Dining at Disney World: Character Dining 411

Pluto
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Character Dining is one of the most fun parts of a Disney vacation for many travelers. But with so many options, it can be hard to choose the one (or more!) that is right for your family. Read more

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Disney with Little Ones: Typhoon Lagoon

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With the first snowfall coming down in central Indiana as I type, I have never been more ready for a trip to Walt Disney World. This time around, we added the Water Park Fun and More option to our Park Hoppers. We will be visiting in September and I know from experience it will still be blazing hot down in Lake Buena Vista that time of year. What better time to try out the 2 Disney water parks on WDW property, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach? I’ve never been and neither have my little boys, who will be 6 and 7 by then. So, what do the water parks have to offer our family? Today I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned so far about Typhoon Lagoon. 

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Disney with Little Ones: Considering Port Orleans Riverside

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If you’ve been following along, you know that I’ve been researching moderate Walt Disney World Resorts. Last time, I took a closer look at Caribbean Beach Resort. This week my research takes me to Port Orleans Riverside. Port Orleans Riverside is adjacent to its sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, and is considered a Disney Springs area resort. Riverside is separated into 2 distinct sections – Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend – and you’re probably getting some imagery from these names already. The resort is themed after a marshy southern Louisiana town with crepe myrtles, azaleas, the Sassagoula River winding through the property, a history of alligator sightings, and plantation style architecture, just to name a few.

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Disney with Little Ones: Considering Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort Kiddie Pool
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Being a budget-conscious young family, we’ve only ever considered staying in value resorts while visiting Walt Disney World. This time, I’m doing my research and planning to splurge on a moderate or deluxe resort during an off-season time, when (historically speaking) crowds are down and savings are at their peak. For our trip next September, it’s going to be H-O-T so I’m planning on fewer theme park days and more water park and resort pool days. The pools and water slides, transportation options, and the grounds/rooms themselves are all important factors in my choice. I’ve been digging into which moderate resort would suit us best – an active family of four with two little boys, ages 5 and 6. Today I’m looking closely at Caribbean Beach Resort. Read more

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Disney with Little Ones: The Long Drive Ahead

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Some people love a road trip and look forward to finding joy in the adventure of the journey. Friends, I am not one of those people. When I am driving, I’ve got the pedal to the metal, my eye on the prize, and don’t even think about asking me to stop unless it’s a dire emergency. I want to make good time and traffic jams make me crazy and anxious. I just want to get it over with. I have always enjoyed flying and marvel at our modern ability to travel such a great distance in such a short time. Well…airfare for our fall trip down to Florida (a Royal Caribbean cruise this time, booked through our friend Nancy here at The Affordable Mouse) was out of control. As much as I like flying, I like saving money more so we made the painful decision to drive down to Port Canaveral. 

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