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Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

New Park Bag Packing 101

April 19, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

Ask a veteran WDW traveler for some park tips, and it’s likely that one of those tips will be to take a park bag with you. WDW allows you to take a bag – backpack, large purse, camera bag – into the parks with you. While people usually agree on taking a bag, some have different ideas on what to put in it. Here are few things that currently top the list of park bag essentials.

 

~Extra Masks~

Disposable mask vending machines are placed throughout property

 

Having extra masks for each person is not only convenient, but almost required. Between the Florida weather – including sudden afternoon rain showers and humidity – and some rides, being able to switch out a wet mask with a clean, dry one will not only be more comfortable, but more sanitary for you and your family. Disposable mask vending machines are available throughout the parks, and cloth masks are available for purchase at every turn in gift shops as well.

*Pro Tip – take an empty plastic sandwich bag with you to put wet/dirty masks in. When you return to the resort, wash them in the sink and hang them to dry overnight for fresh masks each day.

 

~Back Up Power~

Back Up Power Source

 

Now more than ever, having a power bank and charging cord is almost a neccesity. With the roll out of MagicMobile (available in your MDE App) which can replace MagicBands, it is more important than ever to make sure your device stays charged. Keeping a back up power source will help insure your device is always ready to capture those surprise Magical Moments that will live on in memories for years to come. There are locations throughout the parks for you stop, take a break and charge your device as well, but being able to stay on the go and power up at the same time is the best way to keep moving and save valuable time.

*Pro Tip – Forgot a portable charger? Don’t stress! There are Fuel Rod machines throughout property for purchase. While a bit pricey (approx $30) they come fully charged and can be exchanged at any time or charged at night and reused

 

~The Basics~

The Basics

Sanitizing and hand washing stations are front and center throughout the parks – but a little extra can’t hurt. Cast members are working diligently to keep guests safe and healthy, but we can certainly help them along. Hand Sanitizer and surface wipes come in handy, especially for peace of mind whether sitting down for lunch or hopping onto your next ride.

*Pro Tip – Anti Fog wipes (reusable or disposable) will also come in handy. If you already wear glasses, you may have already considered this but if not and you will be using sunglasses, these will be your best friend to avoid your glasses fogging up from wearing masks or going between air conditioned buildings to the warm Florida weather.

 

For more assistance on preparing for your trip to WDW, reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel. Your new Disney BFF will help make preparation a breeze!

 

What are your MUST HAVES in your park bag? Tell us 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. 

Secret Tips To Doing WDW

April 5, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

There’s a ton of fantastic information available to you, between Facebook Groups and friends, and each one offers great tips and tricks to help make your trip to WDW more Magical. But here are some additional things to take into consideration. Okay, so maybe these aren’t “Secret” tips, but they are less talked about and easily overlooked!

 

~Save Packing Space~

Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash

 

Does anyone else pack their entire wardrobe… or just me? Save some space when packing and leave the shower things at home. Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash are provided for you, which can save some precious luggage space for those new Ears!

 

 

~Break Them In~

Break in Your Shoes Before You Go!

 

You’ll be walking between 5 and 10 miles per day on average, so be kind to your feet. Sure those new shiny sandals look amazing, but it’s going to get old (and painful)… quick. I highly recommend wearing your most comfortable sneakers and get them well in advance of your trip so you have time to break them in. The great thing about a WDW Vacation is, there’s no need for a fashion show. You don’t want to miss out on anything because sore feet or blisters came along on your trip too!
~Know BEFORE You Go~
Things are changing every single day. We are seeing things reopen, protocols changing, different experiences coming available. If you happen to use a Travel Agent (like our friends at Destinations To Travel ), they will keep you up to date and on top of what you need to know. If you’re a self planner, be sure to check the website or your MDE App for the most up to date information!
~Double Screen~

Screen Your Skin AND Lips!
photo: Pure Haven (we do not endorse or are endorsed by Pure Haven or it’s subsidiaries. Photo is for visual only)

 

 

Most of us remember to apply sunscreen – and if this is something that may have slipped your mind, here’s your reminder! The Florida sun is no joke. Apply Sunscreen and apply it OFTEN. While keeping it on our body is important, here’s something many of us can forget… SCREEN YOUR LIPS! Make sure you use a lip balm with SPF and apply that often as well. Sunburn, whether it’s on your body or lips, can bring about as much fun to the party as those blisters we talked about earlier!

 

What are your favorite lesser known tips and tricks? Share them with us 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.

 

 

 

Solo Trips to WDW

March 22, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

Have you ever considered taking a solo trip to WDW? Have you ever done a solo trip to WDW? If not, let’s consider why you would ever think about it, and why it’s an amazing way to experience the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

Why Not?

~ Why? ~

For many who haven’t experienced a trip to WDW alone, a common question is “why would you”? Well, that may have a different answer for each person. Maybe your family isn’t as “Disney Crazy” (let’s call it passionate instead of crazy) as you are. Maybe you need a bit of time away from the real world. Whatever the answer is for you, I can promise that it may very well be the most INCREDIBLE experience you could ever hope for!

 

Treat Yourself To A Deluxe Experience

~Treat Yourself~

If you’re used to traveling with family, most of us have to be a little tighter with our budget. Now is the time to indulge! While you can’t go wrong with a fun stay at POP Century, or be immersed in Disney magic at any of the Value resorts, why not splurge and spring for a visit to a Deluxe Resort? With only one person to please, is it even possible to go wrong!?

 

What’s For Dinner?

~Easy Meal Choices~

There are dining options aplenty all over WDW. And most families have to take special consideration as to where they may choose to make dining reservations… does it have something the kids will eat, is there something for everyone to enjoy, is the price right? When it’s just you, the choices are limitless. With only one person to please, take the time and maybe even enjoy that Signature Dining experience you never had the chance to try before (and – bonus… you don’t have to share!).

 

Living The Solo Life

~ Living Your Happiest Life~

You know the feeling of trying to keep every member of your party happy… yeah, that one. We try, but it is one truth that carries over from the real world. You can’t keep everyone happy all the time.  One of the most perfect moments is the one you are enjoying. Rope Drop and close the park. Sleep in and leave early. Take a nap in the middle of the day, or ride Flight of Passage 5 times in a row. It’s a lot of fun to please 1 person, and there’s no wrong choice!

 

Relax by the Koi Pond during a visit to Epcot

 

~What Do I Need To Know~

Even the most seasoned WDW visitor can be a little thrown off by planning their first Solo Trip. It is as easy (or easier) as planning for your family. Choose your favorite resort, and whichever dates you want to go. Make your park reservations as soon as you book and ADRs 60 days out. If you like the idea of still having a Disney BFF in your corner, reach out to our friends at Destinations to Travel (and you’ll never feel alone throughout the whole process) Keep an open mind, let your imagination soar, and let yourself enjoy the Most Magical Place On Earth!

 

Have you ever done a Solo Trip to WDW? What are some of your tips? Share with us in the comments!

 

photo credit : Disney

 

If you’re looking to book a Solo OR Family Trip to WDW, I’d love to help! Feel free to join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life, Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith, or reach out via email at christinasmith@d2travel.com

 

 

Making Memories on a Budget

March 1, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

Let’s get right to the point. Vacations are not at the top of many peoples “Priority List”, and in all honesty they aren’t cheap.  And, I get it! We all have bills that come first, so that much desired trip to WDW tends to get put on the back burner. While I wish I could wave a pixie dust filled wand and make everyones trip the cost of the change we find in the laundry, I can’t… BUT I can give you a few tips to help make a dream come true trip a reality and a little easier on the wallet!

 

~BOOK EARLY~

    Call as soon as the idea hits!

I cannot stress this enough. BOOK EARLY! When you book your vacation as soon as your desired travel dates are available, you are locking in those rates. To secure your vacation, all it takes is a $200, refundable deposit! Prices can go up at any time, without notice. But you will keep your lower rates. My favorite part of this is, it also allows you more time to save!

 

~WATCH FOR PROMOTIONS~

             Keep Your Eyes Peeled

While nothing is guaranteed, even WDW occasionally does release money saving promotions. A promotion can be applied to your existing reservation. Simply call and speak to a Cast Member (or if you are using the FREE services from our friends at Destinations To Travel, they will do it for you!) and see if your package qualifies!

 

~GIFT CARDS~

Use Discounted Gift Cards or ask for them as gifts!

Disney Gift Cards are a fantastic (and often overlooked) way to budget for your WDW Vacation. You can even find them at a discount using your Red Card at Target, as well as other locations such as some wholesale stores (BJs, etc). While the discount may not seem like much at the time, those savings add up… quick! Gift Cards can be applied as payment on your vacation package, as well as for food and merchandise at the resorts, in the parks and at most locations at Disney Springs. * Bonus Tip – If your family is looking for gift ideas for Christmas or Birthdays, ask them for a gift card!

I truly believe everyone deserves time away and something to look forward to. By working a “vacation fund” right into your budget and following the tips above, it can be done. And with plenty of time to experience the INCREDIBLE 18 Month Long 50th Anniversary Celebration! How will you Make Memories This year?

Do you have a favorite budgeting tip? Please share with us in the comments below!

photo credit : Disney

 

If a trip to WDW to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with Mickey and friends is on your mind, I would love to help! You can find me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Christina Smith, request a FREE, No Obligation Quote here, or join in the fun in our group Living The Magical Life.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #439 – Disney News For the Week of March 12, 2018

March 16, 2018 By Tony Caselnova

Disney Parks Podcast Show #439 – Disney News For the Week of March 12, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Orange Swirl, Easter Sunday Services, Reunion Station, and so much more

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #439 – Disney News For the Week of March 12, 2018

VIDEO: Flyover the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Site

March 9, 2018 By Tony Caselnova

While the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands won’t debut to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort guests until 2019, eager fans can take a voyage over the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction site – right now!

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

As you can see in this video, which Bob Iger shared this morning during the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is shaping up to be one of the most detailed and immersive lands ever created in Disney Parks history. Take a look at the video above for construction flyover footage that shows the expansive scale of this thrilling addition.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

January 24, 2018 By Tony Caselnova

Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss the new Disney Streaming platform, Road closures at WDW, Italian restraints and so much more!

Check out our NEW Sponsor Picnic – Keeping families organized, productive, and connected by bringing all your activities, tasks, and data together in one shared place.

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

January 17, 2018 By Tony Caselnova

Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss the new place to eat at Disney Springs, Monorail Failures, Minnie Mouse walk of fame, New Music at the Disney Hollywood studios and so much more

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