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- Outfit Ideas and Packing Tips for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
Gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, snowflakes falling down Main Street U.S.A and holiday music fill the air! T here’s a special kind of magic at Walt Disney World during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You can’t help but feel the warmth and nostalgia of the season. This is one of my favorite times to be in Magic Kingdom. If you are heading to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this year, you are in for an amazing time. To help you prepare, I have a few outfit ideas and packing tips to share! Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Festive Attire: Embrace the holiday theme with Christmas sweaters , Disney holiday shirts, Holiday PJs , or anything with Mickey, Minnie, or other Disney characters in holiday outfits. Mickey T-Shirt It's the Most Magical Time of the Year T-Shirt Minnie Crewneck Holiday Sweater Two Piece Minnie Christmas Outfit Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking and standing a lot, so wear comfortable sneakers or walking shoes. Layers: Florida evenings in December can be cool, especially after sunset. Bring a light jacket, hoodie, or cardigan that you can easily take on and off. Try a holiday themed hoodie like the Santa Sent Me Mickey and Minnie hoodie or the cozy Christmas tree sweatshirt below. Accessories: Santa hats , Mickey ears with holiday designs, or light-up necklaces add to the fun and make for great photos. Family Outfits: Many families enjoy matching shirts or coordinated outfits, such as matching t-shirts, sweaters, pjs , or even matching flannel shirts , for extra holiday magic and easy group photos. Check out this Mickey Sweater, available in sizes to fit the whole family! Children's Sweater Women's Sweater Men's Sweater Did Someone Say Christmas Party Shirt I Have Everything I Want for Couples Christmas Shirts Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel festive and comfortable so you can enjoy all the party has to offer! Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and budget! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here . Have you subscribed to my blog yet? It's free and packed with resources to help inspire and simplify Disney travel. Visit my home page and subscribe and never miss a new post!
- What to Pack For Your Alaskan Cruise
Headed on an Alaskan cruise with Disney or thinking about one? I have you covered! Disney currently offers 5-night and 7-night Alaskan cruise itineraries sailing out of Vancouver on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. These cruises run May through September. All cruises include glacier viewing . If you are sailing on the Disney Wonder, you will also enjoy a Frozen themed dinner and deck party . The average weather on your cruise can range from 80 degrees Fahrenheit to an average low of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Alaskan cruises also offer a variety of activities. You'll want to make sure to be prepared and organized for both the weather and your adventures to make the most of your vacation! To help simplify your trip, I have a packing checklist along with outfit inspiration to keep you organized as you plan for your Alaskan cruise. Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Embarkation Day Basics Pack these items in a day bag and/or crossbody to keep with you, as your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until a few hours after the ship leaves port. Your first day leaving Vancouver may be your best day to enjoy the pool, so having your suit accessible is a good idea. Medication (in their original containers) Passport and/or required citizenship documentation Phone charger/portable charger Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses Sunscreen or hat Swimsuit and cover-up Attire and Accessories You will experience a variety of weather during your journey. It may be warm enough as you leave Canada for a dip in the pool and you will need a warm coat, gloves and hat to keep you warm on glacier day. You can experience mid day highs in the 70s for some port adventures and depending on what port adventures you choose you may need winter boots and even snow pants to make the most of your trip. Always read the fine print when booking port adventures for tips on what to wear for your specific adventure. Jeans, pants, leggings Sweaters, sweatshirts, warm pullovers, and clothes you can layer. Sunglasses T-shirts Shorts (a pair or two) Winter wear: coat, gloves, warm hat for glacier day Windbreaker/rain jacket Comfortable waterproof walking shoes for Port Adventures. Dinner attire (see below) Exercise clothing if you plan on taking advantage of the fitness center Dining Attire Disney Cruise Line ships feature an array of diverse dining experiences, from casual to upscale. Be sure to follow the dress code for your restaurant: Main Dining Dining attire is cruise casual in all 3 main dining restaurants, meaning no swimwear or tank tops. Guests often like to dress up, but this is optional. Adult Exclusive Dining Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences and Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s ambiance. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted. Formal Night On 7-night sailings and longer cruises, the ship offers themed nights, including a formal night, and you're encouraged to dress up and participate in the evening's festivities. You'll see guests in everything from sundresses to very formal attire. There are many opportunities for photos. Frozen Night If you are sailing on the Disney Wonder, you will enjoy a Frozen themed night. Dinner will be Frozen themed. There will also be a Frozen themed deck party. Extras Here are a few optional items you may want to include: Cabin Door Magnets Most guests on Disney cruises decorate their cabin door. It's fun to see everyone's creativity and also helpful in locating your room! Fish Extenders If you are participating in a fish extender gift exchange group, don't forget to pack your fish extender and gifts. Hair tools such as a curling iron, flat iron or both. Each stateroom has a small mat to lay these on, just be sure to use it to protect stateroom surfaces. Make up, skin care, toiletries organized in separate make up bags. or a make up box . Binoculars are highly recommended for an Alaskan cruise. There is so much to see from your verandah or from any deck, especially on glacier day. Tote or crossbody for port adventures. What Not to Pack Everyone on board a Disney ship must comply with specific safety guidelines mandated by US Customs and Port Security. This includes not packing certain items. Please DO NOT bring: Firearms and ammunition, any kind of knife, sword, dagger, bullwhip or any other type of weapon. These items are not allowed on the ship under any circumstances. Guests found in possession of any weapons or similar prohibited items on their person or in their baggage may be denied boarding and are subject to severe legal penalties. Homemade, precooked or other perishable items. Irons, bottle warmers, sporting equipment, balloons, candles, musical instruments, illegal drugs inclusive of medically prescribed and synthetic marijuana. Coolers, except those carrying medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints. Always check the Prohibited Items FAQ Looking for outfit inspiration? Below are some ideas and some of my favorite brands. Character Pictures Alaskan cruises have the best character picture opportunities for two reasons. First the characters are dressed in their Alaskan gear, and second the backdrop of the Alaskan scenery is incredible. To make your pictures even better, consider dressing in theme with the characters. You could add a little fur trim like Minnie or some lumberjack plaid like Mickey, Donald and Daisy. Lumberjack Plaid Plaid mouse ears Plaid vest Woman's cozy sherpa lined plaid flannel Men's flannel hoodie Boys fleece flannel jacket Minnie Faux Fur Fuzzy mouse ears Faux fur parka coat Faux fur hat Glacier Day Glacier day is my favorite day on an Alaskan cruise! On this day, the ship travels through a fjord, and the views are incredible. An Alaskan naturalist joins the journey, narrates the views, helps spot wildlife, and provides insight on glacier formation. If you have a verandah room, you can take it in from your stateroom. It's still a good idea to visit the pool deck where hot cocoa and cookies are served, and characters and photographers are available. You will want a good pair of binoculars for this day. It will also be your coldest day, so you'll want to bundle up. You'll also need gear to keep you warm. Below are recommended items for glacier day. Binoculars Packable coats Womens Mens Girls Boys Touchscreen gloves (to keep your hands warm while you are taking pictures) Resort and Swimwear While Alaskan cruises may not provide the same pool or beach time as many other itineraries, it's not unusual to encounter weather pleasant enough for a swim in the pool as you depart from Vancouver. A hot tub is always available for enjoyment. I noticed a few adventurous individuals in the hot tub even as we navigated through the glaciers. Make sure to pack at least one swimsuit and cover-up. Below are my favorite brands for resort and swimwear. La Blanca Swimwear What you'll find: Figure-flattering one and two-piece swimsuits that work for a variety of body types. Both my teenage daughter and I have found favorite suits from La Blanca. They also carry cover-ups and resort wear . Sea Level Swimwear What you'll find: Classic simple designs, nice textures ( I love the spinnaker ) and great support. If you are looking for the perfect bikini to chase kids around on the beach, look no further than their cross front top which comes in the bra top , tankini and one piece . They also carry a variety of linen pants, blouses and resort dresses . Formal Night You will see a variety of attire for formal night, from very fancy long evening gowns to sundresses. Here are a few of my favorite brands for formal dresses and sundresses. Dress the Population What you'll find : Beautiful evening dresses at reasonable prices. For my last cruise, I found a great little black dress from Dress the Population. If you are on the petite side, they have many styles that will work for you and require no hemming. Their styles range from sequins to floral prints , and even jumpsuits . Lilly Pulitzer What you'll find : Bright colors and fun patterns. Lilly Pulitzer is a popular resort wear brand so you will likely see some designs aboard your cruise and possibly in the gift shop. There are many beautiful bright patterns to choose from and some solid designs . as well. (Also consider their tops and sweaters for the casual rotational dining). Petal & Pup What you'll find : A variety of dresses from evening to casual. Petal & Pup has beautiful prints , and styles at great prices. They also offer pants and short sets . Frozen Night If you are sailing on the Disney Wonder expect to experience a Frozen themed night. Your dinner will have a Frozen themed menu and after dinner there will be a Frozen themed deck party with dancing and singing. While dressing up for themed nights is not required, it does add to the fun. Below are a few ideas for Frozen Night Matching Disney Fair Isle Family Sweaters Womens Mens Kids Accessories Disney winter themed scarf Snowflake headband Kids Elsa girls legging, top and vest set Frozen hooded dress Official Ice Master hoodie Olaf hoodie Stay tuned for packing lists for additional cruise destinations! Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , and I would love to help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and budget! My planning services are free, and I price monitor, saving you time and money! Request a no-obligation quote here . Have you subscribed to my blog yet? It's free and packed with resources to help inspire and simplify Disney travel. Visit my home page and subscribe and never miss a new post!
- 26 Disney Travel New Year's Resolutions for 2026
The New Year is a perfect time for fresh beginnings and exciting adventures! What magical experiences will you create in 2026? Here are some Disney travel resolutions to inspire your next vacation! Magical Disney Travel Resolutions for 2026 Sail a Themed Cruise There are several to choose from! Check out Marvel Day at Sea , Halloween on the High Seas , and Very Merrytime cruises! Enjoy a Kid-Free Getaway Treat yourself to an adults exclusive adventure . It's a wonderful way to recharge and enjoy some time away. Stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort Experience the beauty of Hawaii! Surf the North Shore , kayak, and visit Pearl Harbor . Savor Delicious Ahi Tuna Nachos Head to Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World for a tasty treat. Find Hidden Mickeys Challenge your family members to see who can find the most hidden Mickeys on your 2026 Disney trip. It's a fun way to explore the parks! Do you know where this hidden Minnie can be found? Attend Special Events Plan to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. Check out The Dos and Don'ts of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and 11 Tips and Tricks for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party . Register for a RunDisney Race Join the fun and excitement of a RunDisney Race . Kick off your health and wellness journey with these two promo codes: RYZE i s offering 15% off all products with code TRAVELBYIRENE15 at checkout Fringe is offering 10% off red light therapy and supplements to all my readers with code IreneV10 at checkout Travel the World at Epcot Visit Epcot's World Showcase, then dine in space at Space 220 . Check out An Inside Look at Epcot's Space 220 . Embark on a Cruise Choose a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 10-night cruise from Florida that includes a stop at Disney's newest private island, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point . 10. Explore New Destinations Visit a new state or country by booking an Adventures by Disney tour. It's a wonderful way to see the world! 11. Cruise Alaska This Spring or Summer Read 10 Reasons You'll Love An Alaskan Cruise With Disney to learn more about Alaskan cruises. ! Alaska 12. Bike Ride on Castaway Cay Enjoy a bike ride on Castaway Cay , one of Disney’s private islands. Read 8 Inexpensive Ways To Enjoy Disney's Castaway Cay for more ideas! ! Three children biking on a tree-lined path. The sky is cloudy, and shadows stretch across the cracked pavement, creating a relaxed mood. 13. Attend an After Hours Party Experience the magic of an after-hours party at Walt Disney World. There's a lot to choose from! Check out Magic Kingdom , Epcot , or Hollywood Studios . 14. Cruise with Friends Book connecting verandah staterooms. Many verandahs connect, creating one long space to enjoy together. Your travel agent can help you select staterooms with this feature. Order free room service for breakfast each morning and enjoy great food, conversation, and scenery! ! verandah 15. Paint Your Own Mask Visit Epcot's Italy Pavilion to paint your own mask or purchase a kit to take home with you. ! White masks on shelves, including cat and abstract designs, with "Paint your own mask" sign. Green and red bags below on a beige shelf. 16. Discover Europe This Summer Choose from 3 to 12-night itineraries leaving from Spain, Italy, and England, with many exciting stops! 17. Surprise Your Kids Plan a surprise Disney vacation and don’t tell them until you are on the way to your destination. Or, check out 5 Creative Ways to Surprise Your Family With A Disney Vacation . ! port 18. Splurge on the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Enjoy a one-time entry to each attraction in the park at your convenience with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass . ! Slinky Dog Dash 19. Experience the New Zootopia Attraction Don't miss the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether 4D attraction at Animal Kingdom located in the Tree of Life Theater. 20. Ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Visit Walt Disney World before March 2, 2026, to ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Alternatively, visit late summer of 2026 and be among the first to experience Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, opening in summer 2026! 21. Attend an Epcot Festival Experience the Festival of the Arts , Flower and Garden Festival , Food and Wine Festival , or Festival of the Holidays . Let each person in your party select an item for everyone to try. Be adventurous—maybe the pickle milkshake? ! Epcot Food and Wine 22. Soarin' Across America Experience Soarin' Across America at Walt Disney World or Disneyland! Not only is 2026 a great time to visit Disney parks, it's also the 250th anniversary of the United States! The Walt Disney Company recently announced “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating this milestone. Soarin’ Across America will be available at Walt Disney World by Memorial Day 2026 and July 2, 2026, at Disneyland! 23. Stay at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Take a bike ride on the beach followed by a Dole Whip back at the resort. --wix--{"type":"GALLERY","id":"83qar","nodes":[],"galleryData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"CONTENT"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"items":[{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_65c1e1cde9b5463abac4c3507291f8d1~mv2.png"},"width":1656,"height":2364}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_ed5cba5f985e45f1a3d503801e65b4b9~mv2.jpg"},"width":2142,"height":2856}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_39b6a5ebbd684f56a2b2254b96780920~mv2.jpg"},"width":2142,"height":2856}}}],"options":{"layout":{"type":"GRID","horizontalScroll":false,"orientation":"COLUMNS","numberOfColumns":3},"item":{"ratio":1,"crop":"FILL"},"thumbnails":{"placement":"NONE"}},"disableExpand":true,"disableDownload":true}}--wix-- 24. Book a National Geographic Signature Land Expedition Travel with a National Geographic expert such as an archaeologist, conservationist, or photographer who enriches your experience with their knowledge and insights. Check out National Geographic Expeditions . 25. Unleash Your Inner Jedi Visit Star Wars Galaxy's Edge . Battle against the First Order on Rise of the Resistance , then head over to Oga's Cantina to refuel before taking flight on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run . Check out Tips for Making the Most of Your First Visit to Oga's Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge . --wix--{"type":"GALLERY","id":"t165722905","nodes":[],"galleryData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"CONTENT"},"alignment":"CENTER","height":{},"textWrap":true},"items":[{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_5942fd1edb9d4f839d01cbde98712185~mv2.jpg"},"width":3024,"height":4032}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_030c8f7cfdd647b189f6b0f5ea971055~mv2.jpg"},"width":2268,"height":3024}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_54a1d203c38e48eaab54afeff07fa4d0~mv2.jpg"},"width":3024,"height":4032}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_57fff8b331834e059d602465c72cc293~mv2.jpg"},"width":4032,"height":3024}}},{"image":{"media":{"src":{"url":"6f3caa_a11060ff0c9246adad718eb85d8dca93~mv2.jpg"},"width":4032,"height":3024}}}],"options":{"layout":{"type":"MASONRY","orientation":"ROWS","numberOfColumns":0},"item":{"targetSize":300,"crop":"FILL"},"thumbnails":{"placement":"NONE"}}}}--wix-- 26. Set Sail on the New Disney Destiny This heroes and villains themed ship is the newest in the Disney fleet, offering 3, 4, 5, and 7-night cruises sailing out of Fort Lauderdale. What will you make happen in 2026? I'm here to help! I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free, and I price monitor, saving you time and money! To get started, request a no-obligation vacation quote here .
- An Inside Look at Epcot's Space 220
Thinking about checking out Space 220 at Epcot? If you're up for a little splurge, it's totally worth it! This restaurant at Epcot gives you amazing views of Earth from 220 miles up, which makes dining there a unique experience. You can enjoy a nice 2-course lunch or go all out with a fancy 3-course dinner. If you want a taste of the vibe without breaking the bank, the Space 220 Lounge is a great choice. Space 220 is located directly next to Mission Space and really does feel like an attraction. Once you step foot inside you feel like you are going to be transported into space . To begin your journey you will enter a space simulation elevator and be lifted 220 miles above the earth. As you ascend you will see an aerial view of Epcot looking down and the stars as you look up . As you make your way to your table, you'll come across this amazing space vegetable garden. If you are visiting for lunch, there is a 2-course prix fixe menu for adults which includes an appetizer and a main course, with the option to purchase sides, fancy drinks, and desserts. For children aged 3 to 9, the prix fixe menu includes dessert. For dinner, a 3-course prix fixe menu is available starting at 4 pm, which includes dessert. There's plenty of space themed drinks to choose from for both adults and young astronauts. T he space food is excellent! My family favorites were the Blue Moon Cauliflower and Starry Calamari appetizers and the Steak and Frites and the Gemini Burger. As you are dining expect to see astronauts and spaceships floating by. You may even see an astrodog if you look closely! After you're done eating, you'll make your way to the space elevator for another fun cosmic ride and head back down to Epcot! Pro Tip: This is a very popular reservation. Be sure to secure this reservation as soon as your dining window opens. A travel agent who specializes in Disney will be able to provide you you with strategies for booking your dining reservations based on the popularity of restaurants, your travel dates and your preferences. Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here .
- 11 DIY Disney Themed Gift Baskets for Every Occasion
Disney-themed gift baskets are easy to make and perfect for Easter, school fundraisers, birthdays, showers, or anytime you want to spread Disney cheer! All you need to do is simply start with a "basket," which is anything you will use to hold your items. This basket can be a traditional basket, or you can be creative and use a backpack, cooler, tote, or any other item that can be filled. Next, you will fill your basket with items related to a theme. Here are a few fun ideas for inspiration! Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For the Princess basket : Loungefly Cinderella Gus and Jaq Bag fillers: UNO Disney Princess card game Lip Smacker Disney Princess flavored lip balm Kitsch Disney Princess Satin Pillow Case Princess Make Up Erasers Kendra Scott Disney Princess Necklace Geir Ness Parfume For the Star Wars Fan basket: Loungefly The Force Awakens tote fillers: Star Wars UNO Star Wars Choose Your Destiny chapter book Star Wars LEGO Minifigure Droids Corkcicle Star Wars tumbler For the Foodie basket PICNIC TIME insulated picnic basket fillers Ratatouille cheese board Mickey Mouse popsicle mold JoyJolt Mouse Squad wine glasses The Official Disney Parks Cookbook For the Cozy Movie Night Fan basket Classic Mickey Rope Basket fillers Jay Franco Disney Throw Dash Disney Mickey and Minnie popcorn maker Dash Disney personal ice cream maker mugs Princess camper mug RYZE hot cocoa (use promo code TRAVELBYIRENE15 for any extra 15% off all RYZE products!) For the Disney "World Traveler" basket Orbitkey Disney Sling fillers P ersonal fan with lanyard C ollapsible water bottle Disney luggage tags Mickey Mouse Band-Aids Touchland Disney Handsanitizer For the Tween basket: Loungefly Minnie Mouse Floral Backpack fillers: Disney Princess playing cards MAD Beauty Princess cosmetic bag Ariel reusable make-up remover pads Beauty of Bambi lip balm duo For the Disney Mom basket: PICNIC TIME Mickey Mouse Uptown Cooler Tote Bag fillers: Magic Coordinator Tee Corkcicle Princess tumbler Loungefly Tinkerbell cosmetic set Kendra Scott Disney Princess Necklace Geir Ness Parfume For the Disney Dad basket: Star Wars backpack cooler fillers: May the Forks Be With You Apron Corkcicle Marvel tumbler Princess Security T-Shirt Star Wars Death Star ice cube mold For the Beach Lover basket: Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian print travel bag fillers: Havaianas flip flops Little Mermaid dive characters Sand Cloud Disney beach towel Lilo & Stitch hat Disney swimsuit Rash guard and swim trunks Stitch bluetooth speaker For the Disney Baby basket: Winnie the Pooh diaper bag fillers: Barefoot Dreams stroller blanket Mickey Mouse placemats Disney Baby washcloths Disney Baby First Colors Shapes and Numbers S hopping cart and high chair cover S ippy cup Dumbo swaddle sack For the Disney Dog basket: Classic Mickey Rope Basket fillers: Mickey dog collar Mickey leash Minnie and Mickey squeaker toys Disney Glad Wags Dog Treats Winnie the Pooh Detangling Colonge Spray for Dogs Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here .
- Magical Disney Movie Nights: Cozy Ideas for Families
Choose a Movie the Whole Family Can Enjoy Together Selecting the right movie is key to a successful Disney movie night. Here are some categories to consider: Classic Favorites: Timeless films like The Lion King , Beauty and the Beast , or Aladdin are always a hit. Recent Releases: Newer hits such as Moana 2 or Raya and the Last Dragon can add excitement to your lineup. Pixar Picks: Don’t forget about beloved Pixar films like Toy Story and Coco . Create a Cozy Atmosphere to Enjoy the Movie Setting the right mood can make your movie night feel extra special. Here are some tips: Blankets and Pillows: Create a comfortable viewing area with plenty of soft blankets and pillows. Everyone will love these Disney pillowcases from Kitsch . Check out this Disney throw from Jay Franco; it's so soft! Dim Lighting: Use fairy lights or soft lamps to set a magical ambiance. Scented Candles: Consider lighting some Disney-themed scented candles for added warmth. Magic Candle Company has a great line of candles that will make you feel like you have been transported to your favorite Disney attraction. Consider Themed Snacks Snacks can elevate your movie night experience. Here are some fun ideas: Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn station with various toppings like cheese, caramel, and chocolate. This Dash Disney Mickey and Minnie popcorn maker is so cute and fits the theme perfectly! Make Disney Sundaes: You'll feel like you're at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop with these adorable Dash Disney personal ice cream maker mugs . They are perfectly portioned and easy to use. Character and Movie Themed Treats: Make snacks inspired by Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse-shaped cookies or themed treats based on the movie you're watching. If you're enjoying Beauty and the Beast , check out my recipe for The Grey Stuff . This Disney Parks cookbook is loaded with tons of fun recipes the whole family will enjoy. Hot Chocolate: Serve warm hot chocolate in Disney mugs topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. I love this princess camper mug ! Want to try my favorite low calorie hot cocoa for improved sleep, reduced stress and relaxation? Head over to RYZE and enter code TRAVELBYIRENE15 for an extra 15% off current offers! Fun Activities to Enhance the Experience To make your movie night even more enjoyable, consider adding some fun activities: Costume Dress-Up: Encourage everyone to wear Disney-themed pajamas or costumes. This adds an extra layer of fun! Sing-Alongs: Have a karaoke session with popular Disney songs. Take turns belting out "Let It Go," and let the good times roll. Craft Time: Create Disney-themed crafts before or after the movie. This can be a great way to bond and unleash creativity. Planning Your Next Disney Vacation I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . I would love to work with you! My planning services are free, and I price monitor to save you time and money. Request a no-obligation quote here or email me at Irene@mouseketrips.com with any questions! Have you subscribed to my blog yet? It's free and packed with resources to help inspire and simplify Disney travel. Visit my home page and subscribe so you never miss a new post! Conclusion A Disney movie night is not just a fun way to pass the time; it’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your family. By choosing the right movie, setting a cozy atmosphere, preparing themed snacks, and engaging in fun activities, you can transform an ordinary evening into a magical experience. So, gather your loved ones, grab those snacks, and let the Disney magic unfold right in your living room!
- Top Thrill Rides at Magic Kingdom: Which Ones Should Be on Your "Must-Do" List?
Seeking thrills the whole family can enjoy? Buckle up as I uncover Magic Kingdom's top thrill rides! I've added in a few considerations and tips to help you prioitize your time. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train With only a 38-inch height requirement and a nice smooth ride, this Snow White-themed ride is accessible to many riders. Little thrill seekers will enjoy this ride just as much as the adults who ride alongside them. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train historically has one of the longest wait times. If riding with little ones, it's a good idea to book a single Lightning Lane pass for this one or ride during a special ticketed event party, after-hours party, or extended evening hours. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Travel back in time to the 1850s and race through a haunted gold mine! Located in Frontierland, this ride is similar to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but with slightly bigger drops and a 40-inch height requirement. The queue for this ride is nicely themed; take time to read the signs as you are walking through. This queue can get hot, especially if you are visiting in the summer months. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass can be purchased, which includes this attraction. (This ride is currently under refurbishment and will open with some extra magic in the spring of 2026. Expect to see Rainbow Caverns, which may not be as welcoming as they first appear!) Space Mountain This indoor coaster is very fast and, other than a few flashing lights, completely dark! Space Mountain gets mixed reviews. While this attraction is packed with energy, inside in cool air conditioning, and well-themed, it doesn't offer any neck support. Without seeing where you are going, you can't brace yourself and do get whipped around a bit. During some holiday parties, this ride has been offered with lights on and holiday music, which, in my opinion, makes it much more enjoyable. The height requirement for this ride is 44 inches. At most times, the wait is on the longer side, but rope dropping this ride usually works out well as many people will go directly to Seven Dwarfs and Tron first at rope drop. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass can be purchased, which includes this attraction. Tron Lightcycle Run Tron is Magic Kingdom's newest thrill ride. Tron is high tech and futuristic. Unlike many other coasters, you will climb on your own "Lightcycle" which is similar to a motorcycle. Once on, you will lean forward, grip the handlebars and a back support will come down and secure you to the cycle. You will zoom off on a lighted track that twists and turns in both indoor and outdoor areas. This attraction is slightly better at night because of the lighted track. The queue for the attraction is great, you can see the cycles taking off. The height requirement for this attraction is 48 inches. The wait for this can be long. A single Lightning Lane pass can be purchased in advance. Lightning Lane passes allow you to skip the longer lines. There are three different types of passes. The time of year you are visiting, the attractions you prioritize, your budget, and your travel party are all factors that determine which pass or combination of passes are right for you. An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is free to you and can help you make the most of your time and budget. Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here .
- Cheap And Easy DIY Fish Extender Hanging Basket For Your Disney Cruise
What is a Fish Extender? This is an optional gift exchange similar to a Secret Santa between a group of 10 cabins or so. It's called a Fish Extender because you hang your basket to gather gifts on your door's fish hook. This is not an activity organized by Disney, but by cruise passengers, and it's very popular on Disney Cruises. So, how do you get involved in this gift exchange? If you want to connect with shipmates prior to your sailing, you can find a Facebook group for your cruise by searching your ship name and sail date. Fish Extender groups are organized within these Facebook groups. In order to participate, you will need a hanging basket outside your stateroom door to collect your gifts. You can easily make an attractive hanger with a few items you can purchase from Amazon that aren't very expensive. As an added bonus, after your vacation, these hanging organizers can be repurposed and used for storage or organization at home! Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases . Here's how you can make your own fish extender hanging basket cheaply and easily! First, start with a hanging organizer with pockets . I like this one because it's the perfect size to fit next to your cabin door, and it has nice, deep, sturdy pockets. Next, personalize with iron-on patches. It's a really good idea to add names. This will help shipmates in your fish extender group know they have the correct stateroom for your gifts. You can add your last name or the first names of the family members who are participating in the gift exchange. On mine, I used one-inch iron-on letters for our last name. The one-inch letters were a good size. Once the letters are in place, you can embellish your project with character patches. I added my daughter's favorite Disney princesses. If you want a patch that will nicely fill the outside space of the pocket, look for one 3 inches in diameter. Here are some you might like ! No time to make your own? Check out these fish extenders from Amazon. They have 3 styles including a Christmas design if you are headed on a Merrytime cruise. Disney cruisers also enjoy decorating their doors. I have made my own magnets using magnetic sheets . Making your own allows for a lot of creativity, but as you can see from my picture, if you go too large, they don't stick as well. I recommend if you use magnetic sheets , go for a smaller design. If you are looking for a pre-maid option, check out these Disney cruise door magnets you can purchase from Amazon. They also come in Christmas designs! Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here . Have you subscribed to my blog yet? It's free and packed with resources to help inspire and simplify Disney travel. Visit my home page and subscribe and never miss a new post!
- The Dos and Don'ts of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Chances are, if you have planned a trip to Walt Disney World for the the Fall or Winter months you have considered buying a special party ticket for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs select nights at Magic Kingdom beginning mid-August through Halloween, then Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off after Halloween and runs through the Christmas season, also at Magic Kingdom park. The party tickets can be pricy. The cost is typically anywhere between $109-$199 per person. When added on to an already expensive Disney vacation, it can sometimes be difficult to justify this additional cost. The truth is, these parties can be a great way to pack a LOT of extra magic to your Walt Disney World Vacation, and adding on the party doesn't have to break the bank. Below are a few of my dos and don'ts to save money and make the most of these special events! Don't purchase a park ticket for the day of the party. The party ticket allows you entry into Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm. Spend the morning sleeping in and enjoying resort activities. This will leave you and your family with more energy to enjoy the late night party. By eliminating a day of park tickets (and Genie +, which is not needed or even available for special events) you save money and the cost of the party ticket is often not that that much more than you had already planned to spend that day. Additionally, with the smaller crowds and shorter wait times you will get more in during the evening party than you would during the day at the park. Do plan your outfits ahead of time. Not everyone will dress up in theme, but it definitely makes the experience more fun. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a great opportunity for matching sweaters or Christmas pjs. You can use the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as an excuse to dress up as your favorite character or even ride like my family did this year! Don't miss out on special ride overlays! I'm not a fan of Space Mountain. In fact, that might be a little bit of an understatement. I don't enjoy being on a very fast roller coaster in complete darkness. The rest of my family likes the ride, so I always reluctantly end up riding. During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party I was able to ride Space Mountain with the lights on and Christmas music playing. It was a completely different experience and I loved it! There are overlays for select rides during both parties. Check the party map or your My Disney Experience app for details! Do bring your own glow! There are plenty of opportunities to buy overpriced light up toys at the park. If you plan ahead and bring your own glow toys you can save a lot of money. I purchased light up necklaces from the local craft store for $2.50. These were very similar to the ones being sold at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for $20. Don't go to the first parade if you can make it to the second. There are two parades, an early parade around 9:15 pm and a later parade around 11:15 pm. The early parade tends to draw a larger crowd. If you can make it to the second parade, skip the first parade and take advantage of the lighter crowds elsewhere. My family likes to use this time to go on our favorite rides! When it's time for the parade, you don't have to be directly in front of the castle for a great view. The parade starts in Frontierland and turns by the castle then travels down Main Street. There are some great viewing areas in Frontierland. You can also get a nice view by the bridge leaving Liberty Square heading towards the castle. Do take advantage of the FREE extras! There are many extras that are included with the price of your party ticket and you don't want to miss out! During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this past year each member of our group was able to pick up a beautiful ornament and commemorative print. There were also plenty of places to grab a cup of hot cocoa, cider and cookies. At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you will receive a bag upon entry to stash all you candy. There's plenty of stations to grab candy as you move around the park. We left with a ton of candy, including many new flavors of our favorites we had not seen or tried yet, which was super fun! Don't miss the fireworks! Unlike the parades, the fireworks only run once a night. They are in-between the two parades, around 10:15 pm. Be sure to check the time and arrive early to get a viewing spot. I like to set a timer on my phone as a reminder. For the fireworks the best viewing areas are in front of or by castle. This will allow you to see projections on the castle. You won't want to miss the holiday themed show! Do grab a map when you enter the party. The map and your my Disney experience app will show you where you can find ride overlays, special party treats, dance parties, showtimes and more! Below are maps from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. My family likes to have an early dinner reservation, around 4:30 pm so we can sit down, enjoy a meal, look through the map and discuss our plans for the evening. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Do book your Walt Disney World Vacation with a travel agent. Travel agents can save you money and time. Most travel agents will not charge you anything extra than you would pay if you were booking your trip on your own through Disney. Good agents will price monitor your trip and rebook it when offers become available that can lower the price of your trip. Agents can provide you will as little or a much assistance planning your vacation as you like. Hi, I'm Irene! I'm a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! Request a no obligation quote here .
- Be Our Guest Dining Review and Tips
My family has enjoyed a meal at Be Our Guest quite a few times over the years. The theming in this castle is truly magical. You really do feel like you are stepping into a fairytale. The menu and dining structure has changed over the years. At one point this restaurant even offered a quick service option for breakfast and lunch! Be Our Guest is located in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and currently serves a three course prix-fixe menu featuring French inspired dishes. This restaurant is themed after the Beast's castle from "Beauty and Beast". Lunch is served from 10:00 am -2:55 pm, and dinner is served from 3:00 pm -10:00 pm. The pricing and menu for both meals are the same. A prix-fixe meal at Be Our Guest can be pretty pricey. Currently they cost for guests 10 and older is $67 per person, and $39 for children ages 3-9. If you plan to use the dining plan available in 2024 this meal will cost you two table service credits. You might be wondering if this dining reservation is right for your family. Here's a review from my recent visit to help you decide. Let's start with the castle itself. First, there are 3 dining rooms. The West Wing, The Ballroom and The Rose Gallery. The West Wing is dark and you will hear the sound of thunder crashing. It also houses the enchanted rose. When lighting strikes if you look at the painting of the prince above the fireplace, it changes for a brief second! This room can be scary for some younger children, so that is something you might want to keep in mind. The Ballroom is beautiful. It's an exact replica of the ballroom the Beast and Belle had their famous dance in. If you look really hard at the ceiling in the clouds you might be able to spot the only hidden Mickey in the castle! The last room is The Rose Gallery. This room is pretty, but not my favorite. There are gallery paintings, and in the center there is a statue of the Beast presenting Belle with a music box. When you arrive for your reservation you can request a dining room. The staff, who I have found to be very welcoming and kind, will do their best to get you seated in your requested room, but they can never guarantee a seating assignment. After you eat, you can walk through the other rooms. I highly recommend doing this. Be sure to stop by The West Wing for a picture with the enchanted rose. Don't miss another great picture opportunity at the entrance of the castle. If you turn to the left upon entry of the castle you will see a beautiful mosaic of the Beast and Belle. You can take a picture here after you have checked in and are waiting for your table or as you are exiting after your meal. Now on to the food. Once you are seated you will be given the prix-fixe menu. You will choose an appetizer and main meal. The French onion soup is very good. For the main dish, I ordered the filet mignon and my husband ordered the trout. Our main dishes were OK. We have had better meals at Disney for less money. We did not choose our desserts. Guests 10 and older received a dessert trio. This consisted of a lemon jam macaroon, a chocolate tart (this included the grey stuff), and a dark chocolate truffle. My youngest, who was able to order off the kids menu, received a different dessert. This was a white chocolate chip cup she could paint. This was really cute. Her dessert also included the grey stuff, a macaroon and truffle. Everyone's favorite was the grey stuff. There were mixed reviews on the other desserts. I personally enjoyed the dark chocolate truffle. This was very rich, chocolatey and delicious! The Beast does make an appearance during your meal, but it's a bit different than other Disney character meals. He does not visit each table signing autographs and stopping for pictures. During our meal the Beast walked around a few times and waved at guests. In the past, The Beast used to offer a photo opportunity at the end of the meal. I asked our server about this and he informed us this may be returning in the future. We did receive a signed card from the Beast for each child. For our family, I would say this reservation was worth making for the experience, not the food. We have had better tasting meals for less money, but you can't beat the beauty and magic of the Beast's castle. For the cost, this is not something we would book every time now that they have moved to the prix-fixe menu, but if you are looking for a splurge to add something special to your vacation, this meal is for you! Ready to start planning your next Disney adventure? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here .
- 20 Things You Should Know About A Disney Cruise
My first cruise was 7 years ago and it wasn't a trip I thought of going on initially. At that time I envisioned cruising as buffet lines and crowed pool decks. I had no idea what I was missing. My parents, who in their retirement, had become "cruisers", wanted to cruise with the grandkids, so that placed me on my first cruise, a Star Wars themed Disney Cruise Line cruise with stops at Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. It was amazing! I have been hooked ever since! Here are a just a few things I learned about a Disney Cruise Line cruise. Some links on this website are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disney Cruise Line has sit down rotation dining Disney offers sit down rotational dining each night. This means each night you are assigned to a nice sit down restaurant, where you will order off a menu and the food is served to you. Your servers will follow you to each restaurant your entire stay. They get to know you and your travel party. They know your drink preferences, names and may even show you a magic trick or two at the end of your meal! If you are a smaller group you may be sat with another group. If you want a private table, be sure to request this at the time of booking. Your travel agent can assist you with this request. There are additional upgraded and quick service dining options as well. There is a buffet available on each ship, which is very well organized and has a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can choose to visit this buffet if you like, but if buffets are not your style, you can enjoy your cruise without ever experiencing a buffet. Room service is FREE That's right, you can order as much room service as you like at no cost (alcohol excluded), just be sure to tip your server. One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is order room service in the morning for breakfast and enjoy it on our verandah. It's so peaceful to watch the ocean while I sip my coffee. My kids love the muffins, danishes and fresh fruit available on the room service menu. You can book connecting verandahs You may have traveled with friends or family before and booked connecting rooms. On a Disney cruise you can book connecting cabins as well. Many of the connecting verandah cabins also have the option to open the verandahs to provide one very long verandah! Connected rooms with open verandah on an Alaskan cruise (11:30 pm- check out the sun!) View from connecting verandah at Tracy Arm There's something for everyone on the ship Upon arrival you can connect to your ships wifi and through your Disney Navigator app you'll be able to see a plethora of daily activities. Among them are drawing and cooking classes, arts and crafts, comedy shows, trivia, movies and much, much more. You will also find three kids clubs, one for kids, tweens and teens, a spa and fitness center, and adult only activities and areas. Senses Spa Oceaneer Kid's Lab Oceaneer Kid's Club Oceaneer Kid's Lab Walt Disney Theatre Upper deck on the Disney Wonder, one many places you can relax with a drink or a book. Disney has two private islands Bahamian and Caribbean cruises departing from Florida will stop at at least one of Disney's private islands. Castaway Cay is Disney's first private Island and welcoming guests in 2024 is Disney's newest island Lighthouse Point. There are a few itineraries that stop at both islands! Castaway Cay, Bahamas Castaway Cay, Bahamas Bike ride on Castaway Cay, Bahamas Disney works with local vendors to provide many safe and reliable port adventures. Disney has a variety of port adventures available for booking through your Disney Cruise Line account. The vendors have been vetted by Disney and can be sorted by the type of experience you are looking for, such as "athletic, moderate or mild", or "nature, sightseeing, cultural, beach, private.." You're sure to find the perfect fit for you. Disney Cruise Line port adventure, hike to Mendenhall glacier Junior Detectives can put their skills to work at sea. If you are sailing on the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy there is a mid ship detective agency. This is a really fun activity where you pick up a crime card, then go to various stations all over the ship to unlock clues that are hidden in pictures. By holding a QR code to what looks like an ordinary picture, the picture comes to life and provides a clue. Detectives must use deductive reasoning to solve the crime. Unlocking clues on the Disney Fantasy Disney cruisers and fun, welcoming and like to build community. I have to mention pixie dust, fish extenders and the rubber ducks. I could probably write a whole blog post on this one, but I'll try to keep this short. On our first cruise my girls were randomly pixie dusted (this is where someone secretly surprises you with a gift), with Minnie Mouse stuff animals. This was such a nice surprise and so kind of the person who left them on our door. On another cruise someone pixie dusted us with a beautiful handmade magnet that had our ship name and the sail date on it. It was such a nice and unique souvenir. Since then, I have always made a few extra magnets prior to our cruises and I let my girls find a few doors to "pixie dust". While walking around the ship you may randomly see a rubber duck hidden behind a curtain or under a table or some strange place. This is not a child's lost toy, this was hidden for you to find. It's like a savenger hunt. You can take it and re-hide it. It can be fun to see how many you can find. Lastly, you may have heard the term "fish extenders". There are fish extender gift exchanges on Disney cruises. This is an optional gift exchange similar to a secret Santa between a group of 10 cabins or so. It's called a fish extended because you hang your basket to gather gifts on your door's fish hook. None of these activities are organized by Disney, they are organized by passengers on the ship. If you want to connect to shipmates prior to your sailing you can usually find a Facebook group by searching your ship name and sail date. I do recommend joining a group. Often times people will organize met ups the first day so kids can make friends, you can chat about port adventures and onboard fun and this is where you will be able to find sign ups for fish extender groups. If traveling on your first cruise, I don't recommend joining a fish extender group because it can be a bit overwhelming. Disney allows you to carry on your own alcohol There are limitations to this one. Currently, Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Always be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line website prior to travel for additional details and please note that the Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy is subject to change without notice. Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises have a pirate night Pirate Night on a Disney cruise is a really fun themed night where many guests dress up. It often includes a pirate entertainment and menu at dinner and a deck party. Guest are also given a special Pirate Disney Cruise Line bandana. Disney is the only cruise line that offers fireworks at sea Most Disney cruises offer fireworks at sea one night of your cruise. Be sure to check your Disney Cruise Line navigator for the dates and times, this is an experience you won't want to miss! There will be a dress up or formal night. This is a great opportunity to dress up and get some nice family pictures. You don't have to dress up and you will see a wide range of attire, but dressing up can definitely be fun. This is another great reason to get the photo package, which you can purchase for the length of your entire cruise. Here are the dining dress guidelines by Disney Cruise Line: 3-night cruises: One cruise casual night—no swimwear or tank tops One pirate night themed deck party One optional “dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women 4-night cruises: First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops One pirate night themed deck party One optional dress-up night—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women Final night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops 7-night cruises: First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops One pirate night or other themed deck party 3 additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops One formal and one semi-formal night—both give you the opportunity to dress up and take advantage of the onboard photography services. Though optional, we recommend dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men, and dress or pantsuit for women Characters dress up too! Disney offers themed cruises Disney offers many themed cruises. Currently the themed cruises are Marvel, Pixar, Merrytime and Halloween on the High Seas. These cruises include character appearances, special themed activities and decorations. The Disney Magic dressed up for a Merrytime cruise Chistmas tree at Castaway Cay, Bahamas Decorating your door is not only fun, but helpful. Many guests choose to decorate their cabin doors with magnets. Planning out magnets to represent your style can be a lot of fun. You can make magnets yourself, find custom designs on Etsy or order Disney themed magnets from Amazon. Melissa & Doug makes great inexpensive Disney magnets . Once on board you'll find having a decorated door makes finding your stateroom much easier. It's also nice to look at other doors and use them as landmarks when walking to your stateroom. I f you get lost on the ship, look down. The stars on the floor, not only serve as decor, but a navigation system. The top of the star points to the front of the ship. At Animators Palette you get to become a guest animator. Animators Palette is one of the dining options on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. On select sailings (7 or more nights long) you can try your hand at drawing your very own character! This creation becomes part of the animated dinner show, dancing alongside some classic Disney characters. Character sightings are common. While there are a few character meet and greets you can sign up ahead of your visit, characters will be seen around the ship throughout your visit. Captain Hook running by mysteriously Donald Duck excited to ride the Aquaduck Many meals come with entertainment Each night there will be a show available at the Walt Disney Theatre before or after your meal, but in addition many nights you will experience entertainment DURING your meal. You may be surprised by a visit from Mickey and his friends, it could be a crew of pirates on pirate night or if you are dining at a restaurant that is the home to a famous princess, she might come and sing for you! Rapunzel singing at Rapunzel's Royal Table on the Disney Magic Surprise visit from Mickey Mouse at Lumiere's on the Disney Magic Disney partners with hotels close to the port Disney has partnerships with select hotels close to ports of departure and offers pre and post stays that can be added on to your cruise. These partnerships help simplify your travel plans and make travel seamless and hassle-free. In most cases you can also add ground transfers and Disney will even pick up your bags from your Disney partner hotel room! Your room may. not be ready when you first arrive on the ship. On arrival day, your bags will be collected and run through security. They will later be delivered to your stateroom. You will be allowed to enter the ship and your room may not be ready. You'll want to have a day bag with you with any items you want for your first few hours. Consider packing a swimsuit if you want to head straight up to the pool deck. Arrival day Ready to start cruising? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here or email me Irene@mouseketrips.com with any cruising questions!
- 8 Inexpensive Ways to Enjoy Disney's Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is one of Disney's two private islands reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. Some links in my blog posts are affiliate links. This means, if you click on a link to one of these products and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This Bahamian oasis can be visited by booking a three to five night Disney cruise to the Bahamas and five or more night Disney Caribbean cruises. A few five night Disney Bahamian sailings stop at Castaway Cay for two days! One of the amazing things about this island is there are so many ways to enjoy your with little to no additional cost to your Disney cruise. Below are just a few. Bike, float and snorkel! Cost: $50 (ages 10 and up), $30 (ages 5-9) Each of these experiences can be booked separately, but when you book the Castaway Cay Getaway package you can book all three for extra fun and savings. Explore the island with a a bike rental, explore the lagoon with a snorkel rental, then relax in the water with a float rental. Build a sand castle or lounge on the beautiful white sand beach! Cost: Free or almost free (if you are buying sand toys) Bring a collapsable sand bucket (these pack easily) or buy a few sand toys from the gift shop and keep them as Castaway Cay souvenirs! If you are planning on lounging on a beach chair, get out early to grab your preferred spot on the beach. Take in the scenery and take some pictures! Cost: Free There is so much to see and explore on Castaway Cay. Find a few quiet places and take some beautiful pictures. Consider framing your favorite when you arrive home to keep as a one of a kind souvenir. Take a walk along the beach Cost: Free! Castaway Cay has plenty of shoreline to explore and walk along! Send mail from the Castaway Cay Post Office Cost: Postage Mail yourself or friends a postcard or letter from Castaway Cay. Do note, this post office is not always open and mail can take long to arrive. Explore the different beaches. Cost:Free This island offers beach fun for all ages! You can find family fun and excitement at Castaway Family Beach with access to music, dancing and sports. If you are looking for some adult time to relax away from kids, drop kids ages 3-12 off at Scuttle Cove Kids Club and head over to Serenity Bay, an area reserved for adults only. Do you have teens in your party that want to escape and meet new friends in their own piece of paradise? They can head to the Teen Hideout for guests ages 14-17. Hang with celebrities! Cost: Free Be on the lookout for your favorite characters making rounds, enjoying the beach and at dance parties! Capture photos with your favorite Disney pals on the beach! Ride on a glass bottom boat! Cost: $59 (ages 10 and up) $39 (ages 0-9) This hour long experience is full for all ages! During this boat ride you'll be able to feed fish and observe them through the bottom of your boat in their natural environment. Take a ride down the Pelican Plunge Cost: Free Take a refreshing ride on one of two waterslides! The prices posted are current prices as of the posting of this blog. Prices are subject to change. Check out Castaway Cay's entire list of port adventures here . Would you like to learn more about a cruise with Disney? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here or email me Irene@mouseketrips.com with any cruising questions!











