Tag Archives: Disney vacation

10 Activities and Ideas to Countdown to Disney Vacations

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You’ve booked your family’s Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation! Now what? How will you pass the coming weeks and months before your magical adventure? There are so many fun ways to countdown to Disney vacations! You can get the whole family involved to build excitement for your visit.

Take a Virtual Disney Vacation

We recently wrote a whole list of ideas about how you can take a virtual Disney vacation. Some kids like to be prepared to know what to expect so you can watch YouTube videos. We also love making Disney Parks treats at home when we can’t visit the parks in person.

Have a Very Merry Unbirthday Party or Tea Party

Start by watching “Alice in Wonderland” and then celebrate your un-birthday! Set the scene and decorate your table with these colorful flowers. For dessert, make these Cheshire Cat cupcakes or a Cheshire Cat cake roll. A fun activity for the kids is to make their own talking doorknob.

While you’re on the “Alice in Wonderland” theme, you can have a tea party! You can make your own edible tea cups out of ice cream cones. Disney Family even has a mad tea party mousse recipe. The kids can even make and decorate their own tea pots with this template.

Make and Decorate Mickey Cookies

What better way to get some quality time than to bake cookies? You can bake and decorate Disney cookies while you countdown to Disney! Get as creative as you can.

You can find an inexpensive five pack of Mickey Mouse cookie cutters or this 11 piece set including Mickey heads, glove, and more. Don’t forget fun sprinkles like these red, white and black Mickey sprinkles or these pink, purple and green Mickey sprinkles.

Make a Countdown Chain

A countdown chain can be both a fun visual for the kids as you count down the days until your vacation and a great activity to keep them busy! Depending on how early you begin your countdown to Disney, you can count down the number of weeks to go or the number of days to go. Or, make a combination of both! We have a PDF version of the countdown chain that you can print at the bottom.

Have a Disney Movie Marathon

There are so many attractions and shows inspired by Disney movies. Make some time to catch up on any you may have missed. Disney+ has a great selection or you can always order some relatively inexpensively from Amazon.

We recommend the animated classics for Magic Kingdom, Frozen for Epcot, Toy Story and the Star Wars trilogies for Hollywood Studios, and Avatar for Animal Kingdom, just to name a few.

Coloring Books

If you have little ones, you can pick up Disney coloring books from your local dollar store. They can color pictures of their favorite characters that they hope to meet during your vacation. We also love Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring for little ones, even to occupy them on the airplane.

For adults, there are some amazing Disney coloring books! Some of our favorites include Art of Coloring: Disney Animals, Art of Coloring: Disney Villains, Disney Dreams Collection from Thomas Kinkade Studios, Art of Coloring: Disney Princess, Art of Coloring: Mickey & Minnie and Art of Coloring: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

You can even sign up for a FREE Disney World coloring book to get started ASAP here.

Read a Disney Themed Book Series

Kingdom Keepers

From TheKingdomKeepers.com, “In this fantastical thriller, five young teens tapped as models for theme park “guides” find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls. Using a cutting-edge technology called DHI–which stands for both Disney Host Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging–Finn Whitman, an Orlando teen, and four other kids are transformed into hologram projections that guide guests through the park. The new technology turns out, however, to have unexpected effects that are both thrilling and scary. Soon Finn finds himself transported in his DHI form into the Magic Kingdom at night. Is it real? Is he dreaming? Finn’s confusion only increases when he encounters Wayne, an elderly Imagineer who tells him that the park is in grave danger. Led by the scheming witch, Maleficent, a mysterious group of characters called the Overtakers is plotting to destroy Disney’s beloved realm, and maybe more. This gripping high-tech tale will thrill every kid who has ever dreamed of sneaking into Walt Disney World after hours and wondered what happens at night, when the park is closed.”

You can start with the Kingdom Keepers Boxed Set which includes the first three books of the series. This is perfect for older kids to read on their own or mom and dad to read together with younger ones.

A Twisted Tale

For adult readers, you could try the “A Twisted Tale” series. This series will “reintroduce fans to their favorite worlds and stories – with game-changing twists that have readers feverishly turning pages to follow their heroes and heroines into all-new adventures.”

We recommend starting with A Twisted Tale Collection: A Boxed Set of three books.

Make Mickey or Minnie Ears

The Disney Family site has a ton of fun DIY projects to make your own pair of ears. For most of these, you’ll just need some felt, a headband, scissors, and glue. Some of our favorite projects include traditional Mickey and Minnie ears, Stitch ears, Yoda ears, and Marie ears.

Or, if you just want to decorate the ears, you can order a set of plain ears and add ribbons, sequins, and more. This will really help you show off your unique Disney style!

Host a Pirate Dinner

Prepare to ride Pirates of the Caribbean with a pirate night celebration. If you want to look the part, check out this Jack Sparrow Dress Up Kit or make your own eye patches.

For dessert, you can make cookies decorated with these skull and sword stencils. Or, make these adorable baby croc cupcakes.

If you are planning a surprise trip and looking for a big reveal, this would be a great way to do it! You can end the night with a treasure hunt. You can even print these Pirates of the Caribbean clue cards and map to add to the fun!

Planning Books

It can be fun to get the whole family involved in planning your Disney World vacation. You can read together about which attractions you just can’t miss. It can help to get the kids involved so you know their interests and “must do’s.” We recommend Birnbaum’s 2021 Walt Disney World: The Official Vacation Guide or The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2021.

We think you’ll also love the behind the scenes look at how Disney creates magic for guests in Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real.

Bonus: We also love playing Disney music at home and in the car while we countdown to Disney! There are some great (free) Disney stations on Pandora or you can order a CD, like the Disney Theme Park Classics or the Walt Disney World Official Album.

How do you plan to countdown to Disney?

Print your own DIY countdown to Disney vacations chain here:

Disney-World-Vacation-Countdown-ChainDownload

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Top 10 Ways to Give Your Family a Surprise Disney Vacation

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I am always so impressed with parents who can keep the secret while planning a surprise Disney vacation. Have you ever wanted to surprise your kids with a Disney World vacation, but just unsure the best way to do it? Whether it’s a first visit or a special celebration, it can be a lot of fun to plan a surprise Disney vacation. Here are ten different ways to give your kids a surprise Disney vacation!

surprise Disney vacation

1. Scavenger Hunt: You can hide clues throughout your home where they will eventually find the last clue revealing the big trip. You can even have them pick up small gifts at each stop to compile at the end. Some of the earlier clues can be more generic like sunglasses, new luggage, hats, and swim suits.

2. Gift Basket: You can give your children new luggage, backpacks, and other goodies that will be useful during your vacation. Some of the “essentials” include an autograph book, Mickey ears, Mickey drawstring bags, glow sticks, plush, and water bottles. You can even find a pre-made box here.

3. Disney-inspired Dinner: You can make an entire meal based on your favorite Disney movie. Disney Family has A TON of recipes to help you create the perfect menu for your big reveal. We always love Mickey waffles as a quick and easy meal. You can make mini Mickey waffles or classic Mickey waffles.

4. Book: There are some great planning and Disney inspired books that you can give your family. These are great if you’re going to reveal the big surprise a while before you leave. You can get everyone involved in the planning process this way. Some of our favorites include Birnbaum’s Official Vacation Guide, Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World for Kids, the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, the Hidden Mickeys of Walt Disney World and Disney World’s Hidden Mickeys.

5. Letter from Mickey: You can make a letter from Mickey Mouse for your kids letting them know that you’ll be coming to visit. Or, if you book your Disney World vacation with us, we will send your family a letter from Mickey Mouse in addition to an autographed picture to help with your surprise.

surprise Disney vacation

6. Custom Shirts: You can reveal your surprise Disney vacation with new shirts! If you are crafty, there is plenty of inspiration on Pinterest or you can always order some from Etsy or Amazon.

7. Character Call: If you are sailing on a Disney cruise, you can schedule a FREE call prior to your sailing from Mickey, Goofy, or Mickey and Minnie together. This can be a great way to tell the kids about your cruise!

8. Surprise at the Airport: If your kids aren’t big enough to read, you may be able to make it all the way to the airport before having to reveal the big surprise. Imagine the look on their faces as you pull up and they see all of the airplanes coming in and out!

9. A Box Full of Balloons, Characters, and More: If you can get a big cardboard box, fill it with Disney inspired goodies like balloons, plush, confetti, and more. Your kids will love unwrapping it and opening it to find surprises with clues revealing your vacation.

10. Puzzle: You can make your own puzzle at home or order one from Shutterfly to reveal your special message telling your family about their surprise Disney vacation. You can also find a beautiful wooden puzzle for a Disney World vacation or a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Have you ever revealed a surprise Disney vacation? Share your experience below!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting our small business!

5 Things You Need to Order for Your 2021 Disney World Vacation

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Disclaimer: This article does contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission for purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting our small business!

Things are a little different at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida now. Although the magic is absolutely still there, there are some changes that Disney has made to keep guests and cast members as safe as possible. Face coverings are now required, but there are also a few other things that we have found very helpful to order before your 2021 Disney World vacation.

Masks: Face coverings are required at the Walt Disney World Resort for all guests age two and up. They do need to be worn everywhere, from the theme parks to Disney Springs and even hotels. You can read Disney’s safety guidelines here. My kids and I prefer cloth reusable masks while my husband prefers disposable masks. You can wear whatever you are most comfortable in, as long as it meets Disney’s guidelines.

Cooling Towels: It’s hot almost year round in Florida and the masks will likely make you even warmer than you would otherwise be. This four pack of breathable cooling towels will stay chilled for up to three hours and even come with their own waterproof carrying case and carabiner clip.

Neck Fans: Another great option to help keep you cool during your vacation is neck fans. These rechargeable neck fans allow you to remain hands free while waiting in line or walking the parks. They even offer three speed levels and adjustable, rotating fans so you can control your comfort.

Lanyards: If you’re traveling with kids, you may find it helpful to bring a lanyard for them. Although they can only remove the mask while stationary and actively eating and drinking, it’s great to be able to clip their mask onto a lanyard rather than having to find somewhere clean and dry to set it down. My son has even continued to use his lanyard for his mask at school! This four pack of Disney lanyards can even cover the whole family for less than $10!

Face Wipes: We have found that our faces get pretty hot and sweaty under the masks. Although it’s nice to take a break at a relaxation station to cool off, we find face wipes extra refreshing. It can also help with any “maskne” concerns. We have used the Simple Cleansing Face Wipes with great success. They’re lightweight and easy to throw in your park bag.

Are you planning a 2021 Disney World vacation? We’d love to help! Our incredible services are 100% free to you. Plus, we’re giving a free reusable cotton face mask to all guests who book a 2021 vacation. Contact us today for more details.

12 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Disney World Vacation

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A Disney World vacation can add up quickly for families between the expenses of a hotel stay, theme park tickets, dining, souvenirs, transportation, and more. There are some easy ways that you can cut your costs and still have a magical vacation!

Here are twelve easy ways you can save money on your Disney World vacation:

  1. Skip the park hopper option: If you are concerned about your budget, one of the easiest things to trim is the park hopper option. On a multi-day park ticket, this can save you more than $80 per person which quickly adds up for families!
  2. Stay at a value resort: There are five value resorts at Disney World- Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These hotels typically start around $100 per night and still include all of the perks and amenities of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. So, you can take advantage of complimentary magic bands, complimentary transportation to the parks, complimentary airport transfers, and more!
  3. Take advantage of discounts: Disney offers various room and package discounts throughout the year. There are rarely times that there isn’t a special offer available so be sure to take advantage of these to save as much as possible on your vacation.
  4. Travel in the off season: Disney tends to offer the lowest rates in January and September. These times coincide with the lowest crowds so it makes for a great experience all the way around!
  5. Disney gift cards: Did you know that you can use Disney gift cards to pay for any or all of your Disney vacation? It’s true! You can purchase Disney gift cards at a number of retailers and earn cash back on your credit cards or take advantage of discounted prices at wholesalers like Sam’s Club or by saving 5% with a Target red card.
  6. Table service breakfast: If you aren’t purchasing a dining plan, breakfast will be the least expensive meal to purchase. This is especially important if you are planning character dining as you can easily save over $10 per person, just by choosing breakfast over dinner!
  7. Pack breakfast and snacks: Breakfast is a pretty easy meal to pack in a suitcase to bring with you. There are so many choices like cereal, breakfast bars, and even mini doughnuts that can travel well and save a lot rather than having to buy that meal out of pocket. You can also pack snacks to minimize those dining costs in the parks.
  8. Spend a day at Disney Springs: You can skip a day of the parks for some of the wonderful activities available outside of the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort! You could spend a day exploring Disney Springs, try horseback riding at Fort Wilderness, swim at your resort’s pool, stroll the Boardwalk, and more, all without having to purchase park admission.
  9. Get free ice water and/or Bring a refillable bottle: You can get a free cup of ice water at any quick service dining location in all four theme parks. These are readily available and often waiting on a tray behind the counter. If you don’t love the taste of Florida water (few do), bring a water bottle from home that you can refill in the parks and add your own flavor packet to it!
  10. Bring souvenirs or stop by Character Warehouse: If you can pick up souvenirs from home, whether you go to your local Disney Store, order from ShopDisney.com or even check out the Dollar Tree (or Target Dollar Spot), you can save so much on souvenirs. If you’re looking for authentic park souvenirs, be sure to take the time to visit Character Warehouse at the outlets in Orlando to get discounted merchandise from the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels (and often Disney Cruise Line)!
  11. Bring Your Stroller: Stroller rentals can really add up. If you rent in the parks, single strollers are $15 daily or double strollers are $31 daily. Even length of stay rentals from approved companies can come close to $100 so if at all possible, bring your own stroller with you. Chances are, your kids will be more comfortable in their own stroller, too!
  12. Skip Memory Maker: Memory Maker is available for the discounted rate of $169 when purchased at least 3 days in advance while the cost in the parks is $199. The Disney PhotoPass photographers are happy to take the same pictures on your camera or phone as they do on theirs. The only thing you really would miss are the magic shots and attraction photos.

What are your favorite ways to save money on a Disney World vacation?