Planning a Disney vacation? Looking online for the best advice? Or perhaps chatting with the co-worker who is the self-proclaimed “Disney expert” because of his one vacation in the last five years? Well, as travel professionals, our guests are always asking us questions about what they heard online or from a friend. I can assure you, most of it is inaccurate, and sometimes, just plain funny.
Here’s a few examples of Disney advice we have actually heard…..
There’s nothing for kids at Epcot. My guess is, the folks who say this have never taken their kids to Epcot. Let’s start the list…. Test Track, Soarin’, Finding Nemo, Turtle Talk, Journey into Imagination, Living with the Land, Phineas and Ferb Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, 18 different character meet and greet opportunities, Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, and let’s not forget the new Frozen Ever After. Kids can also visit each country and participate in KidCot fun. Now, are you sure you want to keep listening to your “expert” friend?
“When the park opens, take the train to Toontown and the characters will be there to greet you”. Now, if you’re a Disney newbie, this might not seem crazy, but a seasoned expert like us knows that Toontown at Walt Disney World has been closed since 2011. The area is now home to Storybook Circus. If you took this advice, you’d be completely lost, and wouldn’t see any characters at the train station, either.
“When you get to Hollywood Studios, don’t miss Harry Potter!” You wouldn’t believe how many times we hear this. Just for the record, all Harry Potter attractions are at Universal Orlando, about 10 miles up Interstate 4 from Walt Disney World. And yes, we can create amazing memories at Universal for your family, as well. Just ask any of our Dream Designers.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is just TOO far away from the parks. This is quite a misconception. One of the most beautiful and economical of the Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom Lodge is actually quite accomodating for the bus transportation system. First, the resort only shares a bus with it’s sister DVC resort, so pick up and drop off are very easy. There are also no back roads and only 2 traffic lights between it and the Magic Kingdom. Total travel time between the Lodge and Magic Kingdom: 16 minutes. (yes, we timed it) And, this is much shorter than some resorts located much closer. If you listened to the folks online, or to your best friend, you might have missed out on this great resort.
Anna & Elsa Character Meals are a must. Well, let’s start by saying that there are simply no restaurants at Disney that have an Anna & Elsa character meal. None. Now, if you do want to meet Anna & Elsa, be sure to head to the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Here you’ll find them at the Royal Sommerhaus.
The Disney Dining Plan is bad if you have dietary restrictions. Actually, quite the opposite is true. Disney is very sensitive to guests with such restrictions. If you have any food issues, the chef will come to your table and discuss your options personally. If you are at a buffet, they will walk with you to determine what foods you can or can not eat. At a standard menu restaurant, you’ll receive a special menu prepared just for your allergy condition. You will still have all the benefits of the dining plan, and amazing food to meet your specific needs. By the way, the same applies for our vegetarian and vegan friends.
You don’t need the dining plan, just pay out of pocket. This is a common misconception for most guests. Now, I will say that the dining plan isn’t for everyone, but for the majority of our guests, it does make sense. So don’t simply brush it off because your friend, or online comment said you should. Keep in mind, there are 3 different dining plans to choose from. Your Dream Designer will help you determine what makes the most sense for your family. Other than a possible budget savings, I personally like the dining plan for the convenience. I like knowing that I have pre-paid for all my meals, and that I can order what I want from the menu. If I were paying out of pocket, I might choose the chicken. But knowing I’m on the plan, I’ll get the filet mignon instead. And, I’m not as likely to skip on the dessert either, because it’s included, too.
Remember….when planning your trip, be sure to book with a Dream Designer from My Mickey Vacation Travel. We will take the time to learn EVERY wish and desire you have for your vacation, and make the absolute most MAGICAL recommendations for you. Your friend, or even worse, the stranger online, doesn’t know your dreams and desires. They are only giving their opinions based on THEIR vacation. Let’s make the best decisions for YOUR vacation.
Contact us today by reaching out to your favorite Dream Designer, or by completing our online quote form by clicking here.
