Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Disney Springs Has 20+ Totally Awesome Kid-Friendly Things to Do

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista. There’s also a splash pad, train ride, hot air balloon ride, movie theatre, bowling alley, and a ton of other really cool things!

The Layout

  • The West Side– Tons of restaurants, AMC Movie Theatre, and Splitsville Bowling Alley
  • Town Center– Over 30 shops plus more dining options
  • The Landing- More restaurants and shopping
  • Marketplace- Shops, restaurants, splash pad, train, carousel. and more kid-friendly stuff.

Kid-Friendly Things to do at Disney Springs

Build LEGO

Outside of the LEGO store, there are large bins of LEGO where kids can build whatever their heart desires. There are even racetracks where they can race their LEGO vehicles. This is a free activity however, there are tons of AMAZING LEGO kits available for purchase inside.

Take Photos with “Characters” and Lego Figurines

There are some unbelievable LEGO sculptures on the property. Grab your camera, pick your favorite filter, and Instagram away! There are also some pretty alright Disney Statues, as well. Sure, they aren’t real characters, but kids still love taking photos with them.

Splash Pad

There is a free splash pad located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. It’s nestled near the Earl of Sandwich and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Be sure to pack your kids suits!  This is the perfect way to cool down and break up the day at Disney Springs!

Carousel

Isn’t it crazy how much kids love carousels? I mean, it’s truly one of those things that has stood the test of time. For just $3 a pop our kiddo can hop on the Venetian carousel and go for a bit of a whirl.

Train Ride

Choo choo! All aboard! Located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs there is a small train perfect for little kids. Don’t worry grown ups, you can ride too! Rides are just $3. The train departs from just outside of the Star Wars Trading Post.

Face Painting

There is a popular face painting kiosk in the Marketplace. You can select from a menu of options or have a custom design painted. If you can dream it, they can do it.

Aerophile- Hot Air Balloon Ride

If your family is feeling a bit more brave, you can check out the Aerophile. This hot air balloon is the largest tethered helium balloon. The balloon will soar up to 400 feet giving you amazing views of Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding area. The cost is $15/child and $20/adult. The ride is located in the West Side of Disney Springs near Splitsville.

Catch a Movie

Okay, so maybe soaring in the air isn’t your thing. If you want to try something a bit more low-key (and air-conditioned!!), check out the AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre. You read that right, Dine-In! You can feast on delicious food while you catch a film- and escape the heat.

Food options include nachos, wings, sushi, loaded brisket fries, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, churros, ice cream sundaes, and more.

Splitsville Bowling Alley

Dude, this place is MASSIVE! It offers 50,000 square feet of bowling, pool tables, live entertainment, food, and air conditioning. They serve pizza, burgers, sushi, and appetizers. They also serve beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

NBA Experience

Alright sports fans, this one is for you! Get in the game at this basketball themed venue. There are 13 interactive activities including dribbling and skills courts, the Replay Center, and arcade style games.

 

Inside Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe

Your kids will love the fun rainforest and jungle theme at the Rainforest Cafe. Just wait until you see their reaction when the rainforest comes alive for a thunderstorm! The restaurant serves American cuisine such as shrimp tacos, steak, ribs, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, turkey wrap, and more. Reservations are recommended.  

T-Rex Restaurant

The restaurants pretty much explain themselves at Disney Springs…don’t they? So, obviously, this is a dinosaur themed restaurant. Your kids will freak out over the prehistoric atmosphere. There is also a giant sandpit with bones for them to excavate. If they are lucky, they may even find jewels! Menu items include nachos, flatbread, pasta, shrimp, salmon, meatloaf, ribs, chicken, steak, and burgers. Reservations are recommended.

Planet Hollywood

Disney Springs is also home to the infamous Planet Hollywood! If you’re a fan of the Food Network, make sure you pop in to try one of Guy Fieri’s burgers. Trust me, they are legit!

Build a Dino

Speaking of dinosaurs, there is a Build a Dino shop where kids can create their own dinosaur (like Build A Bear only…more ferocious).

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

If your little one isn’t the dirt under their fingers, dino-loving type, perhaps the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is more up their alley. Kids 3-12 are welcome to visit this fancy schmancy salon to get made over into princesses or knights. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can reserve your time slot up to 180 days before your visit.

Shopping

Okay….so normally kids don’t love shopping, but this is shopping Walt style. They will be amazed at all of the super cool Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars toys!

Here are some that your kiddo’s will probably love:

  • Word of Disney (the largest Disney character store on the globe…and probably the universe)
  • Marvel Super Hero Headquarters
  • Disney Style
  • Once Upon a Toy
  • The LEGO Store
  • Star Wars Trading Post
  • Star Wars Galactic Outpost

World of Disney

Yes…this is a store, but it’s not just any store. It’s a store that stands above all of the rest. The World of Disney is the largest Disney character store in the world! If you only go into one store while you’re in Disney Springs, it should be this one! It’s remarkable. It’s the perfect place to shop for Disney souvenirs, Mickey Ears, stuffed animals, clothes, toys, and even kitchen decor!

The Candy Cauldron

This show kitchen lets visitors catch a glimpse of how Disney’s iconic candy creations are made. Of course, you can pick up some goodies, as well.  The candy apples are iconic and to die for! Other classic confections include chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallow wands, Rice Krispie Treats, cupcakes, and pre-packaged treats.

 

Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie Treats anyone?

Goofy’s Candy Shop

This place is heaven. Not only do they serve candy but they also serve Rice Krispie Treats, cake pops, cupcakes,  candy apples, flavored popcorn,  fudge, and other sweet treats and baked goods.

Sprinkles Bakery

This cupcake shop features made from scratch cupcakes. The flavor combinations are out of this world! Some favorites include, red velvet,  sprinkle, black and white, salty caramel, and triple cinnamon.  There is even a cupcake ATM! You can also get ice cream, cookies, and coffee drinks here.

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**This post contains affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you**

Updated: 11/14/21

Categories
Caribbean Cayman Islands Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Grand Cayman

Taking a Trip to Hell, Grand Cayman

The town of Hell, Grand Cayman is one of the most popular pit stops on the island. Let me tell you, these people have mastered the art of creating a tourist attraction. They have taken the theme of Hell to the extreme!

Hell is a group of short, black limestone formations. Although visitors can’t walk on the rock formations, there are viewing platforms that allow you to get a closer look. So….basically people congregate to stare at a bunch of rocks.

Where is Hell, Grand Cayman?

The town is located in the West Bay neighborhood of Grand Cayman. It is about a 10-minute drive north of the famous Seven Mile Beach. It’s not far from the controversial Cayman Turtle Centre.

Map courtesy of Google

Why is This Area Called Hell?

When you ask the locals why this area is called Hell, you’ll get one of two answers. The first story states that a Brit was visited the area with some friends on a birding expedition. He raised his firearm and took aim at a bird. When he shot at the bird, he missed and muttered, “Oh, Hell!”. According to this legend, the area became known as Hell from this day on.

However, at the site of Hell, there’s a sign posted that tells another story.

The “Club Inferno,” opened in 1964, is the original and main gateway to this unusual site known as “Hell.” Located in this area is the largest and most visible portion of “Hell” which is ironically owned by a family named “McDoom.” This bizarre rock formation is said to be millions of years old. In spite of its volcanic appearance, they are actually natural rocks eaten away by algae and ravaged by the elements. The name Hell is said to have evolved a long time ago when an early British commissioner was touring the island. It is alleged that he arrived at this site, took one look, and exclaimed, “My God, this must be what Hell looks like!” The site then forever became known as Hell.

Regardless of how the area got its name, the name has stuck and the locals have taken the idea and ran with it. From the fiery red hell-themed post office where you can send postcards postmarked from “Hell” to a Satan impersonator asking “How the hell are you”?”.

Things to See and Do Here

Check out the rock formations

First off, you have to check out the rock formations. After all, that’s what this place is all about. The site is covered with really rad locking rocks that are made of limestone and dolomite. The rocks have been stripped of their calcium leaving them black in color.

Take Cheesy Photos

Secondly, no trip to Hell would be complete without taking ridiculously cheesy photos. There are cut-outs where you can be the Devil himself. If you’re feeling a bit more angelic, there’s an angel cut out as well.

Pick up a Souvenir

Want to pick up a special gift for your mother-in-law? This is the perfect place! They sell postcards, t-shirts, magnets, and a ton of other Hell souvenirs.

Get Your Passport Stamped

Lastly, there’s probably no cooler souvenir than having your passport stamped in Hell! When in Rome…errrr Hell, right?

Whatever you do… don’t take the rocks!

I don’t really know what the penalty is but I’m sure it’s hellacious….see what I did there?

Is it worth the visit?

Honestly, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this super cheesy attraction. As I said, people literally just stand around looking at rocks here. Trust me, you’d have a better time spending the day snorkeling, sailing, or lounging on the beach.

That being said, if you are in the area and want to send your mother-in-law a postcard from Hell, you could easily get in and out of this place in less than half an hour.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

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Updated 10/19/21

Categories
Airbnbs Aruba Caribbean South America

5 Amazing Airbnbs in Aruba

Natural Bridge, Aruba

Airbnbs in Aruba: Are you searching for the perfect Airbnb for your trip to Aruba? We’ve gathered up a collection of our favorite vacation homes in Aruba for any budget.

Aruba, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao), is truly magical. Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Today, the island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch and ex-pats now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands).

“One Happy Island” is one of the easiest countries for new travelers to visit. The locals speaks English so communication is a breeze. The island is also really easy to navigate. With its near-perfect weather year round, it’s clear to see why so many people visit Aruba each year!

Waves Crashing in Aruba

There are so many amazing adventures waiting to be had. There are tons of things to do here ranging from the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Natural Bridge, the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, and the Ayo Rock Formations. Oh, and of course there’s also the beach.

If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you’re going to need a place to stay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

5 Amazing Airbnbs in Aruba

Movida Inn

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests: 4
2 bedroom
2 bathroom

This recently renovated Caribbean-style home features a swimming pool with a whirlpool and a large solarium. The apartment is bright and spacious and comes well equipped with everything you might need.

The Movida Inn is less than 1/4 mile from Palm Beach and just an 8-minute drive from Eagle Beach. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Tibushi Gardens

Location: Oranjestad-West, Aruba
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

This gorgeous apartment is located just minutes from the top beaches, dining, shopping, casinos, and golf course. It is located in a safe and quiet neighborhood. The 475 square foot apartment has a private entrance, pool, and a patio with a barbeque.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Deluxe Pool View

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:4
1bedroom
1 bathroom

This stunning villa is the perfect space for your Aruba vacation. It is located in the exclusive Palm Beach area near the best beaches on the island. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Casa Carmella- Luxury Private Villa with Pool

Location: Palm Beach, Aruba
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

This brand new private villa is the perfect place for a couples retreat. There are a large private pool and outdoor oasis awaiting you. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants. It also located near Palm Beach and about 10 minutes from the popular Eagle Beach.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Villa Island Time

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:6
3 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms

This spacious villa features a private pool and is close to the beach, supermarkets, and the restaurants of Palm Beach. The villa has a large outdoor patio and deck area and is equipped with a BBQ.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

More on Aruba

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Free Disney Stroller Tag Printables

If you’re heading to Disney with the littles, chances are you’ll be bringing or renting a stroller. Really, it’s the only way to tackle the massive park when you’re traveling with small children. If you have been to Disney before, you know that there are countless strollers that flood the park.

Why Are These Disney Stroller Tag Printables Necessary?

Since strollers are not permitted in the lines, visitors park their strollers in one of the designated parking areas. Sometimes, several rides will share the same stroller parking lot which means you could easily have hundreds of strollers crammed in a single area- especially near the toddler-friendly rides in areas like Fantasyland.

Here’s where it gets even trickier! There are stroller valet people who actually move around strollers so that it is easier for other people to park. This means that your stroller will most likely. This makes it even more difficult to find. Trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to hunt down where your stroller has been moved to when you’re hot, tired, and cranky!

Never fear! We have a solution for you! DIY Stroller tags make it easy to identify your stroller in the sea of strollers in the Disney parks.

Disney Stroller Tag Printables

Supplies Needed

Free Printable
Heavy-duty Cardstock
Clear contact paper or laminator and laminating pouches (this makes it waterproof!)
Scissors
Permanent Marker
Single Hole Punch
String or Zip Ties

Instructions

  1. First, download and print a Disney Stroller Tag Printable on heavy-duty cardstock paper.
  2. Next, add your family’s name to the printable using a permanent marker.
  3. Then, laminate or use clear contact paper to cover the printable. This will also help make it waterproof.
  4. Afterward, cut out the laminated printable.
  5. Use a single hole punch to create holes.
  6. Lastly, attach to the stroller using string or zip ties.

Grab Your Free Disney Stroller Tag Printable

These Disney Stroller Tags are typically available for purchase at our online store however, we’re offering these printables to our readers for free!

Mickey Sunglasses- Red
Castle- Blue
Mickey Head

There are tons of adorable options available for SUPER CHEAP at our store.

Stroller Guidelines for Disney World

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps, available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Renting a Stroller at Disney

Single Stroller

Recommended for children 50 lbs. or less.

  • Daily: $15
  • Multi-Day (Length of Stay): $13

A $100 USD credit card deposit is required for strollers rented at Disney Springs.

Double Stroller

Recommended for children 100 lbs. or less.

  • Daily: $31
  • Multi-Day (Length of Stay): $27

Length of Stay Rentals

Disney has this neat program where you can save money by renting strollers for the duration of our stay. You purchase a Length of Stay rental ticket and then show your receipt at Guest Services when you enter the park and you’ll be issued your stroller for the day.

Strollers cannot be removed from the parks, so if you’re park hopping, you’ll show your rental receipt at each park you visit.

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**This post contains affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you**

Updated: 11/10/21

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?

Parliament Square, Nassau

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to. Honestly, you definitely don’t NEED to book an excursion in Nassau, however, there are lots of really great options available.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

 

Downtown Nassau

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?

Nassau is one of the cruise ports where you can absolutely get away without booking an excursion. If you’re looking to cruise on a budget (or want to spend the money elsewhere), you can skip booking an excursion. The ships all dock on the northern side of the island right in the heart of downtown Nassau. From here you can easily walk to the world-famous Nassau Straw Market, Pirates of Nassau Museum, Parliament Square, and other local attractions.

You can also easily access Paradise Island and Atlantis from here via taxi or the Nassau-Paradise Island ferry. I recommend visiting Atlantis at least once in your life!

If you do decide to book an excursion in Nassau, there are plenty of great options, which we’ll cover below.

Nearby Beaches

Another option is to hail a cab and head towards one of the nearby beaches. We recommend:

Western Esplanade Beach– First off, this beach is located within walking distance from the pier making it super convenient. You could easily hit up the Straw Market and then make your way to this beautiful beach known for sea glass.

 

Cove Beach

Cove Beach– This picture-perfect beach is located on the Atlantis property. The sand is pillow-soft and the water is PERFECT! There are two bars close to the beach that offer food and drinks. If you head to the northernmost tip of the beach you’ll be able to check out the stacked rocks and carvings made from driftwood.

 

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach- This beach is located not far from Atlantis. It is honestly one of the best beaches I’ve been to. The water is stunning and there is tons of space to spread out and find your own little piece of paradise.

Cable Beach- This is another popular beach with both locals and tourists. The beach is on the smaller side and can get a bit crowded due to its proximity to bars and restaurants. Snorkeling can be a bit of a challenge here because the water gets a bit choppy.

 

Jaws Beach

Jaw’s Beach- Don’t let the name intimidate you! If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, hop in a cab to Jaw’s Beach. If you take a cab there, arrange a time for the cabbie to pick you back up. It can be hard to get a taxi back to the port.

Recommended Excursions in Nassau

Again, although you can definitely get away without booking an excursion in Nassau, there are plenty of great options. When we visit, we love sailing on catamarans, visiting Atlantis, or doing an island tour.

Catamaran Sail & Reef Snorkel & Beach

Although the reef off of Nassau isn’t the prettiest we’ve ever been to, we still had a blast on this excursion. The catamaran out to the reef takes you past Atlantis and some pretty spectacular homes. After you’ve snorkeled for a bit, you are taken to a private island for a brief 30-minute beach stop. The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Top 10 Best of Nassau

On this 4-hour tour you’ll get to see the sights of Nassau and Paradise Island (home of Atlantis) from an air-conditioned bus. You’ll also get to try local food and drink samples (the cost is rolled into the tour!). You’ll get to check out the Parliament Buildings, the Rum Cake Factory, Atlantis, and make a stop at Queen Anne’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. This tour combines local history with local cuisine.

SeaTurtle & 4 Island Snorkel Adventure with Beach Break

This tour crams a ton into 4 hours. You’ll hit up all of the best beaches and snorkel spots. What’s even cooler is you get to zip around in a high-speed boat! While you’ll only be able to view some from your vessel, others you’ll get to check out up close. You’ll get to see the island where they shot Gilligan’s island and get to scope out sea turtles and fish while you snorkel at Green Cay. Then it’s off to Rose Island for more snorkeling.

Sun, Sites & Beach Day

This 4-hour tour takes you by some of Nassau’s historic sites including Parliament, the Garden of Remembrance, and more. After seeing a bit of the island, you’ll be taken to a secluded beach for a bit of fun in the sun. There are free chairs available and you can rent an umbrella. There is a bar and restaurant nearby.

 

Atlantis

Atlantis

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with spending a day at Atlantis. The place is absolutely stunning and there’s truly something there for everyone. Whether you want to check out the water park, lazy river, casino, or aquarium, this place has it all! It’s no wonder many people consider this the #1 excursion in Nassau. Curious about Atlantis? Here are 5 Things to Know Before Your Trip to Atlantis!

Other Excursion Options

Did you know that you don’t have to book an excursion directly through the cruise line?  You can book an excursion through an outside vendor!  Often times, booking a trusted outdoor vendor is cheaper than going through the cruise line, because you’re cutting out the middle man.  Other benefits of booking with an outside vendor include helping the local economy, smaller tour groups, and most tours don’t fill up like they often do on a cruise.

If you’re choosing to book an excursion in Nassau with an outside vendor, we suggest going with a trusted company.  See the options below for more great excursions in Nassau.

Make Sure You Take These Along With You!

If you plan on hitting up the beach, we suggest you bring along snorkel equipment!  You’re guaranteed to find something interesting in the turquoise waters that surround the island.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today! 

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 11/30/22

 

*This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience** 

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

One of the first big trips that we took the kids on was a visit to Disney World for Smiley’s 6th birthday. Visiting the park with a 6-year-old is a cakewalk, but visiting Disney with toddlers is a totally different ball game. It takes planning, patience, and a little bit of spiked Dole Whip to make it through the day(s).

Enjoying treats at Disney Springs

As Floridians, we grew up going to Disney several times each year. I’ve had the chance to visit as a child, as a teen (with and without my parents), as an “adult”, and as a parent. After three decades of visiting Disney, we’ve come to learn the in’s and out’s of the theme park and we’d love to share some advice with you!

What is the Perfect Age to Visit Disney?

Honestly, if you have the opportunity to take the kids to Disney World- do it. I now know what people mean when they say, “You haven’t experienced Disney until you’ve seen it through your child’s eyes.”

Regardless of your child’s age, Disney will be a magical experience. Sure, you kid might not remember their trip but you will. Even young children will have an amazing time. Even better, children under the age of three get into the park for free so the trip can be even more affordable when they are younger.

Of course, the older a kid is the more rides they’ll be able to experience. However, there is still plenty to do if you are planning on hitting up Disney with toddlers. There were several rides that the twins were able to ride.

Watching the Rope Dropping Ceremony at Magic Kingdom

Our Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

Don’t Set the Bar Too High

Experiencing Disney with a toddler is totally different than hitting it up with older kids or even as adults. If you go as a grown-up or with older kids, you’re able to cram in a ton of rides, stay at the park all day, and end the day by staying for the fireworks.

Throw all of those ideas out the window if you’re going to Disney with a toddler. Instead of planning on hitting every ride possible, narrow that down to 2 or 3 a day. Yes, you read that right.

Don’t worry though, there is so much more to Disney World that doesn’t involve long lines that your kid will absolutely love! There are parades, random appearances by characters, play areas, and shows to entertain them.

Drumming some sick beats at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Determine Which Park(s) You Want to Visit

Most of the rides at Magic Kingdom are kid friendly. This will probably be your best bet if you only have one day at the parks. Do yourself a favor and don’t even think about park hopping with a toddler!

Our Suggestions when visiting Disney with Toddlers

1 Day- Magic Kingdom
2 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios
3 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios
4 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Magic Kingdom again!
5 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom again!

Create a Loose Itinerary

If your toddlers are anything like ours, they are up at the crack of dawn. Seriously, our kids are normally up around 6:30 every morning. For us, this meant that being at the park when it opens is totally feasible! We were able to watch the Rope Dropping Ceremony, take advantage of short wait times, and be out of the park in time for a late nap.

Keeping in mind that you’ll want to only focus on 3 “Must Dos”, you’ll want to loosely plan your day. We planned out what two rides we wanted to experience and one character meet and greet each day. Not knowing what the wait times would be like while we were there, we didn’t want to set the bar too high and be disappointed. Everything else that we experienced was a bonus!

We planned on being out of the park by nap time, and we were off by about 1 hour. The twins (then early 2 year-olds) and Smiley both passed out in the car after exhaustion. After their nap, we hit up Disney Springs for dinner at Rainforest Cafe and more Disney-themed fun.

Can you tell it is nap time?

Research the Stroller Regulations

If you’re heading to Disney with toddlers, chances are you’ll be bringing or renting a stroller. Really, it’s the only way to tackle the massive park when you’re traveling with small children

Stroller Regulations

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps, available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Stroller Tag Printables

Since strollers are not permitted in the lines, visitors park their strollers in one of the designated parking areas. Sometimes, several rides will share the same stroller parking lot which means you could easily have hundreds of strollers crammed in a single area- especially near the toddler-friendly rides in areas like Fantasyland.

Here’s where it gets even trickier! There are stroller valet people who actually move around strollers so that it is easier for other people to park. This means that your stroller will most likely. This makes it even more difficult to find. Trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to hunt down where your stroller has been moved to when you’re hot, tired, and cranky!

We have TONS of Stroller Tag Printables available at our shop.

Download the Disney World App

Ya’ll, the Disney World app is a totally game changer! You can use to to check the wait times for rides, view maps, order food, scope out show times, and schedule Fastpasses.

We while we were in line for one attraction/ride we were able to look to see what is nearby and how long the wait times are. We even pre-ordered our lunch so that it was ready for us when we got to the restaurant.

This is about as good as it gets…

Take Advantages of FastPass+!

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that your toddler probably won’t last longer than 30 minutes waiting in line. With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one-hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.

We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.

You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly!

Mad Tea Party time!

Use Rider Switch/Single Rider Lines

If you can’t resist some of the big kid/adult rides that your toddler can’t go on- don’t worry, Disney has a plan! They have a system called Rider Switch Passes. See a cast member at one of the qualifying rides and they’ll hand you a Rider Switch Pass. Basically, one grown-up waits in line and goes on the ride while the other grown-up hangs out with the kids. Once, they’ve exited the ride, you pass off the kids and they hand you the pass. You get to ride the ride without having to wait in line again! Holla!

If just one of you wants to ride one of these rides, some rides offer a single rider line. Basically, you’ll fill in any empty seats on the ride. There are 4 rides in Disney World that offer single rider lines. They are Expedition Everest, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. 

Best Rides for Toddlers

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (no height requirement)
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant (no height requirement)
  • It’s a Small World (no height requirement)
  • Mad Tea Party (no height requirement)
  • Magic Carpets of Aladdin (no height requirement)
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (no height requirement)
  • Peter Pan’s Flight (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Prince Charming Regal Carousel (no height requirement)
  • The Barnstormer (no height requirement)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (32 inches to ride)
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (no height requirement)
  • Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (no height requirement)

Animal Kingdom

  • Kilimanjaro Safari (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Na’vi River Journey Location (no height requirement)
  • TriceraTop Spin (no height requirement)
  • Wildlife Express Train (no height requirement)

Epcot

  • Frozen Ever After (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Gran Fiesta with the Three Caballeros (no height requirement)
  • Journey into the Imagination with Figment (no height requirement)
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends (no height requirement)

Hollywood Studios

  • Alien Swirling Saucers (32 inches)
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (no height requirement)
  • Toy Story Mania (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!

What to Bring When Visiting Disney with Toddlers

  • Stroller: Sure, travel strollers are great but you’ll want a full-size stroller for storage. Trust me.
  • Snacks & Drinks: We plan on eating lunch, 1 snack, and 1 treat while we’re at the park. Since we arrive so early, we bring something along for breakfast (or grab something at the hotel). With all of the excitement of being at Disney, and being outside, the kids are starving and thirsty all day long. We bring a cooler with drinks and throw a butt-ton of snacks into the diaper bag.
  • Diaper Bag: Obviously you’ll want to pack a fully-stocked diaper bag. If you happen to forget something, there are Baby Care Centers that have things available for purchase. This is also an ideal spot for feedings, diaper changes, and quiet time. Toss a blanket in if you’re going to be wild and visit at night.
  • Change of Clothes
  • Sunscreen: It’s Florida, lather up.
  • Umbrella: It rains almost every day during the summer. Pack an umbrella.
  • Portable Charger: Let’s face it, you’ll be taking a gazillion photos and probably be checking the app often! Pack a portable charger, or you’ll regret it.
  • Safety Harness: Okay…never in my life did I think that I’d be a parent that uses a safety harness. And then the twins came along. Like most 2-year-olds, they are wild and love to wander and run around, especially when they are excited. We found these adorable little Mickey Mouse safety harnesses that are perfect for visiting Disney with toddlers!

    We hope that you found this guide to visiting Disney with toddlers helpful. Remember with a bit of planning, preparation, and spiked Dole Whip, visiting Disney with a toddler is totally doable. We truly hope that you and your family have the adventure of a lifetime!

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Updated: 10/25/21

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Best Times to Visit Disney World (and the WORST!)

What are the best times to visit Disney to avoid the crowds, you might ask. Each year millions of people flock to Central Florida to visit Disney. In fact, there is an average annual attendance of more than 58 million people! With millions of people visiting the parks each year….is there ever a good time to head to the House of Mouse?

In short, the answer is yes! There are both good and bad times to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Disney World can be absolutely magical or absolutely miserable depending on when you choose to go.

The Worst Times to Visit Disney World

Let’s kick our list off with dates that you absolutely want to avoid hitting the park.

Spring Break

Florida is a haven for Spring Breakers. Both school age kids and college age kids head to the Sunshine State to enjoy their Spring Break. This means that the parks tended to be crowded between Mid-March to Mid-April.

If you don’t have any other choice, the good news is the weather tends to be more mild in the spring months.

The Summer Months

Sure…if you’re traveling with kids this might seem like the ideal time to visit since they’ll probably be out of school however, don’t do it. Not only are your kids out of school, but so are almost everyone else’s. Not only that, summers in Florida SUCK. Even as a Florida girl, the heat and humidity along with large crowds, and long lines sounds completely unbearable.

Pro-Tip: The Disney parks tend to clear out when the skies open up! People start hitting the parking lot as soon as it starts to rain.

If you must visit Disney during the summer, don’t let the rain scare you. It rains pretty much every afternoon here in the summer. The storms typically clear pretty quickly. Just duck inside a shop or a restaurant and wait it out.

Better yet? Head to the park even if you know it’ll be a rainy day! Grab a poncho and the park will be (almost) all yours!

The Last Two Weeks of December

Hear me out, here. Yes, these weeks are absolutely jam packed with holiday fun and typically the weather is much cooler however… the place gets ridiculously crowded. In fact, it is not uncommon for Magic Kingdom to reach capacity during Christmas week. What’s the capacity, you ask? 57,000 people. That’s a shit ton of people waiting around in lines.

If you want to see what all of the holiday fuss is about, go during the first week of December.

National Holidays

Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and other national holidays tend to draw large crowds.

The Best Times to Visit Disney World

Weekdays

Whenever possible, hit the park on a weekday. Many travelers are just in the area for the long weekend. Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be rather slower.

The Best Months to Visit

January (with the exception of MLK weekend and the Disney Marathon Weekend), February (with the exception of President’s Day and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend), late April, September (after Labor Day Weekend), October (the weekends can get busy due to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival).

2021 Disney Calendar of Events

January

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 6 to 10). This is now a virtual event.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 8 to February 22).

February

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 18 to 21). This is now a virtual event.

March

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March to June)

April

Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon Weekend (April 15 to 18)

This weekend features iconic rivalries from the popular movie series Star Wars. Events include the Star Wars 5K, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars Rival Run Challenge and the runDisney Kids Races, as well as the headlining half marathon.

August Through December

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Dates TBD).

Taking place on select nights throughout the fall is one of Disney’s most popular events. Highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks show and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Disney characters dress up in Halloween costumes and kids can trick-or-treat in the park.

The party is not included with regular admission to Magic Kingdom and requires a separate ticket.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Dates TBD).

This is one of our favorite Disney events! The festival features more than 25 international marketplace kiosks, which offer tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, as well as recommended wine and beer pairings. 

Our favorite part is the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series that features my favorite band, Hanson, every year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates TBD).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, is a special event held on select nights each winter at Magic Kingdom. The party runs from 7pm until midnight. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks and magical snowfall over Main Street, U.S.A. are some of the event’s highlights.

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Categories
Annual Recap

2020 Recap- Our Adventures From This Year

Watching airplanes take off

When I started to think back and plan out our 2020 recap, I initially thought that we didn’t get much accomplished on the travel-front this year. However, as I looked through pictures, I realize we did a lot more than I thought we did. Our original plan was to start traveling with the kids, once our adoption was finalized in April. Then, obviously, COVID got in the way of things.

Our 2020 Recap

January

In January, we headed down to Disney World to celebrate Smiley’s 6th birthday. We spent two days exploring the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom with the kids. They had an absolute blast getting up close and personal with Mickey, Minnie, and a handful of princesses. We even got lucky with the lines (and our FastPasses!) and got to squeeze in a TON of rides!

February

In February, we headed up to North Carolina to visit Ashley’s side of the family. While we were there, we rode an elevator to the top of Chimney Rock. We climbed even higher to reach the chimney at an elevation of 2280 feet! We spent some time exploring Lake Lure and the surrounding area.

Watching airplanes take off

March

At the beginning of March, we went into self-isolation. We spent the month playing in our backyard and going on walks around the neighborhood. We’d go and park nearby the airport and watch the airplanes take off and land, just to get out of the house.

April

April was our adoption month! On April 7th, we made our family of 5 official via Zoom. Since it was a Taco Tuesday, we celebrated with tacos, cake, and champagne.

May

In May, we were treated to a flyover by the Blue Angels. Our house just happens to be right under their flight path so we had front row seats to their air show! With the weather warming up, we started to spend a lot of our time out at the beach- where we were able to easily social distance. And, if we weren’t at Huguenot Beach, we were in the backyard zooming down the waterslide!

June

Come June, we started to get a little stir crazy. We started hitting some of the local parks to break up our beach days. The kids quickly fell in love with the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, which had been a favorite of ours for quite some time.

We also headed north a couple of times to Fort Clinch in Fernandina Beach. Sometimes we’d explore the Civil War Era fort, but most of the time we’d just comb the beach for sharks teeth.

July

In July, our zoo opened back up for those who had zoo memberships. The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has an AMAZING splash park so we hit the zoo often to escape the hot hot heat. We also branched out and started checking out other local parks like Castaway Island Preserve, The El Faro Memorial, and Blackrock Beach.

We also headed south to St. Augustine and Palm Coast to visit the Washington Oaks and Gardens State Park, Marineland, and Castillo de San Marcos.

We rented a camper and spent a couple of days in Orange City, Florida. Our little family spent two days floating down the spring run at Blue Spring State Park. We even went on a boat tour to see the marsh up close and personal! Since we were so close to Orlando, we headed to Disney Springs where we had dinner at Rainforest Cafe and did a bit of shopping and playing.

The boys headed back to daycare so that they could begin adjusting to being back on a schedule. This gave Smiley and I a chance to explore some cool places like The Cummer Art Gallery & Gardens, Riverside Park, Memorial Park, and historic St. Augustine.

We also spent lots of time out on the paddle board and kayak.

Our July Recap

August

We crammed as much as we could into the first couple of weeks of August- before school started back up. We visited the Museum of Science and History, the South Bank Riverwalk, and Catty Shack Ranch (a local favorite!)

With school back in session, we made sure to make the most of our weekends. We spent our Saturdays kayaking and paddleboarding at Huguenot Memorial Park. On Sundays we’d visit places like the local waterfalls or an ice cream shop.

Our August Recap

September

The twins were sick quite a bit during the month of September so we spent a lot of time at home. When they were well, we managed to visit the playground, the Jacksonville Zoo, the beach, and Tree Hill Nature Center.

October

October was another slow month for us. We did manage to take a trip to Congaree & Penn, a local farm to visit their pumpkin patch.

November

COVID numbers started to rise again during the month of November so we continued to spend more and more time at home. We did manage to participate in 2 walks. The first one was a 5K around downtown Jacksonville that we did to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The second one was at our favorite local park, in honor of a friend of ours who has breast cancer.

We also visited with my parents, while they were camping at one of our favorite lakes, Kingsley Lake. It was great being able to spend the day floating on unicorn rafts, paddle boarding, and jumping off the dock.

December

During the month of December, Florida was seeing more than 10,000 new COVID cases each day. The twins have weakened immune systems so we continued to be cautious. We canceled a cabin on a lake that we rented for a post-Christmas vacation with our extended family. We also nixed our trip to Charleston and stayed close to home.

What will 2021 bring us?

As of right now, 2021 is a big question mark for us, as it probably is for most people. When the numbers go back down, we’ll most likely venture up to the mountains so the kids can see the other half of our family. We haven’t been able to see them since January and it’ll be good to be able to take in some of that fresh mountain air again.

Surely, we’ll spend most of our summer paddleboarding and kayaking at our two favorite lakes and the beach. It would be nice if we could squeeze in a few more trips to some more of Florida’s remarkable natural springs.

We have a cruise scheduled during the month of November, over the twin’s 4th birthday. We ended up having to cancel their birthday party this year because COVID numbers were on the rise. We’d like to make it up to them by taking them on their very first cruise. The cruise leaves out of Miami and will take us to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Grand Turk– three incredible ports in the Caribbean. We’re cautiously optimistic about being able to actually go.

2021 is the first year that we plan on gifting the kids a trip for Christmas. The twins will be 4 and Smiley will almost be 8 at, at the time, so we finally feel like they’re old enough to start gifting experiences. Right now, we’re planning on taking them to Margaritaville at Lanier Island, in Georgia, for their winter Snow Island experience. We’ll spend a couple of days snow tubing, skating, and tossing snowballs at each other. Our Florida babies have never seen snow!

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Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port– Let me start by saying, Ketchikan was one of our favorite places we stopped on our Alaskan cruise. As soon as I opened the curtains leading to our balcony, it was love at first sight. Let me tell you, Ketchikan did not disappoint. The adorable little fishing town is charming and full of great things to do.

Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “first city”, due to its location at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage. This makes Ketchikan a popular stop on most Alaskan cruises.

In addition to Ketchikan, we visited Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. We also sailed through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier.

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Should I book an excursion in Ketchikan?

Firstly, there are so many great excursions available in Ketchikan, but Alaskan excursions are expensive. If you are on a budget, you can easily experience all of the best Ketchikan has to offer without booking an excursion. There are plenty of things to do near the Ketchikan Cruise Port. We had a chance to explore the Salmon Capital on foot and really enjoyed ourselves.

While we were in Ketchikan we did the Orca Beach Nature Trail which took us to an island where we had a chance to hike and become at one with nature. During our trip, we saw whales, porpoises, countless eagles, and tons of other wildlife (including a slug that I managed to kiss…)

A seaplane landing in Ketchikan

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Note: We suggest grabbing a map at the Visitors Center. The map includes 35 points of interest. The entire loop around downtown will take you at least an hour to do.

“The Rock” Bronze Statue, Downtown Ketchikan

Creek Street

The #1 thing to do in Ketchikan is to take a stroll down Creek Street. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and this is the perfect place to spot the salmon swim upstream to spawn. Believe it or not, this is the former red light district. Locals say this is where “both men and salmon came upstream to spawn”. 

Creek Street is about a 10-15 minute leisurely stroll from the cruise port. Signs are posted that will lead you through the town to this popular spot. If you don’t want to risk getting lost, you can stop by the Visitors Center to grab a walking tour map.

Stroll Through Downtown

Downtown is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also lots of really cool totem poles that are scattered throughout the town. If you want to learn more about the totems, you can stop by the Totem Pole Heritage Center.

Walk and Shop at the Boardwalk

The historic boardwalk is a living postcard. It is dotted with colorful shops where you can pick up souvenirs, sample some of the local salmon, and grab a beer. Be sure to peer over the railings to look for salmon!

Sample the Local Cuisine

There are plenty of great restaurants in town. Grab some fish and chips, freshly caught crab and fish at one of the portside restaurants.

Take a Hike

Believe it or not, there are some pretty rad hiking trails near the port. The Deer Mountain Trail, in particular, offers panoramic views of Ketchikan. Word on the street is that this is one of the best hiking trails in the Frontier State! The trail takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete, so make sure you have plenty of time before trying to tackle it.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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Categories
Bath England Europe UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 Places You Absolutely Must See in Bath, England

Royal Crescent, Bath, England

Bath, England is one of the most gorgeous towns in all of England. It began as a Roman spa more than 2,000 years ago! It is the only city in the UK with a natural hot spring bath dating back to the Roman Age. To help conserve all of this history, the city center has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a magnificent town that has plenty to offer visitors. The town makes for a wonderful day trip from London. It can easily be combined with Stonehenge for a full day outside of the city.

The historic center is easy to navigate and can easily be done on foot. You can visit the highlights of the town (listed below) in a matter of hours.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bath?

Honestly, there is no “bad” time to visit this town. The town is quite incredible year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months when you’ll have plenty of sunshine and warmer weather. The Royal Crescent and Abbey look even more beautiful with the sun beaming directly on them.

It is also quite magical in the winter months when the town hosts the Christmas Market. Strolling amongst twinkling lights and stunning holiday displays while sipping on a hot tea…there’s nothing quite like it!

5 Places You Absolutely Must See

Visit the Roman Baths

Obviously, if the town is called Bath, you’ve got to visit the town’s namesake. The Roman Baths are the town’s prime attraction, and rightfully so. These 2000-year-old spa baths are fed by the country’s only natural hot spring.

The Great Bath, Bath, UK

The centerpiece of the Roman Bath is the open-air pool known as the Great Bath. There are also several indoor rooms with pools that are fed by the spring. The waters were claimed to have therapeutic powers- however…you won’t have a chance to find out for yourself. Visitors are not allowed to strip down naked and hop in (sorry).

There is an audio tour that you can listen to to learn all about the history of this amazing site.

Gaze at the Abbey

The 15th-century Bath Abbey stands guard over the historic old town right next to the Roman Baths. The abbey offers remarkable views of the town and the nearby countryside from the Tower. Do yourself a favor and march yourself up the 200+ steps to the top, it’s worth it!

The Abbey is gorgeous inside and out, so make sure you peek inside. The stained glass windows and architecture are awe-inspiring.

Bath Abbey, Bath, UK

See the Royal Crescent

This part of town is one of the finest examples of Georgian Architecture. The crescent-shaped building dates back to the 18th century. The lawn across from the Crescent is perfect for picnics.

The Royal Crescent, Bath, UK

Hit Up the Shops of Pulteney Bridge

This bridge is one of only four bridges in the world that has shops spanning its entire length- which is pretty rad. It is also one of the town’s most photographed sites and is another gleaming example of Georgian architecture.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath, UK

Visit Jane Austen Centre

Jane Austen was a world-famous author who once called the town her home. Austen penned several prominent pieces such as “Sense and Sensibility”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Emma.” The Jane Austen Centre focuses on the life and works of Austen as well as the Regency period, in which she lived.

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