Understanding My Disney Experience: Magic Bands

Everything related to Disney now ties to the "My Disney Experience" which is a free online account you setup here on the Disney Website.

Once you setup your "My Disney Experience" account you choose a themed Disney Character for yourself as well as your family.  If you have family that has their own email address they can setup their own "My Disney Experience" account as well and you can tie to one anthers account.  *This part can be tricky so be sure to setup your account and then invite your family to join using their email address.  This seems to be the most efficient way to add family or friends.

Once you have created your account you are ready to add your reservations.  Simply go to "My Reservations & Tickets" and link your existing reservation.  The system will automatically pull in your Disney Reservation and you can also add your family or friends to your account.

When your reservations are loaded on your account you will then be able to tie them to a "Magic Band".  Under the "MY Account" portion you will see a link called "Magic Bands" once you click the link you will be able to pick out a color offering for you and each person in your traveling party.  

Magic bands come in the following colors: Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, and Grey.  You will also get to "Inscribe" a name for each magic band you order.  This will be white text on the back of the magic band.  The name can come in handy if you have two in your party that may want the same color.  

The magic band is embedded with an RFID chip that park guests will wear that links to their park tickets, resort room keys, dining reservations, memory maker, payment option and even FastPasses.  MagicBand will be mailed to guest in their choice of color usually about 4 weeks prior to departure.  

Guests will touch their bands to RFID readers throughout the parks and resorts on turnstiles, cash registers and FastPass+ machines.  In addition to the bands coming in different colors they can also be customized with snap-on charms and fabric covers. 

Have you tried the new Magic Bands?  Are you enjoying them?  Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!

Tables In Wonderland (TIW)

Tables in Wonderland (TIW), formerly the Disney Dining Experience, offers Florida Residents, DVC members and Annual Passholders 20% off of all food and beverage purchases at the participating Disney restaurants.

It is a membership program with annual fees and each card is good for up to 10 guests.  The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

The price is $100.00 for an Annual/Seasonal Passholder, $50.00 for a second card.

For a Florida Resident who is not an Annual/Seasonal Passholder, the cost is $125.00. It is $50.00 for lost/replacement cards.

The TIW Card can be purchased at any Disney Guest Services location. Annual Passholders and/or Florida Residents need to provide proof of eligibility. Note that TIW membership requires that you be age 21 or older.

If you are dining at a Disney Resort with valet parking and are using your TIW card, they will waive the valet parking fee. Be sure to advise the attendant and show your member card.
NOTE: Your check will have an 18% gratuity added regardless of party size.

The TIW discount is not available on holidays including New Year’s Eve, Year Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Certain restrictions may be applicable. Participation is subject to change.

Contact www.gatewaytomagic.com today!  We will help you plan all your dining reservations and factor in the right options for you and your budget!

How to Child Swap at WDW

This is Disney’s system that allows people with small children to take turns riding the bigger rides while the other person/people wait with the child.

Here’s how it works.


As you encounter a ride that has a height requirement, your whole group should be present and you can tell the Cast Member that you’d like to Child Swap. The Cast Member will give the waiting portion of your group a Child Swap pass (which works like a FastPass) and the riding portion of your group will proceed through the line.

Recommendation: Use FastPasses

I highly recommend that you use a FastPass for the first group (assuming it’s available on the attraction). This means that you’d get FastPasses for just the number of people riding in the first group. Once your group shows up during the FastPass window (the whole group should show up, including the non-riding child), the Cast Member will issue the rest of the group the Child Swap pass which works like a FastPass and can be used for up to 3 people.

The Child Swap pass that you are issued does not have a time specified on it like a FastPass does, so it can be used anytime that day.

While the first group is riding, the waiting group will want to keep busy. Here are some things to do if you are in the waiting group.

Ride	Height requirement	FP available?	What to do while waiting
MAGIC KINGDOM:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	40"	Yes	Ride the Walt Disney World Railroad around, starting at the Frontierland station and/or play in the play area located just under the train station
Splash Mountain	40"	Yes	Ride the Walt Disney World Railroad around, starting at the Frontierland station and/or play in the play area located just under the train station
Barnstormer	35"	No	Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, Dumbo
Space Mountain	44"	Yes	Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Stitch's Great Escape	40"	No	Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway	52" (to drive alone)	No	Tomorrowland Transit Authority
EPCOT:
Test Track	40"	Yes	Innoventions East
Soarin'	40"	Yes	Living with the Land
Mission: Space	44"	Yes	The exit area of the ride has a large play area
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:
Star Tours	40"	Yes	Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set
Tower of Terror	40"	Yes	Hang out on Mickey Avenue for the kid-friendly shows
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster	48"	Yes	Hang out on Mickey Avenue for the kid-friendly shows
ANIMAL KINGDOM:
Expedition Everest	44"	Yes	Maharajah Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids	38"	Yes	Maharajah Jungle Trek
Dinosaur	40"	Yes	The Boneyard
Primeval Whirl	48"	Yes	The Boneyard

Chance to ride twice

Each time that the too-young-to-ride child waits on the rest of the group to ride, they only need 1 adult to stay with them. That means there is an opportunity to allow the rest of the group (if you have more than 2 adults) to ride twice.

Let’s say you have a family with 2 adults and 3 kids and only the youngest child isn’t riding. The first group can have 1 adult and 2 older kids while the other adult and youngest child waits. The second group can have the other adult and the 2 older kids (Child Swap allows up to 3 people). This means the 2 older kids get to ride twice.

A word of caution

The speed at which you tour depends on how busy the parks are, when you arrive, what you’re riding, how fast you move and if you are Child Swapping. As you can probably guess, riding the same ride twice will slow you down quite a bit. Keep this in mind as you create your touring plans.

Next steps

Go through your touring plans and note which rides you want to Child Swap. Allow extra time in your day so that everyone in your group can ride.

Places to Enjoy - On a Budget!

If you are looking for Disney Atmosphere without having to open your wallet up I've got two places you'll want to keep in mind!

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney also referred to as "Marketplace" is a great place to walk around, enjoy the views, do some shopping, and home of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (will have a post on this shortly)!  Some of my favorite stores are here; Disney's Days of Christmas, Mickey's Pantry, and World of Disney!  If anyone in your family enjoys LEGO's you will want to check out LEGO Imagination Center.  At LEGO Imagination Center you can design and buy what you need to make your own LEGO Creation!!  There are some great photo opportunities at Downtown Disney too!

Getting to Downtown Disney is easy because all of the Disney resorts offer transportation to Downtown Disney.

Keep in mind the best time to visit Downtown Disney is during the Day.  The crowds can really pick up in the evening and on weekends.

Boardwalk

Boardwalk is a great place to come and relax!  My favorite time to come here is in the evening!  There are several places to get an inexpensive coffee, ice cream, funnel cake, fries, or pretzel!  Boardwalk is also home to ESPN club where you can pick up ESPN merchandise or grab a bit to eat!  The Boardwalk encircles a lake known as, Crescent Lake.  A few Disney Resorts sit on this lake including, Boardwalk Resort, Beach Club, and Yacht Club.  You can also walk to the Swan and Dolphin Resort, as well as Epcot, or Hollywood Studios (boat services are also provided to parks)!  Each night you are able to catch a glimpse of the Epcot fireworks!  The boardwalk is speckled with wooden benches, tables, and chairs so you can sit and relax.  

A beautiful picture of the Boardwalk during the evening!

As mentioned previously the Boardwalk encircles Crescent lake, if you start at Boardwalk and walk all the way around you can also glimpse the Yacht and Beach Club properties.  If your not up for walking you can rent bicycles as well!  In front of the Beach Club you are able to put your feet in the sandy beach and frequently they will be playing a Disney Themed Movie outside for the kids to watch!  There are also a few stores to stroll through if the mood strikes you!  You can end your evening playing a few carnival games or even better, watch people play!  

Beach Club Beach Front!  That Sand is calling my Name!

Disney Transportation

Getting from Room to Park

and yes it is free!

Good News!!  Disney offers free transportation to their resort guest!  So, if you are staying at one of the several Disney Resorts you can take advantage of this!  Don’t hassle with driving, parking, or even long walks to get to the Park Entrance and let Disney take care of it for you!

Break It Down

Each resort will have either one centralized “bus stop” or several “bus stops” scattered throughout the resort.  You can locate the “bus stop” nearest you during check in when you are given your room number.  The Disney buses typically cycle every 20 minutes.  

From your Disney Resort the Disney buses are able to take you to the following locations:

Photo of Bus Stop at Disney Yacht Club Resort

• Four Main Parks
• Magic Kingdom
• Animal Kingdom
• Epcot
• Hollywood Studios
• Downtown Disney
• Typhoon Lagoon
• Blizzard Beach
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Lets Put It Into Action

When a bus pulls up to your “bus stop” it will clearly have displayed on the bus marquee the destination it will be taking passengers to.  If you want to go to Magic Kingdom, just hop on the bus that reads “Magic Kingdom” on the marquee!  

The bus does drop you off at the park entrance!  This is the best part in my opinion! 

This bus marquee reads "Hollywood Studios"

When you are ready to come back to your resort, Disney will have clearly displayed the name of your resort and which platform your bus will be picking you up at.   

Example:  Caribbean Beach Resort     Platform Number 16
                Polynesian Resort               Platform Number 2 

Head to your Platform, wait for the bus to pick you up, and you will be returned to your Resort "bus stop" were you originated!

Disney Extra Magic Hours

Extra Magic Hours – is a Disney way of saying “We Have Extended Park Hours”.   

What does that mean?  On designated days (as determined by Disney) one of the four theme parks will either be opening 1 hour early or remaining open up to 3 hours after closing time.  

Remember Our Four Theme Parks:

• Magic Kingdom
• Animal Kingdom
• Epcot
• Hollywood Studios

This Disney Perk is completely free, but is only offered to guest staying at one of the Disney Resorts.

Example:

Animal Kingdom normally opens at 9 a.m. 

If they have Extra Magic Early Hours their open time would be 8 a.m.
 

Magic Kingdom normally closes at 10 p.m. 

If they have Extra Magic Evening Hours they would not close until 1 a.m.

*Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (Disney Water Parks) offer Extra Magic Hours during select times of year.

Where can I get a schedule of the Extra Magic Hours:  When you check in to your hotel you will receive a lot of information in the Disney Welcome Packet!  Inside of this folder, you will find a schedule detailing when each park offers Extra Magic Hours.  You can also pick it up at your resorts concierge desk.  If you are like me and want to get this squared away before you arrive, you can check here on the Disney Website!

All that you need to take advantage of this is either you Key to the World Card or park ticket and resort Id, which would be your room key showing you are staying On Disney property.

My family LOVES Disney’s Extra Magic Hours! We always take advantage of them while we are on our vacation! If you have small children and can make your way out of bed you will love the early hours that are offered! Since this is only open to a limited number of guest the parks feel really empty. Our experience has been walking right on the ride and then turning around and riding it again with no wait! So Fun!

Keep in mind:  Not all attractions are open during the Extra Magic Hours, but most are!

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Disney Refillable Mug

Unlimited Beverages...

Worth my Money?

Disney offers refillable insulated mugs for 14.49 plus tax.  These little beauties are totally optional depending on your budget, family, and how much beverage you can consume!  

These refillable mugs are offered at all of the Disney Resorts and allow you to have free refills during the length of your stay on coffee, sodas (Coke Products), iced tea, and hot chocolate!  Milk and Juice are not included, but can be purchased separately.     

These mugs can be used at the Disney Resorts only.  As nice as it would be, you can't use the refill feature inside of the theme parks!

My Very Own Refillable Mug!  <3

Each year or so Disney releases a new mug design.  The one pictured above is from 2011.  If your going to be consuming a decent amount of coffee, soda, or tea on your trip this really could save you a bit of money!  You will also be going home with a souvenir, so it is kind of like a two for one deal!  The choice is totally up to you, but I hope you will be slightly more informed before you arrive at your Resort and need to make your decision. 

TIP:  Check Ebay for Disney Refillable (Reusable) mugs.  That is where I picked up the one pictured above and only paid 4.99!  When looking on Ebay you want to find the most recent dated Mug, because  you are suppose to be using the current mug Disney has released at that time.

Have you used the Disney Refillable Mug System?  Do you like it?  Comment Below!

What is a Key to the World Card?

Disney's Key To The World Card

What's That....

Hmmm what is a Disney's Key to the World Card  If you are staying onsite with Disney you will definitely want to learn about this amazing little card and all it can do for you! 

When do I receive my Key to the World card:  You will receive your Key to the World card upon check-in to your Disney Resort.

Who gets a Card: Everyone registered at your Disney resort hotel room will receive their own Key to the World card.  Keep in mind, the Key to the World card is for Disney Resort guest only.  If you are staying outside of the Disney Resorts this card would not apply to you.

 
What does the Card Look Like:  The cards are usually light blue with a picture of Cinderella's Castle in the background.  The cards are personalized for each person in your party and will have the name, dates of your stay, account number, and if applicable it will show you are on the Disney Dining plan.  Your Key to the World card will not show any information regarding your room number or resort name, for security reasons.  Similar to a credit card, the back of the card will have a magnetic strip and signature area.

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Using your FASTPASS Wisely

Hello Friends!

 

Today I wanted to followup in regards to my previous Disney FASTPASS post!

Below I have listed attractions that offer the FASTPASS feature.  I have categorized them by the Disney Park in which they reside.  I have also made note which rides I HIGHLY recommend getting a FASTPASS for due to their extreme popularity.  The rides I have not recommended getting a FASTPASS for are still popular, but I do not find they make the best use of your FASTPASS.   

I hope this is a great resource for you and will save you lots of time, which is a precious resource at Disney!

Animal Kingdom

• Dinosaur – DinoLand USA
• Expedition Everest – Asia  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Kali River Rapids – Asia
• Kilimanjaro Safaris – Asia  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Tree of Life
• Primeval Whirl – DinoLand USA (Dino-Rama Area)

Magic Kingdom 

 

FASTPASS Highly Recommended for all attractions

Due to the popularity of Magic Kingdom all of these rides are extremely popular!

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Frontierland
• Buss Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Tomorrowland
• Jungle Cruise – Adventureland
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Fantasyland
• Peter Plan’s Flight – Fantasyland
• Space Mountain - Tomorrowland
• Splash Mountain - Frontierland
• Winnie the Pooh – Fantasyland

Hollywood Studios

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Rock N Roller Coaster  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Star Tours
• Tower of Terror  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Toy Story Midway Mania  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Epcot

• Soarin’  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Test Track  FASTPASS Highly Recommended
• Living with the Land
• The Maelstrom

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Tips N' Tricks - Space Bags

Space Bags

I am really excited about this inexpensive find and hope it will help you on your upcoming vacation or even just around the house!  

My sweet little peanuts are constantly outgrowing clothes!  I feel like I am constantly pulling outfits from their everyday dressers that no longer fit.  Once my pile gets big enough it is time to find a solution.  Normally I buy those big storage containers and stack them in our attic, garage, or basement. 

I recently had been given a blessing of boy and girl clothes!  So, this time I needed to store them until the kids could fit into them.  I wanted to pick up the storage containers that would slide under our bed so I could access the clothes easier!  

I went to the store and after reviewing my storage container options; they just seemed short, narrow, and expensive.  I probably would have had to purchase 4 of them to fit my needs.  Then, I turned around and saw these lovely beauties!    

Space Bags!

Space Bags - I purchased this box that included 3 Large Bags

I had seen these advertised on TV some time ago, but just never felt I had the need for them!  I purchased mine from Target but found them on Amazon as well (See Link Below). 

I will absolutely be using these for packing the kids clothes for storage at home and on vacations from here on out!  Our next trip is in November and we will be bringing some warm clothes, just in case.  These bags will be great for our big sweatshirts, coats, and my sons favorite blankets!  

There are two options to removing the air from the bag.  You can vacuum seal it or roll it out/sit on the bag.  I personally used a vacuum to suck the air out.  I felt this provided an excellent seal!  Since we wouldn't have a vacuum at the resort, coming home I would just roll the bag up and remove the air manually. 

Hooray for Space Bags!

My Sons Clothes

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My Sons Clothes after Sealing!  You could store Upright too!

Or Flat!  Love It!

My Son and Daughter's clothes ready for storage under the bed!

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