Category: Disney Vacation Planning

Disney Vacation Planning, Resorts, Walt Disney World

Art of Animation Resort

Taylor Jacey

Art of Animation Resort is all about its namesake, animation! When you walk in the lobby in Animation Hall you are greeted with wall of color on one side and Disney animation drawings on the other. If you continue through the lobby you will pass through the Ink and Paint Shop where you can get all your Walt Disney World merchandise.

Keep moving forward and your next stop will be the resorts quick service restaurant Landscape of Flavors. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Landscape of flavors has 4 unique cooking stations with rotating international favorites as well as mongolian barbeque, burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fresh smoothies and gelato.

I had some gelato on my last trip to Landscape of Flavor and it was absolutely to die for! So delicious!!

After you check out everything Animation Hall has to offer, you will walk out the side door past the arcade and the Finding Nemo area of the resort will be in front of you. The Finding Nemo area of the resort greets you with the Big Blue Pool which features your favorite disney songs playing underwater!

Look just to the right of The Big Blue Pool and you will find The Drop Off Pool Bar, a full-service bar for adults to grab a cocktail.

Keeping walking past the Big Blue pool and you will find Schoolyard Sprayground. A big hit with the little ones, Schoolyard Sprayground, a Finding Nemo themed splash zones features pop-up jets and gushing water.

Just past Schoolyard Sprawyground is The Righteous Reef Playground which leads to the walking/jogging trail that surrounds Hourglass Lake, as well as the bridge to Pop Century resort.

If you had walked to the right after heading out of Animation Hall instead of moving forward towards the Finding Nemo area, you will enter Cars themed area of the resort with a sign welcoming you to Radiator Springs.

Radiator Springs features 3 buildings of family suite rooms as well as the Cozy Cone pool area. Much more relaxed than the Big Blue pool, the Cozy Cone pool features cone-shaped cabanas around the Cozy Cone Motel swimming pool inspired by the hit movie Cars.

If you had walked to the left after heading out of Animation Hall, you will be created by Rafiki  entering the Lion King area of the resort. This area of the resort features 2 building of family suite rooms and the Elephant Graveyard.

Continue walking through the Lion King area of the resort and you will get to the Little Mermaid area of the resort. With 3 building of regular hotel style rooms, the Little mermaid area of the resort features the Flippin’ Fins pool with an Under the Sea Orchestra conducted by Sebastian.

This resort is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a little extra space with the family suites. It also provides a truly larger than life movie feel if you have a favorite movie that matches the theme of one of the resort areas.

Let’s not forget- Art of Animation Resort is on the Disney Skyliner- check out my post about Disney Transportation for more information on the Skyliner!

Is Art of Animation the perfect resort for your family? Reach out to me to learn more about a Walt Disney World Vacation!

Disney Vacation Planning, Traveling with Small Children, Walt Disney World

Getting Around Walt Disney World

Taylor Jacey

Planes, trains and automobiles…well something like that! Transportation at Disney comes in many shapes and forms starting from your arrival at Orlando MCO if you’ve decided to fly!

If you have decided to fly, no need to worry about the hassle of renting a car – if you’re staying in a Walt Disney World Resort you can hop on the Magical Express, a complimentary service to take you from MCO to your resort and then back to the airport at the end of your stay.

When you arrive at MCO follow the posted signs to the Magical Express area and get checked in with your MagicBand. You will then be guided to your Magical Express coach bus and off into the world of magic you go!

Magical Express Bus at Orlando MCO Airport

Now that you’ve entered Walt Disney World – it’s time to figure out how to get to each of the parks and Disney Springs! You’ll have a couple of options, some of which are dependant on which resort you’re staying in.

Welcome to Monorail Green

The iconic Disney transportation of course is Disney’s Monorail. This runs in a loop around the Magic Kingdom as well as over to Epcot. You can board the monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center near Magic Kingdom to go directly to either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. If you are staying in a monorail resort- Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort- you will also be able to get to Magic Kingdom from the resort loop or switch over to the Epcot monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center.

The newest mode of Disney transportation takes you high in the sky on the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner connects 4 Disney Resorts – Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Depending on where you board the Skyliner you may go directly to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or have to pass through a transfer station at one of the resorts. If you’re going to Epcot, the Skyliner will take you to the World Showcase Entrance between the France and U.K. Pavilions which can be perfect for a breakfast stop at Les Halles Bakery!

Skyliner boarding at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

With its abundance of water, you can also find boat transportation all over Walt Disney World! Some of the resorts have their own boats to take you directly to the parks and some share among a few resorts. You can also take a Ferry boat from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Magic Kingdom.

Friendship Boat Launch at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Epcot & Hollywood Studio Resort Area

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort share the Friendship boats to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness have their own boat launch to take you directly to the Magic Kingdom

Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Riverside & French Quarter) and Disney’s Old Key West Resort have a boat launch to Disney Springs

Newer bus with a themed wrap on it!

We cannot forget the “get to all the places from anywhere” mode of transportation in Walt Disney World- the buses! If your Disney Resort doesn’t offer any of the other transportation options, you will be able to take a Bus to any of the theme parks and Disney Springs. This is also true if your resort has say the monorail to Epcot and Magic Kingdom but no direct route to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

While this mode of Disney Transportation is not complimentary like the ones above, I’d be remiss not to mention Minnie Vans! Minnie Vans are available for transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property for a fee through the Lyft app.

They are just as cute as they look and similar to Lyft you will be assigned a driver to take you wherever you want to go. Minnie Van’s can seat up to 6 and are equipped with up to 3 car seats so there’s no need to worry about the little ones. Safety always comes first at Walt Disney World so when you order a Minnie Van, it is a Disney Cast Member who is driving you. They always know where they’re going and will usually share fun facts or tips during your ride.

Minnie Van ready to pick guests up at Magic Kingdom

With so many different ways to get around Walt Disney World – do you have a favorite or preferred way to get around!? Share in the comments!

Disney News, Disney Vacation Planning, Holidays at Disney

A Twinkle of Holiday Magic begins November 6th at Walt Disney World!

Taylor Jacey

The Holiday’s are making their way to Walt Disney World on November 6th! From festive décor and themed merchandise to seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone to love during this year’s festivities at all 4 Walt Disney World Parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs!

Unfortunately, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be taking this year off. However, characters will continue to delight, making appearances at all 4 theme parks every day and brining the holiday magic far beyond Magic Kingdom. Festive flotillas will coast down the waterways of Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades will roam Epcot’s World Showcase, Merry motorcades drive through the streets of Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom cavalcades will get a special holiday twist all featuring your favorite Disney characters.

Holiday Decorations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

If you’re hoping to see holiday favorites like Gingerbread Men, Elves and Reindeer you will not be disappointed! Even the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom spreading holiday cheer. And don’t leave out the man of the hour, Santa Claus himself will make pop-up appearances at each of the 4 theme parks and Disney Springs!

Toy Soldiers Marching down Main Street U.S.A.

Elsa is passing her duties over to the technical teams at Magic Kingdom, so while we won’t see A Frozen Holiday Wish bringing Castle Dream Lights this year, Cinderella Castle is taking on some new holiday decorations! Special projection effects will provide a festive backdrop for your photos including one that makes Cinderella Castle look like a whimsical Christmas sweater.

Let’s not forget about the amazing dining opportunities that the holidays bring to Walt Disney World! You can dine with select members of the Fab 5 at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios where Minnie will be hosting her famous yuletide gathering. Santa Goofy will be joining her as well as other friends in their holiday best.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

A little bit later in the Holiday season, on November 27th, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays will kick-off! Holiday kitchens will return to the World Showcase with all your favorites including the American Holiday Table featuring slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with cheese fondue in a bread bowl.

Sadly, Epcot’s Candlelight Processional will also be taking this year off, but don’t fret music fans, JOYFUL! Will return to the World ShowPlace to present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary & traditional Christmas and holiday music. The Voices of Liberty will also be returning to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert featuring favorite carols and songs of the season.

Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lobby Christmas Tree at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Grand Destino Tower

Disney Resorts will be getting their special holiday trimmings with their iconic lobby trees and other festive decorations but unfortunately, gingerbread displays will take this year off.

Christmas is hidden around every corner at Disney Springs, where a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees will be spread throughout the shops, dining and entertainment. Be sure to head over to Jock Lindsey’s where it will once again become Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with some over the top holiday décor and a limited time menu that features festive favorites. While you’re enjoying Disney Springs be sure to stop by the Town Center, West Side and Landing areas in the evening to see a magical snowfall sure to make it feel like a traditional Christmas!

The Walt Disney World Holiday season will last from November 6th to December 30th this year so there is plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit! Thinking of adding some magic to your holiday celebrations? Click here to fill out my form so we can start planning!

Disney Vacation Planning, Traveling with Small Children

Disney’s Rider Switch

Taylor Jacey

Traveling with small children but still want to experience all the “big kid only” attractions? Not to worry, Disney’s Rider Switch has you covered!

Disney’s Rider Switch allows your entire family to get in line for an attraction, then when its your turn to board, one can wait with any guest who does not want to or can not ride while the rest of the family experiences the attraction. When the rest of the party returns to supervise non-riding guests, the other adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again.

Rider Switch is available at select attractions in each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks.

How Rider Switch works:

  1. Before you get in line, check with a Cast Member to see if rider switch is offered at the select attraction
  2. When at the attraction with your entire party, approach the greeting cast member to get a Rider Switch pass for at least one adult member of your party and the guests who are not riding. This group, who will be referred to as “Party 2” will be asked to wait in a designated area which is sometimes outside of the attraction.
  3. The other party members referred to as “Party 1” ride the attraction
  4. After their ride is complete, Party 1 will locate Party 2 to hand off the Rider switch pass so Party 1 can take over supervision of any non-riding guests
  5. Party 2 enters and boards the attraction without having to wait in the queue for a second time. When Party 2 enters, the Rider Switch Pass will be given to the rides Cast Member. (TIP: If the person in Party 2 waited alone with a child, he or she may bring one other guest back to ride the attraction, as long as there is still an adult to wait with non-riding guests).

Current attractions offering Rider Switch:

Magic Kingdom Park 
The Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain 
Splash Mountain 
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith 
Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

 Epcot
Frozen Ever After
Mission: SPACE
Soarin’ 
Test Track

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
Kali River Rapids
Primeval Whirl
Disney Vacation Planning

10 Things I do the day before a Walt Disney World vacation!

Taylor Jacey

Everyone has their pre-vacation rituals, and since I’m leaving for Disney tomorrow I can’t think of a better day to share mine!

  1. Pack – I am one of those people that always leaves packing to the absolute last day! For some reason, it doesn’t seem to matter where I’m going, packing is the thing that goes to the wayside. I am also, admittedly, an extremely messy packer. I more or less do a half-fold on something and throw it into my suitcase…anyone else? My fiancé on the other hand, is as clean as they come. I swear it looks like he used one of those folding boards that stores have when he pulls his clothes out of the suitcase! What’s that they say about opposites attract?
  2. Check the weather – …obsessively, for about the 100th time in 2 weeks. I like to know what the weather’s going to be like for most of our trip, especially when we go to Walt Disney World, because we want to make sure we have sweaters, ponchos, etc as needed
  3. Hit up CVS/Walgreens/Rite-Aid – I don’t know what it is about vacation, but the day before I leave always seems to be the day I get to one of these to do a restock on toiletries, even the ones we don’t necessarily need for the trip. Today’s odd pick-up was floss but in my defense it was on clearance!
  4. Stop into the Dollar Store – While I’m out for any and all toiletry needs, the Dollar Store is another pre-vacation staple for me. The dollar store is one of my favorites because you can grab the things you (hopefully) won’t need but should bring anyway! For us it’s ponchos, extra hand sanitizer, a sudoku book for the plane, and some snacks.
  5. Get my nails done – Might be silly, but I love my pre-vacation visit to the nail salon to pick a color that matches my destination! For this trip I chose Minnie Mouse red! It’s going to look so cute with my Minnie Mouse MagicBand!
  6. Clean out the fridge – Seriously, I feel like far too many people forget this one and when you come back a week later…YUCK! Always nice to come home to a clean kitchen
  7. Print out any vacation related documents – If you’re a client of mine, I’ll take care of this and send it to you in a pretty and organized folder, along with some special tips! I usually have most of ours ready to go, but I make sure to print out anything that may have fallen off the radar including itinerary, flight documents and airport parking information.
  8. Set my alarm for the morning – Tomorrow morning’s flight is at 7:20, which means setting a super early alarm to make sure I have enough time to get to the airport and enjoy my coffee before the flight. Not that I sleep much the night before a vacation anyway, like a little kid, I’m FAR too excited!
  9. Put bleach in the toilets – for this one, I can send my mom a nice big thanks! I always remember my mom vacuuming and putting bleach in the toilets the morning before we left for vacation. I may not do the vacuuming part, but for some reason the bleach stuck. Besides, coming home to a clean house makes the end of vacation less sad
  10. Lay out my “travel clothes” –I have my Alice in Wonderland leggings from LuLaRoe’s Disney collection out and ready to go along with a super comfy top and sneakers. I am not the biggest fan of flying, but it’s definitely all about comfort.

What are your Day before Vacation rituals!? I would love to hear more about them in the comments!