by Kimberly LaPaglia | Oct 30, 2017 | Disney, Walt Disney World
Halloween Tips for WDW
It’s never too late to get prepared for your Disney vacation and today we have Halloween Tips for WDW. Walt Disney World celebrates the seasons with unique parties, festive decor, and yummy treats all year long. During the fall months, the Magic Kingdom features not-so-scary fun for the whole family.
Planning for 2018? My favorite outside ticket source is Undercover Tourist. You can save $59 on a 6-Day Disney World Park Hopper Ticket; check out the ticket options.
Halloween Merchandise
While you’ll find plenty of costume choices and seasonal bakery items, store shelves are also filled with Halloween wares for your home.
Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost.
Trick or Treat!
Decorate your home for Halloween.
Halloween Costume Tips
Keep your costume comfortable, family-friendly, and weather appropriate. Visits earlier in the season should plan for an outfit that can be comfortable in the Florida heat. Yes, even after dark, you’ll be sweating (or glistening!) from the high humidity. For truly unique Disney styles, head to The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane.
Haunted Mansion items.
Read the guidelines. Plan your costume ahead of your vacation to save money on last minute shopping or higher prices at Walt Disney World.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Since August 25, 2017, families have been enjoying Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The event is held from 7:00 PM to midnight.
Happy Haunts.
Kids of all ages have been seen trick or treating throughout the park. We spotted some terrific costumes on our fall visits. If you are lucky to attend one of the last parties of the season or have plans to visit in 2018, don’t plan your costume until you read over the Halloween costume guidelines. Parties end November 1st giving the park time to transform for the Christmas celebrations including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Adult ticket prices started at $74 for the earlier parties and went up to nearly $100 for the late October/early November events. Book tickets early for popular dates including Halloween night on October 31st.
Reserve party tickets early for popular dates!
We love this family friendly party.
Seasonal Balloons.
Don’t forget to line up early for character greetings as long queues are the norm.
Line up early to meet Jack.
These adorable dwarfs love the Halloween party. Well, maybe not that Grumpy one. 😉
Seven Dwarfs at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Tip: Arrive at 4PM and Cast Members will allow entry with your party ticket. We recommend resting earlier in the day so that you can take full advantage of the late night hours. Boo to You!
Seasonal Halloween Treats
Many Halloween treats can be found throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. No trip down Main Street is complete without a detour through the Main Street Confectionery. Tip: Visit bakery hot spots prior to closing time to avoid long lines while your tummy is rumbly.
All-Star Music filled their bakery case with sugar cookies with orange and black sprinkles.
Seasonal sugar cookies are delicious.
Mouthwatering treats add doses of deliciousness to the Halloween festivities in Walt Disney World.
Grab a seasonal cupcake!
Of course, Rice Crispy Treats take on holiday designs too. These Candy Corn Rice Crispy Treats make great snacks and gifts.
Rice Crispy Treats make great gifts for friends back home!
Disney Resorts
At All-Star Music, we spotted guests showing off their Halloween spirit with this fun window display.
Halloween spirit!
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Disney Parks
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom’s festive decorations make fall an extra fun time to visit.
Fall decor at the Magic Kingdom
One of our favorite seasonal stops in the Magic Kingdom is the Main Street Confectionery.
Main Street U.S.A. never disappoints — love the fall decorations.
Main Street U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom is family-friendly at Halloween, even the scarecrows are fun not frightful.
Not-so-scary scarecrow.
Animal Kingdom
Even DinoLand U.S.A. surprises guests with whimsical Halloween decorations.
Dino Decor.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs was spooktacular too with tasty treats and fun photo ops.
Halloween at Disney Springs.
Shop til you drop!
Shop til you drop during Halloween time.
World of Disney can be crazy busy so stop by on a weekday morning or evening for a less chaotic experience. The seasonal decor is stunning.
Halloween Decorations at World of Disney.
At Vivoli il Gelato, the seasonal pumpkin gelato is my husband’s favorite flavor.
Why choose only one flavor of gelato?
Do you have any Halloween Tips for WDW? What did you wear to Walt Disney World’s Halloween Party this year? Contact Us or Follow Us on Facebook and share your photos!
by Kimberly LaPaglia | May 16, 2017 | Castles, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Ten Ways to Increase Your Magic Kingdom Experience
Let’s face it. Any day at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is… well, a really good day. With thrill-seeking rides and family-friendly entertainment, the park never fails to amaze first-time visitors and multi-visit veterans.
Whether you are on your first or fiftieth visit, there are always more ways to increase your Magic Kingdom experience, including Overlooked and Underrated Attractions.
Your Magic Kingdom experience can be enhanced with these ten suggestions. Read on!
Take a Tour
Behind the scenes tours (from a Family Magic outing to a complete VIP extravaganza) cost extra but can really add to your Magic Kingdom touring experience. Call 407-WDW-TOUR to find the perfect add-on tour for your family!
VIP Tour Guide at Walt Disney World
Reserve a Fireworks Dessert Party
Tomorrowland Terrace features dessert parties on select evenings of the year. Choose from patio seating on the terrace or Plaza Garden viewing where guests stand in a priority location. This add-on experience includes delicious desserts. Theme park admission is also required so you’ll want to add this party to a day and/or evening that you know you’ll be touring the Magic Kingdom.
Desserts at Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Free with your Magic Kingdom admission, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive game that takes guests of all ages on a scavenger hunt. By casting Merlin’s magical spells at Magic Portals, you’ll help conquer Hades and become an apprentice sorcerer. Sign up at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. for your starter pack. If you get hooked on the game, you may want to purchase extra sorcerer cards.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
Help Captain Jack by discovering 5 treasures hidden throughout Adventureland. Sign up at The Crow’s Nest to begin your raids. Collect all 5 treasure finder cards and you’ll receive a collector card signed by Jack Sparrow! Fun for all ages.
Get your treasure map!
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial
Speaking of that famous pirate, Captain Jack hosts a pirate tutorial throughout the day in Adventureland. Check your Times Guide or My Disney Experience app for times.
Nic participating in Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.
Apprentice Pirate certificate.
If your child wants to learn sword fighting, I suggest arriving early and have your child enthusiastically wave their hands to join the fun! If they aren’t picked the first time, go back for a later show. You’ll have better luck at the first show of the day as well as the show that takes place while crowds are waiting for or viewing the afternoon parade.
Attend a Holiday Party
After-hours parties are a terrific way to see the Magic Kingdom from a new perspective. All decked out in holiday decor with special treats and shows, the Magic Kingdom becomes even more unforgettable on party nights. Try Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We like to attend on a day that we’ve taken off from the parks; visit Disney Springs, relax at our resort, and then be sure to stay to the party until the end when crowds are at their lowest.
Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Seek Out the Nooks and Crannies
If you race from ride to show without soaking in the details of the Magic Kingdom, you’ll have missed out on some of the most magical qualities of this iconic park. Even the quick-service restaurants have some special nooks — we love sitting upstairs at Columbia Harbour House and Pinocchio Village Haus. In the back of the Crystal Arts shop, you’ll find fascinating glass blowing demonstrations.
Sit upstairs at Columbia Harbour House for a relaxing respite.
Relax in rocking chairs in Liberty Square.
Street Performers
Be sure to stop and watch some of the street performers throughout the day. The Dapper Dans, Main Street Philharmonic, and Citizens of Main Street are extremely talented and worth watching.
The Dapper Dans performing during the holiday season.
Skip the FastPass… what?!
Sometimes you should skip the FastPass+ for the iconic rides with stellar queues. For instance, Peter Pan’s Flight has an interactive queue that will be missed if you only go on this ride via the FastPass entrance.
Watch for Tinker Bell!
Electrical Water Pageant
Think the fun is over as you exit the gates? It doesn’t have to be. Time your exit to coincide with the Electrical Water Pageant. Taking place on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, the barges pass by the Magic Kingdom (usually about 10:35PM) when the park is open late.
The iconic Electrical Water Pageant.
What extras does your family enjoy in the Magic Kingdom? Contact Us, Follow Us on Twitter or comment below to share your ideas!
by Kimberly LaPaglia | Apr 28, 2017 | Disney, Walt Disney World, WDW Resorts
Disney Arrival Day: Things to Do on Your First Day at Walt Disney World
Congratulations, it’s your Disney Arrival Day! After the stresses of traveling to the Happiest Place on Earth, you are finally on Walt Disney World property. And you’ve likely taken a picture of this welcome sign:
Always a welcoming sight!
While Annual Passholders can certainly head straight to the parks, even these guests may need some down time from early morning flights or long road trips.
After you check in to your hotel, it’s time to embrace your first day at Disney.
Have some fun checking into your resort.
And I have some suggestions on how to decompress from the real world. Breathe in, let it out, and start soaking in the magic of a WDW vacation.
Make Your Hotel Home
Settle into your Disney resort room. I like to at least get our luggage or carry-on gear situated, phones charging, etc.
Standard Room at All-Star Music Resort
Get your refillable resort mugs, then take a walk around the resort.
Take a walk around your Disney Resort.
Become familiar with the locations of the food court, shop, pool, and transportation depot(s).
Explore your Disney Resort.
You’ll want to know where the boat/bus/monorail stop is before you head to your first park.
This is also a great time to relax by the pool.
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Let the kids swim away their energy that has bottled up from your flight or drive.
Priceless vacation moment!
Soaking in the hot tub is another way to let your worries whisk away. If you are so inclined, the pool bar will offer libations for over-21 guests as well as kiddie cocktails (for the young and young-at-heart).
Banana Cabana. Cheers!
Swim or take a bike ride, enjoy dinner at your hotel, then have the kids go to bed early or watch the resort’s outdoor movie. Attending the hotel’s campfire offerings is also a carefree pastime for your first evening.
Rent a bike at Wilderness Lodge.
Get a great night’s rest before your first park day!
Dine and Shop at Disney Springs
Shopping and dining at Disney Springs is another fun option. Our teen son likes to head to Earl of Sandwich for one of his favorite counter-service meals.
Bite into a delicious sandwich at Earl of Sandwich.
Walk off your travel jitters and share a counter-service or table-service meal with your loved ones at Disney Springs.
Note that this location will be very crowded if it’s a weekend afternoon and/or evening, so plan accordingly.
Resort Dining and Shopping
Traveling to another resort at Walt Disney World to dine and shop can also be rejuvenating. I find hooting and hollering at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge or Hoop-Dee-Doo at Fort Wilderness to be a complete stress-reliever. For comfort food in a quieter atmosphere, make a reservation at Trail’s End Restaurant.
Comfort foods are on the buffet at Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness.
Another favorite first night meal is Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary. You’ll get a home-style buffet meal plus meeting Mickey all done in one outing. This place is noisy but you simply can not walk out of here without feeling a little more light-hearted.
Chef Mickey’s is extra fun when traveling with extended family!
Visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach
If you arrive early in the day, take advantage of your free time for a water-filled adventure at one of these gorgeous water parks.
Escape to Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Impressively themed, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer attractions for all ages. I just love floating down the lazy river!
Attend a Magic Kingdom Holiday Party
If you’ve got energy (especially if arriving from a different time zone that has you wired not tired), purchase tickets for an after-hours party at the Magic Kingdom. We highly recommend both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Main Street, U.S.A. is spooktacular!
And hey, if you decide to just crash and take a nap on your Disney Arrival Day, it’s all good. It’s YOUR vacation. We used to plan every second of our Disney vacations and now we have more fun just winging it. I love to get to our resort, check into our hotel, and park myself in a pool lounge chair (preferably in the shade). LOL! 😉
Kim enjoys the shade at The Dig Site pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs.
What’s your family tradition for your first day at Walt Disney World? Or tell us what you’re planning to do on your first trip! We love to hear from our readers.
