BREAKING: Disney Dining Plan Price Increases

Breaking news out of Disney this morning....new Disney Dining Plan prices have been made available and the price increase will be put into effect as early as today March 9, 2016. 

The good news is there is no change in service inclusions. It looks as though all of the services have stayed in tact. This means if you are on the dining plan you will still currently get the same credit allotments and any extras you may have received on the deluxe plans (i.e. appetizers, deserts, etc.).

The bad news is the dining plan increase bumps up the total cost to about 3% across the board. If you recall the 2016 Disney Dining plan was: 

However, the new Disney Dining Plan is bumping up prices by over $2 each night. Check out the new rates below:

What do you think about this new increase in prices? The change comes after Disney released new ticket prices just 2 weeks ago. Will this change your mind when purchasing a Disney dining plan now or no?

A Review: Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Every spring Walt Disney World showers the Epcot park with flowers and gardens and wows all of us visitors. But did you know this festival is way more than just flowers and gardens? Read below for some great tips if you are visiting in the spring months. 

The year marks the first in 23 years that Epcot will offer the Flower and Garden Festival for a full 90 days! Usually the event is a shorter time frame of 75 days so this year we are in for a special treat. 

This year the front entry will feature none other than Donald Duck's nephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louie. They will be featured alongside Donald and Daisy and the Disney Gardeners will draw inspiration from a 1943 comic book entitled "The Victory Garden."

Of course what is a Flower and Garden Festival without Mickey, Anna, and Elsa? They will be there too, no worries. Mickey will be featured as Ranger Mickey celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service. Anna and Elsa will be moving to the Norway Pavilion this year as well. 

A very exciting addition this year is the 13 food offerings to choose from! Two outdoor kitchens that will feature kiosks where you can sample the food from. These kitchens will produce delicious foods such as: Jerk Spiced Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa, and Jamaican Braised Beef. The other outdoor kitchen will feature a field greens salad with lots of  fruits and vegetables. They will pair this with a blueberry hard cider brewed right in Florida. There will also be another 11 booths to choose your favorite flower and garden plates as well as new beverage options. I'm hungry just thinking about it!! 

And finally, the ever popular Garden Rocks Concerts will make a return and be offered even longer this year. Some of the standouts being the Village People, The Spinners, and The Guess Who. The concerts are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30, 6:45, and 8pm. 

A valid admission ticket is required to attend this event. It is one of the most fun events at Disney though so be sure to check it out if you are down in Mouseland during this time. 

As always I'm here to help plan your perfect vacation for you and your family when you are ready. Contact me today for your free quote. My services are always 100% free and I provide you with the Disney customer service you know and love!

How To: Thank a Cast Member

We are halfway through the week my friends, we will be sailing into the weekend here in just a few short days and I don't know about you but I am so ready for the weekend to be here! 

Today, I started thinking about all of those amazing and truly excellent Cast Members (CM's) that go above and beyond during all of my trips to Disney. Everyone knows that Disney prides themselves on having the best customer service and if you've been to a resort, park, or restaurant you have surely felt nothing but welcome and overjoyed at the service you receive. 

Did you know that many of the CM's work a 10 to 12 hour shift daily and in the summer it can easily reach upwards of 95 to 100 degrees?!? These CM's are always in character and ready to please though and so today I wanted to talk about how you can thank a CM that goes above and beyond for you or your family when you are on vacation. 

1. Offer them your sincere thanks to any cast member you never know when Pixie Dust may fall upon you! - Remember these CM's many times work 10 to 12 hour shifts and I don't know about you but I would be mighty tired after working a 10 to 12 hour shift in the parks. I always make it a point to give a sincere thank you to any CM I see, you never know when they need it. Just a simple sincere thank you can go so far to them! It's how many of them get through their day! 
2. Make conversation with them - CM's love to tell their story and many of them have a specific story line to keep in the park as well. Do not try and make them break character they won't! However, what you can do is ask them about themselves. Each CM wears a name badge that states their name and where they are from. Find a CM that's from your state? Chat with them about it. These CM's are happy to have conversations with you and in fact welcome it. It creates lasting memories as well not only for you but for them. 
3. Create thank you cards before you go to the parks and when you find a cast member that has gone above and beyond give them a personalized thank you card! They will love these mementos and will happily accept them. 
4. Visit guest services at the entrances of the park and tell them about your experience - Guest services loves to hear about CM's that go above and beyond and will ask you to fill out a card so they can give it to the manager of the CM. These cards called 4Keys Cards are not only given to the manager but also entered in drawings for prizes and money for the CM's that receive them. The cards also go into their permanent record with Disney. 
5. At Epcot ask any CM from that country to sign your guest book - They will sign it and also sign it in their language giving you a personalized autograph book that not many others can say they have. It also delights the CM to sign an autograph book as many of these CM's are not "costumed characters" and would otherwise never sign an autograph book. 

What ideas do you have to thank the CM's on your next vacation? Comment below and let me know! 

As always, if you are looking into a Disney vacation or are ready to book contact me today so we can start planning your vacation. My services are always 100% free to utilize and I give you the customer service from Disney that you know and love. Let's chat!!

Must Have FastPasses

Happy Monday readers and friends!! I hope most of us were able to weather the big snow storm this past weekend and all are warm and snug in our homes or work today. As most of you know, the Disney Traveling family will be heading down to Orlando in late March to have a wonderful time at MouseLand!! We are so excited and half of our excitement is just in planning the whole trip. Who's with me?!

So I decided to put a list together of Must Have FastPass+ that are enjoyable for everyone in your party. Some of us love the thrills and many of us travel with our families so our FastPass+ have to be all ages friendly. Read on below to find out some of my go to tips and tricks for getting the FastPass+ you want and what to do if you are traveling at Peak Times and cannot get the FastPass+ you want. 


1. Animal Kingdom Must Have FastPass+ - My favorites at this park are hands down: DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest. My runner up would have to be Kilimanjaro Safaris. 




2. Hollywood Studios Must Have FastPass+ - My favorites here are: Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror. Runner ups in the list are a plenty: Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid. The important thing to keep in mind with Hollywood Studios is they operate on a tiered ride system. Meaning that you get one pick from Group A which includes: Rockin Roller Coaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, The Great Movie Ride, Beauty and the Beast Live, and Fantasmic. You get two choices from Group B which include: Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Muppet Vision 3D, Frozen: A Sing Along Celebration, Star Tours, Disney Junior Live, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid. 
You really have to look at what works best for your family at this park as there are so many great rides to choose from and they are still expanding the park!! 




3. Epcot Must Have FastPass+ - Epcot is another park that is changing and with that so do my FastPass selections. I always make sure to get Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space. This is another park that has recently updated their tiered system in groupings. Group A you can pick one ride from: IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Soarin', Test Track, Living with the Land. And in Group B you pick two from: Disney/Pixar Short Film Festival, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Mission: SPACE, Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Epcot Character Spot





4. Magic Kingdom Must Have FastPass+: Oh that amazing amount of rides and things to do at this park one could easily do 3 or 4 days in just this park alone! However, I know many of us will just be visiting for 1 or 2 days so look at my choices below. This is absolutely a park where it will be different for every family so make your selections based on your party. Mine always include: Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain. So many runner ups here but just to name a few: Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, Jungle Cruise, Big Mountain Railroad, Enchanted Tales with Belle. 





So there you have it. Those are my top rides that the Disney Traveling family always tries to get when we go! What are your must have FastPass+? Comment below and let me know.

How do you get the best FastPass+ choices and windows? Well that's a simple answer. Any resort guests 60 days out from arrival can make FastPass+ selections beginning at 7am CST. It is so important to log on and make your selections as soon as possible. If you are traveling at Peak Times then expect the prime FastPass+ windows to be grabbed up quite quickly. 

Now let's talk about what to do if you can't get a FastPass+ for your favorite ride. My top answer is to keep trying. Especially if you are a resort guest and trying to make reservations 60 days out, some people change their FastPass+ windows or even cancel their vacation all together. Many things can change and happen in 60 days so keep trying. Leaving for vacation and still don't have the FastPass+ you wanted? That's ok! Make it to the park for rope drop or closing and high tail it to your favorite ride. The wait times will be lowest at park opening and closing and while there is a parade or fireworks show going on. Take advantage of this time and ride your favorite rides you didn't get FastPass+ for. 

Of course, always remember that once you have used all of your FastPass+ for that day you can make your way to a kiosk and make another FastPass+ selection. It's a great way to keep getting those FastPass+ and keep riding rides knowing you are not having to wait in line for your favorite rides. 

Ready to book your vacation? Please contact me below for your free quote or to book. My services are always 100% free to utilize and I provide you with excellent customer service and a concierge experience from booking to travel. 

QUOTE TUESDAY!!! New Disney Offer

Good afternoon everyone! I don't know about anyone else but I have been crazy busy this week and it's only Wednesday!! Disney released a new promotion yesterday and I've been busy booking trips for friends family, and all around Disney lovers!! I just have to share this new promo with you all and please feel free to share this with your friends or pin it! 

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!! QUOTE TUESDAY!!! W/new Summer Meal Promo

August 5-11, 2016

2 adults & 2 kids (3-9)

7 day base tickets

Pop Century Standard View

$2,411.62 ~ 1 Quick Service Meal per person, per night (Disney Quick Service 1 FREE Meal Plan)

DINING UPGRADES AVAILABLE

$2,847.36~ 2 Quick Service Meal, 1 Snack per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Quick Service Dining Plan)

$3,117.24~ 1 Quick Serivice Meals, 1 Table Service Meal, 1 Snack per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Plus Dining Plan)

$3,855.12~ 3 Meals (quick or table service), 2 Snacks per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Deluxe Dining Plan)

+$272.64 to upgrade your base ticket to a hopper ticket

+$272.64 to upgrade your base ticket to a waterparks & more ticket

+$383.40 to upgrade your base ticket to a hopper + waterparks & more ticket

As always if you would like to take advantage of this offer please contact me today for a free quote or to book your trip! A $200 deposit secures your magic today!! 

S.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

QUOTE TUESDAY! Walt Disney World Spring Vacation Offer

QUOTE TUESDAY!!
Walt Disney World Spring Vacation Offer
2 Adults + 2 Children (ages 5 & 8)
Check In: 5/29/16 - 6/4/16
7 Days/6 Nights at Disney's Pop Century Resort - Standard Pool View

5 Day Theme Park Tickets
Free Transportation to and from Resort to Parks and Disney Springs
4 Magic Bands + 3 Fastpass+ per person per day

Total Package: $2100.22

Contact me today for your FREE customized quote! A $200 deposit reserves your spot. Let's make Magic together!

Inside Look: Newly Renovated Polynesian Resort Expansion

I know there are some Polynesian Resort fans among us and maybe you've never even been to mouseland and are just interested in seeing the inside of each hotel. Well you are in for a treat no matter which side of the fence you fall on. Each week I'm going to be delving into a different resort on Disney property and giving you the inside look at the resort. In this new series, we will talk about all the rooms available, restaurants on-site, fun things to do on the resort, and much more! We will focus in on the Walt Disney World resorts first and then make our way to Disneyland. 

For our 2nd week we are looking at the newly renovated Disney's Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. In fact, some renovations are still currently going on, but should be finished by early 2016. Read on below to find out more!

Disney's Polynesian Resort was one of the two very first resorts on Disney World property. The resort opened with Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971 and has been a fan favorite ever since. As you can imagine from the name the theme is tropical with Southern Pacific flair. The resort has undergone many renovations and changes since it first opened and that still rings true today. 



The resort is situated on Seven Seas Lagoons and features 218 Villas and the newly added 20 Bungalows. The bungalows are situated right on the lake giving guests an experience unlike anything else on Walt Disney World property. There are also several "longhouses" that feature standard rooms, club level rooms, and suites. The main building on the property is call The Great Ceremonial House and is very colorful and tropical looking. It is three stories and greets guests when they arrive for check-in. Let's look at the rooms shall we? 

Standard Rooms:
Sleeps 5 Adults
331 Garden View Rooms
19 Lagoon View Rooms
26 Magic Kingdom View Rooms

Club Level Rooms: 

Most rooms sleep 5 adults except the Honeymoon suite which is 2

57 Garden View 
20 Lagoon View
25 Theme Park View 
1 Honeymoon Room
1 1 Bedroom Suite
1 Princess Suite 

Waterside Bungalows:

Sleeps up to 8 Guests

20 Waterside Bungalows

Dining at Polynesian Village Resort

Some of the most delicious restaurants are here at the Polynesian. When the renovation took place some new restaurants were added and they have seen an outpouring of guests lined up at opening just to get a seat inside. 

Character Dining

O'Hana's Best Friends Breakfast - Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch

Dinner Show: 

Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show - a nightly family feast style buffet with fire and hula dancing. 

Unique Dining:

Kona Cafe - A relaxed cafe with American fare but also featuring an onstage sushi kitchen. 

Lounge:

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto - This new restaurant is all the rage right now. It opens daily at 4 and people start lining up at 2 just to get a seat inside. Take a look at the video below for an inside look. 

What are your thoughts about this amazing resort? Would you like to stay here? Or maybe just visit? 

If you are ready to book your Disney World vacation contact me today for your free quote! As always, my services are 100% free to utilize and you will receive excellent Disney service and all the benefits of having a personal concierge with you from booking to your trip. 

A View from The Contemporary Resort

Today we are taking an in-depth look at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort. This resort is a deluxe property situated on the monorail line at Walt Disney World. It is most easily accessible to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney's Contemporary Resort was one of the first two resorts on Disney property. It was built as a futuristic hotel as you will easily notice once inside. The monorail sails directly through the middle of the hotel which is pretty neat!

A fun fact about the Contemporary Resort is that the rooms were actually all built offsite and then put in place once the infrastructure was built. 

This deluxe hotel boasts many amenities including Chef Mickey's restaurant which features a character breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mickey and his friends. A popular venue for anyone coming to visit mouseland. 

Another personal favorite of mine on any Disney visit is dinner at The California Grill where you can schedule your dinner to have a front row seat of the Wishes fireworks extravaganza. It truly is an amazing view while indulging in some of the best food at Walt Disney World. Look at this amazing video below to see for yourself. 

These amazing restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg at the fabulous resort though. The resort also features a pool with a poolside bar, valet parking, free wifi, gift shops, valet service cleaning, and so much more!

Where is your favorite place to stay when you come down to Walt Disney World? Comment below and let me know. 

Planning a trip to Disney soon? Contact me today for a FREE quote and to book your magical vacation! As always my services are absolutely free and you will receive the excellent Disney customer service you know and love! I can't wait to hear from you.

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

QUOTE TUESDAY!! Featuring Promos Released Yesterday!

Today I am so excited to give you this quote for a great summer vacation for you and a few friends or for you and your family! Either way you choose to travel you cannot go wrong! Take a look at the quote below featuring the Family Time Vacation Offer valid for bookings now through 3/31/16. If this a good fit for your family then please contact me today to customize a quote for your trip or to book your vacation today. A simple $200 deposit is all it takes today to secure your spot at Walt Disney World this summer. Are you ready to take the plunge into a magical world of wonder?

Family Time Vacation Offer 2016

Travel dates for this quote 5/30 - 6/5/16

2 Adults + 2 Children (ages 5 & 10)

6 Days/5 Nights at Moderate Caribbean Beach Resort

6 Day Park Passes

Free Transportation to and from all the Disney Parks + Disney Springs

Total Cost: $2475.34

It's amazing how affordable Disney is making vacations these days. Make sure to make some magical memories this summer by booking a trip today. All quotes are fully customize-able to add flights, dining packages, special experiences, and we can also decrease your length of stay or park experience to make it more affordable. 

Contact me today!! 

Something Big is Coming!!! New Disney Promotion!

Happy Sunday All!! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday and enjoyed your time with family and friends! I know Disney was packed over the last week with no low crowds in sight going into 2016. As we all know the parks will settle down right after the New Year holiday and Disney knows that too. I got an enticing email this morning from Disney stating that tomorrow morning they would be releasing a great promotion for 2016 travel dates. 

I don't know about you but I'm very exciting and I'm certainly intrigued just like Disney wants me to be. :) 

Everyone stay tuned here as I unveil the new offer and let you in on the promotion that can benefit you and your family in 2016. I don't know what it is just yet but rest assured if you want to travel in 2016 I'll be happy to book your trip with a deposit tomorrow once the promotion is revealed. I can also adjust your existing reservation if you have already booked with Disney.

As always if you have a current reservation with Disney you can always transfer your reservation to me to save the most money and have a personal concierge right by your side. 

Stay tuned friends, I can't wait for the big reveal tomorrow. 


s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Walt Disney Resort with Toddlers

Heading down to Walt Disney World soon? Have small kiddos in tow? You'll want to check out this post regarding the best things to do with your toddlers and how to make the most of your trip. 

1. Stay Close to the Magic - Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the ideal resort for preschoolers and their families. This resort offers special kid size packages so little ones can experience all of the characters, stories, and magic for a discounted price. 
2. New Disney Junior themed Magic Bands - Disney has recently released three new Magic Bands that are sure to delight your little prince or princess. These three new bands feature Jake, Sofia the First, or Doc McStuffins. Be sure to get these ahead of time online at disney.com or in stores.
3. Pool Parties - Are the parks too much for your little one? Relax poolside each day at your resort and let the little ones take part in sing alongs and games inspired by their favorite TV shows. 
4. Disney Junior Meet and Greet Lunch - At Hollywood & Vine inside Hollywood Studios your little ones will be so excited to meet their life size TV heroes. Everyday at lunch these characters come to life and visit with your child at your table. Characters include: Doc McStuffins, Jake, Sofia the First, and more. This is a great way to beat the lines and let the characters come to you. 
5. Disney Junior Live on Stage - Make extra magic with your little ones by making sure to check out the Disney Junior Live on Stage show. This show is full of music and dancing all with your child's favorite characters. They will love interacting with them. 

Don't be discouraged by thinking you can't do Disney with young ones. In fact, this is the perfect time to get a relaxing vacation in and slowly immerse yourself in all things Disney. Give your family the gift of Disney today by contacting me for a free quote!

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Disney World Quote Tuesday!!!

It's Quote Tuesday everyone!!! I'm starting this weekly post to show everyone how easy it is to plan your perfect trip to Disney. I for one always thought I would never be able to take my child on a Disney trip because you always hear how expensive it is right? A good vacation is always a little pricey but some may learn to find out that it is not as expensive as you once thought. Read below to find out how easy it is to budget and save for a Disney World trip. 

2016 Early Room Offer

Dates through 4/3/16 - for this quote we are using Check in dates of 3/20 - 3/26/16

2 Adults + 2 Children ages 5 and 9 

6 Nights at the All Star Sports or Movies resort

7 day Theme Park Tickets

Disney Dining Plan - 1 Quick Service, 1 Table Service, and 1 snack per person per night of stay

Total cost: $3,374

If you were able to put back a few hundred dollars a month you could easily have this vacation paid for. You can even skip the dining plan and make it even more affordable. All quotes are easily customized to each family or person. Contact me today to take advantage of this amazing offer!! 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Skipper Canteen - Soft Opening at DisneyWorld Magic Kingdom

The highly anticipated Skipper Canteen restaurant will officially open on Wednesday this week, December 16th. The restaurant had a soft opening last week and now pictures of menus are popping up everywhere. We finally got a look at what this new restaurant will look like and while they are currently not taking ADR's (advance dining reservations) they will be sure to add this very soon. 

So let's get started with the fun eats on the menu. First up....drinks. Currently alcohol is not offered at this restaurant, no hints as to if they will add it later. The drink menu features bronze plated mule cups for their fruit inspired drinks. You will notice that there is hot and cold beverages available. Looks like an extensive tea menu. 

Next up, Entrees and Deserts! These are sure to fill you up. With steak, stew, fish, and shrimp there is plenty on the menu for all to enjoy. I think this restaurant offers a lot of variety and a great bang for your buck as it seems the entrees are very generous portions. The deserts look yummy as well boasting a chocolate cake, coconut bar, and pudding. I cannot wait to try this new restaurant out the next time we are down in mouse land!



What are your thoughts on this new jungle cruise inspired cuisine? Would you make this a must visit the next time you are in Magic Kingdom?

Need help with planning your perfect magical vacation? Contact me today for a free quote and to help you plan the best vacation for you and your family and friends. 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Play, Stay, Dine, and Save up to $500 on Disney World Vacations!

Disney World is offering up a great promotion for those of you who love Disney or are on the fence about taking a vacation to the world of Mouse! I promise once you visit you will want to go back over and over again! Book by 12/23/15 to take advantage of $500 in savings. Valid for arrivals now through 12/23/15 and also 1/2/16-3/7/16. 

Contact me today if you need a FREE QUOTE on your vacation! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

5 Reasons to Visit Disney for Christmas

Hello my fellow mouseketeers! Have you or your family ever wanted to vacation at Disneyland or Disney World for the big holiday in December? If so, this post is surely to delight you! The land of mouse is always decorated so wonderfully during December and it almost seems more magical than any other time of year in fact. Read below to find out my 5 top reasons for visiting Disney at Christmas. 

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Magical snowfall fills the grounds during this party at Magic Kingdom each night. You will receive complimentary hot cocoa and and cookies as well! Main Street USA is transformed into a winter wonderland and you can meet some of your very favorite characters at this party. A magical stage show performed by no other than Ana and Elsa will make this party a hit with your little ones! (note: this is a separate ticketed event)
2. Crowds are at their lowest - At the beginning of December is one of the best times to visit Disney as many people are working and the kids are in school. If you can swing a week off though you will experience mild temperatures and the lowest wait times for rides of the year. Crowds start to pick up the week of Christmas though so be sure to plan accordingly. 
3. Candlelight Processional at Epcot - The candlelight processional is an event that is not to be missed nightly after Thanksgiving through December 30th. A tradition for many families this processional is complete with carolers, a live orchestra and choir, as well as a guest narrator telling a biblical story to get you in the Christmas spirit. 
4. Seasonal Inspired Food and Drinks - All around the parks in December you can find seasonal inspired food and drinks. This is the perfect time to indulge in all the treats you've turned away from all year. Some of my favorite treats are: hot cocoa, hot applejack cider, and of course the sweet potato casserole pancakes! Yum!!!
5. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - Most important to note this event is ending on 1/3/16 and will not return to Disney :( The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights has been around for 20 years and is one amazing experience. Millions of lights don the Streets of America at Hollywood Studio and "dance" to the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. It truly is a sight to see and we are sad to see it go. 

Please comment below and share your most favorite reasons to visit Disney during Christmas.

As always if you are looking to book a vacation to Disneyland or Disneyworld please contact me for your FREE QUOTE and let me plan your magical vacation. s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

What to Pack for Your DisneyWorld Trip?

Heading out to Disney this year or next? You definitely want to tune into this post and find out the best way to pack for your trip! Are you flying or driving? All of this effects what you can and cannot pack. Follow me down this journey to the perfect packing list and be prepared for any obstacles that may come your way. 

My fellow Disney World lovers I am all about pre-planning to make your trip as magical and stress free as possible. Because of that I take packing very seriously for my long trips down to the land of mouse! Whether you are traveling to Central Florida or Southern California the weather can sometimes be tricky to pack for, this post we are focusing in on Disney World in Florida. Below you will find the most traveled times of the year and what to pack to make sure you are fully covered!

• Spring Break (March - May) - In March through May you will find the average high temperature reaching the high 70's and the average low's reaching the high 50's. So that means warm during the day and chilly at night and first thing in the morning. For these trips I pretty much pack two sets of clothes for each day. I make sure I have a light jacket or two for the week and also some warm pants and long sleeve shirts. I always pack my bathing suit just in case we hit a warm day during the week and we can enjoy the resort pool. 
• Summer (June - August) - If you are visiting in the summer be prepared for some hot temperatures. The high's reach 90 easily everyday and there is not much relief in the evening either. You will need to bring plenty of water on these summer trips to keep everyone hydrated. Also make sure to bring shorts, short sleeved tops, and easy breezy clothing that will not make you uncomfortable. There is nothing worse than being hot and uncomfortable. 
• Fall and Winter Holidays (October - December) - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and Mickey's Christmas Party bringing you to the area? Great! These are some of the most decorated times to visit the parks because they are completely transformed to fit the holiday at hand. In Central Florida the high temperature for this time of the year is high 70's and the low's are low 50's. You will need a light to medium jacket for the mornings and evenings here and it's probably best to stick to pants as well unless you hit a high temperature day. 

Some of my must have bring along's for anytime I visit are:

• Chewing gum - remember you will not find this on any Disney property as Walt did not want gum stuck to his grounds. 
• A good pair of worn in walking shoes - there is much discussion between people on what the best walking shoe is, for me I just take along my trusted running shoes to get me through. Either way you go make sure you can comfortably walk up to 8 miles a day in those shoes. 
• Small first aid kit - this can be placed in your car if you are driving down or can be easily placed inside your checked baggage if you are flying. It's always good to be prepared for those little scrapes and cuts that could potentially happen from too much excitement. 
• Extra cash - We are big on a budget in our household so our trips to Mickey are meticulously planned out and budgeted in advance. No matter how much we try to stay on budget we always end up going over. I highly suggest having some extra cash in your pocket for those moments you just can't pass up. 

What are some things you cannot live without when you go on a trip down to Disney? Feel free to add your comments below!

As always if you are thinking about going to Disney please contact me for your FREE quote and planning guide at s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com