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INFO: Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts for the Holidays

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Courtesy of Disney

Christmas is Almost Here!

Walt Disney World recently announced the coming of the most anticipated holiday celebration of the year – Christmas! Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours will take to the streets of Magic Kingdom Park this year! We cannot wait to see the parade, fireworks, the snowfall on Main Street, and, of course, Santa Clause! 

Since we’re in the booking season for a holiday getaway (even for 2022), I’d like to share with you my Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts for a stay during the holidays.

#5 Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Though not as decked to the halls as deluxe resorts, this is one special, value resort where you can get a taste of Christmas at a reasonable price. By taste, I’m referring to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, which is easily accessible from this Skyliner hotel. Yet, there’s more to the Pop than meets the eye – it has the most awesome retro holiday décor that brings us all back to those old Polaroid pictures around grandma’s silver Christmas tree.

#4 Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. As a moderate resort, the Riverside offers a budget-friendly stay at Walt Disney World for the holidays. The setting recalls the pleasantries of a Southern comfort, country holiday. If you want to see Christmas a tad more jazzed up, you can just walk on over to the French Quarter. Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are just a ferry ride away from Disney Springs- home of endless holiday shopping, entertainment, and the ever popular Christmas Tree Stroll – making it an even more ideal choice for the holidays.

#3 & #2 Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These sister resorts equally deserve a spot on the list, and, since they are attached, I have paired them together. Though connected to each other, the two resorts elicit a very different feel of Christmas, with the Yacht Club starring as the most unique. At the Yacht Club, a Christmas railway diorama takes center stage with a Disney Christmas Village and beloved characters getting ready for the holidays around the tracks. Equally impressive are the model ships and boats that deck the trees throughout the resort. The Beach Club implores your sense of both sight and smell, as the scent of gingerbread wafts the halls, leading you to the stunning Gingerbread Carousel which changes in theming every year! What’s more, both resorts are a stroll away from EPCOT’s World Showcase where you can experience the holidays celebrated around the Lagoon.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Lobby by Melissa Reed

#1 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This is, beyond any doubt, the quintessential holiday resort at Walt Disney World. It’s cozy, rustic, woodsy – a typical winter getaway. I know I could stay in the grand lobby all day, looking up at the magnificent 60ft tree, and rock the night away on a rocking chair by the crackling, warm fire. You will feel worlds away from everything, yet it’s only a short ferry ride to the festivities at Magic Kingdom Park. One especially festive touch found only at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the nearby Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, are the horse-drawn holiday sleigh rides! Board a festive, decorated sleigh for a ride through scenic trails in the secluded woodlands of Fort Wilderness  – no other resort can top that for the holidays, right?

 

Keep in mind, resort hopping is a holiday tradition that allows you to see all the wonderful decorations that each of the resorts display during this most wonderful time of year. That said, no matter where you stay, you can always set aside a day to take in all the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays at Walt Disney World!

 

Which Walt Disney World Resort hotel do you prefer for your stay during the holiday season?

 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 travel agents, Mike Beyer, Emilee Biegel, and Melissa Reed. You can find them on Facebook:
  Destinations To Travel – Mike Beyer;  Destinations To Travel with Emilee Jaworowski-Biegel; Destinations To Travel with Melissa Reed.

 

INFO: How to Get the Best Firework Views, Part II

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Photo by David Roark

Unlike at Magic Kingdom, where everyone is packed tight like a school of fish, facing Cinderella’s Castle, EPCOT’s fireworks can be admired 360 degrees around the World Showcase lagoon. This means that, regardless of where you decide to park yourself, you will get a view of the fireworks.

Of course, some areas may be disputed as better than others, yet the HarmoniUS barges appear to be capable of putting on a show visible even in outer space- so I wouldn’t fret much over where to get the best view of this new nighttime spectacular coming in October.

As mentioned in the previous blog post, viewing fireworks from a seated location at a restaurant may not always go as planned. Requests for specific seating may or may not be possible, and this will require a very early arrival and much patience on your end. Keep that in mind for the restaurant recommendations that follow.

Now, for the list of locations throughout the World Showcase, as well as an ideal area outside the park, with better views of EPCOT’s upcoming reappearance of EPCOT Forever and HarmoniUS debut:

 

Rose & Crown Dining Room. This may present a challenge, as the United Kingdom Pavilion is one of the most crowded pavilions thanks to this popular dining location (and waterholes). However, if you are willing to wait for your table, it is worth all your patience. Kindly request outdoor seating at the back patio for the best views.

La Hacienda de San Angel. Most tables will have a view, as the floor-to-ceiling windows face the lagoon. Extra points if your table is, indeed, a window table.

Spice Road Table. Though there may be a slight chance of snagging a window table indoors, there’s a better chance to get a full view if dining outdoors with a table beside the gates. Arrive early – reservations are no longer offered at this location.

If you don’t want to fight for a table (I do not condone fighting for any reason whatsoever at Walt Disney World), then I do not recommend locations like Cantina de San Angel or seating areas like that alongside the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. The race to claim a table and share space with others who are also squeezing in for a comfortable view just isn’t worth it.

Photo by Jing Xi Lau on Unsplash

Don’t have a dining reservation nor care to eat? Head over to the Japan Pavilion. Just above the Mitsukoshi Department Store is a large balcony offering elevated and unobstructed views of the lagoon. Note, if you are standing in front of a window, though, chances are you are the obstruction for someone dining at Tokyo Dining.

Another place with great views is right on the bridge between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. This is usually where I stop and stand for the show, especially when I am staying at the Beach Club –  I can walk to the resort without having to deal with the crowds exiting the park. Disney’s EPCOT area resorts are Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and BoardWalk Inn. Even without a park ticket, a visit to this area will bring you close enough to enjoy the illuminated night sky. Get an ice cream at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop or the new Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, or warm up with a cup of coffee from the Boardwalk Bakery, and watch the fireworks from the walkway bridge that connects the Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club Resort. The Disney Skyliner is a convenient mode of transportation to access this location – the skyliner stops at the International Gateway at EPCOT and is just a stroll away.

 

Where do you go to view the EPCOT fireworks?

Are you disappointed still that Illuminations has ended?

How do you feel about the anticipated debut of HarmoniUS?

 

 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.

 

INFO: How to Get the Best Firework Views, Part I

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With news of fireworks returning at Walt Disney World July 1, and the new nighttime spectaculars taking to the skies for the world’s biggest 50th anniversary celebration this October, you may want to know where to be for the best (or simply better) views of Disney’s pyrotechnic displays. Surprisingly, that doesn’t necessarily require a park ticket. 

Photo by D2Travel Agent Jamie Swanson

In this post, let’s focus on Magic Kingdom Park.

It’s time to prepare for the return of Happily Ever After and the debut of Disney Enchantment over, and on, Cinderella’s Castle. There are several dining options that offer potential viewing of Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectaculars. Note use of the word potential. Since castle projections are just as part of the show as the fireworks, appreciating this anywhere other than center stage on Main Street most likely won’t have the full effect of the overall experience. Also, there isn’t much guarantee that window seating or firework views from indoors will be unobstructed or even available at the time of the reservation. That said, if you do have a dinner reservation, arrive early and kindly request a firework view seating. Your reservation should also be up to one hour before the scheduled firework show. 

Now, for the list of Disney’s Resorts and restaurants with a view of Magic Kingdom fireworks:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Dine window-side at ‘Ohana, or simply head to the beach for fireworks viewing. Once construction is complete and the resort is accessible via monorail again, it shouldn’t be too difficult to hop on over here.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Enjoy dinner with fireworks, and the music which accompanies the show, at the California Grill. Just visiting? Step outside on the fourth floor observation deck. California Grill also has its own observation deck, and, if you have eaten there earlier in the evening, be sure to keep your receipt. This may be used to gain access to the 15th floor deck to watch the fireworks as an end cap to a magical day.

Disney’s Grand Floridian. Get all fancy and splurge at Narcoossee’s (piped in music included). There’s a viewing deck around the restaurant as well. For a more affordable option that doesn’t require a reservation and bank account, opt for outdoor patio seating at the Quick-Service restaurant Gasparilla Island Grill.

 

In the Magic Kingdom Park…

Have a park ticket? Ready to deal with the infamous crowds at park closing? If you answered yes, I admire your bravery. Use it wisely to grab seats, or a table, outdoors at Casey’s Corner (which appears to be opening soon) or the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Speaking of the area, Plaza Restaurant does have limited window space indoors with a firework view. Don’t count on getting it. You’ll need faith, trust, pixie dust, patience, and luck for any of these locations to deliver the magic you anticipate!

 

If dessert parties return at Tomorrowland Terrace, this may very well be the best option for guaranteed views of the fireworks and castle. This does come with a cost, yet you really can’t put a price on champagne, desserts, and fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Can you? Let’s just hope, for now, that dessert parties make a comeback – at least by October!

Finally, this may be unconventional and unexpected – the view isn’t ideal, but it is different. I’m referring to the inside of Cinderella’s Castle and dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Fireworks that set off from behind the castle may be seen from the inside, especially if seated by a window, and the bright mosaic of flickering colors will surely make the dining experience uniquely surprising and delightful.

That wraps up this half of firework views at Walt Disney World. Stay tuned for the next post that will give insight to the best locations for views of the EPCOT firework shows- including the most anticipated HarmoniUS.

 

 

 

Where do you prefer to be to watch Magic Kingdom’s firework shows?

Are you anticipating Disney Enchantment in October? 

 

 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.
Special Thanks to Jamie Swanson for her photo of Cinderella’s Castle. You can find Jamie on Instagram @vacationswithjamie

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.

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.

 

Experience The Magic of A Couples Excursion To WDW

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It seems that as adulthood sets in, many people believe their time has come and gone to experience all this wonderful place has to offer. But for those of us that refuse to grow up, I assure you that is NOT the case! Don’t believe me? Let me show you.

 

~Choose Your Ideal Resort~

Sunrise over Port                           Orleans Riverside

On Property Disney Resorts are not “one size fits all”.  And planning as a couple can actually open up a whole new realm of possibilities. While Value Resorts offer wonderful, nostalgic memories, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts offer a more mature (and romantic) setting. This is a great time to watch a sunrise over Port Orleans Riverside, enjoy overlooking a safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or watch the sunset over Magic Kingdom with a drink in hand on the “beach” at the Polynesian!

 

~ Experience Incredible Dining~

The Ultimate                                          Dining Experience

Whether you are looking to expand your palette or just love food, you can experience dining on a whole new level on a couples trip. Enjoy Signature Dining without worrying what’s on the kids menu. Want to really splurge? Treat yourselves to Victoria & Alberts (a AAA 5 Diamond restaurant) located in the Grand Floridian. Maybe even spend some time sampling drinks from around the World (Showcase, that is) at Epcot. No matter what your preference, let your adult inner foodie out!

 

~Enjoy Real Downtime~

Enjoy Your Resort

You finally started your much deserved vacation. You’ve planned for months (or maybe you had free, expert assistance from our friends at Destinations To Travel). It’s tempting to GO, GO, GO… especially at WDW… but HOLD BACK. Yes, I said hold back! It’s important to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks together. Spend time enjoying your resort & the pool. Head over and experience evening adult entertainment at Disney Springs. Maybe even sleep in one morning! With no little ones in tow you have the freedom to take everything at a leisurely pace. It IS a vacation, after all!

 

~Take In All The Details~

Painstaking detail in                       Animal Kingdom

Enjoying WDW as a couple allows you to not only enjoy time together, but reconnect with each other on a totally different level. While taking the time to appreciate the many intricate details the Imagineers have painstakingly put into place, you get to experience the childlike happiness in each other when the magic hits. A couples trip to Walt Disney World is truly a whole new level of MAGICAL!

 

Tell us, have you ever done a couples trip to Walt Disney World? What was your favorite part of the experience?

 

If planning a future couples trip to WDW is on your radar the Valentine’s Day, I would love to assist you! Reach out to me on Facebook at Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or join us in Living The Magical Life. And be sure to “stay tuned” as we explore more on resorts, restaurants and experiences for adulting in Walt Disney World!