Staying Safe from Alligators at Disney World

We are absolutely heartbroken about the little boy who died as a result of the alligator attack at Disney World and cannot imagine the trauma this family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.  My way of dealing with the fear that can come from a tragedy like this is to seek out information to help me gain a balanced perspective. 

As scary as alligator attacks on humans are very rare and you only have a 1 in 2.4 million chance of being injured in an alligator attack.  Since 1948, there have only been 23 deaths from alligator attacks in the entire state of Florida with far more deaths attributed to large mammals like cows and horses, insect and spider bites, and dog attacks.  Prior to this recent attack, the last alligator encounter that resulted in injury was thirty years ago - in 1986 - and the victim survived.  

Alligator Behavior & Minimizing Risks

May and June are breeding and nesting months so alligators cover more ground during these months.  In general, alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82° to 92° F (28° to 33° C).

 Alligators typically hunt at night, especially just after sundown or just before sunrise. An alligator's natural hunting behavior is to watch for animals coming to drink in the shallow waters near the edges of lakes, ponds and streams.  

Key take-away: Be alert when walking along waterways and stay out of the water.   Stick to swimming pools and areas that are marked as safe for swimmers.  

Alligators Don't Eat When It is Below 70-degrees

Alligators are cold blooded and typically cannot eat when it is less than 70-degrees.  They become dormant when the temperature drops below 55-degrees. Since they are cold-blooded they don’t need to eat nearly as often as we do and alligators stop eating at all in the winter (depending on temperatures: November – March).  When it is cold, alligators go through a dormant period called “brumation” where their metabolisms slows way down and they become inactive and stop eating until the weather warms enough to resume regular activity.

Key take-away:  If you're really fearful of alligators, plan your Disney vacation for the colder months when alligators are dormant. 

Never feed alligators - it is illegal because it breaks down an alligator's natural aversion to humans.

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Sources:

• http://www.brazosbend.org/florafauna/alligatorfacts.pdf

• http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/facts/

• http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/health/disney-alligator-attack-may-have-been-the-perfect-storm-trnd/index.html
  

Best Disney World Character Meal for Boys by Monica Bryant

I don’t have any boys (we’re an all princess family) however I do have 2 nephews that travel to Disney World with us on a regular basis. We have done a few character meals with them, but I think one of the best character meals on property for boys is Chef Mickey’s!

Chef Mickey’s is located at The Contemporary Resort which makes it ideal for a meal either on your first day or last day at Disney World if you don’t have tickets to the parks on those days. You don’t need tickets to eat at this restaurant.

At Chef Mickey’s, you will meet Mickey Mouse, and then a variety of the other “main” Disney characters like Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, etc…. If your goal is to meet these characters I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is great, the restaurant is air-conditioned (a real plus on those hot Florida summer days!) and no standing in long lines to get autographs and pictures! Each character comes to your table to spend a few minutes with just your family! The food is buffet style and offers a great variety so that even the pickiest eater can find something they like! They also offer the ever so famous Mickey waffles! So if you’re looking for some time with the “Mouse that started it all”, this is a great way to meet him! Be sure to book your reservations early as they book up fairly quickly!

(If you’re looking for a great restaurant for boys that isn’t a character meal, I highly recommend Rainforest Café---my nephews always request a meal there! The food is outstanding, the atmosphere is fantastic for boys and the only other thing I can say is “Volcano!!” one of the best desserts on property. There are two (2) Rainforest Cafes you can eat at: one at Disney Springs and one at Disney's Animal Kingdom park; you do not need a park admission ticket to dine at the Animal Kingdom location as the restaurant entrance is outside the park.)

About the author: Monica is our most experienced travel agent and is a whiz at helping people plan fantastic Disney vacations. 

Click here to read Monica's bio

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Let Monica help you plan a great vacation!

Our “Quote Request” form is the easiest way to start planning your trip. Just fill in as much or as little information as you know at this time and select Monica's name from the agent drop bar. Monica will be in touch soon. There’s never any pressure or obligation.

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Purple Magic Bands Now Available Through My Disney Experience

Purple Magic Bands now available as one of the custom colors available when you stay at one of the Disney World hotels.

Great news!  Disney has now added purple to the list of complimentary colors available for Magic Bands provided at no extra cost when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.  You’ll need to create or log into your My Disney Experience account, link your resort reservation to the account, and follow the instructions to customize your Magic Bands.  When you do, you’ll see a screen like the one pictured above that lets you select the color you want for your Magic Band.   If you’ve already done this but your trip is at least a month away, you may still be able to go in and modify your color selection. 

Magic Bands an easy and convenient way to:

• Open your Disney World resort hotel room

• Enter the Disney World theme parks, if you’ve linked your tickets to your account

• Check in for FastPass+ reservations

• Connect Disney PhotoPass photos to your account

• Pay for meals and snacks using your Disney Dining Plan credits

• Charge food and souvenir purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room

Other Magic Band colors available:

• Grey (default color)

• Red

• Orange

• Yellow

• Green

• Blue

• Pink

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New purple Disney world Magic Band

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Where to Watch the Super Bowl at Disney World (2018)

Wondering where you can catch the Big Game on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Disney World?   We've got several great options for you. 

Rix Sports Bar and Grill - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

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Rix Lounge, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is hosting a special event for the Big Game on February 4, 2018 from 5 - 10PM. The cost is $21.95 per person and the All-You-Can-Eat buffet includes a mini hot dog bar with toppings, Chicken Tenders, Housemade BBQ chips, House Coleslaw, and Deli Sliders.  No advance reservations accepted. Free parking or use Disney transportation - take a bus to either Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios and then catch a bus to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.   This is a little off the beaten track and, as of today, they don't have the event posted on their website so crowds may be lower here. 

The game will most likely also be playing on the TVs in the other Disney hotel resort food courts and lounges.

Splitzville - Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) 

Splitzville will have the game on with sound up the second floor and on the patio and it will be business as usual.   You can make an advance reservation, subject to availability, online through your "My Disney Experience" app or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.  You cannot specifically request the second floor during the reservation process so that will happen first-come-first-served at the podium. This is a huge venue with lots of tables but expect a crowd.  

ESPN Club - Boardwalk Entertainment District

As of January 26, 2018, ESPN is completely sold out of for the Big Game so don't plan on going there.   Instead, try the buffet at Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (information above).   

John T's Lounge - Hilton Hotel at Disney Springs

John T's Lounge will show the big game on their 7 TV's and they will have drink specials.  The sound will be up though they do not have a surround sound system.  You can take Disney transportation to Disney Springs and walk over to the Hilton hotel.

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The Lobby Bar at Four Seasons

The Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons hotel, with seating for 70 people, has not yet announced their 2018 plans other to say that "they will probably be doing something" and to call back (855-548-9127) closer to the date.   No reservations accepted, no cover charge and you do not have to stay at the hotel to visit this venue. Food and drinks are available for purchase.  While the Four Seasons is located on Disney property, you can't get to there using Disney transportation.  You can take a taxi if you don't have your own vehicle.  Parking is $15 but drops to $5 with restaurant validation when you purchase food and beverages. 

Lounges at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

The lounges at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts are not planning any special events but are bringing in extra TVs for the game.  These hotels are located in the Epcot Resort area. 

House of Blues - Disney Springs

The game will be playing at the bar at House of Blues in Disney Springs but seating is extremely limited and the game will not be shown in the dining room.

Watch the Big Game in Your Hotel Room

All of the Disney World Resort hotels have cable TV so you can certainly kick back and catch the Big Game from the comfort of your room.   Pizza delivery is available and all of the rooms have mini-refrigerators so you can pre-order snacks and drinks from Garden Grocer and have them delivered right to your resort.  You may also want to check with the lounge or pool bar at your resort to see if they'll be showing the game.  Click here to learn more about Garden Grocer delivery services. 

The game will most likely also be playing on the TVs in the resort food courts and lounges. 

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Why You Should book your Disney World Vacation Before a Free Dining Promotion is Announced

When Disney World releases a free dining promotion, people book their trip and then they start booking their dining right away and popular locations like Chef Mickey, O'hana, Teppen Edo, and Be Our Guest fill to capacity almost immediately.  Free Dining is usually announced sometime between late March and early May for late August or early September arrivals.  Disney World dining reservations can be booked 180 days prior to arrival, which means that you can begin booking dining reservations into the typical Free Dining Promotion period in early March.   The easiest and most relaxed way for you to plan your vacation and get the restaurants you want is to let one of our agents get your trip booked now and we'll help you map out which park you'll visit on each day of your vacation, then we'll book your dining reservations on your behalf as soon as your 180 day reservation window opens.  Your top choices will be secured for you before the free dining frenzy begins and then your agent will apply the free dining promotion to your existing reservation just as soon as the promotion is released, subject to Disney terms and conditions.  Your agent will let you know right away if any modifications need to be made to participate.  You don't have to keep watching for a promotion release because we're taking care of that for you.   The deposit is only $200 and is completely refundable up to 30-days prior to arrival so there is absolutely no risk - you can cancel for a full refund if free dining is not offered or your plans change.   Booking your trip now is like getting all the "Black Friday" deals and getting to sleep in on the day after Thanksgiving!

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Jeni's Review of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!

Welcome to Pioneer Hall and the Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue! Where the food is hot, the drinks are not, and the food is well...bear-able! But seriously though, aside from the puny jokes and crazy show, you can really take a load off and enjoy the Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue!

More chicken, more chicken, more chicken, let’s eat? All the food is served family style. Grub includes bread, a dinner salad, barbecue spare ribs, fried chicken, corn, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake. To drink there’s soft drinks, coffee, tea and milk for kids of all ages. There is also beer, wine, and sangria for the kids at heart.

Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland are accepted at this dinner show. The show itself is quirky and features a six member cast that sings, dances, and tells jokes. (This experience takes two (2) Disney Dining Plan Table Service meals credits per person, 100% ID check for alcohol)

In 2011, my brother Mikey was picked to be in the show. He was the Ranger. It was an awesome moment to laugh, and it was very cute to my mom. My brother was a team player but has voiced he doesn't want to be a part of the show, he'd rather just watch it. I on the other hand love the show and hope to someday be a part of it. My grandmother who is not into the whole Disney thing(weird right), grabbed a washboard and a spoon and jammed away. My mother loves the show and talks about their fried chicken all the time. It is truly a show for all ages.

With something for everyone, there’s never a bad time to go down to Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness. Traffic can be busy so leave extra time to get to Pioneer Hall. Please note that there is some walking required once you get to the resort. 

All the walking there is worth it once you walk into the doors of the Hoop-de-hoop-de-hoop-de-doo!

(Note from Annette: If you are using Disney transportation, you'll need to take a bus or a boat from one of the theme parks or Disney Springs to the Fort Wilderness campground and then, once there, take one of the internal buses to Pioneer Hall.  They have three internal bus routes so check with the bus driver if you aren't sure whether the bus will get you where you need to go).

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Anna-the-Anxious Rides Rock 'n Roller Coaster

Rock’N’Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. For one, it is no ordinary Roller Coaster (but we’ll get back to that in a minute). For two, it was my very first real (by real I mean, you go upside down on it) roller coaster. Finally, my family has a heart for Classic Rock and adores making fun of one line in particular of the pre­-show.

So what is the coaster like? Well, terrifying.

You see, since it was my very first grown­up coaster, I was already super nervous. To make matters worse, my mother made me spit out my gum beforehand because, and I quote, “I really don’t want you choking on your gum from this.” My little sister (who had been on it many times) held my hand and told me I probably wouldn’t die. I had a nice little hyperventilating fit in the pre-­show, managed to calm down, got in the second line, and told myself "there is no turning back now." This of course is not true; you can turn back all the way up to the point that you strap into your seat. As I mentioned before you can turn back up to the moment they strap you in.  I hopped in the seat while forcing myself to take deep calming breaths, yanked the harness down as tight as I could physically make it, and waited... I waited for what felt like an eternity, until I heard Steven Tyler's voice shout, "5" (Oh gosh, my heart!),  "4" (I CAN'T DO THIS!), "3" (I'M STUCK!!!), "2" (I held my breath) and "1!!!" Off like a rocket! 0­-to-60mph in 3-­point­ something seconds, and after that three seconds the worst was over. I laughed hysterically! In retrospect I think I was having a minor breakdown. I laughed and laughed and laughed and tears rolled across my face. Then in an instant, it was over... I was so pumped I rode it twice more, and then I never got back on it again.

 I conquered my fear and decided I didn't like the feeling in my stomach whilst accelerating at an unreasonable rate. I don't like being forced to listen to loud noises while my body is being thrown about. If this sounds terrifying to you, you should probably sit this one out. If you get motion sick, enjoy the super cool Aerosmith themed gift shop, where you can watch all the excited riders look at photos of their scrunched up faces as they exit the ride. There is plenty to do while the others ride, and please don't feel bad, or dumb for not wanting to ride. There are so many reasons not to go! My go-­to reason is "I'm nauseous, and who of you wants to sit next to a nauseous person on a roller coaster?" Your reason can be as simple as "I want to enjoy my visit to Disney World, and look back at it fondly, I don't want you to remember me crying in line."

I'm going to leave you with quote from my dad. "If you don't ride because you don't want to, that's fine. Just don't let fear stop you from something you truly want to do." I wanted to conquer my fear of Roller Coasters, so I went of the most extreme one at Disney World in a moment of peer pressure, and I'm glad I did. If you really don't want to go, just don't.  That's okay! 

About the author:  Anna was always a cautious child and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in her teens.  She works hard to keep it from running her life.

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Our “Quote Request” form is the easiest way to start planning your trip. Just fill in as much or as little information as you know at this time and one of our agents will be in touch soon. There’s never any pressure or obligation.

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No, The Toy Story Characters Don't Drop to the Ground When You Yell, "Andy's Coming"

You all know that the Toy Story characters do not drop to the ground when someone yells "Andy's Coming", right? It seems like that photo suggesting that they do is going around again. Some say it used to happen, others say it never happened but all I can tell you for sure is that it doesn't happen now.  If you yell "Andy's Coming", the handler that accompanies the characters will most likely tell you that Andy is away at college. 

Disney World Myth - Toy Story characters like Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear do not drop to the ground if you yell, "Andy's Coming" at Disneyland and Disney World.

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How To Get the FastPass+ Options That Will Save the Most Time

In 2021, Disney replaced FASTPASS+ with Disney Genie, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane. FASTPASS+ is no longer available.

Are you wondering which FastPass+ reservations are best? We give an Unofficial Guide or a subscription to TouringPlans to each of our clients.  These fantastic resources are full of powerful and up-to-date information that will help you keep lines and waits to a minimum. 

Click Here to Find Out How You Can Get Free Disney World Touring Plans

If you have the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World (printed guidebook), look at the touring plans found near the back of the book and select a plan that is right for your group. You'll find FastPass+ recommendations and best times so that your theme park touring plan and your FastPass+ reservations work together to give you the best way to keep lines to an absolute minimum.

If you have a TouringPlans subscription, look under the "Touring Plans" tab, select a park and you'll find the FastPass+ recommendations in the gray box near the top of the plan.

Where to find FastPass+ recommendations on a TouringPlans.com plan.

If you aren't using a Disney World theme park touring plan or itinerary, here are the attractions I recommend you try to get FastPass+ reservations for:

Magic Kingdom:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - this is the Magic Kingdom's newest attraction and is very centrally located so long lines are always an issue here.

• Peter Pan’s Flight - Surprised? Again, the central location is an issue but this ride also has a very low rider capacity and relatively slow loading and unloading so a FastPass here can free up a lot of time you would've spent in line.

Note: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a new roller coaster (you don’t go upside down) that is Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction and that, along with the central location, means that lines are horrific.  Peter Pan's Flight suffers from low loading speed, low rider capacity and a central location so its lines also are terrible.  

 Epcot:

• Frozen Ever After – popularity of Frozen plus the fact that this is Epcot’s newest attraction means long lines.

• Test Track and Soarin' are always popular but Disney will only let you choose one of the rides mentioned in this section so go with Test Track or Frozen Ever After and ride Soarin' using the standby line as soon as the park opens.

 Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Disney is currently only allowing guests to choose one FastPass from the new Toy Story Land.

• Slinky Dog Dash is new and will also be very popular - this FastPass option can be hard to get, even 60-days early. Also, a lot of its line is outside which means your wait can be really hot without FastPass.

• Toy Story Midway Mania – the fact that this is the only ride in this park that is truly appropriate for all ages causes long lines and has no height restriction.

• Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror are always popular choices for thrill seekers.

• Alien Swirling Saucers is easier to get and lines aren't usually as long; I wouldn't choose this one.

 Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Avatar - Flight of Passage

• Kilamanjaro Safari

• Expedition Everest

• Couldn't get an Avatar - Flight of Passage FastPass? Click here for tips on riding without waiting hours in line.

 You don’t typically need FastPass+ for shows or 3D movies.

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Let’s start planning a great vacation!

Our “Quote Request” form is the easiest way to start planning your trip. Just fill in as much or as little information as you know at this time and one of our agentswill be in touch soon. There’s never any pressure or obligation.

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Meet Santa at Disney Springs from Nov. 14 - Dec. 30, 2016 (Free event)

Disney World Seasonal Freebie - From November 8 through December 24, 2019 (11AM to 11PM), Santa and his helpers will be greeting Guests at their cottage across in the Disney Springs Marketplace near the Christmas Tree Trail across from Once Upon a Toy.  Check in at the podium and give your mobile phone number so can enjoy the area until it is your turn.  When you receive a text from Santa’s Helpers, you will have 10 minutes to return.  Photographers will be on hand and photos with Santa are included in the Memory Makers photo package.

 More Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

• Stroll through a trail of Disney themed, decorated Christmas trees near the Marketplace bus loop.

• Take time to check out the holiday storefront window displays.

• Click here for our Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disney World during the Holidays. 

Click on the photo for a list of crowd warnings, closures and special events at Disney World in December.

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Disney World Vacation Planning Services for Busy & Frustrated People

Disney is marketing one promotion under three or four different names:  Early 2016 Offer, Magic Together Offer, and Disney Junior Offer; before that, it was as a Disney Visa offer.   Okay, in all fairness, the Disney Junior offer is ever-so-slightly different because families with preschoolers and get a small bag of promotional items and activities.  (The "Stay, Play and Dine" offer actually is a different promotion.)   It makes sense to craft your message to reach different types of guests; so much sense, in fact, that I thought I would do the same thing with the services we happily provide to all of our clients....

Click Here for a List of /current Disney Discounts & Promotions

 Option 1: "I hate all of this ?#&%! Technology!" Service -  This service is for people that find it just infuriating that Disney now wants you to set up a "My Disney Experience" account, book dining and FastPass+ online, customize Magic Bands, and download an app.  It can be so frustrating, especially if you don't have a teenager handy to do it for you.   Book your Disney vacation through us and our agents will happily do almost all of it for you and they'll walk you through anything you absolutely have to do on your own.  We even offer the Unofficial Guide to Disney World - a printed guidebook - as a thank you gift option to help with your plans.  We still send printed documents and printed copies of the theme park touring plans to you via the U.S. Postal Service and we're happy to discuss your plans and needs over the phone.   

Option 2: "I'm Too Busy for All This Advance Planning" Service - Doesn't Disney realize that the kinds of people who go to Disney World have jobs and families? Do they seriously expect you to research resorts, plan every dining reservation six months in advance, research the best FastPass+ options and then book them at midnight exactly 45 days prior to arrival? Who has time for that?!? If you feel this way, you will definitely want to utilize the services of our agents who eat, sleep and breathe this stuff and can do most of it for you. We can help narrow the choices down to those that are a good fit for you and can book dining and FastPass+ on your behalf.  Do you mill your own flour or sew all your own clothes? Of course not, and there is no good reason not to let us do the leg work for you, especially since our services are free when you book your trip through us.    We'll have everything ready to go when your vacation rolls around.

 Option 3: "Help! I'm Trying To Plan Everything For My Extended Family" Service - Group trips can be a wonderful and memorable experience but they do present some very real vacation planning challenges as you try to juggle different ages and different vacation styles.  Having a travel agent that specializes in Disney destinations is a huge help in this situation because we really do know the resorts, restaurants, and theme parks very well and we can help you create plans that include everyone's priorities and that address everyone's needs. 

 Option 4: "I've Already Booked My Trip but Now I'm Overwhelmed!" Service - It is true that our services are completely free when you book your Disney vacation through us but we may still be able to help if you booked your trip yourself.   1) If you booked through Disney less than 30 days ago and have not paid your trip off in full, we can probably still be added as the agent of record on your existing reservation and you'll get all the benefits we offer just as if you'd booked with us in the first place.   (2) If that isn't possible, we can look at your needs and let you know the fee for helping with reservations and itineraries.  

We can also offer "My Wife Told Me to Plan This Thing" services, "I need a Disney Buddy who is as excited as I am" services, and services for people with allergies or any number of special situations.  Just tell us what you need and we'll let you know how we can help.

Click here to book or for a free, no-obligation vacation quote

Build A Better Mouse Trip brings a lot of experience and expertise to your trip.  Our agents will help you select the right resort for your budget, plan a great "Best Days" itinerary, help with all your restaurant questions and FASTPASS+ reservations, and provide fantastic theme park touring plans that will keep you ahead of the crowds and out of the long lines.  Our services can help you whether you are driving or flying.  We book directly through Disney and Universal and we do not charge a fee or service charge of any kind which means that you get every available benefit without paying extra.  

• One travel agent who really knows Disney World & Universal Orlando and who gets to know you and includes your priorities in every step of the trip planning process.

• Expert answers and honest opinions to help you with resort, activity and restaurant selections.

• We'll book dining reservations on your behalf - subject to availability.

• We'll give you excellent Disney and Universal theme park touring plans that keep you ahead of the crowds and out of the long lines. Click here to read more about touring plans.

• You always get the best available price

Request a quote today – we use the same quote request form for Disney World or Universal Orlando.  Just skip any stuff that doesn’t apply and one of our agents will be in touch with you soon to help you plan your next adventure.   This isn’t a commitment, it is just the easiest way to get the conversation started. There's never any pressure and we're always happy to answer your questions.

Click here to book or for a free, no-obligation vacation quote

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Day of the Dead traditions at Disney World and Disneyland / Dia de los Muertos

The Mexican Day of the Dead(Dia De Muertos) tradition is observed on from October 31 to November 2nd and it is a time of honoring departed loved ones.   It has roots in Aztec beliefs that say that the souls of departed loved ones can return for a brief time. 

Click here to read more about Day of the Dead traditions and origins. 

Dia de Los Muerto at Disney World

Certain elements have been incorporated into the "Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Amigos" ride in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.  Skeletons and skull masks (called calacas) are a a recognizable part of modern Day of the Dead celebrations. (Did you notice the Donald Duck pinata under the arch, in the background of the picture below?)

Do you see the Donald Duck banner? This is a Disney-fied version of a folk art called Papel Picado, which means punched or perforated paper, and are usually made by punching or cutting designs into tissue paper, using small chisels. They are used to decorate a lot of events but skeletons and the color pink are a common theme in banners used in Day of the Dead altars.

Dia de Los Muerto at Disneyland

From September 15 to November 2, 2017, the Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure (Disneyland) is inspired Dia de los Muertos and the movie "CoCo" and will feature storytellers, songs from the movie, Folklorico dances and Mariachi Divas.   Authentic Mariachi music will be presented at the Paradise Gardens Bandstand along with delicious Mexican foods available for purchase.   Click here for more information

In Disneyland park, guests can head over to Frontierland from September 15 to November 2, 2017 to join the festivities.   Zocalo Park will have a musical trio of iconic calacas (skeleton figurines), brightly colored flowers and Calaveras-style face painting.  You can enjoy dtasty mexican food at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.

Click here for a Disneyland Vacation Quote

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Everything You Want To Know About Disney Toilet Paper But Were Afraid To Ask

Exclusive Investigatory Report!

Some time ago, I read a blog by a Disney fan who has stayed at several Disney World hotels and I was struck by the comment that they always bring their own toilet paper to the value resorts because the rolls in the value rooms are of lower quality.   As the mother of four kids, I am just grateful when we're not out of toilet paper and had never noticed this detail despite having stayed at lots of Disney resorts of all levels lots of times.   Clearly some investigative work was in order....

Disney Deluxe, Moderate & Value Resorts...It's Not Just About Room Size

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has three main categories of hotels: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.  I did a comparison of rack rate of standard rooms for one night (December 9, 2014) and, as expected, there is a wide range of prices:  Pop Century (value) - $108 / Port Orleans Riverside (moderate) - $181 / Polynesian Resort (deluxe) - $454.  As you would expect, the value rooms are the smallest and the deluxe resorts have the largest rooms.   The pools and dining options are more elaborate at deluxe resorts and value resorts don't have coffee makers in the rooms. Value resorts have double beds but moderate and deluxe resorts have queen beds.  These details are interesting, I suppose, but it turns out that the most important benefit to spending an extra $300 per night is the difference in the toilet paper,  The deluxe resort (I think this is Disney's Yacht Club but don't remember for sure) have thicker, quilted toilet paper; Disney's Port Orleans Riverside has fairly thick toilet paper that isn't quilted; and Disney's Pop Century had thin, single-ply toilet paper that won't win any softness awards. I can't help but wonder what Goldilocks would have to say about the whole thing.  If you're checking into a Disney World resort sometime soon, don't hesitate to send the name of the resort and a picture of the toilet paper in the room to me; the world deserves to know the truth about Disney toilet paper!

 

Did You Know....

Stitch's Great Escape opened in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom on November 16, 2004.  It seems that Stitch went a little crazy with excitement and he TP'ed Cinderella's Castle in celebration of the grand opening.   The castle was cleaned up and returned to it's previous condition by the next morning.

 

What About Disneyland?

Disneyland Resort in California only has three official hotels and they are all deluxe level resorts.    I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in June and completely forgot to take a picture specifically of the toilet paper but I was able to crop down this photo from my room's restroom.  You'll have to make your own assessment of the toilet paper quality.  Disney partners with what they call "Good Neighbor" hotels and the toilet paper there will vary by hotel chain.   I did find the an painted sign in the Frontierland area of Disneyland advertising 100% Splinter Free toilet paper, which seems like a good thing and, frankly, something I didn't even know I should be worrying about.   I do have a favorite Disneyland restroom; it is at Disney California Adventure park behind King Triton's Carousel.  It is my favorite because you can hear the cars from the California Screamin' roller coaster pass overhead.  I have never done this but I think you should definitely throw your hands up and scream at the top of your lungs while using the restroom here just to get the full bathroom roller coaster experience.  Not only will it be fun for you but it will add some extra excitement for the folks in the adjoining stalls too.   Who knows, you may even get to meet Disney security!

Disneyland Hotel toilet paper.

Well, folks, I think we've gotten to the bottom of this important topic.  I hope that reading this article didn't leave you wiped out.  :-)

This article was originally printed in our September 29, 2014 newsletter.   If you do not receive our free newsletter, just click here and scroll to the bottom to subscribe or fill in the form at the bottom of this page.  We will never share or sell your contact information and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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