I'm a big fan of thrill rides!! How about you??? Here are my top 5 Disney World thrills!!!
Tower of Terror
The second you walk up to the Hollywood Tower Hotel inside Disney's Hollywood Studios park, you know something isn't quite right. The ambiance is creepy, the place is a mess. You shouldn't be there, but you keep moving toward it. And you know you're in for something scary. Once you're seated in your elevator, anticpation swirls because you don't know what's going to happen!
If you don't know, Tower of Terror is a drop ride, but this one goes up and down multiple times with no rhyme or reason. It's all random. Every ride is different. One second you're free-falling, the next, shooting back up. Non-stop thrills!
Rock n Roller Coaster
Combine a super fast car with blaring rock n roll and twists and turns in the dark and you have Rock n Roller Coaster, the second thrill on our list from Hollywood Studios. Visit the "band" at the recording studio then dash off to their concert.
Your ride begins by speeding zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, flattened to your seat as Aerosmith tunes blare from the speakers. Zoom through a florescent city illumintaed with black lights as your stretch limo swirls through corkscrews, then finally dropping you off at the red carpet, hair a mess, heart racing.
Space Mountain
Travel through space at lightning speed! Board your spaceship and blast off through the sky, dotted with a million stars. You're in space and it's dark, so you can't see the dips and turns coming. It's non-stop thrills as you fly through the galaxy. All you can do is hold on!
Space Mountain is a classic Disney attraction, having opened in the Magic Kingdom in 1975, just a few years after the park opened. Despite it's age, it's still one of the most thrilling rides on property.
Flight of Passage
Pandora is a beautiful land, filled with unique plantlike and animals. What better way to explore it than by soaring on the back of a Banshee? And actually feel it breathing underneath you! Join the Na'Vi as you fly fast and slow, over hills and oceans, mist in your face, soaking in everything that makes up the amazing planet of Pandora.
Flight of Passage is an immersive experience, similar to Soarin' at Epcot, but way more intense. This is Disney's best display of 4D thrills. You feel like you're there, a part of Pandora!
Expedition Everest
As you enter Anandapur, an eerie feeling decends over you. Something's been here and it wasn't very happy. But you brave the wilderness anyway in search of the Yeti. High up in the Himalayan mountains, you board a train with your team and gear, ready to face him. But he finds you first, and doesn't like that you're there!
Expedition Everest is a great coaster filled with hills and turns, broken pieces of track, thanks to the Yeti. He sends you falling backward in the darkness through the mountain, an amazing coaster experience.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Need a break? I got ya covered!
A Disney World vacation is magical and amazing and exciting...but it is also tiring. I won't even try and tell you it's not.
Many people will take a break midday and go back to the resort for a nap and/or swim. That's a good idea, but sometimes not. There is travel time to consider, plus the time you spend there. It takes a big chunk out of your day.
I have another idea! You can rest and relax, right inside the parks!
I know what you're thinking. Stephanie has lost her mind. How can anyone relax in a busy theme park?
Disney World is great at creating spaces all throughout the parks where families can find a little peace and quiet. It sounds too-good-to-be-true, but it's not. Some of my favorite moments during a Disney vacation are when I sit (usually with a snack or beverage) and just people watch and listen to the sounds around me. The music and laughter. Smiles everywhere. There are benches and other seating everywhere, some more quiet than others. So definitely take advantage!
Here are a couple of my favorite spots for resting while in the parks.
Side streets off Main Street at the Magic Kingdom. My last trip, I bought some cake pops at the Main Street Confectionary and found a little wrought iron table and sat for a while.
The gardens in the Hub at the Magic Kingdom. These are relatively new, and are so so pretty. You'd think the Hub would be very busy, and it is, but the gardens are pretty relaxing.
The fruit bat exhibit on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom. I could watch those cute little guys all day.
World Showcase pavilions in Epcot. TONS of great places to sit and relax. I love to feel like I've been transported somewhere else. The sights and smells, the music.
There are TONS of great attractions that are peaceful and gentle...the perfect place to relax for a bit!
it's a small world (Magic Kingdom)
Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
Walt Disney Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (Magic Kingdom)
Spaceship Earth (Epcot)
Living with the Land (Epcot)
The America Adventure (Epcot)
Beauty and the Beast Live (Hollywood Studios)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios)
Finding Nemo: The Musical (Animal Kingdom)
Wildlife Express Train and Rafiki's Planet Watch (Animal Kingdom)
And if you have little ones, there is a Baby Care center in each park, giving guests a quiet place to change a diaper, feed or nurse baby, or just to get out of the heat and sit for a bit.
Many people will take a break midday and go back to the resort for a nap and/or swim. That's a good idea, but sometimes not. There is travel time to consider, plus the time you spend there. It takes a big chunk out of your day.
I have another idea! You can rest and relax, right inside the parks!
I know what you're thinking. Stephanie has lost her mind. How can anyone relax in a busy theme park?
Disney World is great at creating spaces all throughout the parks where families can find a little peace and quiet. It sounds too-good-to-be-true, but it's not. Some of my favorite moments during a Disney vacation are when I sit (usually with a snack or beverage) and just people watch and listen to the sounds around me. The music and laughter. Smiles everywhere. There are benches and other seating everywhere, some more quiet than others. So definitely take advantage!
Here are a couple of my favorite spots for resting while in the parks.
Side streets off Main Street at the Magic Kingdom. My last trip, I bought some cake pops at the Main Street Confectionary and found a little wrought iron table and sat for a while.
The gardens in the Hub at the Magic Kingdom. These are relatively new, and are so so pretty. You'd think the Hub would be very busy, and it is, but the gardens are pretty relaxing.
The fruit bat exhibit on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom. I could watch those cute little guys all day.
World Showcase pavilions in Epcot. TONS of great places to sit and relax. I love to feel like I've been transported somewhere else. The sights and smells, the music.
There are TONS of great attractions that are peaceful and gentle...the perfect place to relax for a bit!
it's a small world (Magic Kingdom)
Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
Walt Disney Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (Magic Kingdom)
Spaceship Earth (Epcot)
Living with the Land (Epcot)
The America Adventure (Epcot)
Beauty and the Beast Live (Hollywood Studios)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios)
Finding Nemo: The Musical (Animal Kingdom)
Wildlife Express Train and Rafiki's Planet Watch (Animal Kingdom)
And if you have little ones, there is a Baby Care center in each park, giving guests a quiet place to change a diaper, feed or nurse baby, or just to get out of the heat and sit for a bit.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Planning timeline!
When is the best time to start planning your Disney World vacation? What comes after you book it? When do you do what?
These are questions I get a lot :) So here's my suggested timeline!!
7 months or more prior to travel: Select a date and contact Fairytale Journeys by Stephanie for a quote on your vacation package. Book the reservation with a minimum of a $200 deposit. Begin researching Disney restaurants and make note of any that sound interesting to you. Create a My Disney Experience account and link your resort reservation. Customize your Magic Bands.
6-1/2 months prior: Finalize your dining selections.
6 months prior (180 days exactly): Book dining reservations. Online reservations open at 6:00am EST on the dot, whereas the phone lines open at 7:00am. If you book your package with me, I'll do it for you!
4-6 months prior: Research the parks and all the attractions. Make a list of your must-do attractions. Familiarize yourself with the park layout by studying the park maps. Watch the planing DVD. Make a countdown chain. Put away money each week to pay for the trip. Purchase Disney gift cards periodically to use for souvenirs.
2-1/2 months prior: Finalize your Fastpass+ selections. Choose 3 per day to book ahead of time. I can help you decide by offering advice on which attractions need them most.
2 months prior (60 days exactly): Resort guests can book Fastpass+ online at 7:00am on the dot. If you book with me, I'll do it for you! If you are able to, pay off your balance. If you plan to rent a car, stroller, or ECV/scooter/wheelchair, reserve it now. If you haven't yet, make sure you customize your Magic Bands in My Disney Experience.
6 weeks prior: If you need to make any changes to your resort package, do it now. This is your last chance to change resorts, add a dining plan, alter the length of your park pass, etc... without incurring a penalty fee.
1 month (30 days exactly): If you are staying off Disney property, book Fastpass+ online at exactly 7am. Pay your vacation package in full. Start packing. Have your suitcases out and toss things in whenever you think of them.
2 weeks prior: If you'd like a grocery delivery, set that up now. You should have received your Magic Bands, Magical Express packet, and resort voucher booklet by now.
1 week prior: Pack. Make sure you have all of your travel documents in your carry on bag, including your Magic Bands. If you'd like to add Memory Maker, do so now if you haven't already.
24 hours prior: If you are flying, check in online for your flight. If you are flying Southwest, make sure you do it exactly 24 hours to the minute to ensure the best boarding group number possible. Print boarding passes, if you desire. (You can also print at the airport.) Finish packing. Attach the yellow Magical Express tags to your checked bags.
Morning of departure: Double check to make sure you have everything, including any medications you need. Then enjoy your vacation!
These are questions I get a lot :) So here's my suggested timeline!!
7 months or more prior to travel: Select a date and contact Fairytale Journeys by Stephanie for a quote on your vacation package. Book the reservation with a minimum of a $200 deposit. Begin researching Disney restaurants and make note of any that sound interesting to you. Create a My Disney Experience account and link your resort reservation. Customize your Magic Bands.
6-1/2 months prior: Finalize your dining selections.
6 months prior (180 days exactly): Book dining reservations. Online reservations open at 6:00am EST on the dot, whereas the phone lines open at 7:00am. If you book your package with me, I'll do it for you!
4-6 months prior: Research the parks and all the attractions. Make a list of your must-do attractions. Familiarize yourself with the park layout by studying the park maps. Watch the planing DVD. Make a countdown chain. Put away money each week to pay for the trip. Purchase Disney gift cards periodically to use for souvenirs.
2-1/2 months prior: Finalize your Fastpass+ selections. Choose 3 per day to book ahead of time. I can help you decide by offering advice on which attractions need them most.
2 months prior (60 days exactly): Resort guests can book Fastpass+ online at 7:00am on the dot. If you book with me, I'll do it for you! If you are able to, pay off your balance. If you plan to rent a car, stroller, or ECV/scooter/wheelchair, reserve it now. If you haven't yet, make sure you customize your Magic Bands in My Disney Experience.
6 weeks prior: If you need to make any changes to your resort package, do it now. This is your last chance to change resorts, add a dining plan, alter the length of your park pass, etc... without incurring a penalty fee.
1 month (30 days exactly): If you are staying off Disney property, book Fastpass+ online at exactly 7am. Pay your vacation package in full. Start packing. Have your suitcases out and toss things in whenever you think of them.
2 weeks prior: If you'd like a grocery delivery, set that up now. You should have received your Magic Bands, Magical Express packet, and resort voucher booklet by now.
1 week prior: Pack. Make sure you have all of your travel documents in your carry on bag, including your Magic Bands. If you'd like to add Memory Maker, do so now if you haven't already.
24 hours prior: If you are flying, check in online for your flight. If you are flying Southwest, make sure you do it exactly 24 hours to the minute to ensure the best boarding group number possible. Print boarding passes, if you desire. (You can also print at the airport.) Finish packing. Attach the yellow Magical Express tags to your checked bags.
Morning of departure: Double check to make sure you have everything, including any medications you need. Then enjoy your vacation!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Fastpass+ Explained!
Disney World has what they call Fastpass+. It's a way to hold your place in line at all of the most popular attractions so you only have to wait a few minutes to experience them instead of possibly hours. The service is free to all park guests and can really help maximize your time in the park.
The Fastpass system has been around for years but the original system worked a little differently than what we have now. The new system has a lot of pros and cons, many people loving it, many people hating it. I personally love it.
First of all, you need to create a My Disney Experience account, either on Disney's website or on their app. You cannot use Fastpass+ without an account.
Next you need to have a valid park ticket linked to your account. If you have a resort package, the tickets will be included and the entire package needs to be linked to your My Disney Experience account. If you are not staying at a Disney resort, you need to purchase a park ticket and link it to your account.
Now you can pick out 3 Fastpasses for each day of your trip. Which means you must decide which park you will go to each day of your trip. You can still use the Hopper option if you choose to purchase it, but you do need to decide ahead of time at least one park you will go to each day. I recommend using the Fastpasses for the most popular and newest attractions, such as 7 Dwarves Mine Train, Frozen Ever After, Soarin', Flight of Passage, Na'Vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, Peter Pan's Flight, and Splash Mountain during the hotter months. Or slow-loading attractions such as Rock n Roller Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain. Also, a good use is the popular character meet n greets such as Princess Fairytale Hall, The Character Spot, and Mickey Mouse at Town Square.
Resort guests can book 60 days prior to check-in. Non resort guests can book 30 days prior to check-in. A HUGE perk to staying at a Disney resort, especially if you want to ride some of the most popular attractions where the wait times easily reach triple digits (in minutes). As a travel agent/travel planner specializing in Disney vacations, one of the services I provide is booking Fastpasses for my clients. I get online and do it for them so they don't have to worry about it.
Fatspasses are booked with a one-hour availability window, for most attractions. Some shows only have a 15 minute window, which grants you early seating in the theater before guests in the standby line.
After they are booked you can view them in your My Disney Experience account either on a desktop or the app.
Once you arrive at the park, you an enter the Fastpass line at any time during your hour. So if your Fastpass return time is 1:30-2:30, you may enter the line at 1:30 on the dot, but not a minute sooner, and have til 2:30. If you are unable to get there by the ending time, the Fastpass will expire and you will not be able to use it. When you approach the line, you must scan your Magic Band (resort guests) or park ticket (non resort guests). The scanner will illuminate green if you have a valid Fastpass, red if you do not. You may have to scan again at the end of the line. This prevents line jumpers from hopping over from the standby line.
After you have used all three of your pre-booked Fastpasses, you can go on the app and book more! You can book them one at a time.
The Fastpass+ system is a great way to minimize your time waiting in long lines and ride your favorites faster :) If you'd like help with this or any thing else Disney, book your trip with me!! I'll do all the work and you just enjoy!!
The Fastpass system has been around for years but the original system worked a little differently than what we have now. The new system has a lot of pros and cons, many people loving it, many people hating it. I personally love it.
First of all, you need to create a My Disney Experience account, either on Disney's website or on their app. You cannot use Fastpass+ without an account.
 |
| Desktop version |
 |
| App |
Now you can pick out 3 Fastpasses for each day of your trip. Which means you must decide which park you will go to each day of your trip. You can still use the Hopper option if you choose to purchase it, but you do need to decide ahead of time at least one park you will go to each day. I recommend using the Fastpasses for the most popular and newest attractions, such as 7 Dwarves Mine Train, Frozen Ever After, Soarin', Flight of Passage, Na'Vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, Peter Pan's Flight, and Splash Mountain during the hotter months. Or slow-loading attractions such as Rock n Roller Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain. Also, a good use is the popular character meet n greets such as Princess Fairytale Hall, The Character Spot, and Mickey Mouse at Town Square.
Resort guests can book 60 days prior to check-in. Non resort guests can book 30 days prior to check-in. A HUGE perk to staying at a Disney resort, especially if you want to ride some of the most popular attractions where the wait times easily reach triple digits (in minutes). As a travel agent/travel planner specializing in Disney vacations, one of the services I provide is booking Fastpasses for my clients. I get online and do it for them so they don't have to worry about it.
Fatspasses are booked with a one-hour availability window, for most attractions. Some shows only have a 15 minute window, which grants you early seating in the theater before guests in the standby line.
After they are booked you can view them in your My Disney Experience account either on a desktop or the app.
 |
| Desktop |
 |
| App |
Once you arrive at the park, you an enter the Fastpass line at any time during your hour. So if your Fastpass return time is 1:30-2:30, you may enter the line at 1:30 on the dot, but not a minute sooner, and have til 2:30. If you are unable to get there by the ending time, the Fastpass will expire and you will not be able to use it. When you approach the line, you must scan your Magic Band (resort guests) or park ticket (non resort guests). The scanner will illuminate green if you have a valid Fastpass, red if you do not. You may have to scan again at the end of the line. This prevents line jumpers from hopping over from the standby line.
After you have used all three of your pre-booked Fastpasses, you can go on the app and book more! You can book them one at a time.
The Fastpass+ system is a great way to minimize your time waiting in long lines and ride your favorites faster :) If you'd like help with this or any thing else Disney, book your trip with me!! I'll do all the work and you just enjoy!!
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