Magic Minus the Mayhem Travels

Finishing up with Table-Service Credits on the Disney Dining Plan. The key here is to use your credits on the most expensive restaurants. This includes restaurants like 'Ohana (especially dinner) and most character meals (again, lunch or dinner are better values than breakfast). As is the case with Quick-Service Credits, every person on the Dining Plan gets a specialty beverage included with every Table-Service Credit, and ordering those beverages increases the value of your Dining Plan! Side Note: A handful of restaurants take two Table-Service Credits, and these are typically NOT a good value on the DDP.

Moving on to Quick-Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Guests on the DDP get a specialty beverage with each meal (an adult beverage, milkshake, smoothie, mocktail, etc), and the key to getting the best value with these credits is to ORDER THESE BEVERAGES. Splitting one large Quick-Service meal between two not-so-big eaters AND choosing the most upgraded menu items (get the bowl with the chicken AND shrimp, for example) are also great ways to stretch those credits.

Let's talk about the Disney Dining Plan! There's a lot of debate about whether or not the DDP is a good value, but the truth is that it 100% depends on how you use it. Let's start with snack credits. Eligible snack items have a purple DDP logo next to them on menus, and the key is to use credits for the most expensive items. These include things like specialty coffees (extra shots, flavorings, and milk substitutions are included!), milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, funnel cakes, and Mickey pretzels (even better value when you get cheese!).

I am not affiliated with this company nor am I getting any discounts or compensation from them, but when I find a good Disney product, I HAVE to share!!! Shout out to Minnie Castle (link below). We bought a bunch of ears for our most recent trip, and they are the MOST comfortable things ever. We wore them all day and often forgot they were on. Plus we got SO many compliments!! https://www.etsy.com/shop/MinnieCastle

For the second half of our trip, we stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This Resort is stunning with a grand lobby, lots of trails to explore, and guest room views that are out of this world (all animal pics below taken from our balcony).

Speaking of Epcot, one of my favorite things to stumble upon is the secret-not-secret Characterpalooza! This happens when a bunch of random characters-in-training descend upon quieter areas of the parks to practice. In Epcot, it's usually in the American Adventure Pavilion to the left of the building (if you're facing it). Look who was there during my morning stroll through World Showcase on Wednesday!!

The Space 220 restaurant at Epcot offers one of the most unique dining experiences on Disney World property, but it also comes with a hefty prix fixe price tag. Fortunately, though, there's a way to experience the restaurant without paying top dollar!! If you make a reservation on the lounge side, you can enjoy a la carte small plates and drinks while taking in the incredible ambiance. These lounge spots go FAST, but we can work to score you a reservation on your next Disney World trip when you book with us!

Yesterday we had dinner at the newly refurbished 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. The food was fantastic: among other offerings there was curry chicken, gumbo, a carving station, peel and eat shrimp, a kids buffet, mini molten lava cakes, and (of course) 1900 Park Fare's famous strawberry soup. And the character interactions were top notch...I would definitely recommend!

Well friends, I did not get to ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure :(. It had a very delayed opening and then it shut down several times during the day (totally normal for preview days as they work out the kinks before the grand opening!) By the time my group was called, we were eating dinner (at 1900 Park Fare...more on that later), so it just wasn't in the cards. BUT we DID attend another After Hours event last night, this time at Magic Kingdom! The perfect way to end a Disney World trip!!! Ask us for more details about these events on your next vacation!!

What do you do when you're disappointed that a new attraction didn't open as planned? You're at Disney World so you move on to the next fun thing!!! Like grabbing a funnel cake and watching a cavalcade!! These mini parades.run several times daily. My fav spot to watch is in Liberty Square near the popcorn cart.

Friends. I got up super early after a late night to try and get a preview spot for Tiana's Bayou Adventure to share it with you. And I was successful with an early group number. But sadly, once I got to the park, we were told that the attraction is not opening this morning as scheduled after all. Maybe later today. Maybe not. It seems like this goal is going to be a BUST but it's something to look forward to next time. In the meantime, check out this AMAZING use of a Disney Dining Plan snack credit I just scored. A Venti Iced Caramel Mocha with Oatmilk and an Extra Shot...$0!!!!!!

Last night we headed to Hollywood Studios for After Hours! Tickets to this separately ticketed event are limited, so attractions are virtual walk-ons. Water, soda, popcorn, and ice cream are included and unlimited. And you might even run into a character or two!

ICYMI Moana: Journey of Water is also now open at Epcot. This stunning interactive water-filled walkway is the perfect place to play and explore!

The construction walls are down and Epcot's looking absolutely AMAZING!! Wide open spaces, a new Encanto dance party, an event hall (serving as a cooling station when nothing's on the schedule), and a brand new meet-and-greet with Mickey & Friends. Well done Epcot!!

Just across from Disney's Pop Century Resort lies the Disney/Pixar-inspired Disney's Art of Animation Resort. With family suites, standard rooms, and tons of areas to explore and play, this resort is perfect for families of all sizes and kids of all ages!

Letting the teenager sleep in a little today, so time for a resort photo dump! On our first night, we stayed at Disney's Pop Century Resort, a Value Resort on the Skyliner (seriously THAT is such a game-changer when you're traveling to Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Pop's rooms are great for smaller families with a queen bed and pull-down Murphy bed that folds into the wall during the day for extra space. And the pool is HUGE (with a giant movie screen so you can do some night-swimming while watching a classic Disney film)! If you're looking to save a little $$ on accommodations, Pop Century is an excellent choice!

Hei friend hei we went to 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort tonight!! Honest review coming later (but sneak preview: it looks better than it tastes IMO). BUT before dinner we made a monorail stop at Enchanted Rose, the Beauty and the Beast themed lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort...and as always THAT did not disappoint!! The Lavender Fog cocktail (my go-to there) is like sipping on a cloud!!

About last night...it was an absolute DREAM!! Cast Members start blocking off the area right behind the castle about 90 minutes before the fireworks (lots of embers land there), so if you book a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table within that timeframe, you get the WHOLE rear castle area to yourself. And if you time it just perfectly with dinner, you can be the first people back into that area after the show. It. Was. Stunning. Seriously the pictures do not even do it justice.

Friends I have a confession. I do not love a water park. And after being peer pressured by my teenager into riding a 5-story drop body slide this morning, I most definitely have not gained a new appreciation for it. HOWEVER, I AM loving our Premium Plus Beachcomber Shack here at Typhoon Lagoon!!! Unlimited bottled water, a safe, complimentary refillable mugs, comfortable seating, a freaking TV (!!!), and a cabana attendant to bring you food and drinks all day long...THIS is more my speed :). Ask us to reserve one for you on your next Disney World trip booked with Magic Minus the Mayhem Travels!!

Good morning from Animal Kingdom Lodge! Did you know that, if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, you get a specialty beverage with each meal (including specialty coffees or alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and up)? This morning we are sharing a breakfast platter with eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and French toast sticks. And I got an iced salted caramel mocha. That's almost a $20 meal for ONE quick-service credit!

We did it!! Park Four ✅️: Magic Kingdom

Transpo: Minnie Van

Attractions: Tron and Under the Sea

Characters: PRINCESSES (Cinderella, Jasmine, Merida, Aurora, Ariel)

Food and Drink: Chilled shrimp, lamb chops, chicken and risotto, salted chocolate tart, cheesecake, and wine (Cinderella's Royal Table)

Landmark Pic: Cinderella Castle

Quick station break for a fit pic. Can you guess where we're having dinner tonight? 🏰🕛👑

Park Three ✅️: Animal Kingdom

Transpo: Bus

Attractions: Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest

Character: Russell (he liked that my shirt said the word "Adventure" lol)

Snack and Drink: Frozen Coke and Mickey Pretzel with Cheese

Landmark Pic: Everest!

Park Two✅️: Epcot

Transpo: Ferry

Attractions: Soarin' and Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Character: Daisy

Food and Drink: Fish n Chips and Harp's from Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Landmark Pic: The Epcot Ball (aka Spaceship Earth)

Park One ✅️: Hollywood Studios

Transpo: Disney Skyliner

Attractions: Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash

Snack and Drink: Cookies and Cream Doughnut and Round 'Em Up Latte

Character: Edna Mode

Landmark Pic: Chinese Theater

Today we embark on a 4-Disney World-Parks-In-One-Day Challenge. Rules are below. Each rule is PER PARK. One attraction MUST be a headliner in each park. Three different forms of Disney transportation required to complete the challenge. It all starts soon, so follow along!

Disney Cruise Line's newest private island welcomed guests ashore for the FIRST time yesterday, and it looks stunning!! Both Beth and Meredith will be sailing to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point this summer, and we can't wait to share firsthand looks and our first impressions with you!! Want to experience it for yourself?? Call/text us at 313-600-1585 or e-mail us at [email protected] for your free, no-obligation quote. ☀️⛱

Throwback to a previous stay at my favorite Disney World Deluxe Sister Resort duo...Disney's Beach Club and Disney's Yacht Club Resorts! Located within walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, these peaceful Resort Hotels offer the ultimate in convenience. AND they share the BEST pool on property!! Tip: The feature pool will be closed for refurbishment for the first half of 2025, so THIS is the year to stay at one of these unforgettable Resorts! Call us at 313-600-1585 or e-mail us at [email protected] today for your free no-obligation quote!