1. Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Elegant, delectable and  downright delightful, the timeless British tradition of Afternoon Tea is there for partaking. One of mine and my girls’ favorite ways to bond has become a favorite pastime for me and my two daughters, afternoon tea at Disney Grand Floridian has become a staple on our frequent Disney World trips. 

Thank goodness for us and all the moms and daughters headed for Disney world, there is a super delightful tea service, served up Disney style at The Grand Floridian. Moms and daughters can indulge in three tiers of assorted finger sandwiches and baked goods with a steaming pot of the tea of their choosing. The elegant surroundings and ambience of the Garden View Tea Room add to this refined English experience. 

If you have a young "princess" then be sure to share the Garden View's Disney's Perfectly Princess Tea. This royal experience is filled with with music, dancing, storytelling and more as "Rose Petal," a magical rose from Aurora's garden, has come alive to host the party, leading a special princess parade, storytelling and sing-alongs. And best of all, Princess Aurora makes an appearance, so make sure your little one is dressed as their favorite Disney Princess, which is highly encouraged for the event!
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2. Sunrise Yoga - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Just because you are on vacation in a place where the fun never stops does not mean you cannot indulge in a bit of mindful practice to start your day. At Disney Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, an early morning Sunrise Yoga class is offered on Monday and Wednesdays at 7:00AM. This revitalizing gentle class is on our list to do for our next Disney trip as a way of refocusing our minds and revitalizing our bodies before heading off to start our day. All ages are welcome as well as all fitness levels, so this could be a great way to introduce yoga to your young daughter(s). Mats and towels are provided on-site, which means there is nothing you need to bring except the two of you and an open mind and heart!

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3. Pampering Day - Disney's Saratoga Springs & Spa /Grand Floridian Resort & Spa/Other Disney Resorts

If you ask me, the ultimate in mom-daughter bonding is getting pampered together! Depending on your little lady's age, the two of you can treat yourselves like princesses and enjoy one of many spa services offered at a few of the Disney World properties. From massages to facials and other body therapies, a girls' day can prove relaxing and regenerating. Disney's Saratoga Springs has a very special "Sweet Treats Manicure and Pedicure" for princesses in training!  Other Disney Character Couture Packages are available at select salon locations within Walt Disney World Resort as well. 

​4. An Exhilarating Safari Adventure - Animal Kingdom

If you and your little lady are adventure buffs, you will surely love the idea of going on a 3-hour Wild Africa Trek in none other than Disney's Animal Kingdom. This privately priced tour takes guests for a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over Disney's open savanna with a chance to discover a variety of African animals such as giraffes, rhinos, hippos and crocodiles. You and your girl will get to journey along a grassland path and over a rope bridge all while learning about the park's dedication to animal conservation. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir with which to remember your safari together!

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5. Splitsville Luxury Lanes - Disney Springs
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A super fun way to hang out for some mom-daughter bonding is with an evening of bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs. Me and my two girls went for the very first time on our last Disney trip. You will love this huge bowling alley which has 2 floors, 30 lanes and 5 bars. When you are done, why not try your hand at a game of pool. And you can indulge in some appetizing snacks to energize your game or head out to the indoor/outdoor patio for some fresh sushi.

7. Goofy's Candy Company - Disney Springs Marketplace

In the heart of Disney Springs Marketplace is one of the most fun candy stores around! Treat yourselves to a candy bonanza at Goofy's Candy Company by getting lost in this candy wonderland. Take your time selecting from a huge variety of sweets and if you are inclined to do so, ​get creative and build a sweet masterpiece! The “Create Your Own Treat” cards available at the store counter, which allows allows you to select your treat, select a dipping flavor, select one topping and then last of all, select a drizzle!

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8. Shop for Hours at World of Disney - Disney Springs
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What is any vacation without a little shopping for the girls to enjoy! You can literally get lost for hours inside World of Disney with the world’s largest collection of Disney merchandise. Browse through the latest fashions in Disney apparel, accessories, Mickey Ears and home décor to toys, pins, plush, souvenirs and so much more. This is always on our itinerary and we never leave empty handed!

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10. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride - Disney Springs

​My gang of three are huge fans of hot air balloons and right in the heart of Disney Springs West End, Aerophile is available for a high flight up in the air. Build memories from ascending 400 feet into the sky where you will take in an awesome 360-degree view during a tethered 8-minute balloon ride experience. You and your girl(s) can see for up to 10 miles during your ride! This balloon ride comes direct from France and was custom-built for Disney by Paris-based company Aérophile S.A.. The 19-foot diameter basket of the Aéro30 holds up to 29 people, plus one Aérophile-certified pilot. Price for a ride is $20 for kids 10 and older and $15 for kids ages 3 to 9. 

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2. Plan and Book Your Dining Reservations

Now that you know WHERE you'll be on any given day, have fun browsing through the plethora of dining options in each park. Whether you prefer quick service or table service dining, it's a good idea to pre-plan which place you wold like to try. The reason we pre-plan our dining is not only to make any necessary dining reservations, but, for the fun of trying different eateries. From our experience, had we not done pre-trip research into the various options available at each park, we surely would have missed out on some wonderful meals! This method is also helpful if you are dealing with any dietary restrictions in your party or if you have picky eaters in that you can view the full menus beforehand. Reservations can be made online and new dining rules are in effect throughout Disney World.

Our Suggestion: Go to the Disney Dining site, which lists all Disney Park restaurants. You can narrow your options by specific park and even by resort, should you be interested in trying one of the Disney resort restaurants' Character Dining or other dining experiences. You will be amazed when looking at the options in this fashion, just how many choices you have and how many you might not have even noticed in person if you hadn't visited the site first! Take the time to read through the menus and see what options they have for those with dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and any food allergies. Even if you plan to get quick service, it's a good idea to set an approximate time for when you will eat, so it's on the itinerary. Now you can add all dining reservations and plan under the appropriate park column of your itinerary and call to make the necessary reservations!
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5. Walking Distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Your feet can do the walking to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios which means no need to take Disney bus service and no need to wait for it in either direction.


6. Friendship Boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Whether heading to the park or returning back, the Friendship Boat is a super fun and scenic way to travel. Conveniently located at the pier on the Boardwalk promenade, this breezy water mode of transportation offers guests rides to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios as well as to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Swan and Dolphin. 


7. Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk 
If you are looking for some night action close to "home," this adult-only nightclub and dance club features music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today. ​
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20. Quaint Belle Vue Lounge
When you are looking for a quiet place to sit and relax, you must visit the quaint 1930’s-style Belle Vue Lounge. Although it is just a sitting room, it is designed to take guests back in time with comfy chairs and radios playing programs from the era. Enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning or a cocktail in the evening. There are also board games available to guests.


21. Lots of Outdoor Green Spaces
The Boardwalk Inn is designed with lots of outdoor spaces. So whether you are in the mood to walk about or hang loose under a tree on one of the many benches, you have your choice. This feature makes this property great for kids to run about and play.

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22. Character Dining at Trattoria Al Forno
This Italian restaurant offers a delicious “Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast with a chance to meet Disney’s Princess Ariel and Prince Eric and Princess Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. You'll find it a bit quieter and more intimate than some of the park character breakfasts, which we love.

​Till next time,
Travelin' Elisa & Kelsey

Slowly but surely, Orlando's Disney World is opening back up. Last week, both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened after four months of closure due to the coronavirus and today Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios parks will reopen as well.  Exciting news for Disney World lovers!

However, like most places these days, visiting Disney World will also become an entirely new experience for visitors with new rules and restrictions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.  now that. Here's what to expect when visiting the "most magical place on earth" during 2020 and 2021, so take note!
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Park Reservations Required

​Never before in the history of  the world’s largest theme park operator has there been a requirement to have reservations for entry. In fact, most guests, like myself, loved the fact that visiting the various Disney World parks could be a very impromptu and spontaneous decision. This is no longer the case, at least through September of 2021. According to Bloomberg.com, "Guests have to make reservations to enter the parks, a first for Disney, but a move that allows the company to control capacity and keep visitors more socially distant on rides and other attractions. Bookings are being accepted through September of next year."


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​Mandatory Face Masks 

​Not to beat a dead horse with the obvious, but like other public places, Disney World requires all guests to wear facial coverings. Not the most comfortable way to make your way around a theme park, but certainly a safe one and a rule that will be enforced. The good news is that in today's safety climate, masks are becoming a bit of fashion statement, and forward-thinking Disney has gotten on the bandwagon with a plethora of fun and fashionable Disney-themed mask options with which to choose. 

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Limited Capacity and Social Distancing
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Disney has set up signage to assist guests navigate their way through the property with ground markings for proper social distancing with tape markings of 6 feet apart in ride/attraction queues.  The number of people allowed in the park at any one given time will be 50% capacity for Phase 1 and then increased to 75% during Phase 2, as noted by Miles to Memories.com. The good news take away is that the wait times for your favorite attractions and rides will also be much shorter. 
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No Park Hopping

​Park Hopping and the slightly more expensive "Park Hopper Park Pass" made it possible or guests to "hop" from one Disney Park to another during one day. For the foreseeable future, this feature will not be allowed for Disney visitors. According to ABC-13,  "Visitors will need reservations to enter a park, and they won't be allowed to hop between parks."

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Temperature Screening

​Many of us are getting used to having our temperature taken as we begin to frequent public places. Disney World is no exception. The company now requires that both visitors and employees receive mandatory temperature checks upon entering the parks. If a guest has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, that person will be moved to another location for re-screening to double check the accuracy," states DisneyFoodBlog.com who goes on to say that "those with temperatures above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed entry " Those in their party will also be denied entry, so be sure to check your entire group's temperature before venturing to the parks.

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No Character Meet and Greet

Meeting your favorite Disney costume characters is one of the most beloved pastimes for the young and young at heart at Disney World. Nothing says Disney more than a great character photo op. Unfortunately, guests will not be able to greet the costumed Disney characters up close and personal. Instead, the characters are in "cavalcades," or motorcades, as they make their way through the park.

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No Fireworks Shows

Two of the most anticipated events at Disney World - parades and fireworks display shows are cancelled at this time. The intention is to avoid large crowds of people grouping together in on location. 
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As a HUGE fan and frequent visitor to Walt Disney World in Florida for five decades, it's hard for me to even imagine that there is a "first-time" visit to the most magical place on earth in Orlando for anyone!  

Of course, that is a preposterous view on my part.  Folks of all ages visit Disney World each day for the very first time.  Some young, some old, but all of whom are hoping to catch the Disney spirit and see what all the hubbub is about!

Making one's first journey to this 10,524 square mile theme park can be quite overwhelming  with so much to see, do and experience.  As long-time Disney Vacation members, we can assure you that the Disney folks have left no stone unturned when it comes to all aspects of creating a memorable experience with as little stress as possible. However, we are here to lend you a few helpful tips for visiting Disney World like a pro!

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1. Download My Disney Experience Mobile App

My Disney Experience is a mobile app for iPhone, tablets and Android smartphones that allows Walt Disney World Resort Guests to plan their vacation and get the most out of their Disney theme park experience. 

In a nutshell, this app is a one-stop-shop for every last detail having to do with your trip.  The process can begin as soon as you've booked your trip and have a hotel and ticket reservation, making it possible to set up your own personal profile. From this point, the sky is the limit!

Guests have access to all details pertaining to their reservation and planned activities. Set up a Family & Friends list, link reservations and park tickets to your Disney account, schedule FastPass+ and Dining Experiences,  check into your hotel, check ride and attraction wait times and more.  

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2. Make Dining Reservations in Advance

While we are big fans of spontaneity, leaving restaurant dining to chance in Disney World is strongly discouraged.  These days, with the number of guests visiting the theme park and travelers' level of sophistication and desire to plan ahead, you will find yourself very disappointed if you just "show up" to any of the sit down restaurants.

While this approach works just fine for quick service dining, we strongly recommend making meal reservations in advance  Using either the Disney.com website or using My Disney Experience app, reservations are a breeze and can be made up to 180 days in advance.  Just beware, reservations require a credit card to hold your meal reservation as well as cancellation 24-hours prior or you will be charged a fee of $10 per person in your party.  


3. Book Disney Attraction and Ride FastPass+in Advance

Disney FastPass+ service is the electronic/online system for booking rides at Disney World so that you can skip the lines (or wait in substantially shorter lines for your favorite rides.  

With the purchase of a ticket or Annual Pass , you can make selections as early as 30 days before you arrive - starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time if you are NOT staying at a Disney World resort.  If you ARE staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to check-in for the entire length of your stay.

We cannot tell you how much "standing in line" time this saves and it is so easy to secure FastPass+. Simply choose your attractions and experiences on My Disney Experience or online from the choice of hour-long blocks of time given. Then all you do is show up at your time. 

There are a few rules:

• Guests are permitted to make three FastPass+ reservations per day for the park being visited..
• After fulfilling your three FastPass+ reservations in the parks, you can then visit a FastPass+ kiosk to make another reservation.
• Walt Disney World splits up the available FastPass+ options into tiers based on popularity for all the parks except Magic Kingdom. 
• FastPass selections cannot be made during Early Magic Hours or other special ticketed events like the Halloween/Christmas party/after hours/etc.

4. Take Advantage of Disney's Magical Express

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World and staying at a Disney owned resort, (which we thoroughly recommend!!), you’ll be able to take advantage of complimentary airport shuttle service, luggage delivery, and airline check-in.

What's so convenient about this service is that all you need to do is check your bags at your  hometown airport and once it arrives at Orlando International Airport, Disney takes care of the rest, retrieving your luggage and delivering it directly to your Disney Resort!  All you need to do is walk to the Magical Express Welcome Center in Terminal B area once you deplane and board the comfortable coach and relax as you are taken directly to your resort.

If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you will receive a package in the mail with your Disney Magical Express luggage tags. Simply attach to your bags at your hometown airport prior to checking and you are all set!!


5. Take Advantage of the Baby Care Centers ​

As much fun as Disney World is, it can also be tiring, especially if you are traveling with little ones.  Not to fear, Disney already thought of this and I can tell you from personal experience, their Baby Centers are a wonderful oasis amidst the activity of the park and are a great alternative to heading all the way back to your hotel room if your baby needs changing or a quiet place.

Located within all 4 theme parks, Baby Care Centers provide a convenient place to feed, change and nurse little ones. In addition to offering a quiet refuge, the Baby Care Centers are fully staffed and chock full of amenities for parents with infants and toddlers, including a feeding area with highchairs, kitchen with microwave and sink, a main room with television, table and seating and an on-site shop to purchase necessities such as formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing   

They are always open during regular park hours, complimentary to use.

Till next time,
Elisa and Kelsey