If you’ve ever been to Disney, you know that they go out of there way at every turn to make your trip the most magical it can be. From greeting your little princesses to adorable little surprise for turn down service to the many magical experiences through out the park, you are ensconced from the moment you step off the plane. Having been to Disney now for a few times, I love and appreciate their note taking when it comes to things like room preferences, to allergy alerts. Small touches that go a long way to making my family’s stay more enjoyable, worry-free and less stressful (well the only kind left induced by my own excitement).
Disney is always finding ways to up the ante and if you’ve frequented Disney since childhood, you’ve probably been privy to those many changes. Innovations like FastPass were game changers, and more organized character sightings (FastPass for that at the Magic Kingdom – Wow!) to interactive experiences like their Enchanted Art, and not just rides like our favorite, Enchanted Tales with Belle.
Now they are bringing us MyMagic+, an amazing piece of technology which they have been working on for years. Using RFID technology, they are hoping the MyMagic+, used with their mobile app and online website called My Disney Experience, will help personalize each family’s experience even more. It allows the family to control every aspect of their visit, as little or as much as they’d like. Some of the features built into this handy little bracelet called the MagicBand (one per person) include:
Room Key
Theme Park Ticket
Charge Card
FastPass+
PhotoPass+
Information like dining reservations and meal plans, as well as showtimes and can also be loaded on the MagicBand. Selections are never permanent and can be changed on the fly with their My Disney Experience app.
Not to far in the future, I expect their to be collectible MagicBands. Can you imagine? I’ve got a Minnie MagicBand or I’ve got the Animal Kingdom MagicBand. My kids would go nuts for them and I can’t wait until our next trip to try this out!
Suzanne Chan, one of the Trumpeting Media founders, is a former marketing/PR executive whose life was dramatically changed by parenthood. Still channeling the energy of her former life, she wears many hats – student, daughter, wife, registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend and blogger – but the job she’s most proud of is mother… Read all about her life, her loves and all the bumps along the way at MomConfessionals.com.
One of the most magical of moments, meeting a Disney princess, becomes even more magical in Enchanted Tales with Belle, our absolute favorite attraction at New Fantasyland. This is truly one of the most unique and innovative attractions yet. My husband and I want to applaud the imagineers for their sheer brilliance. It is unlike any other attraction yet. The animatronics are truly state of the art and their most innovative yet to date.
Guests are immersed into the enchanting “Beauty and the Beast” story as they enter Belle’s world through the provincial cottage of her father, Maurice, and are transported to Beast’s Castle through the Enchanted Mirror. Guests are transfixed by a magic mirror portal and furniture that springs to life in true “Beauty and the Beast” fashion.
Madame Wardrobe engages all the children to gather and help plan a surprise for Belle. Using props in this reenactment, the children become part of the storytelling experience by playing the characters from “Beauty and the Beast,” including Maurice, Phillipe his horse and Beast’s whimsical household sidekicks Chip the teacup, Mrs. Potts the teapot, “A” as one of the laughing portraits, “J” as a knight and my darling “M” as the Beast. I admit I was a little nervous with the casting, “M” was the youngest of the group with big shoes to fill, but I went with it and it was amazing. I couldn’t help but tear.
All dressed in character, the children enter the library where Lumiere calls to Belle, who is preparing for her dinner with the Beast. As Lumiere narrates, Belle and her surprise guests share in a fun-filled, interactive storytelling adventure – the “tale as old as time” — before she dashes off to see the Beast. All the children were on cue, and the story was seamless. It was priceless memory I will treasure forever.
When you head over to the magic kingdom, make sure to make time for Enchanted Tales with Belle. While there is no FASTPASS access for this attraction, it is well worth the wait. Even the shyest of children will be enchanted by the magic of Disney and Belle.
Suzanne Chan, one of the Trumpeting Media founders, is a former marketing/PR executive whose life was dramatically changed by parenthood. Still channeling the energy of her former life, she wears many hats – student, daughter, wife, registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend and blogger – but the job she’s most proud of is mother… Read all about her life, her loves and all the bumps along the way at MomConfessionals.com.
Suzanne Chan, one of the Trumpeting Media founders, is a former marketing/PR executive whose life was dramatically changed by parenthood. Still channeling the energy of her former life, she wears many hats – student, daughter, wife, registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend and blogger – but the job she’s most proud of is mother… Read all about her life, her loves and all the bumps along the way at MomConfessionals.com.
Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It’s off to Disney we go! We are soooooo ready for our trip to Disney next week and the #DisneySMMoms Conference! I have been scouring the internet, reading books after books and poaching seasoned moms all around for those special, somewhat secret, in-the know experiences. This is my kids first time going to Disney and I am determined to make it as Magical as can be. Here are tips that I have found that I think are quite Magical indeed!
THE EXTRA SPECIAL MAGIC
Celebrating a first at Disney? Perhaps your first time? A birthday or even an Anniversary? Let them know at Guest Relations or the concierge at your Disney Resort and you’ll get a special button to commemorate the occasion.
Riding the monorail to and from your resort? Get there early and make way all the way to the front. Ask the pilot if you and your family can “ride in the cockpit with the pilot” for an amazing view of your ride and get your co-pilot license. Unfortunately this perk has disappeared.
When you use any Disney transportation, the driver or pilot may award you with a special transportation collector card. NOTE: Awarding these cards is at the cast member’s discretion—they are instructed to reserve them for special or magical moments, so don’t forget to wear your button!
Got a special little princess in your life? Make sure she’s decked out in all her princess gear and throughout the day, she’ll be treated like the royalty she is. We’ve even heard that if she simply wears a shirt that reads Princess, she’ll get the royal treatment. This effect is most noticeable for the pre-school set who can’t read yet and will be simply astonished that everyone thinks she is a real life princess!
Want to be crowned King or Queen for the Day? Visit the Sword in the Stone ceremony, held in front of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland. Several times a day, Merlin challenges guests to pull the magical Excalibur sword from the stone. The “strongest” boy or girl will be crowned with a regal crown, cape, and proclamation.
Oh my husband will be all over this. Disney has amazing golf experiences with two miniature Golf Courses called Winter Summerland, near Blizzard Beach water park and Fantasia Gardens. Ask about the “secret hole of the day” after your play—if you get a hole-in-one on the designated hole, you may get a suprise. Don’t you love surprises?!
Want to be a part of the Disney Cast, you can get personalized Disney name badges just like Cast Members for the kids. Cast members will be coming up and saying hi all day!
Bring some of your kids best friends (stuffed animals) to stay at your resort. While you’re away, the Mousekeepers might leave a little surprise scene for you. [verified 5/2012]
Staying at a deluxe Disney Resort, ask for turn down service. They leave a little surprise behind as well.[verified 5/2012]
Get to the Disney Water park early and ask to be the Big Kahuna or Ski Captain for the day. You’ll get VIP Perks like a medal to wear all day, a refillable mug, towels for the whole party, locker rental, and a shaded spot reserved just for your family. What an honor it is! Be one of the first to enter the park and don’t forget to ask!
Bring Mickey Gloves to Character meals for special attention and a little fun by staff and castmembers. We’ve heard Goofy sometimes steals them from you, but not to worry, he does give them back!
Ask for a table by the wall when going to a character meal and seat the children there. You’ll be able to capture a picture perfect moment when the characters stop by.
Your little one is too little to ride their favorite attraction? Ask for a non-rider certificate, you might be surprised to see it signed by a favorite character!
Request a wake up call from your resort. Rumor has it off-times guarantee Mickey! When they call, place it on speakerphone so everyone can hear the very cool wake up message from Mickey or one of his friends![verified 5/2012]
Tom and Huck were in such a hurry to get to Splash Mountain, they left their paintbrushes behind on Tom Sawyer Island. If you find one, pick it up and take it to a cast member and you just might receive a pass to the front of the line at your favorite attraction. NOTE: Paintbrushes are not always left out. I am going to ask a cast member before sending my kids off on a hunt that may produce nothing.
Find Tinker Bell at Tinker Bell’s Treasures. Be patient, she is usually flitting about the merchandise. Find the the antique chest of drawers and pay close attention to the keyhole, when you see a flash, peer in for a little surprise!
I love visiting the Japan pavilion at Epcot but I never knew to look-out for a candy-making demonstration outside the Mitsukoshi department store. The talented artist Miyuki demonstrates “candy artistry” from Tokyo. Miyuki will invite guests to choose an animal, which she will create in just one minute. The guest who suggested the animal gets to keep the candy creation free! I’m told it’s so beautiful you won’t want to eat it!
Kidcot Fun Stops are located at each World Showcase pavilion where kids can get masks to color and decorate with beads and paper charms— Complete a tour of all the Kidcot Fun Stops around the World Showcase and you might get another surprise!
Similarly the Animal Kingdom has their Kids Discovery Club animal and nature discovery zones. When a child visits their first station, they are presented with a free Kids Discovery field guide filled with trivia and games. At each new station, your child will get a special stamp in the field guide and offer something fun to explore, such as fossils, animal tracks, and so on. Collect all the stickers and you’ll get a prize![verified 5/2012]
If you’ve travelled abroad, you know how different countries have different versions of Coke. Well you can sample many of them at Club Cool in Future World in Epcot for FREE!
SOUVENIRS at a Bargain
Make a free plastic robot souvenir at PlasticWorks in Innoventions East at Future World in Epcot.
At Innoventions West, kids can make a free frog velcro doll and decorate it with Mickey ears, sunglasses, clothing articles and more. When finished, a cast member will attach a velcro bracelet for your wrist. This is going to go over well with my little man.
Many restaurants at Walt Disney World serve a non-alcoholic drink for kids known as Pirate Punch. Each drink comes with a glowing Tinker Bell or Captain Hook clip-on light keepsake. The cups I’m told, themselves make great keepsakes.
At Sesame Place we got adorable Elmo keepsake plates which have stood the test of time and the counter-service eateries at Walt Disney World have similar black Mickey plates which can be keepsakes as well.
Got tons of kids to buy for? Perhaps classmates? A cheap but fun gift is Mickey Mouse shaped straws at the fast food counters in your resort for $.50 each. Heck, I’ll even grab a bunch to bring the magic home. Who doesn’t love silly straws?![verified 5/2012 - Found at Cosmo Rays in Tomorrowland]
Individualized gifts are great but a pack of Character pens usually sold in sets of 6 or more make great gifts with usability and I’m all about function.
Purchase an official Epcot World Showcase “passport” as you make your way through the World Showcase. Find a native from each country and you can get a stamp and autograph. They also have a similar “free” passport at the Animal Kingdom.
When the husband and I first started dating we had collected pressed pennies. I wonder if I can dig them up some where. Disney has penny pressing machines planted all over. Stock each kid up with shiny pennies and a roll of quarters, each one is 51 cents. Purchase a penny pressing books to hold your collection.
Collect guidemaps, menus, plastic cups and plates. They may someday be a collector’s item!
Mickey’s Mart in Downtown Disney Marketplace is also a great place to stock up on cheap souvenirs. They only sells items for $10 or less.
Visiting the outlets, check out the Character Premiere store at the Orlando Premium Outlets center.
MOUSE SAVERS
The refillable mugs at each resort are another type of perk. At approximately $13, a refillable mug can go a long way.
Small bottles of Mickey shampoo and conditioner are available in many Disney resort rooms and make great souvenirs. Use the ones in your room and ask housekeeping staff for a few to take home.
Investigate the kids’ programs at your Disney resort hotel. The Deluxe resorts usually have kids’ recreation programs such as coloring, crafts, pool games, Hidden Mickey searches, and storytelling at various times for FREE! [verified 5/2012]
Garden Grocer, www.gardengrocer.com is a grocery delivery service that will bring your pre-ordered groceries for a price comparable to shopping yourself. Another great place online is Amazon.com.
If you’re staying at the Disney Swan or Dolphin and have a AAA card, they have some exclusive coupons. Also filed for future reference, purchase park passes at the AAA office and receive a AAA Diamond Preferred Parking Certificate.
Buy a Disney poncho if it rains. Pricier than outside but they have free, no questions ask, replacement policy.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC
First stop, making “M” his very own Mickey Mouse ear hat. You can visit Chapeau Hat Shoppe on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom or Chapeau Hat Shoppe in Downtown Disney. Tip: Buy some extra interchangable ears!
We will be getting “M”s hair done at the Harmony Barbershop in the Magic Kingdom. You can get a real haircut for about the same price as you would pay at your local barber shop sprinkled with some magic Mickey pixie dust! If it’s a first haircut, rumor has it you may get a set of ears with First Cut or even a certificate commemorating the occasion! [verified 5/2012]
I LOVE Mr. Potato head. A classic toy with so much appeal. I am so excited to hit the “Potato Bar” inside the Once Upon a Toy store. You can stuff a box full of cool exclusive Disney parts. Be sure to tap your box a few times to stuff it to the max. Buy the Potato Head body at home for less, then fill up your box with the exclusive Disney-related parts! For my kids, there is also a My Little Pony version of the stuff-a-box idea and a build-your-own lightsaber station. Yay! Something for everyone![verified 5/2012]
My daughter finally appreciates the gorgeous charm bracelet I bought when she was just a baby. And word has it, stationed in nearly every Disney gift shop are displays of Disney charms. Heck, I may even get a bracelet started for myself. [verified 5/2012]
The Lego Imagination Center has a FREE 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of LEGO blocks. They also have amazing Lego sculptures which make for a great photo op. Usually the first Tuesday each month at 5pm they host a Monthly Mini Model Build for kids ages 6-14 to build and take home a FREE mini model! [verified 5/2012]
Filed away for our imminent Disney Cruise
Purchase a fish extender to hang on the fish outside your cabin and you just might find some trinkets gifted by neighbors and cast members throughout your stay!
I was about to purchase some of those safety tattoos for my kids when I cam across this great tip. Stop by Guest Relations in the morning and get a tag where you can put your contact information. Stick them on the inside of your children’s clothing in case you get separated from your child. I just wonder if staff are trained to look under their clothing for these tags?
First time at Disney, take the 20-minute ride on the tram at Walt Disney World Railroad Station on Main Street. It’s a great way to see everything and not get overwhelmed. [verified 5/2012 - can't really see much though as it's mostly behind the scenes, but there are some lovely sets up]
We here fast-food style serving is the standard at Disney, the best is to be had at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Flame Tree Barbeque [highly recommended!]. At the Magic Kingdom check out Pecos Bill Cafe in Frontierland and Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square. [verified 5/2012]
Counter-service eateries can get crowded fast especially at peak times like lunch, get on the line farthest from the door. They are often the shortest.
Bringing water or outside food into the parks is prohibited except for medical necessity. We love the idea of collapsible water bottles which can fold easily and store in your bag. Once inside the parks, ask for a “cup of ice water” which is free and fill up your water bottles.
Freeze wash cloths and store them in Ziploc bags for a way to stay cool.
Copy the numbers on your tickets. No copier on site, take a phone pic and email them to yourself. If you ever lose those valuable passes, it makes it a lot easier to replace.
If you get to the park early, your best tip is to GO LEFT for shorter lines to your favorite rides and attractions!
SHOPPING LIST
Box of Ziploc bags
Stain Removers, Shout wipes are my favorite
Baby wipes
Waterproof pass protector
Foldable water bottles
Pocket Breeze are also a necessity for the summer months and can be cheaply found on Amazon.com
Passporter.com – join their monthly club for a little less than $5 a month. You can cancel at any time but they include valuable e-books to download for FREE!
Suzanne Chan, one of the Trumpeting Media founders, is a former marketing/PR executive whose life was dramatically changed by parenthood. Still channeling the energy of her former life, she wears many hats – student, daughter, wife, registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend and blogger – but the job she’s most proud of is mother… Read all about her life, her loves and all the bumps along the way at MomConfessionals.com.
If you’ve ever been to Disney, you know that they go out of there way at every turn to make your trip the most magical it can be. From greeting your little princesses to adorable little surprise for turn down service to the many magical experiences through out the park, you are ensconced from the moment you step off the plane. Having been to Disney now for a few times, I love and appreciate their note taking when it comes to things like room preferences, to allergy alerts. Small touches that go a long way to making my family’s stay more enjoyable, worry-free and less stressful (well the only kind left induced by my own excitement).
