Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1211
July 16, 2014
Favorite Parks Series: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We’re at the half way point in our Favorite Parks journey! (Read about Disney’s Hollywood Studios here.) Before doing research for this article, I’ll admit that Disney’s Animal Kingdom was my least favorite park. However, the more I delved into the MAGIC* behind the park, the more I realized how spectacular and incredibly unique Animal Kingdom is.
Memorable Moments
Since Animal Kingdom is known for its hot environment, Kali River Rapids is just the attraction to cool you off. As the unpredictable rapids decide which way the raft spins, no one is safe from the surprising splashes and torrents. Once you’ve become thoroughly soaked, dry yourself off by enjoying two delightful shows; Finding Nemo – The Musical and the Festival of the Lion King. Adrenaline junkies will love running into the Yeti on Expedition Everest, while those looking for further adventure can experience DINOSAUR. An underrated attraction at Animal Kingdom worth attending is Flights of Wonder, an educational and entertaining exotic bird show. You’ll be ‘squawking’ about it for days!
How many animals can you spot?
Awesome Atmosphere
Any expectations you have about Animal Kingdom, Disney exceeds them. Animal Kingdom is not a zoo. It is not just an amusement park. It is an authentic experience. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the exotic locations of Africa, Asia and other far-off lands. As you walk past lush vegetation and landscaping, note the magnificent Tree of Life, the ‘hub’ of the theme park. Take time to find a few of the 300 animals flawlessly carved into the wood. (Fun Fact: The Tree of Life was made out of an oil rig. Let me know if you’d like a post about other Animal Kingdom facts!) As Disney’s largest theme park and five times larger than the Magic Kingdom, it houses more than 1500 animals.
Good Grub
Animal Kingdom may not have a vast array of eateries, but that’s certainly no reason to write off the park for your culinary cabarets (name that Disney film – hint: you’ll have a BEAST of a meal!). I had the opportunity to eat at the Tusker House Restaurant when I was at Animal Kingdom and it left quite a ‘taste in my mouth.’ The food was buffet style, so no one leaves there hungry. Arrive for breakfast or lunch, and Donald and his friends will be waiting with hugs and plenty of photo ops. If you fancy Asian cuisine, the Yak and Yeti Restaurant will satisfy your taste buds with its larger portions and Nepalese themed atmosphere. Don’t have time for sit down? Try the Flame Tree Barbecue or Restaurantosaurus!
Innovative Illumination
Harambe Nights celebrates the 20th Anniversary of The Lion King. This new event includes character meet and greets, unlimited food, dancing and an engaging concert featuring a celebrity narrator. After a feast sure to satisfy all the lions on Pride Rock, watch musicians and stage performers light up the stage in The Lion King: Concert in the Wild. This show features a live orchestra and large screens showing clips from the film. Following the concert, finish the night with a dance party and visiting centers displaying African culture. You’ll go home exhausted with a smile on your face. Take advantage of this exhilarating event as it ends August 9th!
Completely Captivating
Enjoying the Serengeti
Standing out among all the other attractions is Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris. See hundreds of animals from the ‘comfort’ (it can get a little bumpy. It’s a Safari after all!) of your jeep. Find the watering holes and you’ll see a rhinoceros. Look toward the rock foundations and you’ll spot a lion! Spreading out over 100 acres, you’ll travel through forests, rivers and the African Savannah seeing more than 250 different animal species. If you get the chance, book the Backstage Safari tour. This excursion gives you a behind the scenes look into how the animals are cared for and how Disney promotes wildlife conservation.
So how about it? Is Animal Kingdom your favorite park? What do YOU like about it? Let me know in the comments!
* M = Memorable Moments, A= Awesome Atmosphere, G=Good Grub, I=Innovative Illumination, and C= Completely Captivating
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July 15, 2014
Walt Disney World To Hold ESPN Fantasy Football Convention
©Disney
Are you ready for some football? It seems so weird to ask in JULY, but football season is just around the corner, and this year Walt Disney World is getting in on the fantasy football fun.
Over at ESPN Wide World of Sports, from August 22-23, Disney will be holding the inaugural ESPN Fantasy Football Convention. (For those who follow along with my In Case You Missed It posts, you may have seen me mention the event was taking place about a month ago.)
The convention sounds like a dream for those who love their fantasy football. The festivities will include events such as the exclusive ESPN Tailgate Party, where guests can mix and mingle with ESPN talent, like Matthew Berry, Adam Schefter, Chris Mortensen, Tim Hasselbeck, Stephania Bell, Trey Wingo, Robert Flores and Sara Walsh. The Tailgate Party will also feature the first ever ESPN Chili Bowl. (Yum!) Here chili will be prepared by world class chefs from around the world, and guests can judge which is the best of the best. (I’m ready to vote now…my spoon is currently in hand.)
The next morning, things will kick off with a breakfast that features characters dressed ready to catch the pigskin. Guests can also witness a live broadcast of Fantasy Football Now, which will be aired on ESPN2, plus they can take part in a post-broadcast Q&A session. The evening will end with an opportunity to participate in a live fantasy football draft, where this season’s winner will receive a customized trophy!
The event costs $349.00 per person to participate, and registration is now open at the ESPN Wide World of Sports page.
Who do you want on your fantasy team?
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Trattoria al Forno Restaurant To Open at Disney’s BoardWalk
©Disney
While it’s well known that Kouzzina by Cat Cora is slated to close this fall (its last day of operation is September 30), what we didn’t know and have all been waiting to hear is what new restaurant was going to take its place.
Well, wait no more! Disney has officially announced that a brand new Italian restaurant, called Trattoria al Forno will be opening sometime this December at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
This brand new restaurant will serve up delectable, Old World-inspired dishes, showcasing dishes from the different regions of the country. Menu items will include Neopolitan-style pizzas, Bolognese with house-made cavatelli; whole roasted fish with roasted vegetables; semolina tagliatelli carbonara; grilled steak; a seasonal risotto; pork chop alla Milanese; chicken breast alla Parmagiana with tagliatelle pasta; shrimp with garlic, capers and anchovy butter with polenta; baked lasagna; slow-cooked lamb shank with polenta; ruffled campanelle pasta with green beans, roasted potatoes and Genovese pesto; and eggplant rollatini.
Of course, we are leaving out one of the most important parts of the meal…dessert. (You’re supposed to eat that first on vacation, right?) Items will include (the traditional at every Italian restaurant) tiramisù; lemon panna cotta with almond crunch and berries; gelatos; and the signature treat known as bomboloni (Italian donut holes) which are served with with dark chocolate and vanilla gelato.
Italian wines will also be available. The restaurant will feature 60 different offerings by the bottle and more than 25 by the glass. In addition, signature cocktails and Italian beers and sodas will be available; for the coffee drinkers, the restaurant will serve its very own signature-blend Italian coffee.
As far as a time-table goes for when the new restaurant will open, if I had to wager a guess, I would suspect it would open some time around December 8. While Kouzzina is closed, Flying Fish will be offering breakfast options, which will be available from October 1 through December 7. While it isn’t official, that would be my educated guess.
Reservations are not currently available for the new restaurant at this time.
So, what are your thoughts? Excited by the new offering or think there’s a lot of Italian already represented, especially with its proximity to World Showcase?
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Disneyland Planning for Disney World Experts
Planning for Disney World is what I do, but planning for Disneyland is proving to be an entirely different matter. Joining the pilgrimage of Disney fans to Walt Disney’s original park? If you’re a Walt Disney World veteran, you’re going to need new skills for Disneyland planning. Or for some, old ones.
Disneyland Resort offers a host of new experiences for the Disney World veteran, such as World of Color at Disney California Adventure.
If you’ve been visiting Walt Disney World Resort long enough, you remember the days before FastPass+, My Disney Experience, even that weird blip when dining reservations were only available 90 days in advance. You remember planning your days with a much more loose feel, instead of racing from one reservation to the next. Of course, those days are gone. That knowledge is useless now.
Or is it? For Disney World veterans traveling to Disneyland Resort, planning a visit can feel like a return to form. So how does a Disneyland trip differ from a Walt Disney World trip? Dining, touring plans, getting around the resort, and fitting in extras and off-site adventures are all different with Disneyland planning. Let’s take a look.
Dining: 180 days prior to arrival, I’m rising with the sun to book Walt Disney World dining reservations. With a Disneyland trip, 180 days comes and goes without fanfare. You’ll have to wait until 60 days prior to your visit to make Disneyland dining reservations.
And I found that booking Disneyland dining isn’t the white-knuckle experience I usually have while trying to nail down a week’s worth of hard-to-get dining experiences at Disney World. (Possibly I should stop going to Orlando during Free Dining.) My experience was almost suspiciously simple. I just went to Disneyland’s website, clicked around leisurely, and booked what I wanted, when I wanted it. And, if you want to dine with me, there are plenty of seatings still available — just a few weeks away as I write this!
If you want a reservation for character dining or a signature dining experience such as the Napa Rose, you’ll still want to book as close to the 60-day mark as possible. But otherwise, the excellent reputation of Disneyland’s many eateries, both counter-service and table-service, seems to create a more balanced dining situation than Walt Disney World’s do-or-die hot list of restaurants.
At Disneyland Resort, riding headliner attractions still means a special trip to pick up a FASTPASS for later.
Touring Plans: Of course, a Walt Disney World touring plan is a formidable thing these days. Working in your FastPass+ reservations, calculating the distance between reserved attractions, allowing for the possibility of being hemmed in by a parade, prioritizing your top three attractions, etc. — that all takes real effort! I find writing Disney World itineraries challenging, but the end result does seem a little comforting. The certainty of having every minute planned out doesn’t scream vacation to some, but it sure does look hassle-free once the planning is done.
And the simplicity of FastPass+ can grow on you! *Click* no wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! *Click* no wait for Soarin’! (Insert happy cackle here.) I had to wonder if I even remembered how to plan for the erratic nature of FASTPASS return times. To say nothing of the anxiety I have just thinking about the fact that I might have to use a park map–something I haven’t done in years at Walt Disney World.
To make the most of our time without having first-hand experience (or a photographic memory of a park I know better than my own neighborhood) I’m using a slightly modified Disneyland 2-Day Plan B for Disneyland Park, and an optimized Touring Plan for Disney California Adventure, which includes FASTPASS suggestions and estimated return times, and allows for arriving early, a midday break, and staying late.
Transportation & Accomodations: I am taking the loss of my beloved Magical Express rather hard, since I like to enter the Disney bubble the moment I enter Terminal B at the airport and wave hello to the Cast Members with their Mickey Mitts. But with the Disneyland Resort Express, which goes straight from local airports (LAX, John Wayne) to the Disneyland Resort before making stops at area hotels, as well as other local shuttles and cabs in place, there are plenty of options to make it a little easier to deal with a non-magical transit experience.
And even staying off-site can offer easy access to Disneyland Resort: some Good Neighbor hotels are actually just as close to the Disneyland main entrance as on-site hotels. If walking is a little too far, Anaheim Resort Transportation’s (ART) trolley system is included in many Disneyland Good Neighbor packages, or passes can be added inexpensively: as little as $5 for a day pass, or $20 for a 5-day pass.
Staying at The Disneyland Hotel affords guests the ability to walk right to the parks and Downtown Disney.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel also means you’re just steps away from Downtown Disney and the theme parks, promising plenty of fun without ever setting foot in a motorized vehicle. Once within the Disneyland Resort area, the utter lack of transportation (besides attractions like the monorail and the Main Street vehicles) promises to be a refreshing change of pace from a typical Disney World day for our family, which usually involves at least four buses and possibly a boat or two. Which leads us to…
Two Parks, One… Resort Area: Only two theme parks, three resort hotels, and Downtown Disney might feel like roughing it for Disney World veterans. For our part, I’d say that having less than 43 square miles for our vacation needs will be new, but I’m sure we’ll work through it. In addition to plenty of pool-time, we’re actually planning on going off-site, something that just doesn’t happen during our Disney World vacations. San Diego beckons, as do a few sites closer to the resort, including the new Anaheim Packing District, which boasts artisanal food vendors in a restored orange packing house.
Also within easy reach are all the sights of Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Pacific Ocean, and plenty more to keep families busy. But if you can’t tear yourself away from Disney property yet, there’s a lot packed into Disneyland’s two theme parks which easily demands as much attention as Disney World’s four!
There are 52 attractions listed on the Disneyland Park map in The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2014. That doesn’t include the many extra details that aren’t “attractions” but are still unique Disneyland offerings. Entertainment like the Golden Horseshoe Revue, architectural detailing such as that around New Orleans Square, even historical relics from Walt Disney’s time, like the petrified tree stump that he famously gave to his wife for her birthday, are all part of Disneyland’s charm.
And that’s just Disneyland Park. Across the esplanade you have Disney California Adventure, adjacent you have Downtown Disney, and the resort hotels themselves. I’m especially looking forward to resort tours at Disneyland Hotel and at the Grand Californian Hotel.
All in all, for this Disneyland trip, I’ve given less time to planning and am allowing more time for exploration, both in and out of Disney’s boundaries, than I’ve been able to with any of our recent Walt Disney World vacations. While I certainly have a basic touring plan, airport transportation, and some table-service dining lined up, the detailed itinerary that includes careful calculations of travel times between parks and resorts, dining reservations and confirmation numbers, and FastPass+ windows isn’t coming with me this time. Disney World veterans heading to Disneyland for the first time, look forward to playing by new (and maybe familiar) rules when you visit Walt Disney’s original park.
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New Behind the Scenes Tour of Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba”
If you are a huge fan of the Cirque du Soleil show, “La Nouba”, then you will enjoy Disney’s latest backstage tour! Called L’Experience, guests who book this tour will not only receive a ticket for the show, but they will also get an unprecedented, unique look at some of the backstage happenings of the popular, long-running show.
This brand new tour experience gives fans of the show the opportunity to take an inside peek at the whimsical costuming, to get a unique look at the backstage area, and to meet a performer from the show. Tour participants also receive popcorn and soft drinks and a gift bag filled with Cirque du Soleil merchandise, plus, they get a 10% discount coupon for The Cirque Boutique shop. Finally, Front and Center category tickets for the 6:00 p.m. show are included.
This package is available for performances on Fridays and Saturdays and costs $250 (plus tax) for adults (ages 10+) and $215 (plus tax) for children (ages 9 and under).
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (407) W-DISNEY or the Cirque du Soleil box office at (407) 939-7600.
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Best Evening Extra Magic Hours Attractions at Disney World
Staying on property during your next Walt Disney World vacation? Then you should absolutely be taking advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours, which offer resort guests the opportunity to get to a park early or stay late. Simply show that you’re staying in a Walt Disney World resort and you can have fun in the parks beyond the normal operating hours. And if you’re using our Personalized Touring Plans, you can also extend your plan hours for both morning and evening Extra Magic Hours. As stated, Extra Magic Hours are offered both in the morning and the evening but for now we’re going to concentrate on some of my favorite Evening Extra Magic Hours attractions. While not every attraction is operating for Extra Magic Hours, some of the best and most popular attractions across Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are open to resort guests. Unfortunately, as of this writing, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not offer evening extra magic hours. Perhaps that could change with the eventual opening of the park’s new Avatar Land but for now, park guests will have to get their Extra Magic Hours fill at the first three Walt Disney World theme parks. So without further ado, here are my top Evening Extra Magic Hours attractions for each park.
Best Evening Extra Magic Hours Attractions at Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
With Splash Mountain disappearing from the Evening Extra Magic Hours rotation, it falls on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to provide Disney guests with their outdoor mountain thrills late at night. As a general rule, I often find that the best Evening Extra Magic Hours attractions are outdoor ones and Thunder Mountain doesn’t disappoint. Be sure to hit this up at night on your next late night Magic Kingdom adventure.
“The Jungle Cruise is old.” “The animatronics are cheesy.” All valid points and yet I still can’t get enough of this classic attraction. Maybe it’s because I love stupid jokes or maybe it’s because of nostalgia, but I still think there’s something special about this attraction. Throw in the element of darkness and it transforms into a new experience entirely. This is especially true for the temple portion of the attraction, which gets an eerier vibe thanks to nightfall. And don’t worry about being unable to see what’s happening. Lighting throughout the attraction will ensure that you won’t miss a thing even in the pitch dark.
This one’s just too easy. “Scary” experiences were meant to happen at night. While the attraction may take place indoors, the upgraded interactive portions of the waiting queue for Haunted Mansion along with the classic tombstones just feel right at home during nighttime. When’s the last time you told a ghost story during the day? I thought so.
Confession time. I haven’t been to Walt Disney World since the opening of New Fantasyland’s centerpiece attraction. Although I’ll be remedying this very soon, I can’t say how the experience changes at night. Although, being an outdoor attraction, it has a very good chance of officially making the list once I go on the attraction.
Epcot
The final outdoor high speed portion of Test Track is one of the most exhilarating experiences available at Disney World. With the lights of the attraction shining, this becomes a no-brainer when it comes to Evening Extra Magic Hours must-do’s. If you don’t care about designing your own vehicle for Test Track and the line is still too long during Extra Magic Hours, take advantage of the Single Rider Line, which offers a significantly shorter wait time.
Maelstrom might just be the strangest attraction in all of Walt Disney World. What starts as an attraction about “present day” (1980s) Norway suddenly turns into a mythical and fantastical boat ride. The attraction also features a short portion where you can see outside into the World Showcase. Anybody who’s ever been to Epcot at night knows how beautiful each pavilion looks all lit up so why not take the opportunity to experience that on a dragon boat with a few trolls. Be sure to experience the weirdness firsthand while you can as it’s rumored that the ride will be shut down soon to make way for a Frozen re-theming.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
I love the simulated nighttime sky of the indoor Mexico pavilion. The illusion is even greater when it’s actually dark outside as well. I think the addition of The Three Caballeros to this attraction has definitely enhanced it and given it a more “Disney” vibe. It also doesn’t hurt that the Gran Fiesta Tour almost never has any kind of significant wait. So why not knock back a few at La Cava Del Tequila and take a relaxing boat trip across Mexico with Donald and his friends.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Thanks to Splash Mountain’s absence from the current Evening Extra Magic Hours roster, I’m officially declaring the Tower of Terror the king of nighttime attractions. Scary ambiance and backstory? Check. Outdoor portions? Check. Visually distinct nighttime appearance? Check. Tower of Terror is a great attraction but at night it’s an amazing one. If you’ve never been, do yourself a favor and wait until nightfall for your first Twilight Zone experience.
The inclusion of Toy Story Mania! on this list isn’t because the attraction is particularly better at night. Basically it should be on your list if you forgot to get a FastPass+ during the day and didn’t want to wait 120+ minutes in the Stand-by line. While the line won’t be short by any conservative definition, it will almost certainly be less than what you’d experience during normal park operating hours.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
While the attraction is indoors, the Endor themed line is definitely more immersive at night and okay you got me. There usually isn’t a line for Star Tours during Evening Extra Magic Hours and I can’t even remember the last time I had to go through the full line queue during the later parts of the evening. I just love Star Wars and I’m adding it. It is my list after all. Really, in my opinion, it speaks to the fact that Hollywood Studios needs more attractions. I suggest adding the rumored Star Wars Land and a version of Car’s Land. Disney, if you need any other ideas on how to improve the park, call me.
So there you have my list of the top Evening Extra Magic Hours attractions at Walt Disney World. Of course, there are plenty of other awesome attractions open during that time as well and I’d love to hear some of your favorites. Be sure to leave a comment below to tell me your favorite Extra Magic Hours attractions, attractions you wish were available during that time (cough Splash Mountain) or just say, “Hi!”
Please welcome TJ Van Fechtmann to the TouringPlans blog team. TJ lives in Rhode Island and enjoys writing about Disney for young adults.
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Connect@Sea Internet Access on a Disney Cruise
Although many of us enjoy going on a cruise to unplug and get away from it all, sometimes you can’t leave your connection to the mainland behind when the ship sails away. In the past, Internet connections at sea were slow, spotty, and expensive. With the Connect@Sea plan, Disney Cruise Line has made Internet access more affordable, easy to use, and fairly reliable with decent connection speeds. I recently went on the Disney Dream and had to bring work with me, which meant I got to put Connect@Sea through its paces. Here’s what I discovered.
Located in each stateroom is an information sheet to assist you in connecting to the Internet. You simply connect to the “DCL-Guest” Wi-Fi connection, create a user name and password (either one that everyone in your stateroom will use or one for each person), select a package that best suits your needs, and away you go. The cost is charged to your stateroom and paid for when you settle your folio.
Because you create a user name and password, you can have multiple accounts for a single stateroom; however, the free 50 MB offer is only available for the first account in a stateroom.
Here are the packages:
50 MB Free
Although the free offer is a way to show you how easy it is to stay connected while at sea with the hopes that you’ll buy an additional package, if you are on a three- or four-night cruise and only plan to check your e-mail once or twice a day with a single device, this offer will likely be all that you need. Make sure you sign up for an account before midnight on embarkation day. The data can be used at any time during your cruise, but the time to sign up for the free offer does expire.
The ad about the 50 MB free offer is hidden on the back of the Personal Navigator.
Pay as You Go
There are very, very few instances I can think of where this would be a good option. Realistically, most people will end up using more data than they realize. While you can set a dollar limit on pay as you go, you will be surprised how quickly you will reach that dollar amount.
COST: 25 cents/MB up to your pre-set limit
Small: 100 MB
For a three-night cruise, I used this package and found that with moderate checking of e-mail and Facebook, when combined with the 50 MB free offer, it lasted until noon on our last full day. Unless you are planning to upload a lot of pictures, download video, or religiously check e-mail or web pages throughout the day, this would be sufficient for one person for a three-day cruise. If you are frugal, it could even last for a four-day cruise.
COST: $19 (19 cents per MB)
Medium: 300 MB
For longer than a three-night cruise, or for two people connecting to the Internet in a stateroom, this is probably the best package. It provides enough data to do what most people need on a daily basis, but doesn’t require paranoid checking of data usage.
COST: $39 (13 cents per MB)
Large: 1000 MB
If you are lucky enough to be setting sail for seven nights or more and plan to use the Internet at least daily, and especially if you have more than two people in your stateroom who are planning to access the Internet, this package is the easy choice. While it is not impossible to go through 1000 MB on a cruise, it will take more than just casual usage to burn through that amount.
COST: $89 (9 cents per MB)
Each package is a self-contained unit. If you buy a small package and then start running out, you can’t “upgrade” to a medium package by paying the difference. You can either buy a new small package or buy a brand new medium or large package, or switch to pay-as-you-go once you run out. Connect@Sea will send you e-mails to let you know when you have reached certain milestones in your data usage. The main login page also has a graphic that shows you how much data you have used.
When you first connect to DCLGuest and sign up for an account, you are directed to a web page where you can register for your account. You have the option to claim your free 50 MB package (if it hasn’t already been claimed in your stateroom) or sign up for additional packages. A handy graphic gives an idea of what they say 100 MB will get you:
10,000 e-mails with text only
330 e-mails with attachments
50 minutes of video
30 photos uploaded
300 website visits
200 minutes of music
20 app downloads
300 minutes on Facebook
While this list is handy, it comes with quite a few caveats. If you are receiving e-mails with large attachments and are using a web client to access them, you will run through data well before you get 330 e-mails. Likewise, what you do on Facebook, how often you refresh your feed, and how many videos and photos your friends have posted will determine how long you can read your Facebook feed. Web site visits will vary based on how much data is loaded from the web site. Think of these amounts like the sticker on a car that tells you how many miles per gallon you get. It gives you some idea, and someone out there does get that kind of performance, but the average user is not going to get the peak performance.
Here’s some other approximate amounts that I noticed while experimenting.
Twitter: To send one tweet takes a very small amount of data, and you can receive around 100 tweets/MB.
Facebook: With mobile app, it took around 1/2 MB to refresh the feed if I hadn’t looked at it recently and had lots of pictures, memes, or other bandwidth eaters (and, of course automatic video play ate up more data if that setting was turned on).
E-mail: I was using Mail on an iPhone 5, and found that checking took no immediately noticeable data amount if there were no incoming messages. If there were incoming messages, the size of the message determined data usage. Using Gmail’s standard web page, it took 1/2 to 1 MB per check of e-mail from my laptop because of the loading of graphics and ads.
To upload a picture: At a minimum it took one MB per photo when I was uploading it to Facebook. If I had uploaded the highest resolution images that I had on my camera to some other photo site, it would have easily used up my data package with a handful of photos per day. If you plan to upload a lot of pictures, you will want the largest data package.
To check the weather: I used the WeatherBug app for the iPhone to check the weather a few times. It did not use a noticeable amount to just check the temperature and forecast for my current location, but if you plan to leave the radar up and running for long periods of time, you would start slowly racking up data usage.
Streaming audio or video, using Skype, or using FaceTime: Just plan to buy the maximum package—and if you’re doing a lot with video, expect you may need to buy more than one package. Doing a little online research, I found that data testers have reported that Skype video can use around 30 MB/minute for video chat.
Using the Disney Navigator App: There is no data usage charge for using the app, although it would cost data to download the app. Make sure it is on your mobile device before you connect to Connect@Sea.
Near the end of my package, I noticed a data spike that caused a large amount of data to be used very quickly. I have heard other people mention this, and some have said that when they go to Guest Services, they are told that there is a glitch in the system and get some of their data refunded. In some cases, it may be hidden data usage from a device. Anything that syncs to iCloud automatically (or in my case, photos entering my Photo Stream) uses data. The automatic software update on my laptop dipped into my data pool. Web sites that refresh at various intervals—yep, more data. AutoPlay of videos will still eat data even if you are set on “autoplay on Wi-fi only” because you are on wi-fi!
Before you go, make sure that you have turned off automatic updating, uploading, or syncing of whatever device you plan to use. If possible, always use mobile versions of web sites or apps, even if you are not on a mobile device. (For instance, going to m.gmail.com uses much less data than gmail.com in the long run.) Make sure that you close all apps or web browsers whenever you are finished connecting to the Internet. If possible, turn your mobile device into Airplane mode except when you are actively planning to use the Internet or the Navigator app.
If all else fails, then go big (on your data package purchase) or cut the cord and go without Internet for a few days. You are on vacation, after all!
Overall, I found that connection speeds were on par with what I experienced at local hotels, and I had very few times when I was unable to connect at all. Compared with the horror stories I’ve heard in the past about Internet connection, I was pleasantly surprised and would gladly use Connect@Sea again.
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July 14, 2014
Disney World Crowd Report – July 6 to 12, 2014
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Last week we updated our Crowd Calendar and our predictions bounced back nicely. We saw most park levels within expected ranges of our predictions. Crowds were still skewing lower than normal but not significantly so as was the case the past several weeks.
Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week:
Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Levels – Daily Breakdown
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
4
An average day across the resort which is fairly unusual for mid-July. Magic Kingdom and Epcot were the better choices Sunday even though Magic Kingdom opened until 2:00 am with Extra Magic Hour evening. Wait times were slightly higher at the other two parks but still quite manageable.
Epcot
5
3
Hollywood Studios
7
6
Animal Kingdom
8
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
7
7
All of Monday’s predictions fell within acceptable limits including a correct prediction of ’7′ at Magic Kingdom. Spaceship Earth was the resort’s biggest surprise with a 25-minute average posted wait (a ’10′ on our scale).
Epcot
4
5
Hollywood Studios
6
7
Animal Kingdom
5
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
7
8
Lower than expected wait times at Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom pushed the resort wide level two points lower than predicted. Magic Kingdom went the other way thanks to a 67-minute average wait at Space Mountain.
Epcot
7
6
Hollywood Studios
6
5
Animal Kingdom
8
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
8
7
Higher crowds than the previous three days rolled in on Wednesday. Animal Kingdom was especially crowded including a 64-minute average wait at Kali River Rapids.
Epcot
5
5
Hollywood Studios
6
7
Animal Kingdom
9
9
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
8
7
By comparison, Kali River Rapids dipped to a 45-minute average on Thursday, pushing the crowd level three points lower than predicted and three points lower than the day before. Soarin’s waits were low as well, only a 58-minute average on Thursday.
Epcot
7
5
Hollywood Studios
6
6
Animal Kingdom
9
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
6
Solid predictions resort-wide on Friday, with the noted exception of Spaceship Earth at 22-minutes. Even Living with the Land at 7 minutes was higher than normal. Otherwise, our predictions hit the mark.
Epcot
5
7
Hollywood Studios
6
6
Animal Kingdom
6
5
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
4
4
We didn’t believe our predictions for low crowds on Saturday but they ended up accurate. In fact, Animal Kingdom was less crowded than expected. Anyone in that park experienced the rare crowd level ’2′ in summer.
Epcot
3
3
Hollywood Studios
6
6
Animal Kingdom
5
2
What to Expect This Week
July 13 to 19, 2014
How Crowded is Disney World?
Crowd levels are expected to be higher this week than they were last week. The ’4′s and ’5′s will be replaced with ’7′s and ’8′s.
To see Walt Disney World Crowd predictions for the days of your vacation, check the Crowd Calendar.
To get details about our predictions of future crowds or details about crowds in the past check out the Crowd Calendar and select “Jump to Date” on the left margin.
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Disney World Crowd Report – July 6 to 12, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Planning Disney During School
By Kevin Bastos
Approaching an approved field trip may be daunting, but with preparation, can be easy.
You’re a planner by nature, certainly. That’s why you’re on TouringPlans.com, right? Following guidelines for the best family trip suggests visiting Walt Disney World during the school year, but planning for a week out of school may be daunting. Checking in with the teacher, educational field trip requests, and team schedules may overwhelm even the most ardent planner. With a little organization, and some honest assessment, any parent can manage school parties, rehearsals, and get all the homework done on time. My wife and I have over thirty years of combined teaching experience, and are notorious over-planners. We can help. You thought all of these tests were done years ago, didn’t you?
Before even making your 180 day dinner reservations, or plunking down the deposit, make some honest assessments about your children. Pull out attendance records and grade reports from the last school year. See what the district reported about performance. If your child missed double digits of school without a trip involved – or any other extenuating circumstances – a trip may impact the year negatively. Even with work provided and advance notification, missing school loses out on that educational experience. With most districts in the United States making a strong shift to common core, much of the educational process builds on previous learning. Especially in math and science, what kids learn today assumes they have the knowledge from previous days.
Check kids’ grades closely. This means much more than recollecting that your son or daughter is a pretty good student. Look at the numbers. Students with low grades, declining grades, or special needs may need extra help from you and the teacher following the trip. Most teacher schedules involve additional time beyond your child’s day. If possible, arrange time for your child – and perhaps you – to meet with the teacher before or after the trip.
Remember obligations for all students. Fall sports and activities start meeting in August. Many clubs have scheduled trips, concerts, and performances throughout the year. While some may be flexible, some (theater, for example) may require your child to be in attendance through the season.
Planning a trip requires closer checking than free dining and lowest cost. Your local school district website would be the best place to start. Most school districts approve calendars for the upcoming school year in the spring. First, check the dates of state and national level testing. Some school districts will not approve trips for any students during the time of testing. These testing windows may be as little as a few days – or as much as two weeks. Most states require multiple levels of testing, as well. In Pennsylvania, for example, students must demonstrate mastery of mathematics, science, and English. For some students, this may be all in eleventh grade. For others, it may occur in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade. If a student doesn’t demonstrate mastery, then the child must complete a course, and re-take the test the following year.
Check the dates for SAT tests and ACT tests – and advanced placement tests, too. While the SAT and ACT are offered multiple dates, your child may wish to take them multiple times. Advanced placement exams are generally offered one date – in May – and qualifying for a make-up test doesn’t include trips to Walt Disney World.
Familiarize yourself with your district handbook. It should include information about educational trips and make-up work. Turn in your trip request as soon as it is booked – or better yet – before you book it. Give enough time for the district to review and approve your trip. Schedules and calendars can change radically throughout the year. This past winter, most school districts in our area had multitudes of cancellations due to weather. The state decided to modify our scheduled testing window. Students with pre-approved trips already had the paperwork in hand. Those that waited until after the testing window had changed had their requests denied. By completing work early, obstacles had been overcome.
After approval of your trip, communicate with the teachers. About two weeks before the trip, send a quick reminder to the teachers, and ask about work that will missed. Some teachers may have it ready to go, but others may send work to complete during the trip. Still others may prefer your child to make up the work upon return. Every one of your children may have differing amounts of work for before, during, and after the trip. Depending upon the level, your child may have different directions for each class, too. Upon return, re-contact the teacher about two days before the trip to serve as a final reminder, or to return work completed ahead of time. Clarify any concerns about work, and ask for updated deadlines for assignments.
After your trip, get your kids to school. Are they tired? Certainly. Missing more school may compound the problem. Instead, get your kids to school, and get them to bed early. Have your kids talk with the teacher before or after school – and follow-up with an e-mail to check on other work. Plans most certainly changed during your time away. Check and meet deadlines, then follow up to confirm all work has been completed. While district policy shouldn’t be weaponized, know the details about length of trip and time allocated to complete work upon your child’s return. Problems undoubtedly will occur. With this many working parts, you, the teacher, and the kids may encounter hurdles that previously seemed manageable.
Communicate as quickly as possible. Once, I had a student call me from Hawaii on my home phone number because she had a difficulty with an assignment I had given her. I told her to hang up the phone, go to the beach, and enjoy the day. While her away from school assignment had entailed far more, I could see it was interfering with her life, so I re-directed her. If her parents needed to confirm, they could call me. She, however, was forbidden from considering any other part of an assignment for me. If she hadn’t the opportunity to contact me she might have worried throughout the trip – and lost the whole reason for the vacation. As a teacher, I frequently tell students that there are two types of kids – those who worry too much, and those who worry too little. She most certainly fell into the first category. Communication can quickly clarify small details, allay any fears, and overcome difficulties. Emails are generally within reach for everyone.
Help your kids and teacher – but don’t make excuses. Students can move mountains. Most of them don’t generally have a deep desire to – which makes them exactly like the rest of us. By making clear high expectations – with solid deadlines – kids can achieve. Expect greatness. When difficulties arise, give feedback. Don’t, however, intercede and take over. Teachers know which work was completed by parents. The lesson of stumbling on an assignment and overcoming will affect your children positively. Guide your kids back to the teacher for questions and guidance. Teaching students how to achieve falls well within my expertise. Guiding parents does not. When students tell me they are taking a trip during the school year, I try to ask them multiple questions. While planning a trip to Walt Disney World may seem daunting, with careful planning and follow-up it can prove a rewarding experience. Certainly, I’ve never regretted a day that I have missed school – and especially not the ones I missed to go to Walt Disney World.
Please welcome Kevin Bastos to the TouringPlans blog team. Kevin and his wife are both teachers in Pennsylvania. They have three children.
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Disney World Situational Celebration Guide
By Erin Foster
Many guests plan Disney World trips, either in whole or in part, to celebrate an event. This phenomenon is such a truism that Disney even planned their 2009/2010 marketing campaign around the theme “What Will You Celebrate?”
While Walt Disney World is indeed a great place to celebrate, not all Disney celebrations should look the same. You’re not going to celebrate your daughter’s first birthday the same way you’re going to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th wedding anniversary. Here’s a guide to constructing the perfect celebration for common situations.
Different situations call for different celebrations.
1st BIRTHDAY
Who should be there?: The birthday boy/girl, mom and dad, siblings, possibly grandparents.
Where should we stay?: The monorail hotels (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian) are great because you won’t have to fold your stroller to get to the Magic Kingdom. But if that’s not in the budget, try a family suite at Art of Animation or All-Star Music, or a cabin at Fort Wilderness because you’ll have a separate room where the baby can nap undisturbed. At the moderate level, the standard rooms at the Coronado Springs resort have a sliding wooden door between the bed area and the bath area, creating a de facto mini-room which can serve as a nap area. The value resorts, with their small square footage, may be a challenge during this trip because your Pack n’ Play will take up a substantial percentage of your living area.
Where should we eat?: Chef Mickey’s (breakfast or dinner). The boisterous atmosphere will muffle any cranky noises the birthday child might make. Since it’s a buffet, it won’t seem odd if you’re walking around a bit, also you’ll have lots of food options for fussy eaters.
What should we do?: Character photos! This is the perfect time for pictures juxtaposing little toddler next to a giant mouse. Cuuuute!
What should we buy?: Mouse ears embroidered with junior’s name (another perfect photo opportunity!).
Helpful hints: The celebrant is likely pre-verbal, so there will not be any direct memories being made for the child. Focus on making mom and dad comfortable (traveling with an infant can be exhausting) and taking lots of great photos to help convey your family’s Disney/birthday story when the little one is old enough to understand.
5th BIRTHDAY
Little kids usually love the large themed elements at the value resorts.
Who should be there?: The birthday boy/girl, mom and dad, siblings, possibly grandparents.
Where should we stay?: The value resorts are a great choice for families with young elementary age kids. You’re no longer fixated on stroller issues, so transportation is less problematic. The large themed elements at the value hotels (faux football field, giant dalmatian) generally hold great appeal.
Where should we eat?: Tusker House (breakfast or lunch). This is still a buffet, with the benefits of ambient noise and character entertainment, but there are some more adventurous food offerings here, giving parents a break to parent who’ve already endured five years of chicken nuggets and mac n’ cheese.
What should we do?: Beginner big kid rides. The average five-year-old boy is about 40″ tall. This means that many kids celebrating their 5th birthday at WDW will be ready to graduate from Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh to the beginner big kid rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, or Soarin’. Make a fuss about their growth and take a photo of them next to the attraction height post.
What should we buy?: A make-your-own light saber or a full princess gown, depending on your child’s proclivities.
Helpful hints: Be sure to get a free birthday button for the child. Cast members often make an extra fuss over early elementary age kids celebrating birthdays.
10th BIRTHDAY
The Wild Africa Trek is a special treat for older kids.
Who should be there?: Mom, dad, and siblings. Leave grandma and grandpa home this time; junior will want to stretch his wings and move fast.
Where should we stay?: A moderate resort, probably Port Orleans Riverside or a Fort Wilderness cabin. These options have more sleep surfaces, allowing bigger kids more personal space. Also, the moderate resort pools have slides, which are usually a hit with older elementary age kids.
Where should we eat?: Teppan Edo. Onion volcano – ’nuff said.
What should we do?: Wild Africa Trek. This is one of the few backstage experiences that allows kids to participate. The rope bridges and crocodile proximity give just the right amount of perceived adventure, without posing any actual danger.
What should we buy?: A big complicated LEGO set at the Downtown Disney LEGO store. You are now the most awesome parent EVER.
Helpful hints: This may the best birthday opportunity to impress your kids with excess. Order a big room service dinner, get the Kitchen Sink Sundae instead of lunch, or try a Disney World Challenge like seeing how many times you can ride Space Mountain in a row. Did I say you were the most awesome parent ever? Well, this time I super double plus mean it.
16th BIRTHDAY
Older kids will appreciate having the slide at a moderate or deluxe resort.
Who should be there?: Mom and/or Dad, the birthday boy or girl, the birthday boy or girl’s one or two best friends.
Where should we stay?: Any resort in two adjacent (but possibly not adjoining) rooms. An adult should be nearby, but the kiddos won’t want or need someone in their face 24/7, and you won’t want to keep the same hours as a group of teens.
Where should we eat?: Sci-Fi Dine-In. The car-themed dining room fits perfectly for marking the beginning of driving age.
What should we do?: Let the birthday boy/girl set the schedule and let the kids tour on their own. You’ll want to have set meeting times for some meals and activities, but give the kiddos a wide berth to make their own plans. They can pick the park of the day, choose their own FastPass+ selections, or have a snack when they want to.
What should we buy?: Ironic or humorous tee shirts in the World Showcase countries.
Helpful hints: I’m nearly always an advocate for pre-rope-drop arrival at the parks, but this trip may be the one where the kids will most appreciate it if you let them sleep until noon and tour the parks late in the evening.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Who should be there?: The grad and three to five best buddies.
Where should we stay?: Anywhere on Disney property. Magical Express access is key to teens traveling to Disney World on their own.
Where should we eat?: ‘Ohana. The family-style dining and festive atmosphere adds to the “We’re All In This Together” vibe. Plus, it seems fancy, but won’t break the bank as much as some of the signature dining venues.
What should we do?: Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes dessert party. New high school graduates will feel both the pull of childhood and the desire to stretch their wings. At this point their dreams really can come true, plus the chocolate mousse is pretty yum.
What should we buy?: Plush Mickey wearing a graduation gown and mortarboard. He’ll look perfect perched on a pillow on their bed in the dorm next year.
Helpful hints: We’ve got lots of helpful hints in our Guide to a Teen’s First No-Parent Trip to Disney World.
21st BIRTHDAY or COLLEGE GRADUATION
The World Showcase has some terrific ways to celebrate being 21.
Who should be there?: Siblings, friends, cousins – the more the merrier. No one under age 21 or over age 30.
Where should we stay?: Anywhere on Disney property. Access to accommodations which don’t require driving is key.
Where should we eat?: La Cava Del Tequila. (Chips and guac count as dinner, right?)
What should we do?: Drink around the world. (Did you think there was another answer?)
What should we buy?: A fancy beer stein from the Germany pavilion.
Helpful hints: Try to remember that their are little kids at Disney World. Just because you’re having a grown-up celebration that doesn’t mean that everyone else is.
HONEYMOON
Having some small kitchen capabilities will help ensure that you never have to leave your honeymoon nest.
Who should be there?: The happy couple (duh).
Where should we stay?: A DVC studio or one-bedroom with a castle view at Bay Lake Tower or the Grand Floridian, paying with owned, borrowed, or rented points. The deluxe resort and castle view are because this is a super special time. The DVC part is because housekeeping won’t even attempt to bother you until day four of your trip.
Where should we eat?: California Grill, with a seating during Wishes. You’re on top of the World, literally and figuratively.
What should we do?: Do I really need to explain the birds and the bees? 
What should we buy?: A holiday ornament personalized with the name of your new family.
Helpful hints: When you do venture out of the room, stop by the gift shop so you can stock your room with water, wine, and snacks. Honeymooning can make you hungry and you may not want to leave your nest very often.
1st ANNIVERSARY
Who should be there?: Still just the happy couple.
Where should we stay?: A value resort. You’re probably paying down student loans or saving for a home downpayment, so you’re not in break-the-bank mode. If you’re in the mood for romance, you may want to request a room away from the pools and other noisy areas.
Where should we eat?: Sanaa. You won’t be spending a fortune like you might at a signature venue, but the international flavors and view of the savanna will make it feel like you’re on an exotic escape.
What should we do?: Experience the thrill rides as much as possible. In a few years you may have a baby to work into your schedule, making endless hours on Everest more of a challenge.
What should we buy?: Pick-A-Pearl. Buy a pearl or two during this and all subsequent Disney visits. By the time you get to your 30th or 40th anniversary, you’ll have enough pearls to create an heirloom family necklace.
Helpful hints: Be sure to have your anniversary noted on your room reservation and all your meal reservations. While nothing is guaranteed, there’s always a chance that they comp you a free dessert or champagne toast.
10th ANNIVERSARY
Who should be there?: The happy couple and their kids.
Where should we stay?: A family suite, Fort Wilderness cabin, or one or two bedroom villa. You’ve got the kids around, but you also deserve a little private time. The accommodations I just mentioned all have at least two separate rooms with a real door between them.
Where should we eat?: Artist Point. It’s a nice signature spot, with fantastic food, excellent service and a great wine list, but the atmosphere isn’t so intimidating that you’ll feel like your kids are out of place if you have to bring them along.
What should we do?: Get a sitter. Disney offers group childcare in several locations throughout the resort and also contracts with an independent sitter service that will come to your hotel room to watch younger kids. Taking even a few hours away from the kids can help reignite the spark and make you remember why you liked each other in the first place.
What should we buy?: Memory Maker. You’ll probably be taking lots of photos yourself, but it’s great to have Memory Maker as a back up – plus you’ll get all the ride and character meal photos included.
Helpful hints: Again, be sure to have your anniversary noted on your room reservation and all your meal reservations.
25th ANNIVERSARY
Victoria & Albert’s is your reward for spending a quarter century together.
Who should be there?: Just the happy couple. The kids should be old enough to stay on their own or get parked with a friend for a few days.
Where should we stay?: Deluxe!
Where should we eat?: Victoria & Albert’s in the Grand Floridian. You’ve survived together through good times and bad, now you get your reward.
What should we do?: End each evening with a quiet drink at the hotel bar – even if it’s just a soft drink or cup of decaf. This will be a great opportunity to chat and reflect about the milestones you’ve reached together.
What should we buy?: Call Disney Florist (407-939-4438) and have your spouse’s favorite flowers or a bottle of bubbly sent to the room.
Helpful hints: Make this a relaxing vacation: sit by the pool, hold hands, have fun.
50th ANNIVERSARY
A Wishes cruise can be a low stress way to keep everyone together in the evening.
Who should be there?: The happy couple and everyone in their line of progeny: children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.
Where should we stay?: The happy couple stays in a one-bedroom villa. Everyone else bunks in as many two and/or three bedroom villas as necessary. It’s a family reunion with lots of cousin bonding opportunities.
Where should we eat?: Be Our Guest (dinner). The food is great, there’s enough to look at to keep the little ones entertained for at least a bit, and you can have a celebratory toast at the end of the evening.
What should we do?: Wishes Fireworks Cruise. Each boat holds about 10 people, you can get multiple boats if your party is larger. This is a great way to bond and tell stories while you watch the iconic magic in the sky. Also nice because this doesn’t involve much walking for the older folks.
What should we buy?: A professional portrait session. This is the time to commemorate the extended clan being together. Arrange to have a framed group print sent to the anniversary couple after the trip.
Helpful hints: Be judicious with the family fun. Not everyone needs to be together during every moment of the day. Chances are that everyone will have a better time if you get together for the evening meals and just a few other activities.
RETURN FROM MILITARY SERVICE
The Hoop Dee Doo Revue feels like home.
Who should be there?: Maybe just the nuclear family or maybe every aunt, uncle, and cousin. The service person gets to decide.
Where should we stay?: Shades of Green.
Where should we eat?: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. It’s light. It’s happy. It’s all American. The fried chicken is great – and the beer is included.
What should we do?: Play mini-golf. It’s not as loud and busy as the parks, so you have the opportunity to chat and get reacquainted, but there’s an activity and goal at hand, so there’s something to fill any awkward silences.
What should we buy?: Candy apples and caramel corn.
Helpful hints: Each day at the Magic Kingdom, a veteran participates in the evening flag lowering ceremony. Stop by Guest Relations in the morning to inquire whether that day’s slot has been filled and if your veteran might be able to participate in the honors.
RECOVERY FROM ILLNESS
Who should be there?: Nuclear family and any friends or caregivers who were particularly meaningful during the recovery process.
Where should we stay?: A deluxe resort. It’s time to splurge on comfortable digs – you deserve it.
Where should we eat?: Liberty Tree Tavern if comfort food is in order. Or The Wave if you’re looking for healthier options.
What should we do?: Be a kid again. Ride on Dumbo, eat the cotton candy, wear the ears, watch the parades.
What should we buy?: A fun Disney-themed phone case. You’ll be reminded to smile each time you see Mickey smiling at you.
Helpful hints: Continue to take care of yourself. The crisis may have passed, but we’re all still vulnerable when put under the stress of a theme park vacation. Stay cool and hydrated and remember that first aid centers are available in all four theme parks if you need medical assistance.
These would be my plans for a perfect Disney World celebration. I’m sure you have more ideas. What’s your take on the best way to celebrate a specific situation? Are there other types of situations you want to celebrate at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.
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