Category Archives: Disney Travel Tips

5 Best Types of Disney Cast Members

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RM-99-Days-to-GoToday is double-digit-dance-day, friends.  I’m not bragging or anything, but I’m officially less than 100 days from my next visit to Walt Disney World.  Somehow this kicks my excitement up a notch and I start imagining myself actually THERE.  Y’know, walking down Main Street, riding a certain sketchy service elevator, heading to LA in my super-stretch, listening to the dulcet tones of Madam Leota calling spirits, taking in the particular smell of Rome burning, chowing down on a churro…the Disney World works!  All the stops will be pulled, Christmas decorations will abound.  Oh, boy!  I cannot WAIT!RM-BLT-Studio-Main-Room

Picturing all my favorite things at Disney World always makes me think about those awesome Disney Cast Members and what an important role they play in my vacation happiness.  There are a few CM’s in particular that are so critical, my vacation just wouldn’t be the same without them!

And so, for this week’s Friday Five, I give you the…

5 Best Types of Disney Cast MembersRM-Contemporary Resort Greeter

  1. The Cast Members of Welcoming – When I step off the Magical Express and see the smiling face of the first on-property Disney Cast Member, I feel officially on vacation.  They may meet me at the bus, in the lobby of our resort hotel, or at the front desk check-in – doesn’t matter to me!  They’re all smiles and that makes me happy.RM-Sanaa Server
  2. The Cast Members Who Bring Us Food – I could try to play it cool and say we mostly go to Disney World for attractions and amenities.  Thrill rides, shows, ambiance, hidden Mickeys…oh, who am I kidding.  We love the FOOD!  I know many of you live in fancy big cities and can drive a block or two to an amazing dining experience anytime you want to.  We live in the wilds of Louisiana…our options are limited.  Dining at places like Citricos, California Grill, Jiko, Flying Fish Café, Il Mulino, and Yachtsman Steakhouse are such a treat for us!  It’s not just the food – it’s the service!!!  There’s no doubt that those amazing Cast Members in these fine dining establishments make our meals extra special!RM-Photographer-DHS
  3. The Cast Members Who Take Our Picture – I’m not just talking about the PhotoPass/Memory Maker photographers.  I’m talking about all the Cast Members who are ready and willing to take pictures with our camera or cell phone to make sure we do not miss capturing all the special moments of our vacation.  They’re helpful and kind and we appreciate them beyond words.RM-Main-Street-CMs
  4. The Cast Members Who Control Crowds – I love these folks!  The Parade Prep People!  Safety may be their main (and most important) concern, but we have always found them to be funny, entertaining, and especially good at keeping guests from being trampled by a parade float while being charming at the same time.IMG_5124
  5. The Cast Member From Home – This is the rarest one of all!  We read name badges.  It’s become a bit of an obsession and has prompted many an interesting conversation.  Disney Cast Members come from all over the world and we know most of them have to be at least a little homesick.  Taking a minute to ask about a CM’s hometown helps us connect for a few minutes and, we like to think, helps return the kindness that the overwhelming majority of Disney Cast Members have shown to us over the past 25+ years.  It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally we find a CM from Louisiana.  One day, back in 2012, we found a CM from our hometown.  You can read about that story here.

What about YOU?  What types of Cast Members are your favorite contributors to Disney vacation happiness?

Autumn at Walt Disney World

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RM-Main-Street-USA-Magic-KingdomSeptember has arrived!  While I live where it’s still incredibly hot and humid, September’s arrival means fall weather won’t be terribly far away.  Kids head back to school, mornings feel a little bit cooler, and, for those who can make it, one of the very best times to visit Walt Disney World is upon us.  This year, the part of my family that will be enjoying this perfect time of the year at our favorite vacation destination does not include me.  That doesn’t keep me from being crazy-excited for our daughter, Megan, who will be honeymooning at Disney World in the very near future.

The newlyweds will be able to make the most of this wonderful chance to experience…

Autumn at Walt Disney World – 5 Great ThingsBay-Lake-Tower-Sunrise

  1. The Weather – Lower humidity, lower temperatures, and less chance of rain.  Sure, it’s hurricane season, but the odds are pretty good that the weather will be fantastic.  The skies are bluer and the sunrises and sunsets are more beautiful.  Okay, maybe it just seems that way to me, but I’d swear it’s true.RM-Magic-Kingdom-Autumn
  2. The Crowds – There’s more room!  Fewer children!  The queues are shorter, so seeing and doing more on any given day is much easier.  Fewer guests makes Disney World seem more inviting – the extra elbow room is fantastic!RM-Fall-Mickey-Pumpkin
  3. The Events – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a must-do event.  You must don an awesome Disney costume and experience this incredibly fun seasonal bash.  Trick-or-Treat (yes, even grown-ups), dance with your favorite characters, enjoy rides and attractions, and, do NOT (seriously, DO NOT) miss the Boo to You Parade.  RM-Boo-to-You-ParadeYou won’t believe it until you see it.  That alone is worth the price of admission.  Don’t even get me started on the joys of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival.RM-Magic-Kingdom-Scarecrow
  4. The Decorations – Magic Kingdom gets all decked out for fall – and it’s incredible.  Sure, I love Disney World at Christmastime, but there’s a whimsical charm to the colorful leaves, pumpkins, and special touches of autumn that makes everything seem magical.RM-Magic-Kingdom-Autumn2
  5. The Opportunities – Lower crowds plus special events equals opportunity!  One of my favorites is the opportunity to slow down and soak up more magic!  Try new attractions and shows, taste new flavors, make the most of Memory Maker and pose for pictures wherever a photographer can be found.  Stroll, meander, mosey – sit and relax for a while.  You’re at Walt Disney World in autumn – and it doesn’t get much better than that.

Have you visited Disney World in the fall?  Please share your best tips for enjoying the season and I’ll pass them along to the happy couple!

At Walt Disney World, No One Cares

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Viking-RaymondThe way we vacation at Walt Disney World is different than anyplace else we visit.  We’re much more inclined to be fun-filled and relaxed.  We feel ageless – we can just be ourselves without worrying what anyone else will think about our antics.  We’re not alone.  We’re among other Disney fans who completely understand our passion!  We can throw off our worries and cares for a bit while we remember what it was like to work hard all day at…playing.

At Walt Disney World, No One Cares

If you eat dessert first.  No problem!  Grab a churro and a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar and call it lunch.  If ever there was a place to relax your diet standards, this is it.  I’ve always wondered what would happen if I asked for that scrumptious banana bread pudding at ‘Ohana to be brought out first?  I think I’m going to try it and see!IMG_3785 DSCN3085

If you cry on Main Street.  Raise your hand if you’ve teared up during Wishes or over that elated feeling when you first see Cinderella Castle.  It’s okay!  You’re not alone.  One time, I sat next to a young woman who cried hysterically during the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

If you geek out over your favorite character.  Yes, grown men and women wait in line for character meet-and-greets all the time.  There’s no judgement here.  My loving Donald does not make me immature or odd.  It makes me happy! RM-Army-man-selfie

If you act your shoe size (not your age).  Wear an Earhat!  Sport your pin-trading lanyard with pride!  Be excited about parades, rides, attractions, and shows.  Search for Hidden Mickeys!  If every member of your group wears matching tee shirts, you’ll fit right in with dozens of other families doing the same thing.  At home, your Goofy hat or Yoda backpack might garner some strange looks, but at Walt Disney World, it makes you look cool.Star Wars Shopping at Disney's Hollywood Studios

If you look a mess.  If there’s one place you don’t have to worry about your appearance, it’s at Disney World.  It’s hot or rainy (or both), you may be soaked from Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids! You can wear shorts and a tee shirt nearly everywhere and fit right in.  Bad hair is practically mandatory.  I particularly enjoy the look I achieve from the Tower of Terror / Rock’n’ Roller Coaster double whammy!PeopleMover

There’s a lesson here for our children.  There will be times in life when we need to be serious, professional, somber, or sedate and there will be times when we can (and should) kick up our heels and embrace the FUN!  What are your favorite ways to have a great time at Disney World?

 

World Showcase for the Weary

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Epcot's World ShowcaseSometimes, a Walt Disney World vacation starts off like gangbusters.  You’re blowing and going from rope drop to park closing – hitting every E-ticket attraction along the way.  After three or four days, you notice fatigue has set in.  Your dogs are barking, no matter how comfortable your shoes are.  Your legs and back are achy, you’re a tad sleep-deprived.  Sure, you could spend a day basking in the Florida sun poolside at your resort…but what if you don’t like basking in the sun?  Swimming is only exciting for a couple of hours?  What to do…

World Showcase for the WearyView of World Showcase

Nothing beats a day at Epcot for a more relaxing and laid-back park touring plan.  If you’ve shelled out the big bucks for some park-hoppers covering each day of your vacay, hanging out at the resort for a day will seem like a gigantic waste of money.  Book a couple of early morning fastpasses for Future World attractions like Soarin’, Spaceship Earth, and Turtle Talk with Crush or the Seas With Nemo and Friends.  Spend the time between fastpasses watching the manatees in The Seas or enjoying breakfast at Sunshine Seasons (may I suggest the chocolate croissant?).  Just take it easy until World Showcase opens (usually at 11:00 am).  Then prepare to take it easier for the rest of the day.RM-Spaceship-Earth-and-Boat-Epcot

Each country offers it’s own interesting food, beverages, and entertainment.  Take them each as a low-key, mini-adventure.  Sample flavors, browse shops, experience unique entertainment.  Sit back and relax on one of the plentiful benches or board one of the Friendship Boats and sail across the World Showcase Lagoon.  RM-German-Beer-ManYou do NOT have to rush, no need to be anyplace at a particular time…unless you want to.  Give your overworked feet a rest!  While the movies in the Canada, China, and France pavilions are not going to knock your socks off, you will be sitting down, in air-conditioned comfort.  RM-Mary-Poppins-and-PenguinAfter all the rushing around Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, Epcot’s World Showcase is like a refuge – a shelter from the storm of thrill rides and must-dos.

If you happen to find yourself in the World Showcase during Epcot’s Flower and Garden or International Food & Wine Festivals, consider making time for one of the concerts offered during those special events.  They’re yet another way to chill while having fun.

If, in the evening, you find that you’ve gotten a second wind, put those park hoppers to good use and check out Wishes or the Main Street Electrical Parade in Magic Kingdom to top off the day!

Are you a World Showcase fan?  What are your favorite things to do there?