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Is Disney World Free Dining For You?

Is Disney World Free Dining For You?

Disney World Free Dining is again being offered at Walt Disney World. My family and I have enjoyed this great deal for four years now. When our dining receipts are all tallied up the amount spent for our meals, coupled with the convenience of the plan, have made free dining a truly great deal for us.

During our longer trips, we enjoy the Plus Dining plan which offers high quality food in a unique dining atmosphere, sometimes even with characters. We enjoy sitting down with the family and feasting on succulent steak, authentic area cuisine from around the world, and capping it all off with a decadent creme brulee.

During our shorter trips, we enjoy the Quick Service Plan because of the flexibility and convenience. When trying to cram a week’s worth of park-hopping into a few days, it is convenient to just stop and eat when we get hungry, with no reservation required.

If you are interested in booking a Disney World Free Dining package, here are the details:

  • Travel between August 25, 2012 – September 29, 2012
  • Offer is not valid for Campsites, Art of Animation or All-Star Music Family Suites
  • Minimum 2-day ticket
  • Minimum 3-night stay
  • Book this offer until May 18th
  • Free Plus Dining Plan for moderate and deluxe resorts
  • Free Quick Service Plan for value resorts

Here are a few tips:

  • Remember, if you have an existing reservation and you meet the above criteria, you can add this promotion.
  • Treat this like it’s the only offer you’ll see for this time period. I know some people are waiting for annual passholder discounts or for room discounts (which often work better at the deluxe resorts), but we can’t predict if Disney will release those. Purchase this package now and change it later if something better comes out.

To book, contact me anytime at [email protected].


 

  • Disney World Free Dining is Back! (chipandco.com)
  • Order Disney Food Blog’s Guide to Walt Disney World Dining (chipandco.com)
Is Disney World Free Dining For You?

Wocka Wocka MUPPETS Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Wocka Wocka MUPPETS Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Muppets received a star on the Hollywood Walk (“Wocka Wocka”) of Fame today from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in celebration of the release of Disney’s “The Muppets” on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD. The celebration was emceed by Chamber President and CEO Leron Gubler, with special guest speakers Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios and Lisa Henson, CEO, The Jim Henson Company. Several Muppets were on hand to receive the star including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, Pepe, Sweetums, and Walter, the newest Muppet, who made his debut in Disney’s 2011 film. The Muppets’ star is the 2,466th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is located in front of the historic El Capitan Theatre.

“Thanks to creative genius Jim Henson and these extraordinary puppeteers, the Muppets are truly worldwide icons and Hollywood stars,” said Ross. “They are a treasured part of the Disney family, and we’re thrilled to see them join so many other luminaries on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

What began with Kermit’s first TV appearance in 1955, has lead to a global phenomenon that is still going strong more than 50 years later! Since “The Muppet Show” began in 1976, audiences worldwide have embraced the Muppets. With the success of “The Muppet Show,” the Muppets branched out to the big screen, releasing their first feature film, “The Muppet Movie,” in 1979. The film starred a myriad of actors, including Bob Hope, Cloris Leachman, Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor and Paul Williams. This impressive list of celebrity cast and cameos became the hallmark of all Muppet films, six of which followed, including “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999).

The latest film, “The Muppets” (2011) follows Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, as they head to Los Angeles for vacation and discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds.

All seven films have signature soundtracks that received countless awards, including an Academy Award® nomination for Best Song for “Rainbow Connection,” Best Original Score for “The Muppet Movie” and winner of the 2012 “Best Original Song” Academy Award® for “Man or Muppet,” from the “The Muppets” (2011).

In addition to feature films, Muppet mania continued long after “The Muppet Show” ended its run. Many television specials and documentaries featuring the classic Muppet characters have been produced. Muppet Magazine was published from 1983-1988 and “The Muppets” comic strip was syndicated in U.S. newspapers from the early to mid 1980s. Museum exhibits (“The Art of The Muppets,” “The World of Jim Henson: Muppets, Monsters & Magic,” “The Vision of Jim Henson” and others) featuring Muppet characters toured domestically and internationally from 1980-2001.

Multiple record albums for “The Muppet Show,” “Muppet Babies” and all of the Muppet movies have been released worldwide. Hundreds of Muppet books have also been published around the world since 1976.

Throughout the years the Muppets have also produced numerous public service announcements and have acted as spokespeople for many causes both domestically and internationally, ranging from The National Wildlife Federation, UNICEF and the American Film Institute, to the University of Maryland, the American Library Association and the Better World Society. Kermit regularly appears as a giant balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.

One of the year’s best-loved family comedies and among the best reviewed films of 2011, Disney’s “The Muppets,” starring Jason Segel, Academy Award®-nominee Amy Adams, and favorite celebrity couple Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy — debuts March 20 on Blu- rayTM Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand formats. A must-own movie the entire family can enjoy, Disney’s “The Muppets” in-home release includes the DVD and digital soundtrack packaged together and also offered as the ultimate Muppets experience, a ‘Wocka­Wocka Value Pack,’ which contains the movie on Blu-ray high definition, DVD and Digital Copy (three discs), plus a download card which allows fans to own all the songs including Bret McKenzie’s Oscar®-winning “Man or Muppet,” from the film’s hugely popular soundtrack from Walt Disney Records.

  • The Muppet Movie Bluray/DVD Review (chipandco.com)
  • The Muppets Honored With Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame (chipandco.com)
Wocka Wocka MUPPETS Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Suit Up As The Cast Of The Muppets In Disney Universe

Suit Up As The Cast Of The Muppets In Disney Universe

The latest downloadable content for Disney Universe launches today! “The Muppets Costume Pack,” inspired by the hit family comedy, “The Muppets,” is available now for download from Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network. Players can suit up in familiar character costumes, such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Animal, and embark on new adventures with their favorite fun loving Muppet.

Coinciding with the Blu-ray and DVD release of Disney’s 2011 hit family comedy, “The Muppets,” Disney Interactive Media Group announced today the availability of “The Muppets Costume Pack” downloadable content for “Disney Universe.” The latest addition to the ever-expanding video game experience is available now on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and the PlayStation®Network. “The Muppets Costume Pack” consists of new character costumes inspired by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Animal. Each character comes with a costume specific upgradeable tool.

Individual costumes for “The Muppets Costume Pack” are available for download for 99 cents on PlayStation Network or for 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. The complete set of costumes is also available for $2.99 on PlayStation Network or for 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. The latest downloadable content for “Disney Universe joins the previously released “Phineas and Ferb” level, “The Jungle Book Costume Pack,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” level and the “Disney Villains Costume Pack.”

Now available on store shelves for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, “Disney Universe offers a four-person multiplayer action experience, with frenzied gameplay that appeals to players of all ages. Themed environments featured in the game include Disney•Pixar hits “WALL•Eand “Monsters, Inc.,” Tim Burton’sAlice in Wonderland,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and the Academy Award® winning classics, “The Lion King and “Aladdin.” The game features 45 classic and contemporary iconic character costumes, including ones inspired by Sam Flynn, Quorra and Clu (“TRON), Baloo (“The Jungle Book”), Ariel (“The Little Mermaid), Sulley (“Monsters, Inc.”), Nemo (“Finding Nemo) and everyone’s favorite pixie, Tinker Bell (“Peter Pan). Dozens of other character costumes are also featured in the game, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck.

Disney Universe  will continue to expand with new content, including worlds, costumes, and more available for download, giving Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system owners an ever-evolving gameplay experience.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios, “Disney Universe is rated E10+. Please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com for more information. Art assets for Disney Universe are available at http://bit.ly/toRyZw.

  • Disney Universe – All New Phineas & Ferb Downloadable Content (chipandco.com)
  • The Biggest Muppet Adventure Ever Comes Home to Bluray and DVD March 20th, 2012! (chipandco.com)
Suit Up As The Cast Of The Muppets In Disney Universe

ABC Family Summer Premieres

ABC Family Summer Premieres

ABC Family sets a sizzling summer line-up with the world premiere of three new original series — the one-hour drama, “Bunheads,” the half-hour comedy series “Baby Daddy” and the one-hour docuseries “Beverly Hills Nannies.” Premiere dates have also been set for the hit ABC Family original series “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “Jane By Design” and “Melissa and Joey” to round-out the three nights of original programming line-up.

Executive-produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino (“Gilmore Girls”) and headlined by Tony® Award – winning actress Sutton Foster, ABC Family’s new original series “Bunheads” will premiere on Monday, June 11th at 9:00PM – 10:00PM ET/PT. “Bunheads” is the tale of a Las Vegas showgirl who impulsively marries a man, moves to his sleepy coastal town, and takes an uneasy role at her new mother-in-law’s dance school.

The new half-hour comedy original series “Baby Daddy” premieres on Wednesday, June 20th at 8:30PM ET/PT. From executive producer Dan Berendsen (“The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch” and “Hannah Montana: The Movie”), the series is about a young man (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) who becomes a surprise dad to a baby girl when she’s left on his doorstep by an ex-girlfriend. He decides to raise the baby with the help of his mother (Melissa Peterman), his brother (Derek Theler), his best buddy Tucker (Tahj Mowry) and his close female friend, Riley (Chelsea Kane), who is harboring a secret crush on him.

From the production company of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Beverly Hills Nannies” is a new docuseries that follows the lives of a group of nannies working for families in the most exclusive zip code in the country and premieres on Wednesday, July 11th at 9:00PM – 10:00PM ET/PT.

Other original series premiering this summer include “Pretty Little Liars” and “Jane By Design.”

Even after “A” has been revealed, it is only the beginning of the mystery and lies for Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer when the hit original ABC Family series “Pretty Little Liars” returns for its season three premiere on Tuesday, June 5th at 8:00PM – 9:00PM ET/PT. “Pretty Little Liars” recently won the People’s Choice Award for “Choice Cable TV Drama” and was named Twitter’s #1 TV Trending Topic of 2011.

ABC Family’s original series “Jane By Design” will return with all new episodes on Tuesday, June 5th at 9:00PM – 10:00PM ET/PT. “Jane By Design” follows Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher), a quirky teen with an eclectic chic fashion sense who lands a job at a hip fashion house when they mistake her for an adult. Torn between her love of fashion and the need to finish high school, Jane conceals her true age to assist the demanding, but talented Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell), who travels the world in search of the next big style trend.

As previously announced, ABC Family’s longest running series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” returns with all-new episodes on Monday, March 26th at 8:00PM – 9:00PM ET/PT.  This summer, “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” celebrates its fifth season and 100th episode – a first for an ABC Family scripted series. Independent Spirit Award-winner Shailene Woodley returns as Amy Juergens who, along with her friends, tries to navigate the world of love, life and high school.

Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence return with all new episodes for the second season of their original series “Melissa & Joey” with back-to-back episodes on Wednesday, May 30th at 8:00PM – 9:00PM ET/PT.  Mel, local politician and a former wild child, and Joe, her down-on-his-luck “manny,” continue to work together to raise Mel’s teenaged niece Lennox and nephew Ryder.

Also, fan favorite “Switched at Birth” will return with all-new original episodes in Fall 2012.

Bunheads

Official ABC Family “Bunheads” website: www.abcfamily.com/bunheads

Baby Daddy

Official ABC Family “Baby Daddy” website: www.abcfamily.com/babydaddy

Beverly Hills Nannies

Official ABC Family “Beverly Hills Nannies” website: www.abcfamily.com/beverlyhillsnannies

  • Coming to ABC Family Bunheads (chipandco.com)
  • ABC Family’s Jane By Design Season 1 Review (chipandco.com)
ABC Family Summer Premieres

New Looks Coming to The Pirates League in the Magic Kingdom

“The

The Pirates League in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park mesmerized all of us with a deluxe package called The Mermaid Transformation, as Disney celebrated the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” This hidden treasure was only available for a limited time, but we are excited to announce that this enchanting package has made its way from the depths of the sea back to The Pirates League beginning today!

The new Mermaid Package is for daring new recruits who want to evoke the radiant and cool colors of the sea. The new package includes a luminous make-up transformation that evokes the iridescent and vibrant colors of the ocean, a shimmering makeup palette, a mermaid-inspired hairstyle complete with color-changing hairclip, sparkling face gems, trendy teal nail polish, a special Mermaid Pirates League sash and a color-changing necklace to finalize your transformation.

“The

The Mermaid Package isn’t the only new look making its way to The Pirates League. Disney is also introducing a new package just for young buccaneers! Jake and the Never Land Pirates are setting sail for The Pirates League with a brand new package! Inspired by the hit show on Disney Junior, the new Jake and the Never Land Pirates Package transforms guests ages 3 and up into Jake! The package is complete with Jake facial features, a Jake Bandana with faux spiked hair, plus the official Pirates League Sword and Sheath, Treasure Bag and Pirate Coin Necklace!

“The

Of course, recruits of The Pirates League can still be transformed into First Mates and Empresses! Disney has updated the Empress look to be vibrant and trendy, plus we’ve added the Blackbeard Facial Effect option to the First Mate Package! Both the First Mate and the Empress receive Pirate Facial effect or makeup application, pirate bandana and earring, sword and Pirates League sheath, plus an official pirate coin necklace and treasure bag. Plus, Empresses receive their choice of lip gloss and nail polish!

So what are you waiting for? The new packages are waiting for you now at The Pirates League! Join the Crew! It’s a Pirate’s Life for You! For reservations at The Pirates League and to learn more about the whimsical Mermaid Package and the swashbuckling Jake and the Never Land Pirates Package, please call 407.WDW.CREW (407.939.2739) or visit Disney online at DisneyWorld.com/Crew.

  • Top 5 Magic Kingdom Hidden Details (chipandco.com)
  • Peter Pan Returns to Neverland in All New ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ Premiere (chipandco.com)
New Looks Coming to The Pirates League in the Magic Kingdom

Gettin’ Your Sweat On – Where To Workout at WDW

Gettin' Your Sweat On - Where To Workout at WDW

Workout? While on VACATION? To many of us, this may seem crazy, an unheard of proposition, after all, a vacation means getting to relax and do what you don’t normally get to do (like skipping the gym!). But, for those of us who like to keep up with our fitness routine even when away from home, luckily, Disney understands and gives us some options to help keep us on track!

Fitness centers – Many Resorts have on site fitness centers, most include treadmills, stationary bikes, eliptical machines, and some basic weight machines. Most of the resorts that include a gym are Deluxe Level Resort (except for Coranado Springs which is a Moderate Resort), so if you aren’t sure if your WDW Resort has a fitness center, Check This List of WDW Fitness Center Locations

Bike Rentals – I can’t think of a more relaxing way to while away an afternoon than biking through the trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground – getting to experience all the nature surrounding me while getting some exercise at the same time! Fort Wilderness is my bike rental location of choice, but there are several places to rent bikes at WDW, check them out here

Jogging/Walking Trails – There are many of these located throughout the Walt Disney World Resorts (for a location listing click here, or visit your Resort’s front desk for maps of jogging trails). What better way to experience a different side of Walt Disney World than to get up early, lace up your running shoes, and jog the 1.4 mile trail along the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – where you can continue along the extended paythway for views of the wedding chapel and the Magic Kingdom. I know, getting up early while on vacation to exercise may seem nuts, but Walt Disney World really is a different place in the mornings, quiet, serene, and peaceful, and the perfect time and place for a powerwalk or run!

RunDisney – Looking to take your exercising to the next level while vacationing at WDW? You can sign up for a runDisney race like the Princess Half Marathon, or the Tower of Terror 10 MIler Weekend. For those of you who are distance runners this is a great way to integrate the magic of disney with your love of running. And for those of you who aren’t big on running, this can be a way to get into it, to give you a goal to prepare and train for, and when the event arrives, you will get to run through the Happiest Place on Earth – and what could be better than that?

 

Working out on vacation is something I personally like to do, mostly because the food at Walt Disney World is so amazing that I tend to eat too much of it and need sometime to help counteract all the yummy-ness!

If the above don’t exactly thrill you, keep in mind that you may still be getting in a lot of walking while vacationing at Walt Disney World – you can walk as much as 10+ miles in one day of touring the WDW theme parks! Check out tips on how to prepare for all the walking you will be doing Here. Also, you can (and should!) make some Healthier Food Choices when eating your WDW meals, just a few small changes can make a big difference in the long run!

Gettin' Your Sweat On - Where To Workout at WDW

Save $5 On The Muppets Wocka Wocka Value Pack!

Save $5 On The Muppets Wocka Wocka Value Pack!

Strap on your fart shoes, print out your coupon, and run to the nearest retail outlet and pick up the Muppet Movie today!

This is a must have for any Muppet/Disney Fan!

Click here to read my review of the movie! or here to Print your coupon!

As a special bonus check out this funny video..

  • The Muppet Movie Bluray/DVD Review (chipandco.com)
  • The Biggest Muppet Adventure Ever Comes Home to Bluray and DVD March 20th, 2012! (chipandco.com)
Save $5 On The Muppets Wocka Wocka Value Pack!

AS Roma and ESPN WWOS Create Italian Pro Soccer Presence for America’s Youth Athletes

AS Roma and ESPN WWOS Create Italian Pro Soccer Presence for America’s Youth Athletes

Famed Italian football club AS Roma is teaming up with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to bring elite European professional football to youth athletes through a multi-faceted strategic agreement.  The groundbreaking partnership also calls for Roma’s first-team to train at the facility during its Serie A winter break, which is a first for an Italian League team.

As part of the six-year deal, the ESPN sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort, the leading multi-sports venue for amateur athletes in the United States, becomes the official winter training home of AS Roma, and the three-time Serie A champions become the sports complex’s official professional football team.  Additionally, AS Roma will have signage throughout the sports complex, serve as presenting sponsor of several Disney-owned youth soccer events there and have one of its youth academy teams compete in Disney’s Soccer Showcase.

AS Roma’s involvement with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex underscores the sports complex’s stature as the nation’s top youth soccer venue, which annually hosts pro soccer events as well as the country’s most prestigious youth soccer tournament, Disney’s Soccer Showcase. AS Roma joins the Atlanta Braves (Major League Baseball), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (National Football League) and the Orlando Magic (National Basketball Association) as professional sports franchises that have trained at the ESPN sports complex at Disney.

 

AS Roma and ESPN WWOS Create Italian Pro Soccer Presence for America’s Youth Athletes

Disney Interactive announced that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development

Disney Interactive announced that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development

Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, Disney Interactive Media Group announced today that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for the PS3, Xbox 360® video, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, and Windows PC/ MAC.

The video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland.  A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline.

Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film.  By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.

Disney Interactive announced that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development

  • VisitScotland and Disney announce marketing campaign for upcoming Disney-Pixar’s Brave (chipandco.com)
  • All new Brave Poster and Trailer from Pixar (chipandco.com)
Disney Interactive announced that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development

Registration is now open for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend!

Registration is now open for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend!

Registration is now open for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! Coming November 9 & 10, 2012

Join runDisney for a special event that brings the spectacle of the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival together with the magic of a Disney race. Start out by running through the theme parks under the stars with world-class Disney entertainment along the way to help the miles fly by. The icing on this cake? Finishing at Epcot® where an exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival awaits. This race experience will be the ultimate “Runners’ Night Out!”

Weekend Events will include:

Traditionally, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is held during the first weekend in October. This year, the race will be held November 9-10, 2012  so be sure to make a note of that on your calendar

  • Another Sold Out Field to Compete in Princess Half Marathon Weekend (chipandco.com)
  • Rachel Booth Claims Disney’s Princess Half Marathon and Historic “Coast to Coast” Victory (chipandco.com)
Registration is now open for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend!

Disney World Quick Tips – Travel Bag Must Haves

Disney World Quick Tips - Travel Bag Must Haves

As the mom of 3 boys between ages 11 and 4, I’ve been toting a bag of some kind around with me wherever we go for years.  While we’re finally out of diapers and my load has lessened, there are still some things that always go into my Disney park-hopping bag when we’re in The World:

Sunscreen – Nothing ruins a trip like too much sun.  We apply in the morning when we’re getting dressed, but I still carry sunscreen in my bag in a Ziploc bag, to reapply later in the day.  Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure, and doing it in the room lets me wash my hands before heading out.  It needs to be reapplied every 2 hours or more frequently if you’re in the water.

Hats for everyone – I can’t always keep hats on my kids, especially if they’re riding rides, but I keep a stack of ball caps in my bag and try to keep them on their heads as much as I can.

Ziploc bags – These things are my secret weapon!  I always have several sandwich, quart and even gallon sized Ziploc bags, all folded up and secured into a single quart sized bag in my tote at all times.  If the 4 year old has an accident, a gallon bag is the perfect place to put soiled clothes. If the 8 year old doesn’t eat all the grapes or fries on his lunch plate, a sandwich bag is a great place to stash them so when he says he’s hungry 30 minutes later I can hand him the rest of his lunch.  I’ve even been able to help out strangers by doling out bags, so you really can’t underestimate their usefulness.  They weigh next to nothing and when enclosed in a single bag, they stay tidy.

Change of clothes for the youngest – We’re potty trained, but sometimes when there’s so much going on it’s easy to ignore the signs until it’s too late.  I always have a change of clothes and 2 pairs of underpants, folded and secured in a gallon Ziploc bag to keep them together and clean. It beats having to go back to the room to change!

Meds and first aid – In a small zippered cosmetic bag I keep the following essentials:  Neosporin To Go, at least a dozen Band-Aids (Disney-themed, of course!), chewable Tylenol, chewable Benadryl, and kids Pepto chewables.  The chewable meds come in blister packs, and I cut the dosing instructions off the back of the box to keep in the cosmetic bag in case I need to refer to it on the go.

Hand sanitizer and sani-wipes – Sometimes you need the liquid, sometimes you need the wipes.  Both are available in small sizes in the travel section at Target or Wal-Mart, so I pick up both to keep my bag stocked for whatever mess comes our way.

Tissues – Napkins are good for wiping hands and faces, but not noses.  Ouch!
Napkins – I keep a stash of Disney napkins in (you guessed it!) a Ziploc bag, because it seems like we’re never near a snack stand when we need some.

Baby Wipes – Even though we’re out of diapers, these are great for freshening faces or tidying up before dinner if you can’t get back to the room for a shower.  I buy the travel sized packs whenever I can find them, and they’re appreciated by kids and parents alike!

The Mommy Hook – Think of a great big carabiner clip, and you’ve got The Mommy Hook.  One of the greatest inventions ever, this clips onto the stroller and can hold bags as you shop your way through the park without cramming everything into the bottom of the stroller.  They’re available on Amazon and are well worth the price of around $7.

Snacks – I start each morning with a quart Ziploc bag of snacks for the kids.  These can be cereal or granola bars, crackers, individual serving bags of Cheez-It’s, or fruit snacks.  They know their morning snack will be something I bring, and it lets us save our snack credits for Mickey Premium bars in the afternoon. Disney’s generous policy of allowing guests to bring food into the parks shouldn’t be overlooked!

Each night I go through my bag and restock anything that was depleted and reorganize. It only takes a couple of minutes, and its well worth it to have everything to hand the next day. I currently use a tote bag for the park that I can sling over the handlebars of the stroller, but when our stroller days are done I will switch to a gender neutral backpack that my husband and I can take turns carrying.  My bag never weighs much, and it’s worth carrying to have what we need at my fingertips.

Leslie Harris is a Disney-authorized travel planner with Pixie Vacations and a lifelong Disney addict.  She loves planning trips for her family and sharing her experience with her clients.  You can follow her on Facebook for the latest travel deals and Disney news, or email her at [email protected] for a quote on your next trip, which always includes magical extras like Disney gift cards or onboard credits for DCL.

  • Disney Planning Tips – Plan It, Pack It, Post-It! (chipandco.com)
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Disney World Quick Tips - Travel Bag Must Haves

When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

Looking for the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World? The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, who also run the popular touringplans.com, offer specific times to make your trek to see the Mouse.

The LEAST busy time to visit WDW is the week after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas. Things start to get a little crazy at this point, so don’t over-extend your stay.

The next slowest weeks are

  • the second full week of November through the weekend preceding Thanksgiving
  • September, as in after Labor Day
  • October
  • January 4 through the first week of February. (Except Martin Luther King holiday weekend)
  • The last week of April through early June.

When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World points out that late February, March, and early April are “dicey.” Crowds will come and go because of spring break and Presidents Day weekend.

Disney has done promotions aimed at the local residents and the international markets, so crowds have grown in September and October. But as far as touring the MK, AK, and HS, they suggest you go during the week and save your weekend visits for Epcot.

If you need additional planning tips, be sure to use all our resources at Chip & Co., including our planning section, the ask us a question section, and the Parks and Resort section.

Love Disney World photography? Join Mouze Kateerz on Facebook, mouzekateerz.com, and Mouze Kateerz on Pinterest. for a virtual Disney vacation in photos. If you have some fabulous Disney photographs you’d like to share, send an email of your favorite Disney location to [email protected].

  • Disney Planning & Photos: Is Christmas a Good Time to Go to Disney World? (chipandco.com)
  • Order Disney Food Blog’s Guide to Walt Disney World Dining (chipandco.com)
When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World?