8 Must Pack Items For Your Walt Disney World Vacation

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As a seasoned Walt Disney World Go-er  I’ve visited in all types of weather, at all times of year, in all kinds of circumstances. I’ve been as a child, a teen, a DINK (double income, no kids), with infants, toddlers and teens, with extended family and the elderly. I’ve over-packed and under-packed. Listed below are my favorite must pack items. 1. Bottled Water – At least one bottle per person. We bring a large 24 pack for a family of 5. We refill throughout the day and then renew every other day.  (For those flying to Walt Disney World, Garden Grocer is Continue reading 8 Must Pack Items For Your Walt Disney World Vacation→

Where To Stay At Walt Disney World With Your Family of 5+

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Not all of us have a traditional family of four, with two parents and two kids. Some of us have more than two children. Some of us have a grandparent or other family member living with us. Or, some of us, when we travel, feel the more the merrier. Typical guest rooms can accommodate four people. At Disney World, there is something for everyone. Yes, most are set up for four people. But there are certain resorts that can handle everyone in your party. Just remember, if a member of your family is age 3 or younger and can stay in a pack Continue reading Where To Stay At Walt Disney World With Your Family of 5+→

When Is Walt Disney World’s Off Season?

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I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World since the year it opened in 1971. I have sketchy memories of that first visit because I was just a child. So I can’t tell you how crowded it was. But I do remember a time, about 12 years ago, when you could visit Walt Disney World and find a time of year where you could avoid the crowds. Now, the Disney message boards and Facebook pages are hopping mad with posters complaining of horrific crowds in October. And September. And March. And…..well, you name the month. I’ve always said that Disney World is Continue reading When Is Walt Disney World’s Off Season?→

Disney To Close Down Hollywood Studios? Nope. But It Sure Seems Like It.

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A panicked reader asked for confirmation of the rumor she had heard about Disney “closing down” Hollywood Studios. Now, I can easily see where this panic comes from. In recent months, Disney has announced all kinds of changes scheduled to take place at their movie centered theme park. Some surprising. Some not so surprising. But with the amount of information floating around the internet waves, it’s easy to turn hype into hoax. In 2014, American Idol Experience, Backlot Tour, American Film Institute Showcase and Legend of Jack Sparrow all permanently closed. At the 2015 shareholders meeting, more announcements were made, including Continue reading Disney To Close Down Hollywood Studios? Nope. But It Sure Seems Like It.→

It’s Official — Downtown Disney Is Now Disney Springs

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Today marks the official name change of the Downtown Disney area to Disney Springs. First known as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Center in 1975 and later named Downtown Disney in 1997, the area has already begun its new transformation and will now be known as Disney Springs. Originally, the area was to be a shopping center aimed at local residents so they could satisfy their Disney cravings. With the addiction of nightclubs in the mid 1098’s at Pleasure Island, a ticketed area with access to multiple clubs for one price, the area became popular with an decidedly older clientele. Although successful, Continue reading It’s Official — Downtown Disney Is Now Disney Springs→

Best Ways To Celebrate At Walt Disney World

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Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary or a family reunion there are lots of great ways to make your celebration at Walt Disney World unique and memorable. First things first! Make sure you note on your resort reservation and dining reservations that you are celebrating an event. You may just receive a “Happy Birthday” from a cast member upon check-in or a signed card from Mickey Mouse. Or more. Anything is possible. Purchase the Memory Maker option in advance. Not only will you save money on pictures, it’ll be one more thing off your to-do list before you leave. Continue reading Best Ways To Celebrate At Walt Disney World→

Enjoy It One Last Time: Disney’s Osborne Lights To Disappear After This Holiday Season

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Tips for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

To make way for the new Star Wars Land that we talked about yesterday, a popular Walt Disney World holiday tradition is enjoying its last and final year:  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Disney announced today that The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be ending after a 20 year run on January 3, 2016. In order to make room for the new Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions, this popular holiday tradition must end. There are no plans to relocate this spectacular display, much to the disappointment of fans. Jennings Osborne of Little Rock, Continue reading Enjoy It One Last Time: Disney’s Osborne Lights To Disappear After This Holiday Season→

Disney To Break Ground On New Star Wars Land(s) In 2016

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All Star Wars fans, rejoice! Walt Disney Company announced today that they will be breaking ground on the already announced Star Wars Land expansions, in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, sometime in 2016. The California and Florida based parks will be each receiving their own dedicated Star Wars themed spaces that will cover approximately 14 acres. This is great news for any Star Wars fan (my sons and husband, included!) Chief Operating Officer, Tom Staggs said, “This will be I think perhaps the most immersive land we’ve ever built. We want people to feel like they’ve stepped into the world of Continue reading Disney To Break Ground On New Star Wars Land(s) In 2016→

How To Survive A Very Crowded Day At Walt Disney World

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There are many articles out there about how to avoid the crowds at Walt Disney World but what if you have no choice? What if you have to visit during the busiest times of the year? As a former teacher, I have been “forced” to visit Walt Disney World during its most crowded – school vacations and holiday weekends. And then for a short, but glorious time, as a homeschooling mom, we were able to benefit from low crowds during some of our favorite times of the year to go: early May, during September and early November. And then one year, even though Continue reading How To Survive A Very Crowded Day At Walt Disney World→