Wishing you the Happiest of Halloweens from Trips by Mouse!
Cinderella's Castle! You might need to use your imagination a bit to see it! :)
I'd love to give you Treats with No Tricks by planning and booking a trip for you for FREE!
Disney World FastPass+ FAQs
Something that tends to overwhelm first time visitors to Disney World is the FastPass+ situation. In short, everyone that has a ticket to Disney World is allowed 3 FastPasses to start their day. Those allow you to basically skip the standard line and go ahead of most people by using the FastPass+ line. You are able to choose an hour window in which to use your pass. Once all of your selected FastPasses have been used, you’re able to get another one (based on availability) and you can continue to do that for the rest of the day.
Clear as mud?
Here are some common FAQs about FastPasses that might help explain it a bit more:
Q. How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation?
A. Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability).
Use the First 3, Then Get More - Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time).
If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections.
Q. Is FastPass+ service like a restaurant reservation? Do I have to show up at a specific time for an attraction?
A. No—it’s better! For extra convenience, you are assigned an arrival window—usually one hour long—for each attraction you select. Show up any time that you wish during this window. Don’t worry about rushing to finish up a meal or getting delayed at another show or attraction.
When it is within your designated arrival window time and you are ready to visit an attraction, all you need to do is proceed to the attraction, go to the FastPass+ entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to the touch point.
You can even use the FastPass+ if you arrive 5 minutes before the window starts and up to 15 minutes after it closes.
While attractions usually offer a one-hour arrival window, other experiences like shows and parades may require you to arrive during a more specific timeframe.
Q. Is there a charge for FastPass+ service?
A. Disney FastPass+ service is included at no extra charge with the price of your ticket.
Q. How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?
A. It’s so easy that you’ll think it’s magic!
When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point.
That’s it!
Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.
Q. Can I cancel or change a FastPass+ selection?
A. Yes. You will be able to update or cancel your selections up to the start of the arrival window at an in-park FastPass+ kiosk or using your mobile device. Because availability is limited, we recommend you make selections early.
Q. I have a child who is less than 3 years old. Do I need to make FastPass+ selections for my child?
A. No. Children under 3 years of age do not need FastPass+ selections—if you have a FastPass+ selection, your little ones may join you at the FastPass+ entrance for the selected attraction or entertainment experience. Children 3 years of age or older who wish to use the FastPass+ entrance do require a FastPass+ selection and valid theme park admission.
Anything else I need to know to make the most of my FastPasses?
For a greater range of choices, it’s recommended that you make FastPass+ selections early. If you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you can decide as you go.
One reason to stay on site at a Walt Disney World Resort is that you can request FastPasses 60 days in advance. If you don’t stay on site, you can request them 30 days in advance. Some of the more popular ones may be gone by that 30 day mark. If you book with me, one of the services I provide is to get up at 6am and get those FastPasses for you the moment they are available!
Once you book your trip, I will send you a list of the FastPass attractions and some info on each. You just have to let me know your favorites and I’ll take care of it for you!
Still have questions? Ask them in the comments and I'll get back with you right away!
This is US
As much as I like the TV show This is Us, this blog post is about a different US - Universal Studios! Sorry to disappoint those of you that were expecting info about the show! :)
I've done a blog post previously that is mainly about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - check it out here.
This post is about some of the other rides and attractions that Universal has to offer. My main reason for going will always be to hang out with Harry, but they've got a lot of other fun spots too.
First of all, something that seems to confuse a few people - Universal is not a part of Disney. They are two completely different companies. I think the confusion comes from the fact that Disney has a movie studios type park in Hollywood Studios. But Universal is not on Disney property - it's about 10 miles away.
There are 3 parks now at Universal Studios - Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay (which is a water park). Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure house Harry Potter areas - with delicious butterbeer at each! Universal Studios is home to Diagon Alley while Islands of Adventure is home to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. To ride the Hogwarts Express between the two parks, you must have a park-to-park pass.
Universal Studios Florida
This is the newest part of The Wizarding World - Diagon Alley. It has the most incredible ride around - Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The ride is a huge thrill mixture of roller coaster and virtual screens. So. Much. Fun. And the line to the ride is really cool as you make your way through the bank lobby into the vaults.
Here are a few other rides at this park that I highly recommend:
- Revenge of the Mummy - really good and thrilling with a great surprise near the end.
- E.T. Adventure - I LOVE this ride. It is a super calm and pretty ride about the movie. I love that you ride on your bike through the ride.
- Transformers: The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride - made all of us nauseous but I know a lot of people love it!
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon - new!
- Rip Ride Rockit - only Don was brave enough to ride this one.
- Terminator 2
- Men in Black - fun and you can compete against your family!
- Shrek 4D - really cute and funny movie with 4-D effects.
There are also a lot of great places to eat - the food at the Leaky Cauldron is delicious. But save room for dessert - there's butterbeer ice cream or a giant donut in the Simpson's area at Lard Lad Donuts!
You're probably thinking this donut could feed more than 1 person. Hmm... Mine didn't. :)
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure has the original Wizarding World - you can visit Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Be sure to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - the line takes you through Hogwarts. Once you've explored all of this world (and had plenty of butterbeer), head on out to check out the rest of the park.
Here are the rides at Islands of Adventure you need to be sure and check out:
- Doctor Doom's Fearfall
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Skull Island:Reign of Kong
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
- Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
We've been to Islands of Adventure a couple of times but our kids were too young to like the thrill rides. Plus this park has a lot of rides that are basically water rides and we're weird about not liking those. So while the Harry Potter area is AWESOME, if I had only one day, I'd spend the majority of it at Universal Studios Florida.
But if you're wise and have listened to me, you'll have a park-to-park pass so that you can ride the Hogwarts Express. If you hurry, you can hit a few rides here when you're done with the other park.
Speaking of ways to save time... Universal offers a little different take on the line skipping pass. Unlike Disney's FastPass, it is an extra charge. But you get to skip the line once on all the rides - where Disney just gives you 3 to start. If you're staying on-site at Universal, some of the resorts include an Unlimited Express Pass which is good on the rides as many times as you want to use them. Well worth the money if it's a crowded day - and if you're staying on-site it just might be included!
Volcano Bay
You've heard me say before that my family really doesn't do water parks. So while I don't have personal knowledge of Volcano Bay, I have done training on it from Universal Studios. It's an amazing park and if you're into water parks at all, it's a must-do!
Be sure to give me a call if you're interested in a Universal vacation. I'd love to plan and book your trip and make sure you're getting the best value for your money!!
5 Desserts Around the World
The 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is currently happening at Disney World. It runs through November 13. If you're lucky enough to be there during this time, I have 5 delicious desserts to try from the different locations.
And if you don't have plans to get there this year, let me know so I can help you plan a trip for next year!!
Here are some mouth-watering options to try:
Australia:
Lamington yellow cake dipped in chocolate and delicious shredded coconut.
India:
Pistachio cardamom bundt cake with chocolate coconut mousse.
Germany:
A festival favorite! Apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
France:
New! Creme brulee with fresh house-made raspberry jam.
Italy:
Chocolate covered cannoli with sweet ricotta cheese and candied fruit.
Did You Know?
This year, Epcot celebrates its 35th birthday! Opening date was October 1, 1982. Here are 4 fun facts about the park.
It’s huge - Epcot covers 305 acres.
It is divided into 2 major sections - Future World and World Showcase. Future World focuses on technology and innovations that make the world a better place. You’ll find Test Track there as well as Soarin’.
World Showcase brings to life Walt’s belief that our cultural differences enrich us. Be sure and explore all of the different countries and enjoy the shopping and food that they offer.
The American Adventure is the Host Nation of the World Showcase.
Imagineers were inspired by colonial American architecture when designing The American Adventure. Inside, the mulit-media theatrical experience uses a projection screen which is 28-feet-tall by 155-feet-wide. That’s the largest projection screen ever built!
Spaceship Earth is an iconic landmark.
It houses an attraction about the history of human communication. It's 180-fee-tall and is covered with 11.324 alucobond tiles. Inside, there's a hidden network of backstage corridors for maintenance workers. It’s so complex that the workers sometimes draw pencil lines on the walls to find their way back from where they came.
Don’t pass this attraction by - it’s a slow moving ride which some people equate to boring. But I love it - especially the actual smell of smoke when you pass by a burning Rome!
The Living Seas is an amazing aquarium.
It debuted in 1986 and features a 5.7 million gallon aquarium that is home to over 2,000 sea creatures! A fun show for guests of all ages is Turtle Talk with Crush. Be sure and participate in the interactive show if possible!
Want to discover Epcot for yourself? Give me a call! I’d love to help you make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.
Turn That Frown Upside Down
OK, so you're probably wondering why on earth I would base a blog post around this picture. It's actually one of the most hilarious pictures we've ever taken on vacation.
We were waiting for the Electrical Parade to start and everyone was feeling a bit tired and shockingly a bit Grumpy. But the boys all put on sweet smiles for me when I said I wanted a picture.
Unfortunately, the instant before I snapped the pic, someone (a stranger!) sneezed right on Don. I was looking through the pics as we waited for the parade and when the boys and I saw this we laughed until we cried.
Don spent the rest of the trip telling us we wouldn't laugh as much whenever he dies from whatever mysterious illness the person had.
To this day - nearly 3 years later - we can pull out this picture and all get the biggest belly laugh from it. Sometimes something that makes one person grumpy in the moment can make for a good laugh for years to come!
I LOVE my job!!!
I LOVE my job! How many of you can seriously say that? I’ve never been able to honestly say that until I started planning Disney vacations for others. I’ve had several jobs that I enjoyed due to my co-workers or environment, but never really loved the job itself.
Now, when a new client contacts me, I’m excited - actually thrilled - to log in and start researching their request. I used to look forward to the end of a work day and now I can’t wait to get started when someone needs my help.
So I hope you will remember me when you’re thinking about checking into a Disney vacation. I will help because I want to - not because I get paid to do it. Although that in itself is a great incentive to make clients happy who then refer me to others! Also keep in mind that you will never pay me for my services. Disney does that and it doesn’t cost you a cent more than if you did it yourself. (For details on how I get paid, take a look at this past post).
I want each and every person that visits a Disney Park to have the same Magical, welcoming, heart-warming, fuzzy feeling that I get when I visit. If I can do anything at all to help your Dreams come true, I will do it.
So please, if you have just a second, consider sharing my information with friends. It’s as simple as mentioning me to someone, sharing my post on Facebook or forwarding my newsletter. Or hey - rent out a skywriter and do it that way. I would probably double up on the referral bonus for you if I gained a client via skywriting!
Try the Grey Stuff - It's Delicious!
If you’ve seen Beauty and The Beast, you probably know the famous line from Be Our Guest in which the dining room sings about the meal and they suggest you try the grey stuff.
Wonderfully, at Disney World’s Be Our Guest restaurant, you can do just that. Trust me (just ask the plates) - it IS delicious!
There are 3 rooms at BOG - The Grand Ballroom, the West Wing and the Castle Gallery. We were seated in the West Wing.
Each room is done in true Disney fashion - you feel like you are truly inside the Beast’s castle. If you’re seated in the Grand Ballroom - be sure to look for the snow falling just outside the windows. The West Wing is a dark and mysterious room where you’ll find the enchanted rose. Also, watch the portrait of Adam as it changes from prince to Beast! The Gallery features a nearly 7-foot tall music box.
Whichever room you’re in, take the time before you leave to walk through the other rooms. It’s definitely worth your time.
The food at BOG is considered French cuisine. Don’t worry though, if you have picky eaters in your group. My family (including me!) is the definition of picky eaters and we found the food to be great. You can always get a Mickey Meal for the kid that just won’t try anything different.
Do save room for dessert! Besides the grey stuff (have I mentioned it’s delicious?) there are 7 other options!
We ate lunch at BOG so didn’t get to meet the Beast, but if you go at dinner, you’ll most likely get a chance to take photos with him. It’s not a “typical” character meal where he goes from table to table. You’ll get a chance to take a pic with him as you exit the restaurant, but beware that you may have to wait in a bit of a line - just depends on timing as other guests finish their meal and line up.
If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, BOG is a quick-service meal at breakfast/lunch and a table service credit at dinner. You can order your food in advance of your trip - keep that in mind as it will save you time once you arrive at the restaurant. And you know how I am - less time spent eating is more time riding rides!!
This popular restaurant is located in the Magic Kingdom in New Fantasyland. Even though it opened several years ago, reservations are still hard to come by. You’ve got to be dedicated and get online at 5am on the 180 day mark ahead of your trip to snag one. I’ve heard of people just walking up and getting in on the day they’re there, but that’s pretty rare and you’ve got to be willing to be disappointed if they’re full. When you book your trip through me, I will be the one getting up early to get this reservation for you!
Once you're there - take lots and lots of pics! I especially love this one of us reenacting the stained glass...
Have you tried Be Our Guest? Comment about what you thought!!
Which Disney World Resort is Right for YOU?
It’s always hard to pick a favorite - especially for me when it comes to Disney - but here I’ll do just that. Well, maybe not just one, but one in each Resort category.
Disney has 4 types of resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villa. In today’s post, I’ll explain the categories and tell you my favorite in each one along with the pros and cons for them.
Value - This category is typically the least expensive (except in the case of a family suite which can be more expensive than a standard room in the moderate category). This is a great option for a family on a budget or one that truly only wants a bed to sleep in without caring about the resort amenities.
Keep in mind that while you may not care about the room, the value resorts are typically the furthest from the parks. So if you plan to go back to your room at all during the day or just want to avoid a longer commute each morning and evening, the value may be further away than you like.
The value resorts all have pools with themed elements but don’t have slides.
All transportation within Disney is via bus.
Most rooms are accessed by an external doorway instead of opening to an interior hallway.
These resorts are very family friendly and offer the same cleanliness and safety as all Disney resorts. You’ll just be giving up a few amenities, luxuries and transportation options. However, you can get a great deal and save some money for Dole Whip!
My favorite value resort is the Art of Animation. It has standard rooms and family suites. This is the newest of the Disney resorts and is at capacity most of the time, so don’t expect a large discount here. The food court is great and the Big Blue Pool is wonderful - the biggest at Disney. And I love that music is pumped under water. Once in a while you can even hear your favorite characters from Nemo while you’re submerged.
The main con to this resort is that it is quite large and spread out. You could have a long walk back to your room from the bus stop after a tiring day at the park. It’s also the furthest from Magic Kingdom. The good news is that the Art of Animation buses are dedicated to the resort so you won’t be making multiple resort stops on your way to and from the parks.
Moderate - This category is the middle of the road price-wise. The standard rooms are slightly larger than the value standards. Some rooms can sleep 5 guests plus a baby where most values are 4 plus a baby.
Most have 2 sinks which are separated from the main room with a curtain or other partition. For dining, they have at least one table service option which is missing in the values. Transportation to the parks is by bus but some have boat service to Disney Springs.
Most have themed pools and “quiet” pools and also medium-sized water slides. Guest rooms open to external area like the values.
I find the location of the moderates to be much more convenient than the values.
My favorite moderate resort is Port Orleans Riverside. The theming in this one is wonderful if you choose the Royal rooms. The great thing about them is that even though they’re “princess” they aren’t too girly for boys to enjoy also. It’s a beautiful and relaxing resort in a great location also.
Deluxe & Villas - I lump these 2 together because the villas are just another room type but not their own resort. For example, Grand Floridian has standard rooms and villas but the resort itself (pool, dining…) is shared among both. There are tons of options of room types so if you need more than just a 4 person room, this may be the way to go. Prices are higher typically, but if you travel when discounts are offered, you just may be able to go to these resorts for the same price as non-discounted moderates!
Deluxe resorts also offer unique views like theme park/fireworks views or animal views (in the case of Animal Kingdom Lodge).
Spa services are available at some of the villas.
Deluxe resorts have more dining options than the other types - and some include character dining! The larger villas may have a kitchenette.
They offer multiple transportation options to the parks - bus, boat, monorail and some are within walking distance.
The pools are amazing at deluxe resorts - all have large slides and some have sand play areas and waterfalls. All of these have hot tubs.
My current favorite deluxe is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I say current because I’m heading in January to stay at the Contemporary and since it’s walking distance to Magic Kingdom, I just might change my mind!
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is wonderful - it’s like you’ve stepped into a whole other world when you stay there. Super relaxing and the animals are right there! We had a family of deer that slept under our balcony each night.
There are a lot of reasons to pick each of these categories. Some depend on budget, some on circumstances. I’d love to chat with you and help you figure out which one would fit your family and your vacation the best - give me a call!!
What NOT to Buy on a Disney Trip
Disney vacations are magical, wonderful, memorable... and cheap? No, you've never heard anyone say that I'm sure. To be honest, trips to Disney are expensive. You can save money here and there, but as a whole, it does cost a bit more than an average family vacation. Totally worth it I believe!
But since the upfront cost of the vacation is a bit higher than other places, it's always wise to look for areas in which you can save money. I've blogged about saving money before, but in this case I want to specifically talk about items you're better off buying before seeing the "Welcome to Disney" sign, both for cost and convenience.
Ponchos - you may think of California or Florida as always sunny and warm but it does rain. In Florida, we usually get rained on often. When the rain starts is not the time to go searching for a poncho. Besides the ridiculous costs of them at the parks, you don't have them right with you. I go to the dollar store and buy one per person per day and throw one for each of us in our backpack each morning. They're lightweight so it's not a pain to carry them around. And they're cheap enough to be considered a "one-time-use" item so I don't try to fold them up and carry them after it's rained. We just toss them in the trash and go.
Sunscreen - along the same lines as ponchos, the cost of sunscreen is crazy. Besides, I like to put it on before we even leave the room in the morning so that we're set for a while. And if you have anyone in your group that is sensitive to some ingredients, it's nice to have your own brand that you know works for them.
Water Bottles and Flavor Packets - I always carry a water bottle for each family member to save us time as well as money. No waiting in a line for drinks - we can just grab the water from the backpack at any time. (I bring a sharpie with us to put our initials on the bottles - you might want to do this if you don't relish the thought of sharing your germs.) The flavor packets come in super handy for kids who may not like the way the water tastes - I don't think it's bad but it may not be what you're used to. I also have a Diet Coke addiction so need my caffeine fix fairly often. Did you know they make flavor packets with caffeine? You're welcome. Just don't mix yours up with the kids' packets!
Hand Sanitizer - We have a certain germaphobe in our family that won't touch anything that anyone else may have touched. He doesn't hold the bar on the bus, won't touch handrails... But at an amusement park, sometimes you do have to pull down on a safety bar or just hang on! Disney does a good job of providing hand sanitizer throughout the parks but it's just more convenient to carry a little bottle of it in your bag.
Medications and First Aid - Disney also has first aid stations but pretty much just one per park. If you have a blister, the last thing you want to do is walk back a mile from where you are to get a band-aid. Carry a few in your bag along with over-the-counter pain medication and you'll save yourself from buying them at sky-high prices in the closest gift shop that is within limping range.
Souvenirs/Disney Merch - While you are going to want to make a purchase of a few Disney souvenirs, you can make your kids happy by sneaking in a few you buy ahead of time. Just hide them in your suitcase and once they go to sleep at night, put them out and say Mickey left them. Won't stop every meltdown but if you tell them there might be a prize that next morning, it might curb some of the greedy gimmies. One thing I never miss out on, though is the Disney candy from Goofy's Candy Co. Goofy makes the best licorice of all time!
If you're going to Disney, you'd make me the happiest travel agent of all time if you pick me up a bag of this. Can't get it elsewhere. Do yourself a favor and get one for you too!! :)
Want to plan a trip to Disney to get me some licorice? Call me and I'll give you a free quote!!