WDW Daily News

I believe losing a child at Walt Disney World would be the worst nightmare. Losing any member of my traveling party would be a nightmare. I have been separated from my traveling party before and it did not take long for panic to set in. When I visit the Parks alone, I know I am alone! But when I travel with other Guests, I enjoy that feeling of belonging and if I become separated, it begins to get to me. As silly as that may sound, it is true. So I cannot imagine how a young Guest must feel if they become separated from their traveling party.

Families have many ways of keeping track of one another. Some large groups use the buddy system. Some groups wear like colored clothing. Others use devices some people thin look more like leashes than child friendly tethers. I believe to each his own.

On a recent visit I noticed a small child that appeared separated from their traveling party, my mothering instincts kicked in immediately. The child was beginning to become frightened. I believe he was about 4. He was quite soft spoken but when I asked him his name he replied. I tried to make him feel at ease but knew I was treading on shaky ground because most children are taught no to speak to strangers. I tried to get a little information from him and then looked for the nearest Cast Member. He was reluctant and gripped my hand tightly. But I knew this was the best course. I felt as scared as the child! The Cast Member took charge and soon the family was reunited.

The moral of the story is be prepared. Sounds silly, but label your child! In some inconspicuous place, put your name and contact information on your child, tell the child not to tell anyone unless you are separated. Practice situations with your child, that way your child will be prepared in the event you are separated. Tell your child that Cast Members are their friends, point them out when you are visiting the Parks. Make sure your child can relate pertinent information, like their name and their parent’s name. Choose a meeting place and make sure everyone knows where it is before you arrive at a Park in case you are separated. Just these few things can help alleviate a stressful situation.

And if you become separated? Look around for your child and do not panic. Head to the nearest Cast Member. Once you have located your child hug them first, and then figure out what went wrong….. How did your party become separated? Was the child not paying attention or were you not paying attention? Sometimes accidents just happen. Once you are reunited, correct anything you can but return to sharing the magic as soon as possible!!

Oh no, the sky looks grim! The clouds are gathering, and a thunderstorm is going to shower down and ruin everyone’s magical day. As the rain pounds the ground, everyone scatters and looks for cover to wait out those evening Florida showers that occur so frequently on a particularly hot day.

When it rains in the World, you have several options. Any kiosk or store will definitely have ponchos. You may not see them at first, but they will appear. They always do. If you are the adventurous sort, you can just don your poncho and keep going. This is not for everyone though. Instead of braving the storm, you could enter an attraction that is based inside some sort of building. If you are in the Magic Kingdom, this is not too difficult. You could make a trip to the Hall of the Presidents, Mickey’s Philharmagic, any of the dark rides in Fantasyland, or you could even get a little shopping done while you wait for the storm. Be aware though, that the shops will be very crowded as well as the queues for these inside rides. If you have time, you could go and hang out in one of the counter service locations in the Magic Kingdom. We have spent many happy hours at Columbia Harbour House while the rain was pounding down on us. You can stop in for a snack and just enjoy resting for a little while. Hey, you could probably use a break anyway, right? My favorite Magic Kingdom for a rainy day is the Pirates of the Caribbean. The attraction is always fun, so you can re-ride it many times. Also, the area is covered, and there is also a store in which you can browse. Not only can you be entertained while you escape the deluge, you can also find a conveniently located bathroom in the Pirates complex. It is the perfect place to wait out a rainstorm!

Now, if you are in Epcot, you could spend time in Innoventions, walk through and examine all that the countries in the World Showcase have to offer. Many times, people just breeze through these countries in order to make it to the next attraction. If it starts raining, take some time and just explore. If you happen to be stuck in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the rain, you can go and see one of the many shows that are presented daily throughout the park. Be aware that many outside rides will close, however, if there is lightning in the area. If the rain is just light, most of the rides will just stay open. The Animal Kingdom is the most difficult park to be stranded in when the skies open up because the majority of this park is outside. You will have to make a run for it, or try and see some of the attractions that make their homes inside and away from those Florida showers. You could view Finding Nemo: The Musical or watch the It’s Tough to be a Bug show in the Tree of Life. Again, you could always do some shopping in order to wait out the rain.

For my husband and I, we tend to ignore our own advice. We usually just take out our rain jackets keep moving forward. This is advantageous because most people do run and hide from the rain. With this in mind, we take this as an opportunity to walk through the thoroughfares of whichever park we are in without any obstructions in our path. We attempt to ride as many outdoor rides as possible. Let me tell you, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in a rainstorm is an experience. Each droplet feels like a tiny bullet on your face as you round the turns and dips. I don’t know why, but I absolutely love Disney in the rain. Maybe it’s just the heavy sprinkling of Pixie Dust that you receive when you check into a Disney resort, but I can’t help but hope for a rainstorm when I start to feel those first tell tale drops of an imminent rain shower. The rain seems to make the day go by slower, and that means it feels like I have more time in my favorite place. So, the next time it rains, perhaps you could just throw on your rain gear and keep going! Hey, you’re in Disney World; even the rain is magical! Until next time, have a magical day and keep moving forward!

Even though it can be fun to shop for souvenirs in Disney shops, it’s no secret that the prices can add up pretty quickly. However, there are plenty of free keepsakes that can keep the magical memories alive while you are stuck at home.

1. Celebration Buttons- If you have ever been to a Disney park, you’ve most likely seen people walking around with these buttons on. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, family reunion, honeymoon, anniversary, engagement, first visit, or anything else, you can grab one of these free buttons to let the world know. They’re usually available at your Disney Resort’s check-in desk or at any one of the park’s Guest Service desks. Not only do you usually get special comments from cast members and regular guests, but you get a fun pin to bring home and display.

2. Character Drawings- If you have the chance to visit the Character Animation Academy in Hollywood Studios, I would definitely recommend doing so. There, you will learn how to draw a Disney character with the help of an animator, and you get to keep your drawing. Plus, at the end of the drawing lesson, you’ll get a chance to win the animator’s drawing by being the first person to answer a Disney trivia question. Even though my drawings don’t turn out so great, they’re still a fun souvenir to take home.

3. Leis and Mardi Gras Beads- If you’re staying at either the Polynesian Village Resort or the Port Orleans Resort, or just visiting either one, you’ll definitely want to pick up a flower lei or some Mardi Gras beads. The flower leis, found at the Polynesian, are fun to wear around the parks for a tropical look, while the Mardi Gras beads, found at Port Orleans, are the perfect thing to add some bling to your outfit. Both types of necklaces are found at their respective resort’s front desk and are completely free!

4. Notepads and Pens- Even though this might not seem like an exciting souvenir, the Walt Disney World pens and notepads found in your resort room are one of my favorite things to take home. Every time I write using the pen or jot some notes down on the paper I think of Disney, which adds some magic to an otherwise ordinary day.

5. Paper Products- Park maps, times guides, programs- if it’s paper and it’s free, you can bet I’ll be snatching it up. From the Wilderness Explorer Guides found in Animal Kingdom to the license you get after driving Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom to the paper coasters left in resort rooms, I keep just about every paper that we get in Disney. Even though I might not know what I’m going to use them for, I like to keep them just in case I need them for scrapbooking, school projects, collages, or anything else that might come up. I may look like a nerd when I’m grabbing huge stacks of park maps as we’re walking out of the parks, but you never know when some crafty inspiration will hit!

A convenient walk from Epcot, the hotel is a premier location for guests visiting the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, where the magic of spring blossoms with a vibrant display of enchanting gardens, Disney character topiaries, fresh seasonal dishes and live musical entertainment.

Could you spend every vacation moment at Walt Disney World but you’re married to Grumpy? (Yes, there are people who just don’t get the Disney magic. Gasp). While these vacations may require extra special planning, Disney is so much more than rides and characters.

Does your Grumpy like the outdoors? How about vacationing during EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Show? Lots of great ideas for the garden, plus interesting exhibits and entertainment.

If you’re married to a Foodie Grumpy, EPCOT also has the International Food and Wine Festival. Heaven on a plate!!! It’s worth a trip to Disney World just to eat at the restaurants. While the majority of the restaurants at Walt Disney World are kid-friendly, planning a nice dinner at one of Disney’s Signature Restaurants can always make Grumpy happy.

There’s also great food and entertainment at Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs). What’s that irresistible smell? Ghiradelli’s – the world’s best hot chocolate. If, by chance, your Grumpy likes to shop, he/she will be in heaven at Downtown Disney. You can even get dinner and a movie all in the same place here.

Sports fan Grumpies haven’t been forgotten either. If your Grumpy is afraid of missing the Big Game, head over to ESPN at the Boardwalk for snacks and a big screen tv. Or how about a round of golf, mini-golf or bowling? They’re all available at Walt Disney World.

In the years I’ve been planning Disney vacations, I’ve learned that there is something for everyone. With a little extra thought, maybe your Grumpy will be Happy to go to Walt Disney World with you on your next vacation.

Excitement is building among Disney Vacation Club Members and many soon to be Members with the upcoming opening of the latest DVC Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows!

The new Polynesian Villas & Bungalows presents an all new room design to the Disney Vacation Club family. Set out over the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon, there are 20 Bora Bora Bungalows which sleep up to eight guests with two bathrooms, a full kitchen and a living and dining area. To really guests a taste of luxury, each bungalow has a private deck complete with plunge pool where guests are treated to a nightly view of Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant. A private sound system allows for the soundtrack to be heard right on the deck!

Unlike other DVC properties, the Polynesian Villas on the “mainland” will consist only of Deluxe Studios. In a new design however, the studios will be connecting. Each studio will have two bathrooms and a fold down bunk, allowing them to comfortably sleep up to 5 guests. When connected, two studios will sleep up to 10 guests! One bathroom will be a full bath with a tub, while the second bath will have a shower. Each room will feature a kitchenette, but since there are no 1 or 2 bedroom villas, none of the rooms will feature a full kitchen or in-room laundry. While this is a drawback for some, being able to sleep up to 10 guests will offer more flexibility for some families

Sales began for current Disney Vacation Club Members on January 12, 2015, and opened up to the general public on February 9th. The first phase of the resort will open on April 1, 2015, and Members who purchase at the Polynesian are able begin booking on February 11th. All other DVC Members may book, up to 7 months in advance, beginning February 25th. I for one, will be saving my points for a stay at the new Polynesian Villas and Bungalows!

One of the books that I have been reading during my self-imposed Disney themed reading is Walt and the Promise of Progress City by Sam Gennawey. This book offers an in-depth look at the urban planning aspects of Disneyland as well as what EPCOT was supposed to be before it was turned into a theme park. Originally, EPCOT or Progress City was Walt Disney’s attempt to create a highly functioning, well-planned city in which people could live, work, and play. The Epcot that we have today has a World Showcase and a Future World, but it is not the city that Walt had envisioned for his Florida Project. Gennawey’s book provides an interesting look at the ways in which Walt Disney eventually came to the decision that he wanted to create his original idea for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

One aspect of the book that really impacted me is a section about the ways in which Disneyland is so successful because it provides visitors with “the architecture of reassurance.” Gennawey writes that “by eliminating the visual contradictions [in Disneyland], Walt had created a world that existed within the earthen berm that surrounded the park that was safe and clean. What he created was not a place about fantasy but a place about a sense of reassurance” (126). This sense of reassurance is what makes Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom feel so much like home. We feel safe there. John Hench noted that “Disneyland offered an enriched version of the real world, but not an escapist or unreal version” (Gennawey 127). Disneyland is a very real place, but it is better than our everyday reality because it is the best version of what reality can be. There is no graffiti, no trash lining the streets because the Disney Imagineers have “program[med] out all the negative, unwanted elements” (Gennawey 127). This is the kind of world in which I would rather live, hence my many trips to Disney World.

Gennawey goes on to discuss the ways in which Walt responded to people criticizing his park as a place of fantasy, somewhere that is just so unreal or juvenile. Walt felt that “You know the fantasy isn’t here [Disneyland]. This is very real . . . The Park is reality. The people are natural here; they’re having a good time; they’re communicating. This is what people really are. The fantasy is out there, outside the gates of Disneyland, where people have hatreds and people have prejudices” (Gennawey 127). I know this seems like an optimistic view of people, but perhaps that is the problem with the world in its current existence. Too many people see other people as a threat or something to be feared and hated. People lose those prejudices when they enter Disneyland. They are there to have fun and spend time with family. Maybe we all need to look harder to see the best in people.

Overall, Gennawey’s book is excellent, and it is easy to read. There are some technical terms with regard to urban design, but he does a good job of defining these terms and making them relevant to his discussion of Disneyland and EPCOT. This book is a combination of history and a very technical look at what led Walt to his desire for a Progress City, a place where everything could be clean and regulated as well as what influenced Walt in the creation of Disneyland. There is also discussion about the many different World’s Fairs that impacted the Disney Company and led them to further develop their abilities to create theme park environments. The book is well researched and includes an extensive bibliography that could also lead you to other history related Disney books. Sam Gennawey’s book can be purchased on Amazon in paper or eBook version. This is definitely a book to add to your Disney reading list. Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

It’s that time of year again. Everywhere you turn there are hearts as far as the eye can see, stuffed animals bearing messages of adoration, and ridiculous amounts of chocolate. So in honor of this lovely holiday I’m going to talk about what I think are the 5 most romantic places in Walt Disney World.

The first stop on my list shouldn’t surprise anyone, Cinderella’s Castle. Who knows how many proposals this icon has been a backdrop to? But could you blame anyone? My favorite time to be around the castle is in the evening. It’s so beautiful lit up. Put some fireworks behind it and I’m in awe of its magical splendor. I can’t really explain why the castle is such a romantic spot, but I never turn down a chance to snuggle up with my husband and admire it for a spell.

The next stop is actually lots of stops. The World Showcase is a great area to showcase your love… or maybe that’s just me. I want to travel the world one day, but for now EPCOT is the closest thing we’re capable of. I really enjoy walking the countries with my husband, learning about cultures and sampling foods. I personally think anytime you can share and/or learn it’s a great bonding experience. That is also why I consider the World Showcase a romantic area.

The couple that plays together stays together. My next pick is sure to bring out your inner child and probably some competition. If you’re ready to go head to head with your love hop on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin or Toy Story Midway Mania. These two attractions are very similar. Buzz Lighter is a two person ride where you use your laser guns to shoot targets and take down the evil Zurg and Toy Story Mania has several rounds of various arcade games featuring all the beloved characters. Both have the same end result…Smiles and bragging rights for the rest of the day.

Ready for an Adventure? Then, hop on the next raft and head to Tom Sawyer Island! This is my husband’s top romantic spot, and I can easily understand why. It’s never been crowded when we’ve gone. It’s the one place you can go in the parks and feel like you’re having some time alone. The Island is so much fun to explore and if you’d rather just relax, there’s plenty of shade for that. Whether you’re looking for adventure or some intimate alone time, the island can meet all of your romantic needs.

The final stop on my list is the home to 999 happy haunts; yes I am talking about the Haunted Mansion. I know there are probably very few who would consider this a romantic spot, but I am admittedly biased. My husband proposed here, so it holds a special place in my heart. Even if this weren’t the case I would argue this attraction is a great spot to kindle a romance. It’s a nice, slow ride in a dim (maybe for some a bit scary) setting. It’s the perfect opportunity to cuddle up close to your significant other and enjoy all the ghostly appearances.

What are your favorite romantic spots in the parks? Let me know on Twitter @hoodie_life

It’s pretty much a given that you’re going to be taking a ton of photos on your Disney vacation, so why not make them interesting? I think that the parks are the perfect place to experiment with new photography techniques and styles because there’s so many different things to see and scenarios to capture. Within just a few hours, you can see people, animals, scenery, dark rides, a fireworks show, and more, which makes for an interesting challenge for photographers. Here are just a few helpful hints for capturing some Disney photos that make for great keepsakes.

1. Find an interesting angle. Not every picture has to be taken from your eye level. For an unusual shot, try getting close to the ground and shooting upwards or holding your camera above your head to snap a photo. You might get some funny looks, but sometimes the shot is worth it! Use natural surroundings like trees or bushes to frame your shot, or include interesting objects like balloons in the frame.

2. Get to know your camera. Whether you’re using a point-and-shoot, a DSLR, or just your cell phone, it’s important to know what features and capabilities your camera has. Figure out where you turn off the flash, how to set the exposure, change the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, and other necessary settings. Play around with the settings at home and practice taking pictures of your pets, kids, or stationary objects. At a last resort, read your camera’s manual, which is a bore but incredibly informative.

3. Always have your camera ready. Disney vacations are usually fast-paced and spontaneous. Something is always going on, and a moment can be over in the blink of an eye. You never know when something magical is going to happen, so it’s important to be ready to capture it. Make sure you know exactly where the power button is so you can turn it on quickly and snap away!

4. Don’t use flash on dark rides. This is one of my biggest Disney pet peeves. We all hear the warnings at the beginning of dark rides, but some people believe themselves to be exempt from the no-flash rule and decide to use it anyway. Flash photography can be distracting and takes away from the magic of dark rides. Believe me, nothing is worse than being stuck around someone who continually uses the flash on a dark ride. Once, someone in my boat on Pirates of the Caribbean even used the flashlight on their phone! Do everyone around you a favor; don’t be that person.

5. Capture the candid moments. Not every photo of your family has to be posed. Try to snap a shot of someone’s expression while on an attraction like the Astro Orbiter or while watching the nighttime fireworks. Get a picture of your child hugging their favorite character, eating their first Mickey bar, or waving to their favorite princess in the parade. Most of the time, these kinds of pictures tell a better story than “Say cheese!” shots, and they make for better memories.

6. Don’t forget to put the camera down. Although getting lots of good pictures is important, don’t forget to live in the moment. One of the best parts of a Disney vacation is spending quality time with your family, and you don’t want to miss out on that because your face is behind the viewfinder the whole time. Try to remember that it’s more important to have memories that go with each photograph than just have some neat shots with no sentimental meaning.

As a repeat Walt Disney World visitor, I frequently get asked, “Why go there again? Don’t you get bored?” Any Disney Parks fan knows that the answer to this question is always a definitive NO! I am always looking for new experiences or adventures to make each visit more exciting than the last. I have always loved taking photos at Walt Disney World (I sometimes wonder just how many shots I have taken of Cinderella Castle) but always went for the standard “Kodak Spot” touristy photos. In the past year, however, I found that shooting Walt Disney World in a more comprehensive way has brought a whole new level of enjoyment and appreciation for the parks. Finding that perfectly unique shot or unusual angle has become my new challenge. Looking at the World through the eye of my camera has helped me focus on the incredible detail that the imagineers have so lovingly placed there for us to find.

My favorite event to photograph is definitely the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. This parade is truly an incredible display of vibrant color, imagineering brilliance, and first rate showmanship and is my favorite Walt Disney World parade to date by far. The amazing colors and abundance of cast member performers make this parade the perfect opportunity for some outstanding pictures. The costuming is a work of art itself. Although I love to shoot the floats (especially the Brave and Tangled floats which are incredible), my favorite photos are up-close shots of the ground performers in their magnificent costumes.

I must admit I am truly an amateur photographer. At first, I was using my Iphone 5 to photograph the parade (I greatly prefer the Camera+ app to the built in camera) and got some really great photos this way. However, I wanted to take the quality of my Walt Disney World photos a little farther, so I invested in my first DSLR camera. My Nikon D3200 isn’t a first-rate camera, but for this relative beginner it is the perfect way to elevate my photographs without being overly complicated. I have found that the only downside to using this particular DSLR is that it is much more difficult to post my photos quickly to social media. Therefore, I have been trying recently to mix it up… taking some photos with each camera.

I love this parade so much that I shoot it twice- during the same parade! I have found that my preferred first spot for shooting is in Frontierland, somewhere on the Country Bear Jamboree side of the road which gives a great view as the parade heads towards me. As the last float passes, I grab my stuff and head through the passageway to Adventureland. I walk quickly (ok… I might run a bit..) out of Adventureland and towards Main Street, U.S.A. I typically duck into the first shop on the right as I hit Main Street, U.S.A. and head through each shop down the length of the street until I exit the Emporium at Town Square. I head to the right and typically can find a decent spot near the Car Barn. I typically make it with plenty of time. Now I can shoot the whole show all over again, but this time with different angles and backgrounds!

My new found love of photography has definitely enhanced my recent trips to Walt Disney World. I love finding new details to shoot and the editing time needed when I get home just seems to extend my vacation- I get to live it all over again! I have also enjoyed becoming more involved in social media, especially Instagram. Following awesome Disney Instragram accounts and posting my own photos to my Instagram account (@disneyluv4life) has become a new pastime and a great way of staying connected to Walt Disney World when I can’t physically be there. Photography has become the perfect way for me to add a new dimension to my Walt Disney World travel, and has allowed me to see my favorite place in an entirely new light!