Call me crazy, but Disney’s fast pass service is something that we have never and will never use. For some, this is the most convenient and efficient way to see everything that Disney has to offer. I can remember vacationing to Disney as a little girl and standing hours and hours in anticipation waiting for our turn to ride. It made waiting for the attraction so worth it. It was what made Disney for us… well, Disney. You stand in lines and you wait. That is how we have always seen Disney. Now that Disney has fast pass, you can get your stub and return to the line later with little or no wait. Read more
Thrifty Thursday: Disney Rewards Visa Character Meet ‘N’ Greet
One of the perks I have always enjoyed about being a Disney Rewards Visa cardholder is the Character Meet ‘N’ Greet opportunity at Epcot. Susan and I will be taking advantage of this FREE opportunity during our trip next week. 🙂
It is very easy to get your free photo with special Disney characters and it is a wonderful memory to treasure for years to come. Even if you plan on making this a “cash only” trip, take your DRV card just for this purpose. You will be glad you did. Here is all you do: Read more
Wordless Wednesday: Scary or Not So Scary?
One of the most fun things about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, is the chance to meet a few villains…some scary, some not-so-much. You meet all kinds of Disney characters at the parks….but when night-time comes during the Halloween season, you never know who you might come across. Scary….or Not So Scary??? 🙂
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple…and for a limited time, get a FREE Disney gift card when you book your trip with me! ($2000 minimum package cost)
Tuesday Disney Tips: Downtown Disney
Being what is known as a “veteran visitor” to Walt Disney World, there are traditional practices we tend to follow because they become part of what makes our trips so special. For instance, our first park is always Magic Kingdom and we always plan a trip to Downtown Disney. Read more
My Favorite Disney Things: The People You Meet
We started a series a while back about our Favorite Disney Things. It was a fun way for all of us at The Affordable Mouse to share some of the things that we just LOVE about our favorite place to be…..and I would like to add a new one today. 🙂
I was trying to explain to someone the other day exactly WHY we go back to Disney again and again. As I shared how friendly people are when there… I realized that this is truly one of my favorite Disney things!
Yes, I know there are a lot of folks that are clearly not having a magical day while they are at Disney. But by and large, I really think that those people are the exception. In my experience, most people are the opposite….they are warm, friendly and helpful. In fact, I have honestly not ever found another place where the vast majority of people are just so…..happy. And I’m not talking about just the castmembers either, although they are a very special group of people.
I am talking about the people that you strike up a conversation with while waiting in line. You know, we’ve met some pretty cool people by just asking the simple question: “Where are you from?” We waited in the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad line once with an Imagineer and his young daughter, who were just spending a Sunday afternoon like you or I would, visiting Disney World. What a really nice guy….and what great stories he had to share! I love meeting people this way, and honestly, it makes waiting in line go a lot quicker.
I am also talking about the people that you chat with on the buses at the end of the day. I know I know, there are some pretty hot, cranky, sweaty people at this point each night. But there are also some really nice people, adults as well as teens, who are quick to give up their seat for a mom who has a sleeping child in her arms.
And I am also talking about the folks who jump in to do “random acts of kindness” whether it is giving away a FastPass that they aren’t going to use, or offering to take a group picture for a family, or giving up a seat waiting for the parade so that a little one can be up front for a good view.
Having lived near major cities my entire life, I grew up learning “not to talk to strangers” but at Disney, people look each other in the eye, smile, and say “good morning” or wish one another a Happy Birthday, or congratulate newlyweds. I realize that it’s a different situation….but that is actually my point. It IS different from the life that most of us live, and that is truly one of the things I love about Disney! You don’t walk around worrying about strangers at Disney: everyone else is just another Disney friend.
I’m not entirely sure why this is, but I guess that Disney magic just brings out the best in most people…..and to me, that’s one of the most magical things that Disney does.
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple…and for a limited time, get a FREE Disney gift card when you book your trip with me! ($2000 minimum package cost)