WDW Car vs. Bus

We have found that using a car will take us less time than the bus.  AK and DHS have fairly small parking lots so it doesn't take long to park, and ride the tram or even walk to the front gates.  EP has a large parking lot however the car is still our 1st choice.  MK can go either way for us due to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).   

Arriving by car to MK is a little more complex because you have to park at the TTC and then take the monorail or ferry.  However, their wait is normally shorter than the wait for a bus.  We usually choose Ferry because the monorail line always looks so long.   

Please Note:  if you plan on leaving after Wishes, so do tens of thousands of other people and you will find yourself waiting in line 20-40 minutes for the monorail or ferry.  However, there are a few tricks for arriving at/departing from MK and the parking lot when the crowds are heavy.    

TO MK:

1. If the Express monorail line is backed up, try the Resort monorail line. Often the line is much smaller.  Many don't realize they both stop at the TTC.

2. If the large Ferry line is very long, walk over to the Poly and take the small ferry to MK. 

FROM MK:

1. If the Express monorail line is backed up, try the Resort monorail line. Many don't realize they both stop at the TTC.

2. If the large Ferry line is also very long, take the small ferry to the Poly and walk over to the TTC

3. When all of the monorail and Ferry lines at MK seem like they are miles long, walk to the Contemporary and get right on the monorail, then get off at the TTC.  *O*  

DIY Temporary Tattoo For Kid Safety

A Sharpie fine point and liquid band aid = Magical!! "If Lost, Call..." temporary tattoos for young children when at Disney!!  If not Disney, also great for the zoo, fair, mall, etc. *O*

http://weightdownweightloss.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/diy-temporary-tattoo-for-kid-safety/

Play, Stay,Dine & Save

Trying to fit Disney World in your budget? This is a great deal; and, don't forget you can save an extra 5% with your Target Red card!! *O*

https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTravelProfessionals/photos/a.339688762748999.99409.337693939615148/822249231159614/?type=1&theater

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tips

I have 4 separate 'Adults Only' reservations heading to WDW ~ so excited for them! *O*

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/09/16/top-tips-for-the-2014-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

Characters that can ONLY be met @ EPCOT

Belle (if, you don’t include Enchanted Tales @ MK as a regular meet & greet) can be found in France.

Duffy is Mickey’s Disney bear and can be found in World Showcase Plaza.   

Mulan can be found near the water garden or next to the temple in China. 

·         ask her how to be an honorable child and/or how Mushu is doing?  

Feeling thankful ~ for my 2 new military families this week! I’ve learned so much about the Disney Armed Forces Salute – offering qualified service members (or their spouse) both discounted theme park tickets (up to 6, or more if your immediate family is larger) and outstanding discounts on up to 3 rooms @ the Disney Resorts (campsites not included).

I also wanted to share more about the Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat Ceremony that takes place every day @ 5pm. I read about it long ago; however in all our trips to WDW, we had never made it to one. Thankfully, this last trip Jay & I took in Oct, we just happen to be walking in for Mickey’s Halloween Party and it was starting. The ceremony is incredibly moving; and, I couldn’t hold back tears while watching and hearing them lower our flag. It’s now a highlight and something I would recommend for every family to witness! 

For more details I’ll let this beautiful post, complete with pictures from "Uncle" Bob Elsie, fill you in. However, please note you can no longer sign up for this at City Hall, the veteran participant is now selected at random by the Magic Kingdom Entertainment Department.

Wishing you a magical Sunday ~ Christine

http://land.allears.net/blogs/guestblog/2011/04/magic_kingdom_flag_retreat_cer.html

What To Say To The Characters

*O* Disney Tip ~ It’s fun to have a little character interaction while getting an autograph; or, waiting for a picture. Here are a few ideas to get you started ~

• Alice ~ ask about her tea parties
• Ariel ~ ask about Sebastian, Flounder and her Daddy, King Trition
• Belle ~ ask what her favorite book is.
• Chip & Dale ~ ask if they are squirrels
• Donald ~ tell him Mickey is #1 OR you could tell him that Mickey is okay but he's the best and that it really should be the Donald Duck Club
• Hook ~ say tick tock
• Pluto ~ scratch him behind the ear and, his foot will paddle the ground
• Snow White ~ ask about the Dwarfs
• Stitch ~ ask what his badness level is
• Tigger ~ ask if he could teach you how to bounce
• Woody ~ ask to see the bottom of his boot