Tag: Walt Disney World

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Top 5 Thrill Rides in Walt Disney World

When you hear the words Walt Disney World, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Magic, Fantasy lands, a child dream world, or even Mickey Mouse? While all of these things are entirely true and do makeup the beauty of the theme parks, Disney itself has something for everyone, including the thrill seeker. That’s right, you read that correctly. The magical land that has Disney princess castles and a sparkly boutique for young girls also has huge roller coasters that go 0-60 in less than 3 seconds. The Walt Disney World theme parks really DO have it all!

When booking a trip and taking care of the Disney vacation planning, setting up which rides you would prefer to obtain FastPasses for is an essential. It is ultimately going to be one of the highlights of your trip, so choose wisely. For all the adrenaline junkies out there, read closely to be informed of the Top 5 thrill rides in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

The first on the list is the Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Be prepared at your own risk to enter the Twilight Zone and then you will be dropped 13 stories down. For anyone who loves rides with intense drops and quick back and forth motion, this ride is certainly for you!

Take a trip around the corner in this magical theme park and you are faced with the Aerosmith inspired Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. With speeds reaching from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, you are surely in for a thrilling experience. The coaster also goes through multiple upside down loops, so be prepared for that as well. During the ride, you will even receive a mini Aerosmith concert ride from the comfort of your seat. Pretty cool right?

Now that we’ve covered the Hollywood studios, let’s take a trip over to the Magic Kingdom, the most magical place on Earth, and also one of the most thrilling. Space Mountain takes you into what is essentially a simulation of space, while speeding you through twists and turns in the starry darkness of the galaxy. Don’t be frightened, the aliens are making sure you stay secured… no worries! Across the park is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad , a train inspired coaster that takes you through the mines of Frontierland. A small tip, if you ride it at night during the fireworks, you will have an amazing view!

Last but not least, let’s take a ride over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the wild is brought to life in a theme park. Expedition Everest is a speedy coaster that takes you through the deep dark depths of the Yeti’s cave. If you look up you can even see him on the ceiling waiting for his next victim. This thrill ride even has several drops and goes backwards as well, so if you enjoy rides like that, this ride is certainly for you!

Now that we’ve covered the thrilling rides Walt Disney World’s parks has to offer, be sure to keep them in mind when booking your trip. Mouse Vacation Planning can take care of the Disney vacation planning for you. I’ll see you there thrill seekers! Please fill out a quote form by clicking HERE.

By Megan Merola

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FastPass+ Attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s no secret that while Disney is a magical place, you need a little extra Disney vacation planning from what I personally like to call the golden ticket. Disney’s FastPass+ is a must have, especially if you want to ride the most popular attractions without waiting in ridiculously long lines… I mean who wants to do that!  Don’t know how to set it up? No need to worry, Disney world vacation planning can certainly help you manage this. Out of all the parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of the top attractions in all of Disney World, including rapid moving roller coasters, amazing live performances, and bone chilling thrillers that are sure to leave you with goosebumps.

So what are the top must do FastPass+ attractions you might ask? Disney world vacation planning is sure to help with that one. The first attraction where a FastPass+ is certainly needed is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Going 0 to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds, you are sure in for the time of your life. Without a FastPass+, regular wait time would be anywhere ranging from 60-120 minutes.

The next top attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Tower of Terror. This bone chilling thriller takes you into the deep dark depths of what Disney likes to call the Twilight Zone… dropping you down multiple stories, your stomach will feel the butterflies I can assure you( in the best way possible of course). Regular wait time without a fast pass is usually around 60 – 120 minutes, and sometimes longer depending on the crowd size that particular day.

If you are like the majority of the population , and absolutely LOVE Star Wars, then be sure to head on over to Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You will be immersed into what feels like a virtual reality of the Movie series itself, where you will be taken on an expedition by CP3O and R2D2 into the mesmerizing world of Star Wars. Now this is a must have FastPass, due to its exceptionally high level of popularity among those who enter the parks daily, and the wait time without a FastPass can be up to 45 minutes or more. No one has time for that, you have to save the galaxy!

Moving on to infinity and beyond! Well actually more like Andy’s backyard. That’s right, you read that correctly. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has actually transformed a section of the park into what is supposed to be Andy’s backyard from Toy Story. There are two attractions in this section of the park that are an absolute must have FastPass. The first is the Slinky Dog Dash. This is a very kid friendly mild roller coaster that takes you literally in slinky dog through the magical Toy Story Land. It is extremely popular (especially right now due to the fact that it just recently became open to the public) and wait times can be up to 2 and a half hours, even starting early in the morning! Be sure to snatch a FastPass+ for this one!

The 2nd Toy Story themed adventure is Toy Story Midway Mania, an interactive arcade-like ride! You actually get to play multiple games against your riding partner and compete for the highest number of points! It’s as fun as it sounds I promise. But nothing is worth an hour wait, so be sure to snatch a FastPass+ in advance.

Disney vacation planning will be sure to help you plan accordingly and book the correct FastPasses at the right times. So be sure to take a trip to Disney’s magical Hollywood Studios, where you can seek thrill, peek into your beloved childhood memories, and save the galaxy all in one day! It’s a must do! Fill out a Walt Disney World quote form by clicking Here!

By Megan Merola

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The Tower of Terror Experience

Walt Disney World is truly a magical place, and is even more magical when your trip is planned thoroughly. Disney World vacation planning allows you and your family to get the utmost greatest possible experience, while allowing yourself and your family or friends to see and do as much as you may please. Disney’s FastPass+ is a major part of Disney World vacation planning, and there are must do rides in the Walt Disney World Parks that FastPass+ will enable you to experience.

            Hollywood studios is home to the one and only Tower of Terror. A thrill captivated elevator that drops you 13 stories at an incredible rate. Your stomach is sure to feel this one, in the best way possible of course.

            You enter the ride into a dark desolate room, which is supposedly haunted with the elevators’ previous victims. Chilled with fear, you will enter into the Twilight zone, where your biggest and darkest fears are made into reality. Make sure to fasten your seatbelts and hold onto all personal items folks, because I promise you they WILL go flying if you do not. Yes, even your magic Mickey ears, I apologize. As your elevator begins to rise, you and your companions may momentarily regret your decision, but do not fear, it will be totally worth it.

            As you reach the top floor, and the doors open wide and you get a view of the entire park.  You get a moment of peace. One would normally snap a quick picture before falling to their doom. KIDDING, do not fear. However while you drop 13 stories, your stomach is sure to drop right with you. As you drop at a relatively gravity defying speed, you see the ghosts of the victims floating on the walls ahead of you, as you continue to fall. Once you approach the ending, you are pulled into an eerie room, while being greeted by a not so friendly bellman. You have officially reached the twilight zone.

            Make sure the Tower of Terror is part of the process while taking care of your Disney World vacation planning.  We can take care of the planning for you at Mouse Vacation Planning.  All of our services are free to you after you have booked a package with us! Click here to request a quote for Walt Disney World.

By Megan Merola

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Top FastPass+ Attractions in the Magic Kingdom

As you are in the stages of Disney World vacation planning, FastPass+ becomes an important part of the process. You are able to make three FastPass+ selections per theme park per day. There are so many attractions to choose from and you want to make sure you obtain the best selections.

The Magic Kingdom has classic attractions, shows, thrill rides, and something for the whole family. So what three attractions should you choose when going through your Disney World vacation planning?

If you have thrill seekers in the family then you should select Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. You may be wondering, how will you ride Splash Mountain? To assist with your Disney World vacation planning, arrive to the Magic Kingdom 30 minutes before it opens and go directly to Splash Mountain. The area will be empty the 1st hour after the park has opened and you can go in the standby line!

If you have non thrill seekers in the family, then you could choose: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

If you have little ones in your family then I would suggest: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Winnie the Pooh or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (if your little ones are at least 38 inches). You can still experience Peter Pan by arriving to the Magic Kingdom 30 minutes early and going directly to Peter Pan.

As you are in the stages of Disney World vacation planning, make sure you choose your FastPass+ attractions 60 days in advance at 7am Eastern Time. Visit mousevacationplanning.com/walt-disney-world-quote to get a Walt Disney World quote!

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Top 5 Walt Disney World attractions that do not require a FastPass+

After a family has booked their Walt Disney World vacation the countdown immediately starts and the planning begins!  So many questions pop up.  What park should we visit first?  Where are we going to eat?  What date can we make dining reservations?  When is our 60 day date for FastPass+?

FastPass+ is a big part of planning a Walt Disney World vacation.  Families can make 3 FastPass+ selections 60 days in advance.  The FastPass+ will get them to the front of the line.  However, there are some FastPass+ attractions where a FastPass+ is not necessary in Walt Disney World because of a number of reasons.  Here is a Top 5 List!

1) Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the Magic Kingdom.  The attraction is a 3D show in a large theater and some favorite Disney songs come to life on the screen!  The wait time is typically only about 15 minutes or less.

2) Living with the Land in Epcot.  This slow moving boat ride in the Land Pavilion is always a short wait and a great attraction to experience while waiting for your FastPass+ time at Soarin.

3) Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in Epcot.  There is no need for a FastPass here because it is housed in a large theater and there is never a wait.

4) Journey into Imagination with Figment in Epcot.  This is a continuous moving attraction and the wait time will only be about 5 minutes.

5) It’s Tough to be a Bug in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  You will find out it is not a good idea to ever step on a bug again, but you won’t have to wait for the experience.

My name is Jeffrey Merola and I have written 9 Walt Disney World guide books.  I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I own Mouse Vacation Planning.  Please check out my website mousevacationplanning.com to get a free quote.  I will book and take care of all the planning for your Walt Disney World vacation!

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Animal Kingdom Secrets When Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation

Here are the Top 6 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Secrets you need to know when planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

  1. The FastPass+ times will be gone for Avatar Flight of Passage 60 days in advance by shortly after 7am Eastern Time.  One way to possibly obtain one is to plan your Animal Kingdom visit to be one of the last few days of your vacation.  When you log into your mydisneyexperience account before 7am, go to the day you plan to visit Animal Kingdom and hopefully Avatar Flight of Passage will be available.
  2. If you could not get a FastPass+ for Avatar Flight of Passage, then here is the way to experience it.  Please note this secret as you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation.  Arrive 45 minutes before the park opens and when they let you in go directly to Pandora – The World of Avatar.  You will get in line for Avatar Flight of Passage and the wait should only be about 20 to 30 minutes.  The wait for the attraction later in the day will be over 2 hours!
  3. For the 1st hour of park operations there will be a minimal wait for Expedition Everest!
  4. If it is possible, visit Kilimanjaro Safaris in the morning.  The animals will be more active.
  5. Dinosaur is a wonderful attraction, but it can be scary for young children.  It is very dark and dinosaurs will come towards the vehicle.  This will be of assistance for the family when planning a Walt Disney World vacation.
  6. The Festival of the Lion King is a must see show!  You do not necessarily need a FastPass+ if you arrive about 30 minutes before the start of a show.

Please contact me, Jeffrey Merola, to book and plan your Walt Disney World vacation.  I have written 9 Walt Disney World guide books and I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  You can fill out a free quote form here = Walt Disney World Free Quote

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My Visit to Toy Story Land in Walt Disney World!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Toy Story Land Preview event before Toy Story Land officially opened.

Toy Story Land is absolutely spectacular and I really did feel like I had been shrunken down to the size of a toy!  When I first entered the land, a giant Woody greeted me and he even talked!

I walked through Andy’s backyard and noticed he has hung Christmas tree style lights overhead.

Over to the left is now where Toy Story Midway Mania has found a new home!

Slinky Dog Dash is the main attraction is this new land.  I witnessed Slinky Dog speeding along on a red steel coaster track.  I decided it is time to experience this new attraction for the first time.

I was greeted with a happy, “Hi Toy,” from a cast member.  I walked through the rows of long weaving lines and arrived at the front.  I entered my Slinky Dog Dash coaster shiny red seat and pulled down the lap bar.  After the cast members made sure everyone was secured, Slinky Dog took off through Andy’s backyard!

Slinky Dog took me up a steep hill and went much faster than I expected.  It sped through a few sharp turns and it even came to a stop to simulate Andy pulling Slinky Dog back to give him more speed!  The ride came to an exciting end with Wheezy singing, “You’ve got a friend in me!”

As I exited the attraction, I noticed toy soldiers along the paths throughout Toy Story Land.  I even encountered a life size Toy Soldier drum team.  They performed an incredible act that capsized everyone in the area.

I then came upon a huge Buzz Lightyear, because of course (as we must keep in mind) I was the size of a toy.  He is located in front of the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction.

I did experience the Alien Swirling Saucers and my expectations were exceeded.  It is very much like the Tow Mater attraction in Disney’s California Adventure.  It has similarities as well to the Mad Tea Party in the Magic Kingdom.  It spun rapidly whipping me from one end of the seat to the other. I would certainly give it a try no matter your age.

Woody’s Lunch Box is the counter service location in Toy Story Land.  It is in all actuality a giant lunch box that has been opened on its side. With its incredible detail, it fits right in with the toy theme.  Andy has breakfast and lunch/dinner items available.  Some of the items include: breakfast bowl, s’more french toast breakfast sandwich, tochos, BBQ brisket, smoked turkey sandwich, and grilled cheese.

I had a wonderful experience and I would recommend visiting Toy Story Land as soon as you can!

Fill out our free quote form for Walt Disney World by clicking here!

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Walt Disney World Dining Mistakes

There are numerous Walt Disney World vacation planning mistakes people make when organizing a trip.  Here are one of those mistakes that you do not want to make!

When you are ready to begin your Walt Disney World vacation planning, you need to make dining reservations 180 days in advance!  There are numerous fabulous restaurants in Walt Disney World, and the most popular restaurants will book up very quickly.  The restaurants that book up typically 180 days in advance are: Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Akershus in Epcot, Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk for breakfast, Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom, and the Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

If you want to dine in one of these fabulous restaurants then make a note on your Walt Disney World vacation planning calendar to make your dining reservations 180 days in advance.  I would recommend making them right at 6am Eastern Time in your mydisneyexperience account.  You can also call Disney dining at 7am Eastern Time, but some restaurants may already be fully booked by then.

Even if a restaurant that you want to dine in is not listed above, I would still make your reservations 180 days in advance to be confident you get a suitable time.  I am sure no one in your family wants to eat dinner at 9:45pm at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom, for example.  If that happens, the planning you have done for your Walt Disney World vacation has not worked out very well!

If you do encounter a problem because you waited too long while planning your Walt Disney World vacation, you could attempt to get a dining reservation for lunch.  Lunch is not as busy and may get you out of a jam, especially if you know the family is going to be very upset.

Please do not assume you will be able to walk up to a restaurant without a reservation and get on a waiting list.  The host or hostess will either tell you the wait is 2 hours or they may say the dreaded words that will turn your smile into a frown, “We are completely booked tonight.”

My name is Jeffrey Merola and I have written 9 Walt Disney World guide books.  I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and the Founder of Mouse Vacation Planning.  I can book your entire vacation package and do the planning for you, especially book all of your dining.  All my planning services are free to you!  Please fill out a free quote form by clicking here = Walt Disney World free quote form

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Walt Disney World Resort Secrets – Value vs. Moderate

Your family has been asking and pleading about wanting to go to visit the “Mouse” in Walt Disney World.  You have been hesitant because there is so much planning involved.  You may decide to contact a Disney travel agent because the 1st decision to make is choosing a Disney Resort.

Two possible types of Disney resorts are value and moderate resorts.  The value resorts are the lowest cost.  They are: Disney’s All Star Sports, All Star Music, All Star Movies, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.  The resort rooms all have 2 double beds and sleep 4 people plus a child 2 and under in a pack & play.

Art of Animation and All Star Music have family suites that can accommodate a family of 6 and the parents can have a separate bedroom.  Please note that it is less expensive to stay in 2 standard rooms at a value resort instead of 1 family suite.

The value resorts all have a food court that services breakfast, lunch, and dinner with numerous options.  They all have one main bus stop location to travel to all the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.  Art of Animation is the newest of the value resorts and the main pool plays Little Mermaid music underwater!

At certain times during the year, there will be groups of high school sports teams and large groups staying at the All Star Resorts.  As a Disney travel agent who travels to Walt Disney World often, I have 1st hand experience seeing these different groups.

The next type of resorts are moderate resorts.  They consist of: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Most of the rooms at Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside will accommodate 5 people plus a child 2 and under in a pack & play.  The Port Orleans French Quarter Resort will accommodate 4 people plus a child 2 and under.  The resort does have some King Bed rooms as well.   Coronado Springs will accommodate 4 people and a child 2 and under and the resort has a select number of suites too.

A Disney travel agent will mentioned the majority of the rooms at the moderate resorts have 2 queen beds and the rooms are slightly larger than the value resorts.  They all have food courts, pools, and slides that go into their pools, where the value resorts do not have slides.

All the moderate resorts will have a main bus stop on site to take everyone to all Disney parks.  Please be aware that the Caribbean Beach and Riverside are very large resorts and have multiple bus stops within the resort.  The Riverside and French Quarter have a boat that will take you over to Disney Springs.

My name is Jeffrey Merola and I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Disney travel agent, author of 9 Walt Disney World guide books, and Founder of Mouse Vacation Planning.  I can plan everything possible including booking a Disney resort that is best for your family’s needs.

You cannot go wrong when you choose a Disney Resort.  The resort you decide is best for your family may even become your 2nd home!  Get a free quote for a Walt Disney World package by clicking this link = Walt Disney World Free Quote Form

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Beaches & Cream Soda Shop in Walt Disney World

You have begun planning your Walt Disney World vacation.  Dining can be done 180 days in advance and your family begins picking their top choices.  One of your children says, “Where is Beaches & Cream Soda Shop?”  You think to yourself, I have no idea.  Is it a restaurant?  When you began planning this Disney vacation you never came across Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is a hidden restaurant gem in Walt Disney World.  It is located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort and is a 50s style diner.  Their menu includes: chili, burgers, Reuben sandwiches, vegetable burgers, cheddar bacon ranch chicken sandwiches, turkey club, meatloaf sandwiches, grilled cheese, and tuna, chicken, or egg salad sandwiches.  You get the choice of fries or onion rings with your sandwich.

The highlight of the meal is upon you when it is time for dessert!  Beaches & Cream has mouthwatering sundaes that will knock your Mickey Ears off!  They have names like Fudge Mudslide, Snickers Sundae, Classic Banana Split, and the No Way Jose!  The No Way Jose is one of my favorite sundaes.  It contains chocolate and vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, hot fudge, peanut butter and chocolate morsels, and whipped cream.  You can even order a classic sundae, brownie a la mode, a milkshake, or even just an ice cream cone.

A sundae you may have the courage to tackle is the “Kitchen Sink!”  It includes 8 scoops of ice cream, all the toppings in the house, and a whole can of whipped cream!

If you don’t have the time to sit down, Beaches & Cream has a To Go counter as well.  You can order any ice cream cone, sundae, or milkshake.  There is a restriction with the “Kitchen Sink.”  You cannot order the full one, but they have an individual one for takeout.

When you are ready to begin the planning of your next Disney vacation in Walt Disney World make sure you put Beaches & Cream Soda Shop on your wish list!