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A Disneyland Resort Christmas Guide

Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to visit Disney. I love walking down Main Street under the lights and holly garlands. All the special touches drag you into the holiday spirit whether you want it to or not and you just want to sing right along with all the Christmas music.

A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Decorations

The Disneyland Christmas makeover starts at the beginning of November. Main Street comes alive with lights, holiday garland and decorations all leading each guest to the enormous, gorgeous and towering Christmas Tree. Cinderella’s Castle shimmers and shines with lights. Head back to Fantasyland where the It’s a Small World Every facade is covered in 50,000 lights and special video projections for and amazing transformation. Each and every land joins in the holiday fun!

What about California Adventure? How do they join in the festivities? Bring back nostalgia from times gone by with the beautiful vintage holiday decorations up and down Buena Vista Street. Feel dwarfed and inspired by the 50 ft. Christmas tree. Wander through Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak and other lands immersing yourself in holiday cheer. And don’t miss Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs have decked the streets in seasonal a-tire. Two not to miss attractions: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Of course Downtown Disney and the resorts are not to be outdone. Find your holiday home-away-from-home festooned with frosty flair. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcome Guests with splendiferous displays that send spirits soaring. Each Disneyland Resort hotel features a unique holiday tree decorated with whimsical flourishes, traditional trimmings and dashes of pure Disney magic.

When can you see the decorations?

The decorations go up the first week of November and come down the first week of January.

A Disneyland Guide to Special Holiday Events and Activities?

Disneyland

Disneyland resort Christmas guide with the lights of It's a Small World

A Christmas Fantasy Parade— With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland Park! Wave to all your Disney friends as they pass by on fantastic holiday floats.

“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular— Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.

“it’s a small world” Holiday–This classic attraction dresses up for Christmas. The holiday dolls sing medleys of holiday music as well as the classic song. Outside each evening, every 30 minutes, thousands of lights come alive as well as video projections to bathe the exterior in colorful lights and images.

Haunted Mansion Holiday–The ghosts and ghouls are in festive holiday spirit and want to wish you a merry macabre holiday. Enjoy the spooky mansion inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas.

“Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour–This 2 1/2 hour guided tour will share favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You will also enjoy reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more. Cost: $99 (theme park admission also required)

California Adventure

Explore celebrating the holidays at Disneyland in the Disneyland Resort Christmas Guide

Disney’s Festival of Holidays

  • Festive Foods Marketplace–Delight your taste buds with festive foods and treats from around the World
  • Disney ¡Viva Navidad!–Dance along with the Three Caballeros at the Viva ¡Navidad! Street Party. Celebrate Three Kings Day January 3-6, 2020 honoring Epiphany, a holiday in Mexico, South and Central America.
  • Meet Santa and his elves at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting— Watch in wonder as the tree twinkles to life with a kaleidoscope of colored lights, hundreds of whimsical ornaments and swags of gleaming garland.

A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Crowds?

This is a very busy time but all the special additions make it worth the extra crowds.

The busiest times are when schools are on vacation–the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break.

If you want to try to experience the parks with a little fewer people your best bet is the first few weeks of November and December. Weekends will be quite busy but Tuesdays-Thursdays might be a little less crowded.

How do I handle the crowds?

The best way to enjoy the holidays at Disneyland is to be prepared. Have a plan! Touring Plans is a great place to help plan your day.

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

  • Expect lots and lots of people and lots and lots of waiting!
  • Stay in the park on the busiest days (definitely Christmas and New Year’s Day). They often reach capacity and if you leave you won’t be able to go back.
  • Know what are your must do’s (keep the list short) and what can wait until another trip.
  • Purchase tickets before arrival. Ticket lines get very long.
  • Get to the park early (30 min-1 hour before opening)! Maximize your time while others are sleeping.
  • Get your FastPass for World of Color-Seasons of Light early in the day.
  • MAXPASS!! Make sure app is downloaded before your vacation so you are ready to roll right as you walk through the gate.
  • Stake out your spot for the Parade and Fireworks VERY early if you want a good spot.
  • Focus on entertainment and activities as well as rides.
  • Be patient! Everyone around you also desires a magical holiday.

I hope that you found this information helpful for your Disneyland vacation planning. Remember, even though November and December are very busy with lots of people you can still have a memorable and magical vacation!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Check out these other posts you might like:

Disney Vacation

Celebrate the Holidays at Disney World

Walking the streets of Disney World when Christmas magic has descended is my absolute favorite time to visit! I love the lights, the decorations, the stories, the treats, and special performances. My favorite place to celebrate the holidays is at Disney World!

When do the decorations go up?

celebrate the holidays at Disney World and Epcot

Disney magic strikes again making it seem like the transformation from Halloween to Christmas happens overnight. At the beginning of November, right after the last Halloween party, the magic begins. The decorations stay up until the last week of December with some decorations still remaining until the beginning of January.

Magic Kingdom is the first park to receive the treatment due to the Christmas party with the other parks quickly following. All the resorts participate in the holiday fun. Some of the Deluxe resorts

If you are planning a trip the first week of November or the beginning of January you will see decorations in flux. Some will be there but not the full picture.

What are the crowds like at this time?

While you can have a wonderful time and celebrate the holidays at Disney World no matter how many people are there, some time definitely have lower crowds than others. As other times of year crowd levels depend on school breaks. Every year is different and Disney World has been working hard to offer incentives to guests to visit at the slower times. But, listed below is some of what you can expect with November- early January crowds.

Less Crowded periods:
  • Around Novmeber 12th crowds die down a bit until the weekend before Thanksgiving
Moderately crowded periods:
  • After the 1st weekend in November (the Wine and Dine Marathon) until Veteran’s Day weekend
  • The Monday after Thanksgiving until toward the end of the 2nd week of December (historically this was a very slow time but events have been added to increase attendance)
Very crowded periods:
  • Beginning of November during the Wine and Dine Marathon
  • Veteran’s Day Weekend
  • The weekend before Thanksgiving until the Monday after
  • End of the 2nd week of December until 1st week of January when school is back in session. The days around Christmas until New Years Eve are the absolute most crowded of the year. Sometimes they have to close the park so go early.
2019 Holiday Season exceptions:

Since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just opened at the end of August expect the crowds to be more for the entire holiday season. The Rise of the Resistance experience will open December 5th so there will probably be a boost in attendance around this time.

One more thing:

Not all parks have the same boost in crowds during the season. Crowds during the Food and Wine Marathon will concentrate in Epcot. Some will spill over into the other parks.

Pop Warner events during the 1st week of December cause a huge influx in the value resorts. These competitors and their families will increase the park attendance but they also spend a lot of time at their competitions out of the parks.

Hollywood Studios will be very busy the entire season due to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

What’s the weather like?

November weather averages in the 70’s to low 80’s. December averages in the 70’s. Both months have relatively little rain. In our experience the temperatures in December have been a little all over the place. In one two week trip we had some lovely weather in the upper 70’s and then some cooler weather in the 60’s. So, it is a good idea to bring layers.

What makes celebrating the holidays at Disney World special?

At Epcot:

I would say that Epcot is my favorite park at Christmastime. I love to see how other countries celebrate.

celebrate the holidays at Disney World and Epcot

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

  • Celebration of Holiday traditions and culture in the countries around the World with stories, decorations, and activities.
  • Savor food around the world from the Holiday kitchens.
  • Candlelight Processional–Experience the Christmas Story read by an actor (Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopie Goldberg, and more) accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and full choir.
  • Candlelight Processional Dining Package–Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at one of 16 restaurants and then guaranteed seating to the Candlelight Processional that night.
  • Holiday Cookie Stroll–Purchase any 5 cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations featured in your Festival Passport—and be sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to the designated redemption Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary cookie!
  • Joyful! A Celebration of the Season– Experience the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa in the uplifting Gospel, R&B, and holidays songs of the ‘Joyful!’ vocal ensemble.
  • Chip ‘n Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree–Purchase a Map (from select Epcot stores) for a fun filled scavenger hunt. Help Chip ‘n Dale find Christmas ornaments for their tree. As you find them place stickers on your map. When you finish turn you map in to Disney Traders or World Traveler and exchange it for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip & Dale!

At Animal Kingdom:

Cross the bridge to Discovery Island and find yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. 

In the evening the villages shimmer and shine with luminaries and bird lanterns. The Tree of Life comes alive with wintery tales and holiday music and sparkles throughout the night.

Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.

Asia, Africa, and even Pandora dress up for the holidays with lights, music, costumes, decorations that reflect the land they represent. The residents of Anandapur celebrate Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Various groups appearing throughout Harambe will delight your eyes and ears with performances of African holidays. The inhabitants of Pongu Pongu have their own way of celebrating the holidays that will surprise and delight.

At Hollywood Studios:

  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!!— Featuring traditional holiday tunes and stories brought to you by Mickey, Minnie, Olaf and friends, state-of-the-art projections from Disney Animation classics, amazing laser effects, fireworks and even a little “snow,” this spectacular evening celebration builds to a festive finale that must be seen—and heard—to be believed! Enjoy the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! dessert party (extra cost) and watch the performance from preferred seating.
  • Sunset Seasons Greetings–Every night the Hollywood Tower Hotel comes to holly-jolly life with colorful projections. Boasting new laser effects and projected falling “snow,” this exuberant celebration also includes stories, songs and holiday cheer brought to you by Disney pals like Mickey, Minnie and Olaf.
  • Andy’s backyard gets a touch of holiday magic in Toy Story Land.

At Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Christmas at the Magic Kingdom is beautiful. Nothing will put you in the Christmas spirit like passing by the giant Christmas tree and walking down twinkling Main Street underneath the swagging holly vines and Mickey Mouse wreaths. But the extra special Christmas events are centered on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is an extra ticketed event that takes place 23 magical nights between Nov. 8 and December 22, 2019. What are the special activities?

  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks–an all new fireworks show celebrating the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs and fireworks seen from all over the park. A dessert party is available for additional cost and provides yummy snacks/desserts and preferred viewing for fireworks.
  • Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
  • A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas–Join Tomorrowland friends for an Out-of-this-World celebration
  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
  • A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show– Queen Elsa will magically transform Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.
  • Specialty eats and holiday treats
  • Club Tinsel–A mega-fun dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Snow on Main Street
  • Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party join the festivities with some Christmas fun.

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party

  • Holiday food ( savory hors d’oeuvres including meats, cheeses and of course meatballs) and beverages (including beer and wine)
  • Festive atmosphere with holiday hits and decor
  • Entertainment by Tony himself!
  • Reserved seating for 11PM Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
  • Festivities take place at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant from 9:30-12:30 (you get to stay after the party ends)
  • Cost $99/person. Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also required.

At Disney Springs:

  • Christmas Tree Trail–Holiday music, falling snow, and seasonally themed trees
  • Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt–Embark on a very merry mission to find the items on Stitch’s lost list and earn a surprise even Santa would love.
  • Holiday shopping for everyone on your list
  • Don’t miss the Days Of Christmas store
  • Joyful Entertainment
  • Say “Hi” to Santa

Special Holiday tours

  • Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy Tour–During this fun-filled 3 hour tour you will get a sneak peak at how the Disney elves transform the resort into the holiday wonderland. This tour costs $149. Theme park admission is not required nor included.
  • Disney’s Holiday D-lights Tour–After a delicious BBQ dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe your “holiday hosts” will unwrap some of the secrets of holiday traditions at Magic Kingdom (the lighting of Cinderella’s Castle) and Epcot (the Candelight Processional) and ending with the Epcot Forever fireworks display. This 6 hour tour costs $289.
  • Note: These tours are available on select dates during November and December. These tours are for ages 12 and up.

As you can see, Disney World is dripping with Holiday Magic in every corner. Even the resorts get a Christmas makeover. Head on over to some of the Deluxe resorts and feast your eyes on some amazing life size Gingerbread House displays as well as all the festive decorations. Enjoy the extra special magic as you celebrate the holidays at Disney World this year!!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other posts that you might enjoy:

Disney Vacation

The Ultimate Disney Christmas Package 2019

Want something really magical for you family this Christmas? Celebrate the magic of the holidays in The Most Magical Place on Earth with the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Ultimate Disney Christmas Package 2019

Book your Christmas stay at Walt Disney World from now until October 26, 2019 (or until package rooms fill up)!

  • Check in December 21, 2019 and check out December 26, 2019
  • Stay in a Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort for 5 nights
  • 4 day Park tickets with Park Hopper Option
Watch the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade as part of the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package
Be dazzled by the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party included with your package.
Ultimate Disney Christmas Package Perks:
  • Dec. 21, 2019– EXCLUSIVE nighttime access to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey and Expedition Everest®. Plus catch an exclusive showing of the park’s new Rivers of Light: We Are One show.
  • Dec. 22, 2019– Celebrate the season with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park. 
  • Dec. 23 or Dec. 24, 2019 (one night per reservation)– EXCLUSIVE reserved viewing area at World View Plaza to watch Epcot® Forever, an all-new nighttime spectacular. Plus, each Guest (ages 3 and up) will receive a digital $50 Epcot Theme Park Dine Promo Card to use at participating Epcot locations.
  • Dec. 25, 2019– An Ultimate Disney Christmas gift delivered to your Client’s room. 
  • Dec. 26, 2019– Bid a fond farewell 

Package starting at $199 per person/night

For example, for just $199 per person, per night (total package price of $3,980), a family of four can stay in a standard room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  This is based on 2 adults, 1 junior (age 10-17) and 1 child (age 3-9).

Book NOW as rooms for this package are limited! Only a $200 deposit is needed at time of booking to secure this enchanting vacation your family will remember for a lifetime! Don’t miss out on this Ultimate Disney Christmas Package!

Check out this post and see what other exciting adventures await during the holidays at Disney World!

Contact me today to experience the holidays like never before with Mickey and the Gang!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Some other posts you might be interested in:

And some package fine print:

Price based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10–17) and 1 child (ages 3–9). The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. The number of packages available for purchase is limited. Deposit due at time of booking. Valid Theme Park admission is required to attend Theme Park events included in this package. Theme Park ticket is valid for admission beginning on 12/21/19 and must be used by 12/27/19. Special event ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is valid only on 12/22/19. Exclusive fireworks viewing area at Epcot® is one night per reservation; viewing night to be chosen at time of reservation and is reserved in order booked. Capacity for each night is limited. Epcot® Theme Park Dine Promo Card will be sent on 12/23/19 to email provided at check-in. One Ultimate Disney Christmas gift per room. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

The Epcot® Theme Park Dine Promo Card (“Promo Card”) is not valid for use until purchased, activated and monetary value added. Card will be active 12/23/19 through 12/26/19. After 12/26/19, any unused funds will be forfeited. The Promo Card can only be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World Resort, at select food locations at Epcot®, select third-party lessees and select Operating Participants for food and beverage. Check with individual locations for program participation before redemption. For participating locations and additional terms and conditions visit disneyterms.com/epcotdinepromo. Except as required by applicable law: The Promo Card is not redeemable for cash; cannot be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen without required proof of purchase and complete dine card number; may not be resold in any manner whatsoever; and may not be used toward the purchase of any Disney Dollars or gift certificates/cards or toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club® Resort. The Promo Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc., which reserves the right to modify, alter, amend or change the terms and conditions of program upon notice at disneyterms.com/epcotdinepromo. 

Disney Vacation

5 Cool New Disney World Experiences this Fall!

5 new Disney World experiences this fall

Disney World is an every changing, ever evolving place. For most visitors there is something new every time they visit. Now is no exception. With so many exciting changes and improvements on the horizon it is hard to pick just a few. But, here are 5 new Disney World experiences this fall that I think are the most exciting!

1) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge–Hollywood Studios

This is actually from Disneyland but Disney World will be very similar.

This might be the best new experience at Disney World this Fall. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens August 29, 2019 at Hollywood Studios. Step into the land of Batuu and experience the Force like never before. Visitors can take a ride on the Millenium Falcon, walk among Stormtroopers, drink Blue Milk in an authentic cantina, shop for one of a kind merchandise. Then, on December 5, 2019 visitors may find themselves in the middle of a fierce battle between the Resistance and the First Order in the Rise of the Resistence Experience.

2) The Animation Experience at the Conservation Station--Animal Kingdom

Animation experience at the conservation station in Animal Kingdom

Take a relaxing train ride out of Harambe to the Conservation Station. After walking the Discovery trail and learning about conservation you can wander in and learn to draw Simba, Zazu or many other characters from your favorite Disney classics. Being an artist is not necessary. My artistic talents do not in any way shape or form lend to drawing but when I took a class a few years ago, I actually drew a recognizable Olaf. So, you can to!

3) Takumi-Tei Restaurant–Japan Pavilion at Epcot

From the moment you enter this new signature dining experience you are transported to the country of Japan. Cultural representatives bring the Japanese culture, traditions, and connection to nature alive to each customer. Not to mention the delicious, authentic food served.

4) Reimagined Bus Transportation

If you love to use Disney transportation to make your way around the Disney World resort, then this new experience this Fall will peak your interest. Your favorite Disney characters will accompany you all over the Disney resort. The faces Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, Donald, and Pluto will delight young and old alike. But, the updated interior will be a welcomed change as well as some new amenities such as USB charging ports throughout. Now you never have to waste a minute traveling to and from the parks.

5) The Skyliner

Opening this Fall–A new, high-flying mode of transportation. Get on board these Disney themed gondolas from the new Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation or Pop Century and soar over roads, cars, trees, buildings where you will land right between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Disney traveling has never been more thrilling!

disney skyliner opening this fall
Picture from Disney Parks Blog.

I can’t wait to see some of these new experiences. How about you? When do you plan to go? Do you have other opinions about what you think is the most exciting change or improvement to Disney World this year?

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts you might be interested in:

Budget Travel

How to Save Money on Food at Disney World

How to save money on food at Disney World

For our family of 9 food is a major expense. We are always on the lookout for ways to save on this budget category, especially on vacation. This post will cover different ways to save money on food at Disney World.

I want to start with this disclaimer: We are not foodies! Yes, we like good, basic, yummy food but we are not going to be looking for anything gourmet. This makes it a little easier for us to use these tips. On one of our vacations to Disney we ate almost all our meals in the park. By the time we left, we all agreed that we would rather bring more lunches. On the last few days we were tired of park food and spending a lot of money for food we didn’t just love. Because we had one member of our party who wasn’t very adventurous with food, we ate at mostly similar places which most likely diminished our Disney food experience.

If you are foodies or big eaters, read this about the Disney Dining Plan!

EDIT: as of May 2020, Disney Dining Plans are not available until the end of 2020. This is subject to change so stay tuned.

If you love trying all different kinds of foods and dining is a major part of your Disney experience then a Dining Plan may be perfect for you. You can save a lot of money if you love to eat the more gourmet foods–steak, fish, lobster and such. This is also a great option if dining with Disney characters is top on your list. Hearty eaters will also find that the dining plan is an economical choice.

You also might find that the dining plan will save you money if you like to have a glass of wine, beer or cocktail with your meals. This is now included and the savings can really add up.

How to save money on food at Disney World

So, on to the tips…

10 Ways to Save Money on Food at Disney World

1) Costco/Grocery Store

This is our main method of saving money on food at Disney World. We stop at Costco for supplies for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Since we we usually stay in a house through Airbnb we have a full kitchen to store everything. We stop at the grocery store for a few items that we didn’t want Costco sizes of such as peanut butter. The other place we go is Trader Joe’s. We don’t have one in AK and we LOVE the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. These make great snacks in the parks.

But what if you are staying in a Disney resort without a kitchen? Each of the rooms at the Disney World resort has a mini-fridge and coffee maker in the room. This will be perfect for breakfast necessities and snacks. Many of the near-by hotels will also have these items but you will want to check and make sure. If staying off-site many have free breakfast included.

HOT TIP: We love to bring string cheese, yogurt, cut veggies and drinks into the park. We always travel with a couple insulated lunch boxes. If we have access to a freezer we also bring ice packs. If not, we will bring plastic baggies and fill them with ice from the hotel ice machines.

2) Bring Snacks from Home

  • 1) Take a snack box as luggage. Bringing a box of snacks (and possibly lunch items) even with baggage costs will save money. You can bring a lot of snacks in a box for the $25-35 baggage fee.
  • 2) Use snacks a filler in luggage. Granola bars, fruit snacks and strips, baggies of trail mix, and applesauce pouches (these probably should be in a baggie in case of explosion) work great to fill in the nooks and crannies.

3) Order from Amazon Prime Now or other Grocery Delivery Service.

With Amazon Prime Now you can get grocery items of all kinds delivered right to your resort in 2 hours. If you order over $35 there is no additional delivery fee. There is a $6 fee at your resort if the groceries are received by the front desk.

Shannon at WDW Prep School has a great post on the grocery delivery services. She describes the ins and outs of using these options.

4) Eat Outside of the Parks

Giordano's a great way to save money on food at Disney World
photo courtesy of Giordano’s website

There is so many restaurants around Disney World. Pretty much any road that leads away from Disney World will have a plethora of places to eat ranging from fast food to fine dining. Google maps will be your best friend to help you find a place to eat. Our favorites off-property restaurants have been Panera, Giordano’s Pizza, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Sweet Tomatoes and Chick-fil-a.

5) Share Meals

Many meals in the Parks are big enough to share. Especially for kids. One adult meal split between two children will be cheaper than two kids meals.

A couple of things to note: if on the dining plan quick-service credits are not split between children and adults so children can order adult portions and share. This is a good way to stretch credits. At table service restaurants you are able to share for only one dining credit as long as it is not a buffet or family style

If paying out of pocket you can also share as long as you are not at a buffet or family style restaurant.

Shannan at WDW Prep School has a nice list of restaurants that have large enough portions to share.

Kristin at Couponing to Disney has a nice list of shareable meals.

Sharing meals can be accomplished at restaurants in and out of the parks. Pizza at Giordano’s is a great inexpensive option to share. The Chicago style deep-dish pizza is so delicious and filling. We always have our kids share an adult Mac-n-cheese at Panera instead of getting two kids meals.

6) Order off the Kids Menu

If you are paying out of pocket you are free to choose from the kids menu. While at most quick service restaurants the kids menu is basic kids fare. But at some you will find the Disney Check Menu which has healthier options. Many table service restaurants have much more interesting kids menu options.

7) Share Snacks

So many snacks at Disneyland are HUGE. We always share caramel corn, lemon and pineapple Dole Whip, and Mickey pretzels. There are so many good options. When you share you can try so many more delicious treats. How great is that! One thing I never share–Mickey ice cream sandwiches–just don’t even ask!

Decide ahead of time your snack threshold. Will it be one snack/person/day? Will you share a certain number of snacks a day? When our kids were younger (and not as many of them) we gave them a gift card with an amount that gave them $5/day for snacks. They could use it up however they wanted to. They loved to have control of their own snacks.

8) Bring refillable bottles or buy bottled water outside of the park

Bottled water in the park costs $3.50 a bottle. That can add up rather quickly. Refillable bottles can be filled up at water stations around the park. We filled our insulated bottles with ice in the morning and we were able to have cold water almost all day. In addition, you can always ask for a cup of water or ice at the restaurants and quick-service counters.

Purchasing bottled water outside the park is also an option. Before using refillable bottles we would bring a couple of bottles per person in small backpacks (along with our snacks). Yes, we began the morning a little heavy laden but our load lightened as we drank the water. In hot weather, since we have had freezer available, we would bring at least one froze bottle and one chilled. The frozen would melt by the time we were ready to drink. If only partially melted, we would add water from drinking fountains to hasten melting.

HOT TIP: Line your backpack with a plastic bag to keep condensation produced by melting bottles from soaking through your bag (in very hot weather this has a nice, welcome, cooling effect).

9) Eat Bread

We could seriously make a meal of this for our whole family. The Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie located down the cute little street in the France Pavilion sells baguettes for $2.95 each. With some butter that they have setting out, I will eat a whole one for a meal. Just add some cheese brought in our insulated lunch bag and we would be golden! The other thing we have done is make sandwiches. If you place a grocery order with lunch meat use your baguette’s for bread. You can find condiments such as mustard and mayonnaise at quick service locations. This is a very delicious way to save money on food at Disney World.

10) Make a Plan and Stick With it

Set a food budget before you go. Plan ahead how many meals you are going to eat in the parks, off-site or bring yourself. IF you deviate do so with cheaper options. Look up menus at restaurants to see what it will cost your family to eat there. The Disney website has a list of all their restaurants with menus for your preplanning.

In closing…

There are so many options on ways to splurge and save on food at Disney World. You can apply some of the tips above and not others. Any steps you take to save will make a difference. Take some time with your family to create a food action plan that fits your budget and how you want to eat.

Do you have a favorite tip to save money on food at Disney World? Share in the comments below so that others can benefit from your great ideas.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts you might be interest in:

Budget Travel

New Disney Summer One World Ticket Offer

Disney World 2019 Summer One World Ticket offer

The 2019 Summer One World Ticket

Enjoy Dino Land will all of Disney World with the Disney World Summer One World Ticket
Experience all of Disney World this summer including Dino Land

I am so excited to tell you about the Disney World 2019 Summer One World Ticket offer. This awesome deal starts June 4, 2019! Purchase this ticket anytime between June 4, 2019 and August 28, 2019 and have up to 6 days of fun.

Ticket Includes

One 1-day Admission to each Disney World park

Yes! You read correctly! This ticket even includes water parks. This ticket is the first of it’s kind. Normally to add on water parks you would have to purchase the Park Hopper Plus option for an additional $100/day. With this ticket you experience the water parks for less.

Enjoy Blizzard Beach the Disney World Summer One World Ticket
Blizzard Beach overlooking Kids Ski Patrol Training Camp

Important Details

  • Ticket can be purchased as of June 4, 2019
  • Use tickets any day until August 28, 2019
  • Allows one entry into each park but you can go to more than one in a day. (but not a park hopper ticket)

Do I save $ with this ticket?

The cost of this ticket will be $444 (not including tax) which is only $74/day.

When I priced the current cost of tickets (on 5/25/19) I found that on the cheapest day of the summer a 4 day (1 park/day) ticket would cost $400 (not including tax). Most days of the summer this same ticket would cost even more (up to $433 if you purchase tickets to go in June).

So, YES! Using this ticket you get to splash and play at the the water parks for hardly any extra cost. How AWESOME is that!!

What if I need a place to stay?

Purchasing the Summer One World ticket also gives you the option to immerse yourself in the Magic by staying in a Disney resort. You save up to 25% on select rooms at select Disney resorts.

If you would like to learn more or to purchase these awesome tickets just let me know! Email me at tamara@alaskatomickey.com or use the contact form in the link above.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links you might be interested in:

Ticket and Resort stay fine print:*Ticket valid 6/4/19 – 8/28/19 for one admission to Magic Kingdom® Park, one admission to Epcot®, one admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, one admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, one admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and one admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Each park may be visited only once. Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and other restrictions. Water parks are subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures. After expiration date, the price paid for a wholly unused ticket can be applied to the purchase of a new ticket with an equal or higher price. 

**The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Disney Vacation

Permanent Closures: Disneyland

The Imagineers at Disneyland are continually striving to create a better, more exciting experience for all guests. They have dreamed up and executed some really amazing attractions. But that comes at a cost. Some rides are updated to a new theme (such as change from California Screamin’ to the Incredicoaster). Other attractions close permanently at Disneyland to make room for the new.

Paradise Pier now permanently closed at Disneyland
Paradise Pier

Why do you need to know this?

To avoid major disappointment! Has it been a while since you have been to Disneyland? Did you have a favorite ride? In my opinion it is best to be mentally prepared for not being able to experience something you remember fondly from the past. On our trip this past March I was ready for the fact that California Adventure would look very different than it did in 2001. Adjusting to all the changes would have been a bit difficult for me if I hadn’t been prepared. I thought the changes were great! The re-imagined Incredicoaster was awesome!

Pixar Pier replacing permanently closed Paradise Pier
The Re-Imagined Pixar Pier

Closed Attractions at Disneyland

Disneyland

  • Big Thunder Ranch Area
  • Disneyland Forever
  • Super Hero HQ
  • Main Street Electrical Parade
  • Jedi Training Academy
  • Hook and Ladder Co.
  • Magic Eye Theater
  • Country Bear Jamboree

California Adventure

  • Sunshine Plaza
  • Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular:
  • Diamond Mad T Party: Closed permanently
  • For the First Time in Forever
  • Muppet Vision 3D
  • All of Bug’s Life Land closed to make way for a new Marvel Land opening in 2020 (maybe).

Re-imagined Attractions

California Adventure

  • Luigi’s Flying Tires is now Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is now Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
  • California Screamin’ is not the Incredicoaster
  • Sun Wheel became Mickey’s Fun Wheel and is now Pixar Pal-A-Round
  • The Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto is now the Lamplight Lounge
  • King Triton’s Carousel is now Jessie’s Critter Carousel
  • Condor Flats is now Grizzly Peak Airfield
  • Orange Stinger is now Silly Symphony Swings
  • Mulholland Madness is now Goofy’s Sky School

So, now you are fully armed with knowledge. Go and enjoy!


Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts you might like:

Disney Vacation

Disney Vacations: More than Just Theme Parks

Different types Disney Vacations

There are different types of Disney vacations?

When you read the words “Disney Vacation” does your mind immediately go to Disneyland and Disney World? Are you thinking “I didn’t know there were different types of Disney vacations.” Disney is SO MUCH MORE than just those two theme parks!

This post is going to introduce you to all the different vacation options offered by Disney. In later posts I will explain each adventure further. Let’s begin to explore the different kinds of Disney Vacations!

Disneyland

Disneyland railroad depot

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, CA. This park feels like it is nestled right in the heart of the city. It is a magical haven in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. It consists of Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. Guest can stay in one of three beautifully themed Disney resort hotels or in one of the many hotels nearby.

Disneyland post you might like:

Disney World

Magic Kingdom railroad depot

Disney World is located in Orlando, Fl. Driving into Disney World is completely different than it’s California counterpart. As you follow signs to the desired location you feel like you are driving through the countryside. The peaceful drive prepares you for the excitement of your destination ahead.

Disney World consist of four theme parks–Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. There are two water parks–Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Disney World boast more than 25 resorts with a nice mix of Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villas. On top of the Disney resorts there are also quite a few others on the property. There is Disney Springs which is a place to eat and shop. Also on the 47 square miles of Disney World property are mini-golf courses, a golf course and many, many, many other things.

Disney World posts you might like:

Disney Cruises

Micky cartoon character on a Disney Cruise another type of Disney vacation

The Disney Cruise fleet includes 4 gorgeous ships–the Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream–which are reminiscent of the past with modern amenities. Itineraries can be booked from 2-12 nights. Cruisers can experience locations all around the world–Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the West Coast, Hawaii and more. Just about anywhere you want to cruise Disney can take you.

Disney Cruises are incredibly family friendly with some of the longest kids activity hours on the seas. But, they have many activities designed specifically for the adult passengers. There is fun and relaxation for all ages!

Plus, on these cruises you will experience the magic, customer service, and attention to details that makes Disney top in its class.

Disney Cruise Line Posts you might like:

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney in Peru another type of Disney vacation

Adventures by Disney takes families on tours around the world. They have tour itineraries on 6 of 7 continents. These tours create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that prove all vacations are not created equal. Your two Adventure Guides are there to immerse you in the locations and attend to every detail of your vacation. Local guides provide expertise along the way.

Adventures by Disney can take you all through Europe, Australia, China, Japan, Costa Rica, Peru, Southeast Asia, Alaska (Woohoo!) and many other destinations. This different type of disney vacation is definitely a dream trip!

Aulani Resort

Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii a different type of Disney vacation

This spectacular resort is located on the island of Oahu in Ko Olina. It sits on a beautiful, calm cove that is perfect for families. In this resort Disney has worked hard to immerse guests in the culture of the Islands. As all Disney resorts, this one has everything for a perfect vacation–well appointed rooms and villas, multiple restaurant and snack options, spectacular landscaping, engaging kids and adults activities, and immense pool area with multiple pools (family, kids, and adults-only) and a winding lazy river.

Disney Beach Resorts

Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort

This relaxing resort sits on the shores of South Carolina. It’s 1940’s style encourages guests to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. There are rooms to fit all sizes of families and many activites to entertain as well as 12 miles of beach.

Disney’s Vero Beach

Frolic on the beaches of Florida at this elegant, old-fashioned resort. Spacious rooms provide the comforts of home just steps away from the ocean. Many activities are planned for guests of all ages.

Disney Vacation Club

Own a piece of Disney through the Disney Vacation Club. Many resorts in Disney World have Vacation Club Villas for the most avid Disney fans to own.

Worldwide Disney Parks

Disney has four parks around the world. They each have their own flair and incorporate the culture of the countries they call home. But, they also stay true to the Disney that we all know and love.

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disneyland Paris
Image by WolreChris from Pixabay

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort

Let me help!

As you can see there are so many different types of Disney Vacation options. It can overwhelming to decide which is the best choice. If this is you, please contact me! I would love to help you plan a vacation to remember.

If you know exactly what you want and where you want to go I can still help! The awesome thing is that using my services doesn’t cost you anything. You pay the same price as you would directly to Disney. When you book through me, Disney pays me the commission that they would have just kept for themselves.

So, contact me today to start planning memories for the future!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other posts that might be of interest:

Budget Travel

Quantity vs. Quality: A Vacation Travel Philosophy

Travel philosophy title picture

Who’d have thought there would be a philosophy discussion on a vacation blog? What could philosophy possibly have to do with traveling? Well, let me enlighten you.

There are probably many philosophies people can have regarding going on vacation. The ones that I have considered throughout the years is between quantity and quality.

Quantity of Travel Philosophy

This philosophy of traveling is one that enables the traveler to go away as much as possible. People with this philosophy often travel on a budget in order to do so as much as possible. They stay in less expensive accommodations, eat mostly at inexpensive eateries, and don’t purchase many extra excursions, activities or events. Penny pinching on each vacation allows money to go more places more times.

Quality of Travel Philosophy

This philosophy is held by those who want grand, dream vacations. They will save and save for a vacation with all the bells and whistles. This type of traveler will not travel as often but when they do, they do it in style. First class accommodations are booked, excursions are planned, every activity they want to do is experienced.

The Alaska to Mickey Philosophy

In the past many, many years my philosophy has been plan budget vacations in order to travel every year (sometimes more). We have tent camped on many vacations, rarely eat at nice restaurants (packing food, cooking ourselves, and faster food options instead), stayed in timeshare resorts (although this certainly hasn’t been roughing it) instead of Disney Resorts, refrained from most extras (like cruise excursions, tours, and other activities). We bought and sold (in order to pay for the trip) an RV in order to tour the East Coast.

Camping in Wyoming

We have has so many wonderful family experiences with this philosophy. Our family has seen so many fantastic places without spending a ton. Only once in a while did we feel like we were missing out.

BUT…

One of the Ko Olina cove beaches

The last couple of days I have been going through the Disney College of Knowledge learning how to book magical vacations for families. Specifically, I have learned more about Adventures by Disney and Aulani. If you are not familiar with Adventures by Disney, these are spectacular tour vacations all over the world. They are geared toward connecting families together and then together experiencing the history, culture, and countryside of their tour destinations. Every last detail is taken care of as only Disney can. And then there is Aulani, Disney’s Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. This beautiful resort on this gorgeous island seems to just be calling to me.

Now, both of these vacation destinations would require saving for a while. But, after learning all the benefits, possibilities, and really cool things about each I am thinking saving up might be worth not traveling as much.

What do you think?

What is your travel philosophy? How does your family travel? Do you prefer dream vacations, many budget vacations or are you somewhere in between? Let me know in the comments!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts you might be interested in:

Budget Travel

Saving on Car Rentals through Costco

Up until a few years ago I always went through Hotwire or Priceline for car rentals. But now, both of these companies work with Sixt, and Fox car rental companies. I have not personally have had any experience with these companies but I have read enough stories of other bad experiences to make me leary. I realize that probably most of the time these companies are great but I am not willing to try them out.

On to the subject of today’s post:

Saving on car rental through Costco

Now, we rent almost exclusively through Costco. I feel very comfortable with the reputation of the companies that sell through Costco. And, I just LOVE all things Costco!

Car rentals are booked through Costco Travel. Anyone is able to research prices. But, to book you have to log in and have a Costco membership. The thing I really like about booking rentals through Costco is that I don’t have to pay anything to make a reservation. Another Costco benefit is that a second driver is included–no extra fees,

Evidence of Saving on Car Rentals at Costco vs. Budget directly

The chart below is the cost (at the time of posting) to rent a car from May 12-18, 2019 at Orlando International Airport.

chart of car rental prices for Costco

Since Budget seems to be the least expensive, I wanted to compare Costco prices with the prices on the Budget website.

chart of car rental prices on budget
chart of car rental prices on budget

At first it looks like going directly through Budget.com is a much cheaper option. So, I proceeded to the next step. On the next page I discovered that the price initially quoted does not include taxes and fees. That inexpensive $150 economy car that I could pay at the counter for suddenly becomes $221. If I want to take the gamble of paying ahead the $118 sure looks good. But again, clicking through to the next page the price jumps to $182.

$182? That looks familiar. The Costco price for an economy car that I pay at the counter for is $182. And, when I click on to the next page, it is still $182 including taxes and fees. So, with Costco I reserve at the same low pay now price as the Budget.com website and I don’t have to pay until I actually use the car. SCORE!

Okay, now for my super HOT TIP! We have used Costco quite a few times over the last couple of years. I have learned to book a reservation early (or as soon as I book airline tickets). Then I keep checking back on the Costco website to see if the prices have dropped. Most of the times we have made reservations sure enough, the prices dropped. Then I make a new reservation and cancel the more expensive one. For example, on our recent trip to California. We reserved a 12-passenger van for 11 days for $890. I kept checking back and eventually the price dropped to $750. Yippee!

So, what tips to you have to get good deals on car rentals? Share your secrets in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts to save money you might be interested in: