Category Archives: Disney Travel Tips

Being Goofy: 10 Ways To Goof Around At Walt Disney World

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Please welcome back guest blogger Curtis Stone.  Curtis is one of the cohosts (with his daughter, Lindsay) of the Geekin’ on WDW Podcast.  If you haven’t checked out this show, you need to give it a listen – Curt and Lindsay have a lot of fun and share great stories and tips.  Follow Geekin’ on WDW on Facebook here and follow Curt on Twitter here.

Gaston's Fountain at Walt Disney WorldBeing Goofy:  10 Ways To Goof Around At Walt Disney World

I’m mostly a serious, shy and quiet guy. I often was annoyed in college when kids were always goofing around.

On the other hand,

  • I like to have a good time
  • I like to be different
  • Awkward silence/idleness bothers me
  • When someone asks for volunteers, I raise my hand

I purposely sit in front in meetings or events.  I step out of my comfort zone all the time in crowds of people either for work, training or on vacation.

I think you should too if you’d like to enhance your Disney World experience.  My friends often comment that they want to go with us on vacation because our pictures prove we have a good time.

Here’s my 10 ways and opportunities for you to goof around at Disney World:

Goofing …

Goofin' around with the Tooth FairyWith other guests

People let their guard down on vacation.  It can be much easier to get into a conversation with other guests.  On our last vacation, we had some fun with guests.  One time was when we all wore our new Malestrom t-shirts.  First, we got lots of comments from guests on our shirts.  Second, one young man was wearing the same shirt, we took a picture together and rode the ride together.  We also ran into him again the next day and we plan on having him on the podcast.

Another fun time was at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Many guests dress up for the special event which is fun in of itself.  One group of five guests really caught my attention as they were dressed as the Flintstones and one guy was the Tooth Fairy.  I just had to interact with them and I did get my picture with the Tooth Fairy.  <Insert Picture>

With cast members

I enjoy chatting with the cast members.  One of my favorites was the doorman that used to work at the Beach Club.  My wife and I took our picture with him.  He was such an nice man. One of my favorite new things to do with cast members is to pin trade.  No matter where you encounter a cast member with pins, it an opportunity to chat and have some fun trading.

Hanging out with Walt Disney World Street PerformersWith street players

There are so many opportunities to join in the show.  Over the years, I believe my family and I have participated in just about them all.  I like the time my wife was picked in EPCOT as an old witch who casts a spell with the World Showcase Players. The Ziti Sisters had swooned over me in Italy.  My son’s girlfriend, on her first visit, played with the clown/juggler in Italy. We always look to be picked for all the shows.

With photo pass photographers

The big tip with the Disney photographers is to remember to ask them if they have a “magic” shot.  On our last trip, we purchased the Memory Maker package and we took advantage.  They had a ton of new magic shots that put the characters in your pictures.  You get a chance to act Goofy and then see what character they put in your picture after you get home and check the shots out online.

With hats and toys in the gift shops

When I was a child, my parents were strict.  For one thing, I was not allowed to touch items in a store.  I was always amazed that nobody bothers you as you get Goofy with trying on hats and taking pictures.  Put on a viking hat and put your finger up a trolls nose in Norway pavillion in EPCOT.  You can put on a pirate hat and have a sword fight after riding the Pirates of the Caribbean.  This last trip, I finally bought the hat and dreadlocks.  It was fun walking through Magic Kingdom as Jack Sparrow.  I got lots of looks and comments.

With charactersMeeting Tigger

Even though our kids are all grown up, we still take time to get pictures with characters.  On the past trip, Tigger grabbed my pirate hat and put it on.  My wife and 21 year old daughter got hugs from Pooh and Eeyore.  Baloo is my favorite from my childhood.  I have a favorite picture with him.  I really like a picture my wife and I got with Mickey and Minnie in Magic Kingdom.  It was actually a very private moment and they were a lot of fun.

With attractions

If you jump up and down or get to some attractions early, you can participate in the show.  I’ve been picked to be Captain of the PT boat in the backlot tour, an extra on the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and I was just picked on our last trip to get on stage at the Flights of Wonder.  My only regret is that I one day want to be “That Guy” in the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor show.

In the queues

Disney World has improved waiting in line for attractions by adding things to do or see.  The Haunted Mansion on one of my favorites.  While posing for a picture in front of the Sea Captain, I was sneezed on by the Captain.  We got a lot of laughs in that queue.  Another of my favorite new queues is for the Little Mermaid in New FantasyLand.  There’s a lot of cool places to take pictures.  Try to wave to the little crabs in some of the caves.  The crab will see you and steal an object from the scene. It’s a lot of fun.

Curtis on Splash MountainMake a face in ride picture

I’m usually caught smiling or screaming on the rides that capture a picture.  One fun thing you can do is plan a face or pose to show the camera as you go by.  The more you ride the more likely you’ll know where the picture is taken.  Splash Mountain is an easy one because it’s going to be where you take the plunge into the brier patch.  On our last trip, we decided to put our hands to our face.  Funny part of the picture was that Lindsay and I did it and Mom was taking a picture.  Now with Memory Maker, you get all the ride pictures included in your package.  The pictures often show some really funny moments you don’t want to miss.

Get your face painted or wear a costume

One great time we had this year was at the new Harambe Nights at Animal Kingdom.  Lindsay and I took advantage of the exclusive ticketed event.  It was a street party and a special Lion King theatrical show.  Before the show, we had some fun getting in the spirit by with face Face Painting at Walt Disney Worldpainting.  I forgot I had the paint on and wiped it off accidentally while wiping sweat off my face.  We had some laughs and luckily was able to get it touched up before the show.  I think it would be fun as a family for all to get their face painted while in the parks.  It would make for a great picture and you’d get lots of attention from guests and cast members.  I was surprised how much fun and reaction I had when I just wore my Captain Jack hat on our last trip.

There you have it. Ten ways to goof around at Disney World.

Disney World not only allows goofing around in the parks and “On Stage” but they encourage it. I say let your guard down, get in the mood and let loose.  You’ll have even more fun at Disney World.

 

 

 

 

Walt Disney World – Vacation Day Checklist

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Wristlet for WDWWhen I’m packing for a Disney vacation, I never worry about forgetting clothes, shoes, or shampoo and the like.  If I forget hairspray or sunscreen – I’m okay with just buying a replacement at Disney World (I’m going to do the resort loop shop tour anyway, right?).  I’m a big picture kind of person and for me, the devil really IS in the details.  It’s the little, but super important things I’m most likely to forget.  Now that a Disney vacation has become a little bit more complex than it used to be, I rely heavily on what I call a Vacation Day Checklist.  This is the list I use at the very last minute before I leave home to make sure that when the plane lands and my sandals hit the ground, I am completely ready to get right down to vacationing.

Since I’m going to use this list tomorrow (woohoo!!!), I’ve been tweaking it here and there.  I thought maybe if I shared it with you, you might find it useful for your own future Disney vacation or (let’s make this all about me for a sec, okay?) YOU might offer me some suggestions on how you organize all the listed items.  If you think I’ve forgotten anything, shout it out immediately!  Time is of the essence!

THE Vacation Day Checklist:Printed Reservations

1. Printed proof of all resort reservation numbers, Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs), and FastPass+ selections.  I’ve heard horror stories about relying solely on the MyDisneyExperience app for this.  I’m not willing to chance it….are you?

2. Airline boarding passes (if flying) – Raymond is really great about remembering to do online check-in at the earliest available moment.  And he keeps up with the boarding passes.  I’m in charge of worrying about it.

3. Magical Express Luggage Tags in PLACE – I wait until I’m completely packed (in theory) before placing the Magical Express tag on my suitcase…I also then weigh my bag to make sure I’m not over the weight limit.  I don’t mean to brag, but on more than one occasion I’ve been complimented by the airline’s skycaps at curbside check-in for my packing skills when my bag weighed in with a full one-half-pound to spare.

4. Magic Bands in carryon.  At least one band will need to be scanned for boarding the Magical Express motor coach.  ALL Magic Bands will need to be available for resort check-in if adding charging privileges to each band (and selecting a PIN for charging).

Walt Disney World Annual Pass5. CARDS!  This may include any/all of the following:  Drivers’ License, Credit card for resort charges, Annual Pass (or voucher) to be linked to Magic Bands at the first park after arrival, Tables in Wonderland (dining discount card), DVC membership.  NOTE:  If you purchased a special event ticket you will be picking up at the will-call window, you will need to have the credit card with you that was used to purchase the tickets.

6. Chargers, cords, batteries.  I take three digital cameras, a GoPro video camera, my cell phone, and my laptop with me.  I’d be pretty sad if I forgot their associated charging cords and extra batteries.

7. Rain Prep – I check that 10 day forecast up until the last minute.  If there’s a significant chanceDisney Parks Poncho of rain on arrival day, I’m wearing my rain-friendly shoes and carrying my rain ponchos with me.  Rain will not keep me from enjoying my arrival day!

8. Park Bag – We always head straight to a park!  It may not always be the same park every time, but once we’ve checked in at the resort, we are off!  I make sure I have my cameras, charger, small medical kit, rain gear, pins to trade…whatever we’ll need.  In a bag, ready to go.  Need suggestions for bags?  Check here.

9. Empty Zip Lock Bags – Part rain gear, part miscellaneous supplies.  If it rains, I can quickly stow electronics in a bag for protection.  Gallon-sized bags are always good for separating dirty socks and underwear from everything else in the suitcases.  Toiletries that might potentially leak can be sealed up tight inside their own bags.  Wet rain ponchos can be stored in a zip lock, inside a park bag without shedding water on everything.

10.  Snacks.  I tend to think of food only when I’m hungry.  Traveling is dicey – might not get to eat at regular times.  After one horrible food-poisoning incident on our way to Walt Disney World in 2012, I’m not inclined to trust airport food all that much anymore.  Trouble is, when I’m TOO hungry, I tend to get pretty cranky.  I actually have to remind myself on this list to bring along some nibbles – just in case.

Okay – My Earhat-wearing friends – what did I miss????  This is my last minute checklist….what’s on yours?

 

Walt Disney World – Lots of Love for Liberty Square

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The Liberty Bell in Walt Disney World's Liberty SquareSo much goodness can be found in a very special little corner of Magic Kingdom – Liberty Square!  I like to approach this section of the park through Fantasyland to fully enjoy this carefully crafted walk through time.  Don’t know what I mean?  Liberty Square is the symbolic beginning of these United States of America!  As you walk towards and through Frontierland, you move through history!

Let’s go back in time to Colonial America.  Check the buildings’ architecture, style, and colors and you’ll be transported back to a time when there were, in this country, just 13 colonies struggling for liberty – thus the name of today’s focus!  Don’t miss the Liberty Bell (reproduction) and the stockade for some great photo ops!  A humble little area with only a very few attractions and eateries, the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World would certainly not be the same without it.

Lots of Love for Liberty Square

The Liberty Belle is a beauty!  This paddlewheel boat is graceful and majestic and offers guests a relaxing way to enjoy the Rivers of America.  While I prefer to enjoy her beauty from the shore Hall of Presidents / Walt Disney Worldrather than aboard her decks – there’s no denying how impressive this riverboat is in all her whitewashed glory.

The Hall of Presidents – Don’t be ashamed if you’re a fan!  Go ahead, hold your head up with pride.  You’re not a stuffy, geeky brainiac – you’ve got a great appreciation for a unique and very “Disney” experience.  In New York at the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln first appeared in the Illinois Pavilion.  Once Disney had Honest Abe – the very first animatronic human – the rest of the presidents were not far behind.  A virtual haul of presidents!  (Don’t hurt yourself)

Walt Disney World's Haunted MansionHaunted Mansion – Don’t tell me this doesn’t rank in your top 10 favorite Disney attractions.  Either I won’t believe you or I’ll have to stop being your friend.  This ride’s got it ALL!  Great sound and special effects, perfect balance of fun and creepy/scary-ness, awesome ride vehicles, great music – what more could a Disney fan ask for?

What’s YOUR favorite thing about Liberty Square?    

 

 

Rise and Shine at Walt Disney World

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Early Morning at Disney's Grand FloridianWhen you’re on vacation do you like to sleep in?  Are you a night owl?  Do you stay up into the wee hours squeezing all the enjoyment you can into every day?  It’s okay to expect a little rest and relaxation when you’re taking a break from the rest of the world, but WAIT!  At Walt Disney World, there are some things that are worth waking up for!  And I don’t mean sleep late and get to them when you’re ready.  No, I mean get up early – set that alarm, request that wakeup call – whatever it takes to pry yourself out of that comfy hotel bed and start the day in a special way!

Five Reasons to Rise and Shine at Walt Disney World

1. The Welcome Show at the Magic Kingdom – It’s magical!  But you’ve got to get there mighty Welcome Show at Magic Kingdomearly to get a good viewing spot.  At about 10 minutes before the park’s official opening time, there’s a wonderful welcome for waiting guests.  Disney characters and Main Street Citizens are among the welcoming party.  It’s cute, it’s special, and it’s EARLY!  Get up in plenty of time to be at the park at least 30 minutes prior to opening (rope-drop) – if not sooner.

2. A Character Breakfast – If you choose to book a breakfast at someplace like the Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace, Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House, Epcot’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood and Vine – you can enjoy some pretty hearty breakfast fare while visiting with some of your Meeting Minnie at Chef Mickey'sfavorite characters.  Booking an early breakfast means you’ll get in the park before the crowds and will be well fortified to hit the ground running! (All character dining experiences can be found here.)

3. Rope-Drop – If for no other reason than to maximize the number of rides and attractions you can experience, arrive at your favorite park entrance before it opens at least a couple of times on your vacation.  If you’re staying on property consider hitting morning Extra Magic Hours when available (early entrance for resort guests).  If you can’t make it that early, get to a park about 30 minutes before it opens (without the Extra Magic Hour) and prepare to make the most of that less crowded time of the day.  Booking FastPasses?  Save them for a little later in the morning or even early afternoon!Rhino on Kilimanjaro Safari

4. Kilimanjaro Safari – I know, it’s just one attraction, but I’m telling you, if you love animals and want to see them at their most alert and active, you should really try to experience Kilimanjaro Safari at least one time first thing in the morning.  Have your camera ready!  I’m particularly fond of the elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes, okapi, wildebeest, crocodiles, well…you get the idea.

5. A Florida Sunrise – Think I’m crazy?  Try it and see.  The coolest, most peaceful part of the day is a wonderful experience – especially if the little ones are still asleep!  Grab a cup of coffee and Morning on the balcony at Old Key Westfind a place to enjoy the sights and sounds of your resort before it becomes hot and crowded.  If your room has a balcony, sit outside in your pajamas!  If you enjoy walking or running, there’s no better time of the day to get out there and get moving.

What’s your favorite way to start the day at Walt Disney World?