Why You Need to Visit Disneyland - Right Now

Magical Travel (the travel agency that I work for) is currently running a great Disneyland Promotion. This promotion inspired me to let you know why you need to visit the original Disney park, Disneyland!  I know the castle there is smaller (but size isn't everything, did you know that you can go in Disneyland's castle!) but the magic at Disneyland Resort is the same, if not better. Here are my year-round, 7 reasons why need to go visit Disneyland - right now! 



Disneyland is Walt's Park
Disneyland is the park that Walt Disney built. It is the park that Walt Disney built, stepped inside of and got to enjoy (Walt unfortunately passed away before the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was completed). Disney fans will appreciate being able to walk in Walt's footsteps and see the light in his apartment that is always kept on.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland Park

Little to No Planning Involved
Unlike Walt Disney World, where Advance Dining Reservations are a must at 180-days in advance and FastPass+ are required 60-days in advance, Disneyland requires very little planning. And the planning that is required, isn't 6-months in advance! Because of this a Disneyland vacation is more spontaneous and less overwhelming. Disneyland Dining opens 60-days in advance and MaxPass and FastPass+ are planned once you're in the park!  Disneyland is a much more relaxed, not overbooked vacation. Many of my Walt Disney World travelers feel as though they've booked their days in full and won't be able to change their mind about things - this is not the case at Disneyland.

Walking directions at Downtown Disney.

Convenience
All of the Disneyland Resorts (Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa; Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier) are within walking distance of both of the parks! Downtown Disney is right outside of the theme parks! Everything is super convenient to get to and doesn't require an hour of transportation time - unlike Walt Disney World where a majority of the resorts require a bus, monorail and/or boat to get to the theme parks. The two Disneyland theme parks are also more intimate as well - less walking around during your day. And get those Park Hopper Tickets because both of the parks are within walking distance of each other! This allows you to maximize your time at the parks - if something has a short wait but it is in a different park, no worries, you can be there in 10 minutes!

Disneyland Hotel

Weather
The weather in Southern California is generally much nicer than the weather in Florida - especially in the summer! Disneyland was built in Southern California "where it never rains." In 2017, Anaheim got just 8.64 inches of rain compared to Lake Buena Vista's 48.33 inches! The average high for Anaheim is 79° compared to Lake Buena Vista's  84°! California is also a lot less humid than Florida. Sounds like pleasant weather is in store for your theme park days!

Disneyland's Space Mountain attraction vehicles.

The Same, but Different
There are a lot of repeat attractions at both parks - Haunted Mansion; Splash Mountain; Space Mountain; and Pirates of the Caribbean - just to name a few. But guess what, these attractions are actually different at both parks! In my personal opinion, the better version of the attraction is usually at Disneyland! Don't believe me? Go see for yourself! There are also a lot of unique attractions and lands that are unique to Disneyland. For example, the wonderfully themed Cars Land - it feels like you're walking into the Cars movies - at Disney California Adventure! Some of the unique attractions at Disneyland are the fun Monsters, Inc.; Indiana Jones Adventure; Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!; and the Matterhorn Bobsleds (a Disneyland classic) just to name a few! Don't forget about all of the shows, parades and nighttime entertainment (World of Color) that are completely different at Disneyland!  I know food is a big part of travel too, the food at Disneyland Resort is some of the best theme park food I've ever had (this includes Walt Disney World!).

Pixar Play Parade

Special Events
Like Walt Disney World, Disneyland has their own special events to make your trip more magical! This includes Disneyland's very own Halloween parties and Holiday fun! Right now, the special event is Pixar Fest - something completely and totally unique to Disneyland Resort that celebrates all things Pixar. If you are a fan of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, you should really try out the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival!

Southern California Beach

Southern California
If Disneyland is not convenient for you to get to for just a long weekend trip or you'd like to make a week long trip out of it - there is plenty for you to do! Aside from the two theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney, there is so much for you to do in Southern California! You can get the SoCal CityPass as your ticket for your Disneyland Vacation Package allowing you to see multiple attractions. This ticket gets you into 3 awesome attractions for one great price - One 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket for Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park (includes one Magic Morning admission to a designated Disneyland® Resort Theme Park); One day at LEGOLAND® California Resort; and One day at SeaWorld® Adventure Park. Do you like sports? The Los Angeles Angels baseball stadium; the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball stadium; the Los Angeles Lakers basketball arena and more are a close drive away! We went and saw a Dodgers game during our last visit to Disneyland.  Disneyland is also close to some fantastic beaches (another thing we did on our last trip).  

Disney California Adventure

If you've done Walt Disney World several times and are looking for something different, Disneyland is a great option. Have only done Walt Disney World once but think it is too soon to go back - Disneyland is your answer. Miss Walt Disney World but only have a long weekend to go? Disneyland is your answer! Whatever your hold up may be, Disneyland is your answer!

To book your Disneyland vacation, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote!

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical Disneyland vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Resort for your stay; I'll help you make your Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; book any tours or unique experiences; help you with FastPass+ and MaxPass; and send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment!  

Plus my clients that book a Disneyland vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

New Theater Coming to Walt Disney World

A new venue for world-class entertainment is coming to Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida.  

If the image of the theater looks familiar, that’s because the new entertainment venue will be based on the iconic Willis Wood theater in 1920s Kansas City, where Walt lived after he left Marceline. And as you can see from the design, it’ll fit well right off Main Street, U.S.A.

“Across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we’ve been upping the game in Entertainment with shows like Frozen Live at the Hyperion,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts said. “It’s been a huge hit at the Disneyland Resort, and I’m sure many of you have seen it. This new theater at Walt Disney World continues that streak by bringing a new venue for world-class entertainment to the world’s biggest park.”

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or use this fast and easy form!

I'm a Disney Vacation Planner with hundreds of satisfied clients and I want to help you plan a magical vacation for your family at no extra charge! You won't pay one penny more to book with me but you'll get personalized help, tips, advice and much more (which you're not going to get if you booked on your own).  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for you for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and send you tips and tricks!

Flying Fish - Closing!

According to the Disney blog, my beloved Flying Fish Cafe at the BoardWalk will be closing for months (notice that "s" on the end of months… tear) on January 31.

From the Disney Blog

This is what the Disney blog has said about the closure:

January 31 is the last day to dine at Flying Fish Café on Disney’s BoardWalk, as the signature restaurant will close for several months as both Walt Disney Imagineering and the culinary team reimagine one of the most popular places for dinner at Walt Disney World Resort.  You can expect a whole new look, and the team will be working on a new menu (but no worries, the potato-wrapped snapper remains and seasonal approach stay the same).

The reimagined dining room will still have an onstage kitchen and an airier design, with more room for the popular Chef’s Counter and wine dinners.

While I am very happy to hear that the potato-wrapped snapper will be returning to the Flying Fish Cafe - it is one of my very favorite Walt Disney World dishes - I am sad that the rest of the restaurant will be re-imagined.  I'm really sad that the tent room may be going away.  Last fall we got to sit in the "tent" area of the restaurant and it was such a neat experience!  If you ignore the bit of my mother trying to give Chris some bunny-ears, you'll notice the background.  It looks like tented fabric, right? Wrong! That is painted walls my friends! Painted to look like you're in the middle of a tent! So go here while you can, ask if you can sit in the tent and order the potato-wrapped snapper and you'll have a great dinner!

Dinner in the "Tent Room" 

What are you hoping for after the remodel? Sad to see anything go? Glad to see anything go?  Let me know in the comments! 




Planning a  Disney vacation and need help? Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com!  I will help you with everything from booking your vacation package, to securing those hard to get restaurant reservations to Fast Pass selections - I will save you not only money but also your time! 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on the latest Disney travel news!

Summer Packing List for Walt Disney World

I normally go to Walt Disney World in the fall.  I go in the fall for two main reasons:

1. Epcot Food & Wine Festival occurs in the fall and its my favorite event held at Walt Disney World.
2. It doesn't feel like the inside of an oven when you're outside.

That being said, I leave to go to Walt Disney World next week; during Florida summer.  In my home state, Kentucky, the end of September is usually associated with the extreme heat and intense humidity making their exit for the year and the nice fall weather rolling in.  

Screen shot from weather.com of Northern KY weather in September

September in Florida? Still very oven like.

Screen shot from weather.com of Walt Disney World weather in September

So now, I'm packing for a trip to Walt Disney World during Florida summer and I thought I would share what I'm packing to help you out.  

What am I bringing for my weekend trip:

1.  TANK TOPS AND T-SHIRTS. Light and airy is the key for me.  I also pack two outfits for each day I'm in "the World."  One of my favorite tips to give for a successful trip to Walt Disney World is taking breaks from the park and to not over doing it (there is no way you can see everything there is to do, no matter how long your trip is)!  When its mid-afternoon HOT out, I head back to the hotel for a little break.  This could be a swim, a nap, a shower, etc.  But it always involves an outfit change so I feel refreshed when I go back to the parks in the evening.

Where else are you going to wear a Winnie the Pooh shirt besides Walt Disney World? Disneyland.

2.  SHORTS. I will be bringing shorts because I am alway hot, especially in the summer.  Capris and pants are something the hide in my closet until it is officially lower than 75° at the warmest point of the day. Needless to say, they will not be making the trip.  As with shirts, I'm packing two pairs of shorts for each day.

Summertime = shorts. 

3.  BATHING SUIT.  Walt Disney World has some of the most amazing pools I've seen in all of my travels, so the kids are probably going to want to swim at some point of their trip, if not every day.  Plus nothing beats cooling off like jumping into pool on a hot day.  If you're at the pool during the midday heat, instead of at the parks, everyone will be happy, especially after a few trips down the water slide (almost all of the resort pools have one).  Plus what is a vacation if it doesn't involve a trip or two down the water slide?  Another reason to bring a bathing suit - the hot tubs! Walking around the parks all day is pretty tiresome; relaxing in a hot tub after a long day helps me get relaxed and ready for the next day!

Ready for the pool slide!

4. SOCKS.  Who wears gym shoes without socks?!

5.  GYM SHOES. They are must no matter what time of year.  I strongly suggest bringing a comfy pair of walking shoes.  Do not, I repeat, DO NOT bring brand new shoes.  It will be one of the worst mistake you make while preparing for your trip.  After a day in the brand new shoes, your feet will hate you.  And they will let you know that they hate you.  Thus your feet will ruin your trip if you wear brand new shoes at WDW.

6.  A SECOND PAIR OF SHOES. Why? Well, I don't know if you've heard or not, but Walt Disney World is located in Florida.  Florida is pretty well known for their afternoon pop-up rain showers.  It is also hurricane season.  Rain = wet shoes.  Wet shoes, like brand new shoes, will ruin your day.  Your feet will hate you for putting them in wet shoes for an entire day.  Do yourself a favor and bring a extra pair of shoes to switch into once your first pair gets wet.  Another reason: Florida's crazy humidity, it takes longer for wet items to dry. Your gym shoes that got wet Saturday afternoon may very well be wet Sunday morning.  No one likes wet shoes.  I'm bringing and extra pair of gym shoes and a pair of sandals - I like wearing sandals at night when I'll be doing less walking.

Extra shoes!

7.  PONCHOS.  As I mentioned in the previous statement, it rains - a lot - in Florida during the summer.  The best way to deal with the rain while visiting the parks is a poncho.  Umbrellas tend to be too cumbersome and generally don't hold up well with the wind.  

8.  UNDERGARMENTS.  I've never seen "unmentionables" for sale at any Walt Disney World gift shop.  If you forget them, you're gonna have to go off property to buy some.

9.  A LIGHTWEIGHT BAG to take into the parks.  The bag will hold my sunglass (during rides), cell phone, camera, sunscreen, a small wallet with my I.D., credit card, health insurance card (I'm my mother's daughter) and some cash.  The I.D. is very important if you plan on consuming alcohol and look under the age of 50.  I am a heavy cell phone user, so I'll also bring a portable charger.  That is it,  I don't want to be lugging around 50 lbs on my shoulders all day.  If you don't mind the weight, be my guest and bring more but in my opinion, you don't need it. 

The contents of my purse. In case you were wondering...

10.  COSMETICS & TOILETRIES.  If you have hair that can be either straight or curly - like myself -  know that in Florida it will be curly (even if you left the hotel room with straight hair).  So be prepared and bring the correct products.  You will thank me when you're showing off your Walt Disney World vacation pictures to friends, family, co-workers, people that didn't go, etc. and your hair doesn't look like an animal you found at Animal Kingdom.

Curly hair necessities. 

11.  PRESCRIPTIONS, ADVIL, TUMS, BANDAIDS.  You never know when you're going to need these so better safe than sorry.  The gift shops do carry these items (over the counters, the don't carry prescriptions), however, it's best to have them in the room when you need them.  Otherwise, you'll have to hike to the gift store to get them when you may not feel like going anywhere.

My Disney medicine cabinet.

12.  CARRY ON BAG.  Filled with goodies to get you and your family from point A to point B while traveling.  Important fact for those of you who need gum while flying: Walt Disney World does not sell gum anywhere on their property.  So if you need it for your flight there and back home - you will have to bring it yourself.  Or buy it in the airport with a crazy overcharge.

Carry on filled with magazines, Kindle and gum.

13.  MINNIE MOUSE EARS/ MICKEY MOUSE EARS.  Because you're going to Walt Disney World!

Minnie Mouse Ears!

And that is it! Ready to go! 

Is there anything you think that is essential for a Disney vacation in the summer that you think I'm forgetting?

UPDATE: September 23, 2015
I previously said in my list of things to pack that you must bring your "unmentionables" because I had never found any in the gift shops in case you forgot yours.  Well I found them! Only in adult sizes, but they were there.  And I found them in two resort gift shops: at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and at the Contemporary.

For the ladies: I only found one option. A "ladies hipster" style.  I found them in sizes XS - XXL.  I only found one option as far as print goes.  They come 3 to a pack and are priced at $21.95.

For the men: I found two options for men - a Mickey Mouse outline and a Mickey Mouse parts style.  Both of the boxer style. Only one per pack. Priced at $19.95.

And remember, for all the latest Disney news, tips and tricks follow me on Facebook! 

Two Easy Ways to Save Money on your next Disney Vacation!

Many people think that a Disney vacation is out of their budget.  I am here to prove to you that it is not with these TWO easy and simple tips.

1. Pay for your Disney trip by using "free"money.  There are a FOUR ways to earn "free" money (I put free in quotes because we all know nothing is free - some of these websites require your time to rack up points, others are a reward on cash spent.)






1.  My favorite way to earn "free" money is Swagbucks.  When you sign up for Swagbucks you need to take surveys, watch videos, play games, enter codes, etc. to earn Swagbucks.  (Tip: Be sure to hit your daily goal everyday.  If you do this daily, at the end of the month you will earn big in FREE bucks just for meeting those goals!) You can shop online via Swagbucks and earn a percentage of what you spent in Swagbucks.  Once you have enough Swagbucks racked up, you then convert your Swagbucks into gift cards.  I strongly recommend converting your Swagbucks into Target gift cards.  Why? As I explain below, once you sign up for the Target REDcard program,  you can buy Disney gift cards at 5% off - thus stretching your "free" money.  Sign up here for a Swagbucks account and start earning!              



Earn bucks to turn into gift cards!

2.                                       
3. Sign up for MyPoints.  MyPoints is similar to Swagbucks -  you need to take to surveys, watch videos, etc.in order to earn points that you convert to gift cards.  However, I have found that it takes much longer to rack up enough MyPoints to buy a  $50 Target gift card than it does via Swagbucks.  No reason you can't do both though. (Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the MyPoints emails - you will receive a few emails a day that you need to click on to earn free and easy points).  Click here to sign up.  



Earn Points and turn your points into gift cards!


4. Ebates.  Ebates is a website that you visit before you shop online, search for the store that you plan on shopping at, and click their special link to do your shopping. By doing so you get a cash back percentage on your total spent. These online shopping trips add up and you'll get a reward check sent to you in the mail four times a year.  (Tip: since Swagbucks and MyPoints also offer rewards for shopping online, check all three sites to ensure you get the best cash back reward). Use your reward check towards your Disney vacation or use it to buy Disney gift cards via the Target REDcard program to stretch your free dollars even more!         



Earn Cash Back while you shop!

5. Sign up for a Target REDcard (there are two options, find out which one is best for you here) and simply buy Disney gift cards online.  The Target REDcard program gives 5% off towards all purchases - including gift cards.  That means you will only spend $47.50 for a $50.00 Disney gift card/$95.00 for a $100 Disney gift card and getting at least a 5% discount off your Disney vacation - trust me it can really add up!



Save 5% even on Disney Gift Cards!


2.  Use Lauren Gonding with Magical Travel to book your Disney vacation.  



1. First off my service is 100% totally FREE to my clients.  
2. As your personalized Disney Travel Agent I WILL help you SAVE money.  I will do my best to get you the best deal - even after you have booked!  I will constantly search for discounts and if you get a pin code in the mail - I will be able to apply that to your previously booked vacation. (Bonus Tip: You can use your "free" Disney gift cards to pay your Disney Vacation package booked with me!)
3. I will save you TIME by booking for you the hard to get Advance Dining Reservations and FastPass+ selections.  Saving you time means you'll have more time to spend with your family, or (by using the above mentioned websites) to earn more "free" money to spend on your Disney vacation.  To find out how I can help you save on your Disney vacation email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com.  Also, be sure to subscribe to this blog and like my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/laurenmagicaltravel) to stay informed of all the magic Disney has to offer.
   

   

   Earn "Free" Disney Gift Cards!

   
   
   
   

Why I love Disney

I am a Disney lover.  Actually, I am probably closer to being a extreme Disney enthusiast. I cannot get enough Disney in my life.   Whether it be from Disney movies, clothing referencing Disney, kitchen items with the iconic Mickey mouse head on it, to seasonal Disney goods, to trips to Walt Disney World Resort - I cannot get enough.  And I am perfectly okay with it.

This is me. In my Minnie Ears.

Those around me, loved ones, family and friends, know about my love affair with Disney.  In fact, they are fans of Disney themselves and will travel with me to my beloved place!  I consider myself to be a lucky girl because of this!

My Disney loving friends.

My Disney loving family.

People frequently ask me, "why Disney?" "Why do I keep going back to Walt Disney World, isn't it the same every year?" "Why do you like Disney so much?"   Its hard not to just reply back, "because it is Disney…".  Instead I have to explain.  Actually, have to is the wrong phrase.  I get to explain.

Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom

My love for Disney started with their movies.  When I was a child, I remember welcoming Michael Eisner into our home every Sunday when my family and I would watch The Disney Sunday movie together (this was eventually renamed The Wonderful World of Disney).  My favorite childhood movies consisted of Lady and The Tramp (I watched it so often I would ruin the VHS tape and my mom would have to go by another copy - this happened more than once), The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Then I got old enough to take myself to the movies and while I know I saw other movies, the Disney movies I saw during my high school years are the ones I remember and still watch to this day.

Then there are the magical vacations to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.  Walt Disney World is a location of many of my fond childhood memories.  My favorite memory of mine is being at the Magic Kingdom when I was 4, being held by my grandma and watching the Main Street Electrical parade go by - and we were both equally fascinated.  I can recall each and every visit to Walt Disney World and each one was magical in its own way.  Even in my angry teenage years, trips to Walt Disney World brought me back to the "I love my family and I love spending time with my family" version of myself.  Then Walt Disney World trips turned into trips with my college friends, visiting the EPCOT Food and Wine festival and having the time of our lives.  Eventually the trips to Walt Disney World began to include both my family and my college friends and everyone has a great time together.

Friends and family in Walt Disney World.

So why Walt Disney World?  I go back because of that warm, bubbly feeling I get when walking underneath the Walt Disney Railroad Station, letting the sights, sounds and smells that take me back to the same joy I had as a 4-year-old with my grandma and being able to share that with friends and family - year after year.

Walt Disney Railroad Train Station 

I go back to Walt Disney World because of the memories that are created while on these trips.  I can recall things that happened on trips like they happened yesterday - when really it was years ago - and  upon recall they still bring smiles and laughs.

I go back because of the quality time spent with family in a way I can't get elsewhere.  My dad, being a successful business man, is always on the phone working - even on vacation.  Except at Disney.  He puts his phone goes away and gets to relax and enjoy family time.  It is also quality time that my friends and I get to spend together like we used to in college. We are busy with our own careers and families that it is nice to get away for a week and just be friends, catch up and spend time together without distractions.

The family on our last trip to WDW.

I keep going back because of the outstanding customer service I get while at Walt Disney World Resort. The cast members are always willing to go above and beyond to make our visit magical.  For example, one time our group was standing outside Test Track trying to determine if we had enough time to ride it before out dinner reservations, and we decided we did not.  A cast member overheard us and asked us if we would follow her - we thought we were in trouble!  She lead us away from the line and told us "everyone should be able to do Test Track!" and she opened up a back door to the ride, taking us straight to the front of the line and told us and we got on the ride and make our dinner reservations.

I return year after year (and sometimes more than once a year) because there is always something different and new to do.  Walt Disney World changes things here and there, adding things here and there - always giving us something new to try.  Whether it be creating a whole new world in one of the theme parks, or updating a ride or even adding a restaurant to the extensive list - each trip I've taken to Walt Disney World is different than the last trip I've taken.  That being said, along with getting to do the new things, I get to experience my old favorites as well.

RIP Maelstrom

The new My Disney Experience/Magic Band

So that being said, I hope I've been able to convey just a little bit of why I keep going back to Walt Disney World.  If you want your family to experience all the magic and wonder Walt Disney World and the Disney Travel line has to offer, contact me so I can help plan your vacation to Walt Disney World!