 With so much to do at the Disney Parks, you'll want to make sure you take advantage of everything the parks offer! What are the best ways to get the most out of your time at the parks? I share my best time-saving hacks below! Mobile Orderingordering has become even more prevalent since the pandemic, with many quick-service locations requiring guests to place mobile orders before entering a restaurant. Mobile ordering is available at 20 locations across Walt Disney World and Disney Springs. You can mobile order anything from burgers and fries to snacks like Dole® Whip and coffee. Place a mobile order by tapping the "order food" button in the My Disney Experience app. Next, pick a location, select an arrival window, and prepay for your order. Head to the restaurant during the arrival window, and tap "prepare my order." You'll get a notification once the order is ready and pick it up at the "mobile order pickup" line. The great thing about mobile ordering is that you don't need to wait in a long line to order food, which is beneficial if you dine during peak lunch or dinner times. Your arrival window allows you to order food while waiting in line for a ride, on Disney transportation, or sitting somewhere outside the restaurant. You decide! Tip: You cannot place a mobile order when paying with cash. Save your credit card information in the My Disney Experience app before your trip to utilize mobile ordering. Genie+ Time Savers The best way to save time waiting in line for attractions is by purchasing Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane passes. These services allow you to skip the standby line at over 40 Walt Disney World attractions. While these services are time savers in themselves, you can save even more time with the Genie+ grace period, which adds on an automatic 20-minute buffer for your Genie+ return window. The grace period starts five minutes before your return window begins and ends 15 minutes after the return window closes. You can enter the Lightning Lane during these times even though you're technically outside your one-hour return window. This is great if you find yourself at the other end of the park towards the end of your return time. There is no need to run through the park Home Alone style to make it on time! Another time-saving hack is to take advantage of the "120-minute rule," which allows you to select an additional Genie+ attraction two hours after your previous selection (as long as the park is open), even if you haven't returned to the first attraction yet. MagicMobileMagicMobile is a great way to save time while entering a park, using Genie+, or unlocking your Disney Resort room. MagicMobile essentially turns your smartphone or smartwatch into a MagicBand. Both passes have many of the same features and functionalities, including linking park tickets and charging purchases to your Disney Resort room. The best part? MagicMobile is a FREE feature inside My Disney Experience! Standby Line HacksGenie+ is the best way to save time waiting in line. However, if you choose not to use Genie+, there are a few ways to cut down how long you wait in the standby queue. First, try to visit popular attractions during off-peak times, like when the park first opens or during fireworks and parades. Another hack if you're staying at a Disney Resort is to take advantage of early entry and get to the parks 30 minutes earlier than other guests. Another way to cut down on standby wait time is to use the Single Rider line. It's usually much shorter than the regular standby line. Although it means you may not get to ride the attraction at the same time as the other members of your group, the time you'll save may be well worth it! Shop at NightDon't waste time shopping for souvenirs you'll have to carry around with you in the middle of the day (unless you're dodging a summer thunderstorm!). Some stores, like the Emporium at Magic Kingdom, stay open for an hour or two after the park officially closes. If your family can handle a little extra time at the parks at the end of the night, do your shopping then! Disney Vacation Planning with Just Add Magic Travel®The ultimate time-saver is to work with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in Disney Destinations. When you work with Just Add Magic Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we cut down on the noise, filter out the rumors, and take care of the little details for you. Get a complimentary quote here. For more planning tips for Disney and Universal vacations, view our blog. Sign up for our mailing list for theme park news and planning tips delivered to your inbox.
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 Once you’ve booked your Disney travel arrangements with Just Add Magic Travel®, it’s time to prepare and pack. Whether packing is a source of excitement or stress, as Tiana would say, you’re “Almost There!” By spending time thinking about what to pack for your Walt Disney World trip, you’ll be able to save money and time at the theme parks. While there could be an endless amount of items you could bring, we wanted to narrow it down to a few things you may not think about. Here are our top tips for what to pack for your Disney trip. AttireWalking shoes There’s no doubt that you will do a lot of walking at Disney. We’re talking upwards of ten miles per day. Doing that much walking without the proper footwear will lead to achy feet and cranky family members by the end of the day. Treat your feet well and invest in a good pair of cooling, sweat-reducing walking shoes for everyone in the family. Your feet will thank you! A note on dressing children in costumes: choose practicality over theming and let them wear sneakers underneath. Keep the princess shoes for playtime at home. I recommend bringing two pairs of shoes per person and rotating daily to decrease the risk of blisters. Attractive rain gear Even though Florida is known as the Sunshine State, it can be pretty rainy, especially if your Disney travel plans have you visiting during the summer. Pack rain gear accordingly so you don’t have to purchase ponchos during your trip. Another tip: bring attractive rain gear. If you visit during the summer, you will likely be using this gear at least once a day, and a Photopass photographer may capture the perfect family mantle photo just after a storm. Opt for a uniquely patterned or Disney-inspired poncho for family photos that are fun and functional! If you’d prefer to pack more lightly, you can purchase ponchos at the theme parks once rain rolls in. These even come with a replacement guarantee in the event that they tear. Strollers & car seats Here are some tips for Disney travel with strollers and car seats: Strollers First, Disney has limitations to stroller sizes in the parks. Strollers must be less than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long (many double joggings strollers fit into this category). Stroller wagons are not permitted. Since strollers can go through a lot of wear and tear while traveling (especially if you gate-check it), we recommend arranging to rent a stroller during your trip. Just Add Magic Travel partners with several stroller rental companies in the Orlando area and will arrange reservations for you. Contact us to learn more about this option! In addition to the actual stroller, there are a few accessories you’ll want to bring to make it more enjoyable. The first is a stroller tag. There are large stroller parking areas throughout various areas in the parks. After leaving your stroller for a few minutes, you may lose your stroller in a sea of similar-looking ones. In addition, a Cast Member may move your stroller to accommodate more guests. Bring a bright marker that will make your stroller stand out from others. You can DIY your own or have one custom-made from small businesses that offer Disney-themed stroller tags. You’ll want a stroller fan, especially for Florida’s hot and humid days. Car seats If you stay at a Disney Resort and plan to take advantage of Disney’s complimentary transportation system, you will not need a car seat. Car seats are not permitted on Disney’s transportation systems, such as buses, monorails, and ferryboats. Typically a shuttle company will not allow car seats, while a private transfer company (which is Just Add Magic Travel’s recommendation) has car seats available that can be reserved prior to your trip. Before deciding whether to bring your car seat, feel free to reach out! We’ll discuss the various options and help arrange the best travel option for your family. Food & drinks Disney lets you bring outside food and drinks into the parks, as long as they aren’t in glass containers (except for jarred baby food) and don’t require refrigeration or heating (there are no public microwaves or refrigerators). We suggest keeping some simple snacks like granola bars on hand to act as a quick meal replacement to give you a boost of energy throughout the day. You will also want to bring refillable cups/water bottles and straws, as adult-sized fountain drinks do not come with lids or straws (kid-sized beverages and coffee do have lids). ExtrasHere are a few other items we recommend packing for when planning for Disney travel:
Disney travel with less stress with Just Add Magic Travel There are so many more items that could make your vacation to Disney less stressful! If you have questions or are overwhelmed about how to start planning for your trip, we can help! For more Disney travel tips, sign up for our email newsletter and check out our blog!
 With over 25 resorts available as a part of the Walt Disney World Disney Resort Collection, choosing where to stay during your Walt Disney World vacation is a challenge! Just Add Magic Travel is here to help you pick and reserve the hotel best suited for you and your family's needs. Disney Resorts fall into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Villa. Each resort category has similarly priced rooms and various amenities. We break down everything you need to know about the different Disney Resort categories below. Perks of staying at a Disney ResortFirst, let's discuss the perks of staying at a Disney Resort. Each resort comes with free transportation to and from the Disney parks, plus Disney Springs. Buses are available at all Disney Resorts. Other transportation options vary depending on the resort and location, such as the Disney Skyliner, Monorail, and ferryboats. Some even have walking paths to select theme parks! One of the greatest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort is gaining early access to select experiences. When you stay at a Disney Resort, you can enter the theme parks 30 minutes early every day. In addition, Disney resort guests can reserve Lightning Lane pass starting at 7 am, nearly two hours earlier than other guests (non-resort guests must wait until the theme park opens to make their first reservation). One of the best things about staying at a Disney Resort is extending the quality service and theming you experienced at the theme parks to your resort stay. Some people may refer to this as "The Disney Bubble." We can attest that this bubble is quite real! When you stay at a Disney Resort, you are immersed in the Disney magic throughout your entire vacation, from listening to Disney music on the bus back to your resort to riding your favorite ride at Magic Kingdom 30 minutes earlier than anyone else. Disney Resorts also offer a wide range of activities, from outdoor movies to campfire sing-alongs. Value ResortsValue Resorts are Disney's lowest-priced resort tier. These resorts offer budget-friendly options for small families with big, bright, and bold theming. Young children will enjoy strolling by larger-than-life Disney character facades and items such as jukeboxes and bowling pins throughout these resorts. Standard Value Resort rooms sleep four people and typically include two double beds. Disney's Art of Animation Resort and All-Star Music Resorts also offer family suites that can sleep up to six adults and have a small kitchenette and two bathrooms. All Value resorts include at least two pools, a food-court style eatery, and a pool bar. Value Resorts are great for families looking for a budget-friendly resort option on Disney property. Value Resorts are perfect for families who will spend most of their time at the theme parks and don't mind the smaller size. They are also popular with sport and performing groups like marching bands and competitive dance squads who may be competing or performing at Disney. Disney Value Resorts:
Moderate ResortsModerate Resorts offer a sweet spot for many guests at the mid-level pricing tier. They offer beautiful, toned-down theming that will transport you to locations like the American Southwest or New Orleans. Resort rooms are arranged in building clusters scattered throughout the resort property, offering the feeling of privacy while being close to the resort's amenities. Moderate Resorts have slightly more square footage than Value resorts and can sleep up to five guests. Each moderate resort includes a large pool with a water slide and at least one "quiet pool." They also include quick-service restaurants as well as a bar or lounge. Most also offer table-service dining. Moderate Resorts are excellent options for guests who want to split their time between the parks and their resort. You could quickly fill up a day of strolling around a walking trail, lounging by the pool, and watching a family Disney movie under the stars. Moderate Resorts are also fantastic if you bring your own vehicle, as you may be able to park in a lot relatively close to your building instead of having to walk to your room from the resort's main parking lot. One Moderate Resort in particular is a hidden gem for guests who are looking for something more refined than a standard resort room. The new Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs has more upscale guest rooms comparable to some Deluxe category rooms. Some rooms even give you Club Level access. If you’ve followed Just Add Magic Travel’s Facebook page or blog, you’ll know how much we love staying Club Level! Disney Moderate Resorts:
Deluxe Resorts Disney's Deluxe Resorts offer the best amenities and accommodations on Disney property. Deluxe resorts offer high-quality theming that will take you to places like the African savanna or the Hawaiian islands. Deluxe Resort guests also have the added perk of attending Extended Evening Hours on select nights at select parks, allowing guests to stay at the theme park for two to three hours after the park closes to other guests. These resorts offer various free transportation options, such as the monorail and ferryboats. Several Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Magic Kingdom. In addition to quick-service and table-service dining options, Deluxe Resorts offer some of the most popular restaurants on property, like ‘Ohana at the Polynesian and California Grill at the Contemporary. Deluxe Resorts are best for guests who want the very best Disney has to offer. To take full advantage of what Deluxe Resorts offers, plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring everything. Staying at a Deluxe Resort within walking distance to one of the theme parks is also beneficial for families with small children who can quickly return to their resort for a midday break. The high-quality amenities are also great for couples celebrating a milestone anniversary or honeymoon. Simply put—Deluxe Resorts are great for everyone! Disney Deluxe Resorts:
Villa Resorts Villa Resorts offer more room than other Disney Resorts and include homey touches like kitchenettes or full kitchens, washers, dryers, and multiple bedrooms. Villa resorts offer accommodations with one, two, and three-bedroom options that can sleep up to 12 people. One of the biggest benefits of a Villa Resort is the ability to cook meals in your room and extra fridge space for snacks and drinks. They offer many of the same amenities as Deluxe Resorts. They are an excellent option for large families who want to stay close together, not in separate rooms. Three of these properties offer extra-special accommodations for guests looking for something a little different. The Cascade Cabins at Disney’s Copper Creek Villas are stand-alone waterfront properties with their own enclosed private hot tub area. Guests can also find free-standing over-the-water bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas. Saratoga Springs Resort offers Tree House villas perched ten feet in the air in a secluded location for an extra relaxing, peaceful stay (you’ll want to make sure you have a rental car for this option). Disney Villa Resorts:
Other resorts on Disney property In addition to the resorts listed above, which are a part of the "Disney Resort Collection," several hotels are located on Walt Disney World property that are not operated by Disney. These include:
Book your Disney Resort with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Disney Resorts have operated under a phased reopening since the pandemic shutdowns of 2020. Once All-Star Sports reopens at the end of March, all Disney Resorts will be operational! Experience the magic of Disney throughout your vacation when you book a room at a Disney Resort. Let Just Add Magic plan your trip for you: Get a quote today!
Want to stay updated with the latest theme park news and deals? Sign up for our email list!  Club Level lounge at Coronado Springs Are you looking for a way to make your Walt Disney World vacation more luxurious? Stay in a Club Level room at a Disney Resort! I'm a big proponent of the concierge travel services and benefits of staying at Club Level. It is one of the most excellent ways to "level up" your trip. Read on to learn more about what Club Level is and if it's worth it. What is Club Level? Club Level is an upgraded room category available at all Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts and the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort. Club Level rooms offer more space and a variety of upgraded amenities to enhance your stay. The primary benefit of staying in a Club Level room is access to your resort's private lounge—a place of relaxation and refreshment at your resort.  The Innkeepers Club at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Club Level benefitsHere are some of the primary benefits of staying in a Club Level room at Walt Disney World: Lounge access Each Club Level resort has at least one private lounge only accessible to Club Level guests. Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offer two Club Level lounges. The lounges become your central vacation hub, providing a relaxing, private, and quiet space to enjoy a complimentary drink, snacks, and a comfy seating area. Some lounges, like the Atrium Club Lounge at Disney's Contemporary Resort and the King Kamehameha Club Lounge at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, offer amazing views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Most lounges include couches and chairs, a kid-friendly area, a TV, and complimentary newspapers. Club Level guests can access the lounge from the moment they check-in to midnight on their check-out day. Refreshments The lounge is stocked throughout the day with various food items, including alcohol and desserts. There is a continental breakfast in the morning (complete with mimosas), light snacks in the afternoon, small plate items and appetizers around dinner time, and desserts in the evening. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available throughout the day, with cordials available during dessert time. While each resort has its own timeframe, a typical lounge food schedule includes:
In-room amenities Club Level rooms generally offer more space than standard Disney Resort rooms. This gives you more opportunities to relax and enjoy your vacation without feeling the need to rush out of your hotel room. Club Level rooms are grouped together on a specific floor or in a separate building, making them generally quieter than other parts of each resort. You check in on your Club Level floor, so you don't need to wait in the main lobby to get checked in to your room. You'll also get upgraded toiletries along with robes and slippers to enhance your experience. Club concierge The Club Level offers a dedicated concierge Cast Member, usually located outside the lounge, who can assist you during your trip without needing to stand in line at the front desk. Concierge Cast Members can help with ticket information, last-minute dining reservations, recreation booking, transportation, and more. They are typically available from 7 am to 10 pm each day. In addition, you can take advantage of "Signature Services," which provide telephone support from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week. Utilizing the Club Concierge can cut down your time inside My Disney Experience during your trip, leaving you more time to create family memories. Is Club Level right for you? The relaxation, extra space, and refreshments offered by staying in a Club Level room at a Disney resort make it a valuable, luxurious experience for any trip. There really is something for everyone! Adults will enjoy the calming space and variety of complimentary alcoholic drinks at the lounge. Kids will love the continuous access to snacks and a dedicated place to unwind and watch TV. Parents with young children may also enjoy Club Level as a quiet, private way to take a midday break with children from the parks. One primary benefit of Club Level is the continental breakfast. Not having to pay for breakfast every morning or wait in line at the hotel's food court will save you time and may help you get to the parks earlier to get some of your must-do attractions done. This is especially beneficial if you stay Club Level at a resort within walking distance to one of the theme parks, like Disney's Contemporary Resort or the BoardWalk Inn. Having a dedicated Cast Member nearby to help troubleshoot ticketing and reservation issues is also something to take advantage of. When deciding whether Club Level is right for you, you should evaluate how your family likes to vacation. If you enjoy spending significant time at your resort and will be around to spend time in the Club Level lounge and enjoy the refreshments throughout the day, you will quickly see the value of staying at Club Level. However, if you plan on staying in the parks from rope drop to fireworks most days, you'll likely miss many of the refreshment timeframes and won't be able to take full advantage of them. Club Level rooms are typically $100 - $300 extra per night. When factoring in whether Club Level is worth it, you may want to consider how much your family would spend on breakfast, snacks, and alcohol during your vacation. If you plan to take advantage of the refreshments in the Club Level lounge as much as possible, you will quickly find that the extra price tag is well worth it.  Continental breakfast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Reserving Club Level at Walt Disney World Club Level rooms are available at all Deluxe Walt Disney World resorts and the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort. At Just Add Magic Travel®, I provide concierge travel services and can help you book a Club Level room at a Disney Resort. I've stayed in Club Level rooms at several resorts and am happy to answer any questions you may have about this upgraded resort option. Contact me here. If you want a sneak peek of what staying at a Club Level resort is like, check out my previous posts on my Facebook page!
 Universal Mardi Gras kicked off this past week at Universal Orlando. This annual festival is the biggest celebration of food, fun, and flavor on this side of the Mississippi! The festival is back in full swing in 2022, with several returning crowd-favorite experiences like the Mardi Gras parade and live concerts featuring the nation’s top musical performers. Universal Mardi Gras runs from February 5th through April 24th at Universal Studios Orlando. Here’s what you can look forward to at this year’s festival!
Mardi Gras parade Get ready for a bead-grabbin’ good time! The authentic Mardi Gras parade is one of the festival’s biggest highlights. This year’s parade theme is “Planet Mardi Gras” and will feature six new, cosmic-inspired floats with comets, rockets, and even some aliens. With out-of-this-world costumes, stilt walkers, dancers, and other performers dot the parade route. Six fan-favorite floats will also return this year, including the Mardi Gras Jester, King Gator, and the Miss New Orleans Steamboat. The parade kicks off near the Horror Makeup Show and loops around the park’s New York and waterfront areas. The parade runs once per night and ranges between 5:15 and 7:45 pm, depending on the day. Want to experience the parade like never before? Be part of the “krewe” and reserve your spot as a float rider! Have a blast waving and throwing beads as you ride atop one of the parade floats. Spots are limited and fill up fast, so get with Just Add Magic Travel® to help you book your reservation. It’s also important to note that float riders must be 48 inches tall, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Concerts An array of star-studded musical acts perform live at the Music Plaza Stage (near the Rip, Ride, Rockit coaster) most weekends during Universal Mardi Gras. Concerts are held on select weekend nights and run through the end of March. Shows start at 8:30 pm and are included with theme park admission. This year’s concert lineup features top pop, country, electronic, and hip hop acts spanning over the last 30 years. Bands include Sugar Ray, Barenaked Ladies, Diana Ross, LL Cool J (featuring DJ Z-Trip), Lee Brice, Khalid, Gavin DeGraw, Seal, Marshmello, Jason Derulo, Styx, and more! Featured food Kiosks featuring over 50 traditional Cajun dishes and Carnival-inspired menu items from around the world are scattered throughout Universal Studios. Be sure to visit the Planet Mardi Gras kiosk in the New York area, featuring Cajun specialties like Shrimp Po’Boys, King Cake, Muffalettas, Jambalaya, Beignets, and Crawfish. Top it off with a “wild” Bloody Mary from the Bloody Mary Bar, complete with bacon and Louisiana hot sauce. The Floribbean: Cape Canaveral kiosk features Florida-inspired dishes like Conch Fritters with Pineapple Remoulade and the Sweet Corn Johnny Cake—a pulled jerk jackfruit sandwich with blood orange creama and avocado. The Fusion kiosk, near the Men in Black ride, offers cosmic treats like an Ice Cream Bubble Waffle and Creole Crab Beignets. International food offerings include veggie and vegan selections like Potato, Pea, and Carrot Samosas with Green Chutney at the India kiosk and Shrimp Laksa at the Southeast Asia kiosk. Drinks include Emerald Mojitos and a Cosmic Mangonada (a frozen, purple-mango slush with Tajín seasoning and Chamoy sauce). Flavors from Central America and Brazil include Salchipapas, Chicken Coxinha, and more. The best way to sample all the food offerings at Universal Mardi Gras is with a Food and Beverage Card. Purchase a card and lanyard for $60 and get $75 worth of food and beverages at select locations throughout the resort. For even more savings, purchase a card for $120 and get $150 worth of food and drinks. The card can be used at most Mardi Gras kiosks and other select dining locations throughout Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Other experiences Tribute store Float Factory (in the park’s New York section) is the one-stop shop for all your Universal Mardi Gras souvenirs, including masks, apparel, beads, and more. The store takes you inside a float-building warehouse in New Orleans, complete with float models and sketches. Krewe Crawl Participating in the Krewe Crawl is a fun activity the entire family will enjoy. Purchase a Krewe Crawl map for $10 and go on a treasure hunt for 12 masks at select locations throughout the park. Get a stamp for each mask you find. Once you collect all 12 stamps, turn in your map for a limited-edition Krewe mask. Live entertainment You’ll discover live entertainment throughout the day when you visit Universal Mardi Gras. Grab a selfie with a stilt walker, listen to a live jazz band, or marvel at the detailed costumes of revelers during street performances. Experiences outside the theme park Select locations at Universal CityWalk get into the Mardi Gras spirit as well. You’ll find Mardi Gras-inspired items at places like Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (you don’t want to miss the King Cake Milkshake) and Pat O’Briens. Universal Hotels also feature Mardi Gras-themed food and drink selections. Visit Universal Orlando for Mardi Gras 2022 Experience Mardi Gras when you visit Universal Orlando this spring! The festival runs through April 24th and is included with theme park admission to Universal Studios. The festival runs through the park’s normal operating hours (however, most food kiosks open between 11 and 11:30 am). There’s still time to book your spring break or Easter break trip! Get a free quote for your Universal vacation with Just Add Magic Travel to get started. Sign up for our email list to stay up to date with the latest offerings from Just Add Magic Travel! [Note: This article is best viewed on desktop. Viewing on a mobile device is showing the wrong park for Orange Bird, Edna Mode, and Woody and Bo Peep.] One of my absolute favorite parts of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Walt Disney World is the arrival of the Fab50 Golden Statues. These character likenesses can be found throughout the theme parks. My family loved looking for them. I don't want to take the fun out of your hunt, so I won't tell you where in the parks you'll find these, but I will tell you what park is home to each character. Magic Kingdom
Disney's Hollywood Studios
 Now you're probably thinking, "But, Aileen...where is Tinker Bell???" Now that is one statue that is extremely hard to find, so I'll give you a hint. She's perched high in Magic Kingdom in the Castle hub area amidst foliage. These statues are "life size" so she is teeny-tiny and hard to find.
 Want to see these golden beauties in person? Click here to get started with your Walt Disney World Quote Request.
 The Disney Park Pass system was implemented after the pandemic closures to track guest capacity. To visit one of the Disney theme parks, all guests must have a valid ticket and make a reservation for the park they'd like to visit. There has been some confusion about this new policy, so I want to clarify how the system works. Below, I discuss how the system works and answer some of your most common questions about it. How the Disney Park Reservation system works Park Reservations, also called the Disney Park Passes, can be accessed through My Disney Experience. After purchasing your park tickets, you can make a Park Reservation using the prompts under the “My Plans” section. You’ll need to select the members of your party, the date you want to visit, and the park you want to go to. If a reservation is available, you’ll be prompted to confirm it. If no reservations are available that day, you’ll be notified and prompted to choose a different park. You need to make a park reservation for every day you wish to visit the theme parks, even if you have a multi-day park ticket. What you need to make a Park Reservation The most important thing you need to make a park reservation is valid admission. If you don’t have tickets linked for everyone in your party, you won't be able to make a reservation. No worries if you don't know what parks you'd like to visit each day. When you book with Just Add Magic Travel®, I use my experience and expertise to recommend the best itinerary for your family that fits your needs and works with current availability. If you haven't purchased your theme park tickets yet, check the park availability calendar to ensure your vacation dates are available before buying tickets. Common questions about the Park Reservation system Here are some of the most common questions I get about the park reservation system. Have more questions? Feel free to contact me. I’ll make these reservations for your Disney vacation, so you don’t need to stress about it! How long will the Park Pass system be in place? The Park Pass system was put in place after the park closures of 2020 to help manage crowds and park capacity. Initially, the reservation system was set to expire in September 2021. However, it was extended until January 14, 2022, then again until January 2024. All this to say, the park reservation system will be here for quite a while. When should I make my park reservations? Once your package is booked, or your tickets are purchased, you should log into your My Disney Experience account and secure your park reservations. Availability can change frequently. Certain dates do "sell out" in advance, so this is one step of the planning process that you shouldn't put off. Tickets may be unavailable on dates with no reservations, which can happen during peak times like spring break and the holidays. Reservations may open up from time to time, so you can always check back at a later date. My park tickets are valid on a particular day. Is that the same thing as making a reservation? No. Purchasing a valid park ticket on a particular day is not the same as making a theme park reservation. You must purchase park tickets and make a separate theme park reservation. How far in advance can I make a park reservation? Park reservations are available from now until January 2024. How do I show proof of my reservation to enter the park? Your theme park reservation is automatically linked to your tickets. Once you get to the park, all you have to do is show your physical or electronic ticket or magic band to enter the park. How do I park hop? To park hop, you’ll need a valid Park Hopper® admission ticket. Make a reservation for the first park you’d like to visit that day. Once you enter that park, check My Disney Experience for park hopping availability times, which typically start around 2 pm each day. Once the park hopping window opens for that day, you can freely visit any park that has open park hopping hours. You don’t need to make a reservation at the second park. Disney travel planning with Just Add Magic Travel® There's no reason to be confused about the Disney Park Reservation System! Let Just Add Magic Travel take care of purchasing your park tickets and make your theme park reservations for you! My agency is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, so I know the ins and outs of navigating the park reservation system. Get a free quote to get started! Stay up to date with Just Add Magic Travel news--sign up for our email newsletter!  Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash Is traveling on your to-do list for 2022? Many new and exciting experiences are happening at Disney destinations and beyond in 2022. Now is a great time to experience the magic and wonder of a Disney or Universal vacation. Here are my top five reasons to get excited about travel in 2022!
1. Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration WDW's 50th Anniversary celebration technically began on October 1st of last year, but the party remains throughout 2022! This celebration is the longest of any Disney destination and will last until the beginning of 2023, so there's plenty of time to experience it all. The park icons are dressed up for the occasion, transforming into Beacons of Magic at night. Cinderella Castle illuminates with blue and purple projections and pixie dust. Spaceship Earth's reflective panels burst with stardust at Epcot. The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom swirls to life with droves of enchanted fireflies. There are even shimmering touches on the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Mickey and Minnie appear throughout the parks in "EAR"idescent attire, and there is plenty of themed merchandise to take home. Don't forget to spot the Fab 50 golden character statues scattered throughout the four theme parks! Several new attractions and shows premiered as part of the celebration, including HarmonioUS, a nighttime spectacular at Epcot and Disney Enchantment, the new firework show at Magic Kingdom. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure opened in October at the France Pavilion, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (one of the world's longest indoor coasters) will open this summer at Epcot. 2. Disney Resort openings and reopenings Disney Resorts are making a comeback in 2022! Here's what's new this year: Star Wars™: Galactic Starcruiser The highly anticipated Star Wars-themed hotel will launch in March. The resort offers two-day, two-night galactic "voyages" through the galaxy aboard the starcruiser Halcyon and includes an excursion to the planet Batuu. The best part? You get to be a part of your own Star Wars story! The all-inclusive resort includes meals, lodging, and one-day park admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Availability is extremely limited for this resort experience. Get a quote for your trip to a galaxy far, far away today! Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort You may be wondering why mentioning this value resort's reopening, which is set for March 31st, is such a big deal. In addition to the rooms being completely renovated, it will mark the first time since the pandemic closures of 2020 that all Disney Resorts will be operational. That's definitely something to cheer about! Reimagined rooms There have been many updates to rooms around the Walt Disney World property to incorporate scenes and characters from some of the most popular Disney movies of all time, allowing you to stay with your favorite characters. These updates include Incredibles-themed rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Moana-themed rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. There have also been updates to rooms throughout the All-Star resorts. Now's a great time to visit Walt Disney World and see these new rooms in person. A new Disney Resort deal was just released, allowing guests to save up to $100 per night at select Disney Resorts on most stays between March 6th and July 7th, 2022. 3. New cruises and deals This year, two new cruise ships will set their sights on the open seas! This summer, the Disney Wish will set sail with Minnie Mouse as the captain. Disney Wish will also feature a Frozen-themed dinner show, Avengers character dining, the "AquaMouse," (a 760-foot water coaster that surrounds the ship), and other immersive and interactive experiences. Thinking about taking a Disney cruise this year? Now is your chance to book! Disney Cruise Line is currently offering 50% off your initial deposit for most cruises between June 18th, 2022 and May 31st, 2023 (excluding Disney Wish sailings through September 30th, 2022). This deal won't last long, though: book your cruise by March 11th to take advantage of this promotion. Contact me to get started! The newest Royal Caribbean ship, the Wonder of the Seas℠, will start sailing in March. It is the world's largest cruise ship and will feature eight neighborhoods, an underwater play area, and a redesigned pool deck. 4. Entertainment returns One of the things we're most excited about in 2022 is the return of live entertainment to many Disney Parks! At Magic Kingdom, the daily Festival of Fantasy parade will return, along with new character cavalcades featuring friends from Coco, Moana, and Zootopia. A newly imagined show on the Castle Forefront Stage will also appear in 2022. At Hollywood Studios, the fan-favorite Fantasmic! will finally return, with some brand-new special effects and sequences. In addition, the Indiana Jones Stunt Show reopened last month. The show has been a part of the Hollywood Studios family for 30 years, so it's great to see it back in action! The Finding Nemo show that previously ran at the Theater in the Wild at Animal Kingdom will be revamped and include scenes and songs based on Finding Dory. 5. Universal Mardi Gras Universal Mardi Gras is back and better than ever in 2022. The festival runs from February 5th through April 24th, which is an excellent time to visit Universal. The event features food and drink kiosks with Cajun-inspired dishes, a full-scale Mardi Gras parade, and a concert series featuring some of the nation's top-performing musicians like Sugar Ray, Gavin DeGraw, Khalid, and Seal. Travel to Disney destinations with Just Add Magic Travel®! There is so much to look forward to in 2022, and I'd love to help you check "travel" off your to-do list. I offer concierge-level travel planning services to Disney destinations and beyond. I'm Aileen, the owner of Just Add Magic Travel. As the owner of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency and an Authorized Universal Travel Professional, I help families plan stress-free vacations. All you have to do is add magic! Get a free quote for your next vacation, or learn more about me by visiting my website. I look forward to helping you create a magical vacation! I am so proud to announce that Just Add Magic Travel® was awarded Best Travel Agency in the 2021 Southland's Best Awards. Thank you to everyone who has supported my career over the years!   It was now Day 3 of our 3-Night Bahamian sailing and the day everyone had been waiting for...Castaway Cay! My husband runs, so he was excited about participating in the Castaway Cay 5k on the island, which was free and came with a cute medal. He headed off early to meet with the other runners, while the rest of us went up to Cabana's on the top deck to enjoy a quick buffet breakfast before heading out. The timing was great and the 5k was over as we were getting off the ship. During our day at Castaway Cay, we enjoyed just hanging on the beach. The kids liked digging in the sand and splashing in the ocean. Even though it was early December, while a bit chilly at first, the water was pleasant. At times, there was a DCL photographer in the water taking photos of guests, which was pretty great. Strollers and wagons were free of charge and available for guest use. BBQ lunch was served on the island. Our day at Castaway Cay ended up with spending time at In-Da-Shade-Games. We enjoyed being able to partake in some games, like basketball, shuffleboard, and foosball, among others, in the shaded area. Once back onboard and sand-free, we headed to our final show and our final dinner at Enchanted Garden. After dinner, we returned to our rooms to pack for our departure and see one last towel animal! 🙂 We then headed to the See Ya' Real Soon party in the lobby atrium that gave one last time to see Mickey and friends before heading back to Florida. On Monday Morning, we woke up bright and early to disembark in time to meet our 8 AM limo ride to the Walt Disney World Resort. We could have stayed on until about 9:15 AM and dined at either the last restaurant where we ate dinner or at the casual buffet, but we wanted to head to our resort so we could get to Epcot at a decent time. Thus ended our 3-Night Disney Cruise Line Sailing aboard the Dream.  |
Aileen Mullee-DiTuriOwner of Just Add Magic Travel Posts
June 2022
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