adisneydreamingdarling

[adisneydreamingdarling]

New Wicked Tribute Store at Universal Studios here for a limited time!! I loved the detail of the Store. The displays for the costumes were really cool. There was photos from the movie posted through the store. I wish they would have given more information about the "behind the scenes" making of the movie but I overall still really enjoyed it.

[adisneydreamingdarling]

It's that time of year again! "Disney Dinner and A Movie" but Christmas style. Here is how to style the iconic movie ELF.

Here is a Menu your family will love!!!

Appetizers:

"You Smell Like Beef and Cheese" Plate

*You can style this plate with pepperoni, cubes of cheese and veggies with a ranch dip in the middle. *

Papa Elf's Pizza Bites (pizza rolls with marinara sauce)

Main Course:

- Walter's Waldorf Salad

* To make it look extra "Christmas" looking I like to use green grapes and red apples along with dried cranberries, pecans and celery *

- Emily's "Hold the Syrup Please" Spaghetti and Meatballs

- "Smiling is my favorite" Smiley Fries

* You can buy these in the frozen section of the grocery *

Dessert:

Jovie's Holly Jolly Jello Cups

* Buy lime or cherry Jello cups, top with whipped cream and sprinkles *

Swirly Twirly Gumdrop Cupcakes

* make any cupcake/icing of your choice but make a gum drop kabob to set on top the cupcake as a garnish or place gumdrops into the icing as photo above *

Drink:

Santa's Red Cream Soda

* Rim the glasses with honey and green sugar. Pour the red cream soda over ice but add a straw topped with marshmallows for the "Santa's hat" effect or garnish with a candy cane.

Activity:

1. Gimbal's Dream Decor Display

- Draw a picture of what your ideal Christmas decor would look like

2. Snowball Fight!

- During the snow ball fight scene everyone gets to throw "snow balls" at the TV.

* Prepare little cups or baggies of cotton balls to hand out to everyone to throw at the screen *

Hope you have a wonderful time making memories with your family!!

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Are value hotels worth it?

This is a question people ask all the time....should I splurge on a hotel room at Disney or should I stay in a value hotel. I think this is a very personal question., to me its as personal of a question as "How do you like your steak" or "How do you want to pay your taxes". Everyone has a different need and expectation for their lodging experience.

Pros of the value resorts:

They are newly redone

They have refrigerator and microwave

Comfortable beds

Easy to navigate

However, there was ONE experience that has kept me from staying value. As a single mom at the time, I always stayed value to take advantage of the free transportation to and from the parks. Typically, I took my daughter during the "off season" so the busses never seemed to be a problem. Enter the busy season.....We had been at Magic Kingdom all day and we waited at park close for a bus for 45 min. After finally getting on one to the All Star Movie Resort, there were no seats. SO I stood and my exhausted daughter sat on my feet and fell asleep. I held her by her bun to keep her from plopping on the bus floor on top of other peoples feet. At that moment I decided it wasn't worth the low after the high of the day to deal with these conditions. That's when I started looking into other options. There are some perks for sure, staying on property like the dining plan which is now back however, I would take other things into consideration booking in the future....Below is a pic of me holding my daughter by the bun.

What park are we going to the most? If Epcot or Hollywood Studios consider the Art of Animation, Pop Century or Rivera. They have Skyliner options and the Swan and Dolphin have access to Water Taxis. Magic Kingdom? Try Polynesian or Contemporary...they are more expensive but super easy to access MK.

Are amenities important? If you plan on doing a pool day, want cool water slides and on resort dining...consider Caribbean Beach or Yacht Club.

Alternatives to on property? We wanted a resort experience with also access to Disney transportation so we choose a few times not to stay on property and we did not regret it. Top faves: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in Kissimmee - Felt like we were at the BEACH! The decor was amazing and the pool was so fun to hang out by, The Gaylord Kissimmee - The pools and water park was unbelievable...as Marriott Ambassadors we had access to the spa which was perfect for an "off day" and Holiday Inn Disney Springs - We loved being able to walk to Disney Springs.

Are you open to Ubers? There have been a couple of times in the past the times of the shuttles didn't match with our needs and we took Ubers. If you do want to Uber, maybe go for the value resort and consider the ease of transportation.

Ave Night Price:

Value resort + uber to and from park: $200 daily

More expensive Disney Resort: $200 - $250 daily

Other non-Disney resorts - $180 - $225 daily

So when it comes down to it, they are all roughly the same so you just have to decide what matters most to you and your family.

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Did you know there is a Gaylord in Kissimmee FL? We normally go to the Gaylord in Nashville and have been to the one in DC BUT this one so close to the Disney Parks just hits different.

Here are the PERKS:

- The atrium is filled with FL style. Authentic plants of the FL climate. Sounds of the swamp and smells of a everglades experience. There are even real gators with interactive feeding and a snake house that was so cute to see some local critters up close.

- The WATERPARK was insane. So many pools, slides, a lazy river that's not lazy at all but so much fun, hot tubs, tons of loungers and delish bars/restaurants by the pools. They provide the towels and all the fun!!!

- The spa was another perk...if you are Ambassador Elite with Marriott you can access the spa complimentary! They provide you with a Robe, slippers and locker and you have access to their quiet room with refreshments, steam room, sauna, and rainfall showers. They had a great spa service menu with decent prices.

- You can use Marriott points for a room stay here but even if you dont...the cost of this hotel is comparable to the mid level Disney Resorts (Coranado, Swan/Dolphin, Port Orleans) and SO much nicer!!! We had a suite for the 4 of us with a full dining table and tons of space.

- There are several dining options on site including a sports bar appropriate for kiddos, a Cafe and Jambajuice!

- There are shuttles you can arrange for the parks since the Magic Kingdom is only 10 min away. Of course an Uber is also an easy option since it's so close.

Downsides:

- You have to pay for parking, of course like most resorts.

- Bellman Service takes up to 30 min so you need to plan to have anything you need with you.

- Most the restaurants close earlier so late night your options are limited.

- If you are looking for a resort bombarded with Disney decor, this is not your place. As a matter of fact, you hardly know you are 10 min from a park. Everything is FL oriented, not Disney oriented.

We LOVED our stay and 100% will be back!!!!

#disneyadults #disneyworld #Adisneydreamingdarling #gaylordresorts #Marriott #ambassadors #sisneyfam

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Well this is good to know!!!

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Wilderness Lodge at Magic Kingdom was EPIC!

First off, the Wilderness Lodge is HIGHLY underrated. Loved the vibe of the lodge. Made you feel like you were in a mountain resort somewhere far away, not almost walking distance to Magic Kingdom. The pool was beautiful and overlooked the lake. There was a stunning and peaceful waterfall that flowed through the middle of the lodge to the outside. All of the woodwork was gorgeous. So much to do!

Moderately priced resort, on average $220 a night. In my opinion, accommodations much more superior than other resorts in this range such as the Cornado and SO much closer to MK if you have small kiddos.

Most people come for the Story Book Dining which features Snow White, the Dwarfs and the Evil Queen and I am sure it's amazing BUT Whispering Canyon Cafe 10/10 reccomend!!! The food was delish, we got a last min reservation no problem, and it isn't high priced for Disney Dining. The food is "western" style aka cornbread, Biscuits, smoked meat, potatoes kinda stuff but they did have several vegan and vegetarian options which was really nice! I had the Western Eggs Benedict which had smoked brisket in it on a cheddar grilled biscuit. So so good. And the memosa flight. Yum.

The biggest draw of the restaurant is the antics. Think "Dicks Last Resort" but Disney style aka appropriate, family friendly and a lot nicer. They say funny things and interact not like your traditional servers. The server in the big hat is Lee. He sits down and chats with tables that aren't even his!

We had the best time laughing and eating. Really enjoying the environment. I have teenagers so they got into it too. They gave something called the Katchup Call where if you need catsup for your food your server guides you in yelling "We need Catsup over here" and whoever had the Katchup last brings it over to the next table. Thing is it's not one bottle, it's like 15 bottles so you have the whole table getting up to come socialize with the next table. My girls got up and helped the elderly couple take it to the next table when they got called out. So much fun!!!

My husband asked for a Coke Zero. She brought out a huge one. When we drank it all. He asked for a refill but a "smaller one" and she brought out a shot glass full. Hilarious!!!

We definitely will be back!!!

🤩

#wildernesslodge #whisperingcanyon #Disney #disneyresortfl #disneyparks #disneyfamily #disneyfans

[adisneydreamingdarling]

After Hours at the Disney Parks....Is it worth it? YES!!!! I personally have not gone, but I have heard from multiple trusted blog sites (and seen the pictures) that after hours is amazing. I heard that there are limited kids since you are there so late. You get free soda, popcorn and icecream with your tickets. The lines are nothing, you walk on any ride. I saw someone come back from Hollywood Studios after hours and their pictures looked like the park was open just for them.

What Park? They all rotating what parks are offering after hours when.

The Deets: You can get in as early at 7pm so if the park is normally closes at 9pm but is closing at 12/1am that's 5-6 hours with limited people!! Almost a whole day of rides in my opinion. Tickets are on average $150 per ticket. You can't go until 7pm. And they DO sell out so the sooner the better.

[adisneydreamingdarling]

In this picture, we look refreshed but honestly this was day 2 of our 2 days at the park and we were WHOOPED! Not because of the activity, but because if the heat. It was October and about 95 degrees. Day 1 we tried to power through and ended up riding the carousel of Progress 3 or 4 times in a row just to be cool and so I could nap. I am not exaggerating. It was brutal. Day 2, I insisted we left at the hottest hours of 12-3 and visit the pool, shower and go back. Which was great too, BUT I just wanted to draw attention to that even though it may be "fall" or a certain season, that it doesn't mean it will be weather as you are expecting. Plan accordingly!!

#Disney #Disneyplanning #Disneyfan #Disneyworld

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Trying to predict the crowds at Disney? Take a look at the black out dates for Season Passholders. With the lowest pass you aren't allowed to go on Saturdays or Sundays and the dates listed in the photos below. These are historically THE busiest days at the parks. So when you are planning, try to exclude these dates if you want to skip the loooooooonnnnngggggg lines.

#Disney #disneyworld #disneyparks #adisneydreamingdarling #disneytravel #disneyplanning

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Trader Sams Grog Grotto...A Disney secret......when in the Magic Kingdom area, go to the Polynesian resort. Parking is free. (Just tell the security guard you are dining).

Location - Next to Captain Hooks, grab and go restaurant toward the exit doors. There is a small door on the right hand side walking out the doors. If you aren't looking for it, you will pass it. It is not marked.

Entrance - They open at 3pm so there will be a cast member standing at the doors with an iPad. The "Wait List" to get into the restaurant opens at 2pm. Be the first there, or you will be waiting a while. Should you have to wait, you can take a stroll out to the docks or the beach area. There is another patio called "Trader Sams Terrace" which usually has live music and food/beverage choices you can enjoy while you wait. (Drinks posted below)

What to expect - This secret bar is technically kid friendly, but mostly, it's for grown-ups. With each drink you order, the Grotto crowd collectively does participation activities that go along with the cocktail ordered. Don't worry, the activities are easy to pick up on. There are so many unique things to look at, you have to get up and move around the room. The cocktails are delish, a little pricey, but great for the experience of it all!

Top reccomendation!!!

#tradersamsgroggrotto #Polynesian #disneytrip #vacation #thingstodoatdisney #disneyadulting

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Disney Adults....it's ok. Walt himself even says so!!!!

#disneyadults #stophating #wehavethemoney #disneyfans #allarewelcome

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Missing Disney today....love that we took the time to take special pics like this. When you are in the parks don't just take a pic, take a moment to enjoy the surroundings and document it with a picture. Years later, you will be glad you did. 💜

[adisneydreamingdarling]

Sometimes a mom has just gotta do what you gotta do to bring joy even if it's for a moment. I was pretending I was on the monorail while on this skytram at the airport hahahaha!!!!

Opinion, the Monorail is the most underrated form of transport at Disney. I love how easy and accessible it is. What do you prefer?

Bus?

Monorail?

Ferry/water taxi?

Skyliner?

Uber?

#disneyparks #waltdisneyresort #Orlando #Disneyfan #crazydisneylady

[adisneydreamingdarling]

How cool is this? Sprinkles is doing a female Chef series!!! This one looks delicious and very fun. If you are visiting Disney Springs, have a stop by!!

#disneysprings #Disney #celebratewomen #gogirl

[adisneydreamingdarling]

So Vloggers gave been banned at Tokyo Disney. Here's the thing. I get it, people have become famous influcers through their coverage at the parks and on rides however it has become WILDLY disruptive over the past few years for guests who have people videoing the whole ride like there was a man if front of me at Pirates who had his FLASHLIGHT on videoing the whole ride! So what do you think? Should there be a ban on ANYONE taking video or flash photography on the ride? Maybe Disney does an "influencer" day or week every so often where it's allowed so if you go on those days you know what you are getting yourself into?

I am guilty if taking a quick snap video here and there but taping the whole ride and disrupting other guests is a different story. And honestly if it was a rule NOT to video on rides...all or nothing kinda thing...I would understand and comply.

Thoughts?

[adisneydreamingdarling]

This is pretty accurate. Although. U popular opinion I do NOT think food and beverages at DISNEY are NOT a waste. However, I always planned meals well. This is a sample of what I would do.

Typical Disney Day without planning:

- Breakfast - sit down, eat mickey Waffles, drink OJ and the bill is roughly $25 per person.

- go to the park and your child sees a popcorn stand and it smells so good so you get popcorn. $10 - $15 and a $5 bottle of water

- Lunch - going to a quick service and your kids want burgers so you get burgers and fries and sodas to go with $25 per person

- your kids see those giants rice Krispy mickey heads so you give in $10

- more water! $5

- Dinner - sit down buffet at a restaurant in the park $ 30 - $50 per person

- water $5

- those mickey icecreams sure look good $15

End of day tou have spent about $ 150 PER PERSON on food

My way:

- order breakfast foods to have in your room in advance like pop tarts, muffins, yogurt, fruit For a 5 day trip, you may spend $50 on breakfast for a family of 4. So that's about $3 per person. (You can even make mickey Waffles in advance at home and bring them with you!! Disney DCM-9 Mickey Mini Waffle Maker, Black https://a.co/d/dutjdDw)

- pack an empty water bottle, there are filling stations at the park FREE

- bring bagged snacks with you so when popcorn seems tempting you can pull out another salty snack (https://a.co/d/abfGwom) $1.00 per person. Other snacks to consider. Granola bars, fruit snacks, peanut butter Crackers.

- Lunch - fun fact...the kids sizes are almost as big as the adult! Get everyone kids meals!! Bring flavored water powders with you and just ask for a cup of ice....Pronto - kool-aid on the go! Pack some fruits and veggies with you to make the lunch healthier and more filling $15 per person

- bring some cool Disney treats with you for that afternoon snack like mickey fruit snacks, mickey bagged apple crisps or even just candy in a little mickey baggie to make it special! Maybe $1 per person

- Dinner - this is where you should spend money!! $50 per person

- Get the Mickey icecream you have budgeted all day! $15 per person

End of the day you have spent about $85 per person!! Thats a savings of $65. That means for a family of 4 a savings of $1300 just by NOT going crazy and spending money on every little thing.

#disneyparks #waltdisneyworldresorts #disneycharacter #waltdisneyworldflorida #disneyprincess #waltdisneyworldmagickingdom #intags #disney #waltdisneyworld #disneyfan #waltdisneyworldorlando #disneylove #waltdisneyworld50thanniversary #disneygram #disneyworld #waltdisneyworldresort #waltdisneyworldparks