Where In The World Is John? Walt Disney World, of course - for our "annual summer trip"! Although this update is leaning HEAVILY to Disney - there are plenty of fantastic destinations to consider!
5 Tips To Make Your
Walt Disney World Trip Amazing!
I've been to Walt Disney World. A lot. So I have plenty to say about how to increase your enjoyment when on vacation. Many of these recommendations are new because of new COVID-era rules and restrictions!
If you've even peeked at taking a vacation to Walt Disney World - you have tons to coordinate:
Airport Transportation
Over 20 Resorts
Dining Options
Enchanting Extras
Genie+ Drama
Stroller? ECV?
What about crowds? Weather? Trip Insurance? COVID restrictions?
It's a lot to think consider: Here are 5 quick tips I have for traveling to Walt Disney World!
1. Decide If You Can Go During "Slower" Times
My first trip to Walt Disney World was in 1994 and I went in September: back then it was a ghost town. There were no "Lightning Lanes" and the average wait was about 30 minutes! Now? Standby lines can reach 2 hours for popular attractions!
If you have kids - you may consider taking them out of school for a trip. Vacations over ANY kind of school break is a recipe for busy crowds. If you can live with a few unexcused absences: you will be rewarded with a less-stressful vacation. This tends to work if your kids are in grade-school. Middle- and High-school children have a much tougher time taking a vacation during the school year.
2. Follow My Instructions On Virtual Queues
Walt Disney World is implementing a "virtual queue" for key rides (read: popular). This isn't a bad idea - a virtual queue cuts down on the 2+ hour standby line.
The bad news is you have to be up at 7 a.m. to "race" for a spot!
However: I give all clients the keys they need to unlock a way to get those virtual queue spots (they often fill up within 5 seconds!). In fact: I followed my OWN advice yesterday and had Group 24 (called at 9 a.m.!) for Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This ride is AMAZING and I highly recommend it!
3. Stay Club Level
Select Walt Disney World Resorts offer a "Club Level" - which includes additional amenities. Each Club will offer Lounge lccess with:
Complimentary Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
5 food offerings per day
Snacks
Entertainment/Games
Concierge Assistance (dining, Genie+, enchanting extras)
I will often recommend a "VIP Tour" - and I do feel those have an INCREDIBLE amount of value since you can access the attractions with a guide via the Lightning Lane - but if you don't want to invest THAT much money (and it's definitely a splurge) - upgrading your room to Club Level makes you feel like a VIP for your ENTIRE stay. The Cast Members will get to know your likes and go "above and beyond" for your family. Plus: the food offerings help cut down on meal costs. Our family enjoys the breakfasts: they help "start" our day on the right foot.
4. Stay Deluxe For Extra Perks
Walt Disney World introduced a fantastic program for guests staying in Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resorts: Extended Evening Hours.
Twice a week - guests staying at select resorts can take advantage of two parks for an extra two hours. Since inception - this has been primarily EPCOT on Monday nights and Magic Kingdom Park on Wednesday nights.
This is, hands-down, the BEST perk of staying at a select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resort. The parks are SO QUIET during these 2 hours!
Pricing-wise - Deluxe Resorts can often be similar in price to Moderate Resorts. For a small price upgrade - you can get 2 hours at 2 parks per week!
5. Pack Plenty Of Patience
I'm not going to sugar-coat it: Walt Disney World can get overwhelming.
Depending when you go - it can be incredibly hot and humid, you're overtired and the kids are whining.
But there are plenty of amazing magical moments you'll have:
When you hug Mickey!
Watching your family spend time together laughing in a queue!
Eat that Dole Whip!
Bar none - fantastic fireworks display!
And who doesn't still think it's amazing that Tinker Bell flies from Cinderella Castle during the nighttime show!
We live in a very complex world with very complex issues - but there is something about going to Walt Disney World and forgetting about all of those things: even if it's just for a day!
If YOU are ready to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida: CLICK HERE and let me do all the planning (because you deserve the help!).
2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Opens Soon
It is less than 30 days before this fantastic (and very popular) festival launches at EPCOT!
There are some pros and cons about the festival that you should be aware of if you're planning to go!
Notably: not all festival booths are going to be open the entire time.
Disney will slowly rotate in certain booths and some may not be open every day of the week. This is more of a problem if you want to visit EPCOT during the week when crowds are thin: Disney will keep some booths shuttered during these low-volume times. That's not to say EVERYTHING will be closed - but just be prepared if some aren't open.
On the flip side: the festival is even LONGER than ever! This event typically ran in the fall only - but with COVID flipping life upside down: Disney figured out that it might be nicer to give guests a longer window to visit! Instead of a short window (like Festival Of The Arts in January/February) - this festival runs for over FOUR months!
Want to visit during "lower" crowds? Call me for the best suggestions!
Escape To Beaches Located In Beautiful Turks & Caicos
Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting Beaches all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family. This amazing all-inclusive resort features five magnificent villages, a 45,000 square-foot waterpark, 21 gourmet restaurants, a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters, and 10 impressive pools.
Resort: Beaches Turks and Caicos
Room Category: Key West Luxury Concierge Room - DTG
Travel Dates: September 14th - 21st, 2022
Nights: 7 nights
All- inclusive price for a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child): $6,556.44
These spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, located in the stunning Key West village of the resort, boast marble tile floors, which step out to a balcony or patio. Each room comes with a refrigerator and microwave and granite countertops. All rooms have an HD Smart TV, a king bed and a single pullout sleeper chair. The spacious bathroom has a rain head shower and a single vanity. Concierge service, all meals, drinks, tipping, transfers, WiFi and FUN - included!
Room View: Tropical Garden Bedding: 1 King Bed, 1 Rollaway Max Occupancy: 3 guests It's only a $49pp deposit to secure your room - Availability is limited. Reach out to me today!
Need Something To Do?
So maybe you've decided to take a "staycation" in your area - or used points to book a hotel. Awesome!
Now what do you want to do once you get there? Can you trust a tour?
Of course you can! CLICK HERE to check out some amazing tours and excursions ALL OVER THE WORLD! Enjoy fantastic prices and tour companies who have EARNED your trust!
Need help picking one? Let me know! I am happy to help!
That's it for this week! I am with my family at Walt Disney World in Florida - so if you need something, please reach out but know I may not respond immediately! Stay Safe!