1.  The My Disney Experience App is a must download.  There are those who absolutely love the app but there are those who despise its very existence! If you fall Into the later category, it is best to come to terms with the app and embrace the technology. After all, we are beyond your grandmother's Disney!
When downloading the app, you must complete all the steps, even the set up profile module.  The app will not function if all the steps to setting up account are not completed.
​
Complete Profile
Create our Family and Friends List
Link your resort reservation and ticket media
Manage your vacation plans (ie setting up fast passes and dining reservations)  
   
The app is important for several reasons.  It is your personal, find-out-everything-you-need to-know about-your-Disney-trip-information hub. But also, with My Disney Experience, you can track your dining plan credits, link your park tickets and resort reservation, make Fast Passes, file a lost item report, open your  resort hotel room door via blue-tooth, skip the quick service lines and mobile order your food, check on wait times for attractions, make dining reservations and so much more!  

It is also important to remember that only one person within the travel group manages the groups plans.  If everyone is linked through the Friends and Family list, everyone will be able to see the group's plans but only the person managing the plans, makes changes to itinerary through their app. Everyone can have a My Disney Experience account but only one manages the group's itinerary.

2. No need to go to the lobby of your resort for check-in.  Through your My Disney Experience app, you can utilize Online Check-In. If your stay is not paid in full  and you do not have an active credit card on file, you will not be able to use the online check-in function. Using the online check-in allows you to go directly to your room.  On the app, there is a map of the resort so you can find where your room is located.  Also, there is a blue-tooth option through the app to open your hotel door.  This comes in handy if you arrive late and don't have your magic band.

3. There is a resort parking fee! If you are driving to the resort, whether in your personal vehicle or a rented car, you will pay a parking fee for keeping your car at your resort.  This policy has been in place since March 21, 2018, so this is not new news!

​Rates are as follow: Deluxe Resort - $24, Moderate Resort - $19, Value Resort - $13

4. The Memory Maker is great for those who want to keep those fun attraction photos and the special photos taken by the Disney Photo Pass cast members. Link your Memory Maker to your My Disney Experience, so your pictures will automatically appear on the app once you start taking pictures. Make sure on your Friends and Family list you have set photo sharing permission for those you want to have access.  Only the guest assigned to the Memory Maker will be able to download photos.  For those on your Friends and Family list who have their Magic Band scanned for a photo, make sure on your app to toggle the viewing switch to view all Photos. It defaults to view only my photos.

5. Disney's Magical Express is transportation from Orlando International Airport to your resort and is an easy why to get to Walt Disney World without having to rent a car.  A few things to keep in mind when utilizing this service.  If you have checked your bags at your home airport with the yellow Disney tags, your bags will be delivered to your room at your resort.  Keep in mind that it takes approximately 4 hours from the time you land, to the time your bags are in your room. It is always wise to pack a carry-on bag with anything essential you might need like medicines, change of clothes, magic bands and swimsuits. Please do not put the yellow Disney tags on your luggage if you are going to need your luggage when you arrive at your resort, Just make sure you pick up your bags at baggage claim before boarding the Magical Express.  If you are arriving in Orlando after 10 pm, you must collect your luggage at baggage claim before boarding Disney's Magical Express. 

There's still time to enjoy Disney's After Hours event at Animal Kingdom. With only three more dates, March 20, 27 and April 3, they are sure to sell-out!
What I loved about this event is you have the opportunity to experience your favorite attractions without the long waits you might experience during regular park hours. Need I say, Avatar Flight of Passage anyone?

 As an After Hours ticket holder, you receive early admission beginning at 7 pm, with the event running from 8:30 - 11:30 pm. 
We took advantage of the early entry to try the Flame Tree Barbeque.  As many times as we have visited Disney's Animal Kingdom, and enjoyed the wonderful aromas coming from Flame Tree, we never stopped. I am so glad we finally gave it a try! 
Don't judge, but we tried the Baked Mac 'n Cheese with pulled pork, and French Fries with pulled pork and cheese. A lot of cheese, and pork right there!  Both were as you can imagine, wonderfully awesome. Next time, yes there will be a next time, I'm going for the St. Louis Rib Dinner.
Need a snack? Disney's After Hours has you covered!  What's not to love about endless popcorn, Mickey Bars, and a cold beverage! Located in designated areas, you can grab a snack and drink whenever you choose.

Once inside the park, you never know who  you might meet. I popped in to see Mickey and Minnie and take advantage of the no-wait photo-op.  ​​

Orlando may be known for its popular theme parks and attractions, but pull back the curtain of Mickey ears and churros and you’ll discover a whole new kind of world-class entertainment tucked within the City Beautiful: a thriving arts community.

Artistic and cultural gems of all kinds are scattered across the city in the form of art galleries, museums, performance venues, and festivals, but perhaps the highlight of them all is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

This jaw-dropping campus features multiple theaters, classrooms, and event space presenting everything from educational programs, outdoor festivals, comedy shows, Broadway performances, and so much more.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending two concerts and several shows from the Broadway in Orlando series, which features touring productions of top shows from The Great White Way. Everything I’ve seem has been hosted in the Walt Disney Theater, the center’s largest venue at over 2,700 seats.

My favorite Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center was Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. It was an awesome show with great music and an insight into her talent of songwriting. I had no idea the hits she wrote for other artists!
 
While It may be too late (no, it definitely is) to snag tickets for this season’s production of hit shows like Hamilton or Dear Evan Hansen, there’s still plenty to look forward to, including the musical styling of the Boston Pops on Tour, a trip to Paris with Anastasia, and a hilarious evening with Carol Burnett. You can check out the full list of upcoming events hosted by the Dr. Phillips Center here.

Beyond the Broadway shows, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has also hosted musical talents such as Idna Menzel and Donny and Marie.  Loved, loved, loved both shows!

Even in the heart of downtown, parking for the center is a breeze via a nearby parking garage, public transit, or valet. With a variety of restaurants within walking distance, the location of the Dr. Phillips Center makes it easy to dine before your show. Make it an unforgettable evening with a meal at Kres Chophouse or Ceviche, or keep it casual with a trip to Wahlburgers or Graffiti Junktion. If all you need are some munchies, the Dr. Phillips Center offers light bites, snacks, and beverages for sale.

With so much to experience at the Dr. Phillips Center, what are you most looking forward to in 2019?    



​

One of the things I love about the Disney Parks and Resorts is the unique experiences offered to create lasting memories with loved ones!  During the holidays, it's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that fits the bill! And no, it's not all about the free cookies, holiday treats and hot chocolate, although, the cookies are hard to pass up, but the combination of decorations, parade, live shows and fireworks! You can't help but be in awe when it begins to "snow" on Main Street, USA!

The park is all decked out in its holiday bling, from Main Street, USA, to every land in the Kingdom! 

During the party, you have the opportunity to catch up with some of your favorite characters for photos and autographs with several making a rare park appearance! Be on the lookout for Jack Shellington as Sandy Claws, Scrooge McDuck and of course, Santa himself!

Although the party officially begins at 7 pm, guests with their Very Merry Christmas Party tickets may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm.  Once you enter onto  Main Street, party guests are directed to the right, behind Main Street for Very Merry photo ops!  It's at this location that you receive your Mickey shaped Christmas cookie, which are delicious, I might add! From 4 - 7 pm you are free to enjoy the park and at 7 pm, the party magically begins!

Get ready for the happiest, most festive musical celebration as Mickey and his pals get together for a holiday party!  Staged at the Castle Forecourt, this fun show will surely get you in the holiday spirit!

One of my favorite parades - it's just that good!

As anyone who has celebrated the Christmas season at the Magic Kingdom knows, Holiday Wishes is beyond spectacular!  Stay to the end because there's a finale surprise waiting to light up the holiday sky!  You will not be disappointed!

Taking place at the Castle Forecourt Stage, Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a dazzling winter wonderland for a holiday celebration!

The Edge is a five piece a capella group with smooth vocal harmonies.  Singing all your favorite classic Christmas tunes, this is a fun and quite entertaining show!

Epcot at Walt Disney World doesn’t have spring, summer, fall, and winter. It has Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival, and International Festival of the Holidays. Out of all of Epcot’s well-themed seasons, the Food and Wine Festival is definitely a favorite.

The season is winding down, but you still have until November 12 to check out all of the offerings at the festival. Need help narrowing it down? Here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Flavors From Fire

There are plenty of incredible food booths at the festival, but we keep coming back to Flavors From Fire. I don’t know what makes it so special. Maybe it’s the flavor. Maybe it’s the fire. But I do know that the Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak can’t be missed.  

Eat to the Beat

Earlier this season, we enjoyed MercyMe while chowing down on some delicious food from around the world. Food & Wine Festival’s popular concert series still has three acts left. The best part? Eat to the Beat performances are included with park admission, so there’s no reason not to jam out.

Active Eats

It’s really hard to go wrong with macaroni and cheese in any form, but throw in some pepper bacon and green onions and you’re really doing things right. This is one of our go-to, must-eat, take-all-my-money-and-give-me-the-cheese offerings that we enjoy each year at the festival. So make sure you stop by the Active Eats booth - you won’t want to miss the gooey goodness.

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Some people choose to balance out the festival calories with a nice, early morning 13.1 mile jaunt around Walt Disney World property. I am not one of those people. At least not this year. But like all RunDisney race weekends, it’s so much fun to participate as a runner. Even if you didn’t sign up, you can still be involved by visiting the race weekend expo and checking out exclusive swag, plus cheering runners on as a spectator.

Belgium

I may not know much about Belgium, but I do know their waffles are on point. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert… you simply can’t go wrong. We tried the Belgian Waffle coated in berry compote and whipped cream, but you can also opt for warm chocolate ganache for an even sweeter treat.

Those are our highlights, but what is your favorite part of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival 2018?  

​

Guest Post by Emily Lupfer

Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to explore your own backyard. Still, one of my favorite things about living in Central Florida is breaking away from tried-and-true outings to experience something new. Not because you didn’t get around to it or are waiting for so-and-so to come into town to do it, but because you had no idea it existed.

Earlier this year, a friend surprised me by inviting me to join her for Disney’s Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise. Get it? Ferrytale instead of fairytale? Because it’s on a ferry? We went in the spring, but the cruise has been on hiatus all summer and just started up again this week. This seemed like the perfect time to make sure you know all about it.     

This is something I had no idea Disney offered, which kept it a surprise right up until we were standing next to a sign reading “Ferrytale Fireworks Check-in.” My friend allowed me to ask “yes” or “no” questions to try and guess what we were doing, but because the experience isn’t in a park, at a resort, at Disney Springs, or technically at the Ticket and Transportation Center, I couldn’t narrow it down and was left in the dark.

The cruise started with a reception on land with drinks and some hors d'oeuvres. It happened to be my birthday the next day, and an enthusiastic cast member went out of her way to find me a birthday button. Soon, everyone boarded our vessel for the evening and we were off for an evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

From there, my goal was to sample all of the signature treats on the cruise. We did just that by filling our plates with plenty of firework-themed desserts like “Red, White and Boom Cupcakes” and “Cherry Bomb Pie Tarts.” All of the tables throughout the ship carried the night’s theme and featured firecracker decorations. A cast member made the rounds, entertaining guests with magic.

I got an extra-special birthday surprise with a personalized tray of treats organized by my friend. It helps to know someone on the inside!  

Finally, it was time for the main event: Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After firework show enjoyed from a perfect vantage point. Everyone whipped out their “Mickey Vision” glasses to transform the fireworks into bursts of Mickey Mouse silhouettes. As the fireworks ended, a couple on the cruise got engaged, marking a magical end to the evening.

We were able to experience Ferrytale Fireworks complimentary. It was a great experience, but because of the price point, should probably be saved for a special occasion or celebration.          

Let us know what you think! Have you experienced Disney’s Ferrytale Fireworks? Stay tuned to AFloridaAdventure.com for more unique theme park experiences!

​

Let's be honest here.  Who among us doesn't like a frightfully, good scare? Ummm, me! I'm more of a Mickey's Not So Scary than a Halloween Horror or Howl-O-Scream kind of a gal so I sent Bill (hubs) and Emily (daughter) to check these ghoulish events out for me!

At first glance, you might think that both events are the same but Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Horror Nights offer vastly different experiences! 

Busch Gardens Insomnia House was a favorite!  Emily says, "there is a room inside this house that the walls move and the characters within the house interact with the guests!" A totally different experience than what you might expect.

At Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Night there were a couple of stand-out houses!  The Trick 'r Treat house was a favorite because it felt most like Halloween, if that makes sense. I think you need to experience it to fully understand!  The Horrors of Blumhouse was interesting because it combines two hit films, Happy Death Days and The First Purge, which makes a nice contrast. It's like you get two houses in one!

Both Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream have Scare Zones, but they are slightly different in how they operate.  Halloween Horror Nights has specific areas throughout the park as Scare Zones.  The borders of these Scare Zones are defined.  You walk in and out of them.  At Howl-O-Scream, the entire park is a Scare Zone! There are roaming hordes, character interactions and engagement and characters "stalking" you in queue lines and on the rides.  Don't be scared when you see your coaster riding buddy is a ghoulish monster!

The Sea Life Aquarium was a fabulous experience and the perfect outing for the kids!  So glad the grands were visiting, so they could come along on this adventure!

It was fun to watch the little ones get excited about the sea life; the tanks really held their attention! By-the-way, all the grown-ups were into it also! Sea Life Aquarium is an easy walk through attraction, which lends itself to going at your own pace.  If you want to stop and look for a bit, you can!

The 360 degree tunnel is amazing! Sharks, turtles and fish, of all kinds, gracefully swim all around you.  It is fascinating to watch!