The Johnson Family’s Wild Ride at Walt Disney World

Otherwise known as Walt Disney World in 4 days! My family and I just returned from a 3 night, 4 day trip to Walt Disney World. Not a lot of time to take in the 4 major parks, 2 waterparks and Downtown Disney, but we accomplished our mission (or, at least mine.) So, yes, it is possible to squeeze all of the wonders of the World in a short amount of time, but with a few caveats. You need a lot of energy and stamina, a plan or itinerary, older kids and some good walking shoes!

My family consists of myself, my husband and two sons, ages 11 and 14. My boys were totally in to trying out all of the major rides and attractions. We made every one (sometimes twice!) But, had they been a few youngers (or worse yet, in strollers) we wouldn’t have been able to do everything we did in 4 days. I have to say that it probably helped that they are boys and not girls, as the need for shopping was kept to a minimum and the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique was not on our agenda! (Getting ready in the morning doesn’t involve as much grooming time either.) We’re a “long-legged” family, so we covered a lot of ground at a faster pace than most. In short, if your family consists of male children, 10 years or older, that can keep a good pace and are focused on getting to the next ride, then you too can see all of WDW in 4 days! (This is intended to be tongue in cheek!)

Here’s how we did it…

Day 1: Flew non-stop to Orlando, arriving at noon. Took the Magical Express to Pop Century. Checked in, dropped off our luggage and caught the next bus to Epcot. I had previously made reservations for dinner at Chefs de France for that evening, and therefore decided that afternoon and evening would be spent at Epcot. We had the basic Disney Dining plan and headed over to a snack stand to get some refreshments before going on our first ride. Spent the afternoon in Future World going on rides, etc. and then went to World Showcase for some dinner and sight-seeing. We dined at Chefs de France and then wandered around World Showcase for awhile taking in the beautiful flowers and topiaries present during the spring. Headed back to Future World for some more rides and IllumiNations.

Day 2: Got up at the crack of dawn since we had Extra Magical Hours at Magic Kingdom that morning.
Had a granola bar/protein bar in our hotel room while getting ready. My husband ran down to Pop’s cafeteria to buy some refillable souvenir mugs to use for coffee and soda. Took the bus to Magic Kingdom. Our plan of hitting the major rides first turned out be a success. We were able to get on all of the big rides with little or no wait time before the park got busy. We then ran to do some other rides or shows and when need be, got a Fast Pass. Took the bus back to Pop, used our counter service for lunch there, changed into our swimming suits and went to Blizzard Beach for the afternoon.
Spent the afternoon swimming, sliding, plunging and plummeting. Showered and dressed for dinner back at our hotel room and then went back to Epcot for our dinner reservations (6:45 p.m.) at San Angel Inn (located in the Pyramid in Mexico.) After dinner, did some repeat rides until 9 p.m.

Day 3: Slept in an extra hour (unti 8 a.m.) and went to Disney Hollywood Studios in the morning. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was first on our list, with Tower of Terror being second. Again, did both with hardly a wait. Walked around, did other rides like Star Wars, etc., went to the Indiana Jones stunt show and ate lunch afterwards. Went back to Pop, changed into our swimming suits and went to the other waterpark, Typhoon Lagoon. Note: if I had an extra day, I could have spent an entire day at Typhoon Lagoon (lounging on a beach or in a wave pool.) My kids said that they preferred the water slides/rides at Blizzard Beach. At night, we went to Downtown Disney for our dinner reservation at Wolfgang Puck’s (our favorite restaurant of the 3 that we dined at.) We walked around for awhile after dinner, but decided to go back to Disney Hollywood Studios. Another note: You can not take the bus from Downtown to another park, only to resorts. So, we had to take a bus to All-Stars and then from there to Hollywood.

Day 4: Our flight departure time was for 7:30 p.m. so we planned to spend the entire day at Animal Kingdom. We got there early as there were extra Magical Hours that morning. Expedition Everest was top of the list. Did that two times in a row since there was no wait and then went directly to the Safari (the animals are more present in the cooler morning time.) Again, we hit the rest of the rides on our list, including Dinosaur, Primeval whirl and the Kali River Rapids. Went to lunch at Flametree Barbeque to use up our last counter service, and then went to the 3D show, It’s Tough To Be A Bug.
Note: All of the 3D shows we saw were very fun, and refreshing breaks from walking around in the hot sun. With time to spare, we went back to the Pop to swim for awhile before the Magical Express took us back to Orlando Intl. Airport.

Some final tips…

Do: Pack some snacks/breakfast items even if you have the Dining Plan. It saves time in the morning to avoid going to a cafe or restaurant for breakfast. The earlier you get to the parks, the less lines and wait times for the major rides.

Do: Arrange for an early wake up call on the Extra Magic Hour Park days.

Do: Plan your itinerary around those Extra Magic Hours.

Do: Make dinner reservations ahead of time. Plan to have dinner in several parks so that you can spend some evening hours at those parks after dinner.

Do: Bring a variety of walking shoes, athletic sandals, etc. (saw a lot of Crocs) for all the walking during the day. Wear light weight clothes that dry fast (after getting soaked on the water rides.)

Do: Leave the bag/backpack at the hotel if you want to avoid getting bogged down by having your bag checked at the entrance. My husband wore cargo shorts…it’s amazing how many things you can fit in those pockets!

Do: Purchase the Dining Plan as part of your vacation package. It is definitely worth it! The entree’s at some restaurants were as much or more as the cost of the dining plan per day.

Do: Stay at one of the Disney properties. It’s so much more convenient and you get the benefit of the Extra Magic Hours. Not to mention, it’s just more fun!

Do: Go to the main or more popular rides/attractions first thing in the morning before they get too busy.

Do: Have a Magical time at Walt Disney World or DisneyLand!

Do: Contact Amy at A Room With A Viewto make your reservation for the wonderful world of Disney!
800-571-3159

Next up! The Wonderful World of Disney!

I have been to Walt Disney World three times, but believe it or not, my children have never been. I have two boys that are now 11 and 14 years old. Six years ago, I asked them, “Which would you rather do? Take a cruise or go to Disney World?” Astoundingly (and much to my pleasant surprise) they sang in chorus, “Take a cruise!” Well, my kids now have 6 cruises under their belts, but no Magic Kingdom. “It’s time,” I said to my husband a few weeks ago. They need to experience the wonders of Disney. With the crazy long and severe winter we have been having this year (14 inches of snow yesterday!!) May 7th can’t come soon enough. Watch out Mickey, here we come!!

To plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel!

Viking River Cruises Offers Specials Through Dec. 18

Viking River Offers Specials Through Dec. 19
Published on modernagent: November 19, 2007

Viking River Cruises is offering several specials through Dec. 19. The company is featuring roundtrip international air to China from $320, including taxes and fees, for China cruise-tour programs with sailings of five or nine nights on the Yangtze River. Europe roundtrip air is offered from $395 with select sailings in March and April. Early-booking discounts are up to $1,000 per stateroom.

To make your reservation, contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel

Disney in Oahu

Disney Expands Resort Business with Oahu Property
Published on Modernagent 10/4/07

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts finalized plans to purchase 21 acres of oceanfront property on Hawaii’s island of Oahu. The property, located on the island’s western side in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Honolulu’s premier resort destination, will be home to Disney’s first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, will have more than 800 units including hotel rooms and villas for Disney Vacation Club, which is Disney’s rapidly growing timeshare business. Part of the Disney resort hotel in Ko Olina will be dedicated to Disney Vacation Club, a timeshare program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come.

Designs for the resort are still being finalized by Walt Disney Imagineers, who have been traveling extensively throughout Hawaii for the past several months as they garner ideas to develop a resort celebrating Hawaii’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. The team is working closely with local architects, engineers and cultural advisors, conducting research and exploring the region, building on a tradition that has long been a hallmark in the creation of everything from Disney films to Disney vacation destinations. Plans for the resort hotel are expected to be finalized and revealed in early 2008.

WDW Resort Announces Mom Panel

Walt Disney World Resort Announces Mom Panel
Published onmodernagent: September 7, 2007

As part of “The Year of a Million Dreams,” Disney announced the launch of a nationwide search for moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Twelve finalists will be selected to serve on the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Those 12 parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience will have the opportunity to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering a Disney vacation experience. In exchange, the 12 panelists will receive a five-night vacation to the Florida resort for themselves and three other guests. The Walt Disney World Moms Panel will be found online at www.disneyworldmoms.com and feature content provided by the panel. It will also offer guests the opportunity to pose specific questions and have them answered by the panelists. The site, which goes live in January 2008, will host park insights and vacation planning tools for those parents planning a Walt Disney World vacation. From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why they should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney will select 12 panelists with children of various ages. For more information, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Features Halloween Party

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Features Halloween Party
Published on: August 8, 2007

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to the Magic Kingdom for select nights between Sept. 21 and Nov. 2, 2007. Clients are invited to dress up along with the Disney characters and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom as well as enjoy some of their favorite attractions. As part of the festivities, clients may enjoy special presentations of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular – a pyrotechnic show featuring Disney Villains trick or treating in the sky! Parties will take place from 7 p.m. through 12 a.m. the following nights: Sept. 14, 21, 28, 30; Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31; and Nov. 2. Event participation is not included with regular admission tickets.

To make your magical Disney reservation, contact A Room With A View!

Walt Disney World to Ban Smoking in Onsite Hotels

Walt Disney World to Ban Smoking in Onsite Hotels
Published on: May 3, 2007

Walt Disney World reportedly will ban smoking effective June 1 in 20 onsite properties, including all guest rooms, indoor public areas, balconies and other locations at all company-owned and -operated hotels. It will also ban smoking at all Disney Vacation Club resorts at Disney World. Smoking will be allowed in designated, outdoor smoking areas only. Walt Disney Parks & Resorts banned smoking at Disneyland’s three hotels in California last year but allowed smoking to continue at Disney World hotels. During the last five years, guest demand for smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort reportedly has been declining steadily. Currently, less than 3.5 percent of Walt Disney World’s 24,000 resort rooms are smoking optional.

Carnival Splendor to Launch Northern Europe Program

Carnival Splendor to Launch Northern Europe Program
Published on: May 1, 2007

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor — representing a new class of vessel with innovations such as new spa staterooms — will debut in July 2008 operating the line’s first-ever Northern European cruise program. These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 through Aug. 30, 2008, will visit Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia and The Netherlands. Following the Northern European voyages, Carnival Splendor will feature a 12-day London-to-Rome cruise Sept. 11, 2008, and then sail a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 through Oct. 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will be the second Carnival ship deployed in Europe next year, joining the Carnival Freedom which will operate a program of 12-day Mediterranean cruises May-to-October 2008. Also included in Carnival Splendor’s 2008 inaugural season will be a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome Oct. 29, as well as a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale commencing Nov. 22, 2008. A one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 17, 2008. The 12-night Northern Europe debuts July 13, 2008, departing from London (Dover). Other departure dates include July 25, Aug. 6, Aug. 18 and Aug. 30, 2008. Ports include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Following the Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate a one-time 12-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing London (Dover) Sept. 11, 2008, and calling at Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. Carnival Splendor will then operate one “Grand Mediterranean” and two “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 23 to Oct. 17, 2008. The 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise will depart Sept. 23, 2008, and call at Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. The two 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises will depart Oct. 5 and Oct. 17, 2008, calling at Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey, with scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia).
As the first in a new class of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center, which will feature Carnival’s first elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome.

Surrounding the facility will be 68 spa staterooms, also a first for Carnival. Guests in spa staterooms will have exclusive entry access to the adjacent spa facilities and will receive a wide array of special offerings including priority spa appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, complimentary fitness classes and other amenities. Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Splendor’s European and Caribbean departures on May 10, 2007. Prices for the 12-day Northern Europe cruises begin at $1,299 per person, based on double occupancy; rates for the 12-day Mediterranean cruises start at $1,249; a 16-day transatlantic crossing starts at $849 per person and seven-day Caribbean cruises begin at $469 per person.

RCCL to Transfer Empress to Pullmantur

Royal Caribbean to Transfer Empress to Pullmantur
Published on: March 27, 2007

Royal Caribbean International plans to transfer Empress of the Seas to Pullmantur, the Madrid-based cruise and tour operator that parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. purchased in November. “Empress of the Seas is a wonderful ship that has served our brand well,” said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International. “This transfer will help to increase Pullmantur’s capacity and meet demand for its distinctive style of cruise holidays in the European market.”

The last voyage of Empress as part of the Royal Caribbean International fleet will be March 7, 2008. Guests booked on all sailings after this date will be contacted by Royal Caribbean representatives to transfer existing reservations to similar accommodations onboard other Royal Caribbean ships. The line has established a toll-free number for travel agents and guests with questions regarding the re-accommodated sailings. The toll-free number is 888-281-9344. Empress of the Seas was built by Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, and joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in June 1990. It was refurbished in May 2004. The 48,563 gross-registered-ton ship has a double-occupancy guest capacity of 2,020.

Adventures by Disney Adds Eight New Itineraries for 2007

Adventures by Disney Adds Eight New Itineraries for 2007
Published on: January 29, 2007

Families will find new ways to vacation with Disney in 2007 through an expanded selection of 12 Adventures by Disney experiences, including eight new itineraries. Adventures by Disney offers families vacation packages to destinations in 2007, including new excursions in the United States, Ireland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain and Italy. Returning itineraries are to England and France, Costa Rica, Italy and Wyoming. The 2007 trip lineup boasts features exclusive to Adventures by Disney, including: an Art Detective activity for Junior Adventurers in the Louvre Museum in Paris and dinner with Ben Franklin.