You’re going to Disney World! Congratulations! You have a very exciting trip ahead of you! The Walt Disney World Resort is chock-full of extra magic that many visitors don’t even know about. One of the benefits of working with me is that I can help you to discover the special events and experiences that will add a sprinkling of pixie dust to your time in Disney World and that will be a perfect fit for your family. Here are my top 10 favorite ways to add some extra Disney magic to your vacation.
1. Dine with the characters
One of my favorite ways to immerse myself in the Disney magic (and to meet lots of Disney characters without waiting in long lines at the parks!) is to eat at several character meals during my vacation. With numerous experiences to choose from, families are sure to find their favorite Disney pals. These dining experiences are offered at restaurants throughout the theme parks and Disney resort hotels and are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner often as either a buffet or family-style service. Characters mingle with diners and stop by each table, sometimes more than once, to pose for pictures, sign autographs and get silly with kids and parents alike. The meals are a great way to start your morning, to take a relaxing midday break, or to end a magical day!
2. Have a makeover
Ready to take the Disney magic to the next step? Book an appointment for a pirate or princess transformation at the Pirate’s League or the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. At each of these “salons” kids walk in regular vacationers and emerge swashbuckling rogues complete with pirate sideburns and duel scars, magical mermaids with sparkling face jewels or fairy princesses with pixie-dusted up-dos and rhinestone tiaras. Each location offers several different packages so that your kids can choose to become anything from a pirate empress to a brave knight. And parents can join in the fun, too–the Pirate’s League welcomes aspiring scalawags of all ages!
3. Get out on the water
Parasailing, fishing excursions and all sorts of watercraft abound at the Walt Disney World resort. Explore the lakes, lagoons and bays throughout Disney property with a guide or head out on your own adventure! Or send the kids off on a pirate-themed excursion with a treasure hunt of their own on Disney’s waterways while you enjoy some time to yourselves. The options are endless!
4. Visit the horses
The Tri-Circle D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is home to Main Street’s majestic horses and Cinderella’s ponies. Hit the trails on horseback, ride the ponies, or tour the resort in an old-fashioned wagon ride. Evening carriage rides are available at the Port Orleans resort as well.
5. Trick or Treat with Mickey
Head to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party and you’ll have a chance to meet several rarely seen Disney characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow and those classic favorites, Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs. A ticketed event, the party features the spectacular Hallo-wishes fireworks, the Boo to You Halloween parade lead down Main Street by the Headless Horseman himself and magical Disney-style trick or treating throughout the park.
6. Watch it snow on Main Street, U.S.A.
The holidays are truly magical at Disney World with storytellers, incredible decorations in both the parks and resorts, and holiday-themed events throughout the season. On several nights during November and December, the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event with a fabulous parade (complete with magical snow!), cookies and hot chocolate, special character greetings and extra-magical fireworks over a sparkling Cinderella Castle!
7. Hit the links
18-holes, 9-holes, or miniature golf–Disney has the course for you. With four beautiful golf courses and two imaginative miniature golf locations there are opportunities to tee-off. Disney’s courses feature water, bunkers, wide fairways, sand, and beautiful greens. Whether you’re looking to walk a gorgeous course or challenge yourself in classic PGA Tour-style, you’ll find it at Walt Disney World.
8. Surround yourself with fireworks
Ever feel like you wish you could get right up close to Disney’s famous fireworks displays? A fireworks cruise is the way to do just that! Disney offers innumerable options for special cruises during both Wishes (Magic Kingdom) and Illuminations (Epcot) fireworks displays each evening from luxurious private cruises with dessert and champagne to an evening on the water with Pirate Patch. If you’re more of a landlubber, the Wishes Dessert Party that takes place each evening at Tomorrowland Terrace at the Magic Kingdom is another way to immerse yourself in Wishes.
9. Watch a movie under the stars
Every night, each of the Disney resorts shows a movie under the stars which is a great way to relax after a long day in the parks. Put the kids in their pjs and head down to the pool, lawn or beach to watch one of Disney’s classic films. Or if you want to make a whole night of it, the Fort Wilderness Resort has a campfire, marshmallow roast and singalong with Chip and Dale each evening followed by a movie on the big-screen in their open-air theater. Pair this with a wagon ride around the campground and you’re in for a magical night!
10. Rejuvenate
Relax with a facial, refresh with an invigorating body scrub or reconnect with a couples’ massage at one of Disney’s luxurious spas. Located at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs resorts, these spas offer a full-service menu featuring all sorts of indulgent treatments. Take some time in the whirlpool or steam room, have a cup of tea and rest your feet. This is what vacation is all about.
As part of my vacation planning services, I can make reservations for you for all of these fantastic experiences along with many others–and as always, everything I do is completely free of charge to you! Ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? Contact me today! °o°
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