Tag Walt Disney World

What’s in my Disney Water Parks Bag!

llmckenzi Leave a comment

Since Summer is here! (Yay!!) We love the Walt Disney World Water Parks and try to go to the water parks at least once a month. The Disney water theme parks are our favorite because they have plenty of water attractions for everyone in our family, and if you’re a land lover like me, no worries there are plenty of chairs and loungers to soak up that Florida sun! Plus, the Disney water parks are by far the cleanest water parks I have ever been to which, is always an added bonus. So let’s dive right on in and check out whats in my Disney water parks bag…

Sunscreen– Living in the Sunshine State I never leave home without sunscreen. You can never pack too much when traveling to Florida in my opinion. It’s better to be safe, than sorry!

Disney Parks face masks purchased at Disney Springs

Face Masks– I like to carry extra ones for each of us when we travel. Especially since Florida is so hot and humid it is so nice to change your mask mid day. My favorite ones are the Disney Park masks these can be purchased at any store on park grounds, at any Disney hotel on property, at Disney Springs, or online at shop Disney.

Hand Sanitizer– Disney has done a wonderful job of keeping the hand sanitizer stations accessable around the parks. It feels like everywhere you turn there is a hand sanitizer station. However, I like to pack my own travel size bottle.

Reusuable water bottle– I can not stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated especially during the summer months. You can refill your water bottle with ice and water for FREE, at any soda fountain refill station around the waterpark.

Towels– I prefer to bring my own towels from home. However, if you are staying on property you can always bring towels from the resort. Towels are also available to rent at both Disney water parks for a small fee.

Flushable wipes– I will forewarn you that the water parks use very cheap toilet paper… and what two things don’t mix well cheap toilet paper and wet bodies. So take it from me if you have kids and you don’t want to deal with toilet paper sticking to their behinds all day bring the flushable wipes.

Waterproof phone case from ShopDisney.com

Waterproof phone case– Best purchase I have ever made! Need I say more…. I mean really, this wonderful plastic case keeps my phone safe and I get to capture the magic of our water park adventures and share them with you. I picked up this beauty on shopDisney.com a few years back.

Portable phone charger– Since I spend all day taking photos, my phone won’t hold a charge for very long. So that’s when this beauty comes in handy and saves the day, so I highly recommend picking one up. If you forget to grab one before hitting the parks no worries, Disney has you covered, because they also sell them in the parks!

Wet/dry bag– Since it is a water park I suggest putting anything you don’t want getting wet into one of these wet/dry bags. I picked up one in the Target Dollar Spot a few summers back and it has come in handy ever since.

Shampoo/conditioner/soap– One of my favorite things about the Disney water parks is that they offer changing rooms and showers. They do have an all in one soap/shampoo in the showers however, it is very generic so I do recommend bringing your own supplies from home. I love that they offer changing rooms and showers because we have a two hour drive home and this means after a long hot and sandy day at the water parks we get to rinse off and change into clean fresh clothes before heading home. To take this one step further, bring a brush, and a blow dryer…. you’re welcome!

Mickey Ice Cream Bars
(a wonderful park sweet treat to help you cool off from that summer heat!)

Snacks– You can never pack too many snacks in my opinion! The more the better…and if you run out, no worries! Disney has you covered, because guess what they have the best snacks.. HELLO, have you tried their Mickey Ice Cream Bars they are AMAZING!!

Water shoes– Normally I am not one to promote water shoes because I think they are not the cutest shoes in the world. However, the sand on the beaches at the waterparks are so incredibly hot especially when that sun has been beating down on them all day and same goes for the pavement. I will say that Disney does a pretty good job of attempting to keep the pavement cool and has installed sprinklers throughout the water park especially on long stretched of pavement so it does not get to hot for your feet. But it doesn’t hit every square inch of the park. So buy the ugly shoes, your feet will thank you!

My Disney Water Park Bag purchased at Disney Springs

So there you have it folks, I can’t wait to hear what magical things you pack in your Disney Water Parks Bag! For those who are asking my park bag came from Walt Disney World. I love it! It also makes a great carry on bag for plane trips! If you are looking for other Disney packing tips be sure to check out, What’s in my Disney Park Bag. Also, comment below with your favorite water park packing tips!

Happy Travelin’

Disclaimer: This article is based on my opinions and is not affiliated or being endorsed by Walt Disney World or any other Disney company.

10 Magical Things to do at Walt Disney World without a Theme Park Ticket!

llmckenzi Leave a comment

In our house we love all things Disney! But most of all we love visiting Walt Disney World. My family and I like to visit multiple times a year. Since my husband is in residency and we are on a tight budget, Disney vacations for a family of five can get costly quick, so I have to get creative. Here are a few budget friendly ideas that are sure to bring that Disney magic to your vacation just without the additional theme park ticket cost!

 Spend the day relaxing by the pool– The number one complaint I always seem to have about our vacations is I always wish we had more down time. So make sure to plan a day to do just that. Pool days are my favorite days to sit back and relax! Be sure to pack a bag filled with drinks & snacks. Don’t forget the sunscreen and some pool toys for the kiddos! The one benefit for staying on Disney property is they have the best pools (in my opinion). They also have life guards and cast members who have all kinds of fun events and pool activities. My kiddos have made Mickey Tie-dye t-shirts, played bingo, and have played Disney trivia. The amazing pool bars are also a huge benefit, too!

Spend the day at Disney Springs– I love to shop and ever since Downtown Disney has become Disney Springs it has nearly doubled in size and doubled in fun! We have gone at least a dozen times and still have not seen or done everything they have to offer. Disney Springs has a little of everything for everyone in your family. They have several toy stores for your kiddos to choose from. They also have amazing boutiques for the fashionista in your family. For the little ones in your family they have a carousel and a small train they can ride for a small fee. For the adventure seekers in your family, be sure to check out Characters in Flight. If you love bowling and billiards be sure to check out Splitsville, which is a luxury bowling alley. Maybe you are in the mood to kick back, see a flick and grab a bite to eat? If so, then head on over to the AMC theater in Disney Springs. For the car lovers in your family you can ride in a vintage amphicar at the Boathouse. These guided tours are the thrill of a lifetime as they drive on land and into the water. As you can see, there is a little something for everyone!

Go miniature golfing– Disney has two miniature golf experiences just outside the parks. Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is located in the Epcot Resort area just outside the Walt Disney World Swan hotel. This course is great for families and beginner golfers. I love the Fantasia theme, it makes you feel like you stepped into the movie! The Winter Summerland miniature golf is the second course. My family loves this one because you can choose either the winter side or the summer side. Both take you on a crazy adventure that lead you to Santa’s workshop in the end. My kiddos love the magical surprises you come across as you make your way through the course.

Check out the Disney Resorts arcade– All Disney Resorts have arcades. Now I know what you are thinking, I must be crazy listing this as a suggestion. But on our most recent trip to Disney the weather was not the best and this was a great way to entertain the kiddos for a few hours. They even have a few massaging chairs for the adults to relax in while the kiddos are off playing games. We also found that not all the games cost money, which is always a plus when you’re on a budget! We found a few that were free of charge and those ended up being my kids favorite games. Disney uses an arcade card system which is usually located at the entrance of the arcade. You can load cash or card onto an arcade card which is then used to swipe at all the arcade machines. These arcade cards can be reused so be sure to hold onto them for future use. Some of our favorite games were pinball and the air hockey table!

Ride the Monorail– My kids love to spend a few hours every Disney vacation riding the monorail. We have to do it every trip we take. My kids love to stop at all of the monorail resorts and go into all of the shops. Plus, the views of the Magic Kingdom and the Disney Resorts are spectacular. It is such a magical and unique element that only Disney offers. Another fun up and coming ride is the new Disney Skyliner! We still have yet to ride it, but if you have then it let us know if you enjoyed it in the comments below!

Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing Along at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Explore other Disney Resorts– If you are looking for a fun way to add a touch of Disney to your vacation be sure to explore the Disney Resorts. You can grab a bite to eat, shop in the resort boutique, rent bikes, or even take a stroll to take in the unique Disney decor. Some of my favorite resorts to explore are Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. I love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort because it’s one of the only places to get a Dole Whip outside the parks! Right now, if you head on over to the Barefoot Pool bar you can even check out the Lime Dole Whip Margarita which features Disney’s Special Heart of Te Fiti Lime Dole Whip with margarita mix. I can’t wait to try it myself on our next trip! I love Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground because they offer an archery experience (which makes me feel like Merida, from the Disney movie Brave!). They also offer Horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides and wagon rides. Be sure to check out the Chip ‘N’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-long, for some good ole’ fashion fun roasting marshmallows over the campfire. I also love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge because it feels like you just stepped into the heart of Africa with the exotic animals to view on the savannah and the spectacular African decor. Don’t forget to grab a Zebra dome and some Jungle Juice in the quick service on property called the Mara. While you’re exploring the resorts be sure to check out the amazing restaurants on property.

Go For a Round of Golf– Tee off and hit the greens! Disney has four gorgeous golf courses on property:

  • Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
  • Disney’s Palm Golf Course
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Disney offers discounts for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Cast members, DVC as well as Resort Guests. They also offer FootGolf, which is a 9 hole course that is like traditional golf but instead of a golfball you use a soccer ball.

Run in a Fun Run at select Disney Resorts– As you all know there is nothing I love more than running and Disney. Well I am here to tell you that select Walt Disney World Resorts host Fun Runs pretty much all time! (how cool is that, right?!?) Here is the list of resorts that participate:

  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort

Be sure to check with your resort for times and weekly schedules as well as Fun Run fees!

Rent a Boat or Sea Raycer- Set sails on Seven Seas Lagoon! I will be honest this is a bucket item for us. Every trip we talk about renting Sea Raycers and we never have enough time but that is not going to stop me from telling you all about this nifty little activity! The Sea Raycers seat up to two people and cost $32 plus tax for 30 mins. Drivers must be at least 12 years old and at least 5 feet tall. There are two kinds of boat rentals you can rent in Disney. One is the Boston Whaler Montauk. This love boat seats up to six people and costs $45 plus tax for 30 mins. Drivers must be 18 years of age. Lastly, you can rent a Sun Tracker Pontoon boat which seats up to 10 people for $45 plus tax for 30 mins. Drivers must be 18 years of age. Disney also offers Specialty Cruises but those are very pricey and I could never afford them on a residents budget.

Jellyrolls dueling piano bar located at Disney’s Boardwalk

Check out Disney’s Boardwalk– Our favorite time to head to the Boardwalk is just after dinner once the sunsets, this is when the fun is just about to begin on the Boardwalk. You never know what kind of entertainment you will find from magicians to jugglers. You can even have a caricature artist draw a picture of you to capture the magic! My daughter loves to get her hair wrapped and beaded by the hair wrappers. They also have some carnival games, for a fee of course! One of my favorite things to do on the Boardwalk is grab a slice of pizza from the Boardwalk Pizza Window the head on over to the Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas stand and grab myself a frozen strawberry margarita! (They are sooo good!) Then my husband and I like to get a sitter and head on over to Jellyrolls which is a dueling piano bar (Don’t be fooled by the name, trust me this place is rowdy and a ton of fun!) They do have a cover charge of $15 and doors open at 7:00pm. If you love to dance head on next door to the Atlantic Dance Hall where you can dance the night away… well actually only on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00pm-2:00am. The Boardwalk also has restaurants and shops so while you are there, be sure to check them out!

I hope you enjoyed my tips and I can’t wait to hear what your favorite non-Disney park day things your family enjoys to do! Be sure to check out my article, What’s in my Disney Park Bag for Disney packing tips! I hope you have a magical trip!

Happy Travelin’

Disclaimer: This article is based on my opinions and is not affiliated or being endorsed by Walt Disney World or any other Disney company. If you are looking to rent a boat please contact Walt Disney World, as I can not rent boats on your behalf.

The Traveling Fab Five hosts a Disney Kids Family Vacation Party

llmckenzi Leave a comment

Besides traveling my next favorite hobby is party planning! I love to plan, decorate and host events. Who doesn’t love hosting a good party, am I right?!? Especially parties that are Disney themed. This past spring I was selected to host a Disney Kids Party for Walt Disney World. The theme of this party was a Family Vacation Party. It was to show our family and friends how much fun Disney Kid vacations can be at Walt Disney World. This was a dream come true for me since Disney runs through my veins and our favorite place to travel is to… you guessed it, Walt Disney World!!! The event was held at my home in South Carolina and I had the pleasure of inviting all my Disney loving family and friends.

Disney_Welcome_Favor copy

You are probably wondering how do you get chosen to host an event like this. First off, I have no idea how Disney selects people to host. That being said, your first step is to head on over to Ripple Street (also known as House Party) and sign up (it’s free!) to host events for brands like Disney. Once selected to host, you will be able to complete brand activities to help you get picked to host other events in the future. So what are you waiting for go sign up and start hosting your next sponsored event!

The Traveling Fab Five hosts (1)

Prior to the event the Walt Disney World Company sent a party pack planning box to my house. Inside the party pack, to my surprise was an American Tourister Sofia the First suitcase filled with a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal, Mickey Mouse gift bags, coloring activity books, sunglasses, and all sorts of Disney decorations! My kiddos were over the moon with this Magic Mail. We couldn’t wait to share all of these treats with our family and friends.

@TravelingFabFive

The morning of the party fell on the same day as my husbands graduation from Medical School. Yayy, Congrats babe!! With that being said, most of my party prep had been done the night before! As our guests began arriving at our house they were greeted by Mickey Mouse and our autograph book. Even though the characters could not make it to our event we made sure to get their autograph’s ahead of time. Once our guests signed the autograph book they grabbed a pair of Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears and joined in on the fun.

Our guests then headed on over to our very own Disney inspired photo booth where our guests could try on different Mickey, Minnie and other Disney character hats, headbands, and sashes. Say Cheese!

Once all of our guests had arrived we handed out lanyards for everyone to wear with Disney pins (from Disney Parks, purchased on our last trip) on them and we pin traded with each other. This is one of our favorite things to do in the Walt Disney World Parks so it was important for us to show our guests how much fun it can be to trade with one another. In the Parks we love to seek out cast members that have pin trading lanyards or boards!

After pin trading was over we had our guests find 25 hidden Mickey’s that were carefully placed throughout our home. My family and I love how Disney Imagineers hide Hidden Mickey’s throughout the Walt Disney World property. It is so fun to try to find them all! When our guests had found all the hidden Mickey’s they received a special surprise… Mickey candy bracelets! Yum!

My favorite part of the day was when we took our guests on a virtual tour of Main Street U.S.A. and stopped at our favorite shops and restaurants to try our favorite Disney Park foods. First stop Main Street Confectionery for some Mickey shaped rice crispy treats and delicious Mickey inspired baked goods. Next stop was a popcorn cart for buttery popcorn that melts in your mouth. We then headed on over to Casey’s Corner for hot diggity dogs. Our guests could choose what special toppings they wanted to put on their hot dogs such as cole slaw, pulled pork and the creamiest mac n cheese! All of these special treats sure made my guests thirsty so it was a good thing we had plenty of Jungle Juice for them to enjoy!

Before our guests packed up and headed home we gave them goodie bags filled with all the treats that the Walt Disney World company had sent over in our party pack. The kids loved that they got to take home a piece of the magic from this special day. My family and I had a blast hosting the Disney Kids Family Vacation Party for Walt Disney World company. We loved sharing our love of the Disney Parks and magic with our friends and family. Stay tuned for more hosted party events!

Happy Travelin’

Disclaimer: This party was sponsored by Ripple Street and the Walt Disney World Company. The only materials provided for the party were those given in the Party Pack we received. All opinions are my own and were not otherwise compensated for. 

Traveling to Walt Disney World with FPIES

llmckenzi Leave a comment

As many of you may know my youngest was diagnosed with FPIES (Food Protein Induced Entercolitis Syndrome) as an infant. FPIES forever changed our lives. The outside world suddenly became a terrifying place to bring my infant son because all it would took was a single crumb to turn our day into a medical nightmare. The FPIES foundation was not only an amazing resource but also a ray of light in the darkness of this disease. They became our only support and guided us to where we are today. I am forever grateful for them, their support and their resources. 

Recently, the FPIES foundation reached out to me and asked if I was interested in writing a blog article for them about traveling with FPIES. Not only was I honored to have the opportunity to give back to them for all they have done for us but they also asked me to write a Disney article! (One of my favorite subjects!) Please join me in spreading FPIES awareness. I hope you enjoy my article Traveling to Walt Disney World with FPIES

Happy Travelin’

5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Running

llmckenzi Leave a comment

IMG_8919

A year ago I made a New Years Resolution to start running. It has been a long hard year of training and learning what my body is capable of. I am proud to say I have exceeded my accomplishments of running and making more time for both myself and my health. In the last year I have run two 5K races and a runDisney 10K. Along the way I have learned a few things…

  1. Don’t give up! Long runs definitely get the best of me sometimes but while my legs are giving out, I push hard to keep my body going. It is so easy to talk yourself out of accomplishing a goal but don’t give up… keep going! When you feel like stopping remember why you started.
  2. Running really is cheaper than therapy! The best way to clear your mind and escape life’s chaos is to run. Nothing beats the feeling of lacing up your running shoes, jamming out to your favorite music and leaving your worries behind. They say the best things in life are free, right?!
  3. The best runs are on days when you don’t feel like running. The irony is not lost on me…. but it is so true. Some of my most accomplished runs were on days I almost didn’t go at all. No matter how slow you go you can still lap those who are at home sitting on the couch.
  4.  Speed doesn’t matter! I still don’t consider myself a runner but I can hold my own. Every run makes my body stronger than the last. When I began running a year ago, I thought my fastest run would make me feel the most accomplished however that has not been the case. Distance has become the top priority for me over speed. It doesn’t matter if you run a 5 minute mile or a 15 minute mile, they both end at a finish line. Don’t worry about being better than someone else. Conquer the distance not the clock!
  5. Set goals! It is important to set goals that both scare you and excite you at the same time. Just the thought of running a marathon (or even a half marathon!) seems like a painful nightmare to a newbie like me right now.  But there is magic in misery when it comes to running and I’ll bet the feeling as you cross that finish line is worth every ounce of pain.

 

My New Years Resolution for 2018 is to eat healthier, be more accountable for taking care of myself and continue to pursue my running goals. Here’s to a New Year filled with new goals, dreams, chances and new beginnings!

Wishing you peace, love and laughter in the New Year!

Happy Travelin’

World of Snacks: Magic Kingdom Edition

llmckenzi Leave a comment

One of my favorite things to do while on vacation is eat! It is one of the few times of the year when you can “cheat” and stuff your face with all things sweet and savory without feeling guilty about it! Every time I travel to Disney with the Fab Five we look forward to those morning, afternoon & late night treats. Here are some of our favorite treats that you won’t want to miss the next time you are at Magic Kingdom!

image

Dole Whip: This is a classic Disney treat that will keep you cool on a hot day. Dole Whip is a cross between soft serve & Gelato and comes in Pineapple & Orange flavors. You can get it alone in a cup, twisted with vanilla soft serve or as a float (which is Dole whip in a cup with pineapple juice). Our family favorite flavor is the Pineapple Dole Whip. It’s fresh, fruity and makes a great midday snack! You can find Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle stand or at the Sunshine Tree Terrace, both in Adventureland. If you can’t make it over to Magic Kingdom you can also find this treat at the Pineapple Lanai over in the Polynesian Village Resort.

image

Waffle Sandwich: This little hidden gem is not to be missed! You have your choice between two kinds of waffle sandwiches: sweet & fruity or sweet & spicy! The sweet & fruity sandwich consists of fresh fruit with a Hazelnut Spread on a fresh waffle. The sweet & spicy consists of a breaded chicken breast bathed in a sweet and spicy special sauce with creamy coleslaw and fresh arugula (Note: the picture above was ordered with coleslaw on the side). It’s a party in your mouth! Both sandwiches are quite large, so you may want to split it with someone! Our family favorite is the Sweet & Spicy Chicken Waffle sandwich. While considered by Disney as a snack, we often get as our full lunch. You can find these at the Sleepy Hollow refreshment stand just before you enter Liberty Square. There is a catch though: these amazing sandwiches are only made from 11:00am- 5:00pm!

image

Le Fou’s Brew: My little Disney Addicts are obsessed with this drink! Le Fou’s Brew is a frozen apple & marshmallow drink topped with a passion fruit froth. Now the description may not sound like much but I assure you it is a taste sensation! It comes in a souvenir Gaston or Belle mug however you can also get it in a regular plastic cup for half the price. You can find this treat at Gaston’s tavern over in Fantasyland. It pairs well with a cinnamon roll which you can also find at Gaston’s tavern. The cinnamon roll is warm and moist with gooey icing and the slightest hint of maple that explodes with deliciousness in your mouth. It is quite large however and is best shared with others. We love to grab a Le Fou’s Brew & a cinnamon roll before grabbing a seat near the fountain just outside the tavern to watch the Wishes Firework show!

image

Mickey Pants Ice Cream Sundae: Let me tell you this ice cream sundae is quite the treat and you get a unique Disney souvenir out of the deal. The Mickey Pants Ice Cream Sundae is extra special because you can only find it at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom. It comes with one scoop of vanilla ice cream, one scoop of chocolate ice cream & one scoop of strawberry ice cream. It is then topped with hot fudge, strawberry & caramel sauce. It is covered in whipped cream, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and of course a cherry on top! The last time we picked up one of these treats we were able to customize it with vanilla & Oreo ice cream, covered in hot fudge, whipped cream & a cherry on top. The Mickey Pants Sundae is actually a spin-off of the “Kitchen sink” ice cream sundae which literally has every ice cream flavor & topping in it that you can think of… Hence the name! The Kitchen sink can only be found at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Update: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop now also sells the Mickey Pants Sundae!

image

Popcorn: I know this one doesn’t sound very unique but let me tell you, Disney’s popcorn is the best! It can be found at multiple places around the park. Let your nose be your guide! Disney likes to pipe in certain scents around the park so you will smell this salty buttery treat from a mile away! I love that Disney has such unique containers for their popcorn. My favorite container is a mine train cart that resembles the mining carts you would find at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride over in FantasyLand. Recently Disney has launched this amazing deal for popcorn lovers like me. You can buy a special refillable popcorn bucket and have same day unlimited refills for a small fee at any popcorn cart located in any of the parks. Just make sure to leave room for more park treats!

image

Cotton Candy: This treat is a favorite of my Disney Daughter. Once you enter Magic Kingdom and start to walk past the Confectionary it is the first thing you smell. The sweetness just spills over into the streets and takes over your senses! The cotton candy is sweet, fluffy and light as air. It comes in many different colors and can be found in bags or plastic containers. If you’re looking for some Disney Magic, go to the Confectionary on Main Street at night before the Fireworks and head on over to the cotton candy booth. Sometimes they hand out free samples of freshly spun cotton candy but only if you say the secret word (no worries if you don’t know the word, there is often a clue that is a dead give away).

So there you have it! These are just a few of our favorite sweet treats found at Magic Kingdom! I’d love to hear about your favorite treats, so leave me a message in my comments section! Be on the look out for my next World of Snacks article featuring another amazing Disney Park! Until next time…

Happy Travelin’