Disney Resorts – threestrandswdw

On and Off Property Benefits at WDW

Many of us debate whether to stay at one of the Disney Resorts when we visit Walt Disney World, or find a hotel off-property. Here is my list of benefits, in an attempt to be fair to both arguments. If you can think of anything I missed, please add it to the comments below to share with all our readers, thank you!!

Wishes! Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World — Wishes!
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World

Walt Disney Resorts:

1. You are completely inside the Disney Bubble.
2. There is transportation provided to all of the theme parks, Downtown Disney, and the Water Parks.
3. Advanced Dining Reservations are good at 180 + 10 Days before your arrival.
4. Fastpass+ selections at 60 Days before your arrival.
5. Package delivery to your resort from any Disney property retail outlet.
6. Early morning, or late evening Extra Magic Hours.

Non-Disney offerings:

1. Could be less expensive. (make sure to include any resort charges that may not be included in your price).
2. You have your own transportation to come and go as you please. Remember, once you pay parking, you can travel between parks with no extra charge.
3. Morning meals can be less costly if you are eating outside the resort.
4. Advanced Dining Reservations can still be make 180 days out, just remember one day at a time!
5. Fastpass+ selections are available 30 days before your arrival.
6. There is freedom to go to other area attractions.

As you can see, there are definitely benefits to both types of vacation strategies. Choose what works best for you, and get your plans made! And, don’t forget, there are many travel agents who are able to help you in either case. Let me know if you need help and I’ll get you in touch with one of my friends!

That’s it for now! Have a Blessed and Magical Day!!

Unforgettable

Many of us have probably heard that old Nat King Cole song! And, the remade duet with his daughter Natalie made it even more special! That seems to be an appropriate opening for this entry in the ABCs of Walt Disney World, as most visits to a Disney Theme Park is definitely UNFORGETTABLE!

How many of you remember the first time you stepped onto the ground at Walt Disney World? I know I remember! Every visit has a special memory of it’s own, doesn’t it? From the first impression of a Disney Resort to the first time you enter one of the four theme parks, you know that you are about to experience something unique to you and your family.

There is just something about that first time, each trip, when I walk up to The Magic Kingdom! I find the ability to forget the ‘real’ world and become immersed in the story unfolding before me. Life seems to roll right off my shoulders and out of my mind as I make my way under the train station to enter Main Street U.S.A.! And, from that moment on, it’s all about a different time and place!

Similar experiences await us all at the other three theme parks of Walt Disney World. And, for each person the first unforgettable memory may be different than someone else’s. And, that is what it’s all about!

My first memory of EPCOT Center, as it was known on my first visit in 1982, was the massive size of Spaceship Earth and the mix of futuristic music coming out of the speakers to put a lasting impression in my mind. To this day, I still get chills anytime I hear the EPCOT Entrance Loop on http://www.magicalmouseradio.com. I am transported back in time to my first experience here.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a little different for me. As you approach the park by either car or bus, you get a glimpse of the Tower of Terror as it reaches above the skyline of the park to greet you! You may also have a memorable first impression as you walk through the entrance! As you enter you find yourself on Hollywood Blvd. The buildings have an early 20th century feel to them! You almost feel like a star as you walk in and are swept away by the beauty of this park!

Expedition Everest Disney's Animal Kingdom — Expedition Everest
Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom almost offers two entrances! There is the initial entrance, but then there is the walk through Discovery Island on your way to Africa, Asia, or Dinoland U.S.A. The first thing you notice as you clear Discovery Island is the iconic Tree of Life! This towering piece of technology definitely makes a statement! And, of course, there’s the other ‘elephant’ in the land, Expedition Everest! The thrill ride of all thrill rides!

One thing I would suggest to help make any of your vacations UNFORGETTABLE, is to take time to stop and allow yourself to become a part of the show, even for a moment or two. As said before, Disney is IN the Details! And, if you just run from place to place without taking in some of the backstory, artwork, and design, you may miss half of the memories you could enjoy.

So, from my house to yours…make your next trip to Walt Disney World UNFORGETTABLE!!

Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

Garden Grocer

Many people get accommodations that include some kind of ‘kitchen’ set up. It may be something as simple as a small fridge and microwave or a fully equipped kitchen. And, one of the reasons people like this is so they can save money in the parks by eating more meals in the room, or out of a bag in the parks. While there are many stores nearby where you can go to get your supplies, you don’t always plan to drive when staying at Walt Disney World. That’s where the specialized service offered by Garden Grocer may come in handy!

This service is one of the nicest things we have experienced on previous visits to the Vacation Kingdom! There is a $40 minimum order and the items are slightly higher priced than the neighborhood outlet, but the convenience of having it delivered to your resort for the small amount of $14.00 can save you valuable touring time, while helping you stock the ‘kitchen’!

They have a variety of items to select from for every dietary need, fresh fruit, dairy products, and water. If you want to use this service just go to http://www.gardengrocer.com, by email at info@gardengrocer.com, or call the toll free phone number 866.855.4350. Put your order together, designate which resort you are staying at with an approximate time of arrival, and they will deliver your order to that resort just prior to you arrival. AND, they will call you to confirm the delivery, so you will know it’s waiting for you! And, don’t worry about the refrigerated items, all Disney Resorts have the ability to keep things cold until you are ready to have them in your room.

That’s it for today, I hope you find this to be a helpful post!

Have a Blessed and Magical Day!!

Choices

When traveling to Walt Disney World, one thing becomes quite obvious! Planning means making Choices! Part three of the ABCs of Walt Disney World!

There are many choices needing to be made when planning a visit to the Vacation Kingdom. Let’s start with where to stay!

There are currently thirty possible accommodations available, according to the Walt Disney World website. Everything from a campsite to a deluxe villa can be yours for the right price! The good news is that, if you are flexible with your time frame, you can save some money with a variety of Special Offers. The choice of a value resort gets you, what I like to call, active theming. The values have large character figures, special pool areas, and rooms that reflect the themes. Your value choices are; All-Star Resorts (Sports, Movies, and Music), Pop Century, and Art of Animation. The All-Stars share buses while Pop and Animation each have dedicated bus services.

Moderate resorts have a more subtle design, and are generally more relaxing at the end of a busy park day. These two levels are also some of the largest resorts on property! And, they are incredibly popular! The smallest of these is Port Orleans – French Quarter. Then you have Port Orleans – Riverside, Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs. Near EPCOT are the Swan and Dolphin resorts. These are on Disney property, but NOT owned or operated by Disney Resorts. And, I’m not sure what category these belong in, but the pricing is closest to this level most of the time.

Many of the deluxe resorts are smaller properties, and closer to the theme parks. On the Resort Loop, you have three resorts; Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. These are closest to Magic Kingdom Park! Beach Club and Ocean Club are closest to EPCOT. Wilderness Lodge is at Fort Wilderness and is a short boat ride from Magic Kingdom. And, Animal Kingdom Lodge is closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Many of the deluxe resorts also have deluxe villas that are more spacious for larger parties, and also have a larger cost. But, in the right circumstance, these may make the best sense for your vacation.

Finally, one option that many don’t think about, is the Fort Wilderness Campground. There are tent sites and RV sites that have all of the comforts of home available. It is possibly the least expensive way to vacation at WDW, but there are typically no special offers like free dining offered. However, you can still take advantage of any of the add-ons when you make your campground reservation.