on a Friday or Saturday. Room rates are significantly higher on the weekends. If you are flying over to Florida, the same rule applies to flight costs. In fact, Fridays and Sundays are usually the most expensive days to fly.

  • Stay on Property. I know. There’s a great divide on this topic.  However, there are benefits to staying on property, and it may even be more cost-efficient. Military members and Florida residents, for instance, receive exclusive discounts and deals. There are also seasonal promotions that make the stay more manageable. In addition to the perk of extended park hours (beginning October), all Guests driving in and staying at a Disney Resort hotel also receive complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks. Another cost to consider if booking off-site are the hidden fees, as most resorts do often charge resort fees.

  • Compare Resorts. Walt Disney World does offer budget-friendly accommodations, and I’m not just referring to their better known Value Resorts. There are also hotels affiliated with Walt Disney World, on property yet not Disney-owned, where you may be able to utilize loyalty rewards, such as at the Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott hotels. Many times, these hotels offer Guests special savings as well. Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, for example, offer a “Passport to Savings” booklet featuring discounts on shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs.

  • Take Advantage of Freebies. Instead of buying water, ask for ice water at Quick-Service dining locations. It’s free. Drink a lot of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, lemonade, or anything else that can pour from a Coca-Cola Machine? Buy a refill mug. It’s not free, yet it can be an exceptional value given that most non-alcoholic beverages average over $3 each. For $19.99, you may purchase an insulated, refillable mug or upgrade to the stainless steel mug for $29.99, though the later is not the most cost-efficient and essentially just a nice souvenir to commemorate your trip. Refills are unlimited, that is, limited to three refills per hour. Be aware, it can only be used at Quick-Service locations at Disney Resort Hotels and not at any of the theme parks nor waterparks.

  • Do Character Breakfasts, not Dinners. A sit-down breakfast is, generally, cheaper than a sit-down dinner. If a character meal is a must on your to-do list, schedule it in the morning. The same rule applies to the all-you-care-to-enjoy meals: breakfast always costs less.

  • Stick to Quick-Service Dining. There are several fast-casual dining locations that offer even better and tastier meals than some sit-down restaurants. Plan ahead and check the menus on Walt Disney World’s website. Here, you can view menu offerings and budget your meals with current pricing of each food and beverage item. Food carts and kiosks also offer snacks that can be a meal for a light eater. If you choose to resort hop and dine at a Quick-Service location at a Disney Resort hotel, remember to bring your refill mug along- it can be used at any of Disney’s hotels, even if you are not staying there.

  • Order from the Kid’s Menu. If you decide to purchase the Disney Dining Plan once it returns, know that adults cannot order from the Kid’s Menu. Without the plan, though, you can order smaller, kid portioned meals which are also cheaper.

  • Order Groceries. Mentioned in a previous blog, How to Order Groceries at Your Resort, ordering essentials like water, milk, juice, breakfast items, and snacks (need I mention alcoholic beverages, too?) will save you a considerable amount of money during your vacation- just keep in mind that some companies do charge a delivery fee and require a minimum order.

  • Use Your Credit Card. More specifically, shop with your Disney Premier Visa Card or Target RED Card. The Target RED Card is especially useful for purchasing Disney Gift Cards that can be used towards payment of the trip, buying souvenirs, food, and other purchases. Target offers 5% cash back when you purchase those gift cards with a RED Card. As for Disney Cardmembers, most purchases earn up to 2% cash back in Disney Reward Dollars that can be redeemed toward Disney vacations, dining, and shopping. Using the card at Disney Parks can also save up to 10% on shopping and dining at select locations.

 

What are your money-saving hacks for a budget-friendly vacation? 

 

Photo by Dominick Pearce via Unsplash.
 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                        Find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Why EPCOT IS A Perfect Park For Families

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It breaks my heart that one of the most overlooked parks is EPCOT – especially by those with children. Often viewed as an “adult” park, (mainly due to the idea of  “Drinking Around The World”) there are so many edutainment opportunities that are often overlooked or forgotten about. From Future World, to World Showcase, there’s an abundance of opportunities to learn and explore for both adults and children alike! Here are a few reasons why a day at EPCOT is not to be overlooked.

 

~Future World~

Spaceship Earth – The iconic geodesic sphere that greets many guests as they enter the park

Future World – This iconic feature is the first vision of many guests as they enter the park, and it hosts a ride that takes you through time and the evolution of communication. But in addition to this beautiful attraction, Future World hosts The Land Pavillion – home to the immensely popular “Soarin’ Around The World”. Also found here is “Living With The Land” – a leisurely boat ride that focuses on agriculture and takes you through the 4 working greenhouses that help supply some of the restaurants on property! You can pop over and spend some time with Nemo and Friends at the “The Seas with Nemo” – an adorable ride that takes you below the water. In addition, you can visit SeaBase, which hosts rehabilitating manatees among other undersea creatures, and includes a 360 degree view of sea life when you “enter” the aquarium. Make sure you secure a reservation at Coral Reef Restaurant, with floor to ceiling viewing windows to the aquarium – Best View in town! Looking for some excitement? Head to Mission Space and choose either the Orange or Green Mission, and then take a drive on Test Track!

 

~World Showcase~

The Stunning Moracco Pavillion in EPCOT’s World Showcase

After exploring Future World, head over to World Showcase! With 11 countries represented, there is no shortage of incredible (and beautiful) places to explore –  and learn about! This is a great way for those children that may need to write a report about something they learned while absent from school. There are Scavenger Hunts available for families to take part in,  and of course the rides – the ever popular “Frozen Ever After” found in Norway, “The Grand Fiesta Tour” inside the Mexico Pavillion, and “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” (coming October 1, 2021) in France!

 

~Food, Food, FOOD!~

Regal Eagle Smokehouse at The American Pavillion

It was almost as though much of this park was thought out with families in mind… especially those with young children who aren’t quite adventurous eaters. The numerous Festivals (Arts, Flower and Garden, Food and Wine & Holidays) offer a vast array of opportunities to sample small plates from around the world – on a snack budget! The Table Service options available in every “country” cannot be beat whether you want to eat in Japan, Germany or Mexico. And the Quick Service options, also available in each country, make sure that every person in your party will never go hungry (*PS – The Mac and Cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is AMAZING!!)

 

EPCOT is truly a park to EXPLORE, not just visit. Take your time, soak it all in. I promise, if given the chance, you and your family can find a newfound adoration for all this park has to offer. Looking for assistance in planning your next WDW vacation? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

Tell Us, is EPCOT a must do park for you and your family, or do you pass it by?

Will it be in your plans for next time?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.

 

 

Almost the Most Wonderful Time of Year

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Has Disney’s recent announcements on the holiday celebrations later this year put you in the holiday spirit? Since we are halfway to the holidays and many of us feeling jolly (or is that only me?), it’s time to start shopping for holiday decorations- just don’t put them up yet. After all, it is still July!

There are three stores at Walt Disney World that keep the holiday cheer alive year-round. That’s right- 365 days of Christmas does exist, and it’s in sunny Orlando, Florida! Stepping into any one of them will have you feeling like you’re walking in a winter wonderland even if just outdoors can turn a snowman into a puddle in mere minutes. So, before you grab the hot cocoa and snuggle up by the fireplace, let’s take a look at where you can shop for a never-ending Christmas.

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, Magic Kingdom. Keeping with the Colonial America theme, this store located in Liberty Square looks, feels, and smells like Christmas. And, if you don’t happen to celebrate the holiday or you’re not ready yet to commit to that wondrous festive feeling, there is usually other seasonal finds- like Halloween decorations or Independence Day gear- in the store. Santa’s Helpers, I mean, Cast Members, are always keeping busy, too, adding a personalization or customized message to most merchandise.

Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney Springs. Located in the Marketplace section, Disney’s Days of Christmas cannot be missed. It is massive, and appropriately decorated with all the Christmas trimmings. Caution: Whiplash imminent upon entering. Expect a full 360 spin once inside- the rows upon rows of ornaments alone seem endless. Yet, it is all very well organized by both theme and color- so if you’re looking to go all silver, or gold, or purple even, there’s a section coordinated with décor and trimmings in that color. Also, this store has a wide selection of boxed sets, which isn’t easily found anywhere else. Again, personalization of most merchandise is available on site, and, if you find yourself buying half the store, save your back and ask a Cast Member to ship it home!

Die Weihnacts Ecke, EPCOT. Translated as The Christmas Corner, this is by far one of the most beautiful stores not only in the Germany Pavilion, but in all of EPCOT. The shop is brimming with both elegant and Old World charm. Ornaments and holiday home décor range from the classic of nutcrackers and winter birds to the whimsical of steins and pretzels. Most of the holiday items sold here are handmade and many are from Germany. There’s even a traditional pickle tree, as it is customary in Germany to hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for good luck.

I hope reading about Christmas stores at Walt Disney World has you dreaming of the holidays. Stopping by, whether for a souvenir, memento of your trip, or a gift, will surely put you in a festive mood any time of year!

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                        Find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Special thanks to fellow blogger and travel agent, Christina Smith, for the photos taken during the Destinations To Travel Social Media Blitz.

3 Need To Know Tips On How To runDisney!

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Throughout the years, Walt Disney World has played host to numerous events and festivals. But, few have found the immense popularity of runDisney events. Traditionally held 4 times per year (January, February, March and November) each event offers a variety of distances, ranging from 5k up to a Full Marathon (January) and even a kids run. You will also find each has their own unique theme, such as Princesses, Star Wars, and even Villains which are evident in the medals you can aquire!

While many die hard runDisney fans and competitors have had to participate in these events virtually for the past year, there have been cheers of joy over the recent announcement that these events will become “In Person” events again, beginning with “Wine and Dine Half Weekend” November 4-7, 2021.

For those that are ready to share their love of running, these events offer a unique perspective of WDW, and many join up with friends to help cheer each other along the way. However, many people choose to to participate on their own… and make new friends throughout the event.

Ready to run? Well, I talked with some of my friends over at Destinations To Travel and they are providing some of their tips on how, from start to finish, you can take part in your next – or first –  runDisney event!

 

~Meet Casey Bolt~

A runDisney enthusiast with top tips for securing your race bib

When registration opens, it can be a challenge to secure those sought after Race Bibs! Casey’s advice?

“My tips for securing a bib would be pack your patience. It’s a stressful process. Make sure to have all your info ready ahead of time- credit card info, race distance, shirt size, emergency contact, etc. Also try to log into the registration area early- I’ve been let into the virtual queue up to 20 minutes before the registration start time. Use multiple devices if you can- it gives you a better chance of getting in. I usually have a computer, phone, and iPad trying at once. Then pray for pixie dust! If they sell out, keep checking back periodically. They reload additional bibs sometimes but in very small quantities so they will disappear quickly!”

Want more tips from Casey? Find her on Facebook at Destinations To Travel LLC, Casey Bolt and in her fact filled group Magical Miles with Casey Bolt

 

~Meet Paul Sul~

An all around Fitness enthusiast knows the top tips to prepare for your run

So, you have secured your place in a runDisney event! What now? Prepare and train. Here are some tips from Paul on how to start your training plan.

“When preparing for any distance run, the most important thing is to give yourself enough time to prepare and train, especially for someone who has never run over 3 miles.

Always, always, warm up with dynamic stretching to get loose and stretch after the run.

For a 5K, I would recommend anywhere from 6-8 weeks out at a minimum. As for training, it should include a combination of running/jogging and walking intervals. For the first couple of weeks, the goal is to build up your endurance. Walk for about Half a Mile (0.5) and then jog for 30 seconds and walk for 1 Minute and do this 3-5x, doing this 3-4 times a week. As you progress, you can lengthen your run/jog time to 45 seconds to 1 minute as well as recovery.
By doing these intervals, it helps build endurance and controls your breathing as well. “
Want More tips from Paul, like what kind of playlist can help motivate you along your training path? Find him at Destinations To Travel with Paul Sul, and in his group Dreamers… Assemble!
~Meet Marisa Alvarado~

A dedicated teacher who finds her escape through fitness and art.

You’ve planned, you’ve trained, and you have a killer playlist – so what can participating in runDisney event do for YOU? I’ll let Marisa put that into perspective!

” The image with the Ahsoka Tano medal was a full circle moment. I was registered for the Rival Run in 2020 (which was canceled due to COVID). That was supposed to be my first in-person event and was the catalyst for my running journey. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped running and pushing myself to conquer another challenge. While I’ve been running virtually every race (since the in-person events will be returning in the fall), I still feel the sense of community through these events. The support over social media has been incredible and I’ve been able to bond with fellow agents, Paul and Casey, over running and fitness in general. That sense of camaraderie has given me the courage to strive for more. With that, I’ve completed every distance that runDisney offers (from 5K through a full marathon … which was insanely difficult) and took part in every theme they’ve offered (Star Wars, summer series, Wine and Dine, Marathon, and Princess). Never in a million years would I have thought that I could make it, nor would I have ever even wanted to try but there’s something that keeps me coming back for more. I hope that I can secure a bib for my first in-person race because as Moana would say, “If I go, there’s just no telling how far I’ll go.” “

For more of Marisa’s inspiration, find her at Destinations to Travel LLC with Marisa Alvarado and on Instagram @behindtheearswdw 

 

Photo credit: Twitter

For some, a runDisney event is a fun way to expand out of their comfort zone. For others, it’s a part of what makes WDW even more magical. But no matter which category you fall into, it’s an experience worth having.

Tell Us…Have you ever participated in a runDisney Event? Or are you ready to participate? Let us know in the comments below!

 

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner! Email : christinasmith@d2travel.com . Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.