Family Travel Girl

Amusement & Theme Parks - Disney World Tips

Wondering What You Should Pack for Disney World?  It has occurred to me that with summer vacation season upon us, many of you are probably thinking of taking Walt Disney World Vacations sometime soon.  Having been there numerous times (more than my husband cares to remember!), I feel compelled to pass along some tried and true Disney World tips for summer touring.

After the resort reservations have been made and discount theme park tickets have been purchased, what's next?  Why packing lists, of course!  Since Florida's summers are known to be hot (90+ degree days) and humid, let's talk about how you and your family can dress to stay as comfortable as possible while visiting the land of magic.

Disney World Theme Park Tips

- Your feet!  That's right . . . if you're dogs are barkin' at you, you're not going to be having a good time!  So, please, please, please bring a pair (or two) of your most comfortable shoes for touring Walt Disney World parks.  You'll be walking a lot of miles in those shoes as you hop between Disney World rides and parades all day long.  This is not the time to run out and buy a pair of brand new (stiff) shoes.  Rely on old faithfuls for this trip.  Also, if you don't have some good moisture-wicking socks, now is the time to pick up several pair.  Anything made from CoolMax is a great choice.  My absolute favorite socks are the X-Static travel socks that I bought at www.magellans.com a few months ago (and wore on a two-week trip through Europe).  These socks are an excellent quick-drying choice for sink washing, too.

- Your skin!  To protect your lovely skin from Florida's harsh sun, bring a hat with a nice brim.  Also be sure to pack some good sunscreen.  Apply it early and often!

- Your hair & clothing!  Unless you like walking around in wet clothes after a quick, but heavy thunderstorm or a ride on Splash Mountain, do yourself a favor and pick up a few cheap rain ponchos.  You can find $1 ponchos at lots of stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens).  Look in their camping department if you're having a tough time locating them.   

Make your Disney trip one of your family's best vacations ever!

Photo by Simon Grossi via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Disney World Tips: High School Musical Parade / Pep Rally

High School Musical Parade - Walt Disney World:  Have any of you had a chance to see the High School Musical Parade Pep Rally at Disney's MGM Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando?  For those of you who have High School Musical lovers in your family, you may want to check it out the next time you're at Walt Disney World.  Go to WDWinfo.com, a great Disney information website, for current Disney parade times.  No, Zac Efron won't be there in person, but it still looks like a lot of family vacation fun.  For those of you who can't wait, log onto YouTube to see a video of the Walt Disney World parade!  By the way, how does Disney make everything seem so darn happy!?

Photo by Josh McConnell via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Disney World Rides: Toy Story Mania Attraction

Disney World Ride - Toy Story Mania!  Okay all you die-hard Disney fans . . . listen up!  I know you all get excited when you hear about new Disney World rides, right?  Well, Walt Disney World Orlando has just opened a new Toy Story attraction.  Disney's midway games-style ride, complete with 3-D glasses, is called Toy Story Mania! and is located in the Hollywood Studios theme park. The new Toy Story attraction sounds similar to another Disney World ride, Pixar-inspired - Buzz Lightyear's ride.  But instead of using a laser gun to shoot and gain points, the guest launches virtual objects from a spring-loaded cannon at various targets, all the while listening to "You've Got A Friend In Me."  Favorite Toy Story characters that make appearances include Woody, Buzz, Rex, and Hamm.  Feel free to compete with the other players for the high score! 

The ride officially opened May 31, 2008, and it is a Fast Pass ride!  If anyone out there was fortunate enough visit Toy Story Mania!, please let Family Travel Girl and our friends know what you thought!  As for the rest of you, what are you waiting for?  Buy your theme park tickets and start planning a Walt Disney World vacation!

Photo by MrKathika via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Walt Disney World: Win a Free Trip and Stay in Cinderella's Castle

Walt Disney World - Sleep in Cinderella's Castle!  Dollars are tight these days, but here's a chance to get a fabulous Walt Disney World Orlando trip for free.  OK, I know that the odds of winning a Disney vacation are probably as low as winning the lottery, but I can dream, can't I?

Borders Books Dream Rewards is offering a chance to win a Walt Disney World getaway for a family of four.  The travel prize includes airfare, transfers, one night in Cinderella's Castle, four 5-day Magic Your Way Tickets, and a chance to meet Tinkerbell.  If you're feeling lucky and are dreaming of your favorite Disney rides (Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and Splash Mountain?), visit Disney's site and enter the contest to win a free Disney trip.

Photo by Zesmerelda via Flickr (Creative Commons)