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Summertime Park Bag Essentials

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That time of year is upon us. Summer! Longer days, shorter nights, tank tops and shorts… and in Florida – heat and humidity. It’s true that the summer heat can be tough to handle. Proper preparation and planning is crucial to both make the most enjoyable time of your family vacation to WDW, AND to keep you and your family safe. If you prefer to hit the parks for rope drop and stay to close the parks, packing your park bag properly will be a step in the right direction to ensure both of these bases are covered. Here are a few Summertime Park Bag Essentials to include on your packing list!

 

 

~Reusable Water Bottle~

Keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated

 

Water can be readily obtained throughout the parks. By carrying a reusable water bottle with you, you can easily refill them wherever you may find yourself in need, without having to wait in line at a quick service location. Many have built in filters (if you aren’t a fan of the Florida water). Definitely consider filling up prior to getting into line for your next ride, so you can continue to drink while you wait. With a bottle that closes securely, there is less waste, and less opportunity to spill. When you’re finished, close it up, throw it back in your bag, and enjoy your ride!

 

~Cooling Towels~

Cooling Towels will be your best friend!

 

Cooling Towels will be your new best friend. Honestly! They are easy to find online, or even at your local superstore, are relatively inexpensive and can be reused often, even once you return home. Get each member of your traveling party one in their favorite color. Simply get them wet, snap them out and place them on the back of your neck. Most come in their own pouch, so you can place them back in there before putting them in your park bag to keep from getting anything else wet.

 

~Portable Neck Fans~

Portable and Rechargable Neckfans

 

Portable and rechargable, these neck fans can help keep you and your family cool. They come in numerous styles, and most have multiple speeds – some even have misters built in! Usually charged by USB ports, they can be charged throughout the day using the Battery Pack you most likely already have in your park bag to charge your phone.

 

~Safety First~

Midday Breaks

While all these tips can absolutely help make the most of your hot day in the parks, I can’t stress enough to not to take for granted escaping to some of the many air conditioned attractions, shops, and to even plan for a Table Service restaurant meal in the middle of the day to let you and your family recharge and cool down. And there is no shame in heading back to your resort for a dip in the pool and return to the parks later when the temps start to drop again.  Questions about how to best navigate the parks in the hot months of the year? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

 

What are your favorite tips for staying cool in the parks? What “Stay Cool”  items do you keep in your park bag?

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. 

INFO: Tips on How to Beat the Heat

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Summer is nearly here and so is your Disney vacation. Are you prepared to deal with the heat?
Don’t let the Floridian sun melt your plans during your stay at Walt Disney World! Here’s some helpful tips to beat the heat and stay cool on the hottest of days!

Plan indoor attractions and shows when the temps are at their peak. If you’re at EPCOT Future World, go to the Land Pavilion and plan to spend up to two hours (or more) with a lunch at Sunshine Seasons or The Garden Grill, and enjoy both Living with the Land and Soarin’ in cool, air-conditioned comfort. The Seas with Nemo and Friends is another great place to cool off- take your time at the aquarium and go on a scavenger hunt! Sit down for indoor entertainment at Magic Kingdom for a show, like Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Watch Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios, and sit down for Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom- it means no worries for the rest of that hot day- Hakuna Matata!

Head for water. Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is one water ride that is sure to get you soaked, or at least wet enough to cool your body by a few degrees. Be prepared. Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain may get you wet, and, once it reopens, Casey Jr. Splash N Soak Station (closed now for refurbishment) offers parents and kids an aquatic play area with water jets and sprays- you may need a change of clothes!

Spend a day at the water parks. Go to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. As of now, Typhoon Lagoon is closed, yet Blizzard Beach is open and stands as an arctic oasis under the scorching Florida sun with fun attractions and activities for the whole family. Want to stay cool without getting wet? Reserve a private, shaded Blizzard Beach Polar Patio for the day. You can also rent a lodge umbrella (which includes lounges, table and towels as well) and spend the day on the beach. Once it reopens, consider booking a Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon, and enjoy the shade along with amenities like a locker, towels, refillable drink mugs, water, and cushioned seating.

Take a break and cool off at the resort pool in the afternoon!           Photo by JVR X 88 on Unsplash

Visit the Parks in the mornings and evenings, and return to your resort pool in the afternoon. Adults can enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar while the kiddos splash away. Guests at Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Beach & Yacht Club Resorts can reserve a cabana that is equipped with a ceiling fan, mini fridge, water, and snacks (fees apply). Disney’s Art of Animation features free cabanas for getting cozy- and staying cool– at the Cozy Cone Pool.

Treat yourself. There’s a plethora of refreshing cool treats to help you cool off, like the ever popular Dole Whip at Aloha Aisle, Sunshine Tree Terrace and Storybook Treats, Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) at Kabuki Cafe, and Frozen Lemonade at The Land Cart. If you’re looking to stay cool and save money, there’s also the option of free ice water, at the ready, just about everywhere at Quick Service locations and Snack Stations. Remember to kindly request your cup of ice water.

Last, but not least, you could buy yourself a personal neck fan or handheld misting fan. If traveling with little ones, these are especially useful as a clip-on for strollers. You may also want to consider packing a cooling towel or cooling tube as well.

 

How do you keep cool and beat the heat when at Walt Disney World?

Would you like to share any suggestions for refreshing treats?

Do you pack a personal fan?

 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
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Why Memory Maker Is A Must Do

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Let’s talk about a #truthbomb. We ALL want to save money on our vacation. And this is especially true for a trip to Walt Disney World. For many of us, these trips are “Once In A Lifetime” experiences, and while we are happy to save for that trip, we want to save on the extras where we can. One of the extras that is easy to brush aside is Memory Maker. But let’s talk about why, out of all the extras, this is one you shouldn’t pass on!

 

~Get Everyone In The Picture~

Whether it’s a Couples, Family, Solo, Multi Generation, First or 50th trip, it’s the perfect way to have everyone in the picture. It’s called Memory Maker for a reason. They can capture the special memories that you will treasure forever,  with everyone in the picture – Moms too! In addition, it will include all of your Attraction photos, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more.

 

~Special Surprise Guests~

You never know who may pop up!

One of the BEST features – Magic Shots! These super fun, surprise photos add a touch of Disney Magic when they show up. You could find Mickey, Tinkerbell, Chip and Dale, or so many more of your favorite characters… and even Sven has made an appearance! Don’t hesitate to let the photographer know you would like some of these special photos. They will happily oblige!

 

~Where To Find Them~

Check for locations of photographers in your MDE app

While you’ll usually find PhotoPass Photographers near the icons in each park, they will move around. And there will be some in a few of the beaten path areas too. To see where they are located at any given time, simply check your MDE App, and from the drop down menu, select “PhotoPass”. It will pinpoint where to find them in each park. In addition, stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs for extra photos with special backgrounds and props… All included in your Memory Maker purchase!

 

~How (and How Much)~

If you are booking your WDW vacation with a Travel Agent (like our friends at Destinations to Travel), this will be a question they will ask you when they work up your free quote. But, if you are booking yourself, just let the cast member know, and they will add it to your package (current early purchase price $169 *subject to change). It is best to add it at least 3 days prior to the start of your vacation for the best price. Memory Maker can be added after the start of your trip, but the price will increase (currently $199 *subject to change), so by adding it in the beginning, you’ll save. All of your photos will be available to you to download to your mobile device or computer for 30 days… ALL of them! No need to decide which ones to purchase individually (or watch that bill add up)

 

Let us know if YOU are a Memory Maker Fan, or if you pass on this option. Will you be adding Memory Maker to your next Vacation?

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. 

INFO: How to Go Disney with a Toddler

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Every parent has their own opinion on this, and it’s mostly driven by either fear or the unknown. This is the dramatic segue for the most commonly asked question: 

Should I bring my toddler to Walt Disney World?

The answer is YES, without debate! I traveled with my kids when they hadn’t even mastered walking, let alone begun potty training, so you can take my advice on this.

No, it won’t be a waste of money. True, a tot most likely won’t remember the experience. Yet, these are the best years to behold the wonder and magic of a child’s imagination- and you will forever remember each and every moment! And that, right there, is the most prized souvenir from a Disney vacation!

So, here’s 5 tips that may help in the planning of a Walt Disney World vacation with your little person:

  1. Have your essentials shipped to your resort– diapers, swimmers, special foods and snacks, wipes, sunscreen, etc. Order the bare necessities either before you leave, via Amazon Prime, or on the very day of arrival – via a local store like Walmart. Items can be delivered to your resort and held for you until your arrival. Most items are sold at the resort shops, yet they are limited and can be costly.
  2. Bring a reliable stroller. It should be one that folds easily and isn’t too bulky. Also, make sure it stands out in the middle of 100 strollers! You will have to park it outside ride queues, and it may be moved by a Cast Member on the busiest days. And, no, a balloon tied to the handle is not practical. Make a colorful sign and zip-tie it to the stroller instead.
  3. Plan out your day ahead of time. Make a list of kid-friendly rides, activities and restaurants in advance. You can find age appropriate rides on the  Disney World website here. Don’t worry parents! You can still get the most of your trip and enjoy the thrill rides, and not wait on the line twice. Check with a Cast Member before getting on the line and ask about Rider Switch. This handy feature allows adults to take turns waiting with little ones or those unable to ride.
  4. Know where to go for emergencies. First Aid Centers with nurses are available at all Parks, and in-room medical services are also available at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Also, know where to find Baby Care Centers. These locations offer air-conditioned areas with private nursing, changing, feeding (there’s even a kitchen with microwave and sink), television, and on-site shop for essentials. 
  5. Finally, carve out time to relax! Save those Park Till You Drop days for your next Disney vacation when they are older. Trust me, it’s better to FOMO for a few hours a day than deal with a cranky and uncontrollable toddler all day long. Make it a routine to return to the hotel midday for a break. Parents, you need the siesta hour to recharge, too! Even if nap time doesn’t happen, find a way to unwind before heading out again in the evening for that dinner reservation!

 

Bonus Tip: Capture that first Walt Disney World visit with Capture Your Moment. It won’t be easy to pose on the spot with a toddler, yet you want to make sure you have something to look back on years to come that don’t involve tears. With Capture Your Moment, you can reserve a personalized photo session (0r up to two 20-min sessions back-to-back), and then purchase only your favorite shots! Each session is priced at $50, photos not included. Sessions are available at Magic Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom (starting May 17).

 

Have you ever traveled to Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler? Did you enjoy the experience or regret it?

Share your experience in the comments!

 

 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
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.