WDW Daily News

It never fails that every time I go to the parks I see at least one miserable family. It just breaks my heart to see the frustrated parents and disappointed kids because that shouldn’t ever be anyone’s experience in Disney World. Every time I see this I just want to walk up and say “Hey there! I’m going to be your guide so you can truly experience the magic because you’re doing this all wrong” but that’s rude so I’m writing this article instead. I’m going to break down how I go about getting the most out of my Disney World experiences, and I hope that it will help others enjoy their time in the parks too.

My first piece of advice is something everyone has heard, have a plan. Now, when I say have a plan I mean something very loose like Captain Jack Sparrow, not a minute by minute itinerary. I just simply want you to look at a map and become acquainted with the layout of the park and then do it. I’ve found that picking a direction in the park and just going all the way around is the best way to go. This allows you to spend time in each land and truly experience them. If you’re always bouncing around you won’t get immersed in these settings, and you’re cutting the magic short. On another note, choose your Fastpasses wisely. Spread the times out or pick attractions next to each other. Otherwise, you may end up spending most of your day trying to make Fastpass times. I know tickets are expensive. You want the most out of your day, but if you speed through the park you’re not truly experiencing Disney World. Every detail in Disney is carefully planned and placed. Take the time, just a moment, to look around you and take in your surroundings. You won’t regret it.
The next thing you should know is Cast Members are your friends, so treat them like so. They’re wouldn’t be a Disney World without them. Walt said so himself, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Every single Cast Member plays a part in bringing Disney to life, and they are there to help you. If a Cast Member asks you to move further down the row or to not sit on a ledge; they aren’t trying to rain on your parade. Please do not yell at them. I see this happen way too often, and experienced it myself when I was a Cast Member. Everything a Cast Member asks you to do is for your and every other guests’ benefit. Please be respectful towards them.

My final words of advice are “let it go.” This applies to several things. Have a work issue hovering in your mind? Let it go. Is the ride you’ve been waiting in line for down now? Let it go. Just let everything that might drag you down go. The only way to experience the magic is to be there in the moment. Unexpected things will happen, but don’t let it ruin your day. We always feel the need to be in control of things. That thought process will only lead to stressful times in the park. It will be hot. There will be crowds. I think Timon and Pumba said it best, ” hakuna matata.” It means no worries. You are there with your family and/or friends. Get through the day by being present with them and just go with the flow. Let your inner child loose and I swear magic will happen before your eyes.

This advice might not be what you’re looking for. I didn’t tell you how to get the most rides done or the best places to watch fireworks, but I hope these words help someone. I see so many adults who think Disney World is just a theme park. It’s not, you’re just doing it wrong. Disney World is more than just the rides. There are so many details created by the Imagineers and the Cast Members are all so wonderful. Take the time to appreciate these things. Don’t rush through the park, experience it. Making the most of your trip to Disney World is all in the mindset.

“And a Whole Can of Whipped Cream!”… “A Whole Can?!”

“Treat yourself to that last cookie, you deserve it!” -Laura Weyand(me)

Hello Disney lovers from all over! My name is Laura and this is my first article for the newsletter! Naturally I will be informing you about my two loves; Disney and Dessert. They go together PERFECTLY! The infamous “Kitchen Sink” has been served up at Beaches and Cream for years located at the Epcot resort The Beach Club. This is an ice cream sundae that I’m all too familiar with and it’s one of those Disney World “Must do’s” when visiting. Nothing gets me more excited than ice cream. But what about when it’s eight scoops of ice cream, every topping in the shop and yup you guessed it, a whole can of whipped cream! So, if you’re a dessert lover like myself, prepare your stomach and skip that extra roll at dinner and get over to the Beach Club stat! The atmosphere is another aspect you will truly fall in love with while visiting. A friendly staff, an old school ice cream parlor and an AMAZING lunch/dinner menu completes this quaint restaurant. As a kitchen sink “veteran” (does completing the challenge three times qualify me?) I definitely recommend this massive sundae. At a whopping $28.99 you better believe you don’t want to spoil this delicious sundae. The contents of this master piece includes 8 scoops of ice cream; two vanilla, two chocolate, two strawberry, one coffee and one mint chocolate chip. But, do not be afraid to ask you server to switch up some of the flavors! Beaches and Cream is considered a quick service restaurant so sorry folks but that means no reservations! Make sure you plan accordingly with your party!

Fine ice cream sundaes are nice and all but there are other ways of getting a quick Disney dessert fix! Everyone has their quick snack of a dessert they love right? I can never pass up a chocolate covered banana or a Mickey Premium bar but let’s get a little more specific, shall we? I have three words for you. Carrot. Cake. Cookie. AKA DELICIOUS. My favorite spot to get this delicious treat would have to be the Writer’s Stop at Hollywood Studios. This treat includes cream cheese icing sandwiched between two carrot cake style cookies. You just have to try it my description will never do it justice!

Lastly is the plaza sundae at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (The Cone Shop). Get any flavor (or two) of ice cream with hot fudge or peanut butter with whipped cream and a cherry. Sounds simple right? But nothing beats indulging in a delicious sundae while watching the Castle Show with Minnie, Mickey and friends! Disney just knows how to make the simple things in life extra magical!

Well, to cut this short I will leave it at that. But I will be continuing my favorite Disney treats in my next article so stayed tune because this may take a while!!! It’s never a bad time to treat yourself at Disney :).
See ya real soon!
Laura 🙂