Month: September 2022

Disney Parks
Ultimate Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022
- September 29, 2022
As the holiday season quickly approaches, Disney is gearing up for one of the most popular times for visitors. And even more exciting for 2022 is the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

If you’ve never experienced this event, this post can help you decide if it’s something you want to add to your trip.

What Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

For those who are not familiar, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a special event that takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 8 to December 22.

Similar to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, it is a separately ticketed event, and you do not need to have a Park Ticket or Park Pass Reservation for that date if you only plan on attending the party. The party is held from 7 pm to 12 am, but ticket holders can enter the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 pm.

From 7 pm till midnight, the park is only open for party guests. Those attending will get special wristbands when they enter.

What Are the Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Tickets are available to purchase online here

The event dates are:
- November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
- December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22
How Much Does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Cost?

Ticket prices range from $149 to $199 for MVMCP tickets depending on the date. Annual Passholders and DVC members can save $10 per ticket, valid for select event nights. Below is the pricing chart for the 2022 MNSSHP season.

What Does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Include?

Along with the holiday music and decorations, including snow on Main Street, there are plenty of activities and entertainment to enjoy at the party. Here are some highlights of what you can expect.

Character Meet and Greets

Meet your favorite characters dressed in their holiday attire. Disney hasn’t been specific about what characters will be available this year. In years past you’ve been able to catch Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, The Seven Dwarfs, Pooh and Friends, and many more.

Minnie’s Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show!

This show is hosted by Minnie Mouse and features a selection of holiday songs, festive projections, and, of course, fireworks!

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

See your favorite characters getting into the holiday spirit. The floats even have devices that release your favorite holiday scents.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Stage show in front of Cinderella’s castle featuring dancing, singing, jokes, and castle projections.

Reindeer Wranglers

The Reindeer Wranglers are a country western-themed musical act performing holiday songs in Frontierland.

Club Tinsel

Club Tinsel is a Holiday themed dance party located at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

A Christmas-themed stage show featuring Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch. The event takes place on the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.

Rides

You’ll be able to enjoy many popular rides and attractions, including some with special holiday overlays.
- Tomorrowland Speedway features holiday lights, decorations, and music
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor offers a holiday show
- Space Mountain is decked out with lights and a holiday soundtrack
- Mad Tea Party features different choices of holiday lights and music
- The Jungle Cruise becomes the Jingle Cruise with holiday-themed puns
Special Holiday Treats and Merchandise

You can find complimentary cookies and cocoa at several locations throughout the park. There are also special holiday food and drink items available for purchase.

Tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The main focus of this holiday party is to just enjoy the festive atmosphere and have fun. But here are a few tips to be sure you’re getting the most out of your party time.
- Eat dinner before the party begins so you don’t waste valuable party time, and can focus on fun and snacks
- Plan to watch the second parade viewing. It is usually less crowded.
- Don’t waste party time doing regular things you can do on a normal day. This includes rides that don’t typically have a wait and character meet and greets that are always available.
Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?

You may be wondering if MVMCP is worth the cost. It’s really going to depend on a few factors. It is certainly not cheap, and the cost can add up quickly for large families.

The party hours are pretty late, so families with small children or those who struggle to stay up late may not find value in paying all that money to attend.

That being said, if you are someone who really loves Christmas, this party is really festive and a lot of fun. If you arrive at the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm, you are getting 8 full hours of park time.

You could save on the cost of a regular park ticket for that day and do some activities outside the parks before heading to the party. You could enjoy your resort, visit Disney Springs, or go on a Resort tour to see the Christmas decorations.

Have you been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Disney Parks
What to Do When It Rains at Disney World
- September 21, 2022
Nobody wants to think about it raining on their dream vacation to Disney World. But the fact of the matter is the weather in Orlando can be unpredictable. And during certain times of the year, you might see rain in the forecast for every day of your trip.

But that doesn’t mean your vacation is ruined. With a little planning, you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way. Here are a few tips on what to do when it rains at Disney World

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of my links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Prioritize Outdoor Rides Early in the Day

If there is rain in the forecast, it’s a good idea to prioritize any rides that may potentially close due to weather. While there are many rides and attractions you can enjoy in the rain, there are some that will close down. Here is a list of attractions in each park that may close when it rains.

Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- Barnstormer
- Dumbo
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Splash Mountain
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Epcot
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Kali River Rapids
- Expedition Everest
- TriceraTop Spin
If you have a Genie+ reservation, and the attraction is closed due to weather, you should receive a “multiple experience” return pass to choose another ride.

Pack for the Weather

I highly recommend packing rain gear in your park bag. Here are some of my favorite items to prepare for the rain.

Ponchos

If it’s not raining too hard you can just throw on some ponchos and continue your day. Bringing your own ponchos can save you from spending a fortune in the stores inside the parks. I also recommend bringing a Ziploc bag to store your wet ponchos when you’re finished.

Check out the ponchos we get here

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can be difficult to carry through the park crowds, especially if it’s windy. But if you do want to bring an umbrella I recommend one that is super compact. It can also be helpful in providing some shade if you are in a long outdoor line.

Check out my favorite umbrella here

Waterproof Shoes

I like to wear or pack flip-flops or waterproof sandals to avoid having wet socks. They have to be comfortable since we do a ton of walking.

The most comfortable sandals I have found are here

Best Attractions to Visit in the Rain

There are plenty of attractions in each park that you can visit to escape the bad weather. Here is a list of some of the best rainy day attractions at each park.

Magic Kingdom
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Dumbo’s Indoor Playground
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Hall of Presidents
- Carousel of Progress
Hollywood Studios
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Epcot
- The Land pavilion
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Spaceship Earth
- Soarin’
Animal Kingdom
- Finding Nemo Musical
- Festival of the Lion King
- Dinosaur
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Navi River Journey
The Rest of the World
- Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs
- AMC Theater at Disney Springs
- Monorail Resort Tour
As you can see there is plenty to do even when it’s raining. As a bonus, the crowds can be a bit lighter in the parks during the rain, so you may be able to get even more accomplished with less waiting. So don’t let the weather stress you out, just be prepared.

I hope this post was helpful. Let me know in the comments what your favorite rainy day tips are.
Disney Vacation Planning
Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid on your Disney World Vacation
- September 13, 2022
There’s a lot involved in planning a great Disney World vacation. But it goes beyond just booking your hotel and park tickets. There are some common mistakes that beginners tend to make on their first trip to Disney World. By being prepared you can set yourself ahead of the pack. This post will give you the top 7 mistakes to avoid on your Disney World vacation.

1. Not packing for the weather

The weather in Florida can be unpredictable. It’s a good idea to do a little research about the typical weather during the time of year you are visiting. It’s not unusual for it to get chilly in the winter, to the point where you would want a jacket and pants.

Even during the warm months, I recommend having a light sweatshirt for evenings or when you are in an air-conditioned building. Another key thing to prepare for is the rain. Just a little preparation can save you from being really uncomfortable, or from spending a fortune buying sweatshirts and ponchos in a gift shop.

For a guide to what I recommend packing in your Disney park bag click here.

2. Not understanding Disney Transportation

One of my favorite things about staying on Disney property is not having to worry about driving or parking. I love that there are many transportation options to get you where you need to go, but it can be a little complicated. Should I take the bus or the monorail? What about the Skyliner? What time do I need to be at the bus stop if I want to be at the park before it opens? How much time do I need to leave to make it to my dining reservation on time? It pays to know the answers to these questions ahead of time.

If you’re looking for a complete guide to Disney Transportation, including a tool that gives you recommendations from pretty much any starting and ending point, WDW Prep school has an amazing one here.

3. Under planning

Gone are the days of being able to roll up to a Disney Park the day of with zero planning. Not that I have ever done that, because planning is kinda my thing. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have any spontaneity in your trip, but you do have to do at least a little planning.

For one thing, you are going to need to make your Park Pass Reservations in advance. I also recommend having a general idea of what your top priorities are for your visit. It also helps to have a general understanding of the layout of the park before you arrive. That is also very helpful to avoid unnecessary walking. Because trust me, you will be doing a lot of walking.

4. Over planning

Although I don’t recommend going in without a plan, there is a danger of doing too much planning. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to remain flexible.

Don’t schedule every minute of your day, and leave yourself some buffer time. Go into your trip knowing not everything is going to go exactly as planned. And that’s ok! Some of the best surprise experiences can happen when you need to pivot.

Another piece to the overplanning puzzle is scheduling too many table service dining reservations. Don’t get me wrong, I love a table service meal. But if you plan three meals a day as table service meals, that is taking a huge chunk out of your time in the parks. It also adds a level of stress in timing your day to be sure you get to your reservation in time. In general, I usually recommend a maximum of one table service meal per day.

5. Not planning for meals ahead of time

DO NOT wait until you are hungry to decide where to eat when you are visiting Disney World.

For any table service meals, you will want to make those reservations 60 days in advance of your trip. Even if you are doing quick service dining I recommend scoping out your options in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind, but at least you will have a better idea of what places have items you will like.

I also recommend placing your mobile order early in the day to be sure you have your choice of order window options. A little bit of planning can save you from some big meltdowns. You can view my guide to mobile ordering in Disney World here.

6. Not planning for top priorities

I highly recommend taking some time to think about the top few things you want to be sure to experience on your trip. Maybe your kids are most excited about riding Space Mountain. Or perhaps you have a little princess who really wants to meet Cinderella. If you don’t plan out your priorities you run the risk of running out of time and ending up disappointed.

I recommend getting one or two “must-do” items from each person in your travel party. Be sure to schedule time for each of those things first. You’ll feel more relaxed knowing you have a set time so you won’t miss out. Be sure not to forget a few things YOU want to do when making your list!

7. Setting unrealistic expectations

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to see and do everything. You will only stress yourself out and end up exhausted and disappointed if you try. Once you have your list of things you “must do”, take some time to think about your “nice to do” list.

It’s also important to remember that just because you paid a ton of money for this vacation doesn’t mean that every single member of your travel party is going to be perfectly happy during every moment of your trip. People are going to get cranky, it’s going to be hot, and you’re going to have to wait in some lines that are longer than you would like. Expect there to be a few meltdowns. If you anticipate them and do not make a big deal out of them then they are less likely to put a damper on your trip.

I hope this post helps you avoid some of the common pitfalls that beginners experience in Disney World.

If you want me to walk you through the planning process so you will know exactly what to do each day of your Disney World vacation click here to book a planning call.
Disney Dining
The Best Mocktails to Try in Disney World
- September 8, 2022
It seems like more and more people are opting to eliminate alcohol these days. Whether it’s for general health, pregnancy, or any other reason, it can be a difficult change if you’re used to sampling the delicious cocktails from ‘Around the World.’

The good news is you don’t have to stick with water or boring soft drinks to stay sober on your Disney World vacation. There are so many fun and unique options you can try that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.

From the Disney Parks to the Disney Resort, and even Disney Springs, this post will help you find the best mocktails Walt Disney World has to offer.

Best Mocktails in the Disney Parks

Strawberry Oolong Tea Slush- The Joy of Tea Kiosk, China Pavilion, Epcot

This is a refreshing choice for a hot day in Epcot. It may look like a typical strawberry slushie, but the sweetness of the strawberry is balanced out by the tea flavor.

Zingiber Fizzie – Nomad Lounge, Animal Kingdom

Nomad lounge is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink and something to eat in Animal Kingdom. This drink combines passion fruit purée, mint, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer. It’s a sweet drink with a bit of spice from the ginger.

Hyperdrive (Punch It!) – Oga’s Cantina, Hollywood Studios

If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation at Oga’s while you’re touring Galaxy’s Edge, you’re in for a super adventurous menu of food and drinks. This mocktail combines POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, and Sprite. It looks just as impressive as the alcoholic options on the menu.

Moon Rocks – Space 220 Restaurant, Epcot

My family was a huge fan of this restaurant on our last trip. One of my favorite parts was the unique drink options. Moon Rocks combines coconut, blue cotton candy syrup, lemonade, moon dust, and moon rocks, and is served with a pack of Space 220’s collectible trading cards.

Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade – Casey’s Corner, Magic Kingdom

This is a super refreshing treat to enjoy with some corn dog nuggets on Main Street. It’s frozen lemonade with a hint of mint, but to me, it feels more sophisticated.

Night Blossom-Pongu Pongu, Animal Kingdom

The Night Blossom is a frozen drink with three layers of flavors topped with boba balls. This is one of my favorite treats in Animal Kingdom, and it is also available with Rum for an alcoholic version.

Sunset Boulevard – The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Hollywood Studios

This drink is another that is not overly complicated yet feels sophisticated. It combines Sprite and tangerine and is served in a tall glass with a souvenir Glow Cube.

Best Mocktails in Disney Springs

Florida Crush-Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Disney Springs

An alcoholic version of this drink made with Vodka is on the menu at Homecomin’, but you can ask for it to be made as a virgin drink. It features muddled orange and strawberries, a splash of freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, and agave syrup.

Smoke & Mirrors – The Edison, Disney Springs

The Edison features a large menu of Old Fashioned cocktails, but there are also a few mocktails worth trying as well. This drink includes pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and orgeat. If you’re like me and have no idea what orgeat is, according to my quick web search it’s a cooling drink made from orange flower water and either barley or almonds.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade- Paddlefish, Disney Springs

If you’re a seafood lover, Paddlefish is one of the must-visit restaurants in Disney Springs. Even if you’re not a seafood lover, there are options for everyone on the menu. This refreshing non-alcoholic drink option includes fresh strawberries, basil, lemonade, and Sprite.

Poisonless Dart – Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a great choice in Disney Springs for a drink and an appetizer. The Poisonless Dart combines soda water, mint, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, and is similar to a non-alcoholic mojito. I recommend pairing it with the Air Pirate’s Cargo Loaded pretzel.

Best Mocktails at the Disney Resorts

Purple Penguin – Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

This is one of my favorites on the list because penguins are my very favorite animal. This drink is a mix of pineapple, peach, lemon, lavender, and grenadine. It’s topped with house-made seltzer and is served in a penguin glass.

Garden Spritzer – Enchanted Rose, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

The Enchanted Rose is a newer lounge at the Grand Floridian inspired by Beauty and the Beast. If you’re looking for a fancy option that feels like a traditional cocktail, the Garden Spritzer is a good choice. This drink features Seedlip Garden 108 Herbal Distilled Non-alcoholic Spirit, lime, agave, and soda.

Hibiscus Coconut Refresher- Bar Riva, Disney’s Riviera Resort

Credit: DisneyFoodBlog

The Riviera resort is one of the most beautiful in Disney in my opinion. While I have never stayed in a room here, it’s one I love to visit for dining. They have several great dining options, located along the skyline. As the name implies, this drink available at Bar Riva has hibiscus and coconut along with honey, strawberry, and soda water.

Skipper Sipper – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Trader Sam’s is a hugely popular lounge with excellent theming. If you are near the Polynesian it’s worth a stop. This drink features a blend of tropical juices, organic agave nectar, Falernum, mint, fresh lime juice, and soda water.

Schweitzer Falls – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Since I couldn’t choose just one drink at Trader Sam’s, here’s another option for you. The Schweitzer Falls mixes tropical juices with Sam’s Gorilla Grog and is topped with Sprite.

Although this post includes 16 delightful mocktails for you to choose from in Disney World, it is by no means an exhaustive list. In addition to those drinks listed on a non-alcoholic menu, you can also usually ask for a regular cocktail to be made without alcohol.

I hope you found this list of the best mocktails to try in Disney World helpful. Leave me a comment and let me know which Disney mocktail is your favorite.
Disney Dining
How to Use Mobile Ordering at Disney World
- September 1, 2022
One of the great features of the My Disney Experience is Mobile Ordering. Mobile Order allows you to pre-order and prepay for your food at participating counter service restaurants at Disney parks. Once you have placed your Mobile Order, you can skip the order line and go straight to the designated Pick Up area for your food.

Using Mobile Order can help you reduce your wait time for food so you’ll have more time for fun. This feature can be intimidating at first, but this post will break it down for you step by step.

How to Use Mobile Order at Disney World
- Open My Disney Experience App
- From the home screen click the plus sign at the bottom and select “Order Food”
- Select a restaurant and Arrival Time. You can swipe for additional arrival window options.
- Build your order. There are individual sections along the tip including There is a section for allergy-friendly options along the top. You can click on individual items on the menu to view more information about that item.
- Add sides and customize your choices. Many items have customization options for sides, sauces, and toppings. You can customize your items and add them to your order.
- Review your order and make any necessary adjustments.
- View your final order with the total and choose your payment method. Payment options include credit card, gift card, and ApplePay
- Click Purchase.
- During your specified time window, head to the restaurant. I recommend opening the app and clicking “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” a few minutes before you actually arrive. Be sure to make any modifications or cancellations before you do this step. Your status will then change to “We’re Preparing Your Order”
- Your app will notify you when your order is ready.
- Head to the designated pickup area to get your food.
Disney World Mobile Order Locations

Magic Kingdom

Casey’s Corner – Main Street

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Tomorrowland

The Friar’s Nook

Main Street Confectionery

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn

Pinocchio Village Haus

Columbia Harbour House

Tomorrowland Terrace

The Lunching Pad

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Animal Kingdom

Harambe Market

Pizzafari

Satu’li Canteen

Flame Tree Barbecue

Restaurantosaurus

Zuri’s Sweets Shop

EPCOT

Connections Eatery

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Sommerfest

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Karamell-Kuche

Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

Backlot Express

Catalina Eddie’s

Docking Bay 7

Dockside Diner

Fairfax Fare

Milk Stand

PizzeRizzo

Ronto Roasters

Rosie’s All-American Cafe

Woody’s Lunch Box

In addition to using Mobile Ordering at the parks, you can also use it at many Disney World resorts as well as Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

Tips for Mobile Ordering at Disney World

Now that you have a basic idea of how Mobile Order works, and where you can use it, I’m going to share a few tips and tricks.
- Practice at home before your trip. It may sound silly, but practicing the mobile order process before your trip can help clear up any confusion so it will be smooth sailing when you’re in the parks.
- Build your order while you wait in line for rides. Take advantage of your downtime waiting in line for rides to scope out menus and build your order in the app. It will help your wait time fly by, and it will save you from rushing to order at meal times.
- Order early. Don’t wait till you’re hungry to place your lunch order, or you may find yourself waiting a while to get your food. I recommend placing your lunch order in the morning so you will have your pick of return times. It also helps to plan your meal times outside of peak hours.
Using mobile order can be a huge time saver when you are in the parks. Hopefully, this post helps to make you feel more confident in your mobile order skills.

Do you use mobile order when you’re in Disney? Leave me a comment with any tips and tricks.